Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds?

A copy of the Citizens Comment made to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct 5 was obtained after the meeting and shared here:


Dear Council Members and Officials,

Solar Photovoltaic Systems and other sustainability based energy solution are key components of our future. However, their installation and placement needs to be carefully managed for safety and the community characteristics Franklin offers its residents.

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds? This according to my conversations with Building Commissioner- Lloyd Brown, when discussing a 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street. The installation is on the side lot of 42 Prospect Street, Franklin's first designated scenic road, the lot borders my property. Under the garden shed guidelines no screening from the road is required nor protective fencing is necessary for safety to shield children and others from accessing the energized electrical components.

completed installation

The 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street was complete weeks ago and signed-off by the inspections and building department. Now all of a sudden the panels were removed, stacked neatly and modifications are being made? Possibly to add more panels? I have contacted the inspections and building department who indicated no work should be taking place but the work continues?

left: rework underway; right: before installation

I urge the council, zoning board and town officials to consider specific zoning and permitting guidelines for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems that include; Solar panel quantity limitations, screening and setback requirements from roads and adjoining properties along with safety measures to protect children and others from accessing the electrified components.

I also encourage each of you to visit the 42 Prospect Street installation to understand the full impact undefined Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems permitting guidelines are having on our community.

Sincerely,

Michael Swetz

Live reporting: Legislation through to Closing

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-58:Request for Legislation, Exempting all Positions in the Fire Dept from
Civil Service Law
motion tabled to Nov 2 meeting, seconded, passed 9-0

2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-768: Districts Enumerated. Creation of Rural Business
Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, passed 9-0
proposed zoning change for Hillside Nursery area
they would like to expand to include a retail business
the set of bylaws are considered together
beer/wine sales not allowed

Any way to get joint public hearings with Planning Board and Town Council

Attorney Cerel to check on the past combined meetings that D Pellegri recalls and report back for next meeting


3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-769: Definitions. Country Store – Referral to Planning
Board
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, passed 9-0
a country store with convenience items

4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-770: Rural Business Zone Use Regulations – Referral to
Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, passed 9-0

5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-771: Rural Business Zone Dimensional Regulations –
Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, passed 9-0

6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-772: Rural Business Zone Sign Regulations – Referral to
Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, passed 9-0

7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-773: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential 1 to
Rural Business an Area on Washington Street – Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, passed 9-0


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
ribbon cutting at 4:00
aggregation was just approved this week, going out to bid, should have pricing within 2 weeks

300 Fisher St, community meetings being set up by EPA on this superfund site


L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
would like to get discussion on a future agenda to review the ground level solar panels

adopt a resolution with the Council not in favor of a yes vote on Q4
in case it does go through, Council should re-address where they are located
the fear is that if the Q4 passes, then an agreement with a town and company would be tossed. We don't have an agreement, we have a zoning requirement
will look in to a zoning question

fire dept should have a presentation before the Town Council gets to vote

some people are moving their cars every two hours to comply, may need to address that

there are a lot of two hour signs downtown, it would be good to see it enforced to avoid the meters

complaints from some residents who now can't park in front of their house in the morning on East, Dean, and School St

do we have GATRA volume to see what stops are being used?


M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Nov 18- Harlem Wizards at Tri-County
tickets now on sale, already half sold

This Conservation guy, we need to address this

We are not against a man doing his job, he just needs a little bedside manner

I did not get to comment, I believe by right there is some retail space available within the industrial use. Am I correct about the manufacturing space?
that is a future agenda item

The topping off ceremony was held at the Library on Tuesday, all the Councilor names were written on the girder that was hoisted with a small tree and flag

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. Adjourn


You can find the full agenda and supporting documents as released on the Town webpagehttp://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F0E17-000F8513

Live reporting: Historical Commission update

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
- Historical Commission
Mary Olsson

hired two interns for part time work at the museum
Allison Anderson, BA and working on Masters

hired to assess needs of the collection and propose suggestions
more was required than simple inventory
some items were not relevent to the collection, and not enough storage for the items that should be cared for carefully

dependent upon an inventory developed in the 1970's

collection well connected to community
dusting and cleaning needed to create a safe working environment
items exposed to potential damage
permanent and safe storage needed
volunteers do not have the knowledge or expertise to do the inventory and assessment

at least 300 post cards with fully inventory
post card printing blocks are rare and a few were found, they also have post cards made with the blocks

weight of the clothing stacked potentially damaged the items on the bottom of the piles

a rare find of a child's dress from the 1880's in good condition

high quality scans of photos make the images more readily accessible

a guide developed by one of the interns will help future volunteer work

social media is a good way to build interaction with the museum
the Instagram account was linked to Facebook and volume of interactions increased

many weaknesses are highlighted, a part time curator would be worthwhile
the project set up a framework for future work to build upon

continued investment in people and supplies are vital

The historical commission has done good work getting to this point

Live Reporting: Town Council - Oct 5, 2016

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Dellorco, Bissanti, Jones
Absent: none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– September 21, 2016
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


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.


Michael Swetz Jr, 3 Kara-Lyn Drive

• questions on resident solar panels installations
• a ground based 40 panel installation, on Prospect St
• there are currently no screening requirements, no safety requirements
• asking for considerations for solar panel limitations, screening setbacks, etc.

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Election workers
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

"a great educational experience"

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

"John McCarthy said he always knew he wanted to get involved in government. When he turned 18 last month and saw an opportunity, he took it. 

“I jumped right on it,” said McCarthy, a senior at Hopedale Junior-Senior High School who is now the newest - and youngest - member of the town’s Finance Committee. “I’m excited to get involved.” 

The Board of Selectmen voted to appoint McCarthy to the committee at a meeting this week and the teenager was sworn in by the town clerk on Tuesday afternoon. 

McCarthy said in an interview that he had been looking for a town board or committee to serve on when he discovered that the Finance Committee had a vacancy."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/hopedale-high-school-senior-appointed-to-finance-committee

the traditional tree and flag on the topping beam hoisted for the Library expansion on Oct 4. The Library expansion was first reviewed by the Finance Committee before being approved by the Town Council

If you do have interest in getting involved in Franklin, of all the places to start the Finance Committee would be a key one. In my years of observing the various committee and boards, I have learned the most from the Finance Committee meetings. "Follow the money" is not just a catch phrase from a movie. Money is actually how things are prioritized around town, it really does matter. Without funding, there can be desire and talk but it won't go anywhere without a dollar (from somewhere).

Coincidentally, the Finance Committee did have an opening in September. It may be that no one has stepped up yet to fulfill it. Maybe this is your chance!

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/2016-06-23%20Committee%20Vacancy%20Report%202%202.pdf

In the News: National Grid gets rate increase

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

"The Department of Public Utilities has approved a rate increase that will add about 5 percent to residential electric bill in National Grid’s service territory. 

The average will increase from $139 to $146. 

The agency approved $101 million of the $132 million sought by the company in its first distribution rate increase since 2009. 

The money will help pay for improvements to its facilities and its response to storm-related power failures."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/national-grid-bills-increase-7-month

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

If the pending aggregation plan for Franklin goes through, this won't be an issue. The cooperative buying power of aggregation should do better than the current rate National Grid was authorized for.

Updated: Per the Town Council meeting, Wednesday, Oct 5, the aggregation plan was approved. They'll go to bid in the next two weeks and should have a decision to proceed at this time or not. The key will be what the market will offer for rates and for what period. Assuming the market rates will be lower than what NationalGrid received, this will go forward and we'll all save some money.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

In early August, it was reported the State was beginning to deliberate on the aggregation proposal

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-aggregation-plan-making.html

FHS golf tops Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the golf results from Tuesday, Oct 4

*** Golf = Franklin, 164 @ Attleboro, 169 – Final

FHS Panthers

– Bryan Woelfel earned match medalist honors, shooting a low round of 37 to lead the Panthers. Matt D’ Errico and Matt Dao each shot 42 for Franklin while Ethan Johnson led Attleboro with a team-low round of 39.

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-100416/

Tri-County students looking for internships in law enforcement, public safety, and/or legal services

Via Mrs Bastien:

"The students in the Legal and Protective Services program at Tri-County RVTHS are looking for part-time jobs and internships! 

 I'm one of the teachers of this new criminal justice program. Message me or comment below if you know of any law offices, public agencies, private agencies, or businesses that have anything to do with criminal justice and are located in the Franklin area that would accept high school students who want to work.  

My seniors have 8 different industry certifications and excellent academic credentials. Give local kids a chance!  

Feel free to share this post. Thanks everyone."

Legal and Protective Services

Future areas of employment include, but are not limited to:

• 911/Dispatch Operator
• Armed Services
• Border Patrol Agent
• Computer Security Specialist
• Court Officer/Bailiff
• Court Personnel
• EMT/Paramedic
• FBI Agent
• Firefighter
• First Responder
• Fish and Game Warden
• Forensic Technician
• Homeland Security Officer
• Immigration Officer
• Law Clerk
• Law Student
• Legal Services
• Loss Prevention Officer
• Paralegal
• Police Officer
• Private Investigator
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service
• Security Guard
• Sheriff
• Social Worker
• Transit and Railroad Officers
• Victim/Witness Advocate

Franklin's Planet Fitness - newly renovated

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, recently announced the completed renovation of its club in Franklin, Mass. The newly remodeled club is at 166 Grove St. Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment.

The newly renovated Planet Fitness exceeds 20,000 sq. feet and is essentially an entirely new gym. It offers all-new, state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers and stationary bikes. The brand new fully-equipped locker rooms feature day lockers, fully tiled private showers and granite counters. A new Black Card® Spa has been created featuring salon-grade tanning booths, state-of-the-art HydroMassage beds and massage chairs. The enhanced club also boasts a newly remodeled front desk and waiting area, new flooring, updated signage, other architectural improvements throughout, and an expanded parking lot. The club is open and staffed Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Planet Fitness Franklin

This also marks a milestone for the Planet Fitness franchisee group which owns and operates the Franklin gym – its first location 15 years ago this month. Today the group owns and operates 10, soon to be 11, locations in the state making Core Management and Development the largest Planet Fitness franchisee in Massachusetts.

“We’re looking forward to offering both existing and new members in the Franklin community an amazing and upgraded facility that promotes fitness in an encouraging and hassle-free environment,” said Planet Fitness franchisee and Core Management and Development Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Epstein. “This was the very first location for our franchise ownership group and we are so proud of this major renovation to bring the best gym to Franklin.”

Membership includes a variety of other benefits, including unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe @ pf ® program. In addition, as a member appreciation gesture, Planet Fitness provides free pizza on the first Monday of every month, and free bagels on the second Tuesday of every month while supplies last, as a reminder that it’s okay to treat yourself every once in a while.

The PF Black Card® membership, which is $19.99 a month, includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to all 1,200+ Planet Fitness locations, as well as access to the new Black Card® Spa.

Planet Fitness also provides members with an opportunity to connect and support each other with “Planet of Triumphs,” an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. 

For more information or to join online, please visit www.PlanetFitness.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PlanetFitness) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/PlanetFitness).

Free Flu Shot Clinic - Oct 20 at the Senior Center

For all Franklin residents, age 6 months or older

At the Franklin Senior Center from 1 - 3:00 PM on Thursday, Oct 20, 2016






This was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024D127F-000F8513

Franklin Senior Center

In the News: Library topped off, opioid crisis starts with doctors

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

"Workers placed the final steel beam of the Franklin Public Library addition Tuesday morning, marking a milestone in the project. 

A small crowd gathered to watch as the beam - along with a traditional pine tree and American flag - were hoisted to the top of the structure in a "topping off" ceremony. 

Town Councilor Judith Pfeffer, chairwoman of the Library Building Committee, said she was pleased at the progress of the work. 

"I'm thrilled to death we've gotten this far," she said, likening the topping off celebration to those done at tall buildings in cities like Boston. "It's a sign things are moving forward."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/final-beam-placed-for-franklin-library-addition

the traditional tree and flag on the topping off beam

"Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel offered a sobering story at the first meeting of a special commission looking to reverse the state’s opioid crisis. 

Bharel, a doctor who studied drug-related deaths earlier in her career, told of a conversation she had with a mother whose teen child died from a prescription overdose. 

“I was really taken aback when she opened by saying ‘My son’s first drug dealer was his doctor,’” said Bharel. 

Bharel is a member of the 15-member Special Commission on Substance Misuse and Pain Treatment, which held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday to discuss safe and effective pain treatment methods for medical professionals who prescribe controlled substances such as opioids. The Legislature created the panel earlier this year.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/commission-stopping-opioid-abuse-begins-with-doctors

The box, tagged in Armenian; "these are the things I've made"

A recap of Robert Megerdichian's talk at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, October 2, 2016. He told of his father's art work, handcrafted miniatures made from scrap metal.


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

on display at the Franklin Historical Museum

on display at the Franklin Historical Museum

The display will be shown during the open hours for all of October
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/reminder-miniature-metal-artwork.html


What are the open hours?

• Thursday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, 10:00 PM to 1:00 PM
• Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Hayride, Food and Music Highlight Franklin’s Harvest Stroll - October 6

It has been many decades since a hay wagon was regularly spotted on Main Street in downtown Franklin, but you’ll see that and other sure signs of autumn on Thursday, October 6, at the Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Stroll.

The Partnership has added several new attractions to the annual fall event, including the hayride, two children’s activities areas, more entertainers and delicious food options. The Stroll runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.

The Harvest Stroll also gives the Franklin community a chance to celebrate the completion of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement project. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the Stroll, and the party will continue on West Central Street and part of East Central Street, too.

Downtown Franklin with Main St closed off for a Harvest Stroll

“With this street festival, we invite the community to celebrate the many positive advances in downtown Franklin. The Partnership is celebrating its 15-year anniversary, the downtown revitalization project is nearly complete, and Franklin is on the cusp of even more positive growth. It’s time for the community to experience the downtown’s growth first hand,” says Scott Martin, event co-chair.

The Stroll will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially mark the completion of the two-year construction project. Join town administrators, Franklin Downtown Partnership members and state officials at the top of Main Street to cheer the beginning of the next phase of revitalization.

From there, visitors can sample fall-themed foods, watch talented local entertainers, dance to tunes courtesy of Music Odyssey Productions, discover shopping specials and learn about helpful community resources at more than 50 vendor booths and store locations.

The hayride, sponsored by Hillside Nurseries, will operate near the Post Office on Main Street. The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin will operate two children’s areas; one in the Century 21 parking lot on Main Street and the other in THE BLACK BOX parking lot on West Central Street. New activities that will get the kids moving include a bouncy house and an inflatable obstacle course.

At THE BLACK BOX, watch FPAC members perform selected numbers from their upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Performances will be inside the theater at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Additionally, visitors can enter to win two free tickets to a “Fiddler” performance of their choice.

Farther up West Central Street, the Fire Station will hold its popular “Touch-A-Truck” event. The Franklin Historical Museum will feature entertainment and a miniature metals exhibit.

Along with performances at THE BLACK BOX and the Museum, entertainers will also perform at Dean Bank and Rockland Trust. Jamie Barrett will sing and strum his guitar for the crowds at Jane’s Frames, and Stroll-favorite DJ Domenic Cotoia will entertain crowds in the Century 21 parking lot.

“This is the type of downtown block party we’ve been anticipating ever since the road construction project started. We’d like everyone to come see the improvements, enjoy the new amenities, and get to know new businesses,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress that’s been made so far.”

The 14th annual fall event is made possible by sponsorship of several local businesses.

Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.

Dean Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.

Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental, Digital Federal Credit Union, Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager Guaranteed Rate, Inc., and Hillside Nurseries are Bronze Sponsors.

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Maven Hair Company, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, The Franklin Historical Museum and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

• This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/09/harvest-stroll-press-release-late.html

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

No school Monday, and then again next Monday (Oct 10) and Wednesday (Oct 12). The October calendar is a challenge with the religious holidays and Columbus Day combined.

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

Senator Ross: September 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, September 2016 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, I have made it a priority to meet and listen to residents of every town in our district. Hearing your comments and concerns is an important part of representing my constituents in Boston. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for updates on what is happening in the district as well as important resources for both citizens and local farmers. I am honored to serve you and look forward to the new legislative term. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Dear Constituent: It has been a great honor to serve you in the Massachusetts State Senate for the past six years. I work hard each and every day to make sure you have the most effective representation possible and that your voice is heard in all state matters. We have addressed many challenges in our State, but we have so much more to do to ensure that we can reach our full potential and greatly improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents. This is why I am asking for your help in identifying the issues most important to you, and where you want me to focus my efforts in the new session. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. To do so, click the "Give Feedback" button below. Thank you. Give Feedback PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITOES As the fall season approaches, it is important to remember that mosquitoes are still present. With recent cases of West Nile Virus found in Massachusetts, I urge my constituents to take precaution and be preventative against mosquito bites. Prevent mosquitoes and mosquito bites by: Applying insect repellent when outdoors: Be sure to use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient. Be aware of peak mosquito hours: Dusk to dawn is the peak hours for mosquitoes, so try to avoid outdoor activities during this time. Wear long-sleeves and other protective clothing to keep mosquitoes away from the skin Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in bodies of standing water. Be sure to drain rain gutters and change water in birdbaths often. ********************** The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full text, follow this link in your browser