General business
250 East Central St
question on enclosing steel around the dumpster, how is this updated to the 'as built' plans?
motion to accept certificate of completion, approved with one abstention
100 West Central St
Dean College looking for an extension to Jan 7
motion to accept, approved
3 Forge Parkway
landscaping items awaiting completion, need to wait until the spring time to complete
motion to accept with the punch list items so noted, i.e. partial completion; approved
14 Grove St
a number of items not completed and accurately shown
Don Nielsen updated on the safety improvements that were completed and updated with a revised Form H sent in today.
B Dahlstrom - there are timelines for form completion and submitting today does not allow proper time to complete the inspection
Proposed inspection on the 20th, motion to approve Form H dated Dec 20th (assuming inspection results are satisfactory; motion made and approved
438 West Central St
Taco Bell, Don Nielsen
items to be completed by Dec 17th were done with the exception of the light poles along the drive through, they were too tall and would not create enough safe space with the high voltage lines
Upon inspection, to confirm items completed (Dec 21), occupancy will be held; motion, approved
Monday, December 17, 2012
Franklin, MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Dec 17, 2012
The Planning Board has a full agenda on tap for Monday night. From the proposal for the Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St, to the Stop & Shop gas station, there are quite a few proposal for review and discussion. The full agenda document can be viewed here:
You can also find the document on the Franklin web page here
You can also find the document on the Franklin web page here
Free holiday parking downtown
There is free parking (2 hour limit) downtown to help with your holiday shopping.
This was discussed at the recent Town Council meetings and quickly implemented (hence the plastic bags and writing in markers).
From the Nov 28th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/live-reporting-closing.html
From the Dec 5th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/live-reporting-legislation-closing.html
This was discussed at the recent Town Council meetings and quickly implemented (hence the plastic bags and writing in markers).
From the Nov 28th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/live-reporting-closing.html
From the Dec 5th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/live-reporting-legislation-closing.html
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Joint Statement on Franklin Schools opening Monday
To the Franklin Community,
In the midst of the overwhelming sadness brought on by the tragic incident in Newtown, CT public safety officials, school personnel and Town of Franklin officials are more committed than ever to the safety of all students, teachers, administrators, and support staff that occupy our schools and public facilities. All parents should feel secure and comfortable in the fact that the schools and public safety are vigilant in our pledge to prepare, train, and if necessary, carry out all functions necessary to counter any threat to the well- being of anyone associated with the schools in our community.
Each school has a comprehensive safety and emergency response plan that has been developed in collaboration with the Police Department, Fire Department, Facilities staff and the administration of the School Department. Our practice drills are monitored by the police and we continually refine our procedures based on the feedback we receive form our public safety officials. Our emergency plans are reviewed with all school personnel annually. In October, the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent met with Police officials to review our building based plans and to review current research on handling these violent situations. As part of our on- going collaboration we will review/revise our plans according to best practices. On November 15, the Franklin Police Department and the Office of the District Attorney sponsored a crisis drill at Franklin HS. Based on the training we are refining our procedures within the context of the most up to date research from national law enforcement leaders.
As school opens on Monday, each school leadership team developed a plan to address any issues that impact students as they arrive at school. We requested the police have a presence on each campus to assure students and parents that our commitment to a safe educational environment is a community priority. We encouraged our school administrators and teachers to engage in the typical day to day programs that have been scheduled and follow the normal routines. Using Open Circle, Middle School Advisory and our trained counseling professionals, we are able to support and meet the emotional needs of our children.
As we move forward we want to assure all parents and concerned residents of our combined dedication to providing an environment where all those at the schools feel protected and secure, where they know that school and public safety professionals are alert to possible threats, where they have confidence in public safety’s readiness for any incident that may threaten that security, and where there can be no doubt in our ability to engage in what we see as integral part of our duty to protect and serve. Please feel free to contact any or all of us if you have any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting Stephan Semerjian
Town Administrator Chief, Franklin Police Department
Gary McCarraher Maureen Sabolinski
Chief, Franklin Fire Department Superintendent of Schools
In the midst of the overwhelming sadness brought on by the tragic incident in Newtown, CT public safety officials, school personnel and Town of Franklin officials are more committed than ever to the safety of all students, teachers, administrators, and support staff that occupy our schools and public facilities. All parents should feel secure and comfortable in the fact that the schools and public safety are vigilant in our pledge to prepare, train, and if necessary, carry out all functions necessary to counter any threat to the well- being of anyone associated with the schools in our community.
Each school has a comprehensive safety and emergency response plan that has been developed in collaboration with the Police Department, Fire Department, Facilities staff and the administration of the School Department. Our practice drills are monitored by the police and we continually refine our procedures based on the feedback we receive form our public safety officials. Our emergency plans are reviewed with all school personnel annually. In October, the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent met with Police officials to review our building based plans and to review current research on handling these violent situations. As part of our on- going collaboration we will review/revise our plans according to best practices. On November 15, the Franklin Police Department and the Office of the District Attorney sponsored a crisis drill at Franklin HS. Based on the training we are refining our procedures within the context of the most up to date research from national law enforcement leaders.
As school opens on Monday, each school leadership team developed a plan to address any issues that impact students as they arrive at school. We requested the police have a presence on each campus to assure students and parents that our commitment to a safe educational environment is a community priority. We encouraged our school administrators and teachers to engage in the typical day to day programs that have been scheduled and follow the normal routines. Using Open Circle, Middle School Advisory and our trained counseling professionals, we are able to support and meet the emotional needs of our children.
As we move forward we want to assure all parents and concerned residents of our combined dedication to providing an environment where all those at the schools feel protected and secure, where they know that school and public safety professionals are alert to possible threats, where they have confidence in public safety’s readiness for any incident that may threaten that security, and where there can be no doubt in our ability to engage in what we see as integral part of our duty to protect and serve. Please feel free to contact any or all of us if you have any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting Stephan Semerjian
Town Administrator Chief, Franklin Police Department
Gary McCarraher Maureen Sabolinski
Chief, Franklin Fire Department Superintendent of Schools
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 19, 2012
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 11, 2012 Budget Workshop
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – James E. Vallee
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS – 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Citizens Committee
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-75-R: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement Authorization
2. Resolution 12-85: Appropriation - Technology-Consulting
3. Resolution 12-86: Appropriation - Health Insurance Payroll Withholdings Account
4. Resolution 12-87: Appropriation – Kensington Estates
5. Resolution 12-88: Acceptance of Gift - Recreation
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design
Review- 1st Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals-
1st Reading
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and
Enforcement. Design Review Commission- 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
The full agenda and associated documents as released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/121912.pdf
"I think we need to be open with our children"
The Milford Daily News article with local reaction to the tragedy in Newtown, CT quotes from Chief Semerjian's letter.
Read more: Parents grapple to describe the unthinkable - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x719507046/Parents-grapple-to-describe-the-unthinkable#ixzz2FDdNupLV
The full text of Franklin Police Chief Semerjian's letter can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/a-word-from-chief-sandy-hook-tragedy.html
Although many schools will likely look to tighten security, Franklin Police Chief Stephan H. Semerjian believes society needs a fundamental change.
"The underlying issue as I see it is our society’s mental health," Semerjian wrote Friday in a letter to the community. "The inability of us as a people to help those in crisis before violence becomes the answer; before the anger boils over."
Semerjian said he believes people need to act to stop cycles of family violence — something he said often leads to children learning responses of anger and violence.
"We lose care and respect for one another and those closest to us," he said. "Moreover, we have no respect in ourselves or our lives and begin to believe that life is cheap, worth nothing."
Read more: Parents grapple to describe the unthinkable - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x719507046/Parents-grapple-to-describe-the-unthinkable#ixzz2FDdNupLV
The full text of Franklin Police Chief Semerjian's letter can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/a-word-from-chief-sandy-hook-tragedy.html
"We don't know as much as we need to know"
The Milford Daily News has an article on the new electronic cigarette and how there is a gap in the coverage by local bylaws.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x719507194/Local-bylaws-cloud-future-use-of-electronic-cigarettes#ixzz2FDbS9Lwz
Where is Cigars & More?
Jack Patel said he has been selling a lot of flavored electronic cigarettes at his shop, Cigars & More in Franklin.
"I see a lot of people into this," Patel said. "They like it," he added. "It helps them to quit cigarettes and, plus, it’s cheaper than regular cigarettes."
Kiklas said the number of users has shot up from 50,000 in 2008 to 3.5 million, and that number is expected to double by the end of next year.
"I have heard projections that in five years, 20 percent of smokers in the U.S. will transition to our technology," he said.
Unless prohibited by local law, people in Massachusetts are free to use the devices anywhere - and that can cause problems.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x719507194/Local-bylaws-cloud-future-use-of-electronic-cigarettes#ixzz2FDbS9Lwz
Where is Cigars & More?
Saturday, December 15, 2012
FPS: Family - Educator Resources
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
December 15, 2012
Good Morning,
As we all continue to try to comprehend the unspeakable act that happened in a CT elementary school, parents and community members may be asking how school personnel plan to handle this tragedy. Administrators, school counselors and our teaching staff will assess needs at the classroom and individual level. Our counseling staff is comprised of highly trained professionals and they collaborate and function as a team. If a school or classroom needs additional assistance we can assign personnel from other schools to provide support. We have a variety of instructional strategies and tools we use such; as Middle School Advisory, Open Circle, Social Skill groups and individual/group counseling. If you feel your child is struggling with managing their emotions about this incident please contact school personnel Monday morning. Principals and counseling personnel will be ready to assist.
Here are some resources that may help you discuss this tragedy with your child. One of our parents who is a professional in the education field offered these links. We will post on our websites as well. These are challenging conversation to have with a child, especially at a time of year that should be magical for children. Stay well.
Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski
Resources: (note - links updated 6/11/16)
A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/trauma/how-children-cope-with-ongoing-threat-and-trauma
Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-prevention/school-violence-prevention-tips-for-parents-and-educators
Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
http://www.nctsnet.org/resources/audiences/school-personnel/trauma-toolkit
SAMHSA's "Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events" Web site
https://findtreatment.gov/
School Crisis Guide: Helping and Healing in a Time of Crisis
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.sswaa.org/resource/resmgr/imported/schoolcrisisguide.pdf
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.
A Word from the Chief: Sandy Hook Tragedy
December 14, 2012
In light of today's tragic shooting of school children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut as your Police Chief I thought it important to put some of my thoughts to paper. I would like to begin by sending along my thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their loved ones and all of those in Newtown who have suffered as a result of today's tragic event. It will take much more than words and a great deal of time to heal those wounds suffered by these families today. I hope and pray for all of them to heal.
As Police Chief I often times wonder what has happened to us. What has gone wrong? Why do some feel the need to act out their anger and aggression on the innocent? Is it the fact that access to dangerous weapons, i.e. firearms is too easy in our Nation? Is it the fact that we have a generation of young people who spend an inordinate amount of time with violent video games? Is it the violence watched on television or seen at the movies? Some of these factors may surely contribute to such behavior, but I can't help but feel the issue goes much deeper than this. In my 34 plus years in law enforcement I have been witness to innumerable amounts of family violence. Violence that is not only physical but mental in nature. Children who grow up with such insecurity in their lives because of unstable familial relationships with those who are supposed to take care of them. Supposed to protect them. Children who have watched their parents fight and been witness to intoxicated ranting and ravings. Children, who go without, are hungry and cold left pretty much on their own to fend for themselves.
This is a cycle; it is not germane to any one generation. It begins at some time in the family and becomes learned; carried on sometimes generation to generation not by deliberation or design, but this is just what was learned from watching, seeing and being victim to. The end result is a weakness of the mind; an inability to deal with the daily stressors of life in a humane and civil way. The learned response of anger and violence becomes the way to solve the problem. Hence it is a societal issue. One where we fail as a people. We lose care and respect for one another and those closest to us. More over we have no respect in ourselves or our lives and begin to believe that life is cheap, worth nothing.
The underlying issue as I see it is our society's mental health. The inability of us as a people to help those in crisis before violence becomes the answer; before the anger boils over. When law enforcement looks back into the history of those who commit such crimes in nearly every case warning signs were present. These warning signs may have been a lifelong secret, overlooked or dismissed as nothing important, or they may have been improperly diagnosed and/or treated. The fact remains that the unknown variable will always be in the mind of the offender and until we learn how we can accurately read a person's mind we will never be able to say with any degree of certainty that tragedies such as those in Newtown Connecticut today will never happen again.
Stephan H. Semerjian
| ||
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
FPS: Community Update
| |||||||
|
Ernesto Sirolli: Want to help someone? Shut up and listen!
"What you do [to provide better aid is] you shut up. You never arrive in a community with any ideas.” (Ernesto Sirolli)
TEDTalks are great sources of ideas. The speakers effectively deliver their ideas with a story. Ernesto Sirolli tells his story with good humor.
Well worth spending time with (17 minutes).
TEDTalks are great sources of ideas. The speakers effectively deliver their ideas with a story. Ernesto Sirolli tells his story with good humor.
Well worth spending time with (17 minutes).
Accused syringe robber arraigned for third time
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 12/14/12
A man, accused of robbing or attempting to rob five doughnut shops during a single week in October by threatening employees with a syringe, was ordered held on $100,000 bail Friday at his arraignment in Milford District Court.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in Franklin!
Over 100 folks enjoyed a dramatic reading of "A Christmas Carol" as performed by Al LePage with musical accompaniment by Rev Diane Carpenter on Thursday evening.
On behalf of the Food Pantry Board of Directors, our sincere thanks to the Historical Commission and to the United Methodist Church for arranging this event. Our special thanks to performer Al Lepage for his significant contribution to make this happen. It was a wonderful performance.
One gentleman as he left the performance checked with Mary Olsson on whether the show had sold out. Informed that there had been about 15 tickets unsold, he said that he would provide a check to ensure that the event had been sold out.
The event raised over $1,300 for the Franklin Food Pantry.
This is the kind of Christmas Spirit that exists in Franklin and for which we are most grateful!
Related post:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/tickets-on-sale-christmas-carol-times.html
Dean College "flash mob" (video)
The Dance Group at Dean College did a flash mob at Patriot Place recently
Happy holidays!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Happy holidays!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)