Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Live reporting: Finance Committee - Apr 22, 2015

Present: Aparo, Conley, Fleming, Bertone, Dufour, Smith, Heumpher
Absent: Dewsnap, Dowd

Minutes of Apr 7 meeting - amend to reflect date of Apr 22 (not May 22) for vote on Capital Budget
motion to approve as amended, passed 7-0

Jeff Nutting
overview of the school capital budget submission

$159,000 for Chromebooks

for 8th grade - for incoming 8th graders, include in assessments and instructions
prepare for the high school where they use chromebooks on a 1:1 basis
8th classrooms would have chromebook carts, not on a 1:1 basis
some also available at Libraries for checkout options

there are parts of chromebooks available for all grades currently, this would make the systems more available for instructions

management of the apps could only be done to the school devices, personal devices would not be managed, would still be filtered but up to the parents for maintenance

Google classroom targeted for transition, it is a free platform

5 years ago, the iPad didn't exist, 3 years ago the chromebook didn't exist
how far out do you want to look?
learning environment is moving online, so moving to a device that supports that is our intent
nothing else compares to the price performance of the chromebook currently

wearable technology is possible in the future

the good news is we have wifi everywhere


$40,000 Special Education vans

vans provide for cross town transportation to keep SPED students within the district where it makes sense to do so
currently have 10 vans, replacing on a schedule
5 seat wheel chair van - not a super effective vehicle for a spare, 2003 vehicle
looking for a regular SPED vehicle to replace this unit
looking for a full size 9 passenger van
comes fully equipped for child restraints, would put this into the rotation
and move another unit into the 'spare' capacity
the other units are mostly 2009 vintage and in good condition and maintenance

modulars for Davis Thayer

demolition in place, pull power, etc. out before demo
dispose of the concrete, etc. spread and see loam for the grass

PA system at Kennedy School

when Oak St opened, the system in the 'old' Oak St was moved to JFK
the technology is not like any of the other schools, older technology and ready to get replaced

$50,000 for carpeting at Davis Thayer

approx 9 rooms, backed carpet wears well and looks good
1998 the carpet put in was not like this

technology

multi-function printer for Recreation Dept
better to buy rather than lease

wireless in Town buildings, some don't have it at all, those that do have older slower systems
leveraging the quantity purchase to bring the Town buildings up to speed
total of 63 access points across the major Town buildings

high school has 219 access points in comparison


Fire Dept

Chief McCarragher, Dept Chief Sharpe

looking to put the money aside this year to replace them all next year
self contained breathing apparatus
units are 10 years old
want to have all the units the same for ease of use
air regular and mask issued to fire fighters for their own maintenance

cardio defibrillator for the emergency vehicles
we don't take chances with letting these units age, these are life saving
replaced 5 years ago, three units one per vehicle

external defibrillators
carried in all the other vehicles


the proposal would go to the Council for May 6th
looking to get the vote to recommend tonight

10% free cash usually goes to OPEB but with such a bad year, more money proposed to go for roads

holding $600,000 in free cash, DPW is already over $500,000 for snow/ice
if all goes well, we would still be able to come back and use $70K later

FY 2016 budget update
budget sent to printer today, budget letter drafting
could get out next week

asked Council for Jun 10-11 for the budget hearings

revenues based upon the House budget
only changed the Governor's number by a little
the charter school issue was fixed so that helps

the only thing that might change is the amount of money to borrow for the high school
it is a place holder but wouldn't affect the budget vote as it is a 'debt exclusion' amonut anyway

fully funds the four fire fighters previously brought in under a grant

health insurance discussion with the unions Thursday
$8M spent on health insurance, actually a better plan that what is in place today

may need to draw the budget stabilization account for FY 2017
key is what the wage and benefit increases run, with only th 2.5% to count on, there is not much room for anything else
looking for ideas to keep the tax bill down

no word on the arbitration award yet, frustrated that is lasting this long
estimated placeholder in the budget

old business
high school, risk dollars?
fields being built as we speak
baseball softball fields under construction
turf field would like to be done Aug 1
warranty would be expiring unitl Aug 1
baseball softball fields need two seasons of growing before use, spring of 2017
turf field would be available immediately

Oct meeting minutes not yet approved

Q - any question on the safety of the turf fields?
A - nothing has come to the committee level, it is an issue out there but two sides to a story, not a clear answer

make a recommendation on the capital plan?
move the capital plan as recommended by Administrator be approved
passed 7-0

motion to adjourn, so moved,  and passed 7-0

The Ladybug Trek is happening in June!

Guess what's happening this June in Franklin?

A small business scavenger hunt of course!

Ladybug Trek - Franklin's small  business scavenger hunt
Ladybug Trek - Franklin's small
business scavenger hunt
The Ladybug Trek will occur between June 12th- June 30th and will include many local businesses including: Making Whoopie, Elizabeth's Bagels, Franklin Yoga and Wellness, Hillside Nurseries, Emma's Quilts, Jane's Frames, Pretty is Pink, Daddario Hardware, Mac Deli, Salon Sorella, Franklin Art Center, The Cake Bar, Terazza, NHS Printing and Franklin Liquors.

Participants will use a mobile app to follow clues throughout the participating businesses to complete the hunt.

The grand prize will total over $1,000 in gift cards from local businesses. More to come on this event in coming weeks!

This event is sponsored by the Small Shop Co-Op.

3rd Annual Elks Care, Elks Share 5k Run and Walk - May 9


The Franklin Elks, Lodge #2136, is proud to announce the Third Annual Elks Care, Elks Share 5k Run and Walk on May 09, 2015.

The Wounded Warriors Project and the Franklin Food Pantry are the beneficary organizations for this event.

Course Map





Registration Information

Register by Apr 24th to receive a t-shirt on race day

http://franklinelks5k.com/?page_id=13

the finish line as set up for the 2014 race
the finish line as set up for the 2014 race


Results and photos from the 2nd Annual Race can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/elks-care-elks-share-5k-results-photo.html


GoFundMe - Memorial Expenses for Nick Horton

From a loyal member of the Franklin area network:

This may be old news but the young man who drowned in Hopkinton this past weekend was a 2011 graduate of FHS and was well liked and respected by his classmates. Unfortunately, the funeral expenses will be a significant challenge. A friend of the family has started a GoFundMe site to help the family.

The Milford Daily News article can be found here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150419/NEWS/150416039


screen grab of GoFundMe page
screen grab of GoFundMe page

and the GoFundMe page can be found here 
https://www.gofundme.com/se47m8z/donate

Get Psyched for a Hike over Spring Vacation!


My name is Jenn Conyers and I am a Girl Scout and Senior at Franklin High School. I am completing my Gold Award Project which involves mapping the nature trails at Dacey Fields and creating interactive nature trail signs.

Calling all young children who love or want to learn about the great outdoors. Do you like being outdoors or just walking in the woods? Then come join me Wednesday, April 22nd or Friday April 24th for a 45 minute guided tour of the new nature trails at Dacey Fields.

The guided tour is designed for children all ages and abilities. All families or big groups of kids are welcome. There is no cost. 
General tours are at 11am and 2pm however times are flexible. To reserve a spot and for more information please email me at jenny.conyers@gmail.com.

Dacey Community Field - Lincoln St, Franklin
Dacey Community Field - Lincoln St, Franklin

FHS boys lacrosse tops St John's Prep; North Attleboro takes the tennis matches

From Hockomock Sports we find and share the results of Tuesday's activities

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Lacrosse

Franklin, 12 vs. St. John’s Prep, 7 - Final

Jack Vail led all scorers with seven points, scoring three goals and picking up four assists. Kyle Lundgren also scored a hat trick and added two assists while Ben Burke and Justin Miller each scored twice. Head coach Lou Verrochi praises the defensive effort of Mike Sullivan, Alec Borkowski and Sean Lockhart. DJ Shea made 10 saves in net. 

Boys Tennis

Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3 - Final 
Junior Mitchell Dyer pulled off a key win at first singles, winning 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 6-4. North also picked up wins in both doubles matches with Zachary Pfeffer and Barsomo Nuay winnings 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) at first singles and Jeff Yao and Nick Lockavitch winning 6-0, 6-4 at second doubles. Franklin won at second singles with Kyle Pandiscio winning 6-3, 6-4 and Sean Barker winning at third singles 6-0, 6-0. 

Girls Tennis

Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3Final

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday check here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-042115

April Hall at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin presents critically acclaimed jazz vocalist April Hall on Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. The concert, rescheduled from February due to a Valentine’s Day snowstorm, is featured as part of BLACK BOX Jazz, one of four dynamic music series launched this year at the new theater, music and event venue. 
April Hall
April Hall
April Hall takes audiences on a special journey through The Great American Songbook, showcasing the most enduring and influential Golden Age standards of the Broadway stage and Hollywood screen. With her swinging all-star band, Hall interprets our most treasured classics by legendary masters of song to deliver a deeply moving evening of sentiment, humor, heartbreak and romance. Her voice described as "glorious" by The Boston Globe, Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and jazz sophistication. 
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where she received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Performance Award, Hall has done projects for Atlantic Records, under the direction of Arif Mardin, for the legendary Chaka Kahn, Melissa Manchester and Bette Midler and has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and Dinah Shore. Hall’s "Room for Two" was named one of Jazz Times top 50 Jazz Records of 2012. Hall will be joined at THE BLACK BOX by pianist Tim Ray, bassist Mark Poniatowski, saxophonist Tom Hall and drummer Kenny Hadley. 
THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets for the BLACK BOX Jazz event are $20. For ticket purchase or more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Franklin Art Association Spring Show winners

Congratulations to all the winners at the Franklin Art Association Spring Show!

Franklin Art Association - Art Show and Sale
Franklin Art Association - Art Show and Sale



BEST IN SHOW:

Rebecca Skinner for “Falling Down” (Photography)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE:

Diane Choquette for “New England Harvest” (WatercolorW

OIL CATEGORY:

1st Place - Paul Peterson for “A Long Deep Winter”
2nd Place - Dorothy Downing for “Jogging Trail”
3rd Place - Robin Wessman for “Salt Marsh”
Honorable Mention: Richard Fotland for “Sunrise, Tynemouth UK”

ACRYLIC CATEGORY:

1st Place - Aivars Zandbergs for “Winter Glow”
2nd Place - Frank Robertson for “Lucky Lanterns”
3rd Place - Don Iacovelli for “Kids”
Honorable Mention: Lisa Bailey for “High Beams”

WATERCOLOR CATEGORY:

1st Place - Deborah Ryan for “Rain Shower”
2nd Place - Daydre Hamilton for “Solo”
3rd Place - Kris Occhino for “Connected”
Honorable Mention: Jerry Aissis for “Shadows of the Past”

PASTELS/CHARCOAL CATEGORY:

1st Place - Joanne Willoughby for “Perfect Blues”
2nd Place - Susan Pratt Sheridan for “Chappy”
3rd Place - Stacey David for “Buoys”
Honorable Mention: Carol Freiswick for “Hat Shop”

MIXED MEDIA CATEGORY:

1st place - Claire Griffin for “Crocus”
2nd Place - Diana Maley for “Beavertail Light”
3rd Place - Karen Pendleton for “Are You Talking to Me?”
Honorable Mention: Jane Alfieri for “Puppy Love”


PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORY:

1st Place - Margaret Munson for “Spanish Moss”
2nd Place - Judy Belben for “Alley in Yellow”
3rd Place - Marjorie Sardella for “Lamplight Along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway”
Honorable Mention: Guy Occhino for “Lookouts”

FAA photo from their Facebook collection
FAA photo from their Facebook collection
Find additional photos on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc/photos_stream

5th Annual Road Race - Saturday, May 2, 2015


Be part of the effort to develop the Southern New England Truckline Trail (SNETT) in Franklin. 
The 5-mile run, 1.5 or 3.5 walk is sponsored by the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and proceeds go toward development of the SNETT multi-use trail.

Race Details:
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015
Start Time: Run 10:00 am/ Walk 9:45 am
Registration: 8:30 - 9:30 am
Entry Fee: $25 prior to race day, $30 day of race, $15 for students
Start Location/Registration: 628 Washington Street, Franklin (Remington School) 

2014 road race start
2014 road race start


Registration Information here


Results of the 2014 race can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/snett-5k-race-and-walk-results.html

Frankli, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda- Apr 22, 2015

The Finance Committee continues to work through the capital budget with the Fire Dept, Facilities, and the School Dept reviewing their proposals.

If you missed the prior meeting and would like to review the notes and listen to the meeting, you can do that here. (Note, this is the only recording of the meeting available).


The agenda for the meeting scheduled at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 22 can be viewed here:





The April 1 memo to the FinCom on the Capital Budget can be found here

The 'original' capital plan dated Feb 1, 2015.

Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St
Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St


Milford Daily News pubished their recap of the first meeting in part by writing:
A $2.33 million capital budget has been proposed for this fiscal year, including a $66,000 police department request for new Tasers. 
Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said the department currently has 12 Tasers, eight of which are shared among its patrol officers, according to a recording of the April 7 Finance Committee meeting posted on the resident-run news blog, Franklin Matters. 
Unlike most budget hearings, the meeting was not broadcast on Franklin TV.
Continue reading their article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150420/NEWS/150429506/1994/NEWS

AARP Livability Index - leaves out Franklin

Given Franklin's demographics (forecasted to be getting to an older population rapidly), the AARP article caught my eye.
To compile AARP’s new lists of the most livable places in the U.S., it wasn’t only our research that counted—it was also your opinions. The top-10 lists that follow are based on the AARP Livability Index, a new online tool designed to help communities better serve the nation’s aging population. 
To create the index, the AARP Public Policy Institute surveyed 4,500 Americans 50 and older to determine the aspects of community most important to them. We then developed seven categories around those results—housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement and opportunity, taking into account 60 different factors to rate communities in those categories. 
The Bulletin crunched the numbers some more to find which cities and neighborhoods come out on top. We weren’t looking for the trendy or glitzy. We wanted the most livable. You might be in for some surprises.

One surprise is that Franklin gets only a middling score on their rating system.

Check out their Most Livable Cities

Check out their Best Cities for Staying Healthy

And where does Franklin rate?
If you’re like most of us, you probably want to stay in the community where you live now. The AARP Livability Index identifies how well your community is doing. Go to aarp.org/livabilityindex to find out.
AARP Livability Index

The interactive system should allow you to chose up to three communities to compare. Maybe there were too many comparing when I did it, it did not respond. Trying again should be worth it. 


BIG Y: Learn About Prescription Drug Safety and Drug Interactions



Pharmacy Food and Family. April is Prescription Drug Safety and Drug Interaction Awareness. Join Us! Tuesday, April 21st 11am - 4pm.
© Copyright 2015 Big Y Foods Inc., Springfield, MA

This email was sent by:
Big Y Foods Inc., 2145 Roosevelt Avenue, PO Box 7840, Springfield, MA, 01102

Monday, April 20, 2015

Dean Dash 5K - April 25


Welcome to the 2nd Annual Dean Dash 5k Race! This year, not only are we pleased to host Dean College students, alumni, staff, faculty, and family, but we also look forward to hosting our fellow community members in this family-friendly event in celebration of Dean College’s 150th anniversary.

Click here to learn more and to register!


Dean Dash 5K - April 25 - noon
Dean Dash 5K - April 25 - noon

About the Race

The course will start and end from Awpie Way, outside of Dean Hall. You will start promptly at 12:00 p.m. and take a 3.1-mile walk, jog, or run through the quiet residential streets of Franklin. 
Every turn along the course will be clearly noted by a directional sign pointing you down the right path and a hydration station with water and Gatorade will be waiting for you at the 2-mile mark. There will also be course marshals along the route should you need any sort of assistance. 
Upon your return, you will be greeted by Boomer the Bulldog at the finish line and ushered to the serving area where you will get to enjoy a delicious pasta lunch to reward yourself for finishing the Dean Dash.


Chip Timing

Your race bib will contain the MYLAPS B-Tag Timing System, used in the Olympics, Boston Marathon, and Chicago Marathon, to track your time from start to finish. Race results will be published on www.coolrunning.com.


Registration Price

  • Dean College Students: $10
  • Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $15
  • Family/Community Members: $20


Click here to learn more and to register!



This is one of several races in Franklin over the next several weeks. The race information for each will be posted this week.


  • May 2 - FBRTC 5 Mile Road Race
  • May 9 - Elks Care Elks Share - 5K
  • May 17 - HMEA Independence Day 5K Run, Walk and Stroll
  • Jun 6 - New Hope 5K and Family Fun Walk
  • Jun 20 - American Legion Scholarship Run 5 Miles


Franklin Senior Center: “Memory Café” on April 23

The Franklin Senior Center is hosting it’s first “Memory Café” on April 23 from 3-4;30 p.m. 
A memory café is a welcoming place for people with dementia and their care partners to enjoy time together and with others. The café is open to the community and is free of charge. 
There will be socialization, refreshments and often some form of entertainment at the cafés. 
At the April 23 café, Jamie Barrett, a local favorite singer and guitar player, will entertain with some “old fashioned” tunes the participants can sing along to. 
Call the Franklin Senior Center at 508-520-4945 and let them know you would like to attend!
Franklin Senior Center
Franklin Senior Center
For other programs at the Senior Center, visit their webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

or check out their newsletter
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/franklin-senior-center-new-edition-of.html

Kindergarten Information Night Schedule

From the ECDC Principal's Page we find and share the upcoming Kindergarten Information Night schedule.

What is a Kindergarten Information Night?
"This an opportunity for a brief tour of the school and a presentation by the principal and kindergarten team to introduce you to the building, the routines, the curriculum and the expectations for your student."
  • J.F. Kennedy Elementary - May 14th @6 pm
  • Parmenter Elementary - May 14th @6pm
  • Helen Keller Elementary - May 20th @6pm
  • Davis Thayer Elementary - May 21st @6pm
  • Oak Street Elementary - May 27th @6pm
  • Jefferson Elementary - May 28th @6pm

For other ECDC information you can follow the Principal's Page here
http://ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/

the Oak St - Horace Mann schools entrance on a sunny day
the Oak St - Horace Mann schools entrance on a sunny day

Should MA lead or follow?

From the Mass Climate Action Network we share this episode of The Climate Minute
New Governor Charley Baker’s Executive Order 562 would substitute weak federal environmental standards for the existing superior state regulations here in Massachusetts. Based on overheated rhetoric claiming that state regulations are “confusing, unnecessary, inconsistent and redundant” the governor orders “each secretariat, agency, department, board, commission, authority or other body”… “to promptly undertake a review of each and every regulation” and retain only those which do “not exceed federal requirements.” 
The rule means that any Massachusetts environmental regulations stronger than their Federal counterparts will be dropped, and the weaker Federal ones will be used. Our state is a national leader in many areas, including the fight against carbon pollution and global warming. The regulations that embody that leadership are now at risk. If we rely on the Federal regulations, Massachusetts’ environmental policy will be set by the likes of Senator Ted Cruz. Think that is a good idea? There is more. Listen in.




Mass Climate Action Network
Mass Climate Action Network

"our program has grown along with our space needs”

From the Town Council meeting last Wednesday, we find that MDN reports the purchase of the property at 275  Beaver Street was approved.
A property on Beaver Street will serve as the new home for the Recreation Department now that the town has sold its current headquarters on the corner of Emmons Street. 
Earlier this year, local developer Roger Calarese purchased the town-owned parcel at 150 Emmons St., intending to raze the building there and replace it with a 5,300-square-foot commercial property. 
The Recreation Department still occupied the former municipal building, the only holdover from when it housed all of the town departments. Following the sale, a search began for a new location for the department. 
That search ended last week when the Town Council voted unanimously to purchase a property at 275 Beaver St., which contains an office building and a garage, at a cost of $1 million, including renovations.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150420/NEWS/150429776/1994/NEWS

275 Beaver St
275 Beaver St
The agenda for the Town Council meeting and associated documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-apr-15.html

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Video fun day

Video fun day




and in case you missed the original star War trailer released this week:




And a follow up from the alert to the Distracted Driving post earlier this week. Here is the Ellis Paul episode




http://ellispaul.com/
Ellis Paul.com

Three things from the Pantherbook

1 - Jazz Band


On Wednesday, April 15, several FHS jazz music groups performed in the FHS auditorium, including the Jazz Workshop, Jazz Combo, and Jazz Band.  
Here is one excerpt from the concert of the Jazz Band performing the famous Duke Ellington song “Cotton Club Stomp” as directed by Ms. Rudsit. 




2 - TV Production Club

Have you ever wanted to see yourself on the morning news or just want to hone your production skills? 
Either way, Franklin High School’s TV Production Club is the place for you. New this year to any student who has completed a semester of TV Production, Video Production or Digital Journalism, the TV Club offers you the chance to produce fun content for the morning news. 
According to Ms. Moreau, who runs the TV Club, they are working on funny commercials and PSAs ( Public Service Announcements) to make the morning news more interesting. When asked on how she would sell TV Club to an undecided student Moreau said: “It’s fun to work with other students and produce content that you care about.”
Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/ae/2015/04/16/ladies-and-gentlemen-the-tv-club/




3 - YMCA Leaders Club

What’s better than making an impact with your best friends? That’s what the YMCA Leaders club is all about. 
YMCA Leaders Club
YMCA Leaders Club
The Leaders club is a great way to get community service hours because members are required to get at least six hours a month, but it is also a great place to make friends and build lifelong relationships. 
One of the advisors of this club, Nate Packert, said: “We give back to the community through volunteering our services where needed. We are a group of thoughtful committed people who are trying to make a change for the world around us.”
Continue reading the Pantherbook article here
http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2015/04/15/helping-the-community-one-leader-at-a-time/

Franklin Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available



A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.



Choosing Medicare and Medigap Plans - Apr 30
Choosing Medicare and Medigap Plans - Apr 30



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