Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - 355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room 

Franklin, MA

January 8, 2020 = 5:30 PM

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.

Discussion:
1. Zoning Amendment proposal:
a. Ground Mounted Solar Bylaw Amendments in residential Zoning Districts;
b. A house cleaning items in Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) district; and .
c. A housecleaning item in Accessory uses for Agricultural with Poultry to comply with zoning setbacks.

2. Lot line Clean up #1: Areas near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets.

3. Lot Line Clean up #2: Areas near Oak Street and Daily Drive.

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/20200103133120366.pdf

The solar farm being installed at Mount Saint Mary's in 2013

A Life in Music Lost & Found - Jan 8

A Life in Music Lost & Found 

A “Talk & Play” presentation 

by Betty Hauck, viola & violin

For 50 years, Betty enjoyed a rich and rewarding career as a professional violist— until the day she realized that she had to retire because of progressive hearing loss. 

For three years, she completely turned her back on music. In this “Talk & Play” presentation, she will tell the story of how various twists and turns led her back into sharing the joy of music while educating and advocating for those with hearing loss. 

Her talk will be punctuated by short musical selections on both violin and viola. The program is about one hour and includes Q&A at the end.

Please call the Senior Center to sign up   508-520-4945

Jan 8 at 1:00 PM

Download your copy of the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LtlXn5OYmDlMtD_HbXWmRVTEWUxo9AH5/view?usp=sharing

wfpr●fm Program Schedule for Jan 8, 9, 10

Our weekly wfpr●fm program schedule lists interviews and musical programs of interest hosted by Franklin residents. Our current slate of programs runs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Programs repeat at 9 AM, Noon, and 6 PM, and Saturdays, starting at 9 AM.

Wednesday:

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p        FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey

All about Franklin Public Schools

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p        The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone

All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points 11:00a/2:00p/8:00p        TBA

Thursday:

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p        The Tabernacle Choir

from Salt Lake City 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p        Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey

Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm     Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick

Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition.

Friday:

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p       Chapters – Jim Derick

Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p        Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

An hour of uplifting music for all 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm                                                Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

Original short stories presented by the authors

Weekdays:

3:00p                                     Music of the Swingin’ Big Band Era

4:00p                                     Starlight Songs from the Great American Songbook

Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.

For the full wfpr.fm program schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CYwApFs6wG3s8RDgkjsu_goaKNsI03Bz/view?usp=sharing

For the full Franklin TV program guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KXX-HpkgeXBT04zAqZLikZNURRaokK63/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House! - Jan 17

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child?

Do you live in Franklin?

Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2020?

Parents and children are invited to join us at F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour: Email: flanaganla@franklinps.net Phone: 508-541-8166

Tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students.

Applications for the 20-21 school year are available on the ECDC Website (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc) or directly at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GjbC7NiV9SxSIHf3EDZbQB_LkAeNlH3o/view


Applications can also be picked up at the Franklin Superintendent’s office and at ECDC.

Download a copy of the Open House flyer
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/ecdc_open_house_jan_2020_0.pdf

 

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House! - Jan 17

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': School District Issues

With almost half of the Franklin budget covering the operation of our schools, the Superintendent Sara Ahern, the School Dept and ultimately, the School Committee, have their hands full this year.

The School Committee with 5 new members is really going to be challenged. School Start Time is on 'pause' as previously covered but, the FY 2021 budget, and the Davis Thayer issue (which in and of itself has multiple layers) will not be easy.

Fortunately, extra time is already added to the next two school committee meetings scheduled to allow for background info to be shared with the members in a workshop format. Jan 14 to cover the budget and Jan 28 to cover student services.

Simply put, the Davis Thayer issue is complex. The student population demographic numbers are expected sometime this month. We know the student population has declined from over 6,000 to 5,086 (as of Nov 30, 2019). With the planned and anticipated growth in the community, what does that mean for the student population for the school district? How does the charter school expansion play in that (if at all).

Once that number (or set of numbers is available), the other side of the equation comes to play. How do we service the students? That is, what does the existing physical capacity hold for the current educational demands of our students? We know for example that the high school was built for 1600 and is servicing 1754 (same date as student enrollment above). 

However, each of the middle schools and elementary schools were built or renovated at different times over the past. The educational requirement they were built for are different from what is required now.  What is the 'real' capacity of our school buildings? This study is also set to be done by an outside firm early this year. 

Then the real work begins: What do the two sets of numbers say? Are we under capacity? or over capacity, or somewhere in between? How do we decide what to do? Closing Thayer would mean a re-districting and that will be an involved process, not to be done quickly.

All this to be overseen by the new School Committee. They are a talented and diverse bunch of Franklin residents. They can not do this alone.

Fortunately, the School Committee will be informed by Superintendent Sara Ahern and her very talented Central Office, principals, and other educational personnel throughout the district.

They will all need our support, encouragement, and involvement. 

The adage goes: you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution! I recommend getting involved in the discussion (aside from Facebook!) to be part of the solution. 

Action:

• Get to a meeting
• Talk with members of the School Committee, your School Principals, and Superintendent Sara Ahern
• Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues, together we can, and must, find a solution

The enrollment numbers as of November 2019
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/enrollmentcompare-nov2018-nov2019.pdf

 

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': School District Issues

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Zajac Brothers Band and Grab Brothers Band - Jan 10

Brothers Matt and Tyler Zajac have always been influenced from classic rock music. Early memories of their father quizzing them on which “Beatle” was singing, quickly became the foundation for a passionate and rewarding musical future. Fast forward to the Zajac’s​ college years and you will find that Matt has graduated Boston’s Berklee College of Music while Tyler has attended Los Angeles’ Musician’s Institute. 

Drawing influence from bands of the 60’s and 70’s, the brothers decided that in honor of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, a festival that kickstarted a counter cultural movement towards peace and love, it was time to bring back those values and songs. Joined by some of the finest musicians in the area- the 5 piece band will play with a night of Classic Rock songs!

The Grab Brothers are true brothers—Larry and Marc Grab—with music that explodes in a kick-ass blend of “Retro for Today” lead guitar crunching rhythms, mystical-leaning lyrics and arena-filling vocals that pull your heart strings on a whim. But there’s more. These brothers can also strum you a pot-full of acoustical gems and have you singing along to their life-fulfilling stories even when you’ve never heard the songs before.

Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. The venue features a full bar. 

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Zajac Brothers Band and Grab Brothers Band - Jan 10

Franklin Board Of Health: Meeting - Weds, Jan 8, 2020 - Agenda

Franklin Board Of Health 

Duly Scheduled Meeting

Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 5:00 P.M., Room 106 

AGENDA

This Meeting Is Being Recorded. The Listing Of Matters Are Those Reasonably Anticipated By The Chair Which May Be Discussed At The Meeting. Not All Items Listed May In Fact Be Discussed And Other Items Not Listed May Also Be Brought Up For Discussion To The Extent Permitted By Law.

1) Reading and acceptance of December 4, 2019 minutes 

2) OLD BUSINESS
A. Keeping of Animals Regulations 

Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3) NEW BUSINESS
A. Shiva Market
B. Tobacco legislature
C. Site Plan Modification-122 Chestnut Street
D. Local Upgrade Approval-416 Maple Street

4) HEALTH DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

5) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

6) ADJOURNMENT

Next Board of Health meeting will be Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 5:00 pm in Room 106

Franklin Board Of Health: Meeting - Weds, Jan 8, 2020 - Agenda

Additional info on the Board of Health can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Studio Two returns Feb 21 in Benefit Concert for HMEA - tickets now on sale

Studio Two returns Feb 21 in Benefit Concert for HMEA

Studio Two returns 
in Benefit Concert for HMEA 

Friday, February 21, 2020

Tickets Now on Sale
 https://www.hmea.org/events/studiotwo/

THE BLACK BOX

15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA

Doors open @ 6:00 PM | Concert begins @ 7:00 PM

live music | dessert bar | dancing | raffle | door prize

New this year - get a reserved table up front

for 5 people with an extra $10^.00 donation!
 

All proceeds benefit the programs at HMEA that serve

children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Generously sponsored by Lippolis Plumbing & Heating, Walpole, MA

 

Newcomers and Friends Club: JANUARY 8 Meeting features Stephanie McBride a Spiritual Medium

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30. 

We're excited to host Stephanie McBride, a Spiritual Medium from Franklin. Stephanie will tell us about herself and how she communicates with those who have passed and want to send a message to their loved ones. She will share some stories of people she has helped and will have time to answer some of our questions. It will be an interesting and informative evening!

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at "3" Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

JANUARY 8 Meeting features Stephanie McBride a Spiritual Medium

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club. 

Franklin Cultural District: Cultural Partnership Meeting Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Cultural Partnership Meeting Agenda

January 8, 2020

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Municipal Building, Room 205

1. Welcome and introductions (20 minutes)
2. Franklin Cultural Council and Priorities (10 minutes)
3. Downtown Partnership Updates and Priorities (10 minutes)
4. Cultural District Updates and Priorities (10 minutes)
5. Open discussion of opportunities to partner and share resources (30 minutes)


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/partnership_agenda_january_8_2020.pdf 

For more about the Cultural District Committee
https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-district-committee


For more about the Cultural District   https://www.franklinculture.org/

Franklin Cultural District: Cultural Partnership Meeting Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Franklin Art Association: Encaustic Demonstration - Jan 8

The Franklin Art Association board hopes you had a fun and restful holiday season and that you are ready to come back and join us for many exciting demonstrations during 2020 starting with our January meeting.

Wednesday, January 8, the Franklin Art Association is pleased to host an encaustic demonstration by Theresa Spadafora. 

Next month meeting, Feb. 5th we will host acrylic artist Lenny Moskowitz. Followed by a watercolor demonstration March 4th given by Carlie DeGaetano.

We hope to see you for these exciting and educational opportunities!

All the meetings are scheduled for 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by a short business meeting before the art demonstration.

FAA meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month, September through May, and are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org

 

Franklin Art Association: Encaustic Demonstration - Jan 8

What is encaustic painting?

Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface—usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used. The simplest encaustic mixture can be made from adding pigments to beeswax, but there are several other recipes that can be used—some containing other types of waxes, damar resin, linseed oil, or other ingredients. Pure, powdered pigments can be used, though some mixtures use oil paints or other forms of pigment.^[1]

 From wikipedia  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encaustic_painting

In the News: Earls presents at Newly Elected Councillor Training

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"Franklin Town Councillor Eamon McCarthy Earls was chosen to present at the recent Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association “Newly Elected Councillor Training” held at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.

The recent training boasted attendance by more than 70 newly elected councillor from across Massachusetts and is only the second of its kind.

“The newly elected councillor training is an outstanding opportunity for new public servants to learn key aspects of Massachusetts local government from setting budgets and working with municipal executives to upholding high ethical standards,” said Earls.

As the current MMCA District 4 representative, Earls helped develop the training’s format and agenda. Panels were designed to help councillors navigate their role, manage relationships, and offered guidance on working within the confines of the Open Meeting Law and help with understanding municipal budgeting and finance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200106/franklin-town-councilor-chosen-to-speak-at-mmca-training

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges

I struggled with a short and quick way to state the obvious without going over the top to grab a headline. There are any number of fiscal challenges facing Franklin, and yes, I believe that this year IS different from the prior years. While I have heard any number of folks say every budget year is a challenge, in the dozen or so years I have been closely reporting on the Franklin budget, I have not seen as many issues come together as this year brings.

Exhibit one: the Town Council's proposed 'goals and objectives' doc fortunately captures most of these in the first Fiscal section:

Fiscal

● Approval of Annual Capital Improvement Plan -- FY20 and FY21
● Approval of a balanced Operating Budget -- FY21 and FY22

o Closely monitor expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22

● Establish Ad Hoc Subcommittee to evaluate storm water fee analysis

o Present analysis to the full Council

● Determine Water rate increase for FY20/FY21, notably for the water treatment plant and wells loan package
● Determine Sewer rate increase, if needed, for FY20/FY21
● Seek new borrowing capacity for municipal and school building capital improvements and sidewalks
● Discussion on the Community Preservation Act
● Discussion on Trash & Recycling account
● Continue to ask for OPEB solutions with state officials
● Explore new revenue options, generally

The Town always passes a 'balanced budget', by law it has to, so the real issue is how do you bring the revenue and expense sides to 'balance' especially with "expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22"?

There is a new storm water fee coming and we are already facing increases in the water/sewer and trash/recycling fees. That is a whole lot of money coming from Franklin residents in one year. So I rest my case that it will be a challenge and ask your participation in the resolution.

The adage goes: you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution! I recommend getting involved in the discussion (aside from Facebook!) to be part of the solution. 

Action:

• Get to a meeting. 
• Talk with our Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, School Administration (including Superintendent Sara Ahern) as well as Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
• Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues, together we can, and must, find a solution.

The full goals and objectives doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf

 

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges

Second Sunday Speaker Series - President Taft’s visit to Franklin - Jan 12

Massachusetts is the birthplace of four US presidents (George H.W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, John Quincy Adams, and John Adams) but a fourth, Ohio-native William Howard Taft, made the Bay State his second home. 
 

President Taft’s visit to Franklin

Serving from 1909 to 1913, he is the only president known to have visited the town of Franklin, and he was accompanied that day by a future US president!

Learn more about the complex legacy of our 27th president, his local roots in Mendon and Uxbridge, his contribution to the prestige and glamor of the Massachusetts “gold coast,” and when and why he came to our town. 

On Jan. 12 at 1:10 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum, presenter, Alan Earls, returns with a slide show and anecdotes about the man known, among other things, for his girth, his custom-built bathtub, and his later service on the Supreme Court.

Doors open at 1:00 PM. Museum located at 80 West Central Street. ADA Accessible

 

Second Sunday Speaker Series - President Taft’s visit to Franklin - Jan 12

Franklin Cultural Council To Offer ArtWeek Festival Grants

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) announced today that it is again the community collaborator for ArtWeek, a statewide festival happening May 1st – May 10, 2020. Applications for the festival are now available at artweekma.org. 

The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek event is January 10th, 2020 and the final deadline is February 21, 2020. 

The FCC will also be offering ArtWeek grants to events that are free and open to the public in Franklin.Grant applications open January 6th, 2020, and close February 7th, 2020.

ArtWeek is an award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences that are hands-on, interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture, and the creative process. Now an annual statewide festival, ArtWeek was born in Boston in 2013 and recently expanded its footprint across the Commonwealth.

"Franklin has one of the most vibrant arts scenes in MetroWest," says FCC Co-Chair Kaye Kelly. "Our role as a collaborator is to help artists, performers and venues partner together to create a truly memorable ArtWeek festival. Last year, there were 50 Franklin ArtWeek events, which was 10% of all the events in the state. We hope to offer as many again this year."

The Franklin Cultural Council ArtWeek grants are for up to $250 each for programs that are offered free of charge to the public, at a Franklin venue. Grant applications can be filed online at https://goo.gl/PMQPGj

If you are an interested artist, educator, performer or venue that would like help creating an ArtWeek event, or for information on ArtWeek grants, please email FCC Co-Chair Kaye Kelly at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com.

Franklin Cultural Council To Offer ArtWeek Festival Grants

About the Franklin Cultural Council — The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About ArtWeek – Presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by the Boch Center, ArtWeek has become an annual award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences. Statewide partners include: Mass Cultural Council, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism as well as Mass Center for the Book, MASSCreative, MassHumanities, MassPoetry, New England Foundation for the Arts, New England Museum Association, Young Audiences of Massachusetts and VSA Massachusetts. To learn more about ArtWeek, visit www.artweekma.org.