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Tuesday, October 6, 2020
LiveARTS: Hear Victor Rosenbaum in a Zoom Concert - OCt 18
Scouts BSA Troop 126 to collect your bottles/cans Oct 10
On Saturday, October 10, 2020, Scouts BSA Troop 126 will be having a bottle and can drive, to raise money for camping equipment and exciting trips like whitewater rafting. Our troop is in Franklin, which means your contributions will directly benefit the youth of your community.
If you wish to donate bottles or cans, please drop them off at the Elks parking lot, 1077 Pond Street, on October 10, 2020, between 10 A.M. and 12 P.M.
If you are a Town of Franklin resident and are unable to come, but you would still like to contribute, please fill out our Google Form to have your donation collected at your curbside. Please complete the form by Friday at 5 P.M., and please have curbside bottles and cans out by 7 A.M. We thank you in advance for your contribution and your support for local Scouting!
Google form for pickup
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelJfph-q1qFM0iZiUUFU1F0R9E3k7vF6PeYvf6yKsHX_SmfQ/viewform
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelJfph-q1qFM0iZiUUFU1F0R9E3k7vF6PeYvf6yKsHX_SmfQ/viewform
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| Bottle/Can drive to benefit Scouts BSA Troop 126 held on Oct 10 |
In the News: "The system isn’t broken right now"
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Question 2 on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot asks the Massachusetts electorate to adopt ranked-choice voting for nearly all federal and state races — excluding U.S. president — that result in a single winner.
A “yes” vote on the binding referendum supports replacing the plurality-voting system in place with ranked choice voting. A “no” vote opposes changing the existing plurality voting.
If Question 2 passes, ranked-choice voting would be implemented for the primary and general elections in 2022. It would come into play when three or more candidates compete in a single-seat election.
Yes on 2 proponents pitch ranked-choice as a remedy to plurality-voting problems — chiefly split voting and spoiler candidates — in crowded Massachusetts elections."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
I am still not convinced of the proposed benefits for ranked choice voting. If I were to schedule a Zoom conference bridge to talk through the pros and cons would you be interested? It wouldn't be recorded, but we (whomever shows up) could discuss this topic. Let me know if you are interested via email or comment.
The Franklin Community Voting Guide for November 2020 is ready for your use to prepare to vote.
Download your copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fIIde4DfyieqnK2hTsZDDfMLmoFcqzoO/view?usp=sharing
In the News: "The system isn’t broken right now"
Commonwealth Magazine: "T eyeing service cuts, budget workarounds"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"WITH A $300 million to $600 million budget shortfall expected next year, MBTA officials on Monday began zeroing in on service cuts that would save as much as $255 million and started exploring ways to use capital funds to cover operating expenses.
In a presentation to the Fiscal and Management Control Board, T officials indicated the service cuts are likely to fall most heavily on ferry routes, commuter rail lines, and some bus routes. Service on the ferry to Hingham and Hull and most commuter rail lines could be scaled back starting next spring. Bus service changes could begin in July 2021. The presentation also warned that many of the cuts could take years to add back and some would be permanent.
The officials said their goal is to preserve service on routes that serve low-income, minority riders with one or no cars. These riders in general have continued using the T during the pandemic and are more likely to return sooner. Bus ridership, for example, is at 46 percent of pre-COVID levels while ridership on ferries is 11 percent, 12 percent on commuter rail, and 24 percent on subways."
Continue reading the article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/t-details-possible-service-cuts/
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| The Franklin Forge Park Station |
In the News: "decided a drive-through flu clinic would be safest"
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Cities and towns have been hosting seasonal flu vaccination clinics for decades. But in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage, some health departments are viewing those annual clinics as dry runs for the eventual distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“I am sure that some medical providers, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, they will all be doing it eventually,” Framingham Health Director Sam Wong said of coronavirus vaccine distribution. “But for a good part of the population, I think it’s still going to fall to the local health departments.”
Wong’s guess is based on precedent.
“Looking back on H1N1, it was the local health department that organized and conducted the vaccination for H1N1,” he said. “Even back then, we used our regular seasonal flu clinic operation as a model for the H1N1 clinic. There’s a similarity here.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201005/metrowest-area-health-departments-are-viewing-flu-clinics-as-dry-runs-for-covid-19-vaccine-distribution?rssfeed=true
Franklin has a flu clinic today at the Senior Center and plans are underway for a second one to be scheduled. Listen to my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty to get all the details https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html
Monday, October 5, 2020
FHS boys soccer game - LIVE today at 4:15 PM by Franklin TV
The virus protocols prevent parents from attending their student's games. We've been getting many calls from parents who want us to carry these games live. Like the work we've been doing to update the Town Chambers facility, we have also been working to develop our live remote event capability.
Today at 4:15 PM will be our first attempt to carry a live Panthers game. Our program will also be carried by Milford TV.
Visit our Franklin●TV website. Click on Franklin Pride TV. Click on “ Watch Now”.
Thanks,
Pete Fasciano
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| FHS boys soccer game - LIVE today at 4:15 PM by Franklin TV |
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 7, 2020
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. 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.
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.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 16, 2020
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled
6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
a. Lot Line #4: Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858, Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets
b. Bylaw Amendment 20-859: Sewer System Extension at 100 Daniels Street
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Planning and Community Development Department presentation: Bryan Taberner, Jen Delmore
i. DPCD Department Presentation
ii. Master Plan Update Materials
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-58: Request for special legislation regarding the authority for the Town of Franklin, acting through the Franklin Town Council, to grant a wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, alcoholic beverages license in excess of the Town’s quota to Madd Deli, Inc. D/B/A Dacey’s Market (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-58 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-59: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Washington and Grove Streets Intersection Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-59 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-60: Gift Acceptance - Police Department, $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-60 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-859: Sewer System Extension - 100 Daniels Street - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-859 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19 Update
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
To investigate charges of criminal misconduct or to consider the filing of criminal complaints.
ADJOURN
Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
The full agenda can be found online
The PDF including materials released for this meeting
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| Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 7, 2020 |
Franklin Community Voting Guide - November 2020
The Franklin Community Voting Guide for November 2020 is ready for your use to prepare to vote.
Download your copy here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fIIde4DfyieqnK2hTsZDDfMLmoFcqzoO/view?usp=sharing
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| Franklin Community Voting Guide - November 2020 |
What can the Community Preservation Act (CPA) do for Franklin?
This month, the CPA For Franklin group will be answering questions about the Community Preservation Act.
The Community Preservation Act is Ballot Question 3 for Franklin. Ballot Questions 1 and 2 for the November election are state wide questions.
For the first Q and A in a series, head over to the CPA web page for a list of what nearby towns have used their CPA funds to do for their community. https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/what-can-community-preservation-act.html
If you have a question about how CPA works, please email CPA4Franklin@gmail.com and they will answer in a future post.
The CPA For Franklin group has prepared a flyer with information. Get your copy here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTBRSlvC_HpcNpBg22mKyLDYhtpkF-S6/view?usp=sharing
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| https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/ |
Economic Development Subcommittee - Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet - Oct 7, 2020
Agenda:
1. Lot Line Zoning Change #5
2. Lot Line Zoning Change #6
3. Follow up discussion on Listening Session #1: Downtown Franklin, Franklin Crossing & Franklin Cultural District.
The agenda PDF and connection info
Recording and notes for the Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20
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| EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen in Sep 30 Listening Session |
Hockomock Girls Soccer: Players to Watch in 2020 = Erin Quaile, FHS senior
Some of the high school sports seasons are underway and HockomockSports.com
has published their preview of the girls soccer "players to watch" for the Hockomock League.
We share the spotlight on FHS senior Erin Quaile and provide the link to the full
listing.
Erin Quaile, Senior – Franklin
Much of Franklin’s success last season came from its defense being one of the best in the Hock and that solidity at the back came from far more than just the back four. The Panthers were also a tenacious team in the midfield, putting pressure and forcing turnovers all over the field and that is where senior midfielder Erin Quaile dominates.
Not surprising for a two-time HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year in basketball, Quaile is quick, agile, and never backs down from a challenge. She covers a ton of ground in the center of the pitch and is not afraid of getting into physical battles. Quaile also showed off a good range of passing, keeping possession well when needed and quickly turning defense into attack with a long pass to the forwards. She may not be the biggest player, but Quaile was also strong on set pieces on both ends of the pitch and timed her late runs into the box to pop up with the occasional goal for the Panthers.
Franklin will be in the mix for the league title this year and Quaile’s experience and nous in the middle of the park will be critical.
For the full listing of "players to watch" around the Hockomock League
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| Players to Watch in 2020 = Erin Quaile, FHS senior |
FHS boys soccer season preview by HockomockSports.com
Some of the high school sports seasons are underway and HockomockSports.com
has published their preview of the boys soccer teams in the Hockomock League.
We share the Franklin outlook here and provide the link to the full
listing.
Franklin
2019 Record: 9-7-4
2019 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Fran Bositis
With returning players in most areas of the pitch and a trio of top
midfielders in the Hockomock League, the Panthers should be in the mix
for the Kelley-Rex title, although it could be one of the most
competitive seasons since the league split into two.
With just 10 games and all six teams in the Kelley-Rex possible contenders, there is little margin for error. The Panthers will be put to the test right away as they take on Milford, who won the Davenport two years in a row and went to the D2 State Final last season, in the opening week. But longtime head coach Fran Bositis has plenty of talent on his roster to try and make a push for the division title. It all starts in the midfield with a trio of returning starters in Ethan Cain, Tyler Powderly, and last year’s HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year Terry O’Neill.
All three bring something different to the table which will make Franklin’s midfield among the most dynamic in the league. Powderly’s speed on the wings will give defenses fits while Cain will bring plenty of creativity as the Panthers push forward. O’Neill won’t be able to dominate in the air like he did a season ago thanks to the new modifications that ban headers, but the junior is also such a calming presence with the ball at his feet and will help Franklin keep possession. Ben Moccia, who started in the midfield a season ago, is moving up top to the number 9 spot, while Charlie Amante, Ryan Witt, Jack Moran, and Kevin Proenca will also see time in the attack.
The Panthers have some new faces in the defensive unit. Will Fox is the lone returning starter and has impressed in the early stages of the season. Sam George, Robbin Tappin, and Karl Gruseck will all factor into the Panthers’ defense while Aidan Griffith, Nelson Martinez, and Connor Scagliarini will be options for Bositis to play either defense or in the midfield. Newcomers Trey Lovell and Rex Cinelli could see valuable minutes right away. Former Panther standout goalie Freddie Backmann, who is without a season at Regis College, is mentoring Luc Boudreau, this year’s starting keeper for Franklin.
“I think that we have a very good group of athletes (soccer players) who have worked real hard in preparation for this season,” Bositis said. “I know that they are all excited to be playing and that they are looking forward to competing against the other Kelley-Rex teams and putting themselves in a position to challenge for a league championship.”
Link to FHS boys soccer schedule https://hockomocksports.com/schedules/boys-soccer/franklin/2020-2/
Link to the full boys soccer season preview https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-boys-soccer-preview/
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| FHS boys soccer season preview by HockomockSports.com |
Reminder: Halloween House Decorating Contest - register by Oct 16
The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is pleased to announce its first annual Halloween House Decorating Contest.
Let your imagination and creativity come alive as you bring the spirit of Halloween to your front yard!
Make this fall one that you and your family will never forget!
Beginning October 22,
Franklin homeowners can design an outdoor display to transform their
front lawns to a landscape of ghouls, ghosts and goblins; fantasy-filled
scenes of magic; or a monument to the macabre.
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All residences in Franklin are eligible to participate. There is no fee to enter, but to be part of the contest, interested households will need to go online and complete the registration form at bit.ly/FCC-Halloween by October 16. Late entries may not be considered.
Judging will take place after dark on Friday, October 30th by FCC members First, second and third place winners will be announced on the Franklin Cultural Council’s Facebook page.
Gather family or friends and use your artistic flair to create a front yard for all of Franklin to enjoy! Additional details can be found on the FCC web page. https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council
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| Franklin Cultural Council: Halloween House Decorating Contest |
Sunday, October 4, 2020
COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families
October 4, 2020
Dear Franklin Families,
We are writing to inform you that a person in our Franklin High School community is potentially positive for COVID-19.
Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform individuals who were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support everyone navigating this stressful experience.
Students and staff in the building have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our faculty/staff and families/students for continued efforts to monitor symptoms and stay home when not feeling well. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of transmission.
Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who is potentially positive for COVID-19, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. As always, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if they show any symptoms or are not feeling well.
Parents/guardians of students who were in close contact with the community members have been notified privately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of the test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents/guardians whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. Staff members are to report positive test results to their supervisor. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.
To further prevent potential transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we have sanitized the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that is potentially positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are going to be closing the affected classroom(s) for a period of 3 days. We will re-evaluate on Tuesday, October 6. We will be providing remote learning for affected students and those required to quarantine at home to continue to provide instruction, structure, and an emotional connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. Affected students and their families will be receiving additional information directly.
As noted in a previous communication regarding COVID-19, please visit the following link for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.
You can also find a map of testing sites at
https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.
We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
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The COVID Communications protocol was announced previously
Oct 2 - ASMS positive notification https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/covid-positive-letter-to-asms-families.html
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| COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families |
FM #359 Town Council Candidate Cobi Frongillo - 9/29/20 (audio)
FM #359 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 359 in the series.
This shares my interview and discussion with Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo. Our discussion was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election (per Town Charter) to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of Sept to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter.
Cobi answered the following questions. All candidates for this position will be asked the same set of questions to provide a fair set of information for the Franklin voters.
- By way of introducing yourself to the Franklin voters, what is your Franklin story?
- The Community Preservation Act is on the November ballot, what do you think of it?
- What degree of development do you feel is appropriate for Franklin and how would you balance the need for affordable housing with the need to avoid congestion, some of which we already have?
- The Town Administrator suggested in 2019 that Franklin needed to consider an override measure. The pandemic hit, that didn’t happen. The water rate and trash/recycling rate increased. Stormwater utility fee is up for consideration for implementation on/about July 2021. And yet, the operational budget both school and town side of the budget is challenged. How do you approach this financial situation?
- What do you say to the voter who asks: Why should I vote for you?
- Anything else to add that we did not cover?
The recording runs just about 23 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cobi Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXFKdbbK
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Visit Cobi’s webpage https://www.cobifrongillo.com/
Or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Frongillo4Franklin
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Cobi Frongillo |
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2020
Agenda
1. Election of Officers
a. Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk
2. Finance Committee management policy and organization review
3. FY21 Budget Update
4. Future Meeting Schedule
Agenda document and connection info
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| Finance Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2020 |
Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Oct 7, 2020
AGENDA
1) Reading and Acceptance of September 2, 2020 and September 16, 2020 meeting minutes
2) OLD BUSINESS
• Chairman opens the floor for any other old business
3) NEW BUSINESS
• Drive through flu shot clinic update
• Intern Presentation and update
• Community outreach discussion
• Phase 111 Step 11 update
Chairman opens the floor for any other new business
4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY
5) ADJOURNMENT
Next Board of Health meeting will be Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Connect via -> meet.google.com/oxh-kcua-zpz or via phone dial = 1-570-671-0217 pin 994 771 132#
PDF agenda doc = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-10-7-20.pdf
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| Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Oct 7, 2020 |
Live Sports & Events = We are preparing to cover many events - LIVE!
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/04/2020
You read that right. We have been busily rewiring our facility to cover remote school sports and community events – from anywhere – LIVE!
To date, arranging the necessary connections and control to make this possible has proven to be a very daunting challenge. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. Of late, that necessity has increased – dramatically. So have new technologies and solutions that enable us to finally address that necessity.
The pandemic has forced schools to make and remake some very difficult decisions. These decisions remain in flux as conditions shift. Currently, the schools and MIAA have arranged a schedule for sporting events. Safety dictates that crowds of parents and friends be minimal to nonexistent. For most participating schools, that means only one-parent-per-student is permitted to attend the event.
We have received requests to carry FHS Panther games and events LIVE, and we have been ‘inventing’ away as well to accomplish that. Our first live event is slated for Monday afternoon. Fingers crossed.
You can watch our live sports on our Franklin Pride school channel, on Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. We are also now streaming our channels in high definition.
Visit our Franklin●TV website. Click on Franklin Pride TV. Click on “ Watch Now”.
Easy-peasy!
We are also coordinating our live programs with those of other community PEG studios across the Hockomock League and region. Lots of events are planned.
Will we be perfect? No guarantees – as there is a lot of technology (and the internet) under the hood, making this all happen. But, try we must. Fingers crossed.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.
Find the complete program guide on the Franklin.TV page http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or for archive purposes this link
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| Live Sports & Events = We are preparing to cover many events - LIVE! |
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