Live reporting: Community Opportunities Grant

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Bridge Restaurant Group d/b/a Incontro Restaurant & Lounge – Change of Manager
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Community Opportunities Group-Housing Grant
Paula Stewart, Community Opportunities Group

Franklin, Bellingham, Hopedale
one of two awards by the State, expect to move forward with the work etc.
one is housing rehabilitation program
due to cut backs at Federal level
$894,0000 available for the three towns

• 35,000 per unit to rehab, owned and/or occupied by low income
• supplemental fuel assistance, will provide some additional resources after the basic coverage expires

can assist folks not previously covered by fuel assistance program

Nutting - we'll do more public outreach as things get ready

we're happy that the three towns collaborated and we were able to put it in

Stewart - there will be a lottery for the housing rehab program, applications will be posted to the town webpage

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Bissanti - three proposals were received, one was asked for a resubmittal to take out the retail space
the point about only the two people in the room, there have been some flip remarks about that and we understand we are not going to get 35,000

Live reporting: Public Hearing - Dean Ave rezoning, Election Presentation

F. HEARINGS
– Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave. – 7:10 PM

Pfeffer - read explanation letter (as noted in released agenda documents)

Nutting - this is a follow up from the 2013 Master Plan
it would for apartments or condos, the theory would be that it would be ideal for commuters

Q - on whether the land revenue would decrease with the change to residential from commercial industrial?

A - it is complicated, but not really. The revenue is embedded in the tax levy. The delta could be spread amongst the other tax payers. Realistically, the land is underutilized so it would like generate more 'new growth'


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Town Clerk – Election Process
Debbie Pellegri
nomination papers available as of Monday and through Sep 14th
last day to submit paper is Sep 16

100 signatures for Council, 50 for all other positions
can sign for multiple people on that position

Note: the timeline is available on the Town Clerks webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/Nov.%203,%202015%20Town%20Election%20News.pdf

If someone signs but is not registered to vote, the signature won't be counted

2 - for Assessors2 - Board of Health2 - Constables3 - Planning Board9 - Town Council7 - School Committee1 - for Town Clerk

2016 will be a busy year as it will lead to the Presidential election in Nov 2016

signs can go up anytime, size does matter - 'temporary signs'

Live reporting: Town Council - Aug 5, 2015

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco
Absent: Williams


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 8, 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

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

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ken Norman - Board of Directors, Franklin TV
invite to potential candidates to have info session before the camera to be packaged for broadcast

Call for appointment: 508 541 4118

Gail Irwin - 3 RFP's received, and talk about going back out for a hotel RFP
you are not listening to the constituents
those who do attend are made to feel unimportant and that not approriate

Sandy Verhagen
this is 'ideal' commercial land'
while it has potential, it is land and the residents have expressed their displeasure
the traffic is a problem, the State grade is a F
the paid information did prove that the study confirms the traffic intersection is bad
forest land and proximity to wet lands
to think it is commercial shows a lack of due diligence
we have completely spoken out against this
the solar panels are good but not ideal on the revenue
we did also get a proposal for condos, it would be less impactful
it would bring in revenue, as compromise
hope that you will maybe think about those views
the town can grow for progress or grow for growth

Stephanie Pazniokas
speaking also for the Pond St residents
for the record and for future meetings
there are comments that if we are not all, then the comments do not count
for this record and for any future meetings
I agree that is not ideal for commercial for a hotel
having looked at all three proposals, my husband did bring the info back home
while we were not in favor of a commercial, we are willing to compromise
we are all trying to work in toward the common good of franklin
everything past the Kindcare is residential, to put anything else there is detrimental

John Pazniokas
I want to talk about the Pond St traffic
well, I don't really, I do want to talk about the eye roll you all just did
when presentations were made for the proposals
it was mentioned during the conversations last week, there was no concern about traffic
if we need to pack each meeting, while not practical we'll do so
we're being spoken down to each time
I want to go on record I am not in agreement with everything goes down
we don't all represent just one person


E. APPOINTMENTS
none

Addressing an Epidemic: Addiction, Stigma, and Recovery - August 12

Sponsored by S.A.F.E. (Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment), the Community Coalition recently formed in Franklin, this event will feature a talk by Dr. John Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital. 

It will be followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.

Addressing an Epidemic: Addiction, Stigma, and Recovery - August 12

Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St

You can follow the event on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/events/466145200232846/

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Mark your calendar for upcoming FDP events!

Mark your calendars!

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Networking Luncheon

Friday, August 14th, 1:00

Dean College-Dining Center

General Meeting

Thursday, September 3rd, 8:30 a.m.

Dean College Campus Center-Golder Room

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Fundraiser Dinner

Tuesday, November 10th

Congressman Joe Kennedy-Guest Speaker

Reserve a table for your business.

More details to come!

Winter Beautification Day

Sunday, November 22nd

Volunteers Needed

Holiday Stroll

Thursday, December 3rd

Sponsors Needed

For additional info on the Franklin Downtown Partnership visit their website
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

"Drug Addiction: What parents need to know"

Patricia Byrne is the creator of the blog Heroin. Stop the Silence. Speak the Truth. She has three children including her son, age 29, who is a recovering

Patricia Byrne

heroin addict. 

We have already shared a couple of her writings here. She has written a new post "Drug Addiction: What parents need to know" on another site called "Grown and Flown"

It will be a site you'll want to check out and consider subscribing to. A small window will pop up while you read the article asking you to consider subscribing to receive email updates.

drug paraphernalia 

"When my oldest was about a week old I remember looking down into his beautiful eyes and being struck by an overwhelming sense of fear. Icy terror washed over me as I realized the full weight of my responsibility for this tiny human. How was I going to do this right? What was I going to do wrong? I knew I’d do something wrong, would it scar him for life? I was the one who would have to teach him to navigate a world I was not sure I fully understood myself. 

We are parents. We have all had this moment, and the fear stays with us……forever. These tiny beings may grow taller than us, they may move across the country and have tiny beings of their own someday – but they will always remain our innocent, irreplaceable miracles, and we will always be their parents."

Continue reading Patricia's article here
http://grownandflown.com/drug-addiction-what-parents-need-to-know/ 

Hockmock YMCA: Events at the Y

Hello, 

I wanted to share with you some upcoming events at the YMCA in Franklin 

Hockomock YMCA

Thursday, August 6th 6:00-8:00pm  

- Summer Sizzler: An outdoor cookout for the whole family with games, the pool, bounce house, face painting, ropes course and much more. $5/adult or $15/family 

Saturday, August 15th: 9:00-1:00pm - Community Yard Sale

Senator Spilka: Busy Week in the Senate

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Dear Friend, I am pleased to report that last week, the Massachusetts Senate took action on two of my top priority bills and reaffirmed our commitment to lifting all families in the state's Fiscal Year 2016 budget. We passed my resolution encouraging gender diversity on boards of Massachusetts companies; We passed the Innovative Communities bill to connect startups and municipalities; and We took final action on the state budget, restoring funds for critical programs and services. Budget Update Last week, the Legislature took final action on the Fiscal Year 2016 budget, overriding Governor Baker vetoes to enhance support for Massachusetts residents and communities. This final budget reflects a modest spending increase over last year that is within revenue projections. We restored funding to critical programs and services, especially in areas related to education, homelessness, substance abuse and our innovation economy. This is a balanced budget that covers expected costs for the coming year and makes strategic investments to lift families across the Commonwealth. Read more about the veto overrides here. Thank you to my colleagues in the legislature and all advocates and constituents for making your voices heard on these important issues. As always, if you would like additional information or have any concerns or comments, please call my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov. Warm Regards, Senator Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Forward this email Senator Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 212 | Boston | MA | 02133

To view the full email text, follow this link --> Click here

Senator Ross: July 2015 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, July 2015 Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, This summer has been a busy one on Beacon Hill. Amid the blistering temperatures, the FY16 budget has been finalized. Not only is it fiscally responsible, but we were able to make key investments in local aid, substance abuse prevention, education, and economic development. This budget also includes the creation of an MBTA Fiscal Management Control Board that will help protect you, the commuters and taxpayers from the inefficiency and mismanagement brought to light by the delays of this past winter. I am proud of the work we were able to accomplish so far, but I am eager to continue fighting for my constituents. Have a fun and safe rest of your summer. Sincerely, VETERANS' SERVICES SECRETARY FRANCISCO UREÑA VISITS DISTRICT Representatives Elizabeth Poirier and Shawn Dooley and I were pleased to welcome the Secretary of Veterans' Services, Francisco Ureña, to Wrentham and North Attleboro on Thursday, July 9th. The Secretary met with area veterans and their families at both the Wrentham and North Attleboro Councils on Aging to discuss pertinent issues impacting veterans across the Commonwealth and how best his department and the legislature can address their needs. I would like to thank Secretary Ureña for taking the time to meet with my constituents and for listening to their concerns. Secretary Ureña is doing a fantastic job for all our heroes across the Commonwealth and it is comforting to know that our veterans have someone who is working for them each and every day. VSOs from Wrentham and North Attleboro stopped by the public forums to discuss the day to day needs of their jobs and many family members took the time to talk with the Secretary about support and healing. "Massachusetts leads the nation in veterans' services thanks to the great support we get from the Legislature," said Secretary Ureña.  "I was proud to join Senator Ross, Rep. Dooley and Rep. Poirier in Wrentham and North Attleboro to engage with local veterans and share the benefits and services Massachusetts has to offer. If you are a veteran or the family member of someone who has served, I encourage you to contact your local veteran service officer to explore the benefits you have available." For more information on Secretary Ureña and the Department of Veterans' Services, please visit the official website at http://www.mass.gov/veterans/. View this email in your browser

Graci Family, St. Mary’s Once Again to Host Bone Marrow Registry Drive

Last year they registered nearly 400 potential bone marrow donors, and from that group there were five potential matches, better than the odds. This year, they hope even more people will stop at their booth for a quick swab of the cheek to register for the National Bone Marrow Registry. 

Registering as many potential bone marrow donors as possible is an important mission for the Graci family, “Because we knew what it was like to wait for a donor and find a match. Without the donors, there is no cure,” says Rita Graci, who is embarking on the second year of her bone marrow registry drive at the Feast of Saint Rocco, from August 14-16.  

“If your loved one, your child, your husband, your brother – if your loved one is sitting there waiting for a cure, you’re hoping to God that they’re going to find a match, and the donor is willing to donate.”

Feast of St Rocco Festival - Aug 13, 14, 15, 16

..................

The Feast of Saint Rocco will take place in the parking lot of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin from August 13-16, but the Graci’s and their volunteers will be manning the booth from the 14-16, on Friday, from 6-10 p.m., Saturday, 12-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-9 p.m. 

Can’t make it to the booth? If you would like to find out more about signing up on the registry as a bone marrow donor, you can visit www.deletebloodcancer.org, email info@deletebloodcancer.org or call (212) 209-6779. 

If you would like to sign up in Kristin Graci’s name, as part of the Feast of St. Rocco blood drive, ask for a kit, and when you submit it, enter GMF002 as the drive number on the registration form.

You can find the full article online here
http://www.franklintownnews.com/content/making-difference-deleting-blood-cancer

You can find the St Rocco Festival schedule here  http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/93

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) - Open House

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold summer Open Houses for prospective students and families on Tuesday, August 11 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 26 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and on Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

FSPA

The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class during the summer session, which runs through August 21.

Celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary season, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction. 

FSPA is also the home of the Little Music School, an innovative program teaching children as young as 18 months to play the piano. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features all-student musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, performing troupes, dance companies, a classical ballet variations ensemble, and instrumental ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

Fall registration is ongoing. For more information, including class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation - 9th Annual Radiothon

Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation annouced its 9th Annual Radiothon to benefit the Olivia Fund for Cancer Care will take place from 6 a.m. 6 p.m. Aug. 24 on WMRC 1490AM.  

It will broadcast live from the Milford Regional Golf Classic at The Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St. 

The event will also stream online wmrcdailynews.com.To donate $10, text “Olivia” to 20222.

Continue reading here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150803/NEWS/150809368/1994/NEWS

Tips on Hurricane Preparedness: Be Ready Before the Storm

With thunderstorms rolling through the area this morning, it is a good reminder to be prepared for hurricane season. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) posted these reminder tips recently.

While the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, historically the most active time for tropical storms and hurricanes in the Northern Atlantic is August to October. As such, it’s critical to prepare yourself, your family, your home, and your business for the season. 

While the Commonwealth has been spared from a major hurricane in recent years, Massachusetts is still vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Even in a “slow” hurricane season, it only takes one storm to create devastating impacts. Additionally, it is important to understand that while tropical storms have lower wind speeds than hurricanes, they can still produce deadly storm surge and destructive flooding. Hurricane Sandy was downgraded to a tropical storm before making landfall, and it still caused major damage along the Eastern seaboard in 2012. In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene cut through Massachusetts, bringing heavy rainfall that resulted in significant inland flooding and damage. 

Water, not wind, brings the deadliest impacts during tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, storm surge and flooding from heavy rains are the leading causes of hurricane-related deaths.

satellite view of a hurricane

You can find MEMA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA

or follow their alerts via Twitter  https://twitter.com/MassEMA


Continue reading the article here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/safety/hurricane-preparedness-be-ready-before-the-storm/

Downtown Project: traffic alert - Milling Operations

Good Morning,

We will be milling sections of Main St tomorrow (Tuesday). The sections include from Lincoln St just past Church St, Main St from School to Emmons St and if time permits, a section of Emmons St (up to the roadway widening area just short of the intersection). Wednesday night we will be milling the intersection of Beaver/Pleasant and Main St so as not to adversely effect traffic during the day (starting after 7 pm). If we do not get to Emmons St Tuesday, we will finish that Wednesday night.

I will see you tomorrow at 8:00 am for our meeting.

Thank You,

Anthony Tavalone

CE III MA DOT

Construction at Emmons and West Central

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 5, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 8, 2015

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

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS
– Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave. – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Bridge Restaurant Group d/b/a Incontro Restaurant & Lounge – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Town Clerk – Election Process
Community Opportunities Group-Housing Grant

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-48: Voter Approval – Farm Equipment, Farm Animals
2. Resolution 15-49: Confirmatory Order of Taking – Land at 275 Beaver Street
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – 1st Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 15-751: Changes to Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 1st Reading
5. Resolution 15-50: Ratification Franklin Police Association Contract
6. Resolution 15-51: Ratification Franklin Police Sergeants Association Contract

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN

Thompson Press building one of the sites covered by the proposed change in zoning

Note: there are two agenda documents released. The second 'addendum' has only the paperwork that was left out of the first document published. The paperwork covers the change of manager for the liquor license held by Incontro.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/08052015.pdf
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/08052005.pdf

Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band - Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM

Just because the 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival is over doesn't mean the fun stops. No way!

The Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band will perform in Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM at the Franklin Public Library. This is an outdoor concert bring your chairs, blanket and bug spray but be ready to rock and roll!

Midlife Crisis Rock and Roll Band Concert - Aug 4, 6:00 PM

This another in a series of summer events sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Library

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/07/outdoor-classic-rock-concert-with.html

Date set for "Pam's Run" to benefit Neighbor Brigade - 10/18/2015

Pam's run

Registration is now open for Neighbor Brigade's 3rd Annual Benefit Event:

Pam's Run 5K/10K

Honoring the Legacy of Neighbor Brigade Founder Pam Manikas Washek and

Supporting the "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Movement she Ignited

Sunday, October 18, 2015 – 10:00 am, Wayland, MA

Pam's run

HI-RES Images available upon request

WHO/WHAT:       

Neighbor Brigade, a non-profit organization that mobilizes local volunteers to help their neighbors during times of crisis, will hold its 3^rd annual fundraising event Pam's Run on Sunday, October 18^th, 2015.  The event will include a chip-timed 5K Run/Walk and a 10K Run at the Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Lane, Wayland, MA. All proceeds will benefit Neighbor Brigade services and programs for neighbors in need across Eastern Massachusetts.  Pam's Run will also feature fun for the entire family at a community festival with live music, kids' activities, food trucks and photo booth.  Age-group awards and cash prizes for top finishers. Incentive prizes offered for top fundraisers (see pamsrun.com for details)!  Thank you to our top level sponsors Circle Furniture and Joint Ventures Physical Therapy, Inc.

WHY:                     

Pam's Run brings together more than 1,000 passionate runners, volunteers, spectators, donors and corporate sponsors who care about those in need in their communities.  Proceeds from Pam's run benefit Neighbor Brigade, the non-profit organization started by Founder Pam Manikas Washek who envisioned a caring community of "neighbors helping neighbors" during times of crisis. Pam's Run honors the memory of Pam and supports the movement she ignited – now celebrating its 5th Anniversary. Washek's sister Joanna Manikas and niece Jayme Nowland are co-chairing the planning committee with assistance from volunteers from within Neighbor Brigade's 29 chapters across eastern Massachusetts.

WHEN:                   

Sunday, October 18^th, 10:00 a.m.

** Registration opens at 8:15 am. Festivities with kids' activities, live music and food for all will be hosted throughout the event. 

WHERE:                 

 Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Lane, Wayland, Mass

REGISTER:             

To register for Pam's Run or to join a team visit www.pamsrun.com. 

Early-bird registration is $30 before 9/21 for a guaranteed t-shirt; $35 through 10/17 and $40 on race day.  Discounts for teams of 8 or more.  For more info see pamsrun.com, email info@pamsrun.com, or call 781-325-8580.

SPONSOR:             

The organizers are actively seeking sponsors, in-kind donations and volunteers for race day. Learn more at pamsrun.com or email info@pamsrun.com.

 

ABOUT NEIGHBOR BRIGADE

Neighbor Brigade

Neighbor Brigade is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation that establishes and mobilizes community-specific networks of volunteers to help residents facing sudden crises such as devastating illness, accident, or other tragic event. Our volunteers provide non-medical, non-monetary services and collaborate with the shared purpose of helping fellow residents. There are no eligibility requirements for recipients, who may self-refer. Neighbor Brigade is immediate, efficient and free and provides temporary support to those affected while strengthening the fabric of a community. To learn more, visit www.neighborbrigade.org. 

Franklin has their own chapter in the Neighbor Brigade, you can find them on the web here

http://www.neighborbrigade.org/1-public/chapters/?chapter=FranklinMA