Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Live reporting - Closing

The Town Council returned from Executive Session to Open Session  8:20 PM with the only comment being a request for a motion. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0

Note: there may have been a good reason going into the Executive Session but coming out to say nothing and adjourn seems like a waste of time.







Live reporting - Appointments

E. APPOINTMENTS

- Municipal Affordable Housing Trust
Mary Ann Bertone

Motion to accept - passed 8-0


The agenda was juggled during the meeting this evening to meet the schedule for the public hearing at 7:10 without having some "dead time". I came in late to observe the Library resolutions and one added from the Rotary Club (another $500 gift for the Library). I confirmed that this did get approved with reporter Ashley Studley from the Milford Daily News. We compared notes and confirmed names of individuals that spoke during the meeting in a conversation with Bob Dean while waiting for the Council to return from Executive Session.




Live reporting - Councilor Comments

McGann - raised question on how to allow the Franklin Police Dept to provide some information on the status of the Quinn Bill.

Feeley - They can use Citizens Comments with 5 minutes per person. The item is really part of the overall negotiation.

Motion to go to executive session and to return to open meeting
Passed 8-0

Two minute recess




Live reporting - License transactions

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Applebee’s – Transfer of Stock/New Officer & Director  Motion to approve - passed 8-0

Alumni Restaurant & Bar – Change of D/B/A  Motion to approve - passed 7-0 (1 abstain, Feeley)

Franklin Wine & Spirits – Transfer of License Motion to approve - passed 8-0

 





Live reporting - brownfields grant hearing

F. HEARINGS -   2010 EPA Brownfields Grant Application – Public Hearing - 7:10 PM


Mr Compton complained about the lack of notification. He is a property owner of the land surrounding the property. Until he called, he was not aware.


The Town would need to supply 40,000 to match if the grant was awarded by the EPA.



Live reporting - Town Council - action items

Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann, Zollo
Missing: Bartlett

Late to meeting - picking up with Legislation for Action

1. Bylaw Amendment 09-634: Amendment to the Franklin Conservation Bylaw Chapter 181-8D: Term of Years- 2nd t Reading  Motion to accept - Passed 8-0

2. Bylaw Amendment 09-635: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin, Chapter 25 – Personnel Regulations – 2nd  Reading  Motion to accept - Passed 8-0

3. Bylaw Amendment 09-636: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin, Chapter 25 – Human Resource Management – 2nd Reading  Motion to accept - Passed 8-0

4. Resolution 09-61: Appropriation – FHS Feasibility Study  Motion to accept - Passed 8-0

Similar discussion to that before the Finance Committee on Tuesday 10/6/09.
Likely for a full project vote only in 2011, will have better estimates as we go along the process


5. Resolution 09-62: Human Resources Policies and Procedures
Motion to accept - Passed 8-0
 
6. Resolution 09-63: Authorizing Application for EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant
Motion to accept - Passed 8-0
 
7. Resolution 09-64: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library
Motion to accept - Passed 8-0
 
8. Resolution 09-65: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library
Motion to accept - Passed 8-0
 



Register to vote by October 14th

If you want to vote in the Town Election on November 3rd, you need to register to vote by the close of business next Wednesday, October 14th.

You can go to the Town Clerk's office at the Municipal Building. As you walk in the main entrance, bear to the left. There is a short corridor and at the end of the corridor is the door to the Town Clerk's office.

If you are going to be out of town on November 3rd, you can still vote via absentee ballot. Absentee ballot applications are also available at the Town Clerk's office.

When I called Debbie Pellegri to check on the ballot for the November 3rd election, she said that there had been no changes in the slate of candidates announced previously. All were officially certified. No one had withdrawn their application.

There does remain one open ballot spot for election of a member of the Board of Assessors. If someone would like to run for that spot as a 'write-in' candidate, please contact Debbie Pellegri (508-520-4900) for details on how to conduct that type of campaign. It is important to have the name added by the voters in the same manner. These write-ins will require a manual count and it would be easier if they all were entered the same.

Additional information on voter registration process can be found here


Note: candidate signs can begin to appear no earlier than 14 days before the event, in this case the election on November 3rd. (Hence, signs can be posted beginning October 20th)

There is a Town bylaw to cover election signs. These bylaws are voted on by the Town Council.
6) Signs shall not be erected sooner than 14 days before the event to which they pertain (i.e., the offering for sale or lease of the premises, the commencement of construction or the election) and shall be removed within seven days after the conclusion of the event to which they pertain.
The full sign bylaw can be found here


In the News - auction, high school renovations, Patriots TV

As reported during the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday October 6th, the DPW will be the site of a used vehicle auction. The Town is looking to see if they can obtain more money via the auction than they have obtained via trade-in.

Auction of used Franklin vehicles tomorrow

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS 

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The first step o the long road to finding out exactly how much the high school renovation (including a possible addition) was taken Tuesday with the approval 11-0 by the Finance Committee of a $1 million bond. The bond will be used to take the next steps per the State process on getting the services of a project manager and architect. There will be at least one more appropriation request before we know the total dollar amount that the project will cost. It will likely not be until late 2011 before the Town gets to vote on some amount of debt override to complete the process and authorize the funds to actually break ground.


Franklin may spend $1 million on high school study

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS 

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The headline should be corrected to read "Franklin students tackle Patriots TV host spot"


Franklin students tackles Patriots TV host spot



Finance Comm 10/06/09

The collection of live reported posts from the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 6th can be found here:






Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Live reporting - Finance Committee - cont'd

Free cash is the money left over from the prior budget year. The State needs to verify and validate that amount. We should have that number in a November timeframe. We will have free cash but we won't know about how much until later.

FY 10 - State has a revenue shortfall, it is very likely we'll be looking at local aid reductions of some kind. The Governor will propose, then the Legislature will need to accept. We have a couple of vacancies open and on hold in anticipation of what may come. As long as the State is in trouble, we are in trouble. We get 38% of our revenue from the State. The State funding for Chapter 70 went down for the first time in years. Probably not for the last time.

The good news is we work very well with the Schools. If it is a small cut, we'll figure it out. If it is a larger cut, we'll need some help deciding which way to go.

The Governor prepares his budget in February. We'll have an idea of what FY 11 will look like from that estimate.

The Legislature takes a break around Thanksgiving so if he makes his recommendation before then, they should take some action. We should know by Thanksgiving.

Our revenues at a local level. We have collected 99% of our property taxes.

The Meals tax fund, started Oct will show up as a quarterly payment on our Cherry sheet. The DOR gave us an estimate based upon the prior years activity. Some of that is already built into our budget.

The other one is our Hotel/Motel tax. The Town Council voted to increase that. In this fiscal year, we figure it might be about 70,000. In a full year, it would be about 150,000. This goes into the Open Space fund. We have about 1.7 million in the fund now to potentionally buy some open space as it becomes available.

The policy has been to use it for Open Space. The Council can review that. When folks see the long list of capital requirements, they would be an opportunity to use it elsewhere.

Net school spending chart to be added later.
The numbers have been trending down, currently at 1.3% over the State required minimum level.
Dropped from 4.9 to 1.3 in one year. Once it drops below zero, the pressure is to take money from elsewhere.

In 1993, local taxes paid for 70% of the Town budget, now it is down to 48%.

We have a reasonable fund balance. We don't dip into reserves. We make decisions. Financial stability is important to the bond market. We have a long term team with a good track record.

Quality education is not about spending the minimum. It is not just a legal issue it is the quality of education.

Auction at DPW at 9:00 AM.
They will try an auction in lieu of trade ins. $100 minimum for all but four items.

Q - How is the librayr sharing arrangement going.
A - Actually have a meeting this Friday per our arrangement to meet quarterly and review. I think we need to do more of this.

Q - Senate special election covered by the State
A - yes, that is what they have said

Q - Did we get any Federal Stimulus money
A - We applied for a lot but didn't get any.

Q - Museum renovations, how are they going?
A - Except for the windows, the lead time is long, the work is on schedule and on budget.
Bandstand under construction with donated money.

Town Council Candidate forum 10/26/09 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers
Also at the Senior Center, Weds, 10/28/09 at 9:30 AM

In a tough economy, driving around things are looking good.

Water rates may be in jeopardy of an increase if consumption continues to decline.

Motion to adjourn, passed 11-0

Live reporting - Finance Committee

Attending: 
Linda Huempfner
Pat Goldsmith
Craig Maire
Tina Powderly
Jim Roche
Phyllis Meserve
Jaun Rivera
Robert Texiera
Mark Cataldo
Rebecca Cameron
Brett Feldman


Action item
Bond authorization for $1 million for Franklin High School renovation process

This is the beginning phase of a long process to get the Project Manager for an initial design,
we will be back at least two times for additional money to continue the process

State reimbursement up to 31%
Town has to front the full amount for the State to do the reimbursement

estimating 3% but rates are currently 1%
Bond issue would keep us under the debt service plan develped previously

We are looking at a renovation and possible addition, not a new school.
1 - Project Manager
2 - Request for services for architect
3 - meet with the State to agree or modify the plans
4 - give and take on the schematic design
5 - with a complete schematic desgin, back before FINCOM to get authorization to hire the Project Manager and architect to complete the designs and come up with estimates
6 - return with final cost estimates

Will be some determination on what the State will pay versus what the Town will need to cover
For example, the curbing around the

Approx 10% of the total cost would be the PM and architect
How to cover will still need to be decided later (a year to 18 months)

By committing what we are doing now, what does that get us? How much more before we get the full estimate?
Round numbers, 10% of the total cost.

SBA will be managing and monitoring the process.
Yes, we want their money so we will play ball with them. If we wanted to do it on our own, we would be further along.

It is a fair and open process but they are being much more prudent about their commitments.
Let's assume the total comes out to $40 million. The SBA may say that they will exclude 5 million from what they will cover us at the 30-40% reimbursement. Franklin will need to determine if we really need the $5 million and if we will pay for it on our own.

Best case could break ground at the end of 2011.

The SBA has a timeline. Each section of each phase has a timeline. The State requires approval for each step.

We have a year once we start the OPM to get the schematic done. We would get the OPM until January.

We could use the money from the Four Corners, that's about 800,000 left in that account. But we need to front the full amount and then get the State reimbursement. Once we get the authorization of the bond, we may not need to execute the bond and use cash. But we need to do this now to be prepared for options.

Motion to approve Resolution 09-62
Passed 11-0




"The administration never saw it coming"

The headline is an interesting quote from Clay Shirkey in this brief (5 minute) video on the use of social media tools. He discusses this while raising the question on what should be the skills taught in the classrooms to prepare our students for the 21st Century?




50,000 school students organized in 48 hours. Now there is motivation around a purpose!

What would it take to get 10,000 Franklin residents out to the polls to vote on November 3rd?


Note: there are over 19,000 Franklin registered voters but off year elections generally turnout around 3500. Off year elections are those not associated with a national election (every four years). An override election can draw up to 8,000.


Thanks to Mr Bryne at Free Technology for Teachers for the tip to the video

FCC mandates disclosure

FCC mandates disclosure for bloggers receiving freebies/payments

from Moving at the Speed of Creativity by Wesley Fryer


My disclosure statement has been updated a couple of times since I started writing online over 5 years ago. The most recent update occurred with the short-term contract position I accepted on 9/28/09. As circumstances change, the disclosure will be updated. I intend to keep this as my public service effort  to provide quality information on what matters in Franklin.  

We face significant challenges.  

We need informed and engaged residents to make good decisions when it comes time to go to vote.

In the News - flu update, grant money

Dr. Daddario to head Franklin swine flu clinics


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Franklin, Medway awarded cultural grants


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H1N1 INFLUENZA UPDATE

From the Town web site:

As we begin a new month, the Franklin Health Department and the Board of Health continue to finalize our plans for large scale public H1N1 influenza clinics.   To date the Health Department has recruited over 70 volunteer medical professionals to staff our flu clinics.  At a September special meeting of the Franklin Board of Health, Dr. Dianne Daddario of Franklin was appointed as the Medical Director of our volunteer medical staff.  Dr. Daddario will assist the Health Department with the planning and operation of all H1N1 flu clinics in Franklin, and will provide direct medical oversight of our medical volunteers.
The Franklin Health Department completed the H1N1 vaccine registration process with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in September.  As a registered vaccine program, the Franklin Health Department is now eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine direct from a central vaccine distributor in order to supply our public clinics.  What we do not know at the present time is how much vaccine we will be allocated, and when the vaccine will be delivered.  What we do know is that the initial number of doses allocated for Massachusetts will be much reduced from what we originally expected.  In addition, we can fully expect not to have sufficient supplies of H1N1 vaccine available for large public clinics until sometime in November.  The first doses to be received in Massachusetts which is estimated to be approximately 30,000,  will be sent to select physicians’ offices and other medical practices for healthcare workers, pregnant women and very young children.  Again, the initial supply of vaccine will be only a small portion of the states total allocation.  We have been assured that deliveries will continue each week or thereabouts, until all vaccine has been distributed.  
Once the Franklin Health Department receives enough H1N1 vaccine to hold a public clinic, we will identify our target group as directed by the CDC and the MA DPH and schedule our clinics.  Clinic dates and locations will be widely advertised and parents and individuals will receive important information such as consent forms and vaccine information statements well in advance of the clinics.
As always, if you have any questions regarding H1N1 influenza or the department’s vaccination plans, please contact the Franklin Health Department via our dedicated H1N1 email @ H1N1flu@franklin.ma.us, or you may call our office at 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department

Franklin Board of Health
Bruce Hunchard, Chair
Paul Cheli
Donald Ranieri, Jr.



Walk to School Wednesday

Yes, today is Tuesday. Tomorrow is Wednesday.

Consider walking to school as part of the International Walk to School Wednesday!

Check with your local Franklin school to see what routes are set up.

Check with the MASSRides website for state level information on this program!


Monday, October 5, 2009

Fire Dept - Open House

The Franklin Fire Dept held an open house at the King Street Station on Sunday. This kicks off Fire Prevention Week.

When I arrived, they were showing how they would remove the roof to get a someone trapped in this car:



Kids could get involved and try holding the fire hose:



Kids could walk through a simulation of a fire in a school bus. The 'smoke' was safe. The demonstration reinforced the stay low and keep moving idea.



Tower 1, the newest addition to the equipment available was on hand to view.



The tool kit on the Tower is well stocked.



This looks like a top notch medical room. Actually, it rides on wheels. This is the inside of one of the EMT vehicles. Hopefully, you'll only get to see the inside on days like this Open House. If it is needed, you can rest assured that the Franklin Fire Dept is well equipped to provide good care.



Captain Frank Hagerty was at the platform end of Tower 1, letting folks climb inside and describing the equipment and tools available to them. The tower can extend up to 110 feet and from that vantage point be an effective platform to either fight a fire or rescue someone from a building.



There will be more opportunities to view the equipment and talk with the Fire Dept personnel at future Open Houses. Consider participating in the next one!

My thanks to Chief Gary B McCarraher and all the Fire Dept personnel who prepared this for us.

Additional information about the Fire Dept can be found on the Town website here

Town Council - Agenda - 10/7/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 16, 2009

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS  - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

F. HEARINGS -   2010 EPA Brownfields Grant Application – Public Hearing - 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Applebee’s – Transfer of Stock/New Officer & Director
Alumni Restaurant & Bar – Change of D/B/A
Franklin Wine & Spirits – Transfer of License

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 09-634: Amendment to the Franklin Conservation Bylaw Chapter 181-8D: Term of Years- 2nd t Reading
2. Bylaw Amendment 09-635: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin, Chapter 25 – Personnel Regulations – 2nd  Reading
3. Bylaw Amendment 09-636: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin, Chapter 25 – Human Resource Management – 2nd Reading
4. Resolution 09-61: Appropriation – FHS Feasibility Study
5. Resolution 09-62: Human Resources Policies and Procedures
6. Resolution 09-63: Authorizing Application for EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant
7. Resolution 09-64: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library
8. Resolution 09-65: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library

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

The full set of documents for this agenda can be found on the town website here (PDF)



In the News - veterans, Fire Dept

Franklin to honor World War II vets

from The Milford Daily News News RSS

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Newest Franklin firefighter



Sunday, October 4, 2009

Time to engage in the conversation

Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday said, "Although the private sector economy is beginning to recover, state government is still feeling the impact of the global economic collapse."

He said cuts to local aid were "certainly on the table."
 You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

Now more than ever, this is the time to become engaged with what is going on around you. With more local aid cuts coming, this will affect Franklin more than any other community simply because a greater percent of our total revenue comes from State aid. We can not absorb cuts without sutting services. If you don't believe that, then you need to find out the details.

You can start by talking with your neighbors. Find out what they know. If they don't know much about this, send them to Franklin Matters to become better informed.

You can talk with any of the thirteen candidates for election to the Town Council this November. You did know there was an election. Of course, you are here and informed. Talk with your neighbors, are they aware?

What will be the deciding points to select nine of the thirteen?

What are the Town Council candidates positions on the issues Franklin faces? I have a series of conversations scheduled to explore this. You can find (and share) the conversation with the following here:

Scott Mason
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Glenn Jones (in draft review)
Matt Kelly (in draft)
Tina Powderly (in draft)

If you'd like to see other Town Council candidates post their views here, please contact them and let them know. I have made the offer, the ball is in their court.

I am also scheduling time with some of the School Committee candidates. There are seven for the seven positions to be voted on so there is less competition but just as much importance in finding out who these people are that are to be responsible for more than half the Franklin budget.

My public service effort here is conducted solely to create an informed electorate for Franklin. I can't do this alone. Your help is required. Individually, we don't stand a chance. All of us together can make a difference!

Fire Station Open House - today

The members of the Franklin Fire Department wish to extend an invitation to the community to our Annual Fire Prevention Open House. This yearly event coincides with National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme “Stay Fire Smart – Don’t get Burned” Fire Prevention Week 2009 focuses on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires.

This year’s Open House will provide demonstrations and fire safety education for all ages. The Open House will be held at Franklin’s Fire Station #2, 600 King Street on Sunday, October 4, 2009, from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Originally posted on the Town website


Saturday, October 3, 2009

Fall Family Day - moved to Sunday, Oct 11

The New England Center for the Performing Arts 2nd Annual Fall Family Festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, 12-4 p.m., at 1350 West Central St., Rte. 140, Franklin, the site of their future new school and presentation facility.
The New England Center for the Performing Arts posted the change to the schedule on their events calendar.

Updated 11/4/09, due to the weather postponed again until next Sunday, the 11th

The original notice was found in my Wicked Local Franklin RSS feed.




Wrentham has a blog

As a 'placeblogger', one who blogs about the place they live, I am always on the look out for others doing this. Patricia Coleman has just started her blog, "Wrentham Times".

I plan on reaching out to meet with her to compare notes but in the meantime, I have added her to the "Franklin Area Blogs" section. This section appears along the right column. Scroll down some to find it. It will show the most recent posting for each of the area blogs listed.

When you visit here, feel free to scroll down the page to see what else is happening amongst the Franklin area blogs.


Friday, October 2, 2009

Senior Center - October Schedule

There are plenty of scheduled activities at the Senior Center for the month of October. With an election coming on Nov 3rd, the candidate forum on October 28th will provide an overview of the candidates.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the web site to review the schedule.

Farmers Market - last month of Friday's


The Farmers Market will be open today from noon to 6:00 PM on the Town Common.

This is your weekly opportunity to help the local economy and to get quality food items. Time is running out. This is the last month the market will be open on Friday's this year.


In the News - sports equipment, Run for Bob, Dean President

There will be plenty to do on Saturday!

Franklin teen wants your sports equipment

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS 

The collection will be held in the Ben Franklin Classical Charter School parking lot at 201 Main St. in Franklin tomorrow (Saturday, Oct 3)  from 8 a.m. to noon. 
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Having fun for a good cause

Registration for the run and walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Putnam Investments at 400 Washington St., Franklin. The first 300 participants will get a T-shirt. The run is scheduled to start at 10 a.m., and the walk at 10:15 a.m. Awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group.

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Dean president to celebrate 15th year tomorrow

Tomorrow’s celebration will take place in the Dean’s Campus Center Atrium at 3 p.m.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Town Council Candidate - Judith Pond Pfeffer

Judy Pfeffer and I sat down recently as part of the series on candidates for election on November 3, 2009. We discussed the four questions I am asking of all the candidates. Judy's answers follow each question.

1 - What is Franklin's big issue? What steps should we take to resolve it?

The big issue is money, always has been and will continue to be.. We don't have enough, we've never had enough, and I don't see any way we're going to increase to raise more funds.  We have some parcels of land that I know we're looking at cleaning up the titles where they might be salable. With the economy the way it is, I don't know how much we can get, if there is any market for them. We would be shooting ourselves in the foot, if we sell off land to have houses built. Any monies realized from sale of town property would not go into the operating budget – could be utilized to pay off some of our debt and reduce our debt burden.  With the average property tax, we are already at a deficit in covering the cost of one child going to the schools. The high school renovation is something that we as a town need to address. If the State allocates funding for us the state will only address 31% of the total cost. The balance of cost is to be paid by the town; this will be a debt in the tens of millions of dollars. That will be a debt exclusion question in which the citizens of Franklin will make the final decision.  So the issue is money!

2 - What is your position on the proposed Charter revisions?

I have been in favor of the Council being on staggered terms but after the presentation given by Paul Cheli, Larry Benedetto, and Michael Walker Jones ( the initial charter review committee appointed by the Council Chair Chris Feeley). I am reconsidering. My concern had been that if all nine were replaced, things would fall apart. Their presentation showed that the Administration would hold things together and that makes sense. I think the citizens like the fact that they can vote everyone out, even though they don't all come out and vote, they like knowing that if they wanted to, they could get rid of everybody. So I have no problem with the Council staying the way it is. I do think all the housekeeping matters need to be taken care of (that Jeff (Nutting) wanted done) to will make things smoother and easier I firmly believe that the Treasurer should be appointed – we are a 100 million dollar business and the treasurer should not be elected by a popularity contest and the most popular person running for the position.

The Town Clerk, I think that should be elected. It is a position that gets involved with all aspects of the people in the town, and is the “face” of the Town of Franklin.. It is not like you need to have a special accounting background, it is something somebody who lives in town should have. I don't think it should be a political position. If you have it appointed, then it is at the whim of every two years, or every four years. .

3 - What use do you envision for the Open Space Fund?

The Open Space Fund, I think we have close to eight million dollars available. We haven't put any money in it the past couple of years. We have used it for the museum and for the library. The money that goes into it comes from the hotel and meal tax. This year we increased that tax amount. I think we should continue to build up the fund. I think we should continue to use it, if we need it, for other capital projects. At some point in time, there is some farm property that may be offered to the Town first because of farm tax abatements which are in effect. These farm properties would be a wonderful place for the Town to purchase.

4 - What is your position on the Financial Planning Committee report? 

The Financial Planning Committee has not come out with their final report yet. We have had different committee do something like this before. The difficulty with it is, you have a group of citizens who often have pre-set ideas on what the Town should do to move forward.  My problem with the draft that I saw is that it seemed to be 99% focused on how not having sufficient funds would effect the schools. A financial plan needs to address all aspects of the town.

There is a Senior Outreach Committee that I am on. What we are trying to do is to keep the seniors in their homes. There are State programs in place that many seniors could utilize and it is not happening. So far we have increased by 20 people in one of the programs so they can get a reduction in their taxes. Many of these seniors have been here their whole life. If the high school renovations go through, even as a debt exclusion, that still increases taxes. Some seniors are making decisions based upon food or medicine. That shouldn't be at this point in time. We are trying to find any way possible so that it would make it easier for them.

I am also on the Housing Trust Committee. We currently have over a million dollars. We are trying to provide down payment assistance to first time home buyers, who are buying within the Town. These houses would always remain affordable by utilization of a deed rider.  We hope to provide at least six down payment assistant payments. That would enable us to buy houses and turn them into homes for families.We need something for the first time home buyers. There are a number of houses now in downtown Franklin that would be good for this. We have forwarded our proposal to the state as we would like to  move quickly to get this approved. .


BACKGROUND

Address:  79 Cottage Street
Age: 65

Education: Franklin High School
                 Framingham State College – B.S. in Education
                 Suffolk Law School – J. D.

Years in Franklin:  63

Positions Held:
Charter Member, Friends of Franklin Elders
Clerk, Franklin Housing Partnership, 1990 to 2009
Member, Franklin Housing Trust
Member, Town Capital Budget Committee (4 years)
Chair, Senior Outreach Committee
Former long term member, Finance Committee
Current Clerk, Town Council

Reasons for wanting to serve on the Town Council

Judy comes from a long line of family members who served the Town; her Uncle Leonard Remington was a long term member of Franklin School Committee (Remington school named after him), her Uncle Connor Pond was a long term fire chief; Mother Maybelle Pond was a long term teacher at Parmenter School; Uncle Walter Crowley was a long time Town physician; Uncle Tom Pond was a former town selectman. She believes that one should give back to their community, and work within that community to make it better for the citizens.



Digital Storytelling

The folks at Common Craft have inspired some students to create an explanation of digital story telling that is done well.




This was originally posted on the Free Technology for Teachers blog here

More on digital story telling can be found here (including a step by step process)

World-Record Kite Event

World-Record Kite Event: "'The New England Children’s Foundation (NE Children’s Foundation), bringing the technology community together to raise funds for grassroots charities benefiting the children of New England, today announced an officially-sanctioned attempt at breaking the Guinness world record for most kites flown simultaneously. The goal of the fundraising event is to simultaneously fly 1,000 kites, to break the current Guinness World Record of 967, established in Germany during August 2008.The family-friendly event will be held on October 11, 2009 and hosted by Patriot Place.'

http://www.patriot-place.com/article.aspx?id=2042
"

golf tourney as scholarship fundraiser

For more information, please check the Wicked Local link:

Jenna Pasquino Memorial Foundation plans golf tourney scholarship fundraiser: "

The Jenna Pasquino Memorial Foundation will hold its first annual golf tournament on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Blissful Meadows Golf Club, Chockalog Road, Uxbridge.

 


In the Globe - FHS Football

How big was the FHS football team victory over Mansfield last week? BIG! First time in ten years and the Globe runs a story on the team:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/10/01/franklin_high_ready_to_keep_rolling/


In the News - hotel tax

The first non-property tax to create additional revenue for Franklin goes into effect today. Read more about this in the Milford Daily News:


Optional meals, hotel tax hikes go into effect in Franklin