Monday, May 9, 2016

Memorial Day Parade - schedule and route

Parade Information:

Date: Monday, May 30, 2016

10:30 am: Parade Starts

12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Franklin Town Common


Parade Route:

The 2016 Parade route will begin at Depot Street and Dean Bank and proceed up Main St to Church St., take a left onto School, to W Central Street, then to Beaver St until we reach the Town Common / Church Square. 
The parade will once again stop at the Dean Memorial, Union St and St Mary's Cemetery's. 




BFCCPS marching in the 2015 Memorial Day parade
BFCCPS marching in the 2015 Memorial Day parade

FHS boys lacrosse top Newtown North 14-5 on Sunday

Boys Lacrosse

  • Franklin, 14 @ Newton North, 5 – Final 
– Sophomore goalie Connor O’Rourke made 22 saves and head coach Lou Verrochi said it was the most complete game the Panthers have played all season. Verrochi also praised the close defense in front of O’Rourke. Sophomore Eric Civetti netted four goals and had two assists and senior Austin Kent scored a team-best five goals. Freshman Nitin Chaudhury and sophomore Chase Tanner each scored once and had an assist for Franklin.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

The only result from Sunday's action across the Hockomock League
http://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-050816/

FSPA All Access Pass For Prospective Students To Feature Complimentary Spring Concert Tickets

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is pleased to provide prospective students with complimentary tickets to FSPA Spring Concert performances as part of the school’s All Access Pass program. Families are invited to learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. 
The Spring Concert shows provide a dynamic way to experience what the school has to offer across many dance disciplines, music and musical theater programming. Spring Concert performances will be presented on Saturday, May 21 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 22 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium, located at 218 Oak Street. 
Featuring FSPA students in all levels and disciplines of dance and musical theater, as well as the FSPA Glee Club, musical theater troupes, dance companies and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth, Spring Concert is presented in an audience-friendly, 90-minute format.

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.
 
FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater and dance company showcases, and more. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)
Prospective students and families should call FSPA at 508-528-8668 to reserve their complimentary tickets and schedule a trial class or tour of the facilities. Classes continue at FSPA through June 27 and registration for summer and fall sessions is ongoing. Visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information.

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Consumer Alert on Solar Panels



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Issues Consumer Alert on Solar Panels

With many Massachusetts homeowners looking to go green by installing solar roof panels on their homes, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell has put up the yellow caution flag. O'Donnell is advising those who are interested in having solar panels installed on their roofs to make sure that there are no legal or financial entanglements when it comes to selling or borrowing against their homes once they sign a contract with the solar panel company.

"Consumer advocates are becoming increasingly aware," noted O'Donnell, "that some people are having difficulty obtaining equity loans or reverse mortgages if they have leased solar panels and equipment. Furthermore, Federal Housing Administration regulations may prohibit the FHA from approving a homeowner's loan."

Register O'Donnell further stated, "While we all support clean energy and the reduced usage of fossil fuels, consumers need to understand the potential title and financial risks of installing solar panels on their homes. Because the solar panels and equipment are being leased, and the contract signed is a multi-year one, homeowners are finding they cannot sell their home unless the solar company approves the new buyer. If the buyer is not approved by the solar company, the owner is faced with purchasing the solar panels and equipment before they can sell their home. This could cost consumers up to $20,000.

"Like other Registries, we are seeing a surge in the filing of UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements when it comes to solar panel and equipment contracts. This is a legal form that a creditor files with the Registry of Deeds to give notice that it has or may have an interest in the personal property of the debtor.

"My office recommends that a homeowner check out the Massachusetts Attorney General's website by clicking on Advise to Homeowners Considering Solar Panel Installations at http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2016/advice-to-homeowners-considering-solar-panels.html. If the homeowner, after reviewing the site, wants to pursue the lease (some go as long as 20 years), I urge them to have a licensed attorney review the contract to ensure that they understand all the implications of installing solar panels."

Norfolk County homeowners who have already had solar panels installed on their homes should contact the Registry's Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 to find out if a UCC Financing Statement has been filed by a solar company against their home. Please note UCC Financing Statements do not require the signature of the homeowners for the document to be recorded.

Concluding his remarks, Register O'Donnell stated, "I want to first express my appreciation for the groundbreaking work done on this subject by my colleague Essex County South Register of Deeds John O'Brien and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. My goal in issuing this consumer alert is not to alarm Norfolk County homeowners, but to inform them. After all, your home is your most important asset."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
AG consumer tips on solar panels
AG consumer tips on solar panels


Sunday, May 8, 2016

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 10, 2016

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which
may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed
and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent
permitted by law."

FPS - "the key to learning"
FPS - "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 26, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. MASS Academic Excellence Award

  1. Domenic Narducci
  2. Emily Waite

b. FHS Update
c. SWAC Update (School Wellness Advisory Council)

3. Discussion Items

  • Calendar Committee Decision


4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Nancy Schoen to take Middle School Music students to Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH on Friday, June 10, 2016 as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,290.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $190.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for district wide in-house enrichment.
d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $3,295.00 for the Paul Castelline Memorial Scholarship.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $435.60 from General Mills-Box Tops for Davis Thayer.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

  • Policy Sub Committee

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn

  • Dr. O’Malley

Upcoming Energy Facilities Siting Board Hearings

Having seen that a recent pipeline explosion on the Spectra pipeline can happen, you can take action to see that the pipeline expansion doesn't come to Franklin.


  • If you missed the pipeline explosion news check this

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/explosion-in-spectras-pennsylvania.html


What can you do?

Energy Facilities Siting Board Hearings: The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/energy-facilities-siting-board , has scheduled an opportunity for the public to receive updated information concerning the Access Northeast Project, to ask questions and to provide input to the Siting Board. 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the FERC, is the primary permitting authority with regard to Access Northeast. The Massachusetts EFSB participates in FERC proceedings involving natural gas pipelines in order to represent the interests of the Commonwealth and its residents. The details concerning the Energy Facilities Siting Board’s public hearings are noted below.


  • Monday, May 9, 2016, 7:00 pm

Walpole High School Auditorium
275 Common Street
Walpole, MA 02081


  • Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 7:00 pm

Abigail Adams Middle School Auditorium
89 Middle Street East
Weymouth, MA 02189


  • Thursday, May 12, 2016, 7:00 pm

Ford Middle School Auditorium
708 Middle Road
Acushnet, MA 02743


Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities: The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is holding hearings to charge all electric ratepayers a tariff for the Spectra Access Northeast pipeline construction. 

THE DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS THE DATE OF THE FINAL PUBLIC HEARING.

1. Eversource: DPU Docket #15-181 Access Northeast - May 23, Walpole High School, 7 p.m. Hearing Officer, Laura Koepnick, Laura.Koepnick@state.ma.us
CC: dpu.efiling@state.ma.us Comments due by the end of Hearing.

HARD COPY MAILED: Mark D. Marini, Secretary, Department of Public Utilities, One South Station, Boston, MA 02110

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: In addition, the FERC is expected to schedule Scoping Hearings in Massachusetts in mid to late May, (TBA).

fire from pipeline explosion in Sandusky PA (Sandusky Register photo)
fire from pipeline explosion in Sandusky PA (Sandusky Register photo)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 11, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others. 
  • FY 2017 Budget Hearings will be held on Wednesday 5/25/16 and Thursday 5/26/16 at 7:00 pm.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
  • Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
  • FISH of Franklin – Barbara Steele
  • Council on Aging, Karen Alves, Director
  • Discussion on Cottage Court
  • Water Conservation – Brutus Cantoreggi

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
  1. Resolution 16-31: DPW – Road Construction and Maintenance – Simple majority vote
  2. Bylaw Amendment 16-759: Amendment of Service Fees: Solid Waste and Recycling – 1st Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 16-759 to a 2nd Reading, Simple Majority)
  3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753: Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential IV to General Residential V in an Area on or near West Central Street – Continued 1st Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753 to a 2nd Reading, Simple Majority vote)
  4. Resolution 16-32: Compensation Plan – FY 2017 – Simple majority vote

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS
  • Discussion on Recommendation to amend the Council Procedures Manual

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
To discuss strategy with respect to litigation relative to the Plain Street Tax Title land

P. ADJOURN

crack seal on Blueberry Lane - 2014
crack seal on Blueberry Lane - 2014



The interactive agenda with links to supporting documents




Where is Cottage Court?