Saturday, June 5, 2010

3 owner makes decision to go with 2

Stephen Corcoran, owner of the Sky Restaurants in Sudbury and Norwood and the 3 in Franklin is selling the Sudbury restaurant.

Q: So you are only selling Sky Sudbury, not your other two restaurants?
A: Yes, I am only selling Sky in Sudbury. Sky in Norwood and "3" (the name of the restaurant) in Franklin will remain open.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/business/x775079935/Sky-Restaurant-ends-run-in-Sudbury-after-13-years


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Class of 2010 - congratulations!

Congratulations to the Franklin High Class of 2010!


Good luck on the road ahead of you.

Franklin, MA

Spruce Pond - Building Blue (presentation doc)

The presentation document used on Monday May 24, 2010 is available here:




Franklin, MA

Frequently asked questions: "Why should the community support the school budget?"

Why should the community support the school budget?

The commitment to educate our children is a commitment that the residents of Franklin have long supported. Horace Mann, the father of public education and integral to Franklin’s historical legacy stated, “Education then, beyond all devices of human origin, is the equalizer of conditions of men, the great balance wheel of the social machinery”.


The School Committee, administration and staff developed a fiscally responsible budget that promotes student achievement, protects core programs and is respectful of the current economic climate. The FY 2011 proposed budget requests a 3.89% increase to maintain level services. We have used grants, stimulus and revolving funds to reduce the budget gap and we are requesting what we needed to maintain the program we currently have in place for our students.


Having strong and vital schools is important for every community. Those who advocate for greater investment in education often make the economic argument: more education leads to higher wages and is critical for financial stability and independence. They’re right. Robust evidence supports the view that higher levels of educational attainment are linked to higher incomes, less unemployment, less poverty, and less reliance on public assistance.


More education is also linked to better physical and mental health, longer lives, fewer crimes, less incarceration, more voting, greater tolerance, and brighter prospects for the next generation. More education is good for individuals who stay in school to earn their high school degree or who enter and graduate college, but it is also good for all of us, paying big dividends in the form of increased civic engagement, greater neighborhood safety, and a healthy, vibrant democracy.


One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:


Franklin, MA

Frequently asked questions: "Will the override solve all of our fiscal problems?"

Will the override solve all of our fiscal problems?

Unfortunately, it will not. However, it will balance our budget this fiscal year. It is estimated that next year’s budget may require as much as an additional $6 million in revenue for fiscal 2011 to maintain level services. This is due largely to the anticipated decrease in state and federal aid that have been received in each of the last two fiscal years.


Going forward, Franklin will need to confront the fact that basic municipal and school expenses continue to outstrip its ability to raise new revenue from property taxes. There will be other community needs, like the eventual renovation of Franklin High School, repairs to roads and sidewalk, and the town’s unfunded retiree health care, as well as annual increases in fixed costs for insurance, contractual obligations and utilities.

One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-2.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:


Franklin, MA

In the News - graduation, override, drinking water


Franklin grads ready for the future

Franklin override opponents speak out



Franklin drinking water safe after E.coli found in ground water




Franklin, MA

Friday, June 4, 2010

Frequently asked questions: "Has Franklin really laid off any teachers?"

Have you really laid off any teachers?

The tables below reflect, over a 10 year period, the increase in Franklin’s student population and the associated decrease in its teaching population. At its peak in 2005, Franklin had 517 teachers. Since that time, Franklin has eliminated more than 100 teachers. These staffing cuts have taken place at the same time Franklin has experienced increasing student enrollments, resulting in larger class sizes. That is a worrisome trend and is not a good long term indicator for positive educational results.


GrowthChart-wFEA96-10.jpgGrowthChart-students.jpg

You can obtain additional historical teaching figures in Franklin at the following blog post:http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/2008/05/17/information-on-teachers-in-franklin/.



One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:

Franklin, MA

Frequently asked questions: "When would the impact of an override take effect in Franklin?"

When would the impact of an override take effect in Franklin?

The June 2010 override ballot question would apply to the fiscal 2011 budget. That is, the override would take effect on July 1, 2010. However, the increase in taxes would not show up until the third quarter tax bill which is mailed at the end of December and due by February 1, 2011.

What is my tax rate now and how does it compare to surrounding communities?

Franklin employs a single tax rate for both commercial property tax payers and residential property tax payers and that rate is currently 12.03 per thousand dollars of assessed property value. Fourteen of our thirty peer towns employ split, or dual property tax rates, one for residential payers and a higher rate for commercial payers. Set forth below is a chart in descending order which shows how Franklin’s $12.03 single property tax rate compares to our 15 other peer towns that employ a single property tax rate. Franklin also happens to have a lower property tax rate than most of our 14 peer towns that employ a split tax rate.



Town
2010Tax Rate
Sharon
17.92
Westborough
16.98
Holliston
16.31
Medway
16.29
Hopkinton
15.76
Chelmsford
15.15
Northborough
14.38
Medfield
14.24
Southborough
14.06
Average
13.95
Reading
13.75
Millis
13.64
Franklin
12.03
Natick
11.67
Foxborough
10.91
North Attleborough
10.44
Shrewsbury
9.68



One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:


Franklin, MA

In the News - override

Franklin override supporters make their case

by 


Junior Robby Kent and sophomore Ali Sturtevant said they want to see an end to the misery they and their siblings have endured with previous budget cuts.
"We've been losing a lot of teachers since 2005," Kent said. "My brothers are both in middle school now, and they don't get as much attention from the teacher."

----


Franklin councilor says override is needed

by 


Councilor Robert Vallee said fixed costs, like pensions and health care plans, contribute to the town's financial woes.
"I know the budgets very, very well. I have a hard time finding any waste," Vallee said. "It's all very well-documented, and run very, very efficiently. The shortfall is there's a recession going on."




Franklin, MA

Farmers Market returns June 11th

Yes, fresh and local produce will be available at the Framers Market on the Franklin Town Common beginning Friday, June 11th and running through October.


I recall the hours last year as being from noon to 6:00 PM. If there is a change, I'll share that as soon as I can.


Franklin, MA

Senator Karen E. Spilka Re-Election Reception & Food Pantry Collection

Senator Karen E. Spilka Re-Election Reception and Food Pantry Collection

Join us for a Reception & Food Pantry Collection* for Senator Karen E. Spilka, 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District – Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Natick
Chair, Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Monday, June 7, 2010, 5:30-7:00 PM
at Ken’s Steakhouse, 95 Worcester Road, (Rt. 9), Framingham, MA 01701

Suggested Donation: $25 - $50 - $100 – but whatever you can contribute is accepted with appreciation!

*Please bring an item to donate to the food pantry *


Franklin, MA

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Frequently asked questions: "Why is Franklin continually facing budget gaps?"

Why is the school district continually facing budget gaps?

Franklin, as with many Massachusetts municipalities, is faced with structural deficits as costs and services rise faster than the available 2.5% increase of annual tax revenues. Health insurance, retiree health insurance, contractual obligations, and unfunded federal and state mandates result in cost increases that outpace the 2.5% annual increase limit. To become more fiscally sound, Franklin needs to continue to operative efficiently and keeping cost relatively low while and generating additional tax revenues in order to provide the high level of services that citizens desire but at a reasonable financial cost to such citizens.


What has the School Committee and administration done to budget in a fiscally conservative manner?

Over the last 10 years, Franklin has (i) significantly reduced and/or eliminated programs and positions (over 100) while meeting higher educational standards/accountability requirements as established by federal and state law, (ii) consolidated facilities and technology services, and (iii) effectively sought and received grants to offset a variety of operational costs. Moreover, Franklin has implemented a number of “Go Green” energy savings initiatives including (A) solar panels at Parmenter Elementary School, and (B) water gardens at Franklin High School. Finally, Franklin has implemented a variety of online services to reduce personnel costs and paper consumption.

One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:


Franklin, MA

Frequently asked questions: "What is a Proposition 2½ override?"

What is Proposition 2½?

Proposition 2½ was a Massachusetts ballot initiative that became state law when the voters approved it in 1980. The law puts a 2.5-percent cap on the amount of money a community can raise through property taxes from year to year, not counting revenue from the assessed value of new construction and building improvements.


It is important to understand that Proposition 2½ does not say that your property taxes cannot increase more than 2.5-percent a year. It simply says that the total amount of money raised through property taxes, known as the “tax levy,” cannot increase more than 2.5-percent annually. In addition, a community can increase its levy limit each year to reflect new growth in taxable properties.

What is a Proposition 2½ override?

There are three different ways a community can increase its property taxes above the levy limit. What the town of Franklin is considering putting before the voters is an override of its levy limit, which would increase the limit by a specific amount.


The other ways for a community to change how Proposition 2½ would apply are through a debt exclusion, which temporarily excludes from the levy limit an amount of money to pay for new debt, and a capital outlay exclusion, which allows a community to raise its levy limit for one year for the purpose of funding a specific capital project. In the past, Franklin voters have approved debt exclusions to build new schools.

One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-1.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:

Franklin, MA

June brings water restrictions to Franklin

"April showers bring May flowers,
June brings water restrictions to Franklin"

It is that time again. Franklin in order to abide by the water permit issued by MA needs to implement water restrictions. As reported in the Finance Committee budget hearing earlier this year, Franklin is challenging the permit issued as it restricts our usage in impractical ways.


In the meantime, Franklin residents can only water on their trash day and NOT during the hours 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The signs are posted in the normal traffic spots and water restrictions can be enforced by the limited staffing available.


Franklin, MA

In the News - wrestling, circus, library

By Melanie Graham/Daily News staff
Posted Jun 03, 2010 @ 12:18 AM
Last update Jun 03, 2010 @ 01:05 AM
Some know him as Sgt. Muldoon of the New York City Police Department.
Without his uniform, handcuffs and nightstick, though, most people recognize him as John Callahan, a Milford native and Franklin resident who wrestled professionally for 20 years.

Read the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1218689187/Former-pro-wrestler-says-hed-do-it-all-over-again



By Staff reports
Posted Jun 03, 2010 @ 01:19 AM
Vidbel's Old Tyme Circus will set up its tent on Thursday, June 10, outside Pirelli Veterans Skating Arena, 910 Panther Way. There will be two performances, under the big top, at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. View the circus tent and equipment set-up at 9 a.m.

Read the article here:


By Krista Perry/Daily News staff
Posted Jun 03, 2010 @ 12:12 AM
The Town Council last night agreed to continue the deal with Medway to share library services.
The agreement, which began last July, allows Library Director Felicia Oti to spend two-thirds of her time in Franklin and one-third in Medway, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. The deal also allows for sharing maintenance services.

Read the article here





Franklin, MA

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Town Council - 06/02/10

The collection of posts reported Live from the Town Council meeting on June 2nd can be found here:




Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Third Thursday coming up June 17th, Museum will be open


L. OLD BUSINESS
Vallee - question on EPA files clearing NUstyle building from several years ago, former chief had indicated they were received
Nutting - He has had several reports of files clearing site from EPA, those files have not been found in Jeff's nine years here; subsequent visits have found contamination which would make the files mute anyway

M. NEW BUSINESS

McGann - do we have consultants working in the schools on a reading program?
was there a contract signed for the school secretaries, what were the details? apparently more senior members got different increases than those junior



(Yes, this was covered in the School Committee meeting on April 13thNo amounts were referenced although it was claimed to be a 'minimal' increase.)


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - encourage everyone to get out to vote, let's see what happens

Powderly - thanks to Bob Fahey for the veterans breakfast, a great effort to recognize the folks involved

thanks to Jeff Nutting for the municipal agreement with Medway on the library, this is a small but significant step to help

Jones - thanks to Kelly and the Rotarians for the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies

Whalen - get out an vote, a yes vote gets to maintain services; a no vote will further erode our services

Mason - With regards to the citizens comment from the firefighters, I respect your position. The Council has been instructed not to get involved in the negotiations. The Town Administrator is negotiating on behalf of the Town. 

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

roll call 6-0 ( all present yes)

Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Action items

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
Nutting - first four are an annual house keeping accounting move to re-established these revolving accounts before the budget is passed.


1. Resolution 10-24: Establishment of a Fire Department Fire Rescue Training Revolving Account for FY 2011  motion to accept, passed 6-0
2. Resolution 10-25: Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Activities Program Revolving Account for FY 2011  motion to accept, passed 6-03. Resolution 10-26: Establishment of a Council on Aging Supportive Day Program Revolving Account for FY 2011  motion to accept, passed 6-04. Resolution 10-27: Establishment of a Use of Facilities Revolving Account for FY 2011
motion to accept, passed 6-0


Q - McGann
how is the facility resolving account handled?
Nutting - based upon the usage of the facility, there is a fee charged to provide for maintenance, etc.


5. Resolution 10-28: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Library
motion to accept, passed 6-0


Acceptance of gift of $15,000 for library books
Whalen, I'd like to thank these folks for their dedication and generosity


6. Resolution 10-29: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Franklin to Provide Library Administrative and Maintenance Services to Medway
motion to accept, passed 6-0


Nutting - continuation of program started last year, 2/3 here, 1/3 there saves Franklin money, provides Medway with a director, keeps both libraries open


7. Bylaw Amendment 10-648: Chp. 151, Solid Waste; § 151-1. Definition –1st Reading
motion to move to a second meeting, passed 6-0


Allows Chris White to enforce violations in addition to Board of Health as the personnel in the BOH was cut


Franklin, MA