Saturday, April 6, 2013

"We need to go back and re-evaluate"

Initiated during the Citizens Comments during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, the issue of the intersection at BJ's was discussed during the New Business section and reported on by the Milford Daily News here.
The accident opened old wounds for the West Central Street neighborhood of some 80 homes. For Jenkins and her husband, Gordon, though this crash hit close to home, it was not a surprise. 
While jamming on their brakes and laying on their horns, they and several other Conlyn Avenue residents have been lobbying the town and the state to install a full traffic light there for years. 
They’ve written letters, sent in petitions, gone to the State House, attended Planning Board and Town Council meetings and even stood about the intersection with "STOP" signs, all for naught. 
Because the Massachusetts Department of Transportation owns the roadway, the town cannot install a traffic light. And MassDOT won’t act in large part because not enough traffic passes through the intersection to warrant a light.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1433808197/Crusade-continues-for-signal-at-Franklin-intersection#ixzz2Pg5C4myH

For all the reporting on what happened at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/town-council-040313.html

Friday, April 5, 2013

Bert Jacobs brings his optimism to Dean

"Optimism Can Take You Anywhere" was the title of the presentation and talk that Bert Jacobs gave at Dean College on Thursday evening. This was the 8th in the series by the Dean Leadership Institute. Dr. Paula Rooney thanked the Robert Kraft and the Kraft Group, last year's speaker for helping to make the connection with the Life is Good founder.

Dean Leadership Institute
Dr Paula Rooney introduction

Bert wasn't going to talk about t-shirts. He was going to talk about how to approach life as an optimist and how that makes a difference. He touted one of the key factors in his own development as having a family dinner. "Half the world's problems would be solved if people sat down regularly to a family dinner." He father had told him he could be part of the problem or part of the solution.

He downplayed the "6:00 news" as really the "6:00 violence report." When you look around there is a whole lot of good in the world. Longevity is up. Wealth is better distributed. There is no active war at this time. Is life perfect, no. But it is not as bad as it is reported to be.

Dean Leadership Institute
Bert Jacobs at Dean College

He touted persistence. he and his brother had five and a half years of bad ideas before they hit upon a good one. The good one being the first smiling face t-shirt who image eventually got the name "Jake." What told him that had hit on a good idea. That they had sold 48 t-shirts in an hour in Cambridge to 48 different people. They recognized they had found their market with "life is good."

They focused on finding an element of life and celebrating it. He told of his first t-shirt shop on Cape Cod. They were next to an ice cream parlor. The owner called him to order more shirts and asked if "Jake" could be eating ice cream? Sure, why not. Another idea came from a store owner in Vermont who wanted Jake riding a mountain bike. Sure, why not.

Some ideas didn't work as well as others. Oddly, they had trouble with Jake in a wheel chair. Folks were not getting the real 'life is good' message. "Takers may eat well, but givers sleep well." "Life can hurt, but play can heal."

life is good
Bert Jacobs at Dean

He told the story of how they developed their Halloween pumpkin celebrations, how they eveloved to focus on sharing their wealth and doing fund raising for kids. Life is Good Playmakers is part of the overall company. He told of their plans to expand their product lines beyond t-shirts. Hallmark is selling life is good cards. Life is good will have coffee come July. He wouldn't reveal their partner in the coffee business.  They are in talks with an auto manufacturer for a Life is good vehicle.

Bert said "authenticity builds business." "The only ones who can build a brand are your customers." Life is good does not do advertising, everything they do is by word of mouth. Satisfied customers telling their friends and spreading the word.

He closed asking the students to find their positive purpose. He said 'life is good' is spreading the power of optimism. He said, "We can't stop the waves, we need to learn to surf."


Six One Seven Studios April Newsletter





Six One Seven Studios | 430 Franklin Village Drive | Box 120 | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: FSPA, marijuana, principal



Register for FSPA summer, fall classes

Registration for summer and fall programming is now underway at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA).



Medical marijuana overlay district planned along I-495

Potential medical marijuana treatment centers would likely have to be located in a special overlay district along Interstate 495, according to new zoning bylaw amendments proposed by the Department of Planning and Community Development.


Franklin principal withdraws candidacy for Hopkinton job

Superintendent Steven Hiersche announced today that a finalist in the search for Center School's next principal has withdrawn her application.


Look What's Happening at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin





Look what's Happening at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin
Greetings!

There are some exciting events happening at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin. Over the past few years we have received numerous questions from members regarding who to see for injuries and massages. I have personally asked many members for their local recommendations. We are so pleased and honored to welcome Dr. Cameron MacEwen, D.C., and Ms. Stephanie Dixon, LMT to our facility. 



Dr. Cameron MacEwen, D.C.
We are thrilled and excited to welcome Dr. Cameron MacEwen, D.C,  of Tritown Chiropractic Rehabilitation, to our team!!
Dr. Cameron MacEwen is a 1988 graduate of the Logan College of Chiropractic, in St. Louis, Missouri.  He completed his internship and residency at the Montgomery Clinic in Chesterfield Missouri. He has continued postgraduate studies in Chiropractic Orthopedics and is board eligible with the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists. He has been in practice for more than twenty years at his Foxboro location.
 Please click on the link above to learn more about Dr. MacEwen and his credentials. To schedule a free consultation, stop by the front desk or call 508-541-8330 for information. 

Stephanie Dixon, LMT
Stephanie has been in the medical field for over 10 years and graduated MassBay Massage School around 2006. She is well educated in her field and specializes in a variety of therapeutic massage techniques. These 30 min, 60 min or 90 min massage techniques include:
Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Hot Stone.


Please click the link above for more details on the massages available. Pricing varies per time and technique. Packages are also available. Please contact the front desk for more details at 508-541-8330.




Cops For Kids with Cancer Fundraiser
Saturday, April 13, 2013, from 11 am- 1 pm 
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or have never worked out, CrossFit is for you. So come join us for a CrossFit Class and you will be amazed.  Workouts will be partner, introductory level workouts with basic elements and skills of CrossFit. ALL elements are scalable and all fitness levels are welcome.

Click here for More info about our event and how to donate/participate in the event, and learn more about this organization.


Quick Links
If you have any questions regarding this email blast, please feel free to stop by the front desk or call us at 508-541-8330 for details. 

We hope you take advantage of the opportunities for a FREE chiropractic consult and a FREE massage. A great way to ease your pains, stresses, and prepare for the coming spring activities.

Happy Spring!!
The TEAM at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin


Copyright © 20XX. All Rights Reserved.



Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Town Council - 04/03/13

The summary of posts from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Apr 3, 2013 can be found here.

Two issues brought out a bunch of citizens to the Council meeting. One group presented a petition to get their road which has not been rebuilt in the 50 years it has existed repaired. The second group was lobbying for improvements to the BJ intersection where since the lights were taken out, the traffic has become more dangerous.

There are no simple solutions to either situation. On the one hand, Franklin needs 45-50 million dollars to get well with its roads. Even if it had the money, all the repairs could not be done at once. On the second problem, the State owns that section of the road and controls what happens there.

The situations will be addressed through the appropriate channels and hopefully we'll be able to report on some progress soon.

In other action at the Council meeting, there were several pieces of zoning bylaw adjustments sent to the Planning Board. These bylaws would permit medical marijuana businesses in specific areas (Forge Park Industrial area, for example). The bylaws would be subject to public hearing, adjustment and eventual approval by the Planning Board before coming back to the Town Council for two public hearings and eventual vote.

The Town Council also approved a payment in lieu of taxes (pilot) agreement with the Franklin TV cable access group.that had been negotiated. It is hoped that other non-profits would develop some similar agreements.


Live reporting - Closing
Live reporting: Legislation
Live reporting: Town Council - Apr 3, 2013



The text and accompanying pictures for the petition can be found here


MassBudget: the Income Tax in Massachusetts



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
The Income Tax in Massachusetts
What are some of the things we accomplish by working together through government?...We educate our children; we build and maintain our roads and transit systems; we provide police and fire protection to keep our towns and cities safe.

To pay for these investments in our people, our communities, and our economic future, we rely primarily on tax revenue. MassBudget's new factsheet, "The Income Tax in Massachusetts," analyzes the major features of the income tax, which is the single largest source of tax revenue in Massachusetts.

  • Overall, the tax system in Massachusetts is regressive, with low and middle-income people paying roughly 9.5 percent of their income in taxes while the highest-income people pay only 6 percent.

  • The income tax is the only major component of our tax system that cuts against this imbalance. A range of exemptions ensures that low and middle-income people pay a smaller share of their earnings in income taxes than higher-income people.

  • If the income tax were a larger part of the state tax system the whole system would be more fair (less regressive)--and also better able to keep up with changes in our economy and provide adequate funding for vital programs over the long term.

"The Income Tax in Massachusetts" is part of a series of MassBudget Tax Factsheets, covering topics from Tax Fairness to the Long-Term Cost of Income Tax Cuts and the Governor's Tax Plan.


See all of our work on TAXES IN MASSACHUSETTS
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Friendly reminders - events today



  • The Kindergarten registration takes place today at Horace Mann Middle School. Information on the forms and documents required can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/kindergarten-registration.html

parmenter sign
Parmenter sign


  • Minute to Win It at the Franklin Library for kids 6-12

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-library-minute-to-win-it.html


  • Life is Good co-founder Bert Jacobs speaks at Dean College Thursday evening at 6:30PM

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/life-is-good-co-founder-bert-jacobs-at.html


Pour Richard's: Introducing Fat Tuesdays



Basic store logo
Connecting good friends with great wine!
   
Never Drink Ordinary!
Introducing Fat Tuesdays
(That's fat as in a fat, juicy bargain)
Why should Mardi Gras arrive only once a year? Here at Pour Richard's, we have our own version. No beads, but always a great buy. These items will not be available in-store, only to the Fat Tuesday email list.
  
Mardi Gras coins 
  
Do nothing, and you'll still get notifications about news and events. But opt in to our insider list, below, and you'll get our awesome Fat Tuesday specials. Press 'Join Now', and then check your inbox next Tuesday for your first Fat Deal.
For Email Newsletters you can trust
Like us on Facebook[Insert social links here - select the logos from the toolbar on the left side.]


Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Bert Jacobs, best looking dogs


Co-founder of Life is good company to speak at Dean College

The Chief Executive Optimist of Life is good, a Boston-based apparel and accessory company, will tell Dean College students on Thursday that, above all else, owning a business "should be fun."


Franklin's Best Looking Dogs


Franklin’s Best Looking Dog contest winners gathered at the Municipal Building in Franklin on Wednesday.


Note: The Milford Daily News reporter did attend the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. How the editorial decision was made to not share anything from the meeting escapes me. So if you want to find out what happened during the meeting you can find that info here


Live reporting - Closing
Live reporting: Legislation
Live reporting: Town Council - Apr 3, 2013

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Regent Circle Petition

The petition as presented tonight by the residents of Regent Circle




They presented their petition during the Citizens Comments
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/live-reporting-town-council-apr-3-2013.html

and stuck around for the discussion during New Business
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/live-reporting-closing.html

The road condition report as referenced was published earlier this year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-road-conditions-from-worst-to.html

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
need to get dates for the budget hearings in May

L. OLD BUSINESS 
none

M. NEW BUSINESS 
Jeff visited Regent Circle, one of the 20 worst streets according to the study
can we make temporary repairs, yes
we need lots of money to fix the neighborhood, fix the water main as well
even with all the money, we couldn't do it, we are booked solid
I recommended a road repair override for $1.5M
in good years it has been great but in lean years there has been nothing
they need a street and a new water line
the only way we get there is with money
the combination of the road and water line usually get to the list
we'd rather do neighborhoods than one-offs

Steve - my comment would be that several years ago we were the top five, yet now we are further down the line
patched a water main break improperly repaired
my home is kept up, if a realtor would drive down the road, good luck to try and sell
it merits being pushed up the list
we have called in and not gotten results

Kelly - we are booked solid, is there something we can do

Nutting - we can spend small money to get by but need more to do more
the big issue is what are we going to do with the streets

Steve - the temporary repairs are not well made, throwing patch down is not going to hold

Pfeffer - we have only a certain amount of money that we can spend, we can't do it on a piece meal basis

Bissanti - conditions have changed over the years, can we revisit the list to see of some of the scores require shifting

Nutting - the list was just done by an outside engineering firm and it is not six months old. When you're in the top 20 out of 400 streets, that was bad. We went outside to get this down to avoid our internal potential bias

Bissanti - can we send some DPW out to re-valuate this list?

Nutting - even if he moves up two streets, what does it change?

Vallee - we have little money, we'll keep an eye on it

Steve - if we end up doing spot repairs, please don't send out DPW guys


Traffic issue -
Nutting - it is MassHighway issue
I think we can get them out there again. I don't see them putting a light in there
The Chief is well aware of it, we'll get with MassHighway to see what more we can do

Chief - it needs another hard look, I don't know how to tell the state

BJ's has offered to pay for the electricity for the light, the State won't
No one wants to take the ownership

Nutting - The state owns the road
Their standards are based upon the uniform traffic code

Powderly -I don't think anyone is disagreeing with the dangers and the bruses, we are on the side of the residents, there are limits to what we can do, we'll go through the arguments and new facts (new businesses coming)

Jeff Roy - arrives (8:04)

Jones - I am sorry for your accident and the issue
my question Jeff is an expense of the light?

Nutting - 100,000-200,000 to get it installed
it needs to be engineered, that will take time
I don't think the additional businesses will add significant traffic, it would be a deminimus increase

Powderly - in summary we are going to contact the State to redo this

Bissanti - will they take the accidents into consideration

Nutting - give us a couple of weeks to figure it out and we'll keep you posted

Roy - I am sorry I am late for the meeting and discussion, in my role as Rep I was contacted, we are opening an investigation and in touch with MassDOT so we can get everyone involved and get addressed

Diane Martin - re-opening the Regent Circle issue

Bissanti - there is a committee to put up flags when veterans pass on

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Mercer - steel continuing to rise, another three-four weeks of erection, then followed by brick installations
received letter from resident, asked to be read note of thanks to Fire Dept and EMTs

Dellorco - we will stay on this and get something done

Powderly - capital budget round two, look at roads in that round? We have a system, if we have that ability I'd like to consider it

Jones - thank to the residents for coming out to express their interests
Franklin Downtown Partnership has announced their events for this year, visit their webpage for the schedule
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Bissanti - it is frustrating to me as a citizen and as a businessman it is a difficult time for decisions like this. If we were to go with a dedicated override, you can help us in that regard

Roy - thanks to Councilor Mercer for sharing that letter

Nutting - between 45-50 million would cover the roads,
replacing an existing road you can only borrow for 5 years, the state gives us $900K or $700K and it depends. The problem is it is not consistent. The other streets were where water mains were replaced. Water mains can be paid back over 15-20 years. We have 400 roads

Vallee - it is a fact on how little there is, Winterberry was repaved


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

P. ADJOURN 

Live reporting: Legislation



J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-21: Acceptance of Real Estate Payment Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc., RE: Property at 23 Hutchinson Street

Jeff had negotiated this for payment in lieu of taxes
Powderly: thanks to Jeff and the Board of Directors for doing this
Kelly: I hope many non-profits take note of this and help out

Motion to approve, passed 8-0

2. Resolution 13-22: Long Range Financial Planning Process

Proposal to formalize the
Doug Hardesty, Chair of Long Range Financail Planning Committee
was in place from 2008 to 2012
would like to formalize this process
process was designed around the decisions that were made for this year's budget
cash flow and capital planning require more formal planning

many of the discussions go far beyond the challenges for this current year
the toughest challenges are coming in the future
structural deficit, expenses rising faster than revenues, has occurred over last ten years and will continue

OPEB obligation will continue to grow, will place a further strain
you have the issue of the roads and the condition will only get worse

we no longer have the simple approach of focusing on this year with some thought of the future
the rigorous process is what is outlined in the future
go into the next five years and into the next ten years
mandates a formal deliverable and approved by the town leaders

would ensure that the deliverable actually enumerates the planning or action steps that are required
(note the current five year forecast just published does not contain these steps)

it is not too late to get started with this more deliberate planning process
benefits
1 - in making decisions, will have visibility into real outlook for decision
2 - when you make decisions, an education and awareness process is required, to build credibility, separate the reality from the individual decisions, explained in the context of the whole

Powderly - Doug said it very well, thanks to those who served on the Long Range Committee, it was time well spent. Need to engage everyone in how to fix the problems, the joint budget subcommittee felt it should go through those groups to help inform. The roads would require 4-5M a year to fix and we don't have that money.

Motion to approve, passed 8-0

3. Resolution 13-23: Appropriation: Town Clerk, Poll Workers, Expenses
$12,400 from free cash

Motion to approve as amended, passed 8-0

4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-706: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Adult Use Overlay District – Referral to Planning Board

motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0
technical corrections to existing areas, the amendments are meant to clearly delineate the areas which are not currently

5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-707: Changes to Chapter 185-47. Adult Entertainment Establishment Districts – Referral to Planning Board

motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0
same as above 13-706

6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-708: Changes to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0

7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-709: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0

8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-710: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Medical Marijuana Use Overlay District – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0

9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-711: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0

10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-712: Changes to Chapter 185-49. Medical Marijuana Use Overlay District – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0



Live reporting: Town Council - Apr 3, 2013

Present: Mercer, Dellorco (7:10),  Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti
Absent:  Roy


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 6, 2013
motion to approve; approve as amended 7-0
Powderly requested to amend to reflect that the motion was read by

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Regent Circle neighborhood residents
not paved in the 30-40 years of the residents
settlement and pavement failures, represent safety hazards
sidewalks not walkable


View Larger Map


Paul Piccillo
grass growing in some of the pot holes on the street

Mike Ipoliti (sic)
seconding road conditions as mentioned

Diane Martin
lived on Regent Circle for 39 years
it is a hazard

Wendy Jackson
regarding major accident at the BJ Intersection
after bridge was put in, flashing light taken down, replaced with stop signs
no other way in or out that intersection
it is an absolute disaster
moved the stop sign at BJ's out further
new office, new gas station coming, commercial signs for sale, it will continue to increase traffic

Maureen Chosen
in accident in Sept 2011, the lights were taken down there
Joe Halligan counted a hundred cars, only 2 stopped there
something else needs to be done before the next accident gets worse

Jennifer
in the accident on Saturday
I didn't know what to expect, 8 month old son in car, car t-boned and rolled three times
can't work for four weeks, is a single mom and that is hard
a simple stop light can help


E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Five Year Fiscal Forecast: The sky is not falling (but it is getting lower)

Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting's letter to the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee with the "Five Year Fiscal Forecast: The sky is not falling (but it is getting lower)"