Live reporting: Legislation

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-02: Authorization to join Bellingham for the FY 2015 CDBG Program Application
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

2. Resolution 15-03: Declaration of Town-Owned Land at 150 Emmons Street (Old Municipal Bldg. Property) as Surplus and Available for Disposition
Kelly recused himself for this and next item

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/resolution-15-03-declaration-of-town.html

requires 2/3 vote, via roll call
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (Kelly recused)

3. Resolution 15-04:Authorization for Disposition (Sale) of Town Owned Land @ 150 Emmons Street(Old Municipal Bldg. Property)

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/resolution-15-04-authorization-for.html

dependent upon the prior resolution
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (Kelly recused)


4. Resolution 15-05: Appropriation: Town Administration: Legal Expenses
Kelly returns to meeting
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

initially had about 45-48,000 added ~30,000, now adding $50,000
primarily for negotiation but also for other legal matters


5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 2ND Reading

motion to approve, seconded

Nutting reads the listing of current allowable uses, the proposal would add one more potential use to the land that the town owns, the town would issue a request for proposal

Kelly - is there another way to permit condos
Taberner - no, other than going through 40B, this would be the only way

Nutting- this is the only place in town where this exists

If we get an RFP would get a response
Meeting of EDC next Weds at 6:30 for drafting the RFP
doesn't necessarily mean a residential component will be part of the RFP
doesn't also mean that the RFP will get a response including residential


If by adding the residential component, we should get more interest
we'll get some input at the EDC meeting next

John Edson, 242 Pond St
not in my backyard, would be easy to say
the road is already, won't make the situation any better
there is big difference between high end condos, and multilevel apartment buildings, when it the time to limit
one reason I bought the house is it a very residential area

Kelly - next week is the EDC meeting, input being looked for as to what would be in the RFP; similar to the Emmons St building

Nutting - after crafted next week, it still comes back to this Council for it before it goes out to the street

Paul Sagar - 225 Pond St
there is a lot of traffic and everyone is complaining about it
I'd rather not have it built on at all
From the Starbucks will add 500 cars a day, 
the left turn lane isn't big enough today and now you are talking about adding something else; most every one appreciates the wildlife that is there
you can drive down i495 and see trees on both sides of the road
we came here to get away of the city
there is also government owned land and that is only accessible via this land
refers to the Alan Earls article posted in Franklin Matters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/this-land-must-be-preserved-in.html

You just sold some land in the middle of town, doesn't seem to be necessary right at this point; a 20% increase in traffic; 20% of 500 is another 100 cars, if you don't have pets, I have lost pets to traffic; vote no

Sandy Verhagen, hilltop road
thanks for the help to folks who have provided help since the last meeting
voting to rezone leaves us unprotected unless restricted while in your control
at the last meeting, one of my questions may not have been heard correctly
there is a way to restrict the zoning, by calculating the space and buildings allowed; I am asking you to protect the residents
I also went back to the tape to hear the residents that would be happy to restrict the zoning, I understand that it is late in the process, why not consider it?
Many are not against development, we understand the need to revenue, I would love to hear some guarantees to allow the residents to participate in the writing of the RFP, not just listening; that the town will build something that is truly needed, that won't depreciate the houses already there.
That if there are going to be offices, they be needed, there are a lot already empty

Lea Botta-Whiting, Pond St
gardens in front of her house
noticed the increase in traffic
I go inside when Tri-County gets out

has an alternative idea, Exit 23, parcel of land
solar farm there, but at least it is green and has far less impact
and the lady slippers which are endangered by the way

if you widen the street, all my gardens are gone
if the land gets developed, the sewer beds will get disturbed and who knows what they'll bring up
energy from the solar power and provides revenue
multiple solar arrays, including
maybe we have a few council members who are real estate, maybe it is a coincidence, maybe they are looking for the business

Bissanti referenced for comments and specifically quoted at times
the answer to the town growing too quickly is not to help it grow more quickly, it would only add 1% to the town's revenue

my husband and I have discussed this on end, the town is rushing to see, certain council members need to recuse themselves from this discussion
remember we elected you, you are supposed to work for us
we do not want rezoning

Gail Ward - Hilltop Rd
I will ask you all to do us a favor, I am thinking 
remember what it was like when you bought you first home, 
when your kids grew up, played in the yard
we don't want our neighbor hood to change, I want my grandchildren to have what my children had, please remember that when you vote

Hager, Pond St


Nutting - the proposed bylaw would allow for 1 unit per 2000 sq ft, it is similar to what we have in other areas of town, applies to several zoning districts around the downtown

yes, it would apply

an acre is 44,000 sq ft and about 22 units per acre

This community is density, it has continued to grow, it has snow balled, there is apathy, it is affecting our entire community

Oak St was a glorious farm when I grew up,we had the space to be able to do that; maybe some of you made that decision to allow the property development

we can talk about the stop light and impacted the life, I can walk to the grocery store, I have drunk driver issues trying to get home at night, it is dangerous for me and for the children, consider our density, building is not a bad thing, we do need blank space

Gail Irwin - Hilltop Road
I know this is a zoning process, and not an RFP process
two week ago, I asked about due diligence, you say look to the RFP and I am asking you to do the job we are asking of you, do that fact finding for the people and more communications than to the 62 people who are abutters, if you allow this continue to move forward, you have failed in delivery to the constituents in the town of Franklin

McKenna
I know the sewer beds are there, I will not walk my children on Pond St because I am afraid for our safety
why are you selling the building, why not putting in parking, two restaurants have closed because of parking, I don't understand what you are doing. My kids are here, we love the town, I hope someone is going to take care of the new school better than the last one

Stephanie Pazniokas, hilltop road
I understand the motivation behind the sale, revenue from the property, while talking amongst yourself, it may have seemed a no-brainer, I have walked over a hundred houses in the last two weeks, my point is that there are many important points that should not be ignored

In 2010, primarily wet lands and prime forest land of local importance, it should not be imposed upon, well head protection area on the property, only 9.7 acreage available, 5 acres minimal, we are not downtown level and should not be zone for downtown where we are. if residential, it should be restricted.

This is not prime residential for high end condos, the EPA has not tested, but has been tested by other private, is it possible to have the EPA proper EPA investigation; back when the people put everything down their toilets, we have no idea what is there

we were on our way tonight, someone beeped their horn at us when they were in excess speed, and we were in the right; the only time it is light is late at night and very early in the morning

we want any zoning change to be restricted to protect us
we can add specific density there, referring to Cambridge zoning

I would like some clarification from Mr Nutting, some of the road, setbacks, etc would come from the acreage

Nutting - the five acres is the minimum they could use to put in housing, we don't have a proposal to give you a good answer

Let's not assume that the condos won't bring children, I live in one where we have three kids, the prior place had fourteen units and fourteen kids

The RFP is only applicable for the development, if a few years done the road, we would be not protected, please don't run with your intentions

I really truly hope that is not the case, look at alternative sources of revenue

Nutting - EPA paid for our environmental investigation in 2002 and 2009, the paid for the study

access, every RFP would require access to Mine Brook and it would still be part of; 

we did get solar investigated there and it would not be as beneficial as what we have with the Upper Union St solar Farm where we get 80% of our electricity

Condos produce half the traffic that an office would, it is more of an advantage to minimize the impact to the neighbor, far less intrusive than what is allowed by right

the Council has to address 34,000 people
they have to balance the budget and the development with the needs and wishes of the neighbors, the RFP is the vetting process. it has already gone out twice, I appreciate that no one wants change, someday we'll have 40,000 people, I remember well the little pond on oak St and it was private property and there was nothing the town could have done about that.
we are the largest land owner in the town with the green space we have

Steve Quinlin - Pond St
what is the end game? when does it end, how much larger is Franklin going to be in the future?
this is one little small piece, are we going to say we got these bills and do more?
Norfolk and Wrentham, drive downtown there, people don't know where it is, there is nothing there

On the number of units, art 2,000 sq ft, you got 20 units?
400 hundred people

Nutting- our projections say the town will continue to grow, there is a lot of vacant land that is privately owned

Quinlin - about 45,000? you get my general drift, thank you

Paul Sagar - (returning)
you have a one acre lot, 

Nutting - most of the zoning is a 1/4 acre

Sagar - you might put a hundred units there? it doesn't seem possible, the Council has a right to restrict what ever goes there, they control the destiny; you can put in the RFP how much it should be

Nutting- you can put it for 20 years initially

Sutty? - 89 Pond St
I think we are putting more burden on the depts in Town. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons and I don't see pros. Every dept you are going to put a burden on. I started smelling the sewers, and you put in the day care and office building so I can hear the train; if you put something else in, Ill be able to hear the traffic on 495, with all the traffic going in there, how are we going to do it. I haven't found too much good, how much you get from selling this, you going to spend more to support it. I am against the whole thing. I think it is perfect.

? - Oxford Dr
last meeting, when the developer does have empty space, he is still on the hook for the taxes, 

Nutting - we have an 8-10 percent vacancy rate at any point it town, no one will make a proposal thinking it will be empty space

Nutting - I thnk someone is going to invest and propose, you not goign to spec out a $10M office building without a tenant, you wouldn't get financing

Lea Botta-Whiting, retuning
Bissanti would you sell my house

The gentleman is making our case, green space is important, the natural habit animals do better with open space than with office space

John Edson - returning
the govenment should not be part of the growth problem, we don't have control over the private space, over population is a problem, you need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem

Stephanie Pazniokas, returning
economic development opportunity, Franklin largest property owner of green space, if we are continuning to grow, then we should protect what we do have; it is not a large area but a special area

I am not sure it is in the towns best interest to fill up the space when what we don't have control over

Sandy - 
reiterating, you can restrict the density, you have heard it tonight, you can do so in the zoning bylaws

Sherry Lynch, 6 walker road
when you take all those trees down, what is the buffer to be there? what are they going to do to protect them from the highway noise, almost didn't buy with the highway noise as it was; 

Nutting- from years ago the minimum was going to be 75 ft, the brook that runs through the property helps to protect as well as it makes it undevelopable

Lynch - I am thinking of selling and can't do so as everyhting is up in the air
are they goinp to tap into that old sewer line?

Nutting - one along Walker and the other goes under 495 and services pretty much the rest of the town, the structure couldn't be built on; they can't do anything without the town's permission.

Lynch - what are we going to get as a privacy barrier, is there anything else you guys can do to protect those who are living there; what you are going to propose could help the values but could also kill us. My thing was the privacy factor. Realtors don't always tell the truth

Nutting - the topo(graphy) of the area is a dramatic drop off, there is a small section of evergreen, there has been no discussion or decision of the buffer on Pond St

Can you answer an individual each question?
Vallee - You can't ask that
Kelly - She can ask, we don't have to respond

If you were the woman would you vote?
Pfeffer - yes, I would. The income would be 600,000 which the town absolutely needs
Kelly- yes, as an abutter I can have a say now rather than some other alternative

Padula- I'd probably abstain if I was an abutter, this project was almost developed with a hotel potentially begger than what we may get
Do you tink it is in the Town's best interest to not develop this? No, I think we need to

Bissanti - I'd like to remind you that the prior proposal was for the anaerobic digester, and we stopped it. I didn't want 80 garbage trucks taking trash here. We stopped it. I hate to say it, there is a misunderstanding of the RFP process. The developer who did reply wanted apartments, we didn't want that. We all got together and did what was right for Franklin.

I do appreciate that it didn't go in.

Dellorco - I was with Bissanti to support stopping the anaerobic digester. I am against the project

Feldman - we built three beautiful parks in town last year. It affected alot of people and I'll take this case on its merits

Irwin - we did not understand process the last time, we did our homework. What concerns me is that you think we don't understand, we think you have an oppportunity to take some traffic studies, to get an updated EPA study, is it going to be that determental to take a little more time

Bissanti - that will be coming down the road, that comes under the site plan, the RFP has to describe something, I have been asking for an unrestricted RFP, so we could get more, get their different ideas. some you might love, some you might hate. According to our attorney that is what we follow. I don't blame you people that is the way we have to do it

?? - 44 Pond St
why are we rushing to do this? let's take a step back, each one of use represents others who could not be here
we want to trust you that you are going to do what is in our best interest. If you really want to do so, you'll postpone this

Nutting  - the zoning could be changed by the next council, it can not be restricted in perpetuity

Pfeffer - minium of 5 acres for residential, when it goes to the EDC for the RFP crafting they could stipulate some number of units
this isn't over, next week you can come to get some restrictions

Nutting- the RFP drafting will be an open process, 

Sandy - so you could change the bumber 2,000 in the zoning to help restrict

?? - (returning)
with more growth, you need some lands for more fields for the recreation

Feldman - there is ability to restrict the current motion?

Nutting - that would be an amendment to the proposal

Feldman - I am not saying I would oppose it, could we consider delaying
I appreciate your solar efforts but the town is already doing a tremendous job, it is an amazing effort going to a hundred houses, every town would like this effort
1% may not sound like a lot but it can make a difference.

Padula - as members we sit on the horns of this dilema, it almost happened with the last RFP if it had come back with a hotel, you may not have known.
it is okay to compassionate, that is good. If we had sold this property we'd probably have $10M in our coffers. Is it logical to think that we'd never develop that property? It is not realistic.  We're asking to slow this piece, the RFP process is next week but it may also be more than enxt week to complete the process. I would not be in favor of the Emmons St property if it were other than a bank drive through, if I am not comfortable with it. If a hotel goes in, I don't want that to get converted. I want to make sure, is there something we can do to protect us down the road. We want to control that piece. 

Nutting - a zoning change could be done in 2 weeks time
Cerel - there are mechanisms to ensure that you get the development you want, but there are not guarntees due to ecnomic conditions, we have seen in the recent downturn many items

Mercer - I appreciate everyone coming forward tonight. I think everyone has heard and appreciate your concerns, we need to vote on what is in the best interest of the town. It doesn't mean we will do it, the RFP for Emmons st shows that the process does work. When the RFP comes back to the Council, if it comes back without addressing your concerns, I wouldn't support it.

Pfeffer - we are looking at this 2,000, what if we changed that to 3,000.
Nutting- there is no magic number there

Pfeffer - amend motion to change the motion to allow 3,000 sq ft instead of 2,000

Feldman - Why 3,000?

Pfeffer - I was going to go with 4,000 but that would only be ten units, and we want to get a response

vote - 8-1 to approve amendment (Dellorco - no)

Bissanti - I'd like to point out when the traffic studies and trip analysis come back, the development residential is not going to screw up Pond St traffic, we don't want to cut the legs out of the RFP. And that is why we got rid of the anaerobic digester. Some one may ask to put in a sports complex and we'll need to review that. I'd like to see what can be done.

Forster - 
the traffic study won;t get screwed up, it is already that way, I asked to see if you would drive that, not sure if you did. Any addition will screw it up more. 

Bissanti - the Planning Board will hold the developers feet to the fire

Did any of you do the drive on Pond St?

Irwin - while I appreciate, Ms Pfefer's attempt to accomodate us? I would like you consider Mr Feldman's mention of a request to delay to come up with a thoughtout process. I get something will go there, I want a thoughtful consideration and thoughtful compromise

Pazniokas - 
it is not just about the traffic, a lower density would be more attractive to some of the residents, and impact to the other resources of the town, make it more attractive to live there

Difficulty in changing the zoning, I appreciate your efforts. It is not just the traffic but hwo might be living there.

Lea - (returning)
if the traffic is a problem, then why haven't you done something. Story of the truck parked delivering to Starbucks, cars all parked on the side street

Pfeffer - motion to close the discussion
vote to close the question, 9-0

vote on bylaw via roll call
8-1 (Dellorco no)

two minute recess

Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 21, 2015

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent: none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 17, 2014, June 18, 2014
motion to accept revised edits, seconded, approved 9-0


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

Why is my National Grid bill skyrocketing and what can I do about it?

From Brett Feldman:

Why is my National Grid bill skyrocketing and what can I do about it?

I've heard from a lot of people who have opened their winter National Grid bills and got extreme sticker shock. They are wondering what happened and how they can address it. I'm sorry I didn't write this sooner in the season when it could have been more helpful for this winter, but hopefully I can provide some short-term help, prevent people from making reactionary mistakes, and give some suggestions to better manage your energy costs in the long term.

A little history and background. National Grid is a regulated monopoly utility. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities controls how National Grid can charge its customers. Because energy is a volatile commodity, the DPU requires National Grid to procure electricity for its customers on a relatively long-term basis to reduce risk. Electricity prices actually change on a hourly basis, but National Grid purchases 6-month blocks at a fixed price. Sometimes this price might end up higher than the actual prices over that term, and sometimes it might be lower, but the idea is to lower the risk to the consumers. National Grid makes NO profit on this function.

nationalGRID

New England relies greatly on natural gas to fuel its power plants these days. We don't have any native sources of natural gas here, so we have to get it here by pipelines, and we are at the end of the pipeline. Pipelines have limited capacity, so if there is excessive demand due to cold weather, there can be a shortage and prices will spike. So even if natural gas prices in general are low, local congestion costs can increase our price. It's similar to gasoline prices being cheaper in Oklahoma and Texas than here because we need to transport it here, which adds costs.

This winter, electricity prices in New England were expected to increase dramatically based on the Polar Vortex last winter. Last winter, there was extremely cost weather, and real-time electricity prices spiked very high. So energy traders were concerned about a repeat this winter, and that risk premium was built in when National Grid bought its winter supply last fall. In reality, the weather hasn't been nearly as bad this winter and prices have not been as high. But last winter, National Grid locked in ahead of time at lower rates than what actually transpired, so we consumers actually saved money whether we realized it or not.

I hope that helps explain how we got here, and didn't just confuse you more.

In any case, what can you do now to deal with the high rates? I'll give you a few options.

1. Alternative Suppliers

Similar to how the airline and telecommunication industries were deregulated in the 1980s and 1990s, the energy industry has been deregulated as well. You will always have National Grid providing the physical delivery of electricity, but you can choose the financial supplier of your electricity. There are a number of suppliers listed on National Grid's website http://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/energychoice/4_supplier_list.asp. 

Unfortunately there is no comparison site like Orbitz, so you have to check each one individually. They are not regulated by the DPU, so they can offer a range of options, from monthly pricing to long-term fixed price contracts.

Because I knew what was going to happen with the National Grid rates back in October, I locked in for the 6-month winter season for 7 cents with Provider Power. At this point, you won't find anything that low. I would advise against locking in for more than a few months now, because the National Grid rates almost always go down in the summer. 

See the history here http://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/non_html/MA_Residential_Table.pdf. 

And next winter likely won't be as high as this winter since we are having a mild season and gas storage should be ok.

You can't just focus on the price, you also have to think about quantity. Most people use about twice as much electricity during summer months than winter due to air conditioning. So you don't want to lock in a higher rate in the summer, because it will cost you a lot more than the winter due to the higher volume.

2. Energy Efficiency

The cheapest energy is what you don't use, so energy efficiency is the best way to cut your bills. Get a free energy audit from National Grid http://www.masssave.com/.  

Mass save

They will give you CFL or LED lightbulbs and other tips like more insulation or more efficient heating and air conditioning equipment. Also, think about turning off lights and electronics when not in use, getting smart power strips that save energy, and turning down thermostats when possible. My house uses about half the electricity of a normal house our size because I have trained my kids to be light police.

3. Produce your own energy, like Solar

These days, you can take matters into your own hands as well by generating your own energy. The Franklin Solar Challenge http://solarflair.com/solarize/franklin-solar-challenge is currently underway to offer residents a vetted vendor and the best group pricing possible. The more homeowners and business that sign-up, the better price everyone gets. Plus, if we get a certain level of participation, our vendor will donate a solar array to a local non-profit or affordable housing unit. Everyone wins.

Franklin Solar Challenge

If you have good solar access on your roof, you can expect a 4-5 year payback. Otherwise, it may be 7-8 years. If that is too long or you don't have good solar access, you can still invest in Community Solar, which allows you to buy a piece of a solar array somewhere else but get the same financial benefit.

So don't feel helpless; there are actions you can take. I am happy to talk with anyone about more details. I have nothing to gain professionally, I just want to help my fellow residents (although maybe I could make a business out of it!).

Brett Feldman

Franklin Town Council

Navigant Consulting

17-year energy industry veteran

feldjamin@hotmail.com

FBRTC Fundraiser at Pour Richard's - Jan 25

Join the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) for a fundraiser at Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits on 14 Grove Street, Franklin on Sunday, January 25th between 2 and 5 p.m.

Come share good drink, snacks, and conversation with members of the Committee, and learn about our efforts to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) through our two towns.

There will be a $10 voluntary donation for FBRTC at the door, and Pour Richard's is generously donating a portion from its profits to the FBRTC. 

Delicious samples from Tastefully Simple will be served along with other special morsels to pair with your tastings!

liquor display at Pour Richard's

You can respond to the invitation on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/788175184602142/

yes, this was a wet section in December but still passable on the side

You can find out more about the Rail Trail Committe on their webpage here
http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Where is the SNETT in Franklin? 

The trail head is located on Grove St

2 Special Events at Team Fitness/CrossFit Franklin This Sunday

BLOOD DRIVE THIS SUNDAY! Blood Drive this Sunday at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin! Please see flyer to the right for sign up details and information on the event. Also, there is a sign up sheet at the front desk of the club with available times. Thank you. 2015 BEST BUDDIES SPIN-A-THON IS SUNDAY! See flyer to the right regarding the Annual Best Buddies Spin-a-thon.  Stop by the front desk or call 508-541-8330 for details. If you have any questions, please contact Chris  Avedisian at: chrisa@teamfitnessfranklin.com

We look forward to seeing you Sunday, January 25, 2015!

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

FHS basketball teams top Stoughton

From Hockomock Sports we find that both the boys and girls basketball teams beat Stoughton on Tuesday.

Boys basketball

FHS Panthers

Stoughton, 44 @ Franklin, 72 - Final - Franklin junior Tim Prunier led all scorers in the game with 16 points and senior Dylan Reno added 11 points for the Panthers. Stoughton's Brandon Teixeira scored a team-high 14 points for the Black Knights.

Girls basketball

Franklin, 59 @ Stoughton, 20 - Final - The Panthers built a 25-4 lead at halftime. Franklin was led by Lauren Rudolph with nine points, while Lexi Martin added eight, Olivia Adiletto had seven, Kiera Fernandes and Caroline Maguire each had six. Eleven Franklin players scored in the game.

For all the results from Tuesday's action in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-012015

Franklin Solar Challenge: "reached Tier 4 pricing in record time"

The Franklin Solar Challenge, a Town sponsored program that allows residents to take advantage of group-buying power for solar PV panels which help offset the rising cost of electric bills, has reached Tier 4 pricing in record time. 

The Solar Challenge was launched in early September by local solar installer, SolarFlair Energy in Ashland, and is having early success in the amount of residents who have signed up in the program. 

“This is the fastest SolarFlair has reached the Tier 4 pricing level, out of all 9 communities that have participated in this type of program with us.” Said Dan Barnett, SolarFlair’s Residential Sales Manager. 

Franklin Solar Challenge

 

The pricing is based on five tiers, the base price, which starts at Tier 1, goes down per watt as more people sign up. A customer will save $2,400 on an average system of 20 panels. The expected payback would be 3-5 years. 

SolarFlair has also offered a Tier 6 and 7, which means Franklin has reached 400 or 600 kilowatts of contracted solar power, if Tier 7 is reached then SolarFlair will donate two solar PV systems to local non-profit organizations. 

Last year, as part of the Chelmsford-Carlisle solar program, SolarFlair Energy donated a solar PV system to The Paul Center, a local non-profit organization that serves children and young adults with disabilities. 

The Franklin Solar Challenge offers Franklin residents an opportunity to reduce its impact on the environment, save money and increase its energy independence. 

For more information or to schedule a free home assessment, contact SolarFlair Energy, 508-808-4556 or email at franklinsolar@solarflair.com. You can also sign up online at SolarFlair.com by clicking the Franklin Solar Challenge logo.

screen grab of Solar Flair webpage for Solarize Franklin

Solar Flair has established an office here in Franklin. You can visit them on East Central St. They are in the Lorusso building on the corner of Chestnut and East Central.

Solar Flair in Franklin

You can also find the Franklin Solar Challenge on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinSolarChallenge

Franklin Library: Ken Gloss - Brattle Book Store

Ken Gloss of the Brattle Book Shop will speak at the Franklin Library on Tuesday, Jan 27th at 6:30 PM. He will talk on the value of old and rare books.

Following the talk and question/answer session, he will give verbal appraisals of books that attendees bring with them.

Ken Gloss - Brattle Book Store

This was shared from the Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/01/ken-gloss-of-brattle-book-shop.html

Reminder: Winter Dance - Jan 23rd

Franklin Chargers will have their next middle school dance on Friday Jan 23rd from 7 to 10pm 

The Dance is open 5th - 8th Graders 

Dances are held at Tri-County Regional High School from 7pm-10pm. 

Admission is $10 at the door.   

Snacks and drinks will be available for sale. 

Click here to view the post on the Franklin Chargers website http://franklinchargers.org/2015/01/08/winter-dance-friday-jan-23rd/

Franklin Chargers middle school dance

Senator Spilka Announces Office Hours in Franklin and Medway

Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) or representatives from her staff will be available for district office hours in Franklin and Medway on Tuesday, February 3^rd. 

Constituents are invited to share their concerns, questions and policy priorities and hear updates on the latest news and events from the State House and in the district.

Franklin Office Hours 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.The Cake Bar
17 East Central Street, Franklin

Medway Office Hours 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.The Muffin House Café
116 Main Street, Medway
 

Senator Karen Spilka

Residents who are unable to attend or are interested in scheduling an appointment should contact Senator Spilka's office at (617) 722-1640 at any time.

Representative Roy: What's happening in the district - January 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website Email Israel study tour a success The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston continued its long history of leading Massachusetts community leaders on a study tour of Israel, providing state and local officials with an in-depth look into the political, security, and economic challenges and successes facing Israeli society. From December 8-18, 2014, I was one of 16 participants who traveled throughout the state, learning from government officials and religious, academic, media and business leaders. The trip allowed us to deepen our understanding of Israel's politics and culture and examine some of the business and economic ties that bring Israel and Massachusetts together.  While there we met with government officials and other influential leaders from all sectors of Israeli society. We visited Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the West Bank. We encountered Israel's economy, including its booming research, development, and tech sector. The trip helped me understand how a young nation, which is similar in size to New Jersey and Massachusetts, has become one of the most creative and economically strong countries. Beyond that, it gave me a sense of empathy for Israelis, Palestinians, and the Arab world around them. Empathy leads to better decision-making, and thus will help me be a better legislator. I look forward to sharing more about the trip over the coming weeks. Governor's Inaugural Great pageantry surrounded the inauguration of Charlie Baker as the new Governor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As he put pen to paper and signed the book on the House rostrum, it was a sign that a new chapter was about to begin for our great state. Rep. Roy is happy to begin his second term as this new chapter unfolds. Congratulations Governor Baker. We look forward to working with you and your team. For more pictures from Inauguration Day, click here. For the Milford Daily News report, click here. MCSW Commission The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women and Girls now has 9 new Commissioners! At a ceremony at Framingham State University, Franklin's Denise Schultz joined her fellow commissioners to take the oath from Framingham District Court First Justice David Cunis. Rep. Roy was delighted to attend the swearing in ceremony. Thank you to Sen. Karen Spilka for filing the legislation. Rep. Roy was honored to be a co-sponsor and looks forward to working with the Commission. For the Milford Daily News report on the event, click here. Promoting biotech Rep. Roy hosted a Life Sciences Development Meeting in Franklin earlier in the month. Local biotechnology companies, Franklin town officials and members of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center joined the discussion about the opportunities within the Life Sciences Industry, the potential for future development within the region, and what Franklin has already done to successfully attract and retain life science companies. Cornerstones of Life Sciences Industry range from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to diagnostics and biotechnology. Thanks to its world-class academic institutions and medical centers, its talented and innovated workforce and its industry-sector leading companies, Massachusetts has firmly established itself as a global leader in the Life Sciences and has fully committed the state's economic well-being to the development and advancement of these Industries. "Franklin has positioned itself well to attract life science businesses to the area," said Rep. Roy "In 2014 its BioReady ranking was elevated from Gold to Platinum signifying Franklin's readiness to work with biotechnology companies interested in locating in the area. On top of that, it has great schools and reasonable housing prices, making it a great place to live, work and raise a family." Click here for the Milford Daily News report on the event. To view the press release on the event, click here. Study tour to Israel links To review the Milford Daily News reports on Rep. Roy's trip, click here and here. To view photographs from the tour, click here. To view the book that Rep. Roy put together about the journey, click here. To view the Jewish Community Relations Council website, click here. To view the JCRC press release on the trip, click here. To view the report from The Jewish Journal on the trip, click here. To view an op-ed piece from Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim on the trip, click here. Sworn in for second term Wednesday, January 7, 2015, was quite a special day in Boston. At 11 a.m., Rep. Roy was sworn in for his second term as a member of the House of Representatives. "It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Franklin and Medway and I am grateful to everyone who helped me get here," said Roy after the ceremony. Later that day, Governor Patrick took his lone walk out of the State House for his last day in office. Rep. Roy was one of many onlookers and noted that it was a pleasure serving with Governor Patrick. To see photos from the swearing in ceremony and lone walk, click here. State House time capsule opened at MFA Rep. Roy attended the opening of the State House time capsule from 1795 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It was simply amazing to see these pieces of history come alive and bring us back in time. Artifacts from Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, along with newspapers and coins from that period were revealed in great condition. The artifacts will undergo some preservation work, and then will be displayed for the public before getting buried again. For more details on the capsule opening, click here. For pictures from the capsule opening, click here. Click here to see workers removing the cornerstone at the State House to retrieve the capsule. Bills filed for 189th General Court session Last Friday was the deadline to timely file legislation for the 189th General Court. By 5 p.m. that day, the House Clerk had recorded over 5,333 bills filed by 200 legislators. Rep. Roy filed several bills dealing with higher education financing, teen sexting, privacy of student data, the independent contractor law, and loan repayments for human service workers. He also modified and re-filed some legislation from last session which includes bills on distinctive license plates, online legal notices, and genocide education. Over the next two weeks, Rep. Roy will be reviewing legislation filed by other representatives for the purpose of co-sponsoring the bills. You can review and follow the progress on Rep. Roy's bills by clicking here. You can set up an account to track all legislation and legislators throughout Massachusetts by clicking here. The revived Foundation Budget Review Commission is hearing testimony through March 2015. The Commission will be required to present its findings in a report on or before June 30, 2015. The Commission is reviewing the adequate spending level for school districts known as the "foundation budget." The charge to the commission is to review the way foundation budgets are calculated and to make recommendations for potential changes in those calculations as the Commission deems appropriate. Citizens are encouraged to testify live, or otherwise let your voice be heard by providing written testimony. Anyone interested in getting on the record is urged to contact our office for hearing dates, locations, or the address for submitting written testimony. You can also get more information by clicking here. We will report on the Commission findings and recommendations later in the year. Copyright © 2015 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

The Cake Bar: Open Mic Night - Thursday

From Facebook, I find this event scheduled for Thursday:

The Cake Bar will host the first "Open Mic Night" this Thursday, January 22nd from 5:00PM - 8:00PM. 

Talent is limited to a capella or acoustic acts due to the size and configuration of the bakery. 

If you'd like more information on performing, please contact Angie at (508) 553-8700. 

All are welcome to come enjoy some live music, good coffee, and delicious pastry!

Open Mic Night - The Cake Bar

Post by The Cake Bar, Franklin MA.