"start the ball rolling on gun legislation"

The MA House of Representatives task force on guns issued its report and recommendations.

All private firearms sales should be completed through a licensed dealer, live-fire training should be required for those seeking a license, and the state should comply in a limited capacity with the National Instant Background Check System, according to the long-awaited recommendations of a team of experts advising House Speaker Robert DeLeo on gun policy. 

While concluding that Massachusetts "already has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation," DeLeo's Committee to Reduce Gun Violence offered 44 recommendations on Monday to reduce gun violence and gun suicide, to improve public safety, and to standardize gun licensure throughout the state. 

"Virtually every gun begins as a legal gun, in the hands of someone who passed a background check," the task force wrote in a 23-page report, noting that most gun owners handle their weapons lawfully, and suicide is the leading cause of gun deaths.

Read the full article at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140203/NEWS/140209355#sthash.yrLZ4x6e.dpuf

Friendly reminder: Library Lovers Month - what is your favorite book?

There are only a few entries thus far... maybe you missed this the first time around. This will be open throughout the month of February. The Friends of the Library will post the results on their Facebook page. (If you haven't found them on Facebook, click here)

To help celebrate February as "Library Lovers Month", the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) would like to know what your favorite book is, and why (just a couple of sentences). It can be a book you read recently, or one you read years ago. Maybe you have a favorite author you can tell us about. Who knows, maybe we'll each find a new book or author to enjoy!

Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Library

Entries will be accepted until Feb 28, 2014.

As you submit your entry, you'll have the opportunity to view the other entries.

50% CPR & First Aid Training

Act First EMS, Inc.is offering 50% off CPR & First Aid Training for ALL FranklinMatters viewers in February/March at our Franklin training center. (Located at 247 E Central Street next to HESS Gas Station)

Register Today! – Visit http:www.actfirstcpr.com/open

Act First offers high quality Public trainings from American Heart Association certified instructors at all of our training centers.

Our highly trained Medical Staff and CPR training staff is comprised of Paramedics, Firefighters, EMTs, Nurses, and other professionals with real life experiences.

Upcoming Trainings:

CPR and First Aid

(These dates below will cover infants, children, and adults.)

Wed Feb 12 – 6:15pm

Saturday Feb 22 – 12pm

Saturday March 1 – 2:30pm

Mon March 10 – 10am

Sat March 15 – 10:30am </h2>

Space is limited and seats fill up fast.

Register Today! – Visit http:www.actfirstcpr.com/open

To learn more about us, visit http:www.actfirstcpr.com/open
To save 50% use Coupon Code: FRANKLINMATTERS
This offer cannot be combined.


You can find more information at http:www.actfirstcpr.com

Best Regards,

Customer Care - Act First CPR

P: 800-255-5660
W: www.ActFirstCPR.com



"Your Training is Only a Heartbeat Away!"

Learn about our Referral Rewards program - Click Here

"A business built on referrals" (Just ask a neighbor)

In the News: Feehan science fair

Bishop Feehan High School recently announced the winners of its annual Science Fair that included Franklin residents Sydney Maika, Christopher Chou and Marissa Fontaine.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140203/NEWS/140209524#sthash.KNWU20gy.dpuf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 5, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 22, 2014, Executive Session

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

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Financial Forecast – Jeffrey Nutting

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Amendment to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 2nd Reading

2. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Exhibit A, Water System Map - 2nd Reading

3. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Exhibit A, Sewer System Map – 2nd 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

Franklin Municipal Building

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/020514.pdf

"It’s quite an important service"

The Milford Daily News has an article on regional transportation. In the article it mentions the GATRA bus that services Franklin.

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, meanwhile, has bus routes that serve Franklin, Bellingham and Medway. Ridership on those three routes grew from about 27,400 in 2011 to 29,700 in 2012. 

Mary Basilone, the mobility manager for the authority, said local leaders and her agency saw a need to transport commuters, seniors, college students and others and started routes to meet that demand. 

She said her agency would like to improve connections with other regional transit authorities and enhance night and weekend service, but it needs funding to do so. 

She acknowledged there are competing interests for transportation money as state leaders work to improve bridges and roads in addition to public transit.

You ca read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140202/NEWS/140209634/1994/NEWS/?tag=2#sthash.BOupOlAs.dpuf

In Aug 2009, the Franklin Area Bus was wrapped in Dean College colors

Information on the Franklin Area Bus, can be found on the GATRA page here
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

Franklin Food Pantry: current needs

If you would like some donation ideas that can help to fill some gaps in our current supply:

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central St

Healthy Future Shelves

• Gluten Free
• Quinoa
• Dry spices and herbs
• Vinegar
• Olive or canola oil

Nonfood shelves

• Toothbrushes
• Shaving Cream/Gels
• Deodorant
• All Purpose Cleaners

Food shelves

• Canned Ravioli
• Canned Fruit
• Cereal

These items can be dropped off at the Food Pantry during our open hours Tue - Fri from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Or left in the box at the entrance to to Food Pantry. Please don't leave liquid items in the box when it is really cold.  Thank you!

Franklin takes Hockomock Wrestling Chamionship

From HockomockSports.com:

On Saturday, the Franklin wrestling team added a team title at the Hockomock Championships to the league title that the Panthers had earned during the dual meet season. Franklin had five individuals bring home Hockomock titles and garnered 256 points as a team to hold off rival North Attleboro (225 points) to win the team crown at the meet, which was held at Oliver Ames. 

Franklin Public Schools - home of the Panthers

Stoughton finished in third place with 167 points and was the top Davenport team, beating out the host Tigers by 13 points. 

Franklin head coach Carmine Callace noted that the Panthers had 13 of their 14 entrants place. The lone Franklin wrestler not to place was Pat Glynn, but he also picked up two wins by pin to help the team’s overall score. 

“We do have a lot of depth; we do and that really helps,” Collace explained. “Today was a real team effort because we had some tough matches in the semis, but nobody got down on themselves and they all battled back.”

You can read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-wrestling-championship-2014-blog.html

"How can I help get them off the streets?" (video)

For six years, Michael Leoni has documented the lives of homeless teenagers living in Los Angeles, interviewing nearly 400 for a film that he hopes shines a light on the problem.
Still unfinished, the film, "American Street Kid," depicts young people trying to survive life on the streets. 

Through the course of filming — compiling hundreds of hours — the Franklin High School graduate found himself nearly homeless once and had to cope with the deaths of two of the teenagers he aimed to help. 

Despite the adversity, Leoni, born Michael Leon, won’t stop until the film is released. 

"It’s really, really, tough subject matter," Leoni said in a recent telephone interview from Los Angeles. "We’ve kept going, and now we’ve got to see the hope."

You can finish reading the full artcile here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140202/NEWS/140209631/1994/NEWS#sthash.isD2TXHS.dpuf


You can view the promo video here (7 minutes)




and find our more about American Street Kid here
http://www.americanstreetkid.com/

Franklin Library: "Levers and Pulleys and Gears ... Oh My"

The Franklin Public Library is holding a new series of sessions for students in the 1st through 4th grades. "Levers and Pulleys and Gears ... Oh My!"

Franklin Public Library "Levers and Pulleys and Gears ... Oh My!"

Registration for this is required, and you can do so at this link:

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=npijo9cab&oeidk=a07e8t1wuv2e8042346

FSPA to Present the Hit Family Musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

FSPA Presents  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Lyrics by Tim Rice Book by Andrew Lloyd Webber Two Shows !    Saturday February 8th at 2 PM and 7:30 PM New England Chapel, 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 FSPA proudly presents an all-student production of the hit family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the New England Chapel, 40 Kenwood Circle, in Franklin!  Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob's favorite son in a high-energy, high-adventure retelling of epic proportions! The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco and rock 'n roll. The enduringly popular Joseph is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages. Tickets Adults $22 ♦ Students and Seniors $20     Click here to buy tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat  or call (508) 528-8668

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

In the News: medical marijuana, Franklin actress

Milford site approved for medical marijuana dispensary

Milford made the cut for one of the first licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in the state on Friday, but five applicants from Framingham, one from Shrewsbury and a pair from Franklin came up stone cold. 

The state Department of Public Health, through the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program, on Friday granted 20 provisional licenses to non-profit companies chosen during a competitive selection process that began last summer. They were chosen from a pool of 100 applicants

Franklin actress returns to local stage in 'Fox on the Fairway'

When the Walpole Footlighters open the comedy, "Fox on the Fairway", on Feb. 7, Franklin's Anne-Marie Weaver will be returning to their stage after a 12-ear hiatus. 

The comedy is by the master of farce, Ken Ludwig, author of "Moon Over Buffalo" and "Lend Me a Tenor." This laugh-filled romp will run weekends until Feb. 23 at The Footlighters Playhouse on 2 Scout Rd., East Walpole.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/31/14 - THU 2/6/14

1/31 FRI   9:30am-7pm   Learning Express Franklin - donating 10% of sales to Munroe Fund.
1/31 FRI   6:30pm-8:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center.

2/1 SAT   8am-11am   Girls Softball/Boys Baseball Walk-In Registrations. Elks Lodge, Franklin.
2/1 SAT   9am-5pm   New England Bonsai Gardens Re-Opening. Bellingham, MA.
2/1 SAT   1:30pm-2:30pm   Coffee (or tea) & Craft for Adults @ Franklin Public Library. Create a   Valentine's Day wreath. 

2/2 SUN   1pm   FPAC Concert Series: Ben Rudnick & Friends. FREE admission. 38 Main St., Franklin.

2/4 TUE   1:30pm   Conversations About Dementia. Call to sign up: 508-520-4945. Franklin Senior Center.
2/4 TUE   7pm   Finance Committee Mtg., Franklin Municipal Building, Council Chambers.

2/5 WED   7pm   Town Council Mtg., Franklin Municipal Building, Council Chambers.

2/6 THU   6:30pm   Report Card Info Session for Parmenter & Jefferson Schools. Parmenter School Library.

For more details click HERE and select the event of interest.

If you know of an event or have a suggestions for the calendar, please email Renata at Renata@BetterLivingRE.com.

Franklin Schools: early dismissal Friday

From the sign at the Parmenter School

Parmenter sign

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