Franklin Library accepting book donations for spring book sale
Franklin, MA
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Downtown walk around
Our Saturday morning walk to and around downtown Franklin presented a few photo opportunities.
First up was the line up of the ark and occupants at the First Federated Church
Acapulcos has a new sign on their window. Free wifi with a catch; it is only good from 11:00 AM through 3:00 PM.
Heading for Cafe Dolce I noticed that the flower boxes have been removed. Must be getting fixed up in time for the Spring installation of flowers in May by the Downtown Partnership.
What have you noticed around Franklin, now that we can all get out and around a bit with the better weather?
Franklin, MA
First up was the line up of the ark and occupants at the First Federated Church
Acapulcos has a new sign on their window. Free wifi with a catch; it is only good from 11:00 AM through 3:00 PM.
Heading for Cafe Dolce I noticed that the flower boxes have been removed. Must be getting fixed up in time for the Spring installation of flowers in May by the Downtown Partnership.
What have you noticed around Franklin, now that we can all get out and around a bit with the better weather?
Franklin, MA
How does New Hampshire do it?
New Hampshire is noted for its state liquor stores and no personal income tax. Yet they also have the highest property tax in New England. You have probably been part of a discussion on the pros and cons of what they do versus other states.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has just published their analysis with interesting results. New Hampshire is able to do what it does "in part because of favorable circumstances. States with needier populations or higher costs will likely spend more to provide the same level of services." The report shows ways in which MA and other New England states have needier populations and higher costs.
The report acknowledges that New Hampshire "has also made some policy choices to keep spending low and avoid broad based taxes." So can we do what they did? The report goes on to say that "some choices may be infeasible in the current environment or inappropriate in states with different preferences for public services."
So the bottom line works out to be, if you like MA stay here. If you think you like NH and the way they do things, go there. How NH does what they do doesn't translate well to other states.
FedResBkBoston_neppcrr1101-nhbriefing
This is the report summary. You can find the full report and accompanying tables of supporting figures on the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston website: http://www.bostonfed.org/news/press/2011/pr040711.htm
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has just published their analysis with interesting results. New Hampshire is able to do what it does "in part because of favorable circumstances. States with needier populations or higher costs will likely spend more to provide the same level of services." The report shows ways in which MA and other New England states have needier populations and higher costs.
The report acknowledges that New Hampshire "has also made some policy choices to keep spending low and avoid broad based taxes." So can we do what they did? The report goes on to say that "some choices may be infeasible in the current environment or inappropriate in states with different preferences for public services."
So the bottom line works out to be, if you like MA stay here. If you think you like NH and the way they do things, go there. How NH does what they do doesn't translate well to other states.
FedResBkBoston_neppcrr1101-nhbriefing
This is the report summary. You can find the full report and accompanying tables of supporting figures on the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston website: http://www.bostonfed.org/news/press/2011/pr040711.htm
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
Saturday, April 9, 2011
10th Annual HMEA Independence 5K Walk Run Roll & Stroll
Gene Lavanchy, Fox 25 morning News anchor, and New England Patriot Steve Nelson will host the 10th Annual HMEA Independence 5K Walk Run Roll & Stroll on May 22 at EMC, 50 Constitution Blvd, in the Franklin Industrial Park.This video provides a good recap of what the events of the day are like.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x719609999/HMEA-5K-in-the-Park-is-May-22#ixzz1J1R0ozxz
My recap of 2010 can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/hmea-5k-walk-and-family-fun-day.html
You can register to run, walk, or stroll on the HMEA website http://hmea.org/
Franklin, MA
"always good news to see an increase in state funding"
Milford's Chapter 90 funding would increase from $627,000 in fiscal 2011 to $812,000 in fiscal 2012. Mendon's would increase from $208,000 to $270,000. Upton's would rise from $239,000 to $320,000. Hopedale's would jump from $136,000 to $174,000 while Bellingham's would go from $392,000 to $510,000, according to a spreadsheet on the Department of Transportation website.
Franklin's road funding would grow from $713,000 to $923,000, while Medway's would jump from $318,000 to $413,000. Those are both nearly 30 percent increases that Vallee said would make a dramatic difference.
"I think this year was extraordinary with having the significant, record snowfalls and deterioration of roads," he said. "... There's never enough money for any specific need, but from my standpoint, this is a good use of taxpayer money. It goes directly to infrastructure and I think the increase was needed."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1076645343/Towns-in-line-to-get-more-road-repair-funds#ixzz1J1N74J7e
Information on the FY 2012 Budget can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html
The Finance Committee will hold their budget hearings on May 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10. Each department will review their budget detail and answer questions on their operations and expenses.
Franklin, MA
Where's the Train? Check "Rail Radio"
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 4/8/11
MBTA and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company today announced the launch of an updated "Rail Radio" service. "Rail Radio" provides real-time information about the status of approaching trains on car radios. It is now integrated with commuter rail's Passenger Train Information System, a computerized system that links real-time information from approaching trains to LED monitors at stations."The integration of Rail Radio and PTIS delivers real-time information directly from approaching trains to customers' cars," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. "This service gives commuter rail customers more accurate information about when their train will arrive."
The low wattage AM radio service is currently available at more than 80 MBTA commuter rail stations with over 50 parking spaces in Eastern Massachusetts. Customers should check LED monitors at their local stations for the "Rail Radio" frequency in their area.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Friday, April 8, 2011
Hey Mom, let's make some squishy circuits!
Looking for something to do and entertain the kids? Got play dough?
Stop at Radio Shack for some electrical parts and make some squishy circuits!
What? Watch, it is only a six minute video to get the idea.
For recipes and activities, visit the web site referenced as Anne Marie Thomas finishes her demo: Squishy Circuits
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.
Franklin, MA
Stop at Radio Shack for some electrical parts and make some squishy circuits!
What? Watch, it is only a six minute video to get the idea.
For recipes and activities, visit the web site referenced as Anne Marie Thomas finishes her demo: Squishy Circuits
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.
Franklin, MA
Let Your Life Speak
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 4/7/11
Let Your Life Speak is a 3-day workshop that will be offered this summer for incoming high school seniors. Pamela McIntyre, Ph.D. and Janet Pergola, FHS Faculty, are collaborating on this class that is designed to help students communicate about themselves through college essays and interviews. The name of the class has its origins in an old Quaker saying that refers to having the ability to articulate your values, priorities, and interests. Throughout one's life and most particularly during senior year, seniors will be asked to communicate who they are to colleges, employers, and scholarship foundations. Furthermore, seniors will need to write college essays and interview with admission officers. Throughout these processes, they will need to share information about who they are and what is important to them. This class asks each incoming senior: Do you know what you want to say? Do you know how you're going to say it? In this class students will:
- Explore and identify primary strengths, passions, and priorities
- Learn how to write effective college essays
- Enhance and refine your interviewing and public presentation skills
For more information:
Telephone: Lifelong Learning at 508-553-4814 0r email: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us
To register: www.franklin.k12.ma.us select the Summer Program from the center of the page, select Let Your Life Speak.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Lifelong Learning using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Town Council - 04/06/11
The collection of live reporting notes from the Town Council meeting Wednesday, April 6, 2011 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - NuStyle Brownfields Public Hearin...
- Live reporting - legislation for action
- Live reporting - Town Council
Franklin, MA
"officials would probably seek additional money"
"It's a step in the process," Foss said. "I agree that ideally the work would be done more quickly. But, (we're planning to hire) a licensed contractor to do the work and that takes time and money."
Contaminants, including lead and chlorinated volatile organic compounds, have been detected in some soil and groundwater at the site. The property was taken by the town through the tax title process in 2002 and 2005.
The volatile organic compounds could pose a risk to indoor air quality if the 1-acre parcel is redeveloped. The parcel also includes part of Mine Brook and a parking lot built by a neighboring property owner with permission of the town.
The town could have spent money itself and possibly cleaned up the property sooner, but Franklin is trying to save taxpayers' money by seeking outside funding, Town Adminstrator Jeffrey Nutting said.
"We inherited this property," Nutting said. "People are making it sound like the town is doing something wrong."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x719609663/Franklin-residents-want-contaminated-property-cleaned-up-soon#ixzz1IpUJ57eu
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
various announcements, hydrant flushing, mosquito spraying
Earth Clean up day coming April 16th
L. OLD BUSINESS
Jones - can we get the stretch code documents for the Council
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - You mentioned hydrant flushing but didn't mention filling potholes
Nutting - if you have notice of one, let the DPW know
Jones - Y celebrating Healthy Kids Day this Saturday
Vallee - Crecent St is the worse street
Nutting - It is on the list for 2-3 years
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to move to executive session, passed 7-0 (via roll call)
Franklin, MA
various announcements, hydrant flushing, mosquito spraying
Earth Clean up day coming April 16th
L. OLD BUSINESS
Jones - can we get the stretch code documents for the Council
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - You mentioned hydrant flushing but didn't mention filling potholes
Nutting - if you have notice of one, let the DPW know
Jones - Y celebrating Healthy Kids Day this Saturday
Vallee - Crecent St is the worse street
Nutting - It is on the list for 2-3 years
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to move to executive session, passed 7-0 (via roll call)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - NuStyle Brownfields Public Hearing
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing to solicit comments on a draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives for the Town
Bryan Taberner introduced David Foss project manager on the remediation effort
demolition of the building is step one to handle the remediation
the analysis has been completed on all the outside ground area, they can't analyze the ground the building is on but need to remove it first
renovation is not practical, do nothing is not allowed as it doesn't handle the risk
remove soil that can be removed, if the amount becomes too much, then the alternative would be to cap and mark it via deed as to its use
putting together bid documents for contractors to bid to do the demolition
Mr Compton - we don't need a consultant to tell us we need to demolish this facility
What further work will be required depends upon what is found after the demolition and what the future use will be. If a park or parking lot, very little required. If a basement is required, then soil removal and treatment for that digging would be required.
The hope is to take the building down this construction season.
Comment period open from Apr 1 to May 2 noon time.
Mr Compton - the building is more likely to cost closer to $500,000 than 200,000.
Only one of the two buildings is covered under the grant (the back building)
This is a demolition grant prior was an assessment grant
240,000 less $24,000 for the project management firm to assist in the demo
If the bid comes in for $400,000, we'll be back for the additional funds.
Unless we have specific costs for the demolition, we don't know
We have been trying to take care of the environment and minimize the Franklin tax dollars in the process
Lot 27 has the EPA items of concern, Lot 22 does not have any EPA issues
motion to close the hearing, approve 7-0
Franklin, MA
Public Hearing to solicit comments on a draft Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives for the Town
Bryan Taberner introduced David Foss project manager on the remediation effort
demolition of the building is step one to handle the remediation
the analysis has been completed on all the outside ground area, they can't analyze the ground the building is on but need to remove it first
renovation is not practical, do nothing is not allowed as it doesn't handle the risk
remove soil that can be removed, if the amount becomes too much, then the alternative would be to cap and mark it via deed as to its use
putting together bid documents for contractors to bid to do the demolition
Mr Compton - we don't need a consultant to tell us we need to demolish this facility
What further work will be required depends upon what is found after the demolition and what the future use will be. If a park or parking lot, very little required. If a basement is required, then soil removal and treatment for that digging would be required.
The hope is to take the building down this construction season.
Comment period open from Apr 1 to May 2 noon time.
Mr Compton - the building is more likely to cost closer to $500,000 than 200,000.
Only one of the two buildings is covered under the grant (the back building)
This is a demolition grant prior was an assessment grant
240,000 less $24,000 for the project management firm to assist in the demo
If the bid comes in for $400,000, we'll be back for the additional funds.
Unless we have specific costs for the demolition, we don't know
We have been trying to take care of the environment and minimize the Franklin tax dollars in the process
Lot 27 has the EPA items of concern, Lot 22 does not have any EPA issues
motion to close the hearing, approve 7-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - legislation for action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
2. Resolution 11-11: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes
part of a regular process, no buildable structures for the DPW lands, possible rain water treatment, rain gardens, etc.
motion to approve, passed 7-0
3. Bylaw Amendment 11-659 Chapter 135, Removal and Undergrounding of Utility Poles and Overhead Wires and Structures
motion to move to second reading, passed 7-0
one time charge to electrical users in Franklin, based upon the average residential electrical bill, approx $1.00
Franklin, MA
2. Resolution 11-11: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes
part of a regular process, no buildable structures for the DPW lands, possible rain water treatment, rain gardens, etc.
motion to approve, passed 7-0
3. Bylaw Amendment 11-659 Chapter 135, Removal and Undergrounding of Utility Poles and Overhead Wires and Structures
motion to move to second reading, passed 7-0
one time charge to electrical users in Franklin, based upon the average residential electrical bill, approx $1.00
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Absent: McGann, Whalen
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 2, 2011 regular minutes, February 16, 2011 Executive Session Minutes
motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-09: Creation of Franklin Community Garden Committee
motion to approve, passed 7-0
E. APPOINTMENTS
Community Garden Committee
Amy Acevedo
Christopher Clay
Nicole Harter
Deb Schwab
Teresa Triana
motion to approve - passed 7-0
Zoning Board of Appeals
Timothy C. Twardowski
motion to ratify appointment, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Absent: McGann, Whalen
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 2, 2011 regular minutes, February 16, 2011 Executive Session Minutes
motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-09: Creation of Franklin Community Garden Committee
motion to approve, passed 7-0
E. APPOINTMENTS
Community Garden Committee
Amy Acevedo
Christopher Clay
Nicole Harter
Deb Schwab
Teresa Triana
motion to approve - passed 7-0
Zoning Board of Appeals
Timothy C. Twardowski
motion to ratify appointment, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
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