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

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 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/march_13_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of March 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
3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	January 30,2019
3b. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	February 13, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	Swearing in of five new Police Officers
5. APPOINTMENTS
5a. APPOINTMENTS	Conservation Commission, Alan Wallach
5b. APPOINTMENTS	Conservation Commission, Braden Rosenberg
5c. APPOINTMENTS	Historical Commission, Brock Leiendecker
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	FY20 Budget Fiscal Forecast
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-21: Acceptance of Gift to the Franklin Fire Department from the Singleton Family Foundation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-21 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-22: Appropriation of Cable Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-22 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-23: Authority for Town Administrator to Settle Pending Litigation Against Town and Payment Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-23 - Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-24: Norfolk Aggie Supplemental Appropriation FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-24 - Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to a 2nd Reading- Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to a 2nd Reading- Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10i. 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 -2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-836: Amendment to the Town Code to Add New Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-836 - Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
10l. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes from General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV, an area on or near West Central Street- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
15. ADJOURN

School Business Administrator Miriam Goodman and Superintendent Sara Ahern
presenting the School Budget proposal for FY 2020

FY 2020 public hearings scheduled for State budget

In the Legislative Forum conducted by the School Committee in February, it was announced that a series of public hearings would be conducted around the sate in preparation for the FY 2020 budget. These hearings are the opportunity to raise the systemic issues on the education funding formula, Chapter 70 aid, Chapter 90 (roads), special education reimbursements, charter schools, etc.

"The House and Senate Ways and Means committees this week began their series of eight hearings around the state on the various parts of the state budget for fiscal 2020. 

The first hearing was held on March 5 at the State House. Additional hearings will be held through April 2 in locations including Needham, Worcester, Springfield and Arlington. 

The key date for local officials is March 18, when the committees will convene in Fall River to receive testimony on education and local aid. MMA leadership will be among those testifying in support of local government priorities."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/house-senate-committees-to-hold-joint-hearing-march-18-on-education-and-local-aid/

The schedule for public hearings:
https://www.mma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fy20_WaysAndMeans_budgetHearingSchedule.pdf

or the Franklin Matters hosted copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c_VGJYwZCGpoFGx_yqMTx4-WBHWQebdj/view?usp=sharing

FY 2020 public hearings on State budget

Tri-County RVTHS Grand Opening of the Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Center - Mar 1, 2019

The Grand Opening of the Newly Renovated Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Center was recently celebrated on Friday, March 1, 2019.

The newly renovated Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Center at Tri-County includes a state-of-the-art hands-on learning environment with advanced manufacturing technology including machinery for cutting, fabricating and designing of metal parts with extremely high precision, down to the thousandths of an inch. 

Grand Opening

There are 3-D printers that some students have used to make plastic chain mail that may also be used for NASA purposes on the inside of spacesuits, along with robotics equipment. Students engage in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of products and devices providing them with opportunities to solve real world design problems, engage with industry standard technology, and transform concepts into reality. All aspects of the innovative training environment prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce or pursue a college education in Engineering.

Tri-County RVTHS Grand Opening

Partial funding for the Engineering Lab’s Advanced Manufacturing equipment, which mimics the workflow of a real commercial manufacturing operation, was provided by a portion of a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant.

Congressman Joe Kennedy III, Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, State Rep. Betty Poirier, R-Bristol, State Rep. Brian Murray, D-Milford, and Senator Paul Feeney, D-Bristol and Norfolk, along with many area employers spent the afternoon walking through the new facility amazed of the progress being made. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kennedy, holding a small metal plate made by students to commemorate the occasion, said this is what the future looks like.

Official Citation

“To see the technology that is now here, to see the cooperation and collaboration of local businesses, to understand the skills that are being transferred to folks that are as young as freshmen, to build robots that have a better free-throw percentage than I have is amazing,” Kennedy said, pointing to the latest robot made with parts from the new lab. “I took a wood-shop class and I couldn’t figure out how to use a saw, and to be able to do this kind of work, it’s pretty incredible.”

During the ceremony, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate presented Tri-County’s Superintendent-Director, Stephen Dockray, with an Official Citation in recognition of the school’s Grand Opening event.

The newly renovated Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Center will expose students with access to a more real-world advanced curriculum with better computers and programming resulting in being skilled in a multitude of engineering and manufacturing fields.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting - March 13

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 13th at 7:30.

Tony DaSilva, Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee member will join us. The FBRTC is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. The SNETT is a mixed use recreational trail that runs 23 miles from Franklin to Douglas, MA.

We are NOT just for Newcomers and there is no need to RSVP, just join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends
Club monthly Meeting - March 13

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

St Mary's: Women's Faith Formation Group - Mar 16

All women are invited to join the St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group on Saturday, March 16 from 9 – 10 AM in the lower church hall at St. Mary Church in Franklin (One Church Square). 

We continue our viewing of Bishop Barron’s “Catholicism” series, with small group discussion to follow. Since segments are on independent topics, we encourage you to attend even if you missed previous sessions. 

Light refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring a friend - all are welcome!

St Mary's: Women's Faith Formation Group - Mar 16

"Of the 62 public requests filed, only about half were successful"

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

"Sunshine Week: These are the highest-paid employees in the Milford area"

"How much do municipal workers make? 

Across the globe, governments are publishing more of their records online, putting information in the hands of citizens who could help improve the public sector. 

But in the era of big data, when any piece of information seems a Google search away, try finding the salary of your local police chief. 

With more limited resources, cities and towns often lag behind in making their records available to the public. To help narrow the gap, the Daily News will launch an effort today to provide readers more insight into spending in their own backyards."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190310/sunshine-week-these-are-highest-paid-employees-in-milford-area

Editor note: I hesitated to post this as more information is needed for a worthwhile comparison. While the article and payroll tool provides salary and compensation data, it does not provide the context on the size of the community and budget or work load to help make the comparison fair. Simply using the data provided is comparing apples to oranges. As a result of multiple discussions over the years on making the case to position Franklin appropriately with communities of its size and operational scope, this is not an easy task. So while the real picture is not available, be aware, that at least some data is.

I would rather have had the focus on the fact that 55% of the information requests were actually fulfilled. For a Sunshine week impact, there is not a lot of sun shining.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy announces office hours

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Franklin and Medway on the following days:

Franklin – Thursday March 21, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street Franklin, MA

Medway –Saturday April 6th 24, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at Galante’s Restaurant
320 Village St. Medway, MA

James Gay, his staff director, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2030, to stop by Room 43 in the State House, or to email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy announces office hours

In the News: Store location to become a mini-mall; Jeep snow sculpture capturing attention

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

Store location to become a mini-mall

"The Bob’s Store building on East Central Street may be springing back to life.
A Wellesley company is proposing to bring an indoor trampoline park to the building at the Horace Mann Plaza. 

The Planning Board is hosting a public hearing Monday at 7:15 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers on the proposal from Franklin Shoppers Inc. 

Bob’s Stores’ corporate parent, Vestis Retail Group, announced in November that the store was closing, but did not disclose when that would occur. For now, the store remains open. 

Town Planner Amy Love said Thursday that the 26,656-square-foot building at 303 East Central St. will be subdivided into five spaces, with the trampoline park proposed for the largest of those. She said it’s unclear what, if any, other businesses are planned."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190308/franklin-indoor-trampoline-park-sought-for-bobs-space

MDN twitter photo

Jeep snow sculpture capturing attention

"Sometimes when life gives you piles of snow, you’ve just got to make a sculpture out of it. 

That’s exactly what Kerry-Lynn Houghton, of Franklin, did in the wake of this week’s snowstorm – the first significant snowfall this winter. 

When she looked out at the snow, she didn’t see just a giant shoveling chore. In the loads of snow that fell in her family’s yard, she envisioned a snow jeep and set to work to carve it out - not unlike Michelangelo, who famously remarked, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” 

“I love jeeps and I thought it would be great to build something the kids could actually sit in,” Houghton said of her inspiration to create the snowy vehicle rather than a more traditional snow person."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190309/snow-jeep-turns-heads-in-franklin

Erin says goodbye to the Franklin Food Pantry

Catching up to sharing this. I missed doing it before as I was away. I was fortunate to have led the Food Pantry Board when we hired Erin and it clearly turned out to have been a good move. Thank you Erin for all you have accomplished.

Steve Sherlock

Amy Cataldo appointed Interim Executive Director

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Special Announcement February 21, 2019  Farewell to Erin    No one in our community has been a stronger advocate for those facing hunger than Erin Lynch. Her passion and energy has fueled the mission of the Pantry for 7 years. As Executive Director, she has spearheaded innovative programs and services beyond the imaginations of many. She helped change the lives of many more. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we say farewell to Erin. The impact she has made during her tenure at the Pantry is unparalleled.  Erin Lynch "After seven incredibly rewarding years with the Franklin Food Pantry, I have recently made the decision to begin a new chapter," said Erin. "It has been an honor to work with this amazing team and generous community, and I look forward to continuing the many wonderful friendships that I have made here throughout the years," said Erin. According to Jeff Ellis, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, "We are so grateful to Erin for all she has done for the Pantry, and are extremely saddened by her departure. Her vision, dedication and hard work helped move the Pantry to new heights, and she will be greatly missed. We feel lucky that Erin built such a great team  that will continue the mission of the Pantry. We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors." Amy Cataldo, the Pantry's Assistant Director, has agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director during the transition. "We are fortunate to have on staff someone with the leadership skills, qualifications and experience who can step right in to guide the Pantry during this time. Amy has been a part of the Administrative team for several years and is extremely knowledgeable about the Pantry, its operations and its mission. We greatly appreciate her support and commitment to continuing the vital work of the Pantry during this interim period." About Amy Amy has been a part of the Pantry family since 2014, serving as a volunteer before she joined the staff in 2016 as Special Projects Coordinator. She was responsible for launching the Food and Fund Drive Tool Kit which streamlined the Pantry's food drive process. Amy has also served as the Project Manager for the Pantry's signature fundraiser, the Empty Bowls Dinner, which is now entering its 4th year. Among her many accomplishments was the research and  implementation of a volunteer management software program, as well as the Pantry's first strategic review that resulted in operational improvements for the Pantry. Last year Amy was promoted to Assistant Director and served as a key member of the strategic team working closely with Erin in providing leadership and management to the organization. She was responsible for senior level project management and infrastructure improvements that ensured smooth daily workflow for the administrative and program staff. She handled volunteer recruitment and management, as well as direct responsibility for managing Client Services. Amy is pictured with long-time volunteer Donna O'Neill, Client Services Trainer. "I look forward to this expanded role to help the Pantry in any way I can," says Amy. "I am lucky to be surrounded by a staff and group of volunteers who are committed to meeting the needs of our community members who count on us. I am excited to continue fostering the incredible relationships with donors and other supporters who were engaged by Erin." Amy encourages anyone with questions to reach out to her at acataldo@franklinfoodpantry.org.  Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by mgeorges@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today

FHS girls basketball wins at buzzer for first Sectional Championship 61-60

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS girls basketball first ever Sectional Championship. They won at the buzzer 61-60 beating undefeated Wachusetts.

"Franklin got the look it wanted to try and win the game. 

Down by one with less than 10 seconds remaining, Erin Quaile swung the ball around the perimeter to her backcourt partner Shannon Gray, who looped the ball into Ali Brigham on the left block. The 6-foot-3 junior center, who had 28 points to that point, turned into her smaller defender, took a dribble, and got a look at the rim. 

Unlike so many other chances that Brigham converted in Friday night’s Div. 1 Central final at Worcester State University, this one didn’t find the bottom of the net. Instead, it kicked off to the far side, but her classmate Megan O’Connell was there and pulled down the offensive rebound between three Wachusett defenders. 

O’Connell instantly went back up with an off-balance shot. It bounced on the right side of the rim, took a touch on the backboard, and dropped through to put Franklin ahead 61-60 just as the final horn sounded on the program’s first-ever sectional title."

Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/oconnell-beats-the-buzzer-and-lifts-franklin-girls-basketball-to-first-title/

For a photo gallery of the game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Franklin-Wachusett-Girls-Basketball-3-8-19/

Franklin girls basketball celebrates on the court after beating Wachusett at Worcester State to earn the program’s first-ever sectional title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

FHS boys Indoor Track 4x800 relay team takes 4th in Nationals

FHS boys Indoor Track 4x800 relay team takes 4th at Nationals Emerging Elite with an 8:03.92.

1) Dylan Kehoe

2) Camden Harrington

3) Nicholas Calitri

4) Michael Hagen

Heat

2

#	Lap	Split
1	2:00.632	2:00.632
2	2:01.958	4:02.589
3	1:59.910	6:02.499
4	2:01.422	8:03.920

https://results.armorytrack.com/meets/1724/relays/11646/results

FHS boys 4x800 relay team

Boys 4x800 takes 4th at Nationals Emerging Elite with an 8:03.92. pic.twitter.com/PyDiCqNlpc

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) March 8, 2019

FHS boys hockey team to play Sunday night 3/10 at 6;15 PM

The 2019 MIAA Boys Ice Hockey Division 1 South bracket worked its way to two teams to play in the final game on Sunday at Bourne Arena. The FHS team is scheduled to play Duxbury when the puck drops at 6:15 PM. 

2019 MIAA Boys Ice Hockey Division 1 South bracket

For the link to the MIAA bracket info
http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5151

FHS girls hockey close out season with 5-2 loss to Andover in D1 quarterfinals

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Feb 8, 2019


Girls Hockey = Division 1 = #5 Franklin, 2 @ #4 Andover, 5 – Final
– Franklin and Andover traded leads in the first and second periods, but the Warriors scored three unanswered in the final period to get the win. Cassi Ronan put Franklin ahead with a goal in the first period but Andover scored two straight to begin the second to make it 2-1. Ronan scored her second of the game to knot it 2-2 after two periods. Andover scored a shorthanded goal in the first minute, added a fourth midway through the third, and iced it with an empty net goal.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-03-08-19/

Franklin falls short, 5-2, in a hard fought battle against Andover. Goals scored by Ronan (2) - Colace with an amazing game per usual!! Thanks to the seniors for putting in effort all season! #GoFranklin

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) March 9, 2019

Great Season https://t.co/KR6oYT7bSO

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) March 9, 2019

Tremendous #PantherPride for a a terrific season. Thanks to all, but especially our seniors!! https://t.co/mau2Hwhslw

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) March 9, 2019

Such a GREAT season Panthers - on so many levels! We are so proud of this team! Thank you seniors! #HockChamps #PantherPride https://t.co/ItA7m2xfsl

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 9, 2019

After two unanswered goals by Andover, Franklin’s Cassi Ronan snipes one top shelf (video) tying the game up at 2-2 with 5:00 left in the second period. @MetroWestSports pic.twitter.com/nDs9f48r5E

— Adam Nazzaro (@ANazz93) March 9, 2019

FHS Panthers