Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 14

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off their 2016/2017 season on Wednesday, September 14th. We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run September through May but hold many other casual events to stay connected throughout the year. 

The club is an opportunity for residents of all ages and situations - not just those new to town - to socialize and learn about our community. Our September meeting is a social gathering so it's a great opportunity to come and make new friends or catch up with old ones. 

For more information visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a non-profit social and
charitable organization for residents of Franklin

In the News: farms feeling drought, Post 75 Junior League

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

"On Hoffmann Farm in Franklin, even the weeds look thirsty. 

The farm, about 20 acres, completely lost its usual crop of zucchini, summer squash and cucumbers this summer while scrambling to keep the tomatoes and corn alive. 

"They pretty much burnt up and died," owner Nick Hoffmann said. 

The crops that survived are only producing about half the usual yield. What does grow lacks quality."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160808/farmers-feeling-brunt-of-severe-drought

photo from a ride around Franklin in 2014

"What a ride it was for the Franklin Post 75 Junior American Legion team this season. 

Post 75 dominated in its first two games of the Northeast Regional, earning a berth in the championship game against Methuen Sunday, the same team it lost to in the state title game last month. 

Despite losing 8-0 Sunday, a look back at Franklin's season reveals some noteworthy accomplishments. 

In the 20-game regular season, Post 75 went 16-4 and became the District 6 West Division regular season champions. From there, Franklin went 4-2 in the district playoffs, 4-2 in the state playoffs, and then 2-1 during regional play. Three of Franklin’s postseason losses were to Methuen."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20160808/franklin-junior-legion-squad-had-season-to-remember

Reminder: Workshops for first-time college students

REMINDER: Almost time for first-time college students to head off to college. Why not attend two workshops being offered free to the public Tuesday, August 9 and Tuesday August 16? 

Counselors, college administrators, current students will provide some useful tips regarding how to deal with some common issues that almost all students face as they begin college:
roommate issues, fitting in, managing time, dealing with the party culture, homesickness, etc.

Parents also need to learn the best ways to support their children on the journey. 

• When do you intervene? 
• How do you deal with your own anxiety?

Parents and students will be invited to two separate breakout sessions.

Franklin High School Lecture Hall - from 6:00 to 7:30.

Sponsored by the Franklin YMCA in collaboration with Dean College, Franklin Public Schools, Community Impact of Milford, New Hope, and Riverside Counseling.

Community entrance to Franklin High School

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 10, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– July 13, 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.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
– Swearing in of Police Officers

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

• Board of Registrars

- Jeannette Gianotti
- Christine Manns
- Helen Reebenacker

• Election Workers

- Listing not available (broken link)

• Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate

- Ian Luke


F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

1. Police Chief Update
2. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-51: Endorsement of 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment: 16-762: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31 Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-762 – Roll Call Vote – 2/3 Vote – (6))
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-764R: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 31, Site Plan and Design Review- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-764R - Roll Call Vote 2/3 Vote (6))
4. Bylaw Amendment 16-765: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article III, Traffic Signs, Signals, Markings and Zones, §170-10 Authority of Highway Foreman and §170-12 Interference Prohibited, Violations and Penalties. – 2nd Reading ( Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-765 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of Full Council (5))
5. Bylaw Amendment 16-766: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, at Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations and §170—17 “Resident Only” Parking – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-766 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))
6. Bylaw Amendment 16-767: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic at Article V, Parking Meter Zones, §170-19 Establishment and §170-20 Additional Regulations; Violations and Penalties – 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 16-767 – Roll Call Vote – Majority Vote of the Full Council (5))

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN

along the white blaze trail in Franklin Town Forest (off Summer St)

• The documents released with this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage (PDF)
  Note: both the PDF link and the embedded doc below contains links to the specific documents support each agenda item. In my use of the doc, the links work except for the election workers (which is a duplicate of the Board of Registrars appointments).
  

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/August%2010,%202016%20Agenda.pdf

• or here

Absentee ballots are now available

Absentee Ballot Information: 

Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Wednesday, September 7, 2016. 

(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or 

(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or 

(3) religious belief.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call The Town Clerk’s office at (508)520-4900 or email tburr@franklin.ma.us

election booths at FHS will be ready for the State Primary on Thursday, Sep 8, 2016

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CE0-000F8513


Additional info on the State Primary, Thursday, Sep 8, 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/state-primary-election-sep-8-last-day.html

"the fight against phosphorus is ongoing"

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

"Water bodies such as the Charles and ponds in MetroWest and the Milford area may have problems with proliferation of a variety of plants, including Eurasian water milfoil, algae, phragmites and white water lilies, said Alexandra Ash, the association's director of communications and events. 

Ash said Franklin has taken many steps to create green infrastructure such as rain gardens that help stormwater filter into the ground rather than run off into the river. 

Ash said officials try to treat stormwater naturally, mimicking what nature does.
Franklin DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi said the town, among other steps, tries to reduce the amount of roads and sidewalks that are impervious to water by decreasing road widths and eliminating sidewalks where they are not needed. 

Franklin pulls its drinking water from the ground, so it is important to direct as much water into the ground as possible, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160807/region-dirty-water-getting-cleaner

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

The article also mentions the Rain Garden Tour being held on Aug 17th with registration required by Aug 10th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/rain-garden-tour-register-by-aug-10.html

Norfolk County Shows Unexpected Real Estate Results for July

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Norfolk County Shows Unexpected Real Estate Results for July Running counter to recent reports of robust real estate activity in Massachusetts and Greater Boston in particular, Norfolk County showed reduced levels of real estate sales and mortgage financing for the month of July. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "Last month the total number of deeds recorded, both residential and commercial, decreased 13% across Norfolk County from the previous July. The average sales price for these properties was $668,688, an 11% reduction." In addition, the total volume of real estate sales, again both residential and commercial, fell 24% year over year. The Register went on to say, "at first glance, the numbers are surprising, especially when considering the warm weather for the month and the continuing low interest rates. We are hearing from real estate professionals that the reduced volume is a result of low inventory and buyers being concerned about overpaying on properties." Lending figures also came in well below last year's numbers. "During July, a total of 2,798 mortgages were recorded, a 5% reduction from July 2015. Total mortgage financing took a hit of 13% from the same time period," noted O'Donnell. One shining spot for July was the reduced level of foreclosure activity. A total of 17 foreclosure deeds were filed last month compared to 22 in July 2015. Also, the total number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, closed at 43, a nice reduction from the 65 recordings for the same time period of last year. "While one foreclosure recording is one too many, I am encouraged by the reduced numbers. I am hoping that this is the start of a positive trend," stated the Register. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. In regards to an important consumer protection tool available to property owners, Homestead recordings also experienced a 10% dip for the month of July. The importance of filing a Homestead, O'Donnell noted, "is to provide limited protection against the forced sale of your primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "July's sluggishness was not what we were expecting. Clearly the evidence seems to indicate low real estate inventory has dampened the market. Potential buyers are concerned that they may be overpaying for property. On the other hand, sellers appear to be reluctant to put their property up for sale afraid that they will not be able to find something for themselves once their home is sold. Hopefully, an increase in real estate inventory can eliminate these concerns." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - Tuesday, Aug 9, 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."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 19, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. K-12 Handbooks
b. District Improvement Plan
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTZDO2KcvjQINE3OZ8PzPV8aFom16NTZzTNv-5-YdfI/edit?usp=sharing

3. Discussion Only Items
a. none

4. Action Items:
a. I recommend acceptance of two checks for Davis Thayer as detailed:
1. DT PCC - $1,101.00 Supplemental Supplies
2. Target - $100.00 In-House Enrichment
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $825.00 from SEPAC for districtwide supplemental supplies.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $327.00 from All American Publishing for Supplemental Supplies for FHS.
d. I recommend adoption of the ECDC Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
e. I recommend adoption of the Davis Thayer Student /Parent Handbook as presented.
f. I recommend adoption of the Jefferson Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
g. I recommend adoption of the Keller Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
h. I recommend adoption of the JF Kennedy Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
i. I recommend adoption of the Oak Street Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
j. I recommend adoption of the Parmenter Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
k. I recommend adoption of the Horace Mann MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
l. I recommend adoption of the Remington MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
m.I recommend adoption of the Annie Sullivan MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
n. I recommend adoption of the Franklin High Student / Parent Handbook as presented.

5. Information Matters:
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Community Engagement
School Committee Liaison Reports
a. SAFE Coalition

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

7. Motion to enter into Executive Session and not return to Open Session (Roll Call Vote)
Personnel Update

the key to learning

Another LIttle Free Library in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy joined the Franklin Housing Authority to celebrate the opening of the "Little Free Library" recently.

"Joined my friends at the Franklin Housing Authority for the grand opening of Little Free Library number 41,689. It was a great effort to bring books and reading to the community, with some creative assistance from the students in the Bi-County Collaborative. 

The mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. 

There are nearly 40,000 Little Free Library book exchanges around the world, bringing curbside literacy home and sharing millions of books annually. The library is open to all Franklin residents, so please drop by and share some knowledge."

This at least the 3rd one in Franklin. The first one shared here is located on Lincoln St.

Little Free library - Lincoln St

The 2nd is found at the Franklin Federated Church.

Franklin Federated "little free library"

And now #3

new little free library on East Park St

To find additional Little Free Libraries visit their webpage
http://littlefreelibrary.org/

• Lincoln St post

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/the-free-little-library-franklin.html

• Franklin Federated Church

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/reporting-by-walking-around-franklin.html

Rain Garden Tour, register by Aug 10

Did you know that the Town of Franklin is committed to including rain gardens in each of their public projects? Join us for a rain garden tour on Wednesday, August 17th to see some of these rain gardens first hand.

If you've ever wondered what was special about the gardens at Parmenter Elementary School or the Franklin Department of Public Works, now's your chance to find out.

Participants will meet at the Department of Public Works and travel together by van to each rain garden site. The tour will return to the Department of Public Works at approximately 6pm.

The tour is free and open to all Franklin residents and employees of the Town of Franklin. Please register by August 10, 2016. Space is limited.

http://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/rain-garden-tour.html

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

Find the Facebook event here
https://www.facebook.com/events/280094492369237/

In the News: gypsy moths, elderly mental health

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

"August trees are looking more like November trees in some areas after gypsy moth caterpillars devoured leaves more aggressively than they had since the 1980s. 

A recent aerial survey completed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) revealed that damaged caused to trees by gypsy moth caterpillers feeding in 2016 was more than nine times greater than the damage in 2015. 

Each year, the DCR Forest Health Program conducts an aerial survey to measure the extent of damage caused to forests by different agents. 

The 2016 survey, conducted the second week of July, revealed 362,254 acres of damage from gypsy moths, crypt gall wasps and conifer discoloration.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160806/state-gypsy-moth-damage-nine-times-greater-than-in-2015

MA DCR aerial survey - tree damage from gypsy moths 2016

"Working out of an unassuming building on Maple Street in Bellingham, Gail Bourassa has started a difficult job: getting mental health care to senior citizens, a group that has traditionally been reticent to seek help. 

Bourassa, a counselor, is the new regional program manager for a project - running across Franklin, Bellingham, Blackstone, Medway, Milford and Mendon - that looks to reach seniors where they live. 

"Young people often self-refer (to these services) when they need it," she said. "For elders, it's more difficult - they rarely self-refer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160806/aging-population-creates-challenges-for-mental-health-care

Downtown construction continues (photos)

While the traffic has been changed to two-way, the remaining work to finish the Downtown Improvement Project has been happening every day.

The sign has been returned to the narrowed island.

The sign acknowledges the work of the Downtown Partnership to foster the renovations downtown

Benches and trash/recycle barrels have been placed.

new benches and trash/recycle containers

Crosswalks are being completed with more polymer coating.

polymer crosswalk in place

Among the places where the polymer remains to be placed is at the Main and Dean St intersection

polymer to be paced at the intersection

And while not part of the Downtown Project, work on the new building at 150 Emmons St continues, including work on the green space where the new statue to honor Horace Mann will be placed.

Horace Mann green space

And as a reason to come downtown, the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's, is getting ready to open. No opening date is set at this time.

Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub

"the new building is projected to cost about $21 million"

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

"The town has approved the site plan for a new location for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, moving the project another step forward. 

The school is looking to move from its current location on Main Street to a new building on Financial Park between Washington and Grove streets. 

Town Planner Bryan Taberner said the Planning Board approved the plan at a mid-July meeting, though he said he did not believe the school has sought a building permit as of yet. School officials want to open the new building in September 2017."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160805/site-plan-approved-for-new-charter-school-building

the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School

For more information about the charter school visit them online -->>  http://bfccps.org/

MassBudget: FY 2017 an unusual budget year?

New Budget Monitor analyzes the budget for this coming year

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing What's in the Fiscal Year 2017  Budget  MassBudget's new Budget Monitor analyzes the budget for the current fiscal year. This year's budget process was unusual. While the conference committee was meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget, it became clear that the original tax revenue estimate for FY 2017 was too optimistic and the estimate was adjusted down by $750 million. Legislators had to improvise a combination of budget cuts and other strategies to address that new gap. While vetoing about a quarter billion dollars in spending from that proposal, the Governor also identified accounts that the administration believed had been underfunded by the Legislature by $172 million. He filed a supplemental budget to fund these accounts. In other ways this year's budget process follows a familiar pattern of budget problems - barely balancing in good times and cutting deeply in recessions. The Budget Monitor shows that since 2001, inflation-adjusted funding for higher education is down 14 percent; local aid is down 41 percent; early education 22 percent. Why? Between 1998 and 2002 the state adopted several income tax cuts that are now costing over $3 billion annually. That revenue reduction paired with a long-term pattern of rising health care costs has reduced our Commonwealth's capacity to make important investments in our people and our economy, and has caused chronic budget problems. This Budget Monitor describes the funding decisions in each major section of the budget and compares proposed funding levels with current and, in some cases, historic funding. It identifies a few bright spots and examines policy changes incorporated in various budget provisions. While vetoes and overrides are noted, the focus is on important budget items and the bigger picture in another difficult year. You can read the new Budget Monitor HERE. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/5/16 - THU 8/11/16

FRIDAY 8/5/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Animal World Experience @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Concert @ La Cantina Winery with Michael McArthur (seating is limited)
8pm   James Montgomery band @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 8/6/16
PMC Challenge Weekend - in Franklin on Saturday

SUNDAY 8/6/16
PMC Challenge Weekend

TUESDAY 8/9/16
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting @ Franklin YMCA, public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 8/10/16
1pm   Ecology of Sound @ Franklin Public Library
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park in Medway

THURSDAY 8/11/16
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:00pm   Feast of St Rocco opens
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com