- Live reporting - closing
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - License transactions
- Live reporting - action items - taxes
- Live reporting - Tax Classification hearing
- Live reporting - Appointments
- Live reporting - Town Council
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Town Council Mtg Smry 12/02/09
The collection of posts that were reported live during the Town Council meeting on Weds 12/2/09:
In the News - check your mail carefully
In October, Dacey sent letters to 800 delinquent bill payers, warning a lien may be filed on their property. He said the lien will be split evenly in the February and May bills, the third and fourth quarters, respectively.Read more about this in the Milford Daily News here:
He said people may wrongly assume the mortgage company and banks have paid their utility bills.
"I have a feeling a lot of people are getting these letters and think, 'I don't have to worry about this, the mortgage company is taking care of it.' It's wrong to assume that," he said.
Franklin official: Pay your taxes or risk lien
Senior Center Newsletter - December
This month's newsletter from the Senior Center:
Note: For Franklin Matters email subscribers, you'll need to click through to the website to view the document.
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Note: For Franklin Matters email subscribers, you'll need to click through to the website to view the document.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Live reporting - closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Jeff thanks for all the sponsors for the Christmas lighting on Sunday
Snow and Ice budget is coming, negotiated to reduce contractor payment by $10/hr, reduced salt and sand use with new routes, part of consortium on salt purchase to reduce cost per ton
Hearing on Achorage Road last week, reducing roadway area and storm water runoff, residents pleased with plans underway
Legislature has gone to holiday without giving the Gov approval for reductions
Approval for the architect has been granted by the State
Building Committee meeting on Dec 14th at 6:00 PM
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly reiterate to come up with some document on rationale
Holiday Stroll downtown from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Zollo - If the Town were to pay the State's portion of the Quinn bill, about what would that be?
Nutting - About 150,000.
Zollo - commending student athletes at FHS
Pfeffer - thanks for the Alumni Club sponsoring the breakfast before the Thanskgiving Game.
Next Tuesday, Bob Fahey and wife will have been in Franklin for 50 years.
Kelly - attended the lighting at the Common, Santa showed up and the kids were happy.
Jones - took the tour of the Police, Fire and DPW very impressed with their services.
Plug the election next Tuesday and then Jan 19th, get out and vote
congratulations to the football team!
Whalen - championships tend to be few and far between so they should soak it in.
Mason - congratulations to the Dean College football team
Pfeffer - move to go to executive sessions, not to return to open session
passed 8-0
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Jeff thanks for all the sponsors for the Christmas lighting on Sunday
Snow and Ice budget is coming, negotiated to reduce contractor payment by $10/hr, reduced salt and sand use with new routes, part of consortium on salt purchase to reduce cost per ton
Hearing on Achorage Road last week, reducing roadway area and storm water runoff, residents pleased with plans underway
Legislature has gone to holiday without giving the Gov approval for reductions
Approval for the architect has been granted by the State
Building Committee meeting on Dec 14th at 6:00 PM
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly reiterate to come up with some document on rationale
Holiday Stroll downtown from 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Zollo - If the Town were to pay the State's portion of the Quinn bill, about what would that be?
Nutting - About 150,000.
Zollo - commending student athletes at FHS
Pfeffer - thanks for the Alumni Club sponsoring the breakfast before the Thanskgiving Game.
Next Tuesday, Bob Fahey and wife will have been in Franklin for 50 years.
Kelly - attended the lighting at the Common, Santa showed up and the kids were happy.
Jones - took the tour of the Police, Fire and DPW very impressed with their services.
Plug the election next Tuesday and then Jan 19th, get out and vote
congratulations to the football team!
Whalen - championships tend to be few and far between so they should soak it in.
Mason - congratulations to the Dean College football team
Pfeffer - move to go to executive sessions, not to return to open session
passed 8-0
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Live reporting - Action items
5. Resolution 09-78: Appropriation – Veterans’ Benefits
Thanks to Bob Fahey for providing this service to our veteran citizens
motion to approve - passed 8-0
6. Resolution 09-79: Appropriation – Employee Benefits - Unemployment
see notes from Finance Committee meeting 12/1/09 for background
With the State extension on unemployment, will that affect us?
Yes
motion to approve - passed 8-0
7. Resolution 09-80: Appropriation – Elections Budget
motion to approve - passed 8-0
8. Resolution 09-81: Grant utility easement on Oak St property
motion to approve - passed 8-0
Thanks to Bob Fahey for providing this service to our veteran citizens
motion to approve - passed 8-0
6. Resolution 09-79: Appropriation – Employee Benefits - Unemployment
see notes from Finance Committee meeting 12/1/09 for background
With the State extension on unemployment, will that affect us?
Yes
motion to approve - passed 8-0
7. Resolution 09-80: Appropriation – Elections Budget
motion to approve - passed 8-0
8. Resolution 09-81: Grant utility easement on Oak St property
motion to approve - passed 8-0
Live reporting - License transactions
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Annual Alcohol License Renewals
recommending acceptance of the listing (pending three for outstanding fees)
motion to approve - passed 8-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS none
recommending acceptance of the listing (pending three for outstanding fees)
motion to approve - passed 8-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS none
Live reporting - action items - taxes
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-74: Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
2. Resolution 09-75: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
3. Resolution 09-76: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
4. Resolution 09-77: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
1. Resolution 09-74: Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
2. Resolution 09-75: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
3. Resolution 09-76: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
4. Resolution 09-77: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption motion to accept contingent upon DOR acceptence - passed 8-0
Live reporting - Tax Classification hearing
F. HEARINGS - Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM
DeBaggis, Norman, Doyle, Feeley
Tax rate increase from 11.17 to 12.03%
When property values go down, why does the rate still go up?
Basically, the Town takes the prior tax levy and adds 2.5%, including the new growth and debt exclusions results in the total new tax levy for the Town budget.
How is the value of my house not reflected in the assessment?
Dealing with the 2008 calendar year data for this cycle. 2009 is not complete as we are only in December, so the State mandates use of the prior full year data. There is a lag in the data used.
Assessments will go online in the next couple of days and should be available on the Town Assessors website.
Q - Powderly - If we are constrained by prop 2.5% why is my bill going up more than 2.5%
A - the Prop 2.5 is applied at the Town tax levy and not at the individual residence level.
Q - Zollo - How come you don't get good assessments for commercial/industrial properties? I have heard that there is the lag effect and lack of comparable data points.
A - Those are comments I have heard about 3-4 years ago. I don't think there is an inequity now.
Q - Most citizens believe that the assessed values are close to fair market value, but there are commercial properties where there might be some differences.
A - Residential is assessed at the fair market value so it is easy to compare. Commercial property is assessed on a number of factors (cost, market, industry) only one of which is the fair market value. The full valuation process is determined by the State. There may be a perception or feeling that we might have missed something but the values have to be qualified.
Q - I am hearing these frequently. The most important thing we can do is to fight to change the perception.
Nutting - I want to reinforce Assessor Feeley's point on the commercial process being an apples to oranges approach compared to the residential process. The assessors follow all the rules and regulations and then the State validates the numbers. Could one property be out of whack, it is possible.
Q - Whalen - a theoretical example to help get to the point that Councilor Zollo is making.
A - on that, for the benefit of the public, it is the rent and not the business entity that is the difference.
Q - How do we compare in assessment valuation dropping?
A - The jury is still out as other communities are going through the same process now.
Franklin has shown a less significant decline in residential valuation based upon the housing sales over the last 18 months.
Q - Last time you didn't want to make a recommendation on split vs. single?
A - We are not in the position to do so, our role is to provide the data.
Q - Have there been recommendations for split tax before?
A - No
Debaggis - Continue with the single tax rate as the school portion of the budget as the commercial/industrial does not benefit from the major portion of the budget.
Feeley - I concur with Mr DeBaggis for his point and I'd add two more. With the 80/20 split that we have, the commercial industrial contribute about $10M of the $50 million. The Police and Fire depts budgets along are close to this amount. Third, the split tax rate is not good for business especially when you consider the small businesses.
Whalen - Based upon the analysis I have done, Franklin has a lower single tax rate than most communities with split tax rates.
Mason - mentioned that Attleboro just passed their tax rate which is split and provided a lower rate to businesses to stem the loss of 107 businesses over the past year.
I spoke up about the single vs split is not the issue, we need to grow the pie. The economic development efforts of the community to grow the tax levy as sustain the level of services we want.
Zollo -
Powderly - I would like the argument articulated in a single pager for citizens to reference.
Motion to close the hearing
Approved - 8-0
DeBaggis, Norman, Doyle, Feeley
Tax rate increase from 11.17 to 12.03%
When property values go down, why does the rate still go up?
Basically, the Town takes the prior tax levy and adds 2.5%, including the new growth and debt exclusions results in the total new tax levy for the Town budget.
How is the value of my house not reflected in the assessment?
Dealing with the 2008 calendar year data for this cycle. 2009 is not complete as we are only in December, so the State mandates use of the prior full year data. There is a lag in the data used.
Assessments will go online in the next couple of days and should be available on the Town Assessors website.
Q - Powderly - If we are constrained by prop 2.5% why is my bill going up more than 2.5%
A - the Prop 2.5 is applied at the Town tax levy and not at the individual residence level.
Q - Zollo - How come you don't get good assessments for commercial/industrial properties? I have heard that there is the lag effect and lack of comparable data points.
A - Those are comments I have heard about 3-4 years ago. I don't think there is an inequity now.
Q - Most citizens believe that the assessed values are close to fair market value, but there are commercial properties where there might be some differences.
A - Residential is assessed at the fair market value so it is easy to compare. Commercial property is assessed on a number of factors (cost, market, industry) only one of which is the fair market value. The full valuation process is determined by the State. There may be a perception or feeling that we might have missed something but the values have to be qualified.
Q - I am hearing these frequently. The most important thing we can do is to fight to change the perception.
Nutting - I want to reinforce Assessor Feeley's point on the commercial process being an apples to oranges approach compared to the residential process. The assessors follow all the rules and regulations and then the State validates the numbers. Could one property be out of whack, it is possible.
Q - Whalen - a theoretical example to help get to the point that Councilor Zollo is making.
A - on that, for the benefit of the public, it is the rent and not the business entity that is the difference.
Q - How do we compare in assessment valuation dropping?
A - The jury is still out as other communities are going through the same process now.
Franklin has shown a less significant decline in residential valuation based upon the housing sales over the last 18 months.
Q - Last time you didn't want to make a recommendation on split vs. single?
A - We are not in the position to do so, our role is to provide the data.
Q - Have there been recommendations for split tax before?
A - No
Debaggis - Continue with the single tax rate as the school portion of the budget as the commercial/industrial does not benefit from the major portion of the budget.
Feeley - I concur with Mr DeBaggis for his point and I'd add two more. With the 80/20 split that we have, the commercial industrial contribute about $10M of the $50 million. The Police and Fire depts budgets along are close to this amount. Third, the split tax rate is not good for business especially when you consider the small businesses.
Whalen - Based upon the analysis I have done, Franklin has a lower single tax rate than most communities with split tax rates.
Mason - mentioned that Attleboro just passed their tax rate which is split and provided a lower rate to businesses to stem the loss of 107 businesses over the past year.
I spoke up about the single vs split is not the issue, we need to grow the pie. The economic development efforts of the community to grow the tax levy as sustain the level of services we want.
Zollo -
Powderly - I would like the argument articulated in a single pager for citizens to reference.
Motion to close the hearing
Approved - 8-0
Live reporting - Appointments
E. APPOINTMENTS
Liaison to the State Ethics Commission (Debbie Pellegri)motion to approve 8-0 (Whalen arrived)
Council on Aging (Mary Hick, Ken Norman)motion to approve 8-0
Live reporting - Town Council
Attending: Kelly, Jones, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Zollo, Powderly, Whalen (late)
Missing: Vallee.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 21, 2009; November 4, 2009
motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
1st H1N1 Dec 10th 4:00 - 8:00 PM at FHS Field House
according to CDC guidelines
Congratulations to FHS and Tri-County Football teams for making it to the playoffs.
Goal setting session 12/9/09 6:00 PM
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
John Maloney - comments on the Quinn Bill and the effect of recent cuts.
(video will be available on the Town website)
referencing case law that Quinn bill benefits should not be cut by the local community
Only dept that requires a minimum of an associates degree as a requirement for employment
Suggestion to visit the Police Association website for additional information
Missing: Vallee.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 21, 2009; November 4, 2009
motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
1st H1N1 Dec 10th 4:00 - 8:00 PM at FHS Field House
according to CDC guidelines
Congratulations to FHS and Tri-County Football teams for making it to the playoffs.
Goal setting session 12/9/09 6:00 PM
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
John Maloney - comments on the Quinn Bill and the effect of recent cuts.
(video will be available on the Town website)
referencing case law that Quinn bill benefits should not be cut by the local community
Only dept that requires a minimum of an associates degree as a requirement for employment
Suggestion to visit the Police Association website for additional information
Finance Committee Meeting 12/1/09
The live reporting for the Finance Committee (FINCOM) meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2009.
In the News - Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meeting was reported on in the Milford Daily News here:
More funds sought for jobless benefits
Franklin 2009 Annual Report
For some good reading, the 2009 Annual Report is now available.
You can access this file from the Town Clerk's web page here (pdf0.
You can also find the 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 Annual Reports (PDF) files here
You can access this file from the Town Clerk's web page here (pdf0.
You can also find the 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 Annual Reports (PDF) files here
CDC FluView: H1N1 Activity
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health by Julia Hurley on 12/1/09
Every week the CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes key findings in a report called FluView. There has been significant media coverage of the report released yesterday covering flu activity for November 15-21 citing a decrease in H1N1 activity. It is important to realize, however, that while activity has decreased in some key indicators it has also increased in others. For example, the report states that thirty-two states are still reporting widespread influenza activity at this time, including Massachusetts.
While some of these numbers make it seem that the H1N1 flu season has peaked, it is simply too soon to know if it is actually on the decline in Massachusetts. Every flu pandemic is unique so only time will tell if these downturns will continue. In the meantime, it is more important than ever that everyone continue to practice good health hygiene to help prevent getting or spreading any type of flu. Be sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hand, and wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you cough or sneeze. Finally, be sure to get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as they are available to you.
You can read the full FluView every week on the CDC's website at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Live reporting - FINCOM
New business
Jeff showed a map of Franklin where the Charles River Watershed Association, an advocacy group for the Charles River, will be looking at studying how we can reduce the phosphorous output into the streams and ultimately into the Charles River.
EPA and DEP determine the regulations. Franklin, Milford and Bellingham will be part of a pilot process to see how it works. Our regulations will cover land of 2 acres while the rest of the State is covered by regulations for 5 acres.
Related to the Delcorte dam study, the ponds there help to retain the water which allows the water to have the phosphorous drain into the land rather than flowing down the stream.
Lien of Water/Sewer bills
Due to lack of payment, the sewer/and water liens will be applied to their tax bills. The banks and processing companies have determined to only pay the bill and not the lien. Once a lien is placed and penalties are accrued, there is a multiplier effect on interest penalty.
Fiscal 09 taxes, about 100 folks where they have not been paid. A lien on the property will be recorded on the Register of Deeds and posted publicly. If you do get a letter, call the Treasurer Collector immediately. The penalty interest is 16% on liens. A hundred dollar bill can add up very quickly.
An application for a grant to put solar panels on the Parmenter School is being made. No info at this time as to what the status will be.
Motion to select Rebecca Cameron as Vice-Chair
Approved 8-0
Jim Roche
Candidates are being interviewed for an open spot on the Finance Committee.
Jeff Nutting
Regional Transportation was the big cut, it affects Tri-County but not us.
We have to be cognizant of potential budget cuts during the year at the State level. We have done another sweep within the major departments to avoid expenses and save some money in anticipation of further cuts. We'd rather avoid spending now and save to avoid further cuts in overall services or personnel.
The pension system needs to be looked at to see how it is funded. No time frame has been determined yet. The lower return on investments forcing this. Calculations were based upon an 8-9 percent return. What it will mean is an increase in payment by the Town. As the older folks retire, the newer folks will be picking up a greater per cent.
Motion to adjourn
Passed 8-0
Jeff showed a map of Franklin where the Charles River Watershed Association, an advocacy group for the Charles River, will be looking at studying how we can reduce the phosphorous output into the streams and ultimately into the Charles River.
EPA and DEP determine the regulations. Franklin, Milford and Bellingham will be part of a pilot process to see how it works. Our regulations will cover land of 2 acres while the rest of the State is covered by regulations for 5 acres.
Related to the Delcorte dam study, the ponds there help to retain the water which allows the water to have the phosphorous drain into the land rather than flowing down the stream.
Lien of Water/Sewer bills
Due to lack of payment, the sewer/and water liens will be applied to their tax bills. The banks and processing companies have determined to only pay the bill and not the lien. Once a lien is placed and penalties are accrued, there is a multiplier effect on interest penalty.
Fiscal 09 taxes, about 100 folks where they have not been paid. A lien on the property will be recorded on the Register of Deeds and posted publicly. If you do get a letter, call the Treasurer Collector immediately. The penalty interest is 16% on liens. A hundred dollar bill can add up very quickly.
An application for a grant to put solar panels on the Parmenter School is being made. No info at this time as to what the status will be.
Motion to select Rebecca Cameron as Vice-Chair
Approved 8-0
Jim Roche
Candidates are being interviewed for an open spot on the Finance Committee.
Jeff Nutting
Regional Transportation was the big cut, it affects Tri-County but not us.
We have to be cognizant of potential budget cuts during the year at the State level. We have done another sweep within the major departments to avoid expenses and save some money in anticipation of further cuts. We'd rather avoid spending now and save to avoid further cuts in overall services or personnel.
The pension system needs to be looked at to see how it is funded. No time frame has been determined yet. The lower return on investments forcing this. Calculations were based upon an 8-9 percent return. What it will mean is an increase in payment by the Town. As the older folks retire, the newer folks will be picking up a greater per cent.
Motion to adjourn
Passed 8-0
Live reporting - Finance Committee Mtg
Attending:
Linda Huempfner
Pat Goldsmith
Jim Roche
Phyllis Meserve
Jaun Rivera
Mark Cataldo
Rebecca Cameron
Brett Feldman (late)
Missing:
Craig Maire
Robert Texiera
Motion to approve minutes for Oct 6, 2009
approved - 7-0
Per Jeff Nutting, there are three appropriations for approval, the transfer would be from "free cash". The "free cash" amount was recently certified at $2,385,242 (very close to last years total).
1 - Motion to approve $6,000 for Elections
approved - 7-0
2 - Motion to approve $30,000 for Veterans Benefits
The money is a legal obligation. This money is reimbursed at a 75% rate after the fact. Franklin currently has 22 active cases, the most in recent history. This program is uniquely handled by the State, most others are handled at the county or State level. MA is handled at the local level. This is the third year there has been an additional request. The business has grown recently and has been hard to forecast. These benefits are for Franklin veterans.
approved - 7-0
3 - Motion to approve $175,000 for Unemployment
Stephanie has re-looked at the unemployment folks, there are 26 collecting currently. There is no reasonable expectation for these actually gaining employment before the end of the fiscal year. The total exposure is 191,000. We are hedging a bet and coming for less now. We can come back later if the numbers change.
(Brett Feldman arrived)
Approved - 8-0
Jeff provides an update on the Tax Classification Hearing scheduled for the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. The average values have declined. The valuation is 11 months old.
The tax rate is going up to 12.03%
The first two tax bills are estimated, the third and fourth are actual tax bills.
Tax levy, debt exclusion and new growth are the three components of the new tax levy.
Linda Huempfner
Pat Goldsmith
Jim Roche
Phyllis Meserve
Jaun Rivera
Mark Cataldo
Rebecca Cameron
Brett Feldman (late)
Missing:
Craig Maire
Robert Texiera
Motion to approve minutes for Oct 6, 2009
approved - 7-0
Per Jeff Nutting, there are three appropriations for approval, the transfer would be from "free cash". The "free cash" amount was recently certified at $2,385,242 (very close to last years total).
1 - Motion to approve $6,000 for Elections
approved - 7-0
2 - Motion to approve $30,000 for Veterans Benefits
The money is a legal obligation. This money is reimbursed at a 75% rate after the fact. Franklin currently has 22 active cases, the most in recent history. This program is uniquely handled by the State, most others are handled at the county or State level. MA is handled at the local level. This is the third year there has been an additional request. The business has grown recently and has been hard to forecast. These benefits are for Franklin veterans.
approved - 7-0
3 - Motion to approve $175,000 for Unemployment
Stephanie has re-looked at the unemployment folks, there are 26 collecting currently. There is no reasonable expectation for these actually gaining employment before the end of the fiscal year. The total exposure is 191,000. We are hedging a bet and coming for less now. We can come back later if the numbers change.
(Brett Feldman arrived)
Approved - 8-0
Jeff provides an update on the Tax Classification Hearing scheduled for the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. The average values have declined. The valuation is 11 months old.
The tax rate is going up to 12.03%
The first two tax bills are estimated, the third and fourth are actual tax bills.
Tax levy, debt exclusion and new growth are the three components of the new tax levy.
Choo Choo stop closed
The bullet was dodged previously but as with programs associated with the MBTA, stick around for more change. It had been reported earlier this year to be closing as the MBTA was going to install ticket machines. Then the Choo Choo Shop remained opened as they backed off the timeline for machines.
Survey says
This entry will keep track of the final results on the Franklin Matters poll questions.
Question: Should the Treasurer/Collector position be changed from elected to appointed?
Yes - 9
No - 6
The question opened on August 4 and closed on August 18. The question will be on the November 2013 ballot for Franklin voters to really decide.
Question: "Would you be in favor of further amending the Franklin Home Rule Charter to provide for the election of a mayor to govern the city known as the town of Franklin?"
Yes - 17
No - 27
The question opened on Jun 20 and closed on June 30th. It will be a non-binding question on the November 2013 ballot.
Question: "Should the Wadsworth Diary continue to be shared daily for February?"
Yes - 13
No - 10
The question was introduced and then closed on Jan 31, 2012
Question: "Do you think the school committee earns an 'almost very high' level of engagement with the Franklin community on school issues?"
Yes - 12
No - 13
The question was introduced and then closed on Nov 29, 2010.
Question: "Would you pay approx. $70 to put the utilities underground?
Yes - 22
No - 44
The survey was introduced in this link and closed on Aug 28, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
Overall - is the curbside trash/recycle process better than before?
Yes - 69
No - 17
The poll question closed at midnight August 14, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-trashrecycle-status-survey.html
If the override was split into 2 separate questions, would you have approved the school override? Q1 - $2.1 million for schools Q2 - $900K for roads/the town
Yes - 33
No - 22
No - 6
The question opened on August 4 and closed on August 18. The question will be on the November 2013 ballot for Franklin voters to really decide.
Question: "Would you be in favor of further amending the Franklin Home Rule Charter to provide for the election of a mayor to govern the city known as the town of Franklin?"
Yes - 17
No - 27
The question opened on Jun 20 and closed on June 30th. It will be a non-binding question on the November 2013 ballot.
Question: "Should the Wadsworth Diary continue to be shared daily for February?"
Yes - 13
No - 10
The question was introduced and then closed on Jan 31, 2012
Question: "Do you think the school committee earns an 'almost very high' level of engagement with the Franklin community on school issues?"
Yes - 12
No - 13
The question was introduced and then closed on Nov 29, 2010.
Question: "Would you pay approx. $70 to put the utilities underground?
Yes - 22
No - 44
The survey was introduced in this link and closed on Aug 28, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
Overall - is the curbside trash/recycle process better than before?
Yes - 69
No - 17
The poll question closed at midnight August 14, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-trashrecycle-status-survey.html
If the override was split into 2 separate questions, would you have approved the school override? Q1 - $2.1 million for schools Q2 - $900K for roads/the town
Yes - 33
No - 22
This question comes out of the post-override discussion referenced here. The poll closed at midnight on June 25, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-question-results.html
Do you think the new trash/recycle process will be a good thing for Franklin?
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-question-results.html
Do you think the new trash/recycle process will be a good thing for Franklin?
Yes - 8
No - 11
This question comes out of the decision to lower the annual curbside fee and implement the new process in July 2010. The summary of the changes can be found in here: FM #58 - Week ending 2/21/10
Should the Town consider saving money by plowing the streets less well than they currently do?
Yes - 5
No - 14
This question grew out of the discussion at the Town Council meeting on 1/6/10 concerning the sidewalk snow removal plans. The poll will close 1/15/10 at midnight.
Do you find that the Franklin School District (across the School Committee, Administration, and individual school web pages) provides the information you need in a way that is easy to find?
Yes - 3
No - 12
The post that lead to this survey can be found here
Will you get the H1N1 vaccine when it is available?
Yes - 2
No - 10
Should Franklin remain with a single tax rate?
Yes -11
No -5
The article that explains the background for this question can be found here
Who is in the best position to control bullying?
Parents - 7
Schools - 3
The article that drove this question can be found here
Should your school measure Body Mass Index (BMI) to report to you and your physician?
Yes - 5
No - 12
The article that drove the question can be found here
The issue came out of the School Committee meeting on 10/27/09
The issue came out of the School Committee meeting on 10/27/09
If you have a suggestion for a simple question poll, feel free to send it to me.
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Well today, the shop is closed and ticket machines are not to be found around the station building. Maybe they are scheduled for delivery.
Don't misunderstand me, as a commuter, I want train service on a schedule, run effectively for a reasonable price.
Is it too much to ask for such changes like this to be better communicated or coordinated?