Town Council - Summary and notes - March 13, 2019 "need more than a bandaid"

The Town Council meeting Wednesday was a roller coaster ride. Opening with elation and joy on the new police officers sworn in, one promotion also recognized and the canine member introduced - Ben Franklin.

five new police officers introduced

five new police officers sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

five new police officers pinned by family members

The newest canine member Ben Franklin is as cute in person as he is in photos

The meeting took its gloomy turn as the fiscal budget situation was reviewed with challenges all around and not enough funding to do what is needed. How it will be resolved remains to be seen. There was mention of the 'override' word but more in context of a necessity for FY 2021 than for this budget cycle. Which would mean that unless it becomes a reality, the school budget which was just approved by the School Committee on Tuesday, March 12 will need to be reduced by about $2.6M to meet the funding available. 

Oh in case you didn't catch it previously: the school budget is meant to be level funded and the additions were prioritized to meet 'critical' needs (not all of which we added to this budget). So while it was proposed to be a compromise on critical needs, those will need to be further compromised to meet the current funding.

L - R: Mark Cerel, Jamie Hellen, Jeff Nutting

As the meeting got into the Legislation for Action the discussion around a potential bylaw change to be referred to the Planning Board started tip toeing in legal waters. The Council was cautioned by Attorney Mark Cerel to be careful in their comments and replies to Joel D'Errico as he has a current suit against the Planning Board for a proposal that would potentially be affected by this measure.

There is more in this matter than was revealed in the meeting. The zoning bylaw had been before the Council a couple of years ago to change from R4 to R5. Now it is back again, to be changed back to R5. Why was not fully explained, or if it was, I missed it. I will need to go to the video replay for this as soon as it is available from Franklin TV.


The official "Actions Taken" as published by the Town can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_march_13_2019.pdf

• Live reporting - Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-closing.html
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
• Live reporting: FY 2020 Budget Fiscal Forecast
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-fy-2020-budget-fiscal.html
• Live reporting: Appointments
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-appointments.html
• Live Reporting: Town Council - Mar 13, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-town-council-mar-13-2019.html
• 
  

FHS Goes to Europe: Mattress Fundraiser - March 24

Via Pantherbook, we share the news of the mattress fund raiser at FHS next Sunday, March 24.

"On Sunday, March 24, the group of FHS students participating in the trip to Europe will be participating in a mattress fundraiser from 10 AM - 4 PM.

What is a Mattress Fundraiser? 

On the day of the fundraiser (March 24) the FHS gym will turn into a showroom filled with all different types of mattresses, including name brands such as Simons Beauty Rest. People who come in on this day will be able to purchase a mattress, pillow, sheets, etc to benefit these FHS students. The mattresses are discounted up to 50% as well, and there are options for delivery. A portion of each individual mattress’s sale will go straight towards the FHS trip."

Continue reading about the mattress fund raiser
https://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2019/03/11/fhs-goes-to-europe-mattress-fundraiser/

FHS Goes to Europe: Mattress Fundraiser (Pantherbook photo)

School Committee Recap: School Budget proposal approved, yet funding insufficient

The School Committee meeting was a long one as the ECDC, and elementary schools walked through updates on their School Improvement Plans (SIP). The District Improvement Plan goals 2 and 3 also received an update from the Central office. Lots of progress and accomplishments under challenging circumstances.

Then the Discussion / Action Item section rolled along and the committee voted to approve the expense budget and salary budget in separate votes for FY 2020. Only a few changes from what had been reviewed and had evolved over the several weeks leading up to Tuesday.

Then Superintendent Ahern revealed that the budget as approved was likely about $2.6M over what the Town can fund. The Town Council meeting the following night (Wednesday, March 13) would begin the overall Town budget discussion and how to address the shortfall.

Stay tuned for the on going budget discussion. What we want for our children and the Town of Franklin depends upon what info is forthcoming and how it is received. 

Participate in the Budget hearings or at least tune into the meetings. Worse case, follow the updates here and don't be shy in asking good questions.



The Superintendent's Report:

Superintendent's Report to School Committee - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Kelly Kelty, Principal of ECDC presented a mid-year update on the School Improvement Plan (SIP)

2018-19 ECDC SIP Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Principals/Vice-principals presented a joint update on the Elementary SIP

Elementary SIP Mid-year Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

The Central Office (Superintendent Sara Ahern, Asst Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Joyce Edwards, and Paula Marano) presented the joint update on the District Improvement Plan (DIP)

DIP - Goals 2 and 3 - School Committee 3/12/19 from Franklin Matters

My notes are reported live during the meeting can be found in the links below

• Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing (Ex...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-information-matters-to.html
• Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html
• Live reporting: District Improvement Plan Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-district-improvement.html
• Live reporting: School Committee - March 12, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

School committee meeting March 12, 2019

Newcomers and Friends Club: April Meeting Update

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a non-profit social and service organization. Our purpose is to extend a welcoming hand to both newcomers and existing residents. Our goal is to promote good fellowship within the community through social and charitable activities. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, develop lasting friendships and give back to the community where we live.

No need to RSVP, just join us! We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!

Newcomers and Friends Club

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, 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

Town Council - Summary - Video Link - Feb 13, 2019

The Town Council met on Feb 13, 2019. I was able to participate remotely for a bit as I had a work conference call scheduled for 8 PM.

The video replay of the meeting is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=618

The official actions taken document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_february_13_2019.pdf

The agenda and docs released for the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-13.html

Dept of planning/community development Director Bryan Taberner does overview of
proposed mixed business innovation zone

Returned to session; public hearings opening for the mixed business innovation zoning change, Planning Board recommends approval as proposed #tc0213 Dept of planning/community development Director Bryan Taberner does overview pic.twitter.com/WEkkeGiJNZ

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 14, 2019

Pandora back up to speak for the Franklin Downtown Partnership in favor of the MBI zoning proposal #tc0213 pic.twitter.com/lI0FvklkMR

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 14, 2019

Breaking away for work meeting, tune into the live stream on the Franklin website or via cable to see the Franklin TV broadcast #tc0213

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 14, 2019

School Committee - Recap - Feb 19, 2019

The documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-12-2019-school-committee-packet-documents

screen capture of the homework presentation

• Live reporting: Consent agenda to closing (executi...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Only Items - Informatio...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Action items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-item.html
• Live reporting: Homework Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-homework-update.html
• Live reporting: Dementia Friendly Franklin
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-dementia-friendly.html
• Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - Feb 19,...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-school-committee-meeting.html

Electronics recycling event at St Mary's Church on Sat - March 23

Electronics recycling event at St Mary's Church on Saturday, March 23, 9 AM - 2 PM

Accepting:

Any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Our Costs:

● $5 each — Computers, DVD players, Laptops, Misc. Electronics, etc.
● $10 each — Microwaves & Small Appliances, Exercise Equipment,
Grills, Lawn Mowers & Snow Blowers (gas removed)
● $15 each — Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers, TV’s under 19"
● $20 each — Washing machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large appliances,
TV’s between 19” and 26"
● $25 each — TV’s between 27” and 32”, Large Refrigerators
● $30 each — TV’s between 32" and 35”
● $35 each — TV’s over 36”
● $40 each — Projection TV’s
● NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

RAIN OR SHINE, CASH OR CHECK, ZERO LANDFILL Questions? Contact Jim Wood = J.wood36@yahoo.com



Download your copy as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVXh4YTcxS1RfU3VFMmtRWFZ1Tk1mekxIQ1hF/view?usp=sharing

Electronics recycling event at St Mary's Church on Sat - March 23

Affordable Housing Lottery - 35 Palomino Drive

Resale unit is 1541 square feet and includes 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, central air conditioning and a one car garage

INFORMATION SESSION:
March 27, 2019 6:00 PM, Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

LOTTERY:
May 1, 2019, 6:00 PM, Municipal Building, Council Chambers

Affordable Housing Lottery - 35 Palomino Drive, Franklin, MA 02038
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/affordable_housing_lottery_-_35_palomino.pdf

Application
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/application_2019.pdf

35 Palomino Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

Narcan and CPR training - March 28

Narcan and CPR training
Thursday March 28 at the Franklin Senior Center
6:30-7:30 PM

Cost: free

Open to all ages
Those trained can take home Narcan

Follow the event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/634211777022850/?ti=ia

Narcan and CPR training - March 28

LeVar Burton Continues his Legacy of Literacy

Announcing a New Literacy Resource for RIF March 2019 Happy National Reading Month! As an important supporter of RIF's work, I want you to know more about a truly transformational addition to RIF's literacy toolbox. Earlier this month, I was joined by actor, director and literacy advocate LeVar Burton at the South by Southwest Education Conference (SXSW EDU) to announce his gift of literacy to a packed house. The event was attended by thought leaders and influencers in the education industry and was a perfect opportunity to announce the gift of Levar Burton Kids' awarding-winning Skybrary to Reading Is Fundamental. Skybrary allows RIF to expand its suite of digital offerings for young readers with an interactive library of over 900 high-quality digital books and video explorations designed to engage young readers and foster a lifelong love of learning.  The child-friendly resource allows kids to explore thematic collections of books and add books they are inspired by to a digital backpack.  Each book includes audio, along with additional games, videos, and other activities that support the book. The team at RIF is so thankful for this incredible resource and we are enthusiastically exploring ways we can extend access to Skybrary to those most in need. We look forward to sharing our plans with you. LeVar is beautifully eloquent about literacy and the link to our conversation follows if you want to learn more. Watch the Video https://youtu.be/Ca84S2emJAM Thank you for sharing a bit of National Reading Month with RIF and heartfelt thanks for everything you do to support children's literacy. RIF's work would not be possible without you. Sincerely, Alicia Levi President and CEO Support Literacy © 2019 Reading Is Fundamental | www.rif.org 750 First Street NE, Suite 920 Washington, DC 20002 development@rif.org | 1-877-RIF-READ

Senate President Spilka Announces Staff Office Hours In Ashland on April 12

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) announced today that her staff will be hosting office hours at her district office on Friday, April 12, at 37 Pond Street, Ashland 01721, from 10:00-11:00 AM.

Any constituent who would like to speak with Senate President Spilka’s staff is encouraged to stop by. 

Appointments are encouraged by emailing Puja.Mehta@masenate.gov with their name, address, phone number and topic of conversation no later than Friday, April 5.

Senate President Spilka Announces Staff Office Hours In Ashland on April 12

Free Women’s Self-Defense Workshop - Register Today -> Apr 3 - Apr 4

The Franklin Police Department and Franklin Public Schools’ Lifelong Community Learning will present a FREE two-night Women’s Self-Defense Workshop on April 3 & 4 at Franklin High School as part of their continuing community partnership.

Participate in this very important workshop to learn realistic self-defense strategies for women from age 16 to 65. Officer Tara Lagoa discusses risk reduction and avoidance, situational awareness, how to trust your intuition, and basic hands-on self-defense techniques. This program will include the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System.

This is a great workshop for mothers and daughters to attend together. Please dress comfortably and wear sneakers. Learn how to put power into your own hands. The workshop is FREE, but registration is required.

For more information and to register online, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com, click on Lifelong Community Learning & select Special Events.

Free Women’s Self-Defense Workshop - Register Today -> Apr 3 - Apr 4

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 15 to THU - Mar 21

Friday, March 15

 Book sale setup

10:00am

 Knitting Group

1:00pm

 Library Book Sale (new schedule)

7:30pm

 Seussical

Saturday, March 16

9:00am

 Book Sale

9:00am

 Library Book Sale (new schedule)

9:30am

 Family Yoga Adventure

1:00pm

 Library Bag Sale (new schedule)

7:30pm

 Seussical

Sunday, March 17

 St. Patrick's Day

2:00pm

 Seussical

Monday, March 18

10:30am

 Move Along

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

2:30pm

 Musical Rehearsal

3:00pm

 Monday Crafternoons

3:30pm

 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids ( Teen Room)

7:00pm

 OSKEY Rehearsal

7:00pm

 FinCom - FY 2020 Budget hearing #1 of 4

Tuesday, March 19

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

2:30pm

 Musical Rehearsal

4:30pm

 SPRING ART Snow Date

6:00pm

 MICCA All Town Showcase Concert Orchestra/Chorus SNOW DATE

6:00pm

 MICCA All Town Showcase Concert Orchestra/Chorus SNOW DATE

6:30pm

 Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens - Companion Plants

7:00pm

 FinCom - FY 2020 Budget hearing #2 of 4

Wednesday, March 20

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

4:00pm

 Construction Junction

5:00pm

 Book Bites

7:00pm

 OSKEY Rehearsal

7:00pm

 Town Council Meeting

Thursday, March 21

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story & Craft

2:30pm

 Musical Rehearsal

4:00pm

 Fandom Thursdays

6:00pm

 MICCA All Town Showcase Concert - Band SNOW DATE

6:00pm

 Volunteens

6:30pm

 Myths & Miracles of Victorian Medicine

For the interactive version, please visit

http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://goo.gl/forms/7Pr1iBuAiIna7cUo2

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 15 to THU - Mar 21