- Live reporting - 282 Summer St (Crossways Church)
- Live reporting - Big Y (348 E Central St)
- Live reporting: Van Roon Chiropractic
- Live reporting - Planning Board - general business...
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Planning Board 05/03/10
The collected posts from the Planning Board meeting on Monday, May 3, 2010 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee Agenda - 5/4/10
Tuesday May 4, 2010 - 6:00 PM
Municipal Building - Council Chambers
Balances
Gen Stab 4,611,260
PW Stab 129,448
Debt Stab 379,144
Traffic Stab 21,411
Overlay Surplus -0-
Free Cash 354,842
Call to Order
Citizens Comments
Approval of Minutes
Action Items:
Transfer- Snow and Ice Deficit: $231,252 from Free Cash
FY 2011 Budget:
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
Municipal Building - Council Chambers
Balances
Gen Stab 4,611,260
PW Stab 129,448
Debt Stab 379,144
Traffic Stab 21,411
Overlay Surplus -0-
Free Cash 354,842
Call to Order
Citizens Comments
Approval of Minutes
Action Items:
Transfer- Snow and Ice Deficit: $231,252 from Free Cash
FY 2011 Budget:
| Department | Code | Page |
| Board of Health/Health Services | 510/525 | E-1, E-9 |
| Assessors | 141 | A-16 |
| Town Clerk/Elections | 161/162 | A-47, A-51 |
| Planning & Growth Management | 177 | A-57 |
| Information Technology | 155 | A-44 |
| School Budget | 300 | C-1 |
| Public Property & Buildings | 192 | A-66 |
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 5/5/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 7, 2010
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS –
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Legislative Update by Representative James E. Vallee & State Senator Karen Spilka
2. Budget Discussion
3. Recreation Advisory Board
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-20: Authorization to Transfer A Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity At Charles River Treatment Plant to Towns of Millis and Bellingham
2. Resolution 10-21: Appropriation – Snow and Ice Deficit
3. Resolution 10-22: Appropriation – Election Expenses
4. Resolution 10-23: Adoption of Hazard Mitigation Plan
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
Franklin, MA
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS –
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Legislative Update by Representative James E. Vallee & State Senator Karen Spilka
2. Budget Discussion
3. Recreation Advisory Board
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-20: Authorization to Transfer A Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity At Charles River Treatment Plant to Towns of Millis and Bellingham
2. Resolution 10-21: Appropriation – Snow and Ice Deficit
3. Resolution 10-22: Appropriation – Election Expenses
4. Resolution 10-23: Adoption of Hazard Mitigation Plan
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
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Budget possible adjustments, pending override
The proposed FY 2011 Franklin School Budget book can be found here:
http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/co/supt/budget/FY2011Budgetbook.pdf
The total amount for the budget requested is: $52,255,910
If the proposed override to increase local property taxes by $3,000,000 does not pass, the budget above would be adjust by items like the following to meet the level funding available.
The override is scheduled for special election on June 8th. There is an information forum scheduled for May 24th at the Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium.
Expense reductions
Revenues
Franklin, MA
http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/co/supt/budget/FY2011Budgetbook.pdf
The total amount for the budget requested is: $52,255,910
If the proposed override to increase local property taxes by $3,000,000 does not pass, the budget above would be adjust by items like the following to meet the level funding available.
The override is scheduled for special election on June 8th. There is an information forum scheduled for May 24th at the Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium.
Expense reductions
Middle school teachers (reduce by 8) (split teams & class size) (27-29 in core subject areas) | $400,000 |
Elementary Teachers (reduce by 7) | $350,000 |
Buses (reduce by 3 buses) | $120,000 |
Shortened school day at elementary schools | $158,000 |
TOTAL | $1,028,000.00 |
Revenues
Health insurance | $250,000 |
SFSF | $219,000 |
Lifelong learning | $213,000 |
Athletics | $100,000 |
Extracurricular | $20,000 |
TOTAL | $802,000.00 |
Franklin, MA
Monday, May 3, 2010
Live reporting - 282 Summer St (Crossways Church)
Richard Cornetta
Pastor
Ted Gay
Richard Fiest
Conservation Commission hearing closed
Design Review committee recommended approval site plan and project specifications
Nothing further required from ZBA at this time
Yadsernia -
Applicant incorporated comments and have no issues left
reduced 10 parking spaces to allow for screening and drainage
another rain garden (#3)
Dahlstrom
parking spaces require approval
any increase in the number (70) would require a return to the planning board
dumpster added to plan, put a fence around the dumpster
reference that plants would be used from the approved planning documents
Total number of parking spots currently in plan, 70
motion to close public hearing, approved
motion to approve Crossway Church site plan, approved
Franklin, MA
Pastor
Ted Gay
Richard Fiest
Conservation Commission hearing closed
Design Review committee recommended approval site plan and project specifications
Nothing further required from ZBA at this time
Yadsernia -
Applicant incorporated comments and have no issues left
reduced 10 parking spaces to allow for screening and drainage
another rain garden (#3)
Dahlstrom
parking spaces require approval
any increase in the number (70) would require a return to the planning board
dumpster added to plan, put a fence around the dumpster
reference that plants would be used from the approved planning documents
Total number of parking spots currently in plan, 70
motion to close public hearing, approved
motion to approve Crossway Church site plan, approved
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Big Y (348 E Central St)
Richard Cornetta
(to be added)
Don Neilsen
Giles Ham
Conservation Commission Apr 29th - submitted all info, meeting still open pending decision here (next May 13th)
Design Review Comm - Apr 13th received approval from signage, lighting, etc.
ZBA Hearing schedule for later this month (May 20th), to resolve 'clerical' issue from several years ago
Applicant has incorporated all comments and have no issues per Yadsernia
There is a road improvement plan for a left turn on Chestnut St onto 140 apparently being prepared
Light sequencing of lights being dealt with by MA Highway
They have addressed all of our drainage issues
Minor clarification to correct some typos, parking as calculated and sufficient
Applicant has comparisons with other parking lots (i.e. Shaw's)
calculated 231 spaces, providing 233, please explain the detail behind the calculations
Curious on number of jobs available, tax revenue estimates to be generated by the site
Minimal light spillage from the property, like on to the sideway, to ensure that the Board is okay with that
Franklin Police recommend second entrance be designed in sucha way that it is southbound entrance only and signed as such
Recommendation to grade site to run rain/storm water northerly rather than southerly to avoid public water supply (Well #9)
The applicant has changed the plans to incorporate a rain garden, rain garden #2
Giles Ham, traffic analysis
(1) to look at the left turn volume, about a vehicle per minute
11 ft thru right lane, 10 foot left turn lane
would have to modify the traffic signal itself to include the left turn signal
(2) discussion with MA DOT to be handled during the design phase
It cost $30,000 to do the work for Walgreen's changes, should be similar costs
new foundation and mast arm, conservatively about $50,000
It could be done but not as part of the project
The volume would not be increased tremendously by this change
Cornetta - temporary for construction 180-200 depending upon the contractors and subs themselves
for employees during operation, 200-300, 70-30 mix between temp and perm
conservative est $15,000 currently paid, est 7x that, approx. $105,000
Jack Lank, President, United Regional Chamber of Commerce
for the BiG Y, traffic is an issue and will be an issue
positive tax revenue (increase of 7-10x) would help the budget
The BIG Y invests in the community
homework help line to students in the local area, scholarships
will bring competition to other stories to keep the prices low
if they go somewhere else, the tax revenues will go elsewhere
Jack McCarthy, Director of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce
property uses benefits the town
the arguments against have little merit
Steve Hustan (?spelling)
raising question on including the Chestnut St changes in with this.
Because of conservation and finding of ZBA, looking to keep the hearing open
No further information can be taken after the public hearing is closed
Cornetta not happen with keeping the hearing open due to the special permit
Catch 22 developed with 2 boards, Planning Board is the deciding one, Conservation will end up closing the hearing; had been kept open to the impervious issues and wetlands
Next Planning Board meeting June 7th, even if hearing closes, the other decisions are pending anyway
We don't gain any time by close the public hearing
The calculation were based upon the split out of the uses (office, warehouse, retail)
talking 4.0 ration (four spaces per thousand sq feet of retail) at Shaw's and other sites
this is what is needed for this site
peak demand on a Saturday afternoon was only 172 spaces for a similar sized operation
Yadsernia requests the explanation in writing, Planning Board requests copy of this as well
Continue public hearing - 348 E Central St June 7th 7:30 PM
approved, unanimous (Halligan recused himself)
Franklin, MA
(to be added)
Don Neilsen
Giles Ham
Conservation Commission Apr 29th - submitted all info, meeting still open pending decision here (next May 13th)
Design Review Comm - Apr 13th received approval from signage, lighting, etc.
ZBA Hearing schedule for later this month (May 20th), to resolve 'clerical' issue from several years ago
Applicant has incorporated all comments and have no issues per Yadsernia
There is a road improvement plan for a left turn on Chestnut St onto 140 apparently being prepared
Light sequencing of lights being dealt with by MA Highway
They have addressed all of our drainage issues
Minor clarification to correct some typos, parking as calculated and sufficient
Applicant has comparisons with other parking lots (i.e. Shaw's)
calculated 231 spaces, providing 233, please explain the detail behind the calculations
Curious on number of jobs available, tax revenue estimates to be generated by the site
Minimal light spillage from the property, like on to the sideway, to ensure that the Board is okay with that
Franklin Police recommend second entrance be designed in sucha way that it is southbound entrance only and signed as such
Recommendation to grade site to run rain/storm water northerly rather than southerly to avoid public water supply (Well #9)
The applicant has changed the plans to incorporate a rain garden, rain garden #2
Giles Ham, traffic analysis
(1) to look at the left turn volume, about a vehicle per minute
11 ft thru right lane, 10 foot left turn lane
would have to modify the traffic signal itself to include the left turn signal
(2) discussion with MA DOT to be handled during the design phase
It cost $30,000 to do the work for Walgreen's changes, should be similar costs
new foundation and mast arm, conservatively about $50,000
It could be done but not as part of the project
The volume would not be increased tremendously by this change
Cornetta - temporary for construction 180-200 depending upon the contractors and subs themselves
for employees during operation, 200-300, 70-30 mix between temp and perm
conservative est $15,000 currently paid, est 7x that, approx. $105,000
Jack Lank, President, United Regional Chamber of Commerce
for the BiG Y, traffic is an issue and will be an issue
positive tax revenue (increase of 7-10x) would help the budget
The BIG Y invests in the community
homework help line to students in the local area, scholarships
will bring competition to other stories to keep the prices low
if they go somewhere else, the tax revenues will go elsewhere
Jack McCarthy, Director of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce
property uses benefits the town
the arguments against have little merit
Steve Hustan (?spelling)
raising question on including the Chestnut St changes in with this.
Because of conservation and finding of ZBA, looking to keep the hearing open
No further information can be taken after the public hearing is closed
Cornetta not happen with keeping the hearing open due to the special permit
Catch 22 developed with 2 boards, Planning Board is the deciding one, Conservation will end up closing the hearing; had been kept open to the impervious issues and wetlands
Next Planning Board meeting June 7th, even if hearing closes, the other decisions are pending anyway
We don't gain any time by close the public hearing
The calculation were based upon the split out of the uses (office, warehouse, retail)
talking 4.0 ration (four spaces per thousand sq feet of retail) at Shaw's and other sites
this is what is needed for this site
peak demand on a Saturday afternoon was only 172 spaces for a similar sized operation
Yadsernia requests the explanation in writing, Planning Board requests copy of this as well
Continue public hearing - 348 E Central St June 7th 7:30 PM
approved, unanimous (Halligan recused himself)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting: Van Roon Chiropractic
Continuation of hearing, no reading required
modifications to plan made based upon discussions with Town Engineer
MA Highway not amenable to curb cuts on 140 due to the low volume
Yadsernia supports new arrangement and reduction in impervious coverage
There is a rain garden there now, rain garden #1
Applicant going back to ZBA to review the change in plantings due to the changes not reflected in the documentation
Recommend to close public hearing - Dahlstrom
Padula - recommending not closing public hearing
Discussion on issue of the ZBA having already approved, going back to get clarification from ZBA
Planning Board is the deciding board, ZBA is only addressing bylaw or variance
Request to client, to make this special permit being owner specific
Continuing the public hearing
Opening the continued public hearing for the Big Y process to be continued after this concludes
Elizabeth
Petition signed by 172 Franklin residents opposing the Van Roon permit (the number was changed from 72 via email from Elizabeth)
Asking the Board to make sure then include Jordan Road in the process
An antique store has been turned done previously for the same reasons this is objected to today.
32 plus extra cars acknowledged for Jordan Road
visually can not seen around the corner
Jordan is only 25 feet wide, not sufficient to allow for collision avoidance
Defend the quality of life on Jordan Road
Michelle
Scenic roads amendment - "to protect designated scenic roads"
maintain natural beauty
enhance rural character
Clarification on the MA DOT, would not approve curb cut under the circumstances
Moving the parking would increase the impervious area and not desired
Clarification on the Board request to keep the special permit to owner specific
Discussion on the views and differing opinions of the view of the parking lot
Moving the driveway entrance would increase the pervious
Problem is with cars turning off 140 at speed and coming upon cars turning out of the parking lot
What does the Town gain by the conversion of the home to a business when there are places for rent down town?
Board - can there be a formal request to the MA DOT?
Yadsernia could make the call but is opposed to the relocation
Can't get a formal response without making an application without an approved site plan
so there is a chicken and egg situation here
You'd have to double it, 32 in, 32 out would be the traffic load, plus employees
approx family house would be about 10, so a major increase in traffic
There is a benefit in taking it off the residence list which could have a family come in with multiple children
MA DOT did provide a curb cut for a property further down the road for a similar situation
Amount of parking spaces is determined by the zoning requirements based upon the square footage of the building, calculation requires 10, would also require 10 as a reasonable number
patients and increase of traffic is the issue per the Jordan residents not the reduction in the impervious coverage
The intersection is dangerous and should be taken into consideration
Yadsernia to go to MA DOT
Client going to ZBA
Discussing return date June 7th 7:15 PM, continuing the public hearing
Franklin, MA
modifications to plan made based upon discussions with Town Engineer
MA Highway not amenable to curb cuts on 140 due to the low volume
Yadsernia supports new arrangement and reduction in impervious coverage
There is a rain garden there now, rain garden #1
Applicant going back to ZBA to review the change in plantings due to the changes not reflected in the documentation
Recommend to close public hearing - Dahlstrom
Padula - recommending not closing public hearing
Discussion on issue of the ZBA having already approved, going back to get clarification from ZBA
Planning Board is the deciding board, ZBA is only addressing bylaw or variance
Request to client, to make this special permit being owner specific
Continuing the public hearing
Opening the continued public hearing for the Big Y process to be continued after this concludes
Elizabeth
Petition signed by 172 Franklin residents opposing the Van Roon permit (the number was changed from 72 via email from Elizabeth)
Asking the Board to make sure then include Jordan Road in the process
An antique store has been turned done previously for the same reasons this is objected to today.
32 plus extra cars acknowledged for Jordan Road
visually can not seen around the corner
Jordan is only 25 feet wide, not sufficient to allow for collision avoidance
Defend the quality of life on Jordan Road
Michelle
Scenic roads amendment - "to protect designated scenic roads"
maintain natural beauty
enhance rural character
Clarification on the MA DOT, would not approve curb cut under the circumstances
Moving the parking would increase the impervious area and not desired
Clarification on the Board request to keep the special permit to owner specific
Discussion on the views and differing opinions of the view of the parking lot
Moving the driveway entrance would increase the pervious
Problem is with cars turning off 140 at speed and coming upon cars turning out of the parking lot
What does the Town gain by the conversion of the home to a business when there are places for rent down town?
Board - can there be a formal request to the MA DOT?
Yadsernia could make the call but is opposed to the relocation
Can't get a formal response without making an application without an approved site plan
so there is a chicken and egg situation here
You'd have to double it, 32 in, 32 out would be the traffic load, plus employees
approx family house would be about 10, so a major increase in traffic
There is a benefit in taking it off the residence list which could have a family come in with multiple children
MA DOT did provide a curb cut for a property further down the road for a similar situation
Amount of parking spaces is determined by the zoning requirements based upon the square footage of the building, calculation requires 10, would also require 10 as a reasonable number
patients and increase of traffic is the issue per the Jordan residents not the reduction in the impervious coverage
The intersection is dangerous and should be taken into consideration
Yadsernia to go to MA DOT
Client going to ZBA
Discussing return date June 7th 7:15 PM, continuing the public hearing
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Planning Board - general business
Present: Carroll, Denommee, Ballarino, Calabrese, Padula, Halligan, Yadsernia, Dahlstrom, Taberner, Williams
Absent:
A) Final Bond Release - (Calabrese recused himself) for Apple View Estates
As built drawings submitted to release bond of $5,170 since 2001
passed (1 abstention)
B) Special permit request for extension for Oak Hill Senior Village
units being built, sales slow due to economy, approx 60 of 110 units sold
no problem per Yadsernia
Administrator's office would like an update on the process
Can we extend a special permit?
Move to extend for 1 year to complete work on site, passed unanimously
C) Application for Dean College limited site plan modification
(Padula recused himself)
Modified exit for Chapman parking lot to allow for left and right hand turn separate lanes
location of exit hasn't changed, just the lanes designation
positioning of sidewalk/crosswalk, attempting to funnel foot traffic to entrance of the new building
added bollards to prevent cars getting into the basketball area
would loose 3 parking spots to maintain turning radius
shifting 3 foot from north to south side for fire/emergency vehicle entrance on Main St
Yadsernia - okay with the exit lane changes but not with the mid-block cross walks, or with the walkway
fair to say, come back with this some other time
will need to vote on the parking spot reduction
no issue (per consensus of board) with loosing the 3 parking spots.
to return May 17th under general business
Franklin, MA
Absent:
A) Final Bond Release - (Calabrese recused himself) for Apple View Estates
As built drawings submitted to release bond of $5,170 since 2001
passed (1 abstention)
B) Special permit request for extension for Oak Hill Senior Village
units being built, sales slow due to economy, approx 60 of 110 units sold
no problem per Yadsernia
Administrator's office would like an update on the process
Can we extend a special permit?
Move to extend for 1 year to complete work on site, passed unanimously
C) Application for Dean College limited site plan modification
(Padula recused himself)
Modified exit for Chapman parking lot to allow for left and right hand turn separate lanes
location of exit hasn't changed, just the lanes designation
positioning of sidewalk/crosswalk, attempting to funnel foot traffic to entrance of the new building
added bollards to prevent cars getting into the basketball area
would loose 3 parking spots to maintain turning radius
shifting 3 foot from north to south side for fire/emergency vehicle entrance on Main St
Yadsernia - okay with the exit lane changes but not with the mid-block cross walks, or with the walkway
fair to say, come back with this some other time
will need to vote on the parking spot reduction
no issue (per consensus of board) with loosing the 3 parking spots.
to return May 17th under general business
Franklin, MA
FM #66 Week Ending 5/2/10
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends May 2, 2010.
Time: 10:02
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast
Number 66 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday May 2nd.
In this session I'll the School Committee meeting as they presented their budget Tuesday, and the Town Council meeting on Wednesday where they got an update on the overall budget and voted to put an override question to the voters on June 8th – and a brief outlook at the week ahead
First
The School Committee meeting discussed options on bringing the budget into balance with a number of measures:
The School Committee meeting can be viewed on the Franklin website here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634084755480134220&indexSessionSKU=kWJQA+d4DkqLdYNtc39VcA%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
The committee also spent time discussing full vs half day, free vs pay kindergarten
The arguments have already summarized in a post that I worked with Maureen Sabolinski, Karen Seyfried, and Miriam Goodman to prepare. You can find that report here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/full-day-kindergarten-free-or-tuition.html
Second
From the The Town council meeting on Wednesday:
Financial Planing Committee report, summary review of forecast and updates to the outlook
no questions from the Council
You can and should spent some time to review the meeting via the video on demand link on the Franklin website. You can go directly to the discussion here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=PZze5i0pKVPUM62zGqWI7A%3d%3d
Jeff Nutting provided the update on the overall budget, before he did so, we did get some good news on the High School Renovation project
Overall shortage 3M
1.1 M from Town side of budget
1.8 M from School side of budget
You can and should spent some time to review the meeting via the video on demand link on the Franklin website. You can go directly to the discussion here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=gUqYEwtCQQIavJRj7F%2bNeA%3d%3d
and to include the Finance Committee, Jim Roche took a couple of minutes to add their endorsement of the override
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=fOCjsPPvFGgyKenrDbrNMA%3d%3d
The Council voted unanimously to set the date for the override election to be held on June 8th
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=7mT4fjE8qx5emElxBOKa0Q%3d%3d
The Council then got into a lengthy discussion on the amount and ended up amending the original motion for 2.1 M to increase the amount to 3 M.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=cqgfiEy%2fNL98slaVgWggDg%3d%3d
Closing out some old business from the last meeting, the sewer extension on Washington St that was controversial in the last meeting was resolved before coming to this meeting.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=cL6b7iGtXlCAx98kfQInXQ%3d%3d
Opening some new business was a proposal for a modification to the bylaw on Junk, 2nd Hand and Antique dealers which came up for a first reading.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=9HmNY7guZiQ%2fH4E63hmBMA%3d%3d
I'd normally send you to the Franklin website to view the link but for some reason the link is not available today. I have posted a copy of the Town Council agenda document to Drop.IO and you can view beginning on Pages 28-31 the bylaw itself. Exactly what it changed from is not shown in this document but if this reading is okay with your understanding, then it should be okay. If not, please reach out to Jeff Nutting, Maxine Kinheart and get your questions answered soon.
http://drop.io/FranklinMatters/asset/tc-20100428-agenda-pdf
Separate from the major discussion on override, the Conservation Commission heard the proposals for securing the dams on the DelCarte property along Pleasant St. I need to do more to understand the proposals and implications but be aware that something with dollars associated is being discussed. You can view the meeting and proposal options here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=ei0gDcRTz2DPBC%2frEypYuQ%3d%3d
and here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=mAIQuRUs434FliYRix1Hjg%3d%3d
To summarize:
The school and town budget problems will lead to an override vote on June 8th. There will be a town forum on May 24th and likely other opportunities for discussion on the numbers, pros/cons, etc.
The good news on the high school renovation is the state will reimburse 50%, a vote won't come until Nov 2011, construction won't begin until 2013 and the tax implications of these wouldn't hit out pockets until 2015
The DelCarte property dam remediation will become part of the active discussion.
The Big Y and Dr Van Roon proposals are both scheduled before the planning board on Monday, the 3rd
The Town Council meets again on weds the 5th,
There is another walk to school morning on Wednesday
So there is a whole lot happening in and around Franklin, let's keep a positive and respectful discussion going and we can all work our way through this.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Time: 10:02
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast
Number 66 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday May 2nd.
In this session I'll the School Committee meeting as they presented their budget Tuesday, and the Town Council meeting on Wednesday where they got an update on the overall budget and voted to put an override question to the voters on June 8th – and a brief outlook at the week ahead
First
The School Committee meeting discussed options on bringing the budget into balance with a number of measures:
- cutting 7 elementary teachers
- cutting 8 middle school
- an increase athletic fees
- doubling extra curricular activity fees
- cutting 3 buses
- an early release of elementary schools one day to reduce another 4 positions
The School Committee meeting can be viewed on the Franklin website here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634084755480134220&indexSessionSKU=kWJQA+d4DkqLdYNtc39VcA%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
The committee also spent time discussing full vs half day, free vs pay kindergarten
The arguments have already summarized in a post that I worked with Maureen Sabolinski, Karen Seyfried, and Miriam Goodman to prepare. You can find that report here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/full-day-kindergarten-free-or-tuition.html
Second
From the The Town council meeting on Wednesday:
Financial Planing Committee report, summary review of forecast and updates to the outlook
no questions from the Council
You can and should spent some time to review the meeting via the video on demand link on the Franklin website. You can go directly to the discussion here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=PZze5i0pKVPUM62zGqWI7A%3d%3d
Jeff Nutting provided the update on the overall budget, before he did so, we did get some good news on the High School Renovation project
- 50 percent reimbursement expected from the State
- vote likely required in Nov 2011
- construction to begin in 2013
- which would put the main portion of the debt increase into the tax bills for FY 2015
Overall shortage 3M
1.1 M from Town side of budget
1.8 M from School side of budget
You can and should spent some time to review the meeting via the video on demand link on the Franklin website. You can go directly to the discussion here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=gUqYEwtCQQIavJRj7F%2bNeA%3d%3d
and to include the Finance Committee, Jim Roche took a couple of minutes to add their endorsement of the override
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=fOCjsPPvFGgyKenrDbrNMA%3d%3d
The Council voted unanimously to set the date for the override election to be held on June 8th
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=7mT4fjE8qx5emElxBOKa0Q%3d%3d
The Council then got into a lengthy discussion on the amount and ended up amending the original motion for 2.1 M to increase the amount to 3 M.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=cqgfiEy%2fNL98slaVgWggDg%3d%3d
Closing out some old business from the last meeting, the sewer extension on Washington St that was controversial in the last meeting was resolved before coming to this meeting.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=cL6b7iGtXlCAx98kfQInXQ%3d%3d
Opening some new business was a proposal for a modification to the bylaw on Junk, 2nd Hand and Antique dealers which came up for a first reading.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=9HmNY7guZiQ%2fH4E63hmBMA%3d%3d
I'd normally send you to the Franklin website to view the link but for some reason the link is not available today. I have posted a copy of the Town Council agenda document to Drop.IO and you can view beginning on Pages 28-31 the bylaw itself. Exactly what it changed from is not shown in this document but if this reading is okay with your understanding, then it should be okay. If not, please reach out to Jeff Nutting, Maxine Kinheart and get your questions answered soon.
http://drop.io/FranklinMatters/asset/tc-20100428-agenda-pdf
Separate from the major discussion on override, the Conservation Commission heard the proposals for securing the dams on the DelCarte property along Pleasant St. I need to do more to understand the proposals and implications but be aware that something with dollars associated is being discussed. You can view the meeting and proposal options here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=ei0gDcRTz2DPBC%2frEypYuQ%3d%3d
and here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=mAIQuRUs434FliYRix1Hjg%3d%3d
To summarize:
The school and town budget problems will lead to an override vote on June 8th. There will be a town forum on May 24th and likely other opportunities for discussion on the numbers, pros/cons, etc.
The good news on the high school renovation is the state will reimburse 50%, a vote won't come until Nov 2011, construction won't begin until 2013 and the tax implications of these wouldn't hit out pockets until 2015
The DelCarte property dam remediation will become part of the active discussion.
The Big Y and Dr Van Roon proposals are both scheduled before the planning board on Monday, the 3rd
The Town Council meets again on weds the 5th,
There is another walk to school morning on Wednesday
So there is a whole lot happening in and around Franklin, let's keep a positive and respectful discussion going and we can all work our way through this.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
"tanning should be completely off limits"
As teens across the state flock to indoor tanning salons to prep for their big nights, the House of Representatives will start reviewing a bill passed by the Senate Thursday that raises the minimum tanning age from 14 to 16.
"Research has shown teens who use (tanning beds) have an increased risk of skin cancer by 75 percent," said bill supporter Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland. "... We have an obligation to do something to help raise awareness."
And while the state considers upping the age, the federal government plans to implement a 10 percent tanning tax this summer as part of President Barack Obama's health care reform package - a move some local salons say could hurt their already-strained business.
Read the full article:
Tanning remains popular with teens despite efforts to limit it
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Senior Center - May Newsletter
The newsletter for Franklin's Senior Center is now available on the Senior Center webpage (PDF), or viewable here:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Arlington starts local effort to save school jobs
Arlington, MA has been mentioned recently because of their 5 year plan and is in the news this week with a couple of groups starting a local fund raising campaign to save school positions by raising a million dollars.
The five year plan they put together sometime ago did result in an override that their budget then lived with for five years. Franklin could do something similar but the appetite for such a deal is not likely to generate enough of a movement to get it going considering the override history here.
The five year plan they put together sometime ago did result in an override that their budget then lived with for five years. Franklin could do something similar but the appetite for such a deal is not likely to generate enough of a movement to get it going considering the override history here.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Turn the language around
Let's listen to some kids turn things around.
It is easier than you think.
View this brief video. It is only a couple of minutes.
Now, imagine if we could think of someway to approach the override with the same turn around process.
Instead of negatives, could you approach it as a positive?
Franklin, MA
It is easier than you think.
View this brief video. It is only a couple of minutes.
Now, imagine if we could think of someway to approach the override with the same turn around process.
Instead of negatives, could you approach it as a positive?
Franklin, MA
Stamp Out Hunger - May 8th
Join us on Saturday, May 8th for Stamp Out Hunger — the nation's largest annual single-day food drive!
Letter carriers in more than 10,000 communities will collect food items and deliver them to local food banks to help some of the millions of Americans, including an estimated 16.7 million children, who face hunger every day.
Simply place bags filled with nonperishable food items like canned meats, canned fish, broths, baked beans, mixed vegetables, rice and soups next to your mailbox on Saturday, May 8th.
Your letter carrier will pick up the bags and deliver them to the Franklin Food Pantry.
If you are interested in volunteering at the pantry on May 8th to help sort donations, please email annemarie@franklinfoodpantry.org or visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
Thank you for your generosity!
This was originally posted on the Franklin, MA website here
Letter carriers in more than 10,000 communities will collect food items and deliver them to local food banks to help some of the millions of Americans, including an estimated 16.7 million children, who face hunger every day.
Simply place bags filled with nonperishable food items like canned meats, canned fish, broths, baked beans, mixed vegetables, rice and soups next to your mailbox on Saturday, May 8th.
Your letter carrier will pick up the bags and deliver them to the Franklin Food Pantry.
If you are interested in volunteering at the pantry on May 8th to help sort donations, please email annemarie@franklinfoodpantry.org or visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
Thank you for your generosity!
This was originally posted on the Franklin, MA website here
Friends of the Franklin Library: May Book Sale
The Friends of the Franklin Library is preparing for one of the largest May Book Sales ever and we need your help!
The May Book Sale set up begins on Tuesday, May 11. We need volunteers to assist with the set up through the beginning of the sale on Friday, May 14th. The set up and sale will again be housed at the DPW garage off of Hayward Street. Set up times are from 9:30 AM– 2:30 PM Tuesday through Friday (May 11th-14th).
We also need help on each day of the sale. Friday (member’s night) 4PM – 8PM and Saturday, May 15th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We are planning a bag sale on Sunday, May 16th, from 9AM to Noon and will need help with clean up from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
A perk of volunteering is selecting books (early shopper) for yourself while you work.
Please send me (jandrma@comcast.net or 508-520-9955) the days and times you can volunteer. If you would spread the word and bring a friend that would also be appreciated. Just let me know and I will add them to the schedule.
Best Regards,
Denise Jandreski
FOFL President
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Franklin, MA
Friday, April 30, 2010
Important Downtown Franklin Project in Need of Input
The Town of Franklin is holding a public meeting in order to obtain comments and suggestions on the Downtown Franklin Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project. The meeting will be held on Wednesday May 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Training Room of Franklin’s Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street.
The meeting will consist of two parts:
- The first half of the meeting will consist mainly of a presentation by Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., the Town’s design and engineering consultant for the project. The presentation will include a general update on the planning and engineering portion of the project, as well as a presentation of specific project details through utilization of maps, diagrams and schematics.
- The second half of the night will be a hands on workshop, where meeting attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and provide suggestions on various general topics as well as the project’s specific design components.
The Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project is a multi-year roadway and streetscape improvement project expected to be completed by the end of 2012. The project includes elimination of the one way traffic pattern of Route 140 in Downtown Franklin, installation of interconnected traffic signals with emergency preemption system, period streetlights, traffic calming devices, resetting curbs were needed, ADA compliant sidewalks, resurfacing of streets, and streetscape/landscape improvements and furniture.~
The goals of this important project are to improve vehicular circulation and safety, improve emergency response time, improve the deteriorated conditions of certain secondary roadways, create a safer pedestrian friendly environment, improve the overall appearance of Downtown Franklin, and stimulate private sector investment.
At this time input is being sought from the general public, government officials, Downtown business owners, property owners, and other individuals and organizations. To make it easy for individuals to submit comments and suggestions during the next few months, DPCD will hold at least two public meetings and workshops, including the May 12th meeting, and a required Public Hearing during the summer to review the 25 percent draft design.
Franklin’s department of Planning and Community Development has created the Downtown Improvement Project webpage on the Town’s website:
Please utilize the web site to provide input and look for other ways to participate in this important project. In addition, feel free to contact Franklin’s Director of Planning and Community Development, Bryan W. Taberner, at 508-520-4907 or btaberner@franklin.ma.us if you have questions or require additional information. We look forward to hearing from you.
Note: the funding for this project is covered by a couple of State and Federal grants.
Franklin, MA
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