In the News: opioid deaths down 4% in MA; another solar system in planning for Franklin

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

Opioid deaths down 4% from prior year

"Deaths from opioid-related overdoses declined in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to state figures released Wednesday that officials said showed signs of progress in the fight against an epidemic that took nearly 2,000 lives last year. 

Total confirmed and estimated opioid-related deaths dropped from 2,056 in 2017 to 1,974 in 2018, or about 4 percent. From 2016 to 2017, the figure decreased 2 percent. 

The death rate is still significantly higher than it was before it began climbing rapidly at the start of the decade, but state officials said two straight years of decreases should be seen as evidence that efforts to support treatment programs, to improve access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, or Narcan, and to raise awareness about the risks of addiction are working. 

“When you look from 2016 to now, we are making progress,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Wednesday after a meeting of the Public Health Council. “We are making progress and fighting this devastating opioid epidemic. We’ve seen a 6 percent decrease, we know the efforts we have in place are beginning to work, and importantly, to me, from a public health point of view, we have to continue our sustained work to bring those deaths down further.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190213/mass-opioid-deaths-total-nearly-2000-in-18

SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse

Another solar system in planning for Franklin

"A California company is proposing a 2-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array that would occupy 15 acres off Summer Street. 

A public hearing to discuss the proposal from Santa Monica, California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is planned for 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Franklin Municipal Building’s Town Council Chambers. 

The town has teo existing arrays - on Union Street and at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School - and three others in the proposal stage. 

Nicolas Galletout, project developer at the company, doing business as Simi Solar, LLC, is continuing to expand to the East Coast, with specific attention to Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190214/another-solar-array-proposed-for-franklin

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Wednesday February 13, 2019

We want to make the community aware that there is a snapped pole on Oak Street that is impacting traffic in both directions in front of FHS and ECDC/Oak/HMMS. Franklin Police Department officers are on detail and will be assisting with traffic.

Franklin Public Schools will still open on time. We will be lenient with tardies this morning if this impacts arrival for your child or children. We also encourage drivers to use Panther Way as an alternative route.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Register NOW for Community Arts Advocacy Day 2019!

Join us for a FREE day of grassroots advocacy and arts management workshops for creative organizations.

Register now for CAAD2019! Action & IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day 2019 is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a day of grassroots activism and free arts management workshops. Agenda:  8:00 - 9:00          Registration, Breakfast & Networking 8:30 - 9:00          Meet and mingle with legislators 9:00 - 9:15           Welcome Address by Senate President Karen E. Spilka 9:15 - 10:00         Legislative panel: The Value of Arts, Creativity & Culture in the Commonwealth 10:00 - 10:15       Community Stories: Impact of the Arts, Arts Funding and Cultural Initiatives 10:25 - 11:25        Educational Workshop Session 1 11:35 - 12:15         Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities 12:15 - 1:15           Lunch 1:25 - 2:25            Educational Workshop Session 2 2:25 - 2:30           Wrap Up Workshops: The "How To's" of Arts Advocacy, with MA Representative Jeff Roy Fundraising Strategies for Small Shops Getting to the HeART of Public Art Funding through Sponsorships & Grants Shoestring Marketing for Arts Organizations Thinking Out of the Box for Opportunity Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/action-impact-community-arts-advocacy-day-2019-tickets-55811106522 Copyright © 2019 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Received this from a friend? Subscribe to our email list. Our mailing address is: 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Questions? Contact FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038 [at] gmail.com

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House - Feb 19

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House

February 19, 2019

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House - Feb 19

For info on the Battle of Iwo Jima  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Iwo_Jima

My father was fortunate to walk off Iwo Jima as a 19 year old when the battle ended in 1945. Some of his memories were recorded before he passed away on Feb 19, 2012. 

https://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2013/02/1st-anniversary.html

School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night - Feb 13 - 7:00 PM

Dear Families,

The School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM. 

Please see the attached flyer and RSVP for planning purposes.

Franklin Public Schools


RSVP for planning purposes
https://goo.gl/forms/d0QjjcAW3dTNmXg23

Download flyer here or below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczWllHR2hFQUxtYVlwV1VFaE5hSFBQQnZJeUtv/view?usp=sharing

School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night - Feb 13

Franklin Library: Hamilton Throwdown! Feb 13

Join the library and the Franklin High School Library as we celebrate one of our favorite fandoms with an epic night of trivia, lyric challenges, and General Hamilton appreciation! 

Grab your team (or come meet new friends!) and join us for tea and scones, then battle it out to prove your Hamilton-love, followed by an epic sing-along with the High School Chamber Chorus!

When: from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Wednesday Feb 13

Franklin Library: Hamilton Throwdown! Feb 13

This was shared from the Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/hamilton-throwdown

10th Annual Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Spelling Bee

Last week the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School held our 10th Annual Spelling Bee.

The purpose of the National Spelling Bee program is "to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives." In offering this opportunity to BFCCPS students, we aim to provide an educational and fun opportunity for students looking for an academic challenge.

Fifty four students participated in the first round of the competition on Tuesday, February 6th.  That round of competition resulted in sixteen students in Grades Four through Eight qualifying for the finals.

10th Annual Spelling Bee

On Wednesday, February 7th sixteen students in grades four through eight participated in the Spelling Bee finals in front of an audience of 250 students.  After four rounds of competition two finalists emerged: Lily E Grade 8 and Saipragnesh K from Grade Six.  Throughout the competition, BFCCPS students' instruction of both French and Latin benefited the participants in the proper spelling of words such as "galette," "flambeau" and "auf wiedersehen"

Lily E Grade 8 and Saipragnesh K from Grade Six

"I was so impressed with the poise, grace, and confidence these young men and women showed. They were focused, patient, and even said thank you after they finished spelling their words. Our champion showed amazing fortitude and perseverance when she waited and took the time she needed to be confident she had spelled the word correctly!" – Executive Director, Heather Zolnowski

Congratulations to Lily E this year's BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion. Lily has participated in the BFCCPS Spelling Bee since Grade Four and qualified for the finals in Grades Five, Seven and Eight.

Lily and all other school winners in our region will take a written test on March 1. The top 50 students from the written test will then participate in a regional bee in Lynn, MA. Congratulations and best wishes to Lily! 

BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion

In the News: Boston area among worst traffic; Inside the 40B rules

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

When the MBTA has trouble, it doesn't help to know traffic is worse

"If you spend a lot of time in bumper-to-bumper traffic you’re not alone. A new report says Boston has the worst rush-hour traffic in the country. 

The study from transportation data firm Inrix said gridlock during morning and evening commutes around Boston was worse than any other U.S. metro area in 2018. INRIX, Inc., the world leader in mobility analytics and connected car services. 

Boston was the only U.S. city included in the top 10 most congested cities worldwide. It ranked eighth, behind Moscow, Istanbul, Bogota, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, London and Rio De Janerio. Washington, D.C., which ranked second in the United States, come in 19th in the world, according to the report."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/boston-area-drivers-have-worst-commutes-in-united-states


Inside the 40B rules

"Want to ruffle some feathers? Bring up the subject of 40B in Massachusetts. 

The affordable-housing program, known technically as Chapter 40B, has existed for five decades and is the subject of endless debate across the Bay State. 

The subject, however, is often clouded with confusion surrounding the program, how it exists and why it creates so much friction in a state where affordable housing is so tough to find."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/breakdown-of-40b-affordable-housing

280 units coming to West Central St via 40b

Franklin currently sits above the critical 40B threshold

FM #159 - DPW Water Works (audio)

FM #159

This internet radio show or podcast is number 159 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the DPW Water Works presentation and discussion section of the Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi and Water Superintendent Laurie Ruszala join in the presentation and Q&A.

My notes from the session can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/live-reporting-dpw-water-presentation.html

One key question was asked by Councilor Deborah Pellegri about water supply capacity and new growth. The question begins at about 24 minutes.

The total meeting recording runs just about 47 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.





Follow along with the presentation copy:

Water Presentation - Jan 30, 2019 from Franklin Matters

-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!


------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 13, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2019

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

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_february_13_2019.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of February 13, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. 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.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	None
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Franklin Cultural District- Pandora Carlucci
6. HEARINGS
6a. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
6b. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
6c. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations
6d. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
6e. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets
6f. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Police Department
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-20: Adoption of Fiscal Policies (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-20 Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-836: Amendment to the Town Code to Add New Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-836 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

public hearing for the Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District scheduled for this meeting

“This is just an awesome feeling for all of us”

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

"What a day it was for the Tri-County wrestling team. 

The Cougars, who from year-to-year are often right in the mix at the Division 3 Central sectional meet, finally made their first significant piece of program history. 

And they did it with depth, which is always the most important factor when it comes to the sectional meets. 

T-C only had one champion, but had a whopping 11 wrestlers place in the top-six, all of whom earned points for their team in the process. When it was all said and done, the Cougars earned their first ever sectional title, conquering the meet with a total of 198 points on Saturday at Wayland High."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20190209/tri-county-wrestling-wins-their-first-ever-sectional-title

Tri-County wrestling wins their first ever sectional title