Monday, September 30, 2013

SNETT walk on Saturday, Sep 28

It was a glorious day to walk on the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). Hosted by the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, the Metacomet Land Trust and the MA Dept of Conservation and Resources, about 20 people enjoyed the walk along the trail stopping from time to time to check out nature along the way.

SNETT Trail sign

The rail still runs from Union St out to Grove St and ends there. On the other side of Grove St, the trail continues the path where the rails ran. The rails have been removed for some time.

the rails end here at Grove St

New England Aster

New England aster

the trail showing some wear from the motor bikes that travel it illegally

motorbikes create ruts on the trail

Toad sunning

toad in the sun

wooley bear caterpillar hitched a ride temporarily

wooley bear caterpillar

one of the activities for the younger members of the group was to find and frame some signs of life

life found and framed

Spider web in the sunlight

spider web

The group as they crossed Spring St

Spring St crossing

come on out to enjoy the trail

shaded trail

For more about the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee visit their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

For more about the Metacomet Land trust visit their webpage http://www.metacometlandtrust.org/

For more about the MA DCR http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/

Additional photos from the walk can be found in the set on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636043702445/

Taste of the Region Oct. 29

http://www.unitedregionalchamber.org/

Sample the variety of delicacies offered from around the region at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of the Region event. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of restaurants serving a variety of dishes. Bid on exciting items in a silent auction. The Taste of the Region is Tues., Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin. Tickets are available at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-222-0801 for more information.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Wrentham.

"a candidate forum for October"

The local Franklin election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th. The candidates for the positions up for this election have been set.

Four races top the Nov. 5 ballot, including for seats on the Town Council.

Ten residents will square off for the nine two-year council seats up for election.

Incumbents Andrew Bissanti, Glenn Jones, Matthew Kelly, Tom Mercer, Judith Pfeffer and Robert Vallee are seeking re-election. Since nomination papers were made available in August, four hopefuls have emerged to challenge for the seats: Charles Delfino Jr., Brett Feldman, Peter Padula and Stephen Williams.

Read the full article from the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655342975/Franklins-fall-ballot-set

This was initially reported here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

If you have not registered to vote, the deadline for the Nov election is Oct 16th. Additional information can be found on the Town Clerk webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 2, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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
● Saville M. Bennett
● FISH of Franklin

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Franklin Lodge #2136 Bene. and Prot. Order of Elks, Inc.

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
.
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 set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/100213.pdf

Franklin Education Foundation’s 8th Annual Casino Night – A Night of Fun for a Great Cause!

On Saturday, November 2, 2013, the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold its 8th Annual Casino Night at the Franklin Elks Hall, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin from 7 to 11 p.m. Casino Night is a fundraiser for FEF’s grant program to support innovation in Franklin Public Schools.

Tickets are $25 individually, or 2 for $40, and includes complimentary hot and cold hors d’oeuvres served in a festive “Monte Carlo” setting along with a cash bar. Come to our table at the Harvest Festival on October 6th for our $20 individual ticket special, valid only on that day!

Come play Black Jack, Roulette and our famous Money Wheel! New this year, we will have “Sit and Go Poker”! There will also be a raffle, silent auction and music. Enjoy a fun night while contributing to a very worthwhile cause, without ever leaving town!

Since 1997, Franklin Education Foundation events have raised nearly $300,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF have funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. The Franklin Education Foundation is a 5019c03 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible.

Current openings available at the Franklin Public Schools F.X.O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC)

The ECDC is an integrated preschool program operated by the Franklin Public Schools and is accredited
by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The program is designed for children who are three to five years old. Parents and community involvement is an integral part of our preschool program.

F.X. O'Regan ECDC

The highly trained staff provides a nurturing environment that utilizes a developmentally appropriate
curriculum based on the National Association of the Education of Young Children and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care guidelines. Multi-sensory and hands-on experiences maximize learning opportunities in the areas of social/emotional, language, motor, cognitions, and daily living skills

Applications and additional information for the 2013-2014 school year can be obtained online at:
www.franklin.k12.ma.us or at the E.C.D.C. 224 Oak Street (rear). All applicants must be Franklin residents who are 3 years of age by August 31, 2013. Any questions, please call 508-541-8166 ext. 2938.

The text was re-posted from the Town of Franklin news page
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01BBA231-000F8513

"It’s a great roadmap"

Yes, Master Plans are important. In this summary by the MetroWest Daily News, you can tell this had been prepared in advance of publishing today. Franklin's Master plan was approved at the Town Council meeting this past Wednesday (Sep 25).

After spending several years working to update the master plan, Loomis said town officials will continue to use the plan to help guide the town’s future development.

"There’s always work to be done," said Loomis. "The master plan is a living, working document."

After nearly three years of public hearings and visioning meetings, Franklin is on the cusp of updating its master plan for the first time since 1997. Planning Board members will likely accept the plan early next month, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

"denied the request without further discussion"

The Library Book Sale issue made it to the Milford Daily News in this recap of what has been published already:

"Our thought was, ‘Why do you kick $6,000 to $7,000 out of the window?' " said Kathie Nosek, who has planned the sale for the last two years. "Why would you not take that in addition to your sales?"

Five days later, Nosek said Friday, the decision still perplexes her.

"I think the Friends are still in shock about it to be honest," she said. "We never assumed that someone could be so mathematically challenged as to not look at the figures."

Lucier on Friday questioned why the board would cancel an event that is put on at no cost to the library or town and which results in revenue for a library that needs it.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655342465/Questions-linger-after-Franklin-library-book-sale-is-nixed#ixzz2gB7u34l4

A new caption for what the Ben Franklin statue is doing outside the library is 'he is also trying to make sense of this!"

Ben Franklin statue in 2008

Respectfully, there is nothing new in this issue. If you read through the Library Board's meeting notes, this 'issue' has been around for quite a while. There is something deeply disturbing in the relationship between the two groups that has not been resolved. It does take two to tango, and if only one party is willing to come to the table. It will be a long time before there is a dance.

In case you missed hearing about this, here is the replay:

The letter to the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

FoFL President Maria Lucier's update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-fall-book.html

My reporting on the September Library Board meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/library-board-will-not-reconsider.html

The Library Board minutes for the August meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/library-board-aug-meeting.html

Library: Pencil Pizazz

The Library craft for Monday is "Pencil Pizazz"

Pencil pizazz

This posting originated on the Franklin Library blog
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/09/krafty-monday-pencil-pizazz.html

In the News: Gatehouse Media Chapter 11

GateHouse Media Inc. files prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy

GateHouse Media Inc., owner of The MetroWest Daily News, the Milford Daily News and more than 150 weekly newspapers and Wicked Local websites in Massachusetts, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware.

Friday, September 27, 2013

School Committee: MCAS and PARCC presentations

If you missed the School Committee meeting on Tuesday and want to review the presentations on MCAS and PARCC, the new test being piloted here in Franklin, you can view both documents here.

The overview on Franklin's MCAS scores

The overview on PARCC which is slated to replace MCAS

More about the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) can be found here http://www.parcconline.org/

More about MCAS can be found here http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/

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

The Farmers Market is open every Friday through October.

farmers market sign downtown

Stop by to get fresh produce!

farmers market on a sunny day

Great Weather for Autumn Hike on Saturday

The Autumn Trail Hike of the SNETT will take place this Saturday, from 10:00 to Noon starting at the trailhead on Grove Street in Franklin.

This free event is cosponsored by the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the Metacoment Land Trust. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will be proving a professional guide. Kid-friendly activities will be provided along a one-mile round trip hike.

This event is free and you can register at www.FanklinBellinghamRailTrail.org

Like Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail on Facebook

More About the Metacomet Land Trust

SNETT sign on Grove St

in the News: Depot Plaza fire, new FinCom member, medical marijuana applicants

Fire at Franklin's Depot Plaza caught at right time

Firefighters early Thursday morning battled a fire inside Depot Plaza that was caught before it could inflict any major damage.

The fire originated from an exhaust fan in one of the building’s bathrooms, Chief Gary McCarraher said, and flames spread to the ceiling and burned for some time.

A piece from the roof fell to the floor, causing another fire that activated the buildings alarms at about 2:47 a.m., he said.

New member appointed to Franklin finance committee

William Dowd, of Pine Ridge Road, will occupy James Roche’s empty seat. Roche, previously the board’s chairman, decided against seeking reappointment this year.

"I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to contributing," Dowd said Thursday. "I’m looking to make sure the town gets the biggest bang for its buck."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868843933/New-member-appointed-to-Franklin-finance-committee#ixzz2g5Jpsaeo

3 area towns listed in applications for medical marijuana dispensaries

Three communities are listed as possible locations for medical marijuana facilities, according to a review of the applications by the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

In Norfolk County, four applicants are eyeing Franklin — Baystate Medical Enterprises Inc., Commonwealth Biopharm Inc., Mass. Compassionate Patient Care Corp. and Mass Relief Inc. — and one, Growing Health Wellness Center Inc., has identified Bellingham as a potential town to set up shop.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Divided Council moves zoning bylaw changes to second reading

In my reporting on this current Council, there have been very few instances where a vote was less than unanimous. On Wednesday, the zoning bylaw changes put forward to allow development of the Cook's Farm property ultimately passed by a 5-2 vote. There were only seven of the nine Councilors voting as two recused themselves for connections to the property or family in some way.

It is telling that the two 'No' votes rose from Tina Powderly (who has approached everything she has done with professional integrity and intelligence) and Glenn Jones (the subcommittee chair of the Economic Development Committee). One of the key arguments against the proposal as outlined by Councilor Powderly was how this proposal did not fit with anything in the Master Plan which had been also presented on Wednesday and approved unanimously by the Council. Primarily it allows for higher density development when Franklin has been operating since the 1990's to managed its growth.

The population grew rapidly due to development of the farms, increasing the need for schools which we were fortunate to build with much State help while we were growing. That help (read funds) has dried up and instead of increasing to meet our current needs has flatten out and started to decline. Franklin is dependent upon State funds to operate. We do need to grow to expand our tax base. That is the only way we can get help. But putting in additional homes may not be the best way at this time to do so.

There are additional problems with this proposal. The Planning Board will re-do their vote on the changes. Apparently during the meeting on Monday, the motion to approve the bylaws was made before the hearing closed, comments on the measure were not properly solicited, and while the vote did pass, one member has retracted their vote due to the situation. Planning Board Chair Tony Padula explained these 'house keeping' steps were needed. He expects to be able to re-do the vote properly during their next meeting October 7th. This is still before the Town Council can take the measures up for their second reading on Oct 16th.

There was also discussion around the dead end calculation and how it should be handled. Why the fuss over this? A safety issue. If the streets are too narrow emergency vehicles can not get in and turn around to deal with an emergency. If the road in is also the only road out, it could create a situation where an emergency vehicle needing to leave to transport patients to the hospital can not get out of the development. This situation would be created by allowing higher density development in a smaller space allowing for profit to the property owners and developer but putting the residents at risk in case of an emergency.

I agree with the 'No' vote caste by Councilors Powderly and Jones. Rushing into this change in zoning bylaws can have a lasting effect on Franklin. The Master Plan was just approved. We should spend time putting those recommendations into place so that Franklin can be a place to live safely in the future, not just now.

Additional links with the "live reporting" from the Town Council meeting can be found here:

Franklin Matters