Friday, September 6, 2024

Town Council reopens hearing to approve the BJs-Pour Richard's transfer, hears of health care expense issue (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 4 with 8 members participating (1 absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=DnXqGMfyZU1OEX7S&t=89

Quick recap
  • A few appointments to close out the annual round of appointments. As announced in the August 14 meeting with the primary set of appointments, a few were in the process of being finalized. This should complete the slate of appointments to renew and fill the open slots.
  • Public hearing voted to re-open to review the prior BJs & Pour Richard's license transfers. The vote at the June 26 meeting was 6-3 to deny the approval. The denial was not based upon the 2 areas that such a denial could be made, hence the return for a review. Long story short, enough councilors got the message on the legal options and the transfers passed 5-3-1 (Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Dellorco voted no; Pellegri absent).
  • Pete Fasciano, Executive Director of Franklin TV provided an update on the operations. 
  • Discussion on Right of Refusal for the Maplegate Country Club property. We can't afford it but will gain some revenue as the deal closes completely since they were "under taxed" and the owners will need to 'catch up'. The Council still needs to accept a resolution to formal pass on the purchase option
  • The Davis Thayer Reuse report was accepted by the Council. This will take time for the Council to work through the discussion to set up a possible RFP. 
  • Health care issue raised will be part of the budget discussions going forward, have seen increase in 6-8 percent range prior years, anticipated increase of about 13%

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

Maplegate Country Club
Maplegate Country Club


Town of Franklin: State Primary - Official Results, September 3, 2024

The results of the 2024 State Primary are out! 
  • Total Votes Cast - 4739
  • Total Reg. Voters  - 25,292 - 18.7%

Please click the link below to view the results.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/state-primary-official-results

Town of Franklin: State Primary - Official Results, September 3, 2024
Town of Franklin: State Primary - Official Results, September 3, 2024

FHS girls soccer team & golf team post wins on Thursday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, September  5, 2024


Football = Franklin, 14 @ Central Catholic, 21 – Final
1Q: (CC) Caden Smith 23-yard rush, Drew O’Keefe XP good.
2Q: (CC) C. Smith 25-yard rush, D. O’Keefe XP good.
3Q: (F) Will Tirrell 5-yard rush, Owen Essam XP good.
4Q: (CC) C. Chase 9-yard rush, D. O’Keefe XP good; (F) Cole Sidwell 22-yard rush, O. Essam XP good.

Franklin TV video of the game -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nB8AexkrcU

Boys Soccer = Oliver Ames, 2 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 
– Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.  https://hockomocksports.com/oliver-ames-boys-soccer-fends-off-franklin-in-season-opener/

Franklin TV video of the game -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGq5yJKDV64

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final 
– Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.  https://hockomocksports.com/strong-debuts-spark-franklin-girls-soccer-to-comeback-win-at-oa/


Golf = Franklin, 144 @ Taunton, 168 – Final
Great second win for the panthers‼️ Took down Taunton on the road 144-168  Jack Nelson with a great round 3 under par  #mint #pure #butter #jiggles 

Jack Nelson: 33 (-3)
Caden Sullivan: 36 (E)
Cam Labrie: 37 (+1)

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS Girls Soccer Boosters announce Community Night - Sep 13

FHS Girls Soccer Boosters (@boosters_fhs) posted Wed, Sep 04, 2024:
COMMUNITY NIGHT—9/13!!  
Come celebrate all of Franklin Soccer! Join us for an evening of raffles, auctions, and fun.  
Cheer on the FHS Varsity girls at the stadium (6pm start).  
Bring a donation for @FranklinFoodPan and get a ticket you can drop into one of our raffles. 💜 https://t.co/Xla7LnuY0G

FHS Girls Soccer Boosters announce Community Night - Sep 13
FHS Girls Soccer Boosters announce Community Night - Sep 13

Annual Community Fall Town Halls scheduled by Senator Becca Rausch

Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) will host her annual community Fall Town Halls this month.   

During these town halls, Senator Rausch will provide updates on recent legislation, share local and statewide budget victories, and offer residents an opportunity to share their questions, concerns, and challenges.   

"Civic engagement is an essential part of our democracy," said Senator Rausch. "Listening to the perspectives of my constituents informs my legislative work on Beacon Hill. I look forward to hearing from residents and collaborating with them to further support our families, communities, and businesses." She will be joined by partners in the House of Representatives and local government.  


Annual Community Fall Town Halls scheduled by Senator Becca Rausch
Annual Community Fall Town Halls scheduled by Senator Becca Rausch

Senator Rausch will host two community town halls throughout the district, as follows: 

Northern Region 

Monday, September 9, 2024, 6 PM 

Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave 

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Southern Region 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 6 PM 

Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St 

These town halls are open exclusively to residents of the towns comprising the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District: Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, and Wrentham. Residents of any part of the district are welcome to attend whichever town hall is most convenient for their schedules. 

For more information, please visit www.beccarauschma.com/townhalls.   


FHS Homecoming Week Activities Sep 16 through Sep 21

"Homecoming week is full of activities, be sure to come out and show your school spirit‼️

The link for homecoming tickets will be out soon"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C_i3wSFOgRa/

FHS Homecoming Week Sep 16 through Sep 21
FHS Homecoming Week Sep 16 through Sep 21

Reminder: Open House scheduled at Creative Corner for Saturday, Sep 7

Free Arts and Crafts Open House from noon to 2 PM

For more info about Creative Corner visit -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/

Creative Corner Open House scheduled for Saturday, Sep 7
Open House scheduled at Creative Corner for Saturday, Sep 7 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Sep 6, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel         (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am     United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson
8:30 am     Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pesto Pasta
1:00 pm     Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
4:00 pm Paris Olympics: Kristi Kirshe
5:30 pm     Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson
8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Kanaya Ryland
9:30 pm         4th of July 2024: Neon Lighthouse


  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel           (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am     Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
8:30 am     Mental Health: Elizabeth Hagy
9:30 am         Lifelong Music: Strings School 2022
11:00 am Track and Field: v King Philip 05-04-22
1:30 pm     All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra
3:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Lincoln-Sudbury 09-26-23
6:30 pm     FHS Varsity Swimming v North Attleboro 01-05-24
8:30 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 08-15-24
12:00 pm Economic Development 08-14-24
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 08-15-24

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Thursday, September 5, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 5, 2024?

Thursday, September 5
8:30am Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting (Dean College)
5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)
6:00pm Franklin LGBTQ Alliance (99 Restaurant)
7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (FUSF)


**  Town Meetings today   **

Conservation Commission Meeting
Event Date:  Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 7:00pm


Cultural District Committee Meeting
Event Date:  Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 7:00pm


Franklin Comm. on Persons with Disabilities
Event Date:  Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 7:00pm


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting
Event Date:  Thursday, September 5, 2024 - 7:30pm


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming


Town of Franklin: Municipal Building Renovation Update - Many Departments now working remotely

Municipal Building Renovation Update

IN-PERSON ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS IS TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO RENOVATIONS. ALL DEPARTMENTS ARE FULLY STAFFED AND WORKING REMOTELY.

  • BUILDING DEPARTMENT - Please call 508-520-4926 and someone will call you back.  Department contact numbers, business cards and forms can be found outside the department door. 
  • BOARD OF HEALTH - Please call 508-520-4929 and someone will call you back.
  • Many Departments now working remotely
    Many Departments now working remotely
    TREASURER/COLLECTOR - Please call 508-520-4950 and someone will call you back. Drive-up window is not available. Payments can be left in the WHITE drop box located at the corner of the Municipal Building.  There will also be a Treasurer/Collector employee located in the Town Clerk's office to accept payments. You may also contact us by emailing treasurer@franklinma.gov.
  • CONSERVATION - Please call or email our Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander at 508-520-4929 / bgoodlander@franklinma.gov and she will get back to you. Her business card will be located in front of the building department doors.
  • PLANNING DEPARTMENT - Please call 508-553-4852 or email our Town Planner Amy Love at alove@franklinma.gov and she will get back to you. Business cards are in front of the building department doors.

The ASSESSORS DEPT staff are working onsite in the Municipal Building.  They are currently located in the 3rd floor conference room. Take elevator up to 3rd floor, turn left, and turn left again at the end of the hall. 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/municipal-building-renovation-update

Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio)

Continuing to find and share golden nuggets from the archives, we have this 3-part audio series on the water system covering all aspects from the well head to your faucet.


You can also find the 3-part series on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley


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FM #588 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 588 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 


We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept. 


Part 1 - approx. 30 minutes

  • A brief on Doug and Jake’s Franklin ‘story’

  • New treatment plant, now operational, treating Wells 3 and 6; Well 6 is really a well field (of six separate wells)

  • Difference between registration and permitted amount to draw

  • Overall well status and supply (well summary on water report)

  • Water conservation measures are a ‘forever’ thing right? (per the permit from DEP)

  • Town wells draw from 40-50 feet where most private wells can draw from a 300-500 foot depth; if you have a private well, please put out a sign if you use it for irrigation

  • Finances on water rate and sewer rate calculations, aside from private wells and septic systems, it is usage based billing

  • Fire Dept working very closely with them on hydrant maintenance and water pressure opportunity areas to work towards an increase in the ISO certification for the Fire department; hydrant signage being added to help especially when out communities respond to help

  • E-coli hit on well 2A, notification only discussed; test result was from the ‘raw’ side of the water, not the ‘treated side’ of the supply; “the ground is just a big old filter, and when you get 6-8 inches of rain the ground just can't handle it”

  • The process worked, the testing and system ensures good water is being delivered all the time

  • PFAS testing currently State funded; testing at parts per trillion, not million as with most other; PFAS is pervasive; Testers can’t use Teflon pans or Tupperware before taking test sample (to avoid contamination of the sample)



The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.


Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.


Audio File -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7deabf6-08b9-41d8-820c-8bee1aa437db


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Part 2 - approx. 38 minutes

  • Permit process 20 years, midway through this one

  • Overall water usage per capita for Franklin is among the best in the state (~45-49gpp vs ~65gpp)

  • Unaccounted for water and meter standards, Franklin is a model community for this

  • Infiltration annual testing uses a “stethoscope for the road”

  • Town owns from the water main to the curb stop (water service shut off from street); Town also owns the meter

  • Meter read via radio today, may eventually get to an automatic send to a data collector; used to take 2 guys a month to read, now it takes one only a week to read the meters

  • WaterSmart system data based upon readings monthly; billing readings are monthly

  • Rebates available for high efficiency water use appliances

  • Annual Water report - highlights by section

  • Reference to working without the incredible asset of Dave Allard, now retired; 4 hours of a brain dump didn’t catch it all but he still answers the phone when they call

  • Key items explained, testing process, negligible results are shown for 20 or so items, another 100+ are tested with no findings, PFAS testing added per state DEP regs

  • Difference between water testing done by Town vs. Water bottles available in retail (FDA vs. DEP/EPA regulations)

  • Thanks to the 61 residents for participating in the lead and copper special testing required (lead goose necks)

  • WaterSmart website, Individual usage can be monitored, Leak detection service


The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.


Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.


Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148dcea-1db5-49f2-b11c-e302009de27f


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Part 3 - approx. 28 minutes

  • Water treatment process flow on last page of “Consumer Confidence Report”  CCR

  • CCR only shows what was found when tested

  • Programed with multiple fail safes, if deviation occurs outside of range, it shuts down

  • Safe in that it is also closed, no internet access to system controls

  • All of the water system is managed by four guys; Licenses required, continuing education required annually, training provided/supported by Town

  • Water enterprise account, Usage based services, quarterly billing per usage

  • Capital projects funded from ratepayers

  • Work to prepare for water and sewer line replacements as part of rebuilding the roads

  • Retained balance of $1M as a practice for “in case”

  • Increase reliability of SCADA system by switching to fiber from radio wave

  • Good to know; the water sewer world of infrastructure is a thing for consideration - job security and regular challenges; the industry is facing 60% of the workforce retiring in the next 10 years


The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.


Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.


Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e921c80-30d7-4f9b-bd36-a8becc68be90



Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio)
Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio)

Board of Health carefully considers body shop violation (audio)

FM #1271 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1271 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 4, 2024. The meeting was conducted virtually. All three board members participated;  Sweet (chair) Mu-Chow, Harris (late). Health Dept staff present are heard as they respond to the roll call opening the session. 


Quick Recap:

Reporting on the virtual Board of Health meeting underway, recording in process to share later. COVID cases in Aug 79, up from 64 in July. Risk for EEE remains low for Franklin. West Nile now has 6 cases in MA, one in Norfolk County, we are at moderate risk for this.


Be cautious, take all mosquito proactive measures. CPR class held 8/14. Continuing to monitor health issues. Flu clinic at Senior Center coming, 40 appts already filled, 40 remain available. US TB cases have increased from 2022 to 2023.


Personnel changes, John left, another to start later this month. Fall health fair at the Library, 17 vendors so far.


Question on Boar's Head recall, Town hasn't seen DPH request for info on invoices Jeff joining meeting, working on audio issue


Public hearing opens as advertised on agenda

Sunshine Lily Spa, owner present, applied for therapist licenses, CORI checked, opened business, inspection made after opening, 2 other staff members present not licensed. The only licensed individual not present at visit, hence ...

In violation of body works regulations, it was closed and has remained closed pending hearing. Owner states what has happened, he did have the unlicensed individuals working on trial, acknowledged that is a violation, did have license present but not … seen during the visit, has been relocated to another spot to be visible.

No charge for license application, most challenging part is for the individual to get to Franklin.


The regulation is really strict for a reason. May take 2-3 weeks to get an individual license. For other licenses, could have lost the state license having unlicensed individuals working.

Board discussion: proposal for provisional license for balance of yr... with monthly inspection


And a graduation to less frequent inspection overtime assuming safe conduct within license So moved to adopt with inspection regularly, failure of compliance results in revocation of said license


Owner agrees, will do as required

Motion to approve, passes via roll call 3-0


Moving to local upgrade request

Modification of 3 ft vs 4 as required per spec, straight forward, consultation agreed.

Motion to approve, passes via roll call 3-0 


Motion to approve June minutes, with change of date and typo of double s's. As amended, moved to approve, second, passes via roll call by 3-0

 

DPH drill to confirm contact info for the Town, clarification via board member. No citizen comments,


Motion to adjourn , second, passes 3-0 via roll call


The meeting runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Sep 4, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1271-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-09-04-24/



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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/9-4-24_-_agenda.pdf 


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c7ljyyEEANflCFS7P1SGH1ML03L_18rm/view?usp=drive_link 


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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/ or www.franklin.news/


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"


Board of Health carefully considers body shop violation (audio)
Board of Health carefully considers body shop violation (audio)