"Anytime we can save the taxpayers money, I would be in favor of it"

In the Milford Daily News recap of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, they report on only one agenda item, the proposed refinancing of the high school building project.

Homeowners residing in a property assessed at $353,000 will see a $71 increase on their tax bills in fiscal year 2014 — up from $45 in the prior plan — and a $212 increase in fiscal 2015, up from $85. They will pay $212 again in fiscal 2016, down from $216, and the same amount every year after that until the town covers its debt. 

The preliminary payment method had residents paying an additional $260 in 2017. 

With the plan Nutting presented on Wednesday, taxpayers would over the life of the project pay a total of $5,440, rather than $6,612. 

"I’m very comfortable from where we’re sitting right now," said School Building Committee Chairman Tom Mercer, speaking remotely from China. "Although we have that ... spike, this is really a no brainer; it just saves everybody money."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1433792874/Franklin-adopts-new-payment-plan-for-new-high-school#ixzz2MqewGDq7

For the full report on the entire agenda of the Town Council meeting, you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/town-council-meeting-030613.html

Poetry Goes to Hollywood

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Poems in Movies   If you didn't get enough poetry from this year's Oscar winning films, take a look at this partial list we've compiled of poems in cinema, including:    Alone by Maya Angelou    from Poetic Justice As I Walked out One Evening  by W. H. Auden    from Before Sunrise One Art by Elizabeth Bishop    from In Her Shoes The Tyger by William Blake    from Blade Runner Kubla Khan  by Samuel Taylor Coleridge    from Citizen Kane Nothing Gold Can Stay  by Robert Frost    from The Outsiders To an Athlete, Dying Young by A. E. Housman    from Out of Africa Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas    from Dangerous Minds O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman    from Dead Poets Society Poem as Screenplay: Six Video Collaborations Poets have long been interested in the cinematic. Here are six video adaptations by filmmakers inspired by poems and the poets who wrote them, including Rita Dove, Allen Ginsberg, Academy Chancellor Anne Waldman, and others. New Lesson Plan: And the winner is... What is the relationship between verse and the moving image? In this new lesson plan students focus on how poetry and film connect, and create their own screenplay in which poetry plays the leading role. The lesson includes poems by Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Bishop, Walt Whitman, and others.       Tell a Friend: Forward this email to a teacher now!  Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Join us on Tumblr Featured Poetry Gift:  From our Sponsors:    Thanks for being a part of the Academy of American Poets community. To learn about other programs, including National Poetry Month, Poem in Your Pocket Day, the annual Poets Forum, and more, visit Poets.org. Claudia Rankine photo © John Lucas. Video stills taken from Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise and Allen Ginsberg's "The Ballad of the Skeletons."

Forward this email Academy of American Poets | 75 Maiden Lane | Suite 901 | New York | NY | 10038

Franklin Library: Fun Club - Green Slime Time

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Fun Club - Green Slime Time

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Live reporting - closing

J. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
Congrats to Brustus for becoming a "roads scholar"

Library waiver was granted for this year
more programs will be announced via Facebook and Twitter

Thanks to DPW and public safety folks for work during the blizzard

Annual budget coming out the FinCom and Council this week
level service, no job loses
Schools coming in at 3%, hearing next week
budget hearings scheduled for Mar 13, 14 and 28. Apr 1, 2 at FinCom

Recreation plan for DelCarte property
public hearing Tues Mar 12, 6:30 at 3rd floor training room

Update for Apr 3 meeting on Downtown Project

K. OLD BUSINESS 

Nutting - update on NationalGrid, pole hearings underway, for Partridge St and Maple St


M. NEW BUSINESS 
Roy - an update from Franklin Housing Authority is requested
think and talk about a impact of a casino in Milford

Bissanti - Community Preservations Act could be beneficial, lot of exciting projects under this program

Vallee - lot at Union and Cottage owned by the railroad (CSX)
Nutting we had approached them before to see if they were interested in selling and were not
trying to get CSX to do anything is difficult


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Kelly - library events on Facebook, glad to join the masses

Powderly - wish the girls basketball team good luck!

Jones - Mar 9 - Thayer PCC - bid for the Kids auction, largest fund raiser
Economic Dev meeting Mar 13, 5:30 PM

Bissanti - loved a book reading at Davis Thayer, proud to be part of it



O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required 

P. ADJOURN 
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 via roll

Live reporting - action items

I. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 
1. Resolution 13-08: Swahn Lane, A Private Way Acceptance of Covenant with Owner 
motion to approve, 9-0 via roll call

2. Resolution 13-09: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes
motion to approve as amended, 9-0 via roll call

annual event, after tax title determine which use of the land is best
motion to amend striking item #3 from the proposal at this time, motion passed 9-0 via roll call

3. Resolution 13-10: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement Authorization
motion to approve, 9-0 via roll call

Phase 2 of the solar development discussed before. To be built at the St Mary's. Worth over $6M between cost saved for power and increased revenue from property taxes over 20 years

4. Resolution 13-11:Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations 
motion to approve, 9-0 via roll call

standard request for coverage of the snow and ice during winter, likely to get to it spent approx $700K against the $900K budget

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-700: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, 9-0 via roll call

trash fee currently $204 would rise to $212 for next fiscal year

Powderly - fee did drop earlier, totters paid off, even with the increase we are still paying less than we did before the system switched

Live reporting - High School Building costs

slide included in PDF for agenda
will be added for this later)

$6,612 vs. 5,440
projected to be individualized costs per household over the life of the funding required

for a couple of years up front, you pay slightly more but over the long term, the total payments are less by $1,172 (and it could be more)


Jeff made presentation, Tom Mercer participating via telephone conference call

Nutting - The under ground is done, the steel is rising. The only real unknown left is if when we take down the old school we find something we didn't expect.

Roy - Anytime we can save the taxpayers money it is a no-brainer

Nutting - projected to be about a 20% savings over the life of the bond

Mercer - yes, we have a year spike but otherwise it saves us money in the long term

Jones - many of the naysayers for the school were fearful that the school was going to be a taj mahal and be full of cost overruns. To that we have been under and continuing to reduce is good.

Powderly - I appreciate the diligence in looking to avoid surprises, saving money overall

Live reporting - Police Presentation

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

1. Chief of Police, Stephan Semerjian

(Document to be added later)

5000 in 1904 to 33,000 in 2012, arrests rose from 33 to 400+ in those years

Some historical figures and anecdotes told along the way

picture of parking meters from back in the 1940"s

photo of the new building from 1991

map of the four sectors patrolled by the police

photo of firearms seized from one Franklin resident

photo of dispatch station with four monitors operated by a single person when a 911 call comes in

certificate as America's Safest City for 2013 (actually #2 in 2012)

Chief says I am very proud of the guys we have, they want to work, they make it easy for me

Dellorco, they help us so much, there are coaches at the high school, they are involved, they know the kids

There is only one female officer currently

We get what we need to do what we have to do, we're better educated and trained so that helps

Live reporting - Town Council - Mar 6

Present: Mercer (remote) Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee,  Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy (late)
Absent:

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 6, 2013 

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

F. HEARINGS 

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

Franklin Public Schools: Update/Information

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello: Weather Update Many parents/guardians have called or emailed today concerning the status of school. At this time there is no data to make a decision. We will work closely with the Franklin DPW, Police and Fire to make the safest decision. We will not make a decision until tomorrow (Thursday) morning. Many in our community have inquired as to the last day of school - June 24. As per MA General Law we must be in session for 180 days and we cannot extend the school year beyond June 28. FHS Winter Carnival  Fun Event for Preschool and Elementary Children Date/Time: Sunday March 10   12:00-4:00 FHS Field House Games, snacks and prizes This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Reminder: Tour of Keller and Sullivan - Mar 7 - 6:00 PM

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello Please join the administration and School Committee for a tour of the Helen Keller Elementary School and Annie Sullivan Middle School. Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. All community members invited - please meet in Keller lobby (on the left). Address: 500 Lincoln Street. If school is closed  due to inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Bone Marrow Drive, Organ Donor Awareness - Mar 10

It is our hope to create awareness within families to talk about two very important Donor topics that are often difficult to discuss. We will have information available for you to consider this personal decision. We will also be able to add you to the marrow registry with a simple cheek swab (check out DKMS.org). 

Pour Richards will have a wine/beer tasting during the event and we are selling tickets to it for $10. Proceeds from sales of wine/beer during our event will also be directed to our foundations. Join us for a fun afternoon and please share this information with your friends!

Share the event on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/events/351957668253710/

March Women's Success Network's Pure Networking

Spring is in the air - March Pure Networking

Come join the spring "Pure Networking" event hosted by Self Aesthetic and Therapeutic Specialists, Medical Spa, located at 37 East Central Street in Franklin

on Wednesday, March 20 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Self Aesthetic and Therapeutic Specialists, Medical Spa is a beauty and wellness practice. They offer state of the art techniques in facial treatments, medical cosmetics, massage therapy, and holistic wellness services. Christine Dreier, WSN member and the owner and Aesthetics Director of Self, has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years. She is licensed as an aesthetician and cosmetologist; certified in skin tightening and chemical peels; and medically certified in several practices. To contact Christine Dreier or see a list of services visit www.self-therapeutics.com or call 508-541-7353. If your business is in or around Franklin and you are a Women's Success Network member, take advantage of the sponsorship opportunity. For $50 you can be spotlighted before and during the meeting. Your business information will be included in all media communications. If you would like to be a sponsor or, perhaps, donate a door prize, email Sue Haley at networking@wsninc.org. There are two ways to register for Pure Networking: online at https://www.wsninc.org or at the door. The $5 cost supports the WSN Founders Scholarship Fund. Door prizes are accepted. Don't forget to bring your name tag and plenty of business cards.

In the News: Cross Walk, rail trail

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ planned in Franklin

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

St Mary’s teen ministry is organizing a “Cross Walk” procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at 12 p.m. on Good Friday, March 29.

Officials talk Upper Charles Trail expansion in Milford

by Lindsay Corcoran/Daily News staff

A meeting was held in Milford on Tuesday night that included officials from the five communities through which the Upper Charles Trail is set to run. The main discussion involved overcoming obstacles, including financing and land acquisition, to complete the 27-mile loop.

Hockomock Playoff Schedule & Scoreboard - 3/5/13

 FHS Girls basketball team beats Newton South by 1 point!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Hockomock Playoff Schedule & Scoreboard - 3/5/13

via Hockomock Sports - Blog on 3/5/13

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Here are today's Hockomock playoff games.

Boys Basketball
#1 Mansfield, 68 vs. #12 Brookline, 50 - Final
#12 Sharon, 79 vs. #1 Scituate, 83 - Final - Sharon is eliminated from the post season.

Girls Basketball
#4 Franklin, 54 vs. #17 Newton South, 53 - Final

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Franklin Library: Teen Advisory Board Meeting

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Teen Advisory Board Meeting

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 3/5/13

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Healthy Future Franklin Seeks Community Sparkplugs, March 20, 6 – 8 PM

Join Healthy Futures Franklin to create sustainable change in our community. We believe that it takes a village (or community) to energize, inspire, and spark change. We are looking for sparkplugs (volunteers to serve on subcommittees) in Franklin who also believe that:

• Play is powerful – Access to parks, outdoor recreation, and sidewalks is a priority.
• Healthy eating is a right not a privilege – Access to healthy, affordable foods is possible.
• United voices create change – Increase awareness of programs, projects and polices underway.

Healthy Futures Franklin, a Mass in Motion Initiative sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is a community-driven coalition committed to promoting healthy eating and active living through programs, projects and policies, making the healthy choice the easy choice.

Healthy Futures Franklin

Mass in Motion

Subcommittees will be meeting for the first time on March 20th at the Franklin Food Pantry Conference Room to focus on developing time lines to implement high impact strategies and policies to improve the health of Franklin. Become part of the movement or attend to learn more. There is no obligation to stay involved, but please consider learning what this is all about and help be part of the solution.

Both Subcommittees are scheduled to meet Wednesday, March 20, at the Franklin Food Pantry back to back to accommodate community members who are interested in both areas of focus.

• Active Living Subcommittee – Wednesday, March 20, 6 – 7 PM
• Healthy Eating Subcommittee – Wednesday, March 20, 7 – 8 PM

Please contact Lauren Marciszyn at 774.235.2737 or via email at LaurenM@hockymca.org to become involved, join our mailing list or learn more about this coalition.

Calling all Foodies!

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is hosting the Culinary Cabaret this Friday, Mar 8th

Here's What's Cooking! Wondering what will be taking place at our Culinary Cabaret?  Read on to get a taste of just a few of the highlights! Upon arrival enjoy a glass of Prosecco provided by Panzano, Tomasso's Tuscan Market.  Savor hors d'oeuvres from Artistry Boston with favorites such as Roasted Tenderloin Steak and Cheese Sliders and Artichoke Prosciutto Tartlets.   Visit with Executive Chef Paul King of Davio's who will delight your senses with George's Banks Scallops, squash puree and port syrup.  If you are feeling adventurous, stop by Tavolino where Chef Greg Galano will be serving up wild boar gnocchi slow braised with Sangiovese wine and peppercorn and mint pesto brushed lamb lollipops. Chef Chad Terry of 3 Restaurant will offer Jumbalaya with Rock shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage, a house specialty. For a more detailed list of the event happenings and to purchase your tickets please visit our Culinary Cabaret event site. Culinary Cabaret Fri, March 08, 2013 7:00PM to 10:00PM (Eastern) Milford, MA Clarke ~ The Ultimate Kitchen Resource Center Hosted by Frankin Performing Arts Company

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snow art

As the snow piles recede, some folks are happy to see it go. Some folks are sad. Don't get me wrong, I am ready for spring! In the meantime, let's enjoy what we do have.

snow pile - King St

There are some interesting arrangements as the snow melts. Nature sculpts all on its own.

stone wall on King St

And they say art is in the eye of the beholder. Do you see art around Franklin in your snow piles?