Kristin Graci remembered as vivacious friend, softball player
from The Milford Daily News News RSSDowntown Partnership holding membership drive
Franklin, MA
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Parmenter 5K Race/Walk - May 16th
The Parmenter Elementary School will be the start and finish for their 2nd Annual 5K Race/Walk on Sunday, May 16th.
You can visit the event website for detailed information here
http://parmenter5k.weebly.com/index.html
You can also register at Active.com here
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/2nd-annual-parmenter-5k-for-all-ages-2010
Franklin, MA
You can visit the event website for detailed information here
http://parmenter5k.weebly.com/index.html
You can also register at Active.com here
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/2nd-annual-parmenter-5k-for-all-ages-2010
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Live reporting - Adminstrator, closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Online payments, coming next week
note the passing of Clara Lodi
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS -
Kelly -Can we get a briefing on the sewer system for the new councilors?
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - precincts 2, 3, 4 special election on Apr 13th
Franklin Food Pantry running low on donations at this time
Based upon the budget discussion, try to get information, read the long range financial report
the more informed, the better we will be
Zollo - I would hope that the parties would be able to reach an agreement
it seems to be in the Town's interest to resolve this
on the budget issue, I supported the capital plan
you can suffer disproportionate consequences
for the same reasons that I supported the capital plan, I will look to support the human capital
Pfeffer - it is a great thing to visit the Senior Center, it is not limited to Tina, Scott and I
Jones - I'd like to apologize for my absence, I was in Haiti.
Whalen - the long range committee is projecting a deficit of about 6 million for FY 12 and we are also looking at a debt exclusion for the high school renovation
Mason - my condolences to the Lodi family
congratulations to Jones for returning safely
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go into executive session, not to return, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Online payments, coming next week
note the passing of Clara Lodi
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS -
Kelly -Can we get a briefing on the sewer system for the new councilors?
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - precincts 2, 3, 4 special election on Apr 13th
Franklin Food Pantry running low on donations at this time
Based upon the budget discussion, try to get information, read the long range financial report
the more informed, the better we will be
Zollo - I would hope that the parties would be able to reach an agreement
it seems to be in the Town's interest to resolve this
on the budget issue, I supported the capital plan
you can suffer disproportionate consequences
for the same reasons that I supported the capital plan, I will look to support the human capital
Pfeffer - it is a great thing to visit the Senior Center, it is not limited to Tina, Scott and I
Jones - I'd like to apologize for my absence, I was in Haiti.
Whalen - the long range committee is projecting a deficit of about 6 million for FY 12 and we are also looking at a debt exclusion for the high school renovation
Mason - my condolences to the Lodi family
congratulations to Jones for returning safely
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go into executive session, not to return, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - legislation
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
effectively two questions would come back to Franklin voters for approval in a future (Nov 2010?) election; one, to approve the technical changes; two, to approve the Treasure/Collector as appointed rather than elected.
Paul Cheli - I thought there would be a part for this to include the Clerk as well, did I miss a meeting?
Nutting - there wasn't a consensus
Discussion:
Pfeffer - the Capital subcommittee had qualms about spending money under the circumstances but if you don't take care of things now, it gets worse later. There are monies identified for this to help the roads. The Cable Commission has also contributed money to convert to a fiber network which will save the Town 50,000 annually.
Kelly - we worked hard to do the needs rather than the wants.
Whalen - I think we need to continue to do these routine maintenance, it gets worse if we don't. The amount of what is funded is about 10-15% of what is actually requested.
Nutting - from cable we receive money as part of their licenses from both Comcast and Verizon, it is a joint use of fiber and provides us a payback of about 50,000 per year. A win-win for the cable folks and for the town as well.
Whalen - what is the employee benefits encumbered account?
Nutting - it was money set aside for a bargaining agreement that has not come to fruition and not likely to in the near future.
Jones - as a member of the subcommittee, I agree with Judy and Matt. We need to take care of these now rather than pay more later.
Mason - this isn't anybody's Christmas list, these are real needs. The total of what they really need, it is far more. Not counting the Davis Thayer school we have 3 million dollars of need. We need to keep doing this.
Discussion:
Nutting: We have a replacement plan for police and fire vehicles, we don't have one for a fire truck so this gets us started on one.
Mason: If we don't buy a truck for the DPW, we don't get a road paved, if we don't buy a fire truck maybe we don't get a life saved. I'd like to see a presentation on the cost of a new truck.
Nutting: there is a lease purchase option, we looked at it for the Tower and can look at it again.
Chief McCarragher - we have two vehicles, one at 10 years and one at 20 years, we are trying to make the best of a bad situation
Nutting - applied for and received grant for 100,000 with a ten percent match, this is the 10,000. Yes, there is an energy savings but that is a Mike D'Angelo question, I don't know the answer.
Jones - I think this is a great program, this is an exciting thing for the town
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Discussion:
Board of Assessors have requested outside help for re-valuations this year for Commercial/Industrial
There are still monies in Fiscal 2008, 2009, to be further evaluated
Pfeffer - how much is left in 2008?
Doyle - About 100,000
Pfeffer - how much is left in 2009?
Doyle - about the same amount
Nutting - any amount released would go into the general overlay surplus and subject to Council approval
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Discussion:
We do this on a regular basis, we usually gain more in revenue than we expend in this manner
motion to approve, (requires roll call vote) passed 8-0
suggested changes to make things simplier
Paul Cheli, John Collela
Don Neilsen
This bylaw is a very difficult bylaw, it is well crafted, one size does not fit all.
The Board of Health has condemned the property, Mr Dacey has it in tax title
Mr Collela is proposing to demolish the building and put in two single family homes, in a nice neighborhood
148 Washington St - located within 200 Ft of i495 overpass, looking to take one lot and subdivide it to two lots
The sewer extension begins towards Union St, requires two man holes would come up the side of the street, would not be near other utilities. 258 feet of sewer pipe
Bill Yadisernia
I did approve other extension because the sewer capacity was available for it
I don't have approval for this area. This could not be put in a worse area.
We have capacity problems with the Beaver St intercept. This is a 100 year old system. A new sewer system would be 10-15 million dollars
We have computer model simulations that show this system area will backup. Statistically in a 17 year event, sewer backing up into someones house is a health hazard.
I think what we are talking about here, when we have high ground water and rainfall, you don't want to put anymore water in it. The glass is already full. You run the risk of causing backups. 440 gallons a day.
We have spent a lot of money to reduce inflows, we have to limit residential development especially that is not needed.
I think they can still develop these lots and do onsite septic systems. If they can demonstrate otherwise, I'll consider it. I don't see a hardship here.
Pfeffer - Did Penny Lane meet the requirements?
Yadisernia - Penny Lane did meet the requirements by adding additional remediation to their property and paying additional I&I fees.
Zollo - Are we claiming hardship here?
Cheli - yes, there is a hardship, try buying a brand new house with a raised septic system in the backyard. Yes, we spend too much time testing and repairing. Mr Collela knows what he is doing, he knows this market. The septic system will fail it is a question of when.
Zollo - why is this the worst area of town to put this in?
Yadisernia - this area has a very steep sloop. It is discharging right into the bad area. The sewer system is really flat and doesn't flow well.
Zollo - I am sensitive to the issue of the raised septic. It is not insignificant. Are there any other things that can be done to make it more acceptable?
Yadisernia - I&I would be an alternative but effectively you don't get one here. The cost to the Town would be how to take the flow out.
Nutting - traditionally, those items are worked out in advance with the developer. The Town and DPW is opposed to the Board of Health position on septic systems.
Mark Cerel - clarifications on the bylaw, effectively this does not meet the hardship requirement, it would only be for a single house, not this set.
Yadisernia - I don't recommend any extension in this case, the glass is full.
Powderly - Are there mitigations that can be done?
Yadisernia - We have been working on this as a high priority, we have problems because we have put things into this system that we shouldn't have. We are far ahead of any other town in this area. That is the I&I that I would be looking for, it is not extortion.
Whalen - I couldn't be more in disagreement that there is extortion here.
Cheli - I spoke out of turn, I withdraw that comment.
motion to move to second reading, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-12: Request for Special Legislation, RE: Amendment of Town of Franklin Home Rule Chartermotion to approve, passed 6-2 (Jones, Zollo voted no)
effectively two questions would come back to Franklin voters for approval in a future (Nov 2010?) election; one, to approve the technical changes; two, to approve the Treasure/Collector as appointed rather than elected.
Paul Cheli - I thought there would be a part for this to include the Clerk as well, did I miss a meeting?
Nutting - there wasn't a consensus
2. Resolution 10-13: Appropriation: FY 10 Capital Planmotion to approve, passed 8-0
Discussion:
Pfeffer - the Capital subcommittee had qualms about spending money under the circumstances but if you don't take care of things now, it gets worse later. There are monies identified for this to help the roads. The Cable Commission has also contributed money to convert to a fiber network which will save the Town 50,000 annually.
Kelly - we worked hard to do the needs rather than the wants.
Whalen - I think we need to continue to do these routine maintenance, it gets worse if we don't. The amount of what is funded is about 10-15% of what is actually requested.
Nutting - from cable we receive money as part of their licenses from both Comcast and Verizon, it is a joint use of fiber and provides us a payback of about 50,000 per year. A win-win for the cable folks and for the town as well.
Whalen - what is the employee benefits encumbered account?
Nutting - it was money set aside for a bargaining agreement that has not come to fruition and not likely to in the near future.
Jones - as a member of the subcommittee, I agree with Judy and Matt. We need to take care of these now rather than pay more later.
Mason - this isn't anybody's Christmas list, these are real needs. The total of what they really need, it is far more. Not counting the Davis Thayer school we have 3 million dollars of need. We need to keep doing this.
3. Resolution 10-14: Appropriation: Capital FY 10 – Fire Truckmotion to approve, passed 8-0
Discussion:
Nutting: We have a replacement plan for police and fire vehicles, we don't have one for a fire truck so this gets us started on one.
Mason: If we don't buy a truck for the DPW, we don't get a road paved, if we don't buy a fire truck maybe we don't get a life saved. I'd like to see a presentation on the cost of a new truck.
Nutting: there is a lease purchase option, we looked at it for the Tower and can look at it again.
Chief McCarragher - we have two vehicles, one at 10 years and one at 20 years, we are trying to make the best of a bad situation
4. Resolution 10-15: Appropriation: Parmenter School Solar Panelsmotion to approve: passed 8-0
Nutting - applied for and received grant for 100,000 with a ten percent match, this is the 10,000. Yes, there is an energy savings but that is a Mike D'Angelo question, I don't know the answer.
Jones - I think this is a great program, this is an exciting thing for the town
5. Resolution 10-16: Appropriation: Triennial Property RevaluationKevin Doyle, Assessor
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Discussion:
Board of Assessors have requested outside help for re-valuations this year for Commercial/Industrial
There are still monies in Fiscal 2008, 2009, to be further evaluated
Pfeffer - how much is left in 2008?
Doyle - About 100,000
Pfeffer - how much is left in 2009?
Doyle - about the same amount
Nutting - any amount released would go into the general overlay surplus and subject to Council approval
6. Resolution 10-17: Appropriation: Personal Property RevaluationKevin Doyle, Assessor
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Discussion:
We do this on a regular basis, we usually gain more in revenue than we expend in this manner
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 2nd ReadingMoved to waive reading, passed 8-0
motion to approve, (requires roll call vote) passed 8-0
suggested changes to make things simplier
8. Bylaw Amendment 10-644: Amendment to the Code, Sewer Map Extension- 1st ReadingMason, McGann - recuse themselves
Paul Cheli, John Collela
Don Neilsen
This bylaw is a very difficult bylaw, it is well crafted, one size does not fit all.
The Board of Health has condemned the property, Mr Dacey has it in tax title
Mr Collela is proposing to demolish the building and put in two single family homes, in a nice neighborhood
148 Washington St - located within 200 Ft of i495 overpass, looking to take one lot and subdivide it to two lots
The sewer extension begins towards Union St, requires two man holes would come up the side of the street, would not be near other utilities. 258 feet of sewer pipe
Bill Yadisernia
I did approve other extension because the sewer capacity was available for it
I don't have approval for this area. This could not be put in a worse area.
We have capacity problems with the Beaver St intercept. This is a 100 year old system. A new sewer system would be 10-15 million dollars
We have computer model simulations that show this system area will backup. Statistically in a 17 year event, sewer backing up into someones house is a health hazard.
I think what we are talking about here, when we have high ground water and rainfall, you don't want to put anymore water in it. The glass is already full. You run the risk of causing backups. 440 gallons a day.
We have spent a lot of money to reduce inflows, we have to limit residential development especially that is not needed.
I think they can still develop these lots and do onsite septic systems. If they can demonstrate otherwise, I'll consider it. I don't see a hardship here.
Pfeffer - Did Penny Lane meet the requirements?
Yadisernia - Penny Lane did meet the requirements by adding additional remediation to their property and paying additional I&I fees.
Zollo - Are we claiming hardship here?
Cheli - yes, there is a hardship, try buying a brand new house with a raised septic system in the backyard. Yes, we spend too much time testing and repairing. Mr Collela knows what he is doing, he knows this market. The septic system will fail it is a question of when.
Zollo - why is this the worst area of town to put this in?
Yadisernia - this area has a very steep sloop. It is discharging right into the bad area. The sewer system is really flat and doesn't flow well.
Zollo - I am sensitive to the issue of the raised septic. It is not insignificant. Are there any other things that can be done to make it more acceptable?
Yadisernia - I&I would be an alternative but effectively you don't get one here. The cost to the Town would be how to take the flow out.
Nutting - traditionally, those items are worked out in advance with the developer. The Town and DPW is opposed to the Board of Health position on septic systems.
Mark Cerel - clarifications on the bylaw, effectively this does not meet the hardship requirement, it would only be for a single house, not this set.
Yadisernia - I don't recommend any extension in this case, the glass is full.
Powderly - Are there mitigations that can be done?
Yadisernia - We have been working on this as a high priority, we have problems because we have put things into this system that we shouldn't have. We are far ahead of any other town in this area. That is the I&I that I would be looking for, it is not extortion.
Whalen - I couldn't be more in disagreement that there is extortion here.
Cheli - I spoke out of turn, I withdraw that comment.
motion to move to second reading, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - budget update
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Legislative Update by Representative James E. Vallee & State Senator Karen Spilka - unable to participate tonight
2. FY 2011 Budget Discussion
Jeff Nutting updates that
Tri-County assessment is expected to increase about 550,000 due to an increase in Franklin student enrollment
Some numbers are still being developed before presenting to the Council not a level service budget but a level funded budget.
Over the years the Town and Schools have already cut their expense budgets, further cuts would come from personnel, the Town likely would loose 5-10 positions.
Whalen - what would be the level service budget deficit?
Nutting - about 3 million, the real request was in the neighborhood of 4 million, the schools have almost another 1 million of stimulus funds to offset this for one year.
Whalen - if we want a level services budget, we would have to cut 3 million to get to the balanced budget
Zollo - how many years have we cut?
Nutting - from 305 to 255 positions from 2001 to 2011, about 50 positions
Zollo - how many on the school side?
Sabolinski - we have been cutting since 2001, in excess of 100 positions
Mason - what has been the student growth in the same period?
Sabolinski - we are over 6100 students now
Nutting - we are paying for the rapid growth in the 90's, the overall population has grown but the school population has grown more
FY 11 may be tough, but FY 12 may be even tougher as the stimulus funds dry up. We are not unique, we will do the best we can with the funds available.
Powderly - The projections do not look at any rosier for the future. There are pieces of our budget that grow beyond our control.
Nutting -comparative numbers for Police, doing double the work with less folks. With folks retiring or leaving, we have not filled positions anticipating the budget problem.
Mason - I am very concerned of the trend. At least for every year, I have been on the Council your projections have been on the money. I am asking that we place an override discussion on the agenda for Apr 28th. I think we should have a decision on an amount to be determined.
3 minute recess
Franklin, MA
1. Legislative Update by Representative James E. Vallee & State Senator Karen Spilka - unable to participate tonight
2. FY 2011 Budget Discussion
Jeff Nutting updates that
- Property tax will normally allow an increase of 1.8 million
- State Aid is currently expected to decline 1.2 million
- Therefore, net revenue would increase 600,000
Tri-County assessment is expected to increase about 550,000 due to an increase in Franklin student enrollment
Some numbers are still being developed before presenting to the Council not a level service budget but a level funded budget.
Over the years the Town and Schools have already cut their expense budgets, further cuts would come from personnel, the Town likely would loose 5-10 positions.
Whalen - what would be the level service budget deficit?
Nutting - about 3 million, the real request was in the neighborhood of 4 million, the schools have almost another 1 million of stimulus funds to offset this for one year.
Whalen - if we want a level services budget, we would have to cut 3 million to get to the balanced budget
Zollo - how many years have we cut?
Nutting - from 305 to 255 positions from 2001 to 2011, about 50 positions
Zollo - how many on the school side?
Sabolinski - we have been cutting since 2001, in excess of 100 positions
Mason - what has been the student growth in the same period?
Sabolinski - we are over 6100 students now
Nutting - we are paying for the rapid growth in the 90's, the overall population has grown but the school population has grown more
FY 11 may be tough, but FY 12 may be even tougher as the stimulus funds dry up. We are not unique, we will do the best we can with the funds available.
Powderly - The projections do not look at any rosier for the future. There are pieces of our budget that grow beyond our control.
Nutting -comparative numbers for Police, doing double the work with less folks. With folks retiring or leaving, we have not filled positions anticipating the budget problem.
Mason - I am very concerned of the trend. At least for every year, I have been on the Council your projections have been on the money. I am asking that we place an override discussion on the agenda for Apr 28th. I think we should have a decision on an amount to be determined.
3 minute recess
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Community Health Council
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
3. Presentation by The Community Health Council
Michelle Kingsland-Smith
Bart Pinchuck
Lisa Keohane
Council formed in 2008 to address the Metrowest Community Health Survey results
Still looking for additional members and funding to become a sustaining organization
All activities posted on the Schools website
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/CHC/default.htm
All activities speak to healthy choices for the children in the community
Carolyn Bomiller, MIAA
W.A.S.T.E.D program returns Tuesday April 27th at Franklin High School
Lisa Keohane, volunteer coordinator for Teenangels
Allie, Katie, Abbie, Kate, Sammy, Justin
created 4 public service announcements for broadcast through the schools
starting to get around to the middle schools and elementary schools
a presentation next week to incoming parents and students for the Annie Sullivan Middle School.
campaign to speak up and tell
prior posts on teenangels
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html
Bart - YMCA healthy futures initiatives
One in three are expected to develop Type II Diabetes
started work with UMass Boston in 2005, pilot program
10 week program to develop better eating habits, working with the student and family
developed the healthy futures to address their 15 service communities
have hired a registered dietitian to help
enlisting help across the community, parents, businesses, etc.
community wide assessment, survey of lunches
Metrowest Community Health Foundation is funding their continued efforts in this
raised garden beds are coming to the community
Franklin, MA
3. Presentation by The Community Health Council
Michelle Kingsland-Smith
Bart Pinchuck
Lisa Keohane
Council formed in 2008 to address the Metrowest Community Health Survey results
Still looking for additional members and funding to become a sustaining organization
All activities posted on the Schools website
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/CHC/default.htm
All activities speak to healthy choices for the children in the community
Carolyn Bomiller, MIAA
W.A.S.T.E.D program returns Tuesday April 27th at Franklin High School
Lisa Keohane, volunteer coordinator for Teenangels
Allie, Katie, Abbie, Kate, Sammy, Justin
created 4 public service announcements for broadcast through the schools
starting to get around to the middle schools and elementary schools
a presentation next week to incoming parents and students for the Annie Sullivan Middle School.
campaign to speak up and tell
prior posts on teenangels
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html
Bart - YMCA healthy futures initiatives
One in three are expected to develop Type II Diabetes
started work with UMass Boston in 2005, pilot program
10 week program to develop better eating habits, working with the student and family
developed the healthy futures to address their 15 service communities
have hired a registered dietitian to help
enlisting help across the community, parents, businesses, etc.
community wide assessment, survey of lunches
Metrowest Community Health Foundation is funding their continued efforts in this
raised garden beds are coming to the community
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - license transaction
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – New Officer & Director Change for Longhorn Steakhouse
all paperwork is in order, motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – New Officer & Director Change for Longhorn Steakhouse
all paperwork is in order, motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council - Apr 7, 2010
Present: Kelly, Jones, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Zollo, Powderly
Absent: Vallee,
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 10, Special Meeting & March 17, 2010, Regular & Executive Session
With one modification on S Whalen as member of but not chair of subcommittee on Charter
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
next Council breakfast at Senior Ctr - June 10
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin, MA
Absent: Vallee,
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 10, Special Meeting & March 17, 2010, Regular & Executive Session
With one modification on S Whalen as member of but not chair of subcommittee on Charter
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
next Council breakfast at Senior Ctr - June 10
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Long Range Financial Planning Committee - Brendan Morrison motion to approve, passed 8-0
Cultural Council - Helen Reebenacker motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
HMEA Recycling Center - ribbon cutting
HMEA opened their Recycling Center in Plainville, MA today. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to help celebrate the special event.
Enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video link
Franklin, MA
Enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video link
Franklin, MA
Curbside Pickup Demonstration Scheduled April 17 - 9:00 AM - Noon
A new Automated Waste Management truck will be on site and doing demonstrations at the Beaver St. Field for Earth Day, April 17th from 9-12. DPW and Waste Management personnel can explain the program and show residents how to use the new carts. See what others are talking about.
Please attend the event to learn about the program and get your questions answered.
You can subscribe to receive the "Recycle News" directly to your email
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Prior information on the new curbside pickup system beginning July 1:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-trash-collection.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/trash-pickup-in-action.html (video)
Franklin, MA
Please attend the event to learn about the program and get your questions answered.
You can subscribe to receive the "Recycle News" directly to your email
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Prior information on the new curbside pickup system beginning July 1:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-trash-collection.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/trash-pickup-in-action.html (video)
Franklin, MA
Hold the date for the Charles River Watershed Cleanup!
Are you looking to make a real difference in your community? If so, join a group or form your own to clean up trash throughout the Charles River Upper Watershed. You will be helping us improve the appearance and health of the waterways in our region.
If you live in the Upper Watershed please consider volunteering a few hours of your time to help us protect this unique and valuable natural resource. The large majority of our the cleanup sites are land-based, but we have a few on-water sites for experienced paddlers who can supply their own canoe or kayak.
Did you know? The Charles River stretches for more than 80 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. It originates and flows for nearly 37 miles here in the Upper Watershed. In our region alone the Charles is fed by 45+ miles of waterways including seven major tributary rivers, brooks, and streams.
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010
TIME: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
WHERE: Charles River Upper Watershed - Ashland, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, Sherborn, Wrentham.
The volunteer check-in site will be located in front of Whole Foods Market in Bellingham, MA. Stop by to get directions to your assigned site, collect your cleanup supplies and receive a free t-shirt. We encourage you to sign up in advance by using the contact information below.
CONTACT: David Dobrzynski
Upper Watershed Volunteer Coordinator
EMAIL: CRWAvolunteer@gmail.com
You can view the flyer for this event here:
School district regionalization - historical background
Unlike school districts in many other states, which are often separate government entities with independent taxing authority, school districts in Massachusetts are very much dependent on the cities and towns that they serve. In colonial times, districts were established by any group of families willing to support a school, and at one point there were 2,250 districts in the state. In 1882, the state passed a law that consolidated districts by giving authority only to municipalities to fund and manage school districts. With 351 towns and cities in the state, however, local control has meant that there remain a large number of districts relative to the state's student population, including many very small districts in relatively less populated areas.
Beginning with the post-war period, the 1949 Regional Schools Act authorized the regional district as an independent legal entity to encourage small towns to form consolidated school districts with a single school committee and specified rights and obligations for member towns. Though the state envisioned consolidation, the number of districts actually increased over the next 20 years, from 355 to over 390, as small towns preserved independent elementary districts while creating regional secondary schools. Special commission reports and Board of Education guidelines in the 1960’s promoted the formation of more K–12 districts on the grounds that they would improve educational programs and streamline governance, with little avail.
Real progress toward consolidation did not begin until Chapter 71, the state’s regional school law, was amended in 1974 to expand financial incentives for districts to regionalize. The aid formula was based on enrollment, which provided some incentive for districts to fully regionalize grades K–12. After these reforms the number of school districts declined to the current level of 329, not including charter schools. However, regional school aid was phased out in the early 1990s with the passage of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, and the amount that existing districts had been receiving up that point was included in the district’s Chapter 70 aid. Since the 1990s only 13 new K–12 districts have been formed, mostly the result of consolidation of regional secondary districts and their members into one K–12 regional district.
from the Education Research Brief - School District Consolidation in Massachusetts: Opportunities and Obstacles
Franklin, MA
Beginning with the post-war period, the 1949 Regional Schools Act authorized the regional district as an independent legal entity to encourage small towns to form consolidated school districts with a single school committee and specified rights and obligations for member towns. Though the state envisioned consolidation, the number of districts actually increased over the next 20 years, from 355 to over 390, as small towns preserved independent elementary districts while creating regional secondary schools. Special commission reports and Board of Education guidelines in the 1960’s promoted the formation of more K–12 districts on the grounds that they would improve educational programs and streamline governance, with little avail.
Real progress toward consolidation did not begin until Chapter 71, the state’s regional school law, was amended in 1974 to expand financial incentives for districts to regionalize. The aid formula was based on enrollment, which provided some incentive for districts to fully regionalize grades K–12. After these reforms the number of school districts declined to the current level of 329, not including charter schools. However, regional school aid was phased out in the early 1990s with the passage of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, and the amount that existing districts had been receiving up that point was included in the district’s Chapter 70 aid. Since the 1990s only 13 new K–12 districts have been formed, mostly the result of consolidation of regional secondary districts and their members into one K–12 regional district.
from the Education Research Brief - School District Consolidation in Massachusetts: Opportunities and Obstacles
Franklin, MA
Phil's Phriends - 8th Annual Live Music Silent Auction - April 9th
Join us for our 8th Annual Live Music Silent Auction, April 9th, at Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxborough, featuring live music from THE Average White Band and Sugarfoot and the Brass Kicking Horns. Help Phil’s Phriends raise funds to fight cancer through the Pan Mass Challenge and the Jimmy Fund.
Tickets are only $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Limited tickets are available, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. To reserve tickets, click here.
We look forward to you joining us for a great event. The doors to Showcase Live will open at 6:00pm. At that time you will be able to order food and beverages, preview auction items and make initial bids. The Average White Band will take the stage at 8:00pm and play until 9:30pm. At that time, we will open the silent auction bidding for 1 hour. At 10:00pm Sugarfoot and the Brass Kicking Horns will take the stage and complete the evening.
All ticket sale proceeds bought from Phil’s Phriends will be donated to the PMC and Cancer Research. All tickets bought through the Showcase Live Box office will be for the Average White Band Show and will not be considered a donation. Auction item bidding will be open to the entire crowd at Show Case Live. Please help Phil’s Phriends support our young PMC pedal partner – Emily Taylor – by raising money for cancer research. We look forward to seeing you at the event and thank you for your support!
The Average White Band are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi-grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. Sugarfoot & The Brass Kickin’ Horns is a 7 piece band with male & female vocalists and one of the finest horns sections around. The band plays the absolute best funk and dance hits from all eras including Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Journey and many more.
The Silent Auction brochure can be viewed here:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
You can subscribe to the Phil's Phriends blog to get regular updates as they prepare for this year's Pan Mass Challenge http://philsphriends.wordpress.com/
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the file.
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
FM #63 Week Ending 4/4/10
This is #63 in the series. Let's take less than 10 minutes to find out what matters in Franklin, MA as the week comes to a close on April 4th, 2010.
Time: 4 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 63 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 4th.
In this session I cover the Financial Planning Committee meeting that occurred March 31 and look ahead to the Town Council meeting on April 7th.
You should recall that the Financial Planning Committee is the one chartered as a subcommittee of the Town Council to put together the long term or five year financial plan for Franklin. The committee prepared their first report last year.
You can view that here.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
The group is focused on updating the report with current numbers. They are concerned about showing where the numbers have changed, and why, against the baseline forecast. The forecast for this year is remarkably close to where we were predicted to be overall.
They also need to review the proposed action items and show what progress has been made on them. While much progress has been made (I'll leave it to the report to provide the details), the financial situation still requires action. The choice is to continue to cut services or raise taxes to maintain the level of service we have reached.
I know the “o” word is very sensitive but there should be a discussion about our priorities. There should also be a choice provided to the voters.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th will be a good one on a number of fronts.
1 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka are scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin.
2 – Jeff Nutting should have the opportunity to provide an update on what this means for the overall Town Budget. As you may recall, the School budget proposed to increase 2.2 M. Technically, they can't call it a “level service” budget as they are adding back the late bus. Word has it that they should be looking more at a level funded budget at best.
3 – Wording on the Charter changes has been finalized so now the Council will get to discuss it again before deciding to send it forward or not. If it does go to the legislature, the charter changes still will come back to Franklin for the registered voters to have a vote and accept or reject.
For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Time: 4 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 63 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 4th.
In this session I cover the Financial Planning Committee meeting that occurred March 31 and look ahead to the Town Council meeting on April 7th.
You should recall that the Financial Planning Committee is the one chartered as a subcommittee of the Town Council to put together the long term or five year financial plan for Franklin. The committee prepared their first report last year.
You can view that here.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
The group is focused on updating the report with current numbers. They are concerned about showing where the numbers have changed, and why, against the baseline forecast. The forecast for this year is remarkably close to where we were predicted to be overall.
They also need to review the proposed action items and show what progress has been made on them. While much progress has been made (I'll leave it to the report to provide the details), the financial situation still requires action. The choice is to continue to cut services or raise taxes to maintain the level of service we have reached.
I know the “o” word is very sensitive but there should be a discussion about our priorities. There should also be a choice provided to the voters.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th will be a good one on a number of fronts.
1 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka are scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin.
2 – Jeff Nutting should have the opportunity to provide an update on what this means for the overall Town Budget. As you may recall, the School budget proposed to increase 2.2 M. Technically, they can't call it a “level service” budget as they are adding back the late bus. Word has it that they should be looking more at a level funded budget at best.
3 – Wording on the Charter changes has been finalized so now the Council will get to discuss it again before deciding to send it forward or not. If it does go to the legislature, the charter changes still will come back to Franklin for the registered voters to have a vote and accept or reject.
For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Job Search Jam Sessions - May 14
“This is an ‘unconference’ for the unemployed and underemployed,” says Steve Sherlock, lead organizer. “The event’s organizers and session facilitators all have experience dealing with the challenges of layoffs and unemployment, and they are enthusiastic about sharing what they’ve learned in a peer-to-peer setting.”
“Job Search Jam Sessions participants will share experiences and ideas with their peers, make potentially valuable new contacts and refine their job search skills. And at the end of the day they’ll return home more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”
The Job Search Jam Sessions will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants.
“Job Search Jam Sessions participants will share experiences and ideas with their peers, make potentially valuable new contacts and refine their job search skills. And at the end of the day they’ll return home more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”
The Job Search Jam Sessions will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants.
"schools will be eligible for about 50 percent reimbursement"
The School Building Authority will also visit Franklin's Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School today to look at problems with their hot water and air conditioning systems.
Superintendent-Director Barbara Renzoni said upgrades to those systems could cost a minimum of $350,000.
"I was just (on the roof) looking at the (water storage tanks) and they are all corroded and rusted and leaking," she said.
Both systems are at the end of their life cycles at 33 years old, said Renzoni. The systems are original to the building, she said, and the school has been "nursing them along" for the past few years.
The school's two 250-ton air conditioner "chillers" are so old that they are difficult to fix because their parts are rare, said Renzoni. The refrigerant the chillers use has recently become regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Renzoni said.
"Contractors are now obligated to disclose how and why they're using it, and the quantity (we use) would not be acceptable," she said.
Renzoni is hoping the School Building Authority can help offset the cost of these capital projects.
"And because Tri-County is sensitive to the 11 member towns' fiscal constraints, the school is only asking the towns for their minimum contribution to the school, which is a number the state determines," said Renzoni, "it further enhances our need for assistance."Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin, MA
"This is where we want to end up"
At a forum hosted by Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, executives filled a training room at Franklin's EMC office yesterday morning to discuss the highlights and needs of the IT field.
"An educated work force is the lifeblood of these companies," said Joyce Plotkin, president emerita of the Mass Technology Leadership Council.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin, MA
ELECTION NOTICE
TOWN OF FRANKLIN – ONLY PRECINCTS 2, 3 & 4 MAY VOTE
SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
DATE: TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
PLACE:
FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
OAK STREET
IF YOU RECENTLY REGISTERED AT THE REGISTRY…BRING IN YOUR RECEIPT!
Attest: Deborah L. Pellegri, CMC, Town Clerk
Questions should be directed to the Town Clerk, 1-508-520-4900
Franklin, MA
Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project - spraying starts
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project will be conducting helicopter applications of the biological larvicide Bti to control mosquito larvae. The application will be conducted over specific large wetlands in the towns of:
Avon/Bellingham/Braintree/Canton/Dedham/Dover/Foxboro/Franklin/
Holbrook/Medfield/Medway/Millis/Milton/Needham/Norfolk/Norwood/
Plainville/Quincy/Randolph/Sharon/Stoughton/Walpole/Westwood/
Weymouth/Wrentham
The application may be conducted at any time between April 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010 as conditions warrant
http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/ControlStPr/LarvicideNotice.htm
Franklin, MA
Avon/Bellingham/Braintree/Canton/Dedham/Dover/Foxboro/Franklin/
Holbrook/Medfield/Medway/Millis/Milton/Needham/Norfolk/Norwood/
Plainville/Quincy/Randolph/Sharon/Stoughton/Walpole/Westwood/
Weymouth/Wrentham
The application may be conducted at any time between April 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010 as conditions warrant
http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp/ControlStPr/LarvicideNotice.htm
Franklin, MA
Monday, April 5, 2010
Town Council - Agenda - 4/7/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 10, Special Meeting & March 17, 2010, Regular & Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – New Officer & Director Change for Longhorn Steakhouse
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Franklin, MA
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Long Range Financial Planning Committee - Brendan Morrison
Cultural Council - Helen Reebenacker
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – New Officer & Director Change for Longhorn Steakhouse
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Legislative Update by Representative James E. Vallee & State Senator Karen Spilka
2. FY 2011 Budget Discussion
3. Presentation by The Community Health Council
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-12: Request for Special Legislation, RE: Amendment of Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter
2. Resolution 10-13: Appropriation: FY 10 Capital Plan
3. Resolution 10-14: Appropriation: Capital FY 10 – Fire Truck
4. Resolution 10-15: Appropriation: Parmenter School Solar Panels
5. Resolution 10-16: Appropriation: Triennial Property Revaluation
6. Resolution 10-17: Appropriation: Personal Property Revaluation
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 2nd Reading
8. Bylaw Amendment 10-644: Amendment to the Code, Sewer Map Extension- 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Franklin, MA
Shades IN Place
Please NOTE: as April 5th, 2010
New Office Number (508) 520 - 6700
Send all mailing/ billing/ deliveries to:
Shades IN Place
76 Grove Street
Franklin MA 02038
Roger's website does not change: http://shadesinplace.com/
New Office Number (508) 520 - 6700
Send all mailing/ billing/ deliveries to:
Shades IN Place
76 Grove Street
Franklin MA 02038
Roger's website does not change: http://shadesinplace.com/
Sunday, April 4, 2010
When was the last time you were called 'childish'?
In this delightful eight minute talk, Adora Svitak raises some good questions. Now, I have Peter Pan as one of my heroes (yes, I don't want to grow up) so this admittedly does appeal to me.
The reciprocal relationship I think is key. Dealing in an environment of mutual trust and understanding can generate wonderfulness. It starts with respect for the other. It deepens by listening to the other. Within the conversation, understanding can develop and enrich both sides. The 'power of we' can grow far greater than either one alone could have achieved.
What do you think?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Franklin, MA
The reciprocal relationship I think is key. Dealing in an environment of mutual trust and understanding can generate wonderfulness. It starts with respect for the other. It deepens by listening to the other. Within the conversation, understanding can develop and enrich both sides. The 'power of we' can grow far greater than either one alone could have achieved.
What do you think?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Franklin, MA
Getting the adult's attention on education
Two opinion columns this weekend in the Boston Globe are providing some insight into why the "Race to the Top" application for MA was not chosen.
On Saturday, Derrick Jackson wrote:
On Sunday, Andy Smarick wrote:
Read the full article here
These two groups of folks need to be active in the educational discussion.
On Saturday, Derrick Jackson wrote:
At best, parents are lumped together among the many “stakeholders" who provide “letters of support" in the Race to the Top applications. Here at home, the 180-page Massachusetts application rarely mentions parents, even as it concedes that “strong parent and community engagement is a critical lever of school turnaround."
The near-omission is shortsighted, especially because you know who will get the blame — from teachers, principals, and politicians — if the achievement gap fails to narrow. Those ignorant, uninvolved parents! Underscoring this mindset is President Obama himself, who in February boasted that he had not missed a parent-teacher conference and says, “I don’t care how poor you are, you can turn off the television set during the week."Read the full article here
On Sunday, Andy Smarick wrote:
So how did the state still manage to place a discouraging 13th overall out of 16 finalists?
By coming in very last place in the application’s most important section: improving the teaching profession.
Read the full article here
These two groups of folks need to be active in the educational discussion.
Franklin, MA: Town Council - inside the agenda
If you have sometime today in and around your family activities, you should check out the full agenda document for this Wednesday's Town Council meeting. You can find the PDF for the document on the Town website here.
Items of interest
1 - the changes to the Charter (pages 25 - 29)
2 - Capital budget ($2,019,000) (page 30 - 40)
Items of interest
1 - the changes to the Charter (pages 25 - 29)
2 - Capital budget ($2,019,000) (page 30 - 40)
Happy Easter!
Two photos to share today. This one I snapped while on my long run for this week.
Where was this? It looks like a golf course. Actually it is on the former Putnam Investments property along Washington St.
I snapped this one in the backyard.
Most everything outside is still brown. The trees are beginning to bud some more advanced than the others. The daffodils provide a welcome sight. Spring is coming!
Enjoy the day folks!
Where was this? It looks like a golf course. Actually it is on the former Putnam Investments property along Washington St.
I snapped this one in the backyard.
Most everything outside is still brown. The trees are beginning to bud some more advanced than the others. The daffodils provide a welcome sight. Spring is coming!
Enjoy the day folks!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
If Franklin matters, you can help
I believe Franklin matters, hence the name for this site. I have written of how the site came to be and how it is my public service effort here.
I am realizing that as much as I can do, there is still more to be done and hence can use some help.
I would like to include those who have answered Yes to the questions above and would be willing to help.
In particular, there are Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Design Review meetings that would be good to attend and report on. I have focused on the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and Financial Planning Committee to "follow the money". These other areas are important to cover and I can not do it all. Nor would I attempt to.
So if you are reading this, you already maybe someone who can help.
If you'd like to explore what this would mean (and what help/training I would provide) please let me know.
You can comment or send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com.
Thank you!
I am realizing that as much as I can do, there is still more to be done and hence can use some help.
- If you believe that Franklin, MA matters
- If you have some skill in writing
- If you have a willingness to learn some Web 2.0 tools
I would like to include those who have answered Yes to the questions above and would be willing to help.
In particular, there are Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Design Review meetings that would be good to attend and report on. I have focused on the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and Financial Planning Committee to "follow the money". These other areas are important to cover and I can not do it all. Nor would I attempt to.
So if you are reading this, you already maybe someone who can help.
If you'd like to explore what this would mean (and what help/training I would provide) please let me know.
You can comment or send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com.
Thank you!
In the News - Giada, road money, electronics recylcing, IT Forum
Chef Giada De Laurentiis draws a crowd in Franklin
from The Milford Daily News News RSSTowns to get boost in road repair money
from The Milford Daily News News RSSElectronics and appliance recycling day is April 17
from Wicked Local Franklin News RSSTech forum in Franklin Monday focusing on job growth in IT industry
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFranklin, MA
"you save the price of a stamp"
Treasurer Jim Dacey said residents will have the option to pay taxes, water and sewer bills, and permit, license, camp, recreation and school fees online in just a few weeks.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
"This gives people another option for paying their bills," Dacey said. "We'd like to switch people from using their online banking, which for us is very inefficient."
Franklin, MA
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thank you!
The growth of visitors and page views on this site has been gradual and wonderful to watch.
Thank you for coming to visit. I trust you are finding what you are looking for here.
Consider subscribing via RSS, email or iTunes to stay current with minimal effort on your part.
If you don't find what you are looking for, let me know.
Thank you for coming to visit. I trust you are finding what you are looking for here.
Consider subscribing via RSS, email or iTunes to stay current with minimal effort on your part.
If you don't find what you are looking for, let me know.
Filing deadline for physical property damage is May 28
The administration announced yesterday that Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties are eligible for both physical and economic injury disaster loans. Small businesses and most private non-profits in Franklin are only eligible for economic injury loans.
Up to $200,000 in disaster loans is available for homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, and up to $40,000 is available to qualifying homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged personal property.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The Small Business Administration website is https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Franklin, MA: Police provide fraud alert
From the Franklin, MA Police Dept alert system:
You can subscribe to these alerts here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
An unknown group is soliciting Franklin residents for donations. They claim to be working with the Franklin Police Department to develop a "Don't Drink and Drive" type program, geared towards younger people.
The Franklin Police Department is NOT SOLICTING FOR ANY FUNDS. We have NO affiliation with this group.
If contacted, you are urged to report this (and any phone number you may obtain) to the Office of the Attorney General.
You can subscribe to these alerts here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Franklin Connection - Senior Center Newsletter
The April Franklin Connection, the Senior Center Newsletter is now available here or on the Town website.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Transliteracy - a new opportunity
Interesting points made on how the library should consider changing its mission are raised this brief video.
Read the full posting here.
What do you think? Should the library charter change from literacy to transliteracy?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to view the video on Franklin Matters.
Franklin, MA
Read the full posting here.
What do you think? Should the library charter change from literacy to transliteracy?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to view the video on Franklin Matters.
Franklin, MA
Hold the date - May 14th
Do you recall our effort last year to bring the unconference to the unemployed and underemployed? We ended up canceling the LaidOffCamp due to insufficient registrations. We have learned from that experience and are giving it a second try.
We have a good location:
The St John Evangelist Parish Center in Hopkinton, MA. It is great space for up to 200 and best of all, free for us to use. As we are a non-profit and all volunteer group, any proceeds from the event will be donated to the Church.
We have a date!
Friday, May 14th from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
We have a new event name:
Job Search Jam Sessions
The name says we are all about the "job search". We are looking for collaboration, learning and sharing from each other on this road to the next stop in our career. You have some tips and tricks from your experience. I do. Bob does. Marilyn does. Everyone does. Let's come together in an open space facilitated set of sessions.
We have a new website:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
Stay tuned for further announcements. We should have the registration page active by the end of this week. In the mean time, hold the date on your calendar - May 14th!
Franklin, MA
We have a good location:
The St John Evangelist Parish Center in Hopkinton, MA. It is great space for up to 200 and best of all, free for us to use. As we are a non-profit and all volunteer group, any proceeds from the event will be donated to the Church.
We have a date!
Friday, May 14th from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
We have a new event name:
Job Search Jam Sessions
The name says we are all about the "job search". We are looking for collaboration, learning and sharing from each other on this road to the next stop in our career. You have some tips and tricks from your experience. I do. Bob does. Marilyn does. Everyone does. Let's come together in an open space facilitated set of sessions.
We have a new website:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
Stay tuned for further announcements. We should have the registration page active by the end of this week. In the mean time, hold the date on your calendar - May 14th!
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Design Review Guidelines
Continuing the series on the Franklin, MA Planning process:
The full guideline document can be found on the Town website here (PDF). Note: it is a large document and will take sometime to download.These design guidelines have been prepared to assist business and property owners in protecting and enhancing the design character of commercial and industrial areas in the Town of Franklin. This handbook is the result of a collective effort by Town officials, members of the Design Review Commission (DRC) and the local design community, and planning consultants. Its guiding principles are based on a general belief that high quality of design and construction contribute to enhance the economic vitality of business districts, and improve the overall quality of living.
The guidelines will be used by the DRC as a basis for the review and approval of new projects, improvements, and additions to existing buildings. They are also intended as a source of helpful information and ideas for owners, designers and builders.
This document is divided into five parts:
- Part I describes the general purpose and contents of the handbook and includes brief recounts of the Town’s historic background, and the history of the design review process. It also summarizes the process and requirements for application for design review and approval.
- Part II contains site and building guidelines of general application, organized by topics.
- Part III contains site and building guidelines that specifically apply to downtown Franklin, the commercial corridors outside of the downtown area, or “big box” development. These guidelines are to be applied in addition to the general guidelines listed on Part II.
- Part IV focuses on signage and sign requirements.
- Part V includes appendices with further information and resource materials.
In the News - flooding
As water poured over a closed Populatic Street yesterday, Eknaian and her husband, Jack, were forced to row to their Populatic Street cottage - which had about 5 feet of water in the yard.
"We always have problems when it rains two or three days steady - all year round," Eknaian said.
Flooding not as bad as expected
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee
Present: Whalen, Hardesty, Nutting, Zollo, Sabolinksi, Mason, Rohrbach, Bartlett, Morrison, Cameron (late)
Absent: Roche, Trahan
Meeting opens
Agenda -
1 - Whalen added several columns to pull in the students and teacher populations for the communities already being compared to
Teacher salary ranks higher than others but that is and has been a deliberate choice of the School Committee to ensure that the best teachers are here.
Hiring teachers in specific subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Science, Math, Biology and Special Education have tended to be higher cost because of the demand and experience for their skill set.
Still need to look into Wrentham, Southboro and other communities were they are not K-12 districts.
According to the DESE numbers, Franklin is now under the State average in all 11 categories tracked at the state level for per pupil spending
2 - Moving to the forecast numbers
use 5% for the municipal interest rate for the model, 20 year term for the debt service for the high school
might have some start in 2012 but realistically it should be 2014-2015
We'd need to take say 5 million for the architect, there would be a small impact to the tax payers for that, then a year or so we'd take some for the construction schedule, maybe 20, then 30 and roll it all up. The shovels wouldn't go into the ground right away and then it would take time to finish.
On the state aid forecast, there are three plans - best case, moderate, worst case. Discussion around assuming 0%, moderate a 3% drop, worst case a 5% drop (for 2013, with 2014 flat)
Chapter 70 is formula driven
Our purpose is to forecast what is reasonable and likely, it may not be accurate but who knows what it really will be.
There is also the economic factor, it may simply continue down due to the state not figuring out their economic problems
Will need to adjust the local receipts as they are primarily excise taxes and not likely to increase as drafted, more likely to remain flatter and then gradually increase
Local receipts are income based - building permits, license fees, etc.
likely to be flat this year, next and then increase gradually
Property tax should be adjusted to show more of a difference between best case and worst case
Discussion on how to handle the deferral, can't really change the number because it was forecasted and shown previously. Not changing the number so that it matches the prior report, should make it easier to handle the updates via footnotes or a reconciliation report.
As a long-term planning group we want to provide a baseline and reasonable assumptions for the forecast, we can't be changing the numbers every time there is a new hunch or change in the numbers.
2012 and beyond, salary assumption is for historical rate of growth
There is virtue in picking the historical average, it is defensible and everyone can "get it". What other numbers could be used would be open to much more speculation.
The bottom line in the whole report is that business as usual is not sustainable here in Franklin.
When you weigh in Hopkinton, Medfield, Sharon and Hudson they are the only ones where their performance is close to our results. The teachers are compensated well. We are spending our bang for the buck on student performance (i.e. MCAS) which we will see in our housing values.
Current contracts are running 2-3 percent over three years. Everybody seems to be getting at least one zero. In years past, everybody got 7-9 percent over three years. Not now.
Even if we assume no raises, there is still a deficit to be dealt with. The problem is bigger than salary increases.
Policy of Council is to spend 3.5% of the general fund revenues. So as the general revenues increase according to the forecast, then there would be a corresponding increase.
Doug will update the numbers based upon the discussion and send around an update.
3 - Override question
2 councils have endorsed the long term plan
The "O" word is such a sensitive issue
The report has established credibility (the numbers this year are close to accurate)
Spell it out that the prior recommendations have been unable to avoid further deficits.
The alternative this year should be a consideration for the citizens to make a choice between cuts and an increase.
Need to open the door for the discussion, presenting the facts
Get to a multi-year strategy for 2011 and beyond
Need to mitigate the financial risk of being #1 in State Aid and 28th in terms of local revenue generated amongst our peer communities.
4 - Target for report update at Apr 28th Council meeting
Jeff provides budget update at Apr 7th Council meeting
When to schedule the Finance Committee review? Should include them as a preview on the report before going to the Council.
Discussion on scheduling another meeting before the 28th, 14 or 21st possible, chose not to schedule a meeting for now. Can schedule one if necessary.
Franklin, MA
Absent: Roche, Trahan
Meeting opens
Agenda -
- Whalen update on his analysis with additional columns added
- Review forecast
- Override question
- Meeting schedule
1 - Whalen added several columns to pull in the students and teacher populations for the communities already being compared to
Teacher salary ranks higher than others but that is and has been a deliberate choice of the School Committee to ensure that the best teachers are here.
Hiring teachers in specific subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Science, Math, Biology and Special Education have tended to be higher cost because of the demand and experience for their skill set.
Still need to look into Wrentham, Southboro and other communities were they are not K-12 districts.
According to the DESE numbers, Franklin is now under the State average in all 11 categories tracked at the state level for per pupil spending
2 - Moving to the forecast numbers
use 5% for the municipal interest rate for the model, 20 year term for the debt service for the high school
might have some start in 2012 but realistically it should be 2014-2015
We'd need to take say 5 million for the architect, there would be a small impact to the tax payers for that, then a year or so we'd take some for the construction schedule, maybe 20, then 30 and roll it all up. The shovels wouldn't go into the ground right away and then it would take time to finish.
On the state aid forecast, there are three plans - best case, moderate, worst case. Discussion around assuming 0%, moderate a 3% drop, worst case a 5% drop (for 2013, with 2014 flat)
Chapter 70 is formula driven
Our purpose is to forecast what is reasonable and likely, it may not be accurate but who knows what it really will be.
There is also the economic factor, it may simply continue down due to the state not figuring out their economic problems
Will need to adjust the local receipts as they are primarily excise taxes and not likely to increase as drafted, more likely to remain flatter and then gradually increase
Local receipts are income based - building permits, license fees, etc.
likely to be flat this year, next and then increase gradually
Property tax should be adjusted to show more of a difference between best case and worst case
Discussion on how to handle the deferral, can't really change the number because it was forecasted and shown previously. Not changing the number so that it matches the prior report, should make it easier to handle the updates via footnotes or a reconciliation report.
As a long-term planning group we want to provide a baseline and reasonable assumptions for the forecast, we can't be changing the numbers every time there is a new hunch or change in the numbers.
2012 and beyond, salary assumption is for historical rate of growth
There is virtue in picking the historical average, it is defensible and everyone can "get it". What other numbers could be used would be open to much more speculation.
The bottom line in the whole report is that business as usual is not sustainable here in Franklin.
When you weigh in Hopkinton, Medfield, Sharon and Hudson they are the only ones where their performance is close to our results. The teachers are compensated well. We are spending our bang for the buck on student performance (i.e. MCAS) which we will see in our housing values.
Current contracts are running 2-3 percent over three years. Everybody seems to be getting at least one zero. In years past, everybody got 7-9 percent over three years. Not now.
Even if we assume no raises, there is still a deficit to be dealt with. The problem is bigger than salary increases.
Policy of Council is to spend 3.5% of the general fund revenues. So as the general revenues increase according to the forecast, then there would be a corresponding increase.
Doug will update the numbers based upon the discussion and send around an update.
3 - Override question
2 councils have endorsed the long term plan
The "O" word is such a sensitive issue
The report has established credibility (the numbers this year are close to accurate)
Spell it out that the prior recommendations have been unable to avoid further deficits.
The alternative this year should be a consideration for the citizens to make a choice between cuts and an increase.
Need to open the door for the discussion, presenting the facts
Get to a multi-year strategy for 2011 and beyond
Need to mitigate the financial risk of being #1 in State Aid and 28th in terms of local revenue generated amongst our peer communities.
4 - Target for report update at Apr 28th Council meeting
Jeff provides budget update at Apr 7th Council meeting
When to schedule the Finance Committee review? Should include them as a preview on the report before going to the Council.
Discussion on scheduling another meeting before the 28th, 14 or 21st possible, chose not to schedule a meeting for now. Can schedule one if necessary.
Franklin, MA
Notice the new menu?
Maybe I am longing for spring to really arrive. Yes, April showers bring May flowers but did March need to drown us? Anyway, I am trying out some of the new features available for this Google blog.
Did you notice the new menu?
Located just below the header "Franklin Matters".
You'll now see a series of pages available to get to specific sections quickly.
I hope this works better for you.
If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com
Did you notice the new menu?
Located just below the header "Franklin Matters".
You'll now see a series of pages available to get to specific sections quickly.
- The "Home" link will get you back to the top page from where ever you are.
- The "Welcome" page will house the audio slideshow I did to help you navigate around the page. (Yes, I'll need to update it now that I have added this menu.)
- The "Why Franklin Matters?" page combines why I do this as a public service with my disclosure posting.
- The "Weekly podcast" page will get you to the Franklin Matters Weekly podcast posts. It should be easier to find a particular week there. All the details are still here but mixed with all the other posts.
- The "Meeting Notes 2010", "Meeting Notes 2009", and "Meeting Notes 2008" do the same thing for each calendar year. They provide the link to each meeting or event that was reported on.
- The "Important Links" brings above the fold easy access to other key links.
I hope this works better for you.
If you have any suggestions, please feel free to send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com
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