Live reporting; Town Council - Nov 19, 2014

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Valle, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none (one open seat)


A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
nomination by Pfeffer of Vallee for Chair 
nomination by Padula of Pfeffer for Clerk, put aside not time for this
voted to close nominations, seconded, voted unanimously

nomination by Bissanti of Kelly for Vice-Chair 
voted to close nominations, seconded, passed unanimously
voted on nomination, seconded, passed unanimously

nomination by Padula of Pfeffer for Clerk 
voted to close nominations, seconded, passed unanimously
voted on nomination, seconded, passed unanimously

NOTE - there was no actual vote on the nomination of Vallee for Council Chair


B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 30, 2014
motion to approve the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0

C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by Franklin Matters.

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Frank Tedesco, King St
issue with public safety
tree was taken down privately, will be submitting the bill
I did get it down, everything is safe now
thank you


F. APPOINTMENTS
none

H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Let’s Eat (Franklin), LLC d/b/a Three: Change of Manager

manager of the liquor license, ensure regulation
onsite approx 70 hours a week

motion to approve transfer, seconded, passed 8-0


I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Chairman of HS Building Committee

Tom Mercer
1 - FHS project status
2 - expectation of what will be seen over next period

building complete, punch list items still being worked around the school schedule
working well during the off hours
most of the hours will be complete by the Thanksgiving holiday

other items may still come up

Contractor has turned over the second parking lot six months early
the old high school had 620, the new has 617

(handout to be added later)

New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice fields would be that are now going to be a turf field that will be regulation sized and available for games

a layout of the grounds around the high school

the Panther Way cut through may be opened next week
hoping to get the sidewalks in before opening
pouring the concrete in the recent weather hasn't been good
will close off the current way around the fields

site and fields will be worked to a sub-grade condition before the deep frost hits
to be easier to work once spring comes and the fields get planted

That is basically the update on where the project started

Nutting - we also had 200 fewer students with the old school

2 -  Franklin High School building committee proposal to make the fields turf at cost not to exceed the budget, it is with in the budget and building committee rights
want to bring it to the Council before going out for bid

better utilization for year round use rather than seasonal use
The Building Committee has worked hard to keep the budget on or near budget and they have

look to the Council and to the community for their thoughts and input

it is a change from the original scope, about $7 per household

the original plans called for a practice field it was going to be grass, we are proposing to make it turf and a regulation field, hence coming forward for advice

Mike  - one of the reasons we are here is taking some of the contingency and put it to the turf field, it doesn't require a formal vote

Cerel - it was a very clean project, as long as they are within the budget, it would be a discussion on the substitution

Nutting - the committee's objective is to get a sense of what the citizens and community feel on this

Pfeffer - what was budgeted for the original grass field? It would be less total as we already have some for the grass field

Williams - if the bid comes in over, what happens?
Mercer - we'll go back to the table

The turf fields have made our programs so much better, having them on site makes it easier to have them on campus, it is a no brainer to have them on campus

Ryan - recreation in full support of this, if the grass field does go forward, we could not use it for games as it has a pitch

Feldman - thanks for being under budget, not looking to spend the full amount of the under budget amount

unanimous favor for the turf field

Governor Patrick visits the Franklin Food Pantry (photo recap)

Before taking the trip to the White House, Erin Lynch welcomed Governor Patrick and others to the Food Pantry when they visited Franklin in an event coordinated by Representative Jeffrey Roy.

Erin explaining the Healthy Futures room at the Franklin Food Pantry

Board of Directors Chairman, Chris Feeley makes a point for Governor Patrick
and GBFB Executive Director Catherine D'Amato

Dan Robert, FHS Youth Community Involvement Club with the Governor and Erin

The opportunities to share the work the Food Pantry does with local and national government officials is priceless.


Additional photos from the visit to Franklin can be found on Representative Roy's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.333448080113071.1073741928.197484223709458&type=1

#gbfb  #healthyfutures #letsmove


This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry page here:

From Pantherbook: doors with no handles, food choices, social media tools

From Pantherbook, I find a couple of good articles to bring to your attention.

1 - The new FHS was built security in mind and has no handles on many of the exteriors doors, making entry from the outside more difficult.

Though this situation seems like an oversight, there is a reason why there are no door handles. Safety and security has become a modern issue within schools and the new school was designed and built with security as a top priority. 

“It’s an inconvenience at the moment but for security purposes, it’s one that we need to have,” commented Mr. Schmidt. At the moment there are higher priority issues that need to be handled, but Schmidt expressed that it’s not that the issue isn’t being heard or addressed. He also said that it is a goal of the administration to fix the problem

Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/a-new-school-brings-a-new-problem/#sthash.RFSida6w.dpuf

screen capture of Pantherbook's front page

2 - Students love the food choices at the new Media center cafe and the opportunities to get food after school will soon be here.

The new café has high hopes for its future at FHS. Along with the new school, came a new option available for students to purchase food. 

As opposed to the typical cafeteria lunch, students are now able to purchase food before school and during lunch period elsewhere. 

Located in the media center of FHS is a café that serves food and drinks such as, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soup, snacks, fruit cups, seltzer, and pudding parfait. 

Continue reading the article here: http://pantherbook.org/news/school-news/2014/11/18/fhs-feeding-frenzy/#sthash.APO1zFgX.dpuf


3 - The last article to share today has an intelligent recap of the use and abuse of social media tools. While the 'standard' media outlets (newspapers and network TV) tend to go for the extreme angles, this article takes a more balanced approach. As a social media practitioner, the tools are not the issue how people use them can be an issue.

Is society benefiting from popular social sites like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook? Or are these sites just distractions from everyday life? 

Franklin High School’s (FHS) Digital Journalism teacher, Ms. Moreau, believes the effects of social media are more positive than negative because it allows people to connect with the world and share information. 

However, Ms. Moreau says: “It is important to limit the use of social media because there are other important things going on in your life.” When asked how social media impacts teens, Moreau answered, “It distracts them from being present in the moment.”

Continue reading the Pantherbook article at: http://pantherbook.org/oped/2014/11/18/side-effects-of-social-media/#sthash.bmphiSbB.dpuf

Global Competence Certificate Program

The presentation document on the "Global Competence Certificate Program" being proposed for Franklin High School as reviewed by the School Committee on Tuesday, Nov 18, 2014

GCCP Presentation Nov 18, 2014 from Franklin Matters

The complete agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html

FPAC Announces Open Auditions For "Arsenic And Old Lace"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for the madcap comedy Arsenic and Old Lace on Tuesday, November 25 at 7 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Casting opportunities are for adults and older teens (ages 16+). Those seeking roles should come prepared for cold readings from the script, but no other preparation is required. A monologue is optional. 

The zany theatrical treasure by American playwright Joseph Kisselring has delighted audiences for over 75 years. Spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster are devoted to good deeds, taking into their boarding home lonely old men. Only this homicidal twosome literally kill with kindness, treating their guests to a special recipe of charity, humor – and homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch” of cyanide. FPAC will present the hilarious, off-kilter classic on January 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and February 1 at 2 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.fpaconline.com.

THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin, MA

The wikipedia entry for Arsenic and Old Lace can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_and_Old_Lace_(play)

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Real Estate Activity Report for October

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds October 2014 Real Estate Activity Report Taking a monthly snapshot of October 2014 in comparison to October 2013, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported today that real estate activity in Norfolk County has remained relatively stable. The Register cited the average sales price for both commercial and residential real estate has decreased by only a little more that 1% from $642,120 to $632,815 in year to year numbers. Additionally, Register O'Donnell noted that total sales comparing October 2014 to the previous October rose to $567 million from $560 million, an increase of just over 1%. Another solid indicator noted O'Donnell was that during the same period of time, deed recordings increased by 4% to 1,502 from 1,438. Mortgage activity in October from year to year decreased by just 2%. Total mortgage lending, however, rose by a whopping 39% increase, mainly due to a small number of high dollar mortgages recorded against property in the towns of Norwood and Westwood, noted the Register. Homestead recording activity in October 2014 decreased by 3% year to year. A total of 935 Homesteads were recorded in October 2014 compared to 964 in October 2013. Information regarding the Homestead Act, which provides homeowners with limited protection on their primary home against unsecured creditors, can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register O'Donnell noted, "If there is one note of caution in this steady real estate market, it is the 36% increase in foreclosures in comparing the two previous Octobers. This foreclosure number is a sobering reminder that some of our neighbors continue to face economic hardship. The Registry of Deeds is committed to working closely with our partners, South Shore Home Consortium and Neighbor Works Southern Mass, to help identify services and counseling for those Norfolk County homeowners who have recently received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Looking at these overall real estate numbers, Norfolk County is a very desirable and attractive place to live, work and raise a family." The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Department via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. In addition, residents are encouraged to like us at Facebook.com/Norfolk Deeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

planned power outage for Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way

nationalGrid notified some Franklin area residents of a "planned power outage" to last approximately 14 hours on Thursday, Nov 20, 2014. If necessary, the outage may continue into Friday.

The notice was sent via mail to the residents of Bancroft Commons, Clarendon Commons, and Danforth Way.

A copy of the notice was posted to the official Franklin webpage here

screen capture of nationalGrid website

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 18, 2014

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools - the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 4, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. MCAS – Joyce Edwards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-public-schools-mcas.html

b. Global Competency Program – Joyce Edwards, Dawn-Marie Crowley and Judy O’Neill

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Reading

JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Account

Policy – Second Reading

GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
GBI – Political Activities of Staff

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend moving Policy JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Account to a second reading.
c. I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

d. I recommend acceptance of the following district wide donations as follows:

1. Hockomock Area YMCA $4,700.00
2. BJ’s Wholesale Club $ 210.00
3. Spirit Shop, Inc. (Athletics) $ 2.75
4. Various Parents (Music) $1,125.00

e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Robert & Jennifer Mancini for FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $945.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend approval of the request to establish Science National Honor Society Club at FHS 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
Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site. 

Click the link below to read the latest edition
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Dec14connection.pdf

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the The Franklin Connection - Senior Newsletter mailing list.

Franklin Senior Center

For additional information on the Senior Center, please visit their page on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

Franklin Public Schools: MCAS Presentation

Joyce Edwards, Director of Instructional Services, Franklin Public Schools is scheduled to use this document to provide an update to the School Committee on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.

The presentation provides an update on the MCAS results from last year, Franklin;s comparison overall to MA and selected school districts, and a discussion on how the results will drive education in the classroom.




The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_18.html

Volunteers are welcome to join the Franklin Holiday Decorating Team

You can help decorate for the season!

Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins posted in Friends In Franklin Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins 1:05pm Nov 17 Volunteers are welcome to join the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club - Massachusetts as they decorate the downtown with greenery, wreaths and bows for the holidays on Sunday, November 23. All volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. on Sunday on the center island downtown. Additional help is needed on Saturday, November 22, to sort greens at Hillside Nursery on Washington Street. Interested helpers should contact Eileen Mason, event chairperson, at emason11@verizon.net. Community service hours are available and teams are encouraged to participate. View Post on Facebook · Reply to this email to add a comment

time to change out the flowers

Note: The flower selection this year did very well. This photo was taken quite recently and the flowers are still in good form and color. Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Franklin Garden Club and Eileen Mason!

Franklin Community Cable Access - Annual Meeting - Nov 13, 2014

On Thursday we held our third annual open member meeting. This was a good opportunity to begin shifting gears from all the construction and preparations of a new facility to a new focus - on how we will better serve Franklin.  

We began with a review of our finances to date: In spring of 2012 we began operations with some of the cable funds that the town had held in reserve. We purchased and renovated our building, installed new video equipment and paid our operating expenses. 

In sum: We remain on track with our development plan that was submitted to the town when we formed and began operating as FCCA, Inc. in 2012.

L to R (back row):. Ken Norman, Nick Remissong,  Jay Horrigan, Wesley Rea  L to R (front row):John Milot, Anne K. Bergen, Rose Turco,

There were no new board seats opening up this year, so our current board soldiers on. They have all been actively engaged in our progress, our programming and operation.  

As Executive Director, I have enjoyed their full support and thoughtful guidance in piloting our excellent progress to date. For all they do, I am most grateful. 

Looking forward, we turned to the topic of Community Outreach. We invited Franklin’s nonprofit groups to participate in our meeting. We discussed how we can work together, helping each other to better address the needs of the community. Some excellent ideas were put forward and plans are in the works. Stay tuned. 

And, thanks for watching! 

Peter Frasciano 

Franklin TV

This was re-posted from Franklin.tv here  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

All Night Party to be held at Horace Mann Middle School

Pantherbook has an update on the All Night Party Location:

The Class of 2015 will not only be the first graduating class at the new FHS, but they will also be the first class to have their All Night Party at Horace Mann Middle School. 

According to FHS Principal, Mr. Light, the decision of making Horace Mann the home of the All Night Party was due to the fact that the middle school will meet all the needs of the event. 

At a meeting with the All Night Party committee, Light discussed everything that made the All Night Party so memorable for the students. The excitement of graduation, the theme, and the decorations were all brought up. Light said that if the All Night Party were held in FHS, the decorations would be so different that it could change everything that made the All Night Party what is has become. Light states that at Horace Mann they “could keep that character of the All Night Party.” 

Continue reading the article at: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2014/11/16/will-this-years-all-night-party-be-one-to-remember/#sthash.OTwpkfFK.dpuf

Horace Mann Middle School - Oak St Elementary School

Kudos to Pantherbook for not only using one of my photos in their article but also making the proper reference to it. The photos posted here for Franklin Matters are all licensed by the Creative Commons as free to use for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution. For more about Creative Commons visit their webpage here http://creativecommons.org/

Local Residents and Community Leaders Take White House Tour

The Hockomock Area YMCA's Healthy Futures Initiative was selected to visit the White House Kitchen Gardens in recognition of its positive impact on local communities, through its Healthy Futures Initiative. The visit, part of Let’s Move on Thursday, October 30th, included a private tour of the White House.

Hockomock YMCA Healthy Futures group outside the White House

The goals of the First Lady Michelle Obama's Let’s Move Initiative are aligned with, and supportive of, the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Futures Initiative, which focuses on community-based initiatives to reduce inactivity and poor nutrition in the fifteen communities served by the Y, through programs, projects, and policies. Healthy Futures incorporates prevention and intervention-based strategies that support families, especially those most at risk due to food insecurities.

The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Futures Initiative is active in 15 communities, serving more than 10,000 children annually, totaling over 184,382 hours of physical activity and nutrition education.

The 30 attendees included local volunteers, community leaders, families, and Hockomock Area YMCA staff. This special White House visit allowed the Y’s Healthy Futures volunteers and participants an opportunity to learn more about the importance of growing fresh food, and making healthy nutrition and dietary decisions.

In addition to Hockomock Area YMCA staff, attendees included residents and community members connected with the Y’s Healthy Futures Initiative from the towns of Bellingham, Foxboro, Franklin, Holliston, Mendon, Milford, and Plainville:

• Bellingham: Jeanne Sheridan of Bellingham Public Schools, Food Services; Kimberly and Aiden Cohen
• Foxboro: Deb Spinelli, Foxboro Public Schools Superintendent; Carrie, Ryan and Meghan Kelley
• Franklin: Erin Lynch of the Franklin Food Pantry and her children Sierra and Kai; Healthy Futures volunteer Ansh Tarafder and her mom Rakhi Tarafder; Erin Earley and her children Sean and Brigid
• Mendon: Hockomock Area YMCA Chairman of the Board of Directors Jeff Dufficy
• Milford: Ellen Freedman of Milford Regional Medical Center and her daughter Mae
• Plainville: Julie Kinney and her children Grant and William; Bethany Lotfi and her children Sawal, Mohamad, and Yousef
• Hockomock Area YMCA Staff included Marykate Bergen, Kimberly Cohen, Caitlin Gibbs, Ed Hurley, and Kelly O’Neill

“As the Franklin Food Pantry continues to advocate that access to nutritious food is a critical component of emotional and physical health, we need champions like the Hockomock Area YMCA. This visit to the White House and the collaborative work we are doing on the Healthy Futures Initiatives brings much needed attention to the serious impact of hunger in our communities,“ exclaimed Erin Lynch, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Panty.

Hockomock YMCA Healthy Futures group visiting the White House garden

Located in the White House South Lawn, the Kitchen Garden is home to different fruits, vegetables, and herbs each growing season. The First Lady planted the White House Kitchen Garden in 2009 to initiate a national conversation around the health and well-being of our nation and to serve as an inspiration for schools and community groups across the country to plant gardens of their own.

The Let’s Move! Program was launched by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2010 and is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let's Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years.

The Hockomock Area YMCA, working with community partners, is creating innovative initiatives to ensuring everyone has access to healthy food and a healthy lifestyle to combat the increase in chronic disease and healthcare costs related to obesity. The Y’s partnerships with school superintendents, principals, teachers, food service directors, and parent groups, have been the centerpiece of Healthy Futures’ sustained impact. Keeping kids moving and well-nourished are core goals of the Y’s Healthy Futures program. For more information, contact Caitlin Gibbs, Director of Health Innovation at the Hockomock Area YMCA at 508-772-1351 or caitling@hockymca.org.

Hockomock YMCA

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 31,000 members, half under the age of 18, the YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve.

The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.


This was also posted to the Franklin Food Pantry webpage here
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2014/11/local-residents-and-community-leaders.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 19, 2014

A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 30, 2014

C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by Franklin Matters.

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS

F. APPOINTMENTS

G. HEARINGS
Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM

H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Let’s Eat (Franklin), LLC d/b/a Three: Change of Manager

I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Chairman of HS Building Committee

J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 14-77: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Factor
Resolution 14-78: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
Resolution 14-79: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Business Exemption
Resolution 14-80: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
Resolution 14-66: Authorization to Grant Utility (Sewer) Easement
Resolution 14-76: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant With Developer of Unnamed Street Off Upper Union Street (Mount View Farms Subdivision)
Resolution 14-81: Refunding Bond Order
Resolution 14-82: Appropriation – Sewer Retained Earnings
Resolution 14-83: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging

L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

M. OLD BUSINESS

N. NEW BUSINESS

O. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

Q. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building - site of  the Town Council meetings

The full set of documents as released for this meeting agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/111914.pdf

(Note - be patient when opening this file, some of the pages at the end at both larger and landscape mode rather than portrait so you may need to scroll to the middle when opening the file to see the beginning pages. The tax classification hearing pages are pages 9-32)

Franklin Voter Turnout 2003 - 2014

Franklin could set a record with the turnout in the Special Election on Dec 16th.

What is the special election for?
The election will present one candidate (and opportunity for write-ins) to fill the one vacant seat on the Town Council. Former councilor Robert Dellorco is the only certified candidate for the election.

Given the circumstances and timing for this election I would predict Franklin would not get more than 10% voter turnout. I hope you all prove me wrong but this is why I say this.

Voting in our local election is really the one time we, the Franklin voters, have the most direct control over our own destiny. There are always 'party influences', we can't avoid them but the Town Council candidates (as well as other candidates for Franklin elected positions), do not run on a party affiliation.

They are all independent candidates. They are our neighbors. They are volunteers. They do not get paid for what they do to run our government on our behalf.

The people who we chose are the ones who vote for about $100 million dollar budget. This funds our road repairs (what there is of the program), school budget, etc. They set the trash and recycling rates. They set the tax rate that we all pay. These are the local services we use directly or indirectly every day.

So please consider marking the date - Dec 16th - on your calendar. If you can't make it to the high school to vote, you can get an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk.

There really is no legitimate reason not to vote. Even if in this case it is only for one candidate.

Please get out and vote!

Color code:

• Franklin local elections in RED
• Presidential elections in LIGHT BLUE
• State elections in GREEN
• Franklin overrides in YELLOW
• The Special Election is in PURPLE (Scott Brown for Kerry's seat)

My general rule, developed from the chart above, has that when there is a Presidential election Franklin turns out about 80% of the voters. The State elections get about 60%. Franklin override votes (operational or school building related) get about 40%. The local Franklin election gets only 20%.

The turnout is directly related to the amount of campaign funds expended for the election.


The results of each of the elections since 2007 can be found here:

• Franklin Election - 2007
• Franklin Election - 2009
• Franklin Election - 2010
• Franklin Election - 2011
• Franklin Election - 2012
• Franklin Election - 2013
• Franklin Election - 2014

• Franklin Override - 2007
• Franklin Override - 2008
• Franklin Override - 2010

Feel free to check the math. The results are all from the official publications by the Franklin Town Clerk, While I have been very careful in transferring where necessary from her paper to a spreadsheet a mistake may occur. I usually double check and cross check the numbers but I do not claim to be perfect.

FHS Girls Soccer lose first game

Hockomock Sports' Managing Editor Josh Perry writes:

Franklin’s attempt to win a third consecutive Division 1 South title came to an end on Saturday afternoon at Braintree High’s Alumni Field. Freshman Taylor Kofton scored with six minutes remaining in double overtime to lift Whitman-Hanson to a 2-1 victory in the sectional final. 

It was the first time since Whitman-Hanson in 2009 that a Hockomock teams failed to advance out of the South. Franklin won the title in 2010, 2012, and 2013 and Oliver Ames won in 2011 (by defeating Whitman-Hanson in the final). 

Coming into the game on Saturday, Franklin was without two-time Hockomock League MVP Taylor Cogliano who had injured her ankle in practice two days before the final. Even without the senior forward and playmaker, Franklin still started the game on the front foot.

Continue reading the article by following this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-bid-for-a-three-peat-ends-in-double-overtime


The team should hold their heads high, getting to the Division final three times in a row is not something most other teams do. They represented Franklin well all season.

Hockomock Sports photo Whitman-Hanson celebrates, Franklin ponders what happened

Feeling lucky? Last chance to get in on the raffle for the Patriots game prize package

You heard about the raffle tickets donated by TeamFitness Franklin?

TeamFitness Franklin

5 club seats and $50 parking pass to
Patriots VS. Lions November 23rd at 1:00pm, Gillette Stadium

Face value of these amazing seats is $600 each, for a total prize value of $3,000!

Raffle Tickets $25 each, or 5 for $100, or 12 for $200

So where can I buy a ticket?

The final opportunity will be before the winning raffle ticket is drawn on Sunday, Nov 16th also at British Beer Company. Ticket sales will start at 6:00 PM and close just before the drawing.

British Beer Company

You can also buy a ticket at the Food Pantry during regular open hours.


Our thanks

• to TeamFitness Franklin for the donation of the Patriots tickets to enable this raffle
• to British Beer Company for the opportunity to sell the tickets there.

Franklin Library: Doggie Tales - Nov 19th

Doggies Tales returns to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, Nov 19th. Please call the library to register in advance.  Good for young readers in grade 2 and up. The reader spends 15 minutes reading aloud to a therapy dog.

Doggie Tales - Read to dogs program

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/11/doggie-tales-please-call-library-to.html

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds - Toys for Tots Drive

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Announces Annual Toys for Tots Drive Stating that one of the special gifts of Christmas is about bringing joy and happiness to others, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announced today that the Registry of Deeds will be sponsoring its eighth annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive for needy children. "The Registry of Deeds is always honored to partner with a longstanding charity like the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive," said Register O'Donnell. The Toys for Tots program dates all the way back to 1947, when the wife of a Marine wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll for Christmas and couldn't find an organization to take it. Since then, nearly a half billion gifts have been donated and given to deserving boys and girls. Register O'Donnell noted, "Much of the success for the drive deservedly goes to those altruistic people who drop off presents at Toys for Tots sites. Today, approximately 16 million gifts are annually donated to more than 13 million deserving boys and girls throughout every state in the nation." To this end, donations of new and unwrapped toys and games for toddlers and children up to 10 years of age can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Building located at 649 High Street in Dedham starting Monday, November 24th through noon Wednesday, December 18th. A marked donation bin will be set up in the lobby which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm. Any questions regarding the Toys for Tots drive should be directed to Alicia Gardner at (781) 461-6104. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Department via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Toys For Tots

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831