Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 8/9/11 - 7:30 PM

The minutes from the Rail Trail Committee meeting in July:

FCRTC Minutes July 2011


The Agenda for the meeting Aug 9, 2011:

FCRTC Agenda 110809


The Strategic Plan to be reviewed at the August 9 meeting:

FCRTC Strategic Plan Draft

In the News - Wendy's, St Rocco's

Franklin planners OK plan for restaurant, offices at former Knights site on Rte. 140

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

Franklin volunteers help set up for St. Rocco's Festival

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

"a rain garden in the Depot Street parking lot"

This initial phase, $1 million worth of repairs to side streets and a municipal parking lot downtown, is slated to finish in the fall. 

Construction crews are currently working on parts of Emmons Street, Dean Street, Ray Street, Depot Street and the Depot Street municipal parking lot. 

The $1 million phase will improve sidewalks, resurface roads, and reset curbs. Parking meters will be replaced with more efficient - as well as fewer - ticket machines as the payment system for parking, reminiscent of city parking systems. 

The improvements should add 26 parking spaces, along with period lighting, benches, and trash cans on the sidewalks. Drainage improvements have already been completed, said Cantoreggi.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510865349/Downtown-Franklin-job-making-progress#ixzz1UQptWNC9

Related posts:

Photos of paving progress
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/downtown-project-paving-progress.html

Commercial Zoning Workshop
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-downtown-commercial.html

Commercial Zoning Workshop documents
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/downtown-commercial-zoning-workshop.html

Jamie Barrett

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Jamie Barrett

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/7/11

Jamie Barret will make a return appearance on Wednesday August 10th at 1PM.
This family music show does not require registration.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 10

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 15, 2011 Regular, Release of Executive Session Minutes, June 8 & July 13 Executive Sessions (not released)

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council
Historical Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Dog Park – Haley Goulet

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - Long Range Financial Planning Committee

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

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

2. Resolution 11-41: Establishment of a DelCarte Property Improvement Stabilization Fund

3. Resolution 11-42: Appropriation DelCarte Property Improvement Stabilization Fund

4. Resolution 11-43: Establishment of an Other Post Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund

5. Resolution 11-44: Appropriation Other Post Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund

6. Bylaw Amendment 11-663: Amendment to Franklin Town Code: Chapter 82, Fees – Sewer Rates- 1st Reading

7. Bylaw Amendment 11-664: Amendment to Franklin Town Code: Chapter 82, Fees – Water Rates- 1st 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

Franklin Election 2011 - details and timeline

Franklin election details are now available. The full slate of positions up for election are listed here:

Franklin Election 2011


The timeline for nomination papers and voter registration are shown in this document:

Franklin Election Calendar 2011


For all candidates, I will offer to publish an interview with them to provide some background and details on why they are running for office.

Details on the offer are contained here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the documents.

In the News - kites, horses

Franklin couple lives to make kites

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Justin Birmbaum and Whitney Clearman, Daily News staff

Franklin woman wants drivers to beware of horses

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

Headed out to Sturbridge today for the PMC!

An email from Marty Middelmann provides info n the PMC schedule:

Thank you all for contributing to my PMC ride.  So far I have raised over $4,600!

I'm headed out to Sturbridge today for my 3rd Pan Mass Challenge.

If you want to be a part of it you can watch the opening ceremonies at 7:00 pm tonight either on WCVB Channel 5 or, if you don't happen to live in Massachusetts, live streamed  online at www.thebostonchannel.com.

(Don't worry everybody, you'll only miss the first hour of the Yankees/Red Sox game ;-)  )

I will be posting updates throughout the weekend on Twitter http://twitter.com/PMC_M8R and on my FaceBook Page: http://www.facebook.com/PMCMarty

---------------------------------------------------------
Martin Middelmann
Pan-Mass Challenge Rider
Cure Cancer by donating here:
http://pmc.org/MM0373
---------------------------------------------------------

Farmers' Market: noon to 6:00 PM

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

Located on the Town Common

Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.

British Beer Company - ribbon cutting

The United Chamber of Commerce welcomed the British Beer Company (BBC) with a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. The British Beer Company opened in January in the former Applebee's location at the Franklin Village Mall. It is a very popular place with waits up to 90 minutes on Friday's nights.

For more information on the United Regional Chamber of Commerce visit their website
http://www.unitedchamber.org/

Related post:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/12/british-are-coming-to-franklin.html

Jane's Frames: You don't want to miss this Inventory Clearance Sale!

Custom Picture Framing & Art Gallery Dear Steve,    30-75% off all Framed Art   Jane's Frames is continuing this amazing SALE until August 13th!   You will also save an extra 10%* off this already discounted Framed Art. Help us make room for the August 18th Artists' Reception and Show  *bring in coupon below*            All Unframed Art, including giclees, photography prints and posters are also 25-60% off . Save 25% on your 1st Custom Frame*  Save 30% on your 2nd Custom Frame* Save 35% on your 3rd Custom Frame*      Check out our website www.Janesframes.com Offer Expires: August 13, 2011                      *Custom Frame includes in-stock frame and mat  Save an extra 10% off! In order to make room for the August 18th Artist Gallery Reception and Show we have greatly reduced all our Framed Art up to 75% off. You will receive an extra 10% off this reduced price with this coupon. This is only for you, our loyal and valued customers. Offer Expires: August 13th, 2011

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by janeframe@verizon.net |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Note: This is not a paid advertisement. I have used and paid for framing services from Jane's Frames

Interesting reports on school funding

Two interesting reports for summer reading:

The Design of the Rhode Island School Funding Formula

from Center for American Progress by Kenneth K. Wong

Measuring Inequity in School Funding

from Center for American Progress by Diana Epstein

In the News - high school sports

Franklin High fall sports registration slated

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Math can explain Franklin

I had heard that the walking speed of people in cities varies according to the size of the city. The larger the size of the city, the faster the walking speed. Think about it and you can see from your own travels that this is true. Walk around Franklin. Go to Boston. Go to New York. You do need to walk much faster in New York to keep up with the flow on the sidewalk don't you?

The walking speed is one aspect of the theory that is coming together now about how cities and companies grow. Why does this matter? What has Franklin done? The population has tripled since the 1960's.

The problems Franklin faced when it was 10,000 people are different that it is now 30,000 people. The ideas that worked for 10,000 won't necessarily work for 30,000 people. Why? A multitude of reasons but there is one basic and fundamental reason that is now explained by Geoffrey West with this new theory.

Watch the video (18 minutes). More than once to get the information and begin to digest it.






Fascinating stuff. Follow the links to the TED Talk page and find additional information on the studies that have brought this theory to light.

I happen to think that Franklin tends to behave like a teenager. We are in that middle stage of growth trying to remain a kid yet forced to recognize that we have an adult-like body. We still want to play but are being forced to work, and not just 'to work' but 'to work' differently than our parents. It is a new and changing world.

How do you think this applies to Franklin?

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.

How quiet is it?

How quiet is it in Franklin?



I guess there is nothing to say?

In the News - Cultural Council

Franklin Cultural Council looking for members

by Staff reports

Election 2011 - Summary

Election results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/election-results-nov-8-2011.html

Election results (Town Clerk sheet with counts by precinct)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/election-results-2011-precinct-totals.html


Election Time Line and info
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/franklin-election-details-are-now.html

Offer to Candidates
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html

Candidate questions
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-would-you-like-to-know.html




Candidate Interviews
Rich Aucoin answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/rich-aucoin-answers-3-questions.html

Deborah Bartlett answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/deborah-bartlett-answers-3-questions.html

Ed Cafasso answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/ed-cafasso-answers-3-questions.html

Sean Donahue answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/sean-donahue-answers-3-questions.html

Glenn Jones answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/glenn-jones-answers-3-questions.html

Tina Powderly answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/tina-powderly-answers-3-questions.html

Jeffrey Roy answers 3 questions
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/jeffrey-roy-answers-3-questions.html

Candidate Night Summary
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/candidate-night-summary.html

Candidate Night Video clips (each link takes you to that section)


Town Clerk                     Treasurer/Collector

Board of Health                Town Council

School Committee

Note: the Forum was only for the contested positions. The candidates for Constable declined to appear.



Town Council Attendance Chart
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/franklin-ma-town-council-attendance.html

Election sign collection (captured with my phone camera while running around town)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/election-signs.html


Milford Daily News articles

"I feel, why change this now?"

"It isn't something you can do overnight"

The Nov 8th line up confirmed
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/november-8-election-line-up.html

The line up gets closer
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/ballot-line-up-is-being-confirmed-today.html

Vote Tuesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/in-news-vote-tuesday-friends-get.html



Milford Daily News candidate profiles

Constable

Profile of Phillip Brunelli
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/in-news-brunelli-veterans.html

Profile of Charles Delfino
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/in-news-delfino.html

Planning Board

Profile of Greg Ballarino
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/in-news-ballarino-noreaster-schools.html

Profile of William David
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/in-news-david-fire-safety-storm-fallout.html

Town Council

Profile of Judith Pond Pfeffer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-pfeffer-noreaster.html

Profile of Robert Dellorco
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-dellorco-veterans.html

Profile of Joseph McGann
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-mcgann-donahue.html

Profile of Thomas Mercer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-mercer-phosphorus.html

Profile of Ronald Calabrese
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-calabrese-historical-museum.html

Profile of Juan Ramon Rivera
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-rivera-bottlecan-drive-comedy.html

Profile of Jeffrey Roy
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-roy.html

Profile of Tina Powderly
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-powderly-flu-clinics-fair.html

Profile of Andrew Bissanti
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-bissanti-couple-reunites.html

Profile of Matt Kelly
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-kelly-fun-run-pantry-donations.html

Profile on Robert Vallee
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-vallee-bottle-drive-bake-sale.html

Board of Health

Profile on Phillip Brunelli
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-brunelli-nclb-local-aid.html

Profile on Richard Aucoin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-aucoin.html

Profile on Donald Ranieri, Jr
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-ranieri.html

Town Clerk

Profile on Deborah Bartlett
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-bartlett-casino-bill-national.html

Profile on Deborah Pellegri
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-pellegri-scrapbooking.html

Board of Assessors

Profile on Ken Norman
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-norman-film.html

Profile on Vincent Debaggis
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-debaggis-spaghetti-flu.html

Treasurer/Collector

Profile on Mark Denommee
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-denommee-book-sale.html

Profile on Jim Dacey
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-dacey.html

School Committee

Profile on John Jewell
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-tax-bills-jewell-trooper-state.html

Profile on Pamela McIntyre
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-mcintyre-glynn.html

Profile on Cindy Douglas
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-douglas-sabolinski-semerjian.html

Profile on Susan Rohrbach
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-rohrbach-auditions.html

Profile on Paula Mullen
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-mullen-walking.html

Profile on Sean Donahue
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-harvest-festival-gridiron-grit.html

Profile on Roberta Trahan
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-trahan.html

Profile on Ed Cafasso
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/in-news-cafasso-dean-college.html

Candidate websites

(if you know of a candidate website not listed here, please let me know)

Deb Bartlett  -  https://sites.google.com/site/debbartlettfranklinma/

Mark Denommee - www.markdenommee.com  and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Denommee-TreasurerCollector-Franklin-MA/132051246894946

Sean Donahue - http://donahueforfranklin.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/donahueforfranklin

John Jewell - http://www.jewellforschoolkids.com/

Glenn Jones - http://www.glennfjones.com/intro.htm and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glenn-Jones-Franklin-Town-Council/199711333421

Tina Powderly - http://www.tinapowderly.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/TinaPowderly

Jeffrey Roy - http://jeffreyroy.com/

Downtown Project - paving progress

On my walk downtown Sunday morning, I took these photos. Depot St looking toward the Municipal parking lot. The train station is down to the right.



Emmons St at the corner of Main St. Dean College is immediately to the left.



Additional info on the two downtown projects funded by State and Federal money can be found here
http://franklindowntownpartnership.blogspot.com/p/downtown-project.html