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Saturday, December 20, 2014
Holiday Hours for Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin
Friday, December 19, 2014
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/19/14 - THU 12/25/14
SAT 12/20 10am-5pm Holiday Gifts at the Farm event, with Santa from 12-2pm at Akin Bak Farm
SAT 12/20 7:30pm ’Tis The Season! at The Black Box
SUN 12/21 1-3pm Family Paint - Rudolph - at the Franklin Art Center
SUN 12/21 2pm ’Tis The Season! at The Black Box
SUN 12/21 6:10pm Holiday Skate with Santa at Pirelli Veterans Arena
TUE 12/23 1-3pm Kids Paint Holiday Party - Santa - at Franklin Art Center
For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.
For event details click HERE.
*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com
"What is the rush?"
Wednesday was a busy reporting night with back to back meetings. The Economic Development Committee (EDC) met at 5:30 followed by the Town Council at 7:00 PM. As mentioned, I lost some time moving from one room to another for the EDC meeting. I did record both meetings. Hopefully, the recording of the EDC meeting will be good enough to share. In the meantime, my notes captured the discussion as completely as I could. This was corroborated by Matt Tota's reporting for the Milford Daily news.
On Emmons St, the one reply to the RFP was decided to be brought before the Town Council for discussion. The key question is whether to accept the proposal by Roger Calarese or not, and whether in the acceptance, the decision would limit the 'drive-in' capability or not.
Both discussions are scheduled for the Jan 7th Town Council meeting. The first public hearing on the proposed zoning bylaw change will be at the Planning Board meeting on Monday, Jan 5th. The Council had moved on the action which was already on its meeting agenda for Weds.
It is likely that the discussions on both properties will revisit what has already been said. What if anything will change the apparent direction of the Council to move on these properties remains to be seen.
The full set of notes from the EDC meeting are linked to below.
Recognition of Del Arnold and Marlene Oliver for their work on the Historical Commission.
The annual re-issuing of the liquor licenses. Some were held back for payment of outstanding invoices (property taxes, etc.).
A presentation by Habitat for Humanity which is expanding its mission. It had only built homes, now it is offering home repair services to qualified parties. There are still income and 'sweat equity' requirements but this is a worthy expansion of their mission. Some tri-fold brochures were given to the Councilors, additional brochures will be obtained to share from the Senior Center, Public Library, Food Pantry and other locations in town.
One of the more significant actions was the formal creation of the Library Building Committee. Once created by resolution, there were 10 people appointed to the committee. Representing a cross section of Franklin (Town Councilors, Library personnel and Board of Directors, Friends of the Library, and citizens) the group will begin work planning the details for the expansion.
Information on the proposed expansion can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/live-reporting-finance-committee-060314.html
and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/do-we-pay-for-roads-or-not-that-is.html
The full set of my notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here:
EDC meeting
The discussion on the Pond St property resulted in a decision to propose zoning changes to the parcel and then after the zoning changes are approved (assuming they are), to re-issue the RFP. It is anticipated that the more broad opportunity will spurn some response.On Emmons St, the one reply to the RFP was decided to be brought before the Town Council for discussion. The key question is whether to accept the proposal by Roger Calarese or not, and whether in the acceptance, the decision would limit the 'drive-in' capability or not.
Both discussions are scheduled for the Jan 7th Town Council meeting. The first public hearing on the proposed zoning bylaw change will be at the Planning Board meeting on Monday, Jan 5th. The Council had moved on the action which was already on its meeting agenda for Weds.
It is likely that the discussions on both properties will revisit what has already been said. What if anything will change the apparent direction of the Council to move on these properties remains to be seen.
The full set of notes from the EDC meeting are linked to below.
Town Council meeting
Aside from the discussion on the properties as noted from the EDC meeting, the Council had a quick and interesting meeting.Recognition of Del Arnold and Marlene Oliver for their work on the Historical Commission.
The annual re-issuing of the liquor licenses. Some were held back for payment of outstanding invoices (property taxes, etc.).
A presentation by Habitat for Humanity which is expanding its mission. It had only built homes, now it is offering home repair services to qualified parties. There are still income and 'sweat equity' requirements but this is a worthy expansion of their mission. Some tri-fold brochures were given to the Councilors, additional brochures will be obtained to share from the Senior Center, Public Library, Food Pantry and other locations in town.
One of the more significant actions was the formal creation of the Library Building Committee. Once created by resolution, there were 10 people appointed to the committee. Representing a cross section of Franklin (Town Councilors, Library personnel and Board of Directors, Friends of the Library, and citizens) the group will begin work planning the details for the expansion.
Information on the proposed expansion can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/live-reporting-finance-committee-060314.html
and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/do-we-pay-for-roads-or-not-that-is.html
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| Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St |
The full set of my notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here:
Got kids and need some time to do some shopping? This might be for you
Got Kids???
Need to pick up that last minute gift, get wrapping done or just relax!? Saturday, December 20th, there are two, 3 hour holiday activity sessions at St. John’s, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin. 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 3:30pm. $15 per child, $10 per sibling, $35 family max per session.
This is available for children potty trained through age 11. If you want to sign your child(ren) up for both sessions, please bring a sack lunch.
Please contact Kim Mayhew or Sydney Robinson with any questions or to register your child(ren) please email R.Family5@hotmail.com with name(s), age(s) and session(s). Space is limited.
This is a fundraising event and the money raised will go towards the Youth Leadership Academy's August mission trip to El Salvador for Sydney Robinson.
The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a program for rising 9th and 10th graders in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. The program begins with a week at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center during the summer, where part of the curriculum is based around team building, working in small groups and empowering the youth with the public narrative tool, which they can use as a way to articulate their faith as it relates to the world around them.
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| St. John’s, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin in winter time |
Throughout the year, each participant creates and leads a self-chosen project in their home parish community by creating a leadership team and empowering other members of their community to take on roles to make their project a success. Successful parish projects begin with the inspired young leader, but proliferate out as they draw in more members of the parish and leads to change within the community. For more information about the YLA program you can go to www.diomassyouth.org .
In the News: Tri-County in space, Pond St zoning change, Medway graduation gowns
To get this far the students had to write computer code able to command the precise movements of orb-shaped satellites in online simulations. The finals will have them programming a real satellite on the space station, which orbits about 230 miles above Earth's surface.
On Jan. 16, they are to join peers from all over the United States at the MIT campus for the event, conducted through live video conference with astronauts. Their European counterparts will be competing from a site in Denmark.
The astronauts float with the satellites in a zero gravity cabin, relaying instructions to the students watching from MIT. During the challenge, the teams must program the satellite with different algorithms so, when the time comes, it will glide through the cabin on its own.Continue reading the article here: (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141219/NEWS/141216255/1994/NEWS#sthash.dOQk6Qd6.dpuf
By allowing condominiums at a Pond Street property, the town hopes finally to develop the long vacant parcel into a revenue generator.
The Town Council's economic development subcommittee has recommended a zoning change that would permit multi-family residences there. Located near Interstate 495, the property is already zoned for hotels and office buildings.
For more than a decade, the town has tried in vain to market the 33-acre plot to potential developers. The last straw appears to have been a request for proposals put out recently - the second in seven years – that netted just one proposal, which could not be accepted because it arrived late and did not meet the minimum requirements.
A wastewater plant operated at the site from 1902 to 1980. When the plant closed, the property was left abandoned. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the former sewer beds do not pose a hazard.
Continue reading the article here: (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141219/NEWS/141216249/1994/NEWS#sthash.oC4l2ZJF.dpuf
After news broke earlier this week that all Medway High seniors of both genders may be forced to wear the same color graduation gown at the Class of 2015's June 7 graduation, administrators, students and parents at a school council meeting Thursday agreed the issue needs further conversation.
Meghan Gallagher, president of the senior class, said switching to non-gender-specific graduation gowns is a “no-brainer” when she considers how some of her classmates who are already struggling with gender identity might be even more uncomfortable at graduation, where some are already faced with a “nervous pit in their stomach.”
Gallagher, reading from a statement, said after hearing some argue to keep the traditional gender-specific gowns, she has learned “people are more confined to their rigid ways than previously thought.”
Continue reading the article here: (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141219/NEWS/141216253/1994/NEWS#sthash.Dit2qMnS.dpuf
Franklin Library: Holiday Craft - Dec 29th
Hold the date for a New Year's craft event at the Library. Yes, you may be still running after that last present, or have to wrap the ones you already have. Put Monday, Dec 29th on the calendar for this craft event for the kids at the Library.
They may need to get out of the house after the long Christmas weekend!
This was shared from the Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/holiday-craft.html
They may need to get out of the house after the long Christmas weekend!
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| Holiday craft for families - Dec 29th |
This was shared from the Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/holiday-craft.html
Thursday, December 18, 2014
FHS wrestling and girls hockey team post wins
From Hockomock Sports we get the results of Wednesdays high school sports action.
Wrestling
Foxboro, 26 @ Franklin, 41 - Final
Girls Hockey
Franklin, 6 vs. Bishop Stang, 4 - Final
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| screen grab of Hockomock Sports website |
For all the results around the Hockomock League check this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-121714
MassBudget: Massachusetts Ranks in Middle for Taxes in FY 2012
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In the News: Emmons St, Library Building committee
A local developer eyeing the town property on the corner of Emmons Street has objected to the idea of limiting the kind of businesses that could set up shop there.
Roger Calarese, the developer behind the Franklin Village Mall, submitted a proposal to raze the current building at 150 Emmons St. and replace it with a 5,300-square-foot commercial property with a drive-through.
But the Franklin Downtown Partnership, a consortium of local businesses, opposes the prospect of a restaurant and drive-through, such as a coffee shop.
Because of its location at the entrance to the downtown, the property has been the subject of debate. And most of the suggestions for how the town should develop the property have come from downtown business owners, who see it as a "gateway" to the area.
Continue reading the article here: (Subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141218/NEWS/141216723/1994/NEWS#sthash.0cfzd6DW.dpuf
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| Franklin Public Library |
A building committee was created Wednesday to oversee the $6.6 million library expansion.
Committee members must consider the building’s recognizable exterior, inspired by ancient Greek architecture, as they plan out a 6,000-square-foot, two-story addition, to include a community room, coffee shop and young adult wing.
The town has enough debt capacity to borrow the money for the project – up to 3½ percent of its revenue is reserved annually for general fund debt, helping foot the bill for most capital improvements to the recreational fields and municipal buildings.
Three town councilors were appointed to the committee, Matthew Kelley, Thomas Mercer and Judith Pond Pfeffer, along with members of the library's Board of Directors and residents with experience in budgeting for large projects.Continue reading the article here: (Subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141218/NEWS/141216721#sthash.A9tpzYsz.dpuf
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Live reporting - Legislation through to closing
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated – 2nd Reading Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, seconded
technical corrections, no substantial changes, just minor typo corrections to language
Pfeffer - why weren't these caught before hand?
The review by the Town Clerk's office caught these, some of the terminology has changed over time and it was not caught before
vote via roll call, 8-0
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185-§20. Signs - 2nd Reading Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, seconded
technical corrections, no substantial changes, just minor typo corrections to language
Kelly - I know we talk about how hard it is but I got someone to do a new sign for us and in one meeting it was done. I was impressed
Joking about him being a councilor!
vote via roll call, 8-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185-§31. Site Plan and Design Review - 2nd Reading Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 8-0
motion to accept, seconded,
vote via roll call, 8-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
note amendment being changed to 15-745 from 14- as it would not be accepted until 2015
motion to change, passed 8-0
Nutting - recap of discussion on the RFP for Pond St, which while it was late did include a residential component. The Council could chose to include it, or leave it out, to limit the number of units, etc.
R6 zoning doesn't exist on the map, if anyone should get it, we can take the first crack at it
it is not considered spot zoning as it is the whole zone
the business zoning we are talking about will include multi-family
Need to make the zoning change before redoing the RFP
motion to refer to planning board, passed 8-0
5. Resolution 14-87: 2015 Town Council Meeting Schedule
motion to accept, second, passed 8-0
looking for Feb 18th meeting to be moved to the 11th to avoid school vacation
motion to change, seconded, 8-0
vote on amended resolution, 8-0
6. Resolution 14-88: Legal Notices
motion to accept, seconded, 8-0
annual requirement, and there currently is no option
7. Resolution 14-89: Creation of a Library Building Committee
already covered earlier in meeting
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
congratulations to Mr Dellorco, welcome back
thanks to all the town employees
the culvert problem was resolved in short order
Franklin Fire Dept has a home visit program (look for on website)
posting no parking on Main St to Pleasant on outbound side, parking remains on inbound side
Cottage St has same parking problem but it is not currently enforced (per Vallee)
free parking is still for a 2 hour period, they will be ticketed
L. OLD BUSINESS
railroad property has been posted with a for sale sign up (finally)
price to the Town was $600,000 what it is to the marketplace is unknown
zoned for C1, deed restrictions will apply
M. NEW BUSINESS
comments on the sanding situation Dec 2, not forecasted by any meterologist
police should be notifying the DPW
we go through this every year with the first snow or ice, people forget how to drive
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly- happy holidays
Vallee - the common is looking good, another 4-5 trees and we'll really be good
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0
Live reporting - Habitat for Humanity
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
2015 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals
a few licenses are being held
Padula - recused himself
motion to approve (with the holds as noted), seconded, passed 7-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Habitat for Humanity
Bill McKenna, Manny Cunard
http://oldcolonyhabitat.org/
Expanding their program from building house to also helping home owners repair their houses. Income requirements do apply
The application form is online or it can be sent to them via mail
Applications are reviewed and based upon need can be funded, there is some 'sweat equity' involved
This is the first time that Habitat has modified its mission to do more than building homes. As a result of this transition, we can serve more.
Additional brochures will be made available at the Library, Senior Center, Food Pantry and other sites around town.
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development
voted to move both the Pond St and Emmons St properties for the first meeting in January at the Town Council
Live reporting - Library Building Committee
7. Resolution 14-89: Creation of a Library Building Committee
motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0
E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Building Committee – Vote Resolution 14-89 First (voted above)
Nancy J. Rappa - 25 Queen StreetJoseph Mullen (added during clerk reading of motion)
Matthew T. Kelley - 75 Crescent Street
Judith Pond Pfeffer - 37 Arlington Street
Thomas D. Mercer - 14 Mercer Lane
Christopher K. Feeley - 5 Taft Drive
Felicia Oti - Library Director
Monique Doyle - 3 Greenfield Road
Sandra Brandfonbrener - 8 Beech Street
James M. Roche - 152 Daniels Street
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