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The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703
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Wednesday, April 9, 2014
April 8, 2014 - The United Regional Chamber of Commerce eNews
Senator Spilka Announces District Office Hours
Join Senator Karen Spilka and Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka's District and Constituent Services Director, for district office hours on Friday, April 18th in Framingham and Natick and on Friday, April 25th in Franklin and Medway. Senator Spilka and/or staff members will be available to update constituents on the latest news and events from the State House and in the district. Constituents will also have the opportunity to discuss their concerns, questions and policy priorities.
FRAMINGHAM OFFICE HOURS
Friday, April 18th10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Panache Coffee
680 Worcester Rd., Framingham, MA
NATICK OFFICE HOURSFriday, April 18th11:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Bakery on the Common
9 S. Main St., Natick, MA
FRANKLIN OFFICE HOURSFriday, April 25th1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Spruce Pond Creamery/Franklin Flatbreads
370 King St., Franklin, MA
MEDWAY OFFICE HOURSFriday, April 25th3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Coffee Sensations
116 Main St., Medway, MA
Residents who are unable to attend or are interested in scheduling an appointment should feel free to contact Senator Spilka's office at (617) 722-1640 at any time.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Apr 8, 2014
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
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| Franklin Public Schools |
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 25, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. Guests/Presentations
a. JF Kennedy Update – Joan Toye, Abigail Dressler
b. Oak Street Update – Corine Minkle, Kathleen Gerber
c. FHS Parking – Peter Light, Chris Schmidt, Tyler Beckmann, Conor Lemanowicz
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading
1. LB – Relations with Other Schools and School Districts
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from Elizabeth Delisle for a FHS Scholarship in memory of Peter Daley.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,056.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $750.00 from Ms. Karen Yamasaka for in-house enrichment at HMMS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Mr. and Mrs. Peter Copola for a FHS scholarship in memory of Andrew Coppola.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $700.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment at FHS.
f. I recommend adoption of Policy LB as discussed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Adjourn
Cultural Council - Open house and awards (photo essay)
Sunday, Apr 6 the Cultural Council presented the grants to the grant recipients at the Franklin Historical Museum.
Congratulations to the grant recipients!
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| sun shines on the Franklin Historical Museum |
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| 2014 grant award recipients |
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| Kai Olsson, moderator of the event |
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| Jennifer Atwood, MA Cultural Council |
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| Christopher Yancich, legislative aide to Rep Jeff Roy |
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| inside the actual award for the Historical Museum |
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| The public art project called "ladybug spots" was also highlighted |
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| Good sports for Ladybug spots! Beth Simons on the left and Claire Griffin on the right |
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| Senator Ross made a couple of the award presentations |
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| imagine the possibilities for 'ladybug spots' |
The Water Line Replacement Plan (draft)
The Franklin practice of replacing water lines and rebuilding roads is a smart one. It makes sense to do both activities together. Granted there is some inconvenience while the work is being done but that is essentially unavoidable.
The current bond to fund the water line replacements runs out this year. The DPW has drafted the plan that would be funded by a new $7.5 million bond issue for the 2015-2019 years.
The bond issue would be funded within the current tax rates and annual budget. It would NOT require an override vote. This is separate from the proposal to provide additional funds to tackle the road repairs with an override vote. The need for the override vote for the Initiative 2014 proposal is that the current water line replacement funding (along with current and projected state aid) does not provide sufficient funding to repair all the roads in a timely manner.
The Town Council will be asked to approve the $7.5 million bond issue at a future meeting.
The plan for 2015-2019 can be found in this set of documents
The Initiative 2014 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-dpw-update-initiative.html
The current bond to fund the water line replacements runs out this year. The DPW has drafted the plan that would be funded by a new $7.5 million bond issue for the 2015-2019 years.
The bond issue would be funded within the current tax rates and annual budget. It would NOT require an override vote. This is separate from the proposal to provide additional funds to tackle the road repairs with an override vote. The need for the override vote for the Initiative 2014 proposal is that the current water line replacement funding (along with current and projected state aid) does not provide sufficient funding to repair all the roads in a timely manner.
The Town Council will be asked to approve the $7.5 million bond issue at a future meeting.
The plan for 2015-2019 can be found in this set of documents
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| Crescent St construction during Sep 2013 |
The Initiative 2014 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-dpw-update-initiative.html
MassBudget: Building a Foundation for Success: Early Ed and Care in Massachusetts
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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Davis Thayer sign with announcements
On the rounds Sunday, I caught this photo of the Davis Thayer sign with their upcoming announcements
- Picture day - Apr 10
- Eat at Rick's - Apr 16
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| Davis Thayer sign 4/6/14 |
Have you found Rick's on the internet? http://www.ricksinfranklin.com/
Join the YPO on Wednesday April 16th from 6-8 pm at Twenty8!!
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United Regional YPO | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703
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Monday, April 7, 2014
Franklin, MA: FY 2014 Capital Plan - draft
As reported during the Finance Committee meeting last week, the draft capital plan was reviewed. My notes can be found here: http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/live-reporting-finance-committee.html
The official memo from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting is shown here. It walks through the highlights of what is proposed to fund for the capital plan. There are two speadsheets at the back that work through the numbers on what is proposed as well as the source of funds.
While the Finance Committee has approved the plan, the numbers won't be final until the snow/ice expense totals are complete. The winter storms have caused an overspending in the snow/ice budget so some of the 'free cash' will cover that shortfall. The remaining amount of 'free cash' will then be split among the proposed items.
You may recall that Franklin using their 'free cash' as their source of funds for the capital plan. You should recall that the 'free cash' is not really cash, nor is it 'free'. It is an accounting function for an annual budget. At the beginning of the year, amounts are budgeted for revenue and expenses.
When revenues exceed what is forecasted (which is a good thing and something Franklin does regularly) that becomes an amount that would contribute to 'free cash'.
When one or more departments spend less than their budget during that annual budget period, that amount also contributes to 'free cash'.
The state DOR validates the amount of 'free cash' for each community and releases the final number by about Nov/Dec. This is money that the community can use for one-time expenses and thereby Franklin uses for their capital budget.
Why not use 'free cash' for something else?
The money is available this year but there is no guarantee of it recurring. If the amount was added to a departments regular budget, then that amount would be committed to and need to be funded which would raise a priority question or potentially force a raise in property taxes.
Links for additional info on 'free cash' from the MA.gov website
Capital Plan draft for FY 2014
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV1FPWU1pMXg1bzA/view?usp=sharing
One of the more interesting items in the proposal is that of a 'sprinkler park' to be added to Fletcher Field. Specifically where remains to be determined. The $150,000 amount is estimated to be 75% reimbursed by the state with a grant. The money does need to be spent up front however.
What would the sprinkler park look like?
The photo below is a sample of what it could look like.
The official memo from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting is shown here. It walks through the highlights of what is proposed to fund for the capital plan. There are two speadsheets at the back that work through the numbers on what is proposed as well as the source of funds.
While the Finance Committee has approved the plan, the numbers won't be final until the snow/ice expense totals are complete. The winter storms have caused an overspending in the snow/ice budget so some of the 'free cash' will cover that shortfall. The remaining amount of 'free cash' will then be split among the proposed items.
You may recall that Franklin using their 'free cash' as their source of funds for the capital plan. You should recall that the 'free cash' is not really cash, nor is it 'free'. It is an accounting function for an annual budget. At the beginning of the year, amounts are budgeted for revenue and expenses.
When revenues exceed what is forecasted (which is a good thing and something Franklin does regularly) that becomes an amount that would contribute to 'free cash'.
When one or more departments spend less than their budget during that annual budget period, that amount also contributes to 'free cash'.
The state DOR validates the amount of 'free cash' for each community and releases the final number by about Nov/Dec. This is money that the community can use for one-time expenses and thereby Franklin uses for their capital budget.
Why not use 'free cash' for something else?
The money is available this year but there is no guarantee of it recurring. If the amount was added to a departments regular budget, then that amount would be committed to and need to be funded which would raise a priority question or potentially force a raise in property taxes.
Links for additional info on 'free cash' from the MA.gov website
- DOR certification
- Data bank reports on 'free cash'
Capital Plan draft for FY 2014
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV1FPWU1pMXg1bzA/view?usp=sharing
One of the more interesting items in the proposal is that of a 'sprinkler park' to be added to Fletcher Field. Specifically where remains to be determined. The $150,000 amount is estimated to be 75% reimbursed by the state with a grant. The money does need to be spent up front however.
What would the sprinkler park look like?
The photo below is a sample of what it could look like.
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| possible sprinkler park for Fletcher Field |
Franklin Walk - Tree'd
The walk Saturday was somewhat warmer than other Saturday's but not as sunny.
There were many clouds but no rain (fortunately - at least by the time I went out).
I found a bear but not a fierce one
I began to notice the trees. Yes, really notice them. They are standing. Bare. Bending with the breeze.
While a common conversation recently was that we had had enough of winter, the trees did not complain.
They may have leaned with the wind, or bent with the snow, maybe even lost a branch when the snow was too heavy.
Some trees are really big and old. Some stand in groups. Some stand in rows.
When trees get together, their fingers seem to hold up or reach for the clouds in the sky
There may be a couple more weekends to observe the trees around us before the bud and break out in leaves. Take a walk and see what trees are in your neighborhood.
There were many clouds but no rain (fortunately - at least by the time I went out).
I found a bear but not a fierce one
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| outside 1776 Financial Services, East Central St |
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| tree at Rockland Trust, East Central St |
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| leaning trees along King St |
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| large and old tree on King St near Peck |
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| Evergreen tree on King St |
When trees get together, their fingers seem to hold up or reach for the clouds in the sky
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| tree skyline in Franklin |
There may be a couple more weekends to observe the trees around us before the bud and break out in leaves. Take a walk and see what trees are in your neighborhood.
"there is not an opt-out option"
On Sunday, the Boston Globe MetroWest section had an article on the growing discussion around standardized testing. PARCC is being piloted here in Franklin as well as other communities around the state. Some communities are trying to get out of the piloting and the article quotes Franklin's Joyce Edwards:
Joyce Edwards, director of instructional services for the Franklin school system, said every step had been taken to ensure that the testing, which will be conducted this week and in May in eight schools across the district, will have as minimal an impact on daily instruction as possible.
“There is always an extra burden when there is extra testing,” Edwards said. “We took every exemption available to avoid double-testing. Beyond that the state has been quite clear there is not an opt-out option.”
PARCC
Franklin’s schools obtained MCAS exemptions from the state for students who take the PARCC pilot test. If students take a PARCC test in English or math, they won’t have to take the same section in MCAS.
Edwards said if an opt-out was allowed by the state, the district probably would have offered it.
“We absolutely would have considered that,” she said. “We don’t believe in double-testing and the loss in instructional time.”
You can find the full article online here (subscription required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2014/04/05/some-school-districts-less-than-excited-about-new-standardized-test/yLaSdLSF26svfASDhAmYHO/story.html
Stations of Cross Broadcast
The Franciscans of Divine Mercy/ Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus of the Independent Old Catholic Church of the Americas will have a special televised Stations of the Cross often called Via Dolorosa @ 2:00 PM on Good Friday April 18th.
The Franciscans of Divine Mercy's weekly televisions show REFLECTIONS and the special Good Friday Stations is broadcast through the Franklin Community Cable Access TV Studio on Comcast Channel 8 and on Verizon Channel 26.
The REFLECTIONS television show airs every Sunday at 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on Franklin Community Cable Access TV Studio.
The show is available to all local Cable Access stations in New England in accordance with Massachusetts law simply by a resident of station manager requesting it.
All the REFLECTIONS Shows are also available on YouTube by going to: https://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
For more information contact Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD @ 508-520-0992 or by email @ Divinemercyparish@msn.com
Pax et Bonum
Peace & All God's Goodness be with you
Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
Divine Mercy Old Catholic Parish
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
Link to Fr. Bob's Weekly TV show
http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FriarBobJohn
Mission Web Site www.missionstsergius.org
Franciscan Web Site www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
ICCA Seminary Link http://www.iccamericas.org/seminary/
Diocese Office: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html
Hydrant Flushing - begins Apr 7
While visiting the Franklin Historical Museum for the Cultural Council open house on Sunday, I found a photo opportunity announcing water flushing begins Monday, Apr 7.
Updated 4/8/14 to include this message from the DPW
As the sign board was located at the 'gateway' to Franklin, it raises a question related to the future of this building and land. Would the town include an easement in the land deal so they could continue to use this location for such notifications?
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| hydrant flushing - starts Apr 7 |
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| hydrant flushing - starts Apr 7 |
Updated 4/8/14 to include this message from the DPW
The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 7, 2014. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed in the evening hours, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures.
Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.
Check the DPW Home Page to find out which streets we are working on today.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500.
As the sign board was located at the 'gateway' to Franklin, it raises a question related to the future of this building and land. Would the town include an easement in the land deal so they could continue to use this location for such notifications?
Sunday, April 6, 2014
FM# 104 - 150 Emmons St discussion at the Town Council meeting
Franklin.tv recorded the Town Council meeting on Wednesday Apr 2 but has not yet posted the video to the Franklin web page. As the 150 Emmons St discussion is important, I am sharing my audio recording of the meeting.
Without further ado, here is the segment of the Town Council meeting Apr 2 that covered the discussion. (It runs approx 90 minutes)
Updated 2/6/20 = If you need the audio, please contact me directly.... thanks
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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in writing about something that matters in Franklin, please let me know. If you have interest and time to cover the Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals, or Conservation Commission, or School Committee meetings I would be most interested.
As always -
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ where you can subscribe to the daily email that will deliver to you all that is posted once a day
You can find us on Facebook as "Franklin Matters" as well
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
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My published notes for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/this-is-just-discussion.html
Without further ado, here is the segment of the Town Council meeting Apr 2 that covered the discussion. (It runs approx 90 minutes)
Updated 2/6/20 = If you need the audio, please contact me directly.... thanks
--------------
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in writing about something that matters in Franklin, please let me know. If you have interest and time to cover the Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals, or Conservation Commission, or School Committee meetings I would be most interested.
As always -
- If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like this, please tell me.
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ where you can subscribe to the daily email that will deliver to you all that is posted once a day
You can find us on Facebook as "Franklin Matters" as well
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
----------
My published notes for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/this-is-just-discussion.html
Lawrence Lessig's wish
Lawrence Lessig's wish appeals to all citizens
Find out more about the wish here http://www.rootstrikers.org/
Here's my wish. May one. May the ideals of one boy unite one nation behind one critical idea that we are one people, we are the people who were promised a government, a government that was promised to be dependent upon the people alone, the people, who, as Madison told us, meant not the rich more than the poor. May one. And then may you, may you join this movement, not because you're a politician, not because you're an expert, not because this is your field, but because if you are, you are a citizen. Aaron asked me that. Now I've asked you.http://www.ted.com/talks/lawrence_lessig_the_unstoppable_walk_to_political_reform
Find out more about the wish here http://www.rootstrikers.org/
Franklin Public Schools: Feedback Opportunity
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello
All our stakeholders have a voice in Franklin Public Schools' ongoing pursuit of educational excellence.
Beginning on Monday, April 7 we will be asking for your feedback about the individual school your child attends or where you are assigned as a staff member. We are focusing on critical school issues such as academic preparation, student support, parent engagement, diversity, school operations and accessibility of school leaders.
This survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. All responses are strictly confidential.
After the survey closes, we will report the findings publicly sharing what we have learned and what specific changes you may anticipate as a result of your feedback. The survey will open on Monday at 4:00 pm and you will receive an email with the link. We thank you for your support and we value your feedback.
Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski
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| Franklin Public Schools |
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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
Rails to Trails and Rails WITH Trails - Apr 16
Rails to Trails and Rails WITH Trails projects in
Southern New England:
How we got here and where we’re going
Presenter: Craig Della Penna, Executive Director, Northeast Greenway Solutions
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2014. 7:00 pm
Location: Franklin Public Library, Community Room (Downstairs)
The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the longest trails in the region and is currently the center of a local effort to convert this old rail line to a universally accessible trail. Formerly the site of a major rail line from Boston to NY, the trail begins in Franklin (on Grove Street) and heads west through Bellingham. Developing the SNETT into a multi-use, non-motor vehicle trail will improve home values and businesses in both towns and create a recreational outlet for all ages. Come learn how a rail trail will benefit you.
For additional information on SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page
franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org
Southern New England:
How we got here and where we’re going
Presenter: Craig Della Penna, Executive Director, Northeast Greenway Solutions
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2014. 7:00 pm
Location: Franklin Public Library, Community Room (Downstairs)
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| SNETT sign - Grove St entrance |
The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the longest trails in the region and is currently the center of a local effort to convert this old rail line to a universally accessible trail. Formerly the site of a major rail line from Boston to NY, the trail begins in Franklin (on Grove Street) and heads west through Bellingham. Developing the SNETT into a multi-use, non-motor vehicle trail will improve home values and businesses in both towns and create a recreational outlet for all ages. Come learn how a rail trail will benefit you.
For additional information on SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page
franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org
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