In the News: agricultural commission proposed; opioid issues continue

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

"Several residents have approached the town about forming an agricultural commission in order to both educate people about farming and help the farms in town. 

Melanie Hamblen, a co-owner of the Franklin Agway store, is one of those leading the effort. She said the group has spoken with town officials and set up a Facebook page. 

“We’ve got a group of awesome people who want to educate the community about the importance of fresh food, and things like what ‘normal farming activities’ means,” she said. “We want to promote the farms we already have, and protect and preserve those farms.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170403/franklin-group-hopes-to-form-agricultural-commission

Prior post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/franklin-agriculture-commission-is.html

Facebook group for proposed Agriculture Commission
https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa/

Franklin Agriculture Commission looking for your help (Facebook photo)

"On Sunday, a 32-year-old woman became the 24th person in Milford to overdose on opioids so far this year. 

She was the second one to die. 

The unidentified woman was unresponsive when her sister found her at 3 in the afternoon. 

A combination of police work, the availability of naloxone, a regional substance abuse program at the Milford Police Department, the Juvenile Advocacy Group and Amy Leone of Community Impact are pushing back hard on an opioid epidemic that is running through Massachusetts communities like a speeding freight train. Even though 80 addicts got help from those programs, some fall back on their dangerous habits."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170403/federal-opioid-report-singles-out-state-local-deaths

Live reporting: Finance Committee - April 3

Present: Dufour, Dowd, Conley, Huempfner, Dewsnap, Fleming, Moses, Smith,  
Absent: Weich

motion to approve prior meeting minutes, with one change, the date to vote on the budget is Apr 5, (not Apr 15); seconded, passed 8-0


FY 2018 Budget Presentation:

• IT 155 A - 28

Tim Raposa, IT Director
pretty much same as last year with changes to Google services

Q - do we have a DR site ?
we have backups, we have offsite backups, we have redundant systems, we can restore in a timely manner
We are trying to get to the point to be able to run out of the Fire Dept, 

Google docs purchased with capital costs and will be supported ongoing

e-permit started with dog licensing and will move to other departments

• Veterans 543 E - 14

Dale Kurtrz, Veterans Officer
required by law and 75% reimbursed by Commonwealth
salary supported by County and Avon
expect about a 3% increase from State, otherwise this is a best guest

administers a State benefit, to a veteran or a dependent
looks at income and/or assets and if qualified

• Inspections 240 B - 40

Gus Brown, Building Commissioner
steady state budget
personnel changes, increased hourly rate of part time inspectors
other than that not much else has changed

fees did increase slightly, some eliminated to streamline
approx $900,000 yearly including all the building fees
budget effectively attempts to be covered by the fees

efficiency and economies of scale considered in the streamlining of fees

regular visits even to the larger projects can be challenging, very good contractors in this case

will go with e-permitting eventually
trying to make more user friendly

• ZBA 176 A - 37

$5,000 for legal advertising and is reimbursed by the applicants

• Police 210 B – 1

Chief Lynch
pretty standard from last year, other than contractual increases
looking for training classes to improve or increase exposure

training money used to go for OT
OT funding increased to be actually used for OT

police and fire looking for personnel increases but with Schools using $2M in one time funds, where is that going to come from
another application for 250 condos just came in, we will need to increase sometime, the question is when

we are still below the level in 2000 (by 4) with an increase in population since then

we did put in for 2 DPW workers this year, and that is the first increase in a long time

Q - renovation of the Police Station?
looking for an architect first to see see what needs to be done; will not be a cheap renovation as it is a concrete building. Maybe cheaper to add on than to renovate. Small space and surrounded by wet lands

going tomorrow to negotiate the land swap with the state to get the recycle center land taken care of

we are at 95% build out in industrial commercial

• Fire 220 B - 14

Chief McCarragher
fire depts work in a very time compressed environment
additional funds in training will take people off line to go to the tower for fire suppression training
with resources as tapped as they are, it is hard to do training
wellness initiative is unfunded this year, over 50% of the fire fighters who left the department left on injury
(a) annual physical, (b) fitness training, (c) ???
once going the program should help recover costs and pay for itself
focus group getting together to put the program together

emergency services are increasing, 2 to 3 time per day for 2 -3 hours at a time, i am unable to respond; so far it has not hurt us, but it can some day

working on a plan to bring in next year
you either reduce the number of emergencies or you increase the number of resources to respond

target goal of 90 hasn't been reached, 80% makes sense in a growing community; when you look at a mature community, the 90% is a sweet spot, you sufficient resources to meet the needs

by the end of June, we'll have hired 6 people this year but we won't be at the full 12 across the shifts

before 09, busy times were 7-7; now with the industrial parks fuller, the evening hours are trending upwards, residents are increasing over the commercial industrial spaces

a third ambulance would cut mutual aid calls in half
60% if the transports are medicare/medicaid and you don't get full cost recovery

all the data comes from the midwest and west, not from New England
union sees the need to do the wellness program

grant writing comes from resources within the department

• Regional Dispatch 225 B - 39

couple of days away from chosing an executive director, expect to be up and running in Sep/Oct 2018 depending upon how the construction goes
still need another $3M from 911 to get going
the director will get the processes and procedures refined

it is probably by FY 2020 where the full year would be complete to determine the funding, likely 47% of the total

would like to expand beyond the 3 communities but not to start with

• Facilities 192 A - 42

Mike D'Angelo
collective bargaining agreement, hours increased due to Beaver St and Library
electricity up, still getting a handle on what the high school uses, all electricity (90%) any way comes from the solar grid
general gas prices are down and foreseen as going down, water and sewer are up and increasing (more fields); new buildings are all low flow everywhere, true water conservation in place; new fields at the high school coming on line
doing more and more work in the buildings, they seem new but time flies
custodial supplies increasing year over year
school buildings open every day of the week, some at night, some on the weekend; they are being utilized, but they drive the cost of cleaning the buildings; cleaning around the people that ate they
all schools changed to LED lighting; only 4-5 town buildings left to convert
1.2M sq ft of space managed by 3 people (not counting the custodians)

Q - on Senior Center closure
A - contractor doing the renovations failed to insulate an area that caused a sprinkler head to break

Q - are we still learning what the high school costs?
A - yes, we are; the electricity it takes to run is pretty substantial; we had over estimated the gas. The first year is the contractor's coverage, the second year tends to be ours; there is so much sophistication there, so many cameras to keep online. We try to fix everything right away.

Q - Remington - water doubled?
A - we're watering the fields all round there, there was a drought last year; unprecedented drought last year

• Streetlights 424 D - 1
• DPW 422 D - 4

Brutus Cantoreggi

up by $10K, mostly due to aging underground infrastructure, instead of just pulling a line, you need a backhoe, police officer, etc.

asked for an increase of 2 employees, first time in 17 years
would like to get more but this is what we are asking for this time

collective bargaining increases also
we are being much more efficient in what we do
we are to the point where we can't do it all
the downtown is coming off warranty, the high fields are coming on line

major concerns for next year, new permit coming in will be significant
Franklin has been in the lead to appeal the EPA permit
permit roughly 60M to reduce phosphorous to the Charles River

65% for expenses (material costs)
did bid out to gain efficiencies

road score, initially at 74, wanted to get to 80
tried the override and that failed, we are at 72 and it is going down
we are doing a lot of low cost maintenance (chip sealing, etc.) but there are sections (like Pleasant St) that need more than the chip seal.

we are paving some subdivisions that this is the first time since they were built

the override could be brought up again, it is up to the Council
override was the better option than a big bond, once paid you don't have anything left

currently budget for $953K, just now about $1.1M so a little over for 60" of snow

summer help (mostly college) covers for resources and covers for the summer vacation to get the work done; last summer had 14 part timers

Enterprise 450 I -2, 440 I – 10, 434 I - 30
water, sewer, and trash, all self supporting via fee schedules

got good news on the new treatment facility estimate came in about $10M (instead of 15-16)
look for a rate increase in FY 2018 and maybe 2-3 years after that

haven't had a rate increase in 6-7 years
meter replacement schedule from capital plan
$200,000 or so to do that
painted the Union St tank for $600K (and that is a small tank)

it is a lot cheaper to maintain our level than to slip and try to get back

working an asset management plan for the sewer building, pump houses, did doors and locks, will get to roofs, and then siding, etc. all in priority order

may need a sewer rate increase to sustain the operations due to the increase from the Charles River assessment

good news is we don't have a lot of sewer debt

trash, very little change in operations, rate will remain the same for the foreseeable future
negotiated contract 3 years ago, recycles going down 

condos usually would use our systems; apartments generally do something on their own

18-19,000 totters, would need to be replaced over time
currently 10 years in to an expected 15 year plan

• Employee Benefits 910 H - 1

Norfolk County Retirement Board
$42M unfunded liability, once paid off our costs will drop
they are still using an 8% discount rate everyone else is using 7.5% (more realistic)

full time employees and retirees
3 separate accounts 
health insurance a never ending battle to control costs
design a plan from year to year to meet costs
implement co-pay, changes deductables, hopefully it will all work out to be less than a 1% increase

schools budget pays for active employees, town pays for retirees

• Liability Insurance 945 H – 6

going up a minor amount, additional space to insure
sprinkler claims over past couple of years
lightning strike at police station
but only a small increase overall

Finance Committee: FY 2018 Budget Hearing #3 - April 5 - 7:00 PM

The third and final budget hearing of the Finance Committee cycle is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 at 7:00 PM. At this hearing, the Finance Committee will vote on its recommendation for the budget which will go to the Town Council. 

The Town Council in the past couple of years has been scheduled to hold their budget hearings over two meetings. Instead of the deep department level discussions conducted at the Finance Committee, there is a cursory reading of the line items and 'holds' are requested for specific budgets which are then discussed in some detail.

The Town Council needs to hear the budget over the two meetings and apparently has been changing its process to provide less information to the residents on the details and drivers of the budget that used to occur in prior years. At the second hearing, the Town Council votes for the budget that will be governing the funds for all the town and school operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018.

The Town Council budget hearings are not yet scheduled but likely to be in June after the State legislature has developed their House and Senate budgets and some direction on what the 'final' state budget will look like is available. State funding accounts for about 30% of the Franklin revenue side of the budget.

FY 2018 Budget Presentation:

Tri County 390 C -2
Assessors 141 A - 10
Health 510/525 E – 1, E - 7
Planning 177 A - 38
COA 541 E - 38
Library 610 F - 1
Town Clerk 161 A -31
Elections 164 A - 34
Recreation 630 F - 7
Norfolk Aggie 395 C - 6
Debt 710/750 G - 1
Employee Benefits 910 H - 1
Liability Insurance 945 H - 6

Action Items:

FY 2018 Budget Votes

scaffolding added to the library to work on the exterior

James Montgomery Band - Friday, April 14

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents the renowned James Montgomery Band on Friday, April 14 at 8 p.m.

Whether recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his band of 30 years, blues legend James Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit, he learned firsthand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, Montgomery has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

James Montgomery Band - Friday, April 14

He formed the James Montgomery Band in 1970 while attending Boston University. Montgomery’s inimitable harmonica playing, combined with his energetic live shows, led to the band’s quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery Band was among the hottest acts in Boston, along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn records.

Since that time, Montgomery has recorded six albums. His first, First Time Out, has been re-mastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Others include James Montgomery Band on Island Records, which was number nine on Billboard’s national playlist; Duck Fever, with members of the David Letterman Band; Live Trax, with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones’ horn section); and his release on Tone-Cool, The Oven Is On.

Montgomery has toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf, among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax.”

Over the years, Montgomery’s band has been a springboard for many musicians, with members having included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra and Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire, and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith’s Tom Gambel, and many others.

The James Montgomery Band concert at THE BLACK BOX will also feature special guest, guitarist Tyler Morris. Tickets are $25. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

"While the MBTA considers scaling back weekend service, regulars like the idea of expanding it"

From the Sunday edition of the Boston Globe

"Meredith Sterling’s entire work schedule hinges on the Worcester/Framingham commuter rail line. 

On weekends, when the earliest train doesn’t leave Worcester until 7 a.m., she starts her shift at a Dunkin’ Donuts near the Framingham stop later than usual. During snowstorms, she leaves early to catch the last train, sacrificing a few hours of pay to avoid being stranded. 

Without weekend train service, Sterling, 26, would probably look for another job. The cost of Uber or taxi rides would eat up too much of her paycheck. 

So when Sterling learned that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority was considering cutting back service on the weekends — or eliminating it altogether — her eyes widened with alarm."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/04/01/weekend-commuter-rail-riders-worry-about-future-cuts/UFEeFqzIoAAr0AIl2kDXXO/story.html

MBTA commuter train passes under the Main St bridge coming into Franklin/Dean Station

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

Press Release ~ Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reaffirmed the Registry's commitment to supporting the successful Suits for Success program in partnership with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy and Brockton and the Boston Veterans Administration's Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program.    "By just looking in your closet or bureau, you can make a world of difference in someone's life," noted O'Donnell. Business appropriate clothing donations received through the Suits for Success program assist these organizations in providing clothes to men and women who are actively seeking employment.    Register O'Donnell stated, "Men and women who are attempting to re-enter the workforce need to make a good initial impression, whether it's the first day on the job or in an interview. I hope local residents and the business community will consider making a clothing donation to this worthy endeavor. The program is truly needed, and it provides a way to help a person's break their cycle of poverty."    Business appropriate attire for men and women will be accepted. Suggested donations include suits, dress shirts and ties for men and dresses, pantsuits, blouses, skirts and pants for women. All clothing should be ready for a person to wear, in-style, clean, press and on hangers. Since the Registry started the Suits for Success program in February of 2009 the Registry has collected 4,800 pieces of clothing.    To contribute, individuals need to bring their donated clothes to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham between the hours of 9-5, Monday through Friday. If you reside in the Quincy area, you can drop off clothing directly to the Interfaith Social Services office located at 105 Adams Street, Quincy between 8:30 and 3:30 Monday through Friday, and until 7:00 pm on Tuesdays.    Register O'Donnell concluded, "Just by looking in your clothing drawers or closets, you can make an immeasurable difference in someone's life. It's a program that truly makes a difference in a person's life."    For more information about the Registry of Deeds' Suits for Success program, or to schedule a drop-off time, please contact Alicia Gardner at (781) 461-6104 or by email agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. Please prepare a list of the donated items along with your name and address so that we may provide you with a charitable tax deductible receipt. 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 is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program Donated clothing for the Registry's Suits for Success Program.  Register O'Donnell delivering clothes to the Boston VA Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program at Jamaica Plain Register O'Donnell delivering clothes to Father Bill's and Main Spring President and CEO John Yazwinski. left to right: Interfaith Social Services Executive Director Rick Doane, volunteer Cindy Lee and Register Bill O'Donnell. email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 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

Franklin Liquor: Wine Classes

Thursday, April 6 - 7-8:30pm

Easter Garden Bulb Basket and Spring Wines

Get ready for Easter by joining Franklin Liquors, Hillside Nursery and Vinitas WineWorks for an evening of flowers and wine! Design a garden basket of Easter Bulbs for yourself or as a gift, and welcome Spring by tasting through an assortment of seasonal wines
http://www.medwayschools.org/sites/medwayps/files/file/file/adult_sp17.pdf


Thursday, April 13th - 7-8:30pm

Franklin Wine Club Event: Wines From Abruzzo In Central Italy

Guest: Dave Abbot Mascerelli Wine
Masciarelli is the leading Estate of Abruzzo.

The Abruzzo region today is on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking in all of Italy. We will talk about the special set of climates and soils that makes Abruzzo unique. We will talk about the grape varieties that have evolved in Abruzzo for over a thousand years. And we will talk about Gianni Masciarelli, the curious skeptic, biological savant, and energy management genius who took Abruzzo from a sleepy wine backwater to the cutting edge.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/238658836/

Franklin Liquors features wine tasting and training classes