Live reporting: Town Council - March 23, 2016

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones, Mercer (via phone)

Absent: none

• Boy Scout troop 8080 lead the pledge this evening.

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– February 24, 2016

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

March 24, 10 AM to noon, Connections at Work Seminar via SBA
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/in-news-small-business-seminar-chris.html

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five
minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or
comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks
appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

• Historical Commission - Jeremy Ball

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

• Conservation Commission - Angela Gelineau

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

"We're not talking about 'nice to have,' we're talking about essential components."

School Business Administrator Miriam Goodman said the budget would see a decrease of seven full-time educators and three full-time assistants. 

"We're anticipating these reductions will come through retirements and attrition," she said. "We're not looking at a reduction in force." 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said the matter was the result of declining enrollment, particularly at the elementary level. 

"It's a national trend, and we'll continue to watch that," she said. "We have not yet had kindergarten registration - that happens in a few weeks - so we'll see what that enrollment shows."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/franklin-schools-present-58m-budget-proposal

screen grab of presentation from broadcast

The full budget proposal presentation document can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/fy-2017-school-budget-proposal.html

The Franklin Matters reporting on the portion of the meeting participated can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/this-budget-should-be-alarm-to-community.html

In the News: Class of 1966 looking for classmates; Exelon hearings begin in Medway

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Franklin High School Class of 1966 will hold its 50th class reunion June 3-5. 

The class seeks the following classmates: Warren Bennett, Joseph Boucher, David Calzolari, Nancy Cheyunski, Sandra Cosma, Jean Costello, Patricia Cunningham, Valerie DeLorenzo, Margaret Farrell, Charles Fowler, Constance Grime, Elizabeth Hagopian, Clifford Jones, Joseph Kelly, Charles Kimball, Robin Lister, Sheila Lynch, Donald McPherson, Leo Mastromatteo, Thomas McGuire, Susan Monier, Sharon Mullen, Anthony Parlin, Donna Paturzo, Jorge Pinzon, Anthony Pitasi, Susan Poellmitz, Charles Rosen, Jacqueline Shaw, David Sussan and Allan Thornton. 

To report information, call 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/frankling-high-school-class-of-1966-seeks-classmates

"Exelon presented its site plan application to the Planning and Economic Development Board Tuesday, a major step in the company’s proposal to build a 200-megawatt expansion of the company’s Summer Street power plant. 

Eric Las, an engineer with Beals and Thomas, the engineering firm retained by Exelon, provided a general overview of the project. 

The plant would operate during high-usage periods, mainly in hot summer and cold winter months. 

During construction, there will be a staging area, and several trees originally meant to provide screening from West Street will be removed, Las said, adding that after construction, the area will be regrown."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/medway-planning-board-begins-exelon-hearings

Lifelong Learning: Senior Players Group

NEW THIS SPRING   Senior Players Group  Don't miss out Can you see yourself on this stage? We can. Call today to reserve your spot at one of our Senior Players Information Sessions 508-613-1480 What is the Senior Players Group  Establishing A Senior Players Group Getting Started   Informational Sessions Join us for "All the world's a stage and you're on it" - one of two free information sessions about the program.   Meet Mel Howards, director for the Senior Players Group. Learn more about reading and acting while holding the script: It's called Staged Reading.      NOTE: Based on the outcome of the information session, it is our intention to begin establishing a group that would hold its first meeting on Tuesday, April 26 and will run until May 31 6:00 to 7:30 PM  Franklin High School  Fee: $50 INFORMATION SESSIONS SESSION 1 Wednesday  April 6  1:30 PM  Franklin Senior Center SESSION 2  Thursday April 7 6:30 PM  Franklin High School About Mel Howards  Mel Howards is a professor-Emeritus at Northeastern  University. He is an educator, essayist, playwright and poet. He is the founder of the Senior Players at the University of Southern Maine   Franklin Public Schools -  Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education  and Community Learning 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com   508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning Institute, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

FYHA's Growing Girls Hockey Sessions - registration available

Any girls out there interested in trying hockey for free? 

Check out FYHA's Growing Girls Hockey Sessions. 

• Saturday, March 26, 2016 @ 12:30 pm (Franklin Pirelli Rink) 
• Saturday, April 9, 2016 @ 12:30 pm (Franklin Pirelli Rink) 
• Saturday, April 9, 2016 @ 12:30 pm (Franklin Pirelli Rink) 
• Saturday, April 16, 2016 @ 12:30 pm (Franklin Pirelli Rink) 

Franklin Youth Hockey Association will be running 4 sessions in March for any girl between the ages of 7 and 12 to try hockey for a day or for the entire month. This program is only open to girls interested in joining organized hockey for the first time or who have participated in beginner level skating or hockey skills programs. 

This program is not open to girls who are currently playing on mixed or girls-only teams. 

Participants must register for each session separately and will be required to sign a USA Hockey waiver the day of the session. Full equipment is required for all participants. Skate and equipment rentals are NOT available. 

REGISTER NOW: http://franklinflyers.org/Registration/Default.asp

Franklin Flyers

going, going, .... almost gone

The building at 150 Emmons St continues to be demolished this week. After getting off the train from Boston Tuesday afternoon, I managed to grab some photos in daylight. By the looks of the progress, assuming the weather remains good for this week, this could be down by Friday.

from Emmons St

also from Emmons St

at the corner of West Central

on West Central looking towards Emmons St

"This budget should be an alarm to the community"

Reporting remotely (via the internet) on the first view of the school budget as presented at the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mar 22, 2016.

• O'Malley - "This budget should be an alarm to the community"

The video replay for this meeting can be viewed here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=338

(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)

decrease of 7 teachers and 3 FTE educational assistants for FY 2017 budget (2016-2017 school year)

The budget proposal can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/fy-2017-school-budget-proposal.html


The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-mar.html

FY 2017 - School Budget Proposal

The proposed School Budget document as being reviewed at the School Committee meeting, Mar 22, 2016.

Franklin Public Schools FY2017 Proposed Budget 20160322 from Franklin Matters

Franklin High School

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-mar.html

It Takes A Village: Keller Elementary School

Parent Involvement is so important in making our schools strong!.  Jenn Dwyer from Keller Elementary School will be sharing highlights of all that is going on in her school and how parents can support the effort. 

Franklin TV

To be seen on It Takes a Village:

Comcast Channel 8; Verizon Channel 26

•   Tuesday morning at 9:00
•   Wednesday morning at 7:30
•   Saturday evening at 8:30

Helen Keller Elementary School sign

For additional programing check out the guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

In the News: Senior Center 2nd floor expansion, Dean adds degree

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Activities at the Franklin Senior Center have continued even as a renovation project on the building's second floor moves forward. 

Senior Center Director Karen Alves said construction work began on March 1, and that the center has remained open - though a bit limited. 

"It's partitioned off one wing of the building, which is making things pretty challenging," she said. "We've moved some programs off-site. 

"We're still busy, and we're still running about 95 percent of what we had been offering," she added."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160321/franklin-senior-center-work-under-way

construction fences at the back of the Senior Center

"Dean College, a private, residential college located in Franklin, was approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer a new standalone bachelor’s degree. Beginning in fall 2016, students at Dean College will be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in sport fitness, recreation and coaching. 

The new B.S. program will prepare students for a career in any aspect of the athletic world, including coaching, physical education and exercise science. 

“We are very excited to offer to our students a solid, professional pathway to careers in fields as diverse as corporate fitness, professional coaching, and community recreation,” said Dr. Michael Fishbein, vice president of academic affairs at Dean College. “The technical knowledge and skills students will master will ready them to enter the playing field at a run.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160321/dean-college-approves-sport-fitness-recreation-and-coaching-degree

"paintball is the perfect answer"

Glenn Jones has run a couple of paintball fundraisers for the Franklin Food Pantry at Fox 4 Paintball in Upton. This past Sunday's Boston Globe West section has a nice write up on the business.

Admittedly, I’m from a different era. Growing up in New Jersey in the late 1960s and early 1970s, my siblings and I would play war, inspired by “The Rat Patrol,” or cops and robbers while imitating “The Rookies.” International espionage? “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” did the trick. Our games weren’t considered politically incorrect. We didn’t know any better. We just had a blast. 

David Painter of Northborough can relate. The 51-year-old native of East Lyme, Conn. is the owner of Fox 4 Paintball in Upton and the upTon 187 cRew, a professional paintball team. More than two decades ago, he moved to Massachusetts and was invited by his new neighbors to play paintball. He got hooked immediately. 

“My love for the game has only grown stronger over time,” he said. “I’m addicted to the fast action of the tournament paintball scene, the instant gratification of knowing if you’ve won or lost your point.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/03/17/move-feeling-like-kid-again-any-age/QorZhzBuCtM6AIcxPyMmSL/story.html

fox4paintball.com

Trash recycling - delayed one day this week

For the week of March 21, 2016 trash and recycling will be delayed one day all week. Carts should be put out and accessible for the truck the day after your normal pickup day. Friday's route will be picked up on Saturday.

trash bins by curbside on a sunny day

For more info on recycling and trash visit the DPW page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/index

Franklin Ma: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 22, 2016

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 8, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY 17 Budget Hearing

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading

• JKA – Corporal Punishment

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. 

b. I recommend moving policy JKA – Corporal Punishment to a second reading. 

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $912.50 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips. 

d. I recommend approval of the request for the FHS Cheerleaders travel to Lincroft, NJ on April 1-3, 2016 for the Nationals Competition as detailed. 

e. I recommend acceptance of the anonymous donation of a check for $686.24 for a FHS Scholarship. 

f. I recommend acceptance of donations totaling approximately $275.00 for the FHS raffle as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports:

a. Budget Sub Committeeb. Policy Sub Committeec. Community Relations Sub Committee

School Committee Liaison Reports:

a. Calendar Committee

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

"that’s what high school sports are all about"

A Cinderella run from the Franklin Panthers ended with a true storybook ending. 

Sophomore Luke Downie, who celebrated his 16th birthday on Sunday, scored on a wrist shot six minutes into the second overtime to give Franklin a 4-3 win over St. Mary’s Lynn and the program its first MIAA Division 1 State Championship. 

Senior Tyler Oakes connected on a pass from his own zone to senior and Jake Downie (Luke’s cousin) along the boards in the neutral, who then dropped the puck back to Luke after crossing the blue line. Luke fired a wrist shot that deflected off the the leg of a St. Mary’s defenseman and found it’s way over the goalie’s pad short side for the game winner. 

“This is awesome,” Luke Downie said postgame. “This is the best birthday present you could ask for.”

Continue reading the full article
http://www.hockomocksports.com/franklin-hockey-wins-first-d1-state-championship-in-2ot/

Franklin hockey victorious in D1 Championship

In 1983, Franklin went into overtime in the Div. 2 state championship game against Falmouth at the old Boston Garden. Ken Assad, now an assistant coach for the Panthers, broke free on a 2-on-1. He passed to his brother Brian, whose shot was spilled back into the path of Ken for the game-winning, and title-winning, goal. 

On Sunday night, the Panthers went into double overtime at the TD Garden against St. Mary’s (Lynn) in search of a second state title and first since that magical night 32 years ago. Once again, it was a family connection that secured the trophy. 

Senior Jake Downie received a cross-ice pass from Tyler Oakes and gained the zone. As he skated towards the lefthand circle, he spotted his sophomore cousin Luke racing up behind him and dropped a pass into his path. 

“I came down and saw Luke coming up behind me, dropped it back and I just saw him rip it and I knew it was going in,” said Jake in the press room after the game.

Continue reading the full article
http://www.hockomocksports.com/family-connections-lead-to-franklin-hockey-title-jake-luke-downie/


Hockomock Sports has additional photos from the game here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Franklin-St-Marys-Hockey-03-20/

"All the transcriptions are accessible free of charge to the public"

The Boston Globe does a good job writing up the digitization of records almost complete at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

"In August 1822, John Adams, the nation’s second president, donated several pieces of land to his hometown of Quincy, including two pastures, several cedar swamp areas, and an 8-acre parcel that included the site of a former house built by John Hancock’s father. 

The details of the 86-year-old Adams’s gift, including his condition that a school be erected over the cellar of the old Hancock home, are contained in the land document he recorded in a personal visit to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. Thinking ahead to his envisioned school, the elder statesman wrote, “I hope the future Masters will not be presumptuous if I advise them to begin their lessons in Greek and Hebrew by compelling their pupils to take their pens and write over and over again copies of the Greek and Hebrew alphabets.”

But anyone studying the nearly 200-year-old deed today might not be able to easily glean those reflections by Adams or the other particulars of the document. Handwritten in the flowing cursive style of the day, the densely-packed words are a challenge to read. 

Now a nearly completed initiative by the Norfolk County registry is promising to make it much easier for modern readers to decipher the contents of the Adams deed and other old land records. In what officials say is the first project of its kind in New England, the registry in Dedham is transcribing into type all the county’s handwritten deeds from the time of its founding in 1793 to 1900, when the office switched to typing its documents."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/03/18/turning-hard-read-cursive-into-computer-type/i1BZEB3fCmFxjlKJmHuJiK/story.html

two old handwritten deeds on Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell's desk (Boston Globe photo)