Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Tina Powderly answers 3 questions
2 years ago, Tina Powderly and I got together to do this interview when she ran for Town Council for her first term in 2009. Now running for re-election, we got together again to answer 3 questions.
FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?
TP - I am the daughter of an Army soldier so my childhood was very transient. We moved around all over the US and we even lived in Germany for awhile. I went to college at Georgetown University in Washington and received my bachelor’s in business. After college I worked for a health economics and health care industry consulting firm. Then I came to Massachusetts to study for my Masters in Public Health at Harvard. I worked as the Manager for Community Health Center Affiliations at Partners and then moved to Franklin about 10 years ago. Now, all three of my children are enrolled in the Franklin public schools.
FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? or What do you think makes you a good candidate to fulfill this role?
TP - In terms of experience and background and what makes me a strong candidate for this position, I would divide it into two buckets: personal and professional.
From my personal background, again, my father was an Army pilot and my mother was a nurse. The two of them instilled in me the importance of serving your community. My father did it on a national level but it is just as important to do that on a local level. They really ‘walked the walk’ in their everyday lives. They also taught me to respect the differences of others. I believe it is imperative to success to have differences between people. Whether it’s in one’s background (something you can see - age, religion) or in one’s philosophy or temperament, in order to foster solutions that are well rounded, one needs to consider all the viewpoints of everybody involved.
From my professional background, my work and educational experiences in finance and management in health care and public health are key. In Franklin, I was on the Finance Committee for a year and I am finishing my first term on the Town Council. While on the Council I was on the budget subcommittee, the liaison to the Long Range Planning Committee and Chair of the Senior Outreach Committee. Being Chair of the Senior Outreach Committee has driven some of the most rewarding work I have done. Something as simple as the Senior Center Breakfast, which I absolutely enjoy, has introduced me to a great group of people. With my personal life centered on the school system and my young children, I have to actively reach out to gain that perspective.
This past year, the Town Council did a pretty large expansion of tax credits and tax breaks for Seniors. It is not often that you can see something from the start to finish and that was very gratifying. The tax assistance programs also appealed to my public health training. You can have great policy but there is a whole soft side to the implementation of policy. A lot of it has to do with the stigma of receiving assistance. It is not enough to have the right numbers and long term goals. You have to do outreach. You have to manage the perception. You have to market it well. It’s accomplishments like this that make me feel I have a nice mix of experience and yet a fresh perspective and energy to bring to the Council.
FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
TP - I would say in general it is our limited resources, which stems from a few different places. We have a trajectory of declining state aid that is not going to turn around, and we have residents living with this huge burden of the recession. It is tough to deal with these two factors at a time when we are facing one of the most important capital investment decisions before Franklin in decades – the high school. The original rational for investing in the high school started around accreditation and what we need to do to be compliant. The particulars of Franklin High School led us to the point we are at now, which is an invitation to participate in the new model school and receive up to 58% reimbursement from the state for the costs.
In addition to compliance and the physical building, addressing the high school is also about bringing Franklin’s children into the 21st century. Renovating the existing building doesn’t address the constraints of our excellent teachers to really teach their craft to their best of their ability. You can look at outdated science classrooms or academic classrooms that are smaller than ideal. There is a lot of wasted space in hallways. When your high school doesn’t have a gathering place and you have to use the middle school auditorium, and then you talk about the technology limitations, if you are really going to prepare our students for the world that is out there, the building at Franklin High is inhibiting that. Our teachers do an amazing amount with very limited resources but they can only do so much. The new model school has more classrooms and more academic space and is designed in a way that our administrators and teachers believe is more beneficial to the student’s experience.
For me, with the high school in the background, and all the limited resources, figuring out how to meet my priorities of education and public safety is really the key. So how would I address that and resolve that? I do believe that one of the best things an elected official can do is commit to communication and transparency. I take responsibility for anything I could have done better in these last 2 years. Very specifically, I was on the Town Council budget subcommittee. Being the new kid on the block I wasn’t really aware of how the Joint Budget Subcommittee worked. Who called the meetings, how often did they normally meet? I could have been more proactive and I will take that lesson into the future. Recent events have shown that having that group meet faithfully is really important. I spent a lot of time as a new councilor trying to improve communications and transparency with the residents. If you email me, I will write back. If you call me, I will call you back. That is a really important piece. I have a website and a Facebook page. I am committed to continuing that. I know also that communicating with your peers is also important and I need to do a better job at that.
While you’re doing all this, you need to have an eye on both short term fixes and long term fixes. One option to increase revenues is to explore PILOT payments (PILOT - Payment in lieu of taxes, generally focused on non-profits who are tax exempt). This is a very sensitive issue. Whether we do it or not, you owe it to the residents to examine it. A subcommittee was just formed that I am on and I’d like to spend time during the next term to really examine the pros and cons of it.
There are long term fixes to focus on as well. I am the liaison to the Long Range Financial Planning committee and they are looking at legislative changes. One big ticket item is around EPA storm water regulations. There is a push for legislation to require non-phosphorus fertilizers. The municipalities would save lots of money trying to manage their storm water if phosphorus was out of the equation. Supporting that, advocating for that helps us on the back end. This legislation could help us avoid tens of millions of dollars in the long run. It is about thinking long term and strategically. Sometimes it is easy to think only within Franklin and focus on that. How do we plow the roads and get the kids on buses to their school? But you also have to balance that with this long term piece, like state level legislation. I’d like to be a little more active on that front.
For additional information from Tina you can visit her website
http://www.tinapowderly.com/ and her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/TinaPowderly
"proposed site plan modification would change BJ's hours"
"They're going to be open more hours, which means more people blowing out of BJ's," said Gordon Jenkins, who lives on Conlyn Avenue, which runs behind the store. "Something has got to be done about that (intersection)."
Neighbors at last night's meeting live in a subdivision next to the store, and contend they can only leave their neighborhood through the intersection of West Central Street and Corporate Drive, where BJ's is located.
A blinking yellow light faces motorists driving on West Central Street, while a blinking red light faces those coming out of Corporate Drive.
"We have to pass through that intersection to get out, we're basically an island," said Lauren Chousa, who said she was the 11th person in her neighborhood to get into an accident at the intersection. "The only way to get to and from our street is through this intersection, and to drive through it is honestly a nightmare."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x603496464/Franklin-planners-put-off-decision-on-BJs-hours#ixzz1cRkqE2wR
View Larger Map
Census releases new data on state and local taxes
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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DOR proposes to expand tax practitioner electronic filing
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 10/31/11
The Department of Revenue has issued a draft Technical Information Release that would require income tax preparers who reasonably expect to file more than 10 returns in a calendar year to file those returns electronically.
The existing rule established in 2004 required tax preparers filing 100 or more returns annually to file electronically. Before that, the threshold was 200 returns.
The new, lower threshold of more than 10 is proposed to take effect January 1, 2012, and would parallel an Internal Revenue Service electronic filing threshold taking place on that date.
While it is hard to say precisely how many additional tax returns would be filed electronically under this new rule, it is safe to say that it would insure continued growth in electronic filing, which increased by 10 percent in tax year 2010 over tax year 2009.
Just among tax practitioner, the number of returns filed electronically increased by 153,983, going from 1.668 million in 2009 to 1.822 million in 2010.
Overall, of 3.424 million tax returns filed in 2010, just 225,672 were paper returns imaged and keyed, a decrease of 56,658 from the previous year. Another 542,487 paper returns came in with 2D barcodes (down 129,063 from the previous year); these are paper returns that are read electronically due to the barcode.
The new rule is likely to reduce the number of 2D barcode returns, virtually all of which are filed by tax practioners, in half.
The existing rule established in 2004 required tax preparers filing 100 or more returns annually to file electronically. Before that, the threshold was 200 returns.
The new, lower threshold of more than 10 is proposed to take effect January 1, 2012, and would parallel an Internal Revenue Service electronic filing threshold taking place on that date.
While it is hard to say precisely how many additional tax returns would be filed electronically under this new rule, it is safe to say that it would insure continued growth in electronic filing, which increased by 10 percent in tax year 2010 over tax year 2009.
Just among tax practitioner, the number of returns filed electronically increased by 153,983, going from 1.668 million in 2009 to 1.822 million in 2010.
Overall, of 3.424 million tax returns filed in 2010, just 225,672 were paper returns imaged and keyed, a decrease of 56,658 from the previous year. Another 542,487 paper returns came in with 2D barcodes (down 129,063 from the previous year); these are paper returns that are read electronically due to the barcode.
The new rule is likely to reduce the number of 2D barcode returns, virtually all of which are filed by tax practioners, in half.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
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Flu Season is Here – Get Vaccinated Today.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services by Paulette Song on 10/31/11
Posted by Donna Lazorik, RN, MS. Donna is the Immunization Coordinator in the Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.The best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick this flu season is to get vaccinated. This is true even if you were vaccinated last season. Health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year. That's because flu can be very serious – every year in Massachusetts, an average of 5,000 residents are hospitalized due to complications from the flu, resulting in up to 800 deaths. The good news is that many of these hospitalizations and deaths are preventable.
Getting a flu vaccine is especially important if you or someone in your family:
- Is pregnant
- Has a chronic health condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
- Is immuno-suppressed
- Is very overweight
- Is 50 years of age or older.
The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available. There is more vaccine available this year than ever before!
To find out where to get the flu vaccine:
- Call your health care provider;
- Contact your local health department;
- Check with your local pharmacy; or
- Visit the Massachusetts Flu Clinic website for a list of flu clinics near you.
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Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Monday, October 31, 2011
October Storm Update 10/31/11
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN" <email@blackboardconnect.com>
Date: Oct 31, 2011 2:50 PM
Subject: October Storm Update 10/31/11
To: <shersteve@gmail.com>
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN" <email@blackboardconnect.com>
Date: Oct 31, 2011 2:50 PM
Subject: October Storm Update 10/31/11
To: <shersteve@gmail.com>
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"a society that honors the servant but has forgotten the gift"
A video for Monday. Making a connection on the divided brain. What?
Does this have anything to do with Franklin Matters?
Yes, it does. Watch. Listen. Think.
This will help us understand the paradox. "Einstein said 'The intuitive mind is a sacred gift. The rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant but has forgotten the gift."
Enjoy!
Does this have anything to do with Franklin Matters?
Yes, it does. Watch. Listen. Think.
This will help us understand the paradox. "Einstein said 'The intuitive mind is a sacred gift. The rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant but has forgotten the gift."
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
October Storm Update 10/30/11
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Oct Nor'easter
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Sean Donahue answers 3 questions
Candidate Sean Donahue is a recent graduate from Bryant with a major in Communications. Since he also is a product of the Franklin Public School system (FHS Class of 2007), he can bring a unique perspective to the School Committee. We got together recently and Sean provided his answers to these three questions.
FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?
SD - My story is a little different from the others running as I am not yet raising a family. My family moved here just before I was born because Franklin was a great place to raise a family. It had a great school system. Will it stay that way, I’m not so sure, but I hope I can help be a part of ensuring it does. My sister and I grew up here. We both went through the school system. We were very involved in the schools; I was in the National Honor Society, Peer Leadership, I did the band all through middle school to high school and then did Jazz band in college. I did the meteorology club with Mr. Schliefke. I did soccer and tennis in high school. I was the manager for the soccer team after freshman year.
From high school, I went to Bryant University. I graduated summa cum laude with a major in Communications. I did a research paper on possible factors to predict students would be interested in studying abroad and presented it at a conference in front of top communication scholars from across the country. That was a good experience. I was Treasurer and Secretary (at different times) for the Communications Society on campus. I got to put together and present and defend budgets, and while not on the same scale as here, I managed to increase our budget 10% in a time when they were cutting budgets. Being honest about the budget was one of the keys for our success. We put in what we needed and were able to justify it. We found what was important and were able to defend that honestly.
For my honors capstone project, I did research and a paper on negative political advertising. I got to present that in front of the school president, a former U.S. Congressman, so that was a great experience. When I graduated I was named the top student in both Communications and Political Science. I also had a Business Administration minor with a 4.0 GPA, so I have taken classes in Accounting, Finance, and all that, many of them at the elevated honors level. So I have a good background in business and communications and communications is a big issue here currently.
FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? or What do you think makes you a good candidate to fulfill this role?
SD - I think what makes me unique is that I am a fairly recent graduate of the high school. I am still very familiar with what is going on there. As I am going around, I talk with parents and their kids tell them of, what they feel are overly tough classes and I had some of those same classes and teachers that were tough too. While I may have been frustrated and not have realized it at the time, some of them I came to find out actually prepared me better than any others for college. I can bring that different perspective and share what is important. There is not that much diversity on the School Committee in that I believe all the members bring the perspective of parents, which isn’t a bad thing. I have a lot of respect for the people in this position. It is a lot of work and unpaid and I give them a lot of credit for making it possible to receive the education I got here. However, I can bring my unique perspective to the committee and maybe we can change some things.
Unfortunately, these are tough times and in the discussions around what can be cut, I can help add what is important. There is a lot more to school than standardized test scores. Just because this school’s test scores are going up doesn’t mean that they are doing a better job. Are they preparing people for college properly? Are they preparing people for the work force? I talked with lots of people about the AP program. It has gone downhill recently. There are less offerings. The test score performance is not there. In some cases, the books are out of date. The AP Program is an area that can really help students stand out on the transcript and get into good colleges and it’s certainly something that helped me.
FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
SD - There are multiple challenges facing the School Committee. The major item has to be the high school building project. The School Committee needs to assist the School Building Committee in sharing information on the need for the building and really answer the question “Why?” We need to remember that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has had the high school on warning status for several years because of the issues with the educational effectiveness (actually lack thereof) of the building. The reason they are on “warning” and not on “probation” is that they have shown progress on the school project. Without this issue being addressed, the high school ends up on probation, if we continue to fail to address it, accreditation can go away and even on probation the prospects of high school graduates getting into the college of their choice decrease and getting state and federal funding which we’ve relied so much on can become much more difficult.
Renovation is not a real option as the work would be so disruptive. My college has been under renovation while I was in class, and I can say first hand it is not conducive to learning. When we go back in after the work is done, we’d see the same walls and floors. Much of the money would have been spent on the interior and infrastructure (wiring and boilers, etc stuff that you don’t see) and we could rightfully say, we paid for what? The work wouldn’t be visible. Then when you factor in the nearly 58% the state will fund for the new school, but not renovation, the new building option seems to be the clear choice. We get more school for less money.
We need to do a better job communicating why we need the school. If the vote is coming in March, they are running out of time. If you don’t get the good information out there, it leaves the opportunity for the opponents to lead the discussion with their set of miss-information.
I hear people say, why couldn’t it have been better maintained. For whatever the reasons, we are passed that now. We have a choice of major renovation or build the new school. With the State agreeing to do the model school, that is our best option. We’ll need to look to the future to maintain the new building and our other schools to avoid this scenario the next time.
There are a lot of minor things on the communications front, the School Committee website can be more effective. It is hardly used. The calendar is not updated. The meeting minutes are delayed in getting posted. The School Committee blog is a good thing but it would be nice to see more use of that. And finding more way to get the public involved. There actually is a Facebook page for the School Committee, I think there are like 30 people on it. Can the Committee utilize the schools contact listing for the parents? Sending something out with details after the meetings would be a good way to spread the proper information.
The School Committee meetings themselves could be adjusted to be more of a mix between good news and challenges. The meeting agendas are heavily weighed to share good news, which is good but then when you get to ask for money, there is seems to be little justification for it. They have a presentation say on a summer program, on how good it is, and people are there and then later in the meeting they get to talk about a budget item and no one is there, they have left.
When I started the campaign, I thought people we happy with how the schools were doing considering the budget issues. The more I have talked with folks, I find that not is not the case. I ran into one of my former teachers, now retired, and he ask: “So you’re running to fix this screwed up school system?”
What I haven’t mentioned much during the campaign, is I have 10 years of experience in journalism – starting at a paper that was all college graduates while I was still 13 and at Horace Mann – and including more recent work for the Associated Press and ESPN Boston. Through that I’ve learned to become a great listener and to ask the right questions to get to the heart of problems. I think that skillset will also serve me well on the school committee.
For additional information on Sean’s campaign for School Committee, you can visit his website http://donahueforfranklin.com/ or his page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/donahueforfranklin
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – T.D. Beverage Inc. D/B/A Tedeschi Food Shop
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-58: Appropriation: Library – Prior Year- Salaries
2. Resolution 11-59: Appropriation: Recreation – Prior Year- Salaries
3. Resolution 11-60: Appropriation: OPEB Actuary Study
4. Resolution 11-61: Appropriation: Nustyle Demolition
5. Resolution 11-62: Appropriation: Roads/Sidewalks/Drainage/Storm Water/Infrastructure
6. Resolution 11-63: Amendment of the FY 2012 Budget
7. Bylaw Amendment 11-665:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A – List of Service Fee Rates 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full set of documents associated with this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2011tc%20Complete%20With%20Documents/11-02-2011agenda.pdf
The Recipe Project (video)
The Recipe Project. A cool idea.
I guess we'll need to keep looking to see what we can do that will be different, fun, etc. with the recipes Michelle is pulling together for the Pantry Cookbook.
Any suggestions?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
I guess we'll need to keep looking to see what we can do that will be different, fun, etc. with the recipes Michelle is pulling together for the Pantry Cookbook.
Any suggestions?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Election signs
I needed an excuse to keep me running Friday morning so I set out to find and photo as many election signs in Franklin as I could. With 37 candidates across the ballot, this wasn't too bad for a quick and short run. I will need to find some more as I get around town or run again with this goal in mind.
If you live in Franklin and find some different ones, please share.
Note: this is not an endorsement of any candidate or candidates. This is an exercise in getting photos of each candidate's sign.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the slideshow
Friday, October 28, 2011
MA confirms $151,114 coming to Franklin
Franklin is getting $151,114 from this new allocation. Note that this allocation has been talked of coming, this is the confirmation of it. It is not 'another' set of dollars coming to Franklin.
On October 27, 2011, Governor Deval Patrick signed Chapter 142 of the Acts of 2011, which appropriated $65M in a supplemental budget for cities and towns of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This additional local aid will be distributed to municipalities on Monday, October 31, 2011.
The file for your distribution can be found at http://www.mass.gov/Ador/docs/dls/mdmstuf/LocalAidDist/65million.xls.
Please be advised that this revenue may be used in any one of the following ways:
• Applied as estimated receipts when setting the FY12 tax rate;
• Appropriated as an available fund during FY12, or;
• Any funds not appropriated must be closed to fund balance (free cash) at the end of FY12
Via the MA DLS Bulletin sent 10/28/11
Last Farmer's Market this season
Franklin is waking up to some snow on the ground with word of a good storm to bring more this weekend. Summer is behind us which also reminds us that the last Farmer's Market is today. Stop by the Town Common to take advantage of this opportunity for fresh local produce!
Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html
Visit the Franklin Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.
Franklin Farmers Market, Friday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Located on the Town Common
Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html
Visit the Franklin Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.
5 tips for staying safe on the web
A 2 minute video with good reminders to stay safe while using the Internet.
Thanks to Richard Byrne for pointing to this video
Thanks to Richard Byrne for pointing to this video
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Editorial - A sad day for Franklin
In the years that I have been following our budget cycles, the Town Council, the School Committee, there was nothing to compare to Wednesday night, October 26.
You can spin what happened that night in any number of ways (there will be at least two, and folks will, if they haven't already).
My bottom line: the Town Council played their power card and reversed their decision of passing the budget in June by reducing the school budget by $350,000. They may have said this was not against the teachers. This was not against the union. They may have said this was a funding issue. But rather than work to find the funds, they cut. Rather than help the children of Franklin whose educational opportunity has been in a decline for years, they cut. Rather than attempt to work together with the School Committee, they buried them.
In January 2008, probably the last time the entire Council and School Committee were in the same room together (other than on a 'candidate night'), both were together to listen to the Forensic audit report. That event started in the 2006 budget cycle when the Finance Director position was cut from the School Department budget. The assistant was moved up, did not get certified, the school department did not ask for a waiver, the person made incorrect transfers and then got caught in an audit. The incident was attempted to be buried in the news over the Thanksgiving holiday and ultimately wasn't. Franklin voters are smart. They know when something is being pulled over them.
Why do I raise that dark day? A few times Wednesday night many folks recounted the hours they spent working to get an over ride passed. The two most recent both failed. The two most recent were focused on the school budget. The one that did pass, the only one in Franklin's history was truly a Town wide budget override. It passed in 2007. Yes, 2007 before the forensic audit incident. No override will pass in Franklin if it is for the schools until such time as trust is restored in the school budget. Wednesday night was not a night that will go down as turning the tide.
Since that January 9, 2008 meeting neither the School Committee nor the Town Council has done much to truly try to be transparent and build trust. Despite all the talk, actions speak louder than words. So we are left with a choice.
1 - If the Town Councilors can't be trusted, you'll believe that they played their power card. It was a pure play power move. Us versus. them. TC vs. SC. To save their bruised egos, they cut the school budget to correct a decision they made based upon incomplete info in June.
2 - If you can believe the Town Council can be trusted, then there is more 'found money' in the school budget. Despite taking the $350K away from the schools, they feel the school budget has the money that will enable them to not add more damage to our students education.
There are no winners in this situation.
Educational opportunity in Franklin takes another hit.
Trust in Franklin takes another hit.
Now, there may still be hope.
Maybe there is a third choice.
This Town Council has one more meeting (Weds Nov 2).
Maybe. Just maybe, in the light of a new day, with a clearer head than they expressed on Wednesday night, they will reconsider the implications of their actions.
Maybe, just maybe, the School Committee will attempt to explain their budget and the impact the cut would have.
Maybe, just maybe, we might all get past this without further scarring the educational experience of our 6,000 students.
You can spin what happened that night in any number of ways (there will be at least two, and folks will, if they haven't already).
My bottom line: the Town Council played their power card and reversed their decision of passing the budget in June by reducing the school budget by $350,000. They may have said this was not against the teachers. This was not against the union. They may have said this was a funding issue. But rather than work to find the funds, they cut. Rather than help the children of Franklin whose educational opportunity has been in a decline for years, they cut. Rather than attempt to work together with the School Committee, they buried them.
In January 2008, probably the last time the entire Council and School Committee were in the same room together (other than on a 'candidate night'), both were together to listen to the Forensic audit report. That event started in the 2006 budget cycle when the Finance Director position was cut from the School Department budget. The assistant was moved up, did not get certified, the school department did not ask for a waiver, the person made incorrect transfers and then got caught in an audit. The incident was attempted to be buried in the news over the Thanksgiving holiday and ultimately wasn't. Franklin voters are smart. They know when something is being pulled over them.
Why do I raise that dark day? A few times Wednesday night many folks recounted the hours they spent working to get an over ride passed. The two most recent both failed. The two most recent were focused on the school budget. The one that did pass, the only one in Franklin's history was truly a Town wide budget override. It passed in 2007. Yes, 2007 before the forensic audit incident. No override will pass in Franklin if it is for the schools until such time as trust is restored in the school budget. Wednesday night was not a night that will go down as turning the tide.
Since that January 9, 2008 meeting neither the School Committee nor the Town Council has done much to truly try to be transparent and build trust. Despite all the talk, actions speak louder than words. So we are left with a choice.
1 - If the Town Councilors can't be trusted, you'll believe that they played their power card. It was a pure play power move. Us versus. them. TC vs. SC. To save their bruised egos, they cut the school budget to correct a decision they made based upon incomplete info in June.
2 - If you can believe the Town Council can be trusted, then there is more 'found money' in the school budget. Despite taking the $350K away from the schools, they feel the school budget has the money that will enable them to not add more damage to our students education.
There are no winners in this situation.
Educational opportunity in Franklin takes another hit.
Trust in Franklin takes another hit.
Now, there may still be hope.
Maybe there is a third choice.
This Town Council has one more meeting (Weds Nov 2).
Maybe. Just maybe, in the light of a new day, with a clearer head than they expressed on Wednesday night, they will reconsider the implications of their actions.
Maybe, just maybe, the School Committee will attempt to explain their budget and the impact the cut would have.
Maybe, just maybe, we might all get past this without further scarring the educational experience of our 6,000 students.
Town Council - 10/26/11
The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Oct 26, 2011 can be found here:
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Action Items
- Live reporting - School budget discussion
- Live reporting - Town Council - Oct 26
Bon Jovi's "Soul Kitchen"
What a great idea!
Read the full story on line here
http://scoop.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/21/8429072-bon-jovi-in-his-own-words-bringing-soul-to-those-in-need
38th Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov 12
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club will hold its 38th Annual Craft Fair on Saturday,
November 12th from 9 am to 4 pm at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in
Franklin, MA.
Admission will be $3.00 per person, children 12 and under are free. The club
proudly supports the Franklin Food Pantry and will be accepting non-perishable food donations
at the fair.
This year’s annual tradition will feature over 60 crafters offering hand made and unique items for
every style and budget including: art, photography, baskets, candles, kids and adult clothing and
accessories, jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, handbags, holiday décor, and much, much more!
The Franklin Newcomers Club is a social and charitable club for area residents. The majority of
the proceeds from the Craft Fair will benefit local organizations. For more information, visit
www.franklinnewcomers.com.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Live reporting - Closing
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - to open up the stabilization fund the money that we put aside tonight
Nutting - it is not the right time to be doing anything until next fiscal year. You just spent 2 hours telling people not to incur expenses
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - I didn't relaize we had another meeting, I'll save my comments for then
Kelly - Happy halloween and drive safe
Whalen - did we ever consider having trick or treat on a better day? some communities do? Monday is the worse day.
Nutting - Not if your 6 years old
Whalen - how are you going to solve this issue and there was no suggestion of anything other than some windfall. We have to have some known sources. This was a fundamental disagreement on fiscal issues.
Pfeffer - If this is not the time to do so, what about the two bodies we let go?
Nutting - it wasn't bodies, those were vacancies. It went through the FinCom last week and it is on the agenda for next week.
Pfefer - did we not just hire somebody for the DPW?
Nutting - when you hire somebody it takes time, if we start now, it could bring them on for a few months and then potentially let them go.
Mason - this was a little bit of an unsettling issues, in my six years, this is the only time I have seen the Council in lock step. It is never our intention to be punitive. It was never about our teachers. We have children in schools, two of us were teachers. It is an argument that you can not make. Reminder that on Nov 8th you have a chance to vote on the new council and new school committee and other positions.
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - to open up the stabilization fund the money that we put aside tonight
Nutting - it is not the right time to be doing anything until next fiscal year. You just spent 2 hours telling people not to incur expenses
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - I didn't relaize we had another meeting, I'll save my comments for then
Kelly - Happy halloween and drive safe
Whalen - did we ever consider having trick or treat on a better day? some communities do? Monday is the worse day.
Nutting - Not if your 6 years old
Whalen - how are you going to solve this issue and there was no suggestion of anything other than some windfall. We have to have some known sources. This was a fundamental disagreement on fiscal issues.
Pfeffer - If this is not the time to do so, what about the two bodies we let go?
Nutting - it wasn't bodies, those were vacancies. It went through the FinCom last week and it is on the agenda for next week.
Pfefer - did we not just hire somebody for the DPW?
Nutting - when you hire somebody it takes time, if we start now, it could bring them on for a few months and then potentially let them go.
Mason - this was a little bit of an unsettling issues, in my six years, this is the only time I have seen the Council in lock step. It is never our intention to be punitive. It was never about our teachers. We have children in schools, two of us were teachers. It is an argument that you can not make. Reminder that on Nov 8th you have a chance to vote on the new council and new school committee and other positions.
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Live reporting - Action Items
Resuming after a break
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
3. Resolution 11-56: Amendment of FY 2012 Budget
to reduce the budget school budget line item by $350K
resolution made, seconded
Powderly - agree something said earlier tonight, that this measure is punitative, or punishing teachers, I thought about it hard, how to deal with this funding problem. What the research has shown me is that the SchCom has reserves that are available some restricted but some available. That can backfill this cut. That was primary for me to support this decision
Kelly - I think this boils down to a communication issue and it means we all need to communicate more. The biggest challenge we have is what do we say to the other police, fire etc in the town. It will likely result
Rohrbach - there are certain things that are reserved
Powderly - I was directed that the SchCom was not to answer any questions, I got this information via the Tonw Administrtor.
Rohrbach - what may be seen as simplistic is more complicated. The people where here for how long? And no one asked this question?
McGann - I find it hard to believe that all of here could have missed this?
Chandler Creedon - How do I deal with our teachers after our contract has been completed and negotiated on a sense of trust?
Whalen - I don't understand why it takes two years. We are broke! We have down sized 130 teachers and increase over 1000 students. It is extremely problematic for me. As long as raises are promised in a recess in a town where where there are no
Cafasso -figuring out the $350K is our job, the comments by the council have already jeopardized our bargaining position. Your decision is bottom line funding, let us do our job.
Mason - I am not going ot have another comment, we have a motion on the floor, let;s vote on it,
Unanimous roll call vote
1. Resolution 11-54:Chapter 61A – 1st Refusal Option – Land on Prospect Street
motion to approve, passed 9-0
2. Resolution 11-55: Refunding Bond Order
An interesting move to save money with advance refunding of some bonds that can be refinanced and money can be saved at about $28,000 per year for all those years. Plan to borrow the money on Nov 3rd. It is a complicated process. Set up an escrow fund to pay off the fund that is not callable.
Pfeffer - Councilor Whalen caught this but shouldn't our contact have found this?
Dacey - He should have but he has been flat out with other refinancing like this.
motion to approve, passed 9-0
4. Resolution 11-57: Appropriation Stabilization Fund
motion to approve, passed 9-0
putting the money that was taken back from the school budget. Shouldn't we put this somewhere?
Mason - I don't think we can bite off more than we have already. I would recommend somehting be done but that be put on the next agenda? We are scheduled to meet Nov 2.
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
3. Resolution 11-56: Amendment of FY 2012 Budget
to reduce the budget school budget line item by $350K
resolution made, seconded
Powderly - agree something said earlier tonight, that this measure is punitative, or punishing teachers, I thought about it hard, how to deal with this funding problem. What the research has shown me is that the SchCom has reserves that are available some restricted but some available. That can backfill this cut. That was primary for me to support this decision
Kelly - I think this boils down to a communication issue and it means we all need to communicate more. The biggest challenge we have is what do we say to the other police, fire etc in the town. It will likely result
Rohrbach - there are certain things that are reserved
Powderly - I was directed that the SchCom was not to answer any questions, I got this information via the Tonw Administrtor.
Rohrbach - what may be seen as simplistic is more complicated. The people where here for how long? And no one asked this question?
McGann - I find it hard to believe that all of here could have missed this?
Chandler Creedon - How do I deal with our teachers after our contract has been completed and negotiated on a sense of trust?
Whalen - I don't understand why it takes two years. We are broke! We have down sized 130 teachers and increase over 1000 students. It is extremely problematic for me. As long as raises are promised in a recess in a town where where there are no
Cafasso -figuring out the $350K is our job, the comments by the council have already jeopardized our bargaining position. Your decision is bottom line funding, let us do our job.
Mason - I am not going ot have another comment, we have a motion on the floor, let;s vote on it,
Unanimous roll call vote
1. Resolution 11-54:Chapter 61A – 1st Refusal Option – Land on Prospect Street
motion to approve, passed 9-0
2. Resolution 11-55: Refunding Bond Order
An interesting move to save money with advance refunding of some bonds that can be refinanced and money can be saved at about $28,000 per year for all those years. Plan to borrow the money on Nov 3rd. It is a complicated process. Set up an escrow fund to pay off the fund that is not callable.
Pfeffer - Councilor Whalen caught this but shouldn't our contact have found this?
Dacey - He should have but he has been flat out with other refinancing like this.
motion to approve, passed 9-0
4. Resolution 11-57: Appropriation Stabilization Fund
motion to approve, passed 9-0
putting the money that was taken back from the school budget. Shouldn't we put this somewhere?
Mason - I don't think we can bite off more than we have already. I would recommend somehting be done but that be put on the next agenda? We are scheduled to meet Nov 2.
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