This class on July 29th is one of the opening events for the Franklin Cultural Festival
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Saturday, July 11, 2015
Zentangle Class Wednesday July 29th at Jane's Frames
Star Players and Dean College collaborate on "The Wiz"
The Star Players of Massachusetts and Dean College announced the cast and dates for the production of “The Wiz.”
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-8 and 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Friedman School, 500 Norton Ave., Taunton, and 7:30 p.m. August 20-22 and 2 p.m. Aug. 22-23 at the Dean College Main Stage Theater, 99 Main St., Franklin.
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| The Wiz - performed by The Star Players and Dean College |
Continue reading here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150710/NEWS/150719495/1994/NEWS
For ticket information and to purchase online, check here http://starplayersma.org/
Friday, July 10, 2015
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/10/15 - THU 7/16/15
FRI 7/10 12-6pm Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
FRI 7/10 6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 7/10 8-9:50pm Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
SAT 7/11 1-3pm Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center
SAT 7/11 1pm Little Pig Joins the Band: A Musical Author Visit - Franklin Public Library
SAT 7/11 3pm Visual Storytelling Workshop for grades 5-12, Franklin Public Library
SUN 7/12 8am-5pm Fight Hunger! Annual Paintball Challenge to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - (159 Milford St., Upton)
MON 7/13 1pm Mike the Bubble Man at Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/14 10:30am Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5), Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/14 1pm Subaru/Leave No Trace - Camping and Hiking Safety, Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/14 7:30pm Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.
WED 7/15 10am-6pm FSPA Open House for Prospective Students and Families
WED 7/15 10:30am Terrific Toddlers - 18 month to 3 years old, Franklin Public Library
WED 7/15 1pm Marvelous Marvin Math Blast at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/15 6pm Concerts on The Common: Sharon Band, Children’s Program: Rob Peters the Bubble Music Man
THU 7/16 10:30am Story and Craft for ages 3-6 at Franklin Public Library
THU 7/16 1pm Lego Club for ages 3 to 12, Franklin Public Library
THU 7/16 3pm Memory Cafe for Caregivers and their Loved Ones at Franklin Senior Center
For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.
For event details click HERE.
For Franklin Public Library Summer Programs click HERE.
*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com
2015 HockomockSports.com Girls Lacrosse Awards features the "Player of the Year" and 6 from FHS
The Hockomock League awards for Girls Lacrosse named several athletes from Franklin High School including the Player of the Year, Emily Jeffries and Underclassman of the Year, Kendall Reardon.
For the full listing of the Girls Lacrosse awards
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-awards.html
Player of the Year
Franklin senior midfielder Emily Jeffries has been named the 2015 HockomockSports.com Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year. Jeffries led the Panthers to a fourth straight Kelley-Rex Division title. She was also selected as a league all-star and the Hockomock MVP by league coaches.
“Emily is an excellent scorer and can be trusted in big situations but also provides defensive effort in the midfield,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She was the primary player on draw controls and was a vocal leader on the field for both the attack and the defense for the best team in the league.”
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| FHS Panthers |
Defense - Nicole Ellin, Franklin
Franklin senior Nicole Ellin was a rock at the back for the Panthers, just as she was this past fall for the soccer team. Ellin, who will be playing lax and soccer at Bard next year, scored nine goals for the Kelley-Rex champions, claimed 49 draw controls, 30 ground balls and had 27 caused turnovers to lead the stingiest defense in the league. Ellin was named a league all-star and helped Franklin win its first sectional title in 2014 and reach the sectional semifinal this spring.
Defense - Sam Jones, Franklin
Franklin junior defender Sam Jones was another standout performer for the four-time defending league champions. Jones, who was selected as an all-star by Hockomock coaches, scored once for the Panthers and pulled in 13 draw controls. She also scooped 22 ground balls and had 20 caused turnovers. Jones and the Franklin defense were one of the reasons that the Panthers got back to the sectional semifinal and their only losses this year were to teams in the top 10 in the state.
Attack - Julia Jette, Franklin
Franklin junior Julia Jette was one of the attackers that the Panthers could count on in big games. The University of New Haven-commit scored 38 goals on 76 shots and added 36 assists this spring. She also added 12 ground balls and six caused turnovers. Jette was one of the five Panthers that were named league all-stars after Franklin won another league title. Jette is one of a host of returning players that has Franklin the favorite to win the title again next year.
HockomockSports.com 2nd Team
- Defense - Tracy Pisani, Franklin
- Attack - Kenzie Pleshaw, Franklin
- Attack - Kendall Reardon, Franklin
Underclassman of the Year
Franklin sophomore attacker Kendall Reardon was named the third annual HockomockSports.com Girls Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year after an impressive season with the league champion Panthers.
Reardon recorded 50 shots this season and scored 24 goals and had 18 assists to complement the rest of the powerful Panthers attack and grew into an important player as the season wore on. She became a regular in big moments, including scoring an overtime free position goal against Lincoln-Sudbury in the sectional semifinal.
For the full listing of the Girls Lacrosse awards
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-awards.html
Dacey's Market liquor sales restricted by Town Council
The Town Council had a busy meeting on Wednesday. They approved the sewer extension for a single family home on Crocker Ave and penalized Dacey's Market for liquor sales to an underage person. They sent a zoning bylaw change to the Planning Board for the area around the current Thompson Printing facility. They also authorized the funding of the trust fund to help resolve the OPEB issue.
The underage sale was discovered when an off duty sargent was making a personal purchase and observed the individual making his purchase. A vehicle license check confirmed the underage status. An officer on duty happened to be in the area, he was contacted. Confirmed the underage status and made a vehicle stop to confirm the liquor purchase. He confiscated a CT license. The individual claimed to not have used it as the store employees regularly did not check for licenses.
The owner of Dacey's Market was present. He had purchased the license validation machine after the 2011 incident to prevent underage sales. If the machine says the license is good, he makes the sale. The license itself may be good but it may still not match the individual. Dacay's has 5 days to appeal the Council decision by going directly to the ABCC, otherwise the penalty will take effect as agreed to.
The area around the location of the current Thompson Building is the target for the change. It already abuts another similarly zoned parcel. The proposed change is hoped to provide additional residential space near the downtown area. The Planning Board will do their public hearing process and bring the bylaw back to the Council where there will be a public hearing and two readings before a vote.
The trust fund was established previously. The management committee had been meeting to discuss investment options and finally reached their decision. The Council's action was to approve the transfer of $1,875,334.64 (plus accrued interest) to the Trust Fund.
The complete set of notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here
Sewer Extension
The single family home owner will pay for the sewer extension and repaving the road where the sewer line is laid. The land is mostly ledge and won't support a septic system per Franklin's Health Dept inspector. The vote was 8-0 for this item at the second reading. Members of the Council had objected to the absence of the home owner for the first reading of the bylaw change. The home owner was present on Wednesday.Dacey's Market
Dacey's Market was handed a 7 day penalty, 4 days to be served beginning July 16th and 3 days held in abeyance for 2 years. This is the second instance for underage liquor sales. The first took place in 2011.The underage sale was discovered when an off duty sargent was making a personal purchase and observed the individual making his purchase. A vehicle license check confirmed the underage status. An officer on duty happened to be in the area, he was contacted. Confirmed the underage status and made a vehicle stop to confirm the liquor purchase. He confiscated a CT license. The individual claimed to not have used it as the store employees regularly did not check for licenses.
The owner of Dacey's Market was present. He had purchased the license validation machine after the 2011 incident to prevent underage sales. If the machine says the license is good, he makes the sale. The license itself may be good but it may still not match the individual. Dacay's has 5 days to appeal the Council decision by going directly to the ABCC, otherwise the penalty will take effect as agreed to.
Zoning Bylaw
A zoning bylaw change was referred to the Planning Board to begin the process of changing the last industrial zone in downtown to residential. This was an outcome of a prior zoning workshop the Council, Planning Board and other Town official held March 25, 2015. (My meeting notes can be found here)The area around the location of the current Thompson Building is the target for the change. It already abuts another similarly zoned parcel. The proposed change is hoped to provide additional residential space near the downtown area. The Planning Board will do their public hearing process and bring the bylaw back to the Council where there will be a public hearing and two readings before a vote.
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| Franklin Municipal Building |
OPEB Trust Fund
Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) account is underfunded by the Town of Franklin to the tune of about $80M. An actuarial study currently underway will confirm the current requirement. Franklin had established a trust fund to help manage the money being put aside. The primary purpose for such would be to increase the rate of return on the funds invested. Current regulations impose a more conservative return opportunity for the money in 'stabilization' funds but allow for more aggressive funding opportunities in a managed trust fund.The trust fund was established previously. The management committee had been meeting to discuss investment options and finally reached their decision. The Council's action was to approve the transfer of $1,875,334.64 (plus accrued interest) to the Trust Fund.
The complete set of notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here
- Live reporting: Closing
- Live reporting: Legislation for action
- Live reporting: Dacey's Market
- Live reporting: Sewer Extension
- Live reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee
- Live reporting: Town Council - July 8, 2015
Important Traffic Notice for Interstate 495
From the Town of Franklin "news" section:
The MassDOT has notified us about upcoming work on 495 this weekend.
They will be working on the Beaver Street Bridge deck on the southbound side. They will have reduced lanes on Interstate 495 and will be placing a temporary stop sign at the bottom of the southbound onramp (Exit 17) at Route 140. This may result in backups on the ramp, but they will have a local police detail on site as well.
They will be doing the same on the northbound side in the next couple of weeks.
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/021674CA-000F8513
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| MassDOT |
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/ProjectInfo.aspx
In the News: Fight Hunger paintball fund raiser, butterfly aviary in Holliston
This is the fourth year Jones has organized the event. The way it works is, everyone who shows up that day pays an additional $5 cover, which goes straight to the pantry. Typically, the event raises about $500.
“It’s not a lot of money but it’s something,” said Jones. “The food pantry is always in need of monetary support.”
Fox 4 will also raffle off a paintball gun and other items in a 50/50 drawing.
For Jones, the event is a convergence of two interests. As a former town counselor and now as a civilian, the Franklin Food Pantry has always been a focal point.Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150709/NEWS/150706729/1994/NEWS
additional info on the Paintball Challenge can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/fight-hunger-paintball-challenge-july.html
The average lifespan of a butterfly is between two and three weeks. The commission plans to harvest the eggs and create kits to give to youth groups to make the aviary self-sufficient.
The commission also hopes to set up a reserve over the winter to pay for the aviary. Plant material is the biggest expense, said Kilkelly.
The aviary will be open to the public during the day until November. Saturday’s grand opening will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the golf course on 212 Prentice St.Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150709/NEWS/150706713/1994/NEWS
Thursday, July 9, 2015
2015 HockomockSports.com boys lacrosse Awards features the "Player of the Year" and 7 from FHS
The Hockomock League awards for boys lacrosse named several athletes from Franklin High School including the Player of the Year, Jack Vail and Coach of the Year - Lou Verrochi.
Another member of the relentless Franklin defensive core, junior pole Sean Lockhart was a tenacious on the ball defender and his ability to guard high up the field allowed the Panthers to pressure the ball and transition quickly. Lockhart is one of the returning Panthers that will be looking to build on the program's best season that included wins over perennial powers Xaverian and Wellesley. Lockhart was also selected as a league all-star by Hockomock coaches.
Franklin senior LSM Michael Sullivan combines speed and tenacity and was capable of making plays that could change a game, as he did with a diving save/assist against Xaverian in the playoffs. The Siena College-commit showed that he was capable of taking over a game. Sullivan, who was the 2013 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, was named a league all-star and was selected to play in the BostonLax All American Game.
Franklin junior Austin Kent emerged last season as the 2014 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year and continued his stellar attacking play for the Panthers this spring. Kent scored 36 goals and added 16 assists as part of Franklin's powerful attack, but he also showed the ability to be a factor on the defensive side especially in transition. His speed and his ability to dodge opened space for his laser of a shot. Kent was chosen as a Hockomock all-star by the league's coaches.
For the full listing of boys lacrosse from Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-lacrosse-awards.html
Franklin senior attacker Jack Vail has been chosen as the 2015 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Vail led the Panthers to a third straight Kelley-Rex Division title and was chosen as the Hockomock MVP by the league coaches. This is the second year in a row that Vail has been named Player of the Year.
“Jack was the best player on the best team in the league and an easy choice to be Player of the Year,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Whether he got the ball behind the cage, in transition, or at the ‘X’ Vail was capable of scoring. He also had one of the most accurate shots that I saw all year and was capable of great goals.”
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| FHS Panthers |
Defense - Alec Borkowski, Franklin
One of the Catholic Memorial players remarked that he had never seen a player force as many turnovers as Franklin senior Alec Borkowski. He was one of the driving forces behind the outstanding Panthers defense that led to a league title and the program's first trip to the sectional semifinal. Borkowski was named an all-star by the league's coaches and was also selected as a second team Eastern Mass. All-American after an impressive senior campaign that drew rave reviews from opposing coaches.
Defense - Sean Lockhart, Franklin
Another member of the relentless Franklin defensive core, junior pole Sean Lockhart was a tenacious on the ball defender and his ability to guard high up the field allowed the Panthers to pressure the ball and transition quickly. Lockhart is one of the returning Panthers that will be looking to build on the program's best season that included wins over perennial powers Xaverian and Wellesley. Lockhart was also selected as a league all-star by Hockomock coaches.
LSM - Michael Sullivan, Franklin
Franklin senior LSM Michael Sullivan combines speed and tenacity and was capable of making plays that could change a game, as he did with a diving save/assist against Xaverian in the playoffs. The Siena College-commit showed that he was capable of taking over a game. Sullivan, who was the 2013 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, was named a league all-star and was selected to play in the BostonLax All American Game.
Midfield - Austin Kent, Franklin
Franklin junior Austin Kent emerged last season as the 2014 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year and continued his stellar attacking play for the Panthers this spring. Kent scored 36 goals and added 16 assists as part of Franklin's powerful attack, but he also showed the ability to be a factor on the defensive side especially in transition. His speed and his ability to dodge opened space for his laser of a shot. Kent was chosen as a Hockomock all-star by the league's coaches.
- Goalie - DJ Shea, Franklin
- LSM - Matt Pleshaw, Franklin
- Midfield - Kyle Lundgren, Franklin
- Attack - Eric Civetti, Franklin
Coach of the Year - Lou Verrochi, Franklin
Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi has been named the third annual HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year. Verrochi led the Panthers to a third straight Kelley-Rex Division title and to the program’s first ever Div. 1 South semifinal.
“Coach Verrochi kept the Panthers focused as the playoffs began and inspired his team to compete with some of the state’s best,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “With the Xaverian game going against his team, he called timeout to rally the troops and prevented a collapse. With a team that has as many personalities as Franklin had this spring, Verrochi worked hard to keep everyone working towards a common goal.”
For the full listing of boys lacrosse from Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-lacrosse-awards.html
Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse (Video)
The video recording from the June 30th meeting to start the Community Coalition addressing opioid epidemic is now available for viewing.
My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/live-reporting-community-coalition-june.html
The next meeting is scheduled for August 12 location remains to be determined
My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/live-reporting-community-coalition-june.html
The next meeting is scheduled for August 12 location remains to be determined
Franklin DPW: Water Meter Replacement Program
The Franklin Water Department has begun its water meter replacement program and you may be receiving a postcard in the mail from our installer.
The installations will be done by a private contractor called USI Services. Please keep an eye out for a postcard from USI which is a division of Thielsch Engineering. The program will start with residents who have the oldest meters, so not all residents will receive a postcard.
If you do receive a post card, please follow the instructions on the card and set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. All installers will have uniforms, photo ID badges, and will be driving clearly marked vehicles.
If you have any questions, please contact the DPW at 508-520-4910. Thank you and have a great week.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.
Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse Update
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Click here it read my Storify summary of the meeting
Senator Spilka: Legislature Passes Balanced FY16 Budget
Updates Massachusetts' Tax Structure to Support Residents without Raising Taxes or Fees; Reforms the MBTA
The Massachusetts Legislature today enacted a $38.145 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) which emphasizes economic growth, support for residents most in need, and reform of the state's transportation system. The spending plan makes investments in local aid, education, and human services including an acute focus on behavioral health and substance abuse.
Building on a responsible yet proactive approach to bolstering the state's economy, this year's budget increases the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) while maintaining a voter-mandated tax reduction and without implementing new taxes or fees. For low-to-moderate households, EITC will increase to 23 percent on January 1, 2016. Increasing this credit is an effective way to fight stagnant wages and lift working families out of poverty.
"This year's budget features a long-overdue increase of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and I'm thrilled we have taken this substantial step towards addressing income inequality by helping working families in Massachusetts," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). "We've also ensured that taxpayers won't be left on the hook for funding the Olympics, and MBTA riders won't have to pick up the tab for T mismanagement. I want to commend Senator Spilka for a successful first budget which maintains our fiscal health, continues our economic growth, and lifts all families."
"As is customary, the House budget contained a myriad of policy matters, anyone of which could have been debated and voted on during the debate in April," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). "The budget passed overwhelmingly as did the conference committee report today."
"These budget line items are more than just numbers. They represent values, priorities and meaningful tools for people across the Commonwealth," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We invest in the future, strengthening pathways to educational opportunity from early education through college and workforce training. We provide assistance for those struggling with opioid addiction and help people find stable housing solutions. The Earned Income Tax Credit increase is a big step to address rising income inequality and put more money in the pockets of hard-working families. Thank you to Senate President Rosenberg, Senator DiDomenico and Senator deMacedo for your hard work and assistance and to my House counterpart Chairman Dempsey for his partnership throughout this process. My goal when I became Chair of Senate Ways and Means this year was to create a budget to lift all families. This final budget accomplishes that goal."
"This budget takes significant steps to begin to deliver meaningful reform to the MBTA to ensure that the system does not have the shut-downs and delays that were experienced this past winter," said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "I am proud that this budget maintains fiscal discipline by slowing spending growth but still makes targeted investments to deliver tax relief, combat opioid abuse, prevent homelessness and preserve services for the most vulnerable populations in our state."
"This year's budget makes strategic investments in some of the Commonwealth's most critical services and programs, while still remaining financially responsible," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Vice Chair Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). "The impact of this budget will be far reaching in providing support for the state's working families by expanding vital initiatives, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, and making crucial investments in early education. I would like to thank Chairwoman Karen Spilka, Chairman Brian Dempsey, and my fellow colleagues on the conference committee for their hard work and contributions to produce a comprehensive final budget that will continue to move our Commonwealth forward."
"In a challenging budget year, the House and Senate have crafted a balanced and responsible spending plan that invests in local schools and communities, addresses the growing crisis in opioid addiction, and brings much needed reforms to the state's management of public transportation," said Representative Stephen Kulik (D- South Deerfield), House Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. "Our Commonwealth is moving forward to support working families and a stronger economic future, and this budget reflects these priorities."
"Today we've enacted a Fiscal Year 2016 state budget produced in a bi-partisan and collaborative way that invests in important priories without resorting to an income tax increase, and which incorporates the products of Republican Caucus initiatives such as a strong MBTA control board, legislative control over Olympic Games funding, and the elimination of a burdensome financial surcharge for motorists not using headlight in inclement weather," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).
"The Fiscal Year 2016 budget reaffirms the state's commitment to our cities and towns by providing significant increases in local aid, while also protecting the state's hard-working taxpayers by not imposing any new taxes or drawing down from the Stabilization Fund," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). "The budget also takes many important steps towards reforming the MBTA by providing greater oversight and accountability of the authority's finances and operations, which should result in improved fiscal stability and service reliability at the agency moving forward."
The budget takes immediate steps to address systemic management problems at the MBTA by including a series of reform tools including 3-year suspension of the statute governing the procurement of private services at the MBTA and:
- An MBTA fiscal management and control board within MassDOT that will have the power to implement measures to ensure financial, operational and managerial stability at the MBTA while operating within a unified state transportation network;
- An internal special audit unit within MassDOT to monitor quality, efficiency and integrity of the departments operating and capital programs;
- Streamlined accountability at the MBTA, including providing the Secretary of Transportation authority to appoint a General Manager for the MBTA.
To bolster accountability and transparency within the state's transportation system, the law also increases the size of the MassDOT Board and makes the Secretary of Transportation chair of the Board. These updates follow two transportation reform plans accompanied by major funding increases the Legislature passed in 2009 and in 2013.
The FY16 budget targets the opioid crisis, strengthening behavioral health efforts enacted in last year's budget and the landmark substance addiction law through several targeted investments. Many of the programs focus on co-occurring disorders and finding sustainable ways to aid in both prevention and recovery including:
- $3 million for new clinical stabilization beds to provide for treatment after detoxification;
- A municipal Naloxone bulk purchasing program to authorize the Department of Public Health to buy and distribute this critical intervention to first responders;
- A task force to study the feasibility of a prescription drug disposal program;
- $2.5 million to expand patient access to Vivitrol, a non-narcotic drug that blocks the effect of opiates or alcohol for a period of 30 days;
- $1.5 million to expand opioid prevention grants;
- $3.1 million for a new line item for Recovery High Schools, including $1 million to establish two new programs;
- More than $375 million for Adult Community Mental Health Services, $87 million for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and an additional $4 million for the Department of Mental Health to annualize and expand community placements to free up beds in the DMH pipeline.
This budget enhances the Commonwealth's partnerships with cities and towns through numerous funding streams including almost $980 million to Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $34 million increase from FY15 and $4.5 billion for Chapter 70 (education funding). The spending plan fully funds Special Education Circuit Breaker in order to help districts meet the cost of educating students with disabilities, and provides $59 million to reimburse municipalities for Regional School Transportation costs.
In addition to educational investments through local aid, this year's budget extends Massachusetts ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening its educational systems to foster equality and provide residents with a competitive edge, including:
- $4 million to increase access to high-quality early education and care (EEC) for the Commonwealth's youngest children through EEC program quality improvements, including support for workforce development and training opportunities for early educators;
- $12 million to serve an additional 2,000+ children on the income-eligible EEC waitlist and support working families;
- $95.6 million for the state's Higher Education Scholarship to help eligible Massachusetts residents cover the cost of college;
- $750,000 for the Community College Workforce Training Incentive Grant Program to expand vocationally-oriented course offerings and support the work of Community Colleges in developing tomorrow's workforce.
This year's budget emphasizes the importance of enhanced fiscal predictability and sustainable investments, a practice that has raised Massachusetts bond rating to AA+, the highest in the state's history. For the first time since 2007, the budget does not withdraw any funds from the Commonwealth's stabilization fund, leaving the balance in excess of $1 billion.
Additional economic development measures include:
- MassCAN: $1.7 million to establish widespread, progressive computer science curriculum in public school through a public-private matching program;
- Talent Pipeline: $1.5 million to encourage young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups, and to provide mentoring opportunities for new entrepreneurs;
- STEM Starter Academy: $4.75 million to promote STEM careers at the Commonwealth's community colleges.
- $2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership to address the shortfall of skilled workers and aid small and mid-sized manufacturing companies though technical assistance and consultant support;
- $1.5 million for a Precision Manufacturing Program, designed to increase the skill set of middle-skilled workers;
- $600,000 for Regional Economic Development Grants;
- $2.2 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to train unemployed and low-wage workers for high-demand industries like health care, construction, and education;
- $1.2 million for a new Training Resources and Internship Networks (TRAIN) grant program, a partnership with community colleges to specifically target the long-term unemployed and provide them with training and internship opportunities and the chance to fill resume gaps.
Included in the budget is a provision that protects taxpayer dollars from being spent on the 2024 Olympics, which also includes tax incentives, for the Games if they come to Massachusetts. The provision requires Boston 2024 to formally request funding from the Legislature for any specific project and make their case during a formal hearing.
The budget now goes to the Governor.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Live reporting: Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Diane Blancchard retiring
thanks to the 4th of July Coalition
downtown project updates coming every two weeks
don't be shy to ask questions
Algonquin Gas has resubmitted a new application
Company coming out from MN to work on the DelCarte Playground
L. OLD BUSINESS
anything on the State budget, any surprise there we need to know about
waiting on the Governor to approve or veto in next 10 days
then House has 10 days to override
Pond St closes the 9th
Economic Dev Com scheduled for 6:00 PM next Weds
Pfeffer
- 16 buried by Fr Manning
finding inconsistency in Police reporting
Forever Home Fund Raiser for dogs
Sgt Homes from Stoughton has a drug dog that is also a rescue dog
some one should be suggesting what we should be doing
proposal for funding a dog for the Police
Williams
Franklin does have a dog cross trained in drug and other services
we are also part of the Metro organization with dogs to come at any time
Bissanti
this isn't a knee jerk reaction, this is not a new problem
we need to keep talking about it as it won't go away
M. NEW BUSINESS
awaiting on the RFP responses, have one solar proposal, hoping for some good responses
4th of July fireworks
every year we are the only ones without
got reaction is that it is not a legal expenditure
did have the State fire marshall out and they ruled out all the places where we would have space
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly
downtown construction, Walsh and DPW see of they can better coordinate their plans
the detour was detoured to a detour
thanks to Sgt Riley for stepping up
499 people over a week ago went to the landfill/recycling center
opioid public meeting Aug 12th
Emmons, West and East Central this year - Main St next year
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining Police, Police Sergeants, and Library
motion to move to executive session, via roll call 8-0
Diane Blancchard retiring
thanks to the 4th of July Coalition
downtown project updates coming every two weeks
don't be shy to ask questions
Algonquin Gas has resubmitted a new application
Company coming out from MN to work on the DelCarte Playground
L. OLD BUSINESS
anything on the State budget, any surprise there we need to know about
waiting on the Governor to approve or veto in next 10 days
then House has 10 days to override
Pond St closes the 9th
Economic Dev Com scheduled for 6:00 PM next Weds
Pfeffer
- 16 buried by Fr Manning
finding inconsistency in Police reporting
Forever Home Fund Raiser for dogs
Sgt Homes from Stoughton has a drug dog that is also a rescue dog
some one should be suggesting what we should be doing
proposal for funding a dog for the Police
Williams
Franklin does have a dog cross trained in drug and other services
we are also part of the Metro organization with dogs to come at any time
Bissanti
this isn't a knee jerk reaction, this is not a new problem
we need to keep talking about it as it won't go away
M. NEW BUSINESS
awaiting on the RFP responses, have one solar proposal, hoping for some good responses
4th of July fireworks
every year we are the only ones without
got reaction is that it is not a legal expenditure
did have the State fire marshall out and they ruled out all the places where we would have space
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly
downtown construction, Walsh and DPW see of they can better coordinate their plans
the detour was detoured to a detour
thanks to Sgt Riley for stepping up
499 people over a week ago went to the landfill/recycling center
opioid public meeting Aug 12th
Emmons, West and East Central this year - Main St next year
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining Police, Police Sergeants, and Library
motion to move to executive session, via roll call 8-0
Live reporting: Legislation for action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-46: Appropriation: Water Enterprise – Prior Year Bill – 9/10 Vote
T failed to bill Franklin for two years
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 15-47: Appropriation: Other Post Employment Trust Fund – 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
a trust fund has now been established, and voted to invest the funds with the State, this would take the money from the Stabilization Fund, move it to the Trust and increase the return opportunity
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – Referral to Planning
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
this rezones the last piece of Industrial zone property in downtown Franklin
would start the public process, hearing, etc.
smart growth near the train station
go to the Planning Board and will come back here for a public hearing
Residential 5 abuts the property so it really expands it rather than leaping over
4. Bylaw Amendment 15-748: Amendment to Chapter 128 Peddling and Soliciting – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
modification of hours for solicitation, limits to 7:00 PM or half hour prior to sunset
effectively to daylight hours
Live reporting: Dacey's Market
F. HEARINGS
– Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery or furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – 7:10 PM
• Dacey’s MarketChief Semerjian reads the report as found in the agenda document
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/07082015.pdf
Cerel questions Sargent Jason Riley
who was sworn to tell the truth
Riley recaps the story in his own words
Owner disputes the license check as the machine passed the license
they are dependent upon the license
Chief - an out of state license is not valid for those under 30
Cerel puts into the record, the incident of May 23, 2011 where an underage was confirmed
had been the owner at the time in 2011
purchased the scanner after the incident in 2011
what is the use of the false ID? it is a violation
ABCC says you can sell if the machine passes
In 2011, they brought the individual right away
this time we did not hear until 3 days later
Officer Hamilton - sworn in
actually a CT license not a RI, attached to the incident
a fake ID, was not used to purchase
Pfeffer - you get many RI purchases, you don't you think it is odd to get so many, as you are out of the way
Williams - MA licenses, liquor ID or military IDs are the only defense
Cerel - it is only those IDs that are in the statues, there is no defense provided for other licenses
Pfeffer - what was the penalty days held for?
Cerel - not marked, usually 2 years
Bissanti - they put us in a difficult position, the shopkeeper has a stack of fake IDs. I am not advocating underage drinking. The Council has a no tolerance policy
Kelly - this was not a sting
Riley - this was 'the wrong place at the wrong time'
sting operation has very specific bylaw regulations
the second operation is more open for the case by case basis
7 days, 3 to be served with 4 held for 2 years
amend, 4 days, 3 to be held for 2 years
Kelly - he could have brought the employee in, he could have brought additional evidence in, this is not passing the smell test for me
motion to amend to enforce beginning July 16 for 4 days
opportunity to appeal via the ABCC
Live reporting: Sewer Extension
5. Bylaw Amendment 15-749: Amendment to Chapter 139-14 Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading
Don Neilson, representing landowner
spent time with Board of Health agent
property is mostly ledge, and not available for septic
looking to extend force main to Crocker Ave
exact routing to be determined
being recommended by the Town, single family, it is the right thing to do
Live reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Franklin Advisory Committee
Larry Benedetto
town headed in proper direction,
no complaints mostly compliments about the helpfulness of the employees
cul-de-sac issue, we are consistent with our neighbors, whether it can be raised to 800' is still open
much discussion with the Master Plan and how to proceed with it
idea of creating new mixed used development
South Franklin, Washington St (among others) would benefit from this possible development
the mom-pop stores that many grew up with will not return
can provide a convenience, create employment and revenue
parking should be left to the determination of the owners
the owner should have some freedom to make their own determination
the developer has the knowledge to make a good decision
South Meeting House
there will be a debate in the coming months about the use of it for future
need to preserve our historical assets
we are encouraged by the report and encourage all to be familiar with the details
site plan review/limited site plan review
decision to allow the Planning Board to proceed seems to have resolved the issue
complaints on 'fast tracking' are problematic, usually it is the applicant who is slowing things down
removal of modulars will enhance and compliment the entrance to the town
the train station
we have a new roof and a paint job, the myriad problems that the T faces will hinder further
possibility of the developer of the Thompson property is a consideration
Council should retain the right to rezone a property
RT 140 rezoning caused an uproar but when all was said and done those impacted profited from the change
property owners should maintain their property
urgent care facility coming in across the street (i.e. new development replacing Ficco's et al)
Amendment to Chapter 185-18
applies to construction of non-conforming properties
coming in future meetings
need to expand the relationship with Dean College
housing
we have a very active housing partnership
we keep seeing 'workforce housing' popping up
our position is that there are adequate measures in place
we need to work on commercial revenue
MBTA property
took property by eminent domain
will be a valuable property, I think we really need to start ringing that bell
I think they can find another place to put a salt barn and some old trailers
Padula
I am in favor of working with Dean, so what do they do for us?
Benedetto
They used to do some free classes, not sure what they are doing now
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