Proposed Agenda for May 11, 2010
Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM
I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Review of minutes of previous meeting
C. Approve previous meeting minutes
II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Eagle Scout Kiosk Project
III. Membership Committee Report (Denison, McKeown, Sawyer)
A. Committee to report on membership activity
IV. Report from Finance Committee (Rossetti)
A. Report from Treasurer
V. Report of Fund Raising Committee (Sawyer)
A. Report on fund raising activities
a. Report on Raffle Ticket Sales by Carl Svendsen
b. Report Road Race Committee prep by Dave Labonte
VI. Report from Grant Writing Committee (if any)
A. Extend committee with more members & participation
VII. Unfinished Business
VIII. New Business
A. Need volunteers to work on the 2nd edition brochure
IX. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn
The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee website can be found here
http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/
Franklin, MA
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Town Council - 05/05/10
The collection of posts on the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, May 5th and reported on by viewing the on demand video archive can be found here:
Town Council: Franklin Recreational Advisory Board...
Town Council: Spilka, Vallee update
Town Council: road repair funding
Town Council - hazard mitigation
Town Council: Legislation
Town Council: Closing items
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Franklin Recreational Advisory Board...
Town Council: Spilka, Vallee update
Town Council: road repair funding
Town Council - hazard mitigation
Town Council: Legislation
Town Council: Closing items
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Closing items
Old business
Powderly - update requested to families where elderly have deferred taxes, the rate is small and following what Franklin pays, but jumps up after a brief period to 16%. The incentive for the family is to pay it off quickly.
New business
Vallee - street opening bylaw, working very well, it is well enforced
if a company opens a street so far, then they should pave curb-to-curb
The MMA has sponsored some legislation that has been pending for 30 years (per Cerel)
Can we get a letter for the Council to sign to send to our legislators to request action on this?
Councilor Comments
Mason - addressing Council McGann's (who is absent tonight) mention at last meeting (Apr 28th) about bringing forth a presentation on Town waste, requesting Jeff to allocate time on the agenda to have this covered, this presentation if there is anything to it, needs to be addressed before the override.
Vallee - "there is no waste in this town"
as the meeting breaks, Vallee is heard to say, "if they find anything, they won't find much I'll tell you."
To hear the last seven minutes of the Town Council meeting as summarized above, follow this link to the on demand video
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=xEUq0k5hUv%2bZhhtWPwnXlA%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Powderly - update requested to families where elderly have deferred taxes, the rate is small and following what Franklin pays, but jumps up after a brief period to 16%. The incentive for the family is to pay it off quickly.
New business
Vallee - street opening bylaw, working very well, it is well enforced
if a company opens a street so far, then they should pave curb-to-curb
The MMA has sponsored some legislation that has been pending for 30 years (per Cerel)
Can we get a letter for the Council to sign to send to our legislators to request action on this?
Councilor Comments
Mason - addressing Council McGann's (who is absent tonight) mention at last meeting (Apr 28th) about bringing forth a presentation on Town waste, requesting Jeff to allocate time on the agenda to have this covered, this presentation if there is anything to it, needs to be addressed before the override.
Vallee - "there is no waste in this town"
as the meeting breaks, Vallee is heard to say, "if they find anything, they won't find much I'll tell you."
To hear the last seven minutes of the Town Council meeting as summarized above, follow this link to the on demand video
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=xEUq0k5hUv%2bZhhtWPwnXlA%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Legislation
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
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
A good way to increase funds in the Sewer/Water enterprise account and reduce the annual expense as well as our share of the capital renovations being planned
We have excess capacity of 1.2M gallons per day and would still have excess after this to over future growth
motion to approve - passed 7-0
2. Resolution 10-21: Appropriation – Snow and Ice Deficit
went over the budget as expected, slowly building the budget up to the working average
motion to approve - passed 7-0
3. Resolution 10-22: Appropriation – Election Expenses
$10,000 requested to cover the special override election on June 8th. This election is totally funded by Franklin as opposed to other state and special senate elections where we get some reimbursement from the State.
motion to approve - passed 7-0
Note - Items 3 and 4 went before the Finance Committee on Tuesday 5/4/10 and were approved by a 9-0 vote. According to the video, Jeff Nutting remembered the vote as 8-0.
Franklin, MA
3. Resolution 10-22: Appropriation – Election Expenses
$10,000 requested to cover the special override election on June 8th. This election is totally funded by Franklin as opposed to other state and special senate elections where we get some reimbursement from the State.
motion to approve - passed 7-0
Note - Items 3 and 4 went before the Finance Committee on Tuesday 5/4/10 and were approved by a 9-0 vote. According to the video, Jeff Nutting remembered the vote as 8-0.
Franklin, MA
Town Council - hazard mitigation
4. Resolution 10-23: Adoption of Hazard Mitigation Plan
work has been completed, FEMA has approved, a formality for the Council to approve
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
work has been completed, FEMA has approved, a formality for the Council to approve
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Town Council: road repair funding
Jeff Nutting in a follow up question from the prior meeting asked how the $3 M override would be allocated. Currently for the amount before the voters, 1.8 would go to the schools; 300,000 would go to the Town; where would the other $900,000 go?
Scott Mason proposes that the $900,000 go to a separate fund at least for the next two years for road repair.
Repair of Wachusett St cost = $1 M
Proposal for Pleasant St would cost = $9 M
Roads are a huge unmet need. Currently other than Chap 90, there is no local funding for road repair.
15 M could cover 10 miles of roads but we have 200 miles of roads.
This would at least be a start to address the need.
Franklin, MA
Scott Mason proposes that the $900,000 go to a separate fund at least for the next two years for road repair.
Repair of Wachusett St cost = $1 M
Proposal for Pleasant St would cost = $9 M
Roads are a huge unmet need. Currently other than Chap 90, there is no local funding for road repair.
15 M could cover 10 miles of roads but we have 200 miles of roads.
This would at least be a start to address the need.
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Spilka, Vallee update
Senator Karen Spilka, Rep Jim Vallee provide an update on the Senate and House efforts to provide local aid.
Spilka - working on new legislation for the local hotel and motel taxes to be kept under a new regional group rather than going into Boston. This will help to advertise the local cultural assets and businesses that make this area special.
Vallee - Absent the economy rebounding quickly, we are not getting out of this quickly. We will need to continue to look at structural changes. A town the size of Franklin with a school system the size of Lowell, is a big challenge. I have fought very hard for full day kindergarten, it is so critical to provide education at the earliest level for kids.
You can view the video on demand from the Town website here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=6jMe7B5d6l23JP9m5hmbtg%3d%3d
Note: I am continuing to catch up the Town Council meeting of 5/5/10 video the video on demand link provided above.
Franklin, MA
Spilka - working on new legislation for the local hotel and motel taxes to be kept under a new regional group rather than going into Boston. This will help to advertise the local cultural assets and businesses that make this area special.
Vallee - Absent the economy rebounding quickly, we are not getting out of this quickly. We will need to continue to look at structural changes. A town the size of Franklin with a school system the size of Lowell, is a big challenge. I have fought very hard for full day kindergarten, it is so critical to provide education at the earliest level for kids.
You can view the video on demand from the Town website here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=6jMe7B5d6l23JP9m5hmbtg%3d%3d
Note: I am continuing to catch up the Town Council meeting of 5/5/10 video the video on demand link provided above.
Franklin, MA
Finance Committee - 05/10/10 - Agenda
The Finance Committee continues it annual budget hearing Monday evening at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers.
On Tuesday (5/4), they reviewed the budgets of the Town Clerk, Board of Health, Board of Assessors, Information Technology, Facilities, and School Department.
You can find a detail summary of the discussion here:
On Thursday (5/6), they reviewed the budgets of the Veterans, Senior Center, Police and parking meters, Library, and Recreation. They completed these items early and covered the following Animal control and Tri-County. These two topics had been scheduled for Monday the 10th.
You can find a detail summary of the discussion here:
On Monday evening (5/10), the following departments are scheduled for review:
Inspections/Appeals
Fire
DPW
Street lights
Enterprise funds
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - 5/11/10
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session minutes from the April 27, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual & Transfers
2. Corrected NEASC letter
2. Guests/Presentations
a. DESE Coordinated Program Review Report
Sally Winslow, Beth Fitzmaurice and Michele Kingsland-Smith,
3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice
First Reading - Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account
Further FY11 Budget Discussion
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Anne Bergen for the field trip to Roger Williams Zoo on June 10, 2010 as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $500.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips for Keller students.
c. I recommend not participating in the school choice program for the 2010-2011 school year.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Enrollment Comparison for April 2009-2010
b. Bullying Law
c. School Choice
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
In the News - downtown feedback sought
Franklin looking for comments on downtown changes
from The Milford Daily News News RSS"The project is expected to be completed by 2012, and is being funded through state and federal grants. The town is now working to submit its 25-percent plan stage to the state for approval."
Franklin, MA
Beaver Pond - concession stand under construction
Inquiring minds could speculate that Franklin is spending big bucks to build a new concession stand with rest rooms at Beaver Pond. But they would be incorrect.
Folks may recall that when Beaver Pond was re-done, the old building came down. There were several tries to put it out to bid but the bids were too expensive.
Franklin has gotten creative in the solution to this desire of getting a building for nominal cost. The answer?
Tri-County Regional Vocational High School.
The labor will be provided by the students under the guidance of their teachers (all qualified and certified). The students will get practical school experience.
Franklin will obtain a building for the cost of the materials required.
It will take some time to complete. The foundation has been laid but school gets out soon, so the work likely will resume in the fall.
It will be good quality work, reasonably done with an educational benefit! A real win-win.
This information was brought to light during the budget hearing on Thursday, May 6 and my notes can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/live-reporting-recreation.html
The on demand video link to this portion of the budget hearing can be found here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=MX%2f3xEExA55iC3tjGSCaeQ%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Folks may recall that when Beaver Pond was re-done, the old building came down. There were several tries to put it out to bid but the bids were too expensive.
Franklin has gotten creative in the solution to this desire of getting a building for nominal cost. The answer?
Tri-County Regional Vocational High School.
The labor will be provided by the students under the guidance of their teachers (all qualified and certified). The students will get practical school experience.
Franklin will obtain a building for the cost of the materials required.
It will take some time to complete. The foundation has been laid but school gets out soon, so the work likely will resume in the fall.
It will be good quality work, reasonably done with an educational benefit! A real win-win.
This information was brought to light during the budget hearing on Thursday, May 6 and my notes can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/live-reporting-recreation.html
The on demand video link to this portion of the budget hearing can be found here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=MX%2f3xEExA55iC3tjGSCaeQ%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Saturday, May 8, 2010
New England Dental - 233 West Central St
Inquiring minds were wondering what is going on at the former Franklin Baptist Church on West Central St. Construction is underway, finally.
Digging into the Planning Board meeting archives, reveals that in the minutes for the Jan 25, 2010 meeting, a site plan extension was granted for one year.
One view above, second view below
By the size of the hole in the ground, there is an addition being made to the existing building.
Hurrah, more tax revenue for Franklin!
Franklin, MA
Digging into the Planning Board meeting archives, reveals that in the minutes for the Jan 25, 2010 meeting, a site plan extension was granted for one year.
One view above, second view below
By the size of the hole in the ground, there is an addition being made to the existing building.
Hurrah, more tax revenue for Franklin!
Franklin, MA
Curbside Yard Waste Collection
Franklin’s Curbside Yard Waste Collection will be held on Saturday May 15th.
Be sure to have all material in paper bags, trash barrels or cardboard boxes.
Brush must be bundled and shall not be more than 4 feet in length and 6–inches in diameter.
Franklin, MA
Reminder: Dean College commencement - street closures
Franklin, MA – Dean College will be holding its Commencement exercises today - Saturday, May 8, 2010 on Grant Field.
As a result, the section of Main Street between School and Emmons Street will be closed to traffic from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. (during the procession to and from the Campus Center).
In addition, School Street will be closed (School to Hillside) from 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Public Safety officers will be standing by at the intersection of School and Main, Garfield, Martin Ave. and Hillside to ensure emergency vehicles will have access at all times.
View Larger Map
As a result, the section of Main Street between School and Emmons Street will be closed to traffic from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. (during the procession to and from the Campus Center).
In addition, School Street will be closed (School to Hillside) from 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Public Safety officers will be standing by at the intersection of School and Main, Garfield, Martin Ave. and Hillside to ensure emergency vehicles will have access at all times.
View Larger Map
HMEA 5K Race/Walk - May 23rd
The Horace Mann Education Associates - HMEA, Inc. is located here in Franklin, MA but their effective service delivery is to over 100 communities in MA.
The annual fund raiser for HMEA is the 5K Race/Walk and Family Fun Day scheduled for May 23, 2010.
In addition to working the road race registration table (and providing splits at the 2 mile mark), I have decided to help HMEA do some fund raising this year.
I love the quote from Horace Mann that they use on their History page:
You can help the HMEA make a difference with a donation. I have a widget in the center column of this and my other blogs, should you choose to donate an amount within your means.
I will appreciate it.
The HMEA clients you help will too!
-----
If you would like to register for the race you can do so here
http://www.hmea.org/events.html
If you'd like you can contribute in one of several options directly through the HMEA website here
http://www.hmea.org/donations.html
HMEA has a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and now serve over 2400 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services include: Residential, Day and Family supports, and services for children.
HMEA's Employment Programs provides people with disabilities the opportunity to pursue meaningful employment either on a full- or part-time basis. For people in the Employment Program who work part-time, HMEA encourages volunteering for community organizations, or leisure and recreation activities to supplement their day.
HMEA's Employment Programs serve people 22 years of age and older who live within the commuting distance of program locations in the following cities and towns: Bellingham, Clinton, Hopedale, Plainville and Worcester
SAVE THE DATE...Sunday, May 23, 2010 HMEA's 9th Annual Independence 5K Walk/Run in the Park - MARK YOUR CALENDARS and grab your sneakers to participate in this "Fun-filled Family Day fundraising event...
This event, which is hosted by our good friends at EMC2 Corporation in Franklin, MA gathers 2,000 or more people to help HMEA continue its mission to make a difference in people's lives. AND, all the money raised is returned to the many programs at HMEA, which supports 2,400 children and adults with intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities.
Once again we have Gene Lavanchy from Fox News25 and tentatively Gail Huff from WCVB-TV Channel performing hosting duties for us. And our great friends and inspiration to many, "TEAM HOYT", Dick and Rick will be on hand again this year -- plus we're pretty sure there will be a few other celebrities and mascots on hand as well!
So come on down and participate in the fun...there's raffle prizes, food, tee shirts for participants (while they last), prizes, a Kids Corner filled with games and activities, a Kids "FUN RUN" and so much more...
In addition to working the road race registration table (and providing splits at the 2 mile mark), I have decided to help HMEA do some fund raising this year.
I love the quote from Horace Mann that they use on their History page:
"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity"
You can help the HMEA make a difference with a donation. I have a widget in the center column of this and my other blogs, should you choose to donate an amount within your means.
I will appreciate it.
The HMEA clients you help will too!
-----
If you would like to register for the race you can do so here
http://www.hmea.org/events.html
If you'd like you can contribute in one of several options directly through the HMEA website here
http://www.hmea.org/donations.html
WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES - effective 6/1/10
MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
TAKE EFFECT ON TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010
Lawn watering is restricted to ONE-DAY PER WEEK BY TRASH DAY.
Lawn watering not permitted between 9:00 AM thru 5:00 PM.
No holiday delays for watering.
NO LAWN WATERING IS PERMITTED ON OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK.
During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and state restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months.
The summer Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption use. A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns. Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200.
Originally posted on the Franklin, MA website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/Water_Conservation/Mandatory_Water_Conserv_2010
TAKE EFFECT ON TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010
Lawn watering is restricted to ONE-DAY PER WEEK BY TRASH DAY.
Lawn watering not permitted between 9:00 AM thru 5:00 PM.
No holiday delays for watering.
NO LAWN WATERING IS PERMITTED ON OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK.
During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and state restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months.
The summer Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption use. A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns. Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200.
Originally posted on the Franklin, MA website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/Water_Conservation/Mandatory_Water_Conserv_2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Young Professionals Organization
"You help me, I'll help you"
Kaitlyn and Chris Pintarich of Berry Insurance found sufficient writing space to complete their survey forms.
The initial gathering for those young professionals looking for a "Chamber of Commerce" business and networking opportunity took place Thursday evening at Preservation Framer in North Attleboro.
A survey was asked of the participants to help gather information on how they would like the group to operate. An incentive to fill out the survey was provided by entering the complete surveys into a raffle.
Mixing business and social networking is a win/win. Some activities would be more enticing to a younger crowd than to the more established chamber group. Expansion to the younger group is a wise idea for the Chamber. The group will operate under the umbrella of the Chamber this year and then separately next year. Membership in the Chamber will cover both organizations this year but require a separate membership next year.
While there is the separation, there will be opportunities for connections between the two groups. One key area is in mentoring. For the young professionals looking to start their own business, obtaining advice in specific business matters.
If this sounds like something you'd like to take part in, you won't have to bend over backwards. Stay tuned to notification of future events here, on the Facebook fan page of the YPO, or contact any of the offices of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Franklin, MA
Kaitlyn and Chris Pintarich of Berry Insurance found sufficient writing space to complete their survey forms.
The initial gathering for those young professionals looking for a "Chamber of Commerce" business and networking opportunity took place Thursday evening at Preservation Framer in North Attleboro.
A survey was asked of the participants to help gather information on how they would like the group to operate. An incentive to fill out the survey was provided by entering the complete surveys into a raffle.
Mixing business and social networking is a win/win. Some activities would be more enticing to a younger crowd than to the more established chamber group. Expansion to the younger group is a wise idea for the Chamber. The group will operate under the umbrella of the Chamber this year and then separately next year. Membership in the Chamber will cover both organizations this year but require a separate membership next year.
While there is the separation, there will be opportunities for connections between the two groups. One key area is in mentoring. For the young professionals looking to start their own business, obtaining advice in specific business matters.
If this sounds like something you'd like to take part in, you won't have to bend over backwards. Stay tuned to notification of future events here, on the Facebook fan page of the YPO, or contact any of the offices of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Franklin, MA
Franklin Food Pantry
Some of the output from the raised garden beds put in around Franklin on Earth Day is destined for the Franklin Food Pantry.
The Food Pantry has its own raised bed. It was also installed on Earth Day. I remembered when running by this week to take a picture. (Yes, sometime if you see this tall guy running, then stop to take a picture with his phone, it might be me :-)
The Stamp Out Hunger campaign will have the postal carriers collect bags of food on their rounds Saturday May 8th and deliver them to the Franklin Food Pantry for distribution to the Franklin area families.
Prior posts on the raised garden bed project can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
and here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html
Franklin, MA
The Food Pantry has its own raised bed. It was also installed on Earth Day. I remembered when running by this week to take a picture. (Yes, sometime if you see this tall guy running, then stop to take a picture with his phone, it might be me :-)
The Stamp Out Hunger campaign will have the postal carriers collect bags of food on their rounds Saturday May 8th and deliver them to the Franklin Food Pantry for distribution to the Franklin area families.
Prior posts on the raised garden bed project can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
and here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html
Franklin, MA
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