![]() |
Cruising for a Cure Car Show - Sep 12 |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Cruisin' for a Cure Car Show - Sep 12
The 7th Annual Cruisin' for a Cure Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 12 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Benchmark Senior Living Center 4 Forge Hill Road.
All proceed from the event to benefit the Alzheimer's Assoc
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Live reporting: to closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
thanks to the police and fire for the action yesterday on the School St issue
looking to get three fire fighters to replace 2 and anticipate a retirement
now have a Facebook page for the Town
will hook up
Oak St is only temporarily paved
looking to move the Rec Dept by the end of next week
web and phones down for move
Nutting - in order to meet his request, would have to declare surplus and abandoning a portion of a pubic way, doesn't meet the intent of public property. Sets a bad precedent from a public policy perspective
L. OLD BUSINESS
water did seep into the structure, does require maintenance on a regular basis
may need to cover it up would keep kids off during the winter
it took an awful long time to get them to repair, the kids are out there constantly
would need to provide notice if it is covered
M. NEW BUSINESS
you heard Jeff's comments
he would need a variance and the recommendation was to make an inlaw housing rather than dual property
would need to do title search, would need to draw plans, would have to incur those costs
Kelly - sometimes we need to sit down with the home owner and the building commissioner
Cerel - you don't know what kind of pandora's box you are opening here, my legal advice would be this is a slippery slope
Bissanti - we can't talk about Pandora's box every time
can't apply for a duplex or inlaw, would not get approved for it
town took it in 1940, I am looking to take it back
my brother needs the help
Pfeffer - I think it is a bad use of the public property
The neighbor doesn't want the improvement because it would raise their taxes
Padula - there may be other avenues for this,
There are other options that are available
Refer to new business is only thing that can be done to resolve this
Vallee - proposing to get Partners HealthCare to get an urgent care facility for the town
Carewell is part of the site plan being presented on Sep 14
Medico is going in next to Starbucks
Pfeffer - sidewalk and utility poles
Nutting - we do have a commitment
Pfeffer - work on Wachusett St for the parking lot
property at 48 Arlington, doing work spruced up and it looks great
solar panels at Parmenter are not working
cellar leak at Parmenter
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
Live reporting: legislation for action
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
- Resolution 15-52: Order of Layout, Acceptance & Taking of a portion of Lewis Street, Currently a private way – Referral to Planning Board
discovered during the process of replacing the sewer lines, that the property had not been in the public way, property owners have approved
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
- Resolution 15-53: Funding Horace Mann Statue
transfer of small sums from two trust funds for the Horace Mann statue
$50K from State budget, balance to be from the above trust funds
letter from Rep Roy read for the record
urging action and funding for the statue
Debbie Pellegri
everything has been said already
recognize the members of the committee
May 20th the Council appointed us to commission the statue
former Horace Mann high school is 150 Emmons St
do have the birthplace marker at the Shaw's Market Plaza
Roger Calarese, developer of the land will be putting in $150K of his own money for the landscaping
a business and community plan working together to put this statue
Maureen Sabolinski, School Superintendent
thank you for your consideration in this resolution
we look forward to the unveiling
Charlie
won't cost Mr and Mrs John Q Public anything from their pocket
it makes terrific sense
Lisa
if you have had a chance to read more about Horace as I have over the last few months
this project is really exciting
Mercer
the committee did lots of really good home work
4 or 5 sculptures came in and they make a really good choice
Padula
the fact that Roger donated $150K for this project speaks to the nature of his work
he didn't have to do that
Kelly
we knew he was the right guy for the job
especially as the next door neighbor, I can wait to see the new building up
Mr Calarese is before the planning board next week
RFP P&S is for Nov/Dec so likely spring construction
construction of the sculpture will take about a year
Bissanti
is the design chosen? yes, copy in agenda packet
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
- Resolution 15-55: Ratification of the Franklin Public Library Staff Association Contract
this is inline with the other agreements, language changes and
- Resolution 15-56: 2015 Amended Schedule of Town Council Meetings
as it is a holiday (Nov 11) moving to Nov 12
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – 2nd Reading – 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)
in accordance with Master Plan recommendation
would ultimately eliminate the old factory down there and replace with residential
Kelly - this is a great opportunity for the downtown to create space for walking to the train
- Bylaw Amendment 15-751: Changes to Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
recommended by Conservation Commission to streamline the process
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-752: Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
allows flexibility, more so than the current wording today
Live Reporting: Town Council - Sep 9, 2015
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– August 5, 2015, Executive Session June 24, 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri swore in Deputy Chief Thomas (TJ) Lynch
(30 second recess)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
Progressive Dinner announcement
tickets available
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-downtown-partnership-progressive-dinner-tickets-18319948459?ref=elink
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
(citizen providing handout to Councilors)Wayne Brodsky, resident many years
124 Beaver St owner
looking to build a duplex
land taking widen Beaver St
400 sq ft shy of the requirements, tried to get it resolved with a variance
small property on Reed and Beaver from Town to be acquired
house would be more conforming than what is there
the only thing stopping me is the purchase of the small strip of property
would be willing to pay for it
E. APPOINTMENTS
– Conservation Commission - Tara Henrichon
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Transfer of Hotel/Innholder License – Residence Inn
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-2
discussion on approval and hold license for payment of past due taxes
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– August 5, 2015, Executive Session June 24, 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri swore in Deputy Chief Thomas (TJ) Lynch
(30 second recess)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
Progressive Dinner announcement
tickets available
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-downtown-partnership-progressive-dinner-tickets-18319948459?ref=elink
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
(citizen providing handout to Councilors)Wayne Brodsky, resident many years
124 Beaver St owner
looking to build a duplex
land taking widen Beaver St
400 sq ft shy of the requirements, tried to get it resolved with a variance
small property on Reed and Beaver from Town to be acquired
house would be more conforming than what is there
the only thing stopping me is the purchase of the small strip of property
would be willing to pay for it
E. APPOINTMENTS
– Conservation Commission - Tara Henrichon
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Transfer of Hotel/Innholder License – Residence Inn
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-2
discussion on approval and hold license for payment of past due taxes
Live Reporting: Economic Development Committee meeting - Sep 9, 2015
Committee Present: Kelly, Bissanti, Vallee,
Absent: Padula
Other Town: Nutting, Taberner, Wierling, Halligan, Pfeffer, Feldman
and 4 citizens
quality of life, great place to do business two focal points
summary of what has been done and what is underway
Biotech conference in PA that Rep Jeff Roy attended
he took some of the brochures (see handouts)
Brian going to a conference in Boston and will be taking some of the materials to hand out
regular marketing brochures
available on webpage, redoing webpage to be called "Franklin Development"
including the videos prepared by Franklin TV
finds space in publications for relatively small budget to spread awareness
New England Real Estate Journal
Site Selection magazine - 1/2 page ad last year
Expansion Solutions - full page (advertorial) in biotech section
LeadGen - will provide info if ad purchased, usually from the conferences where they find businesses who might be interested in Franklin
Business InFocus magazine, full page plus article with info on Franklin
also focused on Downtown with Metrowest Tourism Bureau
Metrowest Guide comes out twice a year, looks for other businesses to put ads in
got Franklin (in some form) into 39 of the 40 something pages
Rack cards - from Metrowest focused on Franklin and downtown businesses
working with Dean College on a couple of projects
promotion of downtown via branding
one class starting now is just beginning to work on this
working with a class at Clark Univ to help with the Cultural District paperwork
Kelly - have you talked to Marlboro about their economic development efforts?
Brian - yes, we have been in talks with them. They have a full time economic development director. We know what they are doing.
Nutting, we need to get to other shows and pick and choose which ones to attend
Bissanti - do you go with knowledge of what is available?
Brian - yes, we have what we know of.
Kelly - the small ones are the important ones, they are the ones we see every day. The larger ones can generally handle themsleves
#1 is owned, #2 should be set of sale
#3 should be prepared for sale
#4 was already purchased
consideration of #2 as the owner of #1 has already expressed interest
#3 still needs to get environmentally cleaned
consensus will be to proceed as Jeff proposed
will bring before the Council for decision
• Condominium Proposal
solar still an issue with caps expiring at State
not a viable option for further development
need to vote yes, no or table it
currently holding deposits from the proposals
would entertain a motion to give the solar deposits back
we feel it would not be prudent at this time to make a decision so close to a new council coming in
condo development would be willing to clean up the property, solar developers were not interested in cleaning up the property
hotel developers were concerned with the clean up
representing two chains, 2-4 acres required for a stand alone hotel
leave 30 acres of green space, still puts traffic on street but leaves better part of parcel alone
in order to do that, would require a whole new RFP
limiting the site to green space and hotel space
town would need to create a subdivision to create the 3-4 acre plot for the hotel and leave the remaining untouched
the meetings had come up from phone calls from RFP responses that could of come in but missed the deadline
possible sale price of $200K /acres, would need to be appraised
comparative hotels provide about $300K in revenue per year
Current condo developer present in meeting
would like direction from the Town, are interested in the property but do have other business opportunities
Kelly - discouraged by the solar, before we look at any proposal need to look at all the details
25 students would be a new classroom
we went for a re-zone, the site will get developed, we need to figure out what can go there that will be a good benefit for the town
I am interested by the hotel proposal if we stick the hotel down by the interstate and away from the the residential
I don't know if we need to do a phase 2, we need to work with the neighbors
we could have a whole new council in November and need to collectively figure out how to make this work
I am not ready to vote on what we have infront of use
We can give the solar guys their checks back
amended motion to reject and refund the solar bids and table the condo until next meeting
seconded, passed
after conversations with hotel vendors, they could buy the lot but would not likely do anything in a 2-3 year period
Sandy V - appreciate Matt's points and willingness to work with the residents. If we are to move forward if it is going to be a consensus, they let it be a consensus.
Bissanti - I don't see an answer to this prior to the election, I am sensitive to the neighbor I see it as a residential area. I don't see it as commercial. I don't see it as a hotel. That is my take on, I'd like to see it kicked down the road to another council. Right now we have good interest. with a developer, but I don't see it happening
Bissanti - it is an F rating for a left hand turn onto Pond St
Nutting - we have met with District 3 and they want to do the traffic counts when school has re-opened. Whether there is a development or not, the state does have to deal with it
That can be a slow crawl with the state
McDowell - there can be MassWorks grants, to help
motion to adjourn
Absent: Padula
Other Town: Nutting, Taberner, Wierling, Halligan, Pfeffer, Feldman
and 4 citizens
1. Economic Development Marketing Update
Brian Taberner, provides the marketing updatequality of life, great place to do business two focal points
summary of what has been done and what is underway
Biotech conference in PA that Rep Jeff Roy attended
he took some of the brochures (see handouts)
Brian going to a conference in Boston and will be taking some of the materials to hand out
regular marketing brochures
available on webpage, redoing webpage to be called "Franklin Development"
including the videos prepared by Franklin TV
finds space in publications for relatively small budget to spread awareness
New England Real Estate Journal
Site Selection magazine - 1/2 page ad last year
Expansion Solutions - full page (advertorial) in biotech section
LeadGen - will provide info if ad purchased, usually from the conferences where they find businesses who might be interested in Franklin
Business InFocus magazine, full page plus article with info on Franklin
also focused on Downtown with Metrowest Tourism Bureau
Metrowest Guide comes out twice a year, looks for other businesses to put ads in
got Franklin (in some form) into 39 of the 40 something pages
Rack cards - from Metrowest focused on Franklin and downtown businesses
working with Dean College on a couple of projects
promotion of downtown via branding
one class starting now is just beginning to work on this
working with a class at Clark Univ to help with the Cultural District paperwork
Kelly - have you talked to Marlboro about their economic development efforts?
Brian - yes, we have been in talks with them. They have a full time economic development director. We know what they are doing.
Nutting, we need to get to other shows and pick and choose which ones to attend
Bissanti - do you go with knowledge of what is available?
Brian - yes, we have what we know of.
Kelly - the small ones are the important ones, they are the ones we see every day. The larger ones can generally handle themsleves
2. Nu-Style Property Update
There were originally four parcels#1 is owned, #2 should be set of sale
#3 should be prepared for sale
#4 was already purchased
consideration of #2 as the owner of #1 has already expressed interest
#3 still needs to get environmentally cleaned
consensus will be to proceed as Jeff proposed
will bring before the Council for decision
3. Pond Street Property Update
• Solar Lease Proposals• Condominium Proposal
solar still an issue with caps expiring at State
not a viable option for further development
need to vote yes, no or table it
currently holding deposits from the proposals
would entertain a motion to give the solar deposits back
we feel it would not be prudent at this time to make a decision so close to a new council coming in
condo development would be willing to clean up the property, solar developers were not interested in cleaning up the property
hotel developers were concerned with the clean up
representing two chains, 2-4 acres required for a stand alone hotel
leave 30 acres of green space, still puts traffic on street but leaves better part of parcel alone
in order to do that, would require a whole new RFP
limiting the site to green space and hotel space
town would need to create a subdivision to create the 3-4 acre plot for the hotel and leave the remaining untouched
the meetings had come up from phone calls from RFP responses that could of come in but missed the deadline
possible sale price of $200K /acres, would need to be appraised
comparative hotels provide about $300K in revenue per year
Current condo developer present in meeting
would like direction from the Town, are interested in the property but do have other business opportunities
Kelly - discouraged by the solar, before we look at any proposal need to look at all the details
25 students would be a new classroom
we went for a re-zone, the site will get developed, we need to figure out what can go there that will be a good benefit for the town
I am interested by the hotel proposal if we stick the hotel down by the interstate and away from the the residential
I don't know if we need to do a phase 2, we need to work with the neighbors
we could have a whole new council in November and need to collectively figure out how to make this work
I am not ready to vote on what we have infront of use
We can give the solar guys their checks back
amended motion to reject and refund the solar bids and table the condo until next meeting
seconded, passed
after conversations with hotel vendors, they could buy the lot but would not likely do anything in a 2-3 year period
Sandy V - appreciate Matt's points and willingness to work with the residents. If we are to move forward if it is going to be a consensus, they let it be a consensus.
Bissanti - I don't see an answer to this prior to the election, I am sensitive to the neighbor I see it as a residential area. I don't see it as commercial. I don't see it as a hotel. That is my take on, I'd like to see it kicked down the road to another council. Right now we have good interest. with a developer, but I don't see it happening
Bissanti - it is an F rating for a left hand turn onto Pond St
Nutting - we have met with District 3 and they want to do the traffic counts when school has re-opened. Whether there is a development or not, the state does have to deal with it
That can be a slow crawl with the state
McDowell - there can be MassWorks grants, to help
motion to adjourn
Hockomock League boys soccer preview
Hockomock Sports has published is boys soccer preview. The section on Franklin is shown here. Links for the preview for the other Hockomock schools are listed below.
![]() |
FHS Panthers |
FRANKLIN
2014 Record: 13-2-5
2014 Finish: Reached MIAA D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Fran Bositis
"For the past four seasons, the Panthers have claimed the Kelley-Rex division title. This year, it could be more of an uphill battle in order to claim a fifth straight.
The Panthers graduated 16 seniors and a good solid chunk of their starting lineup so a couple of strong returning players will be relied on heavily for coach Fran Bositis. Austin Kent is the only starter back and 2015 will be his third year on varsity. Hatim Brahimi had a big sophomore season last year and his junior campaign could be a big one for him.
“The focus has been on just trying to find the right mix of players right now,” Bositis said. “I know that the kids have worked really hard, and are in real good shape physically but we’ve got a ways to go before we call ourselves a good soccer team.”
Senior Nick Parent will see his role increase this year while Danny Geraci and Pat Kapples are two players who have some experience in the back. Henri Guilmette will step in as the new goalie and could have a breakout 2015."
Kelly-Rex Division (Franklin's division)
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-soccer-2015-kelley-rex-soccer-preview/
Davenport Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-soccer-2015-davenport-division-preview/
Hockomock League girls soccer preview
Hockomock Sports has published is girls soccer preview. The section on Franklin is shown here. Links for the preview for the other Hockomock schools are listed below.
FRANKLIN
2014 Record: 17-1-3
2014 Finish: Reached D1 South Final
Coach: Tom Geysen
Kelly-Rex Division (Franklin's division)
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-soccer-2015-kelley-rex-division-preview-2/
Davenport Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-soccer-2015-davenport-division-preview/
![]() |
FHS PAnthers |
FRANKLIN
2014 Record: 17-1-3
2014 Finish: Reached D1 South Final
Coach: Tom Geysen
"Franklin reached its third consecutive Div. 1 South final last fall but couldn’t come through with a three-peat in an overtime loss to Whitman-Hanson. The Panthers lost several key pieces including two-time Hockomock Sports .com Player of the Year Taylor Cogliano, but remain among the favorites for the Kelley-Rex title.
The Stowell twins, Assumption commits Victoria and Alexis, are two important players coming back for the Panthers in midfield and attack along with senior forward Bailey Knous, who has battled injuries during her career but when on the field can be prolific in front of goal. Also, junior Meg Adams is back and healthy, which will be a huge boost in the early season, and Megan Georges returns after a breakout season at attacking mid.
Franklin was not only a strong offensive team but also one of the league’s best defensively and Geysen is counting on Lauren Rudolph and Meghan Dietrle to hold down the center of defense while young players step into roles on the outside. Geysen is confident his team is going to be solid, but he believes younger players are going to need to grow into new positions if the Panthers are going to get back to the sectional final."
Kelly-Rex Division (Franklin's division)
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-soccer-2015-kelley-rex-division-preview-2/
Davenport Division
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-soccer-2015-davenport-division-preview/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)