Tuesday, May 21, 2019

“There’s a great need”

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

"A proposal for an affordable housing facility for seniors will be in front of the Zoning Board early next month. 
The 40B project has been in the works for over a year and will go to a public hearing at the Zoning Board meeting on June 6. 
The project, named Franklin Ridge Senior Housing, will be constructed on Veteran’s Memorial Drive off Panther Way near Eaton Place Apartments. The proposed three-story building will contain 60 dwellings for residents over 60 years old. 
The building will be placed on 6.5 acres of town-owned land. It will have 45 single-bedroom units at 700 square feet and 15 two-bedroom units at 900 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190520/proposal-for-senior-development-goes-before-franklin-zba-next-month


building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8
building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8
building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

Monday, May 20, 2019

Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Patio Celebration - June 1

To celebrate the Franklin Public Library's new brick patio, the Friends of Franklin Library will host a reception on Saturday, June 1, from 2 to 4 PM at the library.

The patio, located at the library's School Street entrance, consists of thousands of bricks. What makes it special is the inclusion of hundreds of individually engraved bricks. Beginning in 2017, residents and businesses were invited to have a brick engraved with a name or message of their choosing. Interest in these engraved bricks wildly exceeded expectations, prompting a second order to be placed in 2018. In all, 750 engraved bricks were purchased and installed.
Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Patio
Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Patio

In addition, several donors stepped forward to sponsor the purchase of benches and large flower urns for the patio area and front entrance.

The Friends of Franklin Library, which organized the brick campaign, will host the June 1 event as a way to thank donors and to invite the public to take note of the new space. All are invited to participate in this special celebration. 

Refreshments will be served. A room inside is available, too, in case of bad weather.

Those who purchased bricks will be able to request a printed certificate of acknowledgement.

Proceeds from the brick sale have been used to supplement library programs. Since 1992, Friends of Franklin Library has raised and donated more than $500,000. Recent projects have included the purchase of new tables and chairs in the library's main reading room, funding of summer children's programs, and the institution of an annual scholarship program for a graduating senior at Franklin High School.

Franklin Matters is proud to be a brick sponsor
Franklin Matters is proud to be a brick sponsor

Franklin Historical Museum: EXPLORING STONE WALLS - Jun 9

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series continues with EXPLORING STONE WALLS. Robert M. Thorson, Professor of Geology at the University of Connecticut, will present a program of images, stories, and readings based on his three books on New England's fieldstone walls, the region's signature landform. After reviewing their deep history, cultural geography, and dryland ecology, he will focus on the clues you can use to interpret your own favorite walls. He will conclude with a message from Henry D. Thoreau for reverencing stone.
Robert M. Thorson
Robert M. Thorson

Copies of Thorson's books on stone walls and Thoreau will be available for purchase and signing as a fund-raiser for the museum. Thorson, a Midwestern native turned western geologist turned eastern academic, is coordinator of the Stone Wall Initiative. Recently he has become a book reviewer for the journal Environmental History, the Wall Street Journal and Orion. This promises to be a very interesting and educational talk. Join us at 1:10 PM, Sunday, June 9. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

On Friday, June 14 the museum is happy to participate in the annual Strawberry Stroll. We will open our special Summer exhibit, Victorian Secrets. Bloomers, chemise, corset covers, camisoles, petticoats, hoop skirts and more. It took an awful lot of layers to properly dress a fashionable Victorian lady. View garments from the museum's collection carefully prepared and beautifully displayed. The special Friday night opening coincides with the Downtown Partnership's annual Strawberry Stroll. Enjoy refreshments on the front porch and live music by local entertainer, Kai Olsson.

Now available for sale in the museum gift shop, Franklin collectibles by the Cat's Meow. Three styles are presently available for $18 each: The Red Brick School, The Franklin Library and the Downtown Train Station. They are great gift ideas for anyone who loves Franklin's landmarks. Come in and get them while they last. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

The museum has resumed our summer hours, Thursday evenings 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

We are wheelchair accessible, admission is always free, and donations are always welcome. Come in and find your history!

Both FHS boys and girls outdoor track teams finish 4th in Hockomock Championships

Via HockomockSportswe share the results of the FHS sports action on Sunday, May 19, 2019


BOYS TEAM RESULTS
1. Mansfield – 116
2. Stoughton – 101
3. North Attleboro – 91
4. Franklin – 55
5. King Philip – 54
6. Milford – 47
7. Sharon – 46
8. Oliver Ames – 41
9. Attleboro – 35
10. Canton – 32
11. Taunton – 27
12. Foxboro – 17


800M
1. Jason Windvogel, Mansfield – 1:57.76
4. Daniel Barrow, Franklin – 1:59.41
5. Dylan Kehoe, Franklin – 1:59.87

1 Mile
1. Michael Griffin, King Philip – 4:20.87
2. Tyler Brogan, Franklin – 4:22.98

2 Mile
1. Patrick Heavey, Mansfield – 9:42.35
2. Michael Hagen, Franklin – 9:43.85

400M Hurdles
1. Patrick McManus, Sharon – 58.05
7. Kyran Peters, Franklin – 1:00.13

4×100 Relay
1. North Attleboro (Liam Conway, Jacob Petersen, Omar Jasseh, PJ Gilpatrick) – 43.09
7. Franklin (Liam Pek, Jacob Cummings, Justin Flaherty, Grady Ellis) – 45.65

4×400 Relay
1. Milford (Rafaell Feliciano, Anthony Ghalbouni, Joey Madden, Hugo Lopes) – 3:27.09
8. Franklin (Camden Harrington, Sam Stowell, Alec Hanley, Nicholas Zaffino) – 3:41.58

4×800 Relay
1. Franklin (Dylan Kehoe, Nicholas Calitri, Michael Hagen, Tyler Brogan) – 7:59.05

Discus
1. Thomas Pulcini, Canton – 137-05
4. Sullivan Weidman, Franklin – 117-07

Javelin
1. Emmett Ruote, North Attleboro – 165-04
5. Zanthius Collins, Franklin – 152-03


GIRLS TEAM RESULTS
1. North Attleboro – 133.33
2. Sharon – 87.33
3. Mansfield – 78
4. Franklin – 67
5. Taunton – 56
6. Foxboro – 49
6. King Philip – 49
8. Milford – 42.33
9. Canton – 37
10. Oliver Ames – 31
11. Attleboro – 18
12. Stoughton – 15


400M
1. Olivia Dias, Taunton – 58.42
8. Samantha Powderly, Franklin – 1:01.93

800M
1. Julia Fenerty, Franklin – 2:20.64
2. Halle Atkinson, Franklin – 2:21.17

2 Mile
1. Lexi Quinn, Foxboro – 11:28.52
7. Caitlin Casey, Franklin – 12:16.55

100M Hurdles
1. Jada Johnson, Sharon – 14.69
3. Daniella Pierre, Franklin – 15.09

4×400 Relay
1. Taunton (Nia Mainer-Smith, Morgan Zakrzewski, Kerla Sylvestre, Olivia Dias) – 4:05.59
5. Franklin (Halle Atkinson, Samantha Powderly, Lauren Jackson, Julia Fenerty) – 4:14.88

4×800 Relay
1. Franklin (Halle Atkinson, Samantha Powderly, Brandi Osborne, Julia Fenerty) – 10:04.05

Shot Put
1. Julia Mechlinski, North Attleboro – 37-03.00
6. Katelynn Taylor, Franklin – 30-02.25

Discus
1. Julia Mechlinski, North Attleboro – 107-06
3. Rachel Anderson, Franklin – 100-11

Javelin
1. Hannah McEntee, Taunton – 122-00
3. Maggie Doyle, Franklin – 110-06

High Jump
1. Jada Johnson, Sharon – 5-04.00
3. Lindsey Morse, Franklin – 5-00.00
4. Dreya Martin, Franklin – 5-00.00


For the top results from the Hockomock League Championships
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-league-outdoor-track-championships-2019/

Photo gallery from the meet by HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Spring-2019/2019-Hockomock-League-Outdoor-Track-Championships/i-t3WqfGM

Franklin girls relay handoff
Franklin girls relay handoff

Norfolk County Register of Deeds - Office Hours in Franklin - June 11

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell will hold Office Hours in the Council Chamber at Franklin Municipal Building located at 355 East Central Street from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

Register O’Donnell and members of his staff will be on hand to answer questions about the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The Register will have information about the Massachusetts Homestead Act as well as on-site work stations that can provide in real time the status of your mortgage discharge, a print out of your deed or a demonstration of how Registry technology works. No appointment is necessary.

This is a community outreach initiative sponsored by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. It is Register O’Donnell’s goal to provide a convenient way for residents to learn more about how the Registry serves Norfolk County while conducting Registry business closer to home. Although Registry staff cannot provide legal advice, they will be able to answer basic questions, provide general information, take a document for recording and assist in filling out Homestead Declaration Forms.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Register of Deeds - Office Hours in Franklin - June 11
Norfolk County Register of Deeds - Office Hours in Franklin - June 11

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 23 - Budget Hearing #2

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 23. This is the second of two budget hearings on the FY 2020 budget. The first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22.

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

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

Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of May 23, 2019
1. HEARINGSFY 2020 Budget Hearing: 7:10 PM 
2. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
2a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-32: Adoption of FY2020 Budget (Motion to Move Resolution 19-32 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (6))
2b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-33: Amendment to FY2020 Budget (Motion to Move Resolution 19-33- Majority Vote (5))
3. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
4. COUNCIL COMMENTS
5. ADJOURN

Why are there two votes to pass the budget?
As Councilor Glenn Jones is employed by Tri-County RVTHS, it would be a conflict of interest for him to vote on the Tri-County budget (effectively authorizing to pay himself). The budget votes is split so Councilor Jones can participate in and vote on the vast majority of the Franklin budget and recuse himself (properly so) for the portion that is specifically associated with Tri-County.

Depending upon how the Town Council reviews the budget this year, you may or may not get a whole lot of info on the inside story of the major departments and their cost drivers. In recent years, the Council has taken the approach of reading the totals of the voting doc department by department. 

During such reading of the totals, a councilor or more can put a 'hold' on the item which after the reading will make that item available for more detailed discussion. Sometimes this are simple questions, sometimes these get involved.

From a resident stand point, what really happens in the budget can only be found at the Finance Committee meetings. They have each department head come forward to review and answer questions on the details of their budget. Granted some of the departments budget needs are minor, some are major. 

The first budget hearing for the FY 2020 budget was held on March 18 and recorded. My notes and audio recording is available here

Notes for March 18

Audio recording for March 18

The second budget hearing held on Apr 25 unfortunately was not recorded by anyone. I was out of town on business. If there were minutes of the meeting, the FinCom has not met since the April 25 meeting and no minutes are published to their page.


This is the first year in many that there is no need to ask for an exception from  the state due to insufficient funding for the Library
This is the first year in many that there is no need to ask for an exception from
the state due to insufficient funding for the Library

Franklin Public Library: Resume Writing Workshop - May 21

One of a series of employment workshops offered at the Franklin Public Library is the "Resume Writing" workshop scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Franklin Public Library: Resume Writing Workshop - May 21
Franklin Public Library: Resume Writing Workshop - May 21

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/resume-writing-workshop


Sunday, May 19, 2019

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 22 - FY 2020 Budget Hearing #1

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2019. This is the first of two budget hearings on the FY 2020 budget. The second hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 23.

Editorial note:
Given the schools have already cut their budget by $2 M, with teachers and other personnel scheduled to be let go, class sizes should increase. It would be good to know by how much? 
Given the decision was reached by default now due to lack of time to schedule, and/or inaction on the part of the Town Council and Administration there will be no opportunity for residents to change the budget at this point. So it would also be good to find out when this decision was made. At least in the meetings I participated and reported on, it wasn't discussed. Or was it at a meeting I missed? Maybe the Finance Committee budget meeting April 25 that wasn't even recorded.  
And given the mention of a possible override for FY 2021, what will be done between now and then to prepare for such a vote? Where is the pain being felt other than in the schools? The Town is hiring in multiple departments. Police are at their largest force in years. The Library doesn't need an exemption for the first time in years. What other services were cut that we would notice? What other services would be in jeopardy next year?

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

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

Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of May 22, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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. 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.
3. HEARINGS
FY 2020 Budget Hearing: 7:10 PM
4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
4a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-34: Expenditure Limits for FY 2020 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as provided in G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53E1/2, as Amended (Motion to Move Resolution 19-34 Majority Vote (5))
4b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-35: Compensation Plan, FY 2020 (Motion to Move Resolution 19-35- Majority Vote (5))
5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
7. COUNCIL COMMENTS
8. ADJOURN

Voting document

Budget Message

FY 2020 Proposed Budget

Legislative Forum hosted by School Committee was meant to bring attention to school budget issues
Legislative Forum hosted by School Committee was meant to bring attention to school budget issues

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at Senior Center, Library, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

  • Respite Coordinator - Senior Center 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/respite-coordinator-job-posting-may162019.pdf
  • Part-Time Library Assistant 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/library-assistant-external-posting-april252019.pdf
  • Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-march282019.pdf
  • Summer Jobs - DPW positions have been filled, Facilities positions are still available 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-feb2019.pdf
  • Summer Engineering Intern - DPW 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/engineeringintern-posting-feb2019.pdf
  • Part-Time Custodian 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.custodian-posting-october2018_0.pdf
  • Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
    • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov
    • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   
If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf
Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at Senior Center, Library, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept
Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at Senior Center, Library, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept



Panther TV: FHS Unified Basketball Testimonials

Via Panther TV:
"One of our most meaningful TV projects this year...our Unified athletes share what the program means to them"




Via Twitter  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1128717825978314752

Find more videos from Panther TV
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC97g5EtUvUnrmRU50srGOew

4th of July Road Race - Registration now open

4th of July 5K Road Race

Saturday, July 6, 2019 11:00 AM

Franklin Town Common


Click HERE to Register https://racewire.com/register.php?id=10751


5K Course Map

Adult Road Race:  The race will kick off at 11:00 AM.  Adult Road Race will start at the Town Common (200 Main Street). Mile splits will be given at 1st and 2nd miles.  A water station will be available at the 2-mile mark.  Make sure you look for the orange arrows along the route.  Please be extra careful of cars along Maple Street.


Children's Road Race

Saturday, July 6, 2019 11:45 am

Franklin Town Common


Children's Fun Run Course Map (1.2 Miles)


The Children's Road Race is a fun 1.2 mile road race designed to let boys and girls ages 6-12 years old participate in running.  This road race has been a tradition for over 30 years, held on the Saturday that Franklin celebrates the 4th of July Celebration.  For years the Franklin Recreation Department has coordinated this event free of charge to all runners.

The participants will begin the race by meeting at the gazebo for a race orientation to review safety precautions, and race details.  Racers will run, walk, or jog up Crescent, take a right onto Martin Ave., right onto School Street, right onto Main Street.  At the St. Mary's Church, participants will turn left and follow around the Common, take a left onto High Street, left at the corner of High Street & Main Street back down to the finish at the center of the Common.
4th of July Road Race - Registration now open
4th of July Road Race - Registration now open

DODGEBALL TOURNEY - May 25 - benefit Jill Pisano

JOIN US! MAY 25th! 

Register today to play in our DODGEBALL TOURNEY to benefit Jill Pisano! https://www.randomsmile.org/wiffle/dodgeball


#HopeJMBP #RandomSmileProject Please share!!!


DODGEBALL TOURNEY - May 25 - benefit Jill Pisano
DODGEBALL TOURNEY - May 25 - benefit Jill Pisano




Shared via Twitter:



Saturday, May 18, 2019

Franklin Memorial Day Parade - Route, schedule, group sign up

It's that time of year again to plan the annual Franklin Memorial Day Parade. 

The following information below will help you to inform your group, friends, families and visitors as to how to prepare for the parade.

This year you WILL BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER at www.FranklinMemorialDay.com in order to march or participate. 

Please have your group(s), band, etc register by May 24, 2019

Thank you!

It’s a Good Life,

Matt Kelly
CEO / Owner

Direct: (508) 520-1600
Fax: (508) 590-0278
www.MattKellyHomes.com

Franklin Memorial Day Parade - Route
Franklin Memorial Day Parade - Route

Franklin Police Patrol Officer – looking for Academy trained officers

The Franklin Police Department is currently accepting applications for an academy trained Patrol Officer.

Franklin is a vibrant city along Route 495 in Eastern Massachusetts, 28 miles south of Boston and 26 miles north of Providence. We have a population of approximately 33,600 spread across 27 square miles. The Franklin Police Department has 52 uniformed officers including the Chief, Deputy Chief, 3 Lieutenants and 9 Sergeants. 

The Franklin Police Department offers a professional work environment and generous education incentive. We will be offering the 4 on 4 off (10 hour shift) for patrol division personnel starting in July 2019.

Candidates must be graduates of the Full‐time Basic Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Police Academy or equivalent. Please note, this must be the full‐time academy and we will not be able to accept Intermittent/Reserve Academy. Applicants with 0‐5 years of experience are encouraged to apply.

Franklin Police Patrol Officer – looking for Academy trained officers
Franklin Police Patrol Officer – looking for Academy trained officers

Candidates must hold an Associate’s Degree or have an honorable discharge from the military (or have completed two years of military service and be in good standing) to be considered for employment. If a candidate is hired based on military experience, s/he must complete his/her Associates Degree within 42 months of hire.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and a medical and psychological exam.

OTHER BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
• Be a United States Citizen (birth or naturalized);
• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment;
• Have no felony record (MGL 41‐96A), or have any equivalent conviction that would be a felony in Massachusetts;
• Have no tattoos or scaration from the neck up;
• Must currently reside or be willing to relocate within 15 miles of the Town of Franklin within 6 months of appointment;
• Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License (by date of appointment);
• Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms, “LTC”;
• Must not smoke any tobacco products (MGL 41‐101A);
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of a police officer, including being willing and available to perform said functions on weekends, holidays, and on an overtime basis or when staffing requires;

Interested candidates shall email the following documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format to apply@franklinma.gov:
1) resume
2) cover letter
3) copy of diploma from the MPTC or equivalent Academy

A copy of the job posting can be downloaded here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kuyTqbiYHgrM0ONBk1CK-jbJLmkh_r4s/view?usp=sharing

or directly from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/academy-trained-patrol-officer-posting-may2019.pdf