Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 18

The agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 18th can be found here

 

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

C. 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.

 

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

 

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS

 

F. APPOINTMENTS

• Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc.- Board of Directors
• Liaisons -SAFE Board
• Communications

 

G. HEARINGS

 

H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

 

I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• OPEB, Dan Sherman

 

J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

 

K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-36R (Revised) Salary Schedule Full-Time Elected Officials
2. Resolution 15-71- Acceptance of Deed of Land Off Daniels Street (Parcels B and C in Tanglewood Estates Subdivision) for Conservation Purposes
3. Resolution 15-73 -Acceptance of Easement on Property at O Greystone Road
4. Resolution 15-74 -Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual

 

L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

 

M. OLD BUSINESS

 

N. NEW BUSINESS

 

O. COUNCIL COMMENTS

 

P. EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Q. ADJOURN

 

 

The associated documents for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 18th can be found here

 

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/111815.pdf

 

Franklin Municipal Building

Downtown Project Update #17 - major construction downtown is finished for this year

The major construction of the downtown is finished for this construction year. They anticipate coming back in the spring (April?) and being finished by the end of July. The construction next year will include finishing up the curbing and paving East Central Street from the RR Bridge to Ruggles Street, redoing the RR Bridge to accommodate two-way traffic and full depth reconstruction on Main Street from the RR Bridge to Emmons Street. The traffic island on the bridge will be much smaller once the project is complete. 

Over the next few weeks, there will be general clean-up of the area, temporary hot top in areas that are gravel, removal of all the equipment at 150 Emmons Street and elsewhere, temporary striping and crosswalks, and installation of the period lighting, etc. Please be reminded that there is a two-hour parking limit on East Central Street where the parking meters were removed. 

new STOP sign at the corner of Emmons and West Central Sts

Attention: The crosswalk on West Central Street that is used by Dean College has been relocated closer to the intersection on Emmons and West Central Street. When the new lights are activated next year, there will be a push to walk light but in the meanwhile, there are temporary stop signs at the intersection of Emmons and West Central. Please stop and look to make sure there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk prior to turning right from Emmons to West Central.  

If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.

Climate Movement Weekly Update: Spectra Stops Construction Until Spring

Check out the latest news from the Massachusetts climate movement! View this email in your browser Dear friends, I arrived at Spectra's West Roxbury Lateral construction site on Saturday morning expecting to find a massive trench surrounded by machines and workers. Instead, all I saw were the familiar faces of friends and allies in the climate movement. I almost couldn't believe it: faced with day after day of protests, including more than 40 arrests, Spectra had chosen to go home for the winter rather than proceed with construction. This is a huge boost for our movement: by the time Spectra comes back in the spring, we'll be even bigger and more powerful, and even more ready to stop this pipeline once and for all. Onward and upward! Emily  Spectra Stops Construction Until Spring  Spectra Energy has stopped construction on the West Roxbury Lateral pipeline for the winter -- weeks ahead of schedule! Over the last three weeks, more than 40 people, including many steadfast members of 350 Mass, have been arrested for acts of nonviolent civil disobedience while protesting this pipeline. It's clear that our movement is making an impact, and when Spectra starts construction again next spring, we'll be back -- bigger and stronger than ever!  Rally for Jobs, Justice and Climate on December 12 This December, UN delegates will meet again in Paris for yet another round of talks. We already know that even if the delegates finally reach an agreement, it won't be strong enough to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. No matter what happens in Paris, we know what we need: real climate solutions that create secure union jobs and strengthen community power and resiliency. It's up to us to lead the way -- and we're starting right here in New England with a massive rally on December 12, the day after the Paris talks end. We'll lift up the voices of New England's organized labor, immigrant rights, racial justice, and climate justice groups as we call for jobs, justice and climate action together. RSVP and get all the details here!  350 Mass Joins Union Allies to Call for $15 and a Union   On Tuesday, 350 Mass members from Cambridge, Boston, Lowell, and the South Shore joined our union allies for a massive rally and march in support of low wage workers! SEIU 509, SEIU 888, the Mass Nurses Association, and other unions have been some of our strongest allies in the fight for fossil fuel divestment, and last week, we had the chance to stand with them in calling for $15 an hour and the right to form a union for all low wage workers. Thank you to everyone who was there! Packed Article 97 Hearing Sends Clear Message: Don't Take Our Conservation Land for Pipelines  On Tuesday, hundreds of people, including many members of 350 Mass, filled the State House for a hearing on a bill that would authorize the use of Article 97 conservation land in Sandisfield for the Kinder Morgan gas pipeline. If this bill passes, it will be just the tip of iceberg: hundreds of Article 97 parcels could ultimately be taken for pipelines. The good news is that pipeline opponents filled the hearing room, and presented such a strong case that Rep. Garrett Bradley, the sponsor of the bill, didn't even show! Congrats to everyone who worked to make the hearing a success, and stay tuned for updates! Carbon Pricing Forum on December 3 The world's leading economists agree that putting a price on carbon is the single best way to tackle climate change and reduce carbon pollution, and 350 Massachusetts is working to make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to pass this groundbreaking policy. If you're curious about carbon pricing or interested in getting more involved in the campaign, join us for a forum in Arlington on December 3! You'll have the chance to ask questions and hear directly from experts like economist Marc Breslow. RSVP and get all the details here! Other Big News from 350 Mass   Another Big Day of Hearings at the State House: Another week, another important energy hearing! On Tuesday, the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy committee will hear a series of bills related to energy, including bills related to gas leaks and a bill that would stop utilities from charging consumers for export pipelines. Check out all the details on the hearing in the sidebar to the right! "This Changes Everything" Screenings in Williamstown and Cambridge: You won't want to miss this new ground-breaking documentary, which connects the dots between racial, economic and climate justice! There are two screenings coming up in the next few days: there's a screening at Images Cinema in Williamstown tonight, while the 350 Mass Youth Caucus, Black Lives Matter Cambridge, and others are hosting a screening at First Parish Cambridge on November 22. See all the details in the calendar to the right!  350 Mass Newton Meeting: The brand-new Newton node of 350 Mass is working to pass local resolutions in support of carbon pricing and fossil fuel divestment. Join this high-energy group at their next meeting tomorrow -- see all the details in the calendar to the right! Equal Exchange Fundraiser: Treat yourself to coffee, chocolate and tea and support 350 Mass at the same time by buying from Equal Exchange through our online portal!  Other News from the Massachusetts Climate Movement Mobilization in Burrillville, RI on December 4 and 5: Burrillville, RI is a hub of fracked-gas infrastructure in the Northeast, despite over 30 years of resistance by local residents. Burrillville is home to two fracked-gas pipelines, two fracked-gas compressor stations and a fracked-gas power plant. Now one of those compressor stations is being doubled in size -- and a new 1000 megawatt power plant has been proposed for the town. On December 4 and 5, local residents will come together with pipeline fighters from all over the Northeast for a weekend of resistance and community building in Burrillville. Check it out and RSVP here!  Gala for the Globe and Divest Fund Auction: The Multischool Divestment Fund is hosting an auction! You can bid now on items ranging from a cross-country ski excursion with Bill McKibben to a walk-on role in the Amazon series "Transparent". All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Divest Fund, which holds donations in fossil free investments until the institutions it includes divest their assets from fossil fuel companies. The fund includes 25 (and growing!) schools. The auction ends on November 10 at the "Gala for the Globe" in New York City -- see the details here! Wen Stephenson and Tim DeChristopher to speak at JP Forum: On Thursday, author and climate activist Wen Stephenson will speak at the JP Forum with Jay O'Hara, Marla Marcum, and Tim DeChristopher, the founders of the Climate Disobedience Center. They will discuss the role of non-violent civil disobedience in the climate movement -- you won't want to miss it! See all the details in the sidebar to the right.  About Better Future Project and 350 Massachusetts Better Future Project (BFP) builds a powerful grassroots movement to confront the fossil fuel industry and meet our energy needs without contributing to climate change, oppression, or human suffering. 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future (350 Mass) is Better Future Project's volunteer-led climate action network. Although closely aligned with the mission and values of 350.org, 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future is not part of 350.org. To like 350 Mass on Facebook, click here!  To follow us on Twitter, click here!  Received this email from a friend? You can subscribe here.  Questions? Email Emily Kirkland, emily@betterfutureproject.org Upcoming Events Statewide Massive Mobilization for Jobs, Justice & Climate Saturday, Dec 12 Copley Square, Boston Berkshires "This Changes Everything" Screening Mon, November 16, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Images Cinema, 50 Spring St, Williamstown 350 Mass Node Meeting Wed, November 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church, 174 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield Boston Legislative Hearing on Gas Leaks and Export Pipelines Tue, November 17, 1pm – 3pm Room B-1, MA State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston Youth Voices: Perspectives on Climate Change Wed, November 18, 6:00pm – 7:30pm 250 Dockser Hall, Northeastern School of Law, 65 Forsyth Street, Boston Details and RSVP here. JP Forum Featuring Wen Stephenson, Marla Marcum, Jay O'Hara and Tim DeChristopher Thu, November 19, 7pm – 9pm First Church in Jamaica Plain Unitarian Universalist, 6 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain 350 Mass Node Meeting Mon, November 30, 7:00pm – 8:30pm  Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St, Jamaica Plain NOTE DATE CHANGE Cambridge 350 Mass Node Meeting  Tue, November 17, 6:30pm – 8:30pm (orientation for new members at 6:00 pm) First Church Cambridge, 11 Garden St, Cambridge "This Changes Everything" Screening Sun, November 22, 5:00pm – 8:30pm First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist, 3 Church St, Cambridge Franklin 350 Mass Node Meeting  Thu, November 19, 7pm – 9pm First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin Lowell 350 Mass Node Meeting Wed, November 18, 7:30pm – 9:00pm Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus, 61 Market Street, Lowell Metro West  350 Mass Node Meeting  Thu, December 3, 7pm – 9pm Peace Lutheran, 107 Concord Road, Wayland Newton 350 Mass Node Meeting Tue, November 17, 6:45pm – 8:45pm First Unitarian Society of Newton, 1326 Washington St, West Newton South Shore  350 Mass Node Meeting Tue, November 17, 7pm – 9pm Old Ship Church Parish House, 107 Main St, Hingham

In the News: Children's Center open house, menorah lighting, food drive at St Mary's

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Dean College’s Children’s Center, 144 School St., will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 11 

Parents of children 2 to 6 years-old are encouraged to bring their child to explore the school and learn about the program. Applications are now accepted for five-day morning, two-day morning, three-day morning preschool programs and the four-day Pre-K program. Preschool begins January and September 2016.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116774/1994/NEWS

Temple Etz Chaim invites the community to join the congregation as they light the oil lamps on their Chanukah Menorah for the sixth night of Chanukah at Erev Shabbat services on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. The menorah lighting, followed by Shabbat services, will be held at the Temple building at 900 Washington St., Franklin. 

The lighting takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116697/1994/NEWS

The St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Mary’s Parish will hold its monthly food collection from Dec. 5-6. 

The Society is asking for paper products, such as paper towels, boxes of tissues and toilet paper.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116690/1994/NEWS

MIAA Eastern Mass. Cross Country Championships - Nov 14

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Eastern Mass Cross Country Championships run at the Wrentham Development Center on Saturday, Nov 14.

Division 2 - Girls

Teams
1. Lincoln-Sudbury – 77
6. Franklin – 137
15. Mansfield – 399

Individuals
1. Margie Cullin, Needham – 17:30.37
12. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 19:16.91
16. Brittany Robinson, Franklin – 19:38.65
25. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 20:05.76
27. Julie Romano, Mansfield – 20:09.43
28. Sabrina Roche, Franklin – 20:10.72
52. Megan MacVicar, Mansfield – 21:00.31
58. Ella Gutkowski, Franklin – 21:09.16
74. Nicole Mucciarone, Franklin – 21:34.52
96. Claire Maroney, Mansfield – 22:24.98
103. Carly Rondeau, Franklin – 22:35.32
113. Nicole Penney, Mansfield – 23:11.70
122. MaryRose Corkery, Mansfield – 23:54.49

photo from the boys varsity race at Hockomock Championships, Oct 31, 2015

Division 2 - Boys

Teams
1. Wellesley – 50
2. Mansfield – 73
11. Franklin – 296

Individuals
1. Thomas D’Anieri, Wellesley – 15:42.34
3. Jack Crawford, Mansfield – 16:11.95
6. Jake Affanato, Mansfield – 16:31.37
11. Nick Rispoli, Mansfield – 16:55.31
19. Ryan Spelman, Franklin – 17:12.71
24. Kevin Crawford, Mansfield – 17:24.63
29. Kalin Petrov, Mansfield – 17:28.96
31. Niegel Dabare, Mansfield – 17:31.05
43. Jimmy Robbins, Franklin – 17:40.31
57. Jeff Wu, Franklin – 17:56.66
61. Collin Rice, Mansfield – 18:01.96
78. Robert Moreau, Franklin – 18:20.79
104. Chris Danksewicz, Franklin – 18:52.48
119. Tyler Marchinoi, Franklin – 19:09.59
123. Evan St. Germaine, Franklin – 19:15.52

For all the Hockomock results
http://www.hockomocksports.com/emass-cross-country-hockomock-results-times/

Jingle Bell Run to benefit the Santa Foundation

Norfolk Community League Hosts Jingle Bell Run, a 5K run and walk to benefit the Santa Foundation

On Saturday, December 5th, the Norfolk Community League welcomes runners and walkers to the H. Olive Day School (232 Main Street, Norfolk) for the annual Jingle Bell Run, a 5K run and walk to benefit The Santa Foundation.

The Santa Foundation is a Franklin area 501c3 charity who is helping 700 families have a happier holiday season with gifts and giftcards. For more information about the Santa Foundation, visit TheSantaFoundationInc.org.

screen grab of  Jingle Bell Run for Santa Foundation

The Jingle Bell Run race day registration and number pickup begins at 9:30 a.m., and fees to register increase on December 1. To register now, visit jinglebellrun5k.racewire.com. All proceeds benefit the Santa Foundation.

To register by mail, to volunteer, or any other questions, please email Tanja McGuckian at mt_mcguckian@verizon.net.

Amahl and the Night Visitors - Nov 22

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Music Department presents the beloved holiday classic, Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti with an original English libretto by the composer. Featuring students from FSPA’s voice program, the performance will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin, on Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

The inspiring story is of a crippled shepherd boy, Amahl, who offers his crutch as a present to the Christ child, is healed, and joins the Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem. With a compassionate message about faith, love and charity, this enchanting and family-friendly story perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Featured roles will be performed by Franklin’s Amanda Wylie (Amahl), Jason Barney (King Kaspar) and Tatiana McAlpine (The Page), as well as Nicholas Steiner (King Melchior) of Millis and Joey Soares (King Balthazar) of Hopedale. The ensemble cast includes Lily Barney, Dora Ebbeling, Anya Fox, Kelly Irwin, Catherine LeClair, Ria Mathur, Grace Olah, Michaela Olah, Daniel Vaccarezza, Katharine Waples, Caitlin Woodcock, Katie Wylie, Jaiden Wyner, Lyndsey Wyner, Melissa Wyner and Delaney Zolnowski of Franklin; Ellie Skalaski of Medway; Elina Tavarez of Millis; Abby McDonough of Norfolk; Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

Mariko Matsumura directs the production. Soprano Shauna Martin, of FSPA’s voice faculty, performs the role of Mother. Pianist Synthia Sture accompanies the vocalists.

THE BLACK BOX Theater, 15 West Central St

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-8668. Visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information about FSPA, including class schedule and course catalog.