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Friday, October 5, 2012
Franklin Library: Interviewing Skills
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2012 Annual St. John’s Christmas Fair
This year St. John’s Christmas Fair will be held Saturday, December 1st from 9am - 3pm in the St. John’s Parish Hall located at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin, MA.
There will be homemade gift baskets, Cookie Walk, pastry table, as well as hot soup and coffee to enjoy.
Pictures with Santa as well as other activities for the kids! Join us for a fun day!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
"we can offer options for our citizens"
The Milford Daily News reported on the Town Council meeting in part with the following:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738671634/Franklin-OKs-tax-deferral-options-for-seniors#ixzz28JwPJdfW
Deferral of taxes simply postpones the date for payment, they still must be paid. What was also approved is a program for veterans under 65 to work off a portion of their taxes. This program is similar to that already offered to the seniors 65 and over. The program will be limited to the first ten people now but can be expanded by the Council as demand for the program grows.
The Town Council especially Tina Powderly has been instrumental in expanding the senior outreach program the past couple of years.This is not to negate any of the good work done prior, just recognize that the opportunity for seniors via deferment and reductions has increased.
In other matters before the Council not referenced in this article, they did approve the rezoning of the parcels along King St and i495 from residential to business. Any project would still be required to go through the full Planning Board and associated permitting process. That process provides considerable input from the residents abutting the property.
DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi disclosed plans to remove another 11 trees from the Town Common. This action will improve the growth options for the remaining 97 trees.
The DPW will also do some work to remove the electrical box currently under the gazebo to a normal upright electric box along the Union St side of the common. Some concrete around the gazebo will be disturbed during this process and then returned to normal.
For the complete set of posts reported live during the meeting, visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/town-council-100312.html
Councilors accepted incorporating a real estate tax deferral and two laws which let seniors defer water and sewer charges.
In place already for seniors is a property tax deferral program.
Town Treasurer/Collector James Dacey Jr. said currently one family is participating in that program.
“I know they are having a very difficult time,” Dacey said. “I looked into how we could help out in other ways.”
In 2010, 9.4 percent of Franklin’s 31,635 residents were age 65 and older, according to census data.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738671634/Franklin-OKs-tax-deferral-options-for-seniors#ixzz28JwPJdfW
Deferral of taxes simply postpones the date for payment, they still must be paid. What was also approved is a program for veterans under 65 to work off a portion of their taxes. This program is similar to that already offered to the seniors 65 and over. The program will be limited to the first ten people now but can be expanded by the Council as demand for the program grows.
The Town Council especially Tina Powderly has been instrumental in expanding the senior outreach program the past couple of years.This is not to negate any of the good work done prior, just recognize that the opportunity for seniors via deferment and reductions has increased.
In other matters before the Council not referenced in this article, they did approve the rezoning of the parcels along King St and i495 from residential to business. Any project would still be required to go through the full Planning Board and associated permitting process. That process provides considerable input from the residents abutting the property.
DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi disclosed plans to remove another 11 trees from the Town Common. This action will improve the growth options for the remaining 97 trees.
The DPW will also do some work to remove the electrical box currently under the gazebo to a normal upright electric box along the Union St side of the common. Some concrete around the gazebo will be disturbed during this process and then returned to normal.
For the complete set of posts reported live during the meeting, visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/town-council-100312.html
Town Council - 10/03/12
The collection of posts reported while in the Town Council chambers for Wednesday's meeting can be found here:
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Live reporting - closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
with DaVita's Market moving to a full liquor license we will have a beer and wine license to re-assign. Likely to bring that forward after the new year
thanks to the Downtown Partnership
Condolences to Councillor Bissanti on the passing of his father
L. OLD BUSINESS
do we have a re-application of furniture within the schools and the town?
Yes, the DPW has a storage of items available
If they are truly excess, we do have a process to go through
If it has any value we get something for it
We should have the Purchasing Director come forward for one of the meetings, it would be a good topic
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - Harvest Fest was well attended despite the rain
Bissanti - Thanks to the residents for the outpouring of condolences on the passing of my father
Jones- thanks for backing the zoning changes for exist 16 to offset the ever growing budget, can bring more revenue and jobs to Town
Pfeffer - sympathy to your family on your loss
Powderly - Chapter 90 public meetings, can you give us an update on what comes out of that
Kelly - condolences to your family
Mercer - project awarded to Agostini Construction, looking forward to the ground breaking, Sat Oct 13th. Met the contractor on Monday night, looking to begin work on the site. Weds Nov 14 a public update to the community on the project, hopefully here in the Council Chambers, update on plans, budget and tax implications
Nutting - three phases, one starts in three week, traffic changes due to a reduction in parking spaces. Parents should be aware of changes until June, then it will change in Phase 2 and again in Phase 3
Vallee - we lost s good citizens, condolences Andy
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0
Live reporting - Action items
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-65:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 40, Section 42J: Deferral of Water Charges
motion to approve, passed 8-0
recommendation to approve deferral of water charges, only have one deferral, may be another way to help folks who are struggling
2. Resolution 12-66:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 80, Section 13B: Deferral and Recovery
Agreements
motion to approve, passed 8-0
this is a formality to require folks to actually pay back on deferrals
3. Resolution 12-67:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 83, Section 16G: Deferral of Sewer Charges
motion to approve, passed 8-0
same as the water above, this covers the sewer bill
4. Resolution 12-68:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5N: Reduction of Property Tax
Obligation of Veteran in Exchange for Volunteer Services
motion to approve, passed 8-0
this is a new law that just came into effect, seniors can work to defer taxes for volunteer work. This allows veterans to do this, can't do both veterans and seniors, can only do one or the other. Currently limited to 10, can be increased as demand allows. The senior program started with 30 or so and has been increased over the years as demand required.
This is open to veterans under 65. The senior program is limited to those 65 or over
No income criteria for either program, some communities do but Franklin does not.
5. Resolution 12-69:Senior Tax Deferrals
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Did initially charge 8% and as the rates dropped realized it wasn't fair. Could charge the MMDT rate but that is too low, so it will be the rate plus 2% to allow for coverage of the expense for managing the program
6. Bylaw Amendment 12-694:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading; passed 8-0
kennel boarding fee raising from 20 to 25 per day, first rate increase in 9 years for this item
see list of other fees in the agenda document
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/100312.pdf
removing "per day" for the second reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689:Changes to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map: Single Family III to Business Zoning District- 2nd Reading
This is a modified proposal and recognizes the objections of abutters from the original discussion a couple of weeks ago.
Removed one parcel from the proposal and defined a zone within that remaining parcel
National Grid commented on the height of the lines, the proposed development would still need to come through the normal planning process
"spot zoning" a special use of the zoning different from other
Courts in MA are restrictive in applying 'spot zoning', this would not likely be something to meet the criteria
given the locality along King St and i495, this would not likely meet the case
Are you able to split zone a single parcel? Yes
Suggestion to leave the Washington St parcels as residential due to where the properties along Taft St view
The residents of the Taft St purchased knowing that their neighbors would be residential.
Planning Board is in charge of the permitting within the zone
the Town Council would not have a say any further
Thanks for the adjustment, this is a huge win
As the trees thin the noise increases. If you can increase the buffer for eyesight and noise reduction
Bissanti - you have a lot of control and say at the Planning Board process, if an when a develop ever does step forward and purchase to proceed with development
Jones - thought process on economic development behind this proposal, this is a place where could further develop the Town and offset the residential property tax base. This area has always been a potential site for this kind of use. We did put a lot of thought into how this would be place and set off from other areas. Business zone has different requirements from other zoning options. If this gets zoned for business, the Council will be watching carefully
voted to amend the proposal, 8-0
then voted to accept the amended bylaw creating the change
Live reporting - Town Common update
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
DPW Director – Town Common
Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi
Jeff NUtting provided an intro on the walk through held last week to look at the trees, the power and the common overall. Looking to move the power from under the gazebo.
108 trees currently on the Town Common. Good representation of some species
Did take down the 12 trees recommended by the prior consultant
11 tree proposed to be removed this time to provide better growth opportunity for the other trees.
tree 91 - large spruce surrounded by sugar and norway maples
5 conifers around the Civil War monument, proposed to take down the two in the middle to allow the others to maintain their conifer growth
Tree 103, wind storm, broke this tree and it should be removed.
would leave 97 tree on the common
a lot of the trees that would be removed are being blocked from the sun by other trees
do more pruning as time allows
As public warden did hold a hearing for the prior cutting
nothing really to say or do, just trying to make folks aware of this
the electricity would be moved from under the gazebo to a box on the Union St side
A couple of these are fairly large, 21" diameter for some
Benches are about $2000 per, would be expensive to replace
don't have much of a budget for this, can't do it all in one year
many of the benches and lights were donated by Rotary for citizen of the year, these plaques would be moved if either the benches or lights are replaced
Live reporting - Town Council - Oct 3, 2012
Present: Mercer, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Dellorco
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 5, 2012; motion to approve, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Absent: Dellorco
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 5, 2012; motion to approve, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Rezoning from residential to business
Coming up for the second reading tonight is a proposal to rezone some parcels along King St at the i495 interchange.
These photos were taken of the parcel frontage along King St as I ran by Sunday morning.
The power lines run right through the property being reclassified so that will be something to work around as the developers figure out how to maximize the space being rezoned.
You can find the full agenda for the Town Council meeting here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-3.html
and the agenda document with the maps can be found here (the last ten pages cover this rezoning change)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/100312.pdf
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689:Changes to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map: Single Family III to Business Zoning District- 2nd ReadingThe last 10 pages of the agenda document for the Town Council meeting provide the map views for these parcels.
These photos were taken of the parcel frontage along King St as I ran by Sunday morning.
The power lines run right through the property being reclassified so that will be something to work around as the developers figure out how to maximize the space being rezoned.
You can find the full agenda for the Town Council meeting here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-3.html
and the agenda document with the maps can be found here (the last ten pages cover this rezoning change)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/100312.pdf
"Improving public education would be a major focus"
Continuing to mine the recent meeting the Milford Daily News arranged with the 10th Norfolk candidates, they have posted this article where the candidates agree one issue at least: education.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122712/10th-Norfolk-candidates-agree-on-education#ixzz28E8td2IV
Roy and Eustis expressed similar views on the state of the state’s education system — K-12 to four-year and two-year colleges — during a recent meeting with the Daily News. The Nov. 6 election is 34 days away.
In general, they both want to help the state’s education system continue to improve, and each sees a growing problem in escalating college costs.
Democrat and Republican agreed that tuition at state colleges has to be reined in, to prevent the high cost from dissuading prospective students and to make college a realistic option for more families.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122712/10th-Norfolk-candidates-agree-on-education#ixzz28E8td2IV
Trail Walk Scheduled - Oct 13
In case you missed talking with the folks at the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee tent at the Harvest Festival, here is the flyer about the Oct 13 Rail Trail walk that is scheduled.
The event is free, sponsored by the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Please register at www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/oct13
The trail walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Rain date is Sunday, Oct 14 in the same starting time
More information on the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee can be found on their web page
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
Federal Funds Boost 10 Regional Transit Authorities
Some Federal money can be coming to GATRA according to this
Governor Deval Patrick and MassDOT announced today that MassDOT will award $13.2 million to 10 Massachusetts Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to make needed capital investments including new bus purchases and facility repairs.
The funds are available as part of the Obama Administration's "We Can't Wait" initiative that allows states to repurpose unused federal transportation earmarks (from 2003 to 2006) for use on highway and transit projects that are able to obligate the funds by the end of the year.
Projects selected represent RTAs across the Commonwealth and are focused on state of good repair including bus replacements along with customer service improvements, such as Real-time customer information signs for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, above, and major projects already underway such as the Gallagher Terminal Garage in Lowell.
"The Obama Administration has made a smart decision to put unspent dollars into necessary projects that create jobs," said Governor Deval Patrick. "These projects reflect our commitment to improve public transportation for residents across the Commonwealth."
The repurposed earmark funds are 100% federal funding, require no state match and must be used for capital needs. MassDOT selected the 11 projects from a list of 28 project requests totaling $45.6 million from the state's 15 RTAs.
The 11 projects were selected based on the likelihood of the individual RTA's ability to obligate funds by the end of December and spend all funds in the near-term. The funded project list includes the following:
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/2/12
Governor Deval Patrick and MassDOT announced today that MassDOT will award $13.2 million to 10 Massachusetts Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to make needed capital investments including new bus purchases and facility repairs.
The funds are available as part of the Obama Administration's "We Can't Wait" initiative that allows states to repurpose unused federal transportation earmarks (from 2003 to 2006) for use on highway and transit projects that are able to obligate the funds by the end of the year.
Projects selected represent RTAs across the Commonwealth and are focused on state of good repair including bus replacements along with customer service improvements, such as Real-time customer information signs for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, above, and major projects already underway such as the Gallagher Terminal Garage in Lowell.
"The Obama Administration has made a smart decision to put unspent dollars into necessary projects that create jobs," said Governor Deval Patrick. "These projects reflect our commitment to improve public transportation for residents across the Commonwealth."
The repurposed earmark funds are 100% federal funding, require no state match and must be used for capital needs. MassDOT selected the 11 projects from a list of 28 project requests totaling $45.6 million from the state's 15 RTAs.
The 11 projects were selected based on the likelihood of the individual RTA's ability to obligate funds by the end of December and spend all funds in the near-term. The funded project list includes the following:
- Berkshire RTA- Four 14-passenger vans w/ fare boxes, $420,000
- Berkshire RTA- Maintenance facility roof, $250,000
- Brockton Area Transit- Three 35' Hybrid transit buses and two 35' diesel transit buses, $2.6 million
- Cape Ann Transportation Authority- Maintenance facility roof, $408,179
- Greater Attleboro-Taunton RTA- Two 30' transit buses, $740,000
- Lowell RTA- Gallagher Terminal parking garage replacement, $2.5 million
- Martha's Vineyard RTA- Three 27' buses and one 30' bus, $1,085,000
- Montachusett RTA- Wachusett Commuter Rail Extension, $3.6 million
- Nantucket RTA- Four 25' transit buses, $749,000
- Pioneer Valley Transit Authority- Real-time customer information signs, $450,000
- Southeastern Regional Transit Authority- Parking deck resurface, fireproofing replacement, $370,000
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In the News: book sale, art party, variety show, skating
The fall book sale, the second major fund raiser for the Franklin Library, is coming up Oct 19-21.
Friends of Franklin Library plan annual book sale
"give the kids a better experience"
Milford daily News reports the Tri-County VocTech will be getting some MSBA funding to renovate its science labs.
Worthy of noting is that the architect selected is Ai3, the same as for the Whitman-Hanson model school that was selected for the new Franklin High School.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122693/Tri-County-Valley-Tech-get-help-from-state#ixzz28E6z8OKU
Related post on Ai3 http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/ai3-architects.html
Four of Tri-County’s five labs will be revamped using the design, inspired by the nationwide push to bolster science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, in public schools. The fifth lab only requires minor renovations.
The labs date back to 1977, the year in which Tri-County was built.
The state grant covers slightly more than half of the $1.8 million project, with the school paying the rest. Work will include the installation of new casework, wall cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring and furniture.
The labs will also feature upgraded infrastructure, such as new electrical and plumbing systems and smartboards.
Worthy of noting is that the architect selected is Ai3, the same as for the Whitman-Hanson model school that was selected for the new Franklin High School.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122693/Tri-County-Valley-Tech-get-help-from-state#ixzz28E6z8OKU
Related post on Ai3 http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/ai3-architects.html
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Experienced with the model
Reporting on the School Building Committee meeting from Monday night, the Milford Daily News writes:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122307/Contractor-for-new-Franklin-High-is-praised#ixzz288M5J3u4
Additional information on the entire high school building project can be found in my collection
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html
and updated information can always be found on the new high school web page
http://www.newfhs.com/
The East Providence-based firm constructed the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and in 2008 worked on Norwood High School, the first built under the state’s model school program.
Norwood was also the first school to use the Whitman-Hanson model. Since then, a handful of other districts have picked the model because of its adaptable design, including Natick and Franklin.
Sean Fennell, Franklin’s project manager, said Agostini has a pristine reputation for completing big projects on time and within budget. Fennell said the firm is "the best you can hope for" when placing a public bid.
"They make sure the price is right," Fennell said. "And these guys never miss a deadline."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122307/Contractor-for-new-Franklin-High-is-praised#ixzz288M5J3u4
Additional information on the entire high school building project can be found in my collection
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html
and updated information can always be found on the new high school web page
http://www.newfhs.com/
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