Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Live reporting: OPEB
G. HEARINGS
none
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB, Dan Sherman
also made presentation to FinCom this evening (meeting at 6:00PM)
had been 'pay as you go' costs for retirement
government accounting standards required changes in how this was handled
the amount of the outstanding promise was required to be specified, hence - "unfunded"
what is the time value of the money invested?
400,000 plus 10% of free cash is currently being planned for as part of the budget for the annual contribution. However, the requirement is about $2M so we are 'underfunded'
total unfunded liability = $92,5M
or 1.5% funded
the fact that we are setting money aside in the trust is good in the eyes of the rating agencies
the liability is 161% is low compared to peers, a 'wonderful place to be'
the annual cost of a home is all the ongoing costs, heating, electric, etc.
you also have a mortgage which is your liability
ARC = Annual Required Contribution, the amount that will be the line item eventually added to the budget
most communities are like us, setting something aside but not completely funding the liability
Like Needham, put some aside, gradually up the amount and eventually close the gap
Shrewsbury 2020 or bust, attempting to fully fund
some communities are not doing anything which the rating agencies won't like
Dan is currently a member of the FinCom for Wakefield, putting money aside to get fully funded eventually
pre-funding brings a bunch of advantages
OPEB is the one thing that for an employee is not paid up front, is paid after the employee retires
Q - to clarify on the unfunded and partial pre-funding
Q - can we change the plans we offer?
A - yes, we change the health plans frequently working with the unions
68/32 ratio
probably about 20 of the 350 communities are fully pre-funding
new employees don't get the same benefit as older employees
law change is being looked at for a change in the formula
Padula - recommend a motion to ask for legislative help
Kelly to be added to a future agenda
full copies to be posted to Town webpage in a couple of days
Live Reporting: Town Council - Nov 18, 2015
Present: Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Mercer (remote via phone)
Absent: Jones
Pellegri (also present but not as a member of the Council yet)
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C. 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 others.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
F. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc.- Board of Directors
William K Norman, Rose Turco
re-doing the vote to cover a technicality where last week it was referenced as a committee when they are really to the Board of Directors
Liaisons -SAFE Board
Communications
Absent: Jones
Pellegri (also present but not as a member of the Council yet)
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C. 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 others.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
F. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc.- Board of Directors
William K Norman, Rose Turco
re-doing the vote to cover a technicality where last week it was referenced as a committee when they are really to the Board of Directors
Liaisons -SAFE Board
- Dellorco
Communications
- Jones
"Start by asking Great Questions"
StoryCorps invites families across America to participate in its Great Thanksgiving Listen from Nov. 26-29.
The goal of this project is to preserve the voices of a generation, in a single weekend. Equipment required is a smartphone or tablet and the StoryCorps App, available free for Apple and Android devices. The stories recorded can remain private or become part of the Library of Congress. The free app allows for up to 40 minutes per listening session to be recorded.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116642/1994/NEWS
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Story Corp - recording booth |
The Getting Started quick ref card
https://storycorpsme.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2015/10/Getting-Started.pdf
Interview tips
https://storycorpsme.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2015/10/Interview-Tips.pdf
Review some sample questions to ask https://storycorps.org/great-questions/
Downtown Partnership - Networking Luncheon - Nov 20
Please join us for our upcoming Networking Luncheon
Friday, November 20, at 1 p.m.
Dean College Smith Dining Center
This luncheon is a great opportunity to talk about your business and grow relationships with other professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a delicious lunch. It is an ideal way for new businesses to get the word out about their ventures and make new connections.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership holds these networking luncheons every 3rd Friday of the month. Networking Committee Co-Chairs Gary Donelan and Matt Lechter are looking in to after-hours events at local businesses, and are actively looking for speaker ideas. Please contact them with topics that you feel are instrumental to your business success.
Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com
Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu
Friday, November 20, at 1 p.m.
Dean College Smith Dining Center
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Dean College Smith Dining Center |
This luncheon is a great opportunity to talk about your business and grow relationships with other professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a delicious lunch. It is an ideal way for new businesses to get the word out about their ventures and make new connections.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership holds these networking luncheons every 3rd Friday of the month. Networking Committee Co-Chairs Gary Donelan and Matt Lechter are looking in to after-hours events at local businesses, and are actively looking for speaker ideas. Please contact them with topics that you feel are instrumental to your business success.
Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com
Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu
Franklin represented on Hockomock Cross Country All Stars - 2015
From Hockomock Sports, we share the All Stars for Cross Country. Nicole Clermont was named the MVP for the Girls
HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Catherine Song, Canton
Lindsey Nelson, Foxboro
Erin Quinn, King Philip
Julie Romano, Mansfield
Jenise Madden, Milford
Ann Roberts, North Attleboro
Elizabeth Peckham, Oliver Ames
Olivia Timbone, Oliver Ames
Carly Ryter, Sharon
Ariadne Tolay, Sharon
Amanda Baptiste, Taunton
HONORABLE MENTIONS
HONORABLE MENTIONS
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the top 16 girls at the Hockomock Cross Country Championships, Oct 31, 2015 |
Girls Cross Country
HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
- Nicole Clermont, Franklin
HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Catherine Song, Canton
Lindsey Nelson, Foxboro
- Nicole Clermont, Franklin
- Kate Hartnett, Franklin
- Brittany Robinson, Franklin
- Sabrina Roche, Franklin
Erin Quinn, King Philip
Julie Romano, Mansfield
Jenise Madden, Milford
Ann Roberts, North Attleboro
Elizabeth Peckham, Oliver Ames
Olivia Timbone, Oliver Ames
Carly Ryter, Sharon
Ariadne Tolay, Sharon
Amanda Baptiste, Taunton
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Nicole Mucciarone, Franklin
Boys Cross Country
HONORABLE MENTIONS
- Ryan Spelman, Franklin
Girls
Boys
Franklin's Meals on Wheels Program can use your help!
Franklin Lifelong Learning: Decorating Holiday Cupcakes - Dec 2
Make the Holidays Special
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In the News: MCAS 2.0, Clerk recount Thursday, Sen Spilka visits Franklin, Methodist Church events
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116385/1994/NEWS
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116015/1994/NEWS
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116182/1994/NEWS
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116064/1994/NEWS
After test-driving the PARCC exam for two years, Massachusetts will instead opt for a new hybrid exam beginning in 2017.
“This is going to be one of the most important policy decisions I think any group in the commonwealth will make for many years to come,” Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chairman Paul Sagan said.
The board voted 8-3 Tuesday to adopt Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester’s proposal to develop a new standardized test that incorporates elements of both PARCC and MCAS. Chester touted the new exam as a “next-generation MCAS” and “MCAS 2.0.”
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116385/1994/NEWS
The votes cast in the town election earlier this month will be recounted Thursday to definitively name the winner of the town clerk race.
Current Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said candidate Diane Padula-O'Neill has formally requested the reconsideration after coming up 32 votes shy in the Nov. 3 count.
The recount will take place at 10 a.m. at the Franklin Municipal Building, Pellegri said.
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116015/1994/NEWS
State Sen. Karen Spilka visited the Franklin Downtown Partnership office recently, viewing the progress being made on the Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project and discussing the FDP’s work on a number of downtown initiatives.
Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana and Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Taberner reviewed the Streetscape construction project’s progress to date. They also shared plans for new development and improvements to the downtown, such as a new retail building, park, and Horace Mann statue at the corner of Emmons and West Central streets.
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116182/1994/NEWS
Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 W. Central St., will host the following Christmas events.For information, call the church at 508-528-1092.
- Caroling: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
- Quiet time service, or Blue Christmas service: 7 p.m. Dec. 17.
- Christmas Pageant: 10 a.m. Dec. 20.
- Christmas Eve services: 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Dec. 24.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151117/NEWS/151116064/1994/NEWS
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 18
The agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 18th can be found here
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C. 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 others.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
F. APPOINTMENTS
G. HEARINGS
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
M. OLD BUSINESS
N. NEW BUSINESS
O. COUNCIL COMMENTS
P. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Q. ADJOURN
The associated documents for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 18th can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/111815.pdf
- This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
- Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc.- Board of Directors
- Liaisons -SAFE Board
- Communications
- OPEB, Dan Sherman
- Resolution 15-36R (Revised) Salary Schedule Full-Time Elected Officials
- Resolution 15-71- Acceptance of Deed of Land Off Daniels Street (Parcels B and C in Tanglewood Estates Subdivision) for Conservation Purposes
- Resolution 15-73 -Acceptance of Easement on Property at O Greystone Road
- Resolution 15-74 -Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual
The associated documents for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 18th can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/111815.pdf
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Franklin Municipal Building |
Downtown Project Update #17 - major construction downtown is finished for this year
The major construction of the downtown is finished for this construction year. They anticipate coming back in the spring (April?) and being finished by the end of July. The construction next year will include finishing up the curbing and paving East Central Street from the RR Bridge to Ruggles Street, redoing the RR Bridge to accommodate two-way traffic and full depth reconstruction on Main Street from the RR Bridge to Emmons Street. The traffic island on the bridge will be much smaller once the project is complete.
Over the next few weeks, there will be general clean-up of the area, temporary hot top in areas that are gravel, removal of all the equipment at 150 Emmons Street and elsewhere, temporary striping and crosswalks, and installation of the period lighting, etc. Please be reminded that there is a two-hour parking limit on East Central Street where the parking meters were removed.
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new STOP sign at the corner of Emmons and West Central Sts |
Attention: The crosswalk on West Central Street that is used by Dean College has been relocated closer to the intersection on Emmons and West Central Street. When the new lights are activated next year, there will be a push to walk light but in the meanwhile, there are temporary stop signs at the intersection of Emmons and West Central. Please stop and look to make sure there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk prior to turning right from Emmons to West Central.
If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.
Climate Movement Weekly Update: Spectra Stops Construction Until Spring
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In the News: Children's Center open house, menorah lighting, food drive at St Mary's
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116774/1994/NEWS
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116697/1994/NEWS
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116690/1994/NEWS
Dean College’s Children’s Center, 144 School St., will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 11
Parents of children 2 to 6 years-old are encouraged to bring their child to explore the school and learn about the program. Applications are now accepted for five-day morning, two-day morning, three-day morning preschool programs and the four-day Pre-K program. Preschool begins January and September 2016.
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116774/1994/NEWS
Temple Etz Chaim invites the community to join the congregation as they light the oil lamps on their Chanukah Menorah for the sixth night of Chanukah at Erev Shabbat services on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. The menorah lighting, followed by Shabbat services, will be held at the Temple building at 900 Washington St., Franklin.
The lighting takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately.
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116697/1994/NEWS
The St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Mary’s Parish will hold its monthly food collection from Dec. 5-6.
The Society is asking for paper products, such as paper towels, boxes of tissues and toilet paper.
Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116690/1994/NEWS
Monday, November 16, 2015
MIAA Eastern Mass. Cross Country Championships - Nov 14
From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Eastern Mass Cross Country Championships run at the Wrentham Development Center on Saturday, Nov 14.
1. Lincoln-Sudbury – 77
6. Franklin – 137
15. Mansfield – 399
Individuals
1. Margie Cullin, Needham – 17:30.37
12. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 19:16.91
16. Brittany Robinson, Franklin – 19:38.65
25. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 20:05.76
27. Julie Romano, Mansfield – 20:09.43
28. Sabrina Roche, Franklin – 20:10.72
52. Megan MacVicar, Mansfield – 21:00.31
58. Ella Gutkowski, Franklin – 21:09.16
74. Nicole Mucciarone, Franklin – 21:34.52
96. Claire Maroney, Mansfield – 22:24.98
103. Carly Rondeau, Franklin – 22:35.32
113. Nicole Penney, Mansfield – 23:11.70
122. MaryRose Corkery, Mansfield – 23:54.49
1. Wellesley – 50
2. Mansfield – 73
11. Franklin – 296
Individuals
1. Thomas D’Anieri, Wellesley – 15:42.34
3. Jack Crawford, Mansfield – 16:11.95
6. Jake Affanato, Mansfield – 16:31.37
11. Nick Rispoli, Mansfield – 16:55.31
19. Ryan Spelman, Franklin – 17:12.71
24. Kevin Crawford, Mansfield – 17:24.63
29. Kalin Petrov, Mansfield – 17:28.96
31. Niegel Dabare, Mansfield – 17:31.05
43. Jimmy Robbins, Franklin – 17:40.31
57. Jeff Wu, Franklin – 17:56.66
61. Collin Rice, Mansfield – 18:01.96
78. Robert Moreau, Franklin – 18:20.79
104. Chris Danksewicz, Franklin – 18:52.48
119. Tyler Marchinoi, Franklin – 19:09.59
123. Evan St. Germaine, Franklin – 19:15.52
For all the Hockomock results
http://www.hockomocksports.com/emass-cross-country-hockomock-results-times/
Division 2 - Girls
Teams1. Lincoln-Sudbury – 77
6. Franklin – 137
15. Mansfield – 399
Individuals
1. Margie Cullin, Needham – 17:30.37
12. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 19:16.91
16. Brittany Robinson, Franklin – 19:38.65
25. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 20:05.76
27. Julie Romano, Mansfield – 20:09.43
28. Sabrina Roche, Franklin – 20:10.72
52. Megan MacVicar, Mansfield – 21:00.31
58. Ella Gutkowski, Franklin – 21:09.16
74. Nicole Mucciarone, Franklin – 21:34.52
96. Claire Maroney, Mansfield – 22:24.98
103. Carly Rondeau, Franklin – 22:35.32
113. Nicole Penney, Mansfield – 23:11.70
122. MaryRose Corkery, Mansfield – 23:54.49
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photo from the boys varsity race at Hockomock Championships, Oct 31, 2015 |
Division 2 - Boys
Teams1. Wellesley – 50
2. Mansfield – 73
11. Franklin – 296
Individuals
1. Thomas D’Anieri, Wellesley – 15:42.34
3. Jack Crawford, Mansfield – 16:11.95
6. Jake Affanato, Mansfield – 16:31.37
11. Nick Rispoli, Mansfield – 16:55.31
19. Ryan Spelman, Franklin – 17:12.71
24. Kevin Crawford, Mansfield – 17:24.63
29. Kalin Petrov, Mansfield – 17:28.96
31. Niegel Dabare, Mansfield – 17:31.05
43. Jimmy Robbins, Franklin – 17:40.31
57. Jeff Wu, Franklin – 17:56.66
61. Collin Rice, Mansfield – 18:01.96
78. Robert Moreau, Franklin – 18:20.79
104. Chris Danksewicz, Franklin – 18:52.48
119. Tyler Marchinoi, Franklin – 19:09.59
123. Evan St. Germaine, Franklin – 19:15.52
For all the Hockomock results
http://www.hockomocksports.com/emass-cross-country-hockomock-results-times/
Jingle Bell Run to benefit the Santa Foundation
Norfolk Community League Hosts Jingle Bell Run, a 5K run and walk to benefit the Santa Foundation
On Saturday, December 5th, the Norfolk Community League welcomes runners and walkers to the H. Olive Day School (232 Main Street, Norfolk) for the annual Jingle Bell Run, a 5K run and walk to benefit The Santa Foundation.
The Santa Foundation is a Franklin area 501c3 charity who is helping 700 families have a happier holiday season with gifts and giftcards. For more information about the Santa Foundation, visit TheSantaFoundationInc.org.
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screen grab of Jingle Bell Run for Santa Foundation |
The Jingle Bell Run race day registration and number pickup begins at 9:30 a.m., and fees to register increase on December 1. To register now, visit jinglebellrun5k.racewire.com. All proceeds benefit the Santa Foundation.
To register by mail, to volunteer, or any other questions, please email Tanja McGuckian at mt_mcguckian@verizon.net.
Amahl and the Night Visitors - Nov 22
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Music Department presents the beloved holiday classic, Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti with an original English libretto by the composer. Featuring students from FSPA’s voice program, the performance will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin, on Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m.
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)
The inspiring story is of a crippled shepherd boy, Amahl, who offers his crutch as a present to the Christ child, is healed, and joins the Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem. With a compassionate message about faith, love and charity, this enchanting and family-friendly story perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Featured roles will be performed by Franklin’s Amanda Wylie (Amahl), Jason Barney (King Kaspar) and Tatiana McAlpine (The Page), as well as Nicholas Steiner (King Melchior) of Millis and Joey Soares (King Balthazar) of Hopedale. The ensemble cast includes Lily Barney, Dora Ebbeling, Anya Fox, Kelly Irwin, Catherine LeClair, Ria Mathur, Grace Olah, Michaela Olah, Daniel Vaccarezza, Katharine Waples, Caitlin Woodcock, Katie Wylie, Jaiden Wyner, Lyndsey Wyner, Melissa Wyner and Delaney Zolnowski of Franklin; Ellie Skalaski of Medway; Elina Tavarez of Millis; Abby McDonough of Norfolk; Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.
Mariko Matsumura directs the production. Soprano Shauna Martin, of FSPA’s voice faculty, performs the role of Mother. Pianist Synthia Sture accompanies the vocalists.
THE BLACK BOX Theater, 15 West Central St
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-8668. Visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information about FSPA, including class schedule and course catalog.
Register O'Donnell Promotes Annual Toys for Tots Drive
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | |||
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screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage |
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