Franklin Matters

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Did you register for the Ladybug 5K - Saturday, Oct 15?

This year's Ladybug 5K will be on Saturday, October 15th, starting from Kennedy School at 551 Pond St. In addition to the 5K, there will be kids races, games, face painting, and raffles. Fun, family friendly event.

Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
Kids race at 9:30
5K at 10 AM
Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K

Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.

Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650

For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

"The only way we're doing this is if residents will see savings"

"Town officials are hoping for state approval of a municipal aggregation plan in the next few weeks, a move that could end up saving residents money on their utility bills.

The town presented its aggregation plan - in which it would go out to bid for its energy supply, using the number of energy customers in town as leverage - to the state Department of Public Utilities in August.

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said that process had gone well, and the town has been in contact with the firm it hired, Colonial Power Group, to guide it through the approval process.

"There were a lot of municipalities ahead of us - seven of them at the DPU hearings," he said. "Four of those seven have received orders to move forward."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160919/franklin-awaiting-aggregation-approval

The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

Monday, September 19, 2016

School Committee - recap Sep 13

The meeting summary for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Sep 13 is as follows:

The superintendent search proposal from MASC was heard. This was the final of the three search firms scheduled. The explanation for missing the original meeting in August was that the appointment was entered in the calendar on his mobile device for 2017.

MASC Superintendent Search - Jim Hardy

After listening to the presentation and getting clarifications on multiple points, the meeting moved to the school improvement plans for the middle schools and the high school. (It was during this time that I stopped reporting as I had a work phone conference to participate in.)

L to R: Chairman O'Malley, Denise Schultz, John Jewell

I came back from my meeting to catch the end of the high school discussion and get into the superintendent search decision. The HYA or ECRA group was chosen by a 6-1 vote. There was some discussion to make it unanimous but the decision was to leave it as is.

The Franklin TV video of the meeting can be viewed on demand
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=392

The detailed notes reported during the meeting can be found here:

"We'll likely never get to a point where the project is 'done.'"

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

"The town hopes to launch a new version of its website later this fall, with a focus on mobile accessibility and a smoother flow of information.

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the change, set for late October or early November, represents a reorganization and rebranding of the site.

"We're looking to make it mobile-friendly," he said. "When you look at the site on a smart phone, we want town forms and applications to be available."

Hellen said the new site will feature a lot of interactive mapping and land-use data, allowing easier access to town information.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/franklin-town-website-relaunch-coming

The look and feel of the Town of Franklin webpage will change in Oct or November

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Networking Lunch - Tuesday, Sep 20

Join Franklin Downtown Partnership members, meet new contacts and strengthen connections, all for $6.55!

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Networking Lunch - Tuesday, Sep 20

Networking Luncheon

Tuesday, September 20

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Dean College Dining Center

RSVP: mlechter@dean.edu

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/09/networking-luncheon-tuesday-september-20.html

Free Flu Shot Clinic - Oct 20

For all Franklin residents, age 6 months or older

At the Franklin Senior Center from 1 - 3:00 PM on Thursday, Oct 20, 2016

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024D127F-000F8513

Franklin Senior Center

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: 2nd human case of West Nile Virus in Norfolk County

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced the state’s second human case of West Nile Virus in a 70 year old man from Norfolk County.

While West Nile Virus can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at a higher risk for severe disease.

It is important to note that Massachusetts is still in the peak season for possible West Nile Virus infection. The risk will continue until the first hard frost of the year, which typically occurs in October. All residents are strongly urged to follow the recommendations listed below to protect themselves and their loved ones from illness caused by mosquitoes.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children’s wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.