“There are appropriate public health approaches in place"

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

"The risk to Massachusetts residents is low, but all health care providers must be on alert for the potentially deadly coronavirus.

That message was delivered Thursday by the state Department of Public Health, including information on what doctors should do if patients exhibit possible symptoms of the virus.

Initially detected in December in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread to other parts of Asia, with the first confirmed case in the U.S. announced this week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200123/coronavirus-massachusetts-health-officials-on-alert

As part of the Franklin Matters Radio series, we just sat with Franklin's new Health Director, Cathleen Liberty for an introductory interview. The interview is the first of a series planned to keep residents informed on health issues like this virus.

For more information on the Health Dept, visit their Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

The January monthly meeting of the Board of Health was recorded and available for replay:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-189-board-of-health-meeting-jan-8.html

“There are appropriate public health approaches in place"

FTC Consumer Alerts: The top frauds of 2019

The top frauds of 2019 by Monica Vaca - Associate Director, Division of Consumer Response and Operations Each year, the FTC takes a hard look at the number of reports people make to our Consumer Sentinel Network. In fact, during 2019, we got more than 3.2 million reports to the FTC from you. We've read what you've said, and crunched the numbers. Here's what you told us in 2019. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/01/top-frauds-2019  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/data-visualizations/explore-data

Explore the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network data

THE BLACK BOX Announces February 2020 Calendar of Events

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, has announced its February 2020 Calendar.

Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar return to THE BLACK BOX February 9th as part of the THE BLACK BOX Classical Series. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen is member of Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and has performed with New Hampshire Symphony, Lexington Symphony, Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra, and recently with Broadway on Tour’s Phantom of the Opera at Boston Opera House. Born in Ukraine, Irina Kotlyar received degrees from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Israel. With Gregory Shifrin, the Kotlyar-Shifrin Piano Duo has won several international prizes and awards and has performed throughout Israel, Europe, and America. Tea service will be available in the lobby.

adam connie sr

THE BLACK BOX Comedy Series debuts on February 13 with adam connie sr. adam connie sr. is a Franklin, MA bred comedian based in San Diego, CA . His career in entertainment began when he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the web series "Fully Staffed." His love for comedy then took him to the stage. Now in his ninth year performing, he's ready to kick off his first tour in his hometown Franklin, MA.

THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series presents The Love Dogs this Valentine's Day for a special night out. Take one red-hot horn section, add liberal amounts of barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano and stinging Fender guitar, pour over a funky and swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called "the best in the business," and top it all off with a crazy and charismatic front-man with one of the biggest blues voices around. Season with a few years on the road tearing up juke joints, festivals, and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic.It's a recipe for music and mayhem, for intensity and irreverence; it's The Love Dogs.

THE BLACK BOX features a full bar. The venue is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Small Potatoes Concert - Feb 8

Fabulous midwest duo plus Mike Laureanno

Small Potatoes Feb 8 with Mike Laureanno View this email in your browser SMALL POTATOES with special guest Mike Laureanno February 8 - $20 Husband and wife duo Small Potatoes returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin on Saturday, February 8th.  When you see Small Potatoes (Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso) perform, you hear two great voices, some fine guitar playing, and a touch of tin whistle, flute, mandolin, bodhran and other percussion toys. Together they present a truly rare blend of vocal and instrumental abilities, award-winning songwriting and arranging talents. http://smallpotatoesmusic.com/ The Chicago based folk duo say it has taken them years of careful indecision to develop a repertoire they describe as "Celtic to Cowboy." Superb musicianship and showmanship, award-winning songwriting, and a strong sense of tradition has made them, as Dirty Linen Magazine once said, "one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit." Award winning Fall River performer Mike Laureanno will open the show. A passionate performer, Mike's songs are visceral and evocative. He is proud of his roots and many of his songs deal with his gritty blue collar hometown and the lives of his family and friends.  He is a winner of the 2017 Wildflower, TX songwriting contest, the 2016 Woody Guthrie songwriting contest and a 2016 Kerrville New Folk, TX finalist. http://mikelaureanno.weebly.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Feb 29       Pesky J Nixon and Miles to Dayton Mar 14       The Squeezebox Stompers Apr 4          Tom Rush Apr 18        Matt Nakoa May 9         Red Molly

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

"this is a great opportunity to collect clothes for those who need it"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the story on the Hockomock indoor tracks teams drive to support a good cause:

This winter, Hockomock League teams are not only competing on the track at the Reggie Lewis Center, but are also in a friendly competition off it. Teams are racing to collect new and gently used clothing that will be donated to the non-profit organization Cradles to Crayons to help families in need throughout the Boston and Metrowest areas.

The brainchild of Sharon athletes and MIAA student ambassadors Berta Faktorovich and Jacob Durbin, this is not an ordinary call for donations. The teams have been organized into a competition to see which program can collect the most. Certain items of clothing are worth more points than others, for example sweatshirts, coats, ski pants, and jackets are worth three points and t-shirts, socks, gloves, and hats are worth one.

Clothes are being collected at each of the league’s track meets, as all the teams gather together at the Reggie Lewis Center. Through the first two meets, North Attleboro was in the lead with 197 points and Sharon was close behind in second at 179.

The idea of using fun competition as a means for drawing interest in helping a local charity stemmed from an MIAA student ambassador huddle. “In small groups, we were talking about how having an incentive can encourage more people to bring in donations,” Faktorovich explained. “I then realized how great it would be to have a competition among the winter tracks teams for a clothing drive.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-indoor-track-teams-race-to-support-good-cause/

"this is a great opportunity to collect clothes for those who need it"

FHS girls swim, boys swim, and wrestling teams post wins, girls hockey skates to a tie

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

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 vs. Medfield, 2 – Final

Wrestling = Mansfield, 31 @ Franklin, 37 – Final 
– Franklin heavyweight Matthew Leofanti earned a pin in the final match of the night to give the Panthers a thrilling win over the Hornets in a hard fought match. Jake Carlucci, Kenny Sauer, and Dom Sackley also had pinfall victories for the Panthers.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 90 @ Attleboro, 69 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 85 @ Attleboro, 77 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-22-20/

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





Note: If anyone knows where the detail individual results are for the swim meets, please let me know. I'd like to share them but have been unable to find them.
 

FHS girls swim, boys swim, and wrestling teams post wins, girls hockey skates to a tie

Franklin defeats Mansfield 37-31. LEO with the pin to win it! pic.twitter.com/fKPXW165P1

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 23, 2020

HUGE 39-31 win over Mansfield on Senior Night. Pins by Carlucci, Sauer, Sackley, and Leofanti. 💦🦆 #Corefour @FHSSports @HockomockSports

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 23, 2020

Awesome team win tonight to end our regular season at 6-1!!! Amazing team contributions from all but Dory goes to @sealenep for fighting it out in all her races!!! pic.twitter.com/Cf9o89YeUJ

— FHSGVSWIM! (@fhsgvswim1) January 23, 2020

Alone with my thoughts, leftover sandwiches, and filled with pride. Franklin High School Boys Swim Team has gone UNDEFEATED for the first time since the program's inception. They are your 2019-2020 KELLY-REX champions.
One immensely PROUD coach.
Congratulations boys!! pic.twitter.com/U1HXUsMm6U

— CoachP_FHS_Swim (@CoachP_FHSswim) January 23, 2020

School Committee's Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

Mark your calendars for the School Committee's Legislative Forum on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 6:30 PM at FHS. 

Click here for more details:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/sc_legislative_forum_1.pdf 

School Committee's Legislative Forum - Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

 

In the News: missing woman located; Ben Franklin readathon held

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

"Police have located Kayla Quagan, the Franklin resident who was reported missing over the weekend. 

“The subject of a well-being check has been located, and completed. Nothing further in this incident will be released,” reads a statement issued by Franklin police on Wednesday morning. 

Police asked for the public’s help locating Quagan late Sunday night, stating the 35-year-old had been reported missing by her roommate on Saturday. Quagan was last seen in person with her small dog, named Jimmy, on Friday morning, according to police."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200122/franklin-police-have-located-woman-reported-missing-over-weekend

"For the third year in a row, Franklin Public Library held a “readathon” of the entirety of Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography on Jan 16, timed to mark the 313th anniversary of Franklin’s birth. 

Dozens of readers took turns reading the often lively and amusing recollections of the American statesman, written by Franklin late in his life. Published first in French after his death, according to Wikipedia, “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” also became the first full-length audiobook in history -- voiced by actor Michael Rye and released in 1969. 

His donations of books to the newly formed town of Franklin, which was the first named in his honor, became the nucleus of the Franklin Public library, the oldest public library the United States. 

Among the readers contributing their time were several Dean College students, Dean president Dr. Paula Rooney, Republican State Committeewoman Patricia Saint Aubin, Democratic state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Susan Speers from the Metacomet Land Trust, and both Lynn Calling and Laura Often from the Franklin Food Pantry.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200121/ben-franklin-birthday-marked-with-reading-of-statesmans-autobiography

Yes, I did as well. I stumbled through pronouncing a quote in Latin (no, I did not have a class in Latin) but aside from that felt good about the reading. It was interesting to step back into Ben's time to read his words in the Library he helped inspire! https://t.co/9yccA0dd8R

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 17, 2020

Public Hearing: New Annual §12 Wine & Malt Beverages Restaurant License - 7:10 PM - Feb 5

New Annual §12 Wine & Malt Beverages Restaurant License - Maks Roast Beef
and Breakfast, Inc.

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast, Inc., located at 451 West Central Street, Franklin, MA for a New Annual §12 Wine & Malt Beverages Restaurant License. 

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 7:10 PM in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA. Information on this application may be obtained in the Town Administrator's Office.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/legal_notice_maks_roast_beef_-_google_docs_web.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/maksroastbeefandbreakfast/ (Facebook photo)

Live reporting: Return from Exec Session to Closing

15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)

historic day for Franklin, not used lightly
proposal to get home rule to address this item for Franklin current members would be exempt, future members would not be applicable to civil service

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

ambulance fee discount added
rate increased
change in mileage amount

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-852_web.pdf

question on false alarm fee, usually for extremely egregious behavior
bring this forward to clarify in a future meeting

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0


15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)

historic day, paradigm shift, call volume has been increasing
everybody excited to implement the contract
this contract sets up for success for the future

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-07_web_0.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


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-22-town-council-agenda

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf

Live reporting - to Executive Session

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
nothing at this time

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
mostly nothing at this time
Dellorco - SAFE Coalition would like to bring an update

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Chandler - lucky to be on the capital committee
longevity for car use
Q - is there a list of who takes cars out of town?
A - No one does, only two emergency vehicles leave

Hamblen - Farmers Market Sat, fund raiser Sunday
rain barrel program at DPW

Jones - back in top 5 of safest places to live 

Dellorco - SAFE Coalition - opened new office in Dedham
meeting appropriately, grand opening Feb 13

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining

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.

motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call)

will reconvene after executive session

(updated - before the meeting the Council chair had confirmed that we would go to Executive session but would be able to remain in the room as they would return to public meeting. The Town Administrator told some members of the audience to leave so we did, others (including the Fire Dept personnel gathered to await the vote) did not).

Live reporting: Legislation for action

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

first 'bite of the apple', goes to Planning Board for their public hearings (2) and then action before coming back to the Council for 2 readings and eventual vote

90% of the power at the Mt St Mary's solar farm provides the Town of Franklin
tax agreements are not as lucrative as previously stated

to remove large scale commercial solar farms sited in residential neighborhoods
other solar installations remain permitted

while removing the large from residential, it also adds a 75 foot buffer where large scale would abut

motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0

motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0

motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-08_web.pdf

motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: OPEB Update, etc.

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation

Dan Sherman
The released doc is shown in the link here, what he talked to doesn't seem to match
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._opeb_presentation.pdf

add 2-pager doc later
top quartile in terms of peers for funded ratio

additional funding of 3.1M would be required /per year, to make up the funding required.

where are we now, how do we get to 3-4M per year?

when a community gets to full funding on Pension to send that money to OPEB
Franklin estimated to get to that point at about 2030

calculating with the assumption that Franklin would continue funding OPEB as we do today, and then roll the Pension funding to OPEB

The Federal Reserve has been keeping inflation in check for any number of years. The CPI is holding about 2.9/3.0 percent

you're ahead of most of your peers, a member of the majority funding something

Town does have a policy per operating budget to increase the amount 50,000/ also approve 10% of free cash; should take a look at it again, 2030 is a ways away

Kelly - arrives at 7:26 PM


9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
we had a meeting last week
coming to the Council Feb 5

b. Budget Subcommittee
nothing to report at this time

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
nothing at this time
next meeting Feb 5

Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 22, 2020

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones,  Kelly (arrived at 7:26 PM), 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.

no citizen comments

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 18, 2019
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

b. January 8, 2020
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

A Franklin High School team (Sompally, Valiveti, Bhakta, and Gandham) is one of the DECA Idea Challenge global winners

There is a line about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, these students have done that with shoelaces. Yes, shoelaces!

"DECA Inc. is excited to announce this year’s DECA Idea Challenge global winners!

A premier event of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), the DECA Idea Challenge dared elementary through university students to generate a new use for shoelaces in merely a week! In addition to reinventing the item, teams were to create a video pitch of their new product.

With a significant amount of creativity, teamwork and determination, these teams were able to rise to the top.

Congratulations to the following DECA Idea Challenge global winning teams"

High School

Hood Mask

Franklin High School | United States

Congratulations to Shoumik Sompally, Saket Gandham, Rohit Valiveti, and Saahil Bhakta!

Video link  https://youtu.be/rAR9CkTLyj0




Found via a tweet by Franklin DECA

Proud to announce the team of Sompally, Valiveti, Bhakta, and Gandham have won DECA's 2019 GLOBAL Idea Challenge. Unbelievable! This year's material: shoelaces. Check out their video here: https://t.co/PfCYWiN3ZP@DECAInc @mass_DECA @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook https://t.co/rNSzu6vc2S

— Franklin DECA (@FranklinMA_DECA) January 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/FranklinMA_DECA/status/1219679810529697792?s=20 https://twitter.com/FranklinMA_DECA/status/1219679810529697792?s=20

A Franklin High School team is one of the DECA Idea Challenge global winners