Editorial: Resolving the Library dispute

In my role as the self-appointed Community Information Director, I present the details and leave the opinions aside. For the Library Board of Directors vs. Friends of the Library issue, this has gone on long enough and I can no longer sit idle on the sideline.

When the Library Board of Directors canceled the Book Sale run by the Friends of the Library, this was the ultimate move in a disintegrating relationship. The bi-annual book sale which raised about $10-20,000 per year was no more. The event held at the DPW that was a great community gathering was no longer. The Library proceeded to conduct their own regular and now a monthly book sale to raise funds in lieu of what the Friends would have been providing.

I attended the Board of Directors meeting in September. I also attended the Friends of the Library (FOFL) meeting this January. While there have been some personnel changes on both sides, the discussion doesn't seem to be making progress. During this recent FOFL meeting, no matter which side was leading the conversation, it would go down one of the rat holes of he-said/she-said with disappointing body language exhibited by the other side.

In the he-said/she-said, there is disagreement about timeliness of delivery of funds from the Friends to the Library, and there is disagreement about information requested by the Friends and not provided by the Library as an example of some of the issues. There is more but suffice to say, there is no point in trying to resolve this he-said/she-said.

Suffice to say there when some one plays in the mud, everyone gets dirty. Both sides have room to improve their behavior.

It is time to for both parties (Library Board and FOFL) to put the past aside. The real issue is the Library budget over the years. There is not sufficient funding for the Library to operate the way it used to or the way it should. For both sides to continue to squabble over the $10-20,000 from the book sale diverts attention from the real issue.

The people of Franklin need a library that functions well, is open for convenient hours, and provides appropriate services to meet the needs of the library users. The needs will change as technology changes. There will be need for less hardcover books and more ebooks for example.

The chart below shows the total Franklin Library budget from fiscal year 2005 through 2014. The peak year was in fiscal 2008 at $925,000. This year's budget is $237,000 less and both sides are arguing about $10-20,000? Come one, get real. Ten years of maximum book sales don't make up this years delta from the peak.

Franklin Library Budget History - total dollars FY 2006 - 2014

Frankly, the $10-20,000 is insignificant compared to the real budget issue. The budget currently covers the only the daily operating expenses.

• What about the library renovations? That will need to come from the Franklin capital budget or perhaps the bonding capability that Franklin has. The proposal needs to be reviewed, discussed and supported. This seems to be on schedule for some time in March.
• What about digitizing the archives of microfiche? Where will that money come from? Are there collections that Franklin has that others would like access to?
• What about taking care of the original set of books from Benjamin Franklin that started the library as the first free and public library in USA? Do we really want our legacy and possibly most treasured possession to be "None of those books will ever be read again"? If you missed that story from November you can read it here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/none-of-those-books-will-ever-be-read.html

I respectfully encourage Franklin residents, taxpayers, and voters to talk with the members of Board of Directors AND the Friends of the Franklin Library. The next time you see one of them around town, tell them to put aside the past once and for all. Let's get on with solving the real mission of the library: providing a worthy resource center for all of Franklin residents young and old!

Let's not leave Ben wondering if he really did the right thing!

Benjamin Franklin statue outside Franklin Public Library

Information about both the Library Board of Directors and the Friends of the Franklin Library can be found here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about

Video tour of the new Franklin High School

From Pantherbook, you can take a student lead and produced tour of the new Franklin High School currently under construction. The video was put together by FHS students and finished in November 2013, posted to Pantherbook on Saturday.

Nice job!





The new school is going to an amazing facility that Franklin will be proud of.

Visit Pantherbook here http://pantherbook.org/

The video appears to have been recorded in late Oct or early November given the construction status of the building exterior. I compared the photo of Principal Peter Light in the opening of the video with photos of the same location in October and November.

My full collection of posts on the high school with an almost monthly set of photos can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

Public Meeting: Emmons St Building

So many of you have great ideas for the future use of the downtown Emmons Street property.  Please come and be part of the discussion!

See details below:

Tuesday, Jan 21, 2014

7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central St

3rd Floor Training Room

Discount CPR/First Aid Training Offer for Franklin Matters readers

Act First EMS, Inc. is offering $60 off CPR and First Aid Training for ALL FranklinMatters.org readers on Jan 25th at our training center located at 247 E Central Street, Franklin, MA. (Next door to Hess on Rt 140)

ACT First EMS - 247 E Central St

Act First offers high quality Public training at all of our training centers and Private On-Site training all throughout New England.

View our upcoming classes and register: https://www.actfirstcpr.com/open
To save $60 use Coupon Code: FRANKLINMATTERS 

You MUST preregister to reserve a seat. This offer cannot be combined.

Reminder: Ben Franklin Birthday Party

Celebrate Benjamin Franklin's birthday today at the Franklin Historical Museum. His birthday was actually Friday, Jan 17th but cake and refreshments are available today when the Museum is open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

birthday cake from Ben's party in 2012

The notice as posted to the official Franklin.webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01C6DCE0-000F8513

The Historical Museum can be found on Facebook. Click through to Facebook here

Franklin Food Elves Bring In Record Donations

The Franklin Food Elves’ 2013 “12 Days of Donating” campaign exceeded goals on all fronts, collecting more than 3 tons of goods and $6,700 to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry well into the new year.

The 75 Food Elves, together with Franklin Downtown Partnership businesses, collected 7,357 pounds of non-perishable goods and $6,700 in the food drive last December. That is a significant increase over 2012 when 50 Elves collected just over 4,200 pounds of goods and $5,700.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

“Thanks to the Food Elves’ hard work and commitment, the donations have helped fill our shelves, allowing us to continue serving local families,” says Linda Sottile, director of operations for the Franklin Food Pantry. “It is amazing how this effort has grown thanks to Melissa and Cameron Piana and the many, many elves who have joined in over the years. It is heartwarming to see so many youth of Franklin getting involved.”

“According to the 2013 Status Report on Hunger in Massachusetts recently released by Project Bread, there are 700,000 households in our state for whom having enough to eat is a struggle,” says Erin Lynch, director of development for the Food Pantry. “This impacts us locally, yet many still don’t realize the magnitude of the issue.

“The ‘12 Days of Donating’ generates community awareness that will have a significant positive impact long after the holidays are over,” Lynch continues. “We are so grateful to the Food Elves for their record-breaking success and for rallying such tremendous support. To each and every person who contributed we thank you on behalf of more than 600 families we serve.”

Food Elves co-founder Cameron Piana is proud of the hard work of the Elves, who went door to door in neighborhoods to collect food and other necessities. “Students like to get involved in community service projects that are fun but also have a big impact,” says Piana. “This group has definitely made an impact and we are really happy that we beat our goal by more than a ton this year.”

Local businesses were deeply involved in the campaign. DCU donated $3,000 and once again Berry Insurance donated $1,000. Eight local FDP member businesses placed a donation bin at their location and each pledged $200 if the Elves hit their goal. Those businesses were DCU, Dean Bank, Dean College, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, Franklin Downtown Partnership, Jane’s Frames, Murphy Business and Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits.

Support snowballed to include companies and organizations outside of Franklin who donated goods and dollars upon hearing about the campaign.

“It’s gratifying to see the community response to this effort,” says Nicole Fortier, Downtown Partnership president. “We want to thank everyone involved for going above and beyond and supporting this campaign.”

Franklin Food Pantry

For more information about the Franklin Food Elves campaign please contact the Franklin Downtown Partnership at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com. For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry please call (508) 528-3115 or go to their website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Pictured left to right, front row: Nicole Fortier, Dean Bank and Downtown Partnership; Erin Lynch, Franklin Food Pantry; Linda Sottile, Franklin Food Pantry; Beth MacBrian, DCU.  Second row:  Kevin Goffe, Dean Bank; Ann Williams, Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits; Cameron Piana, Food Elves Co-founder; Haley Frank, Food Elves Captain; Dave Drucker, Dean College; Jane Curran, Jane's Frames.  Third row:  Cam Strouse, Emily Shea, Karen Cunningham, Evan Strouse, Carter Castillo. 

Seven of the 75 Food Elves, left to right:  Karen Cunningham, Emily Shea, Haley Frank, Evan Strouse, Cameron Piana, Carter Castillo and Cam Strouse.

Poem-A-Day: A Dream Within a Dream by Edgar Allan Poe

The Academy of American Poets publishes a daily email 'Poem-A-Day'. Today is Edgar Allen Poe's birthday.

Edgar Allan Poe was born 205 years ago today, in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe's work as an editor, poet, and critic had a profound impact on American and international literature, and his short stories mark him as one of the originators of both horror and detective fiction. Poe died on October 7, 1849.

A Dream Within a Dream

by Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow:
You are not wrong who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.  

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream? 

Today's poem is in the public domain.

You can find the webpage version of this 'Poem-A-Day' here. Follow the link if you would also like to subscribe to receive your own copy of the daily email.

For more about Edgar Allen Poe you can read his entry on wikipedia here or on poets.org here

Franklin Girls Softball Registration

Registration for the 2014 season is open online for all age groups. Please visit the FGSA website at www.fgsafastpitch.org, and click on the registration button on the left hand side. There is just over two weeks left to register, so please sign up right away.

League fees will not be increased this year, Instructional and Intermediate will remain at $115 and Junior and Senior will stay at $135.

Franklin Girls Softball

**REMINDER - All Sixth graders should register for the Junior division and, just like last year, 6th graders will be placed in the division best suited for their skill set to ensure player safety.

There will also be a Walk-In Registration on January 25th at the Elks Club on 1077 Pond St. from 8:30am-11:30am for those that would like to pay with either cash or check.

Players eligible for the JUNIOR and SENIOR leagues, please "SAVE THE DATE" of March 8th for the skills session. It will be held at the Field House at FHS between 9am-3pm. Specific times will be emailed to you, like last year, for when your daughter should arrive, once registration closes.

"The opportunity to lead is a privilege that is earned"

The Milford Daily News reports on the Project 351 'Day of Service' that was held on Saturday. 8th grade students from around the Commonwealth gathered at the State Capital where Governor Deval Patrick was quoted as saying:

"I think having a sense of community is vital to solving every issue facing us, our commonwealth and our country," he said. "It's the notion that we have a common cause, a stake not only in our own struggles, but those of our neighbors as well." 

Ashland ambassador Julia Sicard asked Patrick if, as a youth, he thought he could be governor. Patrick said he had not, but was driven to politics by a desire to stop short-sighted policies. 

Project 351

"I think the way we make government better is to make hard decisions now, which will pay off over time," he said. 

Rebekah Redwine, of Franklin, was among the students who led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140119/NEWS/140118635/1994/NEWS#sthash.0F9cM7f6.dpuf



For more information about Project 351 visit their webpage here  http://project351.com/

"the next generation of transportation"

The Milford Daily News provides an update on the Metrowest area's top 10 traffic and transportation challenges that were identified 10 years ago. There has been progress made.

9. I-495 at Rte. 119 in Littleton and I-495 at Rte. 140 in Franklin 

The Littleton area has seen work in conjunction with development, including a project with developer Sam Park to widen part of Rte. 119, reconstruct sidewalks and add signals and turn lanes. 

Crews improved the Rte. 140 area in Franklin in the mid-2000s by relocating and widening a 1.5-mile stretch of Rte. 140 and improving and widening the 140/495 interchange, according to the MassDOT website. Nagi said there are still some transportation challenges there, including parking at the nearby commuter rail station.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140119/NEWS/140118592#sthash.Swa8pjX3.dpuf

Three children, two families, one night of mourning

It seemed most of Franklin was in mourning Friday evening. Walking to the Town Common for the Monroe Family vigil, the line of folks paying their respects for the McGrath Family wound through the parking lot to the sidewalk at the Ginley Funeral Home.

In the Franklin Federated Church parking lot, several media trucks were parked motors running, antennas reaching up and out.

High St was blocked off and the Franklin Police detail were assisting with directing traffic.

The bandstand was lit and drew folks from all sides towards it. As you approached, you could pick up a candle. Individuals, couples, families all flowed towards the bandstand forming a rather quiet circle. Small conversations occurred as neighbors met, or introductions were made.

candlelight

When the notice was given, one light was quietly and effectively passed from candle to candle until all the candles were lit. A single guitar cast its notes into the evening.




Many of the Franklin Interfaith Council were present and each took a turn leading the group in a prayer or reflection.  A singer step up to perform "Amazing Grace"

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

amazing grace

The children were called to gather to assist in the balloon release. The bunches of balloons tied to the railings around the bandstand were distributed. A couple released early one at a time, finding the night sky. Most did hold a good grip until the time was right to release them as the singer performed  "Over the Rainbow"

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true

balloon release

There was a pause as two larger lanterns were put together and the family moved from one side of the bandstand to the other to assist in their release.. The lanterns quietly flew into the night heading towards Pleasant/Lincoln St until then joined the other star lights in the sky.




Additional ways to provide support are listed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/supportpossible-in-many-ways.html

As more are announced they will be shared here and on Facebook

FPAC to Present Free Family Concert Series

FPAC's popular Family Concert Series kicks off this season with Ben Rudnick and Friends on February 2 at 1 p.m. at 38 Main Street in Franklin!

Franklin Performing Arts Company

Multiple award winners in family music (including seven Parent's Choice awards), Ben Rudnick and Friends delivers fun for all ages, with an entertaining mix of their own upbeat tunes and original interpretations of familiar songs.

FPAC's Family Concert Series of three Sunday performances continues with Mark Poniatowski Presents Jazz for Kidz on March 2 and Opera for Kids on March 23. Admission is FREE!

In the News: candlelight vigil, biotech training, fund raiser

With tears, music, prayer and glowing lanterns, family, friends and neighbors on Friday night remembered Sean and Lexi Monroe, the brother and sister, who died Sunday in a household accident that touched parents across the nation.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118704/1994/NEWS#sthash.skn7YLTo.dpuf

Engineering students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will soon have the chance to study in the burgeoning field of biotechnology with the aid of a nearly $100,000 grant.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140118/NEWS/140118732/1994/NEWS#sthash.la5VxhPP.dpuf

A yard sale and bake sale are planned for Feb. 9 to benefit the Munroe family whose two children died in a tragic accident.
The sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1034 Pond St.
Anyone wishing to donate or for more information, email: my7catz@yahoo.com or franklinyardsale@gmail.com.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118885#sthash.3C3XQEko.dpuf

Support…possible in many ways

From Lisa Buccella:

A Franklin family has endured great pain as they navigate their steps while mourning the sudden deaths of their two young children.  Whether you know them or not, there are many ways to offer subtle support as our town comes together.  There are many businesses working to find ways to show solidarity and comfort.  I'm sure there will be many more and we can share the info on social media too.  Please, consider helping our local businesses offer what they can to the family and check the websites for the dates....most are today.

If you buy a cupcake or 12 at The Cake Bar, it will have an impact on the family.  

If you buy one bottle of wine or a case at Pour Richards, it will have an impact on the family.

If you ate at Rick's Cafe this week and had a cup of coffee or a meal, it will have an impact on the family.

If you take a class at Live, Love, Barre or Tranquil Souls, it will have an impact on the family.

If you choose to make a donation of any amount to Dean Bank or the online gofundme that is available, it will have an impact on the family.

If you choose to support them by attending the vigil tonight, it will have an impact on the family.

My experience tells me that this type of support definitely makes an impact on a family. My sister and her three young children were the recipients of huge community support in their town in Florida during the time when her husband was ill and passed away.    Their community showed support is so many ways that were meaningful, comforting and offered bright moments.   The outpouring of love is very comforting.

And, I feel it in my own heart when I think of what others did for them.    

Historical Museum: Ben's Birthday - Sunday

CELEBRATE BEN’S BIRTHDAY WITH US

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday January 19th and enjoy a piece of cake to celebrate Ben Franklin’s Birthday. The famous Revolutionary was born January 17, 1706. Stop in and celebrate our town’s namesake’s 308th birthday. Museum Hours Sunday 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Franklin Historical Museum

THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY

The month of February celebrates Valentine’s Day and the Franklin Historical Museum has researched some fun facts about the origin of the day, when Valentine cards were first exchanged and various customs associated with the day. The informative exhibit will run February 1st through February 23rd.



INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM?

The Franklin Historical Museum is looking for additional volunteers to help with various aspects of running the museum. If you are interested in helping with research, correspondence, hosting and/or working with exhibits, please send an email to maryolsson1@verizon.net or call the Town Clerk’s office at 508 520 4900 leave your name and phone number. A volunteer meeting will be held in February.


You can also follow the Historical Museum on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

FSPA to Present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

FSPA will present an all-student production of the hit family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Saturday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. 

The performance will be held at the New England Chapel, 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin, MA. Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob's favorite son in a high-energy, high adventure retelling of epic proportions!

FSPA performs

The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco and rock 'n roll. The enduringly popular Joseph is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

To purchase tickets please go to our website: www.fspaonline.com. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors/students.

In the News: vigil Friday night, land purchased approved, hope chest recall

A candlelight vigil for Lexi and Sean Munroe will be held at 7 p.m. Friday on the Franklin Town Common. 

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118946#sthash.q8EHJgz0.dpuf

In a move to protect more land for recreation, the Town Council on Wednesday agreed to purchase an 18-acre property off Daniels Street.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118948#sthash.hTsCFIWk.dpuf

Following the news that two Franklin children died after accidentally locking themselves in a wooden hope chest, local second-hand furniture store owners are examining their shops and wondering what they can do differently to prevent such a tragedy.

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x1266957512/Federal-agency-investigates-hope-chests-may-re-announce-recall#ixzz2qeSqn9yJ

Important Information re: Vigil Friday

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From: "Neighbor Brigade" FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org

To: FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org

Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2014 8:56:29 AM

Subject: Important Information re: Vigil Friday

Hello again, We received an email of concern about Friday nights vigil and a wake happening at the same time down the street from the common for a loss in the McGrath family.  Please be respectfully answering any concerns among your peers and remind others that the Vigil has evolved to bring strength and unity for this family and it is not being facilitated by the Neighbor Brigade.  Below is the note sent to the concerned friend of the McGrath's and she was very positive in this response, Thank you : Neighbor Brigade has passed on the info and is not the facilitator of this Vigil. We are a group of community volunteers that are supporting the Monroe's in its right time because of our Mission. I have received the info for the vigil from a friend of the family that we are connected with and she gave me permission and "encouraged me to spread the word". It is my understanding that 3 women (names are not necessary) have invited this to happen as a community and they are from the Davis Thayer school where the children belonged. I hope this helps and I also hope both families can be appropriately and respectfully able to mourn and be allowed opportunity to come together in unity to help these grieving families. Lastly, I have not received any info about a need to help the McGrath family and just want to let you know that we are sorry for their loss.  Neighbor Brigade is an available resource of volunteers who help families in day to day needs as they grieve and recover.  Please feel free to ask us anymore questions or let me know if there is anything else we can help you with, Sincerely, Franklin Neighbor Brigade Leaders -- Linda Gagnon FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org www.neighborbrigade.org Like us on Facebook!

neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
 www.neighborbrigade.org | support@neighborbrigade.org
friend on Facebook

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This email and the information it contains is intended for Neighbor Brigade volunteers only. Please do not forward this email. If you would like to encourage a friend to join, please direct them to www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA. Thank you!

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Timely communications still an issue

The Town Council voted to purchase the recreation land that the FinCom approved, appointed Jim Dacey Treasurer to complete the move of that position from elected to appointed, and heard the apology from Waste Management on the trash schedule delays.

The trash schedule delays should be resolved this week although with the Martin Luther King holiday coming next week, the schedule will 'normally' be offset one day. The combination of the New Year's holiday, the weekend storm, the deep freeze causing equipment trouble and then regulations on hours worked conspired for this situation. There should be an alert coming from the DPW that will announce that extra trash will be picked up with no charge to the household for the 'extra bag' to help offset the problem.

The Town Council was rightly upset with the lack of communications from the DPW/Town Administration. There could have been a notification on Friday night to let folks know that the trucks would not be running on Saturday. That notification did not happen and the buzz began to build until we finally got official notification late Sunday and early Monday morning. But that was too late!

The Council also moved to second reading a water and sewer map adjustment to enable a 9 or 18 unit subdivision off of Uncas St. The developer had an approved project some years ago, ended up in court with the Franklin over the details and apparently has reached an agreement where they will provide some additional improvements to the area (i.e. Hill St) in return for the town agreeing to proceed. The second reading will come up at the Feb 5th meeting.

Yours truly spent 15 minutes presenting to the Council on lessons learned while operating Franklin Matters. I could have talked longer but kept to a short and hopefully to the point agenda. Communication is so easy to do and in some cases so hard to execute. Case in point with the recent DPW/Waste Management trash schedule. They did well to give us the first notification about the delay in schedule due to the snow storm. They did not do well to explain that the Saturday pickup would not occur.

It takes a service oriented approach to bring those communications to the forefront every time. Unfortunately as well as many of the Franklin employees do, there sometimes is not this mindset of sharing the info. It will take time to change that.

Franklin Municipal Building

The full set of notes taken live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting - Closing
• Live reporting - Legislation
• Live reporting - Public Hearing
• Live reporting - Waste Management
• Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 15, 2014
• 
  

MASSBudget: A Preview of the State's FY 2015 Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. FY 2015 Budget Preview  On January 22nd, the Governor is expected to submit his budget proposal--his plans for what we should do together through state government in Fiscal Year 2015. This includes how we fund our schools, maintain our roads and transit systems, keep our communities safe, and balance our budget. Once again in FY 2015, Massachusetts will face a substantial gap between ongoing revenue and the cost of maintaining current services and commitments. Our "Budget Preview" estimates that gap to be roughly $500 million.     There are three basic reasons that Massachusetts continues to confront difficult fiscal challenges: The income tax cuts of 1998-2002, which still cost the state over $3 billion per year Health Care cost growth, which has slowed in recent years but which had been growing faster than our state economy  The still-sluggish economy here in Massachusetts and across the U.S. Our "Budget Preview" provides an estimate of revenue growth for FY 2015, along with the cost of maintaining current services and the fiscal challenges moving forward. Read MassBudget's BUDGET PREVIEW The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Comedy Night – Presented by Franklin Fusion Softball

Comedy Night – Presented by Franklin Fusion Softball

Franklin Fusion

Featuring Comedian Mike Hanley- Mike has recently headlined at Foxwoods, RI Comedy Connection, Comedy Works and The Hartford Funny Bone.  

Join us Friday February 7, 2014 from 7pm-11pm at the Franklin Elks- 1077 Pond St. Franklin, MA.  Doors open at 7pm show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $25 each and include appetizers, desserts and entertainment. Cash Bar will be available.  Also enjoy Silent Auctions/Raffles and Sport Memorabilia 

For tickets or more information contact-Any Fusion softball player or email franklinfusion@yahoo.com

In the News: funeral arrangements, Treasurer appointed, benefit fraud, chest recall

The Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin published an obituary for the two siblings Thursday, three days after they died in what authorities Tuesday called a tragic accident at their Chestnut Street home. 

According to the funeral home, Lexi and Sean’s funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square. The brother and sister will be laid to rest at Union Street Cemetery, 150 West Central St.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140116/NEWS/140119163#sthash.XH0xHVHA.dpuf

James Dacey Jr., a longtime resident, will continue to serve as treasurer/collector after the Town Council ratified his appointment Wednesday. 

Dacey is the first treasurer/collector to be named by the council since voters last year approved changes to the charter, making the job an appointed position. Dacey was one of the major proponents of the change.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140116/NEWS/140119174#sthash.kob2ppZ3.dpuf

Three men, including one from Franklin, were arraigned Monday on charges that they collected a combined total of more than $106,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work, according to Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office. 

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140116/NEWS/140119165#sthash.RpWusodo.dpuf

Following the news that two Franklin children died after accidentally locking themselves in a wooden hope chest, local second-hand furniture store owners are examining their shops and wondering what they can do differently to prevent such a tragedy.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140116/NEWS/140119161#sthash.bxQ0R9Xd.dpuf

Town Wide Vigil Friday - Jan 17 at 7:00 PM

Brigade FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org

Subject: Town Wide Vigil Friday

Hello again, As some of you have asked and discussions have been had, there will be a town wide-community vigil on the Town Common at 7p.m. Friday the 17th. All are welcome to take part in supporting the Munroe Family. Thank you, Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferri and Karen Anderson, Chapter Leaders -- Linda Gagnon FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org www.neighborbrigade.org Like us on Facebook!

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This email and the information it contains is intended for Neighbor Brigade volunteers only. Please do not forward this email. If you would like to encourage a friend to join, please direct them to www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA. Thank you!

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Franklin Town Common (in snow)

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
about $400K of the 900K in the snow and ice spent thus far

budget review to start, Feb 6th 6:00PM meeting

Feb 4 bid opening for the downtown project

workshop Tues 1/21 for the municipal bldg
workshop for zoning on Jan 29th


L. OLD BUSINESS
Jones - recurring presentation by one of the dept heads

M. NEW BUSINESS
Kelly - facilities director for presentation sooner rather than later
to hear from Brutus about the plans and expectations as the State and their contractor does their work
issue with the grass cutting at the downtown Fire Station should be referecned

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer - thoughts and comments to
walk through the new high school 6:00 at Feb 10th, will meet at the end of the field house parking lot

Jones - thanks that the trash issue has been resolved

Bissanti - condolences to the Monroe family
thanks for the flag raising and lowering services with the Elks
there were three services just last week alone and another one coming

Vallee - the one issue we had was communication and it failed again
we want phone calls, not just emails


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting - Legislation

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
meeting on Jan 21

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-01: Appropriation: Spring Valley Estates/Brielle Way
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

2. Resolution 14-02: Purchase of Land off Cottontail Lane, Authorization and Appropriation – Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)

Franklin Land Purchase

this is the land deal that the FinCom approved on Tuesday. $326,000 from the Open Space Account
immediately abuts land that Franklin already owns or will own
a unique opportunity to capture this for recreation, four ways to access this from neighboring cul-de-sac.
this is a fair market price for the land

Bissanti - great opportunity, great price, great decision

3. Resolution 14-03: Support for Legislation, H1586, An Act concerning electronic publication of certain legal notices
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

support for the legislation to reduce cost of publication of legal notices
getting endorsement by the Council should help get the measure moving


4. Resolution 14-04: Acceptance of Gift, Franklin Police Department
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Digital Credit Union donated $2,000 to support programs for children

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-725: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
motion on amendment, seconded, passed 9-0

this sets the bylaws for the two way traffic as the roads are converted

6. Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Zoning Bylaw Amendment §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area,
Frontage Yard and Height Requirements – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 9-0
Bissanti, Mercer recuse themselves for this vote (as they had for the earlier public hearing)

7. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 1st Reading
motion to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 9-0

provides guidance on license infraction handling, will also be included with license renewal

8. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Water Map Amendment – Uncas Avenue Extension – 1st Reading
motion to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 9-0

had been a court case, improvements offered to public ways in order to make the development and apparently resolving the case to move this forward

9. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Sewer Map Amendment – Uncas Avenue Extension – 1st Reading
motion to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 9-0

improvements to Hill Ave and other improvements agreed to
sewer capacity?
zoned for single or duplex haven't decided which way to go at this point

over .6M gallons per day saved with fixes to the water system
we do have sewer capacity available now

reduced water consumption in same period by .7M gallons
an accumulated amount overtime, a net up to date number

Live reporting - Public Hearing

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town
Code at §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage Yard and Height Requirements – 7:10 PM

what was overlooked at the time is the underlying zone which restricts impervious coverage
allows the exception for this zone and not the entire town

Mercer, Bissanti recuse themselves upon clarification that the zoning bylaw is restricted to the one parcel


My presentation

copy sent earlier