Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Franklin Traffic Change Rescheduled to July 26

Good Morning,

Upon meeting with Walsh and speaking with several of the subcontractors, we have decided to change the traffic switch-over date to Tuesday July 26th

The sign company will be in Wednesday and Thursday to install all remaining signs. Safety is a our #1 priority so we feel this is the best decision. 

Bell Traffic also needs to cut the loops for the cottage/East Central St intersection which will be done Wednesday. This will ensure all signals are operational per designed plan. 

Please let me know if you have any other questions. I do NOT foresee us changing the July 26th date. 

I will change the (3) state message boards we have up now. If the police could change their 2 that would be appreciated.

Thank You,

Anthony Tavalone
CE III MA DOT
(617) 233-0795



from the archive, an earlier construction photo downtown
from the archive, an earlier construction photo downtown
The full and "last" update from the Town of Franklin on the  traffic change (including maps) can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQzFPTlVzYzNuems/view?usp=sharing

"the proposed project does not comply with the MA Wetlands Protection Act regulations"

"Hello all, thanks so much to those who were able to make it to last night's meeting. For those who didn't, here's a couple small tidbits. 
The GZA presented the results of their review of the plans, in which they offered several issues with the developer's proposed plan. It should be noted that this review was done mostly on the old plan (40 units) and not the new unit (32 units). I've attached this document for your reading pleasure (it's actually pretty interesting.) 
Among the issues was a concern that the proposed project does not comply with the MA Wetlands Protection Act regulations as well as several local bylaws. This is expected to be a significant hurdle. 
The developer presented its new plans, explaining a re-routing of the stream, a reduction in units, and an easement on Peck Street. Due to concerns by the fire chief, some of the 6-unit buildings were reduced to 4 units. 
The Woislaws, as usual, did a great job of speaking on behalf of the neighborhood, offering our concerns. If you haven't done so yet, buy a yard sign from the Woislaws; only $5! 
Another concern brought up was a sewer tie-in that could pose some significant problems. The location of a tie-in could be problematic; if it's on town land, the town would have to give them permission. 
The next meeting is in two weeks; July 28 at 7:35 p.m. Hope to see you all there!"
Christopher Parish
Shared from the Facebook page

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is available for replay
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=375

Stop Madalene Village
Stop Madalene Village



In the News: no sales tax holiday, MA Olympians to RIO

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Shoppers in Massachusetts can forget about saving a few dollars on that new television or furniture set. 
Legislative leaders say there will be no sales tax holiday in the Bay State this summer. 
Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo blame the state's tenuous fiscal situation, which has prompted belt-tightening throughout state government."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160718/lawmakers-rule-out-summer-sales-tax-holiday


"This August, the world will gather once more to watch as some of the greatest athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Massachusetts boasts 11 Olympians on Team USA - including a Paralympian - plus a torch-bearer who have called this state home at one time or another. 
Meet the athletes below and check out coverage of some of the Wicked Local athletes we’ve followed through the years. Find all the athletes’ full profiles at TeamUSA.org!"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160715/meet-11-massachusetts-athletes-who-will-compete-in-rio-2016-olympics

Team USA
Team USA


#FranklinPride - Camille Farnan

Also appearing on the Franklin radar via a tweet from @mockwalsh comes this info about a Franklin actress...


'Lazarus Rising' is finally out. I play Eric Roberts' wife, a very small, fun role. Out on Netflix & iTunes soon! pic.twitter.com/juzX51iChk
'Lazarus Rising' is finally out. I play Eric Roberts' wife, a very small, fun role. Out on Netflix & iTunes soon! pic.twitter.com/juzX51iChk

Take the challenge! Obstacle course on Town Common July 20

Take the challenge! Go the the Town Common 10:30 AM Wednesday morning (July 20) to take the obstacle course challenge offered by the Franklin Public Library.


This was shared from the Franklin Library Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/photos/a.419269774832125.1073741826.391178297641273/1070157019743394/?type=3&theater

Monday, July 18, 2016

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 19, 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."

the key to learning
the key to learning

1 - Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes - I recommend approval of the following minutes:

  • June 28, 2016 Regular School Committee Mtg.
  • June 14, 2016 Executive Session
  • June 28, 2016 Executive Session

Payment of Bills - Dr. O’Malley
Payroll  - Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

2 - Guests/Presentations

Contract Signing for:

  • Cafeteria Workers
  • Secretaries
  • Van Drivers

School Lunch Prices – Miriam Goodman

3 - Discussion Only Items

Appointments to Collaborative’s Boards

4 - Action Items


  1. I recommend approval of assigning Dr. Maureen Sabolinski to the ACCEPT Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 school year.
  2. I recommend approval of assigning Dr. Maureen Sabolinski to the BICO Board of Directors for the 2016-2017 school year.
  3. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from John Ombelets and Elizabeth John for a FHS Scholarship.
  4. I recommend acceptance of a check for $646.62 from Lifetouch for in-house enrichment at ECDC.
  5. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Davis Thayer PCC for supplemental supplies.


5 - Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
none

School Committee Liaison Reports


6 - New Business

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

7 - Executive Session

Personnel Update

8 - Motion to Adjourn

– Dr. O’Malley


In the News: Zoning bylaw change makes progress, drummers studio holds summer camp

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A bylaw change that would allow for less paperwork for certain building renovations and alterations has moved forward, though the Town Council must make its final decision at a future meeting. 
The council at its meeting last week gave preliminary approval to a limited site plan requirement. The change would allow those with buildings constructed before the town required site plans to do certain alterations without going through the expense of a full site plan. 
Town officials have noted that full site plans cost a great deal, as they require engineering work and notification of neighbors. This, they said, may dissuade building owners from making improvements. 
Town Planning Director Bryan Taberner, speaking to the council, cited the problems faced when Aubuchon Hardware was looking to move into the Horace Mann Shopping Plaza. Only a late discovery of needed documents, he said, kept the project moving."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160717/franklin-moves-closer-to-limited-site-plan-requirements
The consolidation of Aubuchon Hardware from its two locations into one at the Horace Mann Plaza is an example of the bylaw change being reviewed. The development of the Ficco's-Kegan property is also slowed waiting on this change according to word on the street.



"The Drummers’ Studio, 244 E. Central St., will host a special two-day Summer Drum Camp for kids with “no prior drum experience” on Aug. 3 and 4. The new drummers will cover topics such as stick technique, music reading, basic beats, fills and songs. 
The Drummers’ Studio Summer Open Houses will be held Aug. 6 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. TDS plays host to many drumming activities including: workshops, drum camps, clinics, drum factor field trips, concerts, recitals and more. TDS also plays host to some of the world’s elite drummers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160716/drummers-studio-to-host-camps-open-houses