Thursday, May 7, 2015

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds - Jun 4


Franklin Office Hours
Thursday, June 4, 2015
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Council Chamber
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street

The Register and members of his staff will be available to help answer questions or concerns about any Registry of Deeds matter.

Information will be available concerning the Massachusetts Homestead Act. Internet ready computer terminals will be on hand to print a Registry recorded deed, confirm the status of a mortgage discharge or check on any other recordings.

No appointment is needed.

For further information call 781-461-6104, email registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.orgOr visit the Registry’s website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

In the News: Big Y gets the license, 2 more arrested at the clothing bin



After listening to arguments for and against the request, the Town Council Wednesday granted a liquor license to the Big Y supermarket. 
The family-owned chain, which has a location on East Central Street, applied for the town’s only available malt and wine license to open one of its Table & Vine shops. 
Big Y’s application met with some opposition from residents, including the owners of a decades-old local business, who argued that the area did not need another beer and wine merchant.
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150507/NEWS/150507362/1994/NEWS

My notes from the meeting and discussion Wednesday can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/live-reporting-license-transactions.html


For a second time in two weeks, police say they thwarted a pair of thieves who were stealing clothing donations, finding one hiding in the locked donation bin. 
Kevin Santos, 22, of Brockton, and Valdir Barros, 27, of Central Falls, Rhode Island, were charged Monday with breaking into a depository and trespassing, as well as larceny over $250 after allegedly stealing from a Society of St. Vincent de Paul donation bin kept in a parking lot on Main Street. 
Two Brockton men targeted the same donation bin last week, police said, leaving with more than 50 trash bags of clothing.
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150506/NEWS/150507402/1994/NEWS

Last week's article can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/in-news-2-men-in-van-arrested.html

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Live reporting: Closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Bob Fahey retired recently

May 16th beautification day, help out downtown
bi-weekly meetings with the developer on the downtown construction
concerns again about not going in a timely fashion
meeting next week to address

potential gas line hearing on May 14th
Hawthorne Suites welcome to attend and be heard
controlled by Federal Government

if this moves ahaed, they go through this again

Confirm that Jun 10-11 for the budget hearing

L. OLD BUSINESS
DelCarte update?
waiting for the engineer to come out
it will take time

where are we at with the property on Beaver St
P/S signed today, 21e submitted


M. NEW BUSINESS


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - Jeff Roy, Nutting met with folks on Taft Road about the power line cutting
great meeting to get an understanding on what is being done
glad to be part of the community where this happens

sad to see Bob Fahey retired, good for him

downtown work after hours?
no, once the drainage and light posts they should be out

Pond St, Chestnut St came out, supporting the liquor license
we really appreciate that
we try to do the best we can

Bissanti -
Wycoff family, husband in hospice for next 6 weeks
condolences to the B Hunchard for his mother's passing

comment on the Council supporting small business
the downtown work should speak for itself
we are definitely a small business oriented council, it is what is best for Franklin



O EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed



Live reporting: Legislation for action

one minute recess 

some of the crowd dispersed

The Cable TV presentation will be rescheduled

-----

5. Resolution 15-21: Appropriation – Capital FY 15
listing of capital budget items read totaling $1,752,000
typically use 'free cash' for capital improvements

departments heads are here to answer any specific questions

The street have a problem with the intersection of Miller
also want to do Oak St in front of the high school
$100,000 for design work, phase 1 
next winter and spring would hear more details for doing sidewalks

Kelly - this takes us a while to get through, thanks to Pfeffer, Dellorco and Nutting for their work in getting this done
getting each department what they need, hope they are happy

Donna Grant, Longfellow Dr
residents off Chestnut St, concerned about walking on the Street
signed a petition and sent it to Nutting

Chestnut St will be included in the design?
Yes, it will. There will be another vote next year when we know how much it will cost

Clarification question on how much of Chestnut St would be done

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
just spent 1.7M dollars, 


6. Resolution 15-22: Appropriation - Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 15
$295,000
will help with the capacity on the sewer line for Cooks Farm
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 

7. Resolution 15-23: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Capital FY 15
$610,000
water system improvements, Hill St, Lewis, and the streets in the neighborhood
will be coming to Council to extend the public way, so the whole project can be completed

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

8. Resolution 15-24: Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals – Pond Street Property
lease of parcel for solar, recommendation from the EDC for two RFPs, if either or both are approved, would run for 6 weeks, see if there is a revenue stream available; the second one is more traditional development

Bissanti - thanks for the input, solar was a compromise for the neighbors
so we can put both out, see what comes back with for the Council to review

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

9. Resolution 15-25: Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals – Pond Street Property
for the parcel to be sold and developed

this RFP would allow anything but exclude apartments 
does have a minimum of price, minimum set backs included in both RFPs

advertise, proposals submitted, reviewed by EDC, interview developers, brought before the Council for sale and requires a 2/3 vote, step one of about an 8 step process

Bissanti - thanks to Bryan (Taberner) for his work on this, worked hard to appease the neighbors and be good for the town

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


10. Bylaw Amendment 15-747:Amendment of Service Fee Rates – Solid Waste and Recycling – 1st Reading

$216 -> 200

forgot when we discussed a few weeks ago that the rates will be going down due to the new negotiation with WasteManagement

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0



Live reporting: License transactions


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
  • British Beer Company – Change of Manager- 7:10 pm tabled to next meeting

  • Gill N Sidhu, LLC – Chinese Mirch - Change of DBA- 7:10 pm
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
Chinese food with Indian spices

  • Table & Vine, Inc. – Annual Wine & Malt Package Store - New License – 7:10 pm
process to advertise, posted, advertised MDN, etc.
only one applicant came in at the deadline

paying approx $100,000 in taxes
payed additional dollars to fix up the road
employee about 100 

privately owner company

James Wilson, store manager

in 2012 constructed, construction, widening of the roadway, signal added
development of the commercial sector on the eastern part

all the ABC documents are contained in your package

Michael Gold, VP Legal Affairs of BIG Y
MA corporation, based in Springfield area
in business 80 years, owned and operated by the family
3rd generation of the family

we are a great neighbor in the community, support numerous local organizations

Table & Vine essentially the liquor business for Big Y
currently has 4 liquor licenses
1 strandalone, 3 within stores

would be the smallest liquor dept in MA
loyal customers have been asking for it since they opened

well trained, talented and educated, 
experts in wine, food and craft beers
hoping to bring that expertise here

take obligations to sell alcohol seriously
Point of sale systems do require a valid birth date entered in the system

serve the public need, in search of a common good
MA case law has identified several factors

  • proximity to school, no schools in immediate area
  • number of existing dispensaries, there is an available license
  • competition among existing license holders should not be made in determination, DaVitas and Franklin Liquor have full license, this would only be beer/wine as a convenience for the customers; not looking to put anyone out of the business; there is a distinction between the licenses and the nature of the operations
  • submitted letters in support of the license; received a resounding yes
  • reputation of the applicant, over 50 years of experience, can bring expertise to the area with craft beer and specialty wines
  • wines - always a concern, the state of the art development, a completely different facade, the traffic is not a deterrent in this case, the traffic improvements are allowing negotiations with other developments proposed next door to utilize the entrance
Feldman - quantified?
customers come in frequently, asking for beer/wine

we were careful about where to use the last license

Padula - how does the sale work?
there is a point of sale system that is required with a valid date in order to process the transaction; there are also 32 locations in CT as well

Padula - how many times?
never in MA? in CT? one issue among the 32 stores in 9 years

DaVitas issue won the full license and when they got it, they turned in the beer/wine 

The Council last year voted against the Cottage/Union, and developed the process we have used here

Kelly - how do you handle the situation when a cashier is underage?
if a minor would try to scan an alcohol transaction, it would lock the system until a supervisor came over

Mark Lenzi - Franklin Liquors, across from the BIG Y
in 1978 purchased Jimmies Penny Candy Liquor Store
this is the oldest liquor license in town
family all work there

please consider the decision from last year, in consideration 
there was one license last year
there are three licenses this time

consider the legal precedence set in MA
the laws are changing, it used to be three, it will be 7 in 2016

what does it mean for the town?
it may mean more corporations coming

I am a BIG Y customer, and I did not get asked
consider the support for the small business movement in town

in closing, I am not sure they showed a public need, just because they are the only application doesn't demonstrate the public need

Cerel - can only take into consideration material presented at the meeting and not in other ways


Michael Rourke - Franklin resident
chose Franklin for a variety of reasons for the family
voted best town for families, affordable homes, top rated jobs, good schools, etc.
local were proud to call Franklin, discourage to see the charm decline in the past several years
now some of those small business are out of business
too much of our hard earned dollars are going to corporation

Mark and his family are a true proponent
in the spirit of national small business that started this week

the main reason was due to the saturation in the area, 
there are others around, a saturation

I urge you to deny this application

"Industry need not wish, there is no need here"

Karen Mullen, a Big Y customer
I feel strongly that BIG Y supports the small town
I don't think it would take away their business
I don't see the competition here 
MA case law doesn't support the need
I would request that this license be approved

Sandra Verhagen, town resident
there is a movement to support small business
we are all in it together
this being small business week, we are spending our money to keep them operating
ask you to look at this and deny the license
I don't understand how there is public need

Laurie Blake - Norfolk resident
BIG Y customer, I do think it would be convenient
The other liquor stores that are in town, I would still good to them for other things; if I am looking for hard alcohol, I would go elsewhere
if they are the oldest they are survivors
I am on both sides, I think having BIG Y and their regulations would be a strong contender on this town


motion to close the hearing, seconded, 9-0


additional comment from BIG Y
focus is on the craft brews and unique wines, not the regular stuff you see
I advocate for small business and for family business, that is where we came from, our core business is food, and proper pairings is what we are looking to do

Feldman - I appreciate the comments on both side, the situation last year was between two small businesses, any time we take on a license, some one will oppose it, the government should not impede competition


motion to approve, seconded, 8-1 via roll call (Dellorco - no)


Live reporting: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 2015

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent:  none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– April 1, 2015, April 15, 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.


C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
– Conservation Commission - William Batchelor
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

F. HEARINGS
none

Legislation for action:

1. Resolution 15-17: Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

2. Resolution 15-18: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

3. Resolution 15-19: Appropriation - Fire Truck Stabilization Fund

$100,000 from free cash this year towards a future expense

Chief McCarragher, the next truck is scheduled for replacement in 2017

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)


4. Resolution 15-20: Appropriation – Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund

$200,000 from free cash this year towards a future expense
fund set aside to replace the artificial fields in 2016-2017, so when the time comes, there will be funds in the account

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)


Presentation
  • Culture District
Alan Mercer
part of steering committee to form a Cultural District
Jul 29- Aug 2, first annual Cultural Festival
11 organizations with 30 events over the time period

Taming of the Shrew - Dean College before the event
St Rocco Festival occurs after the Festival

locations throughout downtown
celebrate culinary arts, performing arts

family friendly and focused children events as well

Saturday mostly on the Town Common
Sunday mostly around the BLACK BOX parking lot

kick off event on May 16th
no pay for performers, nor admission to events
keeping cost down to under $2,000
fund raising event at the BLACK BOX on the 16th
tickets available for $18
via Facebook, website and through the BLACK BOX online
(link to be included)

Pandora Carlucci, Roberta Trahan, Jim Schultz, Sue Sheridan

Tom Mercer - the difference in the events is fantastic

2015 Memorial Day Parade Information

Updated from Matt Kelly (copied from his comment on Facebook to answer questions about the changes)

"as the coordinator of the parade I take offense to that. The route was changed because after almost 10 years of coordinating this parade both the marching veterans, the police and the I have had numerous discussions on the parade. The parade route was getting to long for the veterans that coordinate the parade with me, the police have concerns for safety of the children that march on Rt 140. 

Chris Nasuti Maguire the visit to both Union St and St Mary's cemeteries have not been removed from the ceremony. The American Legion and VFW are deciding if this will happen during the parade or on Sunday. As these are their brother and sisters I have left it up to them to decided when they want to pay their tributes to them. 

John Ristaino I am sorry for the people that won't see the parade pass in front of their house but my first concern is the veterans who walk each year and refuse to take a ride in donated cars, but instead walk, and the safety of our scouting groups. 

This is not a town sponsored event. For background information the VFW came to the Franklin Rotary Club almost 10 years ago and asked for help. At that time myself and several Rotarians stepped up and coordinated and planned the parade so it would not come to an end. We have operated the parade since we got involved using our own money and not any town or outside donations. We do this out of respect and devotion to our veterans. 

Before you cast your opinions, throw your stones and sign your petitions please stop and think that this is something that was done out of necessity and requests from the participants. 

Also, as the parade organizer feel free to ask a veteran to participate in the parade. Many of our marchers are elderly and very few veterans March out of pride. I beg and plead each year and very few show. So if you see a vet ask and encourage them to march. 

If you have additional questions, comments, constructive ideas please feel free to message me (on Facebook).

Participant Drop Off

If your group is participating in this year’s parade please see the attached drop off and muster location map. DO NOT HAVE ANYONE IN YOUR GROUP STOP ON RT140 AND DROP KIDS OFF. This is very dangerous and the last few years we have had some close calls with kids almost getting hit. Drop off should be done on West and East Streets and all people can walk to their muster location. This includes scouting troops and bands.

honor guard from 2014 parade
honor guard from 2014 parade

Parade Route:


The 2015 Parade route will begin at the Franklin Fire Station and proceed up Main St to Church St. We will no longer go down School St, Union St, or Beaver St. The parade will also no longer stop at Union St or St Mary's Cemetery's. Please see the attached update Parade Route Sheet.

Parade Information:


Date: Monday, May 25, 2015

Muster: 10am -10:15am - Group leaders must check in at the Franklin Historical Museum statue

Parade: 10:45 am

Ceremony: 12noon at the Franklin Town Common


What We Need From You:


Reply to this email with your~Troop, Group, Band information, contact person and ~estimated~ amount of participants in your group.

ALL participants must reply by May 15th

Forward this information to anyone who may need it in your Group, Troop, Band, or Organization
Email Matt@KellyColomboGroup.com with any questions.


Parade muster stations -  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/020C066C-000F8513.1/Parade%20Muster%20Stations.pdf

Parade map -  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/020C066C-000F8513.0/Parade%20Map.pdf

14th Annual Independence 5k Run and Walk - May 17 (video)

The spring road race series continues.

The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail road race is behind us. The Elks Care Elks Share road race is May 9th.

And then Sunday, May 17th a full family day on the EMC grounds in Franklin's Industrial Park (behind fire station #2 off King St)

The Cardi brothers join Doug MacPherson and Ron Barnes to do this video promo for the event:







HMEA 5K - May 17th
HMEA 5K - May 17th


Rwgister for the run or walk here
http://hmea.org/get-involved/2015-5k-run-walk/


BTW - I'll be busy but you should see me at the road race Registration Desk. I have been helping this organization (a great cause) for the past several years.

Don’t Miss the Mother’s Day Jewelry Sale at the Franklin Food Pantry May 7


Please be sure to stop by the Mother’s Day Jewelry Sale at the Franklin Food Pantry this Thursday, May 7 (12:30 – 2:30 pm or 6 – 9 pm) to buy your Mother’s Day gifts. 
Mother’s Day Jewelry Sale at the Franklin Food Pantry

Representatives from esbe Designs will have a variety of merchandise available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will go directly to the Food Pantry. 
Sara Blaine Bianca cuff and earring set
Sara Blaine Bianca cuff and earring set


Raffle tickets (one for $5 and three for $10) will be on sale for a gorgeous retired Sara Blaine Bianca cuff and earring set. A $330 value! 100% of ticket sales go to the Pantry. You do not need to be present to win. 


Your purchases will pay it forward to other moms in our community who struggle to provide enough food for their families. See you there!

Representative Roy Announces May Office Hours

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced Tuesday that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of May on the following days:

Franklin – Friday May 22rd, 8:00-9:00AM, Elizabeth's Bagels, Franklin Plaza Shopping Center, 456 W Central St, Franklin 
Medway РSaturday May 30, 9:00-10:00AM, Muffin House Caf̩, 116 Main St, Medway
Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention.  Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2020, stop by Room 527A in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

FHS tops Stoughton in baseball, softball

The sports diamonds were good to FHS on Tuesday as both the baseball and softball teams posted wins versus Stoughton. The results are shared from Hockomock Sports.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Baseball

Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 - Final
- Franklin senior Zane Byrne had a no-hitter through 6.2 innings and finished with a complete game shutout and allowed just one hit to pick up the win. Byrne helped himself at the plate, going 2-3 with a two-run double in the third inning for Franklin's only runs. Andrew Parent and Nick Santucci each had a hit and a run scored. For Stoughton, sophomore Ryan Sullivan pitched a complete game allowing just the two runs and six total hits and one walk, while striking out four.

Softball

Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 8 - Final 
- Erin Hanley went 3-4 with an RBI, Christine Harvey went 2-3, Olivia DiGiacomo had a pair of RBIs and head coach Kate Fallon-Comeau said Alicia Donovan played outstanding defense at shortstop. Sabrina LoMonaco struck out eight to pick up the win in five innings of work and Caroline D'Aprile struck out four in two innings of relief.

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-050515

MBTA: A Textbook Case of Dysfunction at the Taxpayers’ Expense

MBTA: A Textbook Case of Dysfunction at the Taxpayers’ Expense

Speaker: Mary Z. Connaughton: Director of Government Transparency; Pioneer Institute
Alumni Restaraunt
391 East Central St
Franklin, MA
Thursday, May7th, 2015
7:00pm to 10:00 pm

Free Event: Open to the public

For questions contact Sean @ 401.585.5213


Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Real Time Reporting: Finance Committee - May 5, 2015 - Budget Hearing #3

Present: Dowd, Conley, Fleming, Smith, Dufour, Aparo, Bertone, Huempher,  
Absent: Dewsnap

Nutting, Gagner, Dacey


minutes of meeting of Apr 30, 
motion to approve, seconded, passed

note: when Jeff Nutting was speaking much of the time either he was not speaking loud enough or his microphone was not set properly and hence it was difficult to hear what he said.


Tuesday


  • 541 COA E-8
Karen Alves, Director
the budget amount actually only represents 54% of the total expenses
the balance is covered by state grants, the Friends of Franklin Elders, and self-sustaining programs

14 employees but only 6 are supported by the general fund, the others are from the grants and programs

they use a swipe card to identify folks

  • 161 Town Clerk A-28
Debbie Pellegri, Town Clerk
will be retiring this year, proposed for a raise to $84K, the new person would come in initially at $72K
raises can be done as certifications are achieved

have added some money for printing and supplies to account for the Clerk name change

the Town Clerk does birth certificates and by law (separation of duties) couldn't do the passports as well. That function was changed to the Town Administrators office last year

assistant clerk promotion accounts for the salary increase
will assist in the transition after Debbie leaves

  • 164 Elections A-31
minor increase in election day workers
Town election in November
Presidential primary next spring
92% show up for presidential vote 
versus 13% showing up for a town election

  • 691 Historical Comm F-11
added $500 to budget for conference fees
the space has been utilized
right now, Debbie has a wedding gown in her office from Palma Johnson that was recently donated by the family

introduction of Teresa Burr, assistant clerk

  • 192 Facilities A-39
Mike D'Angelo, Director of Facilities

asking for a part-time assistant manager
to help; currently one person managing 35 people over two shifts

always looking for energy efficiency, LEDs, etc.

looking to make the move from one part time to expand this position to a full time
the high school is more technologically advanced than any other building

with the Library project and the Senior Center project, they take lots of time in addition to the normal business running all the facilities

electricity went up last year after the budget cycle
the budget includes purchase of solar from the solar farm at St Mary's

propane going down as the modulars go away (i.e. plans for Davis Thayer modulars to get removed)

FY 2014 closed out with about a $25K surplus on a $6+M total. Not an exact science but close. Hasn't over spent the budget in 17 years here.

80% of our electricity comes from the solar farm, the remainder is put out to bid. This time around set for a 2 year contract.

almost everything in the budget is bid for, while we do have people, the major items are bid out; HVAC, kitchens, etc.

  • 510 Health E-1
Jeff Nutting covering on behalf of David McKearney
365 food inspections, 56 septics, about 100 complaints
administer the licenses for food establishments
a pretty busy department, low staff
salary number different from a situation last year where the projection was to pay for more than we actually did


  • 520 Public Health E-7
community nurses contracted to provide service

  • 155 Information Tech A-25
Jeff Nutting covering on behalf of Tim Raposa


  • 543 Veterans E-17
Jeff Nutting covering on behalf of Bob Fahey, recently retired
75% of the benefits return to the town as part of the Cherry Sheet transfers

have occaisionally made mid year transfers to cover for additional business

old business - none

new business - 
added an item to the posted budget for Thursday


motion to adjourn, seconded, passed

note: the camera did not pan for the full committee so the attendence may have been off. I'll confirm when I get to the Thursday meeting if there should be any adjustments.



Note: "Live" reporting is used when I am in the room. "Real time" is when I report via the live cable or internet feed like I was Tuesday evening.



Reminder: Elks Care, Elks Share 5K Road Race - May 9th


The Franklin Elks, Lodge #2136, is proud to announce the Third Annual Elks Care, Elks Share 5k Run and Walk on May 09, 2015.

The Wounded Warriors Project and the Franklin Food Pantry are the beneficary organizations for this event.


Course Map





Registration Information

Register by Apr 24th to receive a t-shirt on race day

http://franklinelks5k.com/?page_id=13

the finish line as set up for the 2014 race
the finish line as set up for the 2014 race


Results and photos from the 2nd Annual Race can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/elks-care-elks-share-5k-results-photo.html

Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - April 2015 newsletter



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House passes FY16 budget


I was honored to join my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass the FY16 budget which emphasizes economic growth through investments in multiple areas including education and local aid, reform to the state's transportation system, and an acute focus on improving behavioral health services.

The $38.05 billion spending bill highlights the House's ongoing commitment to fiscal prudence and targeted investments, a practice that has resulted in Massachusetts retaining its AA+ bond rating, the highest in the state's history. The budget includes no new taxes or fees and reduces its reliance on one time revenue sources. For the first time since 2007, it does not withdraw any funds from the Commonwealth's stabilization fund, leaving the balance in excess of $1 billion.

This budget is a true reflection of our commitment to investments in education and economic development, while also proposing creative new solutions to the Commonwealth's challenges. I thank Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Dempsey for their work in helping us build a strong set of policy statements in a fiscally prudent manner that gained unanimous support among the House members. I am also delighted that we were able to secure $60,000 for the purchase of school safety zone lighting for both Franklin and Medway, along with $50,000 for the Horace Mann Park and statue.

You can read a more detailed release about the budget by clicking here. You can view the actual budget with amendments and Chamber actions by clicking here.

The budget now goes to the Senate.

Horace Mann honored

Franklin took time out to honor one of its most famous residents Horace Mann on the occasion of his 219th birthday. 

The Franklin Historical Commission celebrated 'Horace Mann Day' on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a special presentation, HORACE MANN AND HIS WORLD, featuring writer and commentator Peter Golden. The speech traced Mann's roots in Franklin and provided the historical context in which he pioneered public education for Massachusetts and the rest of the country.

Mann was born in Franklin in 1796 and went on to become a lawyer, politician, abolitionist, the first Secretary of Education, and the President of Antioch College in Ohio. He is most often referred to as the 'Father of Education'.  

In his introductory remarks at the event, Rep. Roy announced that the Massachusetts House of Representatives included $50,000 in its budget to assist with the construction of the Horace Mann Park and statue in Franklin. Rep. Roy is looking forward to working on the committee established by the Town Council to construct the monument to honor Mann and public education. 

You can learn more about the event by clicking here.

Wiper law softened

The Massachusetts House has voted to soften the impact of a new state law that requires motorists to turn their headlights on whenever they are operating their windshield wipers.

Under a state budget amendment approved last week, the headlights law would remain in effect and violators could still be ticketed with a moving violation. But they would no longer be subject to a potentially costly surcharge on their auto insurance premiums.

The law requires drivers to turn on their headlights during daylight hours when it is raining or visibility is poor. It has not been widely enforced by police to date.

The change backed by the House must also be approved in the Senate.

Student Government Day

For 67 years the Commonwealth's legislature has hosted Student Government Day at the State House. Every high school in MA is eligible to elect and send two students to represent their town, acting as a state official.

Each student plays a role as a State Senator, State Representative or as a Chief Justice. The students who attend testify during a public hearing and then have the opportunity to debate, amend and then vote on a student related piece of legislation.

It is a wonderful opportunity to educate an involved student and it is a lot of fun. This year all three high schools in Rep. Roy's district participated and had a great experience.

DESE offers snow day relief to schools

Massachusetts schools can make up some snow days by experimenting with out-of-school assignments or activities.

The concept was presented as an option by the commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Mitchell D. Chester, to school departments statewide in March in one of his weekly memos. It allows districts to offer instructional projects and activities that students can complete outside the classroom, that may be counted toward the state's 180-day academic year requirement as long as local school committees determine the work meets the definition of structured learning time.

This is a great option for districts who are running up against the calendar because of snow days. To view the text of Chester's memo, click here.

Delegates chime in at Best Buddies dodgeball tourney

Rep. Roy and Sen. Spilka took the court with the Delegates team at the the Third Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament. They were joined in the effort by Mike Mershimer, Mark Cole, Joel Loitherstein, and Robert Dellorco.

All proceeds from the tournament, donations and silent auction went directly to the Best Buddies organization to aid with increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As always the Dodgeball Tournament was a lot of fun and was successful at raising these important funds.

For more pictures from the event, click here.

Rock the House III at Black Box

Join Rep. Roy and his band Ben Gardner's Boat on Thursday, May 7 from 6 to 9 pm at the Black Box in downtown Franklin for Rock the House III.

Come chat with Jeff and others about what's happening on Beacon Hill, listen to some music, and dance the night away -- or just kick back, relax, and have some fun with friends and neighbors.

Franklin solar challenge spring campaign

Now that the snow has melted and the roofs are clear again, the Franklin Solar Challenge is kicking off its Spring campaign. Started last fall, over 20 Franklin residents have signed up to install solar panels on their houses and start taking control of their electric bills. As seen from this past winter, utility electric rates are unpredictable, and all signs point toward increasing rates in the coming years.

The Franklin Solar Challenge is a community-sponsored initiative modeled off the state's Solarize Massachusetts campaign. A group of concerned citizens went through a Request for Proposal process to select a vendor, SolarFlair, who could offer the town the best combination of quality and price based on our aggregated buying power. This arrangement gives the residents and businesses in Franklin better pricing and quality control than if every individual tried to negotiate on their own.

This program is open to all residents and businesses in Franklin, no matter how big or how small. The more that participate, the better price everyone gets, and if we hit a certain goal, SolarFlair will donate a solar array to the Franklin Affordable Housing Trust! For more information, click here  or call 508-293-4293.

JFK statue open to visitors

Visitors to the State House now have improved access to a statue of John F. Kennedy that has been largely blocked from the public for more than a decade.

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, state officials restricted viewing of the monument, citing security concerns because of its proximity to the governor's office.

This year, officials said they were finally able to address the issue by stationing officers near the door that leads from the State House.

"This is an opportunity to see a great piece of Massachusetts history up close," noted Rep. Roy. "I am happy to be able to bring constituents out onto the courtyard to see this memorial to our 35th President."

Atlantic Bridge Pipeline meeting on Thursday May 14

Over the past several months, Spectra Energy has held a series of Open House events to share information and gather feedback on the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline that will run through Franklin and Medway. It was the subject of a recent Local Town Pages article which you can view by clicking here.

Those interested in learning more about Algonquin Gas's Atlantic Bridge Pipeline which is proposed to go through Franklin and Medway should attend the scoping meeting on Thursday, May 14 at the Hawthorne Suites Hotel. For more details on the meeting and project, click here
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