Wednesday, November 13, 2019

In the News: Franklin Police - no shave November; Assumption College to change to University

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

"Officers from Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Bellingham, Millis and Upton police departments are participating in the Home Base No Shave campaign in support of Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program.

Traditionally, police departments have a grooming policy where officers must remain clean-shaven. However, for November, police officers have pledged $100 to forego the traditional grooming policy and grow beards, mustaches and goatees to support Home Base and its mission to provide no-cost clinical care to Veterans and Military Families impacted by the invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

The movement is spearheaded by MBTA Transit Police and Boston Gang Unit Detective Kurt Power, a U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient who sought care for his own invisible wounds at Home Base."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191112/area-police-departments-to-participate-in-home-base-no-shave-campaign

Ben Franklin and the Franklin Police Department are once again participating in No Shave November
"Ben Franklin and the Franklin Police Department are once again participating in No Shave November"




"Assumption College received approval from the state to become a university and will do so next year, according to an internal memo school leadership sent on Wednesday.

In that message, President Francesco Cesareo said Assumption’s Restructuring Implementation Committee will prepare for that “historic transition” over the next year.

“There’s a lot of work to be done before we can actually turn the switch,” he said in an interview with the Telegram & Gazette, including the development of a “unifying visual identity” for the renamed school, which enrolls around 2,500 students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191110/assumption-college-gets-states-approval-to-become-university

Find out more about Assumption at  https://www.assumption.edu/

Note: I graduated from Assumption College in 1976 with an English major and Education minor.

Franklin Democrats demonstration scheduled for Sat, Nov 16

The Franklin Democrats will demonstrate again next Saturday, Nov. 16, between 10:00 AM and noon at the intersection of East Central and Emmons Streets, in front of Piezoni's Restaurant. (Rain day is Sunday.)

The theme of this month's demonstration is "Impeachment At Last?" with special thanks to Nancy Pelosi, to a courageous whistleblower, and to patriotic witnesses who have respected congressional subpoenas.

As before, people can make signs next Saturday or just show up.


Colin Cass for the Franklin Democratic Town Committee

 
Franklin Democrats demonstration scheduled for Sat, Nov 16
Franklin Democrats demonstration scheduled for Sat, Nov 16

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Live reporting: Consent Agenda through to Closing


VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 29, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.

separated from other items on the consent agenda as only two members were present
motion to accept, seconded, passed 2-0-5 (2 for, none against, 5 abstained)

B. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,734.00 from Five Star Franchises, LLC (Jersey Mike’s) for FHS Athletics Department as detailed.
C. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,051.30 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
D. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,700.58 from O’Connor Studios for supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School as detailed.
E. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $10,000.00 from the John C & Eunice B Morrison Charitable Foundation for a Scholarship as detailed.

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

VIII. Payment of Bills
for next time


IX. Payroll
for next time 


X. Adjournment

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 7-0

 







The agenda and other documents released in advance of the meeting can be found on the School Committee page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Note - other documents are added after the meeting (usually during the Wednesday business day).

Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items


III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – 2nd Reading
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
a) KF – Community Use of School Facilities
b) KF – E1 – Rules and Regulations
c) KF – E2 – FHS Building Use
d) KF – E4 – FHS Fee Schedule



IV. Discussion Only Items

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation, Ad Hoc Superintendent Evaluation, Ad Hoc Davis Thayer Facility Analysis)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, SWAC)

overview of the committee and liaison positions provided, those with interest let Chair know so allocations can be made

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

  • up for next meeting - school finances, including capital budget before it goes to the Finance Committee and Town Council for discussion and decision
  • Survey results possible for next time; only have the preliminary data now and awaiting release of 'final' data; if not ready, this will slide to a future meeting; survey covers cultural climate of school from 4, 5, 8, and 10 grader perspectives





The agenda and other documents released in advance of the meeting can be found on the School Committee page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Note - other documents are added after the meeting (usually during the Wednesday business day).


  

Live reporting: School Committee - Nov 12, 2019

Present:D'Angelo, Keenen, Pfeffer, Scofield, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes
Absent: none




Organizational Meeting:
• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair





I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
no changes
 
B. Citizen’s Comments
no one other than myself in the audience (after family of student for pledge left)
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public
participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made….
A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment….
The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report
  • emergency busing notice posted
  • link to Superintendent's report to be added

II. Guests/Presentations - none



The agenda and other documents released in advance of the meeting can be found on the School Committee page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Note - other documents are added after the meeting (usually during the Wednesday business day).

 
L-R front : D'Angelo, Pfeffer, Scofield; L-R Back Keenen, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes
L-R front : D'Angelo, Pfeffer, Scofield; L-R Back Keenen, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Dear Franklin Families,

Due to the forecast for frigid temperatures and cold wind chills this evening and early morning and the potential for lingering icy spots on roads and sidewalks, the Franklin Public Schools will be utilizing emergency busing tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Students who do not normally ride the bus who are walking or waiting along the route will be picked up by our drivers.

We do not anticipate a need for emergency busing in the afternoon.

Please take steps to appropriately prepare for tomorrow's weather. Boots or appropriate footwear, warm coats, hats and gloves or mittens will be critical in the morning hours.


Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps
Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

School Transportation info https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation

New storm water utlility fee proposal - Town Council meeting Nov 13

New storm water utility fee ("tax") proposal up for discussion at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 13, 2019.

Given this is in response to questionable EPA requirements (#1), given the EPA regulation process is potential revised (#2) Why are we doing this?


#1
  • EPA permits PFAS to flow into drinking water
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/05/toxic-chemicals-can-dumped-into-merrimack-river-federal-and-state-officials-say/N0u3jOxo1CnpcQiACEW88N/story.html
  • While local authorities objected and now Lowell officials will stop the process
 https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/07/lowell-water-treatment-plant-stop-accepting-toxic-water-from-landfill/tmXpsDYlCI6Bow0rovemkJ/story.html

#2
  • EPA to limit science in rule development
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2019/11/11/epa-tighten-limits-science-used-write-public-health-rules/jLNWwBDaDO6BGiXuuAYk2N/story.html


Storm water Presentation & Discussion
  • i. Town Administrator Introduction Memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/town_administrator_introduction_memo.pdf
  • ii. Public Works PowerPoint Presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/public_works_powerpoint_presentation.pdf



  • iii. Storm water Management Plan (393 Page document; 8MB PDF)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/stormwater_management_plan.pdf
  • iv. Storm water Brochures History
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/stormwater_brochures_history.pdf

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in
rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

CPR & First Aid Certification for Adults - Nov 29



CPR & First Aid Certification for Adults

A Partnership with Franklin YMCA

Friday

November 29, 2019

2:00-5:00 PM - CPR & First Aid
$70 per person

2:00-4:00 PM - CPR only
$50 per person
A great opportunity to learn the steps involved in mastering a lifesaving skill. Signup for either CPR & First Aid or CPR only certification.
Workshop held at:

Franklin High School
218 Oak Street
Franklin, MA
Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak St., Franklin, MA 02038

FPS- Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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Sixth Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer Classic - Nov 23

Via HockomockSports.com we share this soccer fund raising event for Dana-Farber:
"We’re excited to announce that our Sixth Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer Classic will be on November 23rd at Attleboro High School. We currently run two charity events each year (soccer and basketball), and once again this year we will be raising money for Dana-Farber.

Last year, we had such a successful event that we were the top fundraising group for the Kick For Dana-Farber program. In each of the past two years, we’ve taken a Hockomock team on the field before a Revolution game, and then tickets to the game as well. The North Attleboro girls team were honored on the big screen before the game as HockomockSports.com was selected as the Revs “Hero of the Match.” We also won custom training tops that the Rocketeers received for their generous support to the fundraiser.

We are hoping to be one of the top fundraising groups again this season. Our event features a girls game and a boys game that features some of the top talent from the Hockomock League. All participants are selected strictly by our staff and do not have any connection to the official Hockomock League All Stars.

If you are interested in donating to our team, you can click this link or click on the picture above that will take you to the event page, which has a link to our fundraising page."

Continue reading the article
https://hockomocksports.com/sixth-annual-hockomocksports-charity-soccer-classic/

Donate directly via the event page
https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR/KickforDana-Farber/KickforDana-Farber?pg=team&fr_id=1320&team_id=5182


Sixth Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer Classic - Nov 23
Sixth Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer Classic - Nov 23

Zentangle for Children, Grades 1st to 6th




Zentangle spoken here
Zentangle for Children
Grades 1-6
Franklin Public Library
with Jane
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Anyhting is possible, one stroke at a time

Through the Zentangle Method of Drawing you can:

  • Relax
  • Focus
  • Expand your imagination
  • Trust your creativity
  • Increase your awareness
  • Discover the fun and healing in creative expression
  • Feel Gratitude and appreciation for all that you can do
  • and more importantly
HAVE FUN!
my first Zentangle tiles
Please arrive promptly at 3:30 so we can begin the teaching of the lesson immediately.
Space is limited to 25 children.
Jane's Tangles | 18 Park Rd, Franklin, MA 02038
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Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town" - Nov 20-24, 2019

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Wonderful Town, beginning Wednesday, November 20 through Sunday, November 24, 2019.

Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town"
Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town"
Based on the hit play and film, My Sister Eileen, the musical Wonderful Town tells the hilarious and heart-warming story of two Midwestern sisters, newly arrived in New York. One, an aspiring writer, and the other, an actress and dancer, they leave their home in Ohio and wind up sharing a basement apartment in Greenwich Village. While pursuing their dreams, they deal with broken hearts and surround themselves with a cast of characters only to be found in the Village. 

Featuring a magical score by Bernstein, Comden and Green, and including the numbers “Ohio”, “One Hundred Ways”, “It’s Love”, “Conga” and “The Wrong Note Rag”, Wonderful Town was the winner of the 1953 Tony award and subsequent Broadway revival and West End honors.

The Dean College production of Wonderful Town will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 7:30 PM Wednesday – 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.


Monday, November 11, 2019

Did you know that Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page?

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page. The group has been providing a valuable service for the Franklin community since 2012. It helps those in need with a volunteer network that springs to action for each need.

What do they do?
"Welcome to the Franklin chapter of Neighbor Brigade! Our chapter was formed in April 2012. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to provide help to another, you’ve come to the right place.
Our volunteer chapter leaders donate time to coordinate the needs of families in crisis with the volunteers who want to help. Read on to learn more about their passion for Neighbor Brigade, and help us spread the word! We are always looking to expand our presence here in Franklin among volunteers and potential recipients alike.

Neighbor Brigade establishes community-specific networks of volunteers that can be mobilized to help residents facing sudden crisis manage day-to-day tasks such as meal preparation, rides, and basic household chores.
Our chapter is just one of 29 chapters helping their neighbors in crisis! To learn more about us and our other chapters, please visit our home page."
The Franklin's Neighbor Brigade web page
https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/d344e590-7541-488a-8594-34b5f451db96/1

The Franklin's Neighbor Brigade Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pg/FranklinNeighborBrigade/

Did you know that Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page?
Did you know that Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page?

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 13, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-13-town-council-agenda 

1. SWEARING IN OF TOWN COUNCIL AND TOWN CLERK

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
– Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk

3. 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.
4. 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.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  • a. September 18, 2019
  • b. October 16, 2019
6. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

7. APPOINTMENTS
  • a. Cultural District Committee: Evan Chelman
8. HEARINGS

9. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
  • a. Mormax Corporation d/b/a Bj’s Wholesale Club, Change of Manager, 100 Corporate Drive.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9a._license_transactions_bjs_0.pdf
  • b. JDJ Ichigo Ichie, Inc., New All Alcohol License, 837 West Central Street.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9b._license_transactions_ichigo_ichie_redacted.pdf
  • c. Little Shop of Olive Oils, Inc. New Wine and Malt Retail Package Store License, 5 Main Street.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9c._license_transactions_lsevoo_redacted.pdf
  • d. JAC Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Joe Allen's Casual Dining and Bar, New All Alcohol License, 14 East Central Street.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9d._license_transactions_jac.pdf

10. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
  • a. Town Attorney Mark Cerel Presentation
  • Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Public Hearings, and Ethics Presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._presentations_discussions_cerel.pdf
  • b. Stormwater Presentation & Discussion
  • i. Town Administrator Introduction Memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/town_administrator_introduction_memo.pdf
  • ii. Public Works PowerPoint Presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/public_works_powerpoint_presentation.pdf
  • iii. Stormwater Management Plan (393 Page document; 8MB PDF)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/stormwater_management_plan.pdf
  • iv. Stormwater Brochures History
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/stormwater_brochures_history.pdf

11. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
  • a. Resolution 19-75: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $300 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-75 - Majority Vote (5))
  • b. Resolution 19-76: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $15 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-76 - Majority Vote (5))
  • c. Resolution 19-77: Adopt the Town Council Procedures Manual (Motion to Adopt Resolution 19-77 - Majority Vote (5))
  • d. Resolution 19-78: Establish Town Council Standing Subcommittees (Motion to approve Resolution 19-78- Majority Vote (5))
  • e. Resolution 19-79: Ratification of Public Library Staff Association Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-79 - Majority Vote (5))
13. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

15. COUNCIL COMMENTS

16. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Collective Bargaining
i. I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.

17. ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

no delay in trash pick up this week. the new clothing recycling pick up does start
no delay in trash pick up this week. the new clothing recycling pick up does start

Franklin Business Roundtable Agenda - Nov 14, 2019

Franklin Business Roundtable
Thursday, November 14, 2019 | 7:45 – 9:30 AM 
Dean College Campus Center = Campanella Board Room


The purpose of the Business Roundtable session is to understand and prioritize needs of local businesses within Franklin as part of the Market Analysis Plan. The roundtable session will be an hour and forty-five minutes long and be held in the Campanella Board Room of Dean College.

INTRODUCTIONS

• Do you own or manage a business in Franklin?
  • If yes, why did you choose to do business in Franklin?
• In what part of Franklin is your business?
  • Downtown Franklin Commercial District
  • The Crossing
  • The Mixed Business Innovation District
  • Route 140, west of Union Street
  • Route 140, east of Ruggles Street
  • Other

OVERVIEW OF THE FRANKLIN MARKET ANALYSIS

• Role of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in the Market Analysis
• Franklin Study Project Deliverables
• Town Demographics and Socioeconomic Data

KEY QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
  1. What do you like about Franklin’s downtown? How does the downtown positively affect your business?
  2. How could the Town improve its services/processes? Are there opportunities for the Town to change certain processes or regulations to attract desired economic development?
  3. Where should the town prioritize its economic development investments and what kind of economic development do you want to see in Franklin?
  4. Can and should the Town do more targeted marketing to specific businesses or developers?
  5. Do you find that businesses in Franklin do well in comparison to neighboring communities? Why or why not?
  6. What is your vision for Franklin’s downtown, The Crossing area and the Mixed Business Innovation District? How could they be improved?

Be sure to take the Economic Development Survey! You can find it on the Town’s Economic Development Site: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-economic-development-survey




Economic Development Survey
Economic Development Survey
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-economic-development-survey