"Citizens Committee" statement

As read by Judith Pfeffer, Town Councilor and one of three councilors on the Citizens Committee (half the total committee membership).

As an appointed member of the Citizens Committee, I have a statement on behalf of the Citizens Committee as regards the 150 Emmons Street property. The Citizens committee was formed basically to "encourage quality, visually pleasing, financially enhancing economic development for the benefit of our community. Projects that the Citizens Committee, to date, have impacted include:

• Dump (recycling center) improvements

• Acquisition efforts in land purchase from state, property next to dump

• Dean College train station building improvements

• Cooks Farm building project

• Cleaning/maintenance of down town central business district 

The Citizen's Committee's position relative to the disposition of the old town hall are as follows: 

1. The site, bordered by two main arterial roadways, is better suited for commercial development, as part of an enhanced central business district and a revenue producing property than another town-owned, marginally/poorly maintained, economic drain on town resources 

2. The curb cuts should be done for the property while the road project is being done, so the openings will not have to be redone after the new road has been completed. 

3. Revenue from the sale of the site, could be used to construct a first class facility for the Recreation Department, and would allow for expansion of its' many programs, particularly those which have been downsized by the schools (arts, music, etc.) For years the Recreation Department has been moved from one site to another and is deserving of a facility that will serve Franklin, and its children, for years to come ... Rec dept. served 5700 kids in 2013, over 4000 in sports programs. 

4. The estimated cost alluded to in a prior meeting of one million dollars for retaining, re-constructing, and developing the old town hall site into a Cultural Center, not to mention the annual cost of maintaining said cultural center, in view of the anticipated costs of the new school, road improvement program and questionable economy makes no economic
sense. 

5. Suggestions that the site is appropriate for a park, although well intentioned, is not practical for the following reasons: (1) the town owns, and maintains an underutilized site less than a mile away (Town Common); (2) the loss of revenue from both the sale and future taxes is economically unsound; (3) the town's history of property maintenance is abysmal, at best, and unlikely to improve under this proposal; (4) it is likely that the use of any park at that site would serve, primarily, the students of the college that surround it.  

Economic Development at this site: (1) will provide revenue for a building for Recreation Dept.; (2) The town, through the permitting process, will have input into any proposed development at the site, assuring the development is aesthetically appropriate and contributes to the "gateway"
initiatives under discussion; (3) As alluded to above, the town's recent history of owning and maintaining property, does not lead one to think adding to the current burden is either logical or prudent; this is one of sites referred to as "seedy" in the Globe's description of Franklin! 

6. There needs to be an ongoing blending of public-private development. The reconstruction of the central business district roadways will be a huge contribution to any revitalizing effort; the private sector needs to be encouraged to participate.

7. The Citizens Committee strongly recommends that a "REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST" be initiated. Responses to this Request will be reviewed, discussed with and between the Council and brought before the Public. This will insure that this site will continue to
be on the forefront. The Request for Expression process will take months, and the follow-up RFP will take additional months. Waiting for the next few years to make a decision is not in the Town's best economic interest.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Citizen%20Committee

Mass Governor Declares Public Health Emergency

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Executive Update    Massachusetts Governor declares Public Health Emergency 60-Day Action Plan to address Opioid Epidemic April 2, 2014 Quick Links Contact us by email! Dear Steve,  We have an epidemic of opiate abuse in Massachusetts...," March 27, 2014 Deval Patrick Governor Commonwealth of Massachusetts  How Bad is the Epidemic?   More than two people die from opioid overdoses every day in Massachusetts. It is estimated that for every person who dies from an overdose, over 50 are saved. In the last few months alone, 140 people have died from overdose.   Despite Massachusetts taking this extraordinary action, many other states are experiencing the same trends or worse.  According to Kentucky Executive Office of Drug Control Policy, heroin overdose deaths exploded 550% (2011 to 2012).  In Vermont, heroin deaths rose over 88% from 2012 to 2013.  What is the 60-Day Action Plan? The 60-day plan grants EMERGENCY POWERS to the Public Health Commissioner to begin the following actions: Universally permit first responders to carry and administer Naloxone (Narcan)...an opioid antagonist to reverse an overdose. Immediately prohibit the prescribing and dispensing of the hydrocodone-only drug formulation (commonly known as Zohydro). Mandate the use of the previous voluntary program Prescription Dispensing Monitoring Program (PDMP). Re-task state government with better coordinated services and divert non-violent criminal defendants to addiction programs. An "ACT TO BAN ZOHYDRO" Both the United States Senate (S.2134) and the House of Representatives (HR 4241) have introduced bills to withdrawal approval of Zohydro(R) and prohibit the FDA from approving such drugs in the future unless reformulated to prevent abuse.  Your WorkersComp Plan of Action Employers/Carriers must employ ROBUST predictive models to identify at-risk injured employees as early as possible in the claim process.  A machine learning approach using transaction level detail, claim notes and the like is the optimal approach. (Cautionary note: the number of variables used is NOT a proxy for a robustness measure of a model.) Typically, insurance operations can identify upwards of 15% of non-CAT high risk claims between the 90 and 120 day mark.  As we are seeing from the epidemic statistics, this is ID is far too late. Models should identify between Day 1 and Day 30 with significantly higher accuracy rates. Utilize a data warehouse to capture data and help understand patterns of potential abuse.  Key Performance Indicators (KPI) can be deployed for continuous alerts. Measure - Monitor - Act Call us now to help implement your Action Plan to Positively Impact Claim Outcomes.  Cordially, Jim Paugh President WorkersComp Analytics LLC (  617-410-6561    Data Warehoused in the USA POSITIVELY IMPACTING CLAIM OUTCOMES

Forward email WorkersComp Analytics | 65 Commodore Rd | Worcester | MA | 01602

FHS Lacrosse scores

In Hockomock League lacrosse action on Weds, for the boys:

FHS Panthers

Franklin, 13 @ Oliver Ames, 2 - Final - Jack Vail picked up six points in the win via two goals and four assists and Austin Kent added four goals for the Panthers.

In Hockomock League lacrosse action on Weds, for the girls:

Oliver Ames, 3 @ Franklin, 17 - Final - Emily Jeffries scored five goals, Marta Vesprille had two goals and six draw controls and Julia Bireley had a goal and three draw controls.

The full slate of results across the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/04/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040214.html

live reporting - closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
Apr 30, May 1 - budget hearing

send best wishes to Stella


L. OLD BUSINESS 
none

M. NEW BUSINESS 
create new committee to explore a hospital opening an emergency care center
recommend assigning the folks to explore

when the bond bill passes, we'll be out to talk to you
Jeff met with Transportation Committee today, when he has info, let me know


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Bissanti - I am very proud of the townspeople for their out pouring for their opinions
we just don't represent 40-50 people in the room, I think we did the right thing tonight

Kelly - it was not my intention to be harsh with my comments
I apologize, if someone took it that way

Padula - thanks for your input, we need more


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

P. ADJOURN 
motion to adjourn, 9-0 via roll call


The documents released with this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/04022014.pdf

Live reporting - Legislation for action

return from 5 minute break

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account – Continue until May
moved to second meeting in May; 7-0 vote by roll, (Padula, Feldman out of room at the time)


2. Resolution 14-15: Request for Special Legislation, Re: Local Sales Tax on Sale of Medical Marijuana
motion to approve, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call


3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728R: Changes to Chapter 185 – 5, Zoning Map: Industrial to Single Family III(Washington St.)-Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call
motion to amend, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call


4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-732: Changes to Chapter 185-21, Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements – Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call

changing sight distance from a set distance to a variation due to speed and other local factors
shifted also from Zoning Board to Planning Board

Live reporting - 150 Emmons St

Motion to approve minutes for the meeting
– February 12, 2014 Regular and Executive Session- To be released

motion seconded, passed via roll call. 9-0


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
150 Emmons Street

Nutting - still waiting on pre-construction hearing for the downtown project, maybe May now rather than sooner. We did have a study a year ago on the condition of the building, basically in excess of $2M for renovations on the existing site. Would be very expensive to save the building.

Padula - after talking with a lot of folks, there is no decision tonight, I have heard a number of arguments. This is going to stand on its own merits. We do need more discussion to determine what we want there. There are a lot of factors in play. I have not made up my mind on anything. To slow this down is not a valid reason.

Lisa Piana - Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership
recently letter sent asking for time to develop additional recommendations/ideas
there is no downside to inviting the community in the process
the March 4th workshop was a great stop, impression was this was the first of many meetings
there should be no rush to sell the property, the land will increase in value as the work is being done
there are 5 key questions to be answered

1. what are the specific goals for the property?
2. what is the plan for where businesses will park during the project?
3. how will loosing the 50 parking spaces affect the downtown businesses?
4. what will the new traffic patterns be after the traffic is re-routed with the new 2-way?
5. what state funding is available if the Council considers green space or cultural center?

We are fortunate to have this property and bring something special to the gateway to Franklin
Calls and emails as a result of the drive through
allow us time to develop these ideas and research funding options
take the time to answer the five questions, the community will be more comfortable with the future

I appreciate your time tonight and meeting with us as a group and individually over the past several weeks
this is an important project for the community

Claire Griffin
reads the Open Letter (published earlier) and petition
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/franklin-voices-open-letter-to-franklin.html

signed by over 500 citizens, all Franklin residents between online and hard copy

Richard Huff
my wife and I are on the listing
I have an idea, new assistant office for a non-profit in town
great constituency, non-profit
an incubator for non-profits focus on growing the value of the community
we have some short comings, the diversity is lacking
lot of us are white males, silent or invisible disabilities that are just becoming known and will need to be addressed
there are non-profits out there, who could try and partner to

Jim Schultz
thanks for voicing your opinion Councilor Padula, it is good to hear that
I would like to explore the cultural aspect
cultural district is in the works, the Master Plan was approved by this Council
there are points in the Master Plan, goals are grounded in Town property
what is the proper use of this property? developing a coordination among the groups
great deal of concern about where the funding will come from, the cultural district will potentially provide that
communication is something we need to do a better job at
highlighted several sections of the opening goals of the Master Plan
glad that there seems to be an interest in having this discussion

Max Morrongiello
we live in a commonwealth and that means a lot to me
I was born in NJ and the state didn't provide the support I needed
I wouldn't be where I am today if the schools here didn't provide
a greenspace is about a community
I think we need to take this slow, if we decide a park, it will be here a long time
this will be a monument to our character and I want that to be here for all of us

Susan Sheridan
I think this conversation is just beginning
I was blindsided about some development ideas without having involved the community
research, stakeholders, things like these do not happen overnight
people are willing to sit on committees to see what it would take to do this
once it is sold, it is gone forever
it would be part of the cultural district
it would be beneficial to have a jewel in the gateway
let's take the time, get the community involved

Jane Curran
20 year business owner, 37 year resident
number one concern is with the upheaval due to the downtown streetscape project
where would the overflow go due to the disruption, at that time, the area around the municipal building would have been a solution
spoke to Stevn Greenberg, in Ashland, who recalled a particular shop that had closed due to the construction there
the traffic low is a concern, we don't know what it will be
it is a science, a science of guesswork, two lanes of traffic, if we don't wait and see, we would be compounding the guess

Michael Doherty
newcomer, only here for 27 years
nothing happens quickly, move forward at a reasonable pace
and simultaneously encourage other development
create a competition of ideas
since 2003 it has sat there
we need to change the status quo
we need hard proposals, it is right to say it is unique
having a private citizen willing to invest is also rare, Roger Callarese is a good developer
there is no deal to sell it to Roger, there is a lot of time to elapse
explain it to the folks, design review, planning board, all opportunities for the public to be involved
if you stop the process, you stop the town
it is hard to take the concept to take an idea to brick and mortars
lets work parallel programs, how much will it cost, how much will it benefit the town?

John Griffin
I have no opinion as to what should be done
I am of opinion that nothing should be done right now
preserve your options, there is value in that
waiting, that entire triangle, it is an accident of history, Rockland Trust
there could be an opportunity to do something meaningful there
reduce some of the cookie cutter aspect
it is an odd thing
there is no crime no sin in waiting
there is a great deal to be said for waiting

Alan Mercer
I think a couple of things
let's not stop this just to stop the process
many are confused, what is the process, RFI, RFP?
we are frustrated as we are not part of it
it has been around there but now here
we want to be part of the process
I am clearly in favor of the cultural district
if we have some time, we can do the next sensible thing, a find raising feasibility study
there are groups and families and businesses that might want to be recognized
there is no shortage of contractors in this town
perhaps they could do something for us
38 foundations support cultural and community
make sure we are all part of the process

Guy Rezendis
I went to kindergarten in that school
you have an opportunity to do something good
it doesn't have to be one or the other
a great opportunity for the gateway
pause, the businesses are going to get hurt, help them
echo those thoughts, rather than repeat what has been said
pause and think to get the ideas from the community

Brian Kelly
Asst Vice President for Capital Planning at Dean College
in favor of whatever will enhance the community
we have made changes at Dean to give it a sense of place, a sense of identity
there is a lot of research that shows that brings community brings civic pride, makes Franklin different from our neighbors
needs to be unique and a signature entrance to the community
we have been here for 150 year, we will be here for another 150 years

Cindy Rich
Quilt shop owner, in business after 10 years
two concerns, one what is going to happen when the streetscape is going on
I have 7 employees and 5 are residents, the work they depend upon
celebrating the ten year anniversary this year
need to do something creative, the process should be fair and transparent

Jim Hill
resident for 37 years
I patronize the businesses downtown
I am empathetic for those who would be doing business
a council should not do anything that would have even a small impact on their livelihood
it doesn't make sense
Mr Nutting mentioned we have this property for over a hundred years
I don't see why we would give up this space

Peter Liner (?)
I have talked to a lot of people, I haven't heard that we need another drive through or an other office space
I am advocating stopping

Claire Griffin
We used to have a community center
the pipes burst, it did not get rebuilt, the families lost the opportunity to go
the scouts lost their place to have meetings
it was a crappy building, but it was there
having a place where families and non-profits, community groups can gather

Lisa Buccelli
23 year resident of Franklin
how often we like to name things and share our history
what do we want our town to be known for
I don't want our town to be know for how many Dunkins; or Starbucks, are here
We need to incorporate Dean like NH has done
we need to make our community a walking community
we don't need another Walgreens in our gateway
have you tried to get out of Chipotle's
it is a disaster

Judy Pfeffer
reading a statement from the Citizens Committee
the committee was formed to enhance the community
the recycling center improvements, Dean College station improvements
the site is better suited for commercial business
curb cut should be done before the building is completed so it would not be re-done when the streetscape is done
suggestions that the site is suitable for a park is not well reasoned
the towns history of property maintenance is abysmal at best
needs to be an ongoing discussion of public and private section
recommends that a request for interest be solicited
request process will take months
waiting for the next few years is not in the towns best interest

Kelly
we are elected to serve 30,000 folks
one misconception, there was a meeting in October where the developer mentioned a drive through
this did start in Oct 2012, this did start sometime ago
my goal for this property is the highest and best use for Franklin
what is the plan for business parking?
I decided to do a study
18 open spaces during three times a day during march
currently a portion leased to the Post Office
the new traffic pattern was heavily looked at during the streetscape project
our building does have a hole in in, a $2M dollar hole
how to raise money for our roads
how do we get the lawn in front of the fire station cut as our DPW is so short staffed
nothing happens quickly, this has been on the agenda since 2004, I appreciate that you are all interested
I would love to see the downtown expanded to include to the Town Common

I would request an expression of interest be referred back to the EDC to be put on legislation for action

Padula
I think something needs to be done
absolutely not open to any time delay, that accomplishes nothing
this is the very beginning, I think they need to continue
money is going to be an issue
we need to do more with parking
maybe expand the free meters so folks will know at least they can get something

Bissanti
Mike Doherty stole part of may speech, Peter stole the other so I'll just wing it
I realize it is not all about the money, when the anaerobic digester came to Pond St, it was not the right move
what the best we can do is be transparent and input as much as we can, expression of interest
let's keep moving forward, this will not happen fast
after those steps, then the person will need to go through the Planning Board
we know we have to make a decision sooner or later
there are hard decisions, we represent the whole community

Mercer
I don't want to rush into this, I am excited about the community interest
I would like to hear of the interests before we going with an RFP
we should have some answers before going forward
where are we going to put Franklin Recreation?
parking in our downtown, the Council looked at purchasing the Old Masonic Hall to alleviate parking
thank you to the residents who came out tonight

Jones
I spend more time downtown than most people do
this is my home, this is my stomping ground
you will find some photos there of what this building used to look like it was the high school until Davis Thayer opened, it was barberized and I am not fond of it now
Ryan Jette and the Recreation operate a self sustaining budget, they need a better space
I am a member of the downtown partnership
there is no doubt we have a parking issue
I would like to approach Rockland Trust in hopes of partnership with them that we might be able to make available
I am looking forward to having the Black Box opening
the streetsscape, will be a problem, in order to get it better we have to destroy it
150 Emmons St can be and will be a good gateway
we own Horace Mann a dedication, parking, now that leaves the remainder of the lot
what is it going to be, I don't see purpose in delaying it

Cerel
statutory guidelines for RFP
expression of intent before hand will help to craft the RFP and focus
the RFP has to stand by itself

Feldman
we do need to do a better job explaining what is going on
short term vs long term
cognizance of the business concerns
would the value of this property be higher after?

Williams
in listening to what has been said here tonight, there is truth along all sides
go with the expression of interest, see what happens, a great compromise
it doesn't stop things, we have been sitting on it and need to move forward
let's get every bodies ideas, what is viable

Nutting
I think the value of the building wil really be determined by the proposal
what the property use will be will affect the sale price
is the motion to put on the next agenda for a request for interest for 90 days to the EDC and a report to the Council in Sep

vote on roll, unanimous via roll


announced that there would be a 5 minute recess
the crowd empties the Council Chambers

Live reporting: Spilka, Ross, Roy

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Senators Spilka, Ross and Representative Roy (Chris Yancich in his place)

Sen Spilka
$154,000 increase over FY 14, via joint release of House and Senate
$59,000 increase also coming to Franklin for unrestricted aid
SPED circuit breaker still to be determined with other specific areas of the budget

Sen Ross
appreciates Sen Spilka's knowledge of Franklin
trying to bring back as much as can be brought back to the community
Watertown was shut off due to the over whelming response to the firefighter funeral today
thanks to all those in Franklin and our local communities for the first responders and their service

Chris Yancich
Thanks to the Senators for covering the budget that was what I had in my notes from Rep Roy
Rep Roy apologies for not attending tonight, he is in session in the House working on the budget legislation
feel free to reach out to Rep Roy and we'll do what we can

Q - Jones - we need money for roads?
Spilka - $1.5 B for 5 years, could account for the largest amount ever to go to cities and towns for the next 5 years, also allowed to be aggregated so it doesn't have to be spent all at once, some can carry over

Ross - it has been a hard winter, a lot of work is being done on the 152 corridor
Planville will start to see some growth with the race track coming in
I commend you all for doing as much as you can with what you get

$300,000 for the Panther Way section at RT 140 was passed by the House
looking to see that is still comes this way

Spilka - encourages communities to write a letter and be a pain, sorry to be that way but it may help

Nutting - looking to get a home rule change to be able to tax the medical marijuana
it is up for the agenda this evening

Spilka - water issue bond bill to help communities, particularly with the EPA focus on the water

Ross - we do rely on you to be our eyes and ears for any issues that we may not know of
Greg Casey, formerly with Scott Brown, will be starting tomorrow as chief of staff to replace the person who I had who left for a private position

Spilka - temporary notes, to provide more flexibility on short term bans, to renew from 5 to 10 years
MetroWest commission on the status of women and girls, to work with the Sate-wdie org and focus on the 495 MetroWest belt communities

Ross - we are being proactive with the MetroWest caucus which is now coming further down i495 than it has come before, great things will be happening in this area