Friday, March 9, 2012
In the News - high school, wine, state police
Hardesty: Compelling case for new Franklin High
Franklin Agents and Brokers: Real estate brokers support new high school
St. Patrick’s Day wine tasting event planned in Franklin
Area residents become State Police troopers tomorrow
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Live reporting - architectural details
The presentation document used tonight will be added here later. In the meantime, the document used at the School Committee meeting last week, is reported to be close to that shown tonight.
New Franklin High School: Educational Design Features - Revised
Note: this is an update version of the presentation!
Live reporting: Public Presentation on new FHS project
Took the tour of some of FHS, K wing, boys locker room, through to the field house and back to the entrance. From there to the lecture hall where we are now for the presentation followed by Q&A.
Tom Mercer, School Building Committee Chair
Peter Light, FHS Principal
Maureen Sabolinski, School Superintendent
Jim Jordan, Ai3 principal and architect
Sean Fennell, Daedelus Owner Project Manager (OPM)
Overview of project starting back in 2005 with probation status from NAESC
Building committee put together three options for presentation to MSBA. The model school or fourth option became available when Franklin was invited into the model school program.
There are many advantages for the model school program including a high state reimbursement rate.
Ai3 was chosen as for it's model school used at Whitman Hanson and at least 6 others. Their model is the most flexible to meet Franklin's educational needs.
A comparison of the size for the existing building versus the new building is available
http://newfhs.com/facts.php#big
The building is being designed to support 1650 students.
Project contingency and owners contingency amount to a total of $4.5M. This money is already built into the total to cover for unexpected costs and avoid any other cost increases.
What is included in the "non-reimbursable" costs?
There is an allowance for site work and anything above that is non-reimbursable. The State wants to put their money into the building and let the local community choose to do the rest.
The cost to the taxpayer with an average home value of $352,000 can be found in this table
http://newfhs.com/facts.php#cost2
Jim Jordan takes the podium to review the design highlights
Tom Mercer, School Building Committee Chair
Peter Light, FHS Principal
Maureen Sabolinski, School Superintendent
Jim Jordan, Ai3 principal and architect
Sean Fennell, Daedelus Owner Project Manager (OPM)
Overview of project starting back in 2005 with probation status from NAESC
Building committee put together three options for presentation to MSBA. The model school or fourth option became available when Franklin was invited into the model school program.
There are many advantages for the model school program including a high state reimbursement rate.
Ai3 was chosen as for it's model school used at Whitman Hanson and at least 6 others. Their model is the most flexible to meet Franklin's educational needs.
A comparison of the size for the existing building versus the new building is available
http://newfhs.com/facts.php#big
The building is being designed to support 1650 students.
Project contingency and owners contingency amount to a total of $4.5M. This money is already built into the total to cover for unexpected costs and avoid any other cost increases.
What is included in the "non-reimbursable" costs?
There is an allowance for site work and anything above that is non-reimbursable. The State wants to put their money into the building and let the local community choose to do the rest.
The cost to the taxpayer with an average home value of $352,000 can be found in this table
http://newfhs.com/facts.php#cost2
Jim Jordan takes the podium to review the design highlights
Real time: Town Council 3/7/12
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none
Note: I was able to watch via the live internet feed but connected as the Public Hearings got underway.
Sign Bylaw
Bryan Taberner and Beth Dalhstrom presented on the sign bylaw changes. These have been before the Council, went to the Planning Board to be formally reviewed and approved there and are now back before the Council. This is the public hearing portion of the cycle and first reading. There will be a second reading before the Council gets to have their final vote on this matter.
Much of the discussion was around the political signs. Frank Falvey stepped up from the audience to speak for the overall intent but against some aspects that would effectively limit 'free speech'.
The Council ended up moving the items to a second reading and in the process did remove the requirement for the political signs to be taken down post election. While there is a current bylaw limiting posting signs before and after an election, this new bylaw effectively removes those restrictions.
There was also discussion about the 'banner' signs and whether the Town could still post their banner sign on the railroad bridge to announce special events. Government signs are exempt from the bylaw. The bylaw applies to all signs by businesses and citizens.
Annual Audit
The annual audit was reviewed with nothing of significance to note. Franklin is delinquent in putting together a more formal risk policy but from my point of view while this would be a good ting to do, it does require people to do this and Franklin is not about to add staff for this nicety when there are so many other pressing needs. Frank Falvey again stepped forward to speak on the amount of time the audit results are delayed. The books for the fiscal year effectively close on June 30 and we are hear 8 months later getting results of the audit.
If something did come up along the way of the audit, notification would be raised at the time. The books are only available to the auditors in Sep (and that is likely due to the already short staffing situation). If we wanted to do business differently, we would need to staff accordingly.
Remote Participation
This was approved as discussed for the Town Council and its subcommittees. Each other body (School Committee, etc.) could model their policy after this but this doc only relates to the Town Council operations.
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-14: Authorization to Borrow-repairs and remodeling to various school buildings, painting a tank, upgrades to the water plant, new water lines and engineering
motion to approve, passed 9-0
2. Resolution 12-15: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law
addition of the committee members from the Citizens Committee and Master Plan Committee under the indemnification protections of Franklin, as is done with other committee members.
motion to approve, passed 9-0
3. Resolution 12-16: Master Plan Committee – Amended
a technical adjustment as the original resolution did not include the number of committee members
motion to approve, passed 9-0
4. Resolution 12-17: Appropriation: Elections & Registrations
motion to approve, passed 9-0
5. Resolution 12-18: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
motion to approve, passed 9-0
6. Resolution 12-19: Appropriation: Beaver Street Recycling Center
motion to approve, passed 9-0
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-669:Amendment to Chapter 185-45Administration and Enforcement – 1st Reading motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-670: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-671: Amendment to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-672: Amendment to Chapter 185-20. Signs- 1st Reading
motion to amend removing the time restriction on political signs, passed 5-4
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
11. Bylaw Amendment 12-673: Amendment to Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
12. Bylaw Amendment 12-679: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
13. Bylaw Amendment 12-680:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
Absent: none
Note: I was able to watch via the live internet feed but connected as the Public Hearings got underway.
Sign Bylaw
Bryan Taberner and Beth Dalhstrom presented on the sign bylaw changes. These have been before the Council, went to the Planning Board to be formally reviewed and approved there and are now back before the Council. This is the public hearing portion of the cycle and first reading. There will be a second reading before the Council gets to have their final vote on this matter.
Much of the discussion was around the political signs. Frank Falvey stepped up from the audience to speak for the overall intent but against some aspects that would effectively limit 'free speech'.
The Council ended up moving the items to a second reading and in the process did remove the requirement for the political signs to be taken down post election. While there is a current bylaw limiting posting signs before and after an election, this new bylaw effectively removes those restrictions.
There was also discussion about the 'banner' signs and whether the Town could still post their banner sign on the railroad bridge to announce special events. Government signs are exempt from the bylaw. The bylaw applies to all signs by businesses and citizens.
Annual Audit
The annual audit was reviewed with nothing of significance to note. Franklin is delinquent in putting together a more formal risk policy but from my point of view while this would be a good ting to do, it does require people to do this and Franklin is not about to add staff for this nicety when there are so many other pressing needs. Frank Falvey again stepped forward to speak on the amount of time the audit results are delayed. The books for the fiscal year effectively close on June 30 and we are hear 8 months later getting results of the audit.
If something did come up along the way of the audit, notification would be raised at the time. The books are only available to the auditors in Sep (and that is likely due to the already short staffing situation). If we wanted to do business differently, we would need to staff accordingly.
Remote Participation
This was approved as discussed for the Town Council and its subcommittees. Each other body (School Committee, etc.) could model their policy after this but this doc only relates to the Town Council operations.
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-14: Authorization to Borrow-repairs and remodeling to various school buildings, painting a tank, upgrades to the water plant, new water lines and engineering
motion to approve, passed 9-0
2. Resolution 12-15: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law
addition of the committee members from the Citizens Committee and Master Plan Committee under the indemnification protections of Franklin, as is done with other committee members.
motion to approve, passed 9-0
3. Resolution 12-16: Master Plan Committee – Amended
a technical adjustment as the original resolution did not include the number of committee members
motion to approve, passed 9-0
4. Resolution 12-17: Appropriation: Elections & Registrations
motion to approve, passed 9-0
5. Resolution 12-18: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
motion to approve, passed 9-0
6. Resolution 12-19: Appropriation: Beaver Street Recycling Center
motion to approve, passed 9-0
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-669:Amendment to Chapter 185-45Administration and Enforcement – 1st Reading motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-670: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-671: Amendment to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-672: Amendment to Chapter 185-20. Signs- 1st Reading
motion to amend removing the time restriction on political signs, passed 5-4
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
11. Bylaw Amendment 12-673: Amendment to Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading
motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
12. Bylaw Amendment 12-679: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
13. Bylaw Amendment 12-680:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
Franklin, MA: Presidential Primary election results
The results of the Presidential Primary election held in Franklin, MA on Tuesday, March 6, 2012.
Franklin, MA: Presidential Primary Results 3/6/12
This was originally posted to the Franklin website by the Franklin Town Clerk
Franklin, MA: Presidential Primary Results 3/6/12
This was originally posted to the Franklin website by the Franklin Town Clerk
Franklin Cub Scout Pack Visits State House
Senator Karen Spilka hosted members of Cub Scouts Pack 126 from Franklin today during their visit to the Massachusetts State House.
Upon arriving this afternoon, the Scouts were given an official tour of the State House. Following their tour, they met with Senator Spilka and Representative James Vallee at the Grand Staircase for a group photo.
The Cub Scouts and their chaperones then accompanied Senator Spilka and Representative Vallee to the Senator's office where they enjoyed snacks and a fun conversation with the Senator.
The visit was arranged by Senator Spilka's office with the Cub Scouts.
Cub Scout Roster - Pack 126 of Franklin
-Jamie Blanchard
-Matthew Walker
-Michael O'Brien
-Will Fallon
-Tommy Fallon
-Elijah Tucker
-David jones
-Kevin Armstrong
-Nolan Angliss
-Jeremy Schneider
-Will Henrichon
Den Leaders:
-Regina Armstrong
-John O'Brien
-John Walker
*plus additional family members and chaparones
"lower the trash fee by $16, from $220 to $204"
Under the state option, board members who intend to use remote participation must explain their absence under certain categories, such as military service, illness or geographic distance.
The town will test remote participation first with speaker phone, instead of video conferencing, and restrict use to one member per meeting and only within the Council chambers, on the second floor of the municipal building. Members must notify the chairman of their committee at least four hours before the meeting, and subcommittees will not be allowed to use remote participation.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1014038517/Remote-meeting-attendance-approved-for-Franklin#ixzz1oWJr9Qgf
Update to MassBudget's Budget Browser - FY2012 Supplemental Budget
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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Cowper: HS vote is a chance to invest in Franklin
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/7/12
The recent boys basketball game between Franklin and Mansfield is a perfect example of why we will vote YES to build a new high school. The FHS field house was packed with folks of all ages from both towns. Like us, many of the adults who came to watch didn't have kids on the team or even at the high school any more. It was just a chance to cheer for a common goal and show the power of community spirit and pride. What other activities attract people of all ages in the same place for an entertainment event? The energy was exciting and unifying
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Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Grease is the word!
FHS production of Grease. March 23 & 24, 2012 at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin starting at 7pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Franklin takes down Boston Latin in mock trial competition
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff on 3/6/12
After a bitter loss to Boston Latin School in last year's mock trial competition, Franklin High's team got the sweet taste of redemption yesterday, defeating Latin and advancing in the tournament
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Franklin, MA: Earth Day registration open
Thank you for your interest in the Franklin Earth Day event on April 22nd, 2012! For over 10 years, the Town of Franklin has conducted this event in an effort to educate the public on recycling, beautification, and general clean up of the town. This year, we are taking online registration for those folks looking to lock in a location in Town that they are interested in cleaning. Please select the area in town you are interested in cleaning and let us know specifics about your planned clean up. Gloves and trash bags can be picked up ahead of time at the Recreation Dept (150 Emmons St).
Register online for Earth Day
15th Annual Trivia Bee - March 15
Yes, you read that correctly.
The 15th Annual Trivia Bee will be held on March 15th! How cool is that?
FEF Trivia Bee Flyer 2012
Hold the date on your calendar!
Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
The 15th Annual Trivia Bee will be held on March 15th! How cool is that?
FEF Trivia Bee Flyer 2012
Hold the date on your calendar!
Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Franklin Rotary Scholarship Application
Dear High School Senior,
As your high school experience is coming to a close, it is time to contemplate, plan and make decisions that will affect your future. Part of that process is determining how to pay for a college education. The cost of furthering your education is high but the failure to obtain additional knowledge will cost you even more. Our members understand this and recognize the significant expense and sacrifice that often accompanies its pursuit. With this in mind the Rotary Club of Franklin, as it has for many years, continues to offer graduating high school seniors from Franklin, Tri–County, King Phillip, and Medway High Schools an opportunity to receive scholarships to offset the expense of higher education.
The Rotary Club is an international service organization that is dedicated to world peace through service to others and an increased awareness of people’s needs through education. Based on this premise, each application for the Franklin Rotary Club Scholarship is evaluated on the basis of community involvement, financial need, and academic achievement.
To apply for a Scholarship please go to the Rotary Club of Franklin website http://www.franklinrotaryma.org. Click on to “Rotary Scholarships” and fully complete an application.
Please return it as soon as possible and before the May 4, 2012 deadline to:
Rotary Scholarship Committee
PO Box 148
Franklin MA 02038
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Franklin and its Scholarship committee we wish you good luck and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Daniel Gentile
Chairman,
Rotary Club of Franklin Scholarship Committee
As your high school experience is coming to a close, it is time to contemplate, plan and make decisions that will affect your future. Part of that process is determining how to pay for a college education. The cost of furthering your education is high but the failure to obtain additional knowledge will cost you even more. Our members understand this and recognize the significant expense and sacrifice that often accompanies its pursuit. With this in mind the Rotary Club of Franklin, as it has for many years, continues to offer graduating high school seniors from Franklin, Tri–County, King Phillip, and Medway High Schools an opportunity to receive scholarships to offset the expense of higher education.
The Rotary Club is an international service organization that is dedicated to world peace through service to others and an increased awareness of people’s needs through education. Based on this premise, each application for the Franklin Rotary Club Scholarship is evaluated on the basis of community involvement, financial need, and academic achievement.
To apply for a Scholarship please go to the Rotary Club of Franklin website http://www.franklinrotaryma.org. Click on to “Rotary Scholarships” and fully complete an application.
Please return it as soon as possible and before the May 4, 2012 deadline to:
Rotary Scholarship Committee
PO Box 148
Franklin MA 02038
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Franklin and its Scholarship committee we wish you good luck and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Daniel Gentile
Chairman,
Rotary Club of Franklin Scholarship Committee
Presidential Primary: Polls open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
“It certainly is a race on the Republican ballot,” Franklin Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said. “It’s going to bring the Republicans out, that’s for sure.”
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, are also running for the Republican nomination.
Democrats have President Barack Obama on the ballot, and Green-Rainbow voters can choose from Jill Stein, Harley Mikkelson and Kent Mesplay.
Residents will only receive ballots for the political party for which they are registered.
Unenrolled voters can ask for any of the three available ballots this year.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x413535626/Some-area-town-clerks-expect-more-to-show-up-at-polls-today#ixzz1oKdNn1o3
Franklin, Newton students make Mock Trial 'Sweet 16'
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/5/12
Franklin High School and Newton South High School have advanced to the "Sweet 16'' regional finals in the 27th annual Massachusetts Bar Association Mock Trial competition.
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Franklin Library: Nook eReaders Workshop
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
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Monday, March 5, 2012
Registering to Vote and Absentee Ballot Information
Dear Supporters-
This is an important reminder regarding the upcoming vote on March 27 for the new high school.
If you are NOT registered to vote, the last day to register for this election is this Wednesday, March 7!
In this election, Franklin voters will have the chance to support the construction of a fully furnished and equipped 21st century high school and auditorium for our community. Voters will be asked to approve borrowing for a modern, new facility that will cost $47 million. The new high school is based on a state-approved model school design and will be open to students in the fall of 2014. For more information on the high school project, please visit: www.newfhs.com.
You can register at the Franklin Town Clerk's office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street. Additionally, following is information on voting by absentee ballot.
Please pass this along to your friends and neighbors! Thank you!
How to Vote by Absentee Ballot
If you will be physically unable to vote on March 27, you can vote by absentee ballot starting on March 7 and at any time up to noon on Monday, March 26.
There are several convenient ways to obtain and vote by absentee ballot. You can do so in person at the Town Clerk's Office. Or, you can vote by mail. Here's how:
Download and complete an Absentee Ballot application right now. To obtain a form for yourself, visit http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absentee_ballot.pdf.
To request a ballot for a family member, visit: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absente_ballot_fam.pdf .
· Complete the form appropriate for you (the voter or family member). Be sure to check off the "Election Box" in Section 1 and write in the date of March 27.
· Hand-deliver or mail the completed from to the Town Clerk's Office, Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038. Forms must be received in the Town Clerk's Office by Noon, March 26. Since original signatures are required, ballot applications cannot be faxed or emailed.
· The Absentee Ballot will be mailed to you or your family member after March 7.
· Ballots will be mailed to the voter with two envelopes. After making your YES vote on the ballot, place the ballot in the smaller, brown envelope and sign it. Insert the smaller envelope in the bigger, white envelope. Place two 1st-class stamps on it and mail it.
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