Monday, December 5, 2011

What is Franklin's Master Plan?

For those who follow Franklin Matters on Facebook, you may recall the discussion around the recent article on the Big Y construction.

In response to some of the comments I wrote:
The Town has little to do with "waiting". That is all between the landowner and the buyer. Once a permit is applied for, there is a time line to be followed. If the project fits within what has been zoned for the space there is little the Planning Board can do to deny it. The opportunity for us to really have our say is when the 'Mater Plan' is revised. That is supposed to happen soon (actually overdue, but that's another story)

And Central MA Home Search wrote:
I agree with the above comment. A Planning Board's jurisdiction lies only in determining if the project is consistent with the zone in which it's proposed. Reasonable requests can be made during the project review, but denial based on opinion of a 'need' for the project is not in their power. On the plus side, there will be some healthier competition for the larger supermarkets...

The current Master Plan for Franklin was finalized in 1997 and can be found on the Planning and Community Development webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/initiatives/master/index

The update guideline document (shown below) has an outdated time line but the process of updating the Master Plan should still be accurate.

MasterPlan_updateguideline

The Cult of Lego


As a place cited for being good to raise a family, there must be a few sets of LEGOs around. Perhaps this would be a good holiday gift idea for the LEGO fan you know.


Cult of Lego Trailer from John Baichtal on Vimeo.


Enjoy!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Town Council - Agenda - Dec, 7, 2011



A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 5, 2011, October 26, 2011, Executive Session - November 16, 2011

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS


E. APPOINTMENTS
- Design Review: Adrianna Kelly
- Swearing in of Chief of Police, Stephan Semerjian

F. HEARINGS


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewal

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Elements of Master Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-69: Appropriation – Norfolk County Agricultural High School – FY 2012
2. Resolution 11-70: 2012 Town Council Meeting Schedule
3. Bylaw Amendment 11-667: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Sewer System Map -2nd Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 11-668: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Water System Map -2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT


L. OLD BUSINESS


M. NEW BUSINESS


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN




The full set of documents for this meeting agenda as published are available here (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2011tc%20Complete%20With%20Documents/12-07-2011genda.pdf

"a transparent process based on real budget limitations"


"It really is the way of the future," Franklin Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said of interest-based, or collaborative, bargaining. "It really is the way to negotiate for the 21st century, especially in times of minimal resources." 
Interest-based bargaining requires training, and forces both teacher unions and a town's school officials to decide which issues to address during negotiations together, rather than coming to a negotiating table with set lists of demands. 
The result, said Boston-based negotiations trainer Mary Ellen Shea, is better relationships between towns and unions, and significant and even money-saving changes to contracts.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/education/x1560337199/Towns-teachers-learn-to-negotiate-better#ixzz1fZEUdiUk


In October, the Boston Foundation released a report on interest-based bargaining:
The report, Toward a New Grand Bargain: Collaborative Approaches to Labor-Management Reform in Massachusetts, presents a new, collaborative approach to the bargaining process in place of the current, adversarial tone of contract negotiations. This latest report in the Understanding Boston series was released at an Understanding Boston Forum at the Boston Foundation on Oct. 19, and featured a panel discussion by  labor union, school and Patrick Administration leaders.
Click through to this page to download the report and view a video panel discussion of the report findings.

Mall Santa Musical (video)


Sunday. Likely you have some shopping scheduled

Maybe to the Mall?

Maybe there'll be a Santa!




Way to go ImprovEverywhere!

Whole Foods - 5% day benefits Hockomock Area YMCA


Whole Foods Market Bellingham has selected the YMCA Healthy Futures Initiative for their Community Giving or 5% day, on Monday December 5th from 8 AM – 9 PM. Five percent of the day’s net sales will be donated to the Hockomock Area YMCA Healthy Futures Initiative to reduce inactivity and poor nutrition in the fifteen communities served. 
In Massachusetts 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese and 3 in 5 adults fall into those categories. Research now is showing numbers are rising in our youngest kids too. It is imperative that we partner together to improve the health of our children such as through this upcoming Whole Foods Market 5% Day, helping ensure that we can meet all the needs within our communities.

“Our YMCA is committed to improving the health of kids and families by making the healthy choice the easy choice. The Healthy Futures Initiative strives to support the community through the development of programs, projects and policies that create sustainable change,” says Lauren Marciszyn, Youth and Community Wellness Director.

We hope many people will show their support by saving their shopping for Monday, December 5th and participate in the various activities scheduled throughout the day.  
Activities include free classes for youth ages 1 – 4 years old between 10 AM – 12 PM, shopping while you dine from 12 – 2 PM for all who provide a shopping list (lunch must be purchased), and an Elegant Evening with Ming Tsai from 6 :30 – 8 PM. The Elegant Evening features massage therapists, hears, make-overs, tastings and an appearance by Ming Tsai.

More information can be found at www.Hockymca.org special events or directed to LaurenM@hockymca.org.

Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 6, 2011

The agenda for the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 6, 2011.

FinCom Agenda 20111206