Franklin Matters

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Live reporting: Legislation through to Closing

I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 17-50: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin Police Dept. (Motion to Move Resolution 17-50 - majority vote (5)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 2. Resolution 17-51: Town Clerk Prior Year Bills (Motion to Move Resolution 17-51 - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-795 to the Planning Board - majority vote (5)) Bissanti recuses himself motion to waive the reading, seconded, then withdraw was discussed in a planning workshop a few years ago, was also brought up recently at the EDC and then brought here for action to clean up the zoning and plot lines possible addition of another lot to the proposal, lot 53 on Union St difference between C1 and C2, more restrictions on C2 C1 more appropriate for smaller neighborhoods parking requirements and dimensions motion to amend the parcel requested to C1, seconded additional language to clarify the amendment passed 9-0 motion to refer as amended, seconded, passed 9-0
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items questions about the Senior bus? borrowing one from Medway rather than spending over $100,000 for a new vehicle for limited use Cultural Festival and 4th of July possible for combination? Pellegri to reach out Bissanti - town trying to avoid the opioid problem, identified areas in and around Franklin, get some restaurants NARCAN training (should be brought to SAFE Coalition)
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments Brutus recognized for his recent degree FHS final audit for MSBA is coming to a close, hopefully to get final approval and payment end of Oct/Nov then we cna close the books for the project that began in 2008 Jones - no private well restrictions as we have been getting so uch rain condolences to the Gilboys on the loss of Axe Dellorco - went to the opening on Sat, it was excellent Bob Donovan retiring from the Fire Dept after long years of service Bissanti - thanks to the Cultural Festival folks, it was a great event at THE BLACK BOX, plug for up and coming committee, Franklin Pride a group to raise funds for things that they might need Pfeffer - do have funds as part of the Franklin Elders but there has been no money promised, there has not been that much interest in bus trips; will provide a bus but not buy one Library will be finished in mid-October to late October, bricks still for sale Bridge on West Central St, the flags are fantastic, thanks to whomever does it Kelly - congrats to Bob Donovan on retirement
N. Executive Session - Non-scheduled	N. Executive Session - None scheduled
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: License transactions, Dr Ahern introduction

G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions - 1. New Farmer-Winery Pouring License - La Cantina Winery - 7:10 PM open hearing no comments close hearing motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - School Superintendent - Dr Sara Ahern Started July 1, great 6 weeks to get to know folks and what's happening thanks to Jamie and Jeff for being welcoming and collaborative took a tour of the town and school buildings impressed with collaboration and professionalism found among the staff here

Live Reporting: Town Council - Aug 9, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none

A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes June 28 motion to approve, second, passed 9-0 July 2 motion to approve, second, passed 9-0
B. Announcements
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions 1. Swearing in of Police Officer - Leeanne Baker 2. Recognition of Gary Premo recognition of Gary as he is leaving to Direct the new Regional Operations Center Recognition of former Detective Chris Baker. It should have been done earlier but due to a clerical mistake acknowledged by the Chief, his recognition is today Recognition of Michael Gilboy, and the passing of Canine Oficer Axe, the police dog who passed recently. < 3 minute recess>
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 not engage in a dialogue or comment 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 theTown Administrator to review the matter. Dale Kurtz - Veterans Officer Aug 17-20 Ruck march, Pittsfield to Plymouth down Lincoln to Main to East Central, arrive approx 6:00 AM and leave about 8:00 AM walking about 4 mph Warrior Thunder Foundation dot org for more info Teresa Burr Biannual election, Nov 7th positions and terms of officers posted recently, and replayed here, nominations due Sep 19th schedule of events to be posted to Franklin Matters
E. Appointments	E. Appointments 1. Design Review Commission Samuel Williams motion to approve, second, passed 9-0
F. Hearings	F. Hearings

39th Feast of St Rocco - Aug 6 -13, 2017

The carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the St Rocco Festival and will be set up to open on schedule.

carnival rides delivered and ready for set up

The schedule for the rides is as follows:

The entertainment schedule is as follows:

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ST. ROCCO FAMILY FESTIVAL

On the Festival Grounds

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
5:00-10:00 Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) The Reminisants

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
1:00 p.m. Paws, the PawSox mascot will be on the field
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Bobby Costello D. J.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND Sea Breeze

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
12:00 - 4:00p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Bob Costello D.J.
12:00 - 4:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Jerry Seeco Band
7:00 -8:00 p.m. Bob Costello D.J.
7:30 p.m. Drawing to be held

For additional information, you can visit the St Rocco's Festival page
http://stmarysfranklin.org/93

Senator Spilka: FY18 Senate Budget + Session Wrap Up

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Greetings!

We did it! Thanks to your calls, emails, tweets and testimony, we were able to stop the Baker Administration from pushing through the most sweeping reforms to Massachusetts health care without any input from the public. The Legislature will now move forward with our efforts to vet these proposals in a formal, transparent manner.

Working with our colleagues in the House, we were also able to create a dedicated reserve for Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) in the FY18 budget, to support the important work of our bar advocates and ensure access to justice for all.

I'm also proud to report that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is now law. Everyone deserves a safe, healthy work environment, and that includes pregnant and nursing workers. Women are an important part of our economic success, and we must do all we can to make sure our laws reflect the everyday reality facing our workforce.

Below are more highlights from the final Fiscal Year 2018 state budget, the beginning of the 2017-2018 legislative session, and around the district.

Please remember that this newsletter is just a snapshot of my work at the State House and in the district. If you want the full picture, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

It continues to be my absolute pleasure to serve the people of the 2nd Norfolk and Middlesex district, and the Commonwealth. As always, if you have any questions, comments or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact my office!

PRESERVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

Photo by Mike Deehan

Spilka: Our state's health care commitment
MetroWest Daily News
These proposals, arguably the most significant changes to the state's MassHealth program since the 1990s, would rescind MassHealth eligibility or reduce benefits for 400,000 low income adults. Many stakeholder groups and health care advocates have expressed concerns to me that these changes could seriously impact our most vulnerable residents, those who are least able to afford restricted access to medications, the loss of benefits or an increase in co-pays and deductibles.
Reforms Or Rollbacks? Baker Battles Dems Over MassHealth
WGBH

Ashland Sen. Karen Spilka, the Senate's top budget writer, said there need to be solutions to the cost problem that don't include limiting local Medicaid enrollment, which was expanded under the Affordable Care Act.

"If we accepted the governor's proposal on this, Massachusetts would be the first state in the nation to start rolling back Medicaid expansion. That is not a direction I would like to see Massachusetts going. We are a Commonwealth. We take care of our residents, particularly our most vulnerable residents," Spilka told WGBH News.

Lawmakers reject Baker's MassHealth cuts

Commonwealth Magazine

Gov. Baker to sign health care fee, wait on Medicaid changes

WCVB Channel 5

Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka

Room 212, State House

Boston, Massachusetts 02133

Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077

http://www.karenspilka.com