Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee (cont'd)

6 - Financial planning (Roche)
handout from Jim, includes listing from S&P listing the ten things for public finance that are characteristics of good planning. Franklin does in fact do all these ten things.

Top 10 List

1. An established rainy day/budget stabilization reserve
2. Regular economic and revenue reviews to identify shortfalls early
3. Prioritized spending plans and established contingency plans for operating budgets
4. A formalized capital improvement plan in order to assess future infrastructure requirements
5. Long-term planning for all liabilities of a government, including pension obligations, other post employment benefits and other contingent obligations would be optimal and allow for comprehensive assessment of future budgetary risks
6. A debt affordability model in place to evaluate future debt profile
7. A pay-as-you-go financing strategy as part of the operating and capital budget.
8. A multi-year financial plan in place that considers the affordability of actions or plans before they are part of the annual budget.
9. Effective management and information systems
10. A well-defined and coordinated economic development strategy

The source for this listing is the S&P article found here

add vital signs and trends, i.e. stabilization fund in 2003 vs 2010 stark difference.

7 - FAQ (Kelly)
summarizing from over all the sources, the questions that have been raised.

trying to provide a quality of life for all members of the community

is a student with and IEP considered a SPED student? or are they categorized separately

8 - Financial Terms (Nutting)
if the state would allow we would do these things
the capital budget
the debt and narrative
the FAQ draft should also be answered from the town figures

discussion on setting up the focus group to review the draft of the report

what is the date for the deliverable? then set the date for the focus group

Feb 5th to internally review the draft
Formalize the draft by the 29th
Focus group on March 5th

half the group gets the report before hand, half gets it upon the entry
will get feedback on presentation simplicity

Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee

Attending: Roche, Bartlett, Cameron, Hardesty, Nutting, Wilschek, Kelly, Ogden, Trahan, Zollo
Absent: Whalen

Meeting opens

Working listing of action items to pull the presentation together (numbered listing that follows)

add self-help items - average person working in lieu of taxes provides about 8000 hours of labor to help the DPW, library, etc.

Report Category
1 - Assumptions (Cameron)
wrote out from the budget draft that Jeff had put together earlier

Outline format to tell the story so those who won't be able to read and understand the table of numbers will get the gist of what is occurring.

Rationalization will be key, a range of 3-5% on one number may not have the same effect on the budget that another number could have a range of 2 - 2.5% and have a significant effect.

Justification for the numbers, i.e. what is the driving factor, health insurance, or lane changes per contract.

Formatting is not important at this time, it is more important to get the content section down.

2 - Benchmarking component (Whalen)
comparison of Franklin to other towns, comparison of Franklin within, i.e. trends
looking to identify the appropriate peer group for Franklin
explain why some towns that some would think would be comparable are not in the report
need good rational for what is included and what is excluded

simply need to demonstrate that the town is responsible, that there is no obvious low hanging fruit

3 - Financial Model/Sensitivity Analysis (Hardesty)
doesn't want to re-do the numbers just yet as the numbers are so much influx at this time, the approach will be the same, will just update with the actual numbers when they become available.

How to enhance revenue or reduce costs with things that can be done easily
For the gap beyond that, this would then list out the choices
taking a layered approach, baseline (level 1) plus (level 2) listing the assumptions that drive the changes

4 - HR Matters (Trahan)
Done with Wayne and Jeff, handout provided with summary
85-90% of the town employees are unionized
the unions have been cooperative in negotiations, the raises have been very reasonable

include the post retirement underfunded liability as an assumption and foot note, unless legislation changing this, it is reportable but would not effect the planning for our time line

5 - Revenue/Expense Enhancements (Zollo)
Will have something formal for the committee next time, a top ten list or a growing total and show the growth over the past and going forward. How far back do we want to go? For credibility, go back at least as far as Jeff. Current management is striving to be efficient. Proposed to go back as afar as 2001. Maybe not the full ten or fifteen, show at least the significant ones.

Appendix listing can show them all, but the top list would cover the 80/20 rule. Factor in the inflation and show what it could have been versus what it is today.

There are two kinds of savings, cuts and efficiencies. Trying to color each to show how they contributed.

Worcester Academy Inauguration project

Thanks to my daughter for the tip, here is an example of a local high school project using social media to report on and record their experiences of the upcoming inauguration.

Their blog can be found here.

This is a sample video posted to YouTube and their blog, recorded with a Flip camera





Way to go Worcester Academy!

"everything that's simple we've already done"

Last spring in Franklin, residents voted against a $2.8 million override, after approving a $2.7 million tax increase the year before. This year, a financial plan committee is preparing a three-year projection to better prepare for the town's fiscal needs. An initial draft should be available by early next month, according to the Town Council's vice chairwoman, Deborah Bartlett.

Bartlett wouldn't rule out the possibility of an override request, saying, "I don't think we're thinking that far ahead yet." However, "it's hard to know, with everything so volatile at this point," she said. "I think people are scared . . . and we don't know how they will feel about committing to more money than they're currently committing."

It's clear that revenues in Franklin will once again fall short of expenses, Bartlett said, and "without more money, we're not going to be able to provide the same level of service as today."

Officials are searching for ways to consolidate services and save money, but "everything that's simple we've already done," she said.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe West section here

"reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere"

The Green Energy Fair is a free event that will be held at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., on Thursday, Feb. 5. It will feature information from a Wrentham organic farmer, vendors selling green products and energy-saving tips.

The Global Warming Cafe will be held Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m., at the First Universalist Church in Franklin. The cafe is open to the public and is an informal gathering to discuss global warming and how to stop it.

For more information about the low-carbon diet, logon to www.350.org.

To sign up for news of future FACT events, e-mail FranklinAreaClimateTeam@yahoogroups.com

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Kilowatt Ours - Impressive

Approx 25-30 people braved the cold to view the documentary "Kilowatt Ours" at the Franklin Library on Wednesday evening. In this photo, Ted McIntyre, Franklin Area Climate Team, provided the opening remarks to the group. Fred Schlicher, Program Manager from the Mass Climate Action Network, gave a brief overview of the film.

Outdoor burning season begins

Did you know that the outdoor burning season begins today?

You do need a permit.

Even with the permit, you still can't burn leaves.

Additional details and permit process can be found on the Town web site

SchCom: Sabolinski, Light, Ogden

SchCom: Sabolinski, Light, Ogden, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Incoming Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski and Peter Light listen as current Superintendent Wayne Ogden explains the selection process that resulted in Peter being announced as the new Principal of Franklin High School.

Additional notes from the School Committee meeting can be found here

SchCom: FHS Art Gallery

SchCom: FHS Art Gallery, originally uploaded by shersteve.

The presentation on the Franklin High School Art Gallery activities was made by Art Teacher Mike Caple (center), Rachel Nault (left) and Madison Weber (right).

Notes from the presentation can be found here

Additional notes from the School Committee meeting can be found here

In the News - Principal, July 4th, James Johnston

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 14, 2009 @ 12:15 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

Superintendent Wayne Ogden and Superintendent-in-waiting Maureen Sabolinski officially named Peter J. Light permanent principal of Franklin High School last night, a decision which delighted School Committee members.

Ogden had appointed Light, currently one of four assistant principals at the high school, as interim principal following Pamela Gould's announcement last week she is resigning her post for a new role as assistant superintendent of human resources for the Plymouth School Department.

Gould leaves Jan. 23, and Light takes the helm Monday, Jan. 26.

"When we were dealing with the surprising news of Pam's leaving ... Maureen and I spent a lot of painful hours figuring out how to move forward," said Ogden, who is also leaving his job at the end of June.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 13, 2009 @ 10:27 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

The Fourth of July Coalition is planning to keep the town's honored five-day celebration, and this year, they're determined to bring back the parade, said Warren Revell, the group's secretary.

"Personally, I think a parade before fireworks, because it keeps more people around," said Revell, noting that Franklin doesn't benefit from non-residents who come to see the fireworks for a half-hour and immediately leave.

A parade, on the other hand, draws people to the common and keeps them entertained longer, he said. And with a parade, he said, "They're more apt to spend money there."

The group hasn't made any major decisions yet, and tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the municipal building they will discuss ideas for how to celebrate Independence Day this year.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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

By James Johnston/Daily News columnist

GHS

Posted Jan 13, 2009 @ 09:17 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Among the many things wrong with the Republicans in Congress today is that they hate unions and that they hate American labor. I think that they would like to go back to 1900 when you could hire a "girl" to work for you as a "maid of all work" for about two dollars a week.

This point is well illustrated by Ronald Reagan's breaking of the Air Traffic Controller's Union back in the early '80s. That union has never recovered, and air traffic controllers are not paid much more today than they were in 1981 nor are their working conditions much improved.

Union jobs have been driven out of the country, and trade union membership nationally is made up of only about nine percent of all white and blue collar workers today. The Republican conservatives look at this as a victory.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Senior Center

Continuing to explore the 2008 Annual Report I find information on the Senior Center.

Did you know that there are over 100 people living here in Franklin over 90 year old?

The Senior Center is an active place. Here is a slide show of photos taken during the Open House held November 11, 2007.





If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf


Note: Most of these photos were published here on Franklin Matters at that time. )

School Committee Meeting 1/13/09

This is the collection of posts covering the School Committee meeting of 1/13/09

• Live reporting - subcommittee update
• Live reporting - Superintendent update
• Live reporting - action items
• Live reporting - building committee update
• Live reporting - Oak St Improvement plan
• Live reporting - Peter Light - part 2
• Live reporting - Peter Light
• Live reporting - Art Gallery
• Live reporting

• School Committee - Agenda - 1/13/09

The video replay of the School Committee meeting is now available on the Town web site here

Live reporting - subcommittee update

Rohrbach - providing an update on the Strategic Planning Steering Committee; two meetings held so far; one organizational, one working session. PR statement in draft, we will be reaching out to the various stakeholders with a couple of surveys and back here to provide an update on the planning process.

Live reporting - Superintendent update

The conversation has been underway all through the night with weather and condition updates. The judgment is based upon the readiness of the town DPW and facilities to get the streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and schools ready.

Decision needs to be made before 5:30 AM to enable proper communications take place in time.

Governor had weighted in on the discussion for the Friday before Christmas. They were fearful of a repeat of the situation of the year ago. The best information at the time for the 12/19 decision was to close rather than open and have an early dismissal. The forecast had been for snow to begin in Franklin at between 11:00 and 1:00 PM.

Sabolinski - We need to get the message out early enough for our staff who are traveling some distance to hear about it before leaving their residence.

Armenio - what about hockey practice that starts at 5:00 AM?

Ogden - I say this lovingly because I was one. Hockey parents, don't stop going somewhere because of snow and ice.

Cafasso - what are you hearing about the conditions for the walkers?

Ogden - one sidewalk at Oak/Mann complex was not done until later in the day. One of the sidewalk plows is out of business. There is a priority listing for what sidewalks should be done in order. The Oak/Mann/High School covers approx. 50% of our students. Those sidewalks need to be done.

Live reporting - action items

Action Items

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,625.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC for the 7th Grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Center. Approved 7-0

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to support in-house enrichment activities. Approved 7-0

• I recommend approval of the job posting for School Nurse at the Annie Sullivan Middle School. Approved 7-0 (this is the least expensive obligation to take, it is required)
  

• I recommend acceptance of the school improvement plan for Oak Street Approved 7-0

Live reporting - building committee update

Ed Cafasso discusses the agenda item for the next building committee meeting
aside from the process around the High School, doing a facility plan for the remaining buildings

Armenio - defer the actual building capital budget to Mike D'Angelo; would otherwise like to see the wireless at the high school and then the text books as the classroom needs for capital.

Trahan - agrees with Armenio in deferring to D'Angelo; otherwise the text books and wireless seem to be the needs

Rohrbach - high school is our most pressing issue

Roy - (1) Not sure just what the mission of the building committee is, the high school is a priority, 90-100 million is too sizable a project for the community to digest. I thought we were looking for the building committee to try and parce out the high school project into smaller digestable bites. When will we hear what the MSBA say about the needs at the high school? Will the committee be able to develop a proposal to fund at a specific level?

(2) With regards to these projects, and they add up to about $5 million dollars. Is the building committee looking to fund just these facility projects? I assume they are not looking to take care of the other text books, wireless, etc. needs.

Cafasso -we are far enough along to have the Chairman and some members of the committee here to have that discussion. The committee was set up so that we would be in a position to respond quickly to the MBSA requirements.

Roy - the number one item is not on this list, that is the high school. I would be concerned with moving forward with some other projects (i.e. the elevator at Davis Thayer), I think the community would be less inclined to support us. We need to be clear on our priorities.

Cafasso - 1st priority is the renovation or building new the high school. The second objective is to do what is necessary for Thayer, Kennedy and Parmenter as they have been identified as other schools with needs.

Ogden - Mike D'Angelo is onboard with the high school as the number one priority. There are two things on this listing that are of critical need (#10 - replace gym and cafeteria heating units) and (#25 - Upgrade phone switches and voicemail). Our Plan B, if the MSBA comes back with something negative, then I think we would still need to go forward with something for the science labs. That has been an accrediation issue and we won't have a long time to fix it.

Mullen - if lesser money is all we get, then the science labs and other space reconfiguration items would come to the front.

Trahan - seems like none of this could take place until we hear.

Cafasso - this discussion is around A, B and C options depending upon what State funding we will get. If we had to do a series of projects at the high school what would they be? High school is top priority, safety issues top, then the #10 and #25 have priority. That is good priority for us to take forward to the meeting tomorrow.

Live reporting - Oak St Improvement plan

Corinne Minkle, Eric Ledebuhr

Details to be added later

Live reporting - Peter Light - part 2

Peter introduces himself provides some background for the community

Worked here since 1997, began as substitute, two middle schools and eventually the high school

K-12 Director of Music

Bring to the table his sense of the community, especially as with his background in music. Worked with music boosters group, meet parents and other members of the community at concerts.

Looking to bridge the gap between the community and the school.

Partially responsible for the Freshman Collaborative
Starting to see benefits of the work preparing the students to come into the high school

Work on the blackboard program (as reported here from last summer)
looking to expand the program across the high school and middle schools

First and foremost, high school has to be about teaching and learning

1 - Scholarship
has to be first in mind about the quality of education, how well students will do beyond high school; ensure a level of confidence, raising expectations, how we work with administrators, teachers inside the building and across the district

conference scheduled at end of this year to work on creating a common language for teacher feedback, sense of continuous improvement

need for continual positive feedback to ensure continual development of teachers
essential values that teachers have to share

strategy - it is not just intelligence, it is how you can use it; how do we work with students who struggle, how do we take students where they are at and take them to the next level

2 - Community
Community needs to have a level of confidence in the high school, communication of high standards and expectation

3 - Leadership
transparency, openness, fosters a sense of open dialog
principal blog, to improve the immediacy of communications
looking for a podcast, particularly with the budget cycle coming
looking to reach out and engage constituent groups, particularly in the next 6 months

involve this Committee, Central Office, administration, students, parents, teachers, community, etc. gather data, evaluate, and develop a strategy

looking for expansion of the retired teacher volunteer opportunity

Pat Slight - thanks Ms Gould for her work; Mr Light was his vice principal as he came in as a freshman, this will be his third principal in his time at the high school, and he is fine with that.

Peter Light wants to keep a relationship with the students.

Jeff Roy - Mr Light was a finalist in the Needham search and he chose Franklin over Needham

Live reporting - Peter Light

Wayne Ogden - intro to Peter Light, in survey of students and facility, they heard: we want someone we know, we want stability, we want someone who knows what is going on. Peter's name was a consensus amongst those interviewed.

"We have in our midst is a gem of a young leader who can take us forward."

Peter will be the permanent principle beginning January 26th.

Live reporting - Art Gallery

Guests/Presentations

• Art Gallery

Mr. Mike Caple
Rachel Nault (senior center program)
Madison Weber (Gallery 218)

• Art for all
• Prepare students for the highest level art program
• Connect art to the community

They bring in working professional artists to show that the starving artist is a myth

Empty Bowls raised $500 dollars for the Franklin Food Pantry last year and $350 for the Walk for Hunger

FPS Summer Art Institute - coming this summer for first time, 2 week program for multiple grade levels.

Senior Center Art Program - ran this year for first time in awhile. As reported in Milford Daily News previously.

Art Show, January 15 at Senior Center to showcase the work from the program and celebrate the accomplishments. 10:00 to 11:30 for reception.

A idea that had been around for some time that finally came to fruition. Alumni work being prepared for the next show. Located off the cafeteria at the High School. The art that has been showcased covers K-12 art.

The Gallery 218 can be found on the FHS web site here

Looking to do a non-art teacher art show next year.
Looking to connect the creation of art to the "real world".

Live reporting

Attending: C Armenio, M Kelly, P Mullen, J Roy, S Rohrbach, R Trahan
E Cafasso (late)

Student Reps: P Slight, B MacLeod


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments

Review of Agenda - move Bldg Committee update to subcommittee reports

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2008 School Committee Meeting. approved 6-0

Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly approved 6-0

Payroll Ms. Armenio

FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence: Budget to Actual (for discussion at 1/27/09 Meeting)

Energy $ense Series - Kilowatt Ours

When:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7:00 pm


Where:
Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main Street, Lower Level



Moderator:
Ted McIntyre, Ph.D.
Board Member
Massachusetts Climate Action Network


Description:
This film traces the path of the electricity you use in your home from the light switch, through the wires to its source. Along the way you’ll meet power companies, schools, businesses and everyday Americans finding ways to meet our energy needs using conservation and green power. “Kilowatt Ours” will teach you how to dramatically reduce your electric bill and improve the environment at the same time.


Sponsored by:
Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT), Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Friends of the Franklin Library

In the News - tot classes, gym floor

By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:26 AM

Last update Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:27 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

It was calling to him: A quivering, foaming, creamy pile of shaving cream freshly released from its canister onto a tabletop.

In a split second of hesitancy, 3 1/2-year-old Aidan Phillips of Franklin glanced toward his mother as if looking for some indication that what he was about to do was OK.

It was all the time he needed.

In the next breath, with a squishing sound whispering off his fingers, the youngster had his hands immersed in the marshmallowy pillows of white, foamy trails of fragrant cream dripping from his fingertips and dampening his sleeves.

He grinned as another youngster joined him at the table, giggling as she covered her cheeks with the stuff, and scooped up handfuls of it with glee.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:39 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

It will be several months before the smaller of Franklin High School's two gymnasiums is fixed following the New Year's storm that resulted in a badly warped floor, said Facilities Manager Michael D'Angelo.

The cold weather froze and broke pipes, which shot 180-degree water onto the floor, he said.

Principal Pamela Gould said she was told the floor boards "buckled." Looking at it herself, she remarked, "I've never seen anything like it."

"The bubble's gone down now, but it was unbelievable. Just picture the old cartoons, an animal crawling under the floor and making a mound. The mound went up to my knees," she said, adding that the wave went from one end of the gym to half-court.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Police Department

Continuing to explore the 2008 Annual Report I find information on the Police Department and all its activities.

Did you know that people love to drive fast in Franklin? Now, some of these may be from out of town but the Police Department processed more speeding citations than the next eleven categories of Uniform Division Citation Charges combined.

In fact, speeding citations accounted for 58% of the 5007 citations issued.

The Top 5 violations cited were:

1. Speeding - 2916
2. No Inspection Sticker - 540
3. Fail to Stop/Yield - 341
4. Fail to Wear Seat belt - 322
5. Red Light Violations - 286

Would you like to read about these as they occur? The Daily Logs are posted online here.

Much more information on the Police Department and its activities can be found on the web site here.

If you have not signed up for the ConnectCTY service, consider doing so. It is quick and easy and will keep you up to date of important events happening in your neighborhood.


If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf

New layout

For new visitors, you may not notice the change.

For regular visitors, I hope the new 3 column layout works better for you.

I have finally found that "round tuit" to get this accomplished.

What you haven't gotten a round tuit?

You can find one here:




Feedback on the new layout is welcome via the usual methods, email (see right box) or comment (below).

Franklin's Piccadilly Pub closed

Updated 1/2/2012
Ichigo Ichie has opened where the Piccadilly Pub was located
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/updates-ichigo-ichie-and-italian.html


Word today is that the Piccadilly Pub located here in Franklin is closing. Other Piccadilly Pub locations are remaining open.

Now, it has always be a wonder to me with the 99 Restaurant and Piccadilly Pub next door to other, how both could survive?

We know the answer, they can't.

What will happen up the other end of town with Walgreen's coming into the the Four Corners Building location?

Let me count that would put CVS, Rite-Aid, and Shaw's - all have pharmacy services, four locations within a half-mile of each other.

Who wants to do the math on how long that will last?


Updated 1/15/08
I submitted feedback to Piccadilly's via their website as they still show the Franklin location as open. This is what I received via email:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the Piccadilly Pub in Franklin, Massachusetts. We are working on updating our advertising; our intentions are to re-brand this restaurant with a new concept in the future.

So there is hope for that location!

Updated May 2011
Yes, it has taken a while but there is a restaurant scheduled to open in Oct 2011:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/franklin-has-developed-reputation-as.html

and here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/town-council-meeting-3211.html

"There's no doubt he's ready to do this job"

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 11, 2009 @ 11:20 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

By the end of the month, Franklin High School Assistant Principal Peter Light will take over the reins as acting principal.

"I really just love working in Franklin, it has given me some unique opportunities," said Light, who has worked in the district for 12 years. "They're giving (the job) to me, but I feel that commitment back to the town. It's a great school. Franklin has a good thing going."

Superintendent Wayne Ogden named Light as acting principal after Principal Pamela Gould announced she is leaving to take a job as assistant superintendent for human resources for the Plymouth School Department.

"Peter let me and (assistant superintendent) Maureen Sabolinski know if called, he would serve. He became the logical choice," Ogden said. "Plus, he's a talented young administrator, and we thought he had the skills to do what we need done."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

School Committee - Agenda - 1/13/09

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
Budget to Actual (for discussion at 1/27/09 Meeting)


2. Guests/Presentations

• Art Gallery
• FHS Principal Candidate – Peter Light
• Oak Street School Improvement Plan

3. Discussion Only Items


4. Action Items

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,625.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC for the 7th Grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Center.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to support in-house enrichment activities.
• I recommend approval of the job posting for School Nurse at the Annie Sullivan Middle School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Snow Day Decision Making / Connect Ed.
b. Enrollment Comparisons Dec 07-08

• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Recreation Department

Continuing to explore the 2008 Annual Report I find information on the Recreation Department.

Within the Franklin Recreation Department's website, you will find information regarding:

• Programs and activities (PDF)
  
• Parks and playgrounds
  
• Department policies
• Chilson Beach
• Franklin youth sports organization links

Mission/Function

The Recreation Department is committed to provide quality recreational programs and facilities to the residents of Franklin. By providing consistency, dependability and an obligation to our residents and the programs they partake, we strive to elevate the quality of life for our community.

Objectives

The Recreation Department is a service-based department. We work interactively with local sports associations, school departments, individual Town residents, private groups, church and civic groups, as well as other Town departments. In the course of a given year, over 8,000 people are affected by Recreation operations. Our clientele continues to increase each year. Recreation is responsible for scheduling all fields, playgrounds, and courts. The Recreation Department continues to serve the residents in the area of recreation and leisure services. Our department handles everything from sporting activities for children, to families in need.

• Coordinate recreational activities with the youth sports organizations, school department, and other citizens groups.
• Better utilize and renovate parks, ball fields, and conservation land within the Town of Franklin.
• Improve the quality of life and involve residents in recreational programs.
• Establish new programs as self-supporting and explore ways of generating additional revenue through grants, donations and fundraising.
• Recreation activities are coordinated through our office, which is comprised of one full time director and one full time clerical staff person.
• The Recreation Advisory Board is looking for additional volunteers who are interested in promoting the planning of programs for Franklin residents.

If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf

Ed Cafasso Letter - 1/11/09

Hello Everyone!

I hope you had a good weekend and a safe holiday break! Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…

Spring 2008 MCAS Results: Franklin students continued to perform far above their peers statewide on MCAS tests for Reading, Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Science & Technology. For example, the percentage of Franklin students scoring at “advanced” levels on English and Math set new records in Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 8, and Grade 10. Overall, Franklin schools were ranked in the “high performing” or “very high performing” categories by federal standards as well. However, we are beginning to hear concerns from administrators and teachers as to whether the Franklin schools will be able to sustain this kind of outstanding academic performance with the staff cutbacks and increased class sizes we are experiencing this academic year. You can view various aspects of our latest MCAS data at:

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/mcas/mcascharts2.aspx?linkid=33&orgcode=01010000&fycode=2008&orgtypecode=5&

School Calendar Survey: More than 2,100 parents and guardians replied to the survey regarding the school calendar. Here are they top line results:

• Seven out of 10 said they did not prefer the school year starting the week before Labor Day.
• Seven out of 10 said they would favor scheduling all full day teacher professional development days during the summer months.
• Two-thirds said they preferred the calendar model that places time off in December, February and April.
• More than 56% said they did not want to experiment with the private school model that eliminate the vacation weeks in February and April in exchange for a longer vacation in March.
• Six out of 10 disagreed with the practice of scheduling two full teacher professional development days and three half days during the first half of the school year.
• More than 57 percent favored the new practice of scheduling the day before Thanksgiving as a day off.
• More than 63 percent said they prefer that there not be school on religious holidays.
• And, better than 93 percent said they favor scheduling the two full day professional development days that occur during the school year on a Monday or Friday.

Thanks to those who took the time to respond to the survey. Your views will be front and center when the school calendar comes up for consideration and a vote this spring.

Franklin High School Leadership: As you likely heard, FHS Principal Pam Gould has chosen to move on and will be taking an Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources position in Plymouth later this month. Peter J. Light, who has held teaching and administrative posts at FHS since 1998, has been named interim principal. Even before Ms. Gould informed of us of her decision in late December, the School Committee had directed Superintendent Ogden to make the high school a top priority during his remaining months here, including improvements to the guidance department, the FHS administrative model, its health education programs, parent-teacher communication, summer reading and other steps that will strengthen the ability of our high school to maintain a high level of modern, academic performance. That analysis and planning process will continue in the months ahead. I hope current and incoming FHS parents will offer their support and feedback to this effort and to Mr. Light. Even though we are facing tough budget decisions again this spring, I think it safe to say that the high school will be at the center of Franklin’s educational vision.

Mr. Light, a Walpole resident, will discuss his priorities for FHS at this Tuesday’s School Committee meeting. He has been assistant principal at the high school since July 2005; served as FHS music director from 2001 to June 2005; and, began at the high school as a music teacher in 1998.

Franklin High School Building: A professional inspection team from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) toured the building in mid-December as part of Franklin’s application for state funding to address various issues at the facility. We hope to have an indication from state officials soon about the likelihood of state support for the renovation of the school or the construction of a new building. You can expect school and town officials to move quickly once we are able to secure some clarity from the MSBA.

Our Meetings Go Digital: Starting this year, citizens with sufficient Internet connections in Franklin – or anywhere in the world, for that matter -- can view Franklin School Committee meetings online, either live or in an archived format. To access this streaming capability, visit the town web site at: http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0146C49B-000F8513

The School Committee typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. Our next meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, January 13^th.

These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.

Thank you!

Ed Cafasso, Member

Franklin School Committee

edcafasso@comcast.net

Streaming Video - Historic event

There was a significant historical event this week. The first Town Council meeting was streamed live over the web on Wednesday evening.

What does that mean?
Instead of being in your home with a cable subscription, you can now view a town meeting via your computer. This means that anyone with interest to find the meeting can view it anywhere in the world via the internet and their computer.

Since only 90+% of the town has access to cable, how much this will enable those who don't have cable access is open for discussion.

What will this streaming live change?
I think it will be interesting to see how this will change the meetings, if anything changes at all.

• Will the various board and committee members improve their personal behavior and conduct now that they can be viewed around the world?
• Will the nature and presentations of the meetings themselves be modified now that there is a worldwide audience?
• Will there be an increase in viewing amongst the people in the town?
  

The one drawback I see is that the availability of the meeting via the internet may reduce the actual physical attendance in the room. Only those who actually need to be there to participate in the meeting will continue to be present. On the other hand, the worldwide audience may actually increase the participation due to the exposure.

How do you view the meeting?

1. On your computer, open your favorite browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)
2. Navigate to the Franklin website home page
3. Follow the link on the notice for the live streaming (I have not yet found another way to get to this live streaming or archive. I assume there will be an additional path put on the site at some time.)
4. The first time you view a meeting, Microsoft Silverlight will require to be installed. Once installed, you'll need to close your browser and restart the browser. After this installation, you should be able to go direct to view either the live or an archived program.
5. You can view the meeting from beginning to end or skip to sections according to the published agenda.

Have you viewed a meeting yet?

What do you think of this?

Northborough pursues wind power

"This could cut taxes, eliminate the electric bill of the regional high school, and decrease our dependence on the Middle East," said town resident Bob Giles, a retired engineer who has spearheaded support for the proposal. He said the turbine, once up and running, could save the town up to $600,000 annually.

.....

As Giles and selectmen move ahead with their plans, they are looking to Hull for guidance. Since 2001, the seaside community has set up two wind turbines that provide about 11 percent of Hull's electricity, according to Town Manager Philip Lemnios, and is looking to build four more turbines offshore, which could potentially meet 100 percent of the town's electricity needs.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe West edition here

Can green jobs solve poverty?

There is an interesting conversation about

Can green-collar jobs clean the "dirty-energy economy" and lift people out of poverty?

The discussion revolves around education in California where the drop out rate from public schools is now 25%. 41% for Blacks and 31% for Latinos.

Van Jones and California State Senator Darrell Steinberg discuss a unique solution for our economy and environment. Together they offer a clear vision for green economic development and its potential.

Click through to listen here.

Well worth listening to!

Peter Light will serve as acting principal

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 07, 2009 @ 09:12 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Peter Light will serve as acting principal of Franklin High School for the remainder of the school year, Superintendent Wayne Ogden announced yesterday.

Light, an assistant principal at the school, has worked in the district for 12 years. He will replace Pamela Gould, who has been hired as the new assistant superintendent of human resources for the Plymouth School Department.

One of four assistant principals at the high school, Light began his tenure in the district as a teacher. His academic background is in music and educational administration.

Gould announced her departure just before Christmas break, giving administrators time to talk with students and faculty about the upcoming change.

"Peter let me and (assistant superintendent) Maureen Sabolinski know if called, he would serve. He became the logical choice," Ogden said. "Plus he's a talented young administrator and we thought he had the skills to do what we need done."

Students shared their desire for consistency in the remaining school months, Ogden said.

"To bring somebody in midyear who doesn't know the school, students or faculty ... it's a terribly awkward situation," Ogden said. "When (we) talked to students in focus groups, they were talking about stability and a need to continue the improvement projects they were working on."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"I apologize for this happening"

An apologetic Michael P. D'Angelo, director of public facilities, explained what happened over the New Year's holiday to councilors. His recap revealed staff did not realize until a day later that electricity had been lost in spots throughout town for about an hour. The high school's and Senior Center's backup generators did not restart heating pumps, which contributed to the damage, D'Angelo said.

The Senior Center will reopen today, after being closed this week because of the damage. The John F. Kennedy Elementary School and high school never had to close, though some classrooms were shifted around and the smaller gym's floor at the high school needs to be replaced.

Insurance will cover all but $5,000 of the damage, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting. Most of the repairs are already done.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

My live reporting from the same meeting is available here.

Town Council Mtg Summary 01/07/09

This is the collection of posts for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday 1/7/09

• Incident Summary Water loss 1/1/09
• Live reporting - Legislation for action
• Live reporting
• Live reporting - Incident summary 1/1/09
• Live reporting - license transactions
• Live reporting - Town Council meeting 2
• Live reporting: Town Council Meeting
• Town Council - Agenda 1/7/09

Incident Summary Water loss 1/1/09

This was the handout provided and reviewed by Mike D'Angelo

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

Incident Summary Water loss 1/1/09
Apparent power loss between 3:00 and 4:00AM


KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• Custodian shoveling reported school cold at about 10:00 AM
• Sent heating company to investigate
• ATC (heating contractor) found problem and got heat back on

Damage: Broken coils in two rooms and the cafeteria, food loss in the cafeteria fridge and freezer. Rooms soaked with water

Status: Coils all repaired, Carpets shampooed, Fridge fixed


FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

• Athletic director reported a big water spill on gym floor and it being very cold in the High School about 5 :00 PM
• Checked school on computer and called people to investigate pump problem
• Custodian found pumps down
• Called heating company and they isolated gym coil and got heat back on approximately 10:00 PM
• Custodian cleaned up water in gym and one room

1/2/09

• Heating company on site as coils started to unfreeze and leak. Isolated coils and removed 3 for repair. Problems with 5 areas. Cleaned up water spills

1/3/09

• Heating company and I on site to work more on heat after building still cold
• Returned full heat to building and 7 more coils unfroze and leaked, isolated and custodians cleaned up water. Building secure with full heat.

Damage: 10 classrooms heating coils, gym coil, greenhouse heat, floors damaged in 8 rooms and gym floor buckled.

Status: Heat repaired in all 10 rooms and greenhouse. All rooms cleaned. Starting tile removal tomorrow and possibly replacement next week. Start to work on procuring gym floor replacement next week.


FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER

1/2/08

• Received call from fire that senior center had problem fire alarm going off, checked on computer and saw no heat. Sent heating company
• Restored heat but sprinkler piping had froze and broken flooding multipurpose room
• Sent Compton sprinkler and custodians to clean up water
• Custodians returned Saturday and Sunday to do more cleanup

1/6/09

• Sprinklers repaired
• Pressure valve in dishwasher replaced, heat in attic repaired

1/7/09

• Affected rugs in 3 rooms re-shampooed
• Drying system set up in multipurpose room

Damage: Sprinkler system heads and piping including outside heads, dishwasher valve, fill tube in attic, wet sheetrock in multipurpose, $3,000 in computers, multipurpose flooded, 3 rooms flooded.

Status: Sprinkler interior repairs complete, rooms cleaned and shampooed, dishwasher valve and fIn tube repaired/replaced.

Open: Outside sprinkler heads on order, multipurpose drying, misc. ceiling tiles to replace


GENERAL

• Insurance claim proceeding after meeting with adjuster on Tuesday. Approval given by MEGA to complete items and forward bills
• Norma Collins got verbal approval from State DCAM Department of Asset Management Attorney George Matthews office to expedite all repairs with reduced procurement requirements
• No school time lost from incidents in schools
  
• Senior center will open tomorrow for all areas excluding multipurpose room
  
• Investigating monitoring system for heating system points. Approximate cost for 16 properties is $25,000 to install and $5,000 per year in monitoring costs

Live reporting - Legislation for action

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-01: Acceptance of Grant of Easement and Water Booster Pump Station

approved 7-0

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

$371,000 of our $700,000 snow/ice budget had been spent before today.

Thanks to Jim Vallee for another grant of $7,000 for Fire Dept student education

No hiring to replace vacancies, in anticipation of 9C cuts (Mid year cuts per legislature that are provided to the Governor). It might happen just about the time that the Governors' budget is due out. With reduced state funding and reduced local revenues, this will be as bad as it has been in a long, long time. We are not the Federal government, we can not go a trillion dollars in the hole.

Whalen - there has been a lot of talk abot Obama's stimulus package for local "shovel ready" projects. Where are we with this? What have you heard?

Nutting - The high school is 3-4 years away from being shovel ready. I am on a task force to deal with these proposals. We will submit some projects, what will get selected remains to be determined. Sewer work, water work, maybe the small school projects, would be candidates. They are working hard to collect a lot of information to be prepared. They can't give us anything definitive.

• Old Business - none

• New Business - none

Council Comments
Zollo - happy birthday to Connor for his 7th birthday

McGann -

Doak - happy New Year, this year will be a big challenge.


Executive session
roll call 7-0

Live reporting - 2 minute recess

two minute recess

Live reporting - Incident summary 1/1/09

(A copy of the incident report will be added later)

Mike D'Angelo, Facilities manager
provided a brief overview of the incident over New Year's weekend

Kennedy School

McGann - questioning the presence of a sensor that could have caught the problem.
D'Angelo - yes, the sensor would be valuable, it would not have tripped due to the temperature level in 2 of the 3 buildings as the temp had not dropped enough

Bartlett - I lost power and when it came back, the heat kicked in as well, why not here?
D'Angelo - These motors are protected by circuits and code to protect it from severe spikes in power. Normally, when the power returns, they would have come back. When the power did return, it only came back with 2 of 3 phases. Sensing that, the motor required a manual restart.
Nutting - The motor is about the size of a full keg of beer.

Doak - clarification on what the problem really was, temperature monitors are not going to solve this problem. Why couldn't we get notification from the power company?

Whalen - I am focused on how we can try and avoid this going forward. Anytime the power goes out we have to be notified?
D'Angelo - yes, we should. The boilers were sitting with hot water but it wasn't circulating.

High School

McGann - generator at the high school?
D'Angelo - generator was on and ran all the time

McGann - with the generator on, how did we get the freeze up?
D'Angelo - motor starters did trip, likely because of the 2 of 3 phase power return

McGann - with the money we paid for those generators at the high school and senior center, we should not have had this
D'Angelo - they were in the trip position when we arrived. The heating contractor reset the trips.

Doak - is there a test we can do to see if everything is running properly?
D'Angelo - I think if there is one leg off, this would happen.

McGann - on the power side yes, on the generator side, that is three phase power, this should have come right back on

Zollo - 2 high level principles that I am looking at here. There are experts in these areas, yourself and others, let's get a plan to solve the problem for these extreme contingency events. There will be capital required, and I understand that.

There needs to be monitoring with call outs to multiple points so that when something else comes up, we'll at least have been alerted to address something sooner rather than later.

Pfeffer - if it seems like you are being picked on, you are. You are the Director of Facilities. People are not happy with what happened. The Senior Center was 38 degrees on Friday. Some seniors are dependent upon the center for their food. That is unacceptable.

D'Angelo - getting to the actual root of the problem will help us prevent this in the future. The eyes and ears of a person walking in to check a building will be done over long weekend and other periods going forward.

Doak - will we get a break from the insurance company for putting these other monitoring devices in?
Nutting - Not sure, our out of pocket is $5,000. The insurance will cover the repairs.

Senior Center

Heard about it first on Friday with the Fire Department picking up an alarm.

McGann - Do you have the generators on a cycle?
D'Angelo - yes, they are run once a week, I don't remember the day of the week.

McGann - When all things are back and ready, I would suggest that some time, off hours, we do a test. Make sure that all things are working as they are supposed to be. It doesn't seem right to me.

Pfeffer - Do we have to worry about mold?
D'Angelo - with what we are doing, I don't expect to but if necessary we will.

Feeley - would it be reasonable to come back in 2 weeks with a plan?
D'Angelo - It would be better to do it a little later. Early in February would be better.

Gym floor will be a big one to replace. It really crimps the high school to ahve the gym out. All the recreation programs are already taking space in the other gyms in town.

Live reporting - license transactions

E. APPOINTMENTS - none

F. HEARINGS - none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
. Cottage Street Pub & Grill, Inc. – Pledge of License approved 7-0
. Franklin Lodge #2136 BPOE., Inc. – Change of Manager approved 7-0 as amended
. Applebee’s Northeast, Inc. – Change of Manager approved 7-0

Live reporting - Town Council meeting 2

Attending: Whalen, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann, Zollo

Absent: Mason, Vallee


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2008, December 3, 2008, December 10, 2008,
and December 17, 2008 Regular & Executive Session

approved - 7-0


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS none

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Robert Dean, Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, talks about the new live feed of the Town Council meetings. Chapters will be available in the archive.

Live reporting: Town Council Meeting

The Town Council meeting is being streamed live on the internet this evening.

Go to the Town home page, and click on the first announcement to get the streaming feed.

"not all the projects can be ignored even when money is tight."

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 06, 2009 @ 10:37 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting is recommending spending nearly $1.5 million on capital items this fiscal year, but that number would likely shrink if the state cuts local aid.

Finance Committee members started their review of the recommendations last night with the increasing possibility of cuts in mind. Chairman Jim Roche, for example, said he wants to avoid spending on items that would sit idle should officials have to cut staff.

He said it would be "foolhardy if we spend money on things that may be sitting empty or be better spent elsewhere."

The money for the capital items comes from the town's "free cash" account, essentially comprised of higher-than-expected revenue and unspent money last fiscal year, which ended June 30.

Some of that money could be used instead to cover deficits if Gov. Deval Patrick makes midyear local aid cuts, which he has said are possible. Cuts to next fiscal year's aid are even more likely.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"It's an opportunity to advance her career"

By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 06, 2009 @ 11:32 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

After a little more than a year as the principal at Franklin High School, Pamela Gould is preparing to take a step up the career ladder in another school system.

Gould has been hired as the new assistant superintendent of human resources for the Plymouth School District, a job she will begin later this month. Her last day in Franklin will be Jan. 23.

Gould said that although she is moving up, the decision to leave Franklin so soon after she arrived doesn't come without some regret.

"I feel like there are a lot of things that we started here, some good things, that I'd like to see through on the one side," Gould said, but she has "absolute faith" the colleagues she leaves behind will take up her charge and carry it forward.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Energy $ense Series - Kilowatt Ours

When:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7:00 pm


Where:
Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main Street, Lower Level



Moderator:
Ted McIntyre, Ph.D.
Board Member
Massachusetts Climate Action Network


Description:
This film traces the path of the electricity you use in your home from the light switch, through the wires to its source. Along the way you’ll meet power companies, schools, businesses and everyday Americans finding ways to meet our energy needs using conservation and green power. “Kilowatt Ours” will teach you how to dramatically reduce your electric bill and improve the environment at the same time.


Sponsored by:
Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT), Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Friends of the Franklin Library

In the News - power outage damage, Hope for Animals

About 2,240 National Grid customers lost power early Wednesday for a couple of hours when strong winds downed a power line on Oak Street, a spokesman said.

As a result, the Senior Center's heat went off and the sprinkler system froze and three ventilators at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School and 10 more in the high school broke, causing water damage in all three buildings, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting yesterday.

Insurance claims will cover the damage's cost, Nutting said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

About a dozen people and shelter coordinator Melissa Trottier attended last night's meeting to support Hope for Animals.

"How sad it is that this community cannot help," Tanfani said. "We have to have some place for cats. The economic conditions are hard, but if we close our doors in May, you will have the problem of unspayed and feral cats."

To help support the shelter, call 401-996-4129 or visit the Web site www.hopeforcatssanctuary.com.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Conspiracy found

Yes, really, there is a conspiracy revealed within the Franklin Town web site. But no, it is not the kind you were thinking of!

Continuing to explore the 2008 Annual Report I find information on the Human Resources Department.

Welcome To Human Resources

We are partners in building the Town of Franklin by aligning the skills and assignments of our employees with Town initiatives, values, strategies and the needs of all our citizens. We serve as a source of information and expertise that provides quality customer service for employees and citizens and their ever changing needs. We help make Franklin a great place to work and live -- professionally and personally. To do this we work to:

1. Develop an attitude of teamwork and quality in our day to day operations.
2. Create an atmosphere which fosters challenges, fun, safety, and excellence
3. Seize opportunities which demonstrate excellence execution, caring attitude and a sense of urgency.
4. Communicate in a candid and fair manner with the diverse work force from whom our Town derives its strength.
5. Commit to acting openly, equitably and consistently in our pursuit of uncompromising quality.
6. Increase participation in Town and community activities while seeking knowledge, enthusiasm and an improved quality of life for ourselves, co-workers, and the community.
7. Respect team member values which may be different from our own.
8. Accept responsibility for promoting ethical and legal conduct in personal and Town business practices.

You can find this and more information on the Town website. From the Home page, scroll over the Departments link and select More. Scroll down to find the Human Resources Department in alphabetical order.


Check out the "Conspiracy of Kindness" and "Tale of the Goose" here


If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf

Coverage of the Human Resources Department begins on Page 96.

Second annual town-wide reading program

FRANKLIN -

Join the Franklin Library for its second annual town-wide reading program designed to have everyone in the community read the same book and share ideas expressed in the book by participating in discussions, a film series and author event.

This year’s selection is "Manhunt: The twelve day chase for Lincoln’s killer," by James Swanson.

This nonfiction book tells the story of the plot to assassinate not only Lincoln but other members of his cabinet, and the hunt for the conspirators and their eventual capture. This is a story appropriate for teens as well as adults.

Copies of "Manhunt" are available at the Franklin Library.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

Senior Center closed until 1/8/09

FRANKLIN —

The town’s senior center will be closed until Thursday, Jan. 8, after it lost power last week, leading to a burst pipe and sprinkler system and water damage. All of the center’s activities are suspended until then.

Damage to the center is minimal, but some computers were covered in water, said the center’s director, Karen Alves. The water largely collected on the multi-purpose room’s floor, which is linoleum, making the clean-up easier.

"Everything looks quite good," Alves said Monday. "The custodial staff was here over the weekend and did a good job, with the exception of the computer lab. We don’t know how many were damaged and are trying to determine that now."

The Dial-A-Ride service in town, operated by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, is running as usual this week.

This was originally posted online at the Milford Daily News here.

In the News: repair shops, 2010 budget, space heaters

Car shops and parts places are among the few businesses experiencing growth in the recession, as consumers try to save money by keeping their cars longer, said Jon Hurst, president of the Massachusetts Retailers Association.

"I will vouch for that!" said Adam Dauley, assistant manager at AutoZone on Rte. 140 in Franklin.

"We've had a good 50 percent increase in sales in the last few months. Sales have been unbelievable," he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"If it doesn't go up, never mind being cut, we're in trouble," Nutting said.

Franklin gets 37.5 percent of its revenue from state aid; this year, that is $33 million of the town's general fund, he said.

"We're vulnerable to fluctuations in state aid. Other communities are too, but not nearly (as much)," Nutting said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"They can be very innocuous, but as we saw Dec. 12, it can be fatal," said Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher.

On Dec. 12, Franklin resident Bruce Barck, 62, was killed in a fire ignited in his kitchen by a space heater placed too close to "tons of combustible materials," McCarraher said.

Keeping combustible materials away from space heaters is "vastly important," he said.

The number one recommendation from McCarraher and fire officials in Milford and Bellingham: read, follow and keep the manufacturer's instructions. "Like everything, you've got to read the instructions and use (space heaters) judiciously," said McCarraher.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Town Council - Agenda 1/7/09

January 7, 2009 7:00 PM

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2008, December 3, 2008, December 10, 2008,
and December 17, 2008 Regular & Executive Session

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
. Cottage Street Pub & Grill, Inc. – Pledge of License
. Franklin Lodge #2136 BPOE., Inc. – Change of Manager
. Applebee’s Northeast, Inc. – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-01: Acceptance of Grant of Easement and Water Booster Pump Station

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

As posted on the Town website

Long term planning

Two area communities that saw voters turn down requests for tax increases last year are crafting long-term plans that, officials hope, will clearly lay out their town's financial future.

Franklin and Ashland have both created committees with the task of developing three-year budget forecasts, and assessing ways to reduce expenses and increase revenues.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe West section here

The meeting notes and live reports for the Financial Planning Committee can be found in the 2008 Meeting Summary along the right column of Franklin Matters

"The solar-powered spotlight will save the town"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jan 02, 2009 @ 11:24 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Driving past the King Street ball field one afternoon, Army Airborne veteran and DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi noticed something awry - a flagpole missing its American flag.

Not only was the flag missing, but so were the lights that should be illuminating it at night, he said.

"When you display an American flag, it's supposed to be lit at all times" though the town couldn't afford to pay for a lighting system at the field, Cantoreggi said.

"As a veteran, I do like to see all American flags illuminated," Cantoreggi said.

So he secured a U.S. flag and a $6,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative for a solar-powered light, which the Department of Public Works installed last week, he said.

Franklin was one of the first 20 communities in the state to apply for and receive such a grant, he added.

"We get the best of both worlds. We get to light the flag, which is the right thing to do, and it doesn't cost anything," Cantoreggi said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here