Franklin Resident Starts Political Group to Challenge Speaker's Power

Massachusetts Voters for Legislative Reform to Hold First Meeting on October 7th

Massachusetts Voters for Legislative Reform (MVLR) will hold its first organizing meeting on Saturday, October 7th at 1 p.m. at the Milford Town Library. "Our mission is to reduce the amount of power held by leadership on Beacon Hill," says founder Maxwell Morrongiello of Franklin.

Morrongiello started MVLR in response to the increasing consolidation of this power in the House of Representatives, which has grown steadily during the terms of the last four Speakers. "The enormous amount of power the Speaker has right now is simply undemocratic," says Morrongiello. "Leadership has almost absolute control as to what bills pass and which bills die. Decisions on legislation should be based on the will of the rank and file, not the will of one person." Morrongiello argues that the current power dynamic makes it easier for lobbyists to rig the system by targeting the few people in charge, having major effect on what legislation makes it out of the House.

Morrongiello referenced the fact that 64 lawmakers switched their votes on casinos after DeLeo took control of the House, and argued undue pressure from the Speaker prevented legislators from voting their conscience. "Our representatives should be working for us," expressed MVLR member Joyce Notine of Bellingham, "Instead they are working for the Speaker."

Morrongiello proposed potential solutions for reducing the influence of the Speaker, including stripping leadership's ability to make committee appointments, and placing that authority within a separate legislative body. Morrongiello hopes through grassroots organizing his group could nudge lawmakers to support future leadership who will empower the rank and file. Morrongiello acknowledged the toxicity of the issue his group is tackling. "Almost everyone on Beacon Hill knows that this is a serious issue, but they are paralyzed by the potential repercussions of speaking out. I hope that through organizing, those voices will finally have a chance to be heard."

The first MVLR meeting is open to the public. MVLR is a non-partisan effort. Interested parties can RSVP at mareform.com, and may sign up for email and Facebook updates at the same location.

Direct all inquiries to Maxwell Morrongiello at 508-318-8629 or at max@mareform.com

Franklin Resident Starts Political Group to Challenge Speaker's Power

“It’s going to be gorgeous”

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

"The temporary library at 25 Kenwood Circle is full of excited librarians, bustling about and getting ready for their big move back into the Main Street location after 17 months of renovations and additions. 

Library Director Felicia Oti said most of the big moving will start on Monday. The library will stay open at its temporary location until Saturday. Oti said residents can expect the library to reopen on Main Street in about four weeks. 

“We’re so excited to be going back,” she said. “I am really grateful. Everyone on the Town Council, the town administrator, the community, was so supportive. It’s a dream.” 

Once the library reopens, all return fees will be waived for the first two weeks. No return bins will be available during the transition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170913/franklin-librarians-prepare-to-move-back-to-main-street

brick patio with commemorative bricks. Did you buy one?

Live reporting: to Closing

K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report - Update on Town Council Goals biannual goals included in package new planning ahead in Jan after the election
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments Dellorco - condolences to Nasuti family Bissanti - condolences to the Nasuit family Elks did a great job with the flag display to mark the 9/11 memorial Jones - enjoy seeing the swearing in ceremony new registered voter in the Jones household Pellegri - thoughts and prayers for Houston, Florida and the islands Padula - thoughts to his relatives in Naples Mercer - condolences to the Nasuti family Vallee - condolences to the Nasuti family Kelly - added to comments, also to the Carlucci family
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn motion to adjourn

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

I. Subcommittee Reports

I. Subcommittee Reports

J. Legislation for Action

J. Legislation for Action: 1. Resolution 17-52: Transfer of Two Town-Owned Parcels of Vacant Land to Care, Etc of the Conservation Commission (Motion to Move Resolution 17-52 - 2/3 Majority vote (6) parcel taken by Town but these two make sense to be used for Conservation, hence motion to transfer ownership motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 2. Resolution 17-53: Dissolution of Horace Mann Statue Committee (Motion to Move Resolution 17-53 - Majority vote (5)) committee work done, time to close out motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 grant money paid for this, sale of mugs turned over $1K to the Historical Museum 3. Resolution 17-54: Franklin Green Community Designation (Motion to Move Resolution 17-54 - Majority vote (5)) Kelly Brown, with Green Community at State grant funding can help with additional projects  Gus Brown, Building Inspector looking to adopt the stretch code adoption to building code for residential and commercial propoerties build with a little more up front but then save after with lower costs replace 9 vehicles overtime with grant funding to replace with electric vehicles; had previously used older cruisers; instead bought smaller high mileage vehicles consider training for the mechanics at the garage to cover the repairs to the electric vehicles motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 4. Bylaw Amendment 17-796: Chapter 63, Buildings, Numbering of - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-796 to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5)) this goes along with the above discussion as it contains the 'stretch energy code' motion to move to 2nd hearing, seconded, passed 8-0 5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, In an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5)) Bissanti recused motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 7-0 motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0 6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797: Setbacks for Accessory Building and Structures - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797 to the Planning Board - Majority vote (5)) as discussed in EDC meeting previously, this cleans up language it was 15 in more rural areas, making in all 10 makes more sense motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Live reporting: Zoning Hearing, license transactions, 4th of July

F. Hearings	F. Hearings - Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 7:10 pm 17 Wachusett resident turning property from residential to commercial not in best interest of Franklin hearing closed 1st reading tonight, 2nd reading at next meeting before council change approved
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions: 1. Ashadeep, Inc. d/b/a Union Street Wine & Liquors - Change in Officer/Director, Transfer of Stock - 7:10 pm currently 100% owned, selling 25% of the shares to the other 2 individuals question on prior under age items, were in another town and sold off 2. 99 Restaurant - Change in Officer/Director - 7:10 pm individuals not present should be done at ABCC level  motion to table until Sep 22, at 7:10; seconded, passed 8-0
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin 4th of July Committee Paul Kordic, co chari Joe C PKjuly4th at gmail.com jcjuly4th at gmail.com targeting for July 3rd carnival start on June 29, run thru the 4th will be starting now to work on the planning for next year will attempt to bring the fireworks back American Thunder, the fireworks provider percent of carnival, usually about 30K from which the other expenses; net about 4-5K to work on next year looking to get 5K from small business and corporate donors some transition items are still underway, 501(c)3 filing required later this year, will provide a copy when prepared Pellegri - had been chair for 25 years, Thanks for taking this on perhaps we can get together with some other organization to address volunteers, fund raising, etc. combining with the some other events? Cultural Event, and Strawberry Festival? sit down and try to work something out considering to have the farmers market open even next year, if they are willing looking for funding to help this group, police and fire costs add up; maybe we wouldn't need as many or could we put some money aside to pay for this started as part of the Brick School carnival and expanded from the 80's fireworks to be from on of the back ball fields (grass) notification to Eaton Place and neighbors planned as well Mercer - have DPW and Facilities involved as there are sprinklers in the fields and the fields are new and need to be taken care of

Live Reporting: Town Council: - Sep 13, 2017

Present:  Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Jones, Bissanti, Dellorco
Absent: Pfeffer

motion to approve Jones as Clerk pro temp for this meeting, seconded, passed

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes - August 9, 2017 - (Motion to Approve August 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes - Majority vote - (5)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
B. Announcements	B. Announcements - 1. 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.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions - Swearing in of Firefighters Brian Hammond Matthew Starkey swearing in of 2 new firefighter/paramedics currently at 46 line folks, trying to get 2 more in the door brief recess, returned to open session at 7:09 PM
D. Citizen Comments	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. Teresa Burr, Town Clerk reminders on election dates last days to register Oct 18 papers due Sep 19 candidates night scheduled for Oct 17
E. Appointments	E. Appointments none

Important Dates to Remember for the November 7, 2017 Election

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 (8:00am – 5:00pm)

• Last day to submit nomination paper to registrars For certification (Town Clerks Office) 

Thursday, October 5, 2017 (8:00am – 5:00pm)

• Last day to object or withdraw 

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 (8:00am – 8:00pm)

• Last day to register to vote 

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 (6:00am -8:00pm)

• Election Day

Election Collection 2017