Franklin Resident Starts Political Group to Challenge Speaker's Power

Massachusetts Voters for Legislative Reform to Hold First Meeting on October 7th

Massachusetts Voters for Legislative Reform (MVLR) will hold its first organizing meeting on Saturday, October 7th at 1 p.m. at the Milford Town Library. "Our mission is to reduce the amount of power held by leadership on Beacon Hill," says founder Maxwell Morrongiello of Franklin.

Morrongiello started MVLR in response to the increasing consolidation of this power in the House of Representatives, which has grown steadily during the terms of the last four Speakers. "The enormous amount of power the Speaker has right now is simply undemocratic," says Morrongiello. "Leadership has almost absolute control as to what bills pass and which bills die. Decisions on legislation should be based on the will of the rank and file, not the will of one person." Morrongiello argues that the current power dynamic makes it easier for lobbyists to rig the system by targeting the few people in charge, having major effect on what legislation makes it out of the House.

Morrongiello referenced the fact that 64 lawmakers switched their votes on casinos after DeLeo took control of the House, and argued undue pressure from the Speaker prevented legislators from voting their conscience. "Our representatives should be working for us," expressed MVLR member Joyce Notine of Bellingham, "Instead they are working for the Speaker."

Morrongiello proposed potential solutions for reducing the influence of the Speaker, including stripping leadership's ability to make committee appointments, and placing that authority within a separate legislative body. Morrongiello hopes through grassroots organizing his group could nudge lawmakers to support future leadership who will empower the rank and file. Morrongiello acknowledged the toxicity of the issue his group is tackling. "Almost everyone on Beacon Hill knows that this is a serious issue, but they are paralyzed by the potential repercussions of speaking out. I hope that through organizing, those voices will finally have a chance to be heard."

The first MVLR meeting is open to the public. MVLR is a non-partisan effort. Interested parties can RSVP at mareform.com, and may sign up for email and Facebook updates at the same location.

Direct all inquiries to Maxwell Morrongiello at 508-318-8629 or at max@mareform.com

Franklin Resident Starts Political Group to Challenge Speaker's Power

“It’s going to be gorgeous”

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

"The temporary library at 25 Kenwood Circle is full of excited librarians, bustling about and getting ready for their big move back into the Main Street location after 17 months of renovations and additions. 

Library Director Felicia Oti said most of the big moving will start on Monday. The library will stay open at its temporary location until Saturday. Oti said residents can expect the library to reopen on Main Street in about four weeks. 

“We’re so excited to be going back,” she said. “I am really grateful. Everyone on the Town Council, the town administrator, the community, was so supportive. It’s a dream.” 

Once the library reopens, all return fees will be waived for the first two weeks. No return bins will be available during the transition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170913/franklin-librarians-prepare-to-move-back-to-main-street

brick patio with commemorative bricks. Did you buy one?

Live reporting: to Closing

K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report - Update on Town Council Goals biannual goals included in package new planning ahead in Jan after the election
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments Dellorco - condolences to Nasuti family Bissanti - condolences to the Nasuit family Elks did a great job with the flag display to mark the 9/11 memorial Jones - enjoy seeing the swearing in ceremony new registered voter in the Jones household Pellegri - thoughts and prayers for Houston, Florida and the islands Padula - thoughts to his relatives in Naples Mercer - condolences to the Nasuti family Vallee - condolences to the Nasuti family Kelly - added to comments, also to the Carlucci family
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn motion to adjourn

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

I. Subcommittee Reports

I. Subcommittee Reports

J. Legislation for Action

J. Legislation for Action: 1. Resolution 17-52: Transfer of Two Town-Owned Parcels of Vacant Land to Care, Etc of the Conservation Commission (Motion to Move Resolution 17-52 - 2/3 Majority vote (6) parcel taken by Town but these two make sense to be used for Conservation, hence motion to transfer ownership motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 2. Resolution 17-53: Dissolution of Horace Mann Statue Committee (Motion to Move Resolution 17-53 - Majority vote (5)) committee work done, time to close out motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 grant money paid for this, sale of mugs turned over $1K to the Historical Museum 3. Resolution 17-54: Franklin Green Community Designation (Motion to Move Resolution 17-54 - Majority vote (5)) Kelly Brown, with Green Community at State grant funding can help with additional projects  Gus Brown, Building Inspector looking to adopt the stretch code adoption to building code for residential and commercial propoerties build with a little more up front but then save after with lower costs replace 9 vehicles overtime with grant funding to replace with electric vehicles; had previously used older cruisers; instead bought smaller high mileage vehicles consider training for the mechanics at the garage to cover the repairs to the electric vehicles motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 4. Bylaw Amendment 17-796: Chapter 63, Buildings, Numbering of - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-796 to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5)) this goes along with the above discussion as it contains the 'stretch energy code' motion to move to 2nd hearing, seconded, passed 8-0 5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: 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 - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5)) Bissanti recused motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 7-0 motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0 6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797: Setbacks for Accessory Building and Structures - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797 to the Planning Board - Majority vote (5)) as discussed in EDC meeting previously, this cleans up language it was 15 in more rural areas, making in all 10 makes more sense motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Live reporting: Zoning Hearing, license transactions, 4th of July

F. Hearings	F. Hearings - Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: 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 - 7:10 pm 17 Wachusett resident turning property from residential to commercial not in best interest of Franklin hearing closed 1st reading tonight, 2nd reading at next meeting before council change approved
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions: 1. Ashadeep, Inc. d/b/a Union Street Wine & Liquors - Change in Officer/Director, Transfer of Stock - 7:10 pm currently 100% owned, selling 25% of the shares to the other 2 individuals question on prior under age items, were in another town and sold off 2. 99 Restaurant - Change in Officer/Director - 7:10 pm individuals not present should be done at ABCC level  motion to table until Sep 22, at 7:10; seconded, passed 8-0
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin 4th of July Committee Paul Kordic, co chari Joe C PKjuly4th at gmail.com jcjuly4th at gmail.com targeting for July 3rd carnival start on June 29, run thru the 4th will be starting now to work on the planning for next year will attempt to bring the fireworks back American Thunder, the fireworks provider percent of carnival, usually about 30K from which the other expenses; net about 4-5K to work on next year looking to get 5K from small business and corporate donors some transition items are still underway, 501(c)3 filing required later this year, will provide a copy when prepared Pellegri - had been chair for 25 years, Thanks for taking this on perhaps we can get together with some other organization to address volunteers, fund raising, etc. combining with the some other events? Cultural Event, and Strawberry Festival? sit down and try to work something out considering to have the farmers market open even next year, if they are willing looking for funding to help this group, police and fire costs add up; maybe we wouldn't need as many or could we put some money aside to pay for this started as part of the Brick School carnival and expanded from the 80's fireworks to be from on of the back ball fields (grass) notification to Eaton Place and neighbors planned as well Mercer - have DPW and Facilities involved as there are sprinklers in the fields and the fields are new and need to be taken care of

Live Reporting: Town Council: - Sep 13, 2017

Present:  Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Jones, Bissanti, Dellorco
Absent: Pfeffer

motion to approve Jones as Clerk pro temp for this meeting, seconded, passed

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes - August 9, 2017 - (Motion to Approve August 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes - Majority vote - (5)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
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 of Firefighters Brian Hammond Matthew Starkey swearing in of 2 new firefighter/paramedics currently at 46 line folks, trying to get 2 more in the door brief recess, returned to open session at 7:09 PM
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 raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Teresa Burr, Town Clerk reminders on election dates last days to register Oct 18 papers due Sep 19 candidates night scheduled for Oct 17
E. Appointments	E. Appointments none

Important Dates to Remember for the November 7, 2017 Election

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 (8:00am – 5:00pm)

• Last day to submit nomination paper to registrars For certification (Town Clerks Office) 

Thursday, October 5, 2017 (8:00am – 5:00pm)

• Last day to object or withdraw 

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 (8:00am – 8:00pm)

• Last day to register to vote 

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 (6:00am -8:00pm)

• Election Day

Election Collection 2017

September at the Franklin Historical Museum - Hats From the Attic!

The Franklin Historical Museum will feature a collection of hats that belonged to long time Franklin Resident Mary Molla Diorio. When a new family moved into the Diorio home on Squire Street, they found, tucked away in a corner of the attic a large black hat box, with 7 vintage ladies hats lovingly packed inside. They donated their find to the museum with the hope that the hats could find new life. 

Through the magic of social media, we were able to determine who lived in the house and a description of the person who owned and wore the hats. Mary Diorio, who worked in the Franklin Schools for 50 years, was well loved and respected by her colleagues, neighbors and family alike. We’re thrilled to have these beautiful hats to share for all to see.

The hats will be on display starting Sunday September 10 through at least the end of September. In addition, the display will include information on the early days of the straw hat industry in Franklin, and a look at the history of hat fashions. 

On September 17 Joe Landry returns to the museum for the first in his Fall series of talks on Franklin’s past. Joe’s September talk will cover the businesses, store fronts and restaurants that occupied East Central Street from Ruggles to the Bridge. His presentation includes slides with many photos of our town from yesteryear! These talks have been well attended and enjoyed, with much audience participation. Come join us for Joe’s walk down memory lane.

The Franklin Library will hold its Genealogy Club meeting at the Museum on Thursday evening September 21 at 6:30PM. The topic this month is DNA research. The meetings are free and open to the public.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street. Admission is always free and we are wheelchair accessible. Operating hours are Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM, Sunday afternoons from 1PM-4PM and Thursday evenings (May-Dec) 5:00PM-8:00PM. Stop by and discover a bit of Franklin’s History.

September at the Franklin Historical Museum - Hats From the Attic!

  
Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

FHS volleyball and both cross country teams post wins on Tuesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS falls sports results on Tuesday, Sep 12. 


Volleyball = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– Franklin used solid defense and serve receive to help earn a sweep over visiting Milford. Lauren Lockhart finished with seven kills with what FHS head coach Kate Horsmann called “super smart hitting.” Maggie Doyle added five kills, two blocks and an ace and Meaghan Maguire chipped in with four kills and a pair of blocks for the Panthers.


Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 19 @ Oliver Ames, 44 – Final


Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 16 @ Oliver Ames, 41 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091217/

FHS Panthers

"the gender gap in wages narrowed last year for the first time since 2007"

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

"In a stark reminder of the damage done by the Great Recession and of the modest recovery that followed, the median American household last year finally earned more than it did in 1999. 

Incomes for a typical U.S. household, adjusted for inflation, rose 3.2 percent from 2015 to 2016 to $59,039, the Census Bureau said. The median is the point at which half the households fall below and half are above. 

Last year’s figure is slightly above the previous peak of $58,665, reached in 1999. It is also the first time since the recession ended in 2009 that the typical household earned more than it did in 2007, when the recession began. 

Trudi Renwick, the bureau’s assistant division chief, cautioned that the census in 2013 changed how it asks households about income, making historical comparisons less than precise. 

Still, the Census data is closely watched because of its comprehensive nature. It is based on interviews with 70,000 households and includes detailed data on incomes and poverty across a range of demographic groups."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20170912/american-household-income-finally-topped-1999-peak-last-year

Census.gov is a welcoming website chock full of information. Every time I visit, I have to be careful not to get lost following the info and the various paths it can lead.

Franklin's quick stats can be found here
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/franklintowncitymassachusetts,MA/PST045216

 Franklin's quick stats can be found here

Live reporting: Action items to closing

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Horace Mann Middle School Improvement Plan as presented.
b. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Remington Middle School Improvement Plan as presented.
c. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Annie Sullivan Middle School Improvement Plan as presented.
d. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Franklin High School Improvement Plan as presented.
e. I recommend moving Policy CBI – Evaluation of the Superintendent to a second reading.
f. I recommend adoption of Policy BEDB – Order of Business as discussed.
g. I recommend approval of the 2017-18 Student Activity Fund Accounts as discussed.
h. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $1,438.57 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Field Hockey Booster Club for supplemental supplies at FHS.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Linda Sawyer for a FHS Scholarship.

motion to accept all as read, seconded, passed 6-0


5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
really smooth opening, commendations to building principals and teams for all the work to make that happen, including facilities and DPW

schools holding curriculum nights and open houses
parent should check out the dates on the calendar

school safety drills are underway
fire drills occuring as well, parent communication post drill

Joint PCC meeting, nice group of invested parents
good format for parent forums coming this fall (Oct, mid-Nov)
one evening, one morning

PCC busy setting calendars


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Policy Sub Committee – MaryJane Scofield
continuing to work on policy that govern school committee
next meeting Tues, Sep 19 at 7:00 in conf room on 3rd floor
Oct 12, a thursday

Community relations
coffee on Fri 9/22 from 12:00 - to 6:00 PM at the Farmers Market
also meeting with Sara Weds night to review community relations program

Budget subcommittee to meet and then hold a budget workshop in October 10 (in lieu of regular meeting) upstairs

School Committee Liaison Reports
social emotional learning school committee event to be held by Sen Spilka at State House


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


7. Executive Session
a. Collective Bargaining
motion to enter executive session

8. Return to Open Session
approx 8:20 PM

educator evaluation system, 2 and 3rd year teacher status
teacher with professional status on 2 year evaluation plans

recommend ratification of these two Memorandum of Undestanding
Teachers association has approved

motion to accept, seconded, passed  6-0
via roll call, unanimous


9. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

motion to adjourn, seconded passed 6-0

Live reporting: Discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading
o CBI – Evaluation of Superintendent

Current Policy
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczampKbTE0OUR3bGJCSUZmSGFpMUFzaFVhUVJV

Proposed Policy
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczXzQ5THZCdHBHVkZvZG9EWnlCRVlaQ2h0VFgw

Policy – Second Reading
o BEDB – Order of Business

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczNkY3TkIwc3J3VE9lSUMxX0puSXFGWHUxYXhv

Approval of 2017-18 Student Activity Fund Accounts – Miriam Goodman
principals' hold in trust for the benefit of the students
fund approvals include mission and purpose for each of the clubs

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczbDdrcTkyQXN1MVpKYVQ5MThNZ3VDdF92TXQw

New Sub Committees
o Public Schools Advocacy
looking to formalize, asking Anne Bergen to chair
up to 2 more to volunteer
Denise, MJ stepped forward
awareness of legislation pending, provide important accurate information to counter some of the 'myth' that persist
advocate at the local and State level for budget reform


o Ad Hoc – Superintendent Evaluation
Proposed Anne and Cindy to take this

o Liaison to MASC
Denise to continue in this role more formally