Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 8, 2020

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: none


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown 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.

Colin Cass, Longhill
microphone

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 4, 2019  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3a._12-4-19_web.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

b. December 11, 2019   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3b._12-11-19_web.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Citizen Engagement

The four issues on the watch list recently posted really boil down to two general buckets of issues: 

1 - the Town budget - facing a possible override along with increases in both water/sewer rates and trash/recycling along with intro of another fee for stormwater (with PFAS as a 'sleeper' cost to be addressed)
2 - the multiple school district issues covered in the two posts; the school budget, Davis Thayer, and the 'paused' school start time issue

The third issue I'll raise is also one of the possible solution areas.

The Town Administration and School District can proceed working with the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and other departments in the Franklin government on our behalf, as we elected them to do, or we, the residents and voters, can step away from Facebook, and truly get involved to do something.

As part of the Town Council goals and objectives, there are proposals for Civic Engagement efforts. 

Civic Engagement (NEW) 

● Research the potential for a “Citizen’s Academy” course for citizens
● Research the ICMA Citizen Satisfaction Survey through the National Citizen Survey and National Research Council
● Continue to update and reinvent the Town website, social media accounts, consider implementing a TOF podcast (Soundcloud/ Anchor) and develop consistent best practices organization-wide
● Expand E-Permitting and online payment options

Some of these are more 'service' related than 'engagement' related and hence while this is good, I do not think it goes far enough. I also understand, and fully respect, that the Town as a government entity can only do so much. We, as residents and voters, need to step up to make this "government of the people, by the people, for the people" work for us.

I also will not claim to have all the answers. I have learned and continue to learn more about Franklin and its government every day. How we can successfully reach the voters to get them to take action on their civic duties (i.e. vote for one, but that is only one duty) is an answer I am still looking for.

If you have ideas, I am open to listen. My contact info is available; reach out, let me know you want to talk, and I'll make time to do so.

In the Town Council goals and objective doc is a listing of key presentations scheduled or being scheduled for future Town Council meetings. If one or more of these topics interests you, put a mark on your calendar accordingly.

Presentations/Discussions (tentatively/confirmed scheduled dates) 

● Community Preservation Act - February 5 (scheduled)
● Housing Authority w/ Lisa Audette - February 12th (confirmed)
● Transitional Assistance - February 12th (confirmed)
● Economic Profile Study -- March/April (pending delivery of final report)
● MECC Regional Dispatch -- May 6th 2020 (confirmed)
● Department Presentations: Land Use & Permitting Departments -- June 2020
● Master Plan midway Update -- June/July 2020
● Charter Review Discussion - Late 2020

What can you do in the meantime? 

Action

• Get to a meeting, or watch via Comcast/Verizon, or the streaming feed via Franklin TV
• Talk with our Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, School Superintendent Sara Ahern, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
• Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues; together we can, and must, find a solution that works for us

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 Issues on the 2020 'Watch List'

• School District Issues

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_7.html

• Multiple Fiscal Challenges

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

• School Start Time

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list.html

• New PFAS Regulations Proposed

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list-new.html

the future of Franklin remains with the Franklin voters who can become active or remain passive

THE BLACK BOX Tribute Series: No Static - Jan 11

No Static, one of the few Steely Dan tribute bands in the country, is made up of 10 musicians from around the Boston area. They specialize in expertly performing the music of Steely Dan. 

Re-creating that bluesy jazz-rock sound that sprung from the fertile imaginations of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker is no small feat. As Dan-Fans know, the tunes are convoluted and complex, spanning many genres; very precise, with time changes and key changes popping up where sometimes least expected. 

Vocally and musically challenging, this is not an easy band to pay tribute to. No Static has been doing it for over 10 years now and their sold-out shows tell the tale. They work at it and they get it right.

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 Tribute Series: No Static - Jan 11

Tri-County Preschool Registration and Open House - Jan 30-31

Registration and Open House for the Tri-County Children’s Center preschool program for 2020– 2021 will be held on Thursday, January 30, from 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM and Friday, January 31, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street. Parents will be able to view the laboratory preschool while children engage in developmentally appropriate activities. For more information, please visit https://www.tri-county.us/tri-county-childrens-center/

Placement is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. Admission is decided through a lottery system. Registration will be made open to other towns if spaces are not filled by residents within the district.

The random drawing to determine which of the children registered will be enrolled will take place on Friday, March 6, 2020. The number of children registered has traditionally far exceeded the number of spaces available so the random drawing was established. Those names not selected in the drawing are placed on a waiting list.

Birth certificates for children being registered must accompany all registration forms. Registration is limited to those children who are at least age 3 years by September 15, 2020 for the three-day program. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration time. Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible.

Preschool sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. for the three-day program. Tuition is $36.00* per week. Class size is limited to 30 children.

Three teachers in the Tri-County Early Education Program supervise the programs, and are assisted by students in the Early Education Major.

*Subject to change

Download a copy of this info as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSDFZMlV5N0Q4Z3dEQzl6ZFFxZ2doaTdXVEFn/view?usp=sharing

Tri-County Preschool Registration and Open House - Jan 30-31

FHS girls and boys basketball teams top Stoughton on Tuesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Tuesday.

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 56 @ Stoughton, 53 – Final
– Trailing 40-29 after three quarters, Stoughton rallied to get within one possession but the Black Knights couldn’t find the tying bucket before the buzzer. Senior Obinna Ugwuakazi scored nine of his team-high 20 points in the third while Ahmad Jahed (eight points), Jake Queeney (seven points) and Brett Pendenza all hit threes in the fourth to give the Black Knights a chance at the upset. Franklin senior Chris Edgehill scored eight of his 12 points in the final quarter to help keep the Panthers ahead. Stoughton grabbed the offensive rebound after missing the mark on a shot to tie the game but the buzzer sounded before their second shot was released. Jack Rudolph scored 12 of his team-high 15 points in the first half as Franklin led 35-24 at the break.

Girls Basketball = Stoughton, 31 @ Franklin, 77 – Final
– Franklin continued its unbeaten season with a big win over a shorthanded Black Knights squad. Ali Brigham and Olivia Quinn each scored 16 points to lead the Panthers and Kaliegh Houlihan chipped in with 11. Shyanne Trinh was the top scorer for Stoughton with 12.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-07-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Two tough wins for Fresh and Jv over Stoughton. Freshmen won 56-35 and Jv 61-55. Great job Boys!!!

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) January 8, 2020

Ali Brigham gets most of the media attention for @fhsgvbasketball, but the other 2 senior captains Sydney Garilli & Megan O’Connell are playing a pivotal role in the Panthers’ season. Here they both talk about their roles and the team chemistry among other things @MetroWestSports pic.twitter.com/RgPVrT3Ev6

— Kevin J. Stone (@kstone06) January 8, 2020

"Whatever the case may be, they’ve done a great job making sure everyone feels right where they need to be."

Trio of senior captains keep Franklin girls basketball (@fhsgvbasketball) headed in right direction, undefeated so far @FHSSports | by @kstone06https://t.co/WO5qwuZE4l

— Daily News Sports (@MetroWestSports) January 8, 2020

Sydney Garilli dribbles for FHS girls basketball vs. Stoughton (@kstone06 photo via Twitter)

Attention Potential Volunteers: New volunteer position at the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is looking for a Truck Assistant. It's a volunteer position and the job description is below.

• Assist the Operations Manager with morning pickups at our local Retail Partners. This entails evaluating the product donation in terms of quality and quantity, accepting and loading boxes (anywhere from 5 to 25) of up to 50 lbs each onto the pantry truck. Unload of the donation back at the pantry and help to sort and put away product into various areas.
• Time: Tuesdays from 7:30 – 10:30 am. We are also looking for someone who can serve as a dedicated sub (trained and able to fill in as needed)
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work quickly and efficiently. Heavy repeated lifting of food donations. Transport of donations up and down stairs. 

To apply please fill out our volunteer application form.
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/volunteer/sign-up-form/ 

For more information, visit the Franklin Food Pantry online
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Attention Potential Volunteers: New volunteer position at the Franklin Food Pantry

"Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness and the Gospel" - Jan 12

“Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness and the Gospel” is a presentation in words and images. Matthew is an artist and speaker who travels the Greater Boston area and country. He will preach on January 12 at the 10 AM worship service at Franklin United Methodist Church; after worship, we will have a potluck meal (bring a dish to share, if you can) Matthew's presentation will begin at 11:45 AM. Join us for worship and/or the presentation, either way you are welcome.

Matthew, who spent nearly 10 years on the streets of Boston, uses art to start the conversation about the realities of homelessness and how people of faith can respond. Though he is still homeless, Matthew hasn’t had to sleep outside, nor in a homeless shelter, for over 12 years as he travels the country presenting his art and speaking about homelessness. He has spoken at universities and seminaries across the country including University of Pennsylvania, MIT, the University of California at Berkley, Harvard Divinity School and has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and This American Life (Living Without, “Act 3: The Call of the Great Indoors,” September 16, 2011).

"Nowhere to Lay His Head: Homelessness and the Gospel" - Jan 12

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1242765902580518/
 

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