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

In the News: Local legislator priorities for 2017

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

"Beacon Hill will likely be a busy place in 2017. 

Local lawmakers have identified a range of priorities for the new year, including criminal justice reform, budgeting and continuing to support the communities they serve. 

Here's a look at some priorities for several local incumbent lawmakers:

State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham:

• Marijuana law: Ross says the new recreational marijuana law needs to be improved. "It is imperative that we do it the right way, and address the serious public health and safety issues that were not properly outlined in the ballot language," he said in a statement.
• Patent trolls: These are people or companies that falsely allege patent infringement and seek payment from victims. Ross plans to pursue legislation to stop patent trolling, which "has had an extremely detrimental effect on many businesses in my district and across the commonwealth," he said.
• Ross said he also plans to focus on district priorities "such as local aid, education funding, public safety, and economic development, while striving to maintain a cost effective and transparent government."

State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin:

• Teen sexting: Roy plans to again pursue legislation to give police a new tool for handling teen sexting incidents. Police currently can only charge a minor who sent or received an inappropriate picture with a felony child pornography charge. Roy would like to see a new misdemeanor charge available for police to charge youth 17 and younger. Education is also important, he said.
• Explosive gas detectors: These devices detect highly volatile gases such as propane and should be required in homes where these gases are present, Roy said. They are similar to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, he said.
• Education: Roy wants to increase the study of civics and genocide in schools and improve protection of student data.

State Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland:

• Budget: Spilka, the Senate Ways and Means chairwoman, said she will focus on developing a responsible fiscal 2018 budget, which should support people in need and cities and towns while helping stimulate the economy. Officials also need to find ways to reign in increasing health care costs, she said.
• Spilka supports the paid family and medical leave bill, which passed the Senate in 2016 but did not become law. Reducing income inequality should also be a focus. People who work 40 hours per week should not be living in poverty, she said.
• Criminal justice reform: Officials need to look at alternatives to jail for adults and juveniles and consider raising the ages the juvenile justice system serves. Research shows people's brains are not fully developed until they are in their mid-20s. And, putting someone as young as 7 years old in the juvenile system is not solving what is likely a problem with the child's family, she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170101/metrowest-lawmakers-outline-2017-priorities

Davis Thayer Elementary School sign "Happy New Year, school starts Jan 3"

2017 Dog Licensing Season Begins!

"When the ball drops to ring in a New Year, it is also a reminder that annual dog licensing season also begins.

This year, I am very excited to announce a pilot initiative to allow residents to license your dog online.

We hope you find the new cloud-based software easy to use. You can license your dog at your convenience, 24-7, without ever making a trip to the Municipal Building. Simply register online and our office will send you your loved one’s dog tags in the mail.

Please visit our new site to register you dog:
https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

Residents may also find the registration center on the Online Payments section of the Town’s website at www.franklinma.gov

Our office reminds dog owners that licensing your dog is due by April 1st. After April 1st, a late fee will be assessed. In addition to the late fee, if your dog is found to have not been registered at all, there is a $100 fine, per state law.

You are also required to send a rabies certificate and to provide your Vet's information to allow us to communicate better with them on rabies information and expiration.

2017 Fee Schedule:

Dog Licensing Registration:

• Before April 1st (spayed/neutered) = $20.00
• Before April 1st (not spayed/neutered) = $30.00
• After April 1st (Late dog registration fee, spayed/neutered) = $50.00
• After April 1st (Late dog registration fee, not spayed/neutered) = $60.00

By using this online service, we will also email you notification of next year's dog licensing as well. 

Let us do most of the work for you so you can spend more time with your pets. Register today!
Please call the office at (508) 520-4900 with any questions.

And, yes, the Town Clerk still accepts applications via mail and personally in the office. Forms will be sent out in the upcoming census mailing in January. Do not hesitate to stop in to register your dog.

I wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year’s weekend."

Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk

Online service page for Franklin Town Clerk

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2016-12-30_2017_dog_licensing_season_begins_0.pdf

Franklin Newcomers: January 11 - Earls and Hollman on Outdoor Activities

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, January 11th we are pleased to host two speakers. 

• Local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

• Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

clouds on the surface at DelCarte

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club

Additional info on the Charles River Meadowlands can be found online
http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Additional info on Marjorie can be found on her webpage
https://marjorieturner.com/

Franklin Public Library and Municipal Bldg closed Monday, trash NOT delayed this week

Town Hall closed Monday January 2, 2017

Franklin Public Library closed on Monday, Jan 2

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/town-hall-closed-monday-january-2-2017-trash-will-not-be-delayed-new-years

Trash WILL NOT be delayed for the New Year's holiday. Your trash and recycling will be picked up on your usually scheduled trash day.

Christmas trees will be picked up during the week of Jan 9

Reminder: Christmas trees will be picked up during the week of Jan 9

In the News: noon year's eve; opioid prescription tracking

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

"Local families gathered at the Franklin Public Library midday Saturday to celebrate "Noon Year's Eve." 

The party, now in its second year, is a family-friendly way to ring in the new year without having the young ones stay up until midnight, said librarian Wendy Doody. 

"We did it last year for the first time, and it was very successful," she said, estimating that about 50 people showed up to take part in the festivities. "(Last year) the library director and I looked at the calendar and saw we didn't have any programs for this time of year, so we though this might work."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161231/families-ring-in-noon-year-at-franklin-library

"Although Massachusetts' opioid deaths are still on the rise, with the powerful drug fentanyl adding to the toll, facets of the Legislature's anti-drug act are beginning to help. 

Prescribers have doubled their use of a new online tool to check if patients are getting prescriptions from multiple sources. Schools around the state are instituting programs for students, particularly athletes, to educate them about the dangers of opioids. 

"This approach is building a foundation that will serve us well over the long term," Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel says nine months after Gov. Charlie Baker signed the Act Relative to Substance Use, Treatment, Education and Prevention. 

"This is an epidemic that has been building for years, but I am hopeful in the fact that never before has the commonwealth committed so many resources to addressing opioid misuse disorder, and we are going to continue this comprehensive approach no matter how long it takes," Bharel said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161231/opioid-epidemic-update-online-tool-tracks-prescriptions-of-painkillers

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder.