Live reporting: Town Council - April 6, 2015

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: Mercer


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– March 9, 2016, March 23, 2016
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 also be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

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.

• Jim Hill

regarding pipeline forum being put together by Sharon
all the communities that would be involved with the pipeline
what the impact is for each community
long list of special guest scheduled to speak at the forum (see listing) hoping to encourage some of the Council and administration take part to learn about the Spectra Energy project. 

Being put on by citizens of Sharon

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Michael G. Bellotti, Sheriff, Norfolk County

an overview of the Sheriff's office
sheriffs are all elected officials
avg detention is about 39 months
decreased from 380 to 320 employees over the past several years
90% of the budget is care and custody of those being held
half of the officers are sworn as deputy sheriffs
love working on K9 or other mutual aid arrangements
offenders coming in, up to 90% alcohol and substance issues
lack of vocational skills
assessment of the offender, where are their deficits
try to match them with a program either within the facility or outside organizations
manage some recovery home beds within Norfolk County
Northeastern Univ has been doing an ongoing study with the County
2 of 3 offenders do go through an enhanced program
they do get good time for doing the program
1 of 3 are recidivists, national average is about 65% so 33% is pretty good
what we are finding is that the offenders are much younger
no longer just an urban thing, heroin is evolving
investing in those stakeholders and making sure those limited resources are being spent on keeping people from coming back;
transition from incarceration to medium security to bracelet on a campus, earning their freedoms along the way
mandatory sentences hinder the step down process

it refreshing to see some many folks here some who have committed for years and others are new folks; thanks to the police chief for working with us in the community in a law enforcement role

would love to locate a youth academy in the area, a ropes course, or something of that nature
do have a model in Braintree that works

Dellorco - opened a drop in center in Milford last night, will open in Franklin next week
if they need help, we will get them help

4th Annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K - Saturday, May 7

The 4th Annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Registration is open and available online   http://franklinelks5k.com/

Elks Care Elks Share 5K - May 7, 9:00 AM

Reminder: FHS presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"

The Franklin High School Music Department proudly presents

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

The musical will be on Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m.
in the Franklin High School auditorium.

Tickets are $10.00 and will be available at the door.

FHS presents 'Beauty and the Beast'

Hockomock Sports Preview for FHS Girls Softball and Lacrosse

Girls Softball

FRANKLIN

• 2015 Record: 14-10
• 2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South first round
• Coach: Kate Fallon

For the past few seasons, Franklin has been solidly entrenched as the third best team in the Kelley-Rex division, behind KP and Taunton, and also a team with the potential to make a run in the tournament. This spring, the Panthers will look to sustain that success with a number of new faces.

Senior Maddie Connelly returns as one of the team’s leading hitters and is a strong defensive outfielder. She will be joined by classmate Julia Arms and by Olivia Haba, as the Panthers look to fill the void left by Erin Hanley’s graduation. Seniors Caroline D’Aprile and Emily Sawyer will take over in the circle and try to replace Sabrina LoMonaco. In the infield, Olivia Di Giacomo returns at third base and classmate Alyssa DaSilva is back as well.

While there are question marks coming into the season, Franklin coach Kate Fallon is still expecting a strong year. She said, “We have some holes to plug from last years graduates, but we have a very hungry group!”



http://www.hockomocksports.com/softball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

Girls Lacrosse

FRANKLIN

• 2015 Record: 15-5
• 2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 East semifinal
• Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino

Franklin enters this season as it does just about every season, as the heavy favorite to win another Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers will need to replace the scoring and all-around game of Emily Jeffries, but have plenty of players that can step in to fill that production.

Senior midfielders Kenzie Pleshaw and Emily Spath will continue Franklin’s strength in the middle of the field and Sam Jones will be back to lead the defense. University of New Haven-commit Julia Jette will spearhead the attack along with junior Kendall Reardon, last year’s Underclassman of the Year.

Freshmen Annie Walsh and Halle Atkinson will also step into the lineup and show the future remains bright for the league’s top program.

Head coach Kristin Igoe, who has loaded the schedule this year with six of the top seven teams in the state, said, “We have a lot of talent, and when we put all the little pieces together, it is fun to watch. Our goal is to win the Hock and make it back to the sectional final.”


http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

Franklin is once again the favorite in the Kelley-Rex with senior midfielder Emily Spath one of the key returning players. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

"We are providing a budget that is inadequate to the needs of a first-rate school system"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The School Committee will likely discuss - and possibly adopt - a $58.3 million fiscal year 2017 budget proposal at its meeting next week. 

The proposal, if approved, would represent a 2.28 percent increase over the $57 million fiscal year 2016 budget. District Business Administrator Miriam Goodman said the committee has taken the proposal under advisement. 

"The School Committee has all of the information we've provided," she said, adding that the budget could possibly be adopted at that meeting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160405/franklin-school-committee-considering-budget

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

• The budget presentation from the March 22 School Committee meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/fy-2017-school-budget-proposal.html

• The video replay of the School Committee meeting is available here

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=338

• Franklin Matters's summary of the meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/this-budget-should-be-alarm-to-community.html

The Bible Doesn't Say That! - Acclaimed author to speak April 11 in Franklin

Spend an evening with Dr. Joel M. Hoffman as he presents a talk titled The Bible Doesn't Say That! on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street.

What does the Bible really say about violence? About marriage? About men and women? The Bible has been reinterpreted and misinterpreted almost from the day it was written, so most people reading the Bible now have very little sense of the original text. Come listen and learn as Dr. Hoffman peels back 2,000 years of revisionism to take a look at the Bible as it was originally composed.

A popular and engaging speaker, Dr. Hoffman focuses on bringing the Bible to life and is known for his "fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century." An internationally acclaimed teacher, author and translator, he presents to churches, synagogues, community groups, and university audiences across the world. He holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College.

The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings

Hoffman is the author of the popular books "And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning" and "The Bible's Cutting Room Floor: The Holy Scriptures Missing From Your Bible." Writing under the pen-name "J.M. Hoffman," he has also authored the thriller series "The Warwick Files." His latest book, "The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings" hit the bookshelves on February 16, 2016.

The event is sponsored jointly by Temple Etz Chaim, Franklin Federated Church, The Parish of St. Mary (Roman Catholic), St. John's Episcopal Church, Franklin United Methodist Church and The First Universalist Society of Franklin.

Admission is free, although donations are welcome.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Apr 20, 2016

Please note that the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is changing the date of our April meeting. Due to a conflict on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, we're meeting on Wednesday, April 20th. 

3 restaurant

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club

Please join us at 7:30 at '3' Restaurant. Our speaker will be Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator. He will be updating us regarding current events happening in Franklin. 

Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Economic Development Committee - Apr 6 - 6:00 PM

"The Economic Development Committee will be meeting Wednesday evening at 6pm at the town hall room 205 to discuss our current Blight Bylaw for vacant properties with discussion to include residential and commercial property open to public."

---------
Via the Facebook post by Andrew Bissanti

Franklin Municipal Building

• The Blight Bylaw referenced can be found here

http://ecode360.com/14718968?highlight=blight#14718968



Note: The last official agenda posted to the Franklin website was either in 2014 or 2015 depending upon which page you reference.

• 2015

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/subcommitteeminutes/Economic%20Development%20Committee%20Minutes/EDC%20Minutes%20and%20Agendas

• 2014

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Economic/2014EDCMeetingMinutesandagendas/

In the News: Council considers sidewalks, Historical Museum events, Downtown Partnership schedule for year

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council is set to consider at its meeting Wednesday night a $1.8 million project to improve town sidewalks. 

The project, which would involve some borrowing by the town, would replace and improve existing sidewalks and install new sidewalks on Pleasant and Chestnut streets. If approved, work would begin this spring. 

The Pleasant Street sidewalks that run from Main Street to Dean Avenue are slated to be replaced and improved, according to town officials. The new sidewalks would run along Pleasant Street from Dean Avenue to Miller Street, and on Chestnut Street from Old Chestnut Street to East Central Street."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-council-to-consider-sidewalk-project

To review the memo from Jeff Nutting as mentioned 
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/16-20.pdf

The following are upcoming events at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St. 

Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; 1-4 p.m. Sundays; and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. 

The April item featured in the museum’s ongoing Item of the Month series is a small Native American Stone Knife. There is a lot to be learned about how Native Americans in this area used stone tools to create axes, grinding tools, etc. to shape their environment and live off the land. The knife, a general purpose tool, with both a tapering point and a thick edge, demonstrates the highly advanced workmanship and ingenuity of the local Wampanoag tribe.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-historical-museum-releases-event-list

Franklin Historical Museum

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set its 2016 dates for the Strawberry Stroll, October Stroll, Holiday Stroll, Spring and Winter Beautification days, and a Progressive Dinner. The Partnership also announces its general meeting dates and spring networking luncheons, all open to the public. 

Downtown Beautification Day will be from 8 to 11 a.m. on May 21. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and volunteers will install hundreds of flowers and greens throughout downtown and on the Common. Community service hours will be available to students. Contact Eileen Mason, emason4234@gmail.com, for information about the event, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Winter Beautification Day will be Nov. 20.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160404/franklin-downtown-partnership-announces-2016-events

FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Monday (4/4/16) evening activities canceled due to snow storm

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Afternoon,

Please be advised that due to continued, snowy conditions, we are canceling all afternoon and evening activities today, April 4, 2016. Solutions will be open until 6:00 PM.

Be safe!

Sally Winslow

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Parmenter sign in the snow

Safe Coalition evening with Mike Zito and others

Lots of folks gathered at THE BLACK BOX on Sunday evening to hear a number of stories about recovery from substance abuse. Mike Zito played an acoustic set after he told his story and then brought on his band, The Wheel, to play some hard driving blues and rock & roll.

The Storify summary of my tweets and that of others posting with the same #safe-zito tag line can be viewed here. Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to read them all.

the SAFE Coalition board posed with Mike Zito and The Wheel at the end of the evening

Parmenter Picture Day - Apr 4

I had taken the photo of the school sign on Friday and then after the winter weather reappeared this weekend, realized that I should re-do the photo on Sunday.

photo taken Friday

photo taken Sunday

"Of the 81 charter schools in Massachusetts, 74 had wait lists"

"On a Thursday night in March, a crowd gathered at Lowell Community Charter Public School to play a game of chance. 

The event had the look of an after-school bingo night: a man pulled numbered balls out of a rotating metal cage while parents and children waited with anticipation, hoping to hit the jackpot.

But in this case, there was no cash prize. Instead, the numbers would dictate the fate of students looking for a coveted placement at the popular school. With more applicants than space available, a lottery is held annually to determine who gets in, and who is left out. 

It’s a ritual that plays out at charter schools in communities across Greater Boston, from Foxborough to Malden to Marlborough. And as closely as parents watch for their child’s number to be picked, the ensuing wait lists are being scrutinized amid a larger, heated debate over whether Massachusetts should allow more charter schools."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/03/31/charter-school-lotteries-educational-game-chance/cNh9WqdASl757FNNvcqTxM/story.html

Franklin's own Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School currently uses the former St Mary's School but is planning on a new building along Washington St to accommodate its expansion plans

Governor Baker today (Thursday, March 31, 2016) issued a statement on the charter school legislation proposed by the Massachusetts State Senate:

“While I thank the Senate for their work, the proposal offers no relief to 34,000 students currently on a waiting list to access high-performing public charter schools and the new mandates for local spending in this proposal could place a further burden on taxpayers. I look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to provide high quality educational options for these tens of thousands of kids and families, most who live in low-income urban neighborhoods, but have been clear that these families need relief now, regardless of how it is achieved.”

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/governors-statement-on-senates-charter-school-bill.html

Recycling Center Closed Today

Good Morning, 

Due to the inclement weather the Franklin recycling center will be closed today Sunday, April 3.

Thank you and have a nice weekend!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 6, 2016

The Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting is one page and rich with links to the associated documents released for this agenda. (Note: one document for the proposal on the funding for sidewalks has a broken link. When it gets corrected, I'll update the link here.)

The Town Council gets to authorize the spending of a whole bunch of our money this week. 

• $1.1 million from the Water Enterprise account 
• $1.2 million from the Sewer Enterprise account 
• $1.9 million from free cash for capital improvements

All the funds are appropriately being spent (according to my view) but this is one of the key points where the low voter turnout at the local town elections can be visibly seen. These dollars are what the Council spends on our behalf. They affect so much of what we do here in Franklin on a daily basis. Yet, so few of us (less than 20%) bother to vote and hence give up our say in how these funds are spent.

The budget cycle is beginning. Meetings at the Finance Committee, the School Committee, and then the Town Council determine the priority of your tax dollars. This is the time to let your representatives know where you would like the priorities to be made. You can complain all you want about the quality of road conditions but if you don't say something, the money will not be put aside for them to be corrected. If you believe the schools deserve additional funding, this is the time to let  your voice be heard.

Money is also being added to the "Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund". At some time in the future, this money will be spent to replace the artificial turf fields. How will they be replaced? With the same materials? Or with a better version that maybe healthier for our kids to play on? This is one opportunity to let the Council know of your concerns.

new artificial turf field at the high school is made with crumb rubber fill

You can also find this document on the Town of Franklin page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/04062016.pdf