"This is helping to solidify future needs"

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

"The town council opted to purchase land along Washington Street. 

The council voted unanimously on Wednesday evening to buy the 12-acre parcel, which abuts land currently owned by the town, for $212,500. Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said that as the landowner had been paying a reduced rate on the property as forest land, the town had a first right of refusal to purchase it. 

According to Nutting, the land is near the Bellingham town line and the town already owns three nearby parcels. 

"We thought it made sense for the town to acquire the land to make sure nothing shuts off access (to those parcels)," he said. "I think it's short money to preserve, for future generations, options for the land."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170322/franklin-town-buys-washington-street-land

map of land being purchased by Franklin, the block of land in the lower left corner would
connect to the other green (Town owned) land lots

Live reporting: Closing

K. Town Administrator's Report	Town Administrator's Report over snow/ice budget by about 90,000 to date new compensation plan to Council in advance application received for 40+ units for 40B appartments behind Ford will need executive session April 1 is around the corner, register your dog with the online application
L. Future Agenda Items	Future Agenda Items something on the Ethic Commission to provide a presentation
M. Council Comments	Council Comments Pellegri - May 7 - Horace Mann statue dedication Vallee - reinforce comments on our leadership for financial audit Jones - thanks to all who came out for the Police/Fire 5K fund raisers belated birthday to our chairman Dellorco - shout out to the FHS basketball team for getting to the finals, toguh loss to a good team Bissanti - compliments to the FHS team Pfeffer - need to talk about the Milford Newpaper Country Gazette is a reiteration of the MDN, Clark Cutler McDermott closed months ago, Franklin Senior Center was grand opening, no show meth lab in Franklin, every news station from Boston was parked there but nothing in MDN these are our news, they should be covered, bring him in, ask him why we are not covered we need to get someone to explain 4th episode of Franklin Almanac is available
N. Executive Session	Executive Session - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining -  all Municipal units vote to go to executive session, passed via roll call 9-0

Live reporting: Legislation for action

I. Subcommittee Reports	Economic Development met to review the brewery, distillery and wine manufacturing and tasting rooms for commercial zoned areas; will be brought before the Council for formal action
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 17-17 Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property at 121 Longhill Road	1. Resolution 17-17: Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property at 121 Longhill Road (Motion to Move Resolution 17-17: Majority vote (5)) easement to cover actual usage, covers the legal right, should have a small cost coming in the future to cover the cost of some of the equipment move motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
2. Resolution 17-18: Order of Franklin Town Council, Exercising Town's G.L. Chapter 61, Section 8 First Refusal Option, Re: Land of William C. Roode and Jeanne M. Roode, Containing Approximately 12.5 Acres on Washing STreet...	2. Resolution 17-18: Order of Franklin Town Council, Exercising Town's G.L. Chapter 61, Section 8 First Refusal Option, RE: Land of William C. Roode and Jeanne M. Roode, Containing Approximately 12.5 Acres on Washington Street, Title Reference: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Book 5501, Page 521 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-18: 2/3/Majority vote (6)) motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
3. Resolution 17-19: Redirect Bond Proceeds	3. Resolution 17-19: Redirect Bond Proceeds (Motion to Move Resolution 17-19: Majority vote (5)) new rules on use of funds from old accounts, need to go to use of equal length motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Chapter 179, Water - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787 to a 2nd Reading: Majority vote (5))	4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Chapter 179, Water - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787 to a 2nd Reading: Majority vote (5)) motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call removes the private wells from the prior wells other than they have to put a sign up there is a penalty for falsely posting the once a week watering is in the permit from EPA Bissanti - doesn't like the way the bylaws written this is a substantial improvement over what is in place right now motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call

Live reporting: Hearings

F. Hearings

Hearing on Whether to Exercise the Town's First Refusal Option to Purchase Land on Washington Street - 7:10 pm hearing opened at 7:25 PM town has first option of refusal (map to be added) purchasing the land would add to land already owned future use could be open space or hiking at least closes off access to the land utility easement cuts through the land (power and gas) town can meet a legitimate offer which they have cost would be $212,000 would be purchased with 'free cash' and no limits to used from that  if that was purchased via Conservation funds, then there could be restrictions match the 3rd party offer or decline would have approx 50 acres all connected for future use hearing declared closed

G. License Transactions

British Beer Company - Change of Manager - 7:10 pm Ryan Patrick Potter new manager of license manager has been tipped trained has been acting in the role had changed manager last year had an incident 3 years ago, Ryan was in Falmouth at the time motion to approve, via roll call, passed 9-0

Live Reporting: Town Council - March 22, 2017

Present: Mercer (remote), Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none

A. Approval of Minutes	Approval of March 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
B. Announcements	This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
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. none
E. Appointments	none
F. Hearings	Hearing on Whether to Exercise the Town's First Refusal Option to Purchase Land on Washington Street - 7:10 pm
G. License Transactions	British Beer Company - Change of Manager - 7:10 pm
H. Presentations/Discussions	Auditors Melanson Heath provides an overview of the audit report a good report (see the management letter for details) OPEB accounting rules are changing and will be reflected in the annual statements more accurately to show the overall liability   town doing a good job of collecting taxes in a timely manner about 10% in unassigned funds, usually about 9-10% and hence in a strong financial position budget versus actual, the difference is the 'free cash' revenue side of the budget came in higher than forecasted expenses came in lower than what was budget (the $3M difference is the 'free cash' amount used in the capital budget. The mount varies each year but the process is the same.) OPEB Trust set up contributions of $600,000

The financial statements are strong, the bond rating agencies look favorably on this

at high end of the range and consistent for several years which is also good

enterprise funds used for water, sewer and solid waste, all with positive balances

the better bond rating, the lower interest rate you end up paying

you were able to put $600K into the fund but it is not much, you are not alone in that deficit, many other communities are also struggling with that. They would like to see more or at least consistently do something in that end. Franklin is on the higher end of addressing the OPEB requirements

not many doing what we are doing right now

(note - video feed problems being worked by Franklin TV) will be available for rebroadcast

No material weaknesses or deficiencies

recommendation on a more formal risk assessment process

FYI - statement #75 on the OPEB accounting changes coming

FYI - reauthorizing the OPEB Trust under new legislation

Nutting - when our legislators coming this Spring, we need to request help again on the OPEB matter

Pellegri - the residents should be pleased with the reports and the way we are doing business

Melanson - thanks for all the help and preparedness, it made it easy to do

Live reporting: Economic Development Committee Meeting - Mar 22, 2017

Present: Bissanti, Padula, Pfeffer, Vallee, Padula, Halligan
Kelly, Jones, Pellegri, Vozella, Gleason and 2 others


overview of proposal on brewery, distillery, or winery production with a tasting room

the innovation is in the manufacturing of the alcohol for sale; couldn't open something and serve Sam Adams

Bob Vozella, speaks to his operation along Union St
about 6,000 bottles produced by La Cantina thus far
quality grapes and care in the process, monitoring
sharing and seeing how it is made helps

Federal permit required for brewery, State effectively acknowledges the Fed license receipt

production license by ABCC
pouring license by Town Council

Tips training, manager of record would all be the same as other liquor license applications

Would this be standard hours or advertised for specific periods?

Would be required by Special Permit to address all the other zoning type issues, parking etc.

The tasting rooms start out 1-2 days four to five hours operation
the targeted audience for this doesn't stay late

the license would be site specific, it would be an overlay for several of the commercial districts
not for any of the residential districts

the special permit requirement is key for a number of reasons
you could have trucking for the manufacturing and for the retail (tasting) would require parking

the liquid could be made one place and sold elsewhere, but not by the manufacturer

motion made to recommend to Town COuncil to start the process

FHS representatives on Hockomock All-Stars for gymnastics and wrestling

Hockomock Sports has published the All-Stars voted on by the coaches for wrestling and gymnastics.

Gymnastics

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP = Ali Kleinebreil, Attleboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS = Liz Traphagen, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Chloe Barac, Franklin

Wrestling

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP = Matt Kelley, Foxboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Ian Bakalars, Franklin
• Jordan Carlucci, Franklin
• Mike Racca, Franklin
• Dylan Maclean, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Ed Cropper, Franklin



For the complete listing of All-Stars across the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-gymnastics-all-stars/

https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

Franklin Agriculture Commission is looking for your help

Did you know that the Town Council needs to vote for the Franklin Agriculture Commission to become a reality? If you think that promoting and protecting the few farms we have left is a good idea give our Town Administrator, Jeff Nutting a call at (508) 520-4949 and let him know.

Need a script?

Hello Mr Nutting, This is ____ and I live at _______ in Franklin. I want you to know that I support the creation of an Agricultural Commission in Franklin. 

I believe that promoting and protecting the few farms we have left is a priority. Education about where our food comes from is important for all of our community and the Agricultural Commission will provide these things.

Feel free to use all or whatever part you agree with!

If you want to sign our petition of support and get up-dates on action you can take to advocate for our local farms and farmers sign up here:




Find out more about the Franklin Agriculture Commission on their Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa/?fref=nf

Franklin Agriculture Commission looking for your help (Facebook photo)

"Where are they now?" - FHS graduate Sam Bohmiller part of National Championship at Babson

In the "Where are they now?"category, Sam Bohmiller, FHS graduate was the starting point guard as a senior on the Babson basketball team that just captured their first National Championship in Division III.

"Joey Flannery had one last thing to accomplish in his college career, and with the final seconds ticking down and Augustana’s Nolen Ebel threatening to take his national championship away, Flannery made one more play to make sure he could fill that final void. 

Last year’s national Division III player of the year scored 23 points and soared to block Ebel’s driving bank shot with less than 2 seconds remaining, preserving Babson’s 79-78 victory and its first men’s basketball national championship, on Saturday night. 

"He’d been getting to the rim on the right side all day and I said I’m going to meet him at the rim," Flannery said of the block. 

The Beavers rebounded with 1.5 seconds left, and after Matthew Droney missed the front end of a 1-and-1, the Vikings called time out, setting up a full-court pass for a desperate heave. It was knocked away, preserving the title."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/colleges/2017/03/18/babson-wins-div-national-title-men-basketball/1gqbW7V9C9WJXeRWcQrb1K/story.html

Babson coach Stephen Brennan holds the NCAA Division 3 men’s basketball trophy as his players celebrate in Salem, Va. (DON PETERSEN/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Reminder: Public Information Session on Potential Impact of Spectra Pipeline - March 26

Public Presentation on the potential impact of an additional gas pipeline on the Franklin and Norfolk communities as well as surrounding towns.

Learn about:

• Proposed route through Franklin, Norfolk and other towns
• Possible safety, health and environmental impacts
• What other towns are doing nearby
• Question and answer period following the presentation

Sunday, March 26, 2017 

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM 

First Universalist Society  

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

OPEN TO PUBLIC

For more information, contact Jim Hill, 508-528-4888 www.NOspectraMA.org

Burning Bridget Cleary - Apr 8

Who: Celtic Concert, Burning Bridget Cleary

When: 7:30 pm, Sat., April 8

Where: Original Congregational Church, 1 East St., Wrentham, MA 02093

Description: Known for their captivating sound and engaging stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary is currently one of the hottest young acts on the Celtic and folk music circuits. 

Over the years, they’ve garnered numerous well-earned accolades within the trad community including being nominated for “Top Traditional Group in a Pub, Festival, or Concert” by the Irish Music Association. 

They are regularly played on syndicated radio programs, are a fixture at major folk festivals, did a tour of Ireland in 2013, and perhaps most impressive of all, have put out five full-length albums since their inception. The unique name of the band is from the last woman burned for witchcraft in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century.

For more information and tickets, go to http://www.musicatocc.org.

Burning Bridget Cleary - Apr 8

What should the Cultural District be called?

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee has been organizing the Annual Cultural Festival in preparation for getting a formal designation as a "Cultural District". 

There already is a Franklin Cultural Council which primarily has been managing the cultural grant process. There are three possible names (shown below) but there may be others to consider.

Take this short poll and cast your vote for one of the three choices, OR add another possible name.

What should the Cultural District be called?

Local Music Scene Plans Second Annual "Party For The Pantry"

On March 31st, 2017, local musicians in The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene come together, once again, to raise much needed money for the Franklin Food Pantry at THE BLACK BOX located right next door to the pantry. Co-organizer Bill Donovan explains why he and co-organizer Ray Auger decided to raise money for the pantry. “The Franklin Food Pantry does not receive funds from the state or town. They rely ultimately on us, the community, to help keep the shelves full.”

Local Music Scene Plans Second
Annual "Party For The Pantry" 1

Auger and Donovan decided to continue hosting the party after raising $3000 last year at the inaugural Party For The Pantry. This year the tried and true format remains the same… raffles, cash bar and four great local bands. A recipe for success as last year’s Party For The Pantry proved. “We’ve got a lot of great raffle items donated by local businesses but we can always use more! Please get in touch with Bill or myself to donate. We also have some sports memorabilia including a signed Tom Brady ball!”, exclaims Auger.

Local Music Scene Plans Second
Annual "Party For The Pantry" 2

With $3001 as the goal set for this year, James puts it all into perspective, “An average bag of groceries costs $18 to put together. That’s about 167 bags of groceries that we are able to donate to those in our community in need. It feels good to do something we love as musicians while giving back. Music heals and music helps and we are looking forward to doing more great events like this.”

The night’s musical lineup is second to none with music by The Abe Froman Project, Charity Case, Karate Show and South Street Six, all musicians with ties to the Greater Franklin area. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com, or $20 at the door. The organizers also raised money and covered production costs with generous sponsorship donations from Dean Bank, Dean College, The UPS Store in Franklin, F&P Molla Inc and Elemen-Tree House.

Local Music Scene Plans Second Annual "Party For The Pantry" 3

https://www.facebook.com/events/618859111640361/