Saturday, March 6, 2010

Can't go? Watch on the web!

What is Government 2.0?

Government 2.0 Camp New England is an unconference about using social media tools and Web 2.0 technologies to create a more effective, efficient and collaborative government.


Who should attend the Gov 2.0 Camp New England?

Anyone interested in improving government through social media and Web 2.0 technology should attend, including government employees, elected officials, students, researchers, and citizens of all types. The purpose of the conference is to share innovative projects and brainstorm new ideas.


Watch Gov 2.0 Camp New England live: http://bit.ly/gov20ne


PS - I will be attending and will report back during the day, if connections are available, or at least a recap after.
 

In the News - Historical Museum

Member Deborah Pellegri said the commission will move into the renovated Franklin Historical Museum March 27 and is preparing for a May 15 grand opening.

"We're excited and pleased it's come to this point, and we think people are going to be very happy with the way the museum has turned out," Pellegri said.

Franklin Historical Museum set to open in new spot

from The Milford Daily News News RSS


I have volunteered to help with the move on March 27th, why don't you consider joining us?
"Many hands make light work."

Send an email to Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us


Job Fair at Bristol Community College - Attleboro Campus

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce and Self Help, Inc. Employment Opportunity Center is sponsoring a Spring 2010 Job Fair at Bristol Community College - Attleboro Campus, 11 Field St. on Wed., March 24.


The job fair runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration for the event is at 8:30 a.m.

Employers can meet and greet potential employees by exhibiting their businesses. There is no cost to the United Regional Chamber of Commerce members for a space. The cost to non-members is $50.

To request an exhibit registration form, call Michael Tartaglia at the Self Help, Inc. Employment Opportunity Center, 508-588-4049 ext. 117 or email MTartaglia@SelfHelpInc.org.

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



Friday, March 5, 2010

Trash pickup in action

Thanks to Jim Robinson, a fan of the Facebook Franklin Matters page for prompting the search of YouTube for a video of the trash truck in action.

Thanks to Parker, for getting his parents to make this video because he likes the trash truck to come and take the trash.

This process would be similar to that coming later this year. We would have two containers, one for trash and one for recycling.



Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video of the trash truck making a pickup.



What do you think about the Franklin Area Bus service?

Franklin has issued a survey and is looking for your feedback on the Franklin Area Bus service, also know as GATRA.


The bus has been running the same route for two years, and the town wants to improve that route if necessary.

The survey is available on the town Web site, franklin.ma.us.

Assistant to the Town Administrator Maxine Kinhart asks people to print out the survey, and either

(1) fax it to 508-520-4903
(2) drop it off at the library
(3) Planning Board Department of the Municipal Building
(4) send it to her at 355 East Central St.

Business After Hours at Dean College



The United Regional Chamber of Commerce will have a Business After Hours at Dean College, Library Learning Commons, 99 Main St., Franklin on Thurs... March 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Expand your business network by attending this event. Register for the Business After Hours by calling 508-222-0801, 508-695-6011 or 508-528-2800. The cost for the event is $5 for members (three for $10) or $10 for non-members.

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



Note: I am a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce! This is not a paid ad, this is a public service announcement. The heartbeat of Franklin is good business.

"the council receives fewer and fewer recommendations"

Scott McIntyre, a certified public accountant for Melanson Heath & Co., said unlike some of his clients, Franklin was fiscally stable in 2009.
"I think it's a very good report," McIntyre said.
He told the council that the reports didn't show a significant shift from fiscal 2008 numbers, including the town's general fund, which recorded a $3.4 million balance.
"I haven't been able to say that about all my clients," he said.
Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

The business transacted during the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 3rd can be found here.


Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dolce Express Ribbon Cutting

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon ceremony Wednesday morning, March 3rd for Dolce Express. They just opened in the former Choo-Choo Stop location at the Franklin/Dean Train station.

What was the ribbon ceremony like? This video will get you a good feel for it.




Town Council Mtg - 03/03/10

The collection of posts reported live from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, March 3rd can be found here:



Harlem Wizards return to Franklin!

The Harlem Wizards, one of the greatest basketball show-team organizations to ever “lace it up and let’em fly”, will play our own Sullivan Rockets. This will be an entertaining night for kids of all ages (and adults too)!

From Franklin Matters

Did you miss their visit last year?



Don't miss it this year!

Date:  Friday, March 19th, 2010, 7:00 PM
Doors Open 6:00, Game Time 7:00

Location: Tri-County Regional High School
147 Pond St, Franklin MA

Tickets: Click here to print ticket order form

Contacts: ayotte_k@verizon.net or erinclong@comcast.net

Sponsored By: Annie Sullivan Middle School PCC






In the News - scoreboard

Franklin school's board scores a facelift

from The Milford Daily News News RSS


Pictures of the scoreboard during the restoration process can be found here


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Live reporting - closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS
regionalization of dispatch?
Nutting - no change in recent months



M. NEW BUSINESS
none


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - concern about the roads given the weather condition, the DPW is working the issue, there are some limitations with what can be done (can't patch in the rain).

Jones - thanks to Davis Thayer, I presented the scoreboard to them today
Thanks to Karen Spilka who held a session at the Senior Center
then we went to Dolce Express to do a ribbon cutting for their new effort at the Train Station

Vallee - we should do an engineering plan for RT 140, whoever does that is usually inline for state funds, etc.

Whalen - do towns bond for road repairs?
Nutting - you can bond for a new road for 10 years, you can only do for road repair for 5 years, so by the time its done you'd be better off paying cash.






O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not required

P. ADJOURN

motion approved 8-0



Live reporting - actions (cont'd)

5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map- 1st reading

motion to move to second reading, approved 8-0

6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses- 1st reading
motion to move to second reading, approved 8-0 


Live reporting - audit

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Presentation of Audit – Melanson Heath & Co.

The audit went well, no adjustments necessary
A significant estimate, an actuarial valuation to calculate the liability
Most readers will look to general and stabilization fund and not pay much attention to this unfunded liability

Page 14, 3rd number in the column
was 3.2 M is now 3.9 M virtually unchanged given the size of the overall operations

Page 16, 1st column, 3rd up from the bottom
$220,000 change in fund balance, given size of the budget this is an insignificant number

Page 16, 2nd column, stimulus money
amount coming in is the same as that expended

Page 18, budget vs actual page
attention to last column of numbers, midway down
total revenue and other sources 2.8 M less
most as result of cuts from 9c cuts of 3.5M
most of the offset was covered by the stimulus funds

effectively washing expenditures off against the stimulus

implemented the new accounting liability
Page 12 - designed to shown a long term perspective balance sheet
Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities, a little over 10 million
was always there but accounting standards are now requiring recognition
unrestricted funds decreased accordingly for this 10 M

management letter, a couple of recommendations
none of these rise to material weaknesses

1 - close some inactive capital project funds

2 - develop a more 'formal' risk assessment process, does assess risk currently, risk assessment is a key management function. department head meetings would be a good place to start this, to formalize this, would be how the Town would respond to this risk. Otherwise a very strong internal control structure

3 - tailings, tracks stale checks, one account has about $44,000 of uncashed checks
vendor no longer providing reconciliation services by end of fiscal year so this account will be closing

McGann - what is OPEB
Scott - described the term, basically retiree health insurance

McGann - what is the tailings account?
Nutting - we have written the checks, they have not been cashed by others

Scott - I don't like to compare clients, we did not need to propose any significant journal entries, we have only 3 minor recommendations, they do not rise to a significant or to a material deficiency

I am not involved in all our firms audits, I think this is a very good audit and much more timely than even two years ago.

Pfeffer - Page 32 do I read that we have
You do have some securities unsecured and unregistered, it is a rather high percentage, the notation is as of one point in time, it can change on a daily basis

Pfeffer - do you consider it dangerous or shocking?
No, there is some risk associated with some risks on investments but nothing unusual

I view some of my role to challenge my clients to not just provide the numbers but to go above and beyond

This year is much better, in 2007, we were here 11 months after the close
Gagner - that was somewhat do to the MUNIS conversion that we had just been completed.

We are not repeating any comments from prior years, this should be an important point to here.

Powderly - do you prepare fiscal statistics so we can compare ourselves to another
No, that would be the role of your fiscal advisors. You could do ten year trend information, largest employers, largest tax payers, etc.

Jones -what would you regard as an excellent goal
Gagner - no recommendations in the management letter



Live reporting - zoning bylaw amendments

F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
hearing opened

1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map
adding 11 parcels, removes one parcel which is part of the State Forest
Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of this
hearing closed

hearing opened
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses
this would remove the extra requirement of a Town Council special permit
the Board of Health would be required to hold a public hearing
It is in the interest of the Town to do this to help entice companies to operate here
hearing closed

these items are on the agenda for action to move them to a second reading later in this meeting

LIve reporting - Actions

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-05: Property Tax Deferrals For Seniors – Gross Receipts Limit

Seniors can contact Karen Alves, Bob Fahey, the Assessors, the Town website for more informaiton on how to apply for this

motion to approve - passed 8-0


2. Resolution 10-07: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 37A
increase from 437 to 500, about 20 folks currently take advantage of this



motion to approve - passed 8-0

 
3. Resolution 10-08: Property Tax Exemption G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C
Increases exemption to $750 (from $500 to $750)



motion to approve - passed 8-0

 
4. Resolution 10-09: Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program
senior citizens can use this work abatement for the equivalent of the minimum wage
program has been around for 10 or more years, a number of departments could not function without the support of the resources that work this way.

Mason - thanks to Councilor Powderly for her work on this

motion to approve - passed 8-0
 

Live reporting - Town Council

Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Powderly

Absent:  Zollo


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Council meeting of Apr 14 has been moved to Apr 28
Special State Primary Election to elect the replacement for Scott Brown (Precincts 2-3-4 only) Apr 13th and election on May 11th
Rocking 80's Party at Cole's March 20th

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Historical Commission- Associate Member - Marlene Oliver
  motion to approve - passed 8-0



End the R-word

Spread the word, to end the word!

What word?
You know, the R-word.



More about the international event taking place on March 3!

Thanks to Susan Senator for the link


How many words in The Cat in the Hat?

On the importance of words:
Simpson’s interpretation is more complex than the story I’ll tell here, but basically he looks at the numbers of words in a piece of literature (for example) and then convenes the number of different words, deducing the actual and then relative density of word usage, which is pretty interesting (and verifies that pit-of-the-stomach feeling about which authors use more words in smaller space).
The study referred to calculated that Dr Seuss used only 236 words used to write The Cat In the Hat.

Read more about this study and review the listing of the 236 words here

Did you read The Cat in the Hat or any other Dr Seuss book yesterday?
You can always find one to read today!


In the News - YMCA, Dean

Y not help kids?

from The Milford Daily News News RSS




Dean wins basketball title

from The Milford Daily News News RSS






Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Rock the 80's Party

There is a "Rock the 80's Party coming up this month.

 
80's PARTY/FUNDRAISER FOR THE AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

Get out your leg warmers, lace bra, IZOD shirt, and don't forget your mullet & can of hairspray as you get ready for the PARTY OF THE SPRING!!

For a minimum donation of $15 (you can certainly donate more!) come dance, laugh, and have a great time while raising money for a great cause!

DJ, h'dourves, desert, cash bar, and lots of raffles & gift baskets!

When: Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8:00pm

Where: Cole's Tavern, Washington St., Franklin MA

More info on Facebook here


"This book's gonna be a good book"

Every once in awhile, the beat catches you.

You get caught up in it!

"I have my book
Do you have yours?
What are you reading?"

...

"This book's gonna be a good book
to read!"



Enjoy!

What are you reading?


Thanks to the Teen Literacy Tips for the link



Maguro House - help wanted sign

The new Japanese restaurant downtown is looking for help: server, cashier, and dish washer wanted.


The restaurant website can be found here: http://www.magurohouse.com/


Monday, March 1, 2010

Survey says: new trash/recycle process - not a good thing for Franklin

Do you think the new trash/recycle process will be a good thing for Franklin?
Yes - 8
No - 11
This question comes out of the decision to lower the annual curbside fee and implement the new process in July 2010. The summary of the changes can be found in here: FM #58 - Week ending 2/21/10
The latest survey or poll question results are in. The Town has a communications opportunity on this item!



Senator Spilka Announces March 3rd Office Hours

Join Senator Spilka and Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka's District and Constituent Services Director, for coffee and conversation.  They will update constituents on the latest news and events, and answer any questions you may have.

Franklin: Franklin Senior Center
9:30 a.m -10:30 a.m.
10 McCahill Street, Franklin

Medway: Gaetano's Bakery
1:00 p.m -2:00 p.m.
74 Main Street, Medway


Holliston: Pejamajo Cafe
3:00 p.m -4:00 p.m.
770 Washington Street, Holliston

Framingham: Panera Bread
5:00 p.m -6:00 p.m.
400 Cochituate Road, Framingham

Natick: Morse Institute Library
6:30 p.m -7:30 p.m.
Room 2A
14 East Central Street, Natick



Town Council - Agenda - 3/3/10

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Historical Commission- Associate Member - Marlene Oliver

F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Presentation of Audit – Melanson Heath & Co.

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-05: Property Tax Deferrals For Seniors – Gross Receipts Limit
2. Resolution 10-07: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 37A
3. Resolution 10-08: Property Tax Exemption G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C
4. Resolution 10-09: Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map- 1st reading
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses- 1st 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



Volunteers Needed – Saturday, March 27th

The Historical Commission is happy to announce that the new museum will be opening May 15th to the public.  The commission is very excited!

Your assistance is requested in moving some of the materials from the “Old” museum to the “New” museum on March 27th (Saturday) beginning at 10:00am.  Packing has already been completed and now we need help to remove boxes and items. 

If you have a van or truck “WE NEED YOU”.  We also need volunteers to transfer items into trucks and vans from the “Old” to the “New”.  You will be directed by Commission members during the move.

Please email dpellegri@franklin.ma.us  Let me know if you will be driving a truck or van/or if you plan to volunteer yourself with the moving of the items. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Franklin Historic Museum.


"legislation can sometimes outstrip the resources available"

“In a time where most communities are financially strapped, I think the last thing any of us need are more reporting requirements and more administrative tasks that take away from the needs of other school functions,’’ said Jeffrey Roy, Franklin’s School Committee chairman.
The bill, which the House approved and sent to the Senate last month, would require new nutritional standards for food sold a la carte in school cafeterias, stores, and vending machines.
 Read the full article in the Sunday edition of the Boston Globe West section here




Sunday, February 28, 2010

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



Events today: Winter Carnival, Maguro House

Franklin High School Winter Carnival - scheduled from noon to 4:00 PM today


Maguro House - the Grand Opening Party is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM





In the News - Kilimanjaro

Franklin woman to attempt Mount Kilimanjaro

from The Milford Daily News News RSS 

 Holcomb is using her climb to raise funds for The Water School, a Canadian non-profit organization with a mission to provide clean water in the developing world.
"I've done a lot of traveling and I've done some climbing, like the Blue Hills. But nothing like this," said Holcomb. "This was a challenge made to me by someone who told me about the Water School cause."
------

To support Holcomb's Kilimanjaro climb with a donation to The Water School, visit her Web site atwww.kili2010.com/tessa-holcomb.