Q - commendation on report, job well done. concerning peer data, if we raise our taxes, is there a guarantee that the state won't reduce and we are back where we started
A - Whalen, put the numbers together, don't think the state looks at that statistic. we should be a below average tax burden with an above average benefit
A - Zollo - if the state minimum is hit, the state will help us determine how the money will be spent. Federal stats say we should have more police/fire but that doesn't matter to the state. It does to the school side of the budget.
Q - should include the school building issues into the 5 year plan otherwise, it wouldn't be a complete report. should update this quarterly
A -those items aren't quantified but they are addressed
Q - those items need to be there.
A - from the committee standpoint, those items are being looked at, there are no firm estimates for those factors to incorporate
A - Cameron - also look at the full report, there are additional details there. We focused on how the funding works for this executive report. We recognize how important this is.
A - Hardesty - information needs to get out, the details should be available when those decisions need to be made.
A - Zollo - the committee debated internally, we will come up with some alternatives, the relaity is what it is. The Town needs to be aware of other capital expenses. The funds for those could come from two sources, (1) Debt exclusion (expires when debt is paid off) (2) override (raises tax permanently). Differences between town fical funding options. But not out of the operational budget.
A - Whalen - in comparison with our peers, we are below the peers in debt service
A - Roche - transparency, dashboard on the website, but once the budget is set, the budget numbers don't really change. In most cases, the state number once given is set, unless there is unique circumstances, the state doesn't take away the money.
- side note - provided advice to the committee that some of the comments are coming across as defensive of the report when they should be soliciting feedback from the community
Q - when is the decision coming on the high school
A - Nutting - the building is not in that bad shape compared to other schools they have been into. We don't know when they will committee. They will not commit at this point. In six-nine months, maybe they'll give us an answer. We don't have it and we are continuing to pursue it.
Monday, April 27, 2009
live reporting - Doug continues
example of state unfunded mandate - wind instruments are now required to be professionally cleaned before reuse.
How has Franklin responded?
Impact of current problem
forecasted deficits are structural, not directly due to the recession
FY 2010 forecast was for a deficit of 4.5 million
With other one time items, the deficit currently is $750,000
Where does this leave us?
Town expenses
slide of comparison to the other 31 towns
School spending
slide of numbers directly from the State Dept of Education web site
Net school spending slide
the long curve is going the wrong way
Impact of capital projects on Town Budget
state aid grow of 3% - 8.5 million deficit
state aid flat - 12.1 million deficit
state aid declines 3% - 15.3 million deficit
What can we do about this?
explanation of steps and lanes on teacher side of the compensation
Increase tax revenue
recap of previous topics
stay tuned for Q&A
How has Franklin responded?
- reduce head count and cut employee benefits
- streamlined operations
- enhanced revenues
- spent cash reserves ($7.5 million)
Impact of current problem
forecasted deficits are structural, not directly due to the recession
FY 2010 forecast was for a deficit of 4.5 million
With other one time items, the deficit currently is $750,000
Where does this leave us?
- We depend more upon state aid than other towns
- Our property tax burden is less than other towns
- Our cash reserves are stable and at the right level
Town expenses
- Franklin ranks 27th out of 31 comparable peer towns in per capita municipal spending
- Recent capital projects have minimal effect on operating budget
- spending per pupil 22% less than state average
- net school spending rapidly approaching state minimum
- teacher compensation remains "middle of the pack"
- Schools have cut non-teacher costs sharply
slide of comparison to the other 31 towns
School spending
slide of numbers directly from the State Dept of Education web site
Net school spending slide
the long curve is going the wrong way
Impact of capital projects on Town Budget
- Capital dollars can not be used for operational expenses
- Capital debt burden is about 2% of the total Town budget
state aid grow of 3% - 8.5 million deficit
state aid flat - 12.1 million deficit
state aid declines 3% - 15.3 million deficit
What can we do about this?
- Agree on the problem
- Develop a comprehensive multi-year plan
- Improve transparency and accessibility if information
- explore regionalization in addition to Library, recreation
- preserve state aid
- address unfunded mandates
- pension reform
explanation of steps and lanes on teacher side of the compensation
Increase tax revenue
- find revenue from non-Franklin resources
- assess need for override and debt exclusion - 5 year horizon
- look to soften impact for low or fixed income households
- assign ownership for improving the flow of info
- communicate more effectively with citizens
- preserve credibility
recap of previous topics
stay tuned for Q&A
Live reporting - Doug Hardesty
Committee addresses the problem, trying to boil it down to simple facts on where we have been, and where we are going.
free of bias, free of clutter
- be sure to follow along the presentation -
Boiled frog analogy - water in pan, turn heat on, put frog in pan, he'll jump out. Another pan, same amount of water, same frog, turn heat on gradually, the water will heat up and the frog will boil. The slow change was not noticeable and couldn't be avoided.
Similar to the Franklin finances, the problems have been here for years.
Franklin at a glance slide
Franklin at a glance - General Fund Revenues
clarification on this presentation is the executive summary with a couple of extra slides
the full report is available on the town web site
- rechecked the head count quickly, approx 150 people in the auditorium
free of bias, free of clutter
- be sure to follow along the presentation -
Boiled frog analogy - water in pan, turn heat on, put frog in pan, he'll jump out. Another pan, same amount of water, same frog, turn heat on gradually, the water will heat up and the frog will boil. The slow change was not noticeable and couldn't be avoided.
Similar to the Franklin finances, the problems have been here for years.
Franklin at a glance slide
Franklin at a glance - General Fund Revenues
clarification on this presentation is the executive summary with a couple of extra slides
the full report is available on the town web site
- rechecked the head count quickly, approx 150 people in the auditorium
Live reporting - Info Forum - Part 1
Financial Planning Committee members: Bartlett, Trahan, Cameron, Zollo, Whalen, Hardesty, Roche, Wilschek (Kelly missing)
Jim Roche, Committee Chair opens with remarks and introductions
About 100 in audience as we get underway
Doug Hardesty starts doing the full presentation
Jim Roche, Committee Chair opens with remarks and introductions
About 100 in audience as we get underway
Doug Hardesty starts doing the full presentation
Live reporting - Informational Forum 4/27/09
Preparations underway, folks are gathering
At Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium for the presentation and discussion of the Financial Planning Committee report
Click through to the Franklin Town website to view and download the draft report of the Financial Planning Committee here
At Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium for the presentation and discussion of the Financial Planning Committee report
Click through to the Franklin Town website to view and download the draft report of the Financial Planning Committee here
Questions for the Forum
If you don't have questions for the discussion this evening on the long term plan, here are a few to help get you started:
Click through to the Franklin Town website to view and download the draft report of the Financial Planning Committee here
- Page 12, the color bars are not labeled, what do they represent?
- How does a salary "freeze" still allow for increases due to step and lane changes?
- Which regionalization effort will bring the best dollar savings? Library and recreation efforts are small dollars.
- What unfunded mandates should be challenged to improve our expenses?
- If overrides are in our future, how many? when? and how big do they need to be? to get us out of this mess?
- Is the Town Council committed to keep this long range plan up to date (since previous efforts apparently failed)?
- Will the Town develop a "capital budget" as the auditors recently recommended?
Click through to the Franklin Town website to view and download the draft report of the Financial Planning Committee here
Concerned about Franklin's finances?
Concerned about Franklin's Finances? GET THE FACTS
Long-Range Financial Planning Committee
Monday, April 27th
7 PM Horace
Mann School
(Mercer Auditorium)
IT’S TIME WELL SPENT
You can view the report here
"overrides are going to become part of Franklin's future"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Town councilors say they're not surprised at Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting's recent projection of a $5 to $6 million deficit in 2011, but for the most part, are too focused on getting through this budget cycle to start strategizing.
"It's so far off at this point. In my opinion, it shouldn't even be a topic of conversation. We need to get through this budget and see where we are," said Town Council Chairman Christopher Feeley.
There are many variables - like the possibility of getting revenue from utility pole taxes and local hotels and meals taxes - that could dramatically change Nutting's projection between now and next budget season, Feeley said.
"We need to be concerned about it, but too many things could change," he said.
Councilors Stephen Whalen and Scott Mason both said Nutting's projections are always "extremely accurate."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
School Committee Agenda - 4/28/09
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: Maureen Barker is on vacation – the 4-14-09 minutes will be approved at the next meeting (5-12-09).
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Dan Telhada – All Scholastic Award
b. Coach Carmen Colace – Coach of the Year
c. Cafeteria – Point of Sale Implementation – Miriam Goodman
3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
FY10 Budget
4. Action Items:
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from the Oak Street PCC for nurses and bus fees for upcoming field trips.
c. I recommend approval of the ASMS 8th grade trip to Conn. River Valley and Eastern NY on May 1, 2009.
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 12 cases of copy paper for the Franklin Public Schools from Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Johnson.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $4,200.00 from the ASMS PCC to pay for two 8th grade field trip coach buses.
f. I recommend declaring the graphic arts classroom modular at FHS as surplus.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Using Data to Monitor Student Achievement
b. Best Buddies Prom
c. Bicycle Racks
d. FHS Modular Classroom
e. Implementation of Point of Sale Technology / Food Service
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
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: Maureen Barker is on vacation – the 4-14-09 minutes will be approved at the next meeting (5-12-09).
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Dan Telhada – All Scholastic Award
b. Coach Carmen Colace – Coach of the Year
c. Cafeteria – Point of Sale Implementation – Miriam Goodman
3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
FY10 Budget
4. Action Items:
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from the Oak Street PCC for nurses and bus fees for upcoming field trips.
c. I recommend approval of the ASMS 8th grade trip to Conn. River Valley and Eastern NY on May 1, 2009.
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 12 cases of copy paper for the Franklin Public Schools from Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Johnson.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $4,200.00 from the ASMS PCC to pay for two 8th grade field trip coach buses.
f. I recommend declaring the graphic arts classroom modular at FHS as surplus.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Using Data to Monitor Student Achievement
b. Best Buddies Prom
c. Bicycle Racks
d. FHS Modular Classroom
e. Implementation of Point of Sale Technology / Food Service
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
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Franklin kindergarten information nights schedule
This updated the schedule previously published here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/kindergarten-information-night-schedule.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/kindergarten-information-night-schedule.html
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 4/26/09
Parents of children who will be attending kindergarten in the fall are invited to attend the Kindergarten Information Night at their particular school.
Following are dates and times for sessions (parents only) revised from earlier publications:
J.F.Kennedy Elementary School, Thursday, April 30, 6:30 p.m.
Parmenter Elementary, Thursday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Jefferson Elementary, Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m.
Helen Keller Elementary, Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.
Davis Thayer Elementary, Thursday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Oak Street Elementary , Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 p.m.
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When a Community Loses
this article discusses the impact of high school sports fees
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Boston Globe -- Globe Magazine by Brion O'Connor on 4/25/09
Eight years ago, when my daughters were in diapers, I took an assistant coaching post with the Hamilton-Wenham High School hockey team. It was one of those rare moments when life allows you to repay a debt. I lost my dad before eighth grade. Sports kept me heading in the right direction despite the upheaval of puberty. I had a ...Things you can do from here:
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"She gets the job done without fanfare"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Paula Mullen, a Franklin resident and vice chairwoman of the School Committee, was one of 100 women in the state named a 2009 Unsung Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
She will be recognized by the commission for outstanding contributions to her community in a ceremony on May 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the State House in Boston.
School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy nominated Mullen.
Roy thought she was "a perfect fit," especially because she hates the limelight, but deserves the recognition for all the volunteer work she does.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
five hours is worth more than $1 million
According to a copy of the proposal, the union demanded the following conditions: the permanent removal of five floating after-school meetings, permanent removal of the need to provide a reason for personal days, and the permanent requirement that no after-school meetings be scheduled two weeks prior to the issuing of report cards.From the Milford Daily News article on the School Committee meeting 4/14/09.
The citizens of Franklin will find out, hopefully soon, what the cost of 5 hours of meetings are. Is it worth 1 million dollars? Or is it worth more?
The teachers union in a vote to accept the 2.5 percent wage freeze for the 2009-2010 school year attached three minor conditions to the proposal.
To remove from their contract, five floating after school meetings. There already are three mandatory meetings each month for the teachers at each school. Is there really a need for these five floating meetings? I hope not.
To remove the requirement for providing a reason for taking two "personal" days. There are only two, you use them or loose them. They are already defined "personal". Does the School Dept really need to know the personal reason? I think that is too much of a controlling issue.
To add a requirement not to schedule after-school meetings in the two weeks prior to report cards. This seems reasonable. The time before report cards should be focused on preparing the accurate information for students and parents/guardians on the progress made during the marking period.
Why this was not discussed during the meeting, I can understand given the nature of the conversation that did take place between Chandler Creedon and the School Committee. They were talking about the same topic, using different words, not really answering each others questions. For me, there is a communication issue there.
This was originally posted here on Wednesday April 15, 2009.
Letter from Ed Cafasso
Hello Everyone!
I hope you enjoyed school vacation week, this fabulous weekend weather and, of course, the Red Sox-Yankees series… Here’s an update on Franklin’s school issues.
Long-Range Financial Planning Committee: I hope all of you will do your best to attend Monday night’s town meeting regarding the findings of a year-long effort to perform an in-depth analysis of Franklin’s financial outlook for the next five years.
The findings of this group of volunteers offer you a comprehensive look at the challenges that will have a direct impact on your property value, your tax rate, the quality of your schools, and your access to municipal services.
The public forum scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Mercer Auditorium in the Horace Mann Middle School is a unique opportunity for you to gain better insight into the various forces driving the town’s finances and, more importantly, to ask questions of your elected officials about what the findings mean for you, your family and your fellow citizens.
I hope to see you there and encourage you to read a preview of the Committee’s draft report at: http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01496EEB-000F8513. (The meeting also will be televised on live local government access channel 11 for Comcast subscribers only.)
FY 2010 Franklin School Budget: As you may have heard, the Franklin teachers union recently voted to accept a wage freeze for Fiscal Year 2010 but attached a series of conditions – essentially re-opening contract issues that the union had previously voted to abandon.
This saga began in December when the School Committee asked Chandler Creedon, president of the Franklin Education Association (FEA), to discuss a potential freeze with his membership. At various points during the winter, we were assured that the union was considering the idea. Finally, three months later, Mr. Creedon asked the Committee for a letter officially requesting that they consider a freeze. Our letter acknowledged the stellar work of our teaching staff, as reflected in our student’s college acceptances and academic performance. It also noted that, for most of this decade, the School Committee has worked hard to avoid reductions in teaching staff by steadily reduced spending on other services and imposing new and higher fees for busing, athletics, and student activities, to name a few. The savings generated from these decisions have been poured directly into the classroom, to recruit and retain top quality teachers, to support a strong curriculum and to maintain appropriate class sizes. Parents and community groups, like the Franklin Education Foundation, also have worked hard to contribute more to classrooms through personal generosity and the fundraising efforts of the PCCs.
On April 13, Mr. Creedon led a meeting of FEA members who were not allowed to vote on a wage freeze alone – only on a motion intentionally written to tie the freeze to new demands regarding personal days, meeting time and other issues. It is worth noting that all other major town unions have agreed to a wage a freeze. None have used Franklin’s budget problems to re-open contract negotiations.
The School Committee remains committed to work with FEA members to come up with a solution acceptable to both sides. We have repeatedly asked Mr. Creedon to make public his alleged plan for budget efficiencies. We also have asked to meet with directly with union members. To date, Mr. Creedon has refused to meet with our negotiating committee or to let us talk to his membership. The Committee will continue these good faith efforts at our meeting this Tuesday in the hopes of reaching an agreement that would avoid massive teacher lay-offs in the months ahead and help close the deficit projected for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
You can read the latest news coverage regarding this issue at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1774896641/No-decision-on-Franklin-teachers-unions-conditions?view=print
2010-11 School Calendar: School administrators have presented two options for the academic year that begins late in the summer of next year. In one option, classes would begin Sept. 7, 2010 – the day after Labor Day – and reach the 180-day marked required by the state on June 22. In the second option, classes would begin Sept. 1 – five days before Labor Day – and reach the 180-day mark on June 17th.
As you recall, hundreds of parents surveyed last year overwhelmingly asked for the school year to begin after Labor Day, while teachers voted overwhelmingly in opposition. Parents are encouraged to examine both options and to express their views. The fact that Labor Day occurs exceptionally late in 2010 is a complicating factor. It’s also important to keep in mind that the last day of school could be pushed further into June by snow days.
You can view both options at http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/calendar/default.htm
As our community heads into the thick of important financial hearings and budget decisions, it is critically important for elected officials to hear citizen ideas and feedback. I hope you will attend Monday’s public forum and share your thoughts. I also urge everyone to stay close to the budget process this year by paying attention to School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee meetings. It is also important for parents and guardians to pursue a frank discussion of budget issues with your principals and your school PCCs.
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
I hope you enjoyed school vacation week, this fabulous weekend weather and, of course, the Red Sox-Yankees series… Here’s an update on Franklin’s school issues.
Long-Range Financial Planning Committee: I hope all of you will do your best to attend Monday night’s town meeting regarding the findings of a year-long effort to perform an in-depth analysis of Franklin’s financial outlook for the next five years.
The findings of this group of volunteers offer you a comprehensive look at the challenges that will have a direct impact on your property value, your tax rate, the quality of your schools, and your access to municipal services.
The public forum scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Mercer Auditorium in the Horace Mann Middle School is a unique opportunity for you to gain better insight into the various forces driving the town’s finances and, more importantly, to ask questions of your elected officials about what the findings mean for you, your family and your fellow citizens.
I hope to see you there and encourage you to read a preview of the Committee’s draft report at: http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01496EEB-000F8513. (The meeting also will be televised on live local government access channel 11 for Comcast subscribers only.)
FY 2010 Franklin School Budget: As you may have heard, the Franklin teachers union recently voted to accept a wage freeze for Fiscal Year 2010 but attached a series of conditions – essentially re-opening contract issues that the union had previously voted to abandon.
This saga began in December when the School Committee asked Chandler Creedon, president of the Franklin Education Association (FEA), to discuss a potential freeze with his membership. At various points during the winter, we were assured that the union was considering the idea. Finally, three months later, Mr. Creedon asked the Committee for a letter officially requesting that they consider a freeze. Our letter acknowledged the stellar work of our teaching staff, as reflected in our student’s college acceptances and academic performance. It also noted that, for most of this decade, the School Committee has worked hard to avoid reductions in teaching staff by steadily reduced spending on other services and imposing new and higher fees for busing, athletics, and student activities, to name a few. The savings generated from these decisions have been poured directly into the classroom, to recruit and retain top quality teachers, to support a strong curriculum and to maintain appropriate class sizes. Parents and community groups, like the Franklin Education Foundation, also have worked hard to contribute more to classrooms through personal generosity and the fundraising efforts of the PCCs.
On April 13, Mr. Creedon led a meeting of FEA members who were not allowed to vote on a wage freeze alone – only on a motion intentionally written to tie the freeze to new demands regarding personal days, meeting time and other issues. It is worth noting that all other major town unions have agreed to a wage a freeze. None have used Franklin’s budget problems to re-open contract negotiations.
The School Committee remains committed to work with FEA members to come up with a solution acceptable to both sides. We have repeatedly asked Mr. Creedon to make public his alleged plan for budget efficiencies. We also have asked to meet with directly with union members. To date, Mr. Creedon has refused to meet with our negotiating committee or to let us talk to his membership. The Committee will continue these good faith efforts at our meeting this Tuesday in the hopes of reaching an agreement that would avoid massive teacher lay-offs in the months ahead and help close the deficit projected for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
You can read the latest news coverage regarding this issue at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1774896641/No-decision-on-Franklin-teachers-unions-conditions?view=print
2010-11 School Calendar: School administrators have presented two options for the academic year that begins late in the summer of next year. In one option, classes would begin Sept. 7, 2010 – the day after Labor Day – and reach the 180-day marked required by the state on June 22. In the second option, classes would begin Sept. 1 – five days before Labor Day – and reach the 180-day mark on June 17th.
As you recall, hundreds of parents surveyed last year overwhelmingly asked for the school year to begin after Labor Day, while teachers voted overwhelmingly in opposition. Parents are encouraged to examine both options and to express their views. The fact that Labor Day occurs exceptionally late in 2010 is a complicating factor. It’s also important to keep in mind that the last day of school could be pushed further into June by snow days.
You can view both options at http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/calendar/default.htm
As our community heads into the thick of important financial hearings and budget decisions, it is critically important for elected officials to hear citizen ideas and feedback. I hope you will attend Monday’s public forum and share your thoughts. I also urge everyone to stay close to the budget process this year by paying attention to School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee meetings. It is also important for parents and guardians to pursue a frank discussion of budget issues with your principals and your school PCCs.
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
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Charles River Cleanup Heros!
This group came back to refresh supplies to clean up the Charles River Watershed, originally uploaded by shersteve.
This group of four came back to refresh their supplies to clean up the Charles River Watershed during the special clean up today.
In green t-shirts left to right (If I have the order correctly) Michelle, Shawn, Alex, and Melisa. David Dobrzynski wore the yellow t-shirt and was coordinating the activities at the Whole Foods in Bellingham.
Thanks for the work you did today!
PS - If I have the order incorrect, please let me know and I can make the change.
Updated to properly identify Shawn and Alex.
"They're anxious and waiting"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
After making the wage and health care concessions, Franklin's public employees are still on edge, some waiting for the dreaded pink slip.
Hearing Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting's projection of another major deficit next year - up to $6 million - rekindled fear among police, said Police union Vice President Robert Burchill.
Morale at the station is "OK at the moment," he said, but officers are concerned about what's going to happen next year.
"Next year's budget is way out of whack again. We already made concessions for the town to save jobs, figuring that was the end-all, figuring things can't get worse. I guess they can get worse," Burchill said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Come to the Town Forum on Monday, April 27th, 7:00 PM to discuss the Financial Planning Committee's report.
Financial Planning Report - available
Click through to the Franklin Town website to view and download the draft report of the Financial Planning Committee here
The summary of the FPC meetings this year as well as the Focus Group's feedback can be found here:
This report will be the subject of the open forum meeting Monday at 7:00 PM at the Horace Mann/Mercer Auditorium.
The summary of the FPC meetings this year as well as the Focus Group's feedback can be found here:
- Financial Plng Comm 01/15/09
- Financial Plng Comm 02/05/09
- Financial Plng Comm 02/19/09
- Financial Plng Comm 03/05/09
- Financial Plng Comm 03/12/09
- Financial Plng Comm 03/26/09
- Financial Plng Comm 04/02/09
- Financial Plng Comm 04/23/09
- Focus Group Collection
This report will be the subject of the open forum meeting Monday at 7:00 PM at the Horace Mann/Mercer Auditorium.
HMEA's 8th Annual Independence 5K Walk/Run
HMEA's 8th Annual Independence 5K Walk/Run in the Park will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2009. Our friends at EMC2 Corporation, 50 Constitution Boulevard, Franklin, MA have again allowed us to hold this premier fundraising event on their grounds. Gail Huff from WCVB-TV Channel 5 News will once again be our host.To register to walk please visit firstgiving.com/hmea. Here you can also set-up your own personal fundraising page that can be e-mailed to all your family, friends and co-workers asking them to support your efforts to raise funds for HMEA.
If you want to participate in the road race please register at active.com/hmea. OR, if you prefer you can complete your registration form online, print it and mail directly to HMEA along with your registration fee(s). You could also e-mail it back to hmea@hmea.org. Click here for the registration form.
Interested in becoming a sponsor of this fun-filled family day event? To learn what sponsorships are available click here for the Sponsorship Opportunities flyer.
More information will be available shortly. In the meantime if have any questions please call Linda Conley at 508.298.1107 or Doug MacPherson at 508.298.1105.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Franklin Downtown Partnership invites crafters to Strawberry Festival
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 4/24/09
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is planning its June 19 Strawberry Festival, and is inviting crafters to send in their registration by May 1.
The festival will take place 1 to 6 p.m. at the West Central Street parking lot, next to Rick's restaurant. Booth fees are $50 for non-food vendors. After May 1, booth fees are $75. Space is limited.
Vendors should contact festival chairman Mary Graff at 773-5504 or mgraff@berryinsurance.com.
Anyone interested in joining the Partnership or sponsoring this event should contact the Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or 774-571-3109.
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Columbine lessons still resonate
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Franklin School Committee by Jeffrey Roy on 4/24/09
My vacation week read this year was Dave Cullen's excellent work entitled Columbine. It's an indelible portrait of the killers, the victims, and the community that suffered one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century. This book was released nearly 10 years after the event, and is a riveting page turner which [...]
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"the problem is real, it's growing, and it's perpetual"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
At its last meeting before presenting its report to the public, the long-range financial planning committee's top concern was making sure they can draw a large crowd.
In an effort to ensure people attend the forum at Horace Mann Middle School on Monday at 7 p.m., committee members debated using the townwide calling system to invite residents to come.
Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting argued that the system must only be used for emergencies. If it is used for announcements, nobody will listen when a "real emergency comes," Nutting said.
Councilor Stephen Whalen emphatically insisted that there is no more important issue in town than its recurring deficit and the damaging impact it can and has wrought.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
Financial Plng Comm 04/23/09
The live reporting from the Financial Planning Committee meeting of 4/23/09 can be found here
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Live reporting - FPC
Clarification on average annual debt versus actual.
Page 5 of the executive summary, remove the reference to "outsource", it hasn't really been done to amount to much. There has mostly been elimination not outsourcing.
Need to adjust the deficit to ensure the forecast agrees with FY 10. Jeff and Doug to finalize the numbers as close as they can. The numbers may still change but we want to be to in the ball park and not an order of magnitude off.
Medical trends go at double digit growth so we still need to forecast accordingly.
The one-time savings are primarily associated with what was forecasted versus what can get into the budget.
Should we address the teacher retirement as it is not funded by the town? Yes, need to find a place appropriately.
Need to assign responsibilities for computer, screen projection (Jeff)
Microphone one at stage, one each aisle (Jeff)
Go through the executive summary
Discussion on using the connect-cty to notify the town of the meeting Monday night. School system will likely be used to notify the school community.
Discussion on confirmation of broadcasting via cable. Not confirmed yet.
Whole object here is that the problem is real, it is growing, it is systemic.
Use a dashboard on the web to show what the numbers are, they may change over time. It needs to be reflected as what changed and why, not that they "found money".
Page 5 of the executive summary, remove the reference to "outsource", it hasn't really been done to amount to much. There has mostly been elimination not outsourcing.
Need to adjust the deficit to ensure the forecast agrees with FY 10. Jeff and Doug to finalize the numbers as close as they can. The numbers may still change but we want to be to in the ball park and not an order of magnitude off.
Medical trends go at double digit growth so we still need to forecast accordingly.
The one-time savings are primarily associated with what was forecasted versus what can get into the budget.
Should we address the teacher retirement as it is not funded by the town? Yes, need to find a place appropriately.
Need to assign responsibilities for computer, screen projection (Jeff)
Microphone one at stage, one each aisle (Jeff)
Go through the executive summary
Discussion on using the connect-cty to notify the town of the meeting Monday night. School system will likely be used to notify the school community.
Discussion on confirmation of broadcasting via cable. Not confirmed yet.
Whole object here is that the problem is real, it is growing, it is systemic.
Use a dashboard on the web to show what the numbers are, they may change over time. It needs to be reflected as what changed and why, not that they "found money".
Live reporting - Financial Plng - 4/23/09
Attending: Roche, Bartlett, Hardesty, Nutting, Cameron, Trahan, Whalen, Wilschek
Absent: Kelly, Ogden, Zollo
Approved minutes of 4/2/09, 4/9/09 meeting
Review of new numbers to show decline in town employees since 1999 versus population increase since that same time.
Discussion on new slide which tries to get at the projected deficit for this year. Too much is still in float, leave out the revenue numbers. Focus on the one-time adjustments because that puts us in the hole to start out in FY 2011.
Discussion on freeze versus deferral. Deferral is more accurate.
Absent: Kelly, Ogden, Zollo
Approved minutes of 4/2/09, 4/9/09 meeting
Review of new numbers to show decline in town employees since 1999 versus population increase since that same time.
Discussion on new slide which tries to get at the projected deficit for this year. Too much is still in float, leave out the revenue numbers. Focus on the one-time adjustments because that puts us in the hole to start out in FY 2011.
Discussion on freeze versus deferral. Deferral is more accurate.
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee - 4/23/09
The meeting was rescheduled to start at 7:30 PM.
fuel assistance
Seniors, veterans, all it takes
Is one phone call with Bob
To get it started
What is a sherku?
Call Bob who?
You can call Bob Fahey at the Franklin Senior Center. He and I had a good fact filled conversation on Wednesday and I'll have more to write about the assistance he provides guidance on for Franklin's seniors and veterans over the next several days.
For other sherku celebrating this National Poetry Month you can visit quiet poet here
School cuts put libraries in danger
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Rachel Lebeaux, Globe Correspondent on 4/22/09
A budget squeeze is forcing Franklin officials to consider laying off school librarians as one measure toward closing its deficit. It is seen as a grim possibility, one that other communities have also faced.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe West using Google Reader
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10th Annual Charles River Earth Day Clean Up
The 10th Annual Charles River Earth Day Clean Up will be held this Saturday (4/25/09) from 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon all along the Charles River and its tributaries.
David Dobrzynski is the site supervisor for the Bellingham/Franklin/Medway/Millis/Norfolk portion of the Charles River Watershed for this event and would be happy to sign up anyone who would like to pitch in with this effort.
David will be manning the volunteer sign in site at the Whole Foods Market in Bellingham, MA beginning at 9:00 AM. People interested in volunteering can drop by and get an assignment for a specific area that needs to be cleaned up.
Full details about this event can be found at: http://www.crwa.org/cleanup.html
David Dobrzynski is the site supervisor for the Bellingham/Franklin/Medway/Millis/Norfolk portion of the Charles River Watershed for this event and would be happy to sign up anyone who would like to pitch in with this effort.
David will be manning the volunteer sign in site at the Whole Foods Market in Bellingham, MA beginning at 9:00 AM. People interested in volunteering can drop by and get an assignment for a specific area that needs to be cleaned up.
Full details about this event can be found at: http://www.crwa.org/cleanup.
"I want to change their way of thinking"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Marina Smoske, an eighth-grader at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, looks and sounds no different than any other 14-year-old.
She is energetic, beautiful and loves theater. She can't wait to join other kids who know all the lyrics to musicals at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick where she has been accepted. She is just crossing her fingers, praying that she'll get the scholarships she needs to attend her dream school.
And she definitely knows what she believes - she's got strong opinions and enjoys expressing them.
But Smoske is different than most of her peers: She was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism, , at age 4.
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site.
Read the full article about Marina's effort in the Milford Daily News here
Concerned about Franklin's Finances?
Concerned about Franklin's Finances? GET THE FACTS
Long-Range Financial Planning Committee
Monday, April 27th
7 PM Horace
Mann School
(Mercer Auditorium)
IT’S TIME WELL SPENT
Cafe Dolce - Music - Sat 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
John Kinney
Café Dolce
Café Dolce is featuring John Kinney April 25, 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Come and listen to acoustic music inspired by Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Ray LaMontange, and many more!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rain barrels discounted for Franklin residents
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Staff reports on 4/22/09
Brutus Cantoreggi, director of Public Works, has announced New England Rain Barrel will be holding the annual rain barrel sale.
Orders may be placed until May 8, 2009. Pick up day is Wednesday, May 13 at 150 Emmons St. from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rain barrels will be offered to Franklin residents at the retail price of $72.50 , instead of the regularly price of $119.95, by The New England Rain Barrel Company.
The rain barrels are made from 55-gallon blue plastic recycled containers. The barrels have a 6-inch diameter inlet opening covered with a screened louver to keep insects and debris out. The barrels have two brass spigots, one to connect a hose for watering and the other for overflow. They feature a 5-foot hose with a shutoff valve. Multiple barrels can be linked together for additional capacity.
To contact New England Rain Barrel, call 877-977-3135 or log on to www.nerainbarrel.com.
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Google has a powermeter?
How much does it cost to leave your TV on all day? What about turning your air conditioning 1 degree cooler? Which uses more power every month — your fridge or your dishwasher? Is your household more or less energy efficient than similar homes in your neighborhood?
Our lack of knowledge about our own energy usage is a huge problem, but also a huge opportunity for us all to save money and fight global warming by reducing our power usage. Studies show that access to your household's personal energy information is likely to save you between 5–15% on your monthly bill, and the potential impact of large numbers of people achieving similar efficiencies is even more exciting. For every six households that save 10% on electricity, for instance, we reduce carbon emissions as much as taking one conventional car off the road (see sources and calculation).
Read more on the Google Energy Information site here.
"You can see signs of progress"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
It's been four years since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, but it is still near to the helpful hearts and minds of members of the Methodist churches in Franklin and Framingham.
On Sunday, church members reflected on their fifth trip to help rebuild homes in Pearlington, Miss. This time, 18 members, college-age through seniors, and three who now live in Rockville, Md., ventured south, and were happy to find progress is finally being made, said the Rev. Sandra Bonnette-Kim, pastor of the Framingham First United Methodist Church.
"It was both good and bad. It was nice to see some developments: Road constructions were being done and bridges were being fixed. The whole town was getting taken care of," she said.
Read the full article about the local assistance being provided to Katrina victims in Mississippi in the Milford Daily News here
"We're going to cross our fingers and hope this works"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
A clerical worker in the assessing department and a building inspector will be laid off this year due to the budget crunch, Building Commissioner David Roche and Head Assessor Kevin Doyle reported while presenting their budgets to the Finance Committee last night.
Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting also told the Finance Committee next year's budget funds 10 fewer municipal positions than this year's budget. That does not include schools, and does not necessarily mean all 10 are layoffs, as some may be retirements that won't be filled.
"It's going to be a stretch, but they're going to do the best they can to do business as usual," said Nutting.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Read all the live reporting posts from the same Finance Committee meeting here
Finance Committee 04/21/09
The live reporting summary of the budget hearing by the FINCOM can be found here
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Live reporting - final items
Sheet provided to Finance Committee to summarize the differences amongst the State level budgets. This is still very fluid.
Next two budget hearings
April 28th - Tuesday (Planning, Police, Recreation, Fire) (not on cable/web, in training room on 3rd floor)
April 29th - Wednesday (in Council chambers and broadcast via cable/web)
Next two budget hearings
April 28th - Tuesday (Planning, Police, Recreation, Fire) (not on cable/web, in training room on 3rd floor)
April 29th - Wednesday (in Council chambers and broadcast via cable/web)
Live reporting - Controller, Legal
Controller
Financial services, fixed asset update is done with an outside consultant. It is an annual expense and done at the end of the year.
Legal
Up to 2002, the Town used outside council. When Jeff came in, he thought it would be better to have that service in house. Cost avoidance is done by awareness and on-going training. The bylaws and town regulations have been re-written over time to ensure the best legal position.
Mid-to-late 80's this budget line items was quarter million dollars. Effectively, the process of having our lawyer in-house saves us money.
Financial services, fixed asset update is done with an outside consultant. It is an annual expense and done at the end of the year.
Legal
Up to 2002, the Town used outside council. When Jeff came in, he thought it would be better to have that service in house. Cost avoidance is done by awareness and on-going training. The bylaws and town regulations have been re-written over time to ensure the best legal position.
Mid-to-late 80's this budget line items was quarter million dollars. Effectively, the process of having our lawyer in-house saves us money.
Live reporting - Insurance, Town Council, Town Admin, Finance
Insurance claims
Folks should be aware of the MA General law in this area. If the Town has no prior knowledge of the pothole, the Town has no obligation to pay the claim against it. If they do know of it, and fail to fill it, they are liable for up to $5,000.
Insurance of $315,000 was approved.
Town Council
There is no budget line item for payroll as the Town Council is a total volunteer effort. Contrary to what some folks believe, they Town Council does not get paid for what they do.
Town Administrations
Budget cut on training and travel.
Some items shifted to other departments.
Finance Committee
The one annual training will be held at Tri-County in October. That will save some expenses this time.
Folks should be aware of the MA General law in this area. If the Town has no prior knowledge of the pothole, the Town has no obligation to pay the claim against it. If they do know of it, and fail to fill it, they are liable for up to $5,000.
Insurance of $315,000 was approved.
Town Council
There is no budget line item for payroll as the Town Council is a total volunteer effort. Contrary to what some folks believe, they Town Council does not get paid for what they do.
Town Administrations
Budget cut on training and travel.
Some items shifted to other departments.
Finance Committee
The one annual training will be held at Tri-County in October. That will save some expenses this time.
Live reporting - Human Resources
Pensions
"We don't control the pensions at all." - Jeff Nutting
"Once you were more than 20 hours a week, then you are in the pension system." That is a county decision.
"They have a fiduciary responsibility to manage their funding."
Health Insurance
Retired Teachers were moved from the State plan to move it to a local control. They have saved $400,000 from the peak of 1.4 M in FY 07.
"It did have a significant savings. The retirees did have angst but are now a very satisfied group." Stephanie McNeil
"The employees have been excellent in changing co-pays to save premium dollars... It is a constant on-going analysis every year." Nutting
The active plans increased 2% and the retired plans dropped about the same so it was really more of a flat (i.e. no rate increase) budget.
Any change in co-pay is a negotiation item with all 13 unions.
Medicare
Audited the payroll records in detail to review classifications.
The experience rating (i.e. accidents) and a competitive rate recently bid has produced savings in this area this year.
Unemployment
Driven in good times and bad by the school system. The requirement of new teachers to become certified has created some turnover for those teachers on a regular basis.
There is some exposure in this area as the school budget is not finalized and the number of teachers that may be laid off is not known. We did well last year with the 42 teachers that were laid off about 20 of them got jobs right away.
The employee benefits budget of over $7 million was approved.
"We don't control the pensions at all." - Jeff Nutting
"Once you were more than 20 hours a week, then you are in the pension system." That is a county decision.
"They have a fiduciary responsibility to manage their funding."
Health Insurance
Retired Teachers were moved from the State plan to move it to a local control. They have saved $400,000 from the peak of 1.4 M in FY 07.
"It did have a significant savings. The retirees did have angst but are now a very satisfied group." Stephanie McNeil
"The employees have been excellent in changing co-pays to save premium dollars... It is a constant on-going analysis every year." Nutting
The active plans increased 2% and the retired plans dropped about the same so it was really more of a flat (i.e. no rate increase) budget.
Any change in co-pay is a negotiation item with all 13 unions.
Medicare
Audited the payroll records in detail to review classifications.
The experience rating (i.e. accidents) and a competitive rate recently bid has produced savings in this area this year.
Unemployment
Driven in good times and bad by the school system. The requirement of new teachers to become certified has created some turnover for those teachers on a regular basis.
There is some exposure in this area as the school budget is not finalized and the number of teachers that may be laid off is not known. We did well last year with the 42 teachers that were laid off about 20 of them got jobs right away.
The employee benefits budget of over $7 million was approved.
Live reporting - Town Clerk, Assessors, Building
The Town Clerk and the elections budgets were approved.
The Assessors budget was approved. There will be a reduction of one clerk in this department. It may affect window service at the Municipal Building but the forms and information generally required is available from the Town website.
The Building Inspectors budget was approved. There is a reduction of one inspector in the FY 10 budget. An inspector brought on and trained during FY 09 is being let go. The approaching risk is that when the economy picks up the permitting process may grow in volume. If the volume increases, there could be risk of not reviewing a permit within 30 days. If the permit was not reviewed within 30 days, it is automatically approved. That is the risk. The contingency is to use the existing employees to cover the permits and take away from window service available hours. At some point an increase in permit volume will require additional staffing to return.
The overall Town budget is down 10 full employees from FY 09 to FY 10.
The Assessors budget was approved. There will be a reduction of one clerk in this department. It may affect window service at the Municipal Building but the forms and information generally required is available from the Town website.
The Building Inspectors budget was approved. There is a reduction of one inspector in the FY 10 budget. An inspector brought on and trained during FY 09 is being let go. The approaching risk is that when the economy picks up the permitting process may grow in volume. If the volume increases, there could be risk of not reviewing a permit within 30 days. If the permit was not reviewed within 30 days, it is automatically approved. That is the risk. The contingency is to use the existing employees to cover the permits and take away from window service available hours. At some point an increase in permit volume will require additional staffing to return.
The overall Town budget is down 10 full employees from FY 09 to FY 10.
LIve reporting - Finance Committee 4/21/09
No agenda was published on the Town website for this meeting (at least that I could find).
Full listing of attendees not available due to viewing the meeting via cable.
This is the second of the FY 10 budget hearings.
Full listing of attendees not available due to viewing the meeting via cable.
This is the second of the FY 10 budget hearings.
Book Signing - LeeRoy U Bailey, Jr - 5/2/09
LeeRoy U Bailey, Jr will be at Treesavers Book Outlet on Saturday May 2, to sign his book; A Different Perspective on How to Reach Heaven: You Must Be Born Again.
LeeRoy will be on site at Treesavers from noon to 4:00 PM. For more information you can email LeeRoy at brnagain@gmail.com or visit his website here.
LeeRoy will be on site at Treesavers from noon to 4:00 PM. For more information you can email LeeRoy at brnagain@gmail.com or visit his website here.
Finance Committee Mtg 4/21/09
The review of the FY 2010 budget continues this evening at the Finance Committee meeting at 7:00 PM. The first several department budgets were reviewed last Thursday and reported on here
The specific department budgets being reviewed this evening is not yet published.
The specific department budgets being reviewed this evening is not yet published.
Monday, April 20, 2009
"we can only spend what we have"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
After hearing rumors that Franklin was going to lose $448,000 for the past several weeks, town officials say they are happy with the $31 million total state aid Franklin is due to receive.
"We were very surprised we were level-funded. This was a pleasant surprise," said School Committee member Cora Armenio, adding that officials are still on their toes because "it's still not over."
"This is the most frustrating budget season I've ever been in, and it's really no one's fault," Armenio said.
Chapter 70 school aid is "the heart and soul" of Franklin's local aid, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, who is president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The town is expected to get $28.7 million in Chapter 70 school funds.
"Hats off to Rep. (James) Vallee. We dodged a huge bullet - I didn't sleep" Tuesday night, before the House released its budget, Nutting said.
Read this "old news" from last week's Town Council meeting in the Milford Daily News here.
The Town Council meeting was reported live and those notes can be found here.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"update the Web site and get the word out immediately"
GHS
Tuesday morning, when an accident on Interstate 495 delayed rush-hour traffic in Franklin, Gary Premo logged on to Twitter, to write an update. The 540 people following Franklin Police on the social networking Web site knew immediately to take a detour.
"I think it gets information out in real time, especially with accidents. People might be heading into work and will get the 'tweet,' and think, Oh, avoid (Rte.) 140," said Premo, Franklin Police's communications director.
Amid the marketing, news reports, organizing and general ephemera that comes when millions of users write about their sandwiches and trips to the mall are a growing number of public officials who are "tweeting," as updates are known in Twitter parlance, about what they do.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Read a related article by the Boston Globe here
You can learn more about Twitter here
You can sign up for Twitter here
You can follow the Franklin Police here
You can follow me here
Communication and social media
Governor Deval Patrick making the announcement earlier this week about the latest revenue adjustments. This was posted to YouTube. His use of Twitter and YouTube to spread his message is commendable!
Should you use social media to spread your message?
As long as there is a conversation required to sell your services, then there is an opportunity for you. Come to the NewBCamp at Providence College today to start learning about these possibilities.
Can't make it to NewBCamp, then contact me and we can arrange a mutually convenient time to review the possibilities.
Should you use social media to spread your message?
As long as there is a conversation required to sell your services, then there is an opportunity for you. Come to the NewBCamp at Providence College today to start learning about these possibilities.
Can't make it to NewBCamp, then contact me and we can arrange a mutually convenient time to review the possibilities.
Slide Show: Earth Day 2009
These photos summarize some of the activities on Earth Day in Franklin:
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Franklin's Music Options for Saturday 4/18/09
Choices?
Yes, choices.
1 - You can listen to Garnet Rogers (with Marc Douglas Berardo opening) at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Tickets are still available ($15 each; cash or check at the door). More info on the Circle of Friends website
2 - Cafe Dolce is featuring Phil Fox from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.
Enjoy!
Yes, choices.
1 - You can listen to Garnet Rogers (with Marc Douglas Berardo opening) at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Tickets are still available ($15 each; cash or check at the door). More info on the Circle of Friends website
2 - Cafe Dolce is featuring Phil Fox from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.
Enjoy!
the t-shirts are ready for those helping with Earth Day in Franklin
the t-shirts are ready for those helping with Earth Day in Franklin, originally uploaded by shersteve.
200 t-shirts were distributed in 45 minutes this morning to the early arrivals at Franklin's Earth Day. Needless to say a good crowd as many more came later to work and still did so without receiving a new t-shirt.
Let's hope the sight of so many people around town cleaning up will inspire our fellow citizens to be more mindful of where they put their trash and recycles.
Earth Day
I'll be at Beaver Pond shortly, come and join me help clean up Franklin!
Volunteer to clean up targeted areas and assist with planting flowers and shrubs around Franklin.
- Please bring your own water bottle.
- Please bring your own gloves and rakes.
- Community service certificates will be issued.
- T-shirts to the first 200 volunteers.
- Clean up goes to 1:00 PM
Get some Eco-Info at Beaver Pond:
- Water conservation kits and rain barrel display.
- Mercury thermometer exchange for digital thermometers.
- Recycling tips and composting information.
- Energy conservation tips.
- Much more ! ! !
Franklin's Earth Day Celebration
Saturday April 18th, 2009
Beaver Pond
Starts at 9:00 AM
Volunteer to clean up targeted areas and assist with planting flowers and shrubs around Franklin.
- Please bring your own water bottle.
- Please bring your own gloves and rakes.
- Community service certificates will be issued.
- T-shirts to the first 200 volunteers.
- Clean up goes to 1:00 PM
Get some Eco-Info at Beaver Pond:
- Water conservation kits and rain barrel display.
- Mercury thermometer exchange for digital thermometers.
- Recycling tips and composting information.
- Energy conservation tips.
- Much more ! ! !
Industry: Winchester Electronics
In our continuing series on Industry operating in Franklin, I find this press release about Winchester Electronics. HD refers to "high definition". The new parts being announced would be used by the likes of Verizon, Comcast, and carriers of the HD signal until it arrives in our homes.
Winchester Electronics introduces KINGS(R) Brand Passive Optical Fiber Video Patching System
The new EL Series(TM) provides the missing link to realizing an all fiber broadcast facility. Networks no longer have to convert HD signals into copper for patching. The optical jackfield provides the same functionality and look and feel as a full normal copper jackfield.
Winchester Electronics Corporation
Denise Johnston, 203-741-5491 d.johnston@winchesterelectronics.com
or
Howard Geltzer, 212-362-9067 hgeltzer@geltzerco.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
Winchester Electronics introduces KINGS(R) Brand Passive Optical Fiber Video Patching System
The new EL Series(TM) provides the missing link to realizing an all fiber broadcast facility. Networks no longer have to convert HD signals into copper for patching. The optical jackfield provides the same functionality and look and feel as a full normal copper jackfield.
LAS VEGAS, Apr 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- At the National Association of Broadcasters Show, Winchester Electronics takes the wraps off its EL Series(TM) of optical fiber broadcast cable connectors and components.
According to Jerome Farnan, Director of Fiber Optic Technology at Winchester Electronics, the EL Series optical fiber video jacks and patch cords are based on an expanded light beam connection technology that replaces existing coaxial copper components or traditional ferrule-based fiber connectors.
In addition to lower costs, smaller diameter fibers, larger carrying capacity, lower signal degradation and lower power requirement, the new EL Series connector components eliminate reliability issues associated with dirt and scratches common with traditional fiber connectors.
The expanded beam fiber connector technology is based on a non-contact method of mating optical fibers that reduces the possibility of handling damage, as well as making blind mating of components simple to do.
In this new approach, when the light beam carrying the video/audio/data enters the connector a spherical optical lens converts the light beam into a series of parallel rays that pass through a mechanical gap. The transmitted beam is then focused down on the receiving fiber end of the connector.
"The advantage of this design is that the optical fiber ends are easily maintained and more resistant to contamination in harsh environments than standard fiber optic interfaces," said Farnan. "Also, the large diameter of the light beam at the separable interface minimizes the effect of any dirt or debris on the optic surface."
Totally signal agnostic, the EL Series is equally adept at carrying HD SDI, Ethernet IP, Analog Video or any other data format traveling along the fiber.
A key design decision made early in the development of this new family, said Farnan, was to incorporate the push/pull style of mating used in previous Winchester copper connectors to allow technicians to connect and disconnect in a simple, quick, three-step process. Because the EL Series Quickconnect scheme is similar in function to that used in Winchester's copper interconnect components, the shift to optical connections is virtually transparent.
Most HD capable professional broadcast equipment is now available with optical transceivers, so the ability to switch fiber optic signals directly eliminates the need for electrical to optical conversion for long distance runs. Using fiber frames designed for telecommunications does not fit with the workflow of the broadcast environment. When there is a problem with a live-to-air signal, the technician wants to route the signal immediately, with no concern for a scratched fiber end, or fiber cable bent too tightly. The EL system allows routing in a passive manner using a fiber jackfield with the look and feel of a copper jackfield using rugged fiber patch cords made from bend insensitive fiber with expanded beam connectors.
"Just like a copper jack, when inserted into the front of the EL Series optical fiber jack, the EL Series connector will automatically switch the optical signal being routed through the back of the video jack to the front connectors," said Farnan.
In a broadcast studio environment, the EL Series DINconnect patch cord is similar in function to the traditional BNC to BNC copper wiring terminated to the rear of a copper jackfield. The patch cord has an EL Series connector on one end and an industry standard LC, SC, FC, ST, (or any single or multi-mode) fiber connector on the other end.
The EL Series Optical Fiber Video Jack's small 1.85 by 1.62 by 0.38 form factor allows easy integration into existing patch bays, up to 32 per jackfield. It uses a rear DIN 1.0/2.3 style mechanical latching for security of the Normal path. Because it is an optical rather than copper mechanical switch, the connector components require no power and are designed for 10,000 mate/unmate cycles. Customer termination of installed fiber is possible with the splice-on version of the EL connector, where a factory terminated expanded beam insert is attached to the fiber using fusion splice technology.
The EL Series Patch Cords are made from nickel plated brass, while its optical alignment pin is made of gold-plated stainless steel capable of 10,000 cycle performance without any signal degradation. The optical insertion loss is 1.5 dB typical for either a patched or a normal connection. Return loss is 55 dB typical and 45 dB minimum. Mechanical withdrawal force on the patch cord is 0.5 pounds minimum, while the pull force on the rear side is 20 lb. minimum.
Available in sample quantities, the EL Series evaluation kits contain optical fiber video jacks with associated patch cords.
Winchester Electronics Corporation, a 68-year old Connecticut-based company, is a leader in designing and manufacturing electronic connectors and interconnect solutions. In addition to its headquarters in Wallingford, the company maintains a global manufacturing and engineering network, and operates manufacturing facilities in Wallingford, CT; Franklin, MA; Rock Hill, SC; Nogales, Mexico; Suzhou, China; and Penang, Malaysia.
SOURCE: Winchester Electronics Corporation
Winchester Electronics Corporation
Denise Johnston, 203-741-5491 d.johnston@winchesterelectronics.com
or
Howard Geltzer, 212-362-9067 hgeltzer@geltzerco.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Slidecast: Strategic Plan Overview (audio)
The Strategic Planning Overview is now available as a slide cast. The slide show has been synchronized with audio to create a complete listening and viewing experience.
This was the presentation to the Town Council on Wednesday, April 15th.
The slidecast without audio is available here
If you have any questions, you can contact me via email (see link on right column) or via a comment.
Updated: The survey is available here
This was the presentation to the Town Council on Wednesday, April 15th.
The slidecast without audio is available here
If you have any questions, you can contact me via email (see link on right column) or via a comment.
Updated: The survey is available here
"You will gain so much knowledge in a short period of time"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
During the start of the Finance Committee's budget hearings for town departments last night, Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting said he anticipates Franklin will run a deficit of $5 million to $6 million for fiscal 2011.
"I have no doubt about it," Nutting said.
Wage and health care co-pay concessions made by all town and school staff are only a one-year stopgap, he said.
"We're building ourselves into a hole for fiscal 2011 - but the other alternative is to lay off 62 teachers and about 35 municipal employees," Nutting said.
Read the full article about the Finance Committee meeting in the Milford Daily News
Read all the live reporting posts covering the same meeting here
Finance Committee - 04/16/09
The collection of live reporting posts from the Finance Committee meeting to start the annual budget review held on Thursday 4/16/09
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Live reporting - Cultural, Animal
Cultural Council
starter funds for matching grant to provide support to local artists in the community
Animal Control
in conjunction with Bellingham, salary paid by Bellingham, we pay certain expenses and gain 24x7 coverage
been going on for 15 years, well oiled and operating
Expansion could be considered but the kennel size would need to be increased
Would cost more to add to the kennel than it would generate in revenue to offset
end of budget hearings
Reminder - Financial Planning Committee meeting being held at Horace Mann/Mercer Auditorium on Monday April 27th, 7:00 PM
Earth Day - 9:00 AM on Saturday April 18th, start at Beaver Pond
motion to adjourn
starter funds for matching grant to provide support to local artists in the community
Animal Control
in conjunction with Bellingham, salary paid by Bellingham, we pay certain expenses and gain 24x7 coverage
been going on for 15 years, well oiled and operating
Expansion could be considered but the kennel size would need to be increased
Would cost more to add to the kennel than it would generate in revenue to offset
end of budget hearings
Reminder - Financial Planning Committee meeting being held at Horace Mann/Mercer Auditorium on Monday April 27th, 7:00 PM
Earth Day - 9:00 AM on Saturday April 18th, start at Beaver Pond
motion to adjourn
Live reporting - Historical, Memorial, CATV
Historical Commission
Jeff - keeping documents up to date, pay a few bills for the historical commission
had increased from 1,000 to 2,000 in anticipation of the new building up and running. It hasn't yet but it will be used fully once the new building is open.
Memorial Day
purchase of flags for the graves to be put on by volunteers
CATV
We have to budget a minimum amount per subscriber
used to offset the costs of the broadcasts going out over the air waves
set by the license
Jeff - keeping documents up to date, pay a few bills for the historical commission
had increased from 1,000 to 2,000 in anticipation of the new building up and running. It hasn't yet but it will be used fully once the new building is open.
Memorial Day
purchase of flags for the graves to be put on by volunteers
CATV
We have to budget a minimum amount per subscriber
used to offset the costs of the broadcasts going out over the air waves
set by the license
Live reporting - Treasurer/Collector - Debt
Jim Dacey -
Debt
FY 2010 debt peaks, debt stabilization fund set up years ago to handle this peak
(hand out to be updated/included later)
We don't have a lot of room in this part of the budget, these are legal obligations, they need to be paid.
3.5% is reserved for mortgage payment, so we always have room for capital without having to raise tax rates.
The building lasts 60 years, we'll pay it off in 17 years and maintain it.
The police station and Parmenter School are fully paid off.
15 years ago, the call provision was not written into the note at that time.
The Four Corners Building when it gets sold, the funds would be held to pay off the bond until 2014. The excess amount over the purchase price would be held in reserve for use on other capital expenses. Likely to pay off the library and look at other uses of the remainder of the funds.
Treasurer/Collector
New expense item, $35,000 for attorney's title search on foreclosures
Really moving the line from another section of the budget due to proper accounting rules
Reduced 25,000 bills down to 17,000 envelopes to mail (postage savings) with senior services.
Lockbox services handle about 80,000 pieces. Even items dropped in the box at the building or handed over the counter get sent out to the lockbox. They image and index, it makes a really good tool to use.
Debt
FY 2010 debt peaks, debt stabilization fund set up years ago to handle this peak
(hand out to be updated/included later)
We don't have a lot of room in this part of the budget, these are legal obligations, they need to be paid.
3.5% is reserved for mortgage payment, so we always have room for capital without having to raise tax rates.
The building lasts 60 years, we'll pay it off in 17 years and maintain it.
The police station and Parmenter School are fully paid off.
15 years ago, the call provision was not written into the note at that time.
The Four Corners Building when it gets sold, the funds would be held to pay off the bond until 2014. The excess amount over the purchase price would be held in reserve for use on other capital expenses. Likely to pay off the library and look at other uses of the remainder of the funds.
Treasurer/Collector
New expense item, $35,000 for attorney's title search on foreclosures
Really moving the line from another section of the budget due to proper accounting rules
Reduced 25,000 bills down to 17,000 envelopes to mail (postage savings) with senior services.
Lockbox services handle about 80,000 pieces. Even items dropped in the box at the building or handed over the counter get sent out to the lockbox. They image and index, it makes a really good tool to use.
Live reproting - Senior Center
Karen Alves
we provide more than twice the services than you see here
shifted salary of part time bus driver to revolving account using the revenue from the trips to cover the salary
TriValley Elder services we cut this year. They are funded via other sources so it won't affect the services currently being delivered.
How many volunteer hours do we provide?
10,700 hours
The amount of services you provide for the amount you get is amazing.
Nothing has been broached with the other towns in regionalization of services.
The Senior Center benefits from the tax workoff program. Residents over 60 can work in Town departments and gain credit at minimum
The amount of grants received to support the Senior Center operations is approx. $120,000 which would effectively double the existing budget.
we provide more than twice the services than you see here
shifted salary of part time bus driver to revolving account using the revenue from the trips to cover the salary
TriValley Elder services we cut this year. They are funded via other sources so it won't affect the services currently being delivered.
How many volunteer hours do we provide?
10,700 hours
The amount of services you provide for the amount you get is amazing.
Nothing has been broached with the other towns in regionalization of services.
The Senior Center benefits from the tax workoff program. Residents over 60 can work in Town departments and gain credit at minimum
The amount of grants received to support the Senior Center operations is approx. $120,000 which would effectively double the existing budget.
Live reporting - Public Health Services
David E. McKearney, R.S.
nursing services for the community, flu clinics, home visits as mandated by the Dept of Health.
It is a good deal for Franklin, we could not do this internally for less.
nursing services for the community, flu clinics, home visits as mandated by the Dept of Health.
It is a good deal for Franklin, we could not do this internally for less.
Live reporting - Health
David E. McKearney, R.S.
One adjustment, we will eliminate 5 vehicles assigned to staff. Jeff decided this recently. Some individuals that still need transportation will get a travel reimbursement. There would be an adjustment to add the travel expense to some of the budgets, like Health. It should still be a net savings.
May need some additional insurance coverage for business use of the personal car. The expense for that would be in the persons arena.
There is a bubble flowing through, with the freeze implemented this year, we will start 2011 in a 5-6 million hole. We have been pushing the bubble off for about 6-7 years.
One adjustment, we will eliminate 5 vehicles assigned to staff. Jeff decided this recently. Some individuals that still need transportation will get a travel reimbursement. There would be an adjustment to add the travel expense to some of the budgets, like Health. It should still be a net savings.
May need some additional insurance coverage for business use of the personal car. The expense for that would be in the persons arena.
There is a bubble flowing through, with the freeze implemented this year, we will start 2011 in a 5-6 million hole. We have been pushing the bubble off for about 6-7 years.
Live reporting - central services
Norma Collins
copy paper, copy machines, no salaries linked to the line item
did have some savings this year with the annual report now posted on the Town website, less hard copies will be required.
postage will increase May 11th
How many actual annual reports are actually printed?
Jeff - thousands
The expense in the report is in the first copy. After that, the cost is reduced due to the volume.
We still need to do a hard caopy for the public record.
copy paper, copy machines, no salaries linked to the line item
did have some savings this year with the annual report now posted on the Town website, less hard copies will be required.
postage will increase May 11th
How many actual annual reports are actually printed?
Jeff - thousands
The expense in the report is in the first copy. After that, the cost is reduced due to the volume.
We still need to do a hard caopy for the public record.
Live reporting - Finance Committee - 4/16/09
Attending:
Brett S. Feldman
Juan Rivera
Patricia Goldsmith
Phyllis Messere
Rebecca Cameron
John F. Caulfield
Mark Cataldo
Robert Teixeira
James Roche
Tina Powderly (late)
Missing:
Craig Maire
Jeff Nutting provides a brief overview, the budget is still fluid, out of balance by about $115,000-215,000.
The local option tax upon meals could yield about $600,000-800,000 for a full year. We would still need to see how DOR would calculate the collections and disbursements. All kinds of talk, the vote is the only thing that counts though.
You need to get a budget out so you might make it contingent upon the final numbers when they come out in May, June.
Jim Roche - things will be up in the air until the last minute this year.
Susan Gagner - the budget does include the wage freezes already accepted by the unions thus far. The department heads have also taken a reduction in expenses.
Jim - didn't mean to gloss over that fact. As a citizen, I appreciate the effort put in by the unions. People say the government should be run like a business and on one hand I agree, on the other hand what they are giving up they are not getting back when the times get good again.
Bob Fahey - Veterans Service Officer, Outreach coordinator at Senior Center
Over $2 million dollars come into Franklin from the Veterans Administration
1 - for a service connected disability
2 - not service connected disabled but are disabled
$1092/monthly benefits to widows of veterans currently residing in Franklin
If these benefits were not coming to the town, then these folks would be on the Town side of the budget. Likely two, three or four times
19 currently on the Town rolls for veterans
This is truly a human services benefit. What you put forward, the town is reimbursed at a 75% rate a year later.
Currently expending an average of $11,000 per month. Hard to predict exactly how the services are requested.
Town budget is currently calling for 120,000 (versus run rate of 132,000)
MA is the only state that has a local veterans administration. We don't expect changes in reimbursement. What changes may occur to the benefits for the individuals is calculated later.
The benefit allocation does include a cost of living increase already.
Difference in requested vs recommended is due to the salary and the adjustment of the 3% increase frozen. You'll see that in all the budgets.
Brett S. Feldman
Juan Rivera
Patricia Goldsmith
Phyllis Messere
Rebecca Cameron
John F. Caulfield
Mark Cataldo
Robert Teixeira
James Roche
Tina Powderly (late)
Missing:
Craig Maire
Jeff Nutting provides a brief overview, the budget is still fluid, out of balance by about $115,000-215,000.
The local option tax upon meals could yield about $600,000-800,000 for a full year. We would still need to see how DOR would calculate the collections and disbursements. All kinds of talk, the vote is the only thing that counts though.
You need to get a budget out so you might make it contingent upon the final numbers when they come out in May, June.
Jim Roche - things will be up in the air until the last minute this year.
Susan Gagner - the budget does include the wage freezes already accepted by the unions thus far. The department heads have also taken a reduction in expenses.
Jim - didn't mean to gloss over that fact. As a citizen, I appreciate the effort put in by the unions. People say the government should be run like a business and on one hand I agree, on the other hand what they are giving up they are not getting back when the times get good again.
Bob Fahey - Veterans Service Officer, Outreach coordinator at Senior Center
Over $2 million dollars come into Franklin from the Veterans Administration
1 - for a service connected disability
2 - not service connected disabled but are disabled
$1092/monthly benefits to widows of veterans currently residing in Franklin
If these benefits were not coming to the town, then these folks would be on the Town side of the budget. Likely two, three or four times
19 currently on the Town rolls for veterans
This is truly a human services benefit. What you put forward, the town is reimbursed at a 75% rate a year later.
Currently expending an average of $11,000 per month. Hard to predict exactly how the services are requested.
Town budget is currently calling for 120,000 (versus run rate of 132,000)
MA is the only state that has a local veterans administration. We don't expect changes in reimbursement. What changes may occur to the benefits for the individuals is calculated later.
The benefit allocation does include a cost of living increase already.
Difference in requested vs recommended is due to the salary and the adjustment of the 3% increase frozen. You'll see that in all the budgets.
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