Franklin Matters

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Jimmy McCarthy - Hellen Keller School Forecast

(NECN: Matt Noyes) - Jimmy McCarthy of Helen Keller Elementary in Franklin, Massachusetts is given his own personal forecast by NECN meteorologist Matt Noyes.

Jimmy can expect to look out of his classroom window at sunshine, with temperatures reaching 47 degrees. A fall jacket is recommended for today.

As for the White Christmas track -- chances have been boosted in Western Massachusetts with a higher chance in Northern New England.

It may be a day late, but the forecast will remain forever via the internet.

Now, how does the school get to look like that?

FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 2, 2008

FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 2, 2008

A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on October 2, 2008 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were James Roche, Roberta Trahan, Doug Hardesty, Deborah Bartlett, Steve Whalen and Gwynne Wilschek. Absent were Shannon Zollo, Matt Kelly and Rebecca Cameron. Also present were Wayne Odgen, Jeffrey Nutting, Brutus Cantoreggi and Mike D'Angelo.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

Steve Whelan commented that the Committee needed to show the community the consequences of the Town's fiscal position for Fiscal Year 2010 as early as possible. Jim Roche stated that the information the Committee produces should be included in a forum on the Town's finances.

The Director of Public Works, Brutus Cantoreggi, presented some of the challenges faced by his Department. The major issues are snow removal costs, that are under-funded by over $500,000; the fuel budget, which is $100,000 short this year; the need for stormwater and other infrastructure improvements that are backlogged; new regulations that are in the pipeline; and the hope to contract out some services in lieu of hiring help. Finally, the Department of Public works is the only department that is expense driven and the general cost of operations (parts, supplies, etc.) continues to rise. The Town has grown over the twenty (20) years and the staff has not.

The Facilities Director, Mike D'Angelo, explained that they maintain well over a million square feet of buildings; supplies this year increased by 20%; and energy costs will stay in check until the electricity contract runs out next year. There were eight (8) custodians laid off last year, which will have a long-term negative effect on school facilities. The attached memo outlines the budget drivers and the request for replacement of some of the eliminated positions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeffrey D. Nutting

FinPlCom-Minutes 10-2-08

Financial Planning Committee Minutes

As single source for the official minutes of the Financial Planning Committee they can be found here (at least until such time as there is a place created on the Town website).

FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MEETING OC... 10/2/08
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES 10/16/08

Update - I did find the Town site for the "official" minutes here
to navigate to this, you need to go to the Town Council, then SubCommittees and then SubCommittee minutes

Note the minutes for 9/18 are misfiled under 8/18/08.

Town Council Mtg Summary 12/03/08

The collection of posts for the Town Council meeting held on 12/3/08 are as follows:

Town Council - Agenda - 12/3/08

"we can't do business as usual and survive"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Dec 04, 2008 @ 12:05 AM

FRANKLIN —

Town Council last night unanimously voted to create a fund to pay for repairs to buildings and infrastructure, and put $50,000 in it.

At Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting's recommendation, the council voted to deposit the $50,000 - money that developer Toll Brothers donated for infrastructure improvements in exchange for accepting new streets and easements.

In other business, Nutting told the council he and leaders from other communities testified at the State House yesterday, advocating for municipal relief and reforms that would save Franklin time and money.

"We're asking the Legislature to look at a wide array of municipal relief," he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Wind turbine or solar in your future?

Thinking of installing a wind turbine
or solar array at your home or business? Come get all your questions answered!

Incentives for

Residential & Commercial
Solar and Wind Installations

Presenter:
Tyler Leeds, Project Manager, Green Building & Infrastructure
Mass Technology Collaborative

When:
Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.

Where:
Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main Street, Lower Level

Description:
Massachusetts has recently developed several incentives to spur the development of renewable energy, including Commonwealth Solar Rebates, Small Renewables Initiative, and Business Expansion Incentives.
Tyler Leeds will answer your questions and help you understand the basic economics of investing in renewable energy.

This Event is of Special Interest for:
Home Owners, Business Owners, Installers, Dealers, Contractors, Electricians and Architects

Sponsored by:
Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT)
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Friends of the Franklin Library

The 21st Century Student - networked

How about this view of the 21st century student?

What do you think?

BTW - It is most interesting that this uses the Common Craft method of presentation. Not only did the presenters ask permission of Common Craft to do this but it was granted. Truly a good aspect of the networking opportunities available!