In the News: EEE threat increases around Franklin; reports says commuter rail prices too high

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

"A fifth human case of Eastern equine encephalitis virus in Massachusetts has been diagnosed in a man in his 70s from southwestern Middlesex County, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said.

As a result, the risk level in Ashland, Hopedale and Milford has been raised to critical and the risk level in Bellingham, Blackstone and Millville has been raised to high.

In total, there are 32 communities now at critical risk, 39 at high risk, and 121 at moderate risk for the EEE virus in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190905/fifth-human-case-of-eee-raises-risk-levels-in-ashland-hopedale-and-milford-to-critical

Town of Franklin updates on EEE
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/town-franklin-eee-update

MA.gov page on EEE https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts

"As policymakers eye ways to get more people on public transit to ease traffic, a new study says many potential riders can’t afford to get on board the state’s 400-mile commuter rail network.

The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth report urges policymakers to make a more equitable commuter rail fare framework “priority number one,” describing a shift away from strict distance-based fares as vital to ensuring that future development in gateway cities, mostly located far from Boston, produces equitable outcomes and does not displace low-income households.

In many Massachusetts cities, low-income riders are effectively priced out of using commuter rail, unable to afford, for instance, the $12.25 fare for a one-way ride to Boston from Worcester. The $4,600 per year expense associated with that fare is 10% of the median household income in Worcester.

Juana Matias, a former state representative who now works at MassINC, said her neighbors in Lawrence can’t afford to take the train daily to Boston “because we’ve set the fares well beyond their means.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190905/report-some-riders-priced-out-of-commuter-rail

For the full report by MassINC 
https://massinc.org/2019/09/05/massinc-study-finds-gateway-city-residents-priced-out-of-public-transit/

reports says commuter rail prices too high

Football: 2019 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - Franklin

2019 Kelley-Rex Football Preview By HockomockSports.com Staff. We share the Franklin summary here. A link to the full listing is below.


2018 Record: 7-4
2018 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinal
Coach: Eian Bain

Key/Returning Players: Evan Wertz, Sr., LB; Jack Nally, Sr., WR/DB; Jake Davis, Sr., WR/DB; Dom Natale, Sr., OL/DL; Thomas Gasbarro, Sr., QB/DB; Owen Palmieiri, Sr., RB/DB; Ben Greco, Sr., WR/DB; Xander Honor, Jr., RB/LB; Austin Jordan, Sr., OL/LB; Luke Cunningham, Sr., TE/DE; Matt Lazarek, Sr., TE; Parker Cheuvront, Jr., K

Outlook:
Franklin nearly pulled off the biggest upset of the 2018 season when the Panthers forced perennial power Xaverian to double overtime in the Div. 1 South semifinal. It was a big step forward for the program and head coach Eian Bain hopes it will be a building block for even more success in 2019.

Offensively, the graduation of quarterback Nick Gordon will be a big loss for the Panthers but senior Thomas Gasbarro saw a lot of time under center last year and he will step in and take the starting job. Gasbarro will have plenty of weapons to choose from, as the Panthers have plenty of speedy, athletic players in the skill positions. Senior Jack Nally is a threat out of the backfield or split out wide and his classmate Jake Davis is a solid receiver over the middle or downfield. Senior Matt Lazarek is a potential target from the tight end position and Owen Palmieri is another dangerous ball carrier. Junior Parker Cheuvront emerged last season as one of the top kickers in the Hock and is another weapon that the Panthers can count on if a drive does stall.

The defense is an experienced group. Senior Evan Wertz has been one of the league’s tackle leaders for the past two seasons and he is the team’s top playmaker from his linebacker position. Nally, Davis, Palmieri, and senior Ben Greco give Franklin a tough secondary to throw against and all are capable of coming up with the big turnover to get the ball back in the hands of the offense. Luke Cunningham and Dom Natale will give the Panthers strength at the line of scrimmage.

“The challenge for this group is to continue to improve and build the program,” said Bain. “They need to add their own chapter and their own stamp on the program. We have the right people in the room. We need to play with the swagger and confidence of a contender, but be humble in our preparation. If we stay true to the process, we have great potential.”

Read the full listing online at HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-kelley-rex-football-preview/

Football: 2019 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - Franklin

Hockomock Boys Soccer: Players to Watch - Stowell, FHS

HockomockSports.com Staff has published their preview of the "Hockomock Boys Soccer: Players to Watch in 2019"

Sam Stowell, Senior – Franklin

"Franklin was one of the best teams down the stretch last season, making a late push in the league title picture and securing a spot in the state tournament. The Panthers were 7-1-1 in their final nine regular season games and allowed just five goals in that span. One big reason for their success was the strong defense and Sam Stowell was the leader of that defensive unit. 

One of the most experienced players in the league (2019 HockomockSports Best XI selection), Stowell will once again be the anchor of the Panthers’ back line. Stowell has a terrific soccer IQ and that’s obvious with his play on the pitch. He reads the play very well and keeps the back group organized, making it difficult to break Franklin down, especially in the run of play. Set pieces and restarts are a big part of the high school game and Stowell is an option offensively and does a nice job defending them as well."

Read the full listing online at HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-soccer-ten-players-to-watch-in-2019/

Hockomock Boys Soccer: Players to Watch - Stowell, FHS

 

FHS boys soccer ties Xaverian, golf drops match to Mansfield

Via HockomockSports.com we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Sep 4, 2019


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Xaverian, 0 – Final

Golf = Franklin, 154 @ Mansfield, 163 – Final
– Mansfield junior Jason See shot an even par round of 36 to earn match medalist honors as the Hornets opened their season with a key win over division rival Franklin. Ryan Dow shot a two-over 38 while both Brian See and Nate Morreale carded rounds of 40. Franklin’s Jack Paterson was one-over with a round of 37 while Quinten Faro added a round of 38 for Franklin.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-04-19/

FHS boys soccer ties Xaverian, golf drops match to Mansfield

Senate President Karen Spilka: Updates Around the District

Note: The newsletter was shortened for publication here.

Senate Takes Bold Action on Collective Bargaining, Health Care Access, Child Marriage Ban; Legislature Reaches Budget Agreement Throughout the past few months, the Senate has taken action on a number of important bills, including legislation to support public employee unions, increase health care access, and ban child marriage. The House and Senate reached consensus on a balanced budget for fiscal year 2020 that makes critical investments in education, health care, housing and the environment. Here is a roundup of recent actions taken by the Senate: Janus Bill The Senate passed An Act Relative to Collective Bargaining Dues, which helps protect public unions' ability to effectively represent all workers in labor agreements following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case Janus v. AFSCME. Health Care Access Bills The Senate passed legislation ensuring consumers have the best information available to meet their health needs. An Act to increase consumer transparency about insurance provider networks would require insurers' provider directories include the most up-to-date list of participating doctors and specialists and their services. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. In addition to providing better health care information, the Senate passed legislation aimed at increasing access to treatment of certain eye conditions. An Act ensuring choice and equal access to eye care would allow a licensed optometrist to diagnose and treat glaucoma and other ocular abnormalities. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the country that does not allow optometrists to perform these services. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. Child Marriage Ban The Senate unanimously passed An Act to end child marriage in Massachusetts, which prohibits a person from marrying an individual under the age of 18 years old. Minors who marry adults often lack the resources or means to protect themselves from abusive or coercive relationships. State records show that more than 1,221 children — some as young as 14 — were married in Massachusetts between 2000 and 2016. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. Read more about these bills Legislature Passes Balanced Budget for Fiscal Year 2020 The Massachusetts Legislature passed its Fiscal Year 2020 budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $43.1 billion, the budget makes major investments in education, housing, substance use disorder services, health care, and other areas while projecting a more than $476 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund – bringing the fund's balance to more than $3 billion to safeguard the future of vital programs and services.This legislation was signed into law by the Governor. Read more about the Fiscal Year 2020 budget Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | 617-722-1500 | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov www.karenspilka.com

Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

New MassBudget Report: "Sharing The Road"

Sharing the Road: A chance to boost safety and economic prosperity in the Commonwealth   Massachusetts is home to nearly 185,000 undocumented immigrants who form a crucial part of its workforce. But obstacles exist that prevent them from fully contributing to the Bay State economy. Providing undocumented immigrants with driver's licenses would boost the state's economy, lower premiums for other motorists, and make the Commonwealth's roads safer. Our latest report, Sharing the Road, outlines the economic benefits of allowing all drivers to obtain licenses regardless of their immigration status. In the Commonwealth, undocumented immigrants drive to work, take their kids to school, and shop for groceries every day. But they face the constant risk of being pulled over and arrested for driving without licenses. Sharing the Road also chronicles the personal story of one undocumented Massachusetts resident who must navigate transportation without the benefit of a license. New MassBudget Report: "Sharing The Road" "It's economically sensible, and simply the right thing to do, to permit undocumented residents in the Commonwealth to obtain driver's licenses," said Marie-Frances Rivera, president of MassBudget. "Licensing drivers without documents not only allows them and their families to access basic necessities, it also allows employers to access more qualified workers in our tight labor market." The report also finds that: Permitting undocumented Massachusetts residents to access licenses could generate $6 million in initial state revenue within the first three years of implementation. Granting undocumented drivers access to licenses could reduce insurance premiums for all motorists, by about $20 per year. A change permitting undocumented residents to obtain licenses would also generate an estimated $62 million for insurance companies. Public safety would improve. Licensing undocumented drivers ensures they are tested for basic knowledge of rules of the road and are less fearful of reporting crimes and crashes to law enforcement officers. 14 other states, D.C., and Puerto Rico currently allow all drivers, regardless of immigration status, to obtain licenses. To read the full report, click here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Sharing-the-Road-Licensing-all-drivers.html The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by mching@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

In the News: 12 ballot questions for 2020 take next step; driver license legislation proposed for immigrants

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

"Questions on a range of topics from auto repair to ranked-choice voting to the public funding of abortion passed a key hurdle Wednesday on their way to the Massachusetts ballot.

Attorney General Maura Healey determined 12 of 16 initiative petitions submitted to her office last month have passed constitutional muster.

Two of the questions are proposed constitutional amendments that might not reach the ballot until 2022. The rest could appear next year.

The next daunting step for supporters is to gather the signatures of tens of thousands of Massachusetts voters."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190904/ranked-choice-voting-auto-repair-among-mass-ballot-questions

The MA.gov page with the Attorney General's opinion on the questions submitted   https://www.mass.gov/info-details/current-petitions-filed

Attorney General Maura Healey determined 12 of 16 initiative petitions

"Supporters of a bill that would make driver’s licenses available to undocumented immigrants packed the Statehouse’s largest hearing room Wednesday to renew the push for a policy that has come up short in previous sessions and would need to be passed with enough support to survive a likely veto by Gov. Charlie Baker.

The legislation filed by Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield and Christine Barber of Somerville, and Sen. Brendan Crighton of Lynn, would permit all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for and receive a standard state license under the state’s now-two-tiered system.

Fourteen states, including Connecticut and Vermont, have laws in place allowing all residents to acquire some type of license or permit regardless of immigration status, according to supporters. The Massachusetts legislation would not affect federal Real ID-compliant licenses, which require proof of citizenship or lawful residence as well as a Social Security number."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190904/licensing-bill-triggers-debate-over-immigration-driving/1

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT	a. Town Council Bi-annual Goals Update
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	- None Scheduled
ADJOURN

Only a few meetings left before election
Always really cool to look back at the goals accomplished
20 months of work

EEE - phones are ringing off the hook
Spilka and Roy have sent updates
Homepage has updates, only a "moderate" risk level
No mosquitoes found in town boundaries hence moderate
State Dept of Public Health tells us, we can be safe for now
Are taking proactive measures, no substitute for common sense
Wear repellent, drain standing water, long clothing
Norfolk County Regional County
Spray scheduled for Beaver St Sep 9

Future items
Nothing around

Council comments
Hamblen Oct 1 Chapt 61 application deadline
Farmers market zucchini race

Casey all set

Damon's -  Water likely coming off at end of month assuming parts ordered arrive as scheduled

Sign boards for election alerts

Pellegri seats still open, or call clerks office
Best wishes for Councilor Casey

Kelly wishes to bissanti happy birthday

Mercer married 52 years, two words to remember, yes dear

Motion to adjourn

Live Reporting: Subcommittee reports through Legislation

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-59: Open Meeting Law Compliance: Authorization to Adopt Municipal Website as Official Method of Notice Posting (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-59 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-60: Revision of 2019 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-60 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19 - 61: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-61 - Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-62: Acceptance of Easement for Traffic Signal Equipment on Property at 876 King Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-62 - Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 19-59: Open Meeting Law Compliance: Authorization to Adopt Municipal Website as Official Method of Notice Posting (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-59 - Majority Vote (5))

(missed some of the discussion as I was out of the room temporarily)

discussion on posting method moving to more electronic
Pellegri hesitant, others in favor

legal ads still need to go to the local newspaper per State regulations
there is a move to change this but it is not yet 'legal' to do so

legal notifications can be subscribed via email
proposal would make the official posting be the web site but must still post with Town Clerk

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Resolution 19-60: Revision of 2019 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-60 - Majority Vote (5))

changing meeting scheduled to move tax rate hearing to Dec 4

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 

Resolution 19 - 61: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-61 - Majority Vote (5))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 
thanks to the Police Dept for hosting the Halloween party which all of a sudden is around the corner

Resolution 19-62: Acceptance of Easement for Traffic Signal Equipment on Property at 876 King Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-62 - Majority Vote (5))  

motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 9-0

new traffic light at corner of King and Washington per Charter School relocation
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 


Motion on approval for sewer line extension, up for second reading

Bylaw Amendment 19-844 As Amended: 225 Plain Street - Sewer System Extension - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-844 As Amended: Sewer System Extension - Majority Roll Call Vote (6))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0, via roll call

Live reporting: Appointments to Presentations

5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Library Board of Directors, Board Member Appointments: Amanda Rabbitt & Ginette Preto Associate Member Appointments: Alison Wallace & Charleen M. Belcher b. Finance Committee: Michael Kasberg & Nicole Corbosiero
6. HEARINGS	a. Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License - Public Hearing 7:10 PM
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License- Public Hearing 7:10 PM
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Library Presentation https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/library_update_-_sept_4_2019.pdf

a. Library Board of Directors, Board Member Appointments: Amanda Rabbitt & Ginette Preto Associate Member Appointments: Alison Wallace & Charleen M. Belcher 

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0



b. Finance Committee: Michael Kasberg & Nicole Corbosiero

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


Public Hearing

Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License - Public Hearing 7:10 PM

Richard Cornetta, Attorney
Primad (?)

DBA 455 Lincoln St Market

5 minute recess due to medical emergency

resuming at 7:30 PM

Dacey's Market held the license to be purchased by Lincoln St Market

transfer of license as well as of location, from Dacey's to Lincoln St Market
Council also to pledge the license to allow for it use as collateral for a loan from Rockland Tr

Keller-Sullivan within 500' of boundary lines
did provide specific notification to the school in case they wished to object
new store layout will also mitigate the access of minors to the liquor side of the store business

if this was a net new license, it would be a different conversation, it is a move of the existing license

one of the few locations to maintain the neighborhood store concept
being a more convenient location it should also help save the other commercial areas

3 gas pumps will remain, nothing will change from the outside view
operator has been here for some time, as a convenience store

one Miller St neighbor speaking for the operation

no objections , nothing from school committee

hearing closed


Contractor & Son, INC. (Lincoln Street Market): Application for Transfer of License and Change Location/Pledge of §15 Package Store License- Public Hearing 7:10 PM

motion to approve, seconded,
motion to amdned to include proximity and pledge, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to approve as amended, seconded passed 9-0



a. Library Presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/library_update_-_sept_4_2019.pdf 

Felecia Oti presenting along with
Kim Shipala
Caleigh Keating

Pellegri - thank you for all the work you do

Padula - the people should take advantage of the hours you do have
conf room seats 7

Jones - thanks, this is the best public library. I am privileged to live a block away from the Library. The renovations are making this service a reality

Dellorco - especially getting the teens busy and into the Library 

Hamblen - my favorite things are the 'staff', it amazes me how many people go to the library, and how you care about the people

Kelly - question on the railing - "it doesn't go all the way down to the parking lot"

Earls - commend all of you for the work you are doing there