Live reporting: Legislation

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 17-20: Chapter 61A. Non-Exercise of First Refusal Option -Property located at 4 Mount Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-20: Majority Vote (5))	1. Resolution 17-20: Chapter 61A. Non-Exercise of First Refusal Option -Property located at 4 Mount Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-20: Majority Vote (5)) Bissanti - recused himself motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 10 acres not of great value, not connected to other property;it would cost us more new owner would have to cover for the back taxes for change of use
2. Resolution 17-21: Compenation Plan, FY 2018 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-21: Majority vote (5))	2. Resolution 17-21: Compensation Plan, FY 2018 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-21: Majority vote (5)) motion to approve as amended, seconded, passed 9-0 each year to adjust wage scales when required; recommending 2% increase, won't affect individuals, just the scale overall minimum wage doesn't not apply to Town employees discussion on minimum vs. summer help, etc. point of order, amendment to bring G1 to minimum wages (to remain at 10 and 11.62) * passed 8-1 on amendment
3. Resolution 17-22:Town Council Apprval of the Resubmittal of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-775: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII of an Area on Summer Street ( Motion to Move Resolution 17-22: Majority vote (5))	3. Resolution 17-22:Town Council Approval of the Resubmittal of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-775: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII of an Area on Summer Street ( Motion to Move Resolution 17-22: Majority vote (5)) Bissanti - recuses himself letter received from B HUnchard, property owner, request a continuation of this matter, placed on an agenda during June 28th, exploring alternative motion to postpone, via roll dellorco N jones N mercer N padula Y pfeffer N vallee Y pellegri N kelly Y ** failed 5-3 move resolution, seconded mercer  difference in rules and procedures vs Roberts Rules of Order Padula - don't see it as an ethical issue it is properly before us, it is highly likely that a 40B will go there Pfeffer - I agree with Padula to see 40 condos vs 40B and and hundred units, the town has nothing to do with it dellorco N jones N mercer N padula Y pfeffer N vallee N pellegri N kelly  Y ** failed 6-2
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Water - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Majority Roll Call vote (5))	4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Water - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Majority Roll Call vote (5)) motion to waive reading, seconded passed 9-0 dellorco y jones y mercer y padula y pfeffer y vallee y pellegri y kelly - y ** failed 9-0
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to the Planning Board (Majority Vote (5))	5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to the Planning Board (Majority Vote (5)) motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
6. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))	6. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5)) motion to more to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0 Bissanti recused himself would extend water lines to 8 existing homes but no further school would relocate from Attleboro to Franklin and grow by 25 students, 50 students currently sewer/water extension specified in the resolution discussion on adding a covenant to the property  discussion on water irrigation rather than using the water extention
7. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))	7. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5)) motion to waive reading, second, passed 8-0 motion to more to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 9-0 Bissanti recused himself

Live Reporting: Spilka, Ross, Roy update from State Legislatture

H. Presentations/Discussions

H. Presentations/Discussions: Ligislative Delegation: Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Seantor Spilka

revenue collections down, $220M down from benchmark

similar to what happened last year, resulting in cuts of overall $150M from budget in the process

hoping not to do this again

meeting with the experts to find out why when economy seems to be doing well, confidence is high, where are the revenue flows?

volatile income stream, economy has shifted, maybe due to more part time workers the tax flows are adjusted?

Governor's budget was submitted in January

House budget just submitted on Monday

revenue increase expected at just over 4%

take out the built in increases only leaves approx $600 in adjustable funds 

employer assessment made by Governor to raise funds

looking to equalize the playing field to afford giving increases to local aid

will try to be as reasonable as possible

 

some increases are targeted as to when the sales tax for example is collected

desire to start implementing the foundation budget recovery to help with school funding; phasing it in would help all the communities

rising health care is an issue, substance abuse and mental health issues need to be addressed, along with transportation and infrastructure

housing is another issue that communities need help with

Chapter 90 House and Senate passed with different amounts and different terms, now need to discuss and review in conference committee

Senator Ross

acknowledge letter received on budget priorities, including OPEB accounting resolution

Fire Dept requests still in process and may have funds in June, other requests were put aside with the Governor cuts

land transfer? related to the state forest and recycling

Representative Roy

US News and World Report recognizes MA as number in the economy

MA #1 in testing on a national level, 72 countries participated in the testing, MA wanted to be considered separately, no one outdid MA in reading, only Singapore beat us in science, and in 10th in Math

working with strategic collaborative to move in manufacturing

House budget released on Monday

41% consist of health care and MA Health reform

15% goes to health and human services

three categories account for 71% of the overall budget

recommending $30 per pupil in educational aid

Chapter 70 funding has increased 833M since 2011, also being increased this year

heard from many small businesses about the health assessment; asking the department of revenue to find out who are the real culprits causing the increases; there had been a gate that if a company offered a plan, their employees could not get MA Health, this check was removed with the affordable care act

did file $50K allotment to help fight the substance abuse disorder

author claims private industry create the substance abuse mess; now government and communities are coming together to fight the problem

this team works well together, we are all on speed dial

thank you for everything you do

Ross - Tri-County is amazing, they don't get enough credit, especially in manufacturing

Pfeffer - 40B - there has to be something needs to be available to say now, something needs to be considered when you are close to the 10%

Spilka - it is good to hear, it makes sense

  

Roy - affordable housing is important, some stock of housing doesnt count towards the 10% goal, it may provide some relief

Nutting - should also get some sort of time out, or reasonable plan

Hellen - this community has done a lot, been proactive for year; Brookline received a one year moratorium

Kelly - we are forced to take them, it is not in our decision, we need an answer, we look like the bad guys when the state is making us do stuff

Mercer - we just built a brand new high school, the State told us how many we could build for, and it was not considering the outlook of the potential coming at us. We had to beg for 1650 and we opened at 1725

Bissanti - we don't have the kind of zoning that makes it easy for builders to come in, they look for the density and don't have to cover any amenities

Dellorco - pick a percent between 8 and 10 so it can slow down and allow us to work with it

Padula - in the NUtting letter, well written, shows the quality of our administration

Nutting - thanks to Jeff Roy and we testified a couple of weeks ago on the land swap, hopefully to get settled and signed off

Jones - economic development, if we could get back 10 Grove St, the MA DOT area at the end of Grove St and 140

Roy - a few of us are working with them on the train station and when we next meet with them, we can add that

Dellorco - I know the 9C cuts are tough, really fight for the $50K

Spilka -we were looking to see if the revenue hadn't dropped so, we would have been able to restore some of the 9C cuts; many communities are suffering in the same way; it is pennywise and pound foolish, we will try to restore for next year

Spilka - 9C cuts, if Governor vetos, then the funds need to be overridden by both the House and Senate, 9C refers to the section of law, where if revenue is not sufficient to cover the expenses; the governor is given that to balance the budget

Bissanti - thank you for your great work; $90M if it doesn't get paid?

Nutting - maybe future employees don't get that benefit, or some of that; our assets are going to be less than our liabilities (and the state is in the same boat)

there needs to be some way to start the discussion and come to a resolution

3 minute recess

Live Reporting: Town Council - April 12, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones, Vallee

Absent: 

A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes - March 22, 2017 motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
B. Announcements	B. Announcements: This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be also recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognition	C. Proclamations/Recognition recognition of FHS boys basketball team for 1st appearance in MA State championship
D. Citizen Comments	D. Citizen Comments: Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.  The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 1 - Mr Mullins - Friends of the Franklin Library proposing to sell brick in patio of the library at $50 view on the FOFL02038@gmail.com, mailer coming 2 - John Perry, 12 Pleasant St tulip tree on corner partially on public property, public shade tree received notice to trim and remove hazards in the public way the roots and trunk infringe in the public way biil of services for trmining done by DPW asking for clarification on own should remove the tree
E. Appointments - Franklin Cultural Council	E. Appointments - Franklin Cultural Council Tamara Perry being appointed now to fulfill a staggered term and then again in JUne for 3 years
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions

MA House Committee Proposes Deep Funding Cuts for Arts, Humanities & Sciences

View this email in your browser House Committee Proposes Deep Funding Cuts for Arts, Humanities & Sciences Supporters Seek Increase through Budget Amendment (Boston, MA) - The House Committee on Ways and Means today released a state budget proposal that recommends $10 million for the arts, humanities, and sciences through the Massachusetts Cultural Council for the coming fiscal year. The Council's current state appropriation is $14 million. The Baker-Polito Administration proposed a modest, two percent increase in its FY18 budget released in January. The House Ways & Means proposed cut of 28 percent would thus force significant reductions to grants for nonprofit cultural organizations, local cultural councils, artists, education, and youth programs. Combined with expected funding reductions from the National Endowments for the Arts & Humanities, state budget cuts could dramatically reverse years of hard-won increases in public support for the cultural sector. "We consistently see new evidence of the public benefits of investing in our cultural life," said Anita Walker, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "We should be debating how to strengthen those investments—for our economy, our communities, and our youth—instead of eliminating them." State Representative Cory Atkins of Concord, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, filed Amendment # 6 to the House Ways & Means budget to increase funding for the Mass Cultural Council to $16 million for FY18, which begins July 1. This amendment would allow the Council to continue to support core grant programs for nonprofits, communities, schools, and artists. The case for $16 million in state funding next year is online: our Fiscal Year 2018 State Budget Request and Case Statement for Increased Public Investment in Arts & Culture. The Council will work with MASSCreative, Mass Humanities, Mass Artists Leaders Coalition, and others to build support for this amendment by urging House members to sign on as cosponsors to Amendment #6. The full House will take up the FY18 state budget starting the week of April 24. The House process is one key step in the annual state budget process. The Senate will release its own budget proposal in May. The two chambers must then agree on a tax and spending plan before sending it back to the Governor, who may veto or approve the budget and/or specific line items. See our Advocacy Action Center for updates on the budget process and for the latest data on the nonprofit cultural sector's contributions to the Massachusetts economy and quality of life. About the MCC The MCC is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. The MCC also runs the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund in partnership with MassDevelopment. Copyright © 2017, All rights reserved. This e-mail was sent from Massachusetts Cultural Council Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Cultural Council • 10 St. James Ave., 3rd floor • Boston, MA 02116 • 617-858-2700

FHS spring sports team results for Tuesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the spring sports action on Tuesday, April 11.


Baseball = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 5 – Final

– Taunton jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning and never looking back. The Tigers added another run in the fourth inning. Sophomore Jack Moynihan tossed a complete game, striking out six without issuing a single walk. He allowed seven hits with just one earned run. At the plate, Moynihan went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Matt Machado added two hits, Joe Manchester had a double and an RBI and Christian Simoes hit a home run.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 2 vs. Hopedale, 3 – Final

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 1 @ Taunton, 4 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-041117/

FHS Panthers

Via the Twitterverse

Taunton 5 Franklin 2. Tough loss today to a solid Taunton team. Guys competed til the end. Next up: at Milford on Thurs (4/13) at 3:45pm.

— FHS Baseball (@FHSCoachZBrown) April 12, 2017

[Boys Sprg Varsity Tennis - Team] Hopedale Jr./Sr. HS defeats Franklin HS, 3 to 2.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) April 12, 2017

Way to get your first W @FHSCoachWelch , Nice win by the Freshman, 4-3 for the opener. Nice to see all out at the ball park on a beauty day

— Kevin papa (@kevinjpapa) April 11, 2017

[Girls Sprg Varsity Tennis - Team] Taunton HS defeats Franklin HS, 4 to 1.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) April 11, 2017

Empty Bowls Dinner Promotes Hunger Awareness “Somewhere, Someone’s Bowl is Empty”

With more than 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, a movement is underway to educate the community about the level and impact of hunger in Franklin. A dinner featuring a simple meal of soup and bread will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger.

The 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School will remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event, co-hosted by the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry, is a family-friendly event and caters to all ages.

Kimberleigh Bearce and daughter Emmaleigh enjoy a
mother-daughter outing for a good cause
as they make clay bowls 

“We hope attendees gain a better awareness of the impact of hunger in our community,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Reducing hunger leads to a healthier community. If you aren’t hungry, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school. If we can work together to help our neighbors in need, our community will be stronger.”

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. They have also hosted bowl-making events open to the community.

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making the bowls, they will volunteer the night of the event. They were a huge help at our first dinner held last year which was a sell-out success and attracted 250 people. We are thrilled to be able to accommodate 350 attendees this year!”

Event participants will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets will be available for purchase on April 1 and must be bought in advance online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

“Franklin is now at a crossroad again concerning proposed dwelling units”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town will be seeking opinions this week from various board members and feedback from the public about the best uses of land. 

Town officials announced this month that there will be a land use workshop Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the municipal building. 

“We’re interested in getting feedback on a number of land use initiatives,” said Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

According to Hellen, the meeting’s agenda includes an array of topics, including the proper use of land in the town’s various zones. He noted, by way of example, that some had suggested changing building height restrictions - adding another floor by right - in certain areas in order to maximize space."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170411/land-use-workshop-thursday-in-franklin

The agenda and associated documents for the workshop can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/land-use-workshop-thursday-april-13.html

Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos

In the News: Ahern signs contract; House budget increases local aid

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In a brief ceremony during the committee’s regular meeting, members voted unanimously to approve and sign a contract with Ahern, currently an assistant superintendent in Holliston. 

Chairman Kevin O’Malley and Ahern signed the document, formally naming her as the next leader of Franklin Public Schools. 

O’Malley said the meeting was a momentous one, congratulating Ahern. 

“Your coming with us was much welcomed,” he told her. “We’ve been looking forward to it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170411/franklin-signs-new-superintendent-to-contract

"Addressing healthcare, local aid and the state’s long-term financial health are among the priorities House Ways and Means Chairman Brian Dempsey listed in unveiling his committee’s $40.3 billion Massachusetts budget proposal for fiscal 2018. 

“It is fiscally responsible with targeted investments in programs and services our constituents need,” Dempsey, D-Haverhill, said Monday. 

Municipal governments and public schools would see increased funding from the state under the spending plan, which calls for $164 million more in local aid over the current fiscal year, a 2.7 percent increase. 

Chapter 70 aid, the main form of state funding for public school districts, would top $4.7 billion, an all-time high. That would provide $30 more per student than the fiscal 2017 budget. Gov. Charlie Baker’s budget proposal, by comparison, would have increased Chapter 70 funding by an average of $20 per student."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170411/schools-would-see-increased-funds-under-house-budget

Live reporting: School Safety Update

3. Guests/Presentations

b. School Safety Presentation - Peter Light, Dr. Maureen Sabolinski

School Safety Update from Franklin Matters

School Safety Presentation - Peter Light, Dr. Maureen Sabolinski

Live reporting: School Committee - Apr 11, 2017

Present: Douglas, Bergen, Bilello, Scofield, O'Malley,Schultz, Jewell
Absent: none

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 23, 2017 Special Meeting March 28, 2017 Regular School Committee Meeting and the Executive Session Minutes from March 23, 2017.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: Budget to Actual 

2. Executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy as it relates to contract negotiations over the incoming Superintendent’s contract.

Roll call vote to enter into Executive Session

to return to public meeting

Returned to open session at 7:15 PM

Motion to move action item regarding approval of incoming superintendent’s contract to an early vote.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


Early Action Item:
L. I recommend approval of the incoming Superintendent’s contract.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Welcome Dr Sara Ahern

contract being signed

Dr Sara Ahern signs the contract as new Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools #schcom0411 pic.twitter.com/wuzGNWaTiO

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 11, 2017

Dr Sara Ahern signs the contract as new Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools

Culinary Cabaret 2017 - May 5

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Culinary Cabaret 2017 on Friday, May 5, from 7-10 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Hosted by Emmy Award nominee and television personality Bianca de la Garza, the sixth annual food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts. Featuring masterful dishes and gourmet specialties, the evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company and by the international touring ensemble, Electric Youth.

Bianca de la Garza anchored New England's highest-rated newscast at WCVB-TV. Her late night show, Bianca, aired in 20 million homes on CBS and ABC affiliates. Culinary Cabaret also welcomes author, event designer and entertaining expert Hilary Pereira, who will introduce her Splash Mixers – premium, all-natural and low-calorie mixers that simplify the art of making the perfect cocktail.

The signature event will once again showcase exceptional area chefs and restaurants to present an innovative evening of inspired appetizers, dishes and desserts. FPAC is pleased to collaborate with culinary partners including Tavolino, 3 Restaurant, J&L Catering, The Curry House, Beck’s Bistro Catering, Raven’s Vine & Tap, Fresh Start Market, The Little Shop of Olive Oils, David’s Tea, Cilla’s Coffeehouse, Dolce Dolce Bakery, Tri-County Culinary Arts and more.

Culinary Cabaret 2017 - May 5

Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits will pair restaurant stations with representatives from vineyards and distributors, who will pour wines specifically chosen to complement the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard’s “Never Drink Ordinary” motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality and eclectic selection.

Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and are fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer and entertainment. Event proceeds support Electric Youth’s 2017 European concert tour to England, France, Italy and Switzerland. For more information, visit www.FPAConline.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by phone at 508-528-3370.