Town Council Summary for Nov 13, 2019

The first two items on the agenda were the swearing in of the Town Clerk and then of the new Town Council along with the organization of the new Council. This did happen albeit slightly out of order as Asst Clerk Nancy Danelo was supposed to swear in Teresa Burr who would then swear in the council. Teresa swore in the Council and then confirmed her own swearing in.
There were three individual motions and sets of votes to elect the Officers of the new Council: Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk.

• motion by Jones to nominate Mercer, seconded, passed 9-0
• motion by Pellegri to nominate Dellorco, seconded, passed 9-0
• motion by Earls to nominate Jones, seconded, passed 9-0

License transactions

• BJ's got a manager change, everything else remains the same
• Ichigo Ichi's changed ownership so new license, otherwise menu and service remains the same
• Little Shop of Oils received a license to pair wine with their vinegar and oil gift baskets. After much discussion, the license was approved. 
• JAC Restaurant which had an application submitted for the former Dhrani Grill (or Artistry Kitchen) location withdrew their application. No additional info was provided.

As opposed to other meetings where formal license hearings were opened for each item, there was a vote to close the Little Shop of Oils discussion (which hadn't been formally opened, nor had the prior two). Also of note, I had the vote as 6-3. The "Actions Taken" doc shows 8-1. Re-listening to the recording, the Chair counts to six approvals and stops before saying what the final total is. A review of the video may be more conclusive.

Open Meeting and Conflict of Interest overview
Also slightly out of order, this probably should have been done before the license transaction discussion but ...

Storm water Utility Fee discussion 
The first of many discussions on this topic. There has been much work done to prepare for the EPA regulation on storm water.  Check pages 11-12 for the grants obtained since 2007. Due to the estimated costs of $2M per year to manage storm water, a utility fee is proposed. More work by the Town Council and the Town is required to bring this to reality. Page 28 shows estimates for how much the proposed utility fee would cost the 'average' housing and commercial lots. 

Franklin Dept Public Works -storm water from Franklin Matters

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2019. https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-13-town-council-agenda 

•  
• "Actions Taken" document (which oddly leaves out the re-organization votes)
• https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_november_13_2019.pdf
• Additional info can be found in my notes reported live during the meeting
• Live reporting: Legislation through to Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-legislation-through-to.html
• Live reporting: Presentations - Open Meeting; Stor...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-presentations-open.html
• Live reporting: License transactions
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-license-transactions.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - Nov 13, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-town-council-nov-13-2019.html

 

a tree well, one of the many storm water mitigations Franklin implements

Representative Jeff Roy's State House Report for November 2019

From Rep Roy's November newsletter:

"Last week, Governor Charlie Baker joined me, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Senator Anne Gobi, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago, and SEIU Local 509 to sign An Act to Support Improved Financial Stability in Higher Education (H4099) which will clarify and enhance the authority of the Board of Higher Education to monitor the financial health of Massachusetts colleges and universities.

This legislation requires any institution facing financial challenges that may jeopardize the institution’s ability to fulfill its obligations to current and admitted students to notify the Board of Higher Education, as well as submit a contingency plan for approval that includes arrangements for students to complete their studies. It also requires training for boards in financial metrics and fiduciary responsibilities.

It was a great day for students and their families, as this legislation will provide transparency and restore confidence in our higher education institutions. Through this legislation, the state will be a partner in providing transparency and accountability to promote resiliency and financial stability, and to ensure that our students have access to the opportunities that they need, that they can count on, and that deliver for the long-term strength of our state."

You can view the text of the legislation by clicking here

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4099

You can view the video of the speech I delivered on the House floor by clicking here

https://youtu.be/Yif9z11_-jQ

You can read the Milford Daily News report on the bill by clicking here

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191002/house-set-to-advance-college-closure-bill

the Governor's press release by clicking here

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-signs-legislation-to-support-financial-stability-in-higher-education-and

and my blog post by clicking here

https://jeffreyroy.com/2019/10/14/house-votes-to-increase-transparency-and-financial-reporting-requirements-of-massachusetts-higher-education-institutions/

For the full contents of the newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/8f1e3182bea3/ux2l17im8a-2451581?fbclid=IwAR2RJm_gA14O1ggtFzK-PYNR1SV798Gd7BlXu8PL1ghS6LdaosxMNXI_0n4

Governor signs college closure bill

“It’s like a new hangout spot, especially for middle-schoolers”

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

"After opening last month, Altitude Trampoline Park held its grand opening on Saturday, giving out free, all-day jump passes to its first 50 customers.

About 30 people were in line at 9 a.m. when the park at 303 East Central St. opened, said Assistant General Manager Gladis Guardado, extending the last of its 20 free passes to others visiting the park throughout the day.

Outfitted with more than 26,500 square feet of bright purple, blue and orange mats and indoor trampolines, the park offers attractions like “Trampoline Basketball,” “Wipeout,” “Extreme Dodgeball,” “Valo Jump,” “Cardio Wall,” “Kids Court” and “Foam Pit.”

The park is in the Horace Mann Plaza at the former home of Bob’s Store, which closed late last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191123/altitude-trampoline-holds-grand-opening-in-franklin

For more about Altitude Trampoline Park, visit their web page
https://altitudefranklin.com/

For more about Altitude Trampoline Park, visit their web page

FM #183 - Parent Information Session on adolescent sleep

FM #183

This internet radio show or podcast is number 183 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Parent Information Session on adolescent sleep held in the Franklin High School lecture hall on Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

Dr Sara Ahern, School Superintendent for Franklin PUblic Schools provided the welcome to the group and introduced Dr Judith Owens who presented “The Universe of Adolescent Sleep.” As Dr Owens, finished her slide presentation and talk, Superintendent Ahern facilitated questions from the audience.

PantherTV did record the session as well and it will readied for sharing. When the video is available, we’ll share that.

The recording of the discussion itself runs approx 92 minutes. Be sure to follow through to the show notes where Dr Owens’ presentation can be found so you can follow along with her.

"The Universe of Adolecent Sleep " from Franklin Matters

Without further ado, here is the session on adolescent sleep
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HV9hm04X



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FM #183 - Parent Information Session on adolescent sleep

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help? Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!


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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Your input is needed for this Short Housing Survey

Short Housing Survey

1 - Please take a few moments to respond to our short housing survey. You can find it HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11ntyxG2AYmXct2kvHRct1r_UioDqQjh6KQrAV2LKmjs/viewform?


2 - In addition, if you have not yet responded to our Economic Development Survey, please find it HERE: https://forms.gle/6SJpXeWPvg2H37A96

Both surveys close on December 13.

Thank you in advance for your time and input!

 

Your input is needed for this Short Housing Survey

"Neonicotinoids aren’t the only threat that the legislation addresses"

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

"Legislation designed to restrict the use of a popular pesticide that is harming the state’s bee population is moving forward after a successful Statehouse hearing.

The Legislature’s Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture voted this week to advance “An Act to Protect Pollinators” following the hearing last week.

Legislation was introduced in January and is sponsored by state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston. One key feature of the bill is more restrictions on neonicotinoid use, especially by those who are not professionals.

Neonicotinoids, or neonics, are insecticides that are chemically related to nicotine and are applied either to the soil or sprayed on plants. The insecticide gained traction due to its effectiveness, as well as the low toxicity to vertebrates."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191122/dykema-bill-to-protect-mass-pollinators-advances

And from December 2016, some may recall this post:

via Ed Szymanski

"Collapse", the Chronicle show about honey bees (yes, I'm in it) will be re-aired this Friday night, Ch. 5, 7:30 PM. 

It's a great show talking about the troubles bees face and what is being done. 

Not just saying that because I'm part of it."

Part 1

https://www.wcvb.com/article/chronicle-why-are-the-bees-dying/8110549

Part 2

https://www.wcvb.com/article/chronicle-theyll-take-care-of-your-backyard-bees/8110634

Part 3

https://www.wcvb.com/article/chronicle-make-your-garden-bee-friendly/8110590

Part 4

https://www.wcvb.com/article/chronicle-eat-candy-save-the-bees/8110476

screen grab of the Chronicle intro

 

MBTA - Shuttle for Franklin Line on Weekends through Dec 22

Weekends = September 7 – December 22

Shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Readville Stations while we upgrade the signal system as part of Positive Train Control (PTC) work. Also during this work, connecting train service between Readville and South Station will be on the Fairmount Line. There will be no Franklin Line service at Ruggles or Back Bay.

Learn about Positive Train Control

See all Franklin Line service changes

Note: the shuttle had been scheduled to end in October, then November, now moved out to December.

MBTA - Shuttle for Franklin Line on Weekends through Dec 22