Friday, August 22, 2014

Security concern? Odd solicitations

From our Franklin Facebook network:
Security concern?
This car was spotted in the Miller St/Briarwood/Blueberry Lane/Silver Fox area. The 2 individuals stopped at several locations and at at least one house claimed to be soliciting for Verizon. They are not registered as solicitors with the Franklin police as required. Their behavior was odd and I personally find it strange that Verizon would employ door-to-door salespeople (who do not give prior notice or appointment) in this day and age. 
Keep a lookout and let the Franklin PD know if you see them behaving suspiciously... dark gray 4-door Ford, license plate 172 ZT8.

Franklin Police station on Panther Way
Franklin Police station on Panther Way

In the News: Emmons St

The Milford Daily News reports on some changes in the proposal for what the RFP should look like for the Emmons St property:

"At what point did you decide this?" said Jane Curran, owner of the downtown business Jane’s Frames. "When the meeting ended and the public left?" 
Susan Sheridan, a member of the Franklin Art Association, noted, "We had pie in the sky dreams in the beginning, but little by little it’s been chipped away." 
Gateway Committee members in a recent petition lobbied the town to consider developing the parcel into a public space to bring out the best of Franklin’s art and food. 
That idea has not been well received, though, with one member of the Economic Development Committee remarking Wednesday that the property will "undoubtedly" become a bank.

You can read the full article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140822/NEWS/140828737/1994/NEWS

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Solar Challenge: Informational Meeting Summary

The Milford Daily News reported on the informational meeting on Wednesday writing in part:
The Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development held an informational meeting on Wednesday night to call attention to its "Solar Challenge," a program modeled after the state’s Solarize Massachusetts that aims to boost the use of photovoltaic energy in town. 
The more residents who sign on to have solar panels installed, the more the cost for the work drops. People can purchase a solar energy system directly or enter into a lease or power purchase agreement in which the installer will own and maintain the panels while the home or business owner purchases the power generated at a reduced rate. 
Planning Director Bryan Taberner said the department will continue marketing the program and eventually hire a solar contractor. Residents seeking more information about the program can call 508-520-4907. 
Nearly 80 people attended the meeting, underscoring the level of interest that town officials have seen so far.

Continue reading the full article (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140821/NEWS/140829262/1994/NEWS


the solar farm at Mount St Mary's earlier this year
the solar farm at Mount St Mary's earlier this year

My reporting on the presentation can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/live-reporting-solar-challenge.html

the Q&A section of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/live-reporting-solar-challenge-q.html

the actual presentation documents used can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/solar-challenge-presentation-copies.html

2014 Franklin Harvest Festival Planning Under Way

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently planning the 12th annual Harvest Festival and is looking for crafters, entertainers, vendors, volunteers and sponsors. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will take place rain or shine.

Organizers expect more than 6,000 visitors to attend this year’s event in downtown Franklin, where they’ll be treated to delicious food options, a live DJ and local entertainers on several stages, games and activities for the kids, and more than 100 crafter, artist and organization booths to browse through. Local businesses will hold sales and special promotions, and the Fire Station and the Historical Museum plan displays and activities.

“The Harvest Festival is one of the best opportunities we have to bring the community together and show off all that downtown Franklin has to offer. Year after year our visitors discover great shopping, new restaurants, helpful resources and talented local artists,” says Executive Director Lisa Piana.
Franklin Downtown Partnership
Franklin Downtown Partnership

There is still time for crafters, organizations, performers and interested groups to participate. Booth space is limited and registrations must be received by September 5. Registration forms and more information can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ or by contacting Booth Chairperson Terri Frank at terrifrank1@gmail.com
Sponsors are needed to support this festival. The FDP relies on sponsors to run this and other events, including the Strawberry Stroll, Holiday Stroll and its beautification days. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship can contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)-571-3109. Sponsorship forms and a full list of opportunities can be found on the website under the Sponsors tab.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 200 business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin through events, education and communication. For more information about the Partnership or any of its efforts please contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)571-3109.


Click on these links to download and print these important forms:

Sponsorship Registration Form

current Committee openings


The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the attached form and return the Town Administrator's Office.

Conservation - Conservation Commission 
Council on aging - COA 
Cultural Council - Cultural Council 
Disabilities Commission 
Historical Commission - Historical Commission 
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949 
Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate Member ZBA

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


Town of Franklin volunteer form  can be found on the Franklin webpage here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf


This was re-shared from the official Franklin page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Solar Challenge: presentation copies

The introductory slides for the Solar Challenge meeting held in Franklin on Aug 20, 2014

Solar in Franklin



You can also view/download the document via Google Docs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRzBFeXZRYXFLVlh0Z2I5NnZpTUtHSWZRVk1J/edit?usp=sharing


The 'solar 101' presentation copy




You can also view/download the document via Google Docs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeW1vYnZUQ3p0ZjhxVndaRHM1YUJSNHR5dy0w/edit?usp=sharing


the solar farm at Mt Saint Mary's
the solar farm at Mt Saint Mary's

Live reporting: Solar Challenge - Q&A

question on insurance?
there is insurance available per an insurance agent in the room

What happens after the life of the warranty?
panels are 25 year warranty
National Grid took 2 months to put a reverse meter on for one install

photo of presentation in Council Chambers
photo of presentation in Council Chambers

what assurance do we have that the companies are still in?
open to speculation

What is payback?
one homeowner is getting a payback in 5 years

Has seen some info on a chemical reaction that can cause hazardous waste?
there are no hazardous issues, can be disposed of industrial waste

In the winter, when it snows do you have to clear the snow?
in the winter, generally speaking, the bottom layer of the snow melts and it slides off all at once
in terms of the panels themselves, there is no maintenance required

maintains spreadsheet on production, 8,000 KW hours per year
saw same results in Concord program, a 4-5 year payback on a 25 year system
better return than the stock market
key factor is the SREC, a guaranteed revenue

can you bank the SRECs?
there are companies that will broker or manage the SRECs
the aggregator will play the market to gain the revenue

How long can you stockpile SRECs?
up to one year
SREC should last for some time
managed growth category SREC II is open for the 10 years

have an app on the cell phone to see status up to the minute

Can I ask about net metering?
generally the credits generated are not paid for by the electric companies
there are three load zones in the state, can use the credits to virtually net meter

Does pay $6 something a month for using the grid as an electrical resource
Electric companies will likely look to get that changed but it will take time

Panels were spec'ed out to cover two electric cars

Quick example with rounded dollars

stepping down for a 6 KW system
24,000
one third eligible for tax credit
down to 16,000
1,000 for MA CEC credit
1,000 for State
down to 14,000

saving 1,000 on electric
gaining 2,000 on SRECs
so you have 3,000 per year income

14,000 up front expense with a 3,000 year income calculates a less than 5 year payback

Can you clarify what the Franklin Solar Challenge will do?

will be using an agreggator, one installer to get the buying power as a group

next steps to process the RFP to choose the installer
start on Sept 10 to community outreach for the installers, etc.

great low group pricing to take advantage of
a community effort, maybe 10-15 hours a week to help spread the word

what if 1,000 residences signed up?

there is a pre-qualification process, use the suneye to evaluate
consider the design, think about financials, make a decision
then the installations will occur, it can take from 2 to 6 months

once the contract is signed, the rebates can be used
can't get rebate after system being installed

Will installer check roof for assessment?

yes, installer will be able to do that

There are options for everyone to do something