This workshop will be held at Dean College
Workshop to help area towns keep their rural feel
Friday, May 25, 2012
Vote for HMEA!
A quick video from HMEA about the Toyota 100 Cars for Good contest that HMEA is a finalist for:
This follows up on the post from yesterday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/hmea-is-finalist-in-nationwide-contest.html
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Town Council - Budget Hearing FY 2013
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti
Absent: Jones, Roy
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters.
Parade 10:30 AM Monday morning, Andy Bissanti Senior Grand Marshall
B. HEARING
FY 2013 Budget Hearing – 2 nd Reading
Clerk to read line item, if an item would like to be held for discussion, say so
The line items come from this worksheet Expense budget FY 2013
motion to move all line items not held, passed 7-0
hold placed on
155 - Info Technology : why expenses and no salaries? The School Dept pays the salaries, while the Town picks up the facilities. The expenses are kept here, mostly maintenance fees and software licenses. Some purchases for replacements. The School Dept has their own expense line item
motion to move line item, passed 7-0
220 - Fire
I have been wanting to see three ambulances here 24x7, how close are we to that goal?
We are quite a bit away. We are about 5-8 people away from staffing level. We have applied for a grant to help. We continue to monitor this, monitoring mutual aid. The cost for overtime to staff doesn't cover the ambulance revenue the 3rd one would bring. As the industrial parks continue to build out, we would have pressure to increase but the call volume is pretty static right now. We do have two full staffed ambulances right now.
How much have your responses increased in the last several years?
With the downturn in the economy we have 'lost' calls and really held about the same. It hasn't been escalating like it did when we were growing. When we see the full commercial side of the town running, we'll see an increase.
Nutting - we have asked for a transfer of money coming in a future meeting to cover for injured coverage.
motion to move line item, passed 7-0
C. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-36: Adoption of FY 2013 Budget
Motion to accept, passed 7-0
needed a 2/3 vote, so they did roll call to cover
D. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
Absent: Jones, Roy
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters.
Parade 10:30 AM Monday morning, Andy Bissanti Senior Grand Marshall
B. HEARING
FY 2013 Budget Hearing – 2 nd Reading
Clerk to read line item, if an item would like to be held for discussion, say so
The line items come from this worksheet Expense budget FY 2013
motion to move all line items not held, passed 7-0
hold placed on
155 - Info Technology : why expenses and no salaries? The School Dept pays the salaries, while the Town picks up the facilities. The expenses are kept here, mostly maintenance fees and software licenses. Some purchases for replacements. The School Dept has their own expense line item
motion to move line item, passed 7-0
220 - Fire
I have been wanting to see three ambulances here 24x7, how close are we to that goal?
We are quite a bit away. We are about 5-8 people away from staffing level. We have applied for a grant to help. We continue to monitor this, monitoring mutual aid. The cost for overtime to staff doesn't cover the ambulance revenue the 3rd one would bring. As the industrial parks continue to build out, we would have pressure to increase but the call volume is pretty static right now. We do have two full staffed ambulances right now.
How much have your responses increased in the last several years?
With the downturn in the economy we have 'lost' calls and really held about the same. It hasn't been escalating like it did when we were growing. When we see the full commercial side of the town running, we'll see an increase.
Nutting - we have asked for a transfer of money coming in a future meeting to cover for injured coverage.
motion to move line item, passed 7-0
C. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-36: Adoption of FY 2013 Budget
Motion to accept, passed 7-0
needed a 2/3 vote, so they did roll call to cover
D. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
Oak St School sign
I don't always get over to Oak St in my daily travels so when going by yesterday I managed to pause a moment to snap this photo.
Yes, I did pull over, parked safely and then took the picture.
Be safe and enjoy!
"pleased with the level of communication and transparency"
The Milford Daily News reported on the Town Council Budget hearing on Wednesday:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347547568/Franklin-Town-Council-approves-budget-in-first-hearing#ixzz1vmQyukYL
Related post on the Franklin budget hearing process
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html
“Overall, the budget is only up about 2 percent. … It’s a pretty modest budget. We still are near the bottom in all spending categories for towns our size,” Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said.
Unfunded health insurance liability, stormwater management and roads are potential fiscal hardships for 2014, Nutting said.
School Committee Chairwoman Paula Mullen presented her committee’s proposed $52.7 million budget, up from about $51.1 million this year.
Mullen said Chapter 70 funding, or state aid for schools, is expected to be $26.86 million, which will cover 51 percent of the budget.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347547568/Franklin-Town-Council-approves-budget-in-first-hearing#ixzz1vmQyukYL
Related post on the Franklin budget hearing process
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html
HMEA is Finalist in nationwide contest in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program
Help HMEA win a new Toyota! The car will be used by our programs and individuals with disabilities to deliver meals on wheels to the elderly, shut ins and veterans in 25 Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. Currently we deliver 140,000 meals on wheels per year.
On May 29th vote for HMEA. Click the #1 link below (they are certified safe) to remind yourself to vote - you will receive an email reminder and then click the #2 link to "Join the Cause" created on Facebook. From there you can invite up to 25 friends to join the cause and also vote on May 29th.
Spread the word – please.
Our date is Tuesday May 29th
Vote for HMEA on Tuesday May 29th.
Thank you
Doug MacPherson
On May 29th vote for HMEA. Click the #1 link below (they are certified safe) to remind yourself to vote - you will receive an email reminder and then click the #2 link to "Join the Cause" created on Facebook. From there you can invite up to 25 friends to join the cause and also vote on May 29th.
Spread the word – please.
A little about the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program
In a nationwide written essay and video contest to see how a charity would use a new Toyota of their choice, Toyota chose 500 finalists. On each of 100 days starting May 16th, Toyota has selected 5 charities to see who can garner the most votes on their https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood page to win the Toyota!!
Our date is Tuesday May 29th
Vote for HMEA on Tuesday May 29th.
Thank you
Doug MacPherson
VP, Development and Public Relations
Trout Derby in Franklin
The Franklin Rod & Gun club will be holding its annual Trout Derby on Saturday, June 2, 2012. June 2 & 3rd is Massachusetts's No-Fishing License-Required weekend. This is a great opportunity to introduce the family to fishing and the great outdoors. For those who do not have a fishing rod, the Franklin Rod & Gun Club will have fishing gear on hand to lend out complete with rod real tackle and bait. If you do have a fishing rod, please bring it as supplies are limited. Our anglers will be on hand to help those new to fishing get started. Raffle and prizes a great time for the whole family. Bring your lucky hat and come on down and enjoy one of Franklin best fishing spots, Uncas Pond. Uncas Pond is stocked with trout twice a year.
The cost to enter the trout derby is $10 for adults and $5 for 12 years old and under.
Time. Saturday June 2, 2012 from 6:30AM to 3:00PM. Location: Franklin Rod & Gun Club, 51 Florence St Franklin, MA. Breakfast and lunch available. Visit www.franklinrodandgun.org
Memorial Day Murph!!!!
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Holiday Weekend: Travel Safely
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 5/21/12
MassDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead and travel safely during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The heaviest traffic is expected Thursday, Friday, and Monday afternoons and early evenings. Drivers are encouraged to make travel plans accordingly and if possible avoid peak traffic volumes between 1pm and 7pm on those days.Traffic is especially heavy at the I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and at Exit 11A, I-495, which handles cars headed south to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire and Maine.
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers reports it has completed current work and all lanes on the Sagamore Bridge are now open through the Memorial Day weekend. The Corps says all lanes will remain open through Labor Day, with the exception of one or two work setups during weekdays only later in the summer.
MassDOT will suspend all construction work on major arterial roadways from 12:00PM Noon on Friday, May 25 through the start of normal business on Tuesday, May 29.
Use MassDOT traffic resources available to assist motorists. Before you travel, check the interactive live Traffic Cameras web page to view current traffic.
Sign up at the 511 Traveler Information Service to receive personalized travel information alerts via email, text or telephone. MassDOT as always reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving. Call into the 511 service before departing.
A reminder that the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law bans texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year old drivers. Drivers are reminded to travel safely and avoid distracted driving such as using cell phones.
To save time, money and gas, motorists who have not yet done so are encouraged to join E-ZPass (FAST LANE) to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths.
Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas from 10 pm Monday night through 5 am Tuesday morning.
The MBTA will operate buses and subways on a Sunday schedule on Memorial Day.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Election 2012: Jeff Roy Launches Campaign
Over 100 people gathered at the Franklin Elks on Tuesday to help Jeff Roy launch his campaign for the 10th Norfolk District. Chris Feeley, Paul Ravich, and Michael Doherty spoke in turn to introduce Jeff and provide some context for their support of Jeff in this effort.
Jeff talked of his year studying law at DePaul University in Chicago and how the "ticket to getting home was working hard". Each of the introductions also referenced Jeff's hard work in multiple areas.
He told the story of a college visit with one of his daughters and being stopped by a statue on one campus that was engraved "What are you doing for justice?" His work on this campaign will be to help answer that question. A recent speech provides a more complete version of the story and its impact.
Sparked by the loss of a couple of friends to cancer, he turned to the PanMass Challenge as "a way to channel those feelings, that energy, to do something good to fight cancer."
Jeff went on to highlight the three areas of focus for his campaign: jobs and the economy, quality education, and bringing civility back to government. He called for those gathered to "come together, work together to bring about a better life for us in MA."
For more about Jeff Roy and his campaign you can visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/ or his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/jeffroyforstaterep
Note: this is not an endorsement of Jeff. As a reporter, I am looking to share accurate information for my fellow voters to create an informed decision for the 10th Norfolk district primary on Sep 6 and election on Nov 8. As I have offered to candidates in prior Franklin elections, I will offer also to the candidates for the 10th Norfolk, the opportunity to have a full interview published here. As the campaign season progresses, I'll remind the candidates of the offer.
Jeff talked of his year studying law at DePaul University in Chicago and how the "ticket to getting home was working hard". Each of the introductions also referenced Jeff's hard work in multiple areas.
He told the story of a college visit with one of his daughters and being stopped by a statue on one campus that was engraved "What are you doing for justice?" His work on this campaign will be to help answer that question. A recent speech provides a more complete version of the story and its impact.
Sparked by the loss of a couple of friends to cancer, he turned to the PanMass Challenge as "a way to channel those feelings, that energy, to do something good to fight cancer."
Jeff went on to highlight the three areas of focus for his campaign: jobs and the economy, quality education, and bringing civility back to government. He called for those gathered to "come together, work together to bring about a better life for us in MA."
For more about Jeff Roy and his campaign you can visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/ or his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/jeffroyforstaterep
Note: this is not an endorsement of Jeff. As a reporter, I am looking to share accurate information for my fellow voters to create an informed decision for the 10th Norfolk district primary on Sep 6 and election on Nov 8. As I have offered to candidates in prior Franklin elections, I will offer also to the candidates for the 10th Norfolk, the opportunity to have a full interview published here. As the campaign season progresses, I'll remind the candidates of the offer.
“These are really important presentations”
In an article on the School Committee meeting Tuesday, the Milford Daily News writes:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1982677358/Children-s-artwork-shown-to-school-board#ixzz1vgWmvBzr
The Kennedy School presentation, and accompanying Keller-Sullivan Elementary School presentation last night, are part of an ongoing series of presentations the School Committee sees each week, from several school departments and buildings.
Members also learned that the Kennedy School art program blends math and culture into the students’ art lessons, and that the children made art through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and weaving, as well as drawing.
“I think one of the things about Kennedy that makes it special is its integration of the arts,” School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said. “Magic happens every day for students.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1982677358/Children-s-artwork-shown-to-school-board#ixzz1vgWmvBzr
Analyzing the Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013
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Franklin Downtown Partnership: 2012 Strawberry Stroll
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/22/12
Franklin's Strawberry Stroll to be Thursday, June 7
The Franklin Downtown Partnership expects to dish up more than 700 sweet, juicy strawberry shortcakes at this year's Strawberry Stroll on Thursday, June 7. The event will be held downtown from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., rain or shine.
The FDP's famous strawberry shortcakes will be served up by Dean Bank's branch staff in front of the bank on Main Street. Dean College volunteers expect to cut more than 160 quarts of red, ripe strawberries for the stroll. Garelick Farms will provide 4 cases of whipped cream to top off the mouth-watering dessert.
"We sold out of our shortcakes last year thanks to all the families who came downtown to enjoy the afternoon and explore our shops and restaurants," says Nicole Fortier, event chairperson. "The whole idea of the Stroll is to enhance cohesiveness. We want to bring people and merchants together and get them engaged in the downtown."
Sponsorship Row in the Berry Insurance parking lot will feature the event's backers. Platinum sponsor for this event is Dean Bank and silver sponsors are Dean College and Garelick Farms. Bronze sponsors are Chestnut Dental Associates, CVS Pharmacy, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) and Keefe Insurance. Music will be provided by Music Odyssey Productions, and the Franklin Art Center will showcase self portraits by budding artists from the Franklin Children's School.
Participating businesses throughout downtown plan sweet and spring-themed specials for the afternoon. Singer and guitarist Kevin Wolfe will be performing outside Pisini Shoes on Main Street. On East Central Street the band Yookeroo will perform at The Cake Bar. At Jane's Frames owner Jane Curran will show visitors how to create lively and fun home displays with children's framed art while local musician and music teacher Jamie Barrett entertains young and old and all those in between.
The Historical Museum invites the public to its wedding gown display and refreshments on the porch, and A Cut Above will offer visitors lemonade and cookies along with giveaways. Vallee's Jewelers plans to buy back gold items at their shop on Main Street. Many other downtown businesses also are offering store specials and discounts.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this popular event. For more information contact Event Chair Nicole Fortier at nfortier@deanbank.com. More information is also available on the Partnership's website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.com. As a non-profit organization, the Downtown Partnership depends on sponsors to run events like this, the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Partnership's mission is to stimulate economic development downtown in order to create a positive impact throughout the area, and to be a pro-active organization that brings residents, business owners and community leaders together, encourages cooperation and builds leadership for the purpose of revitalizing downtown Franklin. For more information please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Downtown Partnership using Google Reader
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Summer Camp, Summer Programs & Community Campaign
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Franklin, MA: FY 2013 Budget hearings
The Town Council has two special meetings this week for the annual budget hearing on the FY 2013 budget.
Franklin operates on a fiscal calendar from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. The FY 2012 budget approved last year funded operations through June 30, 2012. The budget hearings on Weds/Thu will look at funding operations for the period from July 1 through June 30, 2013.
The budget cycle generally begins in Sep/Oct as each department puts together their capital budget. The capital budget is funded by 'free cash'. Free cash is the amount of money left over from the prior budget year that the State has certified is really available. It is a one time fund and not used for operational expenses (personnel, salaries and benefits). It is used to fulfill the capital requirements (new equipment, school books, vehicles, etc.).
As the capital needs are reviewed, each department also puts together their operational requirements. These are reviewed by the Town Administrator and then brought before the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee holds a set of budget hearings where each department manager presents their case for the next year budget, explains their operations, their funding priorities and answers any questions.
The Finance Committee (FinCom) budget hearings were held in April and ended with the FinCom voting on the budget to forward it to the Town Council. This is the budget the Council will be reviewing.
The voting document shows multiple columns. The last two years total for each line item. The original total for this year as put forward by the department. The recommendation by the Town Administrator (TA). This year, the TA only changed one line item (510 - Health) reducing the amount by $1,500. On the one hand, you can attribute only one change to close coordination between the TA and the department head. In this case, the Board of Health apparently submitted a request to create a salary or stipend for what has been a volunteer or unpaid position.
The expense side of the budget generally gets the most focus but the revenue side of the budget is equally important. Franklin is required to present a balanced budget. Where the money comes from is as interesting as how it is spent. For example, this year $350,000 that was taken away from the School budget in Oct 2011 is being put back into the budget for next year. The vote to approve that transfer is part of the overall budget process decisions coming up Weds and Thu nights.
The budget documents
Expense budget FY 2013
Revenue budget FY 2013
FinCom hearings
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/finance-committee-budget-hearing-fy.html
Hearing schedule for FinCom
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/fincom-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html
Franklin operates on a fiscal calendar from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. The FY 2012 budget approved last year funded operations through June 30, 2012. The budget hearings on Weds/Thu will look at funding operations for the period from July 1 through June 30, 2013.
The budget cycle generally begins in Sep/Oct as each department puts together their capital budget. The capital budget is funded by 'free cash'. Free cash is the amount of money left over from the prior budget year that the State has certified is really available. It is a one time fund and not used for operational expenses (personnel, salaries and benefits). It is used to fulfill the capital requirements (new equipment, school books, vehicles, etc.).
As the capital needs are reviewed, each department also puts together their operational requirements. These are reviewed by the Town Administrator and then brought before the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee holds a set of budget hearings where each department manager presents their case for the next year budget, explains their operations, their funding priorities and answers any questions.
The Finance Committee (FinCom) budget hearings were held in April and ended with the FinCom voting on the budget to forward it to the Town Council. This is the budget the Council will be reviewing.
The voting document shows multiple columns. The last two years total for each line item. The original total for this year as put forward by the department. The recommendation by the Town Administrator (TA). This year, the TA only changed one line item (510 - Health) reducing the amount by $1,500. On the one hand, you can attribute only one change to close coordination between the TA and the department head. In this case, the Board of Health apparently submitted a request to create a salary or stipend for what has been a volunteer or unpaid position.
The expense side of the budget generally gets the most focus but the revenue side of the budget is equally important. Franklin is required to present a balanced budget. Where the money comes from is as interesting as how it is spent. For example, this year $350,000 that was taken away from the School budget in Oct 2011 is being put back into the budget for next year. The vote to approve that transfer is part of the overall budget process decisions coming up Weds and Thu nights.
The budget documents
Expense budget FY 2013
Revenue budget FY 2013
FinCom hearings
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/finance-committee-budget-hearing-fy.html
Hearing schedule for FinCom
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/fincom-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html
Big Y: construction progress
The BIG Y continues to make good progress. The parking lot is more level, more curbs are in place.
Another view of the main entrance
Another view of the main entrance
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