Franklin Middle school makes play for football
from Wicked Local Franklin News RSS McGovern impressed with Franklin military supply company
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
In the News - middle school football, military supply
Franklin Middle school makes play for football
from Wicked Local Franklin News RSSFranklin, MA
Election costs reimbursed
Franklin will get about $12,000 back from the State for their costs in running the special election on Dec 8th and Jan 19th.
The full article can be found in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/newsnow/x1920415040/Local-towns-get-money-back-for-special-election
Franklin, MA
The full article can be found in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/newsnow/x1920415040/Local-towns-get-money-back-for-special-election
Franklin, MA
Monday, May 10, 2010
Live reporting - Finance Committee endorses the override
Rebecca Cameron provides an update on the Long Range/Financial Planning committee report
brought the 2 1/2 override to the Council and to the voters for a vote
we need to be on the same page to help the process
Roche
The plan was right on target except for the items that weren't on the planning horizon
the forecast has been reconciled to the original report
the Town Council has a $3 M override budget
to use $1.8 M for schools, $300,000 for the Town, and $900,000 for the roads to get started in addressing that problem
we have a way to go with $15 M to fix the worst 30 miles of roads and only $900,000 to start with
Goldsmith - I feel very comfortable asking the Town's people to consider coming forward, the increase are warranted to provide the services to the Town
Roche - There is not a lot of waste out there, the department heads are doing their job and we are getting to lean
Quinn - If you look at the five year plan, it gets worse. Police down, Fire down, DPW, Schools (hundred lost teachers, 1,000 more students). It is unfortunate, times are tough but I think failure to pass the prop will be an issue
Rivera - one of the most important things we can do is to educate the residents as much s we can, if we don't do something what will it look like in a few years, if they have questions, the info is on the website
Roche - Town wide forum on May 24th at 7:00 PM at Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium
Cataldo - We can't keep going this way, personal safety is important, this money is not going to be slopping in a trough, this is to provide services that we have had , not increases but the same services
Q
Nutting - Est $255 per average bill for the $3 M override
Quinn - It is important to say, 10 failed overrides with one passed, we are asking for a tax increase because some of the others haven't been passed with growing expenses. Got to make ends meet.
Feldman - we can see some signs of improvement in the economy here and there, hopefully things will continue to improve
Cameron - the important thing is that everyone comes out and vote, the votes need to be cast, we understand the impact it can have on certain people. I get the feeling that this group understands the override is necessary to keep the services. I would like to make a recommendation to support the override.
Motion to recommend $3 M override, passed 8-0
meeting for 1st Tue in June (Jun 1) to be kept for now
motion to adjourn, passed
Franklin, MA
brought the 2 1/2 override to the Council and to the voters for a vote
we need to be on the same page to help the process
Roche
The plan was right on target except for the items that weren't on the planning horizon
the forecast has been reconciled to the original report
the Town Council has a $3 M override budget
to use $1.8 M for schools, $300,000 for the Town, and $900,000 for the roads to get started in addressing that problem
we have a way to go with $15 M to fix the worst 30 miles of roads and only $900,000 to start with
Goldsmith - I feel very comfortable asking the Town's people to consider coming forward, the increase are warranted to provide the services to the Town
Roche - There is not a lot of waste out there, the department heads are doing their job and we are getting to lean
Quinn - If you look at the five year plan, it gets worse. Police down, Fire down, DPW, Schools (hundred lost teachers, 1,000 more students). It is unfortunate, times are tough but I think failure to pass the prop will be an issue
Rivera - one of the most important things we can do is to educate the residents as much s we can, if we don't do something what will it look like in a few years, if they have questions, the info is on the website
Roche - Town wide forum on May 24th at 7:00 PM at Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium
Cataldo - We can't keep going this way, personal safety is important, this money is not going to be slopping in a trough, this is to provide services that we have had , not increases but the same services
Q
Nutting - Est $255 per average bill for the $3 M override
Quinn - It is important to say, 10 failed overrides with one passed, we are asking for a tax increase because some of the others haven't been passed with growing expenses. Got to make ends meet.
Feldman - we can see some signs of improvement in the economy here and there, hopefully things will continue to improve
Cameron - the important thing is that everyone comes out and vote, the votes need to be cast, we understand the impact it can have on certain people. I get the feeling that this group understands the override is necessary to keep the services. I would like to make a recommendation to support the override.
Motion to recommend $3 M override, passed 8-0
meeting for 1st Tue in June (Jun 1) to be kept for now
motion to adjourn, passed
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Water/Sewer Enterprise funds
Solid waste
The rate was as high as 300 then 280, now coming down. It includes buying the totters and financing the cost to supply them as we go forward
The enterprise funds are self-sustaining, they are maintained by the fees
motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)
Nutting was remiss to thank Mr Dacey, we paid .005% when we went to bond the totters
Sewer
can't continue to draw down our fund balance to zero,
they also certify our fund balances when they do free cash
folks should expect a sewer rate increase due to the 19M increase in a required plant upgrade
motion to approve, passed 7-0 Cameron recused herself)
Water
budget trimmed, mandated by state can sell more than 65 gallons per person per day
continue to need capital improvements, long run will need to comeback for funds to continue those programs
we have some cast iron pipe that needs to be replaced, and asbestos lined pipes that need to be replaced
appealing permit now, trying to put in a new well for 12 years and haven't been able to do so
Q
chemical increase
we bid it out when we can, the prices are very volatile
limited choice on supply
A water permit is given for a five year period, we are appealing some of our differences of opinion
motion to approve, passed 7-0 Cameron recused herself)
Franklin, MA
The rate was as high as 300 then 280, now coming down. It includes buying the totters and financing the cost to supply them as we go forward
The enterprise funds are self-sustaining, they are maintained by the fees
motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)
Nutting was remiss to thank Mr Dacey, we paid .005% when we went to bond the totters
Sewer
can't continue to draw down our fund balance to zero,
they also certify our fund balances when they do free cash
folks should expect a sewer rate increase due to the 19M increase in a required plant upgrade
motion to approve, passed 7-0 Cameron recused herself)
Water
budget trimmed, mandated by state can sell more than 65 gallons per person per day
continue to need capital improvements, long run will need to comeback for funds to continue those programs
we have some cast iron pipe that needs to be replaced, and asbestos lined pipes that need to be replaced
appealing permit now, trying to put in a new well for 12 years and haven't been able to do so
Q
chemical increase
we bid it out when we can, the prices are very volatile
limited choice on supply
A water permit is given for a five year period, we are appealing some of our differences of opinion
motion to approve, passed 7-0 Cameron recused herself)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - DPW, continued
Street lights
we own ours, electricity we don't control the price
most of this is a rate increase
Q
tax law change on charging for the utilities
Q
we don't add many, we have a contract for replacements
motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)
Franklin, MA
we own ours, electricity we don't control the price
most of this is a rate increase
Q
tax law change on charging for the utilities
Q
we don't add many, we have a contract for replacements
motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - DPW
DPW, Water/Sewer enterprise accounts
Brutus Cantoreggi
Paula Lombardi
Nutting overview
budget is up, staffing is down, less folks to do the same amount of work
Cantoreggi
no additional funds added to snow and ice removal for this year
reduced .5 for a non-union employee for environmental affairs
one full-time mechanic was reduced
800 man-hours were eliminated
$100,000 reduced in a number of small items (i.e. weed control for the sidewalks)
major concern for the loss of personnel
where there will be a delay in responding will be in the mundane things like potholes
we don't have the people like we used to, why are trash barrels getting emptied
Storm water is a huge thing and the town does not have an identified funding source for this
this is a big thing and you'll hear from me again
60% of my budget is based upon expenses, how to forecast and budget for this
it is like a tumor, i don't know when it will burst
we are very lean right now, I can answer specific questions about the budget
Q
we look at reducing impervious areas, it doesn't work everywhere
snow plowing is probably a minor thing, minor to plow around it, reducing road width
moving road width down to 26 feet from 30-36 feet
Q
is there an unfunded liability on storm water
EPA is identifying Milford, Bellingham, and Franklin to reduce and it would cost $70 M
The $100,000 is just to get their permit to start
Nutting
The process is going on and on, a minimum would be about $500,000 per year
subdivision retention ponds have never been cleaned
street sweeping may need to be twice a year instead of once
$15 M would just fix the roads that cover the first 30 worst miles, we have 200 miles of road
Q
salt is continuing to be a high expense
Are there other technologies to look at?
Nutting
actually salt only works down to 20 degrees, below that we have to add something that is more expensive
we are in a consortium to improve our buying power
we are buying $1.90 per gallon of gas, but it won't be that it is also going up
Q
Nutting
when storm water comes full throttle, we'll need help there but that is not anything immediate
motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)
Franklin, MA
Brutus Cantoreggi
Paula Lombardi
Nutting overview
budget is up, staffing is down, less folks to do the same amount of work
Cantoreggi
no additional funds added to snow and ice removal for this year
reduced .5 for a non-union employee for environmental affairs
one full-time mechanic was reduced
800 man-hours were eliminated
$100,000 reduced in a number of small items (i.e. weed control for the sidewalks)
major concern for the loss of personnel
where there will be a delay in responding will be in the mundane things like potholes
we don't have the people like we used to, why are trash barrels getting emptied
Storm water is a huge thing and the town does not have an identified funding source for this
this is a big thing and you'll hear from me again
60% of my budget is based upon expenses, how to forecast and budget for this
it is like a tumor, i don't know when it will burst
we are very lean right now, I can answer specific questions about the budget
Q
we look at reducing impervious areas, it doesn't work everywhere
snow plowing is probably a minor thing, minor to plow around it, reducing road width
moving road width down to 26 feet from 30-36 feet
Q
is there an unfunded liability on storm water
EPA is identifying Milford, Bellingham, and Franklin to reduce and it would cost $70 M
The $100,000 is just to get their permit to start
Nutting
The process is going on and on, a minimum would be about $500,000 per year
subdivision retention ponds have never been cleaned
street sweeping may need to be twice a year instead of once
$15 M would just fix the roads that cover the first 30 worst miles, we have 200 miles of road
Q
salt is continuing to be a high expense
Are there other technologies to look at?
Nutting
actually salt only works down to 20 degrees, below that we have to add something that is more expensive
we are in a consortium to improve our buying power
we are buying $1.90 per gallon of gas, but it won't be that it is also going up
Q
Nutting
when storm water comes full throttle, we'll need help there but that is not anything immediate
motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Building Inspector
Building Inspector
Dave Roche
most of the budget is payroll, staffing is about the same, we lost an inspector last year
we seem to be maintaining, if things get busy it could get interesting
inspecting yearly for license renewals
economy off, inspections have been steady, permits should be close to what we had last year
not asking for any more by way of expenses
Q
has there been a fee increase?
building inspection fees have been the same for the last six years
Q
steady, but was there a dip?
there was a dip but it has been picking up, compared to other towns we are doing more
some are doing much, we are doing well
we are still building houses, building over 55's, others have stopped
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Appeals
Nutting
the same $5,000 for advertising we ask every year
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Dave Roche
most of the budget is payroll, staffing is about the same, we lost an inspector last year
we seem to be maintaining, if things get busy it could get interesting
inspecting yearly for license renewals
economy off, inspections have been steady, permits should be close to what we had last year
not asking for any more by way of expenses
Q
has there been a fee increase?
building inspection fees have been the same for the last six years
Q
steady, but was there a dip?
there was a dip but it has been picking up, compared to other towns we are doing more
some are doing much, we are doing well
we are still building houses, building over 55's, others have stopped
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Appeals
Nutting
the same $5,000 for advertising we ask every year
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Finance Committee (Fire)
Present: Messere, Cataldo, Cameron, Roche, Quinn, Goldsmith, Feldman, Rivera
Absent: Maire, Huempfner, Teixeira,
Fire Dept
Chief McCarraher, Paul Sharpe
Recognizing the hard work and service of the member of the department
They are truly the source of all the success of the organization
Mission statement
(see document attached)
second year not meeting on time response
experiencing more requests for service in the north area of the town where they can not reach in time
monthly response time audit to identify barriers on a call-by-call basis, about 6% of the overall call basis
from a public safety stand point, busy is not good, ready is better for prompt response
1600 man hours of training last year, down 50% from 2008 due to budget constraints
GIS Data charts, 2007, 2008, 2009
Items not funded in FY 2010 are also currently not funded in FY 2011
Goals adjusted due to decreased staffing levels
Honor Guard not reconstituted
Hazardous response plan updated
Software upgrades completed to provide improve building and facility data
The FY 2010 budget plan document can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/Fincom%20Budget%20FY10.pdf
The document being used tonight is an updated version of the one above
Leaves 3 firefighter paramedic positions unfulfilled
reduces minimum daily staffing of firefighters and paramedics
reduction in overall responses from 84% to about 75%
response systems at 70% are deemed to be "in crisis"
a decrease in quality of service is not the fault of the men and women who are attempting to provide the services
2 in an ambulance, 3 in a truck
with on four on staff, there can't be four vehicles staffed
Q
with people sent out of Town (i.e. carrying a patient to a hospital)
we loose the response
if we use the mutual aid transport, we loose the revenue associated with the ambulance run, est. at about $200,000-300,000 in revenue.
Q
training was stopped in January to keep the overall budget whole and dept operating
going much longer will really hurt the training as it will be longer and more expensive to recover
Q
discussion underway with surrounding towns to try and cover the northern area, they are anxious about the issue as their budgets are hurting and may not be able to provide service
Q
the downtown 2-way plan could achieve about a minute improvement in response time to the northern area
Q
this is the last year of the data plan, the largest building in the industrial park is vacant
the loss in volume from the empty building is taken up by an increase in civilian calls
our system should be 70-80 percent resting, in order to get a better response rate
to improve response, you either stop going to some calls or add additional resources
medical emergencies are the highest hitter in volume
bench mark on 8 minutes for medical emergencies due to standards, each minute after that, the response declines
for fires, once a room hits flash-point, no one survives in the room
in fire emergencies, there are usually more people involved
fire and other - covers alarm activations but none flame/medical related
the greatest risk is in the nest major emergency, I have staffed for one but when the second comes in right way, that we are at risk for
Q
As long as our mutual aid partners don't increase their calls, then we can handle those.
If we have a very quiet year, it will be okay
If we all expect to have someone else cover for us, we'll be tight
Q
national data shows fires decreasing, yet our own numbers are slightly increasing
Q
Monthly response time audit, prompted by?
the inquisitive in us, want to know; our folks take it to heart
we are in the opportunity business, we need to get their quickly, not recklessly but quickly
Q
difficult to estimate
coverage widely varied, one building fire, a piece of equipment was a $10 M loss
when do you measure the patient outcome, there is no clear consensus in the industry
Q
regionalization, dispatch?
it is an easy buzz word, you can polarize the room quickly
shared services makes more sense, how can we, what makes sense to share
you have to have a partner, candidly we don't have partners, there is resistance to that
we are 13 of 16 in communities we benchmark against so we don't have a whole lot to loss
Q
meetings, etc.
mostly training, contractors to do the training, not a great line for that
motion to approve, passed 7-1
we are back to 2007 level
Franklin, MA
Absent: Maire, Huempfner, Teixeira,
Fire Dept
Chief McCarraher, Paul Sharpe
Recognizing the hard work and service of the member of the department
They are truly the source of all the success of the organization
Mission statement
(see document attached)
second year not meeting on time response
experiencing more requests for service in the north area of the town where they can not reach in time
monthly response time audit to identify barriers on a call-by-call basis, about 6% of the overall call basis
from a public safety stand point, busy is not good, ready is better for prompt response
1600 man hours of training last year, down 50% from 2008 due to budget constraints
GIS Data charts, 2007, 2008, 2009
Items not funded in FY 2010 are also currently not funded in FY 2011
Goals adjusted due to decreased staffing levels
Honor Guard not reconstituted
Hazardous response plan updated
Software upgrades completed to provide improve building and facility data
The FY 2010 budget plan document can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/Fincom%20Budget%20FY10.pdf
The document being used tonight is an updated version of the one above
Leaves 3 firefighter paramedic positions unfulfilled
reduces minimum daily staffing of firefighters and paramedics
reduction in overall responses from 84% to about 75%
response systems at 70% are deemed to be "in crisis"
a decrease in quality of service is not the fault of the men and women who are attempting to provide the services
2 in an ambulance, 3 in a truck
with on four on staff, there can't be four vehicles staffed
Q
with people sent out of Town (i.e. carrying a patient to a hospital)
we loose the response
if we use the mutual aid transport, we loose the revenue associated with the ambulance run, est. at about $200,000-300,000 in revenue.
Q
training was stopped in January to keep the overall budget whole and dept operating
going much longer will really hurt the training as it will be longer and more expensive to recover
Q
discussion underway with surrounding towns to try and cover the northern area, they are anxious about the issue as their budgets are hurting and may not be able to provide service
Q
the downtown 2-way plan could achieve about a minute improvement in response time to the northern area
Q
this is the last year of the data plan, the largest building in the industrial park is vacant
the loss in volume from the empty building is taken up by an increase in civilian calls
our system should be 70-80 percent resting, in order to get a better response rate
to improve response, you either stop going to some calls or add additional resources
medical emergencies are the highest hitter in volume
bench mark on 8 minutes for medical emergencies due to standards, each minute after that, the response declines
for fires, once a room hits flash-point, no one survives in the room
in fire emergencies, there are usually more people involved
fire and other - covers alarm activations but none flame/medical related
the greatest risk is in the nest major emergency, I have staffed for one but when the second comes in right way, that we are at risk for
Q
As long as our mutual aid partners don't increase their calls, then we can handle those.
If we have a very quiet year, it will be okay
If we all expect to have someone else cover for us, we'll be tight
Q
national data shows fires decreasing, yet our own numbers are slightly increasing
Q
Monthly response time audit, prompted by?
the inquisitive in us, want to know; our folks take it to heart
we are in the opportunity business, we need to get their quickly, not recklessly but quickly
Q
difficult to estimate
coverage widely varied, one building fire, a piece of equipment was a $10 M loss
when do you measure the patient outcome, there is no clear consensus in the industry
Q
regionalization, dispatch?
it is an easy buzz word, you can polarize the room quickly
shared services makes more sense, how can we, what makes sense to share
you have to have a partner, candidly we don't have partners, there is resistance to that
we are 13 of 16 in communities we benchmark against so we don't have a whole lot to loss
Q
meetings, etc.
mostly training, contractors to do the training, not a great line for that
motion to approve, passed 7-1
we are back to 2007 level
Franklin, MA
State education mandates - the collection
From time to time, in particular around the budget period, reference is generally made to Franklin Public Schools having to support "unfunded mandates." I managed to find a listing of such compiled by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. The series of posts on State Education Mandates can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-1.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-2.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-3.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-4.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-5.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-6.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-7.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-8.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-9.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-10.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/04/state-education-mandates-part-11.html
Franklin, MA
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-1.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-2.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-3.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-4.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-5.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-6.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-7.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-8.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-9.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-10.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/04/state-education-mandates-part-11.html
Franklin, MA
FM #67 - Week Ending 5/9/10
Let's take about ten minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends May 9, 2010.
Time: 10 minutes, 30 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast
Number 67 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday May 9th.
In this session I'll cover the Planning Board meeting on Monday and the Finance Committee meetings on Tuesday and Thursday as they conducted their budget hearings. I missed reporting live from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. I did catch up to the meeting via the video on demand archive and will cover the highlights from that. To close, I'll do a brief outlook at the week ahead
The Planning Board continued the hearing on Van Roon Chiropratic. Citizens presented a petition with 175 signatures objecting to the special permit. If approved, the special permit would increase traffic at least by 64 trips to handle the patient in/outs to the office on a road too narrow for such volume and already under pressure from the existing traffic near intersection (RT 140).
They also continued the hearing on the Big Y although this seems closer to approval, the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting should be interesting.
The Crossways Church application for 282 Summer St was approved.
The posts with the details of the Planning Board meeting can be found here:
The Finance Committee held two budget hearings this week to get into the details of each departments requests.
The details for the Tuesday meeting can be found here
The details for the Thursday meeting can be found here:
I chimed in on the Milford Daily News website to provide details in answer to some commenters questions:
One said the Police department was overstaffed due to the presence of four officers on the i495/King St construction site. I responded:
Another asked about the time line for the override this year and the high school renovation project. I responded:
As I did catch up to completely view the Town Council meeting from Weds 5/5, I was heartened to hear the last seven minutes, especially during the Council Comments.
Chair Scott Mason addressed Council McGann's (who was absent Wednesday's meeting) comment during the prior meeting (Apr 28th) that he (McGann) would bringing forth a presentation on Town waste. Scott requested Jeff Nutting to allocate time on the agenda to have this covered; “this presentation, if there is anything to it, needs to be addressed before the override.”
Councilor Vallee said "there is no waste in this town"
The meeting adjourned and as the meeting video ends Councilor Vallee is heard to say, "If they do find anything, they won't find much I'll tell you."
I suggest that you spend a few minutes to hear the last seven minutes of the Town Council meeting yourself. This should help to address some of the negative comments .
follow this link to the on demand video
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=xEUq0k5hUv%2bZhhtWPwnXlA%3d%3d
This week will be a busy one.
Momday, the Finance Committee closes their budget hearings
Tuesday, the School Committee meets
Wednesday, provides a real opportunity to make a choice with three events running at the same time.
Inthe Council Chambers, Downtown Revitalization Project (corrected, should be Third Floor, Training Room) (The next EPA meeting on the 24th is scheduled for the Council Chambers, I got them mixed up)
In Room 205 Financial Planning Committee
At Tri-County, EPA will hold a public hearing on storm water mitigation changes that could require the communities of Franklin, Bellingham and Milford to spend up to $70 million to reduce phosphorus in storm water before it reaches the Charles River.
I'll go with the EPA hearing at Tri-County.The Downtown project should be on cable and I can catch the replay. The Financial Planning meeting will be 'lost' but such is life and tough choices. Even with the correction for the Downtown Project to be held in the Training Room on the 3rd Floor, I'll still go with the EPA meeting. Bigger amount of money involved!
What will you do this week?
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Time: 10 minutes, 30 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast
Number 67 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday May 9th.
In this session I'll cover the Planning Board meeting on Monday and the Finance Committee meetings on Tuesday and Thursday as they conducted their budget hearings. I missed reporting live from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. I did catch up to the meeting via the video on demand archive and will cover the highlights from that. To close, I'll do a brief outlook at the week ahead
The Planning Board continued the hearing on Van Roon Chiropratic. Citizens presented a petition with 175 signatures objecting to the special permit. If approved, the special permit would increase traffic at least by 64 trips to handle the patient in/outs to the office on a road too narrow for such volume and already under pressure from the existing traffic near intersection (RT 140).
They also continued the hearing on the Big Y although this seems closer to approval, the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting should be interesting.
The Crossways Church application for 282 Summer St was approved.
The posts with the details of the Planning Board meeting can be found here:
- Live reporting - 282 Summer St (Crossways Church)
- Live reporting - Big Y (348 E Central St)
- Live reporting: Van Roon Chiropractic
- Live reporting - Planning Board - general business...
The Finance Committee held two budget hearings this week to get into the details of each departments requests.
The details for the Tuesday meeting can be found here
- Live reporting - Facilities
- Live reporting - Technology
- Live reporting - School Committee budget
- Live reporting - Planning and Community Developmen...
- Live reporting - Elections
- Live reporting - Town Clerk
- Live reporting - Board of Assessors
- Live reporting - Board of Health/Health Services
- Live reporting - debt stabilization
- Live reporting - Finance Committee
The details for the Thursday meeting can be found here:
- Live reporting - animal control, Tri-County
- Live reporting - Recreation
- Live reporting - Library
- Live reporting - parking meters
- Live reporting - Police
- Live reporting - Senior Center
- Live reporting - Finance Committee
I chimed in on the Milford Daily News website to provide details in answer to some commenters questions:
One said the Police department was overstaffed due to the presence of four officers on the i495/King St construction site. I responded:
The police working in the construction zone at the i495/King St intersection are working detail duty. They are off-police hours. They are paid by the contractor for their hours of duty. The money goes to the Town, the Town pays the police, and Franklin actually makes some money on the deal. About $16,000/per year as a net income from all the police detail per the discussion at the Finance Committee budget hearing on Thursday evening, May 6th.
Another asked about the time line for the override this year and the high school renovation project. I responded:
The override vote on June 8th will provide funds for the operating budget, the annual expenses of the daily operations for Franklin beginning July 1. The high school renovation project will generate a debt exclusion for a specific period. The dollar amount and the period remain to be determined by the State. According to Jeff Nutting's update at Town Council meeting on April 28th, the debt exclusion vote would come around Nov 2011. The construction could begin in 2013 and the actual increase in our taxes would not hit until 2015.
According to the Financial Planning Committee or long term planning report, Franklin faces a shortage of $3m for 2011 (hence the override) a shortage of $5.5 M for 2012, a shortage of 7.0 M for 2013, a shortage of 8.3 M for 2014. So even if this override passes, yes, there could very well be more overrides in our future.
We have spent too many years cutting. We need to increase revenues period. Some of that will be generated by the empty and underutilized industrial/commercial space. Some of that should come from the pockets of Franklin taxpayers.
As I did catch up to completely view the Town Council meeting from Weds 5/5, I was heartened to hear the last seven minutes, especially during the Council Comments.
Chair Scott Mason addressed Council McGann's (who was absent Wednesday's meeting) comment during the prior meeting (Apr 28th) that he (McGann) would bringing forth a presentation on Town waste. Scott requested Jeff Nutting to allocate time on the agenda to have this covered; “this presentation, if there is anything to it, needs to be addressed before the override.”
Councilor Vallee said "there is no waste in this town"
The meeting adjourned and as the meeting video ends Councilor Vallee is heard to say, "If they do find anything, they won't find much I'll tell you."
I suggest that you spend a few minutes to hear the last seven minutes of the Town Council meeting yourself. This should help to address some of the negative comments .
follow this link to the on demand video
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=xEUq0k5hUv%2bZhhtWPwnXlA%3d%3d
This week will be a busy one.
Momday, the Finance Committee closes their budget hearings
Tuesday, the School Committee meets
Wednesday, provides a real opportunity to make a choice with three events running at the same time.
In
In Room 205 Financial Planning Committee
At Tri-County, EPA will hold a public hearing on storm water mitigation changes that could require the communities of Franklin, Bellingham and Milford to spend up to $70 million to reduce phosphorus in storm water before it reaches the Charles River.
I'll go with the EPA hearing at Tri-County.
What will you do this week?
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
"you can take that step with more confidence"
It's a difficult time for anyone, but with a Job Search Jam Session this Friday, the quest for employment will become a little less lonely.
"By the end of the session, you should have more knowledge, more confidence and more contacts, so when you go make the next step in your job search, you can take that step with more confidence, more skill and maybe that additional network connection to take you where you want to be," said event organizer Steve Sherlock.
From 1 to 4:30 Friday afternoon, Sherlock invites "the laid-off, employed but looking to do something different and underemployed looking to get a full-time spot" to the Job Search Jam Session - a networking event that provides tools and contacts to those on the job hunt.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1773730419/Job-jam-aims-to-promote-networking
You can register here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.eventbrite.com/
Note: You can pay via PayPal or credit card in advance or select "show other payment options" to reserve your ticket and pay at the door. Either way, your reservation will help us plan for the amount of people to expect that day.
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee Meeting - Agenda
Proposed Agenda for May 11, 2010
Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM
I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Review of minutes of previous meeting
C. Approve previous meeting minutes
II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Eagle Scout Kiosk Project
III. Membership Committee Report (Denison, McKeown, Sawyer)
A. Committee to report on membership activity
IV. Report from Finance Committee (Rossetti)
A. Report from Treasurer
V. Report of Fund Raising Committee (Sawyer)
A. Report on fund raising activities
a. Report on Raffle Ticket Sales by Carl Svendsen
b. Report Road Race Committee prep by Dave Labonte
VI. Report from Grant Writing Committee (if any)
A. Extend committee with more members & participation
VII. Unfinished Business
VIII. New Business
A. Need volunteers to work on the 2nd edition brochure
IX. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn
The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee website can be found here
http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/
Franklin, MA
Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM
I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Review of minutes of previous meeting
C. Approve previous meeting minutes
II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Eagle Scout Kiosk Project
III. Membership Committee Report (Denison, McKeown, Sawyer)
A. Committee to report on membership activity
IV. Report from Finance Committee (Rossetti)
A. Report from Treasurer
V. Report of Fund Raising Committee (Sawyer)
A. Report on fund raising activities
a. Report on Raffle Ticket Sales by Carl Svendsen
b. Report Road Race Committee prep by Dave Labonte
VI. Report from Grant Writing Committee (if any)
A. Extend committee with more members & participation
VII. Unfinished Business
VIII. New Business
A. Need volunteers to work on the 2nd edition brochure
IX. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn
The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee website can be found here
http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/
Franklin, MA
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Town Council - 05/05/10
The collection of posts on the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, May 5th and reported on by viewing the on demand video archive can be found here:
Town Council: Franklin Recreational Advisory Board...
Town Council: Spilka, Vallee update
Town Council: road repair funding
Town Council - hazard mitigation
Town Council: Legislation
Town Council: Closing items
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Franklin Recreational Advisory Board...
Town Council: Spilka, Vallee update
Town Council: road repair funding
Town Council - hazard mitigation
Town Council: Legislation
Town Council: Closing items
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Closing items
Old business
Powderly - update requested to families where elderly have deferred taxes, the rate is small and following what Franklin pays, but jumps up after a brief period to 16%. The incentive for the family is to pay it off quickly.
New business
Vallee - street opening bylaw, working very well, it is well enforced
if a company opens a street so far, then they should pave curb-to-curb
The MMA has sponsored some legislation that has been pending for 30 years (per Cerel)
Can we get a letter for the Council to sign to send to our legislators to request action on this?
Councilor Comments
Mason - addressing Council McGann's (who is absent tonight) mention at last meeting (Apr 28th) about bringing forth a presentation on Town waste, requesting Jeff to allocate time on the agenda to have this covered, this presentation if there is anything to it, needs to be addressed before the override.
Vallee - "there is no waste in this town"
as the meeting breaks, Vallee is heard to say, "if they find anything, they won't find much I'll tell you."
To hear the last seven minutes of the Town Council meeting as summarized above, follow this link to the on demand video
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=xEUq0k5hUv%2bZhhtWPwnXlA%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Powderly - update requested to families where elderly have deferred taxes, the rate is small and following what Franklin pays, but jumps up after a brief period to 16%. The incentive for the family is to pay it off quickly.
New business
Vallee - street opening bylaw, working very well, it is well enforced
if a company opens a street so far, then they should pave curb-to-curb
The MMA has sponsored some legislation that has been pending for 30 years (per Cerel)
Can we get a letter for the Council to sign to send to our legislators to request action on this?
Councilor Comments
Mason - addressing Council McGann's (who is absent tonight) mention at last meeting (Apr 28th) about bringing forth a presentation on Town waste, requesting Jeff to allocate time on the agenda to have this covered, this presentation if there is anything to it, needs to be addressed before the override.
Vallee - "there is no waste in this town"
as the meeting breaks, Vallee is heard to say, "if they find anything, they won't find much I'll tell you."
To hear the last seven minutes of the Town Council meeting as summarized above, follow this link to the on demand video
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=xEUq0k5hUv%2bZhhtWPwnXlA%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-20: Authorization to Transfer A Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity At Charles River Treatment Plant to Towns of Millis and Bellingham
2. Resolution 10-21: Appropriation – Snow and Ice Deficit
1. Resolution 10-20: Authorization to Transfer A Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity At Charles River Treatment Plant to Towns of Millis and Bellingham
A good way to increase funds in the Sewer/Water enterprise account and reduce the annual expense as well as our share of the capital renovations being planned
We have excess capacity of 1.2M gallons per day and would still have excess after this to over future growth
motion to approve - passed 7-0
2. Resolution 10-21: Appropriation – Snow and Ice Deficit
went over the budget as expected, slowly building the budget up to the working average
motion to approve - passed 7-0
3. Resolution 10-22: Appropriation – Election Expenses
$10,000 requested to cover the special override election on June 8th. This election is totally funded by Franklin as opposed to other state and special senate elections where we get some reimbursement from the State.
motion to approve - passed 7-0
Note - Items 3 and 4 went before the Finance Committee on Tuesday 5/4/10 and were approved by a 9-0 vote. According to the video, Jeff Nutting remembered the vote as 8-0.
Franklin, MA
3. Resolution 10-22: Appropriation – Election Expenses
$10,000 requested to cover the special override election on June 8th. This election is totally funded by Franklin as opposed to other state and special senate elections where we get some reimbursement from the State.
motion to approve - passed 7-0
Note - Items 3 and 4 went before the Finance Committee on Tuesday 5/4/10 and were approved by a 9-0 vote. According to the video, Jeff Nutting remembered the vote as 8-0.
Franklin, MA
Town Council - hazard mitigation
4. Resolution 10-23: Adoption of Hazard Mitigation Plan
work has been completed, FEMA has approved, a formality for the Council to approve
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
work has been completed, FEMA has approved, a formality for the Council to approve
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Town Council: road repair funding
Jeff Nutting in a follow up question from the prior meeting asked how the $3 M override would be allocated. Currently for the amount before the voters, 1.8 would go to the schools; 300,000 would go to the Town; where would the other $900,000 go?
Scott Mason proposes that the $900,000 go to a separate fund at least for the next two years for road repair.
Repair of Wachusett St cost = $1 M
Proposal for Pleasant St would cost = $9 M
Roads are a huge unmet need. Currently other than Chap 90, there is no local funding for road repair.
15 M could cover 10 miles of roads but we have 200 miles of roads.
This would at least be a start to address the need.
Franklin, MA
Scott Mason proposes that the $900,000 go to a separate fund at least for the next two years for road repair.
Repair of Wachusett St cost = $1 M
Proposal for Pleasant St would cost = $9 M
Roads are a huge unmet need. Currently other than Chap 90, there is no local funding for road repair.
15 M could cover 10 miles of roads but we have 200 miles of roads.
This would at least be a start to address the need.
Franklin, MA
Town Council: Spilka, Vallee update
Senator Karen Spilka, Rep Jim Vallee provide an update on the Senate and House efforts to provide local aid.
Spilka - working on new legislation for the local hotel and motel taxes to be kept under a new regional group rather than going into Boston. This will help to advertise the local cultural assets and businesses that make this area special.
Vallee - Absent the economy rebounding quickly, we are not getting out of this quickly. We will need to continue to look at structural changes. A town the size of Franklin with a school system the size of Lowell, is a big challenge. I have fought very hard for full day kindergarten, it is so critical to provide education at the earliest level for kids.
You can view the video on demand from the Town website here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=6jMe7B5d6l23JP9m5hmbtg%3d%3d
Note: I am continuing to catch up the Town Council meeting of 5/5/10 video the video on demand link provided above.
Franklin, MA
Spilka - working on new legislation for the local hotel and motel taxes to be kept under a new regional group rather than going into Boston. This will help to advertise the local cultural assets and businesses that make this area special.
Vallee - Absent the economy rebounding quickly, we are not getting out of this quickly. We will need to continue to look at structural changes. A town the size of Franklin with a school system the size of Lowell, is a big challenge. I have fought very hard for full day kindergarten, it is so critical to provide education at the earliest level for kids.
You can view the video on demand from the Town website here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=6jMe7B5d6l23JP9m5hmbtg%3d%3d
Note: I am continuing to catch up the Town Council meeting of 5/5/10 video the video on demand link provided above.
Franklin, MA
Finance Committee - 05/10/10 - Agenda
The Finance Committee continues it annual budget hearing Monday evening at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers.
On Tuesday (5/4), they reviewed the budgets of the Town Clerk, Board of Health, Board of Assessors, Information Technology, Facilities, and School Department.
You can find a detail summary of the discussion here:
On Thursday (5/6), they reviewed the budgets of the Veterans, Senior Center, Police and parking meters, Library, and Recreation. They completed these items early and covered the following Animal control and Tri-County. These two topics had been scheduled for Monday the 10th.
You can find a detail summary of the discussion here:
On Monday evening (5/10), the following departments are scheduled for review:
Inspections/Appeals
Fire
DPW
Street lights
Enterprise funds
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - 5/11/10
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.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open Session minutes from the April 27, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual & Transfers
2. Corrected NEASC letter
2. Guests/Presentations
a. DESE Coordinated Program Review Report
Sally Winslow, Beth Fitzmaurice and Michele Kingsland-Smith,
3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice
First Reading - Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account
Further FY11 Budget Discussion
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Anne Bergen for the field trip to Roger Williams Zoo on June 10, 2010 as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $500.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips for Keller students.
c. I recommend not participating in the school choice program for the 2010-2011 school year.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Enrollment Comparison for April 2009-2010
b. Bullying Law
c. School Choice
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. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
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