Monday, August 31, 2009

Town Council - 9/2/09 - Agenda

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS 
  • Election Workers 2009-2010
  • Finance Committee  (Linda Poole Huempfner)

F. HEARINGS       

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
  • Change of Manager – Joe’s American Bar & Grill

H. DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
  1. Resolution 09-57: Dissolution of Franklin Housing Partnership
  2. Resolution 09-58: Change of Name, Franklin Commission for Persons with Disabilities      

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Do you know when Franklin's open space bylaw was created?


Franklin adopted its "Open Space Development" bylaw in 1987, Franklin Zoning Chapter 185-43. It applies to parcels in the Rural Residential I and II, and Residential VI zoning districts. It allows such parcels to be developed with the same number of lots as would be allowed with a conventional plan, but with one half the area, frontage, and yard requirements mandated by the underlying district. At least 25% of the parcel area must be reserved as open space and either conveyed to the Town or have recorded a restriction enforceable by the Town providing that the land remain as open space. By 1993, ten subdivisions had been approved for development in this manner resulting in the preservation of 236.57 acres of open space.
Read more in the Open Space and Recreation Plan found on the Town web site here (PDF)


Sunday, August 30, 2009

FM #45 - Summer Recap

This is FM #45, a recap of the summer months July/August. Give me about 10 minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin MA.

Time: 11 minutes, 25 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

This is #45 in the series for Franklin Matters. Give me about 10 minutes and I'll let you what matters in Franklin, MA.

June came, school ended, you left Franklin for your summer respite. Hopefully you had a good time away.

It is the end of August and you're back in Franklin. School begins on Tuesday, September 1. Oh my, how time does fly! Perhaps you're wondering what happened while you were away.

If you were, I think the highlights would be covered by the following recap:

July

Jul 1 - The Town Council meeting was dominated by a presentation and discussion by the Charter Commission. The Council created a sub-committee to work on bringing the language of the report into something to put before the State Legislature who could approve it. With their approval, then the folks of Franklin would have a chance to vote on the changes proposed. One of the changes was to make the Treasurer's position an appointed one (instead of elected as it is today). The current Town Clerk position would remain an elected position (although the committee did make some valid arguments for making this an appointed position as well). What seemed to be the most controversial was the discussion on moving the Town Council to staggered terms. In the end because the Charter Commission could not come up with an agreement on how to implement it, they decided it wasn't necessary. Keep this on the radar. I believe the Town Council would still have to approve the final submission to the State Legislature when the sub-committee has done their work.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/town-council-mtg-070109.html

Jul 15 - The Town Council meeting was significant in that museum renovation funding was approved and the local meal and hotel tax options now offered by the State were approved. This is the first non-property tax revenue that has become available for the Town. It is estimated to raise about 1 million dollars for a full year. We won't be realize the full amount this first year but it will help going forward. Vallee was the only councilor voting against both measures. He had argued previously for enabling a revenue stream for the Town but in the end voted against as it was the wrong thing to do with the current economic conditions. The Dept of Planning and Community Development presentation is worth viewing. The presentation on the Water situation is also worth viewing. Approval of the funding for the museum was controversial, some arguing it was not a good time. In the end, because it was a good time to get the work done cheaply, the money was approved by a 7-1 vote (that Bartlett was the one voting against was a surprise).
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/town-council-mtg-smry-071509.html

Jul 16 - Shades N Place opened it's new showroom
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-do-you-go-from-stained-glass-to.html

Jul 16 - Third Thursday was held downtown
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-do-you-go-from-stained-glass-to.html

Jul 22 - The School Committee meeting left some questions unanswered. We left the Jun 23rd meeting with 60+ teachers notified and yet the final number ended up as 12 (all the librarians and a few others). How did we get there? I caught up with Jeff Roy to help figure out where I had missed the boat in following the numbers through the budget discussion.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/when-can-level-funded-budget-increase.html

The full School Committee meeting notes can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/06/school-committee-mtg-062309.html

Jul 27 - The Summer School art show was captured in a slide show
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/summer-art-institute-slide-show.html

Jul 31 - Yes, it is an election year this time around for Franklin. We will elect a Town Council, School Committee and sundry other positions this November. The full listing and key dates can be found here. There are still open slots for Town Council as four have been confirmed in taking out papers to run (incumbents Vallee, Mason, Pfeffer and new comer Glenn Jones). Tom Doak has acknowledged that he will not seek re-election.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-is-election-year-for-franklin.html

August

Aug 1 - The PanMass Challenge rode through Franklin with a water stop at the Remington-Jefferson complex. A slide show of some of the event featuring local riders can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/pmc-franklin-water-stop.html

Aug 5 - The Town Council meeting was barely held as five councilors were present, just enough for a quorum. The only legislation passed was local ordinances that allowed the Board of Assessors to index the Senior exemptions officially. They had in fact been indexing but due to a change in legislation, the local authorization to do so had not officially been granted.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/town-council-mtg-smry-080509.html

Aug 11 - The School Committee meeting approved the recommendations from the Strategic Planning Committee. The School Department is now operating under an updated mission statement, vision, and core values. School handbooks dominated much of the discussion as they reflect some changes to bring some more consistency to the operations of the individual schools.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/school-committee-mtg-081109.html

Changes at the high school are covered in detail on Principal Peter Light's blog
http://franklinhighschool.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/fhs-update-and-amendment-to-the-program-of-studies/

Aug 19 - The Town Council was a shorter meeting than the one on the 5th with a skinny agenda. Only two councilors were missing.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/town-council-mtg-smry-081909.html

Aug 19 - With a short Council meeting, I was able to attend and record notes for the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee meeting. This committee is working to enhance the portion of the SNETT that starts in Franklin and runs through to the Douglas State forest.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/citizen-rail-trail-committee-meeting.html

The Citizens Rail Trail Committee brochure is available for viewing and download.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/franklin-citizens-rail-trail-committee_22.html

The Boston Globe covered the efforts of the committee in this article
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/08/30/franklin_bellingham_join_effort_for_regional_recreational_trail/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Globe+West

Aug 20 - Third Thursday was celebrated again. The Brothers McCann drew a good crowd to the breezeway alongside of Cafe Dolce.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/third-thursday-82009.html

Aug 25 - The second School Committee meeting of the month had some interesting policy discussions. The School's Legal representation was present for the discussion on the electronic use policy revisions proposed. Bottom line, there is more work to be done to bring the wording into agreement with the intent of the group. The initial District Improvement Plan was presented for review and ultimately accepted. The District Improvement Plan document is available within the meeting notes. Renee Danho, from Dean College, introduced a new program to help foster the collaboration between the School District and Dean. The presentation copy is available within the meeting notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/school-committee-mtg-082509.html

Around town you may have noticed that the Four Corners building is gone and work is well underway on the new Walgreens. The new turn lanes were added to the intersection of King/140 (or East Central)
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-turn-available-at-king140.html

The annual St Rocco's Festival enjoyed some good hot summer weather for a change.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/scenes-from-st-roccos.html

Did I miss something? 


If you have something to add, please let me know.


If you have a question, please feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer it.


------------
This podcast is provided as a public service to my fellow citizens and voters of Franklin, MA.


If you like what you hear and read, please let your neighbors know. Subscription is free.


An informed electorate will cast a good vote this November!


------------


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and East of ShirleyThe piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008

In the Globe - Rail trail, kindergarten

The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee's effort to get funding to work on the SNETT is the subject of this article in the Boston Globe West section today:

Plans for regional trail are gaining ground

from Boston Globe -- Globe West by Rachel Lebeaux, Globe Correspondent

---------

From the Boston Sunday Globe Magazine section comes this article on kindergarten

Pressure-cooker kindergarten

A new emphasis on testing and test preparation -- brought on by politicians, not early education experts -- is hurting the youngest students.

 

Did you know?


A stated common vision facilitates decision-making for everyone, Town and State officials as well as developers and private landowners. This update of the 2001 plan is intended to help provide that vision. The 2008 OSRP is being prepared with attention to Franklin specifically, rather than a three-town region as in the past because Franklin has become a thriving suburban community in need of specific open space and recreation planning guidance. Coordination and cooperation in planning between Town Departments and government agencies may lead to improved resources throughout the Town. The 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan will act as a policy guide for the decision and policy makers of Franklin, resulting in improved management and enhancement of recreational opportunities and preservation of much of the Town’s significant open space.
The Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on the town web site here (PDF)


In the News - game inventor

Franklin inventor planning to start game board business

from The Milford Daily News News RSS

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Franklin Area Climate Team - active blog

I have been working with the Franklin Area Climate Team to update their blog and enhance the communications around their efforts.
The Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT) is a locally organized group committed to fighting the climate crisis by promoting carbon-reducing practices in our homes and communities. We are an ever-expanding group of citizens from Bellingham, Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, and other area towns.
Consider visiting the Franklin Area Climate Team site to find information on climate change, energy savings, and more about the world-wide effort to reach 350:

Become a fan and loose weight (CO2 weight)
11 Steps to save money and reduce your energy use
Cutting through the hype (video)
350 is the number!


Consider subscribing to the Franklin Area Climate Team blog to keep up with their activities. You can subscribe to receive updates via email or RSS feed.





Franklin Kindergarten Schedule

For some reason the correction in the printed version of this weeks Franklin Gazette STILL gets the information wrong. The correct information is listed below.

What is the kindergarten schedule?

  • Orientation for all kindergarten students at each elementary school on Sep 1
  • 1/2 the kindergarten class comes to school on Sep 2
  • The other 1/2 of the kindergarten class comes to school on Sep 3
  • The full kindergarten class comes to school on Sep 4
Which half goes when?
You will be notified in a letter as to your first day of kindergarten. The beginning of the alphabet will be on Tuesday and the end of the alphabet will be Wednesday. All kindergarten students first full day together will be Friday.

Why the split schedule for kindergarten?
This schedule helps to ease the new students into the kindergarten routine.

Odd Fellows - Yard Sale

The Franklin Odd Fellows will be hosting a Yard Sale at 330 West Central St. at the Odd Fellows Lodge property. Date will be August 30, 2009 and the time will be 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.


What: Yard Sale

Where: Franklin Odd Fellows

When: August 30th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM



Friday, August 28, 2009

Financial Planning Committee - no show

The Town website said there was a meeting. This notice outside the Town Clerks door said there was a meeting. But while folks were continuing to arrive for a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting in the Council Chambers, Room 205 remained empty. So I left. Nothing else to report about this committee at this time.





Phase one of rail trail to open Sat.

While the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee is beginning work on the section in Franklin, this appeared in the Globe West edition on Thursday:


Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Jennifer Fenn Lefferts, Globe Correspondent on 8/26/09
After nearly 25 years of planning, funding constraints, environmental obstacles, and privacy concerns among abutters, the first phase of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will officially open Saturday. Add to Facebook Add to Twitter Add to digg Add to StumbleUpon Add to Reddit Add to del.icio.us Email this Article

Things you can do from here:

In the News - Vallee remembers, police dog

Vallee had special connection to Kennedy


Thursday, August 27, 2009

New turn available at King/140

There is a new left turn/drive straight lane alongside a right turn only lane when you travel King Street approaching 140.

This picture shows the lane markings with no cars blocking the view (yes, a lucky bit of timing).



An even luckier bit of timing shows this picture with a red light for the King St traffic. The right lane is making a right turn as the West bound 140 traffic is turning on to King St while the East bound 140 traffic is sitting at their red light.



The pedestrian and traffic light island was shortened to widen the intersection allowing the three lanes (one going out King St to i495, and the two lanes heading from King towards Chestnut St).

This is part of the traffic preparations for the Walgreens to open on the corner later this year.

Farmers Market: Nourse Farm

One of the farms frequently found at the Farmers Market on the Town Common is Nourse Farm. This photo from June depicts Samantha Nourse explaining the process for their fruits and pies.


The strawberry picking season is over but you should find something good at the Nourse Farm table each week at the Farmers Market.

Visit the Nourse Farm web site for more information on their organic growing process. They also offer tips and tricks for growing your own garden.

Buy local!


The Farmers Market is held each Friday until October
on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.



Senior Center Activities - Sep 2009

The Senior Center has a whole lot of things happening. Take a gander through the listing for September!

The first page alone covers activities from the Men's Club, to having your hearing screened, to card games, to driver training, and to credit counseling.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io


If you can't find something to do, maybe you can get something together for next time!

If your parents are living in Franklin, do they utilize the Senior Center (assuming they qualify by being over 60). If they don't use the Senior Center, I would be curious to understand why.


In the News - Choo Choo Shop, FHS Orientation,

Choo Choo Stop still chugging along

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by


-----


Franklin freshmen eased into high school

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

School Committee Mtg 08/25/09

The collection of live reporting posts from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 25th can be found here:



In the News - town/gown coordination, foster children

Dean to work with Franklin schools on new degree program

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by

This was covered in the live reporting from the School Committee meeting on August 25th here

All of the topics covered at the School Committee meeting can be found here

----

Spreading warmth to foster children

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by

DON’T DRINK THE WATER!

A Powerful Presentation on How to Stay Safe During Water Emergencies

Geoff Ventura, Environmentalist and Owner of Green Solutions, will be hosting two FREE presentations on the Water Emergencies, and what the public can do to protect themselves in the future.

Presentations will be held Saturday, August 29 at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Milford High School, Milford, MA.

The presentations will examine:
  • Micro-organisms in your water (viruses, bacteria, parasites)
  • Chemicals in your water (chlorine, chloramines, pesticides)
  • Heavy metals in your water (lead, arsenic, mercury)
  • Brita Systems, Ionization, Reserve Osmosis Systems
  • Affordable water purification systems for homes and businesses

Call 617.328.6300 for reservations as space is limited.

###########################################################

Green Solutions was founded in 2008 to provide consumers with safe, eco-friendly products for every day living. Green Solutions is a “sister company” to WholeBody Solutions, a holistic wellness center founded by Dr. Ann Doggett, D.C., L.D.N in 1989.

www.wholebodysolutions.org


For more information on this topic or to schedule an interview with Geoff Ventura, please call Maggie Ryan Flaherty at 617.328.6300 or e-mail Maggie at Maggie@wholebodysolutions.org

Community Health Council 9/3/09


The next meeting of the Community Health Council will be held on September 3, 2009. They will meet from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the Municipal Building in the 3rd floor training room.


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Live reporting - closing items

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports - none
School Committee Liaison Reports - none

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

An update on the facilities work done in the District during the summer. Yes, it will be ready for a future meeting.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations - motion to enter, not to return


8. Adjourn

Live reporting - Superintendents report

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
  1. Dean College Partnership - covered earlier
  2. District Improvement Plan - covered earlier
  3. Personnel - new personnel orientations starting tomorrow
  4. District calendar - looked at the overall district time lines, others will be filled in as the year progresses
  5. Coordinated Program Review - meeting on Sep 10th to begin the orientation of the State review. More details will be available at that time, it will consume us for the next six months
  6. Annual Town Report - completed and submitted
Q - Where do we stand on hiring?
A - we are awaiting our last acceptance of one teacher that we are hoping they will show up for orientation

Q - These are teachers that are new to the district
A - Yes, they are recalls, or backfills, we have had more turn over than we thought we would. I also heard of one more retirement today but have not seen the paperwork for that yet.



Live reporting - Action items

4. Action Items
  1. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed. Motion to accept - passed 6-0
  2. I recommend acceptance of the FHS Class of 2009 Gift of four large screen televisions for disseminating school-wide announcements at the FHS. Motion to accept - passed 6-0
  3. I recommend approval of the District Improvement Plan (DIP) as detailed. Motion to accept - passed 6-0

live reporting - budget transfers, School Business Administrator review

Budget transfer
One question on budget transfers, the $7K was for the purchase of software to eventually move to a paperless check process for all the school employees. The purchase has been made, training is scheduled for later in September.

School Business Administrator review
Miriam has been here for a year now and has done an excellent job. The automation in place and on the planning cycle.

161 parents have registered 171 students and have deposited 10,170 dollars for student lunches in the first 2 days of operation.

Armenio - to reiterate what Sue had said earlier. You have brought much needed credibility back to the schools.

Roy - you have been great in answer questions, if you don't know, you says so and then get the answer. I hear from others within the Town Hall of your good work. Thank you for that on behalf of the community.

Sabolinski - She was here 10 days and she presented the budget to the Town Council. She had such a command of the budget, it was amazing.





Live reporting - discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy - First Readings – (covered in section with legal counsel earlier in the meeting)
  • GBAB Acceptable Use Policy
  • GBAB-E1 Acceptable Use Agreement 6-12
  • GBAB-E2 Acceptable Use Agreement K-5
  • JT Electronic Device Policy
  • JU Electronic Communication Policy
Motion to move to second reading - Approved 6-0



Live reporting - District Improvement Plan

c. District Improvement Plan
  • Maureen Sabolinski
  • Sally Winslow
  • Michele Kingsland-Smith
Now that the Strategic Plan was approved at the Aug 11th meeting, this is the next level of detail, the District Improvement Plan (DIP). referred lovingly too as the DIP Team.

Left to Right in the photo are Maureen Sabolinski, Michele Kingsland-Smith and Sally Winslow.



The current plan as reviewed during the meeting is attached:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io



The plan this year was developed with the Strategic Plan in mind. Next year, there will be a formal team effort reflecting input from across the district to develop the update for this plan.

The Annual Yearly Performance (AYP) is increasing.

Student learning objectives are outlined to monitor the achievement.

Reading specialists worked to identify data points for students at specific levels across the district.

Looking at a Colorado growth model that will provide some data on the cohort growth rather than just data points from the test scores.

Based upon a look at the predictive data piloted with the State, the data helped to drive some staffing decisions.




Live reporting - presentations: legal update

b. Legal Update
  • Paige Tobin
Q - Roy - how did you come up with some of the suggestions on cyber bullying? Why these recommendations?

A - Cyber bullying has become a big concern, an increase in harassment amongst students. Schools are including cyber bullying in with harassment to allow the schools to handle them. The case law is fairly grey, it is still evolving.

Q - Can you give a sense of some of the type of incidents that you have seen?

A - Several instances of one student texting photos to other students. Student setting up a false Facebook account. Thes ethings are happening outside of school but it comes back into the school as that is where the folks are talking about it.

Q - Electronic communications was one where I had the most concern. The line "staff teachers, coaches shall not respond to text messages from students". I was uncomfortable with something that potentially we would be in violation of. Social media is happening, how can we move that way appropriately and not prohibit it.

A - Inappropriate conduct starts with friending on Facebook.

Q - We need to figure out a way

A - if the teacher is acting as an agent of the school, it could be view by law as such, but the site is not under control of the district. I would be concerned with the boundary violations. Could have a retention issue with student/teacher communications.

Great discussion - will add the recording of this later as this is not being resolved tonight but will continue to be worked out over time.

Live reporting - Dean College

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Dean College Community Partnership
  • Renee Danho, Dean of Continuing Studies


The presentation document Renee talked to:





Looking to target some high school students, parents of all students across the district, and potentially any professional staff that would like to obtain an Associate Degree.

looking for future offering on the Dean Campus for continuing educational and professional development. It could save some travel time for the teachers instead of going to Bridgewater St, Framingham St or elsewhere.

Dean also uses Moodle which is now being used in the Franklin Schools.

This presentation is one option of many to bring the town-gown relationship closer.


Live reporting - School Committee

Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Missing: Kelly

1. Routine Business
  • Citizen’s Comments - none
  • Review of Agenda - add review of School Business Administrator as last of Discussion only items
  • Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 11, 2009 School Committee Meeting. Motion to Approve - Passed 5-0 1 abstain
  • Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
  • Payroll - Ms. Armenio
  • FHS Student Representatives
  • Correspondence: none


Core values (video)

Spend less than ten minutes to view this video by Amanda Baggs.





My viewpoint in the video is that of an autistic person. But the message is far broader than autistic people. It is about what kinds of communication and language and people we consider real and which ones we do not. It applies to people with severe cognitive or physical disabilities, autistic people, signing deaf people, the kid in school who finds she is not taken seriously as a student because she does not know a lot of English, and even the cat who gets treated like a living stuffed animal and not a creature with her own thoughts to communicate. It applies to anybody who gets written off because their communication is too unusual.
For more on Amanda Baggs check out this wikipedia entry

The core values of the Franklin Public Schools were just revised to be expressed as follows:

Student Achievement
All students are entitled to academic excellence, appropriate facilities and quality materials and instruction.

Social / Civic Expectations

Students will become engaged, responsible citizens who respect the dignity and diversity of all individuals and cultures.

School Climate

Through our words and our actions, we create a culture of civility, thoughtfulness, appreciation and approachability.

School / Community Relationships

An active commitment among family, community and schools is vital to student learning.

Community Resources for Learning

We partner with all members of the community to exchange ideas, solve problems and build a comprehensive educational experience.



Yard Sale - Franklin Odd Fellows

The Franklin Odd Fellows will be hosting a Yard Sale at 330 West Central St. at the Odd Fellows Lodge property. Date will be August 30, 2009 and the time will be 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.


What: Yard Sale

Where: Franklin Odd Fellows

When: August 30th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

School Opening Info

Need to see the bus schedules?
You can find them on the Franklin Public School's web page here (PDF)

What is the kindergarten schedule?
  • Orientation at each elementary school on Sep 1
  • 1/2 the class comes to school on Sep 2
  • The other 1/2 of the class comes to school on Sep 3
  • The full class comes to school on Sep 4
Which half goes when?
You will be notified in a letter as to your first day of kindergarten. The beginning of the alphabet will be on Tuesday and the end of the alphabet will be Wednesday. All kindergarten students first full day together will be Friday.

Why the split schedule for kindergarten?
This schedule helps to ease the new students into the kindergarten routine.

What does the full school calendar look like?
Check out the Franklin Public School's web page here (PDF)

Questions?
Check Central Office's website for answers on multiple topics.
Check each school web page for information.
If your question isn't answered there, please contact your students school.



In the News - grades online

Franklin parents, students can look at grades online

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by

Monday, August 24, 2009

SAMPLE A TASTE OF THE REGION


Sample the variety of delicacies offered from around the region at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Taste of the Region event. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of more than twenty restaurants serving dishes sure to tease everyone's taste buds. Enjoy wonderful music and bid on exciting items in a silent auction.

The Taste of the Region is on Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin.

Tickets are available now at The United Regional Chamber offices and cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-528-2800, 508-222-0801 or 508-695-6011 for more information.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization with offices in Attleboro, North Attleborough and Franklin, serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Wrentham.

School Committee - Agenda - 8/25/09

Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business
  • Citizen’s Comments
  • Review of Agenda
  • Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 11, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
  • Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
  • Payroll - Ms. Armenio
  • FHS Student Representatives
  • Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Dean College Community Partnership
  • Renee Danho, Dean of Continuing Studies
b. Legal Update
  • Paige Tobin / MaryJo Reedy
c. District Improvement Plan
  • Maureen Sabolinski
  • Sally Winslow
  • Michele Kingsland-Smith

3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
Policy - First Readings –
  • GBAB Acceptable Use Policy
  • GBAB-E1 Acceptable Use Agreement 6-12
  • GBAB-E2 Acceptable Use Agreement K-5
  • JT Electronic Device Policy
  • JU Electronic Communication Policy

4. Action Items
  1. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
  2. I recommend acceptance of the FHS Class of 2009 Gift of four large screen televisions for disseminating school-wide announcements at the FHS.
  3. I recommend approval of the District Improvement Plan (DIP) as detailed.


5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
  1. Dean College Partnership
  2. District Improvement Plan
  3. Personnel
  4. Coordinated Program Review
  5. Annual Town Report

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn


In the News - FHS discipline

There is s School Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 PM. The item that the Milford Daily News carries today comes from the School Committee meeting on August 11th.

You can find the complete meeting notes for August 11th here

Alternative discipline program to be used at Franklin High

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - brochure

The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee has published a nice tri-fold brochure outlining their objectives and how you can help.

Here is the cover view:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io


Here is the inside view:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io



where did the signs go?

Washington and Pleasant Streets are so heavily traveled some one must have seen somebody taking the construction signs. If you saw something, please contact the Franklin Police.

Sign thefts pose danger to drivers

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by

Yard sale - help fight cancer

A yard sale will be held on Saturday (8/22/09) from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 19 Crystal Pond Lane, Franklin.

Read more about this effort here

Uniting to Find a Cure

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by

Friday, August 21, 2009

Farmers Market Week

I hope you made a visit to the Framers Market on the Town Common this week. News from Governor Patrick's office is that he has declared this week "Farmers Market Week":
Farmers’ Market Week: Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed the week of August 16 -22 Farmers’ Market Week, saying that these markets are “essential to the vitality of Massachusetts farms.” Farmers markets have continued to grow around the Commonwealth nearly doubling in size over the last decade. Events will be taking place all over the state during this week. Read more in the Eagle Tribune, Arlington Advocate and the Hingham Journal.

From the Governors web page here

Third Thursday - 8/20/09

It was a hot day here in Franklin. The thunderstorm that blew through quickly during the afternoon did not do much to cool off the area. As the sun set, the evening's activities were beginning for Third Thursday.



Maybe you couldn't make it downtown as you had some yard work to catch up on. Eileen Mason watered and weeded the plants in the island and along the railroad bridge covering for some one who had volunteered but had not yet come out this week to do so.



Meanwhile, on the "breezeway" next to Cafe Dolce, the brothers mccann were playing to a growing crowd of admirers.



Pat McCann worked the keyboards and waited for brother Mike's cue



Mike McCann appreciated Pat waiting for him. Together they had the crowd full of smiles and applause.



Cafe Dolce
was pleased with the size of the crowd. Other businesses have seen an increase in traffic due to the Third Thursday events.

In September, mark the date (Sep 17th) and come on downtown to the happenings in Franklin.

Third Thursday is a production of the Franklin Downtown Partnership Merchants Committee.

Farmer's Market open today

The Farmer's Market is open for normal hours from noon to 6:00 PM today.




Populatic Street - Road Closure

PUBLIC NOTICE

Populatic Street from Walker Road in Medway to Brandywine Road in Franklin will be closed to through traffic from August 31, 2009 to September 18, 2009 for reconstruction of a portion of the street.

Populatic street will be open to local traffic from Walker Road in Medway to house #10 Populatic Street in Franklin and from Brandywine Road in Franklin to house # 50 Populatic Street in Franklin.

Emergency vehicles, school buses and trash haulers will not be able to safely pass through the section of road between houses #10 and #50 Populatic Street in Franklin and should seek alternate routes.

This notice was originally posted on the Town website here

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Missing cat - Lockewood neighborhood

Bourbon is missing from its Lockewood Drive home.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io


If found please contact Donna (phone number in document)

Third Thursday - TONIGHT!

Third Thursday in Downtown Franklin
Tonight, August 20th-5:00-8:00
Performance by Brothers McCann on the
East Central Street Patio
Stop by participating stores and restaurants for free gifts,
food and special promotions!
Sponsored by The Franklin Downtown Partnership Merchants' Committee

Town Council Mtg Smry 08/19/09

The collection of live reporting posts from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, August 19th can be found here:





Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Citizen Rail Trail Committee meeting

David L. Labonte opens meeting, approx 15 people present

Bill Desantis, Chief Design Engineer for the Blackstone River Bikeway in RI

presentation with photos of existing conditions along the trail

<
example of multi use trail in Mansfield, MA

Wachusett Greenway in Stirling, MA good example of an unpaved trail

how is the funding to be obtained?
four options, probably use some or all of them: Federal, State, Local, public/private partnerships (donations, fund raising, "buy a foot of the trial", etc.)

It takes a lot of patience and hard work. Bill has been working on the Blackstone River Bikeway since 1993 and has 12 miles completed.

Steel plate girders were welded together, is there lead paint still on the girders? Is work required on the concrete supports?

When you get going:
  • get the emergency response together on how it will be supported. Be prepared to answer the security questions.
  • Get DPW involved on estimates for maintenance, cut grass, etc.
  • Liability for children on the trail, age of reason is 12 or under in MA
  • Prepare for property owner issues
Trail Link has a listing of web sites to find info on existing trails

Motion to approve minutes of past meeting

III - Report from Ron Clough
  • DCR to install gates on Lake and Spring Streets
  • then smooth out the bumps
  • no date set with Callahan, Bellingham folks requested meeting
Need better representation at Conservation Commission meeting from committee members

IV - Report on Membership
  • Dave Denison and Mark McKeown to meet with Dave LaBonte and Allan Sawyer on the membership details
Presentation proposal for Rotary on a future Thursday in Sep (target for Sep 17)

V - Report on Cost Estimating
hard to prepare cost estimate with out a design to work with
use $500,000 per mile as a working estimate for

will use Grant Trunk trail # for application, need DUNS number
have official IRS letter for submittal

Grading from Grove to Spring, Spring to Prospect, but a wall exists at Prospect, how to navigate beyond Prospect is an issue requiring a resolution.

We are a division of the Grand Trunk Trailblazers, they are the 501c3 corporation

VI - Report from Finance Committee
invoice to be submitted to Bay State Trail Riders

VII - Report of Fund Raising
Possible fund raiser road race after the Crackerbarrel Race is complete in Sep

VIII - Publicity

Response from 'abutters', one response from mailing of 53, they said they were coming to the meeting but haven't showed up tonight

Brochures available for distribution to local stores
use for distribution to bike shops and sporting goods stores

discussion on grade cross via tunnel or a ramp, the ramp would have to meet disability access requirements

Public Land Use Committee - meeting at 6:30 PM in Rm 205 to present an outline of the committee plans for the rail trail/multi-use trail and look at funding recommendations from their point of view

Report of Blackstone meeting - 30 people at the meeting, 4 people from Blackstone

There will be a Bike rodeo for Cub Scouts next year. This would be a good place for advertising the Citizens Rail Trail work.

Next meeting Sep 10, 7:30 PM, likely at Odd Fellows Lodge.

Live reporting - Action items

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-56: Confirmatory Order of Taking-Land off Mechanic Street
Motion to approve - passed 7-0

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Maxine Kinhart reporting on behalf of Jeff NUtting
Senior Center opened for those citizens who would need the cooler conditions
Connect CTY was used to notify the town. One came Mon, two came Tue.

Third Thursday - 8/20/09 - Anticipation is the theme, music at Cafe Dolce, multiple business participating

L. OLD BUSINESS - none

M. NEW BUSINESS - none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Scott - (1) had pleasure of being a judge of the chocolate chip cookie bake-off, while he enjoyed the challenge, he won't be eating a chocolate chip cookie for awhile.

(2) signature to get name on the ballot is not an endorsement

Tom Doak is not running again this year. Three terms is enough.

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN - motion to adjourn approved 7-0