Representative Roy Announces February Office Hours

Boston, MA -- State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Franklin for the Month of February on the following day: 

Franklin – Thursday, February 27th, 5:00-6:00 PM,

Franklin Municipal Building, Room 106 - 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 

Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him. 

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you. 

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

In the News: medical marijuana, Tri-County robots

Medical marijuana license hopefuls will hear today

Rina Cametti will be biting her nails today as she waits to learn if her new company will be one of the winners out of 180 other competitors vying for one of the state's new medical marijuana distribution licenses. 

"I'm anxious to see the final decision," said Cametti, who started Baystate Medical Enterprises in Franklin to take advantage of the new law allowing limited distribution of medical pot. "I'm trying to be positive, but there are a lot of great applicants."

Franklin: Tri-County robotics team wins grant

The robotics team at Tri-County Vocational Technical High School has received a needed injection of funds to help propel its work on a robot designed to throw and catch a ball. 

TE Connectivity, a Norwood manufacturer, has awarded Tri-County's team, founded in 2009, $13,750 through a corporate grant program. The company's manager of manufacturing, Bob Vozella, of Franklin, is a Tri-County graduate.

Franklin Children's School preschool registration

Franklin Children's School preschool registration   http://www.fcskids.com/

Franklin Children's School preschool registration

State Grants Benefit Water Conservation Projects in Ashland, Franklin, Medway

  

EEA announces state grants for water conservation projects in Ashland, Franklin and Medway

(BOSTON, January 29, 2014) – Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan this week announced more than $1.1 million in grants to communities across the Commonwealth for water conservation and management projects, including over $222,000 locally in Ashland, Franklin and Medway.

"Conserving natural resources and improving access to clean, safe and affordable drinking water are critical issues in these communities and across the state," Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) said. "These grants will help towns boost their water conservation efforts to best protect natural resources, while ensuring a sustainable, high-quality water supply going forward."

The grants are part of the EEA's Sustainable Water Management Initiative (SWMI), which seeks to improve degraded water resources and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. SWMI grants support projects that will improve the handling of wastewater and stormwater, conserve natural resources and ecosystem habitats, manage demand for water in municipalities and improve the water supply.

"Water resources are of great concern to residents of Franklin and Medway, particularly given our proximity to the Charles River," said Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). "These grants will go a long way to enhancing water management in our area and the preservation of our waterways."

"I am pleased to see Franklin awarded this important grant," said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham). "It will go great lengths toward improving efficiency in water management in the community."

"Ensuring we have clean water is an essential function of government," said Representative Tom Sannicandro (D-Ashland). "These grants are investing in clean water now so we have what we need 10, 20, 30 years down the road."

"In addition to advancing state and local water conservation partnerships across the region, this grant provides Medway with the resources to evaluate the source of water loss occurring in the town water system," said Representative John Fernandes (D-Milford). "Identifying and correcting that problem makes more water available for new and expanded development, which creates more revenue for the town."

The following local communities were awarded grants:

·         Ashland: $67,455 for a wastewater analysis planning project to analyze the feasibility of constructing a wastewater treatment plant in Ashland.

·         Franklin: $119,460 for regional evaluation of water management alternatives to reduce streamflow impacts in the Upper Charles River Watershed.

·         Medway: $35,420 for a Demand Management Implementation Project that will conduct audits of both the Town's water system and the ten largest industrial, commercial and institutional water users served by the Town. 

For more details on the SWMI grant program: www.mass.gov/eea/swm

Live reporting - Zoning Workshop (part 2)

B. Areas for Discussion requested by Economic Development Committee

1. Increase areas for Multi-family Housing

why are discussing increasing areas for housing when we were discussing that this residential housing is costing us money

it is a difficult situation with the way the State is funding education. 

about 1200 apartments and condos in Franklin

we have to fix zone 6 first, it doesn't really fit on the map, no one has asked for it

zone 6 had been stopped before because it was helping to drive the school population

multifamily zone doesn't discriminate between rental or condo

2. Increase areas for Commercial/ Business Development

brings up the RT 140 discussion again
what is the right area to increase commercial within the town

in the current industrial area downtown Thompson building, but then it is next to the train station and it is not prime for residential

Bernon Family trust owns the land near the town line past Garelick Dairy

be aware of issues where zones come together, home owners are used to the buffer

only 2% of the land is zoned commercial, 18% is zoned industrial, and 80% is zoned residential

re-write neighbor and put that on the map would address the need

what is the benefit of more commercial space? does it put more money in our pocket?

we need commercial/industrial more than residential. A property owner pays about $5K and one kid in the schools cost $10K

the only way you control what goes on in your neighborhood is to own the land

consider getting Garelick to Maple St to re-zone as commercial


discussion on Washington St property with industrial switched to residential


2. Other Proposed Zoning Changes
Commercial I Zoning District

• Amend the dimensional requirements for Commercial I in the Town’s Zoning By-law’s Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements
• Amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to require sufficient parking in the Commercial I zoning district.

zoning comparisons are hard to make from community to community, each has been so customized for the local requirements

consensus to leave C1 alone


meeting closed

Live reporting - Zoning Workshop

Present: Taberner, Dahlstrom, Vallee, Nutting, Pfeffer, Kelly,Williams, Padula, Halligan, other members of the Planning Board; some members of the Downtown Partnership, including Dean College

1. Proposed Zoning Map Changes
Alpine Row

• Rezone properties along Alpine ROW currently zoned Commercial I to the Downtown Commercial Zoning District.
• Rezone properties currently zoned Commercial I along Alpine ROW to the General Residential V Zoning District

discussion around changing some of the downtown section currently C1 to the Downtown Commercial zone, discussion around the three residences along Alpine, keeping them as they are as C1 and move along with the others to the downtown commercial zone

Josephine Street

• Rezone properties along Josephine Street currently zoned Industrial to General Residential V.

discussion around some wet lands currently zoned industrial and suggestion to make it residential, shouldn't increase opportunity for residential due to the wet lands and lot size requirements. Two of the lots are already in the Town's hands as the owner didn't want to pay taxes on swamp

Cottage Street/Union Street Area

• Rezone properties along Cottage Street and Union Street currently zoned Industrial and Business to Commercial I and or Commercial II.

mostly clean up of lot lines and change of zoning to provide more flexibility and adjust the zoning to the actual lot lines

West Central Street, East of Beaver Street

• Rezone properties along the south side of West Central Street from Beaver Street east (approximately .15 miles) to General Residential V.

proposed clean up of property lines, some are lingering from prior years clean up efforts. The zoning should align with the property lines

the real question is should RT 140 be zoned commercial all the way... or do we keep the commercial where it is outside the direct downtown...

discussion on both sides for commercial and again for keeping it R4 (but cleaning up the lot lines)

if you re-zone it, it won't happen overnight.

if someone came in to buy the whole set, then they could come before the council to get a zoning change

Think of tomorrow, sometime that will be all commercial

Girls Softball - Boys Baseball Registration

Saturday, 8:30 to 11:30 at the Elks Club  or online  http://www.franklinyouthbaseball.com/

Girls Softball - Boys Baseball Registration

Hockomock YMCA: one-day, free introductory classes - Feb 9th

The Hockomock Area YMCA will offer one-day, free introductory classes in swimming, sports, gymnastics, and enrichment on Sunday February 9th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at its branch on 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. These 30-minute classes will be taught by YMCA expert coaches and include programs in Sports like parent-child All-Star Kids and Football Rookies; parent-child swim classes as well as preschool and school age aquatics; and in Gymnastics, including Boys Super Heroes. Also in Arts & Enrichment, we are offering sampling classes in Me, Mommy & Music, Junior Chef, and Little Wizards. All in the community are invited to attend and sample a variety of the programs available year-round at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s full facilities in Foxborough, Franklin, and North Attleboro.

explore the YMCA

The Y is about youth development: we strive to help children and teens reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally and socially—from young children into engaged, active members of their communities.

“This event is a great way for kids who have never been in the water or in a sports class to get comfortable with the experience and to begin to develop life skills and interests,” says Jim Downs, VP of Operations at the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Or, if your child wants to try a new program, you’ll find dozens of options in a fun, supportive environment,” he adds.

Getting out on a winter afternoon – for a fun YMCA experience – brings huge rewards. Through Y programs, kids have the opportunity to find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.

Explore the YMCA

“Over the years, thousands of children have learned lifelong skills at the Y and we are proud to be able to continue to make events like this available,” Downs says. “It’s really part of the important role the Y plays in our community.”

Call or stop by to pick up a schedule of classes that will be offered for kids age 2-11. Signups will be available starting at noon the day of the event. For more information on the February 9th event or programs offered at the Y, please call 508-528-8708 or visit hockymca.org.


About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. With over 33,000 members, half under the age of 18, their promise is to partner and collaborate with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. Their programs and activities emphasize the development of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body and are available to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

Electric Youth to Rock Showcase Live

Electric Youth 2014 will debut at Showcase Live, Patriot Place, in Foxboro on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. This annual fan-favorite performance offers high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages. Accompanied by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY will deliver a fully choreographed show with an extensive repertoire of classic rock and contemporary pop music. Hear the best of Aerosmith, The Beatles, Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Frank Sinatra and more. Don't miss this exciting evening of timeless hits and non-stop entertainment! 

Electric Youth performing

Ticket prices are $18 for Loge Seats and $28 for Premium Seating. Tickets can be purchased at www.electricyouth.com. Call (508) 528-8668 to reserve a table for large parties. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and best seat selection.

"the wrong type of butter can secretly ruin your health"

Vani Hari, the Food Babe, writes:

Land O’ Lakes was a staple in my household growing up. We’d use the whipped butter like it was nobody’s business – my mom would use it on her infamous parathas (Indian stuffed flat bread), in countless desserts and to make homemade ghee. Once I found out what was really happening at Land O’Lakes, my Mom and I had a little chat. I explained to her that Land O’Lakes is owned by a pro-GMO company called Dean Foods. Land O’Lakes co-developed genetically engineered alfalfa, directly contributing to the GMO animal feed supply. I also explained that Land O’Lakes contributed nearly $100,000 to the “No on I-522 Lobby” – the bill to label GMOs in Washington State. This is all on top of the fact that Land O’Lakes is not organic, raises their cows with growth hormones linked to cancer, antibiotics and harmful pesticide ridden GMO feed. I told my Mom she has to stop buying Land O’Lakes if we are going to change this world!  

Knowing all these facts, plus the health risks of consuming GMOs, my Mom finally asked “what butter can I buy?” Well there are many brands out there that are light years ahead of Land O’Lakes. Here’s a Butter Buying Guide that will help you (and my Mama) navigate the butter aisle next time you hit the market

Food Babe: Butter Choices

Click through to view the product choices for healthy butter
http://foodbabe.com/2014/01/20/is-butter-secretly-ruining-your-health/

Land O'Lakes has been a brand staple in my household so we'll be shopping for a new brand

Franklin, MA; School Committee - Agenda - Jan 28, 2014

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 14, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Remington Middle School Update – Paul Peri, Brian Wildeman
b. District Improvement Plan (DIP)-Progress Report – Joyce Edwards
c. PARCC Update – Joyce Edwards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/demystifying-core-standards.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-schools-mcas-and-parcc-test.html
d. Capital Plan
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-schools-capital-budget-planning.html

3. Discussion Only Items
Fuel Up Grant and Play 60 – M. Sabolinski, S. Winslow, M. Goodman

Policy – First Reading
1. KCDA– Memorial Commemorations

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the 2014-2015 School Calendar as presented at the 1/14/14 School Committee meeting with any changes discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3500.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for Parmenter Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4000.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4000.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for Davis Thayer.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3900.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for Horace Mann.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $1088.00 from various parents for the Music Dept.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $225.00 from various parents for the Music Dept.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2260.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for the Music Dept.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $325.25 from All-American Publishing for the FHS Athletic Dept.
k. I recommend approval of the request to take Parmenter students to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 8, 2014 for a performance.
l. I recommend moving KCDA – Memorial Commemorations Policy to a second reading.
m. I recommend adoption of the FY14 Capital Plan.
n. I recommend approval of the request of Tony Joseph to take Keller Elementary School 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on April 29, 2014 as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Downtown Zoning Workshop - Weds - Jan 29, 2014 - 7:00 PM

Downtown Zoning Workshop
Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 pm
Town Hall-training room

The following will be discussed:

A. Zoning Changes as Recommended in 2013 Master Plan Implementation Plan

1. Proposed Zoning Map Changes
Alpine Row

• Rezone properties along Alpine ROW currently zoned Commercial I to the Downtown Commercial Zoning District.
• Rezone properties currently zoned Commercial I along Alpine ROW to the General Residential V Zoning District

Josephine Street

• Rezone properties along Josephine Street currently zoned Industrial to General Residential V.

Cottage Street/Union Street Area

• Rezone properties along Cottage Street and Union Street currently zoned Industrial and Business to Commercial I and or Commercial II.

West Central Street, East of Beaver Street

• Rezone properties along the south side of West Central Street from Beaver Street east (approximately .15 miles) to General Residential V.

2. Other Proposed Zoning Changes
Commercial I Zoning District

• Amend the dimensional requirements for Commercial I in the Town’s Zoning By-law’s Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements
• Amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to require sufficient parking in the Commercial I zoning district.

B. Areas for Discussion requested by Economic Development Committee

1. Increase areas for Multi-family Housing
2. Increase areas for Commercial/ Business Development

Reminder: MBTA Parking is switching pay-by-phone providers

Update: MBTA Parking is switching pay-by-phone providers starting 2/1/14.  MBTA Visit http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/ or call 1-866-234-7275 for details.  Last updated: Jan 27 2014 10:14 AM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/ Sent by the MBTA  (or write subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com)

"165 earning passing marks"

Milford Daily News reports that 230 candidates took the test last week to get on the list for the Franklin Police Dept. They are looking to hire one more police officer to bring their total to 45. The decision to hire will likely be approved as part of the FY 2015 budget cycle which will begin with Finance Committee budget hearings in Mar/Apr and commence with a Town Council decision in June.

Pleased with the turnout on test day, Semerjian said the candidates’ level of experience could vary. 

"We may see people with extensive police experience, we may have part-time officers from other agencies, and we may have green candidates who have to be sent through the academy," he said. 

Not until the department receives an OK from the council on its request to hire one officer will it begin reviewing and winnowing down the list of candidates who passed the exam, which remains valid for three years. 

Already, the Police Exam Solutions test process has proven faster than the Civil Service system in terms of releasing results, Semerijian said. For results from the Civil Service exam, he said, the department would have faced up to a six-month wait.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140128/NEWS/140126580#sthash.KHY02puU.dpuf

Franklin Schools: Capital Budget planning

The school Committee is scheduled to discuss their capital budget submission to the town this evening. The budget is in two parts, one for facilities and one for technology.

Facilities




Technology




The full agenda for the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_28.html