Live reporting - DelCarte proposal

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
– DelCarte Dam Feasibility Study

Nutting - recommend to take the money from the Hotel Motel Tax Fund instead

Matt Bellisle, Pare Corp

2 of the structures meet the MASS DCR requirements, need to be registered and maintained
Town is responsible for this, outlined in the Phase 2 of the report (see the PDF in the document published earlier)

The water provides a great conservation and recreation area for use by the Town folks
The trail system can be augmented, red lines on the chart indicate the proposed recreational trails (see photo below)

Incidental benefits:

• flood control, hold back the storm water
• natural cleaning process for nutrient removal

Whalen - There is talk of earthen dams but I see concrete
The control section of the dam is concrete, the whole dam is the raised portion which is earthen, the spillways are concrete

In the current condition, they are in poor condition, significant erosion, large trees are growing there as well, the trees are not good for the dams
The rate of degrading can not be predicted but they will continue to fail

Given the size of the vegetation, approx ten years old, the had been maintained prior to that

They have seen a number of aqua-culture uses but now are designated as conservation space

There are 2 that have the power of the State dam safety requirements even if you don't do anything with the other five

You could loose some of the flood control by not doing anything on the other five

The lowest dam #5 is severely eroded, water does flow around the spillway, additional erosion possible with large water events, dam #3 also shows signs of beaver activity due to the vegetation there

The dams are proposed to be repaired by restoring what we have (no major concrete)
an increase in the spillway size but not a significant increase in the overall size of the dam

A restoration of the original dam, not looking to raise the dams to increase the body of water

What is the trigger event to register the dams with the State?
In 2006, the State passed legislation requiring registration and enforcement
At the State, they are working their way down the listing, they expected the listing to be addressed last December. They are working on it.

This amount is for the design and permitting which should enable us to look for grants and other outside help to defer the cost of this.

If there is reasonable progress, the State will work with the community. They don't like no action./

3 minute recess



Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Town Council

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


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
Economic Development Summit - Oct 27, 2010
Congratulation to Franklin Housing Authority for award as as Outstanding Agency

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none

E. APPOINTMENTS - none

F. HEARINGS - none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, British Beer Company
Richard Cornetta, representing Franklin BBC

Located in former Applebees in the Franklin Village Mall
5700 sq foot building
extensive renovations to inside and outside the building
outdoor seating proposed
a partially enclosed area, control by a management station
enclosed by a 4 ft decorative wrought iron fence
all one level inside (currently two levels but the second is being removed)

British Beer Co a 'chain' of restaurants, most recently in Westford, next closest is Walpole
theme, an atmosphere of an 'Olde English pub'
food service is a central element to their offerings

motion to approve license, passed 8-0


Franklin, MA

"We just want to give you the tools you need to analyze"

Ken Moraff, EPA deputy director of ecosystem protection, said the agency hired the Horsley Witten Group, a Sandwich engineering firm to analyze the best options for each town.

Moraff said the study will conclude May 31, with the possibility of an extension.

"The study is supposed to give towns options," Moraff said.

Members from the company weren't present at yesterday's meeting in the Franklin Municipal Building. EPA officials said the company is finishing its final work plan, and will be available to meet with each town.

In an attempt to clean the Charles River, the mandate requires each town, and businesses with more than two acres of impervious surface to reduce phosphorous by at least 54 percent.

Read the full article on the EPA's new assistance for the local communities to handle their storm water here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1164157616/EPA-hired-engineer-prompts-questions

Prior posts on the EPA and storm water
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html


Franklin, MA

the power to change the world

“Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This famous quote by the American anthropologist, Margaret Mead has always inspired me in my fight to end hunger. I am audacious enough to truly believe that Stop Hunger Now can be the catalyst to eradicate hunger in our lifetime.

Continue to read the remainder of Ray Buchanan's post here: http://blog.stophungernow.org/?p=795

What struck me was the coincidence (?) that this same quote is hung on the wall of the restroom at the First Universalist Church where the Board of Directors of the Franklin Food Pantry held their planning session last Saturday. This has to be a good thing! Stay tuned for more from the Food Pantry as the organization renews itself.

What's in a name? High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Corn Sugar

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

What's in a name? High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Corn Sugar

via Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health by Kara Ryan on 10/4/10

Posted by:
Meghan Mueller, Department of Public Health

Meghan is the State Breastfeeding Coordinator for DPH.

Controversy over consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) versus sugar has been a hot topic in the news for as long as I can remember. Recently, HFCS found itself back in the spotlight when the Corn Refiners Association petitioned the FDA to change their products' name from HFCS to 'corn sugar.' Their goal is to clarify that HFCS is still sugar.

Read the full posting by clicking the title and follow the link

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• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health using Google Reader
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Franklin school earns state nod

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin school earns state nod

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 10/5/10

Rep. James E. Vallee, D-Franklin, today congratulated students at Franklin's John F. Kennedy Elementary School with an assembly and an official citation for being named a "Commendation School" by the state's Department of Education.

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Franklin, MA: DelCarte tour

I managed to get a tour of the DelCarte properties with Conservation Agent Nick Alferi and Conservation Commission member Jeff Livingstone in May. The brief tour helped me to better understand the potential for this property. I hope the pictures show here will help you as well.

This is a view of the one of the larger ponds. If my notes and orientation is correct this is the water held back by Dam 3.

This is the broken spillway of Dam 3

A rusted basket on some concrete at Dam 5

Refuse collecting below Dam 5

Clearly on one dam, looking back across the water to another dam, but I have misplaced the notes telling me exactly which one this is. Perhaps someone can help us identify which one this is?

The broken concrete on Dam 5

One of the signs posted to keep folks off the dam

Evidence of two-legged and four-legged 'beaver' damage.

The dams do need to get fixed, sooner or later. The area has so much potential to be a recreational gem for Franklin residents. I wonder what the presentation and discussion at the Town Council meeting on Weds will lead to?


Franklin, MA

International Walk to School Day October 6

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

International Walk to School Day October 6

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/4/10

MassDOT encourages students, parents and school officials to celebrate International Walk to School Day this Wednesday, October 6, as part of the Safe Routes to School Program, which works with students, parents, school staff and local police in 115 communities and more than 340 schools to promote walking and bicycling to school in order to improve students' health, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in Massachusetts communities.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Luisa Paiewonsky will join students walking to school on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, at Beebe School in Malden.

Safe Routes to Schools through MassRIDES provides students, parents and the school community with education and training on transportation, safety, and health benefits from walking and bicycling to school. Participating schools also qualify for financial support for improvements to sidewalks and other infrastructure surrounding schools.

Read the full post by clicking on the title above to follow the link

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Read WAITING FOR "SUPERMAN" and Help Schools

R E A D  T H E  B O O K, H E L P  A  C L A S S R O O M Read Waiting for "Superman": How We Can Save America's Failing Public Schools -- the companion book to the acclaimed documentary Each book includes a $15 gift card from DonorsChoose.org to use to help a classroom in need The American public school system is in crisis, failing millions of students, producing as many drop-outs as graduates, and threatening our economic future. Educators, parents, political leaders, business people, and concerned citizens are determined to save our educational system. Waiting for "Superman": How We Can Save America's Failing Public Schools offers powerful insights from some of those at the leading edge of educational innovation, including: Bill and Melinda Gates, whose foundation's groundbreaking work reshapes how schools select, train, support, and reward teachers Geoffrey Canada, leader of the Harlem Children's Zone, which is demonstrating that kids from even the most challenging backgrounds can learn Michelle Rhee, the remarkable chancellor of the Washington, D.C. public schools, who is challenging tradition as she brings reform to a troubled system Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, who is working to make her union a major force for change on behalf of students Bill Strickland, founder of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, who explains how an effective school can bring hope to an entire depressed neighborhood Eric Schwarz, creator of the Citizen Schools movement, who discusses the vital role ordinary people are playing in transforming America's schools Jay Mathews, the nation's leading education reporter, who recounts the lessons he's learned about how excellent schools are really built Eric Hanushek, renowned educational researcher, who has documented the impact that great teachers have on kids' achievements Davis Guggenheim and Lesley Chilcott, filmmakers who describe the emotional impact of following the children's stories in their film Waiting for "Superman" is an inspiring call to action and includes special chapters that provide resources, ideas, and hands-on suggestions for improving the schools in your own community as well as throughout the nation. For parents, teachers, and concerned citizens alike, Waiting for "Superman" is an essential guide to the issues, challenges, and opportunities facing America's schools. Available in paperback or as an e-book   You are receiving this email from Participant Media. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. Participant Media, is a company that seeks to entertain audiences first, then to invite them to participate in making a difference. Participant's films include THE COVE, THE SOLOIST, FOOD, INC., AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, and more. TakePart.com is the official  online hub for Participant Media's Social Action campaign. Participant Media Privacy Policy Participant Media Terms and Conditions

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by newsletter@takepart.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Participant | 14011 Ventura Blvd. | Suite 206E | Sherman Oaks | CA | 91423

In the News - Pirelli Scholarship

Third annual Comedy Night benefit

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The SSG Robert Ryan Pirelli Scholarship Committee presents the third annual Comedy Night on Saturday, Oct. 16.


Franklin, MA

Big Lots - jobs in Franklin

According to an email from the Milford Career Center, the Big Lots store in Franklin is hiring. There weren't positions on the corporate website but the information said to go to the store, fill out an application and be prepared for an interview.

Franklin, MA: Sparky's Puppets

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Sparky's Puppets

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 10/4/10

Saturday, October 30,2010  Sparky's Puppets presents "A Halloween Harvest" at 1 pm.  This show is suitable for ages 3 and up.  No registration is required and is funded by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.

Things you can do from here:

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Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 10/05/10

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, British Beer Company

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – DelCarte Dam Feasibility Study

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-48: Appropriation – DelCarte Open Space Design and Permitting of Repairs to Dam
2. Resolution 10-60: Acceptance of Deed with Conservation Restriction for Open Space Parcels Located in Franklin for the Preserve At Oak Hill
3. Resolution 10-61: Renewal of the Comcast Cable Television License
4. Bylaw Amendment 10-649: Amendment to Sewer System Map, Coutu Street- 2nd Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 10-650: Chapter 168, Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance -1st 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

Comedy Night - Nov 12

Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)

2010 Evening of Comedy Fundraiser!

Date: Friday November 12, 2010

Time: Doors at 6:30, show at 8

Location: Milford Doubletree Hotel Ballroom, 11 Beaver St. Milford, MA 01757

Ticket cost: $30 in advance/ $35 at door (includes show and appetizer buffet)

We are happy to announce our 3rd annual Comedy Night

Featuring:
Door prizes throughout the evening
AMAZING silent auction
Our infamous balloon raffle
And, of course, TONS OF LAUGHS


TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
Email Sarah Montani, SEPAC fundraising committee chair, at sarahmontani37@gmail.com.


Franklin, MA

Native Plants of Franklin

Greetings Franklin! It has been two weeks since I posted the last mystery plant - sorry for that unexpected delay. The hint for this week's plant is "the fruit is a lot more interesting than the flowers." And here is the flower:



I cheated here: I had to aim the camera up into the flower to get a good picture. The flowers are a pretty yellow on the inside, and they bloom from summer all the way through until the fall, but they hang downward like bells, so they aren't particularly showy.

The plant itself is a foot or two high, a bit fuzzy, perennial, and , if you know your veggie garden plants at all, you might think it looks like a tomato or potato plant. That's because it's a relative. This is called ground cherry, or more specifically, "clammy ground cherry", or Physalis heterophylla. And just like its more well-known veggie cousins, this plant has edible parts.





Ground cherry is perhaps most closely related to the tomatillo. Just like the tomatillo, it produces edible fruit in a papery husk. This is what the husks look like when they are developing.




And these are the husks when the fruit is ready to harvest. Which, by the way, is right now, so get out there and look in the weeds for this plant. If you find some, you may get a tasty treat.



The fruit itself is a marble-sized berry that is yellow or orangy when ripe, and tastes like a combination of a tomato and pineapple.

One word of caution: like the tomato, tomatillo, and potato, this plant is in the nightshade family of plants. Nightshade plants are all typically poisonous to some degree, which is why we don't eat tomato leaves or green potatoes. To be safe, don't eat any portion of the ground cherry plant except for the ripe berries.

But don't let this put you off from sampling these delicious native fruits! Ground cherries used to be more common as backyard vegetable garden plants, but seem to have been forgotten in recent years. I hear they make good pies, but I wouldn't know, because I ate all of my berries before I had a chance to cook them.

Here is next week's mystery plant. It's a tree actually.



Here's a hint: this tree is nearly extinct. I'll tell you all about the effort to restore the tree in next week's post, along with where you can go to see it growing in and around Franklin.


Michelle Clay writes about gardening here in Franklin at the Clueless Gardeners Blog.

Franklin, MA