Friday, October 18, 2019

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11


Veterans' Day Luncheon

Monday, November 11, 2019


Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11
Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11

FTC Consumer Alert: What Do Not Call complaints are telling us




FTC Consumer Alert: What Do Not Call complaints are telling us
by Amy Hebert, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Have you gotten a call from an imposter, maybe someone pretending to be with the Social Security Administration, IRS, or a tech support company, this year? If so, you're not alone. Calls from imposters were the most-reported topic of unwanted calls to the FTC over the past year (FY2019).
You can see our annual report on Do Not Call complaints, with state-specific data. But here are some key takeaways.

Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/10/what-do-not-call-complaints-are-telling-us?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


FTC Consumer Alert: What Do Not Call complaints are telling us
FTC Consumer Alert: What Do Not Call complaints are telling us

Thursday, October 17, 2019

MBTA Commuter Rail: Expect Commuter Rail delays across the system

"Please expect severe delays on all Commuter Rail Line trains due to power outages, flooding and downed trees or wires issues caused by last night storm.

Affected routes:

  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston/Plymouth Line
  • Greenbush Line


Last Updated: Oct 17 2019 06:43 AM"

MBTA Commuter Rail: Expect Commuter Rail delays across the system
MBTA Commuter Rail: Expect Commuter Rail delays across the system

Reminder: Two important events today -> Candidate Forum or Climate Crisis

1 - Meet the Candidates Event = Oct 17

The Town of Franklin invites you to hear from the candidates for Town Council and School Committee on Thursday, October 17 - 7:00 PM

Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17
Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17

Additional election information can be found on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

and of course the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html


2 - "Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis"
"Rising temperatures, eroding coastlines, fearsome storms and disappearing species.

All of these issues are raising alarm among people concerned about the specter of climate change.

“It’s not too late, but we’re not talking the distant future. We’re talking right now,” said Richard Halpern, chairman of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee’s events subcommittee.

Halpern is the force behind planning for an upcoming discussion on the subject the organization is sponsoring.

“Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St."
Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191009/forum-on-climate-crisis-planned-in-franklin/1

"Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis" is free, but seating is limited. Registration is recommended. 

Pre-registration is available at:  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457

Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis
Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis

Franklin Library Book Sale & Bag Sale: Oct 18-19

Book Sale - All books are just one dollar!
  • Friday, October 18, 1:00-5:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 19, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
  • Saturday, October 19, from 1:00-4:00 PM

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library Book Sale & Bag Sale: Oct 18-19
Franklin Library Book Sale & Bag Sale: Oct 18-19

FHS Unified basketball challenge game a success

"Thank you to all that were able to come out and support our troops at tonight’s unified game! AND a huge thank you to
@franklinpolice @FranklinMAfire and @FranklinHS for coming out to play against unified! We appreciate your support and hope to see you at more of our games!!"


FHS Unified basketball challenge game a success
FHS Unified basketball challenge game a success

FHS boys soccer tie with KP 0-0

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019

** Boys Soccer = King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
for a photo gallery of this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/Franklin-King-Philip-Boys-Soccer-10-16-19/

** Girls Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 2 – Final
– Franklin keeper Breanna Atwood was terrific in net for the Panthers but King Philip scored a pair of first half goals to earn the win. Chloe Layne finished off a corner from Makayla Griffin in the 22nd minute to give the hosts the lead, and Avery Snead doubled the advantage four minutes later, heading in another corner from Griffin. Atwood made eight great saves to keep Franklin in the game. King Philip’s defense of Grace Lawler, Paige Varvarigos, and Griffin along with keeper Taylor Butler earned their 12th shutout of the season.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-16-19/

Jacob Cummings on the defense against KP
Jacob Cummings on the defense against KP


Lifelong Community Learning: Wine Tastings - Oct 22 & Nov 12




A crash course on all things wine, based on the "24-Hour Wine Expert" book.
Take this sit down education/tasting class & learn the basics of wine myths, food pairing, buying, storing, grapes, regions, and so much more.

Note: Participants must be at least 21 years of age
Cost: $25
October 22
7:00-9:00 PM

Exploring Spanish Wines
Spanish Wine is so much more than Sangria
This "Old World" region has so many great wine values. We will explore the regions, laws, grapes, terms, and more. Come explore all things Spain from Rioja to Sherry.

Note: Participants must be at least 21 years of age
Cost: $25
November 12
Both workshops held at:
Franklin Liquors
363 East Central St
Franklin, MA
Franklin Liquors' Mark Lenzi, will be your guide
Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak St., Franklin, MA 02038
FPS- Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038


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voters in both parties “not only disagree over plans and policies, but also cannot agree on the basic facts”

We need to do something about this. If we, fellow residents and neighbors within Franklin, can not conduct a civil conversation, we are all in trouble. 

Where do we start? 
 
"Three years ago, Pew Research Center found that the 2016 presidential campaign was “unfolding against a backdrop of intense partisan division and animosity.” Today, the level of division and animosity – including negative sentiments among partisans toward the members of the opposing party – has only deepened.

...

For the most part, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to ascribe negative characteristics to people in the opposing party, with one exception: 75% of Democrats say Republicans are “more closed-minded” than other Americans, while 64% of Republicans say the same about Democrats.

Most partisans view the other side as ‘closed-minded’; Republicans see Democrats as ‘unpatriotic’ Yet Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to view members of the opposing party as unpatriotic. A 63% majority of Republicans say that, compared with other Americans, Democrats are “more unpatriotic.” Just 23% of Democrats say the same about Republicans.

The survey also finds that partisan hostility extends beyond politics. Fewer than half of Democrats (45%) and just 38% of Republicans say that while members of the other party feel differently about politics, they share many of their other values and goals. Majorities in both parties say those in the opposing party do not share their nonpolitical values and goals."

Continue reading the article at the Pew Research Center page
https://www.people-press.org/2019/10/10/partisan-antipathy-more-intense-more-personal/


voters in both parties “not only disagree over plans and policies, but also cannot agree on the basic facts”
voters in both parties “not only disagree over plans and policies, but also cannot agree on the basic facts”

Dean College performs "Radium Girls" Oct 17-20

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Radium Girls, beginning Thursday, October 17 through Sunday, October 20, 2019.

In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. 

Written with warmth and humor, and envisioned by guest director Aaron Andrade, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece. Called a "powerful" and "engrossing" drama by critics, it offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

Radium Girls is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

The Dean College production of Radium Girls will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 7:30 PM Thursday – Saturday and 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Dean College presents "Radium Girls" - Oct 17-20
Dean College presents "Radium Girls" - Oct 17-20

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Live reporting: Town Administrator's report to Closing of meeting

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
condolences to JP's family

article on Boston Globe
will not be making too many public statements upon advice of our attorney
water quality in particular, heavily regulated by EPA and DEP
will be following through with any remediation required
we follow regulations, we have excellent water quality
the report is posted annually and mailed 

the water supply is safe tested for PFAS study last fall
new water treatment plant contract is being designed to accommodate
have results, will publish at the right time

there are no PFAS in our water supply
our staff does an amazing job on our water supply
we test all the time, as mandated
there is no State or Federal requirement to test for PFAS
we had been ahead of it

once we get an item from DEP
we'll respond at that time

Tues Oct 22, visioning exercise for Franklin
funded by a grant

Beaver St will be closed at the Railroad tracks will be marked and detours posted


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS


recognition of Casey on his 1st term and not returning next term

recognition of Padula for his 3 terms of service on the Town Council

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Hamblen - wishing parents a happy 69th anniversary
thank the Franklin community for serving

Dellorco - thanks for the explanation on the water
thanks to Casey and Padula for your service
thanks for letting me serve, and hopefully all be back

Earls - thanks to Chris White for his work at the recycling
thanks to Casey and Padula for your service
thanks for helping me, hopefully we'll be back

Pellegri - my condolences to the JP family, he will be missed
it has been a pleasure to serve on this committee
I hope that we'll have a chance to work together again

Padula - what a great group of people to work with
they care, they work hard, it is a really good group
one of the things I've learned is that our administration is second to none
it has been my privilege to represent the people for the last six years

Jones - thanks for all the years you put into this job (Padula), one of the most articulate and well spoken people I have met, I hope we get you back in some capacity
To Councilor Casey, thanks for stepping up and tackling this position
reminder, an election coming Nov 5, get out to vote

Kelly - thanks for the explanation on the turf, where did it go? we can't talk too much about it, but would like to know
Harvest Festival, record numbers, it was amazing
Casey congratulations on wedding and future
Padula happy birthday, yesterday, he had my back when I wanted to be Chair
wish all my fellow councilors the best of luck
the reality of it is that is our job, we are representing all the people
we are making sure folks get the best for the buck

Mercer - condolences to JP's family
Harvest Festival, tremendous success, thanks to the Downtown Partnership and all involved in getting it together, couldn't have been better weather, it felt great to see so many enjoying what we have worked to put in, like closing off downtown so we could enjoy it

Casey, thanks, I agree with Kelly on your best dressed award
Padula, really appreciated your professionalism
wish all you luck in the coming election, hopefully we'll be back to take the steps for Franklin's future

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: Legislation for Action


10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

continued with this item after action I

a. Resolution 19-67: DPW - Public Way Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-67 - Majority Vote (5))
total now $1M in addition to the $1M Chapter 90 for roads etc. repairs

through MMA and other sources, looking to increase funding in infrastructure (i.e. roads), not sure what will come from it but with a little extra surplus, it would be good to see

the work done by the i495 intersection was all State funded

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

b. Resolution 19-68: Open Space Acquisition Stabilization Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-68 - Majority Vote (5))

amount of $900K to add to Open Space fund to prepare for some future purchase opportunity
where does the money come from? An increase of new growth (home improvements) likely one time, to be set aside

Hamblen - great idea, goes along with the fiscal policies to put money into Open Space
Kelly - with budget shortfall, this might not be the best space to do so

Earls - could this money be taken out if absolutely needed?
Hellen - no. does require 2/3 vote to use for open space; you can get a 2-fer win; get over the 2M account. Now part of the budget assumption for the operating budget, we could use less of this for other operating items
Jones - general stabilization fund, would it be feasible to put there and then move later?
Hellen - no, it is referred to the 'dust' bowl account for the reason that we would only use it in a dire emergency

Mercer - this is the right decision and the right place for it now

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

c. Resolution 19-69: Request for FY20 Supplemental Appropriations (Motion to Approve
Resolution 19-69 - Majority Vote (5))

skipping this one in the hope Padula can arrive, finally getting to at approx 7:57 PM, could delay no further

sometimes the news is not good, and there have been adjustments downward in prior years, the municipal budget process goes until the tax rate is set later this year
the governor approved the budget without a single line item cut, unusual and appreciated
thanks to our legislative representation for their hard work getting us to this point
local receipts are slightly higher as well as the new growth (mentioned earlier)
hence recommendation for the open space fund (as a one time adjustment)

pause to check on revenue side questions

$231K for schools - portion already approved previously
asst director for facilities
more for the senior center
veterans services (per agreement as mentioned earlier)
training for paramedica in partnership with Milford Reg
more for assessors for a new appraiser per 5 year revals
legal expense budget increase, bargaining with all units

Hamblen - huge backlog of projects at  facilities,
Hellen - 1.2M sq ft of space, for a town of our size, we need more folks
potential re-org also coming
the demand on the service is far more than one person can handle

Delloroco - I don't agree, I think we should hire more folks rather than a director
sympathetic to the marketing role

Hellen - you can't sell the public on an override, can't do that

Pellegri - looking to have them voted on separately

motion and seconded
will proceed with answering the questions around the four items, as the others not questioned

Supt Ahern and Bus Admin Goodman come to table to address school budget adjustment questions
$129K split into
$50K, for consultant on the Davis Thayer study, not just Thayer, sweeps across the district
demographics and facilities
population and enrollment projections
functional capacity of the schools themselves
we know the design capacity, but the educational requirements have changed

$54K to restore site based supplies, part of budget in Spring that was cut

$25K to support professional develop, had been in budget in Spring and also cut

Padula arrived approx 8:40 PM

Dr Bergen - The Davis Thayer issue needs to be addressed logically, carefully, and objectively

extended discussion around the additional funding for the School - ironically, the Town came to the School Dept and said we have some money to help you restore funds that were cut; now the Council is trying to justify the additions.

Mercer nailing it on the need for the professional study for Davis Thayer in what it is and what it would need for whatever its future use would be.

Need the position for Marketing/Communications; not liking how it was done but it is needed

Mercer it is our job to question but we need to respect what they are bringing forward, they are good and have great staffs.

Schools resolved
Board of Assessors
Town Administration
Facilities

motion to amend and remove the $110 for facilities, seconded
5-4 passes the

amend the motion to take the $110 to move to the road account
earmarked for roads
seconded, passed 9-0

motion to approve as amended, seconded, passed 9-0





d. Resolution 19-70: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Veterans Services to Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-70 -Majority Vote (5))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

e. Resolution 19-71: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement
Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-71 - Majority Vote (5))

increase from 1100 to 1200, adding 5 slots
program is as popular as ever

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

began with this item as Padula was running late to meeting and proceeded through item I

f. Resolution 19-72: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Veteran’s Services, $10,000.00 (Motion to
Approve Resolution 19-72 - Majority Vote (5))

formally accepting the check presented at the last meeting

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

g. Resolution 19-73: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Veteran’s Services, $1,000.00 (Motion to
Approve Resolution 19-73 - Majority Vote (5))

thaks for the gift to the Town, also had made a gift to the Senior Center

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

h. Resolution 19-74: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Fire Department, $100 (Motion to Approve
Resolution 19-74 - Majority Vote (5))

Chief to put into process a manner to share the letters with the staff, also to acknowledge
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


i. Bylaw Amendment 19-845: Downtown Parking Map - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-845: Downtown Parking Map - Majority Roll Call Vote (5))

confirming parking spaces for handicap parking at Town Common

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call


Live reporting: Town Council October 16, 2019

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Kelly, Mercer, Jones, Padula (late), Pellegri, Earls
Absent:  none

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and show on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN 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.

DPW Director Cantoreggi
JP passed recently, wake Friday 4:00 at Ginley Funeral Home

Deborarh Martin, veterans services
veterans lunch alert on registration

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

5. APPOINTMENTS
none

6. HEARINGS 
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- None Scheduled

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
nothing at this time
b. Budget Subcommittee
Padula running late, hold off on report until he arrives

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
Oct 23 next meeting, 6:00 PM

Social Media: An honest conversation about Communication in today's world

The Franklin School Committee is hosting this event about social media on Monday, Oct 21, 2019. This event is aimed towards parents/guardians of FPS middle and high school students and their children.

FHS Media Center 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

See the flyer for additional details:

Social Media: An honest conversation about Communication in today's world
Social Media: An honest conversation about Communication in today's world

This was shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/ggzub/status/1184205486092144642


Franklin gets $60K for school security improvements



Franklin Public Schools
  • $60,000.00 = Security cameras, panic buttons, access control switches
"Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito hosted a roundtable discussion on school safety at Walsh Middle School in Framingham and announced $7.2 million in grants awarded to more than 140 school districts across the Commonwealth to upgrade school security equipment and technology to bolster public safety resources for students and staff.

The grant funds will enable schools to upgrade and install crucial security infrastructure, including exterior door locks, surveillance video cameras, school site alarms, interoperable communications systems and active shooter detection systems. The grants are being awarded by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in conjunction with the Executive Office of Education

Superintendents and school officials, as well as public safety officials, discussed what they are doing to keep students safe. The Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by Education Secretary James Peyser, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Undersecretary Benincasa Thorpe, as well as Framingham Police Chief Steven Trask and Framingham Fire Chief Joseph Hicks.

“These investments will provide much needed safety resources to our students and teachers in schools across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with school officials to understand how we can better protect our schools, and we are pleased to have worked with the Legislature to award this round of grants. We are hopeful that we can continue this discussion as we consider this year’s budget to build on these efforts in more communities.” 

Continue reading the Press Release online
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-72-million-to-143-school-districts-to-improve-school-safety

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.2 Million to 143 School Districts to Improve School Safety
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.2 Million to 143 School Districts to Improve School Safety