FHS Havens, Gipson, Robbins recognized with Hockomock Sports Com Soccer Awards

The 2016 Hockomock Sports .com Girls Soccer Awards were posted by Hockomock Sports .com. The Franklin High School students recognized are shared here. For the full listing follow the link at the bottom.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Nadia Havens – Franklin – Defense

Nadia Havens – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior defender Nadia Havens was a spark plug for the Panthers all season, whether playing at right back or in the heart of the back four. With Havens leading the way, the Franklin defense allowed only nine goals this year (a remarkable 11 goals in her two seasons as a starter) and helped the Panthers reach the 10-win mark again this fall. She also added five goals and three assists and was named an all-star by the Hockomock coaches and the Eastern Mass. Coaches Association. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Nadia is a tenacious defender who never gives up on anything and is always where she needs to be.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI

Abigail Gipson – Franklin – Defense

Abigail Gipson – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior central defender Abigail Gipson was a major factor in the Panthers defense being the best int eh league for a second straight season. She emerged as an outside back last season and moved into the middle this year, as Franklin allowed only nine goals (11 in her two years on varsity) and reached the 10-win mark. Gipson is a no-nonsense defender that never shied away from a challenge, which is one of the reasons that Gipson was named a team captain and selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “She is a very strong, very skilled, and very dependable defender.”

Cat Robbins – Franklin – Goalie

Cat Robbins – Franklin – Goalie

Franklin junior goalie Cat Robbins had big shoes to fill when she stepped between the pipes this fall and she was instantly one of the top goalies in the league, allowing only nine goals and helping Franklin to 10 wins and only three defeats. Robbins played every second of every game this year and finished the season with 11 shutouts, allowed only 0.81 goals against per game, and was chosen as a second team Eastern Mass. All-Star. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “If we had a surprise this season, it was Cat. She stepped up big time. We knew that she could play goalie but had no idea how good she would be.”

For the complete listing of awards for girls soccer for the 2016 season
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-soccer/2016-2/

"The Hockomock Sports .com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed by position."

FHS girls basketball drop opening game to Holy Name 45-39

Franklin, 39 vs. Holy Name, 45 – Final 

"– Sophomore Bea Bondhus led the way for the Panthers with 12 points, 11 of them in the third quarter. Carli Koffinke added seven points and Ali Brigham scored six for Franklin."

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Friday from HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-120916/

Photo from Twitter https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/807372505472266240

In the News: peaker plant decision appealed; Super PACs in MA

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

"The Conservation Law Foundation is appealing a state board's decision to approve Exelon's plan to expand its Medway facility by adding 200 megawatts of generating power. 

The state Energy Facilities Siting Board tentatively approved the power generating company's plan in early November and later that month after a public hearing, issued a final approve for the 200-megawatt expansion, which calls for two dual-fuel turbines and tall smokestacks. 

https://twitter.com/stopmedwaypeak

In the 18-page appeal, the Conservation Law Foundation - one of four interveners in the board's process of reviewing the project - called the board's final decision a violation of the state's Global Warming Solutions Act, which calls for a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - 25 percent below the 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161209/medway-law-group-appeals-exelon-decision

You can find and read the full appeal document from the Conservation Law Foundation here
http://web1.env.state.ma.us/DPU/FileRoomAPI/api/Attachments/Get/?path=efsb15-01%2fNoticeofAppeal12816.pdf

"With Election Day a month behind us, new campaign finance reports reveal the role Super PACs played in Massachusetts races this year. A Nov. 30 analysis from the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance shows those independent expenditure groups increased the amount they spent in efforts to influence Massachusetts legislature races. Here's a closer look at Super PAC activity in the Bay State.

What is a Super PAC?
A Super PAC, or independent expenditure political action committee, is an organization that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, but cannot directly coordinate with candidates or parties. They often run ads or campaigns independently to support or oppose particular candidates. Super PACs came into existence following the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161208/five-things-to-know-about-super-pacs-in-massachusetts

In the News: white fox "Frankie"; college enrollment declining

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

"A rare white fox was captured Thursday in Franklin after spending the last few weeks visiting the yards of various homes near the state forest. 

The gregarious vixen, with soft streaks of red and black in her fur and black-tipped ears, was taken in by the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife after she was caught in cooperation with the Franklin animal control department. The capture followed a sighting reported to the agency Thursday morning. 

Dave Wattles, a black bear and furbearer biologist with the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, said the fox showed no indications of being rabid, though she has been vaccinated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161209/rare-white-fox-captured-in-franklin/1

https://www.facebook.com/animaladventures.waycoolerthanazoo/videos/1374168705940101/

If you want to help the white fox "Frankie" listen to this
https://www.facebook.com/animaladventures.waycoolerthanazoo/videos/1374168705940101/

"Since hitting a peak in 2013, enrollment at Massachusetts public colleges and universities has decreased for the third consecutive year, posing challenges that education leaders are working to address. 

"This was predictable. All you had to do was go back 17, 18, 19 years ago and look at birth rates," state Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago said. "We knew it was coming … But we don't want to just sit back and let those demographic trends take shape." 

After more than a decade of growth, public undergraduate enrollment in Massachusetts has declined by 10,744, or 5.5 percent, since 2013. There are an estimated 186,103 undergraduate students on public campuses in Massachusetts for the fall 2016 semester."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161208/college-enrollment-declining-in-massachusetts

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/9/16 - THU 12/15/16

FRIDAY 12/9/16 
9-10am   School Committee Coffee Hour @ 23 Hutchinson St.
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
3-6pm    Second Warehouse Sale @Boston International, 210 Grove St
7:30pm   A Glass Slipper Christmas @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 12/10/16
8-4pm    Second Warehouse Sale @Boston International, 210 Grove St
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
9-11am   Breakfast with Santa (supports Santa Foundation) @ British Beer Company (registration required)
10:30am-12:30pm   Holiday Workshop (vases/candleholders, grades 5 and up) @ Franklin Art Center
5-7pm   Santa @ Learning Express
7:30pm   A Glass Slipper Christmas @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Charles River Choral: Home For The Holidays @ Medway HS
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Robbie O’Connell’s Celtic Christmas @ FUSF

SUNDAY 12/11/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public
9am-1pm   Photos with Santa @ Franklin Police Station
9am-12pm  Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library
1-3pm   Cookies with Santa! @ Daddario Hardware Store
2pm   A Glass Slipper Christmas @ The Black Box
5:30pm   Annual FREE Christmas Concert and Dinner @ Medway Community Church

MONDAY 12/12/16
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 12/13/16
1pm   Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Lunch @ Dean College Dining Center
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (prospective members welcome)
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting @ Franklin YMCA (public welcome)

WEDNESDAY 12/14/16
6:30pm   Doggie Tales (grades 2 and up) @ Franklin Public Library (registration required)
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Monthly Meeting @ 3 Restaurant

THURSDAY 12/15/16
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center (please call to register, free program)
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com or shersteve@gmail.com

FHS wrestling team opens season with win over North Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the wrestling results of the first winter sports match for FHS

North Attleboro, 22 @ Franklin, 40 – Final

This is confirmed with the tweet from the FHS Wrestling account:

Great 40-22 win over North with individual wins from Bakalars, Remilard, MacLean, Polito, Hernandez, Colella, and Coughlin #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 9, 2016

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/807000634457292800

FHS Wrestling (Twitter profile image)

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-120816/

Franklin Art Association January Meeting - Jan 4, 2017

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by Sallie Strand, a contemporary abstract artist living and working in Waltham. 

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org.

Franklin Art Association

SOAR Performing Twice This Weekend

Out at Emerald Mall on Saturday, and you hear a band playing some good tunes, stop and give a listen. At least one of the band members if from Franklin!

----

Hi Steve,

My son Tyler is in the School of Rock's House Band (named SOAR) and they will be performing this weekend (see below). School of Rock is a performance-based music franchise, based (loosely) on the movie "School of Rock".

If you are out and about shopping this Saturday near the Emerald Square Mall in Attleboro, they are performing in the mall out in front of Sears 2pm - 3pm. No Christmas music, but they will be playing songs by these artists​

• Amy Winehouse
• Guns N' Roses
• Journey
• Kinks
• Paramore
• Pat Benatar
• Pink Floyd
• Rolling Stones
• Rush
• Scorpions
• Van Halen

SOAR Performing Twice This Weekend

Second Warehouse Sale - Friday and Saturday

"We have a special treat in the mix - just in time for the holidays!
The Boston International crew is planning a SECOND Warehouse Sale this year!!

Our first sale this year was such a big hit, and we've received so many comments that we should have another ASAP!

Well folks, we listened!!

So join us again for great deals and great products on FRIDAY DECEMBER 9TH 3-6 AND SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH from 8 AM - 4 PM.

Share this event with friends and family - spread the good news!"

https://www.facebook.com/events/342447936117748/

https://www.facebook.com/events/342447936117748/

Where?
210 Grove St, Franklin, MA

Victims of Gravity at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

“Vehicle” covered by Victims of Gravity on the Circle of Friends outdoor stage at THE BLACK BOX for the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival.








For more about the Victims of Gravity
https://www.facebook.com/Victims-of-Gravity-325131732559/

Victims of Gravity (photo by Jake Jacobson)

The 3rd Annual Cultural Festival will be held in Franklin July 26 through July 29, 2017. Subscribe for email updates

"Collapse" the Chronicle show about honey bees features Ed Szymanski in one segment

via Ed Szymanski

"Collapse", the Chronicle show about honey bees (yes, I'm in it) will be re-aired this Friday night, Ch. 5, 7:30 PM. 

It's a great show talking about the troubles bees face and what is being done. 

Not just saying that because I'm part of it."

screen grab of the Chronicle intro

If you are out and about on Friday, here are links to view the video segments from the WCVB 5 archives

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-why-are-the.../41786964

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-theyll-take.../41787238

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-make-your.../41787062   (Ed is in this one!)

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-eat-candy-save.../41787050

screen grab of bees from the Chronicle show

For more about Neonicotinoids  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonicotinoid

And "Beyond Pesticides"  http://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/bee-protective-pollinators-and-pesticides/chemicals-implicated

For more about Ed  http://www.pchman.com/

FHS Walsh, Marshfield, Ronan, Morse, and Lounsbury recognized for Hockomock Field Hockey

2016 Hockomock Sports .com Field Hockey Awards were posted by Hockomock Sports .com. The Franklin High School students recognized are shared here. For the full listing follow the link at the bottom.

"Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh has been selected as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Player of the Year. The forward was a dangerous threat every single game and led the Hockomock League in scoring in 2016. Walsh was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches. 

Walsh finished the regular season with 14 goals and 11 points for a league-best 25 points. Her 14 goals were tied for second most in the league and her 11 assists were tied for the highest. Walsh was a big reason why the Panthers repeated as Kelley-Rex division champions. 

“Annie is a gifted offensive player with great speed and a nose for the net,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said. “Her instincts combined with outstanding fitness make her a dangerous and constant offensive threat for defenses to contend with.”

Continue reading the write up on Annie
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2016-2/

2016 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Player of the Year (Hockomock Sports photo)

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Kayla Marshall – Franklin – Defense

Kayla Marshall – Franklin – Defense
(Hockomock Sports photo)

"Franklin senior Kayla Marshall helped guide the Panthers to their second straight Kelley-Rex division title in 2016. In her third year starting for the Panthers, Marshall was very effective from her role in the middle of the field. She also chipped in offensively with a pair of goals and one assist for three points.”A three year starter and senior captain, Kayla provided the type of leadership both on and of the field that we needed this season from her center midfield position by distributing the ball effectively to our offense and cutting off opposing players before they could counter attack,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said."

Cassi Ronan – Franklin – Midfield

Cassi Ronan – Franklin – Midfield
(Hockomock Sports photo)

"Franklin sophomore Cassi Ronan paced the Panthers to another Kelley-Rex division title this season. Playing both in the midfield and at forward, Ronan did a lot of the dirty work that didn’t show up in the box score. Ronan finished with 10 goals and seven assists. “She didn’t always get on the stat sheet, but was quite often the player creating offensive opportunities the rest of our team. Cassi was our ‘QB’ on offensive corners, often a key part of defensive corners, and constantly kept opponents off balance with her tricky stick work, speed, and passing,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said."

Annie Walsh – Franklin – Forward

Annie Walsh – Franklin – Forward
(Hockomock Sports photo)

"Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh followed up her stellar freshman campaign with an impressive 2016. After being named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year a year ago, Walsh was named the 2016 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Player of the Year (see above). On the season, Walsh had 14 goals and 11 assists for a league-best 25 points. “Just a sophomore, she is learning to combine with her teammates more effectively every year which is helping to improve the whole team’s offensive output,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said."

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Kate Morse – Franklin – Defense

Kate Morse – Franklin – Defense
(Hockomock Sports photo)

"Franklin junior Kate Morse made life difficult for opposing offenses from her center back spot for the Kelley-Rex winning Panthers. While Morse sometimes worked her way up the field, finding the back of the net twice and notching four assists, she made the biggest difference defensively. She finished the season with four goal-saving stops herself after opponents had beat the goalie. “Just a junior, Kate took over the reins at center back this season and really anchored our defense along by making several key defensive saves behind our goalkeeper throughout the season,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said."

Caroline Lounsbury – Franklin – Midfield

Caroline Lounsbury – Franklin – Midfield
(Hockomock Sports photo)

"Franklin senior Caroline Lounsbury was truly a versatile option the Kelley-Rex division winning Panthers. Throughout the 2016 season, Lounsbury played all over the field – making an impact wherever she played. She recorded five goals and two assists on the season for Franklin. “A senior captain who played effectively and without complaint at midfield, forward, or back on defense depending on whatever the situation called for,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said. “Caroline was our most versatile and unselfish player.”

https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2016-2/

Library Book Sale: Saturday, Dec 10 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

The monthly Franklin Public Library Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 11 from 9:00 - noon buy 'books by the bag' sale

Library Book Sale: Saturday, Dec 10 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-sale-saturday-december-10-900-am.html

"I feel that if I do a little bit to help, others will do a little bit as well"

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

"To help homeless people in Boston, local charity Make Change for Change will deliver 100 backpacks filled with survival and comfort items during their first "Backpack Brigade" this Christmas Eve. 

On their trip to Boston, volunteers with Make Change for Change will first deliver backpacks to Rosie's Place, a homeless shelter for women in Boston. Volunteers will then deliver to other Boston homeless shelters, yet to be confirmed. The group will then end their trip handing out the backpacks to homeless people in Central Square. 

The filled backpacks cost about $50 each. According to Corey Nappa, a Franklin resident and board member of Make Change for Change, 75 percent of the donated items came from local anonymous donors, and 25 percent of the items were purchased by the charity."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161207/franklin-charity-donates-100-backpacks-to-homeless

Live Reporting: Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT	nothing tonight
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS	Jones - private wells are part of the water ban Pfeffer - joint meeting of Planning Board and Council, should we get one again Vallee - should put the train station on the
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS	Pellegri - my comment would have been on Officer Marguerite but that was covered Jones - excited to see the new technology stuff on the agenda Bissanti - I want to announce my acting debut I will be playing an adult in Humbug! Pfeffer - I can't think of a better honor to have my name in every bar and restaurant

meeting adjourns

Live Reporting: Legislation for Action

6. Resolution 16-71: 2017 Schedule of Town Council Meetings Change March 22 instead of March 15 Sep 20 instead of Sep 27 motion to approve, seconded, passed as amended   9-0
7. Resolution 16-72: Legal Notices even though the new website was created to post notices still need to by law post in the newspaper (approx $30,000) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
8. Resolution 16-73: Acceptance of Grant of Utility (Drainage) Easement on Property at 9 Macintosh Street the pipe was put on the property without an easement, this is legally cleaning up the situation motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
9. Resolution 16-74: Declaration as surplus and available for Disposition (Ground Leasing) and Authorization Therefor of a Portion of Town-owned land off Forge Hill allows Franklin TV to locate their tower on the site, will save money as the town antennas will be moved to this locatiion this is a win-win, Franklin TV will open up their low band signal at 102.9 motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
10. Memo to Capital Budget Subcommittee outline of 'free cash'

10.1 Resolution 16-76: Appropriation - Technology - Google Applications movement of Town employees to the Google email and applications will enhance compliance motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
11. Resolution 16-77: Appropriation - Turf Field Design and Development FInCom voted 7-0 on 12/6 'straight forward process, take up carpet, level stone, replace new carpet and use new infill EPA report coming on the crumb infill in June 2017 encapsulated material recommended, economic alternative but with less issues the coating can be colored which will reduce the heat generated by the fields used for about 4-5 years, the longest used material fields warranted for 8-10 years, your fields should have been replaced a few years ago We have been saving for this, we have about 800K in the fund, and it is estimated at 1.2 or 1.3M once we are done, we want to continue to save as we also have a third field to take care of and 8-10 years will go quickly. motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
12. Resolution 16-78: Appropriation - Technology - E Permitting pilot program for Town Clerk's office would expand to other offices later, want to get the dog licenses up and running for Jan motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

13. Resolution 16-79: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
14. Bylaw Amendment 16-778: Chapter 160, Taxpayers, Delinquent - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-778 to a 2nd Reading (majority)) modernization amendment requires changes to our bylaw motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0

Live Reporting: Fire Dept civil service discussion

1. Resolution 16-58: Request for Legislation

Exempting all positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law

The formal document can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/civil_service_0.pdf

Chief McCarragher

The civil service has provided us valuable employees, it is flawed with regards to hiring and promoting. The discussion is to get people into positions quicker. It has cost us 20 weeks to bring people in. It is time to move on from the system and move to a system that will allow us to be more timely.

We don't agree with leaving civil service, we have negotiated the promotion side. It doesn't fix the hiring process. There are a lot of things that it does well and some it doesn't do well. It is not apples and oranges. Hiring would be more difficult

Nutting: I sent everybody a memo, it takes months to get people hired. How can we do this quicker. The Police as an example. They had a test in November, they'll have someone in December, 30 days. It is really up to the Council to make the decision

3 completing physical ability test, 3 other open spots

Dellorco: I took the civil service test in Boston years ago. I called other departments how is taking so long? I don't know where civil service is the problem. Fall River came out 2 years ago, and went back. Would we have preference for children of members?

Nutting: No, not by law

Kelly: we do not proctor our exams

Dellorco: Hopkinton got 35 applications and hired one

Nutting: we could use the civil service list along with this. We struggle with the process as the first person on the list is not the one we want. It does take time to do the background checks, etc. 

Pellegri: why are you so adamant to get rid of civil service?

McCarragher: I don not know that we are adamant, we want an efficient and quicker process. We are trying to do the process better. We think we can do that better outside of civil service than in. It is your decision, we will work with what we have

Nutting: there is not enough people to take the exam, so we are going to wait another year to get a captain. The proof is in the pudding, look at the Police dept. as a good example

Pfeffer: would we get someone from Franklin?

Nutting: any existing list would be honored until it expired. That was always part of the deal. Since 1950, approximately.

Pfeffer: I have been in Franklin all my life, my relatives were fire fighters and I see no reason why we would remove it

Jones: as a member of the two largest unions I am glad for the ability for the two parties. Apparently, there hasn't been enough discussion to reach a solution. I think there needs to be more discussion. There needs to be a reasonable solution to this problem.  

Bissanti: candidly, I see both sides. These are our first responders, I think they should be happy. I haven't been given enough info on going away from it. If they feel comfortable with it, I am comfortable.

Padula: Both sides have compelling arguments. This is not going to be a 9-0 vote. My decision is not going to be based on the morale of the fire dept. I don't feel it is the same as the police. At the end of the day it is based upon significant vetting. A lot of time has been spent on this. They are still talking and that is a good thing. When my head hits the pillow, I will sleep well.

Mercer: I have gone back and forth. I am trying to look at the logic picture, there are compelling arguments at both sides. When civil service came in in the 1950's, there were 15 groups, over the years the other 14 groups have moved away from civil service for one reason or another. Over the time, I have not heard of any mistakes in making those moves away from civil service. Civil service for the existing doesn't change, wheat does change is the new hires coming on board. This is one of the more difficult decisions I have had to make. They are not easy discussions. There needs to be ongoing discussions to make this better.

Kelly: I feel like since I got on the Council that this has been a pending decision. I hope that we can do that tonight and move on. The union and the fire fighters have been great and we'll work together

Yes would send the petition to the legislator

6 no (Pellegri, Padula, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones)
3 yes (Mercer, Vallee, Kelly)

Civil Service will stay

Live Reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Franklin Advisory Committee

Larry Benedetto

looking to come up with a game plan for the Old South Meeting House

former location of the Franklin Historical Museum

looking to see if grant money for this preservation is available

Train station

looking to see what can be done to help fix up the Depot Station

There is some money for MBTA infrastructure work

Rep Jeff Roy

has been meeting with the T and Keolis particularly about the performance of the Franklin line

there have been improvements

Falmouth train station as an example; a local economic development org will take this one over and enhance it

looking for direction from the Council  to proceed

any given expenditure would trigger ADA compliance

which would include an elevator down to the platform, a costly venture

any of the repairs to the building other than painting would trigger ADA

to become a world class station, it would require high platforms along the entire Franklin Dean Station (similar to those in place at Forge Park)

Nutting: ADA trigger occurs when an improve is made to a building that exceeds 30% of the assessed value

Roy: the other item would adding a double track to the Franklin Line, it is needed from Dedham Corp to Franklin

Roy: The Greenbush line was developed in the right way, all high platforms, etc. That is the good example. Ridership is a factor. Franklin doesn't just serve us, there are folks from the surrounding areas coming into the our stations

Pellegri: would we be able to get an exemption?

Roy: no

Jones: we have had several discussions with the T over the past years. 

Roy: is this a property that you want to take over and run? Is this a parking lot that you want to take over an run?

Pfeffer: a 180 parking spots is not enough for the T, they need a garage downtown to help us and the commuters

(Note there is an operating coffee shop in the Franklin/Dean Station)

Kelly: I am ashamed of the station, it is a mess. I have met the T and Keolis down there, it is all lip service. I am all in favor of doing something with that. Frankly we could do a whole lot better than they could

Nutting: it is public land, they would go through an open process

What are the terms and conditions?

Kelly: I think we are all in favor of doing something  

Benedetto - the salt barn at the MassDOT land at 140/i495 that property rightfully should come back to the town of Franklin