Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee

Present: Whalen, Hardesty, Nutting, Zollo, Sabolinksi, Mason, Rohrbach, Bartlett, Morrison, Cameron (late)
Absent: Roche, Trahan

Meeting opens

Agenda -

  1. Whalen update on his analysis with additional columns added
  2. Review forecast
  3. Override question
  4. Meeting schedule

    1 - Whalen added several columns to pull in the students and teacher populations for the communities already being compared to

    Teacher salary ranks higher than others but that is and has been a deliberate choice of the School Committee to ensure that the best teachers are here.

    Hiring teachers in specific subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Science, Math, Biology and Special Education have tended to be higher cost because of the demand and experience for their skill set.

    Still need to look into Wrentham, Southboro and other communities were they are not K-12 districts.

    According to the DESE numbers, Franklin is now under the State average in all 11 categories tracked at the state level for per pupil spending

    2 - Moving to the forecast numbers

    use 5% for the municipal interest rate for the model, 20 year term for the debt service for the high school
    might have some start in 2012 but realistically it should be 2014-2015

    We'd need to take say 5 million for the architect, there would be a small impact to the tax payers for that, then a year or so we'd take some for the construction schedule, maybe 20, then 30 and roll it all up. The shovels wouldn't go into the ground right away and then it would take time to finish.

    On the state aid forecast, there are three plans - best case, moderate, worst case. Discussion around assuming 0%, moderate a 3% drop, worst case a 5% drop (for 2013, with 2014 flat)

    Chapter 70 is formula driven

    Our purpose is to forecast what is reasonable and likely, it may not be accurate but who knows what it really will be.

    There is also the economic factor, it may simply continue down due to the state not figuring out their economic problems

    Will need to adjust the local receipts as they are primarily excise taxes and not likely to increase as drafted, more likely to remain flatter and then gradually increase

    Local receipts are income based - building permits, license fees, etc.
    likely to be flat this year, next and then increase gradually

    Property tax should be adjusted to show more of a difference between best case and worst case

    Discussion on how to handle the deferral, can't really change the number because it was forecasted and shown previously. Not changing the number so that it matches the prior report, should make it easier to handle the updates via footnotes or a reconciliation report.

    As a long-term planning group we want to provide a baseline and reasonable assumptions for the forecast, we can't be changing the numbers every time there is a new hunch or change in the numbers.

    2012 and beyond, salary assumption is for historical rate of growth
    There is virtue in picking the historical average, it is defensible and everyone can "get it". What other numbers could be used would be open to much more speculation.

    The bottom line in the whole report is that business as usual is not sustainable here in Franklin.

    When you weigh in Hopkinton, Medfield, Sharon and Hudson they are the only ones where their performance is close to our results. The teachers are compensated well. We are spending our bang for the buck on student performance (i.e. MCAS) which we will see in our housing values.

    Current contracts are running 2-3 percent over three years. Everybody seems to be getting at least one zero. In years past, everybody got 7-9 percent over three years. Not now.

    Even if we assume no raises, there is still a deficit to be dealt with. The problem is bigger than salary increases.

    Policy of Council is to spend 3.5% of the general fund revenues. So as the general revenues increase according to the forecast, then there would be a corresponding increase.

    Doug will update the numbers based upon the discussion and send around an update.

    3 - Override question
    2 councils have endorsed the long term plan
    The "O" word is such a sensitive issue
    The report has established credibility (the numbers this year are close to accurate)
    Spell it out that the prior recommendations have been unable to avoid further deficits.
    The alternative this year should be a consideration for the citizens to make a choice between cuts and an increase.

    Need to open the door for the discussion, presenting the facts
    Get to a multi-year strategy for 2011 and beyond
    Need to mitigate the financial risk of being #1 in State Aid and 28th in terms of local revenue generated amongst our peer communities.

    4 - Target for report update at Apr 28th Council meeting
    Jeff provides budget update at Apr 7th Council meeting
    When to schedule the Finance Committee review? Should include them as a preview on the report before going to the Council.

    Discussion on scheduling another meeting before the 28th, 14 or 21st possible, chose not to schedule a meeting for now. Can schedule one if necessary.



    Franklin, MA

    Notice the new menu?

    Maybe I am longing for spring to really arrive. Yes, April showers bring May flowers but did March need to drown us? Anyway, I am trying out some of the new features available for this Google blog.

    Did you notice the new menu?


    Located just below the header "Franklin Matters".

    You'll now see a series of pages available to get to specific sections quickly.
    • The "Home" link will get you back to the top page from where ever you are.
    • The "Welcome" page will house the audio slideshow I did to help you navigate around the page. (Yes, I'll need to update it now that I have added this menu.)
    • The "Why Franklin Matters?" page combines why I do this as a public service with my disclosure posting.
    • The "Weekly podcast" page will get you to the Franklin Matters Weekly podcast posts. It should be easier to find a particular week there. All the details are still here but mixed with all the other posts.
    • The "Meeting Notes 2010", "Meeting Notes 2009", and "Meeting Notes 2008" do the same thing for each calendar year. They provide the link to each meeting or event that was reported on.
    • The "Important Links" brings above the fold easy access to other key links.

    I hope this works better for you.

    If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com



    Zoning Board of Appeals - Agenda - 4/1/10

    The Zoning Board of Appeals has their agenda posted to the Town website here (PDF) 

    There are three major items on the agenda with hearing scheduled for the following time periods:

    7:30 PM 
    Lot 6A Miller St – Miller Street Realty Trust, Edward Kaiser, Trustee

    Applicant is seeking a building permit to build a single family home on a lot that has 109.19 feet of street frontage where 125’ is required and lot width of 56’ where 112.5’ is required. This building permit is denied without a variance/special permit from the ZBA.



    7:40 PM
    691 East Central Street - Dan VanRoon

    Applicant is seeking a special permit/variance to increase impervious coverage from 18.4% where the max of 15% is allowed in a water resource district. The by-law only addresses industrial and commercial zones up to 60% with a special permit. This building is in a Residential I zone and the coverage will be 19.6%. A variance/special permit will be needed from the ZBA for relief.


    7:50 PM
    56 Pine Street - Hope Hotchkiss and John Shea

    Applicant is seeking building permits for three additions to a SFR home. The building permits are denied without variances from the ZBA for constructing an addition on the front of the house with a side setback of 20.1 where 25’ is required and a front setback of 36.5 where 40’ is required. Construct an addition on the side of the house 23.7’ from side setback where 40’ is required. Construct an addition on rear of house 37.6’ from front setback where 40’ is required.



    Franklin, MA

    Phil's Phriends - 8th Annual Live Music Silent Auction - April 9th


    Join us for our 8th Annual Live Music Silent Auction, April 9th, at Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxborough, featuring live music from THE Average White Band and Sugarfoot and the Brass Kicking Horns. Help Phil’s Phriends raise funds to fight cancer through the Pan Mass Challenge and the Jimmy Fund.
    Tickets are only $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Limited tickets are available, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. To reserve tickets, click here.
    We look forward to you joining us for a great event. The doors to Showcase Live will open at 6:00pm. At that time you will be able to order food and beverages, preview auction items and make initial bids. The Average White Band will take the stage at 8:00pm and play until 9:30pm. At that time, we will open the silent auction bidding for 1 hour. At 10:00pm Sugarfoot and the Brass Kicking Horns will take the stage and complete the evening.
    All ticket sale proceeds bought from Phil’s Phriends will be donated to the PMC and Cancer Research. All tickets bought through the Showcase Live Box office will be for the Average White Band Show and will not be considered a donation. Auction item bidding will be open to the entire crowd at Show Case Live. Please help Phil’s Phriends support our young PMC pedal partner – Emily Taylor – by raising money for cancer research. We look forward to seeing you at the event and thank you for your support!
    The Average White Band are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi-grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. Sugarfoot & The Brass Kickin’ Horns is a 7 piece band with male & female vocalists and one of the finest horns sections around. The band plays the absolute best funk and dance hits from all eras including Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Journey and many more.
    To get tickets, click here.





    You can subscribe to the Phil's Phriends blog to get regular updates as they prepare for this year's Pan Mass Challenge  http://philsphriends.wordpress.com/


    Franklin, MA


    Tuesday, March 30, 2010

    David Dobrzynski of Franklin - recognized by CRWA

    The 2009 CRWA Stewarship Award recipients are Ken Moraff, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Mary Griffin, MA Department of Fish & Game; Richard Claytor, Horsley Witten Group; volunteer David Dobrzynski of Franklin ; and volunteer Maureen Febiger of Wellesley
    I'll second the motion!

    David has been a good volunteer and advocate for the Charles River Watershed Assoc. I met him last year at Whole Foods in Bellingham as he coordinated the efforts of the volunteers to cleanup. He has provided the early alert on the clean up day this year.

    Way to go David!

    Read the full article on the Charles River Watershed Assoc event planned for Mar 31, 2010 here.


    Franklin, MA: arrest made

    An Easton man was arrested yesterday on a warrant for last week's armed robbery of the Tedeschi's Market on Union Street. 

    Ronald J. Doherty, 25, of 181 Purchase St., was recognized by Easton police from the surveillance image of Doherty captured early Thursday morning, Deputy Chief Stephen Semerjian said. 
    You can read the full article at the Milford Daily News here

    The Franklin Police had released surveillance video last week.


    Where were you on Feb 19th?

    Can you recall without looking at your calendar?

    65 years ago, my father - then a 19 year old US Marine, had landed on the black volcanic shores of Iwo Jima on February 19th, 1945. Fierce fighting took place above and below ground on that island until March 26th.

    On or about March 26th, yes, 65 years ago, Jerry made his way to the beach to await a landing craft to board, to take him back to the safety of a ship, and then back to Hawaii. Solid food, shower, clean clothes for the first time since Feb 19th. Mission accomplished.

    From Jerry's Story

    Jerry is the one circled.

    Jerry talked about his time in the Pacific at the VA Home in Bristol, RI on Thursday. He spoke without notes. He spoke deliberately and in detail. I complimented him on it after and he said "I left out a few stories". One wouldn't have noticed.

    You can view that talk on Jerry's Story here.

    And when you think back on what you were doing on February 19th.
    Okay, you can go look at your calendar.

    And when you reflect on all that you did in the time since then, think of the men who fought on Iwo Jima (in particular as this is their time for remembering) and those who fought elsewhere, and thank a veteran for their service.

    The one line I was expecting to hear from Dad at the VA Home, I actually was surprised to not hear Thursday. Whenever he has talked about his time there, and until recently - this was not often, he would usually close with: "The real heroes did not come home."

    Are there any Iwo Jima veterans in Franklin?

    Please let me know.


    Note: this was originally posted on Steve's 2 Cents here


    Crowd sourcing real time data

    What does that mean?
    What would you do if you heard a giant boom and you didn't know where it came from? If you're like thousands of people in Portland, Oregon, you might hit Twitter and Google Maps to participate in the city-wide exploration of a slightly frightening mystery. Last night at about 8 p.m., people in a big part of the city felt their windows shake and no one could tell them what caused it.
    Some folks in Portland, OR collaborated to combine their Tweets with updates to a Google Map and help to pin point a city park where the explosion seemed to originate. The police, also following on Twitter, checked out the park and did find remains of a bomb.

    Read the full post including detailed maps and screen shots here



    Franklin, MA

    Using Google Tools

    Do you know how to use the free tools available from Google?
    This guide avoids some of the obvious things, like using Google Docs for collaborative writing, and instead focuses on some of the lesser-used Google tools options like publishing an online quiz using Google Docs. In all there are 33 pages containing 21 ideas and how to instructions for creating Google Maps placemarks, directions creating and publishing a quiz with Google Docs forms, directions for embedding books into your blog, and visual aids for accessing other Google tools.
    The full post and guide can be found here

    My thanks to Richard Byrne for doing this.



    Franklin, MA

    Monday, March 29, 2010

    FM #62 - Week ending 3/28/10

    This is #62 in the series for Franklin Matters. Let's take less than 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends 3/28/10.


    Time: 7 minutes, 30 seconds



    MP3 File

    Session Notes:

    This internet radio show or podcast is number 62 in the series for Franklin Matters.

    Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin as the week ends Sunday March 28th.

    In this session I cover four meetings Planning Board, Finance Committee, the School Committee meeting and the Financial Planning Committee that occurred this past week.

    "encourage people to shop downtown"

    "We wanted to be part of the rebuilding of downtown, we think that's a very very exciting thing," she said. "But there are a lot of challenges to being downtown, the most predominant one is people don't think of downtown as a place to shop."
    Phil Bellino, owner of Bellino's Italian American Dining on 30 Main St., agrees there's not much business from neighbors.
    Bellino, who has been in Franklin for over two years, was the part owner of the now-defunct Vallee's Italian Restaurant in Woonsocket.
    Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

    While the article is depressing, it should be noted that while Art Beat is closing Cafe Dolce opened Dolce Express and Maguro House opened both within the past month. There are reasons to go downtown.

    Yes, parking is an issue. Yes, I am concerned about the move to the 2-way street. As a commuter and frequent users of the train station, how long will it take for folks to get out of the station parking lot with 2-way traffic? I am looking forward to the additional planning sessions that were announced but not yet scheduled (that I know of) to participate in the downtown planning process.

    For the record, I am a contributing member of the Downtown Partnership and United Regional Chamber of Commerce to help understand the needs of businesses, especially because business reflects the heartbeat of Franklin.


    Franklin, MA: FHS entries to video contest

    via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 3/23/10

    RMV Kaprielian Dance Don't Chance 2010Dozens of Commonwealth high school students and schools have answered the call on YouTube and posted their best safe driving videos.

    MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian last month joined Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), to announce the 2010 "Dance. Don't Chance" statewide teen safe driving video contest to encourage a safe prom/graduation season.

    Teens wrote, produced and submitted 60-second videos on safe driving and avoiding underage drinking.

    Now, you can check out the more than 50 videos on YouTube here. The winning video will be announced next month. The winning school receives a Dream Prom package provided by contest sponsors.

    Learn more about the contest. 

    There are two entries from Franklin High School

    1 - http://www.youtube.com/promshorts#p/u/14/d7-km2zk6rA

    2 - http://www.youtube.com/promshorts#p/u/15/0yYH1kRFKBo



    Sunday, March 28, 2010

    Franklin, MA: Moving the Museum

    Many volunteers came out to help move items from the Historical Museum on Washington St to the new location downtown.


    The large display cases were a challenge to move. Trying not to tip and disturb the contents. Then getting it into the vehicle. Alan Earls and Kai Olsson position this one in Steve Whalen's vehicle.


    Jim Dacey and partner tried to fit this carriage in but it just wouldn't make it. It did get moved with another vehicle.


    The former Town Hall, former Senior Center, newly refurbished will be a good location for the precious historic items. This is a view of the main space. Brown paper covered the floor to protect it during the move.


    As the items arrived at the new museum, they were sorted to go upstairs to the main floor or down into the basement. From there, the items will get into a display location for the opening in May. Or remain in storage for display in the future.


    The sled was the subject of some conversation as it was carried. Fortunately, the weather although cold cooperated to help make the move a success. There is still work to do but the good are mostly in the new building and ready for suitable display.



    Thanks to all who helped move. I can hardly wait to see the final product.

    Franklin, MA: 1997 Master Plan

    During the Planning Board meeting on March 22, Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom mentioned that the 1997 Master Plan is scheduled for an update.

    The 1997 Master Plan can be found here
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/initiatives/master/index

    The information on the update to the Master Plan can be found here
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplan

    Other Planning and Community Development documents can be found here
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/current



    Welcome


    Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this audio slide show

    Check Out Student Safe Driving Videos

    Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


    via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 3/23/10

    RMV Kaprielian Dance Don't Chance 2010Dozens of Commonwealth high school students and schools have answered the call on YouTube and posted their best safe driving videos.

    MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian last month joined Mary Elizabeth Heffernan, Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), to announce the 2010 "Dance. Don't Chance" statewide teen safe driving video contest to encourage a safe prom/graduation season.

    Teens wrote, produced and submitted 60-second videos on safe driving and avoiding underage drinking.

    Now, you can check out the more than 50 videos on YouTube here. The winning video will be announced next month. The winning school receives a Dream Prom package provided by contest sponsors.

    Learn more about the contest. 

    Things you can do from here:

    Saturday, March 27, 2010

    Earth Hour: 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    8:30 to 9:30pm local time, hundreds of millions of people around the world will switch off their lights and participate in Earth Hour, the largest climate awareness event ever held. As climate change will effect people on every continent, we think a united, global call for action to address the problem is needed.



    Quote from the Google Blog here

    Franklin, MA

    Franklin, MA: Express Line #7

    The latest Express Line newsletter from Franklin has just arrived via my email Inbox. You can view the file here

    or on the Town website here
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_AdminNews/

    You can subscribe to receive your own copy here
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news



    Curbside Yard Waste Collection

    Franklin’s Curbside Yard Waste Collection will be held on Saturday April 17th, May 1st and May 15th


    Be sure to have all material in paper bags, trash barrels or cardboard boxes.  


    Brush must be bundled and shall not be more than 4 feet in length and 6–inches in diameter.  


    DO NOT USE PLASTIC BAGS THEY WILL BE REJECTED



    Franklin, MA

    HMEA 5K Race/Walk - May 23rd

    The Horace Mann Education Associates - HMEA, Inc. is located here in Franklin, MA but their effective service delivery is to over 100 communities in MA.

    HMEA has a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and now serve over 2400 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services include: Residential, Day and Family supports, and services for children.

    HMEA's Employment Programs provides people with disabilities the opportunity to pursue meaningful employment either on a full- or part-time basis. For people in the Employment Program who work part-time, HMEA encourages volunteering for community organizations, or leisure and recreation activities to supplement their day.

    HMEA's Employment Programs serve people 22 years of age and older who live within the commuting distance of program locations in the following cities and towns: Bellingham, Clinton, Hopedale, Plainville and Worcester

    The annual fund raiser for HMEA is the 5K Race/Walk and Family Fun Day scheduled for May 23, 2010.
    SAVE THE DATE...Sunday, May 23, 2010 HMEA's 9th Annual Independence 5K Walk/Run in the Park - MARK YOUR CALENDARS and grab your sneakers to participate in this "Fun-filled Family Day fundraising event...
    This event, which is hosted by our good friends at EMC2 Corporation in Franklin, MA gathers 2,000 or more people to help HMEA continue its mission to make a difference in people's lives. AND, all the money raised is returned to the many programs at HMEA, which supports 2,400 children and adults with intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities.
    Once again we have Gene Lavanchy from Fox News25 and tentatively Gail Huff from WCVB-TV Channel performing hosting duties for us. And our great friends and inspiration to many, "TEAM HOYT", Dick and Rick will be on hand again this year -- plus we're pretty sure there will be a few other celebrities and mascots on hand as well!
    So come on down and participate in the fun...there's raffle prizes, food, tee shirts for participants (while they last), prizes, a Kids Corner filled with games and activities, a Kids "FUN RUN" and so much more... 


    In addition to working the road race registration table (and providing splits at the 2 mile mark), I have decided to help HMEA do some fund raising this year.

    I love the quote from Horace Mann that they use on their History page:
    "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity"

    You can help the HMEA make a difference with a donation. I have a widget in the center column of this and my other blogs, should you choose to donate an amount within your means.

    I will appreciate it.
    The HMEA clients you help will too!

    -----

    If you would like to register for the race you can do so here
    http://www.hmea.org/events.html

    If you'd like you can contribute in one of several options directly through the HMEA website here
    http://www.hmea.org/donations.html



    Friday, March 26, 2010

    Robbery suspect sought (video)

    The Franklin Police just made a brief video available as they continue their search for the suspect in the robbery of the Tedeschi's at the corner of Union/King Sts.




    Franklin, MA: Attempt to identify armed robbery suspect depicted in video. Please call FPD Detectives if you know who this is. 1-508-528-1212




    Franklin, MA: Master Plan

    The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is in the preliminary planning process to update the Town's 1997 Master Plan.  The DPCD is currently creating a Master Plan outline that will act as a guideline for the next 12-18 months during the completion of the Master Plan.  After this guideline is reviewed and approved by the Planning Board, Town Council and Town Administration, the DPCD will begin work on the Master Plan, which will include the formation of a Master Plan committee.  The Committee is likely to be formed in the Spring of 2010 and will need volunteers from the Franklin Community.  Please check back regularly for updated information regarding the status of the Master Plan process as well as future ways to leave public comments regarding the Master Planning process.


    WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN?

    According to Chapter 41 Section 81D of the General Laws of Massachusetts a Master Plan is:

    “A statement through text, maps, illustrations or other forms of communication, that is designed to provide a basis for decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality…”

    A Master Plan consists of the following elements as defined by the M.G.L. Chapter 41 Section 81D.

    • Land Use
    • Housing
    • Economic Development
    • Circulation
    • Open Space and Recreation
    • Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources
    • Community Services and Facilities
    • Goals and Policies
    • Implementation


    The information above was from the Franklin Planning and Community Development Master Plan page on the Town website

    Franklin, MA

    Franklin, MA: Absentee ballots available - Precincts 2, 3 and 4 only



    ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.
    ONLY PRECINCTS 2, 3, AND 4 ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE

    Absentee Ballot Information:  Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office.  A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon the day before the election:
    • absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
    • physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
    • Religious belief.
    All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted).  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900.   



    TOWN OF FRANKLIN ELECTION NOTICE

    SPECIAL STATE PRIMARY ELECTION

    DATE:  TUESDAY, April 13, 2010

    TIME:   6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.

    PLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL FIELDHOUSE ON OAK STREET
                                        ALL PRECINCTS




    Franklin, MA

    2nd Fund Raising Event for Abbey Candy House





    FRIENDS of the ABBEY
    In 
    SPORTS AND SONG







    Come join with us in Sports


    MATT LIGHT

    PATRIOTS Offensive Tackle
    (Six Division Championships, Four Conference Titles,
    Three Super Bowl Championships)
    AUTOGRAPH SIGNING –  PATRIOTS MEMORABILIA


    Come join with us in Song

    AYLA BROWN
    – former American Idol finalist from season 5:
    (Boston College Eagles Basketball)



    SILENT AUCTIONS, RAFFLES, DOOR PRIZE
    ADMISSION: ADULTS $10.00
    Children Free - Cash/Checks only



    Where: Lake Pearl Luciano’s
    When: April 11, 2010
    2:00 to 4:00 P.M.
    Creek St., Wrentham, Ma.

    Mt. St. Mary’s Abbey – 300 Arnold St. – Wrentham, Ma. 02093
    Phone: 508 528 1282 Web www.msmabbey.org

    Boston Globe West: Schools put clamps on bullying

    Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


    via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Rachel Lebeaux, Globe Correspondent on 3/24/10

    In response to high-profile bullying incidents in other communities and in advance of pending state legislation, school officials in Franklin have set up an antibullying task force, making it the latest local district to tackle the sensitive issue.

    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:


    To be fair to the efforts of the Community Health Council that are and have been underway in this space for sometime, this is an 'extra' effort by the School Committee. 


    The Community Health Council has been active in this space with great progress being made particularly in the cyberbullying arena with Teenangels. Teenangels is a group of Franklin middle school students who under the guidance of 
    Lisa Keohane have been getting formal training, developed a questionnaire, an anti-bullying pledge, visited the State House and are about to take their efforts to students throughout the Franklin school system.




    Additional information about the Community Health Council efforts can be found here.


    The full and current Community Health Council "action plan" can be found here:
    http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/co/Debbie/Community%20Health%20Council/2009-2010%20CHC%20Action%20Plan%20March.pdf

    Thursday, March 25, 2010

    That's not cool!

    That's Not Cool is a website designed to teach young adults that online and mobile phone behavior is real behavior with real consequences. That's Not Cool has three primary features; videos, discussion forum, and call out cards. The video section features video clips called Two Sided StoriesTwo Sided Stories use puppets and stop motion to portray examples of cyber stalking. The discussion forum is called Talk It Out. In Talk It Out students can comment on stories and exchange comments about issues around cyber behavior. Call Out Cards are small posters featuring slogans and statements about cyber stalking behavior. Call Out Cards can be downloaded from That's Not Cool. In addition to the three main features, That's Not Cool provides students with resources and contacts if they think they are in an abusive relationship or are being cyber stalked.

    The videos are cool. They are also interactive in that the choices at the end of each lead to other videos!



    Have you talked about cyberbullying with your teen?


    Thanks to Mr Byrne at Free Technology for Teachers for the link to this site.

    Franklin, MA

    Wednesday, March 24, 2010

    Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee

    Present: Jim Roche, Scott Mason, Sue Rohrbach, Steve Whalen, Doug Hardesty, Deb Bartlett, Brendan Morrison, Jeff Nutting, Shannon Zollo (late)
    Absent: Roberta Trahan, Rebecca Cameron

    Oct 8th 2009 minutes to be approved, motion to approve, passed.

    Motion for Doug Hardesty to be chair, seconded, passed
    Held off on other positions until some of the paperwork gets through to make the revisions to the committee "official".

    The mix of the committee will now be

    • 3 members of the Town Council (Mason, Whalen, Zollo)
    • 2 from the Finance Committee (Roche, Cameron) 
    • 2 from the School Committee (Trahan, Rohrbach)
    • 3 citizens (Bartlett, Hardesty, Morrison)


    First objective of this meeting to hear from Jeff Nutting on the budget update and start from there

    estimated total revenues

    • FY 09 - 88.3  
    • FY 10 - 89.0 
    • FY 11 - 88.6 


    The FY 11 numbers are based upon Senate numbers, House numbers have not yet been released
    overall 4% decline with local receipts and state aid

    State Aid maybe a little higher with local receipts a little lower
    Will have a better handle in 2-3 weeks when Legislature makes some decisions
    House Ways/Means budget usually available around school vacation

    Usually the House number doesn't get lower so it can be used as a baseline

    Total Town deficit currently about 3.3 to 3.5M (combined Town and Schools)

    The FY 10 budget has the deferred cost of living increase (COLA) wage increase for the brief portion of June for the last pay period into July 1. The FY 11 does not have anything currently budgeted for COLA increases for any of the "to be negotiated" agreements with the bargaining units.

    Town departmental budgets will be coming in flat with increases only in areas where known expenses have increased (i.e. gasoline cost up $100,000 over last year).

    Positions where folks have left (resigned) have not been re-filled with new folks.

    Steve Whalen provides an update on his spreadsheet with the comparisons amongst the 31 communities
    Franklin is 3 of 31 in population growth; Hopkinton for example grew at a faster rate although less in total.
    Franklin is 22 of 31 for per pupil spending, 9,995; 2 years later up only $400 but sunk to 28th
    - Wrentham needs to be looked at, it maybe a K-8 district (i.e. King Phillip Regional has the high school)

    Franklin was 13th for teacher salary, now we are at 5th (due to the teacher reductions on the lower end of the salary scale). The School Board has also acknowledged keeping the teachers in a competitive position as that affects the student performance in the classroom

    2009 property tax bill 22nd then, 22nd now

    residential tax burden was 25th, still 25th

    to give a general sense of how much debt we have, we haven't changed position, hence we are well managed

    Franklin is 20% below the medium on tax burden but we are 76% above the medium on State aid returned to the community! This is the significant issue that will hurt us until we lessen our dependence upon State Aid.

    the next two sheets break out by towns with single vs. split tax rates
    the consequences of the decision to remain with a single tax rate need to be fully understood.
    we are ranked 11th on tax rate for communities where they do have a split tax rate.
    we are ranked 12th on tax rate for communities with a single tax rate
    we have a lower tax burden and lower tax rate against comparable communities with either a single or split tax rate.

    we are trying to do something that is impossible, to have a really low tax rate and a high quality of living

    we are a well run, efficient, lean town that doesn't have a lot of taxes.
    27 communities are sacrificing more (i.e. paying higher taxes) to get less results (i.e. MCAS performance) than we are getting

    the biggest exposure we have is our reliance on State Aid.
    need to find a way to make these numbers human readable

    After Steve's update the discussion turned to overall process:

    • What annual date should we have as a target to update the full set of numbers?
    • How do we incorporate an update with what the forecasted numbers were? need to tell the story on the reconciliation (where we were vs where we are)
    • Extend the analysis by a year.
    • Need to also update the progress on the action items


    What is the timing for bringing this to the Town Council as part of the budget process?
    Should be ready for the Apr 28th meeting

    next meeting 3/31/10 7:00 PM



    Franklin, MA

    Franklin, MA: Finance Committee Mtg 03/23/10

    The collection of audio recordings for the Finance Committee meeting of Tuesday March 23, 2010 can be found here:



    Video was also recorded but due to a technical glitch (operator error, oops!), the video did not capture the audio at the same time. Fortunately, the backup audio recording did perform wonderfully and that is made available here.

    Franklin, MA

    FM #61-4 Finance Committee 03/23/10

    This is the fourth and final segment for the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday 3/23/10

    Time: 26 minutes, 49 seconds



    MP3 File


    Session Notes:

    This internet radio show or podcast is number 61-1 in the series for Franklin Matters.

    This special recording is from the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday March 23, 2010. It was held in the Training Room on the 3rd floor of the Municipal Bldg. The School Committee meeting was being held in the Council Chambers so there was no planned cable video production.

    I did manage to broadcast the video and record that however, the audio feed was silent. Doesn't do much good for folks to sit and watch about an hour of folks sitting around a table and not being able to hear what they are saying.

    Fortunately, I did have a separate audio recording to capture the meeting and I draw on that to share the meeting here.

    The meeting will be split into four sections:

    1 – to cover the opening and the discussion around the first appropriation for the Board of Assessors

    2 – to cover the Parmenter Solar Panel project

    3 – to cover the capital budget which was split into two votes, for for 2,009,000 for the overall capital needs of the town and the second setting aside 100,000 into a fund to accrue for the eventual replacement purchase of a new fire engine.

    4 – the final section will cover the discussion on the overall FY 2011 budget schedule, additional questions from the committee members, and then the closing of the meeting.



    For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158


    As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
    If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
    If you don’t like something, please tell me
    Thank you for listening!



    For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

    If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

    The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

    I hope you enjoy!

    FM #61-3 Finance Committee 03/23/10

    This is the third of four segments for the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday 3/23/10

    Time: 16 minutes, 51 seconds



    MP3 File


    Session Notes:

    This internet radio show or podcast is number 61-1 in the series for Franklin Matters.

    This special recording is from the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday March 23, 2010. It was held in the Training Room on the 3rd floor of the Municipal Bldg. The School Committee meeting was being held in the Council Chambers so there was no planned cable video production.

    I did manage to broadcast the video and record that however, the audio feed was silent. Doesn't do much good for folks to sit and watch about an hour of folks sitting around a table and not being able to hear what they are saying.

    Fortunately, I did have a separate audio recording to capture the meeting and I draw on that to share the meeting here.

    The meeting will be split into four sections:

    1 – to cover the opening and the discussion around the first appropriation for the Board of Assessors

    2 – to cover the Parmenter Solar Panel project

    3 – to cover the capital budget which was split into two votes, for for 2,009,000 for the overall capital needs of the town and the second setting aside 100,000 into a fund to accrue for the eventual replacement purchase of a new fire engine.

    4 – the final section will cover the discussion on the overall FY 2011 budget schedule, additional questions from the committee members, and then the closing of the meeting.



    For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158


    As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
    If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
    If you don’t like something, please tell me
    Thank you for listening!



    For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

    If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

    The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

    I hope you enjoy!

    FM #61-2 Finance Committee 03/23/10

    This is the second of four segments for the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday 3/23/10

    Time: 6 minutes, 15 seconds



    MP3 File


    Session Notes:

    This internet radio show or podcast is number 61-1 in the series for Franklin Matters.

    This special recording is from the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday March 23, 2010. It was held in the Training Room on the 3rd floor of the Municipal Bldg. The School Committee meeting was being held in the Council Chambers so there was no planned cable video production.

    I did manage to broadcast the video and record that however, the audio feed was silent. Doesn't do much good for folks to sit and watch about an hour of folks sitting around a table and not being able to hear what they are saying.

    Fortunately, I did have a separate audio recording to capture the meeting and I draw on that to share the meeting here.

    The meeting will be split into four sections:

    1 – to cover the opening and the discussion around the first appropriation for the Board of Assessors

    2 – to cover the Parmenter Solar Panel project

    3 – to cover the capital budget which was split into two votes, for for 2,009,000 for the overall capital needs of the town and the second setting aside 100,000 into a fund to accrue for the eventual replacement purchase of a new fire engine.

    4 – the final section will cover the discussion on the overall FY 2011 budget schedule, additional questions from the committee members, and then the closing of the meeting.



    For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158


    As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
    If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
    If you don’t like something, please tell me
    Thank you for listening!



    For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

    If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

    The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

    I hope you enjoy!

    FM #61-1 Finance Committee 03/23/10

    This recording is the first of four segments from the Finance Committee meeting on 3/23/10.

    Time: 23 minutes, 42 seconds



    MP3 File

    Session Notes:

    This internet radio show or podcast is number 61-1 in the series for Franklin Matters.

    This special recording is from the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday March 23, 2010. It was held in the Training Room on the 3rd floor of the Municipal Bldg. The School Committee meeting was being held in the Council Chambers so there was no planned cable video production.

    I did manage to broadcast the video and record that however, the audio feed was silent. Doesn't do much good for folks to sit and watch about an hour of folks sitting around a table and not being able to hear what they are saying.

    Fortunately, I did have a separate audio recording to capture the meeting and I draw on that to share the meeting here.

    The meeting will be split into four sections:

    1 – to cover the opening and the discussion around the first appropriation for the Board of Assessors

    2 – to cover the Parmenter Solar Panel project

    3 – to cover the capital budget which was split into two votes, for for 2,009,000 for the overall capital needs of the town and the second setting aside 100,000 into a fund to accrue for the eventual replacement purchase of a new fire engine.

    4 – the final section will cover the discussion on the overall FY 2011 budget schedule, additional questions from the committee members, and then the closing of the meeting.



    For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
    http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158


    As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
    If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
    If you don’t like something, please tell me
    Thank you for listening!



    For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

    If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

    The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

    I hope you enjoy!