Tuesday, May 23, 2017

FY 2018 Franklin budget by general budget category

The FY 2018 Franklin budget by general budget category that the Town Council is scheduled to vote on after two public hearings. The first is Wednesday, the second is Thursday and the vote is scheduled for Thursday.


Benefits  $10,956,398 
Culture & Recreation  $1,399,397 
Debt Service  $6,609,708 
DPW - Hwy  $4,669,497 
Education  $62,586,202 
General Government  $9,899,231 
Human Services  $691,948 
Liability Insurance  $525,000.0 
Public Safety  $11,201,434 
Sewer  $5,074,368.0 
Solid Waste Disposal  $1,949,673.0 
Water  $4,748,897.0 
Total  $120,311,753 


FY 2018 Franklin budget by general budget category
FY 2018 Franklin budget by general budget category

The agenda and released documents for both meetings can be found here

Monday, May 22, 2017

Remains confirmed as "those of 20-year-old Michael Doherty"



"Press Release from the Norfolk County District Attorney. 
No signs of foul play in
Death of Franklin’s Doherty

The Office of Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey has received information from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that the remains found Saturday afternoon (May 20) in Franklin, Mass., are indeed those of 20-year-old Michael Doherty, the subject of an extensive search by local law enforcement since being reported missing on May 14, 2017. 
While the OCME has not yet issued a final report, preliminary information from that office indicates that no signs of trauma or foul play were evident. The cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending additional testing. 
“Our first thought is with Michael’s family and friends,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “To them we extend our sincere condolences. I would be remiss if I did not thank the Franklin Police, regional and state law enforcement and so many in the community for their days and days of sustained searching in difficult terrain. The result was not what we had hoped.”



Franklin Police Department
Franklin Police Department


Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Jun 9

The community is kindly invited to meet with the Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee. Information and updates will be provided on budget, policy, and the superintendent search. 

We welcome your feedback and understand how important community involvement is regarding the education of our young people. 

Join us on:
  • Friday, June 9, 9:00 AM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Jun 9
Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Jun 9

FHS outdoor track results from Hockomock Championships

From Hockomock Sports .Com we share the results of the Hockomock League Outdoor Track Championships that were held at the Attleboro High on Sunday. Below are the FHS results that fell within the top 8 for each event.

Click here for over 100 photos from the event.

Click here for complete results from DirectAthletics.com.


BOYS TEAM RESULTS

1. Mansfield – 118
2. North Attleboro – 117
T3. Attleboro – 81
T3. Taunton – 81
5. Sharon – 58
6. Milford – 55
7. King Philip – 53
8. Franklin – 48
9. Canton – 17
10. Stoughton – 16
11. Foxboro – 13
12. Oliver Ames – 6

100M
1. Isaiah Rodriguez, Attleboro – 11.37
3. Farley Asmath, Franklin – 11.66

200M
1. Cameron Clark, Milford – 22.38
6. Farley Asmath, Franklin – 23.39
8. Nathaniel Dale, Franklin – 23.97

800M
1. Dylan Lynch, Taunton – 1:58.55
8. Kyle Stevens, Franklin – 2:06.13

1 Mile
1. Michael Griffin, King Philip – 4:25.14
4. Tyler Brogan, Franklin – 4:34.15
6. Michael Hagen, Franklin – 4:43.56

2 Mile
1. David Seybert, Attleboro – 9:36.70
7. Everett Henderson, Franklin – 10:10.86

400M Hurdles
1. Lucas Alves, Taunton – 55.83
5. William Jacobs, Franklin – 58.70

4×100 Relay
1. Milford – 44.24
2. Franklin – 44.31

4×400 Relay
1. Mansfield – 3:32.64
7. Franklin – 3:39.71

4×800 Relay
1. Mansfield – 8:22.27
4. Franklin – 8:36.97

Long Jump
1. Matt Tarantino, North Attleboro – 21′ 6.75″
6. Chris Chieng, Franklin – 20′ 6″


GIRLS TEAM RESULTS

1. North Attleboro – 122
2. Sharon – 113
3. Franklin – 67
4. King Philip – 64.5
5. Mansfield – 60.5
6. Oliver Ames – 55
7. Foxboro – 51
8. Taunton – 50
9. Milford – 46
10. Canton – 20
11. Attleboro – 8
12. Stoughton – 6

100M
1. Julia Harrison, Mansfield – 12.71
7. Brianna Cummings, Franklin – 13.35

400M
1. Julia Fenerty, Franklin – 59.15

800M
1. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 2:18.87
7. Emma Clifford, Franklin – 2:29.24

1 Mile
1. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 5:20.64

400M Hurdles
1. Sarah Collins, Canton – 1:06.26
3. Julia Fenerty, Franklin – 1:08.32

4×400 Relay
1. Sharon – 4:07.45
7. Franklin – 4:22.37

4×800 Relay
1. Franklin – 10:03.89

Shot Put
1. Courtney Kelleher, King Philip – 36′ 3.5″
5. Miranda Smith, Franklin – 33′ 2″
6. Sarah Goodermuth, Franklin – 31′ 11″

Discus
1. Courtney Kelleher, King Philip – 109′ 7″
4. Allison Rizoli, Franklin – 96′ 2″

High Jump
1. Abigail McKeown, King Philip – 5′ 0″
6. Elizabeth Wisniewski, Franklin – 4′ 8″

This was shared from the Hockomock Sports page
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-league-outdoor-track-championships-2017/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

Continuing his efforts to provide outreach to Norfolk County communities, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently hosted a free informational seminar on computer assisted land record research.

At the seminar, attendees learned how to navigate the Registry's online research page www.norfolkdeeds.org and to access documents such as deeds, mortgage discharges, Homesteads and other land related materials. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds state-of-the-art computer system has more than 6 million land document images available for viewing, dating back to 1793.

Register O'Donnell noted, "All of our land documents are online and are accessible within 24 business hours of recording. For the purpose of online researching of land documents, we have found these computer seminars to be very useful for real estate professionals, genealogists and members of the general public."

For those attending the seminar, computer skills were not required. Each attendee received free reference materials, which they took home with them. Additionally, there were several staffers on hand, including Register O'Donnell, who were available to assist and answer questions. The Register also noted that the seminar was one of the most popular ever attended at the Registry.

"Those attending the May 11th seminar," stated O'Donnell, "were really surprised how easy it was to look up land related documents, and now with this knowledge they can do this exercise from the comfort and convenience of their home or work computer."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Computer seminars are held by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds twice each year in the spring and fall. The dates are advertised in local papers throughout the county as well as through the Registry's social media outlets. For further information, you can contact Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or at agardner@norfolkdeeds.org."

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, 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 at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar
Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

“are fanatical about what’s best for the customer”



"Total Wine & More is waging total war on the nation’s alcohol laws — and Massachusetts is the new front line. 
The largest retailer of beer, wine, and liquor in the country, Total Wine has successfully challenged longstanding alcohol laws in numerous states, tilting the marketplace to its advantage through a mix of litigation, lobbying, and rallying support from customers. 
Alcohol sales on Sundays in Minnesota? Allowed as of February, thanks to a years-long campaign by Total Wine. Later closing time for liquor stores in Connecticut? That was also Total Wine. Ditto for overturning a ban on volume discounts in Maryland, and lifting the cap on the number of store licenses in South Carolina. 
In Massachusetts, Total Wine has sued to invalidate a state regulation that prevents retailers from selling alcohol below cost, a common practice in other industries. The company is also about to launch a public relations campaign here challenging a state rule prohibiting alcohol retailers from issuing discount coupons and loyalty cards. It has submitted the proposed changes to a task force convened by Treasurer Deborah Goldberg to streamline the state’s alcohol laws."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/05/20/for-total-wine-total-war-against-alcohol-regulations/lj09FZ4pg1oDEWJFqKuyZM/story.html

JOHN BLANDING/GLOBE STAFF  Total Wine & More has four outlets in Massachusetts, including one in Everett. Many of its outlets approach 50,000 square feet, or more than the average supermarket.
photo by JOHN BLANDING/GLOBE STAFF   - Total Wine & More has four outlets in Massachusetts, including one in Everett. Many of its outlets approach 50,000 square feet, or more than the average supermarket.

“They put their heart and soul into it”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"One day after searchers discovered a body they believe is a missing Franklin college student, residents said a sense of sorrow hung over the neighborhoods near woods where the body was found. 
“It’s just a really sad ending to a terrible week,” said Faith Lennon, who was landscaping outside her Eldon Drive home Sunday. 
On Saturday, two civilians found the body of a white male believed to be Michael Doherty in dense woods near Interstate 495. Doherty, a Xaverian Brothers High School graduate and Duke University student, had been missing since he left a house party on Phyllis Lane around 1:30 a.m. May 14. Throngs of searchers spent the past week looking through land that residents said was thickly vegetated and wet in places."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170521/after-body-found-franklin-residents-reflect-on-weeklong-search

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #1 - May 24, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, 2017. This is the first of two Town Council budget hearings. The Finance Committee reviewed the budget department by department in a series of three meetings in April.

If you really want the inside details on the budget, review the notes and video replay from the Finance Committee meetings. The Town Council version of the budget hearings have been a simple reading of the budget line items and amounts and then occasionally a 'hold' for a specific items of interest to one or more Councilors. What used to be rather informative sessions have disappeared the past several years.



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


A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes
B. Announcements
B. Announcements:
1. 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
C. Proclamations/Recognitions:
Swearing in - Police Department - Nick Palmieri
D. Citizen Comments
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 give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask theTown Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
F. Hearings
FY 2018 Budget Hearing
G. License Transactions
Sreefarminghamma Inc.: New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License - 7:10 PM
H. Presentations/Discussions
Veteran's Agent - Dale Kurtz
I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 17-32: Salary Schedule, Full-Time Elected Official
1. Resolution 17-32: Salary Schedule, Full-time Elected Official (Motion to Move Resolution 17-32 - Majority Vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-34: Request for Special Legislation Re: Authorization for Town to Establish a Local Agricultural Commission with Limited Authority
2. Resolution 17-34: Request for Special Legislation Re: Authorization for Town to Establish a Local Agricultural Commission with Limited Authority (Motion to Move Resolution 17-34 - Majority Vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-36: Upgrading Street Lighting System
3. Resolution 17-36: Upgrading Street Lighting System (Motion to Move Resolution 17-36 (Majority Vote - (5))
4. Resolution 17-37: Appropriation - Town Administration - Water BAN Interest
4. Resolution 17-37: Appropriation - Town Administration - Water BAN Interest (Motion to Move Resolution 17-37 - Majority Vote (5))
5. Bylaw Amendment 17-793: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 17-793: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-793 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn

Liquor license for Dharani Grill is up for approval at Wednesday's Town Council meeting
Liquor license for Dharani Grill is up for approval at Wednesday's Town Council meeting
The budget hearing doc for this 1st hearing can also be found here

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #2 - May 25, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 25, 2017. This is the second of two Town Council budget hearings. The Finance Committee reviewed the budget department by department in a series of three meetings in April.

If you really want the inside details on the budget, review the notes and video replay from the Finance Committee meetings. The Town Council version of the budget hearings have been a simple reading of the budget line items and amounts and then occasionally a 'hold' for a specific items of interest to one or more Councilors. What used to be rather informative sessions have disappeared the past several years.



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

A. Approval of Minutes
B. Announcements
1. 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. Citizens 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 the 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
F. Hearings
FY 2018 Budget Hearing: 2nd Hearing: 7:10 PM
G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/ Discussions
I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation For Action
1. Resolution 17-33: Adoption of FY 2018 Budget
1. Resolution 17-33: Adoption of FY 2018 Budget
K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn
The FY 2018 budget document can be found here

FY 2018 budget resolution can be found here

a rafter of turkeys left the Sculpture Park and the new bench as I approached
a rafter of turkeys left the Sculpture Park and the new bench as I approached


"a good, quality win for us”

Hockomock Sports .Com Managing Editor Josh Perry provides the recap on the FHS boys lacrosse win over Newton North on Saturday

"The Panthers recently clinched another outright Kelley-Rex division title, Franklin’s third straight outright league title and fifth in a row overall, but there was still a feeling that the team needed a marquee win to add confidence ahead of the state tournament. 
On Saturday afternoon at Pisini Field, Franklin was determined to make a statement about its potential for another tournament run against Newton North. Behind six goals from junior attacker Eric Civetti, eight saves by junior Connor O’Rourke, and a strong performance at the face-off ‘X’ by sophomore Jacob Alexander, the Panthers jumped all over the Tigers and earned a 9-6 win. 
“It was a good team we played and our kids responded real well,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi. “That’s a good quality team and a good, quality win for us.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/eric-civetti-scores-six-franklin-boys-lacrosse-score-marquee-win/

Franklin junior attacker Eric Civetti scored six goals to lead the Panthers to a marquee win over Newton North. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin junior attacker Eric Civetti scored six goals to lead the Panthers to
a marquee win over Newton North. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Click here for a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Spring-2017/Franklin-Newton-North-Boys-Lacrosse-5-20-17/

Franklin Historical Museum: "The Churches in Franklin"

Joe Landry's next presentation at the Franklin Historical Museum will be on Sunday, May 21 at 1:30 pm. 

Joe will be discussing "The Churches in Franklin" and the role that the Puritan church played in the formation of Franklin as a town. He'll talk about Franklin's beginning as the "Second Precinct of Wrentham" and how it became a separate town in 1778. 

Joe will discuss the different religious denominations that came to Franklin during the early years and the churches that their followers worshiped in. Some structures were lost as a result of fire or hurricane and some were moved to different locations and sold to other religious groups.

Hope you can make it! 

Franklin Historical Museum: "The Churches in Franklin"
Franklin Historical Museum: "The Churches in Franklin"

For more about the event, visit the Historical Museum on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1443914402573961/


or the Historical Museum webpage  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Franklin Republican Town Committee statement on Immigration Event Cancellation

"It is with regret that the Franklin Town Republican Committee announces the cancellation of Thursday night’s talk on immigration by a noted subject matter expert Jessica Vaughan. Due to gross and persistent misrepresentations about Ms. Vaughan and the nature of this event and the implicit threat of disruption by demonstrators and hecklers, our hosts at the Veterans of Foreign Wars who were well aware of the topic and speaker in advance cancelled the event.

Although Jessica has been a respected voice on news media outlets across the country and across the political spectrum -- and has testified before Congress -- she has somehow run afoul of the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization funded in part by billionaire George Soros -- which has alleged, on what basis we can’t imagine, that Jessica is associated with or sympathetic to a “hate group.” Perhaps those peddling these untruths simply fear accurate information about an important subject in American life today.
 
What has happened to the America of Liberty Trees, Patrick Henry’s rousing “give me liberty or give me death,’ and the generations of Americans who risked and sometimes lost their lives fighting to protect our ideals and rights. Freedom of assembly and speech are first and foremost among the rights we all hold dear. So, it is with great sadness that we record the cancellation of this non-partisan event offered as a service to citizens. Intimidation, insinuation, and character assassination through prejudicial, inflammatory, and false language is now the rule rather than the exception. And, so often, particularly on college campuses, this is married to the implicit threat of violence and vandalism. These trends are a true threat to our country and our civil society. Sadly, today they arrived in Franklin with some local Democrats contributing."

"we’re looking forward to beautifying downtown”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Volunteers worked in the downtown and town common areas Saturday morning as part of a “beautification day.” 
Participants planted a variety of flowers along the bridges and roads of downtown and in the common to ensure the areas remained bright and vibrant throughout the warmer months. The day is a joint effort between the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club. 
Eileen Mason, who coordinates the event, said it had been going well through the early morning hours. 
“So far, so good,” she said. “It’s a great day.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170520/sprucing-up-downtown-franklin

Franklin Garden Club members were working on the flower beds  last week in prep for the mulch to be laid out today
Franklin Garden Club members were working on the flower beds
last week in prep for the mulch to be laid out today