Thursday, December 31, 2015

MBTA: New Year's Eve Schedule Update - Franklin Line notice

On New Year's Eve the Commuter Rail will operate extra service on the Franklin Line. Please visit mbta.com/events for modified schedules. 
Train 731 (11:50 pm outbound) will depart South Station at 12:45 am and an extra train, making all stops to Forge Park/495, will depart South Station at 1:45 am. 
No bicycles will be allowed on board inbound trains from 10 am - 6 pm and on outbound trains after 4 pm on New Year's Eve. All Commuter Rail trains will be free after 8 pm on New Year's Eve. The last train of the evening may be held beyond its scheduled departure time as needed. 
Last updated: Dec 30 2015 10:54 AM 
Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events


the Franklin stones at the Franklin/Dean station
the Franklin stones at the Franklin/Dean station

Christmas Tree Collection Days - week of January 11


Christmas Tree Collection Days

Week of January 11, 2016

On Your Regular Trash Day

put tree out with the trash on your day during the week of Jan 11
put tree out with the trash on your day during the week of Jan 11

This was shared from the notice on the Town of Franklin page

In the News: robbery suspects being searched for


Police are searching for two suspects involved in a robbery at a local bank Wednesday morning. 
The incident occurred at Middlesex Savings Bank inside the Franklin Village Shopping Center. 
According to Chief Stephan Semerjian, police are searching for a dark-colored Volkswagen sedan, most likely a Passat or a Jetta, that fled the scene.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20151230/franklin-police-searching-for-robbery-suspects


NECN also has a report here
http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/2-Suspects-Sought-in-Bank-Robbery-Franklin-Massachusetts-363907241.html

Meeting notes archive for 2015

2015

Economic Development Committee

Finance Committee


Planning Board

School Committee


Town Council



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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Representative Roy Hosts a Community Conversation with Seniors

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) is hosting a community conversation with senior citizens to discuss issues that impact their lives and to provide information on the various state programs available to them. Area seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers are invited to the event that will take place on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin, MA 02038.

Roy's special guest for the event is State Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham), the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Garlick, who is also a registered nurse, will speak about the $3.5 billion dollars allocated to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and MassHealth for senior programs. Aside from MassHealth, Garlick will address other funded initiatives including homecare and nursing homes, prescription drug assistance, council on aging funding, protective services, elder housing, and nutrition programs.

Community Conversation with Seniors
Community Conversation with Seniors

In addition to the presentation, Roy and Garlick will field questions and take feedback on what areas need improvement. Attendees will also be given surveys to submit anonymously, which ask about access to transportation, ability to afford basic necessities and healthcare, senior employment opportunities in the community, and availability of senior housing. The survey results will help the Committee on Elder Affairs set priorities for the coming year in an effort to serve elders more effectively.

"We are looking forward to listening to the issues, needs and concerns of the seniors in the community in order to plan for the future," said Rep. Roy. "Expanding access to elder programs is something myself and Representative Garlick explore regularly, and it is our hope that this community conversation will be provide additional data and input to inform the decision-making at the state level. I have had the pleasure of meeting with the seniors for the past three years and I am delighted that the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Senior Affairs is coming to Franklin to further these discussions."

"Twenty years from now the majority of people in Massachusetts will be 60 years old or older," said Rep. Garlick. "We have to make sure that the resources we have are meeting the needs. I'm coming to Franklin to get feedback from seniors on whether what we are doing is enough or whether we need to do more in certain areas."

All seniors are welcome, with a special invitation to seniors from Rep. Roy's district of Franklin and Medway. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Rep. Roy's State House office at (617) 722-2020. You can also stop by Room 527A in the State House, or email his aide Chris at Christopher.Yancich@MAhouse.gov.

Annual Report - 2015: OPEB Trust Committee


The Town Council approved an OPEB* Trust Committee in Fiscal year 15 to manage the funds set aside for the Town’s OPEB unfunded obligation of approximately $90,000,000.

This obligation is for current and future health care cost for town and school retirees. Communities across the Commonwealth face similar problems funding this obligation. While the town is doing its best to fund this obligation it will not be achieved unless state laws are changed to ease our future obligation.

The Trust Committee met on several occasions and decided to invest with the Commonwealth’s PRIT fund to get the higher rate of return on our investment that allowed by law if the town was managing the funds. Our initial allocation into the account will be over $1,800,000.

We will continue to make requests of the Town Council to continue to fund the Trust to help meet our obligation.

Regards,

  • Jeff Nutting
  • Susan Gagner
  • Miriam Goodman
  • Peter Lounsbury
  • Greg McNeille
  • Treasurer, James Dacey



The full recent auditor's report on the OPEB obligation can be found here

Franklin's Town Common on a summer day
Franklin's Town Common on a summer day

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015



Related posts on OPEB


  • Live reporting on the Town Council meeting in Nov 2015 when the Auditor came to present

  • What is Franklin doing?

  • Needham is touted as a 'best practice' on OPEB


Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)

FHS boys basketball and hockey post wins

The FHS boys basketball team beat Algonquin, the boys hockey team topped Mount St Charles and will play in the championship game of the Mount St Charles tournament.

The FHS wrestling team competed in the big two-day tournament in Lowell.
"Considered the Grand Daddy of them all, the 49th annual George Bossi Lowell Holiday Wrestling Tourney will draw teams from all over New England and beyond. Some 70+ teams will converge on the Tsongas Areana for what some have called “The High School Midlands of the Northeast”."
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


Boys Basketball


  • Franklin, 77 @ Algonquin, 72 – Final 

– For the second straight game, freshman Jay Dieterle led the Panthers in scoring with 22 points. Franklin had five players reach double figures with Connor Goldstein adding 15 points, Paul Mahon scoring 12 points and Kevin Gill and Josh Macchi each scoring 10 points.


Hockey


  • Franklin, 1 @ Mount Saint Charles, 0 – Final 

– Jeremy Miller scored with 35 seconds left in overtime to give the Panthers the win. Franklin will play St. Joseph Collegiate (NY) on Wednesday in the championships game of the Mount St. Charles Holiday Faceoff.


Wrestling


  • Lowell Tournament (Canton, Foxboro, Franklin) 

– Foxboro’s Matt Kelley lost a close 1-0 decision in the finals at 126. Franklin’s John Miller was 4th at 220.
For complete bracket results you can visit the tournament webpage
http://thelowellholidays.com/


For all the results of Tuesday's action around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard/

Annual Report - 2015: Cultural Council


Franklin Cultural Council began 2014-2015 concluding the extremely successful Ladybug Project, which enabled over 50 local artists and businesses to participate in a publicly accessible and popular exhibit that was steered ably through the summer by previous FCC Chair Claire Griffin. The council saw the project through to its fruition in October 2014 when the FCC hosted a public event celebrating ‘Ladybug Spots’ and had all the ladybugs on display together in one place for the last time.

Mrs. Griffin’s chairmanship of the FCC was completed in October 2014, and was celebrated at the reception which was generously hosted by The Franklin Art Center. At a subsequent event held at the Franklin Municipal Building, State Representative Roy and Senators Ross and Spilka were in attendance to present one of the Ladybug sculptures to The Town of Franklin as an ongoing reminder to residents and public servants, of the power of petition to local, state and national government in defense local Heritage and the development of Arts, Sciences and Culture within the increasingly urbanized community.

The FCC would like to acknowledge the assistance into the fall of 2014, of Claire Griffin, Chair 2013/2014, Kathy Ginley 2011/2015 Secretary, Marybeth Fraser 2011/2014 Treasurer, Rev. Bob Johnnene 2013/2014, Janet Norman 2011/2014, Cat Colson 2013/2014 and Beth Simon. 2015 brought a change in leadership and new members to the FCC. The Town Franklin Cultural Council is currently represented by:- Kai Olsson Chair, Teresa Burr, Anne Knapp, Justin Haslett, Gia Podobinski, Ian Kabat, Madison Weber and Karen Wellerson-Juhl.

In October 2014 the council solicited local groups to submit grant applications for FCC funding. At its December meeting FCC Members reviewed 73 grants and voted to fund 38 programs. At our annual allocation meeting in Franklin, funding was approved at the same level as in the previous year. In total the sum of $7172.00 was distributed amongst thirty-eight applicants including The 4th of July Coalition, Concerts on the Common, Horace Mann Middle School, Live Arts, various Franklin Public School PCC’s and more. On June 24th, the Cultural Council honored the 2014-2015 award recipients, at a special reception hosted by The Franklin Art Center. Amongst others in attendance were Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri and State Representative Jeff Roy.

The FCC would like to note that on numerous occasions and at various similar events, its members have taken opportunity to inform our local and State Representatives of the widespread popular demand by individuals and cultural organizations for an increase in funding for community events in the area. We would like to also acknowledge that our local and State Representatives are aware of these community aspirations and work diligently to address public concerns.

The FCC is presently reviewing proposals for a sculpted structure to honor local schoolmistress Palma Johnson and her 1974 2nd Grade Kennedy Elementary School class, who instilled “Ladybug pride” from the classroom to the State House and back to the town of Franklin. The FCC will also continue to review various projects should unencumbered funds become available at the conclusion of the FY15 fiscal year. We will continue to report the results of upcoming cultural requirement surveys to the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Respectfully submitted,

Kai Olsson 
FCC Chairman


Franklin Cultural Council banner
Franklin Cultural Council banner
For more about the Cultural Council find their page on the web
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/cultural


The ceremony at the Municipal Building was recorded and photos can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/fm-109-delegate-ladybug-lands-in.html

Ladybugs on Parade at the Town Common August 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/ladybugs-on-parade.html


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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]


Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015




Franklin Art Association - Liz Haywood Sullivan - Jan 6

Friendly reminder:

The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday Jan. 6th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30.
Liz Haywood Sullivan - digital photo
Liz Haywood Sullivan - digital photo

The program will feature well known pastel painter Liz Haywood Sullivan as the demonstrating artist.

Meetings are free and opened to the public.

For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org
and Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

For additional info on Liz, you can visit her webpage  http://www.lizhaywoodsullivan.com

"anyone prescribing them should know the person's history"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin


"State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, said it was clear that many voices were sought in drafting the bill, and said it was a comprehensive attempt to address the issue on multiple fronts. 
State Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, said the bill is a step in the right direction, but would not completely solve the continuing opioid problem. 
"Do I think we have a silver bullet? No," he said. "What we have done is look at incremental ways to create opportunities for people who are vulnerable to addiction to avoid it." 
Among the key provisions in all the proposals is a limit on initial prescriptions for opioid painkillers, Roy said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20151229/local-legislators-praise-opioid-bill



MBTA: Commuter Rail notice



Passengers are reminded to use caution while accessing platforms and stations due to icy conditions.

Affected routes:

  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston/Plymouth Line
  • Greenbush Line


Last updated: Dec 29 2015 07:37 PM


commuter rail on a a wet day at Franklin Dean Station
commuter rail on a a wet day at Franklin Dean Station

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Annual Report - 2015: Insurance Advisory Committee


Each of the municipal and school unions, as well as retired employees has a seat on the Town of Franklin Insurance Advisory Committee. It provides recommendations to the Town Administrator on health and dental plans. Meetings are an opportunity for employees from the unions to learn about insurance products, industry trends, and to help identify ways to meet employee needs within the framework of the Affordable Care Act, Massachusetts General Law, and available financial resources.

With the further portions of the Affordable Care Act from the Federal Government on the horizon, we anticipate changes, administrative challenges, and premium increases in the coming years. The original quote for a renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield was in the double digits – an increase unacceptable to the Committee and the Town.

With the assistance of a consultant we requested quotes from other carriers, and received a very competitive quote for nearly an identical plan from Tufts Health Plan. The Committee verified that the match with current providers was very high and elected to make the change. We sponsored informational sessions at six locations so that all employees and retirees had an opportunity to talk with Tufts representatives in person.

The Town continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. We are happy to report that few of our employees required in patient care. The Town provides dental benefits on a totally employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan no increase to premiums. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.

The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediately payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards. The plan runs on a September 1 through August 31 calendar to more closely coordinate with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs. Since this program exists on a tax exempt basis, changes at the federal level may cause plan changes. We will monitor any activity about Sec. 125 of the Tax Code to ensure we remain in compliance.

Participants on the IAC brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. The IAC plans to continue its work gaining knowledge about the full insurance program. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through this committee to other employees so that there is greater understanding of benefit plans.

Respectfully Submitted

Stephanie Lutz
Human Resource Director

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


Additional information can be found on the Town of Franklin - Human Resources page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Human/index

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]


Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015



Annual Report - 2015: Franklin Housing Authority


BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on April 23, 2015.

  • George A. Danello, Chairman
  • Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
  • Mark A. Teehan, Treasurer
  • Diane Padula-O’Neill, Commissioner
  • Peter L. Brunelli, Commissioner


FHA STAFF

  • Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director
  • Candice Day, Administrative Assistant
  • Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant
  • Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor
  • Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer
  • James Brunelli, Maintenance Groundskeeper
  • Anne Ayotte, Service Coordinator


Lisa Audette, Executive Director was elected president of MassNAHRO (Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) making her the lead advocate for public housing in Massachusetts. As president, she will lead an organization that represents more
than 240 local housing authorities in Massachusetts and will preside over major changes in the delivery of housing services as a new public housing reform law is implemented.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties

A Contract for Financial Assistance from the Department of Housing & Community Development for the purpose of repairing components of the aged agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 was awarded to the FHA. Several projects were completed using this very timely and important funding including roofs, appliance replacement, electric panel replacement, installation of GFCI outlets and tree removal. Also, Franklin Housing Authority was awarded $24,795 in Health and Safety funds for flooring replacement in the community building.

State Audit

The Auditor’s Office did an audit of the FHA for the period of April 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012. After 3 months of review, no findings were found. The Official Audit Report was issued on September 17, 2013 by the Office of the State Auditor, Suzanne M. Bump.

FHA Property

The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low income Family Housing and an 8-unit Group Home. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living
environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing is a shared living environment and was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to reside in a residential neighborhood. Additionally, Franklin Housing Authority is developing
another Chapter 689 housing facility. This housing will be reserved for clients of the Department of Development Services and will be located on Plain Street. Franklin Housing Authority expects to begin construction in late 2015.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation

• Rotary Club members served their annual spaghetti dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. John R. Padula was the head Chef and also provided some entertainment along with his brother Tony Dale. Rotary members cooked, served, entertained and picked up after. Rotarians always comment that the smiles and the kind words of appreciation received make their time and efforts very rewarding.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
• The Clergy, a continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
• Franklin Senior Association Members:
Suzanne Wade, President
Linda Doonan, Vice President
Joyce Hutchinson, Treasurer
Evelyn Pelletier, Secretary
This Association plans pizza parties, holiday gatherings, morning coffee and donuts, card parties and many more events for the enjoyment of all Franklin Seniors.
• Chairman Bob Vallee and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jeffrey Nutting and his staff for their continued support and assistance.
• Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.
• Franklin Police Department, Chief Semerjian and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
• Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief Gary McCarraher and his department are always professional and respectful.
• Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Jeffery Roy for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our residents at heart.
• Governor Baker for his support of Massachusetts public housing.
• Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sheriff Michael Bellotti for including FHA in their inmate community service program.
• Dean Bank and its’ President and CEO Kevin R. Goffe for the generous donation to our Senior Community Hall for the benefit of our residents.

Through the years, the community and the housing authority are finding ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a great, safe and affordable community living opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, PHM, MCPPO, Executive Director
franklinhousing.org

Franklin Housing Authority
Franklin Housing Authority

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]


Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015



Both FHS hockey teams post wins on Monday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS hockey teams on Monday, Dec 28

Girls Hockey


  • Franklin, 7 @ Dover-Sherborn/Hopkinton, 1 – Final

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Hockey


  • Franklin, 4 vs. Bishop Guertin 1 – Final



For all the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-122815/

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



This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here.
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Happy New Year

Please accept my best wishes to you and your family for a Happy New Year. It has been an honor and privilege to represent Franklin and Medway in the House of Representatives for the past three years, and I am grateful to you for your continued support and guidance.

These monthly newsletters offer an opportunity to share what is happening in our communities and on Beacon Hill. I would love to hear your thoughts or ideas for items that you would like to see included in future issues. The easiest way to get information to me is by clicking here to send an email. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this latest issue of the State House Report.

Again, I wish you the best in 2016 and urge you to stay in touch.
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Boston, MA 02133

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