Thursday, November 3, 2016

FHS girls soccer in the playoffs on Sunday

The seeds for Hockomock teams in the MIAA girls and boys soccer playoffs have been annouced (by MIAA) and posted by Hockomock Sports.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

D1 South - Girls

#10 Franklin (10-2-5) will travel to #7 Bridgewater-Raynham (12-1-3) on Sunday, 11/6 at 2:00.


For all the Hockomock teams in the soccer playoffs:

  • Girls

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-soccer-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/


  • Boys

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-soccer-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/

Franklin Police Lieutenant's Daughter Completes FBI Training during Summer 2016

Kendyl Ryan, daughter of Franklin Police Lieutenant John Ryan, recently completed Session 18 of the FBI-National Academy's Youth Leadership Program in Quantico, Virginia. The program focused on leadership styles, overcoming adversity, and building relationships for positive outcomes.

Kendyl's letter:



This was shared from the Franklin Police webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/lieutenants-daughter-completes-fbi-training

Franklin Police, 911 Panther Way
Franklin Police, 911 Panther Way

A new Facebook page on the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

A new Facebook page has been set up to provide Franklin residents with a way of accessing information pertaining to the BJAT, LLC Superfund Site located at 300 Fisher Street in Franklin. 

BJAT, LLC Superfund Site
BJAT, LLC Superfund Site

Visit the page on Facebook  https://www.prod.facebook.com/groups/280715245661894/


Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

  • EPA visited recently to start building community awareness of the Superfund site
  • Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
  • DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
  • Map showing property location within Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html

In the News: legislative delegation reports; municipal aggregation not yet; Chamber looking for nominations

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

"The town's legislative delegation gave its report to the Town Council Wednesday night - discussing efforts to direct resources to local ends and deal with the statewide opioid crisis. 
State sens. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, spoke before the council at its regular meeting. 
Spilka cited an opioid bill as one of the Legislature's biggest accomplishments over the past few months. She said it was a follow-up to a bill passed two years ago; the new one, she said, focused on treatment and prevention. 
"We did things that were first in the nation, and are now the model for other states," she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/franklin-legislators-give-report

Senator Ross, Senator Spilka, Representative Roy
Senator Ross, Senator Spilka, Representative Roy


"For the time being, the town will not move forward with its municipal energy aggregation efforts. 
The town has received state approval for its aggregation plans - which would seek to lower local electrical ratepayers' bills by bidding out to energy suppliers - but Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the current state of the market did not justify a change. 
"Unfortunately, the rates on the bid we had did not come out advantageously for the community," he said. "The savings were microscopic." 
While this means there will be no immediate contract with a new supplier, Hellen said, the town may choose to go out to bid at any time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/franklin-holds-off-on-municipal-aggregation


"Those interested can submit nominations for the 2016 Person of the Year and 2016 Business of the Year awards that will be presented by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce at its 100th annual meeting in December. 
The chamber's Person of the Year award is bestowed on a person who is committed to the overall mission of the chamber of commerce and who has made a positive impact on the community as a whole. The Business of the Year award will be presented to a chamber member company, which has staying power as an established business, increase in sales as an indication of continued growth and innovativeness of product or service offered."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/united-regional-chamber-of-commerce-accepting-award-nominations


Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Live reporting: Closing


L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Police Halloween party attracted over 1200

municipal aggregation, did get pricing back, not a lot of  savings right now
we'll continue to watch the market and go back out to get better rates
town has not spent anything on the development of the program yet

M. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
suggesting a private water use ban

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Jones
thanks to EPA for visiting on 300 Fisher St
thanks to the Police for being out on Halloween night

Bissanti
thanks to Town Clerk office for getting the vote out

Pfeffer
EPA monitoring the process on 300 Fisher St

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0

Live reporting: State legislators update

I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Senator Spilka, Senator Ross, Representative Roy


Spilka


legislation on opioid to reduce amount and frequency of dosage and prescriptions
implemented best practices in a survey of what could be done
SAFE Program is active here in Franklin
more treatment beds were added to the budget

public records reform

pay equity bill

more women on boards

clean energy omnibus, municipal modernization

continuing to work on adequate funding for charter schools

consensus revenue determined in Dec of prior year, budgets based upon those projections
700M were cut from the budget due to the revenue adjustments
revenues are now downgraded further, sales revenue down approx 20%/month
a little higher on corporate tax receipts
only 11M under for the benchmark
with that, the Governor has come up with items for funding
overall right now there are no actual cuts in the budget
there are Franklin funds being held (not being released) pending further revenue projections

starting budget process again for the FY 2018, developing revenue projections for December to enable further budget development


Ross


put choices back into the consumers by allowing partial fills
watching the $25K to be used for a recreation plan for the Army Corp of Engineers land along Mine Brook
little free library at Franklin Housing
$50K for senior center for technological improvements, a great resource

encourage local officials take the initiative to contact state officials

Metacom dispatch center help in development

intersection of 140 and Panther Way

tour of the SNETT trail to explore the needs of the project work required

Spectra pipeline is being mentioned a lot but it is not in our purview

prohibit public utilities from charging rate payers to pay for pipelines
SJC ruled against the Governors proposal

Roy


online legal notices, bill signed by Governor, thanks to Sen Spilka to get it through
check out masspublicnotices.org

thanks to Councilor Jones for spearheading the legislation

Tegra Medical recognized for the work in the area

license plate legislation so more charities could get special plates

to stress this is a partnership, we work well together, we are all on speed dial
you're not successful to get it through one house, you need to get it through both and the Governor

Ross - thanks Jeff, we recently visited Tri-County, MIT came as well to that visit to talk about Tri-County as a feeder to their program

Vallee - question on how much the sales taxes revenues are down
Spilka - confidence ratings are high, indices are good, trying to figure out how to explain it, possible for internet sales (without tax revenues) to be driving this, but research is inconclusive at this time

Vallee - you are doing an excellent job!

Ross - I'll be glad when the election is over

Nutting - we did reach out to all the agencies, they said it is waiting on the Governor's release
do you have a crystal ball for FY 2018?

Roy - ask us after Dec 6 (when the revenue forecasts are due)

Spilka - we need to look at health care costs, if Congress isn't doing anything, we need to, it take 40% right off the top

Nutting - it takes 10% at our level, it is a tough issue because every one does want great health care

Spilka - $15.893 Billion is the unfunded State OPEB amount, everyone is in this boat (yes, you read that properly - almost $16 Billion dollars)

Jones - continuing the road repair money, what ever help you can provide is great

Dellorco - one good factor is your phone is always open
Ross - your phones are on, so it makes it easier to get a question answered

Roy - the SAFE Coalition has done good work, approx 7 deaths and 35 saves
protocols and NARCAN being administered and used

Spilka - we are working to create another 450 beds this year and another 450 next year
we are working on the supply of NARCAN via bulk purchasing

Ross - saving them is one thing, getting them to avoid doing again is another thing
we all know people who have been affected by it

Live reporting: Legislation


K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
01. Resolution 16-58: Request for Legislation Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law - (Majority vote)
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 16-61: Confirmatory Order of Taking – Unimproved Land Off Lincoln Street Located in Rolling Brook Estates Residential Subdivision – (2/3 Vote (6))
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
03. Resolution 16-67: Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolution 16-20 Appropriate and Authorize Borrowing of Funds to Pay Costs of the Construction of Sidewalks and Related Work) Fund Through Appropriation – (Majority Vote)


01. Resolution 16-58: 

Request for Legislation Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law - (Majority vote)

Motion to table to Dec 7, 7:10 PM, seconded, passed 9-0

need to talk bout some minor tweaks, already about 98% of the text agreed to
would like the firefighters involved at the meeting in December


02. Resolution 16-61: 

Confirmatory Order of Taking – Unimproved Land Off Lincoln Street Located in Rolling Brook Estates Residential Subdivision – (2/3 Vote (6))

motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 8-1 (Bissanti no)

motion to approve, seconded, passed via roll call, 8-1 (Bissanti no)

eminent domain explained, when town takes land for a public purpose (could be adversarial)


going through the process to ensure clear title to the land


land donated for the Planning Board granting of 2 house lots


which will likely yield more children than in more zonings than we are trying to endorse

Bissanti wants to make the point for the record


03. Resolution 16-67: 


Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolution 16-20 Appropriate and Authorize Borrowing of Funds to Pay Costs of the Construction of Sidewalks and Related Work) Fund Through Appropriation – (Majority Vote)

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


the plan had been to pay cash and used the authorization to provide the funding


Vallee - if they are not concrete, they are not sidewalks


this leaves about $3.4M in free cash


Live reporting: Town Council - November 2, 2016

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



Agenda ItemSummary
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Clerk
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C. 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.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. 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.
F. APPOINTMENTS
G. HEARINGS
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

Motion for Matt Kelly as Chair, seconded
passed 9-0

Motion for Bob Vallee as Vice-Chair, seconded
passed 9-0

Motion for Judy Pfeffer as Council Clerk, seconded
passed 9-0

no minutes to approve

*** Proclamation
Franklin Sheet Metal

maker of the machine that makes Fritos

*** Citizens Comment
Jane Curran, Jane's Frames
one of the founding member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership
reminder and informational, 15th anniversary gala on Nov 12
celebration of all that has been done to make downtown beautiful

Teresa Burr, Town Clerk
recognition of Franklin in early voting opportunities
polls open Tuesday at 6:00 AM, close at 8:00 PM
early voting through Friday at 1:00 PM


Appointments
Ron Higgenbottom
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 9-0


Franklin Lions: Annual candy give back this week

Annual candy give back starts this week. Jefferson and Parmenter schools are collecting for the Franklin Lions

The Franklin Lions will also be set up at the VFW post on Pond Street Sunday 12-2. 
http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/
Franklin Lions

Last year we sent over 750 lbs, we hope to reach 1,000 this year.

Come show your support for our troops near and far by bringing your candy and cards of thanks.






Welcome to My Little Sunshine - Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, November 5


"Imagine a happy place that feels and looks like a Paris boutique but boasts the price tags of a consignment shop. A bright and sunny local spot where children can play as you buy and sell quality products - Welcome to My Little Sunshine 

Please join us for the Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, November 5 from 9 AM to 3 PM

There will be food and fun throughout the day like a Matilda Jane trunk show with Cash and Carry items, personalized items from Kate's Personalized Creations, a mini "runway" show, The Little Mermaid and more! 

You can also enter to win a gift basket of gift cards and products from many #shopFranklin businesses including a exclusive My Little Midge necklace, gift cards from The Curry House, The Dance Studio, Kingdom Cuts, Karen Moriarty Photography, Optimize Fitness & Performance and much more! 

Come check out all the great consigned clothing with brands from Mini Boden, Crewcuts,Gap, Hanna Andersson, just to name a few as well as great toys and baby gear, all at exceptional prices! There are also great new items from eeBoo, Little Adventurers, Maison Chic and more!

I hope you and your family can join the celebration and help me show you how different consignment can look!"

https://www.facebook.com/MLSchildrensconsignmentboutique/
https://www.facebook.com/MLSchildrensconsignmentboutique/

Where is my little sunshine?

456 W. Central St., Unit A 
Franklin, Massachusetts




FHS volleyball in playoffs on Thursday

The seeds for Hockomock teams in the MIAA volleyball playoffs have been annouced (by MIAA) and posted by Hockomock Sports.

D1 Central/West

#6 Franklin (12-6) will host #11 Shepherd Hill (10-10) on Thursday, 11/3 at 6:00.



For all the Hockomock teams in the volleyball playoffs
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-volleyball-playoff-seeds-matchups-3/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

MBTA: Starting November 21: Commuter Rail Fall Schedules take effect

Fall Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, November 21st. Schedules are now available online at mbta.com.

The fall schedules incorporate severe weather service information and can be viewed on mbta.com on each line's schedule page. 

Paper schedules will be available at North Station, South Station, and Back Bay starting on Monday, November 14th.


Last updated: Nov 01 2016 01:27 PM


boarding the Franklin train at Franklin-Dean Station
boarding the Franklin train at Franklin-Dean Station


Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442456990&month=10&year=16


For convenience, the Franklin schedule can be found here
http://mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Franklin.pdf

And a copy is located here




Tri-County Regional To Host Grade 8 Open House - Nov 10

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will host its annual Grade 8 Open House on Thursday, November 10, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

During the Open House, students and faculty will highlight 16 different career areas, as well as the school’s rigorous, comprehensive academic program. Extracurricular activities, athletics, and the school’s new Online Admissions program will also be discussed.

In previous years, the Open House included a guided tour of the school. The format was changed last year to make the evening more interactive. Student ambassadors will be stationed throughout the school’s cafeteria to tell visitors more about their Career Programs and academic courses. Faculty members will also be standing by to escort visitors to any points of interest. The school’s vocational instructors will be inside of their shops to answer questions. Superintendent-Director Stephen F. Dockray and school administrators will host a question and answer session on the benefits of a vocational/technical education in the auditorium.
http://www.tri-county.us/
http://www.tri-county.us/

“When I was a middle school principal, I always encouraged my eighth grade students to weigh all the options regarding which high school experience was the most appropriate for them,” explained Tri-County Principal Michael J. Procaccini. “The new format for Open House allows students to really get into the areas that interest them the most. It’s really fun to just hang back and watch as the eighth graders process their experience here.”

For those who cannot attend, Tri-County offers tours every Tuesday morning beginning at 10 a.m. or by appointment. Visit www.tri-county.us to learn more.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) host Family Fun House - Nov 13

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host a Family Fun House on Sunday, November 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 


FSPA
FSPA
The community is invited to enjoy this free event geared to young children and families. Activities include face painting, story-time, creative movement, arts and crafts, sing-alongs, and an instrument petting zoo. Costume fun and photo opportunities will be featured as well; kids can either wear their own or dress up at FSPA. 

Learn about the Little Music School at FSPA through demonstrations and a sampling of activities for the youngest music makers. 

Guests are encouraged to bring a book or toy for a Thanks Giving Tree, with donations going to Friends of Franklin. 

For more information, call (508) 528-8668, email krezendes@fspaonline.com or visit www.FSPAonline.com.


Nominate Person of the Year and Business of the Year

Submit your nominations for the 2016 Person of the Year and 2016 Business of the Year awards that will be presented by The United Regional Chamber of Commerce at its 100th Annual Meeting in December. 

  • The Chamber's Person of the Year award is bestowed on a person who is committed to the overall mission of the Chamber of Commerce and who has made a positive impact on the community as a whole. 
  • The Business of the Year award will be presented to a Chamber member company which has staying power as an established business, increase in sales as an indication of continued growth, and innovativeness of product or service offered. 

Some of the criteria considered include employees donating their time and talents to community projects, fundraising, or other activities for the betterment of the entire community. Call the Chamber at 508-222-0801 or visit the Chamber's website at www.unitedregionalchamber.org to request nomination forms.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.


United Regional Chamber of Commerce
United Regional Chamber of Commerce

For complete information and details, visit The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's website at www.unitedregionalchamber.org or call 508-222-0801.