"We're streamlining the process"

Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Taberner asked the town to remove its special permit requirement and add acres of land for bio-tech use.

"If we don't have that extra layer of red tape, we're much more able to attract companies," Taberner said.

The approved bylaws add 11 parcels - 87 acres - to the Forge Hill area and eliminate one from the Franklin State Forest.

Franklin eases red tape for biotech firms moving to town

by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff


Franklin, MA

The internet of things

Maybe part of the social media craze is allowing humans to create an information flow of status data that will join the "internet of things" data and really provide a world of integrated data that can become the right information at the right time for someone!



What do you think?


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Maxine - 1st time homebuyers course being held at Muncipal Bldg, a free course

Nutting - we were issued a 20 year water permit which we have filed an appeal
issued a permit before the comment period was over
issued a permit before facts will be gathered later this year

Met on Storm Water regulations, 75 businesses would be affected by this, those with more than 2 acres of impervious acreage
Municipal permit also has quite high standards
downside is an increased cost to Town and businesses
They want us to keep cutting our ability to pump water. from 3.6 to 3.1 million gallons, we have capacity of 4 million gallons, we are way ahead of the curve so why punish us
There are different standard depending upon where the community is and where their water supply is from.



Earth Day - April 17th - at Beaver Pond

Project manager approved, architect in process of being acquired
Once we sign a feasibility agreement, we have 360 days to get an approval


L. OLD BUSINESS - none

M. NEW BUSINESS
Vallee- what do we have in our budget for road repairs?
Nutting - nothing specifically in our budget, we some state money, we could do a dedicated override for road repair, could only be used for that purpose unless changed by the voters take it away.


Nutting - an issue is you can only borrow money for road repair for 5 years. We don't want to fix all the roads all at once. We have a high school vote coming up and we don't know what the state reimbursement will be.


Capital subcommittee has made a request to develop such a budget.
Vallee - I can wait until after the budget to consider this




Whalen - can you give us an update on Local Aid?
Nutting - the Senate took a 1.1 million out of our expected local revenue over the Gov proposal of $330,000

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - thanks to Debbie, for coming today
Franklin Food Pantry has partnered  with Tangerini Farms, a way to purchase via Tangerini to provide to the Food Pantry

Zollo - thanks to Nutting for the help to the Scout troop
working on their
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin, MA

Live reporting - charter changes

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Discussion of Proposed Charter Amendments
Nutting - 1978 changed to home rule charter
1 way via charter commission via elected members
2 way via home rule, council proposes changes, legislature changes, then town voters have final approval

Council has talked of this process for last several years
Charter committee made report in June
Council subcommittee made study of report and made recommendation including some technical recommendations

discussion on the process, Council has option to set up the questions as one whole package or several questions

Vallee thinks this should be done via the elected Charter Commission as done previously in 1978, he also feels that the positions should remain elected not appointed.

Kelly - agrees with the recommendation to have the Treasurer certified, Dacey made a valid argument last week for this. Kelly goes on to agree that the person when appointed should become a resident. He doesn't think that we would have the problem that Worcester has (in not being able to get a qualified person who also is willing to move to Worcester)

Powderly -

Zollo - I want to reiterate what I said last week, Planning Board, Board of Assessors, Constables, should remain elected positions. They are volunteer positions. I am concerned about the next generation of Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector should be appointed to ensure that we get the best qualified folks for these roles. The positions are key to the ongoing operations of the town.

Pfeffer - Treasurer/Collector should be appointed, the other positions should be elected. Town Clerk needs to be a Franklin resident

Whalen - I support the Treasure/Collector and Town Clerk being appointed. I don't feel strongly about the other three positions. As the Town increases in size, the necessity of these positions (Treasurer/Clerk) would be all the more required to be the most qualified.

Mason - I have been thinking about this a lot, I agree with the irony that Shannon mentioned. The person coming after the Town Clerk and Treasurer will have mighty big shoes to fill. Certainly you would hope that the next appointed or elected official would have the same diligence. Change needs to be change for the better, I would support those positions as appointed.

Vallee - We have always had excellent Town Clerks. I do not know of a compelling argument to have these change to appointed.

Debbie Pellegri - In 1978, people were afraid of giving up their voice, their say. They were willing to do so because they were promised that nothing would be changed without the people voting.

An elected Town Clerk is important, 278 chapters and sections in the MA General Law. Not just the dog tags, impounded records. Executive minutes. As for elections, I work for the Secretary of the State. There are so many parts to my position that warrant being elected. You go to school, you have your peers to help you. Knowing that you were elected makes me feel good.

I would strongly recommend getting an elected Charter Commission. Nothing is so dire that it needs to be done now.

Vallee - objections to a number of the other minor technical items
Nutting -  answers the objections point by point in acknowledgment of the operations that have really been in practice for some time.
Vallee - still objects

Nutting - the only issue to be further clarified or voted on is the Clerks position, the others are relatively straightforward

Sherlock - depending  upon what the document is as drafted, the Council can choose to vote on the whole or in part, what is accepted by the Council goes to the State (House, Senate, Governor) and then it comes back to the voters. So no matter what is decided, the voters do still get their final say either at the election in November this year or in the next general election


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Legislation

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-10: Acceptance of Law Chapter 479 of the Acts of 2008
regarding acceptance of actual study for every 3 years, instead of every 2 (saving money)
no downside to acceptance, will need to start setting aside money to fund the liability

Whalen - this is not an issue unique to Franklin, every community is faced with this

motion to accept, passed 6-0

Added resolution 10-11 acceptance of donation from Pierce Murphy for Conservation Commission
Motion to accept, passed 6-0


2. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 1st Reading
Nick Alferi - Conservation Agent
change language in bylaw, treats two avenues for change the same, the State Law make the applicability less ownersome and less costly, applicable to residents

motion to move to second reading - passed 6-0

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map- 2nd reading
Bryan Taberner, Planning Director
previously discussed, adds 11 parcels to current map to come under the zoning for biotech operations
preparation overall for when the economy does turn around

motion to approve, passed 6-0


4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses- 2nd Reading
Brian - again this has been here before, this one removes the special permit required from the Town Council and should bring the town permitting process into alignment with the top communities


Kelly arrives
Advertising currently within real estate journals, will expand now that this is coming into effect into the trade journals to help attract
Has 16,000 in advertising budget will need to spend some on Planning/Conservation so about half would be available for biotech


motion to approve, passed 7-0


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Town Council

Present: Kelly (late), Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Absent:  Jones, McGann

Change to agenda - moving Legislation for Approval up sooner in the meeting

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 20, February 3, February 10, & March 3, 2010
motion to approve, passed 6-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you had damage from the storm
contact the Fire Chief, he will need some details on type of damage, 
floor or basement, covered by insurance or not, 
the information is being collected for a state level report on the damaged caused by the storm

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none

E. APPOINTMENTS - none

F. HEARINGS - none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none



Franklin, MA

In the News: Regionalization, override

Nonprofit offers grants to towns to regionalize health boards

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Michael Morton/Daily News staff

 ------

Override sought in Bellingham

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Melanie Graham/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

DARE Summer Camps announced

The Franklin Police announce the DARE Summer Camps for 2010

Camp Information

Time: 8:00 am — 1:00 pm

Dress: Grey shorts, White T-shirt, and athletic sneakers
Please have your child bring a snack and water bottle each day

Monday: Drop off/pick up at the police station

Tuesday - Friday: Drop off/pick up Meadowlark Field

Friday - Graduation at 12:00 followed by a family cookout.

Each morning we will begin camp with stretching and exercise. We will be outside rain or shine so if it calls for rain you may want to send your child to camp with a change of clothes. Also please remember sun-block.

Camps fill quickly and limited space is available so we ask that you only sign your child up for a week where they will be able to attend every day.

Cost: $150

This donation will be used to fund the DARE camp and activities through out the year.
Make checks payable to: Franklin Police DARE

The release form for those attending can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/2010DARECAMP/2010DARECAMPRelease.pdf


Franklin, MA

"it's a wonderful community event"

The basketball game last year drew 1,200 people and raised $6,000 to fund field trips and cultural programs for students of the school.

"We're killing two birds with one stone," said Parent Communication Council Treasurer Erin Long. "Families get to go out for a great night, and we raise money for field trips."

Long, who is again organizing the event with former treasurer Karen Ayotte for the second year in a row, said the Harlem Wizards - a basketball show-team similar to the Globetrotters - will take on a group of students, teachers and community members at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Sullivan Principal Beth Wittcoff said four students from each grade, five teachers, three alumni, Principal Paul Peri from Remington Middle School and School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy will comprise the Sullivan Rockets.

Franklin students to battle Harlem Wizards

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff



Franklin, MA

Artbeat closing Franklin store

The following email was received announcing the closing of the Artbeat store downtown:

Dear Friends,

We are closing our Franklin store at the end of March. Sunday, March 28 will be our last day of operation.

When we opened our store and studio here nearly three years ago, we were proud to be part of an effort to revitalize Franklin's downtown, bringing you our signature products and services: creative gifts and art activities to take home to share with family and friends or to make in our studio.

Because of today's business climate, it is not possible for us to continue in this location.

We thank you for your support, for using ARTBEAT as a creative resource, for bringing your families here to celebrate birthdays and create family memories, and for allowing us to support your school, church, and scout groups through our donations. We will miss the many friends we've made here.

While we are leaving the Franklin downtown, we are not closing our business. We invite you to visit ARTBEAT in Arlington (www.artbeatonline.com).  Our online store at www.artbeatshop.com will continue to supply the special selection of activities we are known for, like Creative Adventures™ sand art and Decopatch™ supplies. Our online selection will be growing over the coming months, and you can order products from us by phone at any time.

Our ART PARTIES will still be available to families in Franklin and surrounding towns. We will bring the party to your home or to another venue that's convenient to you. Click here for more information.

Gift cards will continue to be honored at our Arlington store.

As our parting gift to you, we are offering select items at deep discounts, including interesting fixtures that you might find useful in your home or studio. Please visit us to do some final shopping and let us say farewell.

Our best wishes to you,

Jan and Andrai

Franklin, MA

Rock the 80's Party

There is a "Rock the 80's Party coming up this month.

 

80's PARTY/FUNDRAISER FOR THE AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

Get out your leg warmers, lace bra, IZOD shirt, and don't forget your mullet & can of hairspray as you get ready for the PARTY OF THE SPRING!!

For a minimum donation of $15 (you can certainly donate more!) come dance, laugh, and have a great time while raising money for a great cause!

DJ, h'dourves, desert, cash bar, and lots of raffles & gift baskets!

When: Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8:00pm

Where: Cole's Tavern, Washington St., Franklin MA

More info on Facebook here

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1284925398564#!/event.php?eid=301299519199

FM #60 - Week Ending 3/14/10

This internet radio show or podcast is number 60 in the series for Franklin Matters.
We close it out the week ending March 14, here in Franklin, MA and review the School Committee meeting, the Charter Revisions meeting and the Planning Board starting the review process for the Big Y Supermarket coming to RT 140.

Time: 10 minutes, 27 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:


This internet radio show or podcast is number 60 in the series for Franklin Matters.

A notable week this is as we close it out here in Franklin, MA on Sunday, March 14th
The mathematicians celebrated Pi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi

Monday, March 15th is the Ides of March http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ides_of_March

Wednesday, March 17th is St Patrick's Day for the wearing of the green, let the Irish luck be with us all!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Patrick's_Day

enough of the special days, in this session I’ll cover the

• School Committee meeting March 9th 
• Special Town Council Charter Revisions meeting on Wednesday, Mar 10. 
• announcement about Big Y and the rumor about Price Chopper coming to town

Amongst the most note worthy events of the School Committee meeting on March 9th
the presentation of the budget, as previewed last week, it is not a level service budget as it adds back the late bus the full budget book can be found here
http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/co/supt/budget/FY2011Budgetbook.pdf

The bullying task force was proposed and accepted to proceed. I had sent in some minor modifications to their wording and was busy with reporting so I did not pursue during the meeting. As the Task Force begins work, I hope to report on some of the meetings and will share that effort here. If you do want to get involved, please contact either Maureen Sabolinksi or Jeff Roy.

The third item slipped by me during the meeting. Tucked away in the listing of the action items was the Franklin Arts Academy. The action item had been removed from the agenda of the 2/23 meeting to be brought for further discussion at a future meeting.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=w%2fkMd8zDPRPv8O4nCbU6og%3d%3d

Well it appeared here, came up for vote, was not discussed and passed unanimously.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=MWYnjQjW1LRBYWUjvTPCPw%3d%3d

What occurred during the time between the meetings for the item to have moved from a discussion for future to no discussion? Anyone with insights on that? I haven't a clue.

Let's move along to the Special Town meeting to review the Charter Revisions.

For something as important as the Charter revisions, I was disappointed with the lack of notification for the meeting. As mentioned last time, it wasn't mentioned during the prior TC meeting when there was plenty of opportunity for a short meeting to do so. Nothing was posted to the Town website until Monday when after some prompting, the changes were posted.

http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634042645862047645&indexSessionSKU=m3Pu2/LKnH5Ic7kDprt0hw%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D


The discussion during the meeting was enlightening as usual. Some councilors spoke carefully and thoughtfully about the issues, some were content to create soundbites with no sustenance. We'll get a chance to review the changes again at this week's Town Council meeting as the listing of changes is up for discussion. The Council should come to some consensus on which way to proceed on which items so the document can be drafted for approval and vote.

The process seems to be the following:

• Council determines changes to be pursued 
• Document drafted for review and approval by Council
• Approved document submitted to State Legislature for approval
• Assuming the Legislature approves, the document returns to the Franklin voters to decide at a future election (i.e. Nov 2010)

As this document defines our way of governing ourselves, I would approve of the following.

Moving the following elected official positions to appointments
Town Clerk, Treasurer/Collector
Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Constables

This would ensure the City of Franklin (while continuing to choose to call itself a Town) would at least be better prepared to handle the future. The future being a state of affairs where it is much more critical to operate as a business with the appropriately qualified people in the proper roles.

• The Town Council (elected by the voters) would have an oversight on all appointments. 
• The Town Administrator should be provided guidelines for determining the qualifications.
• The job requirements for each position would be spelled out with appropriate success measures and periodic performance reviews.

The Planning Board heard the proposal for a new supermarket, The Big Y to come in to the Chinese Buffet restaurant location across from the Municipal Bldg. You can view the full session (approx 1 hour) via the video archive at this link
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=55FJjJb0jPfz1ZmnwcdVbw%3d%3d

It was interesting to hear as the meeting goes into a recess, someone says “I heard Price Chopper and Middlesex Bank”

March 22, the hearing and process will continue at the Planning Board meeting that night. There are also Design Review meetings and Conservation Commission meetings on aspects of the proposal.

Stay tuned to the developments along RT 140.

In summary, this week, we talked about the School Committee meeting nd the FY 2011 budget, Charter revisions and the Planning Board review underway on the Big Y supermarket

Looking ahead, this week the Charter revisions continue at the Town Council meeting on Weds

For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158


As I close this session this week, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

Thank you for listening!

------------

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

Town Council - Agenda - 3/17/10

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 20, February 3, February 10, & March 3, 2010

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Discussion of Proposed Charter Amendments

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-10: Acceptance of Law Chapter 479 of the Acts of 2008
2. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 1st Reading
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map- 2nd reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses- 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

P. ADJOURN



Franklin, MA

"defense system attacks myelin"

The Franklin resident works as a full-time pharmaceutical quality control specialist. She is earning her MBA degree online. She is pregnant with her first child, a girl. And, she has multiple sclerosis, or MS.

"There are a lot of misconceptions out there," the 32-year-old said recently. "I guarantee you everyone knows someone who has it, they just don't know."

Residents like Hoar and area doctors dealing with MS point to acquaintances, colleagues and, as of last week, a discount furniture maven with children.

"To know you can still do everything you want and have everything you want is good to hear," Hoar said, referring to the move by Phyl Rubin of Bernie and Phyl's Furniture fame to disclose her MS though a public service announcement after nearly 40 years.

Living with the uncertainty of multiple sclerosis

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Michael Morton/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

State Senate: Special Election for Franklin Precincts 2 - 3 - 4

Franklin voters in precincts 2, 3 and 4 will have an opportunity to vote for Sen Scott Brown's replacement on April 13th.

There are two Democrats in a primary on the 13th and the winner will face the Republican candidate in the election on May 11th.

Read about the candidates themselves in the Boston Sunday Globe West edition here



Franklin, MA