A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 16, 2011
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-12: Order of Taking-Land Located on Colt Road and Washington Street
2. Resolution 11-13: Designation of “Special Municipal Employees” Under State Ethics Law
3. Resolution 11-14: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-011, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L. Chapter 60, Section 77C
4. Resolution 11-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-012, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L. Chapter 60, Section 77C
5. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated – Referral to
Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required – Referral to
Planning Board
7. Zoning Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard & Height Requirements. – Referral to Planning Board
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full document for this meeting's agenda can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2011tc%20Complete%20With%20Documents/04202011agenda.pdf
Franklin, MA
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Earth Day - left the area cleaner
Jim Esterbrook, Franklin DPW GIS Manager, said there was a good turnout for Franklin's Earth Clean cleanup activities. He worked with some groups before hand to coordinate where they would clean so they would save some time traveling to Beaver Pond to check in and then go out to their area. The cool weather may have held the turnout down although the athletic fields are Beaver Pond were busy with teams practicing.
Dave Labonte (standing beside the booth in the photo below) of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee, co-sponsors of the clean up, split time securing the tent and table from being blown over by the wind, and answering questions about the groups activities.
The 5K road race on the former Putnam property on Saturday, April 23 will help to create awareness for the rail trail as well as serve as a fund raiser for the group. Information on the race can be found here.
Pictured in the photo (from left to right): Colleen Kleya, Kevin Silvia, Brian O'Connell and Justin Kleya.
At the Whole Foods Market parking lot in Bellingham, the Grass Gypsys bundled up to stay warm, entertained the crowd. David Dobrzynski coordinated the efforts for the 12th Annual Clean Up along the Charles River. He thought the weather played more of a part in the turnout than the schedule. It was the start of school vacation for Franklin and other communities but the cool wind and overcast skies did not help. Several of the canopies were blown over in the parking lot and were taken down due to the high winds. One scout troop had been scheduled to participate with 30 scouts and showed up with 16.
A good deal of trash was removed from the Charles River shores. One disturbing trend reported in three different spots was that gas or oil cans were found leaking along the shore. "This is our water, you'd think by now people would have gotten the message." The important point was that while participation was down from prior years, "We left the place cleaner than it was so that is a good thing."
For additional information on
Recall last year 125 tires were removed from Mine Brook
Franklin, MA
Dave Labonte (standing beside the booth in the photo below) of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee, co-sponsors of the clean up, split time securing the tent and table from being blown over by the wind, and answering questions about the groups activities.
The 5K road race on the former Putnam property on Saturday, April 23 will help to create awareness for the rail trail as well as serve as a fund raiser for the group. Information on the race can be found here.
Pictured in the photo (from left to right): Colleen Kleya, Kevin Silvia, Brian O'Connell and Justin Kleya.
At the Whole Foods Market parking lot in Bellingham, the Grass Gypsys bundled up to stay warm, entertained the crowd. David Dobrzynski coordinated the efforts for the 12th Annual Clean Up along the Charles River. He thought the weather played more of a part in the turnout than the schedule. It was the start of school vacation for Franklin and other communities but the cool wind and overcast skies did not help. Several of the canopies were blown over in the parking lot and were taken down due to the high winds. One scout troop had been scheduled to participate with 30 scouts and showed up with 16.
A good deal of trash was removed from the Charles River shores. One disturbing trend reported in three different spots was that gas or oil cans were found leaking along the shore. "This is our water, you'd think by now people would have gotten the message." The important point was that while participation was down from prior years, "We left the place cleaner than it was so that is a good thing."
For additional information on
- the Charles River Watershed Association can be found here
- the Grass Gypsys can be found here
- the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee can be found here
Recall last year 125 tires were removed from Mine Brook
Franklin, MA
5K Road Race - April 23, 2011
The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee are sponsoring a 5K road race om the former Putnam grounds off Washington St on Apr 23, 2011.
FCRTC_RaceFlyer_2011
Help support the FCRTC’s effort to develop Franklin’s SNETT multi-use recreational trail.
Registration: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Start Time: Run 9:00 AM / Walk 9:15 AM
Start / Finish: Putnam Property, Washington St. Franklin, MA
Run - 5k loop of paved road. Former Putnam property, to Grove & Washington Streets.
Walk -1mile walk, paved road on former Putnam property.
Entry Fee: $20 prior to race day, $25 day of the race, $10 students.
Register online at: http://www.franklinrailtrail.org
Franklin, MA
FCRTC_RaceFlyer_2011
Help support the FCRTC’s effort to develop Franklin’s SNETT multi-use recreational trail.
Registration: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Start Time: Run 9:00 AM / Walk 9:15 AM
Start / Finish: Putnam Property, Washington St. Franklin, MA
Run - 5k loop of paved road. Former Putnam property, to Grove & Washington Streets.
Walk -1mile walk, paved road on former Putnam property.
Entry Fee: $20 prior to race day, $25 day of the race, $10 students.
Register online at: http://www.franklinrailtrail.org
Franklin, MA
Budget Alert
Please consider contacting your local legislator (letters attached below) to push for passage of municipal health care reform. Franklin and its employees are ahead of the curve on this issue, and we've been able to realize significant benefits over the past few years by working together to implement changes to health care plan design outside of collective bargaining. Our local efforts have saved money for both the employees and the town. It is time to codify the right of a municipality to manage this out of control cost. The measures below do this, while maintaining many of the collective bargaining rights of unions.
Thanks for your consideration.
Tina Powderly
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Martin's fundraiser needs your help!
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Saturday, April 16, 2011
Free Geek Providence invites you to Community Camp (Apr 23, 2011)
Can't see this email? Click here:
http://ricommunitycamp.eventbrite.com
You are invited to the following event:
Community Camp
Date:
Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM (ET)
Location:
RISD Auditorium
17 Canal Street
Providence, RI 02903
Can you attend this event? Respond Here For more information click here.
Click here to unsubscribe from events by "Free Geek Providence."
If you are conducting a job search, there are four scholarships (free passes) available to attend this camp. Details on how to qualify can be found here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2011/04/community-camp-risd-apr-23_13.html
Franklin, MA: Old Masonic Building Fire
Geoffrey Zub captured the scene around the fire at the Masonic Temple and shares his photos.
Click on the photo itself to view his photo album.
Franklin, MA
Senate Approves Local Aid Resolution
On April 14, 2011, the Senate approved a resolution declaring its intent to fund Chapter 70 and Unrestricted General Government Aid at levels not less than the amounts appearing in the House Ways and Means Committee's budget.
What does this mean?
This means that the numbers from the House Ways and Means Budget released earlier can be used with some confidence in planning for the Franklin budget.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Community Gardens Update
Hi Everyone,
Happy Spring! We have been really busy with garden business and we have several updates to share with you.
The biggest piece of news is that the Town of Franklin has established a community garden committee! The first meeting of the Franklin Community Garden Committee will be held on April 21, 2011 at 9 AM in the Franklin Municipal building in room 205. All of the town committee meetings are open to the public. Future meetings will most likely be scheduled for the evening, however, the Town Clerk will be swearing in the committee members so the first meeting has been planned during business hours.
The agenda will be posted soon, and will be available for viewing on this page:
Meanwhile, we have established the Friends of Franklin Community Gardens to partner with the Franklin Community Gardens Town Committee. The Friends will help by providing financial support for materials and supplies needed to build the garden, as well as educational and enrichment programs to benefit our entire community.
Whether you are hoping for a garden space for yourself or your community group, seeking to volunteer for the initial Build Day or future garden work days, helping the Franklin Food Pantry Giving Garden team, supporting the Friends as a member, donor, sponsor, or volunteer, or any/all of the above, we hope everyone is as excited as we are to see the garden become a reality this year!
Please be on the lookout for upcoming emails containing information on garden sign-ups, volunteer opportunities, the Friends of Franklin Community Gardens, and more. In the meantime, please visit us on the web at: www.franklincommunitygardens.org . Thank you for your interest and support!
In health and springtime,
Amy, Chris, Nicole, Lauren, Deb, and Teresa
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Cooking Classes at Whole Foods in Bellingham
Monday, April 18th
Cooking with Greens! - 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 donation to the Whole Planet FoundationAre you tired of eating plain old steamed greens? Do wish you were eating more green leafy vegetables? Don't feel bad, GREENS tend to be the #1 missing ingredient in the standard American diet. Learn how to incorporate this missing element to achieve excellent health and vitality in the Cooking with Greens class.
Join Karen, the Healthy Eating Specialist in this educational cooking class and learn some great ideas on how to get more green into your diet!
Thursday, April 28th
Health Starts RAW Foods Cooking Class - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 and please sign up and pay in advance at the Customer Sevice boothBy popular demand, we are offering our Raw Foods "cooking" class again!
Learn about the many health benefits that are associated with the Raw Foods way of life, while sampling many great dishes that are not cooked above 104 degrees.
Attend this class for some motivation and added support in your journey to becoming the healthiest "YOU" you can be! Receive an assortment of ways to incorporate more RAW Foods following the 4 Healthy Eating Pillars; Plant Strong, Whole Food, Healthy Fats and Nutrient Dense into your diet.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Preliminary Analysis: The House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108 |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Earth Day - April 16 - volunteers needed
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FORTOWN-WIDE CLEAN UP AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXHIBITS AT BEAVER POND
Franklin will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 16th with a roadside clean up, spring plantings, and new environmental activities for all ages with activities based at Beaver Pond.
Earth Day kicks off "rain or shine" at 9:00 a.m. when volunteers start a town-wide roadside clean up of litter and set out plants and flowers. After this winter's snowfall, many of the town's most scenic streets can be quickly restored to an attractive roadside with just a few hours of time. Please bring gloves for each person and rakes.
All volunteers are asked to sign in at Beaver Pond between 9:00am-11:00am, so that the areas most in need of a spring clean up get attention. To nominate a town road which needs a cleanup, please call or email the DPW as soon as possible.
This year, volunteers will be given a trash bags for collecting cans, glass bottles, trash and litter. Volunteers simply leave the bags along the roadside by 12:00 p.m., after which Franklin DPW trucks will pick up the bagged trash.
Last year's clean up brought out about 200 volunteers and the trash picked up filled one 40 yard dumpster. Over one ton of litter was collected.
Community service certificates are issued to youths and adults who need them. Earth Day t-shirts are given to the first 300 volunteers and there will be free pizza and beverages starting at 12:00 p.m. for returning clean up crews.
Volunteers are also needed to help pick up donated goods, help run events at Beaver Pond.
Also on site will be Waste Management recycling demo, environmental booths, and demonstrations. Dean Radio WGAO, will be on site to broadcast live from the event.
Sponsoring groups and businesses this year so far include: Waste Management, Comprehensive Environmental, Inc., CDM, Malcolm-Pirnie, Garelick Farms, Aubuchon Hardware, State Forest Advisory Council, Metcalf Materials, Hillside Nurseries, Domino's Pizza, Bimbo Bakeries, Dunkin Donuts, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Various boys and girls scouts, Hillside Nurseries, Franklin Garden Club, Franklin Citizen's Rail Trail Committee, Green at Dean College, Dean Community Outreach program, Coles Tavern, and Metacomet Land Trust.
For information on how you can get involved, visit the DPW webpage at:
This notice was also posted to the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/016E42E9-000F8513
To subscribe and receive your own copy of this notice, go to the Franklin website and sign up for "Recycling News" http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
Franklin, MA
STAR Plus -- Just for Middle School Students
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 4/12/11
Middle school is the domain of students in grades 6, 7 & 8. STAR Plus, our middle school summer program, has been designed specifically for these students. Directed by Ms. Orfalea and Ms. Leazott, STAR Plus offers four, 1-week sessions with a variety of themes and activities focused on the interests of middle school students.Each week students enroll in 2 early morning classes and 1 longer mid-morning class. Students choose 2 themes from the following:
Visual Arts, Cooking and Design - Potential activities include Cooking, Drawing & painting, recycled art, screen printing, T-shirt design.
Computer Lab, Games, Science & Technology - Potential activities include Photoshop. Internet games, Movie making, Experimental fun and games, games, games.
Music, Performing Arts - Potential activities include Creating music, Introduction to guitar, Music history, Play production, Musical production and Dance.
Sports, Recreation, and Fitness - Potential activities include Fall sports, Winter sports, Spring sports, Team and individual games, Fitness challenges, and Sports history.
For the longer, mid-morning class, the students select their favorite theme from among the following themes:
Performing Arts - Theatre- Students will write, rehearse & perform a musical or play or Dance Students will learn a variety of dance techniques.
Science & technology/Outdoor Fitness
Experimental Fun - Students will use their senses to experiment with a variety of materials.
Outdoor Fitness - Students will explore a variety of outdoor fitness activities.
Sports & Recreation
Sports - Students will play a variety of fall, winter & summer sports
Recreation - Students will play a variety of team and individual games; exercises & athletic activities will be explored.
Visual Art
Painting - Students will use watercolors or acrylics to paint still-life, landscapes and figures.
Recycled Art - Students will use a variety of recycled materials to form sculptures
Clay/Pottery - Students will use many types of materials: clay, model magic & modeling clay to sculpt pieces of art.
Register: www.franklin.k12.ma.us select Summer Program from middle of page, select STAR Plus
Questions: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us or 508-553-4814
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Changes afoot
Scene script:
Queue Dylan's "The times they are a changing" as background music
Focus on a cross roads with multiple options:
Announcement: I will switch the focus of my efforts from live reporting on Franklin's meetings to spending more time on the Franklin Food Pantry. I will not be live reporting on the meetings Tue and Wed this week. A more formal announcement will be made later.
Thank you for your readership. Thank you for your interest in Franklin.
Queue Pete Seeger singing "Turn, Turn, Turn" in the background.
Fade picture slowly, diminish music slowly
Franklin, MA
Queue Dylan's "The times they are a changing" as background music
Focus on a cross roads with multiple options:
Announcement: I will switch the focus of my efforts from live reporting on Franklin's meetings to spending more time on the Franklin Food Pantry. I will not be live reporting on the meetings Tue and Wed this week. A more formal announcement will be made later.
Thank you for your readership. Thank you for your interest in Franklin.
Queue Pete Seeger singing "Turn, Turn, Turn" in the background.
Fade picture slowly, diminish music slowly
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 4/12/11
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.
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 29, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Project Able/Blended online learning
b. LIFT2 – Brenda Redding
c. Annual Financial Audit
3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice
Policy – Second Readings:
1. KBE – School/Parent Organizations Relationships
2. KBE-E – School Committee/Administration Participation in PCC/Boosters Meetings Guidelines
3. KDD – News Media Relations/News Releases
4. Action Items
a. I recommend the Franklin Public Schools not participate in the School Choice Program for the 2011-2012 school year.
b. I recommend acceptance of a 2 checks, one from the Jefferson PCC for $3500.00 and one from Follett for $4.80 for field trips for Jefferson Elementary School.
c. I recommend adoption of Policy KBE – School/Parent Organizations Relationships as detailed.
d. I recommend adoption of Policy KBE-E – School Committee/Administration Participation in PCC/Boosters Meetings Guidelines as detailed.
e. I recommend adoption of Policy KDD – News Media Relations/News Releases as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $7316.00 from Davis Thayer PCC for field trips and buses as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $330.00 from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2665.75 from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
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
Franklin, MA
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