Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Nick Alfieri: Why the Conservation Commission Requires a Permit to Work In or Near Wetlands



Franklin residents and contractors commonly ask, “Why do I need to file for a permit in order to do this work?” which is often followed by “This is my property and I have the right to do whatever I want”, or “How can this work affect those wetlands over there?” You may be thinking similarly, so how does working in or near a wetland resource area effect residents of the Town and why should we care? To answer, we all must have an understanding of the science behind wetlands, what they are and how they perform, as well as an understanding of social responsibility and public policy.

Wetlands are lands saturated with water, year round or seasonally, and act as the transition zone between land and water. Aside from the presence of water (or hydrology), the limit of wetlands are determined by particular soil types, vegetation, and topography, creating a unique ecosystem. This unique ecosystem has the ability to control floods by acting like a sponge to contain and absorb floodwater, which can alleviate property damage and loss and can even save lives. In addition, wetlands filter excess nutrients that threaten rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, and provides critical habitat which can often be used for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and bird-watching.

Despite all the benefits provided by wetlands, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands each year to invasive species of plants and animals, pollutants, and global climate change. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) was created to protect against this loss and degradation. The functions and characteristics of wetlands that the WPA seeks to protect fall into three main categories, water quality/water supply and pollution protection, storm damage and flood control and wildlife habitat and fisheries protection. By protecting the functions and characteristics of wetlands in Franklin, the businesses and residents are protected as well.

When someone buys property in Franklin, they buy the land, the structures on the land, and they buy a set of conditional rights and responsibilities tied to the property. In Franklin, Zoning is the best illustration of this because all properties in Franklin are subject to the Town’s Zoning Bylaw that outlines the rights of the property owners based upon zoning district, regulates building setbacks, open space requirements, building heights, etc. It is the property owner’s responsibility to know what and how they can build in their respective zoning district to ensure compliance. People who own property within Conservation jurisdiction also have unique rights and responsibilities.

Conservation jurisdiction is any area of wetlands, streams or water bodies and their corresponding buffer of 100 ft for wetlands and most water bodies, and 200 ft for a perennial or year-round stream. If your property falls within this area and you intend to do work within any of these areas, it is your responsibility to file for a permit with the Conservation Commission in order to ensure that the vitality of these areas is protected.

Not only is it your responsibility to file for a Conservation permit, but it is your responsibility to preserve and protect the functions and characteristics of the associated wetlands where you intend to do the work. You are a Steward of those wetlands for the good of all residents of Franklin.

If anyone has questions or comments they can call the Franklin Conservation Department at 508-520-4929, or just stop in between 8:00 am till 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and speak with someone directly.

Nick Alfieri, Franklin Conservation Agent 

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 11, 1892


Snowed a little to day, cool. Chored about. Sent a bbl. apples to Norwood. Elmer went back to Ashland this morn.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 10, 1892


Pleasant & cool. At home all day. Chored about. Elmer cooked a chicken for us. He went to ride with Emma this eve.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

Budget Workshop - Weds, Jan 11, 2012

As announced during the Jan 4 Town Council meeting, there will be a budget workshop for Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and open to the Franklin public to participate.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Jan 11 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers and is also reported to be broadcast. Participation in the room can guarantee your input, questions and answers are addressed.

Watch as Councilor Tina Powderly mentions this workshop at the end of the Jan 4th meeting at about 39:00 minute mark
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=rXB9VmkYdGYwNuGB9%2fgS1g%3d%3d

Note: about the 27 minute mark, Councilor Tom Mercer (and School Building Committee Chair) provides an update on the increased (and final) reimbursement amount for the project at 59.52%.

High School Building Project - new design photos

A few additional design photos showing the proposed 'model school' for Franklin High School are now available:



These were originally posted to the Franklin School Building Committee webpage


Additional information on the high school building project is all collected here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the photos or visit Franklin Matters on Facebook

"endorsed the final site plan"

The Milford Daily News reports on the Planning Board meeting Monday night:
D’Errico’s final site plan calls for an eight-apartment building next to his existing 10-unit building, with a parking lot between them, and access from Winter Street. 
Neighbors came to nearly every meeting over the last several months, but publicly spoke at only a few of them. Their initial complaints were about whether the buildings fit with the neighborhood. Recently, neighbors have worried that under the new plan, trees will be removed and reveal a large, red, factory-like building on adjoining property. That building has been there for years. D’Errico does not own that building. 
Planning Board members agreed with residents, rejecting the proposed apartment building in 2007 and again in March 2011, before D’Errico re-introduced it in June 2011. 
The final site plan endorsed last night has a lower roof, slightly fewer paved parking area, and features about 75 trees and shrubs.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1178907480/Franklin-board-backs-apartment-plans#ixzz1j3C8rGFB

Franklin Public Library: eReaders and eBooks

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/9/12


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Monday, January 9, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 9, 1892


Pleasant & warmer. Aaron Canney helped me load a load of 935 lbs. hay. I carried to M.M. Daniels, then I put up a bbl. apples & carried to Mr. Finley 7 1/2 bus turnips to F. E. Hancock & got 25 lbs. candy & 10 bags grain.


In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

"2.3 degrees warmer than normal"

The Milford Daily News has an article about how the warmer weather and lack of snow cover is allowing the local communities to do some work that otherwise would wait.

In Franklin, children can enjoy a renovated baseball field at Davis Thayer Elementary School thanks to the warm weather. Crews recently replaced a clay infield with one made of stone dust that requires less maintenance, Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said. 
“Because of the storms or lack of funding, it never got to the top of the list,” Cantoreggi said. “Now, we had some time.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1266412661/Warm-weather-helps-area-towns-get-work-done#ixzz1ixN01Uph

Reminder: Christmas tree pick up this week!


Natural Christmas trees will be picked up curbside the week of January 9th on your normal trash and recycling pick up day. Make sure they are within 3 feet of the curb and out the day before. Artificial trees and/or trees with decorations, tinsel, lights or other ornaments will not be picked up.

This was posted to the official Franklin page here

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda, Jan 10, 2012

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."


1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 13, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mrs. McIntyre
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: 1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Franklin Rotary Club President, Archie Acevedo (dictionary donations)
b. Annie Sullivan Middle School Anti-Bullying Award
c. Fall Sports Teams
d. FHS Update
e. Capital Plan FY 2012

3. Discussion Only Items
• Concussion/Head Injury Task Force Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from David Kerman for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from David Gennaro, Jr. for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School.
c. I recommend approval of the FHS Music Dept. trip to UNH, Clark Terry Jazz Music Festival on March 10, 2012 as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring FHS Music Dept. trip to NY City on April 28 & 29, 2012 as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the FHS Wrestling team trip to Middlebury, VT on 12/27 & 28/11 for a competition as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the FHS Wrestling team trip to Bennington, VT on 1/14/12 for a competition as detailed.
g. I recommend approval of the FHS Wrestling team trip to Easton, PA on 1/20-22/12 for a competition as detailed.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from EMC for the FHS Robotics Club.
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an executive desk from Maria Murphy for the Franklin Public Schools.
j. I recommend acceptance of the donation of dictionaries for all Franklin 3rd graders from the Franklin Rotary Club.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,085.00 from Vicario Studio for in-house enrichment at Franklin High School.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueder’s Environmental, Inc. for the Franklin Public Schools.
m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer for the Jacqueline A. Schaeffer Theatre Arts Memorial Scholarship at FHS.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Heqalth Care for supplemental curriculum materials at Remington Middle School.
o. I recommend approval of the FY2012 Capital Plan as outlined.

5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s 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

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 8, 1892


Pleasant & cool. Chored about home. Elmer went up to Mr. Hunt’s & worked about home & c & c. I killed a rooster this eve.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 



When you give to charities, who really gets your money?

When the Franklin Food Pantry did its first phone-a-thon during 2011, it was an all volunteer effort that resulted in a 100% yield to the Food Pantry. Dean College provided access to their phone bank and over 40 volunteers made calls to about 2400 Franklin households. The full story can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/06/franklin-food-pantry-says-thanks-to-you.html


Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff on 1/7/12

The phone rings during dinner. It's a professional solicitor, calling to raise money for the local police union. The smooth talker convinces you to donate $100. You write out a check. Here's what you might not realize: Only $37 goes to the union, which uses the money to support youth sports teams and the local food pantry. The fundraising company gets the rest — all $63 of it.

Things you can do from here:

In the News - rail crossing, man falls



Franklin rail crossing malfunction fixed





Rhode Island man falls from Franklin roof

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 7, 1892


Very pleasant & cool. Ground covered with snow. Elmer is at home to day & filed saws & worked a lot we partly put in the new cellar door & c. I am a little better. Wrote to Alvah this eve.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

"it’s spurring some interest"


The site consists of three lots: Wendy’s, which occupies a building allowed to have a drive-through; one parcel on which Daddario will seek a sit-down restaurant; and a third parcel on which he will seek a tenant hoping to use an office building. 
“(There) was a lot of controversy with it,” Daddario said. “There was some initial disappointment with having to lose Taco Bell.” 
“Now we’re excited to get some more serious interest in the other two parcels and get it full, so we’re going to keep moving forward.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1266412437/Builder-making-progress-on-Knights-site-in-Franklin#ixzz1ili91oXe


Friday, January 6, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 6, 1892



Cloudy, & began to snow before 10AM. Very driving snowstorm turned to rain before night. Done my chores, & see to the trains for Willie, & went & got a passenger at Bea Whitney’s place ( the nurse there). Elmer came home to night in the cars at 4:35.



In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html



“I think they understand it and respect it"


To those who have played for Spillane, it is no surprise that Franklin has been a perennial contender in Division 2, advancing to the state final at TD Garden last March before dropping a tough-to-swallow 2-1 loss to Tewksbury. 
His rules are simple but highly respected. Younger kids are intimidated but the older ones make sure everyone sticks together. 
It’s a rare day that Hall or fellow senior captain Nick Bertoni doesn’t see Spillane, dressed in his police uniform, in the high school hallway. 
“During the day, you’re going to be a good kid with coach always around,’’ Hall said. “He definitely gets that respect.’’
Read the full article in the Boston Globe online here

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Vera Meyer returns to the Historical Museum


The Franklin Historic Commission will celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday by welcoming back Vera Meyer and her Glass Harmonica to the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday January 22nd. 29th


updated 1/18/2012 - with the realization that the Patriots playoff game would be a conflict with this event, it was postponed one week to Sunday, Jan 29th. 

HistMuseum_Vera

The public is invited to the Museum to enjoy the sounds of this unique instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. It is based on the idea of simply rubbing a wet finger around the rim of a glass. Vera Meyer plays a variety of compositions on this beautiful glass instrument, some specifically written for it, including works by Mozart and Beethoven. 
Ethereal, haunting, mystical and ghostly are just some of the words used to describe the sounds of this rare instrument. Come and hear it for yourself Sunday January 22 during regular museum hours 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Light refreshments will be served in celebration of our town’s namesake’s 306th birthday. The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin.



Related posts:

Jan 24, 2011
The Franklin Historical Museum celebrated Benjamin Franklin's birthday with a musical performance by Vera Meyer on the glass harmonica (invented by Ben in 1761. I'll have a more complete write up on the afternoon during ...
Jan 30, 2011
Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play. I hope she is able to come back to the museum in the future. The instrument is special and her ...

For this one, you can skip ahead to about 9:00 minutes to hear Vera play the glass harmonica


Wadsworth Diary - Jan 5, 1892


Very pleasant & cool, AM. A little better. Done the chores & c. Went up to Herman’s, & see Geo. He is about sick.


In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html

"a significant state reimbursement"


“It’s very exciting,” Mercer said. “Certainly we weren’t expecting the increase. We thought we were set at 57.94 (percent).” 
As of yesterday morning, the state has locked in its reimbursement rate at 59.52 percent.
This means that, should voters approve a debt exclusion override tentatively set for March, local taxpayers would pay about $45.5 million for an estimated $104.5 million school. 
The School Building Committee began the process of getting a new high school through the state’s model school program after scrapping the idea of renovations last July. Renovations alone would have been too costly with too little reward, committee members said at the time.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x987654169/State-to-pay-more-for-new-Franklin-High#ixzz1iZzBFVcm

Related posts on the proposed new high school can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

"heating assistance programs began chaotically last fall"


The state Department of Housing and Community Development raised the maximum benefit for the poorest heating oil customers from $675 to $1,025, a 52-percent increase. 
People who receive fuel assistance funding for natural gas or electric heat will see the maximum benefit nearly double, from $275 to $525. Benefits vary depending on a client’s income. 
State housing officials said two shots of federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program made the increase possible. 
But advocates warn that even after these increases, the state still has less money available for fuel programs than last year, when heating costs were lower.


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1896001494/State-increases-benefits-for-low-income-families#ixzz1ia2uBdAB

2011 sales tax holiday saved consumers estimated $20.98M

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 1/4/12

DOR has released its final report on the 2011 sales tax holiday weekend that occurred on August 13-14, estimating that the amount of sales tax revenue foregone was approximately $20.98 million, exceeding the estimate of $19.9 million from the 2010 sales tax holiday weekend.

Last summer, just prior to the holiday, DOR issued a preliminary estimate of $20.5 million in potential savings to consumers from the holiday weekend.

The most commonly asked question about this report is why can't DOR say precisely how much sales tax revenue was foregone to the Commonwealth and saved by taxpayers.

Sales tax is reported to the Commonwealth no later than the 20th of the month following. For example, information on December sales tax collections will not be reported until January 20th.
Retailers do not list individual transactions by date when they report that data,  but simply lump together the entire amount of taxable retail sales for the month, and then apply the 6.25 percent sales tax and forward that amount to the Commonwealth.

As a result, DOR receives no reporting on the volume of taxable or untaxable sales on any given day or days. Individual retailers undoubtedly have some information on this, but they are not required to share it with DOR.

So in the absence of hard data, DOR estimates using the methodology outlined in the report.

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Wadsworth Diary: Jan 4, 1892


Very pleasant and cool. Have done but little, besides the chores, am about the same. E. Simonds here, gave me grapefruit.


In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html

New MassBudget Report: The State of Working Massachusetts



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The State of Working Massachusetts 2011 
For workers across the country, 2011 was yet another year of economic struggle. MassBudget's end-of-year assessment, "The State of Working Massachusetts 2011," shows that while Massachusetts has shared in this hardship, it also differs in some significant ways.
  • Our economy is performing better than the rest of the country.  In 2011, Massachusetts workers earned higher wages and Massachusetts families experienced less poverty than their peers in other states.
  • We have the best-educated workforce in the U.S. Over the past thirty years, the percentage of our workers with a four-year college degree has more than doubled. And those gains in education have helped make us one of the highest-income states in the nation.
Unfortunately, there is one area where Massachusetts looks very much like the nation as a whole: inequality. Using the very latest data, we show that in Massachusetts, as elsewhere, the gap between the highest-earners and everyone else has been increasing over time.


MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |  
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"We outgrew our space"


A Hopkinton manufacturer of storage systems for life sciences and laboratory companies is constructing a new 51,000-square-foot facility in Franklin, where it expects to house 55 jobs and add more in the coming years. 
Hamilton Storage Technologies recently received approval from the state for a tax increment financing plan, or TIF, worth $190,000 that the Town of Franklin had previously approved in September.

The company expects to spend $16 million to construct the facility on Forge Parkway.

Read more in the remainder of the column in the Worcester Business Journal

This is a follow up to the news and transactions around the Town Council approval for Hamilton Storage Technology





In the News - free concerts, tax bills


Free concerts in Franklin


Franklin tax bills mailed



MBTA: Fare and Service Proposals, Public Outreach

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 1/3/12

MBTA ReviewMassDOT today released proposed fare increase and service reduction plans for the MBTA aimed at closing a projected $161 million budget gap for fiscal year 2013.

Earlier estimates projected the gap would total approximately $185 million for FY13.  The MBTA has taken aggressive steps to reduce that deficit: reducing energy purchase costs, planned introduction of single person train operation on the Red Line, encouraging MBTA employees to enroll in more affordable health insurance plans and other operating and administrative efficiencies.  However, growing debt service costs associated with capital projects, significant increases in maintenance costs for an aging fleet and higher costs for the RIDE mean additional solutions are necessary.

The proposed fare increases and service reductions released today are aimed at closing the FY13 deficit.
MBTA Fare Scenarios

"While the MBTA continues to identify and adopt strict measures to close the budget gap, less costly ways of doing business and additional revenue-generating measures are necessary," said MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey. "I am confident with the public's involvement in this process we can review the study, propose recommendations, and together generate new revenue to continue the progress the MBTA has made in serving its customers."

In order to fully engage transit users in the process, the MBTA will host more than 20 public hearings over the next several months. A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA's Board of Directors this Spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012.

In addition to rising operating costs, annual revenues continue to be insufficient to fund the system.  Sales tax revenue allocated to the MBTA has increased by only 0.08% annually since fiscal year 2001, resulting in growing budget gaps since the orginal projections were made with the expectation of forward funding. While the MBTA was a beneficiary of the 2009 sales tax increase, the annual growth in sales tax revenues is not enough to address continuing increases in the cost of service on all modes.

"With MBTA ridership at record levels, the demand for the services we deliver is unquestionable,"   said Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis.  "I look forward to an open and transparent public process that will lead to recommendations on how we can continue to satisfy demand while addressing the T's financial crisis."

As only one of two transit properties in North America that has not raised fares over the last five years, the MBTA has worked hard to identify ways to save money and reduce costs, while improving customer service.  From investments in accessibility improvements to use of modern technology to improved transparency, the MBTA is committed to responding to the needs of its customers.

The Fare Increase and Service Reductions Study will be available on Wednesday, January 4 at www.mbta.com.

The MBTA's public outreach process begins immediately with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma  02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.  20 Public meetings including one hearing will be held beginning January 17 through March 6.  A complete list of meetings times and locations is now available at www.mbta.com.

Things you can do from here:

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign"


"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign 
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind 
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"
http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/five_man_electrical_band/signs.html


One proposed by-law change starting to work through the process this week will affect what we see all around Franklin. The Planning and Community Development Dept has already reworked the regulations and updated the definitions to help the discussions around what it will mean.

The Town Council will refer it to the Planning Board where they will review, take input during a public hearing and after making potential adjustments send it back to the Town Council. Back at the Town Council, there will be two readings (and associated discussions) before it is voted on.

The section from the Town Council agenda highlighting changes:
Changes from Previous Bylaw 
Enforcement and Pre-existing Signs 
The proposed Sign Bylaw now clearly defines the Building Commissioner as the entity who will
permit all signs, oversee installation, ensure compliance and remove non-compliant signs,
regulate their maintenance, and initiate penalties. Pre-existing signs are grandfathered unless
they were being displayed in violation of the existing Sign Bylaw. Pre-existing signs will remain
as such until a new sign is displayed or any modification to the existing signage is made, then it
must conform to the new Sign Bylaw. 
The proposed Bylaw also addresses many issues that the previous Bylaw left unaddressed.
One such issue the Bylaw now clearly defines is the role and responsibilities of the Design
Review Commission. In addition, the proposed Sign Bylaw now address a more defined
process for appeal of Design Review Commission decisions or appeals of a decision issued by
the Building Commissioner. 
Temporary Signs 
The current Sign Bylaw addresses several types of temporary signs and the extent to which
they are allowed. The proposed Bylaw clearly prohibits most temporary signs except real estate signs, political signs and non-profits if displayed in Municipal sign displays located throughout the Town. New business owners would be permitted to display one temporary sign for up to 30 days during the opening of the business.


Where did those lyrics come from? Enjoy!




The proposed bylaw can be found on beginning on page 10 of the document here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/011812.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 4, 2012


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Master Plan Committee
David Dobrzynski
Christine Apicella
Gregory Rondeau
Norm Ristaino
amended during meeting to add Gene Grella and Nathan Carlucci
It was also noted that Steve Whalen resigned from this group

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-01: Acceptance of Gift – Red Brick School
2. Resolution 12-02: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-666: Amendment to Chapter 185-5, Zoning Map, Biotechnology Uses Overlay Zoning District –
2nd Reading

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

Wadsworth Diary: Jan 3, 1892


Very pleasant & quite warm, ground & pond clear of frost.My cold or grip is about the same. I do my chores & not much more. E. Simonds here.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html


“It’s always the money"


Vallee said he would like to see the town explore more economic development opportunities, especially on town-owned land between Interstate 495 and Pond Street. 
The land is zoned for industry but Vallee said condominiums may be a more viable option. If built out with condominiums, the land could bring in $800,000 in tax revenue without adding many children to the schools, he said. 
Vallee said he’s also glad to see development occurring along Rte. 140 at the former Knights of Columbus Hall and Franklin Buffet restaurant. 
“A lot of little things are happening,” he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x987652853/Budgeting-the-big-challenge-for-area-towns-this-year#ixzz1iOGbLx7g

“Staying fit and active"


Sue Barbour, program coordinator for the Franklin Senior Center, warns seniors of the consequences of remaining immobile. 
“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” she said Friday. “It’s the truth. I tell them all the time, get up and move.” 
In Franklin, Barbour said line dancing and other classes have had a good turnout for years, but hopefully, even more will join in the New Year.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1896000094/Area-centers-want-to-keep-seniors-active#ixzz1iOIICWmC

Healthy Eating Cooking class!!

Hey all another Healthy Eating class is coming up!! Hope to see some of you there ;)
Thursday, January 12, 2012 6:30pm until 8:00pm
New Year New You!!!

6:30-8pm, Thursday January 12th- $10 fee

Come see us at The Fitness Asylum in Shrewsbury 56 Summer Street, Shrewsbury MA for a Healthy Eating cooking class! Join Karen and Terri our Healthy Eating Specialists to learn how to prepare food following... our 4 Healthy Eating Pillars: Plant Strong™, Whole Foods, Healthy Fats and Nutrient Dense. This fun filled Cooking Class will demonstrate how to master the art of healthy cooking by preparing foods to be lighter in calories, more nutrient dense and packed with flavor! See how to prepare vegetables to peak flavor while maximizing vitamins and minerals. Get great tips on portion control. Raw-Vegan techniques will be highlighted to save time and ultimately get you to eat more vegetables! Three will be plenty of samples to go around so bring your appetite! 
Please call The Fitness Asylum to sign up and reserve your spot: 617-967-0042 www.fitness-asylum.com



--
Karen M Ring
CPT / Health Coach / AADP

www.karenmring.com
karenmring@gmail.com

Monday, January 2, 2012

Franklin, MA: Historical Commission


Purpose 
The Historical Commission provides for the preservation, protection, and development of the historic and archaeological assets of Franklin. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Library Room of the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St.
The activities of the commission encompass many areas including: research on places of historical or architectural value, working with the State Archaeologist in conducting surveys and reporting on sites, supporting educational activities, establishing historic districts, providing information for genealogical searches, and operating and maintaining the Franklin Historical Museum. 
Membership 
The Commission consists of seven members who are appointed for three-year terms. Additionally, Associate memberships are available for anyone interested in town history by contacting the Town Clerk's office or any member of the Historical Commission.
Additional information on the Historical Commission can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Historical/historical


Heralding in the New Gardening Year

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Growing In Franklin by Franklin Community Gardens on 1/1/12


A visit to the King Street Garden today in short sleeves, 55 degrees and sunny!

***

Happy New Year, Gardeners!

***

Are you getting your seed catalogs yet?

Making resolutions?

To-do lists?

Sketching out garden plot plans?

The real spring will be here before we know it.

***

If to-do lists are your thing, Listen Up:

The Franklin Community Garden Committee is seeking additional members.

Prove your Passion. 

Get Involved!

(Once a month, sometimes twice, usually a Monday evening, 6:30, at the Town Hall.)

Next meeting slated for Monday, Jan 9th at 6:30 

Resolve to be there!

Dig In!

It's going to be another great year.

(Just like last year, only better.)

***

Thanks in advance for your help!

***



Things you can do from here:

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Wadsworth Diary: Jan 1, 1892



Pleasant & cool. Have done but little besides the chores, but feel a little better than I did yesterday. Elmer came home to night. He rode over with Arthur Miller.


In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.

From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html


Franklin, MA: Long Range Financial Planning Committee

The Long Range Financial Planning Committee is one that has changed considerably in the last 14 months. It started as a committee with representatives from the Town Council (3), School Committee (2), and Finance Committee (2). In December 2010, it was reformed as a committee completely made up of 'citizens' - that is residents with no other direct board membership. 


Vision
The Long Range Finance Committee is a citizen advisory group tasked with helping citizens and Town officials better understand Franklin’s long-term financial outlook and the various courses of action available to secure Franklin’s financial future.

Mission
The Committee will achieve this vision by (i) evaluating and reporting on the Town’s five-year financial projection, (ii) assessing the nature and potential magnitude of the Town’s significant financial risks, particularly those that give rise to a structural deficit, and (iii) recommending steps to close the gap between future expected revenues and expenditures in an effort ultimately to achieve fiscal sustainability.


Additional information and links to the reports issued by the committee can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Long%20Range%20Financial%20Planning%20Committee



One of the papers made available to candidates for office in the Franklin November 2011 election was as follows:


Financial Challenges in Franklin:
Informing Public Debate in Advance of the 2011 Town Elections
Prepared by the Long Range Finance Committee



Introduction
As we approach the 2011 Town election cycle, candidates and voters alike have an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to residents of Franklin. Understandably, the pre-election dialogue gravitates toward timely matters that are likely to be voted upon in the near term or simple topics that can be answered in a few sentences. The downside of this dynamic, however,is that we often overlook the more complex challenges the Town of Franklin is facing. The purpose of this document is to help candidates and voters appreciate the nature and magnitude of Franklin’s growing financial challenges. We summarize the key issues and highlight resources that will help inform public debate.
Summary of Key Issues
In October 2009, the Long Range Finance Committee issued a report on Franklin’s financial outlook for the period from FY 2010 to 2014, finding that Town and School services are declining steadily because costs are rising faster than revenues (a “structural deficit”) and warning that this trend would continue indefinitely if not addressed. The Committee recommended that town leaders: (i) agree on the problem; (ii) develop a comprehensive, multi-
year plan for achieving a services neutral budget, and (iii) improve transparency and accessibility of financial information. 
Over the past two years, the economic recession has compounded the problem, and the financial outlook for Franklin, along with cities and towns across the Commonwealth, has deteriorated. Preliminary estimates show that expenses for existing Town and School services are on track to outpace revenue by 8-10% of the Town’s total operating budget over the next 5 years. This projection does not include additional expenses that will be required to address the Town’s aging infrastructure and begin funding its significant OPEB (other post-employment benefit) obligation. The residents of Franklin, together with Town officials, determine when and how these complex financial issues are to be confronted. The 2011 election cycle is the ideal time to move this discussion to center stage. 
How to Prepare for Discussions about Franklin’s Long Term Financial Outlook?
1. Read the “Five Year Financial Outlook” prepared by the Long Range Finance Committee in October 2009. An Executive Summary and mid year update are also available. These materials can be found on the Town of Franklin website.  Reports
2. Learn about OPEB. The Town currently follows a “pay as you go” approach for its OPEB obligation, which means it pays the minimum costs incurred in that year even though this minimum is insufficient to meet the future obligation. Across the Commonwealth, municipalities are assessing whether to continue “pay as you go” or to move towards fully funding the future obligations. In Franklin, the FY 2010 funding shortfall was approximately $5M or 5% of the operating budget, based on an $80M unfunded obligation. White papers and other general information can be found on the web. We have not recommended any specific resources in order to avoid linking ourselves with any particular political point of view that may be associated with the authors or sponsoring organizations. 
3. Compare Franklin with other towns. The Committee’s “Five Year Financial Outlook” compares Franklin to neighboring and peer towns across a wide range of relevant categories, including sources of revenue, municipal spending and school spending. If you prefer to do your own comparisons, considerable data is available on the web as follows: 
a. Massachusetts Department of Revenue Mass DOR
b. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Department of Education
4. Follow the activities of the Long Range Finance Committee. The Committee is currently focused on four topics: (i) long-term infrastructure requirements, (ii) post-employment benefit obligations, (iii) legislative impediments to addressing the structural deficit, and (iv) benchmarking the residential tax burden. The Committee’s meeting schedule is also available on the Town’s web page and posted in Town Hall.

Franklin, MA: Health Department


Mission Statement: 
The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well-being of the community, in accordance with federal, state and local public health laws and regulations. The Franklin Health Department's responsibilities include inspecting and permitting new and repaired/upgraded individual septic systems, witnessing percolation testing, biannual inspections of all food service and retail food establishments, investigating complaints of public health nuisances, enforcement of the state sanitary code relative to housing, licensing of children's recreational camps, inspection of semi-public swimming pools and spas, tanning salon and manicure/pedicure establishment inspections. The Health Department also issues permits for individual private drinking water and irrigation wells.
Additional information on the Health Dept and the Board of Health can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Health/index