Reminder - Franklin TV meeting - Nov 8 6:00 PM

A quick reminder:

Our first annual member meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening, November 8th at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center.  This meeting is open to all Franklin TV members.  Questions?  Call 508-541-4118.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn about Franklin TV's plans to provide better production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs.  Our progress to date, plus the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our current board members who have contributed so much of their time and energy to shape a clear vision for Franklin TV and move ahead as a new nonprofit organization.

At this meeting Franklin TV members will be voting to elect directors for two board positions.  If you received this email, then you are listed as a member and you are eligible to vote.

Come to the Senior Center, November 8th at 6:00 PM.
We will start with a brief Presentation at 6:30.

Please join us at this important Franklin TV event.  Get to know the current board.  Come meet, greet, and vote for the nominees.  Hope to see you there.

And, thanks for watching!

Pete Fasciano,
Executive Director,
FCCA, Inc., Franklin TV

Franklin to receive solar savings

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin to receive solar savings

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 11/7/12

Town Council on Wednesday agreed to enter a power purchase agreement with a Newton green energy firm planning to build a solar farm atop land owned by nuns. Mount St. Mary's Abbey, a monastery of nuns in Wrentham overseen by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, has the deed to the 11-acre parcel in Franklin that will hold the farm.

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A complete reporting on the full meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/town-council-110712.html

Town Council - 11/07/12

The summary of posts reported in real time for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 7, 2012 can be found here:

• Real time reporting - closing
• Real time reporting - legislation
• Real time reporting - Franklin TV
• Real time reporting - Senior Center update
• Real time reporting - Appointments
• Real time reporting: Town Council - Nov 7, 2012

Note: "real time" is reporting while watching the live video feed as opposed to being in the Council Chambers and reporting which would be "live reporting"

In the News: election wrap up

Question 2 advocates concede 'death with dignity' fight

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Mass. medical society applauds Question 2 defeat

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Mass. election turnout could be a record

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Mass. voters pass “democracy amendment” with 79 percent majority

by Staff reports

Real time reporting - closing

L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Kudos to the Police, Fire, DPW for the storm preparedness
not so much for the NationalGrid

Tax rate hearing on Nov 28th

Town Planner worked with the YMCA to develop a walking map which is now available

trees are being removed on the Town Common, electrical work also being done this week so the lights will be up in time

M.OLD BUSINESS
Roy - would like some additional pressure on nationalgrid
level of communication regarding the storm was unacceptable
certain communities within Franklin are getting hit on a consistent basis and it is unacceptable
we should have nationalgrid come back and address their structural issues
we need to hold them accountable

Bissanti - I want to echo Councilor Roy's comments

Nutting - we'll give them credit for what they did do, they did the trees, they did put someone at the Fire Station but they have a long way to go. They do need to address the equipment issue (Union loop)

Jones - I would like to see them back with real answers and a real plan!

Pfeffer - how is the roof?
Nutting - the rain came from the other direction, it will be for the capital improvement committee; it is worse in the winter and when the snow melts
Pfeffer - am I the only one worried about the Jefferson school leak?
Nutting- vote to put up the money when the time comes

Kelly - if the trucks have GPS, someone out there knows where the trucks are. Foxboro was the squeaky wheel  last time and we did not hear about Foxboro this time. This time Chelmsford was on, maybe we should be

N. NEW BUSINESS
Kelly - train whistle at 4:00 AM, is there someone the Town can call?
Nutting - the whistles are set for standard per Federal law

Pfeffer - capital budget meeting?
Nutting - perhaps before next weekend

O. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - thanks to the community for carrying the day. I'll get sworn in January

Bissanti - thanks, congratulations

Pfeffer - kudos to all who ran

Powderly - this meeting showed Franklin at its best, everyone stepped up and we were able to recognize them tonight. I am hearing about cross walk issues at King St and the cross walk for Parmenter. The traffic has been increasing up there

Kelly - thanks to the election staff, great work
thanks to the pole workers at nationalgrid, great work once you get the ticket

Mercer - reminder Nov 14th public hearing on the new high school to discuss the phases of the construction, architect, contractor and project manager will be there

Nutting - we have no legal control to the site, the contractor has control at this point


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

motion to go to executive session, for real estate
not to return to open meeting
passed 9-0, via roll call


Q. ADJOURN

Real time reporting - legislation

K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-72: Establishment of an Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
explanation by Jeff Nutting as outlined from the FinCom meeting last night
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/live-reporting-finance-committee-nov-6.html

if we don't use it in FY 2014, ok but we should need it sometime

Powderly - I support this, it is forward looking, fiscally conservative, the residents would expect us to do this, allows us to deal with variations in our budget without touching the Stabilization Fund

Motion to approve, passed 9-0

2. Resolution 12-73: Appropriation: Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
also as covered during the FinCom meeting on Tuesday night (see link above)
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

3. Resolution 12-74: Appropriation: Interest – Property Tax
also as covered during the FinCom meeting on Tuesday night (see link above)
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

4. Resolution 12-75: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement
Authorization
6 megawatt facility being proposed for the Cistercian Nuns property up on Union St
this is part one of two, the second will come later
will allow for purchase of power at a reduced cost and a source of new revenue for with the property tax on the solar panels

Roy - this is a fantastic idea, it has win-win written all over it

Motion to approve, passed 9-0

5. Bylaw Amendment 12-694: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee
Rates – 2nd Reading
Motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call


6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695: Amendment to Chapter 185 §31. Site Plan and Design
Review – Referral to Planning Board
Motion to refer, passed 9-0

Brian Taberner, Dir Planning and Development
Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner

being talking of the site plan review process for sometime
will make it easier to understand requirements for a site plan review
streamlines the permitting process so it should be a win-win

Beth - complete rewrite of bylaw
clearly identifies process, exemptions, etc.
where special permit is required, can be submitted at the same time
can not have an approved plan without a special permit

signs moved to a different section for coverage, so all signs are covered in one section

administration enforcement under the site plan rather than

Pfeffer - has someone calculated the cost for all the copies
Taberner - this is what is already done, nothing new in the number of the copies, clarifies the information required and streamlines the process

Nutting - discretion currently with the Planning Board is taken away and made easier to understand
Pfeffer - this is extremely onerous

Bissanti - does this mean that
Taberner - if the internal use was not going to change the use, then it would be a limited site plan

Bissanti - parking plays a use role in this, and use same use also plays a role


7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696: Amendment to Chapter 185 §20 Signs. Sign Approvals
– Referral to Planning Board
Motion to waive reading, passed 9-0
Motion to refer, passed 9-0

Dahlstrom - all this does is put all the signs in one place, it does not change any of the actual language itself
Cerel - not a substantive change

Pfeffer - no wonder we don't have people knocking on the doors to come to Franklin


8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45 Administration &
Enforcement. Design Review Commission – Referral to Planning Board
Motion to refer, passed 9-0

Real time reporting - Franklin TV

I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Franklin TV, Ken Norman

incorporated in Nov 2011
original charter called for 7 directors
Ken now president of Corporation, got funding in March 2012
found and hired Peter Fasciano as Executive Director

using small room downtown, explored other spaces within Franklin
looked at Huchinson St property
over Labor Day weekend, explored the property purchase options and have a signed purchase and sale agreement
have filed or will be filing notices to assume occupancy and build a 30,000 900 - 1200 sq ft studio

Thursday, Nov 8th first annual meeting
At the Senior Center, starting at 6:00 PM

handed business plan to Jeff Nutting, completing the requirements

Peter worked in broadcast all his life, TV and video production 
built the original Channel 7 studio
had staff of 50 people with a 20,000 sq ft studio for video commercials
worked for Avid technology, an editor software ran the advanced development group
has 24 patents for TV, much that is shown on TV goes through software and features I had part in

rebuilt Medfield facility two years ago, and when the opportunity arose here, I applied for it

received initial funding of $400,000 of the cable funds, expecting to get the remainder of the funding sometime

documented the requirements of a video production studio
size average, 900 to 1,000 sq ft for a town of our size
drive in access, piano or van for equipment moves
one of the difficulties is finding suitable space

did look at the Emmons St, would need to be on the second floor, accessible via the elevator
would be workable but not desirable

there is a stream along the back so the property is designated as river front

Real time reporting - Senior Center update

J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 

Economic development worked to rezone parcels off Exit 16
continuing to identify opportunities, pay attention to our next agenda


I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Karen Alves, Director, Senior Center
5th anniversary on Nov 11th

Council on Aging working on strategy for the next decade
project increase in seniors for the next decade
elderly population 7,624 in 2020, up 58%

65 and over, 20% of the population by 2030
Senior Center becomes much more relevant
Senior Center participants have better health stats than non-participants

put forward an increase in facilities, staff and services in light of the projections
the challenge comes with our operating budget for expansion

majority of funding does come from the Town
178,681 of this the Town funds 71%
$31,000 grant (17%)
Friends of Franklin Elderly funds 19,000 (11%)
30% of the total operations is from non-Town resources
funded the grill cook, partially fund the health and wellness nurse

increased funding from private foundation and corporations

affordability of the Senior Center, it is a great resource for the seniors
we do everything on the cheap, reasonably priced meals, volunteers in kitchen
in passed year 23% increase in cafe

health and wellness nurse does fitness programs and performs screenings, all free!

exercise activities, aerobics, zumba, $2 per session
offer recreational activities, computer classes, etc. majority free

opportunities for socialization which may be as critical as the health and well being

offering assistance with tax preparation, did about 200 returns
if you are home alone, come on down to the center

Franklin age is 50 years and older, a couple 60 and older but for the most part 50 and up
out of towners are welcome

about 1,000 unique clients serviced across all the programs during a year

Veterans Breakfast this Friday, 9:00 AM
Bronze and Silver Star will be recognized

Friends of Franklin Elderly a 501(c)3 entity funds the free coffee and entertainment

Expansion of the second floor is planned for sometime in the future
expansion of the parking lot would need to happen first

use of the new high school is planned for as the emergency shelter (instead of using Remington/Jefferson)

Real time reporting - Appointments

F. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Community Cable Access Corp. – Board of Directors
(three candidates for two positions: Ken Norman, Rose Turco, Frank Falvey)

Motion to appoint Norman, Turco, Falvey

Turco, Norman were voted in
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

Finance Committee - Paul Aparo
motion to appoint, seconded,
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

Powederly - Jim Roche and I interviewed four candidates, all were highly qualified, this one is what we have decided to go forward with

G. HEARINGS
none

H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Real time reporting: Town Council - Nov 7, 2012

Present:  Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none


A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 3, 2012 Regular Session, October 17 Executive Session
(joined meeting after this occurred)

C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by Franklin Matters.

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

I joined the meeting just in time to hear Debbie

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Debbie Pellegri, Town Clerk, reporting on the results of the election
83% turnout
Problems with machine for Precinct 7 sometimes not reading the ballot on the first try

Robert Cantoreggi, DPW Director
working with three visitors from Pakistan
took them to Millis to see a town meeting in operation
they saw the national election last night, and they see and appreciate how interactive folks are with the government on a daily basis

Aruk, civil service from Pakistan, manages the highway department on the national level
"it is an enriching experience to see government in action"
"We are very grateful for the State Dept to bring us here and grateful to the Town for this experience"

Wayland, Hamilton and now Franklin. They have other locations to visit during their six weeks here

very impressed by democracy at the grass roots level, how the city and towns are govern, a true democracy
they would like to replicate, the people are the most impressive, all the people

They are impressed with how friendly we are, it is not conveyed that way back in Pakinstan

Holiday Stroll - Nov 29th 4:00 to 7:00 PM

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Holiday Stroll Press Release

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 10/31/12

Ring In the Season at the Franklin Holiday Stroll

The Franklin Downtown Partnership plans a jolly evening for its fourth annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, November 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and several elves will make appearances around town, and there will be tree lightings, carolers, refreshments, entertainment and more for visitors this year.

The Stroll will begin with a tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. in front of Dean Hall on the Dean College campus. Carolers in period costume will lead holiday songs and refreshments will be served. 

Holiday revelers are invited to bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry to the event. The FDP and the Franklin Food Elves will be kicking off the "12 Days of Donating" campaign to benefit the Food Pantry with drop-off bins located at the tree lighting ceremony and throughout the downtown. 

"We are happy to work with the Franklin Food Elves again this year," says Roberta Trahan, Stroll co-chair. "The Food Elves hope to beat last year's collection of more than 2,000 pounds of food and $4,000. In total that provided the Food Pantry with approximately 17,000 meals last winter and was a tremendous help during a critical time."  This year the Food Elves' sponsors and drop off locations will include Berry Insurance, DCU, Dean Bank, Dean College, Emma's Quilt Cupboard, the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Jane's Frames. 

After the tree-lighting festivities, visitors can stroll through downtown to admire the festive window decorations and stop in at more than 25 participating businesses for special treats, entertainment, demonstrations, crafts and shopping discounts. A complete listing of businesses' special offers will be available at each participating location. 

Dean Bank will have a tree lighting ceremony of its own at 4:45 p.m. followed by a unique performance by the students of the Mount St. Charles Hand Bell Choir. The bank will also be bringing back last year's popular Gingerbread Man Decorating activity.

Santa will hear children's wish lists at Simon's Furniture from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Santa's Workshop, complete with letters to Santa and crafts, will be set up at Rockland Trust, and Mrs. Claus will be sharing cookies and stories with children at the Historical Museum. 

Milford radio station WMRC 1490-AM will play holiday music and broadcast live from the Berry Insurance lot, and local singer/songwriter Jamie Barrett will entertain crowds at Jane's Frames from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Fire Station will have a fire engine ready for kids to climb on and offer holiday safety tips for the adults.

"The Holiday Stroll is nice family entertainment," says Cindy Kozil, event co-chair.  "It happens early enough that families can come to the tree lighting, the kids can see Santa and make some crafts, and everyone can do some shopping and have dinner, all within a couple of blocks and without ever having to leave Franklin." 

DCU and Dean Bank are the Gold Sponsors of this year's Holiday Stroll. D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Local Town Pages and Middlesex Savings Bank are Silver Sponsors, and the Franklin Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts and Simon's Furniture are Bronze Sponsors. 

For more information about the Holiday Stroll or if you would like to be a sponsor contact co-chairs Cindy Kozil, ckozil@dean.edu, or Roberta Trahan, roberta_icu1@verizon.net.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize Downtown Franklin. For more information about the Partnership or this event please go to our website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact Executive Director 

Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

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Will Anya represent the Patriots?

I wanted to share a story about my daughter, Anya Zub, and her participation in the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition.

"NFL Punt, Pass & Kick is the oldest grassroots initiative at the NFL.  With last year's age-group expansion to include the 6-7 division, the program will continue to reach children of a younger age and allow them to experience the fun of learning football fundamentals in an engaging and supportive non-contact environment. PPK is about kids, the parents who support their kids to come out and play and about the volunteers who give their time to organize events.   Every NFL team will host the Team Championship level of the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick.  Team Championship will have 4 Participants in each age group. Participants are determined by the top 4 scores from the qualifying Sectional Competitions "

Anya participated in the local PPK competition through our Franklin NFL Flag Football program and came in 1st for girls aged 6-7.  From there, she went to RI to compete in a local Sectional Competition and came in 1st for girls aged 6-7.  They then look at all the Sectionals that fall under the New England Patriots...and Anya was one of the top 4 results.  So, she now gets to compete in the Team Championship.

She will be going to Gillette on Saturday November 11th to participate in the competition.  It happens prior to the game and Anya will be able to stay for the game.  If she were to come in 1st in her group, she would be announced to the crowd during the game.

As you can imagine, we are very excited and proud of our daughter and would love to share this story through Franklin Matters and local papers.

Let me know if you'd like any further information or have any questions.

Thank you,
Gigi Zub

photo credit = "official PPK photo"
http://www.nflppk.com/media/media/gallery/official_ppk_photos/T2ZmaWNpYWwgUFBLIFBob3Rvcw==

Roy takes 10th Norfolk

With a total vote of 11,835 Jeff Roy won the 10th Norfolk District over Rich Eustis who gathered 9,961 votes.

“I can tell you that I never thought I would be standing here in this position,” he said. “I put my heart and soul into this race.” 

“This is a dream I’ve had for a long time,” Roy added, “and to be able to say that the dream has come true is hard to put into words.” 

Roy takes over a seat that Vallee had held since 1994. In order to get there, he had to best fellow Democrat Peter Padula in the September primary. 

Vallee, who stepped down from his seat in June, endorsed Roy on Sept. 18. An 18-year veteran of the State House, he said he felt Roy was the candidate better prepared to serve the district.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890073731/Roy-downs-Eustis-to-take-10th-Norfolk-District#ixzz2BWyfOicV

In the News: concert, ballot questions, nor'easter

Franklin High winter concert, silent auction set

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Medical marijuana passes; assisted suicide too close to call

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Good news for coast: Nor’easter to weaken

by Malcolm Ritter

Election results - quick totals

Quick totals from Franklin, MA voters

Obama - 8,589
Romney - 8,549

Brown - 10,721
Warren - 6,683

Bielat - 7,626
Kennedy - 8,937

Eustis - 6,832 + Medway 3,029 =   9,961
Roy - 9,751 + Medway 2,084 =  11,835

Ballot Questions

Q1 =  yes - 13,576    no - 1,901

Q2 =  yes - 7,958     no - 8,912

Q3 =  yes - 10,418   no - 6,319

nonbinding Q4  =  yes - 6,524   no - 2,079

nonbinding Q5 =  yes - 6,053   no - 2,544


The full precinct totals can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/election-2012-results-by-precinct.html