Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Feb 16 for Madalene Village

DATE: Feb. 14, 2017

TO: Mr. Bruce Hunchard, Chairman
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

FROM: George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent

RE: Comprehensive Permit Application, Madalene Village
21 Peck-180 Cottage Streets

I have read the minutes of the Board concerning the above project.

Neither my office nor the Conservation Commission members have been contacted by the applicant concerning this project. Further, until a formal application is presented to the Commission, no comments over and above what have been transmitted to the Board by my office can be made without prejudicing the Commission on an application upon which they must decide. The minutes of 11/17/16 state:

. . . ConComm doesn’t want anything to do with it until they file. Mark: I always take the position that, if someone requests a waiver from a local ConComm rule, we ought to get what the ConComm thinks. Chairman: Their agent responded that they didn’t want to look at it until they file. . . .

Although these minutes have been accepted, I need to go on record that my office has repeatedly indicated that the applicant should be discussing this project with my office. I in fact do “ . . . want to look . . .” just as would happen at a tech review meeting. What must be avoided is compromising the Commission from taking a position before the application is filed.

It is still my opinion that at least some preliminary discussions on the project concerning the wetlands issues are warranted and should have already taken place and that the waiver of the local wetlands by-law is not in the best interests of the Town.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Letter From Conservation Commission
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczajZ2YWZESXJGUjlFUUZteUZSUkMtSE92a25j

Flyer
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdzktaHRvYlI3U1RFWENFM1B0bHU5ZnUwTTgw

Town Engineer letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREF1UFJEN0s4Z191bUtXdFlkZ1lfWUxTdXpj/view?usp=sharing

Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development

Real time reporting: School Committee (Twitter notes)

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

Real time reporting: Action items

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $479.00 from the Oak Street PCC for in-house enrichment at Oak Street Elementary School.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)

b. I recommend acceptance of 4 checks totaling $2,445.00 for Parmenter Elementary School as detailed:

1. $470.00 Parmenter PCC – Field Trips
2. $345.00 Parmenter PCC – Field Trips
3. $930.00 Parmenter PCC – Field Trips
4. $700.00 Target – Field Trips

motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.60 from Barnes & Noble for supplemental supplies for Horace Mann Middle School.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)

d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $778.35 from All American Publishing for High School Athletics.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)

e. I recommend approval of the request for FHS students to travel to the Boston Marriott for a DECA State Competition from March 9 to 11, 2017 as detailed.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)

f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,525.00 from Keller PCC for field trips for Keller Elementary School.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)

g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 4-0 (3 absent)

Real time Reporting: District Current Needs

WINN for Education - What I (we) Need Now from Franklin Matters

coordinator for social emotional learning

STEM coordinator for pre-K to 12 levels
a district of this size would have layers of curriculum people, we don't have an entire layer that others have

department heads currently teaching 2-3 classes, other districts usually teach only one so the time can be spent on curriculum development

need a technology support person full time, currently share with the Town and the needs can not be met
1 digital integration specialist at the high school, technical support for each school but that is limited

approx 1,000 special education students in the district. approx 17% of the population

professional development adds days to the school year and is rather expensive
extend school year for teachers to not affect the 180 day requirement
adds approx $200K per day

looking at about $400K to add the line item for textbooks and Chrome books to the budget; currently using capital budget process for this recurring expense

school fees are one item they would like to do away with.
(school fees are one reason why I got started doing this reporting. The fees came in and then went up and up. I went to meetings to find out why and try and make sense of it.)

advertising on the buses? we don't own the buses so it would not be possible to generate revenue that way


(left off at 8:00 for a work meeting; returned to meeting at 9 PM)

Real time Reporting: School Committee - 2/14/17

Present:  Scofield, Bergen, O'Malley, Schultz (late), Jewell
Absent: Douglas, Bilello

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 19 and January 24, 2017 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Resources For Our Educational Vision

WINN for Education - What I (we) Need Now from Franklin Matters

Sabolinski - The educational resources needed throughout the district to deliver a world class education.
This is what is needed for the students to be successful in the 21st Century

O'Malley - Budgets and schools are difficult, budgets and Franklin schools are even more difficult.

Bergen 
- the School Committee priorities
STEM materials - science framework
high school Chrome books
renovations at Davis Thayer, carpeting, painting
painting at Parmenter

would like to see your listing so the combination could make a powerful budget

counselors K-8
Professional Development at HS, particularly in differentiated learning
grant writing 
technology coordinator
strategic pan for the Schools
improve communications with the new tools

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 14, 2017

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 19 and January 24, 2017 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Resources For Our Educational Vision

3. Discussion Only Items
none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $479.00 from the Oak Street PCC for in-house enrichment at Oak Street Elementary School.
b. I recommend acceptance of 4 checks totaling $2,445.00 for Parmenter Elementary School as detailed:

1. $470.00 Parmenter PCC – Field Trips
2. $345.00 Parmenter PCC – Field Trips
3. $930.00 Parmenter PCC – Field Trips
4. $700.00 Target – Field Trips

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.60 from Barnes & Noble for supplemental supplies for Horace Mann Middle School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $778.35 from All American Publishing for High School Athletics.
e. I recommend approval of the request for FHS students to travel to the Boston Marriott for a DECA State Competition from March 9 to 11, 2017 as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,525.00 from Keller PCC for field trips for Keller Elementary School.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Community Relations – Denise Schultz
b. Budget Sub Committee – Kevin O’Malley
School Committee Liaison Reports
a. none

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

21st Annual Spring Training Clinic - Baseball - March 18

21st Annual Spring Training Clinic
Ages 7 thru 13

Learn from Franklin High School Baseball Head Coach Zach Brown, his Coaching Staff and Varsity Players!

FHS Panthers

All players will participate in drills and receive instruction on hitting, fielding and throwing techniques.

PREPARE FOR FYBO SEASON!

This event is sponsored by the FHS Baseball Boosters Club, providing equipment, scholarships and support for FHS Baseball teams. 

Cost = $40

Thank you for supporting our teams!

Roy Announces Open Office Hours for February 2017

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent open office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of February on the following days:

Medway – February 18, 9:00-10:00AM, Muffin House Café – 116 Main Street, Medway, MA.

Franklin – February 23, 8:30-9:30AM Franklin Senior Center – 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.

Ryan Arego, his Legislative Aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617)722-2020, stop by Room 527A in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov

The Franklin Senior Center before the snows hit in February

Tri-County 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - 2016-17

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School has released their 2Q Honor Roll for the 2016-17 school year.

Count of Grade
Row Labels	High Honors	Honors	Totals
Ashland	1		1
Attleboro	7	17	24
Bellingham	5	7	12
Blackstone		3	3
Franklin	12	38	50
Medfield		1	1
Medway	4	18	22
Millis	3	7	10
Millville		1	1
Norfolk	5	5	10
North Attleborough	30	93	123
Plainville	7	22	29
Seekonk	8	29	37
Uxbridge		1	1
Walpole	3	14	17
Wrentham	5	12	17
Grand Total	90	268	358

For the full listing of student names by grade and honor check this document

Tri-County 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - 2016-17

BFCCPS Performs "Shrek The Musical" - March 3, 4

Please join us for our annual Spring Musical featuring students in grades 6-8. This year's show is SHREK THE MUSICAL! 

This is a wonderful way to see our incredible Fine and Performing Arts Department at work. 

Two shows will be held, March 3rd and 4th at the Horace Mann Auditorium.

http://bfccps.org/event/shrek-performances/

Franklin Public Schools: All Schools Opening at Regular Time on Tuesday, Feb 14

Hello

All Franklin Public Schools will open at the regular time Tuesday, February 14. DPW and Facilities have done exceptional work to clear roads and school parking lots. Many sidewalks around schools have been plowed and the rest will be done on Tuesday.

We will implement emergency busing for walkers where sidewalks have not been plowed. Bus lists are accessible on our web site.

As temperatures fall this evening some side streets may have some icy patches where snow has melted and water has pooled. Please drive carefully.

Thank You
Franklin Public Schools


Bus lists
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/bus%20routes%20fy17%20final.pdf

Parmenter Elementary School

"Water Ban measures apply to both public water supply users and private well users"

§ 179-1 Authority.

This article is adopted by the Town of Franklin under its police powers to protect public health, safety and welfare and implements the Town's authority to regulate, limit and prohibit water use. This article also implements the Town's authority under M.G.L. c. 40, § 41A, conditioned upon a declaration of Water Supply Emergency issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.

§ 179-2 Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to protect, preserve and maintain the public health, safety and welfare whenever there is in force a State of Water Supply Conservation or Water Ban by providing for enforcement of any duly imposed prohibitions, restrictions, requirements, provisions or conditions imposed by the Town or by the Department of Environmental Protection.

§ 179-3 Application and Exemptions.

Water Supply Conservation measures apply to public water supply users only. Water Ban measures apply to both public water supply users and private well users.

Commercial agricultural users and golf courses shall be exempt from all provisions of this article. The Town of Franklin is exempt from all provisions of this article to extent required to protect public assets.



Continue reading the proposal to change the water restrictions to include private wells




You can also find this document as part of the Town Council agenda for Feb15,2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/discussion_-_water_use_restrictions.pdf

Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass last year, that could change this year if the Town Council adds private wells to the water restrictions as proposed

Franklin Municipal Offices will open at 9:00AM on Monday, February 13

Municipal Building Offices will have a one-hour delay in opening. Municipal Offices will open at 9:00AM on Monday, February 13th.

All Franklin Public Schools and after school activities are closed on Monday, February 13th.

Trash and Recycling will NOT be picked up Monday. It will be delayed one day, Monday will be picked up Tuesday, and so on...

Emergency Information can be found on our website here on the link on the homepage at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

Call 911 if you there is an emergency!

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/february-13th-municipal-offices-1-hour-delay

Fletcher FIeld in the snow

Snow delays the trash/recycling schedule one day all week

"If you have not heard, Trash and Recycling will be delayed one day this week starting tomorrow Feb 13th, 2017. 

So...... if your normal pickup day is Monday, it is now Tuesday, 

Tuesday trash will be picked up on Wednesday, 

Wednesday on Thursday, 

Thursday's stuff will be picked up Friday, 

and if you're normally a Friday folk, your trash and recycling will be picked up on Saturday. 

For further information feel free to contact our office at 508 520  4910"

Franklin DPW photo

Register O'Donnell Reports Good Start to 2017 Real Estate Season

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Good Start to 2017 Real Estate Season Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported a good but not spectacular start to 2017 Norfolk County real estate scene. While sales volume exhibited a modest increase, lending activity showed solid gains in both the number of mortgages recorded and the overall amount of money lent to home and business owners. During the month of January 2017, the total volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by 3% to $532 million from the previous January. The average sale price, again including both residential and commercial, did not show any statistical change from January 2016. The average sale price for the month was $678,916. Register O'Donnell noted, "While the number did not pop, Norfolk County did hold its own." On the other hand, lending activity was more robust in January than compared to one year ago with a total of 2,282 mortgages recorded, a significant 15% increase from the previous year. "What these numbers prove," stated O'Donnell, "is that consumers and business people continue to take advantage of relatively low interest rates in a historical context. Some of the increase in mortgage activity may also be tied to interest rates starting to creep up." In addition, total mortgage lending in January increased an eye-popping 131% to $1.7 billion. This figure was influenced by a $573 million mortgage taken out against Quincy property in early January. Norfolk County foreclosure activity was a mixed bag in January. The bad news was 30 foreclosure deeds were filed compared to 15 the previous January, a 100% increase. The good news was a significant decrease in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process. A total of 41 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings were recorded in January compared to 97 in January, 2016. Register O'Donnell noted, "As I have stated many times, one foreclosure deed filing is one too many. However, I do continue to be encouraged by the trend lines relative to foreclosure activity. As we saw in the 4th quarter 2016, there continues to be a reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, which could have been triggered by the state's low unemployment rate of 2.8%, the lowest in 16 years. "With that said, some of our neighbors do continue to face economic hardship. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. I urge anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue to avail themselves of these excellent programs." However, a source of good news was Norfolk County homeowners continuing to avail themselves of the Homestead Act. "A Homestead," stated O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead against their primary residence to consider this valuable consumer protection tool." In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Overall, when considering all the indicators January was a good month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. The county held its own relative to property sales. Additionally, homeowners continue to avail themselves of the relatively low interest rates. As long as the economy remains sound, I am hopeful that the Norfolk County real estate market can gain further momentum." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Monday, Feb 13

The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 2/13. Please use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

Franklin, Needham, Providence and Stoughton trains may experience delays of 10-20 minutes due to modified Amtrak operations.

Additionally, some Providence/Stoughton trains may not be able to stop at TF Green or Ruggles stations due to modifications to Amtrak switch usage during the storm. Ruggles passengers will be accommodated at no cost on the Orange Line from Back Bay. TF Green passengers may consider RIPTA service to Providence Station. Service alerts for individual trains will be sent advising of any changes as early as possible.

Last updated: Feb 12 2017 04:50 PM

The MBTA weather adivsory service
http://www.mbta.com/winter/commuter_rail_advisory/

Franklin Dean Station in the snow

In the News: Pond St permitting underway; Joe Val Festival

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

"The town has been moving forward in its permitting process of a proposed 96-unit condominium development on former town property on Pond Street. 

Bryan Taberner, the town's director of planning and community development, said the Planning Board held a public hearing on the matter at its Feb. 6 meeting. A Conservation Commission meeting had been scheduled on the project, but was canceled due to Thursday's snowstorm. 

Taberner said the commission might have voted on the project at that meeting, noting that it must give its approval before the Planning Board can take action. He said it was possible that the developer - Baystone Franklin, LLC - would be free to move forward on the project in the near future."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170212/franklin-pond-street-project-in-midst-of-permitting

"The bluegrass music scene is alive and well in New England and the MetroWest area, thanks in part to one of the largest festivals in honor of one of the genre's pioneers. 

The 32nd Joe Val Festival, scheduled for Feb. 17-19 at the Framingham Sheraton, honors Joseph Valiante, an Everett native who helped bring the blend of folk, country, blues and jazz to the region. 

...

According to Gerry Katz of the Boston Bluegrass Union, the organization sponsoring the festival, there will be over 40 artists on two stages over the three-day festival, featuring "some of the top bands" in the genre. Including Jerry Douglas and the Earls of Leicester, named the International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainer of the Year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170212/joe-val-bluegrass-festival-set-for-framingham-feb-17-19

Joe Val Festival

Visit the Festival webpage for additional info including tickets
http://www.bbu.org/events/joe-val-festival/

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed Monday; Feb 13

Hello

Due to the continued snow/ice all Franklin Public Schools are closed 2/13/17 - there will be no afternoon or evening activities on Monday.

Administration offices closed.

Thank you and be safe.

downtown Franklin in the snow

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda, Feb 15, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

A. Approval of Minutes	February 1, 2017
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
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.
E. Appointments	Design Review Appointment
F. Hearings	Public Hearing - 7:10 PM Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw
G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/Discussions	1. Water Presentation - Brutus Cantoreggi
H. Presentations/Discussions	2. Discussion - Chapter 179: Water, Article VI Water Use Restriction and Ban
I. Subcommittee Reports	(To be provided during meeting if available)
J. Legislation for Action	1. Resolution 17-06: Appropriation: Animal Control - Prior Year's Bill (Motion to Move Resolution 17-06: appropriation Animal Control - 4/5 vote)
J. Legislation for Action	2. Resolution 17-07: Local acceptance of Amended Provisions of G.L. Chapter 40, Sections 22A, 22B, and 22C (Motion to Move Resolution 17-07: Local Acceptance of Amended Provisions of G.L. Chapter 40, Sections 22A, 22B, and 22C - Majority vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action	3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 3 Definitions - 2nd Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action	4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 4 Districts Enumerated - 2nd Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action	5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 5 Zoning Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action	6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782 Changes to Chapter 185 Section 7 Compliance required - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action	7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-783: Amendment to Chapter 185 Section 49 Marijuana Use Overlay District - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-783 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action	8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-786 to a 2nd Reading (majority vote))
K. Town Administrator's Report	(To be provided during meeting)
L. Future Agenda Items	(To be provided during meeting if required)
M. Council Comments	(To be provided during meeting)
N. Executive Session	Potential Purchase of Land at 0 Washington Street (Exercise of Town's Right of First Refusal - Discussion Only)
O. Adjourn

Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass last year, that could change this year if the Town Council adds private wells to the water restrictions as proposed