Live reporting - Master Plan Public Hearing

Introductory remarks by Jeff Roy

Copy of presentation to be added later



Committee appointed in Jan 2012, plan due in 2013, will provide an interim update to the Town Council
Will recommend monitoring measures to ensure that this plan gets fully incorporated unlike the last master plan which did not get fully incorporated.

Committee has a page on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan

Committee also has a page on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan



Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner takes over to get into the details of the plan components

One item that needs to be incorporated is the current census data which is just been released and available for analysis. This provides the latest demographic information on who the residents of Franklin are.

Looking for input from the public to help guide and direct the master plan. Use either web site link to provide feedback. The committee is looking to gather input via whatever medium is acceptable. It is more important to gather the input.

The current Franklin mission statement and master plan vision statement are open for discussion. Copies available via links above (and in presentation to be added).

In the presentation copy (to be added) there are sections on each of the subject areas with existing goals and in some cases proposed goals. For example, the Open Space and Recreation plan has been fairly active with work accomplished with the implementation of the Dog Park, the Community Gardens,and  the work on SNETT Trail to highlight a few of the key ones.

On economic development there are separate town-wide and downtown strategies

end of presentation overview


The second part of the meeting continues here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-question-and-answer.html

Voices of Franklin: Jim Hill - The People's Rights Amendment

The proposed agenda for the Town Council meeting May 16 was changed to remove the resolution (Res 12-33) referenced. There was discussion on the item but that was all.

You can find the agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-16.html 

Links to the People's Right website
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html 

and the discussion summary here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html 


Jim Hill was the second citizens to speak on this topic. Jim provided his comments for publication here after the meeting.

I respectfully disagree that this is a partisan issue. Senators McCain (republican) and Feingold (democrat) introduced legislation (the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act also known McCain-Feingold) to reverse the effects of Citizens United but corporate lobbyists got involved and the legislation was blocked. John McCain was later quoted in reference to lobbyists that he’d rather be doing something else but “This is the water we swim in.”

The Supreme Court Decision in favor of Citizens United v the Federal Election Commission gave “artificial entities” the same 1st amendment free speech rights as living, breathing people. As a result corporations have an unlimited right to pour millions into political campaigns through superpacs. Not only can American corporations influence political outcomes but also international conglomerates. I don’t want corporations and foreigners controlling political outcomes. How un-America is that! This is not what our forefathers had in mind. The constitution was written to protect the rights of living, breathing persons, not corporations. Please pass ”The people’s Rights Amendment Resolution” to protect the people’s first amendment rights. I would be proud of my Town of Franklin if you vote in support of this. Thank you.

Camp Open House this Sunday at Hockomock Area YMCA

With this sunny weather, thoughts are turning to summer!

This Sunday, May 20, from 11a – 2pm, we would like to encourage families and teens to come out The Hockomock Area YMCA for a hand's on CAMP OPEN HOUSE. 

Meet the staff!  Ask questions!  See the facilities!

Find out why 93% of campers from 2011 said they would be back in 2012!

***Sign Up for Summer Camp Between May 19-May 21st, 2012 and receive a $25 YMCA Gift Card Per Camper!

As parents look for opportunities to keep their kids active this summer, we remind caregivers that camp is among the best options for engaging kids in activities that will help develop their spirit, mind and body, while getting them outdoors in a safe environment. "Camping is synonymous with personal development.  It provides kids with the opportunity to practice social and decision-making skills through new experiences," says Jim Downs, vice president of youth & community development of the Hockomock Area YMCA. "Kids come to camp to develop friendships, learn skills in a new environment, and make memories that will last a lifetime."

NEW Adventure Teen Camps   - http://www.hockymca.org/~hocky/images/dev/docs/Teens/Summer_Adventure_Camp_Flyer_2012_-_2.pdf 

NEW Horizons Integration Camp  - http://www.hockymca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169&Itemid=258

We offer:

Convenient Transportation at a Minimal Cost

CPR/First Aid/Child Protection Certified Staff

CORI & SORI Cleared Staff

Financial Assistance

1-to-10 Max Staff to Camper Ratio

Hockomock Y Camps comply w/Mass Dept of Public Health Regs (105 CMR 430) & local town Boards of Health.

                                                                  

Thank you from your friends at the YMCA!

Martha Foley 
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA
Marketing and Developmt Director
P:774.235.2729 | F:508.528.6270         
visit our website:  www.hockymca.org
like us on facebook: HockomockAreaYMCA

“The music, the friendships, you can’t beat them"

She said that, even while eating dinner during trips for the famous singing competitions, people recognized the signature matching costumes. The group would leave their dinners, choose a song amongst themselves and perform for the people in the restaurant. 

Their travels took them to places such as New Orleans, Hawaii, Nova Scotia and London. 

“And that happened everywhere,” Dempsey said, laughing. “We just loved to sing.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347545866/Sweet-Adelines-mementos-up-for-grabs-in-Franklin#ixzz1vJIPXtE3

“It hits at the legislative intent"

The case, which hinged on the court’s interpretation of the word “convicted,” only affects drivers whose first drunken driving offense resulted in a plea where they admitted to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty, but did not plead guilty or were not found guilty. Since those cases do not result in convictions, they cannot be counted, the court found. 

Melanie’s Law mandates a 3-year license suspension of a driver with a previous drunken driving conviction who refuses to take a breath test. 

“If the Legislature, in enacting Melanie’s Law, had wanted to include an admission to sufficient facts in the definition of ‘convicted,’ it could have done so explicitly,” wrote Supreme Judicial Court Justice Margot Botsford.

Read more: http://www.patriotledger.com/news/cops_and_courts/x1986339752/Supreme-Judicial-Court-ruling-weakens-Melanie-s-Law-critics-say#ixzz1vJKbUKTe

Weekend Outlook

Friday


Low flying helicopters today
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/alert-low-flying-helicopters-friday-may.html


Saturday


Oak St PCC Fund Raiser - Franklin Caf'e & Grill - 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/oak-st-pcc-fund-raiser-sat-may-19th.html

Library Book Sale - 9:00 - 4:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/library-book-sale-this-weekend.html



DPW - "Touch a truck" - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM



A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/2012/05/may-educational-and-event-calendar.html






Master Plan Committee Public Hearing - 10:00 AM - noon?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/master-plan-hearing-this-saturday.html

Sunday Cub Scout Registration - Sunday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-cub-scouts-running.html


HMEA 5K Independence Run/Walk
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/hmea-11th-annual-independence-5k-may.html



BBC Fund Raiser for Kelly/Lazinski Family
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/bbc-fundraiser-for-kellylazinski-family.html

“It’s giving back”

The books ran the gamut of the body’s systems. Santorsola’s taught about the digestive system — eventually Josh convinced his friends to like vegetables, too. 

A cartoon cheetah who forgot to stretch before running taught students about the muscular system, while a boy confined to a wheelchair after an accident taught children about the nervous system. 

In all the stories, something left the main character feeling left out, whether it was a health issue or something such as a piece of broccoli that wanted to be eaten by candy-loving kids. 

There was a simple anti-bullying message underlying all the stories: People aren’t so different and everybody is better off when we all get along.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x210476444/Sharing-stories-in-Franklin#ixzz1vDGt1ena

Oak St PCC - Fund Raiser - Sat May 19th

The Oak St PCC will benefit from 10% of all the purchases at the Franklin Caf'e and Grill on 418 W Central St during their open hours on Saturday, May 19th.

So for breakfast, lunch or dinner you can eat and help the Oak St PCC!





Disclosure: my wife teaches kindergarten at Oak St

In the News: scam alert, grand marshal, assessors

Franklin police warn residents of scam

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Bissanti Sr. grand marshal for Franklin's parade

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

New member needed for Franklin board

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Court date set for teen suspected in Franklin home invasion

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Master Plan Hearing this Saturday

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Master Plan Hearing this Saturday

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/16/12

FRANKLIN - Franklin's Master Plan Committee will hold its second of two public hearings on Saturday morning to hear from residents about what they want for the future of Franklin. The hearing is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 10:00 in the conference room at Franklin Public Library.

"This hearing will afford Franklin residents another opportunity to provide input on the planning process, and get involved early in developing the Franklin's Master Plan," noted Committee Chairman and Town Councilor Jeffrey Roy. "We have been meeting for several months formulating a structure for our work, and we want to hear from the Franklin community about priorities and concerns. We have scheduled the two hearings to afford citizens a good opportunity to participate in the process."

The committee held its first public hearing on Tuesday, May 9, 2012. You can read the Milford Daily News report on that meeting at http://tinyurl.com/7q5pxbc

In December 2011, following the election of a new Town Council, the Master Plan Committee was formed to develop documents, review research and data, and obtain public input to outline and compose a Master Plan for the community. In addition, the Committee will incorporate a strategic plan into this effort that will invite residents to visit the questions of who we are and what we want for our community.

"Attending a public hearing will provide Franklin's residents and organizations a great opportunity to provide the Town's Master Plan Committee with input as the Committee works toward development of a vision for the Town's future," said Bryan Taberner, the Director of Franklin's Planning & Community Development Department. "The public process is an extremely important component of any comprehensive planning process, as the resulting goals and objectives will help to focus the decision making of Town officials well into the future." 

By law, a Master Plan is a statement through text, maps, illustrations or other forms of communication that is designed to provide a basis for decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality. In that context, the committee is looking at the following elements: Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Circulation, Open Space and Recreation, Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources, Community Services, and Facilities. The Committee will establish recommendations for goals and policies in these areas and develop an implementation plan. The report is expected to be delivered to the Town Council by June 2013.

Beth Dahlstrom, Franklin's Town Planner is hoping to learn how the residents of Franklin view the community in which they live. She is interested in learning about what the residents see as the most important aspects of the community and what can the Town can do to enhance areas within the community to make it a better place to live. "I then hope the Master Plan Committee will be able to then use the information obtained at the Public Hearing to help formulate goals and objectives for use in the Master Plan," noted Dahlstrom..

The Master Plan Committee members are Jeffrey Roy, Chairman, Matt Kelly, Vice Chairman, Andy Bissanti, Secretary, Christi Apicella, Nathan Carlucci, John Carroll, David F. Dobrzynski, Jay Duncan, James Esterbrook , Gene Grella, Jeff Livingstone, Greg Rondeau, Timothy C. Twardowski, and Chris Vericker. 

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page athttp://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan. It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan. In addition to the public hearings, residents can offer input online at either site.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Downtown Partnership using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin Library: Oral History Workshop

 

 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 

 

Oral History Workshop

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 5/17/12

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

 

 

Town Council - 05/16/12

The summary of posted reported live from the Town Council meeting held on Weds May 16, 2012 can be found here

Town Council - opening and recognitions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-town-council.html

License hearing - Bamboo House
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-license-hearing.html

People's Rights Amendment discussion
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html

Graydon Smith's full comments on the People's Rights Amendment
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html

Legislation for action
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-action-items.html

Closing out the meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-closing.html

Franklin cub scouts running registration event after tying up shoe drive loose ends

Franklin Packs to hold Spring Registration May 20th on the Town Common after a successful 5-week shoe drive.

Franklin Cub Scouts have Fun!

FRANKLIN, MA – May 15th, 2012 – This past Saturday marked the fifth and final weekend of the Franklin Cub Scouts’ shoe drive.  During this town-wide drive, the five Cub Scout packs in Franklin collected hundreds of used shoes that will be finding new homes and keeping our landfills a little less full.

“If I had to make a rough guess, I would say the packs collected at least 500 pairs of shoes,” said Chris Botchis, cubmaster of Pack 17.  “I believe we can call our community service project a success.  Our thanks go out to the Franklin community and to those volunteers who both manned the stations and spread the word to family and friends.”
 
On Sunday, May 20th, the five packs will be hosting a membership registration event on the Franklin Town Common from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This week the packs are taking a final tally and will reveal the number of shoes collected during the event. The lucky boy who guesses the closest to the actual number of shoes collected will win a free registration to Cub Scouts for a year, a prize worth $60. Additionally the pack that’s collected the most shoes will win an ice cream social, courtesy of the other four packs.

“We will have a number of fun and interesting Scouting stations set up for the boys to sample,” said Botchis.  “One of the more popular events for Pack 17 is our annual Rocket Night that we hold each summer.  I think the parents are as excited as the Scouts to see the rockets take off, and it becomes a competition of who spots the parachute first.  We will be displaying some of the models that have been built, along with examples of the launching systems at the event on the Common.”

Kids will also be able to participate in a “Rain Gutter Regatta” that involves actual rain gutters filled with water on which the boys race small boats that they build themselves.  The event is one of many that Cub Scout packs across the country include in their annual programs.  The goal of the Regatta and other Cub Scout competitions, such as the famous Pinewood Derby, is to stress the Cub Scout motto of “Do Your Best.” While learning good sportsmanship, the competitions give the Scouts a chance to learn new building skills. At Sunday’s event, there will be both pre-made boat kits as well as some that kids will be able to build and race themselves.

Other events that day will include a compass course, a knot tying demonstration and an interactive animal tracks display.

“Our goal is to include a number of activities that touch upon the skills the boys will acquire and some events in which the boys will participate while in Cub Scouts,” Botchis said.

Boys currently in kindergarten through fourth grade will be able to sign up right at the event.  One important benefit of signing up on Sunday is that they will be able to start participating in all of the summertime activities that all five packs have planned right away, including marching in this year’s Memorial Day parade through downtown Franklin.

Like the other packs, Pack 17 already has a number of activities planned for the summer.  In addition to the parade, the Scouts will do their part during the Memorial Day weekend and join all the packs and Boy Scout troops in town to honor veterans by helping replace worn flags on veterans’ graves.  Later in the summer, Pack 17 will take part in a two-night sleepover at Cub World in Rhode Island.  Additional activities will include day hikes, the July 4th parade, a fishing derby and plans to see a Brockton Rox baseball game with a sleepover in the outfield.  Other events from throughout the past year include the Pinewood Derby, a sleepover on the USS Massachusetts and their annual holiday party in December.

Pack 17 is chartered by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 71 and is made up mostly of boys from the Helen Keller and Davis Thayer schools’ neighborhoods. The Pack meets one night each month from September through June to present awards earned the prior month, perform skits, and generally to have a great time together.

Of course, while having fun in Cub Scouts is an important aspect of the program, just as important is the goal of the Boy Scouts of America, which is to provide a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness.  The Boy Scouts of America believes – and, through over a century of experience, knows – that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. And the Cub Scout program strives to accomplish this in a safe environment for the boys.  Adult leaders are required to take a course specific to youth protection, and there are numerous resources and training courses available to leaders and parents alike.  These courses provide information on various topics including safe swimming, physical wellness, hiking and camping.

So in between church or brunch and your weekly yard work, this Sunday bring your sons down and get them started on the road to becoming courteous, trustworthy and kind young men.  Registration for new recruits is $60 per boy for more than 18 months worth of programs, and the fee includes a rank-specific handbook, neckerchief and neckerchief slide.  For those who cannot make the event, visit BeAScout.org today to register with your local pack.  The packs of Franklin hope to see you there.

“This is not what our founding fathers had in mind”

From the Town Council meeting Weds night, the Milford Daily News reports:

Councilors largely refused to discuss the merits of the amendment. 

“I do not feel this is the forum for this topic,” Councilor Glenn Jones said, a sentiment that was echoed by at least three other councilors. 

Councilor Matthew Kelly pointed out that the council has a history of being non-partisan, and said accepting or rejecting the amendment would infringe on that tradition. 

Unlike the councilors, residents at the meeting were willing to take sides in the matter.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738805193/Franklin-council-cool-to-election-amendment#ixzz1v7MiUhtp

My reporting on this section of the meeting can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html

The full statement by Graydon Smith can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html

Massbudget First Look: The Senate Ways and Means Budget

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First Look: The Senate Ways and Means Budget    This morning, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2013. MassBudget's First Look provides a preliminary analysis of the major initiatives and the effect on key programs. To address the $1.3 billion deficit facing the state, the Senate Ways and Means budget (SWM) uses a combination of cuts, savings, and one-time revenues. Notably: The Senate Ways and Means Budget relies more heavily on cuts and savings than either the House budget or the Governor's budget.  Unlike the Governor's budget--but like the House--the SWM budget does not include revenue from new taxes.  Read A FIRST LOOK: THE SENATE WAYS AND MEANS FY13 BUDGET MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: Hunger Games, alarm system, ticks

‘Hunger Games’ recreated at Franklin school

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Alarm raised about new rules for public safety radio system

by David Riley

State warns residents about tick-borne diseases

by Staff reports

Voices of Franklin: Graydon Smith on the People's Rights Amendment

The proposed agenda for the Town Council meeting May 16 was changed to remove the resolution referenced. There was discussion on the item but that was all.

You can find the agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-16.html

Links to the People's Right website
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html

and the discussion summary here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html


Graydon was one of two citizens to step forward to speak on this matter. He graciously shared the copy of his comments with me.

Mr. Chairman, Councilors, thank you for allowing me to address you about the proposed Resolution 12-33: "Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People's Rights Amendment".
My name is Graydon Smith, I reside in Franklin Massachusetts. I currently serve on the Franklin Long Range Finance Committee and serve as the Secretary of the Franklin Republican Town Committee. The following statement is my own.

First, I would like to address the proposed Constitutional amendment that the Council is considering endorsing. I find it ironic that this is labeled the "People's Rights Amendment" as this amendment does nothing to secure the rights of people. Our rights, enshrined in the Bill of Rights all have one thing in common. They all place restrictions on the authority of government from infringing on the rights of individuals. This proposed amendment does nothing to restrict the power of government, but instead, is a grant of unlimited authority to regulate speech if the speakers are incorporated.

The proponents of this amendment, including Congressman McGovern, argue that the Supreme Court erred in striking down campaign finance restrictions on political speech by corporations; They claim that the Supreme Court granted first amendment rights to corporations. I disagree. What the Supreme Court affirmed was that we as individuals to not forfeit our rights when we act or speak as a group.

I would ask the proponents of this Constitutional amendment, at what point exactly, do we as individuals give up our rights when we join a group? Are we going to allow the collective rights of members of a group to be trampled if the basis of the group happens to be a profit motivation?

The exercise of our right to free speech is is amplified when we as individuals come together in groups to support a cause. This amendment would undermine that exercise of our individual rights of speech and association. Under this amendment, speech sponsored by corporations could be regulated on the basis of "corporate speech we like" vs "corporate speech we dislike". There is no protection for dissenting voices. Additionally, under this amendment, the government would be free to regulate and criminalize any and all corporate speech. Nothing in this amendment states that any regulations would be limited to restrictions on participating in the political debates of the day. 

Finally, Franklin has a tradition of non-partisanship in its local elections and government. I myself have supported members of the Council from both sides of the political spectrum, and have been a public advocate in defense of the Town Council during recent controversies when I felt the Council acted in the best interests of Franklin. I consider this to be a highly partisan issue that has no direct bearing on any operational issues facing the town of Franklin. As such, I see no benefit to the Council nor the Town of Franklin to make an endorsement of this amendment. As such, I am asking the Council to not adopt this resolution. I respectfully ask that any and all votes regarding Resolution 12-33 be done by roll call.

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Beautification day this Saturday, come out with gloves to help

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - thanks for the recognition for my father

Jones - Thanks for the proclamation, we need to do more of these

Pfeffer - Degnan recognizes
DPW has saved the trees with mulch and water
Someone dropped off a queen size bed and mattress at the Train station, the DPW cleaned it up

Mercer - completed 60% project document, submitted to MSBA, this will be another cost estimate to ensure still on budget and target with our numbers. We are well on our way to the 90% documents

Dellorco - thanks to Vinny Debaggis for all his years of service

Kelly - Memorial Day parade in the morning

Vallee - veterans breakfast at the Elks lodge, call the Senior Center before hand to reserve a spot


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
none required

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting - Action items

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-32: Order Dedicating Town-Owned Land at 459 Pleasant Street for Use As A Public Playground or Recreation Centre
motion to approve,  passed 8-0 (Roy left early)

if passed we can apply for a $300K grant to build a playground, picnic area, parking, etc.
The DelCarte proposal is coming up Jun 6 which would include the dam repairs and trails, etc.

The amount of people getting there has tripled over his observation


2. Resolution 12-33: Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People’s Rights Amendment
removed from action for this agenda

3. Resolution 12-34: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin Council on Aging
motion to approve,  passed 8-0


4. Bylaw Amendment 12-683: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §19.B – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, passed 8-0


As discussed the Post Office has been coming downtown after closing their Forge Park facility. This provides spaces with a fee to allow for the employees of the Post Office. Others can use it by buying a parking sticker at the Municipal Building. The postal workers would be parking early and reduce exposure to accidents.


5. Bylaw Amendment 12-684:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, passed 8-0


increase in parking rate from $240 to $360, affects the merchant parking not the commuter parking

Live reporting - People's Right

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jeff Roy speaks for the proposed amendment to the US Constitution in favor of People's Rights.

Additional info on this can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html


Needham and Medway had enacted this support this week and there are a number of other communities who have also joined this effort.

Tina Powderly is not sure that this is the right forum and concerned about the precedent that this would set.

Matt Kelley agrees with Councilor Powderly that this is not the right forum.

Graydon Smith, Franklin resident and member of the Long Range Finance Committee. The amendment ironically does nothing for people's rights. The amendment undermines the rights of people. No protection for dissenting voices. (full copy added here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html)

Mr Hill speaking for the amendment, the bill of rights were intended for people not corporations, political entities of corporations have been granted rights more than what the forefathers had in mind. Please pass the resolution supporting the People's Rights. It has to come from cities and towns, it is not going to come from the top down. We the people are giving up the power to corporations unless Franklin steps forward to join this effort.

Bissanti - thanks to Jeff Roy for bringing this forward. It is something that can be done.

Jeff Roy - thank you for engaging in the discussion. I have a general sense of where the Council is at this time.