Live reporting: Economic Development Committee - Pond St RFP

Present: Kelly, Bissanti, Padula, Vallee
Halligan, Nutting, Taberner


meeting opening at 6:07 PM

Nutting provides an update on a meeting with MassDOT regarding the intersection of Grove and 140 as well as Pond and 140. MassDOT indicated that there is an issue they are planning to do some traffic timing in May (after Starbucks opens). They are hiring an engineer to do traffic counts and study and could have info as early as August. 

MassDOT District 3 has been cooperative and should have some additional info later this summer.

Q - How did the Starbucks get approved with such an issue at the intersection?

A - MassDOT had given a full okay to Starbucks including the curb cuts. The info since then has changed due to the info on the accident incidents there.

Taberner showing via the overhead some slides of the property maps (part of the handout)

one shows the wet land and the 25 foot no build buffer required

one shows the prime forest areas, designated by the State for forestry purposes

one shows the location of the sewer mains running through the site

one shows the location of the former sewer beds which have been covered over or removed

one shows the area of man made dumping by the Town (snow, etc.)

one shows an approximate location of a buffer set back for the neighbors consideration, roughly 200 feet

one depicted a possibility of a 1.6 acre parcel along Pond St that would be more 'marketable' and with less restrictions to deal with

last slide shows the prior 2009 proposal and how it fit into the space

Kelly explains the overall process of getting the RFP out to get something back that would make the most sense at the end of the day.

The property 'clean up' would be done by the developer. We don't know what the cost for that would be. The property is 'clean' today but some of the structures etc. would need to be removed to do what they need to do.

You want to give some parameters to the developers so they can make a decision and bring us a proposal so we can decide.

Proposals would be checked to see if the legalities were met, then brought through the Committee (and public review) before making a proposal to the Council. Where they would also have a public hearing before making the decision which requires a 2/3 vote.

We appreciate the buffer. Have the solar farms been ruled out? While the prior RFPs were unsuccessful, could we at least include the option?

It would likely be two proposals, one for the solar and one for the other options

Halligan offered that it could be $500-2000/acre for solar, so it wouldn't make to much sense to the Town

Kelly offered that he would like to see both options go out to see what we can get.

Halligan - offered that the tax revenues would be so much less.

Kelly - I don't see the reason why we don't put it out. 

Nutting - you wouldn't sell the land for solar, you'd lease it. If someone did buy it and put solar in, they could take the solar down at some time and have the 'free' land. 

Part of the lease deal would be how close to the intereconnect it would be to connect to the grid. The hotel would be significantly more than the solar farm.

I understand the desire to make money from the property. If the town loses the space to dump the snow, where would you put it?

The traffic is going to be a problem.

Do we wait for the traffic study for the RFP?

No, not really, the tax breaks for solar end in December. We need to move to find out.

All the questions will not be answered unless the RFP goes out and comes back possibly with a bid or two. It may be that we get no bids.

The rough frame work, hotel, office, medical building, and a residential component. We need to go forward with something to get something back.

Could get the solar component out now as it would not be affected by the traffic. When the numbers come back in the summer, we could incorporate the traffic numbers and do the two staggered?

Solar is allowed anywhere (by zoning), if doing a solar only (should be a lease deal as mentioned). Usually 30 days but we like to do 45 to give it time. Depends upon on the Council would like to proceed.

You would have a bit at the apple at every junction. What we craft would go to the Council so you could there.

Padula - I would move the RFP forward. Our board is charged with the duty to put something reasonable forward for the Council to decide. 

motion withdrawn, let's get the requirements together
200 foot on Pond, 150 on Walker

If you go with solar, those trees are going to go. The property is east west and you need the clearance for the sunlight.

Clarification that the access to the waterway, MIne Brook, would still be maintained?
Yes, it is there and needs to be there.

Halligan proposes to keep it open and have the developer come in to do a presentation.

It is the balance act for the council between revenue and traffic. What are they going to want to decide?

Question on where the building would be sited and how tall it would be. The zoning is 3 stories by right and 5 by special permit.

Verhagen - It is not just traffic but quality of life for the neighbors. One moved out today and one is in the process of doing so. 

Property value would decline when the area becomes undesireable part of town due to the traffic.

Bissanti - I got to think that an appraiser coming out there would negatively affect. I would caution on use of Zillow values, sometimes they are spot on sometimes they are not.

Padula - I am going to move for an open RFP. I am going to vote my conscience and make a good decision based upon what we know.

Motion to put out a general RFP, seconded

Question on where the document is that has the language agreed to?
Bryan can draft the document and if needed it can be amended at the Council.

all four members of the Committee voted for the RFP

second proposal

Motion to make a motion for a solar lease, seconded for discussion purposes
Can the buffer be reduced for solar?

Padula - I am not sure it is a great idea to do concurrent RFPs
Kelly - there should be no problem with doing both at the same time, they want it.  

Nutting - I think we should do the solar first and then come back with the second RFP

Someone could put solar in with the original RFP

move for a vote on this

Two separate RFPs would cause confusion among those developers who would make a response.

Padula - no, vote passes 3-1

the two RFP will be on the same Council agenda

meeting adjourns

Franklin Kindergarten Registration NEXT WEEK!

The Franklin Public Schools announces

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION!

April 13^th      4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

April 15^th      4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Horace Mann Middle School – Cafeteria

224 Oak Street, Franklin

Oak St (left door) and Horace Mann (right door) building entrances

Children who will be 5 years-old on or before August 31, 2015 are eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2015-16 school year. 

Parents or guardians should plan to attend one of the two registration sessions, however children need not attend. 

Required forms as well as additional information can be found on the ECDC website http://franklinecdc.vt-s.net/pages/index  or by contacting Kelty Kelley, ECDC Principal @ 508 541-8166 or kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Kelty Kelley, Principal

F. X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center

224 Oak Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Phone:  508-541-8166

Fax:            508-541-8254

kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us

"There is no hand so small that it cannot leave an imprint on the world!" Klub Kidz

Opera for Kids: Alice in Wonderland - THE BLACK BOX - Apr 12

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual, free Family Concert Series concludes this season with Opera for Kids, Alice in Wonderland, on Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Composed by Robert Chauls, Alice in Wonderland is an operatic adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s cherished children’s book. Journey down the rabbit hole with Alice and meet the colorful characters of Carroll’s surreal, madcap world!

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are geared especially to children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances introduce audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging, entertaining and interactive way. FPAC’s 2015 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance.

THE BLACK BOX Theater

Alice in Wonderland features two members of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) voice faculty, Shauna Martin as the Queen of Hearts and Mariko Matsumura as the White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat. FSPA student Julia Clifford of Medfield is featured as Alice, with Aaron Frongillo of Franklin, Nicholas Steiner of Millis, and Susauna Wickstrom of Plainville performing the parts of Duchess, King of Hearts, Gryphon and Mock Turtle. Pianist Synthia Sture will accompany the vocalists.

A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Shauna Martin received her master’s degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. Her performances include a wide variety of operatic and musical theater roles in works by classical as well as contemporary composers. Martin is a founding member of the popular children's show Opera Night in Canada and has performed with Canada’s regional orchestras and on CBC Radio. This season, she appeared in FPAC’s production of The Music Man as Mrs. Paroo.

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mariko Matsumura received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with high honors from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music. Mariko's performance credits include Messiah, Aida, Hansel and Gretl, Der Rosenkavalier, The Magic Flute and numerous premiere performances throughout the Boston area. She has performed with Lorelei Ensemble, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Jyugoya Ensemble, Chorus Boston, Setegaya Women’s Chorus and Opera Unmet.

A distinctive, non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC presents quality performances with a focus on youth development and live music, while offering opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Franklin Downtown Partnership events for 2015

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set its 2015 dates for the Strawberry Stroll, Holiday Stroll, and Beautification days. The Partnership also announces its General Meeting dates and invites the public to attend and learn more about important changes coming to downtown Franklin.

The event schedule looks different this year because the FDP has put the Harvest Festival on hold due to the upcoming Streetscape revitalization project. The scheduled reconstruction of roadways and sidewalks and pedestrian safety were the main factors in the Partnership’s decision to postpone the festival until 2016.

Downtown Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 16, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and numerous volunteers wielding spades and garden gloves will install hundreds of flowers and greens throughout downtown and on the Common. Community service hours will be available to students. Contact Eileen Mason, emason11@verizon.net, for more information about the event, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Winter Beautification Day will be Sunday, November 22.

The 12th annual Strawberry Stroll is will take place downtown on Thursday, June 11, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Come celebrate summer with the Partnership’s scrumptious Strawberry Shortcakes while enjoying live entertainment and a sidewalk sale. If you would like to sponsor or participate in this event please contact event Co-chair Nicole Fortier, nfortier@deanbank.com.

The always-popular Holiday Stroll will be Thursday, December 3, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. This special holiday celebration will include a visit from Santa and his elves, live entertainment, food and drink specials, crafts and gift shopping. Gregg Chalk and Roberta Trahan will co-chair this festive event.

The Partnership invites business owners and interested residents to participate in its General Meetings on June 4, September 3 and November 5. Come learn more about issues affecting downtown Franklin. The meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. at the Dean College Campus Center.

More information about each event, meeting sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinDowntownPartnership.org, or on Twitter at @FranklinDowntwn.


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working together to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. The FDP currently has over 200 members and welcomes all businesses and residents. For more information, please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Downtown Partnership 2015 Events

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page here

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/04/2015-event-meeting-dates-press-release.html

Reminder: Spring Cleanup - Parmenter - Apr 11th

The 5th Grade at Parmenter School will be doing a Spring Cleanup on Saturday, Apr 11th. 

Get your car washed, drop off those bottles/cans, any used books or clothing - they'll take 'em!. 

Spring Cleaning 5th Grade Fund raiser - Parmenter School - Apr 11 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Wine Tasting with a vision

Marissa Garofano is runing the Boston Marathon and fund raising for the MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Marissa had worked for the Hockomock Y before moving on to another position.

Peter Sagal, of the Public Radio's show "Wait Wait, Don't Tell me!" is also running and fund raising for the same cause.

Peter Sagal (left) and Erich Manser (right) at the 2014 Boston Marathon (Boston Marathon photo)

You can read Peter's story here

http://www.jhextramile.com/story-19-running-in-service-of-another-beats-running-alone/

You can support Peter and Erich's effort here
https://www.crowdrise.com/TeamVisionBoston2015/fundraiser/erichmanser

You can help Marissa on Thursday by going to the Wine Tasting at Pour Richard's or help her effort online here
https://www.crowdrise.com/TeamVisionBoston2015/fundraiser/marissagarofano

Wine Tasting with a vision

Note: I recently started work at John Hancock but the happy coincidence of this posting could have occurred anyway.

Live reporting: FinCom (continued) - Capital Budget

Jeff Nutting providing an overview of the stabilization accounts

turf field is subject to a bounce test every year, wears out due to the sun rays
about $500,000 needed to replace the 'carpet' at the turf fields

Chief Semerjian
discussion the police capital request
car replacement, try to keep cars in a rotation and replace the vehicles that are high mileage and maintenance issues

looking for 3-4 cruisers each year, try to keep it even year to year
3 marked units, requested as SUV vehicle types
1 unmarked units as a sedan
fully loaded for the police technology
computer, lights, electrical components, locking brackets for firearms
piggy back up on the State bid

body armor to be replaced 13 units, this year and another 13 next year
attempting to get some grants to help offset the costs
units are targeted to last 5 years
policy in place to wear the body armor at all times

tasers, rotated among the shifts
some assigned to tactical units; would like to have enough for everyone to have one per shift
affords another level of protection, less lethal
the business can recycle units but under the program where we own it
after 5 years, it is time to go

computer technology, pretty basic - $17,000
all cleared through T Raposa, the Technical Director

study done previously on the maintenance of old vehicles didn't actually save any money
tend to buy good used vehicles as a better (cost effective) option

the police cars do take a beating, they are running 24 hours

DPW
Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi,  DPW Director

need a street sweeper, both units need to be on the streets now especially after the winter
both units are actually broken at the moment, the main one (to be replaced) needs a new hydraulic units

1 ton dump truck, haven't replaced one in some time
buying gas engine rather than diesel as the diesel don't get the mileage to make it worth while

hot box, approved by Town Council last week

9 foot mower, part of the replacement program

streets 

attempted override last year, it did not pass

Oak St in front of high school, needs to be done soon
was waiting for high school work to be done and now is the time
put some islands in, like on Lincoln St
worked very well on Lincoln this winter, won't be as many as Lincoln
just at the beginning and end of the 'longest' school zone in Franklin

Miller and Pleasant St
drainage issue as well as frequent accident site
getting multiple things done at one
drainage, safety and storm water treatment

Sidewalks

St Mary's down Pleasant St to Miller ($900,000)
Griffin ($15K) and Chestnut ($15K)

do some design work this year, put out to bid next year
could use the hotel money or short term borrowing to provide the funds for the work
called for in the Master Plan

would normally be covered during road rebuild but these streets are not part of the road plan immediately

granite curbing and bituminous surface

asking for $200K to do desing and the two smaller sections
once the design is complete, the total cost will be know and could be bid

the reason Beaver St is not on the list is due to the railroad and the bridge

Water

developer put the water line in, now the street piece needs to be replaced
Crocker and Hill Road, Lewis St

water treatment membrane

Dale St water main to be done 'in-house', needs to provide the pipe to be used

study on water facilities being done, numbers should be ready for next year

Sewer

from Cook's Farm to Shaw's the sewer pipe is almost blocked
need to burst the pipe and replace with a new layer
sewer is normally gravity fed, this section is pumped as it is a low spot

26 sewer lift stations around Franklin

Council has authorized $7.5M to bond
15 year rolling, every 5 years, 5 million bond authorizations

Northgate neighborhood being done this year

water master plan being updated

no water rate increase foreseen in the next 2-3 years
maybe 3-5 years a small increase to fix a maganese issue that the DEP has raised

65% of the Charles River is 'owned' by Franklin hence we owe that amount of the expenses
took 1 million gallons out of the sewer treatment, to save money via leakage

positive planning with DEP has paid off, with awards and recognition

Medway found their $1M leak

Fire Dept, Schools, Facilities, Technology for next time

one item is to replace wireless connections in the municipal buildings
if this is going to be changed every 5 years, maybe start another stabilzation fund to cover those recurring expenses
schools are expanding their chromebooks, cost of hardware and installation

overall budget

quick update on overall budget
health insurance meeting this Thursday, $8M line item
out to bid and should have decision this week

charter school number was wrong and through the cherry sheet number off, overdue in reply
fire fighters arbitation award for 4 years, awaiting deal
4 years of retroactive pay for 48 people is going to be a chunk
possible gap coming but hopeful to get it soon

otherwise will need to make some educated guesses and get started
if we get started and need to make some adjustments, we will

everything later this year due to new Governor and his first budget which came out in March instead of January

regional transportation, circuit breaker issues
what will it be? don't know

early May to start budgeting, first two weeks
possibly five meetings

all the department heads have their budgets ready, what they have submitted may not be what I (Nutting) recommend to go forward so they can at least talk about it

Dispatch Center

have design, architect, Norfolk is also looking to put their police station in same building, we'd be on first floor; still a year and half away
all the equipment and coordination together
did put money in budget to start in 4thQ, will know more in a month or so

during day, secretary and kiosk at night for fire dept
doing analysis for the police station to monitor the lock up
does it make sense to have a central lock up? where? how many cells would be needed?
all in the talk stage at this point

Streetscape meeting today

plan to do the whole project this year with the exception of Main st
do the drainage work that is left
put up the bases for the new lights
Emmons, West Central, East Central and do Main St in 2016
they want to start in 2 weeks
it is going to be painful, some trees at Dean will be taken down
High St to be done as part of the project (it needs it)

ripping up the road down by Brick School, the pavement failed


Old business, new business - nothing

motion to adjoin
next meeting Apr 22

Live reporting: Finance Commmittee - Apr 7, 2015

Present: Deswnap, Bertone, Conley, Fleming, Heumpher, Dowd,
Absent:  Smith, Dufour, Aparo

Nutting, Gagner, Dacey, Cantoreggi, Semerjian, Jette

Draft capital plan for review tonight
left about $100,000 on table just in case something comes up before the end of the year

old municipal building up for sale, Recreation Dept to be displaced and needs a new home

discussion on proposal to purchase building at 275 Beaver St
use of the funds from Emmons St to be used for purchase of the facility

can briefly offer more programs, slight fee increase in fees
to provide revenue for renovation and continue operaitng

5 -7,000 sq ft, not many buildings this size to fit the need.
it has office space already built out, has capabiity to build out interior space for other rooms, training, art, etc. Meeting rooms space is available and could also be rented out to generate more revenue

parking for 25-30 spaces available, should cover most of the need for parking, most of the programs that would be run that are drop offs.

rental fees for use of school gymnasiums, can be avoided by use of the new facility

a newer more modern building, easier to maintain

most large storage is kept in containers on or near the fields where they are used

front building, to renovate specific space, currently wide open and would be built out to meet needs
back building

planning to use Parmenter school during the summer time to provide space during the gap betweent he sale of the old and purchase/renovation of the new

still need to do 21E, pass papers in June, have the Council approve

State did release money for paving, road repairs

can cover the $500,000 from various accounts of 'cash'; for example, $100,000 from the sale of the land being used for Starbucks. The other $500,000 would be from the sale of Emmons St

by 2026 our debt is dropping

motion to recommend to purchase and renovated the building on Beaver St
seconded, passed 6-0

Ayla Brown - THE BLACK BOX - Apr 10

Nashville recording artist and Wrentham native Ayla Brown headlines a New England Artists Series concert at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin this Friday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Brendan Kelley opens the show, which will also feature a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Ayla. “I am very excited and honored to be back in Massachusetts to sing a show at THE BLACK BOX,” Ayla said.

Ayla Brown

The singer-songwriter, athlete, and TV personality experienced early recognition in 2006 as a Season 5 semi-finalist on the Fox-TV phenomenon, American Idol. The singing competition has launched the recording careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and many more. Reflecting on her high-profile Idol experience, Ayla noted, “The moment I sang with a band for the first time was the moment I knew I was supposed to do this for the rest of my life. American Idol gave me an opportunity that I will always respect and appreciate. I never take my time on the show for granted, but I also know that being on Idol at a young age forced me to mature quicker on stage than other performers my age. I was excited for the challenge.”

At the time, the Idol contestant was a student at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), where she studied voice with Hallie Wetzell, guitar and jazz dance. “FSPA was incredibly helpful in my developmental stages of being a singer, dancer, and performer,” Ayla said. “When I was getting ready for my American Idol tryouts there were many people at FSPA who took me under their wings and helped me give an audition of a lifetime.”

Since then, Ayla’s career has taken her to the legendary stages of the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. She has opened for numerous country music stars, including Jason Aldean, Clint Black, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans, Tracy Lawrence, Loretta Lynn, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner and Chris Young. Ayla has also made multiple CMA Music Festival appearances and was a national news correspondent for The Early Show on CBS.

Of her 2013 Grand Ole Opry debut, the rising country artist says, ““Performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage was something I will never forget for the rest of my life. I was so nervous walking on that stage for the first time, but the minute I started singing I knew I was right at home.”

Ayla’s transition from her pop roots to the country music genre began while at Boston College, where the multi-talented student was an All-American Division I basketball player and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year. Her performing sets increasingly featured more of others’ country songs than her own pop music. A visit to Nashville for weeks of writing led to an opportunity to sing with the Nashville Symphony for the orchestra’s July 4th celebration. “It was at the moment that I knew I had to move to Nashville,” Ayla recalled.

She recorded her self-titled country music album, Ayla Brown, at Ronnie’s Place, the Nashville studio of legendary country music star Ronnie Milsap. Ayla produced the album from her own record label, Ambient Entertainment, and wrote seven of the CD’s nine tracks. Her 2012 sophomore release, a patriotic-inspired album titled Heroes & Hometowns, peaked at #1 on Amazon MP3 and reached #51 on iTunes. Ayla performed two singles from the album, “Pride of America” and “Hero in her Hometown,” with the Boston Pops during the 2013 July 4th Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade. A portion of every CD sale of Heroes & Hometowns benefits Hugs for Heroes, Inc., a Massachusetts-based, military nonprofit, and Ayla has entertained American troops overseas in Afghanistan, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Egypt.

“Since I never had the opportunity to put on a uniform and serve our country, giving back musically and financially is the closest thing I've found to connect with our troops,” Ayla said in describing her connection with military causes and how those initiatives resonate with her. “I feel very blessed that I've been able to help wonderful charities throughout the years and Hugs for Heroes is definitely one of them. For Let Love In, my album sponsor, Texas Roadhouse, and I will be making a donation to another great military non-profit, Homes for Our Troops, and I am really excited about that!”

Let Love In, Ayla’s latest album, debuts next month. “Music has always been the closest thing to my heart and I feel very lucky that my lyrics and sounds have developed with age and experience,” she noted. “I can confidently say my upcoming album, Let Love In, is my best album in the nine years I've been singing professionally. There are so many songs on this record that I am extremely proud of and, since this is a spring/summer release, I can't wait for people to roll down their windows and blast these songs!”

Tickets to Ayla Brown’s April 10 show at THE BLACK BOX, with opening act Brendan Kelley, are $24 for adults and $18 for students. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Enchanted Memories Travel: Open House - May 2

Enchanted Memories Travel has been based in Franklin for the past 3 years and recently moved into a new office in Depot Plaza.  The owners, Vincent and Maria Dowling are longtime Franklin residents.  

Enchanted Memories Travel (Twitter photo)

We are having a free, family-friendly event in Depot Plaza on May 2.  It's a way to announce our new location and thank the town that has helped us grow and thrive mostly via word of mouth advertising over the past 3 years.  

Enchanted Memories Travel - Open House - May 2

Visit Enchanted Memories on the web http://www.enchantedmem.com/

Irish Dancers take 1st place

The 2015 World Irish Dance Championships, held in Montreal last week where many local dancers from Harney Academy of Irish Dance in Walpole competed. 

Of note, the Harney Sub Minor Girls Ceili under 11 team came back to town with the 1st place World Championship trophy.

The Harrney Academy under 11 Girls Ceili World Champions

The Harney Academy under 11 Girls Ceili World Champions (back row left to right)

Emma Ferrara - Needham
Bridget Fessenden-Medfield
Liam Harney - Walpole (instructor/owner)
Kaitlin Skinner - Walpole
Erin Pomfret - Natick
And front row (left to right)
Madelyn Marshall - Walpole
Madison Gaughran - Franklin
Molly Geoghegan - Walpole
Fiona Hernan -Canton

For more about the Harney Academy, you can visit their webpage
http://www.harneyacademy.com/

"story prompts to help trigger memories"

Another app that can be used to capture your family history can be found at Legacy Stories. Thanks to Marjorie Turner Hollman for sharing this.

LegacyStories.org is a free living history library that provides life story learning, recording, archiving and sharing to families, professionals and groups.

Our intuitive technology offers a variety of options to compose and record legacy stories including multi-media story pages, oral history slideshows and the ability to record powerful Pict-Oral Memories with our Apple and Android mobile app.

Our members can also link stories to over five billion ancestor records in the official family tree of humankind. We'll show you how to discover your highest priority "legacy stories" and tell them in ways that will fascinate loved ones generations to come.

screen grab of Legacy Stories webpage

The recent post on StoryCorps
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/capture-that-family-history.html

"among the smallest public libraries in the area"

Preliminary planning and design work for the library’s expansion is underway now that the town has selected an architect and project manager. 

The 10-member Library Building Committee recently chose Boston-based Daedalus Projects Inc. to manage the project — the firm also oversaw the construction of Franklin’s new high school — and pegged LLB Architects to handle the architectural work. 

LLB Architects, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has designed several library expansions, including for the towns of Foxborough, Maynard, Scituate and Walpole. 

Approved last April, the Franklin Public Library project includes a 6,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will provide space for a new community room, coffee shop and young adult section. The cost has been estimated at $6.6 million, but may change as the project becomes more defined.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150407/NEWS/150407468/1994/NEWS

Franklin Public Library - new sign back in place after an accident took it down in Oct 2014

The Library Building Committee as appointed in Dec 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/live-reporting-library-building.html

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)

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
Nancy J. Rappa - 25 Queen Street

Joseph Mullen (added during clerk reading of motion) 

FHS Softball: appliance recycling - Apr 11

The FHS girls softball team will be holding a fund raiser on Sat April 11. They will accept appliances to be recycled at the Franklin Elks parking lot on Pond St. They open at 8:00 AM and will close at noon.

FHS softball appliance recycling

The pricing for appliances is outlined in this flyer

Franklin Voices Weigh in on Question in the Globe West edition

Should the state adopt a single-payer health care system?

Yes

John May of Franklin, a member of Progressive Massachusetts

Did you know that we have lower-cost easily accessible single-payer health care here in Massachusetts? It’s true! It’s called Medicare. Why not expand what we already have in place? 

I am 60 years old and wonder: “If Medicare is good for me in five years, why is it not good for me now?”

No

David G. Tuerck of Franklin, is executive director of the Beacon Hill Institute and Professor of Economics at Suffolk University.

The continued unpopularity of Obamacare has led to renewed interest in the idea of a single-payer health care system, under which government would both finance and dispense health care and do so without charge and without regard to ability to pay. Advocates claim that, by eliminating the health insurance companies, single payer would lower health care costs. 

However, no one believes that we could reduce the cost of car repair by eliminating the automobile insurance companies. That’s because those companies keep down costs by requiring deductibles and by adjusting rates according to the risks of providing insurance.

Continue reading their full arguments here (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/04/04/should-state-adopt-single-payer-health-care-system/vKzuNNcqla3yRjLENITE1I/story.html 


If you would like ot have your say on a Franklin topic you can do so. There is a series called "Voices of Franklin" that runs when needed. Details can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Reminder: Antique Appraisal Day - Apr 12

Antique Appraisal Day

Sunday, April 12, 2015

1:00PM-4:00PM

The Franklin Historical Commission invites you to have your collectables and antiques appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman of Coyle’s Auction Gallery of Bellingham. 1 to 3 items per person will be appraised at a rate of $5.00 per item.

Items to be appraised include Decorative Stoneware and Pottery; Vintage Clothing and Costume Jewelry; Fine China, glass and art glass; Oriental Rugs; Paintings and Prints; Lamps, Clocks, Decorative Accessories; Hummels and Music Boxes; Sterling Silver, Pewter and Brass; American, Victorian and Country Furniture and Accessories.

NO fine jewelry, no coins, no stamps and no weapons.

All proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum

Franklin Historical Museum - maybe most of the snow will be gone by Appraisal Day?

"10 miles of pipeline through towns like Franklin"

Fox25 does a piece on the recent efforts to mobilize against the Spectra Energy project to expand the gas pipeline through Franklin.

"The pipeline is still in a preliminary phase and if everything goes as planned, construction wouldn't be complete until 2017. Spectra Energy is looking for federal permission to add 10 miles of pipeline through towns like Franklin and Millis. Residents say they want to know what's in store for them before construction begins."

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

a sign truck parked outside the Keller School at the information session here on March

Related posts

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/concerns-with-spectra-atlantic-bridge.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Apr 7, 2015

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 March 24, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. ASMS Update – Beth Wittcoff, Rebecca Motte

Note: The documents for the ASMS update and the BICO report can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/franklin-school-committee-documents-for.html

3. Discussion Only Item

BiCounty Collaborative Quarterly Report
Twitter / FPS News
Safety Communications
Kindergarten Registration

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Fortin for HMMS students to travel to Providence, RI for Save the Bay Programs as detailed on May 26, 27 & 28, 2015.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $6.86 from Schoola for in-house enrichment at JF Kennedy Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $4,115.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for district wide in-house enrichment.
d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,695.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field trips and busing.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Steven Mollo for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $700.00 from Scholarship America for Supplemental Curriculum Materials at FHS.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,815.25 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 25 copies of the book “Finding the Worm” for 6th grade reading at Horace Mann Middle School.

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

Franklin School Committee: documents for agenda

Annie Sullivan Middle School presentation document:

BICO Quarterly Information for Superintendents

The School Committee agenda can be found here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/V20142015/SCAgenda%204-7-15.pdf

“It’s definitely a big statement win"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor, Hockomock Sports writes about the FHS boys lacrosse win over Wellesley on Saturday.

Franklin coach Lou Verrochi created the boys’ lacrosse program, so he would be the expert on just how important Saturday afternoon’s 13-3 victory over perennial state power Wellesley was for the Panthers. 

In a quick postgame speech, after all there is not much to say after a win that dominating, Verrochi told his team that this was one of the best performances that the program had put together and called it a “signature win.” 

Speaking to the media afterwards, Verrochi admitted, “Totally unexpected…I think they had an off-day and we just clicked on everything we did. I’m just so impressed with how the kids played today.”

Austin Kent (4), Mike Sullivan (30), and Eric Civetti (1) celebrate a Franklin goal at Sprague Field as the Panthers dominated Wellesley for a marquee win for the program. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the article by Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-lax-rolls-to-signature-win-at-wellesley

"you can start with culture and get people kind of reinvested in their place"

Spend a few minutes with this TED Talk by Theaster Gates. Listen as he talks about rebuilding his neighborhood by starting with what he knows about his art, making clay pots.

There were several points during this 17 minute video that caught my attention. I could use these to help enhance the Franklin community whether through my efforts here, at the Food Pantry, the grass roots efforts for #shopFranklin, the Shop Small Co-op or with the Franklin Cultural Festival (coming this summer!) 

I will let you view the video and see what you come up with. Let me know via email or comment what you find and together we'll see if if we have come up with the same points or something different. As they say, two heads are better than one!

Enjoy!

Theaster Gates, a potter by training and a social activist by calling, wanted to do something about the sorry state of his neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. So he did, transforming abandoned buildings to create community hubs that connect and inspire those who still live there (and draw in those who don't). In this passionate talk, Gates describes his efforts to build a "miniature Versailles" in Chicago, and he shares his fervent belief that culture can be a catalyst for social transformation in any city, anywhere.

For more about Theaster Gates, you can visit his profile page






Additional links to explore

Feel free to explore for more informative TED Talks here   http://www.ted.com/


For more info on the Cultural Festival check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-cultural-festival-application.html


For more about #shopFranklin you can join the conversation in their Facebook group #shopFranklin - Facebook group


You can consider joining the Franklin Downtown Partnership - individual community membership is only $25  http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Franklin Needs You!

The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: 

Conservation    Conservation Commission 

Design Review Commission 

Disabilities Commission 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949 

Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate Member      ZBA

If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete this form and return it the Town Administrator's Office.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Cheryl Wheeler April 11th

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Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038 Phone: 508 528 2541 Map       Official Site       ReverbNation Profile Cheryl Wheeler Saturday, April 11th $30 We expect these tickets to be gone soon. Cheryl Wheeler Cheryl Wheeler returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, April 11th at 8PM. Cheryl is known for her brilliant, often hysterical, performances and beautifully crafted songs. She'll have you rolling in the aisles one minute, then she'll take off her glasses, close her eyes, and sing a heart-breakingly lovely song that may bring you to tears. Her entire concert is an emotional roller coaster. "Rare artist...strong poetry, complex melodies, clever wit." -SingOut! Cheryl's songs are often emotional portraits of people, leaving you with the impression that you know the characters. You find yourself being dragged into the song rather than standing outside and observing. Other songs by Cheryl are hilarious situation comedies. This is always a sold-out show, so order your tickets soon. http://www.cherylwheeler.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission for this concert is $30. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. UPCOMING SHOWS Sat Apr 11 2015, 08:00 PM Cheryl Wheeler Tickets: $30   Sat Apr 25 2015, 08:00 PM Deborah Henson-Conant Tickets: $25 Sat May 09 2015, 08:00 PM Rebecca Loebe, Jesse Terry Tickets: $20 Split bill > See More / Details

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Physical inquiries can be sent to: 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA, 02038, US
If our email is in your Spam/Junk Folder, please add circlefolk@gmail.com to your address book.

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