Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 3 - Dec 9, 2021

Holiday show season is upon us. Dean Colleges has several performances of "I Hate Hamlet" and FPAC brings "The Nutcracker" to the stage at FHS. 

Photos with Santa and Mrs Claus at the Police Station, the Garden Club's Holiday Wreath and Arrangement sale at Daddario’s and the Winters Farmers Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm on tap for Saturday.

 

Friday, December 3
7:30pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet

Saturday, December 4
9:00am - Photos with Santa, Mrs Claus
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
11:00am - Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale
2:00pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet
7:30pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet
7:30pm - FPAC - The Nutcracker

Sunday, December 5
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - Dean College: I Hate Hamlet
2:30pm - FPAC - The Nutcracker

Monday, December 6
7:30pm - Hamilton ~ Home for the Holidays

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Recap: Town Council sets tax rate at 14.05; hears of snow removal plans and issues

Quick Recap:

• Council Chair Tom Mercer announced the subcommittee appointments also including a vice-chair for each committee to help with scheduling. An ad-hoc subcommittee to look at the Rules and Procedures was also announced. The calendar of Council meetings for the upcoming year was formally approved
• The Council heard the presentation from Kevin Doyle and Chris Feeley then voted to approve the single tax rate at 14.05 for FY 2022
• DPW Director Cantoreggi provided the annual update on the snow removal plans. Coordination with School Superintendent and Police Chief Lynch is an early morning discussion to decide school opening status. Snow plow contractors are still in short supply and the cost of salt has increased over last year
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update on NationalGrids work on their infrastructure to help mitigate the potential of and recovery from power outages.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1201 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1466194849766559744

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tz6ekHkG7iH7Nqhb9

• getting ready for live reporting on the Town Council meeting coming up at 7 PM - agenda and connection info -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf…  #tc1201
• Chair Mercer opens meeting, reads the standard message on access, etc. #tc1201
• Council subcommittees announced, details to be added later: vice-chairs added to the subcomms to enable better subcommittee operations #tc1201 Rules and Procedures subcomm added; Pellegri to serve as member of GATRA board (replacing Dellorco)
• no citizen comments either in person or remote; #tc1201 next up, 3 mins early for public hearing - to fill in skipping to cable fund transfers https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10g._peg_3rd_qrtr.pdf… motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• next resolution -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10h._memo_and_resolution_gifts.pdf…  on gift acceptances #tc1201 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 Municipal Veterans Assistance fund, folks have been generous, thanks to all contributing

Public Hearing on Tax Classification

• next up - public hearing on tax classification -> documentation for the hearing, rate to drop to $14.05/thousand (dropping from 14.65 due to overall real estate valuations rising) https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6._tax_classification.pdf…  Kevin Doyle, Assessor; Chris Feeley, Chair of Board of Assessors
• in the documentation, both the memo, overview, as well as a slide set can be used to follow along  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6._tax_classification.pdf…  #tc1201
• note the median value of the single family home ($470800) is exactly that, in the listing of values, this is the middle number, not the average. #tc1201
• change in local valuation of some utility infrastructure used to be net book value, now at a higher valuation process - also being used across the state for the first time; a use value #tc1201
• a shift of a $1 from the residential rate would raise the commercial industrial personal property results in an increase of $4 #tc1201
• citizen question on appraisal vs. possible sale amount, trying to figure out how this work? #tc1201 Board would have someone visit to evaluate the individual household and property.
• the Board of assessors form for an property tax evaluation https://mass.gov/files/documents/2017/09/25/form128.pdf…  #tc1201
• Chandler speaks for the single tax rate given the 80/20 split we have currently - Dellorco, thanks for explaining the single tax rate, it is a question I get all the time -  Jones, always believed in the single rate, less discriminatory than split #tc1201
• Jones - continues on Prop 2.5 set in 1980, inflation rate since then is closer to 3%, we have not been able to keep up with expenses. #tc1201 Frongillo would have made the point on 2.5; adds that the downtown business pay the most for the resources received
• Pellegri adds that while we (residents) could see the decrease on the taxes but see the increase reflected in other costs as the services provided by the businesses would increase to cover for their increase #tc1201
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._21-74_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_factor.pdf…  #tc1201  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-75_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf… #tc1201 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._21-76_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_.pdf…  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10d._21-77_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_.pdf…  motion, seconded, citizen comment on reconsideration of this measure - passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10e._21-78_resolution_-_tax_classification_senior_means_tested_exemption_.pdf…  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1201
• Next up, last legislation item, calendar of meetings for Town Council https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10f._21-79_memo_w_backup_resolution_-_2022_tc_schedule_office_hours_fin_com_cpc_sched.pdf…  #tc1201 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0

Annual Snow Removal Presentation

• next up the annual snow removal presentation  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_-_snow_brutus.pdf…  #tc1201 special night doing taxes and snow on same night Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi providing insights on the presentation doc (in link)
• goal to have road with some asphalt and less than inch of ice snow in four hours after the storm finishes #tc1201 58.5" inches last year, about $1M using 5200 tons of salt (est $100K more for salt alone this year)
• about 35 pieces of equipment on road for storm, approx. $1600/hour  plus contractors at about $10K per hour of storm; contractor shortage with multiple reasons driving it #tc1201
• check out slide in the presentation on effects of all the issues outlined #tc1201
• for schools, easier to delay opening, hardest to send home early (parents/guardians aren't ready) #tc1201 
• be aware of the winter storm parking ban called as needed (once upon a time, used to be all winter)
• fire hydrant clearing program   https://franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/adopt-hydrant…  #tc1201 volunteer to clear a hydrant in your neighborhood
• check out the top 10 complaints received during snow storms #tc1201 will use GIS records to determine where fences and irrigation systems are located, if on Town property, not allowed no compensation
• Question on doing all roads before all sidewalks? it would be another expense, more personnel and equipment would be required; consider that during the road clearing, where does the snow go? to the sidewalks, then you'd have to clear them 2 or 3 times #tc1201
• remote work actually has increased local traffic, not decreased it; DOT and other looking at the models to adjust accordingly; also did buy salt to finish out the funding last year and leave us this year with full stock to start #tc1201
• parts and breakage an issue; DPW has trucks on order from last capital that haven't arrived yet likely won't be available for this year #tc1201 CDL is a Federal license not State; hence marijuana testing is a key factor, ok local, but not Federal
• Chandler likes the change from all winter parking ban to the storm based one; also glad to hear that it is working well; Police coordination helps; usually an issue with first storm but not ones after; #tc1201
• TA Hellen, thanks to the DPW and staff or all the good work they do; thanks to the residents for your patience  #tc1201

Town Administrator's Report

• TA Report - pole position request recently handled to help NationalGrid for the infrastructure to help detect power outages, one key piece in final phase of their committed improvements; there are have been improvements recently, hopefully noticed #tc1201

Councilor Comments

• no future agenda items around; councilor comments - Cormier-Leger, could be saving with municipal aggregation check your bill, thanks to youth hockey and DPW for the common decorations; #tc1201 plug for the FANN directory - https://franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html
• Q on Red Brick School, evaluation to est/plan removal of lead paint as well as basic restorations, should be coming to CPC sometime for prioritization, may not fit some folks timelines but it is what it is #tc1201
• ability to get a contractor onsite is an issue; no matter how it is funded remains to be a problem with getting this kind of special contract services #tc1201
• Pellegri thanks to the Concerts on the Common for their work on Santa; ornaments available at Historical Museum; invite to seniors for GATRA feedback, at the Senior Center council hours 3rd Thursday at 8:30 AM  #tc1201
• Open Mic night - "Love Franklin" at THE BLACK BOX on 12/08/21 link shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/12/franklin-freedom-team-announces-events.html… sign up to read
• #thinkFranklinFirst gift cards still around (never left) https://franklingiftcard.com #tc1201
• Hamblen to represent Franklin at MMA training; winter farmer market this Saturday; #tc1201 condolences to the Michigan families of the high school shooting; 

Executive Session

• motion to enter executive session on property purchase and not to reconvene in open session passes 9-0 via roll

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

snow removal plans and issues

Panther TV: FHS Spotlight - An Interview with Amal Alkhalaf

"FHS Sophomore Amal Alkhalaf shares her experience growing up in Syria, amidst a civil war. 

We all need to hear her message.

    https://t.co/58PAkeZ2Yw via @YouTube"

Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1466500332096299016

FHS Unified Basketball Team selected for Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando 2022

Special Olympics MA (@SpOlympicsMA) tweeted Thu, Dec 02, 2021:

Earlier this week, the Franklin High School Unified Basketball Team was surprised with some VERY exciting news! 🏀👀

Check out this short video to see where they're headed this summer 🤩🏰

https://t.co/CmMcN0QJUg

FHS Unified Basketball Team selected for Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando 2022

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SpOlympicsMA/status/1466425320635043847

Earlier this week, the Franklin High School Unified Basketball Team was surprised with some VERY exciting news! 🏀👀

Check out this short video to see where they're headed this summer 🤩🏰@FranklinUnified @FranklinHS @2022USAGames pic.twitter.com/CmMcN0QJUg

— Special Olympics MA (@SpOlympicsMA) December 2, 2021

Registration Is OPEN At Lifelong Community Learning (LCL)

Check Out The Classes Coming Your Way!

Registration is OPEN And we are looking forward to seeing you soon! Click here to REGISTER Click here to download Catalog For additional details visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

FPS - Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Botera Ribbon Cutting officially opens for business on Grove St

Ribbon Cutting for New United Regional Chamber of Commerce Member Botera

Last week, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member, Botera, a recreational cannabis dispensary at 1256 W. Central Street, Suite 6, Franklin https://boterama.com/. The Franklin store is the second Botera; joining the first store, which is at 747 Centre Street in Brockton.

Botera offers high-quality cannabis products in a comfortable, welcoming, and customer-focused atmosphere for adults 21+. The budtenders at Botera will help each visitor to enjoy a personalized cannabis experience. Visitors are assigned a personal budtender who has been trained to answer questions, educate them about Botera's unique products, and provide tailored recommendations based on their needs and anticipated results.

Left to right: State Representative Shawn Dooley; URCC Board Member Charlie Miller of Business Solutions Advisory Group; State Representative Jeff Roy; Jack Patel; Botera owner Chirag Patel; URCC Board Member Zach Patten of Oak Grove Insurance; David Webster, GM of the Franklin Botera store; URCC Board Member Kate Hyde of Springhill Suites by Marriott in Wrentham; Derek Cameron of URCC member 3805 Productions; Franklin Assistant Town Manager Alecia Alleyne; and URCC President Jack Lank.

Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone:  508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

Franklin Downtown Partnership Newsletter: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Support Franklin Businesses

December 2021 Newsletter View as Webpage Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (774) 571-3109 • downtown.franklin@yahoo.com  Visit our Website Thank You to Our Newsletter Sponsors Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond! The Franklin Downtown Partnership is inviting everyone to participate in "Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond" with lights and winter decorations in businesses from Nov. 20 to Jan. 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more about how to participate here. Thank you to our sponsors: Dean Bank and Fenton Financial Group! Winter Decorating Thanks Lots of great volunteers braved the chilly weather on Nov. 20 to decorate downtown Franklin for the holiday season. Special thanks to Eileen Mason, who always spear-heads the effort, members of the Franklin Garden Club and the many people who decked the halls in downtown! We also thank Peter Willis Photography for documenting the event through photos. Newspaper Article on New Business in Franklin The Country Gazette recently published an article on new businesses in downtown Franklin. Read it here.

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, follow this link ->   https://myemail.constantcontact.com/FDP-Newsletter--It-s-the-Most-Wonderful-Time-of-the-Year.html?soid=1120641810412&aid=x0CdVsrCKw0