Sunday, February 12, 2012
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 15, 2012
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS – Life Saving Award-Franklin Police Dept
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Public Land Use Committee - Roger Denny
Franklin Community Garden Committee - Kiernan Joliat
Citizen Committee - Robert Avakkian, Lawrence Benedetto, Paul Cheli, Monique Doyle, Donald Nielsen, Donna Resten, Steve Sherlock
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Library Board of Directors
- Remote Participation Guidelines
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-10: Appropriation: Library Expenses
2. Resolution 12-11: Appropriation: FY 12 Enterprise Funds Capital
3. Resolution 12-12: Appropriation: FY 12 Capital Improvement Plan
4. Resolution 12-13: Authorizing the Town Administrator to Execute Agreement By and Between the Town of Franklin and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc.
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-679:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full document set as published before the meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/021512.pdf
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Wadsworth Diary - Feb 11, 1858
Stormed hard all day, warm (rain) Staid in the house most the day with Wm. and looked over my books & c in my draw. Bought a note of $10.00 of Siles Adams against Jos Fisher. Paid $5.00 in money & the rest in potatoes. Bought 2 Ladies Almanacs (gave 1 to Sarah) & this book.
Also looking like a stormy day in 2012, this is what it looked like out the back window this morning.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
Facts About the Cost of the New Franklin High School
Dear Franklin Friend,
As we move closer to the March 27 vote to support the construction of a fully furnished and equipped 21st century high school and auditorium for our community, you should feel confident the project will stay on time and on budget. Here are five factual reasons why you can be comfortable the new Franklin High School will be delivered as promised with no costly surprises:
· The new Franklin High School is a Model School. Our model has been built eight times in other communities in Massachusetts, an experience which eliminates many of the unknowns that can drive up the cost of design and construction in these projects. You can learn more about the Model School Program here: http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/programs/model_school
· The cost includes a conservative contingency budget of 4 percent. This far above what other model school projects have experienced. In Whitman Hanson, the change orders during construction amounted to less than 1%. Norwood had the same experience. And Plymouth North has had change orders amounting to one-half of 1 percent. All of the real-world evidence demonstrates that Franklin's project will come in at or under budget.
· The cost includes everything. The March 27 debt exclusion voters are being asked to support funds a fully furnished and equipped new high school. In addition to furnishings and equipment, the cost of demolishing the old facility and constructing new athletic fields is included. It also accounts for potential inflation during the five or six months it will take to complete the bid documents and bid the project.
· The project budget underwent a rigorous, professional review and approval process. The budget was developed by a project manager and architect with deep experience in the Model School Program; analyzed by two other professional firms; carefully reviewed by the Franklin School Building Committee; and, heavily scrutinized and unanimously endorsed by the professionals at the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
· The cost of new construction is more predictable than a renovation. New construction eliminates much of the guesswork in the budgeting process. For example, the key systems at the current Franklin High School are located under a concrete slab foundation and behind cinder block walls. A renovation of the existing building would require significant demolition, take twice as long, and could encounter unforeseen, costly issues.
Thanks to careful planning and oversight by experienced school building professionals, as well as heavy scrutiny by town and state officials at every step of the process, Franklin residents can feel confident about the new Franklin High School budget. The budget is capped at $104.5 million, as is the cost to the taxpayers of $47 million.
Please visit www.newfhs.com for updated information on the new FHS and why it deserves your YES vote on March 27. The "Learn the Facts" page (http://www.newfhs.com/facts.php) offers great factual information. We also encourage you to keep up with project news by "Liking" our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/newfhs.
Please share this email with your friends and neighbors here in Franklin so that everyone has the information they need to make a good decision.
To those who are already volunteering and have contributed financially, thank you. To those who have not, we need your active support and donations, and we welcome questions. You can email us at voteyesforFHS@gmail.com, or visit: http://www.newfhs.com/contact.php for more information.
Thank you!
Citizens for a New Franklin High School
Vote Yes for FHS on March 27! A Real Need. The Right Time.
Discover Tax program generates business expense audits
Tax season is upon us. This article from the Dept of Revenue highlights what they use to flag returns for audits. Deviations from the norm is the simple way to explain what they look for.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 2/10/12
Banker & Tradesman (subscription only) ran a story this week on the subject of mortgage loan originators subject to DOR audits. The story also discussed how DOR generates taxpayer audits in general.
The piece was pegged to a notice from the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association urging loan originators to "consult with your tax accountant or adviser" to best preserve the deductibility of appropriate unreimbursed business expenses for outside sales people. By the way, it is the IRS that defines what are acceptable unreimbursed expenses.
The story posed the question: Was DOR singling out mortgage loan originators for special attention? The answer, as reported in Banker & Tradesman, and we'll repeat it here, is simply, "no."
DOR uses a program called Discover Tax to review information on tax returns against many different kinds of databases. If, for example, a tax return reports relatively low income, but the taxpayer owns a $1 million home and two Bentleys, Discover Tax will flag that incongruity and generate an audit. DOR has no idea what type of employment or employer the taxpayer has; it's the numbers that jump out.
Similarly, if a taxpayer has an unusual amount of unreimbursed business expenses relative to income, Discover Tax will recognize that and kick out an audit.
Any individual taxpayer -- including mortgage loan originators -- may encounter a problem if they claim unreimbursed business expenses on the same basis as afforded to outside salesman.
DOR's view, articulated in 1989 and maintained since then, is that outside salesman sell for their employer outside the employer's office. Thus, a mortgage loan originator who works in an office is not an outside sales person.
If mortgage loan originators claim unreimbursed business expenses in amounts that bubble up to an audit after a Discover Tax run, they face the question not only of justifying and documenting the expenses, but they must also make sure of their legitimate claim to them in the first place.
The piece was pegged to a notice from the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association urging loan originators to "consult with your tax accountant or adviser" to best preserve the deductibility of appropriate unreimbursed business expenses for outside sales people. By the way, it is the IRS that defines what are acceptable unreimbursed expenses.
The story posed the question: Was DOR singling out mortgage loan originators for special attention? The answer, as reported in Banker & Tradesman, and we'll repeat it here, is simply, "no."
DOR uses a program called Discover Tax to review information on tax returns against many different kinds of databases. If, for example, a tax return reports relatively low income, but the taxpayer owns a $1 million home and two Bentleys, Discover Tax will flag that incongruity and generate an audit. DOR has no idea what type of employment or employer the taxpayer has; it's the numbers that jump out.
Similarly, if a taxpayer has an unusual amount of unreimbursed business expenses relative to income, Discover Tax will recognize that and kick out an audit.
Any individual taxpayer -- including mortgage loan originators -- may encounter a problem if they claim unreimbursed business expenses on the same basis as afforded to outside salesman.
DOR's view, articulated in 1989 and maintained since then, is that outside salesman sell for their employer outside the employer's office. Thus, a mortgage loan originator who works in an office is not an outside sales person.
If mortgage loan originators claim unreimbursed business expenses in amounts that bubble up to an audit after a Discover Tax run, they face the question not only of justifying and documenting the expenses, but they must also make sure of their legitimate claim to them in the first place.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Shopping event to benefit Franklin Fusion Softball
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 2/10/12
A "Shop Till U Drop Night" will be held on Friday, March 9, 7-10 p.m., at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin to benefit the Franklin Fusion Softball team.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Friday, February 10, 2012
Franklin, MA: Parking Ban Activated
Parking Ban Activated Through 5am Sunday February 12th.
DEVELOPING LOW PRESSURE WILL TRACK SOUTH OF NEW ENGLAND...BRINGING
ACCUMULATING SNOW TO MUCH OF THE REGION ON SATURDAY...EXCEPT FOR
PORTIONS OF THE CAPE AND ISLANDS WHERE SOME OF THE PRECIPITATION
WILL BE IN THE FORM OF RAIN.
THERE IS A MODERATE TO HIGH PROBABILITY THAT WINTER WEATHER
ADVISORIES WILL BE NEEDED FOR A PORTION OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND.
LATEST FORECASTS SUGGEST THAT THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL WILL OCCUR
ACROSS INTERIOR RHODE ISLAND AND SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. HOWEVER...A
SHIFT IN THE STORM TRACK COULD RESULT IN CHANGES IN PRECIPITATION
TYPE AND AMOUNTS. STAY TUNED TO THE LATEST UPDATES AND ANY
POSSIBLE ADVISORIES THAT MAY BE ISSUED LATER TODAY.
STRONG NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE CAPE AND
ISLANDS SATURDAY NIGHT AND A WIND ADVISORY MAY EVENTUALLY BE NEEDED.
To subscribe to receive updates like these directly follow this link to the Franklin web site
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Wadsworth Diary - Feb 10, 1858
Very Pleasant & warm Went to Mr. Phersons after the Doctor (for Wm. Greene) but he wasn’t coming there, so went to Hermans and he went after him (Dr. Nelson). He came here about noon. I took care of Wm last night & going to to night.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
Video Documentary: MBTA After Hours
As a long time rider of the MBTA from Franklin into Boston, I often wondered what did go on over night. Some work clearly needed to be done during the day but much of the work also needs to be done off hours. Kudos to MassDOT for putting this together. Skip a TV show tonight and spend 45 minutes finding out the inside story on the night time work!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/8/12
A new documentary "Boston Under: After Hours" released this week tells the important story of MBTA employees working overnight to perform daily maintenance and make necessary repairs to get the trains and buses ready to roll beginning at 5:15am each day for millions of customers.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Bellingham library may help Franklin patrons
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff on 2/9/12
Library trustees are offering a slight reprieve to some Franklin residents who have been locked out of the statewide library material-sharing network, potentially allowing them to borrow materials after last week's decertification.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
2nd Annual Big Wedding Giveaway
PLAINVILLE, MA: Local wedding photographer Jen Osojnicki didn't realize what she was getting into when she offered a wedding giveaway contest last year. "I came up with the idea because I thought it would be a fun, exciting way to help a bride win her dream wedding, and it was. We offered some great prizes and the winning bride was thrilled," says Jen. Repeating the contest seemed like a good idea…and good ideas have a way of growing to become great. Within days of her decision to hold the 2nd annual Big Wedding Giveaway Contest, other local wedding vendors had jumped on board, and Ms. Osojnicki has now amassed donation of services and gift certificates for a true dream wedding--a prize worth nearly $20,000.
The 2nd annual Big Wedding Giveaway Contest is an essay contest for engaged couples; entry submission runs from February 15, 2012 through February 24, 2012. Entrants must write an essay telling their story—how they met and fell in love—including details about why they deserve to win the prize, and send the essay, along with a recent photo of the couple, to jenosojnicki@gmail.com. Essays must be between 250-500 words long, and a group of judges will choose the top essays out of all the submissions. On February 29, 2012, these top essays will be posted on www.jenosojnicki.com and opened for public voting on Ms. Osojnicki's blog (voting runs until 3:00pm March 6, 2012). Wedding dates must also be included in each entry, as many of the vendors who are booked into 2013 must take their schedules into account when choosing the winner. "Last year, some of the stories brought us to tears. It reminded me about why I love what I do," says Ms. Osojnicki. The winning couple will be announced at an event (details to follow) and crowned with—what else—a veil and top hat.
Local vendors donating their services to this Contest include:
Jen Osojnicki, Photographer www.jenosojnicki.com
Nathan Suher, Filmmaker www.nathansuher.com
The Black Opal Florist www.theblackopal.com
New England Corvette Rental http://www.newenglandcorvette.com/
Smitten https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smitten/179542588779977
Buttonwood Originals http://www.ButtonwoodOriginals.com/
Col. Blackinton Inn www.colblackintoninn.com
Striking Beauties www.strikingbeauties.com
Caterina Walton @ Sorella Salon https://www.facebook.com/sorellasalon
Essence Massage www.essencemassagestudio.com
Ideal Affairz www.idealaffairz.com
Rob Peters Entertainment www.robpetersentertainment.com
Sorella Salon https://www.facebook.com/sorellasalon
Nails by Donna at Sorella Salon https://www.facebook.com/sorellasalon
Silpada By Jen Brillon https://www.facebook.com/jenbrillonsterlingboutique
The Wedding Outlet www.theweddingoutlet.com
Aside from providing a fun, exciting contest for brides, Ms. Osojnicki intends this contest to be a way to recognize and support local vendor companies. "I'm astounded at the generosity I'm seeing from local businesses in this contest, and I want to help get the word out about it. When small business owners band together, great things happen!" More details, including complete rules and restrictions, can be found on www.jenosojnicki.com.
Contact: Aileen McDonough Phone: 401-383-3515 Email: aileen@3amwriters.com or
Jen Osojnicki Phone: 508-932-4695 Email: Jenosojnicki@gmail
The 2nd annual Big Wedding Giveaway Contest is an essay contest for engaged couples; entry submission runs from February 15, 2012 through February 24, 2012. Entrants must write an essay telling their story—how they met and fell in love—including details about why they deserve to win the prize, and send the essay, along with a recent photo of the couple, to jenosojnicki@gmail.com. Essays must be between 250-500 words long, and a group of judges will choose the top essays out of all the submissions. On February 29, 2012, these top essays will be posted on www.jenosojnicki.com and opened for public voting on Ms. Osojnicki's blog (voting runs until 3:00pm March 6, 2012). Wedding dates must also be included in each entry, as many of the vendors who are booked into 2013 must take their schedules into account when choosing the winner. "Last year, some of the stories brought us to tears. It reminded me about why I love what I do," says Ms. Osojnicki. The winning couple will be announced at an event (details to follow) and crowned with—what else—a veil and top hat.
Local vendors donating their services to this Contest include:
Jen Osojnicki, Photographer www.jenosojnicki.com
Nathan Suher, Filmmaker www.nathansuher.com
The Black Opal Florist www.theblackopal.com
New England Corvette Rental http://www.newenglandcorvette.com/
Smitten https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smitten/179542588779977
Buttonwood Originals http://www.ButtonwoodOriginals.com/
Col. Blackinton Inn www.colblackintoninn.com
Striking Beauties www.strikingbeauties.com
Caterina Walton @ Sorella Salon https://www.facebook.com/sorellasalon
Essence Massage www.essencemassagestudio.com
Ideal Affairz www.idealaffairz.com
Rob Peters Entertainment www.robpetersentertainment.com
Sorella Salon https://www.facebook.com/sorellasalon
Nails by Donna at Sorella Salon https://www.facebook.com/sorellasalon
Silpada By Jen Brillon https://www.facebook.com/jenbrillonsterlingboutique
The Wedding Outlet www.theweddingoutlet.com
Aside from providing a fun, exciting contest for brides, Ms. Osojnicki intends this contest to be a way to recognize and support local vendor companies. "I'm astounded at the generosity I'm seeing from local businesses in this contest, and I want to help get the word out about it. When small business owners band together, great things happen!" More details, including complete rules and restrictions, can be found on www.jenosojnicki.com.
Contact: Aileen McDonough Phone: 401-383-3515 Email: aileen@3amwriters.com or
Jen Osojnicki Phone: 508-932-4695 Email: Jenosojnicki@gmail
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wadsworth Diary - Feb 9. 1858
Clowdy, stormy, snow & rain & warm. Staid in store all day. Jos & Abbie went to Boston. Father went to Dedham after deeds. Went to Lyceum in eve, not very full house. Question was resolved that the spendthrift is a better member of society than the miser.
Written upside down: decided 2 in neg & 1 in afermative.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
"making sure there is a consistent cost approach"
Local lawmakers generally supported DeLeo’s statement about taxes, which was a blow to Gov. Deval Patrick’s plan to raise $260 million by raising a levy on cigarettes, and ending the sales tax exemption on candy and soda.
“People just can’t afford more taxes, and it’s not the time. It’s never the time in my opinion,” state Rep. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, said.
Rep. James Vallee, D-Franklin, said the message of no new taxes and fees would show voters the state was living within its budget.
“For us to send a consistent message to the business leaders and our constituents that we are going to live within our means, I think that’s the right message and right approach to balancing our budget,” Vallee said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1085185387/Local-lawmakers-back-speaker-s-no-new-taxes-pledge#ixzz1lsdf3g2U
Franklin Downtown Partnership: Membership Application
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 2/8/12
We have exciting plans for this year and invite you to become a member!
If you don't have Facebook you can download and print the Membership Application here.
2012 FDP Membership Application
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Downtown Partnership using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Updates to Massbudget's Budget Browser
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wadsworth Diary - Feb 8, 1858
Very Pleasant & cold, 2 above zero. Boiled lot potatoes for the hogs. Fixed clothes frame. Looked over accts with Pherson & Jos. Fixed my rubber Boot & c. Father & Mother went to Mr. Phersons & spent the afternoon. Went to writing school with Sarah but teacher didn’t come. Staid with Mrs. Wright last night & going to to night.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
Franklin Food Pantry Phone-a-thon
Good Morning:
Just a reminder that we are currently planning our 2nd Annual Phone-a-thon to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.
We will be making calls on Saturday, February 18th and Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Dean College Campus Ctr.
If you are interested in helping out with this effort please let me know. I am currently trying to fill spots in the following time slots:
12-2:00
2-4:00
4-6:00
If you have already responded to this request, there is not need to do so again. We thank you for your time.
Maureen Roy
“It’s difficult to operate under budget cuts"
The 29 percent cut did not negatively influence services, Nutting said, noting that hours were not reduced and programs were not dropped. Nutting said the cut was a move to make the library more efficient.
“The library is fully open and functional,” Nutting said.
Cuts came from cost-saving initiatives such as eliminating a circulation desk and encouraging self-checkout, he said.
“The reality is, the library took a large cut simply because of the way the library does business,” Nutting said. “The outcome is we’re getting good services for less dollars.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x50589591/Franklin-vows-to-fight-library-decertification#ixzz1lmiGNbsC
Related posts on the library de-certification
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/urge-restoration-of-funding-to-franklin.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/franklin-public-library-decertified.html
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2012/02/week-ending-feb-5-2012.html
“I think there’s a serious need for it"
What does this have to do with economic development?
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1085184709/Franklin-development-board-looks-for-in-law-apartment-solution#ixzz1lmkMvpGn
In-law apartments are extra dwellings converted from, or added to, existing homes. They can often become a quagmire for illegal renting situations after their original purpose has lapsed.
Committee members noted that, more and more, grown children, complete with significant others or families, are moving back in with their parents, or parents are moving in with their children to save money.
The town does not have clear definitions for how to deal with that type of situation, except for turning a single-family home into a two-family home. Little prevents the owners from later renting the extra space.
“There’s no standard — that’s the issue,” Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said of how the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board address the requests. “It’s case by case by case.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1085184709/Franklin-development-board-looks-for-in-law-apartment-solution#ixzz1lmkMvpGn
Franklin, Bellingham respond well to American Legion boost
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff on 2/7/12
November's nationally driven effort to boost local American Legion memberships has apparently worked as, after years of stalled meetings and diminished memberships, Franklin held its first official meeting last night.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
"urge restoration of funding to the Franklin Library"
The Milford Daily News reports on the library de-certification:
We are in the middle of FY 2012 with the budget cycle for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 already starting. At the State level, the Governor released his budget proposal. The House and Senate will follow to release their version which will likely result in a compromise among the three before heading to the Governors desk before Jun 30. The new fiscal year starts July 1.
In Franklin, the individual departments have already prepared their capital budget which will be coming to the Town Council soon. The individual operating budgets are usually reviewed by the Finance Committee over several budget hearings before they make their recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council holds two budget hearings after which they vote to accept a budget.
The budget always has to be balanced. The question is how to reach the balance between expenses and expected revenue: continue to cut services or raise taxes. Any increase over and above the 2.5% requires an override vote. If there will be an override put to the voters, it should be scheduled in late May or early Jun to allow for the results to be incorporated into the budget.
As for the Library budget, given the cut of more than 30% that resulted in the de-certification we have our work cut out for us. The formula for Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR) looks at the budget for the library averaged over a three year period and requiring a minimum of 2.5% increase. The MA Board of Library Commissioners also requires that a library for a community of our size be open a minimum of 6 days and a total of 59 hours. I recall that we are only open 5 days so we would need a waiver for that requirement even if we fix the overall budget requirement.
Updated: 8:00 AM 2/7/12
Library budget in 2009 = $888,335, 2010 = 778,622, 2011 = 700,415 and FY 2012 = 469,172
a 47% cut over the past 4 years.
Info provided in the joint budget workshop held on 1/11/12 with the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee.
The video from that meeting is available on demand here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634641994167375981&indexSessionSKU=w0MGH7wAkNppSa53WNWU3A%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/state_aid/blog/state-aid-to-public-libraries/what-is-the-library-spending-waiver/
Additional details on the FY 2012 Waiver Process
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/state_aid/blog/state-aid-to-public-libraries/fy2012-mar-waiver-process/
Read more from the Milford Daily News here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1341762588/Franklin-library-is-decertified#ixzz1lgxpx6h5
Franklin Library Director Felicia Oti today indicated she wanted meet with Franklin library trustees to discuss the situation, and steps that may be taken to appeal the decision, before commenting.
The Franklin Library, famed as the home of the first public library collection, was decertified by the state board on Feb. 2. According to the Norfolk Library's advisory, the action was taken because of "inequitable budget cuts."
"The Franklin Library was hit with a 30 percent cut in its funding this year. This is far below the threshold set by the Board of Library Commissioners to grant a waiver," the advisory states.
We are in the middle of FY 2012 with the budget cycle for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 already starting. At the State level, the Governor released his budget proposal. The House and Senate will follow to release their version which will likely result in a compromise among the three before heading to the Governors desk before Jun 30. The new fiscal year starts July 1.
In Franklin, the individual departments have already prepared their capital budget which will be coming to the Town Council soon. The individual operating budgets are usually reviewed by the Finance Committee over several budget hearings before they make their recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council holds two budget hearings after which they vote to accept a budget.
The budget always has to be balanced. The question is how to reach the balance between expenses and expected revenue: continue to cut services or raise taxes. Any increase over and above the 2.5% requires an override vote. If there will be an override put to the voters, it should be scheduled in late May or early Jun to allow for the results to be incorporated into the budget.
As for the Library budget, given the cut of more than 30% that resulted in the de-certification we have our work cut out for us. The formula for Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR) looks at the budget for the library averaged over a three year period and requiring a minimum of 2.5% increase. The MA Board of Library Commissioners also requires that a library for a community of our size be open a minimum of 6 days and a total of 59 hours. I recall that we are only open 5 days so we would need a waiver for that requirement even if we fix the overall budget requirement.
Updated: 8:00 AM 2/7/12
Library budget in 2009 = $888,335, 2010 = 778,622, 2011 = 700,415 and FY 2012 = 469,172
a 47% cut over the past 4 years.
Info provided in the joint budget workshop held on 1/11/12 with the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee.
The video from that meeting is available on demand here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634641994167375981&indexSessionSKU=w0MGH7wAkNppSa53WNWU3A%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
Library Spending Waiver
“Public libraries are required to meet certain spending levels each year in order to receive state aid. Under the current system, a municipality must fund its library at 2.5% above the average preceding three years‟ budgeted amounts. This is in order to provide balanced funding responsibilities within inter-library loan programs and continuity of library services from year to year. If a library cannot meet this requirement, it may petition for a one year waiver from the Board of Library Commissioners, but there are only 10 waivers issued per year.
In this fiscal climate, many municipalities across the Commonwealth will have difficulty meeting this spending requirement. In order to prevent unnecessary reductions in state aid, the Commission would allow all communities to waive the spending requirements in fiscal year 2010 without approval from the Board. Communities choosing this option would be required to restore library spending to required levels within 24 months, and no waivers would be available to those communities who do not meet this stipulation.”From the MA Board of Library Commissioners website
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/state_aid/blog/state-aid-to-public-libraries/what-is-the-library-spending-waiver/
Additional details on the FY 2012 Waiver Process
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/state_aid/blog/state-aid-to-public-libraries/fy2012-mar-waiver-process/
Read more from the Milford Daily News here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1341762588/Franklin-library-is-decertified#ixzz1lgxpx6h5
Wadsworth Diary - Feb 7, 1858
Very Pleasant but very windy & cold. Shoveled some paths. On loaded some wood & c. Staid in store some. Jos was in house fixing book for papers at Franklin. Sarah & Father came home. He got a Dog, 7 mths old of W. Reed of Milton. His name is Sanco.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
Workplace Wellness Initiative
Working on Wellness – Saving Money through Healthy Living
As part of the Town of Franklin Mass in Motion and YMCA Healthy Futures Initiative – a proactive community approach to reducing inactivity and poor nutrition – we are offering an incentive to Franklin-based businesses who attend a Workplace Wellness Workshop.
We are inviting all interested Franklin-based businesses to attend a 1½ hour workshop to learn the benefits of adopting a workplace wellness program, best practices, successful evaluation tools, and how to become eligible for funds and resources through the Town of Franklin Mass in Motion grant as well as through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
With one in every three Massachusetts adults affected by chronic disease, we know we have to look for innovative solutions to support the adoption of healthy habits. Our goal is to improve the health of employees by helping businesses build an infrastructure that is sustainable and expandable to promote wellness and prevent chronic diseases. We hope that by addressing workplace wellness, we will support the health of families and the community-at-large.
Workplace Wellness Programs have been shown to:
- Reduce sick time by 28%
- Reduce health care costs by 26%
- Reduce workers' compensation by 30%
- Produce a $5.93-to-$1 savings-to-cost ratio
The Franklin-based Workplace Wellness Initiative will be held Thursday March 1st from 10:30 – 12 PM at the Hockomock Area YMCA, Bernon Family Branch. Please feel free to extend an invitation to other Franklin-based businesses with which you work.
To attend, RSVP to Lauren Marciszyn, Director of Youth & Community Wellness, at 774-235-2737 or via email at Laurenm@hockymca.org by Friday February 24th.
Additional information regarding the states Phase V Working on Wellness Program can be found at: www.mass.gov/massinmotion
Supporting Healthy Living,
Lauren
Lauren A. Marciszyn, RD, LDN
Director of Youth & Community Wellness
Hockomock Area YMCA
Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR)
I spent some time looking around the MA Board of Library Commissioners website on Monday. I was trying to find information on the de-certification of the Franklin Public Library. I eventually found this:
Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L., c.78, s.19A), states that a municipality must appropriate a figure of at least the average of the last 3 years' municipal appropriations to the library for operations, increased by 2.5%, in order to be certified for State Aid to Public Libraries
This calculated figure is known as the Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR).
A municipality must meet the MAR or apply for and receive a waiver of the MAR in order to be eligible to be certified for State Aid to Public Libraries by the Board of Library Commissioners. Capital appropriations cannot be used to meet the MAR.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Franklin Public Library - decertified
An email from a Franklin resident reveals this notification from the Norfolk Public Library
Dear Franklin Residents:
You are receiving this message because you have a library card at the Norfolk Public Library and we have important news about the status of your home library, the Franklin Public Library.
We are sorry to inform you that the Franklin Public Library was decertified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners on Feb 2, 2012, due to inequitable budget cuts. The Franklin Library was hit with a 30% cut in its funding this year. This is far below the threshold set by the Board of Library Commissioners to grant a waiver. Decertification negates the state-wide reciprocal borrowing agreement and Franklin residents are no longer eligible to borrow books and materials from the Norfolk Public Library.
We urge you to contact Franklin officials, i.e. your Town Administrator and City Council members to restore funding to the Franklin Public Library in order to regain the library's certification status. When the Franklin Public Library regains its certification the recripricol borrowing privileges will be restored and you will once again be able to borrow materials from the Norfolk Public Library.
Norfolk Public Library
Statement on Lending to Residents
of Municipalities with Decertified Libraries
Public libraries in Massachusetts that do not meet the minimum standards for funding and service necessary for certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) are 'decertified' by the Board. As such, they are not eligible to participate in reciprocal borrowing with other libraries.
Massachusetts state law (605 CMR 4.01) states that certified public libraries are not required to lend materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries.
The Norfolk Public Library will not lend materials to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries, as this places an inequitable burden on NPL resources and local tax dollars.
Massachusetts General Law (605 CMR 4.01) states, "all residents of the Commonwealth shall have access to reading and reference rooms under the same conditions as residents of the community." Residents of communities with decertified libraries are therefore welcome to use Norfolk Public Library resources within the library building.
Robin Glasser, Director
Norfolk Public Library
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