Franklin 2009 Relay for Life begins here at the FHS Track $73 590 raised thus fa, originally uploaded by shersteve.
Franklin 2009 Relay for Life begins here at the FHS Track $73 590 raised thus far.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Franklin 2009 Relay for Life begins
Franklin 2009 Relay for Life begins here at the FHS Track $73 590 raised thus fa, originally uploaded by shersteve.
All Tewksbury teachers given pink slips
TEWKSBURY -- Despite passionate pleas from teachers and parents for leniency, the School Committee voted unanimously last night to temporarily roll back the workday -- and thus the salaries -- of all school employees by 10 percent come July 1.
But the committee also left the door open for other suggestions, noting that it could not delay the controversial vote because of a contractual June 15 layoff deadline that the teachers union declined to waive.
"We're not close-minded," Chairman Richard O'Neill said after the vote. "Closing a school is off the table and we're not going to just flat lay off 40 people, but anything else we're willing to entertain."
In the meantime, though, all school employees will receive pink slips. Recall notices with a reduced, 90 percent workload will then follow. Those employees who agree to be rehired will essentially accept a temporary 10 percent pay cut and shorter work week.
Read the full story on the Tewksbury budget problem and how they are attempting to address it in the Lowell Sun here
Hmm, we have cut 28 positions in 2008, 42 positions on 2009, and could go as many as 60 for 2010.
Strawberry Festival - June 19th 1:00 - 6:00 PM
There will be over 30 crafters, artisans, community groups, vendors, free entertainment, music, crafts, balloons, give-aways and, of course, the Downtown Partnership’s Famous Strawberry Shortcakes!
The festival will be held at the parking lot on West Central Street from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. and continue down East Central Street to Summer Street this year.
The rain date will be Saturday, June 20th.
Some of the highlights include Zumba demonstrations by the YMCA, Punk jump rope, and face painting. ArtBeat will offer free balloons and a children’s “Trash to Treasure” art gallery show. Salon Sorella will offer hair braiding and color hair spraying.
According to Mary Graff, the Festival Chair, “This festival has grown over the years and we have great entertainment lined up. There will be something for every age group!” This year there will be live music at three locations including the East Central Street patio at Café Dolce and the Summer Street Patio. The popular band “Nothing To No One” will perform at the Festival at West Central. “Knuf Said” John Kinney and Jessi Fanuele will be entertaining crowds, as well as “Tunes by Tina” a festival favorite.
Garelick Farms is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s festival.
A grant from the Mass Cultural Council will help fund the entertainment, and “Ever So Humble” will provide the shortcakes this year! “We really could not have the festival without our generous sponsors,” commented Lisa Piana, Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership.
If it rains the Festival will be held on Saturday from 1:00-6:00. The Farmer’s Market will also be held on Friday and the Garden Club will join the market with their plant sale on the town common. There will plenty of parking available at municipal lots and at Dean College Campus Center.
Visitors this year can ride the “Strawberry Express Bus” provided by GATRA. Pick ups will be at the Town Common at High Street and the Dean College Campus Center.
The festival will be held at the parking lot on West Central Street from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. and continue down East Central Street to Summer Street this year.
The rain date will be Saturday, June 20th.
Some of the highlights include Zumba demonstrations by the YMCA, Punk jump rope, and face painting. ArtBeat will offer free balloons and a children’s “Trash to Treasure” art gallery show. Salon Sorella will offer hair braiding and color hair spraying.
According to Mary Graff, the Festival Chair, “This festival has grown over the years and we have great entertainment lined up. There will be something for every age group!” This year there will be live music at three locations including the East Central Street patio at Café Dolce and the Summer Street Patio. The popular band “Nothing To No One” will perform at the Festival at West Central. “Knuf Said” John Kinney and Jessi Fanuele will be entertaining crowds, as well as “Tunes by Tina” a festival favorite.
Garelick Farms is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s festival.
- Silver sponsors: Dean College and Franklin Newcomers and Friends
- Bronze sponsors: Berry Insurance, Comcast, CVS, Chestnut Dental Associates and Keefe Insurance
A grant from the Mass Cultural Council will help fund the entertainment, and “Ever So Humble” will provide the shortcakes this year! “We really could not have the festival without our generous sponsors,” commented Lisa Piana, Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership.
If it rains the Festival will be held on Saturday from 1:00-6:00. The Farmer’s Market will also be held on Friday and the Garden Club will join the market with their plant sale on the town common. There will plenty of parking available at municipal lots and at Dean College Campus Center.
Visitors this year can ride the “Strawberry Express Bus” provided by GATRA. Pick ups will be at the Town Common at High Street and the Dean College Campus Center.
Free Seminar: Saving on the cost of College
Theme: How To Save $42,000 In College Costs Before A Parent Takes Out A Single Loan
June 17 (Wed): Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Seminar presented by Paul Lloyd Hemphill.
Additional info on Paul can be found on his website
I met Paul at the recent United Regional Chamber of Commerce Open House
June 17 (Wed): Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Seminar presented by Paul Lloyd Hemphill.
Additional info on Paul can be found on his website
I met Paul at the recent United Regional Chamber of Commerce Open House
"Am I concerned? Yes"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Town Council last night unanimously approved an $88.1 million budget for next fiscal year, which is $500,000 less than the current year's budget.
The only line item that was discussed last night was the Police Department budget, as Councilor Robert Vallee said he was "very concerned for deteriorating salaries" within the department.
He is worried that officers will lose a significant portion of their salary if the state eliminates the Quinn Bill (an educational incentive), and officers have fewer opportunities for detail work.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
You can read the collection of live reports from the same Town Council meeting here
Milford schools consider student uniforms
Should low-rise jeans and spaghetti straps be banned and Milford students be required to all wear khakis and tucked-in polos?
Vice Chairman Jonathan Bruce asked the question under new business at last night's School Committee meeting, sparking what promises to be a hot new debate over a uniform policy for Milford schools.
Milford's dress code, which the committee made stricter two years ago, is "way too open," Bruce said. He asked that Superintendent Robert Tremblay explore the idea of uniforms as a way to make things simpler.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Would Franklin consider uniforms?
Town Council Mtg Smry 06/11/09
This is the collection of live reporting for the Town Council meeting on June 11, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Live report- closing
No New or Old Business
Councilor Comments
Bartlett - congratulations on the All-Night Party, thanks for the organizing committee for such an excellent job.
Doak - there is not a lot of debate on the budget as there is not a lot of options.
Councilor Comments
Bartlett - congratulations on the All-Night Party, thanks for the organizing committee for such an excellent job.
Doak - there is not a lot of debate on the budget as there is not a lot of options.
Live reporting - FY 10 Budget
F. HEARINGS – FY 2010 Budget – Public Hearing
One hold on Police Salaries by Vallee
Questioning the overall salaries and the potential decline due to the Quinn Bill issue and details
Chief Williams - We always have a concern with the Officer's salary, without Quinn they could loose 3-7,000 a year. It does concern me. I hope the state government does resolve this.
I am proud of our education record here in the department. We have a number with degrees and those all pay benefits for us. A better educated officer is better for Franklin.
Motion to close the hearing, passed 6-0
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 09-43: Adoption of FY 2010 Budget
Motion to accept - passed 6-0
One hold on Police Salaries by Vallee
Questioning the overall salaries and the potential decline due to the Quinn Bill issue and details
Chief Williams - We always have a concern with the Officer's salary, without Quinn they could loose 3-7,000 a year. It does concern me. I hope the state government does resolve this.
I am proud of our education record here in the department. We have a number with degrees and those all pay benefits for us. A better educated officer is better for Franklin.
Motion to close the hearing, passed 6-0
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 09-43: Adoption of FY 2010 Budget
Motion to accept - passed 6-0
Live reporting - Town Council - 6/11/09
Attending: Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak,
Missing: Whalen, McGann, Zollo,
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - 16th Annual Relay for Life Friday June 12, 6:00 PM
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
Missing: Whalen, McGann, Zollo,
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - 16th Annual Relay for Life Friday June 12, 6:00 PM
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
Franklin: nice new landscaping
Developer John Marini has put in some nice new landscaping on the lot where the Zeotrope cinema used to be. Much better than the fence and pile of junk that used to be there.
Franklin: nice new landscaping on the lot where the cinema used to be, originally uploaded by shersteve.
Franklin: nice new landscaping on the lot where the cinema used to be, originally uploaded by shersteve.
Town Council Mtg Smry 06/10/09
This is the collection of live reporting for the Town Council meeting including the first of two budget hearings:
- Live reporting - Closing comments
- Live reporting - FY 10 Budget continued
- Live reporting - School Budget - FY10
- Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget hearing
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - 4th of July
- Live reporting - Town Council - 6/10/09
"less than 1 percent "
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Town councilors listened to an hour of dismal budget information from the town comptroller and administrator last night in its first public hearing on the fiscal 2010 budget.
Town Council will hold its second public hearing on the budget tonight, and is slated to vote on an $88.1 million budget, as recommended by Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting and the Finance Committee.
An additional $11.4 million is slated for the solid waste, sewer, and water budget, but that isn't included in the town budget as those expenses are covered by self-supporting enterprise funds paid for by user fees, not taxes.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Read the live reporting from the meeting last night here
Town Council - Agenda - 6/11/09
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS – FY 2010 Budget – Public Hearing
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 09-43: Adoption of FY 2010 Budget
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
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS – FY 2010 Budget – Public Hearing
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 09-43: Adoption of FY 2010 Budget
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
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Live reporting - Closing comments
Zollo - what is status of the construction at Exit 16?
Cantoreggi - the bids are scheduled for June 26th, the work should start in the Fall.
Pfeffer - commends the DPW for preparing the High School for the graduation
motion to adjourn, passed
Cantoreggi - the bids are scheduled for June 26th, the work should start in the Fall.
Pfeffer - commends the DPW for preparing the High School for the graduation
motion to adjourn, passed
Live reporting - FY 10 Budget continued
Nutting - thanks to all the town employees, department heads. They have done a great job. We can see it in the Town Common and the graduation. Thanks to all.
While we are talking about the FY 10 budget, the FY 11 budget is actually worse. The Financial Planning Committee has indicated the problem with their report as well.
Clerk reads the budget.
A copy of the budget can be found on the Town website in the Town Council meeting Agendas with documents
no holds were called - public hearing closed (second hearing is scheduled for Thursday 6/11/09)
While we are talking about the FY 10 budget, the FY 11 budget is actually worse. The Financial Planning Committee has indicated the problem with their report as well.
Clerk reads the budget.
A copy of the budget can be found on the Town website in the Town Council meeting Agendas with documents
no holds were called - public hearing closed (second hearing is scheduled for Thursday 6/11/09)
Live reporting - School Budget - FY 10
From left to right across the table are School Committee Chair Jeff Roy, Supt Wayne Ogden, Asst Supt Maureen Sabolinski, and Business Manager Miriam Goodman
Roy: Budget out of balance by 1.5 million with the teachers decision on the deferment pending their vote this Monday June 15th. We have notified the necessary amount to account for all the contingencies.
Sabolinski: very frustrating budget cycle, have been trying to bring the transportation budget in line as a requirement per the Forensic Audit. In addition to teaching positions, there are two administrative positions at the high school, a data analyst at the central office. These positions would not be returned with any additional funds this year. Additional funds would bring teachers back.
The High School has changed their schedule to accommodate reasonable class sizes. The middle school and elementary schools will see larger class sizes.
The PE/Health requirement has been changed at the High School. It has been reduced to once per week to free up time for course classes.
Bartlett: What has happened to the fees?
Sabolinski: right now the fees are the same. We did look at increasing them and decided not to go that way this year.
Roy: we also looked at the potential revenue loss due to the increased fees.
Zollo: What reductions did we have last year? and the year before?
Ogden: Last year 45, of these 43 were teachers, the year before was 28 of which 8 were custodial and 2 were admin.
Whalen:
Ogden: we know of 6 retirements as of now, we suspect there are four more pending with no obligation for them to provide us notification until June 30th. These retirements will help us avoid some other reductions.
Sabolinski:
Whalen: music programs being cut?
Sabolinski: music programs at the middle school are being shared across the three buildings, the high school choral program teacher will not be maintain her position
Whalen: will other after school activities be cut?
Sabolinski: due to the stipend offered to teachers for the after school programs, there will be less offered. The late bus is also not funded next year which would affect participation.
Whalen:
Sabolinski: in K-8 we don't have other areas to cut, we are looking to protect the core requirements of instruction. They have been cutting for the last 3-4 years, they have no further place to make cuts.
Ogden: the perception that athletic programs are not cut is incorrect.
Bartlett: PE/Health will become an elective?
Ogden: no, it will still be required, the frequency of offering will be reduced to once per week.
Sabolinski: there will be an elective offered for other students to take
Zollo: so the retirements don't affect the 14 positions remaining if you have the 700,000 gap to cover?
Ogden: yes, we still have to get to the total salary requirement coverage of the 14 positions.
5 minute recess
Roy: Budget out of balance by 1.5 million with the teachers decision on the deferment pending their vote this Monday June 15th. We have notified the necessary amount to account for all the contingencies.
Sabolinski: very frustrating budget cycle, have been trying to bring the transportation budget in line as a requirement per the Forensic Audit. In addition to teaching positions, there are two administrative positions at the high school, a data analyst at the central office. These positions would not be returned with any additional funds this year. Additional funds would bring teachers back.
The High School has changed their schedule to accommodate reasonable class sizes. The middle school and elementary schools will see larger class sizes.
The PE/Health requirement has been changed at the High School. It has been reduced to once per week to free up time for course classes.
Bartlett: What has happened to the fees?
Sabolinski: right now the fees are the same. We did look at increasing them and decided not to go that way this year.
Roy: we also looked at the potential revenue loss due to the increased fees.
Zollo: What reductions did we have last year? and the year before?
Ogden: Last year 45, of these 43 were teachers, the year before was 28 of which 8 were custodial and 2 were admin.
Whalen:
Ogden: we know of 6 retirements as of now, we suspect there are four more pending with no obligation for them to provide us notification until June 30th. These retirements will help us avoid some other reductions.
Sabolinski:
Whalen: music programs being cut?
Sabolinski: music programs at the middle school are being shared across the three buildings, the high school choral program teacher will not be maintain her position
Whalen: will other after school activities be cut?
Sabolinski: due to the stipend offered to teachers for the after school programs, there will be less offered. The late bus is also not funded next year which would affect participation.
Whalen:
Sabolinski: in K-8 we don't have other areas to cut, we are looking to protect the core requirements of instruction. They have been cutting for the last 3-4 years, they have no further place to make cuts.
Ogden: the perception that athletic programs are not cut is incorrect.
Bartlett: PE/Health will become an elective?
Ogden: no, it will still be required, the frequency of offering will be reduced to once per week.
Sabolinski: there will be an elective offered for other students to take
Zollo: so the retirements don't affect the 14 positions remaining if you have the 700,000 gap to cover?
Ogden: yes, we still have to get to the total salary requirement coverage of the 14 positions.
5 minute recess
Live reporting - FY 10 Budget hearing
Update on current status, the amount not balanced is about 800,000 off and is really only 1% of the total budget.
From left to right Susan Gagner, Jeff Nutting
11 Town positions lost for FY 2010
An adjustment will be required in the fall for unemployment costs.
Tax levy increased by 2.5%
State revenue has been reduced by 1.5 million (from various sources per the Governor's numbers).
Motor vehicle receipts down driving the total of Local receipts down over 940,000.
Public facilities did increase due to the total number of buildings covered (schools, etc.)
Public Schools are level funded
Regional school has a savings due to a decrease in enrollment and their own budget reduction efforts
Debt did increase, bonding for the Senior Center, Fire truck and a couple of other items drove this increase.
Norfolk County Assessment increased by 180,000
Q&A
Doak - if we have to make additional cuts, can you give any insights as to where they would be coming from?
Nutting - I think they would be split between Town and School. We haven't had that discussion yet. There are really only 5 Town budgets that could absorb any significant amounts. How much more peril do we want to put the Schools in? I'd rather not start making assumptions, it really depends upon what the amount is. If local option tax is coming around, that would be another Council discussion on how it would be used.
Bartlett - when you go to the Capital, are they aware of the impact with layoffs, etc?
Nutting - They know how important Chapter 70 and local aid is to the cities and towns. There is such a budget dilemma, they are trying to weigh all the possibilities. We managed to get co-pay increases this year, will that happen again, can't say.
From left to right Susan Gagner, Jeff Nutting
11 Town positions lost for FY 2010
An adjustment will be required in the fall for unemployment costs.
Tax levy increased by 2.5%
State revenue has been reduced by 1.5 million (from various sources per the Governor's numbers).
Motor vehicle receipts down driving the total of Local receipts down over 940,000.
Public facilities did increase due to the total number of buildings covered (schools, etc.)
Public Schools are level funded
Regional school has a savings due to a decrease in enrollment and their own budget reduction efforts
Debt did increase, bonding for the Senior Center, Fire truck and a couple of other items drove this increase.
Norfolk County Assessment increased by 180,000
Q&A
Doak - if we have to make additional cuts, can you give any insights as to where they would be coming from?
Nutting - I think they would be split between Town and School. We haven't had that discussion yet. There are really only 5 Town budgets that could absorb any significant amounts. How much more peril do we want to put the Schools in? I'd rather not start making assumptions, it really depends upon what the amount is. If local option tax is coming around, that would be another Council discussion on how it would be used.
Bartlett - when you go to the Capital, are they aware of the impact with layoffs, etc?
Nutting - They know how important Chapter 70 and local aid is to the cities and towns. There is such a budget dilemma, they are trying to weigh all the possibilities. We managed to get co-pay increases this year, will that happen again, can't say.
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