Thursday, September 15, 2011
In the News - golf tournament, Gerry's Place, diabetes walk
Franklin arts center golf tournament Sept. 26
Tri-County School restaurant open to public
Franklin walk to raise money to cure diabetes
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Town Council 09/14/11
Highlights from the Town Council meeting:
- Four establishments get penalized for serving underage minors on July 29, 2011.
- A new restaurant to open in Franklin Village Plaza gets a liquor license
- Chief Williams will be retiring in December
- Chief McCarragher provided an update and lessons learned from the response to Irene
- Sewer rates are going up due to EPA requirements for the Charles River Pollution Control District of which we are responsible for 65% of the volume
- McGann will run for Town Council and let the voters decide if his attendance record matters (54% attendance)
The collection of reporting from the Town Council meeting can be found here.
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Legislation for action
- Live reporting - Irene response
- Live reporting - door to door solicitations
- Live reporting - new liquor license
- Live reporting - Liquor license failures
- Live reporting - Town Council - 9/14/11
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT workshop for new councilors on 11/16tax hearing for Nov 30
L. OLD BUSINESS none
M. NEW BUSINESS meeting next week, rescheduled for Sep 28
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - three comments from councilors about not running again due to his missed meetings, doesn't think it is the council members decision, will let the voters make that decision, you have 12 good candidates to make a choice, my name will be on the ballot, it will be up to the voters to have their say
Kelly - thanks to all for help on Irene, thanks to the Y for opening their doors
Jones - what is the policy on the Kennedy fund raising?
Nutting - it is up to the Kennedy community to raise the money
Whalen - speaking to the cuts of personnel that is not getting to the other departments rather than the Schools and Library, can we get the department heads in periodically to have the folks hear about the effect of the cuts.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go to executive session, passed 9-0
L. OLD BUSINESS none
M. NEW BUSINESS meeting next week, rescheduled for Sep 28
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - three comments from councilors about not running again due to his missed meetings, doesn't think it is the council members decision, will let the voters make that decision, you have 12 good candidates to make a choice, my name will be on the ballot, it will be up to the voters to have their say
Kelly - thanks to all for help on Irene, thanks to the Y for opening their doors
Jones - what is the policy on the Kennedy fund raising?
Nutting - it is up to the Kennedy community to raise the money
Whalen - speaking to the cuts of personnel that is not getting to the other departments rather than the Schools and Library, can we get the department heads in periodically to have the folks hear about the effect of the cuts.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go to executive session, passed 9-0
Live reporting - Legislation for action
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation – Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief from Civil Service (Tabled on 8/10/2011) - tabled indefinitely, just not ready yet
2. Resolution 11-45: Chapter 61A-1st Refusal Option – Land on Spring Street
second time before the Council, owner has PSA, we have first right of refusal, has no value for the Town, recommended to let the sale proceed
motion to approve - passed 9-0
3. Resolution 11-47: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Shared Nursing Services
shared nurse through a grant program, looking to extend this for another year with receipt of another grant
motion to approve - passed 9-0
4. Resolution 11-48: Acceptance of Gift of Land at 1156 Pond Street (Lot #2)
donation of land in lieu of foreclosure
motion to approve - passed 9-0
5. Resolution 11-49: Grant of Sewer Easement on Property At 82 (Formerly 95) Park Rd
sewer line installed without easement being recorded previously, needed to move line and cover it all properly this time
motion to approve - passed 9-0
6. Bylaw Amendment 11-663: Sewer Rates-Appendix B- List of Service Rates - 2nd Reading
as a result of the Charles River Sewer Plant upgrade, rate increases should cover the requirements; $44 and then $88 the year after, plant is under an EPA order to remove phosphorus - ultimately a million dollars raised will cover our 65% of the total amount, timed for when the bond comes in - no further rate changes for 4-5 years, has been steady for 7 years
motion to approve - passed 9-0 (via roll call)
7. Bylaw Amendment 11-664: Water Rates-Appendix B-List of Service Rates- 2nd Reading
related to pay off the 7.5 million bond authorization as approved earlier. Not related to the sewer rate increases.
Powderly - having trouble approving at this time
Nutting - you will need this eventually, could it wait a year, I am trying to be proactive, will we need all of it next year
Nutting - either way it is coming, pay me now or pay me later
Whalen - under different circumstances, it would be a prudent way to proceed. Back to back, 10% when not necessary
Nutting - the surplus has varied year to year, we have used it for road repairs, water system needs improvements all the time, 160 miles of water system even at 2 miles per year it is 80 year project
Mason - no question of economy is still pour, it is a perception problem, if we can spend down it a little, it may more sense - if we can tighten our belt it may help
Nutting - only authorize a rate for 2012, and not for 2013
Powderly, motion to amend, to have only the 2012 rate increase of 10%
motion to approve amendment - passed 9-0
motion to approve bylaw - passed 9-0 (via roll call)
Live reporting - Irene response
2. Tropical Storm Irene – Gary McCarraher
Worked through conflicting info from the weather services until the National Weather service took priority with their accuracy
55 MPH winds marked at Fire Stations, 100 emergencies responded during Sunday
fortunately no injuries to workers or residents on Sunday
all roads were passable by 10:00 PM Sunday evening
National Grid did not show up on Sunday at all
multiple communications with National Grid with commitment to have someone on site Monday
priorities to restore power to key areas and water service
Central Park Terrace, senior housing, those with oxygen needs were dealt with as necessary
priority listing set up one day for action the next day
School St, Parmenter, etc were priority on Tuesday listing
South St, Summer, Beach priority for Weds due to primary lines down
Beach St, Elm, Indian Way for Thu
Police surveyed the town to cross check power outages
restoration of individual home services were addressed on Fri, Sat and Sun
maintained communications via CCTY, consolidated messages with schools
Lessons Learned:
market Ctty service, to cell phone service in addition to land lines
public cell phone charging area
improve power sign board options
additional learning will be reviewed in another meeting of the departments
Kelly - what about National Grid and their response? they did not get here until Tuesday
Nutting - requesting a meeting to discuss, one of their problems was trying to communicate with 27 communities, too confusing
McCarraher - One of our keys to success was getting someone into Franklin
13,000 electrical customers, about 10,000 were out initially
Nutting - it wasn't a good communication from the beginning, it was a multi-day event but they couldn't say how long - they had a corporate decision and lost hundreds of folks three weeks prior and simply were not prepared.
McGann - what did we get from a representative?
McCarragher - we wanted information, when we called it was like it was the first time, the representative was able to navigate their queue. I just needed reasonably accurate information so we could make our decisions. We were frequently getting lost in the mix, we got scheduling done with constant contact and making sure we didn't get lost in the shuffle. The guys on the street did a marvelous job, the problem was in the back room and getting the prioritization set up.
Vallee - following upon the comment
McCarragher - it is early, only first quarter to have data with the current staffing. I am concerned about it, it is not regular bu depending upon what can happen, it could be slower response.
Mason - thanks to your help, the operation was impressive
Nutting - our first obligation is to Franklin
Dick O'Connor (from Rep Vallee office)
Worked through conflicting info from the weather services until the National Weather service took priority with their accuracy
55 MPH winds marked at Fire Stations, 100 emergencies responded during Sunday
fortunately no injuries to workers or residents on Sunday
all roads were passable by 10:00 PM Sunday evening
National Grid did not show up on Sunday at all
multiple communications with National Grid with commitment to have someone on site Monday
priorities to restore power to key areas and water service
Central Park Terrace, senior housing, those with oxygen needs were dealt with as necessary
priority listing set up one day for action the next day
School St, Parmenter, etc were priority on Tuesday listing
South St, Summer, Beach priority for Weds due to primary lines down
Beach St, Elm, Indian Way for Thu
Police surveyed the town to cross check power outages
restoration of individual home services were addressed on Fri, Sat and Sun
maintained communications via CCTY, consolidated messages with schools
Lessons Learned:
market Ctty service, to cell phone service in addition to land lines
public cell phone charging area
improve power sign board options
additional learning will be reviewed in another meeting of the departments
Kelly - what about National Grid and their response? they did not get here until Tuesday
Nutting - requesting a meeting to discuss, one of their problems was trying to communicate with 27 communities, too confusing
McCarraher - One of our keys to success was getting someone into Franklin
13,000 electrical customers, about 10,000 were out initially
Nutting - it wasn't a good communication from the beginning, it was a multi-day event but they couldn't say how long - they had a corporate decision and lost hundreds of folks three weeks prior and simply were not prepared.
McGann - what did we get from a representative?
McCarragher - we wanted information, when we called it was like it was the first time, the representative was able to navigate their queue. I just needed reasonably accurate information so we could make our decisions. We were frequently getting lost in the mix, we got scheduling done with constant contact and making sure we didn't get lost in the shuffle. The guys on the street did a marvelous job, the problem was in the back room and getting the prioritization set up.
Vallee - following upon the comment
McCarragher - it is early, only first quarter to have data with the current staffing. I am concerned about it, it is not regular bu depending upon what can happen, it could be slower response.
Mason - thanks to your help, the operation was impressive
Nutting - our first obligation is to Franklin
Dick O'Connor (from Rep Vallee office)
Live reporting - door to door solicitations
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Residential Soliciting – Stephen T. Williams
permit application required, backgrounds checked, will get out immediately upon call
you do not have to entertain a solicit
do not permit solicitations for advocacy and political groups
Jones - had requested this due to a young lady who had visited his home and other neighbors
Chief Williams - don't open the door, ask for credentials
Nutting -Williams has tendered his resignation effective 12/16/11 after 40 years of service
1. Residential Soliciting – Stephen T. Williams
permit application required, backgrounds checked, will get out immediately upon call
you do not have to entertain a solicit
do not permit solicitations for advocacy and political groups
Jones - had requested this due to a young lady who had visited his home and other neighbors
Chief Williams - don't open the door, ask for credentials
Nutting -Williams has tendered his resignation effective 12/16/11 after 40 years of service
Live reporting - new liquor license
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages License – Sakebom - 264 Franklin Village Drive
motion to approve, passed 9-0
New All Alcoholic Beverages License – Sakebom - 264 Franklin Village Drive
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Live reporting - Liquor license failures
F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10
all events took place on Friday July 29, 2011
Devita’s Market
purchase without question for asking for an ID, second offense, 5 days suspension, hold two days in abeyance, and have them serve the three days
no excuses, embarrassed by this matter
need to have one of three days on the day that they were in violation
letter sent in February to alert license holders of grant received and tests to come
discussion on days, three days in a row starting Friday, or three Fridays?
not done three Fridays before - going with Wed, Thu, Fri
9/21, 22, 23
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Joe’s American Bar and Grill
license asked for but did not get caught as underage
MA license is different orientation for underage drivers
1st suspense, recommended 3 days, with 2 days in abeyance
1st violation in multiple restaurants, staff is trained internally as well as TIPS training
model employee with them 13 years and simply blew it
agreeable to one day served this Friday, remaining open but no alcohol
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Tedeschi Food Shop
1st offense, similar to Joe's
they can't afford to have this to happen but it can, TIPS training
outside company used to check compliance as well
registers prompt for ID, but it all comes down to the person
suspended immediately upon violation and review of prior experience
busy, distracted, didn't card, no excuses, we failed, won't happen again
motion to approve for one night (9/16), passed 9-0
Uptowne Pub
1st offense
incident happened just before the doorman came on duty
aware of and staff for this
was not asked in this case, clarified by Chief's detailed report
motion to approve, one day (9/16), passed 9-0
Live reporting - Town Council - 9/14/11
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Zollo, Powderly
Absent:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 20, 2011motion to approve, passed 8-0 (Whalen came in after this vote)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS all meetings are recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONSnone
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Deb Pellgri - with a reminder on papers for election can still be taken out by Fri 9/16 and returned by Monday, 9/19
Bob Donavan - citizens comment added during the middle of the appointments. Raising the issue with the fire dept budget cuts, the ambulance previously placed at Station 2 is now running from downtown and increasing response times, no hiring in last five years, a five doubles every thirty seconds, without proper manpower the fire can quickly get out of hand. 44% of the time one ambulance goes out, the second one will go out. With only 9 to staff, it is getting difficult. Basic point, it is a struggle. Thanks for allowing me to make this point.
E. APPOINTMENTS
2011 Election Workers
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Registrar of Voters
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Conservation Commission
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Finance Committee
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Listing of names to be added later
Mount St Mary's new Candy House
Mount St Mary's Abbey is holding a ribbon cutting and Open House on Saturday October 1, 2011 to celebrate their new candy house. Details are contained in the flyer.
Abbey Open House - Oct 1, 2011
Related posts about the Abbey:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/2nd-fund-raising-event-for-abbey-candy.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/mount-saint-marys-abbey-fund-raising.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/12/abbey-turbine-gets-wings.html
Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Abbey Open House - Oct 1, 2011
Related posts about the Abbey:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/2nd-fund-raising-event-for-abbey-candy.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/mount-saint-marys-abbey-fund-raising.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/12/abbey-turbine-gets-wings.html
Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
"Online learning developments hit a snag"
"The design of the plan really met all the criteria," Sabolinski said. "It fits aesthetically into the neighborhood and community. There is community access to the gym and auditorium. The design reflects (Franklin's) educational plan."
The town decided in July to build a new high school rather than renovate the old structure. A state program will reimburse about half of the proposed $94.8 million project.
The program requires the town to choose from four state-approved school building designs by four different architects.
The decision to use Ai3, which built the Whitman-Hanson and Plymouth North schools, was made after School Building Committee members visited four high schools built, each according to one of the models.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948306258/Franklin-picks-model-for-new-high-school#ixzz1XuwG2ufx
Related posts on the build or renovation decision for the high school:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/for-lot-of-reasons-its-best-choice.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/building-cannot-provide-adequate-level.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/state-will-cover-58-percent.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/presenting-95-million-school-will-not.html
Two fact sheets on new health care, poverty data from the U.S. Census Bureau
Is our research helpful to you? Support our work
New Census data show Massachusetts leads nation in health care coverage; poverty rises nationally
September 13, 2011
The U.S. Census Bureau today released data on health insurance and poverty rates for 2010. Two new fact sheets by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center examine the data.
Massachusetts Still the Leader in Health Care Coverage reports on Census Bureau data indicating that Massachusetts health insurance coverage rate is more than ten percentage points higher than the national rate. Using a multi-year average, the Census data estimate that in the 2008-2010 period, Massachusetts had a health insurance coverage rate of 95 percent - more than any other state in the nation.
U.S. Poverty Rate Rises Again shows that the national poverty rate increased for the third year in a row in 2010, rising to 15.1 percent from 14.3 percent in 2009. The poverty rate is now at its highest point since 1993, and the total number of people living in poverty-46.2 million-is the highest number in the 52 years for which the Census Bureau has published poverty estimates. The Census data also show that the percentage of people in deep poverty-those with incomes below 50 percent of the official poverty level-rose to 6.7 percent in 2010 the highest point since the Census Bureau began to publish this measure in 1975.
The health insurance fact sheet is available here, the fact sheet on poverty is available here; both can be found at www.massbudget.org.
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.
This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@massbudget.org |Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
Rep. Vallee holds office hours in Franklin, Medway
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/12/11
State Rep. James Vallee will hold his monthly local office hours this Friday.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Kennedy School council holding bottle and can fundraiser
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/13/11
The John F. Kennedy School Parent Communication Council will hold a bottle and can fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. The drive will be held in the school parking lot at 551 Pond St.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 9/13/11
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 August 23, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Strategic Plan – M. Sabolinski, S. Winslow, J. Edwards, M. Goodman
b. District Improvement Plan – M. Sabolinski, S. Winslow, J.Edwards, M. Goodman
3. Discussion Only Items
Enrollment Update
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1480.00 from the Hockomock Y for a Shape Up Grant for the Franklin High School for in-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Douglas Lee for in-house enrichment at the Franklin High School.
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: School District Improvement Plan
The District Improvement Plan for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sep 13, 11.
FPS: District Improvement Plan August 2011
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html
FPS: District Improvement Plan August 2011
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - agenda - 9/13/11
I. Call to Order and Introduction of New Attendees - including Secretary, Annette Labonte
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. Report from Treasurer
V. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding Update on Grant List (Marc Kaplan and Tim Newell)
Road Race Selection of Date (Special Guest: Ron Ignotz, GTTB)
b. Organizational Review of Mission
Discussion of Committee Name
c. Alliances Update on SouthWest Advisory Planning Cmte (SWAP)Meeting
d. Awareness/Outreach Consideration of informational table at October Harvest Festival in Franklin (Oct 2)
VI. Adjournment (9:00)
Additional materials for the mission statement discussion were posted here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/franklin-citizens-rail-trail-mission.html
The Rail Trail web site can be found here http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/
Mower N More: Snow blower pre-season tune up 2011
Prior post on Mower N More
Mower n More is pleased to announce the following incentives for pre-season snow-blower tune-up, when booked on-line by September 17, 2011 for any available date on the calendar:
- $15 off a snow-blower tune-up = $114 ($129)
- $10 off extended area charge (where applicable) = $19 ($29)
Book now (Use promo code SB11)Wishing you a happy autumn,Mower n More
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/mower-n-more-summer-2011-closure.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)