K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Water works associate, David Allard recognized by his peers
We have two vehicles in the DPW that
Brutus being recognized by the Charles River Water Association
leading the charge on storm water management
Governors budget comes out, will proceed cautiously until things are a little firmer
we do need to fix roads and bridges and fund schools
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
discussion on appointment of the Treasurer
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - condolences to the DiBaggis family
Powderly - anonymous letter regarding smoking, jurisdiction falls under the Board of Health and not the Town Council
Pfeffer - many of us received a letter from resident on Ledge St
Nutting - was out there Saturday, will make temporary repairs when the weather allows, I did not receive the letter until Tuesday but did reply to him today
Bissanti - I have the advantage of googling , it is more expensive and more effective than rock salt
Roy - House budget due in April
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not needed
P. ADJOURN
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Live reporting - Legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-01: Appropriation – Capital FY 13
motion to approve $1.5M from free cash to the capital improvement
passed 9-0
Nutting - taking this is phases to cautiously approach the budget situation overall
these are matters of replacing vehicles and fixing roads
$24K taken off from the Library as the Friends of the Library offered to donate that
Powderly - no text books?
Sabolinski - no, due to the changes at the state level, the text book companies haven't quite caught up to what the standards are so we weren't ready to invest in that now. There are a lot of changes coming, all new science standards coming next year. We want to wait and see
2. Resolution 13-02: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
big item here is to replace the pump filters to keep the swifters out of the works
3. Resolution 13-03: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Capital FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
replacement of generators at pump stations, part of a regular replacement process
4. Resolution 13-04: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Water Lines FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
continues the successful program, Brook to Daniels, Lewis St, and we are trying to figure out of we can get the rest of the neighborhood at the same time
the streets all have low ratings, all have old pipes, this is our best estimate of marrying the water work with the road surface work
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 9-0
addition of the inn holder all liquor license fee, $3,000
we currently don't have this and at the request of our hotels, vote via roll call, unanimous
Live reporting - Snow removal process
Brutus Cantoreggi, Director Public Works and Carlos Rebelo, Highway Superintendent delivered this presentation and answered questions.
Note: the presentation doc was added after the meeting
Budgeted for $378 for this year
$277K spent thus far
salt distributed at 100%
Cost of salt has varied over the years
Sand is a problem when mixed with the salt as it affects our storm water
$80 a ton to get rid of, exceeds the DEP standards for MA
salt as a component is in our water system
5 truck route vs. 'treating the whole town'
$6,810 vs. 23,400
35 pieces of equipment on the road
DPW workers cost $1237.50 per hour vs contractors at $7450.00
The goal slide is important
aggressive goal to have roads ready 4 hours after snow fall ends!
6" snow = $100K
Reimbursement of $40 for mailbox
Kelly - you don't live in town so how do you find out how to plow the streets
Cantorregi - we have a relationship with the Police, they are on the roads, they'll let us know. I do live in Millis but only 6 miles away. I could live in Franklin and live farther from the office
Kelly - how did you do the switch during the last storm
Cantorregi - sanding trucks are also plows, they tend to come back to refill anyway, they also started out, came back to switch to the plows and while the snow came down a couple of inches in the hour, the trucks went to plow also hitting the road with every other person trying to go somewhere
Dellorco - it took me 20 minutes to get
Cantorregi - we didn't scrap, we salted, it was snow to ice to rain
Dellorco - is there any reason the other towns are better than we are
Cantorregi - I got be honest, i have never heard that others are better than us. I do err on the side of caution when it comes to spending money. I work with the Police, I work with the Schools. We can set different standard, MassDOT has a higher standard. Will no one ever have an accident, no. One accident is too many
Mercer - do you change a priority when schools are going to be open?
Cantorregi - no, our priority is the priority, with school is out, then that is huge for us as it takes so many off the roads
Bissanti - is that typical for how others work?
Cantorregi - yes,
Nutting - we have a narrow window of opportunity to make a decision, that is the worse time for us to make a decision
Sabolinksi - yes, there is collaboration among the surrounding towns, the last storm the only one delayed was Bellingham. When we spoke there wasn't a lot of snow. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get the message out, the buses are rolling at 6:00 AM. I was driving around to see for myself what the status was. Regionally we all came to the same decision.
Bissanti - how do you feel it being your call?
Sabolinski - the decision for delaying school has an economically impact on our families. You want to weigh safety but you also need to consider the costs, it can extend the school year.
Dellorco - you shouldn't have to drive around?
Sabolinski - we have to get in 180 days before the end of the fiscal year, if we get short, we have to look at other options, i.e spring vacation.
Bissanti - a delay is not canceling school?
Sabolinski - no, a delay is not canceling school.
Cantorregi - we wait until there is moisture on the road so when we put the salt out, the snow helps to hold it down. If we use snow blowers, it can pick up a newspaper and clear the shear pin
Note: the presentation doc was added after the meeting
Budgeted for $378 for this year
$277K spent thus far
salt distributed at 100%
Cost of salt has varied over the years
Sand is a problem when mixed with the salt as it affects our storm water
$80 a ton to get rid of, exceeds the DEP standards for MA
salt as a component is in our water system
5 truck route vs. 'treating the whole town'
$6,810 vs. 23,400
35 pieces of equipment on the road
DPW workers cost $1237.50 per hour vs contractors at $7450.00
The goal slide is important
aggressive goal to have roads ready 4 hours after snow fall ends!
6" snow = $100K
Reimbursement of $40 for mailbox
Kelly - you don't live in town so how do you find out how to plow the streets
Cantorregi - we have a relationship with the Police, they are on the roads, they'll let us know. I do live in Millis but only 6 miles away. I could live in Franklin and live farther from the office
Kelly - how did you do the switch during the last storm
Cantorregi - sanding trucks are also plows, they tend to come back to refill anyway, they also started out, came back to switch to the plows and while the snow came down a couple of inches in the hour, the trucks went to plow also hitting the road with every other person trying to go somewhere
Dellorco - it took me 20 minutes to get
Cantorregi - we didn't scrap, we salted, it was snow to ice to rain
Dellorco - is there any reason the other towns are better than we are
Cantorregi - I got be honest, i have never heard that others are better than us. I do err on the side of caution when it comes to spending money. I work with the Police, I work with the Schools. We can set different standard, MassDOT has a higher standard. Will no one ever have an accident, no. One accident is too many
Mercer - do you change a priority when schools are going to be open?
Cantorregi - no, our priority is the priority, with school is out, then that is huge for us as it takes so many off the roads
Bissanti - is that typical for how others work?
Cantorregi - yes,
Nutting - we have a narrow window of opportunity to make a decision, that is the worse time for us to make a decision
Sabolinksi - yes, there is collaboration among the surrounding towns, the last storm the only one delayed was Bellingham. When we spoke there wasn't a lot of snow. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get the message out, the buses are rolling at 6:00 AM. I was driving around to see for myself what the status was. Regionally we all came to the same decision.
Bissanti - how do you feel it being your call?
Sabolinski - the decision for delaying school has an economically impact on our families. You want to weigh safety but you also need to consider the costs, it can extend the school year.
Dellorco - you shouldn't have to drive around?
Sabolinski - we have to get in 180 days before the end of the fiscal year, if we get short, we have to look at other options, i.e spring vacation.
Bissanti - a delay is not canceling school?
Sabolinski - no, a delay is not canceling school.
Cantorregi - we wait until there is moisture on the road so when we put the salt out, the snow helps to hold it down. If we use snow blowers, it can pick up a newspaper and clear the shear pin
Live reporting - Treasurer/Collector
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer Collector
overview of the duties of the office
showed the ledger used in 1877 and used in 2000 when he first came into the office
(will post presentation copy later)
lock box implemented in 2003
online bill pay started in 2009
collection rate over 99% consistently
electronic bill pay hopefully within the next several months, potential postage savings
multiple retirements coming over the next 5 years
opportunities for new staff
currently, a resident of Franklin and 18 years old is minimum requirement to win the election
time to put the measure on the ballot again in November to move it to an appointed position
"the position is really too important for politics"
Moddy's rating comes every year, important to have a strong team, helps the bond ratings
Jeff Nutting adds that Jim left out the transition to an electronic payment for all the employees, moved from a paper weekly system to an every two week, electronic deposit, web based payroll statement
Powderly - this doesn't question the integrity of any voter, it recognizes the specific tasks that are required
Cerel - as long it has been at least a year, it can come back to vote, it is considered a minor change, the council can take the vote to propose it, would go to the Attorney General for review and then to the ballot
Dellorco - who would appoint and approve?
Nutting - If we were consistent with other positions, I would say appoint by Town Administrator and review by Town Council. The Council can decide how to put it together on the ballot but it needs to be defined.
Bissanti - Do folks really check out the resumes of the candidates?
Dacey - I can't speak for all the voters, some do, based upon some of the comments I think the prior vote was misunderstood. This isn't about appointing me as the Treasurer/Collector, it is about appointing the next person.
Roy - one of the other things you didn't mention, you provided some input to the new Representative on some bills, I wan to publicly thank you for that
Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 23, 2013
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012
approved 8-0 (Roy arrived right after the vote)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Steve Sherlock - Franklin resident on Lawrence Dr, I am usually here reporting for Franklin Matters but for this evening I'd like to spend a couple of minutes wearing another hat.
I am the Chair for the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and our 3rd annual phone-a-thon is approaching. We are getting the word out through the newspaper and other outlets and wanted to use this time as well.
This is an all volunteer effort. We are looking for volunteers to help on Sat Feb 9th and Sat Feb 16th. Looking for 2 hour time slots, if your schedule permits, we will welcome your help.
Additional information can be found on the Food Pantry webpage
You can send an email to Bob at Franklinfoodpantry.org or call the Pantry, option 5 for the Phone-a-thon
We are grateful to Dean College for letting us use their facilities for this effort and for providing for lunch for our volunteers on both days.
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/01/franklin-food-pantry-phone-thon.html
E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson
approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012
approved 8-0 (Roy arrived right after the vote)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Steve Sherlock - Franklin resident on Lawrence Dr, I am usually here reporting for Franklin Matters but for this evening I'd like to spend a couple of minutes wearing another hat.
I am the Chair for the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and our 3rd annual phone-a-thon is approaching. We are getting the word out through the newspaper and other outlets and wanted to use this time as well.
This is an all volunteer effort. We are looking for volunteers to help on Sat Feb 9th and Sat Feb 16th. Looking for 2 hour time slots, if your schedule permits, we will welcome your help.
Additional information can be found on the Food Pantry webpage
You can send an email to Bob at Franklinfoodpantry.org or call the Pantry, option 5 for the Phone-a-thon
We are grateful to Dean College for letting us use their facilities for this effort and for providing for lunch for our volunteers on both days.
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/01/franklin-food-pantry-phone-thon.html
E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson
approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
The Glass Harmonica
Vera Meyer returned to the Franklin Historical Museum to help celebrates Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday. His birthday actually is Jan 17th.
The standing room only crowd listened, made suggestions, and asked good questions about the glass harmonica.
The instrument is turned by hand or in this case with an electric motor. It is played by holding ones fingers along the edge of the glass. Both the glass and the fingers need to be wet to make good sounds.
When trying to play a piece with high notes, Vera remarked after that she usually brings her own water with her. The instrument plays better with hard water than soft water.
The instrument is more likely to play music with slower tempos like church hymns or waltzes. She did have a request for a polka and that type of music is too much uptempo to do well with this.
For Vera's prior visits to the Historical Museum for Ben's Birthday visit this link for 2012 and this for 2011
For additional info on Ben visit this wikipedia page
For additional information on the glass harmonica this page on wikipedia can get you started
And if you missed stopping by, but would like to hear what the glass harmonica sounds like, skip ahead in this recording to about the 9 minute mark to listen and enjoy (of course, if you want to step back in time to 2011, don't skip just listen).
The standing room only crowd listened, made suggestions, and asked good questions about the glass harmonica.
The instrument is turned by hand or in this case with an electric motor. It is played by holding ones fingers along the edge of the glass. Both the glass and the fingers need to be wet to make good sounds.
When trying to play a piece with high notes, Vera remarked after that she usually brings her own water with her. The instrument plays better with hard water than soft water.
The instrument is more likely to play music with slower tempos like church hymns or waltzes. She did have a request for a polka and that type of music is too much uptempo to do well with this.
For Vera's prior visits to the Historical Museum for Ben's Birthday visit this link for 2012 and this for 2011
For additional info on Ben visit this wikipedia page
For additional information on the glass harmonica this page on wikipedia can get you started
And if you missed stopping by, but would like to hear what the glass harmonica sounds like, skip ahead in this recording to about the 9 minute mark to listen and enjoy (of course, if you want to step back in time to 2011, don't skip just listen).
Jan 30, 2011
Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play. I hope she is able to come back to the museum in the future. The instrument is special and her ...http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
Franklin High School Construction
Lots of trucks have been in and out of the new high school construction site. As I walked by on Monday, there was a series of cement trucks making deliveries too!
Not much to see just yet. Once the foundation is all poured and set, the steel frame will start to rise and then it will begin to look like something more than an organized mess.
Not much to see just yet. Once the foundation is all poured and set, the steel frame will start to rise and then it will begin to look like something more than an organized mess.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Voices of Franklin: What to do about the conditions on Ledge St?
Rob Crummet lives on Ledge St. Yes Ledge St, you might recognize it if you have seen the recently published road condition report. It is #2 on the list.
Scroll through his letter and view the pictures of the #2 road in Franklin.
When will Ledge St be fixed? Rob would like to know.
Scroll through his letter and view the pictures of the #2 road in Franklin.
When will Ledge St be fixed? Rob would like to know.
Franklin Senior Center: AARP Drivers Safety Class - Jan 26
Reporting by walking around Franklin, I found this and several other photos worth sharing.
For additional info visit the Senior Center webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
To register, call the Senior Center 508-520-4945
For additional info visit the Senior Center webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
To register, call the Senior Center 508-520-4945
Sam Adams Beer Dinner at 3
Good beer, good food, and likely to be a gathering of folks who like those things as well; sounds like a great combination!
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Franklin Food Pantry Phone-A-Thon slated
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/21/13
The Franklin Food Pantry will conduct it's annual Phone-A-Thon on Saturdays, Feb. 9 and 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Monday, January 21, 2013
Dr Martin Luther King: "I have a dream"
In a world where injustice still exists, where inequality still thrives, we must remember why this day is a holiday.
Spend less than 20 minutes to listen (or listen again) to "I have a dream"
The text of this speech can also be found here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/17/i-have-a-dream-speech-text_n_809993.html
"To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction."Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., The Purpose of Education
Spend less than 20 minutes to listen (or listen again) to "I have a dream"
The text of this speech can also be found here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/17/i-have-a-dream-speech-text_n_809993.html
Franklin Library: Make Your Own Journal
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
"18-acre community-supported farm off Daniels Street"
The Milford Daily News reports on the Planning Board approval for the Hoffman Farm:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1084485419/After-getting-OK-from-town-Franklin-farmer-ready-to-grow#ixzz2IbvyjFaO
Hoffmann’s first was in New Braintree, a farming town northwest of Worcester where he and his family currently reside. He had 40 acres, tended to 40 dairy goats and grew 40,000 pounds of butternut squash a year.
He’s working with a considerably smaller plot this time. Still, the farm will yield a wide-variety of vegetables. And he’ll keep cows and goats. (For now, his animals are staying at a friend’s farm.)
"We will be in full operation vegetable-wise this summer," Hoffmann said. "We have to - that’s how I make my living. If I don’t do that, I don’t go to work."
Hoffmann’s Farm is exempt from most of the town’s zoning bylaws. However, the Planning Board pushed Hoffmann to create a subdivision for his house, forcing him to build a private road leading to where the home will go.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1084485419/After-getting-OK-from-town-Franklin-farmer-ready-to-grow#ixzz2IbvyjFaO
Special Education Speaker in Medway
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Sunday, January 20, 2013
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 23, 2012
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer Collector
Brutus Cantoreggi, Director Public Works
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-01: Appropriation – Capital FY 13
2. Resolution 13-02: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 13
3. Resolution 13-03: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Capital FY 13
4. Resolution 13-04: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Water Lines FY 13
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full set of documents as published for this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/012313.pdf
Change to Beaver St Recycling Center stickers
From the Franklin, MA webpage, comes this notice of a policy change to the stickers needed for Beaver St which is effective immediately.
Attached is the new policy for Recycling Center stickers effective immediately. When a sticker is purchased it is to be paper clipped to this 3 page form with instructions on putting the sticker on the vehicle along with the center rules, regulations and fees. Town employees are not required to put stickers on the vehicle. The sticker must be on the vehicle prior to entering the Recycling Center or will be denied access. When a sticker is purchased at the center it must be on subsequent visits.
The policy referenced above as "attached" is located here for your convenience:
Friendly Reminder - Curbside collection delayed this week
From the official Franklin, MA webpage
With the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, there is no school!
MONDAY JANUARY 21 IS A HOLIDAY
NO CURBSIDE COLLECTION
COLLECTION WILL BE ONE DAY
LATER THAN USUAL FOR THE WEEK
With the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, there is no school!
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| Parmenter School, Wachusett St, Franklin, MA 02038 |
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