FHS boys hockey and wrestling teams post wins, girls hockey team skates to a tie on Wednesday

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

Boys Hockey = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 6 – Final
– For nearly two periods, Taunton goalie Sean Bunker thwarted every shot that Franklin put his way. But the Panthers finally broke through with just over two minutes to go in the second and went on to score five more in the third to grab a win over the Tigers. Conor O’Neil put the hosts ahead with Sean Connelly and JT Dwyer recording assists as Franklin led 1-0 through 30 minutes. Kyle Hedvig tacked on a pair of third period goals while Declan Lovett (unassisted), Shea Hurley, and Andrew Demerchant also scored for the Panthers. Colin Hedvig added two assists while Lovett and Dylan Marchand also had helpers. Bunker finished with over 40 saves for Taunton.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Canton, 2 – Final
– Franklin opened the scoring in the second period and took a 1-0 lead into the third period but had to score with less than four minutes to go to salvage a tie. Franklin’s Amanda Lewandowski scored with just under two minutes left in the second period on an assist from Lyndsey Atkinson. But Canton’s Tess Khoury (from Maria Femia and Lizzie Tassinari) scored 14 seconds into the third period to tie the game. The Bulldogs took their first lead with 6:40 to go when Ellie Roberts finished off a pass from Caroline Tourgee but Atkinson scored the tying goal with 3:12 to go with Jordan Dwyer getting the assist.

Wrestling = Franklin, 53 @ Oliver Ames, 19 – Final
– Franklin took control of the dual meet in the middleweight matches and then closed it out with strong matches in the heavyweights, opening league play with a convincing win. OA was fired up in the first match when Nathan Lipski won by fall at 106, but the Panthers got those six points right back with a pin for Dillon Cashin at 113. Drew Difilipio was able to hold on for a 5-2 win at 120, but Remi Creighton tied the meet for OA with an 8-2 win at 126. Jake Carlucci (132) and Nelson Malone traded pins to keep the score tied, 15-15, but then the Panthers took over. Alex Fracassa had a second period tech fall to earn five points followed by back-to-back pins from Ken Sauer and Dominic Sackley. Liam Cogavin battled to win 9-4 at 170, although Onye Nwadiugwu dominated the third period of the match, and Dylan Nawn got a pin at 182. Max Anderson grabbed four points for the Tigers at 195, but Matt Walker (220) and Matt Leofanti (285) closed out the meet with pins for the Panthers.

For a Photo Gallery from this meet:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Wrestling-1-8-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League:
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-08-20/

Oliver Ames vs. Franklin wrestling (HockomockSports.com photo)

MassBudget: Previewing the FY 2021 budget debate

Previewing the FY 2021 budget debate RON GILBERT / CREATIVE COMMONS / FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/23161425@N08 In preparation for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 budget debate, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) is publishing a series of four major stories to watch. These include whether lawmakers will pass a targeted tax cut to help working families, how the state will fund its newly-passed K-12 education funding overhaul, how the state will generate revenue to revamp its aging transportation system, and how revenue changes and assumptions will determine how much funding the budget can include. This series kicks off today with a brief that considers whether the Baker-Polito Administration will reboot its proposal to double a tax deduction people can claim based on how many dependents (like a child or grandparent) they have at home or whether lawmakers will adopt a measure that would give a better bang for the buck. The Administration earlier proposed to double the state's dependent deduction, from $1,000 to $2,000, which would cost the state $87.5 million per year. This proposal will only save families up to $50 per dependent in taxes. For about the same cost, the state could increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by 10 percentage points - from the current 30 percent match of the federal credit to 40 percent. "The EITC is a proven way to move people out of poverty, boost long term health, and educational outcomes," said Phineas Baxandall, Senior Policy Analyst and author of the brief. "Compared to increasing the dependent deduction, an increased EITC would better help those who need it most." Read more about the Administration's proposal and the EITC in FY 2021 BUDGET PREVIEW: Will the Governor reboot his dependent deduction proposal or take a more targeted approach? Additional briefs in the FY 2021 Budget Preview series will be published into the week of Jan. 20. The briefs will be posted http://massbudget.org/budget.php. Once the Governor releases his budget, MassBudget will publish a Budget Snapshot highlighting some of the key stories in the proposal. MassBudget also will update its interactive Budget Browser, which allows users to track the funding for each line item going back to FY 2001. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Tracy Grammer with Jim Henry at OCC Coffeehouse Jan. 11

TRACY GRAMMER is one of contemporary folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her springwater-clear alto, perfectly intoned violin, and guitar playing that is by turns percussive and delicate, Grammer is also a gifted storyteller whose incantations add a rare mixture of vulnerability, intimacy, and hard-won insight to her performances. As one fan puts it, "With Tracy, it's never just about the music; it's a soul journey."

And what a journey it has been. Grammer rose to acclaim as half of the "postmodern, mythic American folk" duo, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. From 1998-2001, the duo released three internationally celebrated, chart-topping albums featuring Carter's mytho-poetic Americana songcraft and in 2002, toured with Joan Baez, both as featured artists and Baez's bandmates. Called "the new voice of modern folk music," the duo was clearly in its ascendancy when in July, 2002, Carter suffered a fatal heart attack mid-tour. He was 49; Grammer, 34.

Tracy Grammer "Low Tide" album cover image

Grammer is currently on tour celebrating the release of LOW TIDE, her first album of original songs. "I've been a writer all my life, but it was never my intention to be a songwriter," she says. "However, the road has curves we can't see at the outset of the journey. At some point along the path, writing songs became the most effective medicine for the pains and unresolved questions of my life. LOW TIDE is an album of revelations, confessions, and ultimately, healing. I am proud of the writing and utterly thrilled with the sounds. I took risks. I tried new approaches. I told the truth, and delivered my multitudes. My eleventh album is the first one that really sounds like me." Co-produced with long-time touring partner Jim Henry, LOW TIDE was released January 19, 2018 on Grammer's own label, Tracy Grammer Music, and is available through Fish Records in the U.K.

It's hard to know where to start when describing Jim Henry. He does a lot of things and he does them well. As a sideman, on a variety of electric or acoustic guitars, or on mandolin or dobro, Jim can render emotional sensitivity in one moment then tear into a rock or country solo with such fire it's hard to catch your breath. He is a master of adding whatever is needed at any musical moment. At center stage, whether as a solo artist or leading a band, Jim delivers his finely crafted original songs with a smooth, rich baritone voice and engaging storytelling and humor.

Tickets for the concert are $20, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at https://www.musicatocc.org/. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street.

For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.

"We had to go and essentially combine the lots"

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

"Three months after stalling on a negative vote of the Planning Board, a brewery and taproom proposed for downtown is back on track.

Town planners on Monday approved a special permit for As Built Brewery, doing an about-face on the proponents’ plans to transform the former landscaping property at 40 Alpine Row into a site for brewing and serving locally-made craft beer.

While they still need to secure some other approvals, “it’s a move forward,” said a pleased Jay Mello, who co-owns As Built Brewery with his friends Erik Trowbridge and Nick Erickson.

The Planning Board initially declined the special permit when voting in October. Mello said it turned out that “unbeknownst to us, the property was actually two parcels instead of one.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200107/franklin-planners-ok-downtown-brewery

The future location on Aline Row for As Built Brewery

Winter/Spring Kids' Corner Classes Start Next Week

February Vacation Painting Class

What a great way to spend an afternoon and have some creative fun! Students will paint and take home their own piece of art.

Thursday, February 20

Kids' Cooking Classes - Grades 1-3 & 6-8

Kids' Corner

Cut, chop, stir, and mix your way to a delicious dish. Students develop their skills: cutting, chopping, stirring, mixing, and teamwork! Each child works in partnership with another student to create a delicious dish. 

6 Wednesdays, starting January 15

Times vary by grade (Grades 4-5 Full) 

Drawing Explorations - Grades 2-5

Students will explore drawing from observation, from memory, and from imagination in order to create unique artwork each week with a variety of drawing materials. 

6 Thursdays, starting January 16

Kids' Beginner French, Spanish—Grades 3-6 

Lively songs and playful games in these one-hour classes will be used to teach useful everyday phrases. 6 weeks starting:

Tuesday, January 14, 4:30 pm—French

Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 pm—Spanish

www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Live reporting: TA report to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

go back to the goals, objectives

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

nothing at this time

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Hamblen - happy new year

Pellegri - bottles of nips, Falmouth looking into a deposit, it is possible
thanks to Eamon and Brutus for representing the Town at the MMA
Rod Gun club breakfast Sunday
registration is automatic, it is not our problem, getting them out to vote is the problem
City of Boston city council position decided by 1 vote

Bissanti - chronic runaway dogs? what happens to the owner

Kelly -prayers for the Semergian family for their loss

Jones - FHS student got promoted to chief in sea cadet corp
we have many great youth in this community

Dellorco - condolences

Mercer - can we get word to FHS students on the plastic bag to come to meeting for when we vote it in?


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

Note:

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

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-8-town-council-agenda

The full agenda and documents released can be found in one PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/1-8-20_tc_full_agenda_final_final.pdf

Live reporting: License Transaction - Presentation

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM a. Franklin Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a 67 Degrees, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Brewery, located at 158 Grove Street

bylaws changed to encourage breweries, wineries, and distilleries
this is the fourth before us for approval

open, family friendly and have a good pint
purpose of the pouring permit, get a permit, or a flight of 4 oz samples

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

skipped to complete the legislation for action
then came back here to do the goals
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf


Jamie reads the listing section by section
*** Finances
loan package for water treatment plant approved

Beaver St interceptor analysis underway, will be back mid-year with results

contract year for trash/recycling
recycling industry in major transition mode, likely policy review for curbside recycling

OPEB discussion coming, liability has gone down

small amounts of new revenue coming during budget discussions

*** Economic development section
EDC doing some of the work already, more to be review

economic plan coming from MAPC

NuStyle project, new bold ideas coming to EDC

affordable housing plan, over due and needed
Franklin Crossing neighborhood district, an opportunity for discussion

commuter rail parking

marijuana overlap district needs to be reviewed for adjustments/corrections

MBTA downtown parking a low priority but on the listing

add Fisher St EPA site to listing
recycling center land swap?
it is in motion, nature of working with state agencies; easy to check off it it happens

current zoning bylaw review, 
well survey, demolition delay bylaw

Spur by MBTA add to SNETT improvements

monitor the mixed development and property changes

*** Facilities
possible new police station for a debt exclusion, need to discuss before we fund the study

burn building for fire dept, 'cheap' amount and would be good for crossing and training and morale

possible building committee for Police, not quite there yet but when closer, yes

*** DPW
longer range for sidewalk master plan; need to look at say, every 5 years
did a parking lot management plan

vehicle equipment process

*** Rec Open Space
Franklin greenway network, how to connect with sidewalks or bikeways, etc.
Concerts on the Common, possibly coming to Recl incorporate more on 

Prospect St tunnel, opening bid, Friday morning

adding affordable, accessible open space to EDC

lights at King St soccer field. was an issue with neighbors before

*** Community
fleet vehicles and maybe go electric

decommission old Spring st extension between 140 and Washington
State supports the road, instead provide access to trails

installation of 5G; protecting public property
implement electric aggregation, just not getting rates we should be getting

emergency plans for individual building/depts
review of Town's emergency plan (Fire Dept does this, already done...)

historical, architectural homes
a listing of the 1000 oldest homes provided by assessors a couple of years ago

anti bullying hate speech pledge for employees and elected official do?

*** Civic engagement
a new section, not done before

adding Board of Health items to e-permitting

*** Presentations/discussions
see listing for items and dates

affordable housing? a complicated issue, some of this is scheduled with some of the presentations but there will also be touch points in Master Plan and add something to Planning

could do outreach to Congressman Kennedy

Live reporting: Legislation for Action (updated)

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
meeting the 15th, 6:00 PM
capital plan, all departments including school in one meeting

b. Budget Subcommittee
not yet

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
met before this meeting
lot line changes coming
solar changes

coming to the meeting Jan 22, for referral to the Planning Board for hearings and then back to Town Council

next EDC meeting - Feb 5, 5:30 start time


10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-847_plastic_bag_web.pdf

due to the prior discussion, this is the redrafted proposal
added definition on biodegradable bag
has been approved by Attorney General in other communities, effective date July 1, 2020
with extension possible

adjustment to language, approved for next version
adjustment to add a fee, disallowed as local authorities do not have the ability to do so

motion to amend wording, seconded, passed 9-0

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-1 (Earls?)

had jumped to 10b to use time before the 7:10 scheduled start for the pouring license
when returning began with 10A then continued to 10C

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._snow_ice_web.pdf

return of snow removal to bylaw active status, had been changed in 2017 as 'unenforceable'
first violation, written warning, second a 450 fee, third a increase in fee to $200
more educational than revenue producing 
could be a 20% relief from DPW doing the sidewalks

question on definition of business vs residential

Question on notification to businesses, i.e Downtown Partnership
was this vetted by EDC? no, it should be before coming back to Town Council

feedback on not explicit enough, business areas highlighted but need to be more explicit about who does what where

people walking to the train station were the ones who had called to complain about the sidewalks

DPW primary change for actual for letter and enforcement before ticketing
other agencies are there for assistance in enforcement

withdrawn motion, seconded
motion to send draft to EDC for further review/discussion

skipped back to License for pouring 67 Degrees (then returned to pick up Legislation for Action)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-20

establishes the stormwater bylaw

request to have ad-hoc committee review turned back

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call


10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $2,675 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-01 - Majority Vote)

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-02: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Council on Aging, $1,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-02 - Majority Vote)

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0

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