Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Live reporting - Appointments
F. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
G. APPOINTMENTS
• Conservation Commission - Steven Younis, Mark Cataldo
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
• Cultural Council - Craig Schwalb
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
• Historical Commission - Minessa Konecky
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
• Library Board of Directors - Linda Hardin
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
• Franklin Community Garden Committee - Bonnie Kaiden
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Live reporting: Town Council - 11/13/13
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none
A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL
B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sept. 11, 2013, Sept. 25, 2013,Oct. 2, 2013
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Ken Norman
Absent: none
A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL
 |
| Town Clerk Deb Pellegri with the new Franklin Town Council |
B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers
nomination of Chair - Bob Vallee - approved
nomination of Vice-Chair - Matt Kelly - approved
nomination of Clerk - Judy Pfeffer - approved
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sept. 11, 2013, Sept. 25, 2013,Oct. 2, 2013
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Ken Norman
 |
| Council Chair Bob Vallee, Ken Norman, Council Vice-chair Matt Kelly |
Fallen Hero: Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw
Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was born on June 30, 1952, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Shaw. Russell lived with his parents and four sisters at 561 Lincoln St. A 1970 graduate of Franklin High School Russell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of that year.
Airman Shaw graduated with honors from a technical training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He learned to maintain and service turbo-propeller aircraft and was assigned to Clark AFB for duty with a unit of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service.
Airman Shaw was killed in a motoring accident while serving at Clark Air Force Base, the Philippines on April 9, 1971.
Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was 18 years old at the time of his death while serving during the Vietnam War.
 |
| Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw |
 |
| Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw, street sign |
Franklin girls soccer season ends 2-1 to Newton North
Franklin opened the scoring early in the second half but Newton North was able to quickly respond and scoring the game winner with under 10 minutes to play as the Tigers ended the Panther's season, 2-1.Read the full story on the HockomockSport.com webpage here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/franklin-girls-soccer-falls-in-d1-state-semifinals.html
"Treasured Chests" Vendor Fair
Please support the "Treasured Chests" Avon 2 Day Breast Cancer Walk Team by attending their upcoming Vendor Fair which is being held at the Franklin Country Club Thursday, November 21, from 7-10 PM.
All funds raised will help support "The Treasured Chests" team which is made up of 38 amazing women, some breast cancer survivors, who have committed to walking the 39 mile walk in Boston.
There will be over 20 vendors represented. Bring a friend and get an early start on your Christmas shopping while supporting a good cause.
 |
| "Treasured Chests" |
YPO partnering with Project Smile
The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO) is partnering with Project Smile during November and December to benefit the non-profit with it is fundraising and donation efforts.
Project Smile is a federally tax exempt non-profit organization which donates new and previously owned stuffed animals, coloring books/crayons, small toys and children's reading books for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to give to children. The goal of Project Smile is to provide all emergency responders throughout New England and eventually throughout the nation, with a continual supply of comfort items to help ease the pain and fear of traumatized children.
Young Professional Organization
The partnership will kick off with a night of networking at Twenty8 Food and Spirits located in the Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and Spa at Patriot Place, in Foxboro on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013. The cover charge is $5.00 with pre-registration on the YPO website or $10 at the door. Half of the event proceeds will be donated directly to Project Smile. The YPO will also be collecting donations of stuffed animals and coloring books the night of the event.
Networking will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and light appetizers will be provided. Don’t miss the
opportunity to make connections, build relationships and support a great local charity!
The United Regional YPO consists of a diverse group of young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development.
You may register for this event on the YPO’s website unitedregionalypo.org or by contacting 508-488-YPO1 (9761).
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
live reporting - Finance Committee - Nov 12, 2013
Present: Dowd, Fleming, Smith, Aparo, Dewsnap, Dufour,
Nutting, Dacey
Absent:: (TBD)
Recognition of former Chair Jim Roche by Rep Jeff Roy for his long and valued service to Franklin
Motion to accept minutes of prior meetings, seconded and approved 6-0
Copy of the agenda doc can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html
Nutting provides overview on the fiscal policies, purpose of the stabilization funds, debt planning to avoid debt exclusions; capital planning just starting
use of free cash to manage the capital plan
enterprise accounts for water, sewer, trash... maintained by the fees set by the Town Council and managed within those fee limits
150 miles of water pipe to maintain, need to address regularly, cant do all at once
I&I - inflow and infiltration taken out of the sewer system, not charged to treat it and the water stays within the aquifer
snow and ice budget set on a five year rolling average; previously had dipped deep into free cash to provide enough, currently now not an issue
OPEB - another actuarial study underway, 10% of free cash intent to put aside and then try to keep aside to address the future requirements
put $500K last year, looking to put aside $600K this year, then $700K
how to manage the roads, without an override which is not on the radar, how do we manage, it requires money
EPA, storm water fee hanging out there, no known impact yet.
use the individual stabilization accounts to continue to put some money aside for future
Senior Center, turf fields, Fire truck, etc.
the stabilization accounts are interest bearing accounts, although not generating a whole lot of interest now
Looking to do a trust fund at some point, would provide more options for investments and potential return increase over current; once in a trust it is forever, the stabilization funds are more flexible
water system maintenance is not a day to day expense, it is capital
water meters replaced every 15 years too to keep up with technology
this is more of a brain storming item, think about it, if any questions or feedback, let us know
Chairperson Dewsnap looking for feedback from Committee for next meeting, want to get before the Council before the next budget cycle
enterprise account - a self supporting entity - supported by fees
revolving accounts - these come and go, fees enter and get withdrawn; school facilities use fee is the largest
stabilization accounts - requires 2/3 vote to go in and take out from; used to be only for bond-able items, no longer
Capital plan - staff owes the drafts in next couple of weeks, will review
free cash only $2M this time around, less than previous years
will need to keep aside some for snow just in case
capital subcommittee will be meeting to review the department requests
DPW, Police Fire, Facilities, usually have capital requests
Long Range Plan
5 year fiscal forecast required every year, due this Jan
good timing
the further out the estimate goes, the poorer the accuracy is
local receipts hard to forecast in a bad economy
state aid, state charges can change year to year, get more in election years, less in off years
formula changed for Chap 70, school population also declining
county pension is going up 10% every year for the next 5 years
health insurance very volatile, employees have been very flexible and responsive
the second biggest budget in Franklin
collective bargaining agreements in place
expenses such a small part of overall budget, increases don't plan a great roll overall
there are a whole lot of variables, the trend is easy -expenses go up faster than revenues
Master Plan calls for additional sidewalks, how do we do that?
for example would love to build a sidewalk along Pleasant St to get to DelCarte
feedback from Oklahoma City example for what they prioritized aesthetics over some other practical stuff, but once it was done, folks felt more like investing to take care of the other stuff
County investments did'not do too well in 09 and 10, now that difference needs to be made up
avg person in Norfolk County gets $20K, input by employees is 10%
get the unfunded portion paid off, and the annual cost is reasonable
real issue is the calculated return is costed at 8%, when was that real?
public safety employees can retire earlier (hence can draw a pension longer)
it would cost Franklin to get out of the pension system and go to Social Security
actuarial tables changes with regard to life expectancy, living longer cost more
old business - nothing to add
meeting at Tri-County, good feedback, informative meeting
new business -
Nutting - park being put up at DelCarte.
another sculpture added after my video was done
DPW very busy next year, downtown project, etc.
Brutus going to School Committee on the 19th to update the snow plan
winter is coming, it is a pain
I would always leave the last foot and a half until the last plow went by
The DPW does an awesome job
high school building is 60% complete, still on time and on budget
likely to come in under budget
building to be closed in in the next month and then the interior work will be done
after the asbestos tiles are removed from the old school, then the old school will come down, and the fields will be laid out
a week spent on the keys and setting up proper access
motion to adjourn, approved
Nutting, Dacey
Absent:: (TBD)
Recognition of former Chair Jim Roche by Rep Jeff Roy for his long and valued service to Franklin
 |
| Jim Roche (left), Jeff Roy (right) |
Motion to accept minutes of prior meetings, seconded and approved 6-0
Copy of the agenda doc can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html
Nutting provides overview on the fiscal policies, purpose of the stabilization funds, debt planning to avoid debt exclusions; capital planning just starting
use of free cash to manage the capital plan
enterprise accounts for water, sewer, trash... maintained by the fees set by the Town Council and managed within those fee limits
150 miles of water pipe to maintain, need to address regularly, cant do all at once
I&I - inflow and infiltration taken out of the sewer system, not charged to treat it and the water stays within the aquifer
snow and ice budget set on a five year rolling average; previously had dipped deep into free cash to provide enough, currently now not an issue
OPEB - another actuarial study underway, 10% of free cash intent to put aside and then try to keep aside to address the future requirements
put $500K last year, looking to put aside $600K this year, then $700K
how to manage the roads, without an override which is not on the radar, how do we manage, it requires money
EPA, storm water fee hanging out there, no known impact yet.
use the individual stabilization accounts to continue to put some money aside for future
Senior Center, turf fields, Fire truck, etc.
the stabilization accounts are interest bearing accounts, although not generating a whole lot of interest now
Looking to do a trust fund at some point, would provide more options for investments and potential return increase over current; once in a trust it is forever, the stabilization funds are more flexible
water system maintenance is not a day to day expense, it is capital
water meters replaced every 15 years too to keep up with technology
this is more of a brain storming item, think about it, if any questions or feedback, let us know
Chairperson Dewsnap looking for feedback from Committee for next meeting, want to get before the Council before the next budget cycle
enterprise account - a self supporting entity - supported by fees
revolving accounts - these come and go, fees enter and get withdrawn; school facilities use fee is the largest
stabilization accounts - requires 2/3 vote to go in and take out from; used to be only for bond-able items, no longer
Capital plan - staff owes the drafts in next couple of weeks, will review
free cash only $2M this time around, less than previous years
will need to keep aside some for snow just in case
capital subcommittee will be meeting to review the department requests
DPW, Police Fire, Facilities, usually have capital requests
Long Range Plan
5 year fiscal forecast required every year, due this Jan
good timing
the further out the estimate goes, the poorer the accuracy is
local receipts hard to forecast in a bad economy
state aid, state charges can change year to year, get more in election years, less in off years
formula changed for Chap 70, school population also declining
county pension is going up 10% every year for the next 5 years
health insurance very volatile, employees have been very flexible and responsive
the second biggest budget in Franklin
collective bargaining agreements in place
expenses such a small part of overall budget, increases don't plan a great roll overall
there are a whole lot of variables, the trend is easy -expenses go up faster than revenues
Master Plan calls for additional sidewalks, how do we do that?
for example would love to build a sidewalk along Pleasant St to get to DelCarte
feedback from Oklahoma City example for what they prioritized aesthetics over some other practical stuff, but once it was done, folks felt more like investing to take care of the other stuff
County investments did'not do too well in 09 and 10, now that difference needs to be made up
avg person in Norfolk County gets $20K, input by employees is 10%
get the unfunded portion paid off, and the annual cost is reasonable
real issue is the calculated return is costed at 8%, when was that real?
public safety employees can retire earlier (hence can draw a pension longer)
it would cost Franklin to get out of the pension system and go to Social Security
actuarial tables changes with regard to life expectancy, living longer cost more
old business - nothing to add
meeting at Tri-County, good feedback, informative meeting
new business -
Nutting - park being put up at DelCarte.
another sculpture added after my video was done
DPW very busy next year, downtown project, etc.
Brutus going to School Committee on the 19th to update the snow plan
winter is coming, it is a pain
I would always leave the last foot and a half until the last plow went by
The DPW does an awesome job
high school building is 60% complete, still on time and on budget
likely to come in under budget
building to be closed in in the next month and then the interior work will be done
after the asbestos tiles are removed from the old school, then the old school will come down, and the fields will be laid out
a week spent on the keys and setting up proper access
motion to adjourn, approved
Fallen Hero: Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette
Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette was born on October 13, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Daggett, who lived in Franklin before moving their family to New Bedford. As a young man Joseph spent his summers in Franklin with his uncle and aunt, Mr. And Mrs. Roger Villiard of Brook St. Sgt. Paulette had requested that if anything happened to him while in the service, that his funeral and burial take place in Franklin.
Sergeant Paulette enlisted late in 1965 and became a member of the 101st·Airborne Battalion. Sergeant Paulette served two years in the Army with his Vietnam tour beginning on December 13,1967. Sgt. Paulette was killed along with five other casualties by hostile small arms fire on April 9, 1968 leading a combat mission in Quang Tri province, South Vietnam.
Sergeant Joseph R. Paulette was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
 |
| Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette |
 |
| Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette, street sign |
Precinct totals for Nov 5th election results
Finally getting around to sharing the complete results with the election totals for each race by precinct.
I still find this staggering on how few of us bothered to get out to vote!
Other posts and updated on the Nov 5th election can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
I still find this staggering on how few of us bothered to get out to vote!
Other posts and updated on the Nov 5th election can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
Rail Trail Committee Meeting - Nov 12th - 7:30 PM
The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the YMCA in Franklin at 7:30 pm. Some of the items we will be discussing include the value of membership in FBRTC, future meeting locations, and the 2014 calendar of events.
The meeting is open to everyone interested in helping with the rail trail effort in Franklin and Bellingham.
The full published agenda is shown here:
Additional information on the Rail Trail Committee can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
or on Facebook
The meeting is open to everyone interested in helping with the rail trail effort in Franklin and Bellingham.
The full published agenda is shown here:
Additional information on the Rail Trail Committee can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
or on Facebook
Electric Youth Fundraiser
 |
| Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits |
is holding a wine tasting fundraiser for
 |
| Electric Youth |
Friday, November 15th, from 7-9 PM
At 14 Grove Street, Franklin
Electric Youth is an international touring ensemble of young triple threat performers, trained exclusively at the Franklin School for Performing Arts. They are currently preparing for a summer 2014 tour of Italy, Germany, and Austria. Among many other performances, EY will be entertaining the troops at the US Air Force Base in Aviano, Italy on July 4th. The Defense Dept budget currently does not include Independence Day festivities. Please help these young performers support our troops and continue to serve as youth ambassadors.
Pour Richard’s is Franklin’s newest source for interesting wine, craft beers, and spirits. They have a strong belief in connecting with their community, and are excited to host this event.
Come taste an extensive selection of wine and beer appropriate for holiday entertaining. Tickets are just $10, with 100% of proceeds to Electric Youth. Pour Richard’s will also donate 20% of their profits from this evening. We hope to see you there!
5th Annual Handbell Concert at Franklin Federated Nov. 30th
FRANKLIN - Franklin Federated Church will host its 5th Annual Handbell Concert, "Joy in Bronze" by the New England Ringers, on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street, Franklin, MA. A reception will follow the concert.
 |
| New England Ringers Bell Concert |
Join New England's premier community handbell ensemble in its 12th year. Under the direction of Edward G. Henderson, Jr., fourteen highly energetic performers showcase their talents in a uniquely varied program playing with sensitivity, discipline and skill to achieve their signature artistry on a handbell instrument.
The 2013 winter program will delight audiences with a selection of pieces which showcase the wide range of music this unique instrument produces. Each ringer uses bells, chimes, mallets and methods which combine to form a symphony of music, where mysterious and ethereal sections give way to majestic chords and lively portrayals of familiar carols and tunes. The program opens with the pulsing tempo and insistent rhythmic figures of the traditional Bohemian carol "Come, All Ye Shepherds". Excitement and anticipation build to the enchanting "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". Listeners will be drawn into the mystery and drama of this arrangement as the haunting melody and unusual chords build to a fiery and joyful climax, followed by the gentle and ethereal finale. The audience will be spellbound at its close. Many familiar Christmas pieces are included in this prelude to the holidays. An energetic and sparkling "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," a shimmering "Silent Night" and a joyful "Tidings of Comfort and Joy" add to the variety of program offerings. Fittingly, the Joy in Bronze concert closes with a joyous and rousing arrangement titled "The Joy of Christmas."
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church, where no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome.
Admission is $15 per person. Call the church office for tickets -508-528-3803. For information, visit www.newenglandringers.org or franklinfederated.org.
In the News: green energy award, Veterans Day, avoiding scams
Franklin: Abbey's nuns win green energy award
The cloistered sisters of Mount St. Mary’s Abbey liken themselves to stewards of nature, and as part of that commitment, they live a pastoral lifestyle.
Franklin's Dean College, Joe Kennedy pay tribute to veterans
U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III on Monday joined students, faculty, staff and alumni of Dean College for an afternoon ceremony to recognize Veterans Day.
Avoid scams when donating to typhoon relief
The Better Business Bureau issued tips today to avoid making donations to scamming solicitors or poorly managed relief organizations in the wake of the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines over the weekend.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Stink bugs and other natural creatures
The Mass Great Outdoors blog is a recent discovery of mine that you might be interested in following. Two years ago the stink bug made its appearance well known in my house. Winter moths appeared in droves last year. This recent posting covers the natural order of the creatures at this time of year.
You can visit the Mass Great Outdoors Blog here http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/
 |
| image from Mass Great Outdoors blog |
It’s that time of year again: temperatures outside are dropping, and to some insects, this is an open invitation to enter your home and hunker down for the winter. Here are the three you may likely see around Massachusetts this fall: 1) Western Conifer Seed ...Continue Reading The Scoop on Stink Bugs and Other Home Invaders
You can visit the Mass Great Outdoors Blog here http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/
Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron
Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron was born on September 27, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Garron Sr. Lawrence lived with his parents and a sister at 1295 Pond St., went to grade schools in Franklin and then went to Boston Trade High School from which he was graduated in 1967.
Corporal Garron enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1967 and had served overseas for 10
months. During his tour of duty in June of 1968, Cpl. Garron had been wounded and was hospitalized for eight weeks in Saigon from shrapnel wounds in the leg, for which he received the Purple Heart.
Cpl. Garron later returned to- active duty where he became a casualty on September 21, 1968 when he was one of eight marines in a platoon of 15 men killed in the explosion of a mine while on patrol in Quang Nam province, Vietnam.
Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron
Lance Corporal Lawrence Garron Jr. was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
 |
| Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)