4th of July (audio)

The new 4th of July coalition gets the same town backing (capped at $15,000) as when the town ran the recent 4th celebrations (approx 2002-2007).

There is no parade this year. The group was cautioned that this should be considered seed money. They should expect to become self-sustaining in future years as the town funds are tight.

Time: 17 minutes, 48 seconds



MP3 File

The notes from the meeting can be found here.

Franklin School Department positions lost 2003-2009

If the override does not get passed, the school department would lose 46.5 positions. The reduction this year (FY 2009) would come primarily from teachers in the classroom this year that would leave in June and not return to help Franklin's students continue their education in September.

A more complete picture of the reductions in the education budget can be found in the slide presentation found here.

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Learn all you can by visiting here frequently.

Visit the School Committee override page for the schedule of information sessions

You can find all the override related information here

Be informed to cast your vote on June 10th

Election date - June 10th

Election Date

Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Time: 6:00am - 8:00pm

Place: Franklin High School Fieldhouse

Question #1: Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $2,800,000.00 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the operating budget for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008? Yes No

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Learn as much as you can by visiting here frequently.

Visit the School Committee override page for the schedule of information sessions

Be informed to cast your vote on June 10th

Four Corners Potential Sale to Walgreens (audio)

from the Town Council meeting 5/7/08, the presentation and discussion on the potential sale of the Four Corners building and land to Walgreens. This item will return to the agenda in two weeks for a formal vote.

Time: 24 minutes, 10 seconds



MP3 File

My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.

Councilor McGann during Citizens Comment (audio)

From the Town Council meeting on 5/7/08, Councilor McGann uses the Citizens Comment portion of the meeting to complain about his not getting notified of the meeting at 6:00 PM the week before to vote on the override question. He arrived at 6:50 and was surprised to find the meeting over.

Time: 5 minutes, 4 seconds



MP3 File

My notes taken during the comments by Councilor McGann can be found here.

"Franklin voters will be able to start trusting again"

Yes, I did say that.

During the Town Council meeting 5/7/08 when Chairman Chris Feeley proposed a committee to prepare a long range projection for Town finances.

I'll have the complete audio file up some time this week. In the mean time, you can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

My "live blogging" recap of the meeting can be found here.

5 Year Plan committee to be formed

During the New Business portion, Chairman Chris Feeley put forth a proposal to name a committee to develop a five year projection. The group would be comprised of

• 2 School Committee representatives
• 2 Finance committee representatives
• 3 Town Councilors

I stepped forward to make the suggestion to add two citizens to the panel. In so doing, this would allow the community to take part in this critical activity. This would be a compelling step to helping restore trust in the administration and elected officials. There is some distrust in the community.

The motion was amended to include two citizens and approved unanimously.