Preliminary Analysis: The Governor's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Vetoes

Explore our online budget database Is our research helpful to you? Support our work Contact Info   Noah Berger   President    nberger@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x102  Preliminary Analysis: The Governor's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Vetoes  July 11, 2011  Presented with a budget that implemented a fourth year of budget cuts across state government, Governor Patrick today signed that document without using his line-item veto authority to impose any additional cuts.    In signing the budget, the Governor highlighted several reform initiatives in the budget, including: changes in the indigent defense system that aim to save money by shifting some cases from privately contracted lawyers to public defenders; an initiative to try to place homeless families more quickly in permanent housing rather than shelter; and the creation of a new office of Performance, Accountability and Transparency. The Governor vetoed several outside sections and returned a number of them with proposed amendments.  Outside sections are parts of the budget that don't appropriate money.  This preliminary analysis of the Governor's vetoes briefly describes outside sections the Governor vetoed and amendments he proposed to other outside sections. The report is available at www.massbudget.org or by clicking here.     See MassBudget's Budget Browser to explore Massachusetts state budgets from Fiscal Year 2001 to the present, as well as budget proposals for the next fiscal year as they are offered by the Governor and the Legislature.     MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

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New Look Locomotives

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

New Look Locomotives

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 7/11/11

As the manufacturing and production of 20 new locomotives gets underway, the MBTA is asking the public to help choose a design scheme that reflects a new era in the delivery of
Commuter Rail service.  Beginning Tuesday, visitors to www.mbta.com will be presented with three options from which to choose, seen at left.  The on-line preference poll will be available for two weeks.  The design options will also be on display at North and South Stations.

The MBTA is purchasing a new fleet of twenty diesel-electric passenger locomotives from Motive-Power Incorporated of Boise, Idaho.  The $114 million investment represents the MBTA's first major locomotive procurement in more than 20 years. Employing the industry's newest technological advances, the locomotives are being designed and built to operate more efficiently, reducing fuel use and emissions while significantly improving performance and reliability.  The new locomotives will be in service by 2013.

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"asked for a waiver on two restrictions"

This plan eliminated a second drive-through proposed earlier, but asked for a waiver on two restrictions: one that prohibited left turns out of the property, and another that prohibited the restaurants being open during breakfast hours. It also asked for permission for, but didn't commit to building, increased square footage for one of the buildings, from 2,360 square feet to 5,280 square feet. 

"Doubling the size of a building doesn't come under a limited site plan, in my opinion," said Planning Board member Joseph Halligan, before the board took a vote that would have forced Daddario to create a full site plan, instead of push his project forward with a limited plan. 

An initial vote to require a whole new plan came out in a tie. 

After vehement disapproval from the applicant and Ballarino, and a suggestion of compromise from the Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom, the board reconsidered the decision. 

The board then voted to use the limited site plan, but not approve it until a further traffic study was examined and to limit the building size for now. 

The hearing was continued until July 25, when the board will vote on reconsidering the restriction on left turns.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1498054749/Franklin-board-hears-changes-to-development-plan#ixzz1Rsl9DT4O

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve-week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease. The program is offered without cost to the participants. Our goal is to help patients build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Certified Hockomock Area YMCA health and wellness instructors give personal individualized instruction to the participants. The instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care.


Why is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Important?
This program fulfills the important need of the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life. The fact that the program is outside a medical facility and integrated into the community serves to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not about disease. The positive and enthusiastic feedback that we receive from individuals who have gone through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program convinces us that this is a significant community program that fills an important, and previously unaddressed, need of cancer patients and survivors.


A survivor is defined from the point of cancer diagnosis through the balance of his/her life. Are you a cancer survivor or do you know someone who is? Please contact your local Hockomock Area YMCA branch to get involved.


The Hockomock Y is pleased to announce its upcoming summer program and encourages cancer survivors in the community to join. There is no cost to participants.


Bernon Family Branch, Franklin
45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
508.528.8708


Start Date: week of July 18
Day & Time: Mondays & Thursdays, 6:00pm or Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 am
Contact: Vickey Marini

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 7/12/11 - 7:30 PM

Proposed Agenda for July 12, 2011

Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM


I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Review & approve minutes of previous meeting
B. Volunteer to keep minutes of meeting

II. Report from our representative from DCR Comments from Ron Clough

III. Report from Finance Committee Report from Treasurer

IV. Illegal motorized trail usage
A. Dave Denison successful: We will host Sgt. Chris Spillane of the Franklin Police Dept to address this issue

V. Report from Grant Writing Committee
Application for the Tighe & Bond Engineer Services Grant
Application for the DCR Grant by town planning board
Other grant application opportunities


VI. Report on Regional Coalition possibilities
Mary Chaves on Bellingham
Joyce Godsey, Pres., Methuen Rail Trail Alliance
GTTB


VII. Report of the Membership Committee
Dave Denison


VIII. Unfinished Business:
A Still need to meet with the Metacomet Land Trust
A Still need to Meet with EMC

IX. New Business:
A.


X. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn

Downtown Franklin: a flowering showcase

The care and tending to the flowers on the triangle, in the flower pots along the bridge and along the businesses in downtown Franklin are looking good.



Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for doing this. The time and effort is worth it.

For more information on the Downtown Partnership, please visit the website here



Disclosure: I am a member of the Downtown Partnership

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda - 7/12/11

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 June 28, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion Only Items
Budget Discussion / Adoption of FY12 Budget
Policy – Second Reading

• JNN – Head Injuries & Concussion in Extracurricular Activities
• JKG – Educational Services in the home or hospital

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JNN – Head Injuries & Concussion in Extracurricular Activities
b. I recommend adoption of Policy JKG – Educational Services in the home or hospital
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an upright Bass from Christopher Richards valued at $3,400.00 for the FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $501.14 from Stop & Shop for Horace Mann Middle School in-house enrichment.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplies for the Parmenter Elementary School.
f. I recommend adoption of the FY11-12 School District budget in the amount of $51,410,000.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Middlesex Savings Bank for district-wide enrichment and supplies.

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. Adjourn

"another tool to allow the officer to be better"

The Milford Daily News has an article about license plate readers that some police departments are now getting to assist in their work.

In Franklin, Lynch said the devices have flagged registration or insurance problems. But police can't check plates against certain types of information yet, such as arrest warrants, and Lynch said he hopes to see that improve. 

"It's still early. We've only had it for about a month," Lynch said. "The technology is great - it's just that the databases it draws off of, as far as I'm concerned, are a little limited."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1249728037/License-plate-readers-help-police-scan-30-plates-a-second#ixzz1RhS7dL54

Wachusett St: construction update

Now that school is out, the reconstruction of Wachusett St is in the final stages. The water and sewer lines were worked on last year and then a rough coat of paving made the road smooth. The sewer and manhole covers are now being raised in preparation for the final coat of paving.



The road is still smooth and provides almost a slalom like driving course as you navigate around the barrels and raised casings.



Drive safely!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 7/13/11

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Joint Appointment of Planning Board Member - William David

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:

1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief Position from Civil Service

2. Resolution 11-36: Authorization For Intermunicipal Agreement Between Franklin and Town of Bellingham For Shared Animal Control And Inspection Services

3. Resolution 11-38: In Support of Updating The Massachusetts Bottle Bill

4. Resolution 11-39: Accepting Section 65 of Chapter 188 of the Municipal Relief Act of 2010

5. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated Zoning- 2nd Reading

6. Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required Zoning 2nd Reading

8. Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard & Height Requirements. – 2nd Reading

9. Zoning Bylaw 11-655: Amendment to Chapter 185 §2. Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements, Subsection B - 2nd Reading

10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-660: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45. L. (1) Administration and Enforcement – 2nd Reading

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

Farmers Market Open Today !

Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

"consciously and carefully readjust policy parameters over time"

This paper provides an updated analysis of underlying municipal fiscal health, using a measure of municipal gap and recent data for Massachusetts cities and towns. The analysis shows that large disparities in municipal gaps exist among cities and towns, and that the disparities have grown in recent years. 

Created for the purpose of fiscal equalization, unrestricted municipal aid is not highly correlated with municipal gaps in Massachusetts. In fact, municipal gaps cannot explain the majority of the variation in municipal aid. This partly reflects large ad hoc aid cuts over the past 20 years. The consolidation of municipal aid programs in FY 2010 has not improved the aid distribution—that consolidation has simply perpetuated the existing inequity.

For those really interested in the systemic fiscal problems that Franklin and by extension the Commonwealth of MA faces in the redistribution of state aid, this paper from the Boston Federal Reserve Bank is a good read. I would love to obtain the full data set used to see where Franklin falls on the charts. The paper identifies the top 10 cities but stops there.

For the full text of this paper you can follow this link to the Federal Reserve website and download or view the PDF.

In the News - dog found

Missing Franklin dog back home

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Roger Magalhaes Announces Shades-IN-Place INC. 5 YR Anniversary!

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SHADES IN PLACE ANNOUNCES FIVE SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN BUSINESS FRANKLIN, MA: July 7, 2011, Roger Magalhaes, Owner and Managing Director of Shades-IN- Place, Inc., announced the five-year anniversary of his company.       "This is a significant milestone for the company," stated Mr. Magalhaes. "Looking back to when I started my company, I never imagined it would grow so fast! I'm very grateful to all my clients who have helped me create this wonderful company, and to provide products and services that solve problems and make people happy." To celebrate the company's five successful years in business, Mr. Magalhaes is offering two very significant specials. The first is $100 off any custom window treatment product purchase over $300. This includes custom blinds, shades, plantation shutters, drapes, decorative window films, hardware, and more. Coupons will be mailed to all current Shades-IN-Place, Inc. customers whose mailing addresses are on file with the company. Anyone not already on this mailing list and interested in receiving a coupon can request their coupon by contacting Mr. Magalhaes. This offer begins July 1, 2011 and ends on August 15, 2011. The second special offer is the creation of an Annual Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway. To mark the first five years, Shades-IN-Place will give away five $100 gift certificates, one each, to Whole Foods®, Lowe's®, Macy's®, Best Buy®, and Shell®. This drawing will be open to everyone with no purchase necessary. To participate, individuals should go to the Shades-IN-Place Page on Facebook® and "Like" the company. Then go to the Questions Section on the left and select the gift card they would like to be entered to win (one entry per person). There will be one winner for each of the five gift cards. The drawing will be held on August 15, 2011, and winners will be notified and posted on Facebook®. Shades-IN-Place, Inc., is a premium window treatment company specializing in the services   end of the industry. Services currently include: Measurements, Installation, Motorization, Replacements, Custom Treatments and Design as well as Picture, Art, Mirror and Wall Decor Hanging. Shades-IN-Place, Inc., also sells custom window treatment products from brand name manufacturers including Hunter Douglas®, Lafayette®, and Kirsch®. Shades-IN-Place, Inc., has been in operation since 2006 and continues to grow thanks to recommendations from an ever-expanding number of satisfied customers. "We appreciate our customers and will continue to provide excellent products and services that are important to them," concludes Mr. Magalhaes.        For more information, contact Roger Magalhaes at (508) 520-6700 or email him at Roger@shadesINplace.com.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by roger@shadesinplace.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Shades-IN-Place, Inc. | 76 Grove St | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin has two newspapers

Summer time. No school, time for family vacations, time for competition to heat up in the free paper space in Franklin. Yes, it appears that way.

We just returned from a long weekend to find two local papers in our mail. One I am familiar with. Franklin's Local Town Pages has been delivered to Franklin's residents monthly since December 2010. The JN Media Franklin News looked similar. Both delivered as 24 pages.

Many of the ads were the same in both, maybe the competition will be good for the local businesses!

Time will tell if the 'new' paper will stick around. Franklin has seen papers come and go after one edition. The Franklin Local Town Pages is the longest to stick around thus far.



Note: I do get paid a nominal amount for my contributions to the Franklin Local Town Pages.

In the News - lost dog

Franklin family looking for lost dog

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Allison McCall/Daily News staff

In the News - NuStyle demo

Nu-Style demolition slated for fall in Franklin

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Meals tax delivers $70.5 million to 146 cities and towns

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Meals tax delivers $70.5 million to 146 cities and towns

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 7/6/11

As of today, 146 communities (about 42 percent of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns) have collected $70.5 million over the past two fiscal years from the .75 percent local option meals tax.

The Division of Local Services Municipal Data Bank has the complete list of communities that have adopted the local option tax, and the amount of revenue generated in FY 10 ($27.13 million) and FY11 ($43.33 million). This list appears on the Data Bank Local Options page; just scroll down about halfway until the bullet headed Local Option Meals Excise.

Not surprisingly, Boston has collected the most, about $30 million. The tax has delivered about $5.1 million to Cambridge, $3.2 million to Worcester and $2.3 million to Springfield. But other communities have seen the benefit as well. Natick and Framingham, which share the busy Route 9 corridor, have collected $2.7 million and Northampton, a Pioneer Valley hub of dining and entertainment, has collected $939,000. Blandford, a small town of 1,233 near the New York border, collected $52,000, mostly, one would assume, from the two MassPike service areas in the town.

The state meals tax is 6.25 percent; with the local option, the meals tax rises to 7 percent. Thus a $40 restaurant tab generates $2.80 in meals tax, of which 30-cents goes to a city or town that has enacted the local option. These small amounts add up to a sizable revenue source.

The state share of the meals tax as of May 31 had generated $740 million, up $55 million or 8.1 percent from the same period a year ago, which indicates that the increasing number of communities that have adopted the local option meals tax has not slowed down the pace of taxpayers going out to eat.

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Follow the link in the second paragraph and you'll end up on the DOR website. Scroll down to the meal tax section and you'll see that Franklin gained $239,644 for FY 10 and $347,217 for the FY 11 that just ended June 30th.

A small increase but a good one!