Live reporting: Town Council - November 2, 2016

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

Agenda Item	Summary
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. 

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/

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

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

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/

“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

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

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

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich as 2016 Legends Ball Honoree

The Hockomock Area YMCA is honoring Rob Ninkovich, defensive end and Super Bowl Champion for the New England Patriots, as the recipient of 2016 Legends Ball Award at the 11th annual Legends Ball. The announcement was made at the YMCA’s Invensys Foxboro Branch Kraft Family Center in the Marilyn Rodman Youth and Teen Leadership Center. Ninkovich is being recognized for his commitment and passion to the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative. Teammate Devin McCourty, and the Y’s 2015 Legends Ball Honoree, made the special announcement noting, “Rob is a leader on our team and he does tremendous work in the community, off the field, while also being a father and a husband at home.”

Rob Ninkovich with Integration Initiative participant Matt O'Neill

Addressing the young people at the announcement, Ninkovich reminisced, “From the time I arrived in New England in 2009, I’ve been a part of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Legends Ball every year. It doesn’t seem real because I don’t consider myself to be a legend.”

Praising the YMCA, Ninkovich noted, “What the Y stands for in the community and what they’ve been able to do are remarkable. I remember being 10 years old and playing basketball at my local YMCA. Having the Y as a place to go, it meant a lot to me.” Rob Ninkovich and his family are members of the Hockomock Area YMCA and continued, “I’m a strong supporter of the Hockomock Area YMCA and what they are able to do for all kids. I’m honored to accept this award and looking forward to Legends Ball this year.”

“We are proud to honor Rob Ninkovich as our 2016 Legends Ball Award Recipient. Rob is a great friend and partner of our Y and his involvement has had a tremendous impact on local children and families,” said Ed Hurley, Hockomock Area YMCA President & CEO. “Rob always takes time out to support our programs and the kids are always so excited to see him. Rob is a true champion on and off the field.”

At this announcement, Ninkovich was surrounded by members of the Integration Initiative’s Flag Football Team as well as the VIP Club (Volunteerism through Inclusive Partnerships).

The Legends Ball will take place on November 15, 2016 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, MA. Past honorees have been Devin McCourty, Tim Fox, Nate Solder, Peter Brock, Rick and Dick Hoyt, Matt Light, Joe Andruzzi, Steve Grogan and Andre Tippet.

YMCA group photo with Rob Ninkovich and Devin McCourty

Proceeds from the Legends Ball benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, established in 2004, which provides opportunities for children with special needs to participate in YMCA programs and activities alongside their typically-developing peers. The program improves social skills, builds self-esteem, increases physical activity and independence, and enhances mutual respect among people of all abilities. Since its inception, the Integration Initiative has served more than 1,000 children and their families by connecting children with special needs and their families to the community at large by creating a culture of inclusion at our YMCA.

Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA who are interested in event sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.hockymca.org/an-amazing-night-to-celebrate-legends-ball-november-15/

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Informational Seminar - Nov 16

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its much-anticipated final rule changing the regulations for the so-called "white collar" exemptions under the FLSA, and significantly increasing the minimum salary level necessary for employees to be properly classified as exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees.

The final rule and its increased salary requirements will take effect on December 1, 2016. 

The new regulations will:

• Increase by slightly more than double the minimum salary level for exempt "white collar" employees from $455/week ($23,660/year) to $913/week ($47,476/year);
• Raise the highly compensated employee ("HCE") threshold from $100,000 to $134,004; and
• Automatically update every three years (1) the minimum salary level to the 40th percentile of full-time salaried workers in the lowest income region of the country; and (2) the HCE threshold to the 90th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally.

No exception is made for small businesses. The final rule does not make any changes to the duties tests for executive, administrative and professional employees. The final rule also allows for up to 10 percent of the minimum salary level for non-HCE employees to be met by non-discretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions, if these payments are made on at least a quarterly basis.

As a practical matter, these changes to the "white collar" regulations mean higher wages to employees, higher wage costs for employers, and likely increased exposure and risk to employers in wage and hour cases.

On November 16, 2016 at 8:00 AM at Dean College in the Campanella Board Room in the Campus Center. Attorney Michael Doherty will examine upcoming changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act regulation, which will go into effect on December 1, 2016. The new regulations will have a significant impact on whether will be eligible to earn overtime pay or whether they will be considered "exempt". 

United Regional
Chamber of Commerce

The Department of Labor has estimated that the upcoming changes will affect approximately 4.2 million employees across the country. Program attendees will learn about the current status of the regulations, the factors governing whether an employee is considered exempt from overtime laws, how the current regulations will change on December 1, 2016, and what employers can do now to prepare for the changes.

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

• The US Dept of Labor page for the FLSA can be found here  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
• Original doc from 1938  https://templatelab.com/fair-labor-stand-act/

FHS field hockey playoff game scheduled for Friday, 11/4/16

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

D1 South

#10 Franklin (11-3-4) will travel to #7 Bridgewater-Raynham (13-3-2) on Friday, 11/4 at 2:30.


For all the Hockomock teams in the playoffs
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-field-hockey-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/

FHS Panthers

Reminder: Boston Children's Hospital Bloodmobile Comes to Franklin - Nov 11

Friday, November 11th, marks Veteran's Day in the United States. What better way to honor the soldiers that fought and continue to fight for us to safeguard our Nation's freedoms than to give the gift of life through blood donation? Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating regular blood drives in the Franklin community through Boston Children's Hospital as part of their National Honor Society Service Project.

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating blood drives

When one of the twins underwent major surgery and needed blood at the age of 12, the significance of blood donation hit home. Giovanna and Olivia have been regular blood donors at Boston Children’s Hospital since they turned 16, the legal age to donate. They were among those recently recognized by Boston Children’s Hospital for each having donated over 1 gallon of blood since that time. Today, their goal is to encourage young people like themselves to become life-long donors. Donating costs nothing but a little time, yet gives the gift of hope and life!

The first blood drive is scheduled for Friday, November 11, 2016 (Veteran's Day) at the Benjamin Franklin Charter School parking lot in Franklin. Sign up on-line at halfpints.childrenshospital.org for an appointment time, or contact Giovanna and Olivia at (508) 541-1253, or giovannasylvia@hotmail.com, or oliviasabini@hotmail.com, for more information and to sign up.

Senator Ross: October 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, October 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, October was a busy time in the district, and I am grateful to have met with so many of my constituents to hear their concerns. As we transition into November, please be mindful of the importance of voting. Whether it be the local, state, or presidential election, do utilize your right to vote. Included in this newsletter is important information about early voting taking place in the district. As always, please let me know what your priorities are and what you would like me to focus on before the new legislative session begins in January. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Team G.R.E.E.N., a student-teacher volunteer organization of North Attleboro Middle School, invited me to a celebration of their 5th year anniversary. Students from Beijing, China on an exchange program with Wayland High School were welcomed to Beacon Hill as I gave them a State House tour. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRONIC TOLLING The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), has announced that as of October 28th, the new All Electronic Tolling (AET) system for the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) has gone live. The primary purpose of this new system is to increase safety, alleviate congestion, and reduce Greenhouse gases. The following FAQ's explain important information to know about the new AET system implemented in Massachusetts. How does AET work? AET gantries installed at 16 locations on I-90 contain sensors that will electronically register toll charges as vehicles pass under them. Drivers will no longer need to stop at toll plazas and will be able to maintain a safe highway speed. Vehicles that have E-ZPass transponders will be automatically charged to their E-ZPass account. Because drivers are not required to use transponders, vehicles without an E-ZPass transponder will be sent an invoice as the gantry will photograph the vehicle's license plate. How were gantry rates set? Gantry rates were developed by calculating the per mile cost on several sections of I-90. The set costs will be as close to the cost per mile that exists today. The total revenue generated on the Western Turnpike and Metropolitan Highway System will remain nearly the same to the total revenue generated by the previous toll system. Will people pay more if they don't have a Massachusetts E-ZPass transponder? Yes. MassDOT has three rates at each gantry: One rate is for users of E-ZPass transponders issued by the state of Massachusetts One rate is for users of compatible transponders issued by other states One rate is for vehicles without a transponder that will be billed using the "Pay-By-Plate" system. The billing will include the gantry charge and a processing fee. What kind of personal data will the gantries collect? Both law and policy requires MassDOT to ensure the privacy of all motorists. All data collected is done for billing purposes only and will remain secure and confidential. Any data collected is about the vehicle license plate, transponder, location, and time. Speed data is used to ensure an accurate image capture of vehicle license plates and cannot legally be used for any traffic law enforcement purposes. What will happen to the existing Toll Plazas? Drivers will gain the full benefits of the AET system once the toll booths have been removed to ensure they can use the highways at safe speeds. The process of demolishing current toll plazas will begin as soon as AET goes live. Work will begin to demolish the center lanes of the plazas and reconstruct portions of the roadway. This work will be completed in 30 days or less. Following this phase, drivers will be able to travel through the center lanes of the toll plazas as the rest of the removal process takes place. All work is to be completed by the end of 2017. Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in November Senator Ross and his staff will be holding office hours at locations throughout the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District to provide constituents with an opportunity to meet Senator Ross and discuss any matters of importance to them. Constituents may contact Senator Ross' office at (617) 722-1555 or by email at richard.ross@masenate.gov to register for a meeting in advance whether in the district or at the State House in Boston.          Wednesday, November 2nd Norfolk Town Hall, 1 Liberty Lane, Norfolk 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, November 15th Attleboro Senior Center, 25 S Main Street, Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Monday, November 21st (Staff) Wrentham Senior Center, 400 Taunton Street, Wrentham 10:00am-11:00am Copyright © 2016 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA                                         The email newsletter was edited for publication here. To view the full original View this email in your browser

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Early voting ends Friday, Nov 4

Over Franklin 2700 voters cast their ballots last week, you can visit the Town Clerk's office to cast yours before Friday.

"There are a few days left for registered voters wishing to skip the Election Day trip to the polls to get early ballots cast. 

Early voting, which started for the first time in Massachusetts on Oct. 24, is ending on Nov. 4. Voters must have been registered by Oct. 19. 

Early voting can be done in person or by mail. Note that applications for early ballots must be submitted by noon on Nov. 4 and mailed ballots must be received back by the closing of the polls on Nov. 8. Voters may find the application on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161031/still-chance-to-cast-early-ballots-through-nov-4


New to Massachusetts - all registered voters may cast early ballots in biennial state elections beginning with the November 8, 2016 Presidential Election.

When? October 24th - Nov 4th

Where? Town Hall – Clerk’s Office

Early Voting Dates and Times:

• Monday Oct 24, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Tuesday Oct 25, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday Oct 26, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Thursday Oct 27, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday Oct 28, 8 AM – 1 PM
• Saturday Oct 29, 8 AM – 1 PM
• Monday Oct 31, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Tuesday Nov 1, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday Nov 2, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Thursday Nov 3, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday Nov 4, 8 AM – 1 PM

THE EXTENDED HOURS (BOLD) ARE FOR VOTING ONLY!
(During the normal office hours, all Town Clerk business can be conducted. During the extended hours, voting is the only service supported.

What is the difference between absentee voting and early voting?

• Absentee ballots are for those who will be out of town on the day of the election and can not make it to the polling place 
• Early voting is open to all registered voters but must be done at the early voting location (Town Clerk's office) 
• Absentee ballots can be applied for and sent in via mail. Early voting needs to be done in person
• Early voting ends on Nov 4th. Absentee ballots are accepted up until noon before the election  day

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx

"the land could help expand the town's recreational offerings"

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

"Marilyn St. Fleur, a community involvement coordinator with the agency, said the session was part of an ongoing effort to learn more about Franklin. 

"We sent out a mailing with a factsheet about the property," she said. "We got a few people but we wanted more, so we thought an availability session would help." 

Officials noted that the state is now demolishing the building on the property, a process slated to end in December. That demolition, they said, will be complete before the federal agency undertakes cleanup work. After that, the agency will take samples from the property, develop a plan and seek public comment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161031/epa-visits-franklin-to-discuss-superfund-site

http://twitter.com/epanewengland

Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

• 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