- Live reporting - Administrator, Councilor comments...
- live reporting - legislation
- Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee
- Live reporting - Appointments, Recognitions
- Live reporting - Town Council
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Town Council Mtg Smry 10/21/09
The collection of posts that were "live reported" from the Council meeting of Wednesday October 21 are here:
Congressman McGovern on Healthcare Reform
On Monday October 26th, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a Legislative Breakfast at Highland Country Club in Attleboro and we would like to invite you to join us. The keynote speaker will be Congressman James McGovern and the topic will be Healthcare Reform.
Registration begins at 7:30am and the program will begin at 8:15am.
The cost to attend is $20.
Please RSVP by e-mail or call the North Attleboro office at 508-695-6011
Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon
Come join the Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon
meet new members, learn new ideas and share your business or organization with others.
What:
Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon
When:
Friday, November 6th
12:00 noon
Where:
Dean College Campus Center
Golder Room-2nd Floor
(Parking is near the campus tennis courts due to construction)
How much:
$5.00 for a delicious lunch and great conversation!
Please RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com
Any questions please call the FDP office at (774)571-3109
Golder Room-2nd Floor
(Parking is near the campus tennis courts due to construction)
How much:
$5.00 for a delicious lunch and great conversation!
Please RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com
Any questions please call the FDP office at (774)571-3109
In the News - Vietnam War Heroes
Rose Turco formally invited the Town of Franklin and members of the Council to the dedication ceremony to e held on Nov 8th. Additional info from the Town Council meeting can be found here.
If you click through to read the story on the Milford Daily News page, you'll perhaps recognize the photo. I did provide the photo and permission for it to be used by the paper.
Vietnam vets to be honored in Franklin
If you click through to read the story on the Milford Daily News page, you'll perhaps recognize the photo. I did provide the photo and permission for it to be used by the paper.
In the News - and then there were 12
From the Town Council meeting Wednesday evening, one of the key items was the withdrawal of Bryce Kuchs from the race for council. Due to increased work responsibilities, he would be unable to fulfill the time requirements for serving on the Town Council. He let it be known that if elected, he would not be able to serve.
He is not actively campaigning for the election. His name remains on the ballot. The deadline to withdrawn from the election and ballot was earlier this month. The ballots are printed and ready to go. Absentee ballots are already available.
The second key item is the two individual who choose to abstain on the vote to endorse the Financial Planning Committee report. Pfeffer and Vallee are part of the current council who chartered the committee to prepare the report. They know (or should know) more about the contents of the report than those who may be new to the Council after the election Nov 3rd. If they can't make a decision to say that these numbers are correct, then there is something wrong with their logic. The incoming council members would have less a chance to know as much as they currently do. At worse, it would take precious time to get up to speed. Time that could be better spent taking action to avoid the financial problems facing Franklin.
If you click through to read the article online, you'll notice a familiar picture. I did provide and authorize the use of the photos I took at the Council meeting last night.
He is not actively campaigning for the election. His name remains on the ballot. The deadline to withdrawn from the election and ballot was earlier this month. The ballots are printed and ready to go. Absentee ballots are already available.
The second key item is the two individual who choose to abstain on the vote to endorse the Financial Planning Committee report. Pfeffer and Vallee are part of the current council who chartered the committee to prepare the report. They know (or should know) more about the contents of the report than those who may be new to the Council after the election Nov 3rd. If they can't make a decision to say that these numbers are correct, then there is something wrong with their logic. The incoming council members would have less a chance to know as much as they currently do. At worse, it would take precious time to get up to speed. Time that could be better spent taking action to avoid the financial problems facing Franklin.
Franklin council endorses long-range fiscal plan
If you click through to read the article online, you'll notice a familiar picture. I did provide and authorize the use of the photos I took at the Council meeting last night.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Live reporting - Administrator, Councilor comments, closing
Fire Dept Halloween Fest coming
old business
new business
Councilor Comments
Zollo - commends the three of the departing members for their service
The election coming up could be one of the most important one for Franklin. Encourages everyone to study the issues, the candidates and their positions, and cast your ballot for those who would best represent your views on the council.
McGann - commends the three departing along with Zollo
I have been asked "Joe why I have you missed so many meetings." I have some personal issues. I have had some financial issues. I have lost family members recently and am about to lose two more within a few days."
Doak - thanks for the nice and personal thanks for what he had been able to contribute. It is hard to believe it has been six years on the Council. It has been a pleasure to serve. I want to acknowledge Carlo Geromini for his help. The Council has been relatively boring. We have had some humor from Councilor McGann from time to time. We have had quite a few improvements and established some credibility, including the first ever override that was passed. Jeff thanks for your help.
1 - Two trees at corner of Cottage were taken down
2 - The plants taken in front of the new Walgreens, were those saved, are they coming back?
Whalen - Encourage community service, it is a learning experience and rewarding. It feels like the turnout might be extremely light. I would encourage a turnout.
Mason - I share the sentiments that have already been spoken. Chris and I have been friends since we were six. Thanks to Deb and Tom for working together and being friends.
Vallee - I echo the others sentiments.
Bartlett - Your community is what you make of it. It can be at whatever level you can do, there are a million different ways. There are going to be tough times where people will need to come together. It has been an honor to work for this Town. It has been a privilege.
Feeley - I would like to thank you. While I am not running for re-election this year, this is not to say that I won't run again.
The three leaving the Town Council posed for a photo: (left to right) Deb Bartlett, Chris Feeley, and Tom Doak.
My thanks to them their service to Franklin. I hope they thoroughly enjoy their new "free" time.
old business
new business
Councilor Comments
Zollo - commends the three of the departing members for their service
The election coming up could be one of the most important one for Franklin. Encourages everyone to study the issues, the candidates and their positions, and cast your ballot for those who would best represent your views on the council.
McGann - commends the three departing along with Zollo
I have been asked "Joe why I have you missed so many meetings." I have some personal issues. I have had some financial issues. I have lost family members recently and am about to lose two more within a few days."
Doak - thanks for the nice and personal thanks for what he had been able to contribute. It is hard to believe it has been six years on the Council. It has been a pleasure to serve. I want to acknowledge Carlo Geromini for his help. The Council has been relatively boring. We have had some humor from Councilor McGann from time to time. We have had quite a few improvements and established some credibility, including the first ever override that was passed. Jeff thanks for your help.
- Have to be patient, can't solve them all at once.
- Listen to the people around you.
- Keep things going, if you can leave things a little better than when you arrived you did a good thing.
1 - Two trees at corner of Cottage were taken down
2 - The plants taken in front of the new Walgreens, were those saved, are they coming back?
Whalen - Encourage community service, it is a learning experience and rewarding. It feels like the turnout might be extremely light. I would encourage a turnout.
Mason - I share the sentiments that have already been spoken. Chris and I have been friends since we were six. Thanks to Deb and Tom for working together and being friends.
Vallee - I echo the others sentiments.
Bartlett - Your community is what you make of it. It can be at whatever level you can do, there are a million different ways. There are going to be tough times where people will need to come together. It has been an honor to work for this Town. It has been a privilege.
Feeley - I would like to thank you. While I am not running for re-election this year, this is not to say that I won't run again.
The three leaving the Town Council posed for a photo: (left to right) Deb Bartlett, Chris Feeley, and Tom Doak.
My thanks to them their service to Franklin. I hope they thoroughly enjoy their new "free" time.
live reporting - legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-67: Acceptance of Covenant-Lakeview Terrace
motion to approve - passed 9-0
2. Resolution 09-68: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Senior Center
motion to approve - passed 9-0
If I heard this correctly, in a time of uncertain revenues, a self-imposed hiring freeze at the Municipal Bldg for Town employees, and facing some undefined reduction in State revenue fort this current year which depending upon the amount could result in further cuts in service or personnel, the Town Council just authorized a part-time hiring based upon a donation (which may or may not be sustaining).
It may be for a good cause (i.e supposedly a cook at the Senior Center) but this is indeed puzzling.
This would be a good question to ask of the candidates on Monday evening at the Town Council Debate.
1. Resolution 09-67: Acceptance of Covenant-Lakeview Terrace
motion to approve - passed 9-0
2. Resolution 09-68: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Senior Center
motion to approve - passed 9-0
If I heard this correctly, in a time of uncertain revenues, a self-imposed hiring freeze at the Municipal Bldg for Town employees, and facing some undefined reduction in State revenue fort this current year which depending upon the amount could result in further cuts in service or personnel, the Town Council just authorized a part-time hiring based upon a donation (which may or may not be sustaining).
It may be for a good cause (i.e supposedly a cook at the Senior Center) but this is indeed puzzling.
This would be a good question to ask of the candidates on Monday evening at the Town Council Debate.
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee
Jim Roche, Chairman
Doug Hardesty, Vice-Chair
The report as presented during April has been updated with the latest numbers on this years budget and an updated forecast for the next few years.
The deficit is structural and continuing. The biggest impact will be felt next year.
Prior deficits were resolved with a variety of one time fixes. These are not available.
Teacher salaries will increase in the first ten years, due to market dynamics. This is one example. The structural deficit will continue year in and year out.
The limitation on property taxes is a factor, the other factor is we are dependent more than surrounding towns on State Aid.
Motion to add resolution 09-69 to the agenda. Motion to approve, 9-0
Vallee arrives
Endorsement - text to be provided later
Motion to approve, passed 9-0
Amendment proposed to add "declining" to the sentence.
Judy speaking against adoption as the new Council will have to live with it. She will abstain.
Vallee will join Pfeffer in abstaining.
Whalen speaks for this Council endorsing
Doak speaks for this Council endorsing
Zollo agrees that the next Council will have to live with it, This is an unbiased report, they allowed the facts to come to a unanimous conclusion. There was a wide variance on the objectives and outcomes at the beginning but the outcome is clear.
Motion to approve, 7-0, 2 abstain (Pfeffer, Vallee)
.
Doug Hardesty, Vice-Chair
The report as presented during April has been updated with the latest numbers on this years budget and an updated forecast for the next few years.
The deficit is structural and continuing. The biggest impact will be felt next year.
Prior deficits were resolved with a variety of one time fixes. These are not available.
Teacher salaries will increase in the first ten years, due to market dynamics. This is one example. The structural deficit will continue year in and year out.
The limitation on property taxes is a factor, the other factor is we are dependent more than surrounding towns on State Aid.
Motion to add resolution 09-69 to the agenda. Motion to approve, 9-0
Vallee arrives
Endorsement - text to be provided later
Motion to approve, passed 9-0
Amendment proposed to add "declining" to the sentence.
Judy speaking against adoption as the new Council will have to live with it. She will abstain.
Vallee will join Pfeffer in abstaining.
Whalen speaks for this Council endorsing
Doak speaks for this Council endorsing
Zollo agrees that the next Council will have to live with it, This is an unbiased report, they allowed the facts to come to a unanimous conclusion. There was a wide variance on the objectives and outcomes at the beginning but the outcome is clear.
Motion to approve, 7-0, 2 abstain (Pfeffer, Vallee)
.
Live reporting - Appointments, Recognitions
E. APPOINTMENTS
Brian Henderson
Disability Commission, motion to appoint, passed 8-0
Phyllis Messere
Public Land Use Committee motion to appoint, passed 8-0
Tom Doak and Deb Bartlett we also recognized for their long years of service in a variety of roles, including their most recent role on the Town Council.
Chris Feeley was also recognized with the presentation of a plaque for his service on the Council.
Brian Henderson
Disability Commission, motion to appoint, passed 8-0
Phyllis Messere
Public Land Use Committee motion to appoint, passed 8-0
Tom Doak and Deb Bartlett we also recognized for their long years of service in a variety of roles, including their most recent role on the Town Council.
Chris Feeley was also recognized with the presentation of a plaque for his service on the Council.
Live reporting - Town Council
Attending: Whalen, Mason, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann, Zollo
Missing: Vallee (arrived at 7:20 PM)
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 7, 2009, Regular & Executive Session
Motion to approve - passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bryce Kuchs will not be able to fulfill the responsibilities of the Town Council position due to a change in his work. He will not be campaigning for election.
Rose Turco read the Vietnam War Fallen Heroes Signs Dedication invitation to the Town Council and to the Franklin public.
A close up of the six Franklin Vietnam War Heroes to be recognized.
Sunday November 8th, 2009 2:00 PM
Town Common War Memorial Plaza
If raining, this will be held at the same time in the Senior Center.
The full invitation can be seen here:
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Missing: Vallee (arrived at 7:20 PM)
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 7, 2009, Regular & Executive Session
Motion to approve - passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bryce Kuchs will not be able to fulfill the responsibilities of the Town Council position due to a change in his work. He will not be campaigning for election.
Rose Turco read the Vietnam War Fallen Heroes Signs Dedication invitation to the Town Council and to the Franklin public.
A close up of the six Franklin Vietnam War Heroes to be recognized.
Sunday November 8th, 2009 2:00 PM
Town Common War Memorial Plaza
If raining, this will be held at the same time in the Senior Center.
The full invitation can be seen here:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Candidate Forum at Senior Center in jeopardy
There is a Candidate Forum at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 28th at 9:00 AM.
If you would like to attend please call the Senior Center to register (508-520-4945).
If there are not enough people attending, they may cancel the Forum. Decision for the cancellation would be made on Friday, October 23.
Note: The Town Council Candidates Debate is still scheduled for Monday, October 26th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg. This will also be broadcast via the cable channels as well as the Internet webcast.
If you would like to attend please call the Senior Center to register (508-520-4945).
If there are not enough people attending, they may cancel the Forum. Decision for the cancellation would be made on Friday, October 23.
Note: The Town Council Candidates Debate is still scheduled for Monday, October 26th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg. This will also be broadcast via the cable channels as well as the Internet webcast.
Police to hold Halloween Festival
Franklin Police will hold its annual Halloween Festival Sunday, October 25h from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Franklin High School fieldhouse.
Additional details in the flyer originally posted on the Franklin Police website:
This event is targeted for kids in Grade 5 and younger!
Additional details in the flyer originally posted on the Franklin Police website:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
This event is targeted for kids in Grade 5 and younger!
Traffic Alert: MassPike Overnight Tunnel Closures
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/20/09
To allow for tunnel construction and inspection work in the Prudential Tunnel, I-90 (MassPike) East between Exit #22 (Prudential Center/Copley Square) and South Boston will be closed at night intermittently throughout October and November beginning tonight Tuesday, October 20, 2009 and tomorrow night Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. Direct access to the Ted Williams Tunnel from Frontage Road, and South Boston will remain open.All traffic will be directed off the Turnpike at Copley Square onto Stuart Street. Drivers should follow the posted detour route on Stuart Street, Arlington Street, and Herald Street and continue following the posted detour signs to their destinations, as indicated below:
To South Station, Downtown and I-93 North: From Herald Street, turn right onto Albany Street. From Albany Street, take left onto Broadway Connector and follow the existing signs. Alternate route would be to exit Masspike at Allston/Brighton Tolls and travel east on Storrow Drive.
To Massachusetts Avenue: Turn right onto Albany Street. Continue south on Albany Street to Massachusetts Avenue.
To I-93 South: From Herald Street, at the Albany Street intersection, take first left onto the I-93 South on-ramp.
To I-90 East/South Boston/Airport: Turn right onto Albany Street. Continue south on Albany Street and use the Ramp to I-90 East from the Albany Street Connector.
In addition, drivers should be aware that the Massachusetts Highway Department will continue to have lane closures on I-93 bridge deck repairs south of the city near Neponset Circle for its interstate maintenance project. Bridge deck repairs and conduit work for highway lighting replacement will continue on I-93 north of the city near the Mystic River crossing.
Check all MassPike traffic advisories here.
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
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Senior Center - Men's Group
The notes I prepared for them to take away are as follows:
The two best books to start with
- The Cluetrain Manifesto by Rick Levine, Christopher Locke, Doc Searls, David Weinberger
- Trust Agents by Chris Brogan, Julien Smith
1 - A Google account
provides email, RSS reader, alerts, photo place (Picassa), video place (YouTube), blogs (Blogger)
2 - Facebook http://www.facebook.com/
3 - Twitter http://twitter.com/
4 - LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/
Blogs to read
Seth Godin: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/
Mark Hurst: http://goodexperience.com/
Tom Peters: http://www.tompeters.com/
Steve Sherlock: http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/ and http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
The three step process for social media
- Listen
- Learn
- Leverage
My thanks to Ken Norman for arranging this. My thanks to my current boss for allowing me to keep this prior commitment.
"The average person knows very little"
With only seven candidates for seven open positions on the School Committee, there is no competition. And yet, the School Committee controls half the Franklin town budget. They are responsible for the education of over 6,000 students and are the largest Town employer.
Aside from the National School Board Association's plugs for what the organization does, the brief video does make some excellent points on what the School Committee members should consider.
This was posted on the NSBA site here
Aside from the National School Board Association's plugs for what the organization does, the brief video does make some excellent points on what the School Committee members should consider.
This was posted on the NSBA site here
seniority or performance?
Good questions raised by Dr Scott McLeod in this posting on the use of seniority or performance to retain teachers when faced with layoffs.
Teacher layoffs: Should seniority rule?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Time to clear the drains!
Time to clear the drains.
Time to clear the drains.
This is a mantra that could be done as a parody of the old Dunkin Dounts commercial.
The wet weather is knocking down the leaves and clogging the storm water drains.
Yes, this is an "after" picture. I had already used my wet running shoes to clear this drain.
Time to clear the drains.
This is a mantra that could be done as a parody of the old Dunkin Dounts commercial.
The wet weather is knocking down the leaves and clogging the storm water drains.
Yes, this is an "after" picture. I had already used my wet running shoes to clear this drain.
Financial Planning Committee Report - updated
The updated and "final" report from the Financial Planning Committee is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting Wednesday.
You can review (or download) a copy of the report from the Town website here.
You can review (or download) a copy of the report from the Town website here.
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That was the basic question. These gentlemen now know a little bit more about being social in the Internet world. It is not much different from meeting at the Post Office or barbershop and chatting with your neighbors. The biggest difference is you don't have to walk (or drive) to either the Post Office or the barbershop when it is open for business, you can go to the Internet, go to Facebook at any time during the day.