April is Autism Awareness month

April is Autism Awareness month.  In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month:

The Franklin Police Department has posted a new form on its website.  The form is for first responders and is designed to assist them in a search or interaction with a person who is on the Autism Spectrum.   

It has space for a description, emergency contact information, other characteristics and a photo can be attached.  If you have an Autistic Child or adult that you care for and would like to submit a form for us to have on file should we need to assist your loved one the link is attached.   

Paper copies are available at Franklin Police Dispatch also.   

All information will be kept strictly confidential.

The form

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/forms/Autism%20Elopement%20Alert%20Form%20Fillable.pdf

Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way

In the News: Council approves sidewalk project, Red Cross blood drive, Temple schedules seder, FHS SADD schedules walk

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Residents attending the Town Council meeting Wednesday night applauded after the council approved a $1.8 million sidewalk project. 

The council unanimously approved the work, which would install new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks along Pleasant and Chestnut streets. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the matter came before the council last year, with the body voting to devote $50,000 for the design of the sidewalk. The town had subsequently gone out to bid on the project, with the total cost coming to about $1.8 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-council-approves-sidewalk-project

"The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. April 21 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/american-red-cross-to-hold-franklin-blood-drive

"Temple Etz Chaim will host its annual Second Night of Passover Community Seder at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. 

The event will include Four Questions, matzo ball soup, chopped liver, brisket and traditional Passover desserts. A vegan option will be available. 

Tickets will be discounted prior to April 18. 

For information and payment arrangements: 508-528-5337; temple-etzchaim.org."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/temple-etz-chaim-to-host-community-seder-for-passover

"The annual Students Against Drunk Driving Walk of Tears, in memory of Maura Howard, a graduate of King Philip Regional High School and Amy Callaghan, of Franklin High School, both victims of drunken-driving accidents, will take place at 11 a.m. May 1 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St. 

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony; the walk will begin at 11 a.m. The walk is approximately 3 miles, and refreshments and water will be available."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-high-school-to-hold-sadd-walk-of-tears

Live reporting: to Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Nutting
downtown project underway again

Hellen
The town is now on YouTube, go visit
the town signed a new contract to convert the website


L. OLD BUSINESS

Bissanti -
farm retail stand, draft due in two weeks
alcohol - notifications coming

Pellegri - is there a way to deal with problems with the builder
a private proprty matter, town has no legal jurisdiction
it is a fight between the condo association and the builder
we legally have no standing in their issue

Padula -
how is the playground coming along?
need to pour the concrete
still expected to be out at end of April to finish the work


M.NEW BUSINESS
Pellegri
a proclamation for people celebrating those turning 100 years old

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - reads the Chief's announcement on autism awareness (to be posted to FM on Thursday)
did meet with Hellen and Sherlock on communications for Franklin
Jamie has been doing some excellent things

Dellorco
shout out for District Attorney to get 5 of us down to Atlanta for the drug summit
there is heavier stuff coming, it is already down south

1st drop in center at St Johns on Pleasent St

Bissanti
a great night to be a councilor, the sidewalks and recreation
I think the people are seeing and noticing that
Eagle scouts program at Methodist church coming

Pfeffer
lottery held for two affordable houses
seven candidates, 2 Franklin residents chosen
signed the P&S today

Library party on Friday, it closes this Friday
need some lights on Kenwood Circle, bids opening tomorrow

Pellegri
thanks to Roger for taking care of 150 Emmons
thanks to Steve Sherlock for the pictures taking all around town
May and June will be really started
statue making progress also


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
not needed

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

EDC meeting did discuss the blight bylaw
does the current bylaw have enough teeth in it?
yes, with the help of our building inspector, the attorney general's office is involved and working well
I think it is working, used with four properties are in the process

as far as commercial goes, looking for grant funds along the Downtown Partnership

• Links for the associated documents can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-april-6.html


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-17: Ratification of AFSCME Local 1298, Public Telecommunications

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

8th contract agreed to this year, inline with other contracts

2. Resolution 16-18: Appropriation: Elections Expenses

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

the long election this fall has created the shortfall

3. Resolution 16-19: Appropriation: Veteran’s Benefits

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

75% of the veterans benefits are reimbursed, there is additional demands due to the only going and growing needs

4. Resolution 16-20: Appropriate and Authorize the Borrowing of Funds to Pay Costs of the Purchase of Sidewalks and Related Work – 2/3 Vote

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via role call)

estimate came in with bids less than forecasted, could get started this year and possible get most if not all this year, finish next year

down Pleasant to Griffin, then up Chestnut to RT 140

Padula - clarification, answered by Nutting

Max Morrengello

thanks for taking on this issue, great for property values and safety

Bill Leonard

thank you to Jeff for his ease of communication, the roads are a raceway

from a quality of life perspective, it is a going to be a good thing

thanks for being forward thinking an appropriating the funds for this

Christy

part of the Master Plan committee

am very much in favor of this

I want to remind you of the Master Plan goal to make this more walkable and bikeable

make DelCarte more accessible and to the other resources

a worthwhile investment

Donna Grant

long fellow drive, 

little fellows here went door to door to get notices out

they are my grandchildren and I applaud your good wisdom

Joanne Philip

our sons are about to be able to walk to school up the street

thanks for making this a safer place to race our kids

Jim Hill

30 years ago we lived on Pleasant St

26 years ago we moved away from the lack of safety issues

a car had crashed into the pole in front of our house

I commend the Council for this issue

5. Proposed FY 16 Capital Plan - Memo
no action required (action covered in Resolution 16-23)
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/FY%2016%20Capital%20Plan.pdf

6. Resolution 16-21: Appropriation: Fire Truck Stabilization Fund
Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via role)

part of the plan for paying for the trucks on a regular basis, put money aside
money to stabilization funds require a 2/3rd vote

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20stabfd%2016-21%20firetruck.pdf

read in for the record the listing of the 16-23 items before taking the vote on 16-21 (which did pass)

7. Resolution 16-22: Appropriation: Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via role)

Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolutionstabfd%2016-22%20athleticfields.pdf

similar to the fire truck process, saving money to replace the turf fields eventually, need a bid process, will also plan to resolve the infill to be used before the fields are replaced
need to keep the community informed on the infill material prior to any decision

Jones - I am glad this is starting to be addressed
Kelly - I am aware of a number of meetings on this


8. Resolution 16-23: Appropriation: Capital, FY 16

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve $1,938,607.09
see listing of items in agenda documents
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20capital%2016-23%20FY16.pdf

plan presented an reviewed by FinCom and Council subcommittee, free cash down from last year, so choices had to be made

Fire Station #2 roof is about 15 years old and needs to be replaced due to water issues from leaks in 'old' roof


9. Resolution 16-24: Appropriation: Water Enterprise Capital FY 16

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20wtr%20Enterprise%20capital%2016-24.pdf

study on wells 3 and 6

water and sewer on enterprise accounts supported by the rates paid by the users
the 'excess' money in the accounts is planned for usage for the capital accounts and other sundry expenses


10. Resolution 16-25: Appropriation: Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 16

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20swr%20Enterprise%20capital%2016-25.pdf

haven't upgraded the doors in a number of years, difficult to get in with multiple keys, replacing doors and key systems


11. Resolution 16-26: Appropriation: Recreation Improvements

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/16-26%20Recreation%20improvements.pdf

Jones - anything we can do to support the children in athletics should be done

Nutting - hats off to Carlos and his folks for doing the good work

Bissanti - It almost makes me want to be a kid again in this town


12. Bylaw Amendment 16-757: Amending the Code of the Town of Franklin by Adding a New Chapter to Require That Property Owners Provide Notification to Public Safety Officials of the Existence of Certain Structures And/Or Uses – 1st Reading

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

Chief McCarragher
1st to alert firefighters about the solar panels on roofs, can be an electrical hazard
can be more easily seen on pitched roofs, hard to see on flat roofs
signage requested for front of building
also on file with fire dept so they can have record of it
if you have had solar put on in the last few years, this does not apply


also needing info on hazardous materials
health hazards have a rating system to indicate the nature of the hazards contained within the buildings
help to save the firefighters from exposure
as the industrial parks emptied out, it was less of an issue
as the economy is picking up, the occupancy is growing, this adds a redundant layer of info

Jones - police and fire may shut off power at the house, solar is usually constantly live however, so this can be a help

Pfeffer - we have a major marijuana growing facility, what notifications do they have

McCarragher - I'd defer to the police chief, I do have a story on the permitting process that they went through, those plant growing facilities do consume a lot of electricity

Pellegri - question on a new chapter?
Cerel - it is really focused on property owners and made sense to make it separate from the hazardous material bylaw

Pellegri - we have so many permits required, who is doing that? 13 permits is too many, we should review that
McCarragher - we do have a couple of people who do this in their down time

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'