Live Reporting: to closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT tax bills are out, the 1st 2 in each year are estimate the second two are higher as they catch up the first two use the prior rate per Council action, a note was included in the bills asking for contributions to the Veterans fund. if any questions, check with the Veterans Agent
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS Pellegri - John Tully, a former election worker, passed away this week meals on wheels needs help to deliver meals, contact the Senior Center Jones - Franklin Food Pantry in need of supplies and donations Pfeffer - happy new year to all Kelly - I got my tax bill and called Jeff to complain we do act in the best interests in Franklin, what we do up here affects us as much as it affects everyone when they send us an email about something they don't like, remember that we are neighbors too
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION none tonight
O. ADJOURN motion to adjourn, passed

Live Reporting: Subcommittee reports, Legislation

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Bissanti - EDC just met Jones - presentation coming on the Town website for next meeting Mercer - delays with Senior Center, biggest hold up is the elevator, need to get the State inspection, once they inspect, then we can utilize the second floor High school project - while open for a couple of years, it has not ended yet. The fields will be up and operating in the spring. Finalizing the last invoice with the contractor. Setting up the audit process with the MSBA to get signed off gym floor being re-done this summer, a glass door issue to be taken care of before we sign off Pfeffer - new addition should be all closed in by now, roof being worked on. Temporary heat there. it will be gorgeous to see what it will look like when done. Stop by 25 Kenwood to see the displays. the Benjamin Franklin books will be on display in a much better showcase for viewing by all. It may not open in July
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 16-778: Chapter 160, Taxpayers, Delinquent- 2nd Reading (majority vote - via roll call) need to revise to bring into compliance with current MA requirements passed 8-0
2. Bylaw Amendment 17-784: Repeal Sign Restrictions Bylaw- 1st Reading (majority vote) motion to move to second reading, passed 8-0 removing the second reading the billboards across the street are 'pre-existing and non-conforming' they will come down with the new development
3. Bylaw Amendment 17-785: Repeal of Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Bylaw -1st Reading (majority vote) looking for a discussion and decision on either remove or decide to enforce not practical for for some sections passed 8-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw (Referral to the Planning Board) this was the item that was discussed at the EDC meeting earlier currently the storage facilities are only zoned for CII they are in an industrial area and have been grandfathered, someone putting a new one in couldn't do so recommended by EDC to proceed vote on referral to Planning Board, passed 8-0 CII property is a valuable property in Franklin, storage is not a good use (for revenue)

Live Reporting: Master Plan Update

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
2. Master Plan Update

multiple items have been covered, the outline of what has been done is summarized by Bryan

Can someone please describe: "compact neighborhood district"?

Taberner: a state term, we have done what we needed to there so nothing more at this time

work force housing, also a state term referring to affordable housing

Pfeffer - we should pick where 40Bs should go rather than having developers come and tell us

Bissanti - we did get a lot of heat for the term 'work force housing',  we should not discard the idea, anything under the $500K should be in that category

Kelly - work force housing is a starter home, we need to have that available, we need to be cognizant of the concept and the variable pricing

Jones - do we have the power to determine where our 40Bs could go?

Nutting - no

Live Reporting: Town Council - Jan 4, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Jones
Absent: Dellorco

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES none for approval tonight
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS none tonight
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS none tonight
E. APPOINTMENTS none tonight
F. HEARINGS none tonight
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS none tonight
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Discussion on Joint Town Council/Planning Board meetings

Jeff Nutting presents an overview on the possibility of creating a joint meeting for public hearing purposes. Technically it can be done but it is a requirement that the Planning Board provide a report to the Council before the Council would vote

Pellegri - recall having done this before, thinks it would be beneficial to help the process, who would sit where?

Pfeffer - not in favor of the joint meeting, the Planning Board needs a separate vote and the Council needs a separate meeting, 

Bissanti - refer to the memo from Mark Cerel, while it is legal it is not prudent. I will weigh in with Mark on this. The Planning Board folks I have talked with have issues with the possibility of repercussion with some of the discussions and decisions

Kelly - I can tell you we would be in charge (sorry Tony)

it has worked fine while I have been here

Cerel - you both serve different functions in your capacity. You would still need to have separate meetings to make decisions. How would you take minutes? lots of logistics issues to discuss

no sense of the Council to move forward with this item

summary - proposal for joint meetings not going anywhere (joint workshops are a separate item and they can happen with less issues)

High School and Middle School Mountain Bike Racing Team - Information Night - Jan 19

Do you love riding your bike? Having fun and riding bikes is what we are all about!

Join us for an introduction to the New England High School Cycling Association (NEHSCA) and hear details about our racing season coming in the spring of 2017.

This will be the 2nd season for our regional team from Franklin, Medway, Millis,
Norfolk Bellingham and Wrentham to compete against other New England teams.

Boys and girls in grades 5-12 are eligible, no experience necessary. Our coaches will teach you all the skills you need.

What: Info Night with the Charles River Rats
When: Thursday, January 19th, 2017

Where: Franklin Recreation Department
275 Beaver Street Franklin, MA 02038

Time: 6:00PM – 7:30 PM

Contact: Rob Rood
Phone: 774-302-9883
Email: overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com
Web: www.nehsca.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nehsca

image from http://www.nehsca.com/

Franklin School Committee Coffee Hours: Jan 12, Feb 1, Mar 4

In our goal to engage the community as a partner in improvement of our school system, the Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee will be hosting monthly coffee hours. 

Please join us as we work through the 2017 budget process, discuss policy and bring a new superintendent on board. We welcome your input, ideas and suggestions.

Upcoming meeting dates are:

• Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 4 at 9 a.m.

All meetings are held in the conference room at the Franklin Cable Access TV Studio at 23 Hutchinson Street.

Any questions contact Anne Bergen: bergena@franklin.k12.ma.us

Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson St at night

FHS boys basketball beaten at buzzer by Catholic Memorial

Via Twitter

Final: CM 58 Franklin 57 Ulyen Coleman's 3 with 4.7 seconds left sealed it for the Knights @HockomockSports

— Joe Clark (@joeclark0) January 4, 2017

End of 3: Franklin 48 CM 46, Will McDonnell's four threes in the 3rd sparking CM's comeback @HockomockSports

— Joe Clark (@joeclark0) January 4, 2017

Halftime: Franklin: 30 Catholic Memorial: 25 @HockomockSports Franklin's defense on Ulyen Coleman has been the difference so far

— Joe Clark (@joeclark0) January 4, 2017

End of the 1st quarter at the Ronnie, CM with a 15-13 lead @HockomockSports

— Joe Clark (@joeclark0) January 4, 2017

FHS Panthers

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-010317/

FPAC - Open Auditions for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast - Jan 9

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Monday, January 9 at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

Auditions begin at 

• 6 p.m. for ages 7-9 and continue at 
• 6:30 for ages 10-13, 
• 7:00 for teens ages 14 and older, and 
• 7:45 for adults. (There are limited roles available for ages 7-13.) 

Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater song in the style of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Callbacks will take place on January 11, as needed. For more information, including a character breakdown, visit www.FPAConline.com.

North American theatrical teaser poster for the film, designed by John Alvin

FPAC will present the enchanting classic on March 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at THE BLACK BOX. Based on the Academy-Award-winning animated feature film, the smash hit stage version includes the movie’s memorable songs, written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

The magical story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will be broken and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This “tale as old as time” is family theater at its best.

FPAC presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as part of the company’s 26th season. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

Economic Development Committee - Agenda - Jan 4 - 6:30 PM

The Economic Development Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Jan 4 at 6:30 PM. 

Note: the agenda is brief and apparently can be covered before the Town Council meeting opens at 7:00 PM.

1. "Review and recommendation on changing Storage Use from CII to industrial zone"
2. "Future agendas"

The agenda doc can be viewed in this embedded PDF



or found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/edc_meeting1-4-17.pdf

night view downtown Franklin

"a single joint hearing is legally permissible"

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

"The Town Council this week is scheduled to take up a measure that could streamline the way the town handles zoning changes. 

The council is set to discuss, at its meeting tonight, whether it can hold joint public hearings with the Planning Board. 

The matter has been raised in the past by Councilor Deborah Pellegri as a way to make the process move more smoothly. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said that, as things stand now, zoning changes require public hearings by both the council and the Planning Board. Pellegri has suggested that the two hold a joint session, fulfilling both public hearing requirements simultaneously."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170103/franklin-council-will-weigh-joint-public-hearings


Additional details, including the letter from Attorney Mark Cerel on this matter
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/h1_town_council_planning_board.pdf

construction on the Library renovation continues

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 4, 2017

(Note the links should take you to the Town of Franklin page with the associated documents)

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Discussion on Joint Town Council/Planning Board meetings
2. Master Plan Update
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 16-778: Chapter 160, Taxpayers, Delinquent- 2nd Reading (majority vote)
2. Bylaw Amendment 17-784: Repeal Sign Restrictions Bylaw- 1st Reading (majority vote)
3. Bylaw Amendment 17-785: Repeal of Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Bylaw -1st Reading (majority vote)
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw (Referral to the Planning Board)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
O. ADJOURN
O. Adjourn

You can also view the single PDF with all the supporting documents here

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/tc_agenda_1-4-17.pdf

expanded parking lot at the Senior Center

Franklin Police: Training Exercise Advisory

Training Exercise Advisory: 

The Franklin Police Department, the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council and Dean College will participate in a law enforcement related training exercise throughout the campus of Dean College on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 8am - 2pm. 

There will be several law enforcement vehicles participating in the scenario to include mobile command posts, armored personnel carriers, etc. 

The entirety of the exercise will occur on the Dean College campus and we do not expect any road closures or other issues that will affect the downtown district.

Dean College, Main St, Franklin, MA

Franklin Police: Training Exercise Advisory

"He’s the heart and soul of our team"

By KEN HAMWEY, Staff Sports Writer for localtownpages - Franklin

"Some may think that Franklin High basketball coach CJ Neely is overly effusive in describing junior captain Paul Mahon. 

The Panthers’ coach, who directed his squad to the Sectional finals last year and a co-championship in the Kelly-Rex Division of the Hockomock League, is extremely bullish on his off-guard, calling him “a coach’s dream, one of the best defensive players in the league, the ultimate competitor and a good person, on and off the court.’’ 

Mahon, a 5-foot-10, 155-pound off-guard, is indeed special. He’s humble in his role as Franklin’s only captain, and he’s willing to learn what he doesn’t know. He’s also encouraging when teammates need an emotional lift, and he’s quick to offer assistance and friendship to the less fortunate. 

Consider this situation — his best friend since early childhood is a Down syndrome youth, and Mahon often shoots jump shots with him in their back yards or in Franklin High’s gym. The 17-year-old Mahon also attends his friend’s Special Olympics events. “I always try to encourage him,’’ Mahon said."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.localtownpages.com/content/mahon-classy-captain-franklin-hoop-squad

FHS Boys Basketball Captain Paul Mahon

"I just wanted to make Franklin competitive"

By Christopher Tremblay, Staff Sports Writer for localtownpages - Franklin

"On April 29, in a ceremony taking place at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, the Franklin Wrestling Program, under the guidance of Coach Carmine Colace, will be inducted into the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as the Team of the Decade for the 1990’s. 

Throughout the 90’s the Panther grapplers were able to win seven state championships (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2000), finished second twice; won eight Hockomock League Titles (including six in a row from 1990-95) had two undefeated seasons and averaged 20 wins per season with Colace at the helm. What’s even more impressive is throughout his coaching career, Colace’s teams have collected 10 State Titles, finished second five times and during his 25 year run have never finished lower than fifth once they reached the Sectionals. 

“Wrestling in the state of Massachusetts had some dominant teams in the 60’s, but nothing like the team we had here at Franklin,” Colace said. “The 1999 team was probably the best team that we have ever had here, and we actually lost a game that year. During the State Tournament, we had already wrapped up the title after the first day of competition and really didn’t need to wrestle on day two. That’s how impressive they were.”

Continue reading the article online
http://www.localtownpages.com/content/franklin-wrestling-makes-history-thanks-coach-colace

Franklin Wrestling Makes History Thanks to Coach Colace

Master Plan Update

An update to the Master Plan is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Jan 4,2017.

You can find the update document embedded here:






You can also find the document on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/h2_master_plan.pdf

The full 2013 Master Plan can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan-2013

The Master Plan webpage can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

new sidewalks on Pleasant St provide access to DelCarte

The full agenda for Jan 4, 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/town-council-meeting-agenda