- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Action items, continued
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - Town Council
Franklin, MA
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Town Council - 09/08/10
The collection of posts reported live during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 8, 2010 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Eaton House open house today, a great accomplishment on affordable housing that took a long time to get here
L. OLD BUSINESS
Powderly - any data on the new trash program?
M. NEW BUSINESS
Jones - vacant and abandoned property bylaw, properties around town are in this condition and we don't have something on the books to address this.
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - thanks to Steve Sherlock for helping to keep the community informed
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn, Passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Eaton House open house today, a great accomplishment on affordable housing that took a long time to get here
Water conservation restrictions were removed
EPA has $300,000 grant to help Milford, Bellingham and Franklin to help figure out the storm water issue that you'll be hearing more of
Sep 29th, a presentation on the downtown area is also available
L. OLD BUSINESS
Powderly - any data on the new trash program?
Nutting - I think we are waiting on the first quarter to complete
Pfeffer - discussion on sewer policy
Mason - October is a good month to discuss sewers
M. NEW BUSINESS
Jones - vacant and abandoned property bylaw, properties around town are in this condition and we don't have something on the books to address this.
Nutting - several communities have adopted something like Mr Jones is suggesting, to get the title holder to take care of the property. I think it is worthy of discussion of the Council.
Jones - I also think would be good to avoid a safety issue.
Mason - let's put this on the first October meeting
Motion to put on an agenda a vacant and abandoned properties
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - thanks to Steve Sherlock for helping to keep the community informed
Kelly -schools open, please drive safely
Jones - Sep 14th primary coming up, get out an vote
Whalen - I would like to comment on the $1.29 million that the School Dept just received.
The money was our share of a $10 billion Federal Jobs bill. It was good to receive. Hard to see how it generated such diverse reception. The timing and nature is problematic. It could have come earlier to avoid the layoffs. The short term and non recurring nature requires that the funds only be used for teacher salaries and benefits. This is a short term fix, cash windfall. Relative under investment compared to our peer towns.
Mason - Florida plays inaudible buzzing noise to keep the teenagers away from parking lots, on Channel 11 we play rock music to scare the seniors away.
Thanks for all the grant writing you do, it helps a whole lot.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn, Passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items, continued
8. Bylaw Amendment 10-649: Amendment to Sewer System Map, Coutu Street- 1st Reading
Bill Yadsernia, Town Engineer
Approx 400 feet for a private sewer line to connect to a public street and public portion of the sewer line
meets the bylaw criteria, a single house for a single extension, done twice before on Brook (and somewhere else)
400 feet paid for by the developer and remain a private road
Pfeffer - I am for this one, a single house is the way we should be going
Vallee - do you recommend this?
Yadsernia - yes, I do
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Bill Yadsernia, Town Engineer
Approx 400 feet for a private sewer line to connect to a public street and public portion of the sewer line
meets the bylaw criteria, a single house for a single extension, done twice before on Brook (and somewhere else)
400 feet paid for by the developer and remain a private road
Pfeffer - I am for this one, a single house is the way we should be going
Vallee - do you recommend this?
Yadsernia - yes, I do
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-48: Appropriation – DelCarte Open Space Design & Permitting of Repairs to Dam
Background on donation of the land to the Town, research done, proposal to repair dams now before us. Cost reduced to $1.3 million. The amount of $140,000 is for the final design and permitting for the work to take the next step. The debt stabilization account has functionally completed its use, the money can be used for other capital purposes.
There are open space and recreation grants available but on a once a year cycle, need to have the engineering work in place.
Ray Willis (Conservation Commission) - Dams 3 and 5 are being registered with the State. Due to the height and amount of water being held back. Dam 5 in the most dire condition. Not only holding back the pond behind 5 but all the water behind the others before it as well. Earthen dam with one concrete sluice-way.
If we do nothing, the worse case is the pond would revert back to a stream. It currently serves as a storm water storage system. It reduces phosphorus before it gets to the Charles River. By loosing the pond, we would loose treatment. The exact amount of phosphorus is unknown.
The pond network provides flow control. If you remove the pond it would increase the flow through to the lower areas. If an upper dam would fail, then the flows would increase downstream.
They are all earthen dams. The flow control structures maybe partially concrete. With Dams 3 and 5 the State will eventually look at them and tell us what to do.
Vallee - That was a brook, it was created once years ago to create a cranberry bog or fish pond.
Whalen - Part of the Capital Budget process is to prioritize the requests, is there a reason that this can't be included.
Nutting - This has been on the capital budget, it now has a better cost estimate to help make an analysis.
Whalen - We have so many competing needs to scare funds, I am not sure where this fits in the priority listing.
Nutting - We have to take 50% of the phosphorus out of the Charles River. This is the largest body of water that will allow us to do that. If we can get some state grants etc.
Pfeffer - Can you do what Mr DelCarte did and dump rocks, etc on it?
Willis - You need to reinforce the entire structure, fixing just one section will increase the pressure upon the other.
Pfeffer - we have lots of open space money can we use that?
Nutting - we can't use the funds that are already in the account. We can use it from future contributions to the fund.
Jones - Does it means that as soon as we register the Dams 3 and 5, the State will state looking at them and force us to fix them.
Willis - We are waiting to hear back from the State on what they will do.
Jones - do they have any funding for this?
Willis - I don't know that information.
Powderly - is there a threat to the surrounding homes if a dam we to fail?
Willis - There would be some damage to property but no loss of life as far as we can tell.
Con Commission - It is a beautiful piece of property, it is being used, it can be used even better with some investment in the upkeep of this property. Down the road we can have an amazing recreation place. The residents are locally patrolling it, keeping it good. It would not be good to let it fail.
Chamenski - It is a beautiful area, full of wildlife. As this thing dries out, it does smell. It has an impact on the abutters. We have a beautiful area. To Mr Vallee's point, there has been a change, man-made or not, there is change. There are heron, geese and other wildlife. We should restore what has been created not take it away.
Alfieri - Conservation Agent - All these dams have already failed, they are already leaking, the ability to hold back the level is already lost. These ponds have drained and filled back up. The odor that comes off from the area. Not just from the dead fish, but from the vegetation. We have signs all over the dams to warn against crossing them, they are dangerous.
Whalen - I would like tonight not to be an up and down. Is there a larger document that goes with the summary we have.
Nutting - You can table it and we can come back with the Engineering Company to answer questions.
Motion to postpone until the next meeting (9/29/10), passed 7-0
2. Resolution 10-49:Rescission of Authorization to Borrow, Municipal Parking Garage - removed from agenda, motion to approve removal, passed 7-0
3. Resolution 10-50: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow, Construction of Fire Station
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
4. Resolution 10-51: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow, Fire Ladder Truck
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
5. Resolution 10-52: Scheduling of Public Hearing to Consider Removal of Utility Poles, Overhead Wires, and Associated Overhead Structures in Downtown Area
Scheduled for Sep 29, 2010 7:10 PM
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
6. Resolution 10-53: Creation of Energy Committee
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
7. Resolution 10-54: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes
2/3 vote required, roll called, motion to approve, passed 7-0
---- 3 minute recess -----
Franklin, MA
1. Resolution 10-48: Appropriation – DelCarte Open Space Design & Permitting of Repairs to Dam
Background on donation of the land to the Town, research done, proposal to repair dams now before us. Cost reduced to $1.3 million. The amount of $140,000 is for the final design and permitting for the work to take the next step. The debt stabilization account has functionally completed its use, the money can be used for other capital purposes.
There are open space and recreation grants available but on a once a year cycle, need to have the engineering work in place.
Ray Willis (Conservation Commission) - Dams 3 and 5 are being registered with the State. Due to the height and amount of water being held back. Dam 5 in the most dire condition. Not only holding back the pond behind 5 but all the water behind the others before it as well. Earthen dam with one concrete sluice-way.
If we do nothing, the worse case is the pond would revert back to a stream. It currently serves as a storm water storage system. It reduces phosphorus before it gets to the Charles River. By loosing the pond, we would loose treatment. The exact amount of phosphorus is unknown.
The pond network provides flow control. If you remove the pond it would increase the flow through to the lower areas. If an upper dam would fail, then the flows would increase downstream.
They are all earthen dams. The flow control structures maybe partially concrete. With Dams 3 and 5 the State will eventually look at them and tell us what to do.
Vallee - That was a brook, it was created once years ago to create a cranberry bog or fish pond.
Whalen - Part of the Capital Budget process is to prioritize the requests, is there a reason that this can't be included.
Nutting - This has been on the capital budget, it now has a better cost estimate to help make an analysis.
Whalen - We have so many competing needs to scare funds, I am not sure where this fits in the priority listing.
Nutting - We have to take 50% of the phosphorus out of the Charles River. This is the largest body of water that will allow us to do that. If we can get some state grants etc.
Pfeffer - Can you do what Mr DelCarte did and dump rocks, etc on it?
Willis - You need to reinforce the entire structure, fixing just one section will increase the pressure upon the other.
Pfeffer - we have lots of open space money can we use that?
Nutting - we can't use the funds that are already in the account. We can use it from future contributions to the fund.
Jones - Does it means that as soon as we register the Dams 3 and 5, the State will state looking at them and force us to fix them.
Willis - We are waiting to hear back from the State on what they will do.
Jones - do they have any funding for this?
Willis - I don't know that information.
Powderly - is there a threat to the surrounding homes if a dam we to fail?
Willis - There would be some damage to property but no loss of life as far as we can tell.
Con Commission - It is a beautiful piece of property, it is being used, it can be used even better with some investment in the upkeep of this property. Down the road we can have an amazing recreation place. The residents are locally patrolling it, keeping it good. It would not be good to let it fail.
Chamenski - It is a beautiful area, full of wildlife. As this thing dries out, it does smell. It has an impact on the abutters. We have a beautiful area. To Mr Vallee's point, there has been a change, man-made or not, there is change. There are heron, geese and other wildlife. We should restore what has been created not take it away.
Alfieri - Conservation Agent - All these dams have already failed, they are already leaking, the ability to hold back the level is already lost. These ponds have drained and filled back up. The odor that comes off from the area. Not just from the dead fish, but from the vegetation. We have signs all over the dams to warn against crossing them, they are dangerous.
Whalen - I would like tonight not to be an up and down. Is there a larger document that goes with the summary we have.
Nutting - You can table it and we can come back with the Engineering Company to answer questions.
Motion to postpone until the next meeting (9/29/10), passed 7-0
2. Resolution 10-49:Rescission of Authorization to Borrow, Municipal Parking Garage - removed from agenda, motion to approve removal, passed 7-0
3. Resolution 10-50: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow, Construction of Fire Station
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
4. Resolution 10-51: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow, Fire Ladder Truck
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
5. Resolution 10-52: Scheduling of Public Hearing to Consider Removal of Utility Poles, Overhead Wires, and Associated Overhead Structures in Downtown Area
Scheduled for Sep 29, 2010 7:10 PM
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
6. Resolution 10-53: Creation of Energy Committee
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
7. Resolution 10-54: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes
2/3 vote required, roll called, motion to approve, passed 7-0
---- 3 minute recess -----
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Powderly
Absent: McGann, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 4, 2010 and August 18, 2010
Motion to approve as amended (Whalen correctly absent but noted as seconding the motion to adjourn), passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
Meeting also being recorded by Steve Sherlock for Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ken Norman
1 - representing former Veterans Memorial Committee, requesting removal of sign recognizing the businesses who did contribute to the memorial, temporary was okay but it diminishes the integrity of the site
2 - representing the Council on Aging, requesting the removal of the hard rock music being played while the announcements are scrolling on Channel 11
3 - won't be able to attend the hearing on the underground utilities, involving about six utility poles at the cost over $1 million dollars.
E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - C Kai Olsson
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Historical Commission - Mary O'Neill, Mary Morrissey Olsson
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Zoning Board of Appeals - Timothy C Twardowski
motion to approve, passed 7-0
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
Franklin, MA
Absent: McGann, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 4, 2010 and August 18, 2010
Motion to approve as amended (Whalen correctly absent but noted as seconding the motion to adjourn), passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
Meeting also being recorded by Steve Sherlock for Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ken Norman
1 - representing former Veterans Memorial Committee, requesting removal of sign recognizing the businesses who did contribute to the memorial, temporary was okay but it diminishes the integrity of the site
2 - representing the Council on Aging, requesting the removal of the hard rock music being played while the announcements are scrolling on Channel 11
3 - won't be able to attend the hearing on the underground utilities, involving about six utility poles at the cost over $1 million dollars.
E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - C Kai Olsson
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Historical Commission - Mary O'Neill, Mary Morrissey Olsson
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Zoning Board of Appeals - Timothy C Twardowski
motion to approve, passed 7-0
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
Franklin, MA
"The earthquake is over, the disaster is not"
Glenn Jones is returning to Haiti to help with the recovery efforts from the earthquake. He will be
Glenn Jones Letter on 'Going to HAITI'
A video summary of the work of MissionE4:
This is a great example of a "good news" that I'd like to share more often. If you have a good news story, please let me know.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document and video.
Franklin, MA
"continuing to contribute my electrical skills to a small village called Leogane. Leogane was in the epicenter of the Earthquake that shook Haiti in January."Glenn wrote this letter to explain his contribution and seek your help:
Glenn Jones Letter on 'Going to HAITI'
A video summary of the work of MissionE4:
This is a great example of a "good news" that I'd like to share more often. If you have a good news story, please let me know.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document and video.
Franklin, MA
East of Shirley at the Harvest Cafe on Sat Sep 11, 2010
The group East of Shirley is one that I have featured as the intro and exit music for the weekly podcast. They have scheduled a gig this Saturday up Rt 85 in Hudson at the Harvest Cafe.
More information on this gig can be found here: http://www.reverbnation.com/show/2988546
Note: now that the summer break is over, I do plan on returning to providing a weekly summary. In case you missed the Jan - June recap you can find it here:
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/07/franklin-ma-2010-midyear-review.html
More information on this gig can be found here: http://www.reverbnation.com/show/2988546
Note: now that the summer break is over, I do plan on returning to providing a weekly summary. In case you missed the Jan - June recap you can find it here:
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/07/franklin-ma-2010-midyear-review.html
Finance Committee 09/07/10
The live reported posts from the Finance Committee meeting of Tuesday Sep 7, 2010 can be found here
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Dean College: President's Cup Golf Tournament
The 14th annual Dean College President’s Cup Golf Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at the New England Country Club, Bellingham, MA.
Check-in, registration and breakfast begins at 8 a.m. The tournament begins with a shotgun start and scramble format at 9 a.m., and concludes with a luncheon and awards at 2 p.m.
For more information or to register, please contact the Dean College Office of alumni relations at 1-888-711-3326, or go online to https://www.dean.edu/forms/golfregistration.aspx
Franklin, MA
Check-in, registration and breakfast begins at 8 a.m. The tournament begins with a shotgun start and scramble format at 9 a.m., and concludes with a luncheon and awards at 2 p.m.
For more information or to register, please contact the Dean College Office of alumni relations at 1-888-711-3326, or go online to https://www.dean.edu/forms/golfregistration.aspx
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Live reporting - capital plan to closing
Head's up that we are looking to do a capital plan earlier than we have done before
the same five or six departments put in the capital requests, you should be able to do the due diligence
The staff will start working in October on the 2012 budget
Other than some increases in benefits, etc. we won't be adding folks,
Pension usually comes in about March, we would like to make decisions earlier than later
State potential shortfall of 2-3 Billion for next year, if that is true, it can't be good for us
Because we have lived with lots of State Aid, that hurts us more when the cuts come
It puts us at a greater risk for Fiscal 2012. Jim Vallee has done a great job for us, but if the state doesn't have money that won't help us.
Don't give me what you want, give me what you have now and any known increases
For example, an energy increase may be possible with a contract coming due next year.
The vote on the sales taxes could cut the overall State income in half and that would trickle down to us.
Let's look at a zero based budget, what are we actually required to provide by statue
The guts of government that cost the least are the ones you have to have, the quality of life is created by the other departments that do help us and cost the money.
It gets and will be very difficult. We have lost one of every ten jobs on the municipal side since I have been here. I don't see that changing.
The big piece of the puzzle is the schools. They have been working hard to do what they can with they have.
Maybe in a perfect world we have no net new revenue so we will struggle. We have done well with what we have. People are getting a great bang for the bucks they do spend.
When can we expect free cash to be certified?
Probably in November.
It is our policy to use free cash to fund the capital plan.
It is not free and it is not cash. The funds left over from the previous fiscal year are turned back and revenues in excess of anticipated. When it is all mixed together, it goes to the State, they then certify. Traditionally we have gotten around 2 million and we are a 100 million dollar business. We want to have some left over. It is better planning to have free cash than to be short. We are conservative in estimating revenues.
Usually set aside a half million for snow/ice right away. We are building that account up over time but we are not there yet. Depending upon the weather, we see what we have left. The capital plan goes up and down depending upon what we have left in free cash.
We can't use free cash to balance the operating budget. Free cash is one time and can be used for capital not operations.
It is confusing to some of the citizens but whether we have 40 or 45 police officers, they still need cruisers and cruisers do wear out over time and need to be replaced.
There are two items of concern: one the roll back on the sales tax and one the roll back of the liquor tax. The last time the roll back the income tax got 40 something percent of the vote.
Any further progress on regionalization?
Nothing yet, we have feelers out. It is a piece of the puzzle. We are doing the library and recreation. Fiscal stress is the mother of invention. The more stress, the more people may be ready to dance. There are so many pieces to the puzzle here in the commonwealth.
Hope to have a contract with the architect for the high school project completed next week. Still targeting next November for the voters to have their say on the renovations.
The Governor did sign off on the petition for our charter questions this November. We will have two questions (one with regard to the technical items) and two to make the treasurer/collector an appointed position. (The questions will be posted to Franklin Matters and discussed further as we get closer to November.)
Finance Committee would move to a three year term and be staggered to get into it. Some would take one year, some two year, and some three year terms to get it going.
It is important that the stabilization fund is not used for operations. Our overall balance is down 5 Million over the last several years. A reduction in rating now is about a half a percent on the bond rating.
We look at all the options. What is coming off, what will come on, what will it look like so we can explain to the citizens what the school issue would look like before the vote.
We upgraded out bond back in 2002. S&P has us at the same rating, Moody's dropped us.
New business
Oct 23 - Assoc of Finance Committee meeting at Tri-County
Cameron - re: funding just received by the School Committee, some of which is being saved and some is being used.
Nutting - If it came five months ago, it would have been a lot easier, three months later it would have been too late. They voted to use part of it and save the remainder for FY 2012. Any questions should be directed to the School Administration and School Committee.
The money was directed for teacher salary and benefits to be spent by 2012.
Motion to adjourn, passed 10-0
Franklin, MA
the same five or six departments put in the capital requests, you should be able to do the due diligence
The staff will start working in October on the 2012 budget
Other than some increases in benefits, etc. we won't be adding folks,
Pension usually comes in about March, we would like to make decisions earlier than later
State potential shortfall of 2-3 Billion for next year, if that is true, it can't be good for us
Because we have lived with lots of State Aid, that hurts us more when the cuts come
It puts us at a greater risk for Fiscal 2012. Jim Vallee has done a great job for us, but if the state doesn't have money that won't help us.
Don't give me what you want, give me what you have now and any known increases
For example, an energy increase may be possible with a contract coming due next year.
The vote on the sales taxes could cut the overall State income in half and that would trickle down to us.
Let's look at a zero based budget, what are we actually required to provide by statue
The guts of government that cost the least are the ones you have to have, the quality of life is created by the other departments that do help us and cost the money.
It gets and will be very difficult. We have lost one of every ten jobs on the municipal side since I have been here. I don't see that changing.
The big piece of the puzzle is the schools. They have been working hard to do what they can with they have.
Maybe in a perfect world we have no net new revenue so we will struggle. We have done well with what we have. People are getting a great bang for the bucks they do spend.
When can we expect free cash to be certified?
Probably in November.
It is our policy to use free cash to fund the capital plan.
It is not free and it is not cash. The funds left over from the previous fiscal year are turned back and revenues in excess of anticipated. When it is all mixed together, it goes to the State, they then certify. Traditionally we have gotten around 2 million and we are a 100 million dollar business. We want to have some left over. It is better planning to have free cash than to be short. We are conservative in estimating revenues.
Usually set aside a half million for snow/ice right away. We are building that account up over time but we are not there yet. Depending upon the weather, we see what we have left. The capital plan goes up and down depending upon what we have left in free cash.
We can't use free cash to balance the operating budget. Free cash is one time and can be used for capital not operations.
It is confusing to some of the citizens but whether we have 40 or 45 police officers, they still need cruisers and cruisers do wear out over time and need to be replaced.
There are two items of concern: one the roll back on the sales tax and one the roll back of the liquor tax. The last time the roll back the income tax got 40 something percent of the vote.
Any further progress on regionalization?
Nothing yet, we have feelers out. It is a piece of the puzzle. We are doing the library and recreation. Fiscal stress is the mother of invention. The more stress, the more people may be ready to dance. There are so many pieces to the puzzle here in the commonwealth.
Hope to have a contract with the architect for the high school project completed next week. Still targeting next November for the voters to have their say on the renovations.
The Governor did sign off on the petition for our charter questions this November. We will have two questions (one with regard to the technical items) and two to make the treasurer/collector an appointed position. (The questions will be posted to Franklin Matters and discussed further as we get closer to November.)
Finance Committee would move to a three year term and be staggered to get into it. Some would take one year, some two year, and some three year terms to get it going.
It is important that the stabilization fund is not used for operations. Our overall balance is down 5 Million over the last several years. A reduction in rating now is about a half a percent on the bond rating.
We look at all the options. What is coming off, what will come on, what will it look like so we can explain to the citizens what the school issue would look like before the vote.
We upgraded out bond back in 2002. S&P has us at the same rating, Moody's dropped us.
New business
Oct 23 - Assoc of Finance Committee meeting at Tri-County
Cameron - re: funding just received by the School Committee, some of which is being saved and some is being used.
Nutting - If it came five months ago, it would have been a lot easier, three months later it would have been too late. They voted to use part of it and save the remainder for FY 2012. Any questions should be directed to the School Administration and School Committee.
The money was directed for teacher salary and benefits to be spent by 2012.
Motion to adjourn, passed 10-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Finance Committee
Present; Cataldo, Rivera, Meserve, Huempfner, Quinn, Cameron, Texieria, Feldman, Roche, Goldsmith
Absent: 1 open spot (Meare resigned)
Holding off on replacement pending the charter review where it would be reduced to 9 members instead of the current 11.
Brief review on the changes in the open meeting laws.
Minutes to approve
April 27, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0
May 4, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0
May 6, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0
May 10, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0 as amended (one figure referenced 48 million, when it should be 48,000.)
Transfer from Debt Stabilization to DelCarte, $140,000
needed for engineering design and permitting to start the detail design work on the property
two of the dams have been registered per state requirements
fix a couple of dams, remove a couple, all designed to reduce phosphorous input to the Charles River
Full cost of repairs will be covered later with grants, in-kind work and potential debt coverage
Where does this leave us with debt stabilization account?
We really don't need to any longer, could have removed it during the budget process but it came up to late
Our debt is going down to a low 3 percent (below the 3.5 percent threshold)
What are potential liabilities if we don't do this work?
The dams are registered. There probably wouldn't be a whole lot of impact unless there was a major flood condition. If there was only one pond, the amount of phosphorous input to the Charles River needs to be reduced.
What is the Open Space fund for?
Yes, we do have one, it is for the purchase of or improvement of land purchased. Since this land was gifted, we can not use the fund to improve this particular land. If we did by some other property, i.e the DelCarte house itself, then those funds can be used to improve that land. We would have to change the legislation to use the open space funds for the 130 acres. It was special legislation for the town created in 2001.
What is the total projected cost?
About 1.3 million.
What about the grants?
Grants go in a cycle, we will look to see if any other them can cover in this case. Maybe get the Army Corp of Engineers to help us, or in-kind work. We'll look at every and all possibilities to get this work done.
Is this a bondable project?
Yes, that is an option if we can not come up with the other sources.
Timeline?
About 6 months of design work, look to the remainder no earlier than June
Would we like to have a shovel in the ground next fall, yes. But we don't have the money. We don't have to bond this for twenty years.
Motion to transfer $140,000 from Debt Stabilization Fund to Del Carte, passed 10-0
Franklin, MA
Absent: 1 open spot (Meare resigned)
Holding off on replacement pending the charter review where it would be reduced to 9 members instead of the current 11.
Brief review on the changes in the open meeting laws.
Minutes to approve
April 27, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0
May 4, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0
May 6, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0
May 10, 2010 (budget hearing) - motion to approve, passed 10-0 as amended (one figure referenced 48 million, when it should be 48,000.)
Transfer from Debt Stabilization to DelCarte, $140,000
needed for engineering design and permitting to start the detail design work on the property
two of the dams have been registered per state requirements
fix a couple of dams, remove a couple, all designed to reduce phosphorous input to the Charles River
Full cost of repairs will be covered later with grants, in-kind work and potential debt coverage
Where does this leave us with debt stabilization account?
We really don't need to any longer, could have removed it during the budget process but it came up to late
Our debt is going down to a low 3 percent (below the 3.5 percent threshold)
What are potential liabilities if we don't do this work?
The dams are registered. There probably wouldn't be a whole lot of impact unless there was a major flood condition. If there was only one pond, the amount of phosphorous input to the Charles River needs to be reduced.
What is the Open Space fund for?
Yes, we do have one, it is for the purchase of or improvement of land purchased. Since this land was gifted, we can not use the fund to improve this particular land. If we did by some other property, i.e the DelCarte house itself, then those funds can be used to improve that land. We would have to change the legislation to use the open space funds for the 130 acres. It was special legislation for the town created in 2001.
What is the total projected cost?
About 1.3 million.
What about the grants?
Grants go in a cycle, we will look to see if any other them can cover in this case. Maybe get the Army Corp of Engineers to help us, or in-kind work. We'll look at every and all possibilities to get this work done.
Is this a bondable project?
Yes, that is an option if we can not come up with the other sources.
Timeline?
About 6 months of design work, look to the remainder no earlier than June
Would we like to have a shovel in the ground next fall, yes. But we don't have the money. We don't have to bond this for twenty years.
Motion to transfer $140,000 from Debt Stabilization Fund to Del Carte, passed 10-0
Franklin, MA
Let's start a community garden in Franklin
The Boston Globe has a cover page article on local campuses that are growing food to help the students with their learning and well as their health.
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2010/09/07/student_gardens_provide_food_for_mind_body/
Franklin has already established some raised garden beds and is looking to expand upon that start to get into a community garden.
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/
Related posts on raised gardens and the community garden effort can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/hi-ho-hi-ho-update-on-raised-gardens.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/franklin-ma-food-pantry-garden-bed.html
Franklin, MA
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2010/09/07/student_gardens_provide_food_for_mind_body/
Franklin has already established some raised garden beds and is looking to expand upon that start to get into a community garden.
There is an effort afoot to start up a community garden in Franklin! This is your chance to get in on the ground floor. The first planning session will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the Franklin YMCA. No gardening experience is necessary.The Growing in Franklin website can be found here
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/
Related posts on raised gardens and the community garden effort can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/hi-ho-hi-ho-update-on-raised-gardens.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/franklin-ma-food-pantry-garden-bed.html
Franklin, MA
Picturing America and Taking Pictures around Franklin
1 - The National Endowment for Humanities has created a new initiative Picturing America.
2 - Public photography day is coming up Saturday, Sep 11, 2010
http://publicphotography.org/the-shoot-is-this-saturday-september-11-2010/
Franklin, MA
NEH also wishes to recognize the following organizations and individuals for their support of the program:
The Institute of Museum and Library Services; the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the National Park Service have helped to extend the reach of Picturing America.Explore the website here: http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/
2 - Public photography day is coming up Saturday, Sep 11, 2010
An idea is in the works by a few people. What we are hoping to accomplish is a peaceful mass photo get together from Coast to Coast City to City Town to Town across Canada and anywhere else to bring attention and awareness to the fact that public photography is not a crime and photographers are not criminals. Lately, in different parts of the world, photographers are being detained and sometimes arrested under the guise of ‘suspicious behaviour’ merely for photographing in public. Photographers are just people with a pastime, a hobby or a job and photography is the means in which we express ourselves.Details on the photo shoot for Saturday can be found here:
http://publicphotography.org/the-shoot-is-this-saturday-september-11-2010/
Franklin, MA
Things don't always go as planned
Spending sometime in today's classroom environment would be rather interesting for most folks. Especially for those who claim to "have had 30 or more kids in their class and they did alright." Teaching in those days is considerably different from today.
Coach Brown reflecting on a lesson plan that didn't work writes:
http://ukiahcoachbrown.blogspot.com/2010/09/clunk.html
Read more of Coach Brown here:
http://ukiahcoachbrown.blogspot.com/
Franklin, MA
- There has been an increase in standards,
- There is more of a requirement to teach to the test
- The students themselves are all post-Sesame Street
Coach Brown reflecting on a lesson plan that didn't work writes:
In the end, the lesson provided a decent idea of marginal analysis. But it was clear that the lesson had little flow, was veering off track on every opportunity, and became a greater bane than a benefit to class time. Was a total failure? No, not by a long shot. But by this point I want a certain vibe and flow to my class, and this new lesson didn’t provide that. So it was a disappointment that I want to change before I teach it again in January to my next semester of Economics. Hey newbs, even ten years in things will not always go as planned. Get used to it and change it for next time. You won’t have much time to mope about the negativity. The next class begins in 7 minutes.Bold for my emphasis. Read the full posting here:
http://ukiahcoachbrown.blogspot.com/2010/09/clunk.html
Read more of Coach Brown here:
http://ukiahcoachbrown.blogspot.com/
Franklin, MA
Monday, September 6, 2010
What does the recession look like?
The percent of unemployed by county across the US shown as time progresses from Jan 2007 through May 2010 becomes quite the staggering picture.
You can view another version of this here
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
Against this background, the need to network, learning and sharing what those in the job search have experienced becomes all the more important. If you are unemployed, or know someone who is, let them know that the Job Search Jam Sessions can provide help. The event will be held in Hopkinton on Friday, October 1. The cost is only $7.00. Tickets can be purchased with credit card or paid at the door. We do strongly encourage registration so that the proper amount of food for the breaks and lunch can be planned for.
What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into this site to keep up with what sessions will be offered.
The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.
By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.
If you want to pay at the door, please click on the "Show Other Payment Options" link to register. This will give us a good count to plan for the food.
More information about the Job Search Jam Sessions can be found here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Franklin, MA
You can view another version of this here
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
Against this background, the need to network, learning and sharing what those in the job search have experienced becomes all the more important. If you are unemployed, or know someone who is, let them know that the Job Search Jam Sessions can provide help. The event will be held in Hopkinton on Friday, October 1. The cost is only $7.00. Tickets can be purchased with credit card or paid at the door. We do strongly encourage registration so that the proper amount of food for the breaks and lunch can be planned for.
What are the Job Search Jam Sessions?
Across five time slots, there will be up to eight sessions offered. You'll be able to pick and choose what you need for that moment in time on your job search. The specific sessions will be finalized on Friday, Oct 1 to meet the needs of the participants. Stay tuned into this site to keep up with what sessions will be offered.
The schedule outline has been prepared.
If you'd like to suggest a session, you can do so here.
By the end of the day, the Job Search Jam Sessions will provide you with the information, the connections and/or the inspiration to reach the end of your job search successfully.
If you want to pay at the door, please click on the "Show Other Payment Options" link to register. This will give us a good count to plan for the food.
More information about the Job Search Jam Sessions can be found here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Franklin, MA
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