Showing posts with label building committee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building committee. Show all posts

Monday, January 29, 2018

"the expansion will give us an opportunity to finally let them in’’

In case you missed it, the Boston Globe West edition on Sunday catches up to the BFCCPS expansion update.

"One of the Commonwealth’s oldest charter schools is moving to a new building in Franklin with hopes of reducing its waiting list and doubling its enrollment within 10 years. 
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School plans to break ground this spring on a 72,000-square foot building at 500 Financial Park Drive. 
The new facility will allow the school to grow from 450 students in kindergarten through eighth grade to 900, said Heather Zolnowski, head of school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2018/01/26/franklin-charter-school-about-expand/qwKyASpp3ICsDHC1jsAUnL/story.html

The expansion of the school, doubling their capacity over several years, may have an effect on the Franklin school district enrollment which is already in a decline for the elementary enrollment. How that will affect the Franklin schools could also have a budget impact. Stay close to the Franklin budget cycle to find out.

Related posts on the Charter School expansion


http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/the-new-building-is-projected-to-cost.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/bfccps-expansion-update.html

A concept rendering of the new Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School building that is planned in Franklin. (ARROWSTREET)
A concept rendering of the new Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
building that is planned in Franklin. (ARROWSTREET)

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Announces Upcoming Move to 500 Financial Park Drive in Franklin

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation on behalf of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce their upcoming move to 500 Financial Park Drive in Franklin. The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation will be breaking ground in the spring of 2018 with a planned opening of the new 72,000 square foot building for the 2019-2020 school year.

This process included an extensive review by the Franklin Conservation Commission, the Franklin Planning Board and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA). Financing for the project has been secured through a bank group led by Citizens Bank. Project management of the new facility is being provided by Daedalus Project, Inc. and the building has been designed by leading architectural firm Arrowstreet.

Head of School Heather Zolnowski shares “This is an exciting time in the history of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The new facility and grounds will provide the administration and faculty with the opportunity to enhance an already very successful academic program, provide a comfortable and safe environment for students, faculty and staff and secure the schools future for decades to come.”

The educational program at BFCCPS offers a strategic partnership with parents, rigorous academic program, foreign language instruction, commitment to arts education, character education, and community service activities. With the opening of this new building the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School will be able to welcome more families than ever before possible.

For the 2019-2020 academic year, BFCCPS will increase enrollment from 50 students to 92 students per grade in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Five. Over the next ten years, enrollment will expand from the current cap of 450 students to a total of 900 students. Families that are interested in enrollment at BFCCPS can learn more at www.bfccps.org/about/enrollment and candidates for employment are encouraged to follow http://bfccps.org/about/employment/ for ongoing information.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Announces Upcoming Move
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Announces Upcoming Move

About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School


The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does. Learn more at www.bfccps.org or visit us on Facebook.


About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.


Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $151.4 billion in assets as of September 30, 2017. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. 
In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a 24/7 customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,200 ATMs and approximately 1,200 branches in 11 states in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. 
In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers corporate, institutional and not-for-profit clients a full range of wholesale banking products and services, including lending and deposits, capital markets, treasury services, foreign exchange and interest rate products and asset finance. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.


Additional info from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/special-edition-an-exciting-expansion-update-from-bfccps/

Friday, December 8, 2017

Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 5, 2017.

Franklin Matter's contributor Alan Earls reported on the Franklin Library Building Committee meeting held on Dec 5, 2017.

The meeting report is contained in the following PDF file



You can also download the file from
https://drive.google.com/file/d/120u1FosPHtlULM4vFg4yf9VFUWGohD6J/view?usp=sharing


Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 3, 2017.
Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 3, 2017.

The 'official' meeting minutes by the Recording Secretary were sent via email by Committee Chair Judith Pfeffer and can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1asdbCuU2Jd8tCZ-TQ4uppFtnN2m2q6CX

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Library Building Committee looking for the Dennis Foley family

There is a plaque at the library dedicated to a DENNIS FOLEY. The credenza where the plaque is currently placed is no longer to be used. 

The Library Building Committee is trying to reach members of the Foley family - Dennis was married to Paula and they have both passed away.

The Committee would like to place the plaque on another piece of furniture or, if family desires, they will give the plaque to a family member.

If you have information or are a member of the family please leave a comment here or contact Judith Pfeffer at pfefferjudith@yahoo.com

Library Building Committee looking for members of the Dennis Foley family
Library Building Committee looking for members of the Dennis Foley family


Live reporting: Library Building Committee - Nov 14, 2017

Live reporting by Alan Earls for Franklin Matters: Library Building Committee Meeting – Nov. 14, 2017


Committee Members Present: Chair Judith Pfeffer, Sandra Brandfonbrener, Christopher Feeley,Matthew Kelly, Felicia Oti, Nancy Rappa, Jim Roche, Joseph Mullen.

Also in attendance: Michael D’Angelo, Director of Franklin Public Facilities; Shane Nolan, Daedalus Projects Incorporated; Mike Flaherty, Daedalus Projects Incorporated; Brian Valentine, LLB Architects; Judith Lizardi, Recording Secretary, Eamon McCarthy Earls, councilor-elect

Committee Members Absent: Monique Doyle, Thomas Mercer

OVERVIEW: The committee has been meeting monthly before and during the library renovation project and is now focusing on ensuring that final contractual obligations are met and that all necessary elements in the library are functioning properly.

The meeting was called to order by the chair at 5:07 pm. After approving the minutes, the chair asked for an update from Brian Valentine of LLB Architects. He indicated that effort was still being put into finishing items on the ‘punch’ list and trying to finalize a certification of substantial completion. Open items include a desk needing rework and weatherstripping as well as portions of the HVAC system.

Pfeffer noted that the external lawn sprinkler system was completed recently and will be important for maintaining new plantings.

Joe Mullen from Friends of the Library provided a progress report on the sale of memorial or commemorative bricks. To date, 590 have been sold; most have been installed and more will be installed in the spring. At present, according to Mullen, the group is working to prepare Christmas season order forms, which will be promoted around town. Bricks are sold for $50 each.

Mullen also mentioned that the Friends group is teaming up with local veterans who plan to create a commemorative walkway on the common in 2018. By working together, they were able to purchase a pallet of 500 bricks at a more affordable price.

After the completion of Mullen’s presentation, Pfeffer then discussed the status of the credenza currently in the main hall of the library. This large, custom-made piece of furniture served as the library’s reference desk after the 1989 updates and addition. Pfeffer noted that it is marked with a plaque dedicated to Dennis Foley. She indicated that there is really no place for it in the current library and facilities director Michael D’Angelo stated that the credenza is made primarily of particle board and probably needs to be discarded. 

Pfeffer agreed and said she had been unable to reach any members of the Foley family to explain the situation. Councilor Matt Kelly stressed the importance of trying to reach them to express the town’s appreciation for their generosity. Pfeffer said the plaque would be retained and placed elsewhere and expressed the hope that a mention in Franklin Matters might lead to a reconnection with the Foley family.

The “key” presentation of the afternoon came from Shane Nolan, from Daedalus. He provided a “walk through” of a monthly review report. Among the key points:

  • Work on roof and eaves should be complete in about two weeks
  • Conference room millwork was just completed
  • Some door lock and hardware issues remain
  • Carpeting was completed in time for opening and final balancing of the HVAC is underway.[D’Angelo mentioned that chillers have just been winterized]
  • In the near future training for library staff and town facilities people on various new systems will be conducted.
  • End caps have been selected for children’s room shelving [Pfeffer said they are expected in about two weeks]
  • Wood trim on archive room should be in place in a few weeks
  • Reference desk and children’s staff desk to be refabricated soon


Nolan mentioned that the committee had made a decision earlier in the year to “not rush” the contractors so actual completion was 123 days behind the contracted date. At present nine change orders with a value of more than $32,000 are under review with two other potential changes being tracked.

The original contract value was $6,372,213 and 17 change orders to date added $1,310,305 to that for a current contract value of $7,682,517. This figure is below the $10.5 million approved by the Town Council in 2015.

Nolan indicated “close out” of the project would take 60-90 days. Pfeffer and others on the committee sought assurances that any remaining issues would be handled within that time or addressed subsequently.

The Committee also voted unanimously to approve an additional $30,000 for LLB architects to partially cover their additional costs for working during the additional time period required by the project.

The committee also voted unanimously to approve payment number 19, for DW Construction in the amount of $265,081.07.

Later in the meeting the use of library facilities was discussed and questions about current town policies strictly limiting sales on town properties were mentioned as a potential impediment to attracting library speakers or working with art and garden groups in town. 

Councilor Kelly said he hoped to address that policy and work toward an update, perhaps as soon as the first meeting of the Town Council on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:42 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2017, at 5:00 PM at the library. Weekly construction meetings are also held Fridays at 9:00 AM at t Library

view of the main room from an overlook on the 4th floor
view of the main room from an overlook on the 4th floor

Saturday, August 6, 2016

"the new building is projected to cost about $21 million"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town has approved the site plan for a new location for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, moving the project another step forward. 
The school is looking to move from its current location on Main Street to a new building on Financial Park between Washington and Grove streets. 
Town Planner Bryan Taberner said the Planning Board approved the plan at a mid-July meeting, though he said he did not believe the school has sought a building permit as of yet. School officials want to open the new building in September 2017."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160805/site-plan-approved-for-new-charter-school-building

the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School
the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School
For more information about the charter school visit them online -->>  http://bfccps.org/

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Library Expansion - Design photos

When at the Candidates Night I saw and took these photos of the Franklin Library expansion project that were on display in the lobby of the Municipal Building. 


the expansion of the Library will be located  out the back corner and include a new back entrance
the expansion of the Library will be located  out the back corner and include a new back entrance

the expansion will be two stories
the expansion will be two stories

new children's area
new children's area

new main level reading area
new main level reading area

grand stairway
grand stairway

new books and media section
new books and media section

a rendering of the outside of the building showing the expansion on the back corner
a rendering of the outside of the building showing the expansion on the back corner

The Library Building Committee was formed in Dec 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/live-reporting-library-building.html

The preliminary planning report was presented in April 2015
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/among-smallest-public-libraries-in-area.html

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Neighbor Brigade is recognized for their work by the Town Council

In one of the shorter Town Council meetings, the Council heard the Neighbor Brigade presentation, recognized them for the work they do, and effectively handled several legislative items in about 30 minutes.


Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferry and Council Chair Bob Vallee
Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferri and Council Chair Bob Vallee

The Neighbor Brigade is a volunteer organization that helps individuals and families in need. They have been in existence for 5 years, founded by a woman from Wayland. Linda Gagnon was inspired to bring this community service to Franklin.

They provide a virtual network of services and this is their 3rd year of service for Franklin. They had 15 requests in the first year, 400 requests last year. The requests keep coming in. They coordinate to deliver meals and provide other help as needed.

The volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty. A mother loses her husband and doesn't know how to start a lawn mower. Another mother dealing with impending surgery, no other family support, the volunteers provide that help.

The Neighbor Brigade is in contact with other organization like the hospital, Schools, Fire Dept, Police Dept to make referrals as necessary.

To join or donate to the NEighbor Brigade visit them on the internet at
http://www.neighborbrigade.org/  or in Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/neighborbrigade


In the business portion of the meeting, the Council approve payment of a bill from 2015 fiscal year that just arrived. The Council authorized payment from insurance for a couple of occurrences. This is required when the amount exceeds 20,000 dollars.  

The School Building committee was formally disbanded. While the major work of the committee is complete, there remains a 'punch list' of items that still require attention. Tom Mercer, the committee chair, has been empowered to address those until they are complete.

The Senior Center Renovation Project was funded for an additional 601,000. This provides a total of 1.6M for the project to cover the current estimate. The Committee will now put out a formal bid for the work to be done to build out the second floor, add an elevator and do some other work in the building.

The complete notes taken live during the meeting can be found here:


Wednesday, June 10, 2015

"favorable to other available options"


The charter school on Main Street has finalized plans to construct a new building with some of the land it owns on Washington Street, part of a $22 million expansion that will see its enrollment double over the next decade. 
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is looking to hire an architect to design the new 90,000 square-foot school, including recreation fields, said Donald Tappin, president of the school’s 10-member Board of Trustees. 
“Much of this work will take place over the summer,” he said in a blog post last week. “Our timeline remains aggressive but we currently expect that we will be able to welcome students into BFCCPS’s new facility in September of 2017.” 
The school owns three parcels off Washington Street – a total of about 8 acres. All together, the land is worth more than $600,000, according to the Franklin assessor’s database.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150610/NEWS/150619652/1994/NEWS

Related post:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/bfccps-expansion-update.html

Thursday, June 4, 2015

BFCCPS - Expansion Update

From Don Tappin, President, Board of Trustees - BFCCPS
"As many know the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation already owns a parcel of land in Franklin on Washington Street that was purchased some time ago with the idea of building a school. Although in the past there were barriers to developing the parcel recent events have made the site viable and in fact favorable to other available options. As a result, I’m pleased to let you know that we are pursuing placement of the school on Washington Street in Franklin. 
The next step in the process is for us to seek a designer to develop plans and specifications for a new 90,000 square foot building with play fields. Much of this work will take place over the summer. Our timeline remains aggressive but we currently expect that we will be able to welcome students into BFCCPS’s new facility in September of 2017."

You can read the full posting on the BFCCPS webpage here
http://bfccps.org/expansion-update-from-the-board-of-trustees/

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

"among the smallest public libraries in the area"


Preliminary planning and design work for the library’s expansion is underway now that the town has selected an architect and project manager. 
The 10-member Library Building Committee recently chose Boston-based Daedalus Projects Inc. to manage the project — the firm also oversaw the construction of Franklin’s new high school — and pegged LLB Architects to handle the architectural work. 
LLB Architects, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has designed several library expansions, including for the towns of Foxborough, Maynard, Scituate and Walpole. 
Approved last April, the Franklin Public Library project includes a 6,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will provide space for a new community room, coffee shop and young adult section. The cost has been estimated at $6.6 million, but may change as the project becomes more defined.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150407/NEWS/150407468/1994/NEWS

Franklin Public Library - new sign back in place after an accident took it down in Oct 2014
Franklin Public Library - new sign back in place after an accident took it down in Oct 2014


The Library Building Committee as appointed in Dec 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/live-reporting-library-building.html


7. Resolution 14-89: Creation of a Library Building Committee
motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0

E. APPOINTMENTS 
Library Building Committee – Vote Resolution 14-89 First (voted above)

Matthew T. Kelley - 75 Crescent Street
Judith Pond Pfeffer - 37 Arlington Street
Thomas D. Mercer - 14 Mercer Lane
Christopher K. Feeley - 5 Taft Drive
Felicia Oti - Library Director
Monique Doyle - 3 Greenfield Road
Sandra Brandfonbrener - 8 Beech Street
James M. Roche - 152 Daniels Street
Nancy J. Rappa - 25 Queen Street
Joseph Mullen (added during clerk reading of motion) 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Live reporting - Library Building Committee


7. Resolution 14-89: Creation of a Library Building Committee
motion to accept, seconded, passed 8-0


E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Building Committee – Vote Resolution 14-89 First (voted above)
Nancy J. Rappa - 25 Queen Street
Matthew T. Kelley - 75 Crescent Street
Judith Pond Pfeffer - 37 Arlington Street
Thomas D. Mercer - 14 Mercer Lane
Christopher K. Feeley - 5 Taft Drive
Felicia Oti - Library Director
Monique Doyle - 3 Greenfield Road
Sandra Brandfonbrener - 8 Beech Street
James M. Roche - 152 Daniels Street
Joseph Mullen (added during clerk reading of motion)

Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Town Council reorganizes, sort of

Reorg - sort of

 
The first order of business at the Town Council was to re-organize or elect their officers for the new year. The process is for opening nominations, closing nominations, and then voting on the nomination for each position. The Council successfully did that for the Vice Chair and Clerk but only opened and closed the nominations for Chair. They never officially voted for their Chair to remain Bob Vallee. There was no change in Vice Chair as Matt Kelly retained that position. Judith Pond Pfeffer retains the Clerk position.

This action was not intentional. It happened when the nominations for Chair closed with a vote, Padula nominated Pfeffer for Clerk which was not in the pre-determined order of events. They put that aside, took the nominations for Vice Chair and voted properly but 'forgot' to actually vote on the nomination of Vallee for Chair. It is likely the Council will need to re-do this at their December meeting. I don't believe it made a material difference to any of the proceedings. 


FHS - grass to turf field


The School Building Committee represented by Chairman Tom Mercer provided some key updates at the meeting. Among them:
  • the building has a punch listing of items being worked by the contractor in off school hours
  • the new Panther Way connector should open on Monday (Nov 24)
  • site and ball fields will be worked to a sub-grade condition before the deep frost hits
The Committee also sought a 'sense of the Council' on an item where they proposed changing one field from grass to turf. They can do so within the budget as previously outlined and still turn 'savings' back to the Town. The field which was targeted for a practice field as grass could be used year round as a competitive field if turf. 

New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice fields would be that are now going to be a turf field that will be regulation sized and available for games
New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice fields would be that are now going to be a turf field that will be regulation sized and available for games

The Committee has the authority to do so but due to the nature and discussion around the change wanted to bring it forward to gain some feedback before proceeding. 

Note: If they really wanted to gain some public input on this item, they could have brought it out more fully. Clearly they had enough time to do so as representatives from the High School sports, Recreation dept and many of the major youth leagues were present at the meeting.

Tax rate set

The tax classification hearing was the shortest and briefest in my time reporting on Town Council meetings. The Council respectfully has an opportunity for preparing for the hearing and apparently prepared very well as there were very few questions. The opportunity to walk through the process to share how the calculation is made was 'lost'.

Effectively, the rate increases 39 cents from $14.45 to $14.84. Of note, if the bond increases for the new high school had not been coming online, the tax rate would actually have decreased. One of the key bright spots among the wealth of data shared was that residential property values have increased. Commercial /Industrial valuations are still lagging behind.

My full set of notes from the meeting can be found here

In the News; commuter rail performance, change from grass to turf field

For those riding the Franklin commuter rail line:
Fifty new double decker coaches are in service, and 25 coaches are in the testing and inspection phase, according to the MBTA.

By early next year, all 75 new coaches, which were built by Hyundai Rotem, will be in service. State transportation officials have previously criticized Hyundai Rotem, accusing the company of falling behind schedule in delivering trains, which also required fixing once they reached Massachusetts.

Year-to-date, on-time performance on the commuter rail is at 89 percent, according to the presentation. July's on-time performance rate stood at 87 percent, August 90 percent, and September 92 percent, which dropped to 85 percent in October.

"There's a lot of room for improvement but at the same time . . . we are four months into this," MBTA general manager Beverly Scott told reporters.
Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141119/NEWS/141116006/1994/NEWS


From the Town Council meeting Wednesday, part of the discussion was with the School Building Committee getting a 'sense of the Council" in regards to a slight change in the FHS plans for fields. I say 'slight' and that is an interpretation of what I heard.

The chairman of the committee, Tom Mercer, informed the town council of the decision on Wednesday and sought their approval to move ahead with the multi-use field in the form of an informal vote.

During a straw poll, each councilor voiced support of a turf field.

Mercer, himself a councilor, noted that the building committee did not require the council’s OK to build the field, but agreed “that it’s an important enough decision” to bring before the governing body.

Installation of the turf is to begin in the spring.
Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141120/NEWS/141129667/1994/NEWS


The field had be slated for use as a practice field and due to the angle of planned grading could not be used as a 'game' field. By changing the field from grass to artificial turf, the field can be used year round, and will be regulation sized for competition.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

In the News: underage liquor sales, Senior Center buildout

The Milford Daily News reports on the recent sting operation being reviewed at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday.

On Sept. 26, six police officers and three teenagers performed checks of the 35 businesses in town licensed to sell liquor. During the stings, the teens used their real Massachusetts driver’s licenses. 
Prior to each check, police photograph the teens, record their blood-alcohol level, and search them. Any cash given to them is photocopied, in case a business owner or bartender denies making the sale. 
Unlike a drug sting, departments must inform all of the businesses in the area in advance that they received the grant and will be conducting the checks. 
The 99 Restaurant & Pub on West Central Street and the British Beer Company in the Franklin Village Shopping Center were the only two establishments that sold an alcoholic drink to one of the undercover teens.
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141015/NEWS/141018133/1994/NEWS

Franklin's Senior Center
Franklin's Senior Center


The Milford Daily News also reports on the creation of a building committee to coordinate the buildout of the 2nd floor of the existing Senior Center. The building already has a second floor. It was left unfinished. There would need to be an elevator installed and then the finish work completed.

This has been talked of for some time. We have reported on the progress during the budget cycle as funds were set aside for this and for the expansion of the parking lot to accommodate the additional capacity provided.

The 3,000-square-foot unfinished space, used now for temporary storage, needs flooring and walls. The costliest aspect of the project will be installation of an elevator. 
In the months ahead, building committee members, including senior center director Karen Alves, must secure an architect and put the project out to bid. The town has saved approximately $700,000 for the work. And construction will not begin until next year. 
Alves has said the second floor should have space enough for at least two offices and a wide-open area for exercise programs. In the past, the senior center has hosted chair volleyball, Tai Chi and Zumba, among other exercise classes. 
Overall, space at the senior center is at a premium, since attendance has grown. Alves also expects the number of 65 and older residents to increase by more than 3,000 over the next seven years.
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141015/NEWS/141018123/1994/NEWS


Photos from the grand opening of the facility in 2007 can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157612392922276/

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

"All class gifts that could be saved, have been saved"

A thread of conversation around the demolition of the old high school has appeared again on Facebook discussing what could have been saved. Ed Cafasso, member of the School Building Committee replied to the thread as follows:
All class gifts that could be saved, have been saved. The obvious exception are things like wall murals. The Panther statue, the granite benches, the trophies and other awards, honors and gifts are all in storage. They will be put into the new school later this year, once students and faculty are settled in, and people have a chance to catch their breath. 
All of the schools in town, including Tri-County, had the opportunity to take used furniture and fixtures that were surplus. Technology items have been distributed to elementary and middle schools as appropriate. Other items that could not be reused by the Town were donated to charities. 
All of these actions have been discussed publicly by the School Committee, and recorded in their minutes and meeting videos. I hope these facts work to dispel continued rumors, but if you still have concerns, please feel free to contact members of the Franklin School Committee. 
Demolition will begin at 7 a.m., August 6, so no bricks are available yet as mementos. There will be a public open house at the new FHS on the weekend of September 20 and 21st. 
Your fellow FHS alumni work or volunteer on all of the Town and School boards that have been involved in the development and execution of these plans. Everyone involved respects the history of the school and the importance of class gifts. 
The priority at this moment is to make sure every aspect of the new FHS is ready for 1,700+ students, and for faculty, at the start of the school year. People are working hard, so your patience and support is appreciated. Thanks.
You can find the thread here on Facebook if you want to read the whole thread
https://www.facebook.com/groups/233787946659831/permalink/745366305501990/

front of new high school, taken on tour June 30th
front of new high school, taken on tour June 30th

The School Building Committee info on the Franklin page can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/School%20Building%20Committee

Video of prior School Committee (and other town meetings) can be found here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewCalendar.aspx?siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin%2fr3Z0jcDVCNw%3d%3d

Information on the School Committee can be found here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

School Committee has work to do

The School Building Committee meeting effectively covered two topics; the first an  update on the high school project, the second the results of the "Feasibility Study" for Davis Thayer Elementary School.

The School Building Committee did not make a recommendation.They feel that would be in the realm of the School Committee to decide first what it wanted to do and bring their proposal through the budget process ultimately to the Town Council for their decision. Other than Tom Mercer, chair of the School Building Committee, no member of the Town Council appeared to hear the presentation.

To summarize the three options:
  • address accessibility issues - $4.6M
  • add to and renovate facility - $23M
  • build new school - $28M
Davis Thayer: water runoff 1
the water runoff across the playground is one of the many items that could be addressed

To address just the accessibility issues would leave the facility with some items that would still need to be addressed at some time. The sound bite quoted in my notes and in the MDN article referenced a "bad Band-Aid". To decide on the addition/renovation would be rather costly for the 350 students that the school serves. To build a new school is not that much different and more costly.

The School Committee will need to decide what to do first. How does the building fit in their overall  plans? Where would the students be placed if the building was removed from the system? These and other questions along this line of thought would be the School Committee's responsibility to answer first. Then they would bring their proposal through the budget process ultimately to the Town Council and depending upon the money and funding sources, the taxpayers would have their say.


The details of the high school project status can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-school-building.html

The details of the Davis Thayer topic can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-davis-thayer-proposal.html


"all three options make little sense"

The School Building Committee meeting on Monday heard the presentation from Kaestle Boos Associates on the options for Davis Thayer. Their initial proposal was to add to and renovate the existing facility. They also looked at addressing just the changes needed to make the building compliant with the requirements for accessibility. An alternative would be to start a new building on the existing site (or elsewhere). It was estimated to cost $4.6M to bring to compliance. It was estimated to be $23M to add to and renovate or $28M to build a new school.
Davis Thayer was built in 1924 and underwent an extensive renovation during the 1970s. Milani described the building as "sound." 
"It has good bones," he said. 
However, most of the school’s bathrooms, corridors, stairs and doorways are not handicap-accessible, and inside, there are numerous mechanical and plumbing problems. 
Milani said that just bringing the school into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act would cost $4.6 million. The committee mostly agreed that it would not be worth the money. One member described the option as an "expensive Band-Aid."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655328083/Davis-Thayer-renovation-plan-presented-in-Franklin#ixzz2cV2megKq

My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-school-building.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-davis-thayer-proposal.html

Monday, August 19, 2013

Live reporting - Davis Thayer proposal

The Davis Thayer proposal, hard copy handed out to be added later

Joe Milani, Kaestle Boos Associates
"Feasibility Study for Davis Thayer"

built in 1924, renovated in 1973, minor other adjustments since then

original documents for 1924 construction not available, hence information is based upon what is observed
did an opinion of probable cost (OPC)
did a revision to address if accessibility was addressed but nothing else was

do not have to comply with all elements of the building when reconstruction, do need to fulfill compliance with the sections being addressed

if spending more than 30% of the assessed building value, then do need to bring up to code
staying below this level  intentionally

dangerous situation for walking along the driveway entrance from School St, especially during winter

building in good shape generally but there are spots where there is water penetration through the brick surface; would recommnend repointing all the brick work on the exterior

all the windows were replaced with two circular windows which are still wooden and should be replaced.

roofing in good shape, put on in 2000
stainless steel put over the copper copings along the roof edge, not soldered properly, should be replaced
some downspouts missing from the portable, for any long term renovation, should replace the roof

doors not wide enough to meet compliance, 36" required

interior finishes are pretty good, lots of school work on the walls
suspended acoustical tiles were added in the 1973 renovation, can't see the ceiling clearly

there are asbestos tiles under some of the carpets, would need to be removed

gym floor is is good shape, has signs of water damage, 'Dutchman' repairs evident
recommend putting in synthetic floor

interior stairways; 2 front, 2 back of building
some ramps added to some of the entrances, not all hence not accessible
inside of stairways need additional handrails, stairwells wide enough, hand holds not sufficient

toilet rooms all have accessibility problems
will lose fixtures with renovation but do have enough space to provide sufficient fixtures for accessibility

max population planned for at 350, currently about 335 students

by and large equipment could be reused in renovation, spacing is an issue, need to separate incoming waste and outgoing good foods for safety reasons

water coolers in corridors not sufficient, should provide two levels, there exist only one

no handicap signage available, major crux of issue is elevator brings someone to first floor but other floors within building are not accessible

the building is sound it has sturdy walls

recommend replacement of PA and telephone system

used MSBA recommendation to utilize the space within the building
57200 required
45000 current
renovation and addition would be only option to meet requirements

put the two kindergartens in the 'old' cafeteria
use the first floor expansion to put in a new cafeteria and kitchen area with access from Union
no addition to second floor
elevator and stairwell would go to the basement to access the gym
elevator rises to second and third floor
filled in the media center to provide two more classrooms on the third floor

add parking spaces and a sidewalk from the School St entrance
allows catch basis, rain garden to catch the run off and prevent the current runoff washing out the playground wood chips to the street

$23M for renovation and addition on site; vs. cost of new building on site would be $28M

supplemental study for accessibility
bathroom renovations and addition of elevator
multiple adjustments on each floor

just doing the accessibility = $4.6M

OPC projected a 2.5 year build-out with some inflation

School Committee and Town Council were invited to participate in this review
Other than Tom, no Town Councilor participated

School Committee would need to absorb this info and bring it to the joint budget subcommittee

if this were to go with the new school option, would have to get in line (after the high school)

one of the things that present a problem is that the enrollments are fluctuating, increase since Jul 1, likely to the increase in expectations for the new high school

Planning is meant to increase the attractiveness of the Town

is this site a viable site at all?
there is land but there is a challenge with the existing available land
current space is just under 4 acres, MSBA would req about 10-15 depending upon the size of the school
site big enough for 3-400 but not for 6-800

it is a not starter due to the cost/pupil for renovations vs. new school for this size.

$4M would be a bad band-aid
what to do with the building is not this committee's charge. what to do to construct or renovation may be this committee's charge

This was an informational meeting on the Davis Thayer portion


Live reporting - School Building Committee Meeting - Aug 19, 2013

Present: Tom Mercer, Chris Feeley, Jeff Nutting, Mike LeBlanc, Mike D'Angelo, Maureen Sabolinski, Sally Winslow, Paula Mullen, Susan Rohrbach, Ed Cafasso, Peter Light, Sean Fennell, Cindy Douglas, Corinne Minkle, John Jewel (arrived about 7:00 PM), Bob Gilchrist, Joe Milani,

Meeting opens at 6:35 PM

Motion to approve minutes of July meeting, seconded, approved, passed - unanimous

Motion to approve a series of bills, each seconded, approved, passed - unanimous

Bob Gilchrist, from Agostini, Bacon

walked the group through of three pages of pictures (to be added) showing progress in construction




substantial completion scheduled for July 25, 2014

finish coat of paving will be done next summer so all will be new and fresh
striping this week, signs this week, everything on track for completion on Friday

Brian, FF and E process (furnishing, fixtures and equipment) (if building was turned upside down and shaken, whatever would fall out except for the computers (that is technology).

process started several months ago, approach in two tacks, one with furniture; small working group with furniture; second group on needs for equipment

field trip to Robert Lord showroom for furniture, to see a breath of the possibilities, talking the details of the various vendors and manufacture of the furniture; developed direction, prepared list for each room to determine the quantities required

what is equipment, what is reimbursable from MSBA
received listings from the groups last week, preparing the combination of the lists to see what it would come out at for the budget

more detailed review of the listing planned, planning for putting the FF and E out to bid for Dec/Jan time frame with a July delivery and installation

expecting bids to come in within 2-5% below budget more conservative approach than previous projects

Nutting - we still need to figure out how the studio will be paid for by the cable TV group, or what other option would be needed.

used to be approx $6500/room for FF and E, now running about $8K
varies based upon type of classroom setup

study done by architect showed $1600/per study cost; MSBA reimburses $1200, that is okay for elementary schools but not for the high schools where labs increase the cost

technology is separate from FF and E

Mercer - should have a better idea of the real numbers for FF and E in the next 30-60 days
Sabolinski - Peter Light and others at in with the teachers to take a conservative approach in terms of the needs for FF&E
Light - inventory of existing equipment was starting point, would it last 5 years? yes, or no. If no, then on the listing for replacement. Compiled this at the building level. What was submitted was what the teachers needed with review and aligned with the curriculum. Drove to rationale as required.
Sabolinski - I feel comfortable with the process
Light - some of the teachers spent quite a bit of time and due diligence on this planning process. All of the big ticket areas, visited multiple model schools to discuss the details with those now in the schools

What remains in the building is open for Franklin to keep, what we don't keep can be taken by the contractor as part of the demolition

if there is stuff in good shape, can move it to the new building and deploy it in a non-public space where it can be used but not really observed on a daily basis in a public space; as in the library

Plan for listing of FF and E and budget by the meeting in October, 'no later than' is the plan per Mercer
Desire to get the listing a week before the meeting

all the other model schools were using $1800/student as their target despite the MSBA model target at $1200

Fennell - the high schools are coming in over the $1200 that the MSBA has and I understand the logic and numbers presented.

Change order #3
$40,742
additional electrical  discovered as required
credit for supports not needed
electrical outlets to be added at front of stage
underground manhole to accommodate some wire runs
door hardware
revising door widths, should have been 4' were at 3 something
increased seating capacity in language lab (state standard is 30, added 5 as classes generally run lager)
lecture hall seating change to adjust the riser height

motion made to approve, seconded, passed unanimously

two parking lots built this summer have light poles (actually will), will be wired to new building
need to run lighting to power them in the meantime, could be approx 25-30,000 for the additional wiring and conduit - wouldn't be more than 28K. light pole basis should be ready for end of Sep; it is a safety issue

motion to authorize Chair to approve up to $28K for lighting
seconded, passed unanimously

Nutting - can we add a column to show the MSBA approvals for the change orders as submitted

LeBlanc - when are we going to get the 'pending' items
Is there an opportunity cost to not put the top copy out now?
about 25-29K

Cafasso - question on the parking lots
Both paved lots will get turned over, 120 spaces were on old lot, will get over 300 spaces with what is turned over next week

Question on the grading between the old fields and the new building, and new building and the 'new fields' when the current school goes

switching to the Davis Thayer topic