Friends of Franklin Library book sale - Oct 2103 cancelled

Hello, Steve,

As you may recall, a few years ago, the Library Board tried to cancel the Friends' book sale at the DPW. Thank you for your coverage, as I feel it was instrumental in continuing the sales. It's happening again - the Library Board has cancelled the Oct 2013 sale.  The Friends' were notified abruptly via the following letter:

As you know, the Town of Franklin has recently drafted a Master Plan for the entire town. In conjunction with the Master Plan, the Franklin Library Board of Directors is in the process of developing its own strategic plan, which will reflect the Town's plan. During this process, we must consider all sources of revenue, including fundraising. Our Library Director has conducted community surveys and focus group interviews since January 2013, beginning with the Friends of the Franklin Library. The Board wanted as much information about community needs and desires as possible before developing the strategic plan. 

Some of the initial improvements included: changing the regularly-scheduled morning programs; beginning new afternoon programs for school-age, children, tweens, and teens; updating the children's audio-visual collection; sprucing up the children's room; and instituting an "ongoing "book sale on the second floor of the library.  We are also working with an architect to review both the building needs and space requirements for the next generation of patrons. 

The popularity of the "ongoing" book sale has led us to expand it to the first floor near the circulation desk. Accordingly, we do not believe we need a fall 2013 book sale at the DPW. We will continue to monitor this new approach at the Library prior to making a decision about the 2014 spring book sale. 

We recognize the community nature of the book sales as well as the tremendous effort by the Friends and volunteers to support and to staff the book sale. We hope that the "ongoing" book sale will free your members to consider other events and ideas for fundraising in support of the Library. 

The Franklin Library board deeply appreciates all the past and present efforts of the Friends to support the patrons of the Library We welcome your suggestions and ideas and look forward to an ongoing dialogue with the Friends on our continued efforts to provide the citizens of Franklin the best possible Library in the region.

Please feel free to contact me with ideas and proposals. 

Warmest regards, 

Cynthia S. DobrzynskiChairpersonFranklin Library Board of Directors

Similar text was in the "Library Update" and posted to the Library webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/LibraryUpdate.pdf

Wonderful wine with friends

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits was the gracious host for the Franklin Food Pantry Wine Tasting event on Thursday evening.

Food Pantry Development Director Erin Lynch and Treasurer Jim Roche were among the welcoming committee for the more than 80 guests.

Development Director Erin Lynch and Food Pantry Treasurer Jim Roche

Whole Foods Bellingham provided some delicious fruit, cheese and crackers for snacking between tastes.

Whole Foods Bellingham

Painted Lady Flowers donated this colorful bouquet for the raffle. It was paired with a bottle of wine from Pour Richard's.

Painted Lady Flowers

Of course, there was a crowd gathered around to taste the samples

wine tasting choices offered by John Gedgaudas of Trio Wine

There was a selection of white and red wines to sample from. A portion of the purchases during the evening will go to the Food Pantry.

selection of reds and whites for the tasting

While wine was featured for tasting on this night, Pour Richard's has other tasting events. "Don't drink ordinary" is a worthy motto for this business!

the wine racks to showcase the  selections

For additional info on Pour Richard's visit their website http://pourrichardswine.com/
and visit their location at  14 Grove St, Franklin, MA

The Franklin Food Pantry thanks you for coming out to enjoy a drink, conversation and help a good cause!

"eleven residents had pulled papers to vie for the nine two-year seats"

One of several milestones for the Franklin local election on November 5th is reached today. Today is the last day to take out papers to get on the ballot. The papers need to be returned by this Wednesday, Sep 18th.

Prospective candidates for the Nov. 5 election have until 4 p.m. today to pick up nomination papers, with Wednesday being the last day to return them signed. 

The packed ballot includes all of the seats on the School Committee and Town Council, as well as two referendums, one of which is nonbinding. 

Residents will vote on whether to make the treasure/collector position appointed through an amendment to the town’s charter. And the non-biding question asks whether they would support the town adopting a mayoral form of government.

Read the full article in MDN: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655337649/Deadline-today-to-take-out-papers-for-Franklin-election#ixzz2f30K7BBz

The full election timeline can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-local-election-timeline.html

The Franklin Matters offer to candidates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html

Autumn Rail Trail Walk/Nature Hike - Sep 28

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) and the Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and happy to announce an Autumn Nature Hike on the Southern New England Trunkline Trail.

Please join us Saturday, Sept 28, 2013 at 10:00 am for this family-friendly event.  Enjoy all the sights, scents and sounds the seasonal changes have to offer on this Saturday morning hike. Kid-friendly guided activities will be provided along approximately one-mile round trip hike.  Recognize trees by their scent, bark and leaves; look and listen for signs of wildlife as they prepare for winter. A professional interpreter from the Department of Conservation and Recreation will lead the walk. 

All ages welcome.  This event is free, and you can register at  http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/sept-28-autumn-walk-hike.

and additional information about the hike is at www.fanklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/sept-28-autumn-walk-hike

We look forward to seeing you.

SNETT sign on Grove St

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

More about the Metacomet Land Trust: www.metacometlandtrust.org

More about Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org

Where is the trail?


View Larger Map

Babysitting Taught at the Y

The YMCA has earned a reputation for programs that focus on youth development: from childcare to camp and t-ball to teen leaders clubs. Now, young adults ready for increased responsibility and earned income also have the chance to improve their babysitting skills at the Y. Dawn DaCosta, Teen Director at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s North Attleboro Branch, is offering a Saturday American Safety and Health Institute Babysitting Course. 

The class will be offered Saturday, September 21st at the Y located at 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro. It is a great opportunity for youth ages 11-15 interested in sitting for siblings or working outside the home to gain critical skills. Also, to gain the confidence needed to care for children – from infancy and beyond. Upon completion of the class, participants will be given a student handbook and certification card. 

Class time is from 10:00am – 4:00pm and costs $60 for members of the Y, $90 for nonmembers. Registration is available by calling the Y at 508.695.7001. For convenience, members may register online at hockymca.org (category Teens). Questions should be directed to Dawn at 508.643.5270 or dawnd@hockymca.org.

Nurture their potential

About the Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Hockomock Area YMCA works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

On the web: Fred Astaire opens, Apples ready for picking

Fred Astaire Dance Studio opens in Franklin

The ballroom dance studio at 475 Franklin Village Drive opened last week and already has built up a long list of clients.

For more about the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, visit their website

Apples Ripe for the Picking at Wrentham, MA Farm

It is that time of year when the nights turn cool and the apples are ready for picking at the local Big Apple fruit and vegetable farm in Wrentham, MA!

Union St brick crosswalk status

When Union St was redone, there was discussion on how long the brick cross walks would last. On a recent photo walk around town, I took these photos that show signs of deterioration.

At the intersection of Union and Washington, going up Washington

Washington St at Union St

Also at the intersection but on the Union St side

Union St at Washington St

On Union St near the corner of Cottage St

Union St at Cottage St

For the Franklin road condition report published earlier this year visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-road-conditions-from-worst-to.html

The Franklin DPW road plan as introduced in August
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/it-just-needs-extra-million-bucks-year.html

Franklin Library - "get organized'

The craft activity scheduled for Monday at the Franklin Public Library is themed "Get Organized". Targeted for 6 to 12 year old children, they can put together their own school organizer.

get organized

This was re-posted from the Franklin Public Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/09/krafty-monday-get-organized.html

For other activities and events at the Library follow them on Facebook too
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary

Parent Letter on Pediculosis (head lice)

The recent letter to Oak St parents that is causing some conversation




You can find this letter on the Oak St School webpage
http://oakelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinOak_News/01BA4B18-000F8513.0/Parent%20Letter%20Pediculosis%20Protocol.pdf

WMRC Senior Expo Sep 27

WMRC Expo Sep 27

Sign up for the Expo on Friday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring:
• Senior Fashion Show sponsored by TJ Maxx
• Cabaret singer, Carol O’Shaughnessy performs - don’t miss it!
• Over 30 exhibitors with information about senior programs and services
• Flu and pneumonia vaccines, health screenings, GATRA ID’s and Charlie Cards will be available
• Silver Spirit Award for a senior who has shown the most community spirit - nomination forms are at the Senior Center, must be submitted by 9/12
• Free Box Lunches to the first 250 attendees; get lunch tickets at the Center
• Great raffle prizes, including a $50 gift card raffled off each half hour!
• Overflow parking at the Early Child Development Center at 224 Oak St., next to the Senior Center, with shuttle service every half hour.

PLEASE NOTE: PLEASE NOTE: The Senior Center will not open unti l 10:00 a.m. on Expo Day!!

Read the full copy of September's Franklin Connections newsletter

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Sept13connection.pdf

Farmers Market - Town Common - noon to 6:00 PM

The Farmers Market is still open every Friday through October.

farmers market sign downtown

Stop by to get fresh produce!

farmers market on a sunny day

"It is rewarding"

As reported live during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Jeff Nutting received a good review and his contract was renewed for another 5 years.

With little pomp, Town Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to extend Nutting’s town administrator contract, which expired on June 30, another five years. Nutting will take home a salary of $165,000 with a 2-and-a-half percent raise next year. He earned $144,700 in 2011, according to the 2012 Town Report. 

He thanked the councilors for being "progressive" and for trusting his decisions. 

"They always keep the town’s interest at heart, show strong leadership and allow me to do my job for them," Nutting said after the meeting. "They don’t micromanage; they give us a task and we do it." 

Looking ahead, he wants to focus on maintaining and perhaps adding to the town’s workforce, particularly emergency services.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655336303/Franklins-Nutting-inked-to-new-deal#ixzz2elTUWs3O

My summary of the Council meeting and the links with the live reporting details can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/liquor-license-suspensions-to-be-served.html

In the News: girl is found, 1993 plans reunion

Medfield girl found; suspected man in custody

A Medfield teenager missing since Monday was found safe Thursday morning in Rhode Island.

Franklin High Class of 1993 plans for 20th reunion

The Franklin High School Class of 1993 will hold its 20^th reunion at CBS Scene in Patriots Place on Saturday, Oct. 12th  at 7 p.m. in the lower level.

2 warehouses in Franklin sold

The Boston Business Journal reports on the sale of two warehouses in Franklin

Novaya Real Estate Ventures, a real estate investment firm based in Woburn, Mass. has purchased two industrial buildings in Franklin, Mass from TA Associates. 

Novaya declined to disclose the terms. The building at 176 Grove St., a 169,968-square-foot warehouse, was purchased for $7.27 million and the second property, a 59,970-square-foot distribution facility at 130 Constitution Boulevard, sold for $3.87 million, according to the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.

Read the rest of the article here
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/real_estate/2013/09/two-franklin-warehouses-sell-for-11m.html

Liquor license suspensions to be served

The Village Mall Liquor Store near Stop & Shop will be closed on Friday, Sep 13th to serve its one day liquor license suspension. 2 additional days suspension will be held in abeyance for two years as this is their first violation.

Ichigo Ichie, the Japanese themed restaurant will be open for business but unable to serve liquor from Sep 20 through Sep 24 as currently scheduled. This is their second offense and they have only been open for 2 years. The second offense usually is 3 days suspension with 2 held in abeyance for two years. As this is their second offense in two years, the 2 days held in abeyance from last year apply here to make it a 5 days suspension of liquor sales. They have a food license which is not affected this, they can remain open and serve food and drink as long as the drinks are NOT alcohol.

Bob Dean, was recognized for his work in multiple capacities over the years for Franklin.

Several zoning bylaw changes were referred to the Planning Board for action. Assuming the Planning Board approves, they'll come back to the Council for 2 hearings before the final vote.

Jeff Nutting's contract was renewed for 5 years.

Additional details from the full Town Council meeting can be found in these links

• Live reporting - closing
• Live reporting - legislation
• Live reporting - Citizens comment
• live reporting - hearings - liquor licenses
• Live reporting - Town Council - Sep 11, 2013

Franklin's Dacey Field

On a beautiful sunny day in July, I stopped by Dacey Fields to take some photos. It is great recreational space. There are multiple soccer fields and two youth baseball fields. The playground lacking any shade cover was unused while the dog park with good shade cover was being used.

I did not venture into the field disc golf course to take photos there as the work to complete that is not done and the town doesn't really want to advertise it until it is complete.

The photos I took are in this slide show:

"Special attention in the Medfield and South Eastern Massachusetts area."

Brittany, who attends Tri-County Regional Vocational High School in Franklin, is developmentally delayed and police say they have reason to believe she is in danger. 

When last seen, Brittany was wearing a red sleeveless shirt, blue jeans, and flip flops. She has braces on her teeth and typically wears her sunglasses on her head. Brittany is about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 140 pounds, police said. 

The man she was seen leaving with had on a "Sons of Anarchy" T-shirt and has slicked back hair. He is described as white and heavy-set, police said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655335876/Police-seek-help-in-locating-missing-Tri-County-student#ixzz2efiUfxym

"We take responsibility for what happened that night"

The two liquor license hearings were conducted during the Town Council meeting on Weds. Village Mall Liquors has their license suspended for one day and they will close this Friday, Sep 13 to serve their penalty.

Ichigo Ichie will serve their 5 day penalty beginning Fri Sep 20th.They will be allowed to serve liquor again on Wednesday Sep 25.

Semerjian recommended a five-day suspension, which includes two days that were put aside from the restaurant’s first violation in July 2012. Typically, he noted, second offenders receive a three-day suspension with two put on hold for two years unless there is another incident. 

The restaurant requested a lighter sentence, however, saying the suspension hurts business. Since June, Brazilian said, Cheng has spent about $20,000 on preventing further violations, such as purchasing an electronic ID scanner.\ 

Councilors commended those efforts. But the stiffer penalty, they all agreed, should stand.

Ichigo Ichie may appeal their suspension contending the mitigating circumstance as reported but it is their second violation in the two years they have operated.

Read the full MDN article: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868837330/Franklin-council-strips-Ichigo-Ichie-of-liquor-license#ixzz2effuAuUM

Read the full detailed reporting as it occurred on Weds
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/live-reporting-hearings-liquor-licenses.html

Live reporting - closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
condolences to D Netto's family on his passing
best wishes to B Yadersaria who fell and is hospitalized

thanks to the DPW for the light at King St, getting good feedback from it

thanks to the school building workers for preparation of the schools in a short summer

thanks to the Council for working to make his job easier and to work well as a team

L. OLD BUSINESS

question on work with the lot next to the Post Office
owner claims to be making a site plan proposal and it has been delayed
will ask the Town Attorney to take a second look at it

Both Jeffs are tag teaming working with CSX to get a resolution

M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - initiate discussions on exploring acquistion of MBTA stationa nd parking lot downtown

Bissanti - would like to explore acquiring the small lot next to the town dump


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Mercer - acknowledge the contractor for getting accomplished what needed to be done during the summer, all was done as scheduled and required
invite the council to a walk through Oct 7th 5::30 PM at the trailers

Kelly - I'd like to remind Mr Grillo that these positions are volunteer and that while I have missed a meeting, I have made many. And encourage him to take out papers for the Council if he thinks he can do a better job

Vallee - how come we are not listed in the Top 50?
Multiple answers to that question

Roy - there are so many numbers, it is purely a numbers game, we are still a high performing district
there is always room for improvement, there is an

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

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting - legislation

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Residence Inn by Marriott-Franklin: Change of Manager
motion to approve, passed 8-0

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee scheduled for Oct 6 at 6:00 PM

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – Referral to Planning Board
Bissanti and Mercer recused themselves
motion to waive the reading, passed
motion to move amendment to planning board, approved 6-0

2. Bylaw Amendment 13-720:Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated. – Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive the reading, passed
motion to move amendment to planning board, approved 6-0

3. Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map. - Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive the reading, passed
motion to move amendment to planning board, approved 6-0

4. Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive the reading, passed
will have some minor language changes to be brought forward at the time of approval
motion to move amendment to planning board, approved 6-0

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185 Use Regulation Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII. - Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive the reading, passed
motion to move amendment to planning board, approved 6-0

6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required - 1st Reading
motion to waive the reading, passed
motion to move to a second reading, passed 8-0 (Mercer and Bissanti returned)

7. Resolution 13-61: Acceptance of Relocated Water Easement and Release (Abandonment) of Original Water Easement on Property at 34 Longfellow Drive
motion to waive the reading, passed
the original easement was granted but the pipe was built outside the easement
motion to approve, passed 8-0

8. Resolution 13-62: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 1, Paragraph 8
unanimous recommendation to Council by Senior Subcommittee
motion to approve, 8-0

9. Resolution 13-63: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 9
unanimous recommendation to Council by Senior Subcommittee
motion to approve, 8-0

10. Resolution 13-64: Council on Aging – Outreach Coordinator
Amount requested $4,000 voted by FinCom (5-0) on 9/3/13 to approve
Bob Fahey had been outreach coordinator, was asked to serve as veterans agent
nitially served 6 cases for veterans, now has 30 cases and can't do both
a grant will fund most of this position, this is money well spent

also recommended by Senior Subcommittee, had been desired didn't have the opportunity, now we have the option to do so

motion to approve, passed 8-0

11. Resolution 13-65: Ratification of Town Administrator’s Contract
change date to Sep 4, 2013 from Feb date as shown, also needs to reflect date on contract as well
motion to approve, passed 8-0


12. Resolution 13-66: Authorization for Disposition (Sale) of Town-Owned Land (Vacant Parcel Between Old West Central and West Central Streets)
motion to waive the reading, passed

did post the land for sale, accepted bid as just over the minimum
motion to approve, passed 8-0

13. Resolution 13-67: Order of Taking – Downtown Roadway Improvements
motion to waive the reading, passed
motion to approve, passed 8-0 (via roll)

over 90 easements obtained, most are temporary to expire after construction
small amount will require compensation, required as part of the project bid
requires 2/3 vote

14. Resolution 13-68: Citizen Committee
motion to approve, passed 8-0