For the history buffs, this is a wonderful presentation of data over time. It would good to have an on screen tip sheet to show the candidates for each election as it was held to help really tell the story.
Franklin, MA
Friday, December 3, 2010
In the News - holiday stroll, Temple Etz Chaim, recycling center
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Berry Ins helps the Franklin Food Pantry
From the Berry Insurance blog:
Note: I am on the Board of Directors of the Food Pantry, volunteering some of my time as Community Information Director to help tell the good work that they do.
Franklin, MA
Donations are taken year-around and especially appreciated during the holiday season. Berry Insurance has donated to the Franklin Food Pantry for ten years and this year will be no exception! For each new Facebook Fan acquired on the Berry Insurance page over the months of November and December, the agency will donate $2 to the Franklin Food Pantry!
Don’t allow anyone visiting the Franklin Food Pantry to go hungry this holiday season! You can donate time, money or food to help this worthy cause. So please, help us today in ending hunger and help support the Franklin Food Pantry!If you have a Facebook account and have not yet become a Fan of Berry Insurance, please do so and help the Food Pantry!
Note: I am on the Board of Directors of the Food Pantry, volunteering some of my time as Community Information Director to help tell the good work that they do.
Franklin, MA
Franklin Town News
The new Franklin Town News arrived in my mailbox today. I think it looks pretty good for a first edition. I look forward to seeing next month's issue already.
What do you think of it?
Franklin, MA
What do you think of it?
Franklin, MA
"Let’s Talk about Cyberbullying"
Thursday, December 9, 2010
7:00PM – 8:30PM
Dean College
Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room
We are all reading about cyberbullying in the news. Now Franklin’s own home-grown expert Teenangels and their founder, cybersafety expert and head of StopCyberbullying.org, will help the Franklin community understand how it works, how big a problem it is and what we can do about it. The Teenangels are teens who train under Dr. Aftab for 2 years to become cybersafety experts in their own right. They are sought after by the media, governmental agencies and Congress for what they know and their practical approach to addressing cyber-risks.
Parry Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program and the cybersafety contributor to the Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, CNN and MSNBC. She is best known for empowering families to use digital technologies more safely and responsibly. She is a member of Facebook’s five member international safety advisory board and MTV’s advisory board.
This event is sponsored by: Franklin WiredTeens Club, Franklin Community Health Council, and the Franklin Anti-Bullying Task Force.
The flyer for the event can be found here:
Aftab Cyber Bullying Event 12-9-10
Related posts on Cyberbullying
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/bullying-plan-presentation.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/bullying-plan-comments-wanted.html
Franklin, MA
Town Council - 12/01/10
The collection of live reported posts from the Town Council Meeting on Weds Dec 1, 2010 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Legislation for Action
- Live reporting - license transfer
- Live reporting - Town Council
Franklin, MA
Old News: No "Race to the Top" for Franklin
Massachusetts was one of 11 states plus the District of Columbia to win the competitive funding, designed to promote statewide education reform. States vying for a share of the $4.3 billion fund had to pledge to pursue reforms in four areas: adopting standards and assessments aimed at increasing student success in college and the workplace; recruiting and rewarding effective teachers; building state data systems to measure student growth; and turning around the state's lowest performing schools.
Districts had to secure the support of the superintendent, the school committee, and the local teachers union to participate and be eligible for the federal funding. In Milford, as with many districts that opted out of the effort, union opposition was the stumbling block.You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News
Franklin is also one of the districts that opted out of "Race to the Top" because it already is at the top and would not gain via this program.
The Race to the Topic decision was made in Franklin in January. Details on the discussion from the School Committee meeting can be found here
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Live reporting - Closing
Old business
no
New business
no
Council Comments
Powderly - thanks to the Concerts on the Common for their work volunteering for the Christmas tree lighting
Kelly - thank you for the holiday tree celebration
Jones - thanks to the new reporter for the article about the transplant, it is a good story and good
Pfeffer - I received something about the GIC
Nutting -
Pfeffer - what about the prohibition of commercial plates at Beaver St?
Nutting - it wasn't our intent to stop commercial use of the individual cleaning out their yard, we do want to stop the real commercial use. The process has been suspended, we will be coming back with a change in the bylaw regulation
Pfeffer - since we passed the bylaw on the abandoned buildings, what about the Masonic Lodge?
Nutting - We'll take a look at it.
Vallee - motion to adjourn
passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
no
New business
no
Council Comments
Powderly - thanks to the Concerts on the Common for their work volunteering for the Christmas tree lighting
Kelly - thank you for the holiday tree celebration
Jones - thanks to the new reporter for the article about the transplant, it is a good story and good
Pfeffer - I received something about the GIC
Nutting -
Pfeffer - what about the prohibition of commercial plates at Beaver St?
Nutting - it wasn't our intent to stop commercial use of the individual cleaning out their yard, we do want to stop the real commercial use. The process has been suspended, we will be coming back with a change in the bylaw regulation
Pfeffer - since we passed the bylaw on the abandoned buildings, what about the Masonic Lodge?
Nutting - We'll take a look at it.
Vallee - motion to adjourn
passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Legislation for Action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-64: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Retained Earnings
transfer between sewer enterprise account and operations to continue the ongoing program to address I&I
moving money from one pocket to another, no additional fees raised at this time
Capital subcommittee approved, Finance committee approved (11/30/10 by 9-0 vote) as well
$1.2 million in the sewer enterprise account, all money is used for maintenance of the sewer system
the money is collected from the fees, if it wasn't for the surplus we would have had a problem with raising fees
there will be a sewer rate increase in the future as the CRWA upgrades their plant, $20 million to upgrade primarily to bring up to date as well as reduce the phosphorous output to the Charles River
one third of the cost for the EPA mandate, 2 thirds of the cost for the upgrade as components wear out,
motion to approve, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 10-65: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Retained Earnings
A decade ago there was a water distribution plan developed, this will finish up several projects underway
a transfer of money from the enterprise account to operations for repairs
motion to approve, passed 8-0
3. Resolution 10-66: Authorization to Borrow-Water Infrastructure Improvements
requesting to borrow $7.5 million to fund additional water projects
continuing the program started a decade ago
allow several streets to be done as well as a third of Lincoln St
the program will take 3-4 years to do this, all the funding behind these comes from water fees.
streets targeted for repairs have cast iron pipe as old as a hundred years old
McGann - Does this include Mr Jarvis' street to resolve his problem?
Cantorregi - yes, it does and streets surrounding his area downtown
Vallee - How much of the asbestos pipe doe we have left?
Cantorregi - some of the pipe is in good shape, we have about 40 miles of AC pipe left
Vallee - are there any health hazards with the asbesto pipe?
Cantorregi - there is no health risk associated with the water in the pipe, there are issues with our handling of the pipe where we have to take precautions.
Pfeffer - this is a $7.5 Million borrowing that is covered by the normal water bill, there is no associated increase in fees for this.
Powderly - what of the road work associated with this? will it come from Chap 90?
Nutting - We will have a $400,000 proposal later for road work. We'd like to get about that each year to at least do something.
Cantoreggi - ductal (?) iron, with a life cycle of 80-90 years with no interior corrison issues
Nutting - we might not borrow all of this at once, we might do only a bit at time. Water use has declined by about 600,000 gallons per day.
Jones - Whalen took my question about no annual fee associated with this.
Nutting - if some of the buildings in the industrial park fill in, then water usage will go up which is good so if we may be able to offset some of the fee increase with an increase in sales. It is flexible right now.
Mason - up to this point we have waited to borrow money to complete this project. I'd also like to recognize Mr Jarvis who has been affected by this and will finally be getting some resolution.
motion to approve, via role call - passed 8-0
4. Resolution 10-67: Appropriation – Recreation Gift Account
A transfer from an old account
can you amend the motion to include any interest in the account
there was an effort to build a skateboard park, but then one got built at the Y and the issue went away
No projects in mind, just cleaning up the books.
Motion amended to including accrued interest
amendment passed, 8-0
motion passed 8-0
5. Resolution 10-68: Appropriation – Road, Sidewalk, Drainage Improvements
Capital committee recommended this amount, the FINCOM approved this amount
Whalen - Can you refresh the use?
Nutting - original intent of hotel/motel tax once in the account is restricted to open space and recreation
can be used for any legal purpose prior to entering the trust, we have used funds like this for one time capital purposes
motion to approve, passed 8-0
6. Bylaw Amendment 10-651: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic- 2nd Reading
this is the second reading for the change in the parking regulations, this eases the burden for those folks parking downtown
Jones - is this going to cause any additional work on the Police, DPW
Nutting - in the beginning of the season, the police write warning tickets, and then when needed write actual tickets. There might be a start up issue, we will publish this and make folks well aware of it.
Cantoreggi - if this new one goes in and is followed, this will not be a hinderance, if it isn't followed, then there is an issue, usually isolated
Nutting - it actually doesn't change anything, you can still park except between 1-5, you get a ticket either way
motion to approve, via role call passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
1. Resolution 10-64: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Retained Earnings
transfer between sewer enterprise account and operations to continue the ongoing program to address I&I
moving money from one pocket to another, no additional fees raised at this time
Capital subcommittee approved, Finance committee approved (11/30/10 by 9-0 vote) as well
$1.2 million in the sewer enterprise account, all money is used for maintenance of the sewer system
the money is collected from the fees, if it wasn't for the surplus we would have had a problem with raising fees
there will be a sewer rate increase in the future as the CRWA upgrades their plant, $20 million to upgrade primarily to bring up to date as well as reduce the phosphorous output to the Charles River
one third of the cost for the EPA mandate, 2 thirds of the cost for the upgrade as components wear out,
motion to approve, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 10-65: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Retained Earnings
A decade ago there was a water distribution plan developed, this will finish up several projects underway
a transfer of money from the enterprise account to operations for repairs
motion to approve, passed 8-0
3. Resolution 10-66: Authorization to Borrow-Water Infrastructure Improvements
requesting to borrow $7.5 million to fund additional water projects
continuing the program started a decade ago
allow several streets to be done as well as a third of Lincoln St
the program will take 3-4 years to do this, all the funding behind these comes from water fees.
streets targeted for repairs have cast iron pipe as old as a hundred years old
McGann - Does this include Mr Jarvis' street to resolve his problem?
Cantorregi - yes, it does and streets surrounding his area downtown
Vallee - How much of the asbestos pipe doe we have left?
Cantorregi - some of the pipe is in good shape, we have about 40 miles of AC pipe left
Vallee - are there any health hazards with the asbesto pipe?
Cantorregi - there is no health risk associated with the water in the pipe, there are issues with our handling of the pipe where we have to take precautions.
Pfeffer - this is a $7.5 Million borrowing that is covered by the normal water bill, there is no associated increase in fees for this.
Powderly - what of the road work associated with this? will it come from Chap 90?
Nutting - We will have a $400,000 proposal later for road work. We'd like to get about that each year to at least do something.
Cantoreggi - ductal (?) iron, with a life cycle of 80-90 years with no interior corrison issues
Nutting - we might not borrow all of this at once, we might do only a bit at time. Water use has declined by about 600,000 gallons per day.
Jones - Whalen took my question about no annual fee associated with this.
Nutting - if some of the buildings in the industrial park fill in, then water usage will go up which is good so if we may be able to offset some of the fee increase with an increase in sales. It is flexible right now.
Mason - up to this point we have waited to borrow money to complete this project. I'd also like to recognize Mr Jarvis who has been affected by this and will finally be getting some resolution.
motion to approve, via role call - passed 8-0
4. Resolution 10-67: Appropriation – Recreation Gift Account
A transfer from an old account
can you amend the motion to include any interest in the account
there was an effort to build a skateboard park, but then one got built at the Y and the issue went away
No projects in mind, just cleaning up the books.
Motion amended to including accrued interest
amendment passed, 8-0
motion passed 8-0
5. Resolution 10-68: Appropriation – Road, Sidewalk, Drainage Improvements
Capital committee recommended this amount, the FINCOM approved this amount
Whalen - Can you refresh the use?
Nutting - original intent of hotel/motel tax once in the account is restricted to open space and recreation
can be used for any legal purpose prior to entering the trust, we have used funds like this for one time capital purposes
motion to approve, passed 8-0
6. Bylaw Amendment 10-651: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic- 2nd Reading
this is the second reading for the change in the parking regulations, this eases the burden for those folks parking downtown
Jones - is this going to cause any additional work on the Police, DPW
Nutting - in the beginning of the season, the police write warning tickets, and then when needed write actual tickets. There might be a start up issue, we will publish this and make folks well aware of it.
Cantoreggi - if this new one goes in and is followed, this will not be a hinderance, if it isn't followed, then there is an issue, usually isolated
Nutting - it actually doesn't change anything, you can still park except between 1-5, you get a ticket either way
motion to approve, via role call passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - license transfer
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Transfer of Package Store License to Union Street Wine & Liquors
Question on citizenship of owner, additional documentation clarified
Motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Transfer of Package Store License to Union Street Wine & Liquors
Question on citizenship of owner, additional documentation clarified
Motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Powderly
Absent: Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 3, 2010
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Disability Commission - Ronald Wainrib
Motion to accept, passed 8-0
F. HEARINGS - none
Franklin, MA
Absent: Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 3, 2010
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Disability Commission - Ronald Wainrib
Motion to accept, passed 8-0
F. HEARINGS - none
Franklin, MA
2nd Annual Holiday Stroll Happenings
Come to Downtown Franklin Thursday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
A Cut Above: Complementary hair products, coupons for hair & nail services, hot chocolate and cookies.
Berry Insurance: Broadcast from WODS-FM 103.3.
Boston Sports Club: Pictures with Scooby Doo, goodie bags at Dean Bank.
Dean College: 4:30pm tree lighting, caroling and holiday snacks. Come cheer on the Bulldogs at the Women’s Basketball game 6pm and Men’s Basketball Game 8pm in Pieri Gym. Free Admission!
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU): Candy for kids at the Mobile Branch in Simon’s Parking Lot.
Downtown Consignment: Beverages & refreshments, 20% off coupon for evening of Stroll.
Emma’s Quilt Cupboard: Quilt sample sale. Make a wool felt ornament.
Franklin Dance Workshop & Co.: Holiday entertainment at Simon’s Furniture parking lot. Goodie bag give-aways.
Franklin Food Pantry: Open House 4:30-8pm. Accepting donations from Holiday Needs List.
Franklin Historical Museum: Busy Bee Crafters will have holiday gift items for sale . Enjoy holiday music.
Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Theater Troupe performance and stocking takeaway.
H & R Block: Goodies, free second looks, free tax return raffle.
Hair @ Nail It: A free manicure with a canned good donation for the Franklin Food Pantry.
House Portraits by Deb: Calendar collage of Franklin paintings.
Jane’s Frames: Hot cider and gingerbread cookies, Free Drawing for Framed Art for all those that sign up for Wish List for Holiday Gifts.
Party Paints N’ Pottery: Mulled cider, cookies and a free ornament to paint.
Printsmart: Free one-subject notebook for all kids who come into the store.
RE/MAX Realty: Condo Tours and a Hospitality Suite with refreshments for all ages.
Rick’s Restaurant: A cup of Rick’s award winning chowder with purchase of an adult entrée. Mention the Holiday Stroll to receive this mouth watering offer.
Salon Sorella: 20% off gift cards ~ first 50 people to purchase a $100 gift card will receive it for $50. One per family-offers cannot be combined.
SELF Aesthetics and Therapeutic Specialists: 5 minute chair massages, coupons and raffle for a free service.
Simon’s Furniture: Meet Santa from 5-7pm.
Franklin, MA
Social media and the workplace
Social media and the workplace, a new explanation by the folks at Common Craft is available at this link: http://commoncraft.com/social-media-workplace-video
In less than 4 minutes, Common Craft thoughtfully lays out how a company can use social media to help deliver and respond to what is being said about the company in the social web (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.).
Franklin, MA
In less than 4 minutes, Common Craft thoughtfully lays out how a company can use social media to help deliver and respond to what is being said about the company in the social web (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.).
Franklin, MA
Funding Storm Water Management - Dec 6th, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Stormwater management is a growing challenge for local governments. As a resource that is increasingly regulated, municipalities must develop approaches that protect and enhance how stormwater is handled.
Please join us for a presentation and discussion of potential funding options to support stormwater management in your community and the surrounding region.
The flyer and details can be viewed here for Franklin's meeting at 3:00 PM:
FundingStormwaterMgt_101122
The towns of Bellingham, Franklin and Milford have been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as pilot communities for draft enhanced stormwater regulations. To assist the towns with potential challenges associated with these regulations, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is developing background materials on Stormwater Utilities, which operate similarly to other public services like water supply and wastewater. MAPC is preparing information on state laws supporting use of a Stormwater Utility, the structure and administration of a utility, and case studies of other communities in Massachusetts and the US where stormwater utilities are in existence or are under consideration.
If you miss the Franklin time slot, there is also one later in Bellingham:
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council will give a presentation on the effects of the Environmental Protection Agency’s newly enacted stormwater management regulations at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday, Dec. 6.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will be held in Arcand Meeting Room at the Municipal Center, 10 Mechanic St.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x999955476/Stormwater-management-regulation-presentation-next-Monday-in-Bellingham
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Birke's advice
Sometimes, the way the message is delivered is better. "Think local. Choose organic and know your farmer."
Birke Baehr is 11 and planning to be an organic farmer
Franklin, MA
Birke Baehr is 11 and planning to be an organic farmer
Franklin, MA
Finance Committee - 11/30/10 - Agenda
Town of Franklin
Finance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
7:00 PM
Municipal Building Council Chambers
(post agenda to web site) (meetings are recorded)
Balances as of 9/30/10
Gen Stab 4,689,302
PW Stab 74,656
Debt Stab 179,980
Traffic Stab 4,529
Overlay Surplus -0-
Free Cash 2,133,006
Call to Order
Citizens Comments
Approval of Minutes
Action Items:
2011 Capital Budget:
Roads - $200,000 (FY 11 Hotel/Motel tax)
Fire Truck - $180,000 (Debt Stabilization)
Water Improvements - $1,200,000 (Water Retained Earnings)
Sewer I & I Improvements - $300,000 (Sewer Retained Earnings)
Departmental Capital - $833,000 (Free Cash)
Bond Authorizations:
School Repairs - $2,000,000
Water Improvements - $7,500,000
Discussion Items:
Jeff Nutting – Current Financial Policies
Proposed General Fund Operational Policies
Proposed Enterprise Account Policies
Future Capital Projects
Tax hearing
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
Franklin, MA
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