Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent - Department of Public Works https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/storm-water-and-environmental-affairs-superintendent-jobposting-july2020_0.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here (https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe).

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent

Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter

Read the latest "Franklin School Committee News" at this link:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/newsletters

Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter

Franklin Residents: Community Outreach Hearing - 164 Grove Street - July 16

Community Outreach Hearing - 164 Grove Street

PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc. (dba Verilife)

Subject: Proposed Marijuana Establishment
Date: 7/16/2020
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom at the following web address https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87564277718

Presented by:​ PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc. (dba Verilife)
Proposed address for retail establishment:​ 164 Grove St, Franklin MA 02038

There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. To join the online community outreach meeting enter the above listed web address into the address bar at the top of your internet browser and follow the listed instructions on the provided website.



For additional info on the company, visit their webpage https://www.verilife.com/ma

From the Cannabis Control Commission
https://mass-cannabis-control.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MPL-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY-PHARMACANNIS-v3.pdf

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/community-outreach-hearing-164-grove-street-0

In the News: Updates on Peri, Klements

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

Former Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri told Weston School Committee members this week that he is excited to get to work as Weston High School’s new principal, replacing Anthony Parker.

Peri said he has “been thoroughly thrilled and impressed and pleased with the educators, the students, the central office administrators that I’ve met and have worked with in Weston. People have been incredibly kind and welcoming.”

A team of Weston parents, teachers and administrators initially reviewed over 40 resumes for the Weston High School principal opening, interviewing seven candidates and narrowing down to three finalists.

The two other finalists were Weston High School Assistant Principal Kelly Flynn and Somerville High School Assistant Principal Darius Green.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200703/former-franklin-high-principal-starts-new-job-in-weston

After four years at Franklin High School, Deputy Principal Bill Klements will not be returning to the district in September - and neither will his position.

The role of deputy principal was one of at least 19 positions cut from Franklin Public Schools after the School Committee recently voted to chop $3.4 million from its budget adopted back in April. Those cuts were approved on June 23, bringing the committee’s revised budget to $65,658,500.

The role of deputy principal was the only administrative position cut.

Late last month, Klements was notified by Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern that the district had decided to eliminate his position due to the budget gap, according to an email he sent to high school staff in late June. His last day with the district was Tuesday, he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200702/franklin-high-vice-principal-victim-of-budget-cuts?

Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library

Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library

Curbside Pickup Updates! Patrons can place holds online or by phone. When placing holds by phone, there is a limit of five holds per call. 

Inter Library Loan is now available! You are able to place holds on items throughout the Minuteman Library Network. Search our catalog at find.minlib.net. 

Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library at the School Street entrance between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Monday through Saturday to pick them up! 

In the event of rain, items will be available under an awning near the door. The Library will still be closed to the public, but staff will be available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Please call us at 508-520-4941.

Starting Monday, July 13, Curbside Pickup hours will be extended to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Additionally, staff will be available by phone 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library

Town of Franklin: July 2020 E-Newsletter

The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal) is available on our homepage and is updated frequently to provide our residents and business owners with the latest information and resources. 

Find Franklin specific data, including Department Updates and Procedures (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_13.pdf) under the "Town of Franklin News" (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/town-franklin-news-and-alerts) button. 

We recently added a "Reopening Resources" (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/reopening-resources) button to house information related to Governor Baker's four phase reentry plan.

• Find the full newsletter online at the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/newsletter-portal

Town of Franklin: July 2020 E-Newsletter

In the News: "State officials have estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent with the preferred design"

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

Want to learn more about the upcoming Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange reconstruction?

The state Department of Transportation Thursday morning will post a pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project. The webinar is scheduled to be posted at 9 a.m. The webinar can be found at www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings.

The project team has completed 25% of the designs, according to the state Department of Transportation’s website.

“The purpose of this hearing webinar is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements project,” according to a posting on the DOT’s website. “All views and comments submitted in response to the webinar will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/state-dot-will-hold-pre-recorded-webinar-thursday-on-pikei-495-interchange-project

Handout for this webinar
https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-hearing-handout-hopkinton-westborough-070920/download
 

pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project

Plastic Bag Prohibition - effective date delayed

In late March, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker banned reusable bags and lifted local bans on plastic bags at grocery stores and pharmacies as part of his administration's steps to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. 

To comply with this order the Town of Franklin is delaying the start of the plastic bag prohibition which was originally slated to go into effect July 1st, 2020. 

The Plastic Bag Prohibition will go into effect when the Governor lifts the ban on reusable bags, once the ban is lifted the Town will send out a notification with a formal start date for the plastic bag prohibition to begin. 


Shared from the Town of Franklin page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/update-plastic-bag-prohibition

Plastic Bag Prohibition - effective date delayed

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Human Resources Department

From the Franklin Annual Report 2019:

Fiscal Year 2019 was a very busy year for the Human Resources Department. The Town continued to experience our “retirement boom” with the departure of Fire Chief Gary McCarraher, former Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe, and of course, the retirement of our fearless leader, Jeff Nutting, after 18 years as our Town Administrator! The show must go on, even without these valued employees, and we are lucky to have Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and new Fire Chief James McLaughlin and Deputy Chiefs Joseph Barbieri and James Klich stepping up to lead us for the foreseeable future.

The Police Department kept us very busy this year with a few retirements as well as the implementation of a new schedule in the Patrol Division. We are now one of a handful of communities in Massachusetts that offer a (“4&4” schedule. The schedule allows our officers to work four (4) ten (10) hour days and then take four (4) consecutive days off. Although the schedule officially started in FY20, we spent a significant portion of FY19 preparing for this adjustment, including adding additional Patrol Officers to the Police Department. As a result of the new schedule and a few other personnel changes, we hired 7 new Patrol Officers and promoted 2 Officers to Sergeant in just one fiscal year.

As a result of the retirements and other movement within the Fire Department, we appointed a new Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 3 Captains, 2 Lieutenants and 5 new Firefighter/Paramedics in FY19 (and the first week of FY20 since Chief McLaughlin started on July 8, 2019).

Between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, the Town also hired a Conservation Agent, an Archivist, an Administrative Assistant in the Town Administrator’s Office, a Clerk the Treasurer’s Office, a Clerk in the DPW, 2 Assistant Youth Services Librarians, 2 Library Assistants, a Town Electrician, 3 Custodians, and 2 Heavy Motor Equipment Operators at the Department of Public Works, and part-time employees in Recreation and the Senior Center. Like in years past, we hired about 30 students to work full-time at the DPW and in Facilities for the summer. These employees were instrumental in getting our schools and school grounds ready for the 2019-2020 school year.

As in years past, Jeff Nutting, Jamie Hellen and I worked closely with the Finance and HR teams from the Franklin

Public Schools and the Insurance Advisory Committee to try to contain the cost of health insurance. We currently provide health insurance to approximately 1200 employees and retirees from both the Town and Schools on our plan. Even a small increase in health insurance premiums can have a huge impact on the total budget.

For the second year in a row, the Town offered a qualified high deductible health insurance plan through Harvard Pilgrim Health Care to our active employees. If an employee moved from the traditional HMO to the high deductible HMO plan, they could save money on the monthly premium in exchange for a slightly higher deductible. This plan change saved the Town money, so we shared some of the savings with the employees by depositing money into each employee’s Health Savings Accounts (HSA). During the open enrollment period, we had 21 additional employees join the High Deductible Plan, bringing our numbers up to about 40 Town employees. These employees saved the Town an additional $19,000. This figure does not include the savings realized by people who joined the plan in FY18 or the additional savings achieved by the School Department. We have received very positive feedback from employees who have joined the high deductible plan and hope that we can continue to experience these savings in future years.

We worked closely with the Human Resources Department for Franklin Public Schools to offer a “Benefits Fair” during our open enrollment period in April. We invited representatives from Harvard Pilgrim and our other insurance vendors to set up tables to provide benefit information to our employees. We had a great turnout and employees were very pleased to have the opportunity to gather additional information and ask questions.

It was a very busy and challenging year, but HR Administrator Sandy Golebiewski and I both enjoyed it. It is very exciting to be part of the hiring team and it has been a pleasure getting to know our new employees and welcoming them to the Town. We look forward to another year of serving the employees and retirees of the Town of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen M. Bratt
Human Resources Director


Download your copy of the Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019

Visit the Human Resources Dept online  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Human Resources Department

Reminder: We’re Virtual - Kids’ Corner Cooking Camp – Grades 4-7

Registration is open for Virtual Kids’ Corner Cooking Camp – Grades 4-7. Classes will run from Saturday, July 18 through Saturday, August 22. 

Participation is open to individuals in Franklin and the surrounding region towns.
Originally an after-school and summer camp program, Kids’ Corner Cooking Camp with Sandhya Jain, has shifted its current program to entirely online using Google Meet. These interactive Kids’ Corner cooking classes are set up to show kids (Grades 4-7) how to prepare fun offerings for their family. 

The weekly, one-hour lessons are educational, entertaining, and designed to empower students in the process. And the recipes are healthy and delicious.
For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1483.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.

We’re Virtual - Kids’ Corner Cooking Camp – Grades 4-7

"Talking the Blues" - Reflecting on Black Lives Matter

Todd Monjar and Jim Derick discuss their thoughts surrounding the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement


You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.

Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition

Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition


Audio link = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ma4tu-e0105e

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Purchasing Office

From the 2019 Franklin Annual Report:

Over the past year, the Purchasing Office has made a concerted effort to modernize the Department while also assisting Department Heads with a number of significant projects. These projects include a continued focus on improving the Town’s overall utility based infrastructure.

PROCUREMENT CHANGES
The Purchasing Office continues to oversee the implementation of various improvements in the way vendors can access bid documentation. One of the more significant advancements is the change we made to the distribution of plans & specifications. Vendors no longer need to wait for the bid packages to be mailed, emailed, or picked in person. With the web based platform, vendors can download the entire bid package from the Town website, thus improving the accessibility of the documents while at the same time cutting municipal costs in a number of areas.

This change has been very well received, particularly by those doing business with the Town. The upgrades have also further reinforced our continued approach to modernizing the way procurement is handled.

FUNCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The function of the Purchasing Department is to assist other departments in obtaining the highest quality of services and supplies for the best price, all while remaining in compliance with applicable procurement laws. Our objective is to promote fair, prompt and courteous consideration to all suppliers; and observe the highest ethics in all transactions and correspondence.

Respectively submitted: 

John Bugbee
Chief Procurement Officer 
Town of Franklin

Download your copy of the 2019 Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019

Visit the Purchasing Dept online  https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Purchasing Office

"Talking the Blues" - Epic Blues - Apr 30, 2020

What makes a song "Epic". Jim Derick ad Todd Monjar explore some of their favorite "Epic" songs of all time... with some surprising cover artists.


You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.

Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition

Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition


Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ekupv-db5f59

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Planning Board

From the Franklin Annual Report 2019

The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for 

“…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.” 

The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By- Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues, and works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.

In FY2019, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. One major project the Planning Board approved was a Hotel located at 725 Union Street. The Site Plan and Special Permit proposes a major development, includes 5-story hotel with 100 rooms, indoor pool and associated paved access drive, landscaping, lighting, utilities and stormwater infrastructure.

The Planning Board reviewed and approved a 35,000 sq/ft Marijuana Cultivation building at 105 Constitution Blvd for the use of growing and processing of non-medical marijuana.

The Planning Board received a submittal of a 57-single family subdivision located on Prospect Street. There was also several large scale solar farms proposed on Spring Street, Upper Union Street and Summer Street. Solar farms are permitted through the Planning Board with a Special Permit and Site Plan application.

The Planning Board voted to endorse (5) five 81-P ANR plans, and accepted four (4) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. The Planning Board also approved (17) seventeen Special Permit applications including the Hotel, Marijuana Cultivation, Solar Farms, a Brewery with Tasting Room and a Distillery. The table below is a summary of Planning Board Activity during the 2019 Fiscal Year.

The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes including changing setbacks for poultry in residential zones and building height changes in the Commercial zone. The Planning Board has also reviewed and recommended a new zoning district, known as Mixed Business Innovation zoning district, which consisted of several properties near the downtown. The new zone allows for more mixed use business and retail, gearing towards the smaller business owners. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.

The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.

Planning Board Membership
The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms. 

Below is a list of current Planning Board members:
Anthony Padula, Chairman 
Joseph Halligan, Vice Chairman 
John Carroll, Clerk
Gregory Rondeau 
William David, 
Rick Power, Associate Member

Respectfully submitted, 
Anthony Padula, Chairman


Download your copy of the Franklin Annual Report for 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019

Visit the Planning Board online  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Planning Board

"Talking the Blues" - High Energy Blues - Apr 29, 2020

Jim Derick and Todd Monjar talk high energy blues in this episode

You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.

Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition

Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition


Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kybek-db5fb0