Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Town Council - 06/02/10

The collection of posts reported Live from the Town Council meeting on June 2nd can be found here:




Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Third Thursday coming up June 17th, Museum will be open


L. OLD BUSINESS
Vallee - question on EPA files clearing NUstyle building from several years ago, former chief had indicated they were received
Nutting - He has had several reports of files clearing site from EPA, those files have not been found in Jeff's nine years here; subsequent visits have found contamination which would make the files mute anyway

M. NEW BUSINESS

McGann - do we have consultants working in the schools on a reading program?
was there a contract signed for the school secretaries, what were the details? apparently more senior members got different increases than those junior



(Yes, this was covered in the School Committee meeting on April 13thNo amounts were referenced although it was claimed to be a 'minimal' increase.)


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
McGann - encourage everyone to get out to vote, let's see what happens

Powderly - thanks to Bob Fahey for the veterans breakfast, a great effort to recognize the folks involved

thanks to Jeff Nutting for the municipal agreement with Medway on the library, this is a small but significant step to help

Jones - thanks to Kelly and the Rotarians for the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies

Whalen - get out an vote, a yes vote gets to maintain services; a no vote will further erode our services

Mason - With regards to the citizens comment from the firefighters, I respect your position. The Council has been instructed not to get involved in the negotiations. The Town Administrator is negotiating on behalf of the Town. 

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

roll call 6-0 ( all present yes)

Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Action items

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
Nutting - first four are an annual house keeping accounting move to re-established these revolving accounts before the budget is passed.


1. Resolution 10-24: Establishment of a Fire Department Fire Rescue Training Revolving Account for FY 2011  motion to accept, passed 6-0
2. Resolution 10-25: Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Activities Program Revolving Account for FY 2011  motion to accept, passed 6-03. Resolution 10-26: Establishment of a Council on Aging Supportive Day Program Revolving Account for FY 2011  motion to accept, passed 6-04. Resolution 10-27: Establishment of a Use of Facilities Revolving Account for FY 2011
motion to accept, passed 6-0


Q - McGann
how is the facility resolving account handled?
Nutting - based upon the usage of the facility, there is a fee charged to provide for maintenance, etc.


5. Resolution 10-28: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Library
motion to accept, passed 6-0


Acceptance of gift of $15,000 for library books
Whalen, I'd like to thank these folks for their dedication and generosity


6. Resolution 10-29: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Franklin to Provide Library Administrative and Maintenance Services to Medway
motion to accept, passed 6-0


Nutting - continuation of program started last year, 2/3 here, 1/3 there saves Franklin money, provides Medway with a director, keeps both libraries open


7. Bylaw Amendment 10-648: Chp. 151, Solid Waste; § 151-1. Definition –1st Reading
motion to move to a second meeting, passed 6-0


Allows Chris White to enforce violations in addition to Board of Health as the personnel in the BOH was cut


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Residential Key Box

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – 


Residential Key Box Program
Fire Chief McCarragher

residential version to access keys to the house especially in cases where there are elderly
saves family members from traveling across town or from out of town to provide access for fire personnel
voluntary program, applications and information available at the Fire Station or on the Fire Dept web page

no cost to the town, the vendor cost is $119.00 plus $14.00 for shipping/handling

already in this edition of the Municipal Services guide


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Town Council

Present: Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, McGann, Powderly
Absent:  Kelly, Pfeffer, Zollo

Motion to appt Powderly as temporary clerk
passed 6-0

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 5, 2010
motion to approve, passed 6-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 8th special election for the override

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bob Donavan, firefighter, union president
without a contract for three years, no raise for four years
not trying to negotiate, it is becoming personal
no picketing, no work stoppage, no demands
want to have both sides heard, apparently going to arbitration
not trying to stop the process


E. APPOINTMENTS - none

F. HEARINGS  none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  none



Franklin, MA

Vote June 8th

No matter your position, whether for


or against



The real action is to VOTE on June 8th!


Franklin, MA

Frequently asked questions: "What other federal and state funds support the Franklin's school operating budget?"

What other federal and state funds support the school department’s operating budget?

Franklin regularly seeks federal and state grants to supplement the operational budget. During FY 2010 Franklin received $2,784,792 in grants to provide additional staffing and supplemental services to meet the needs of students.


What are some other sources of financial support for the Franklin Public Schools?

The district receives significant financial support from within the community to advance the mission and vision of the school district; the loss of which would be detrimental. Annual gGrants and support are received from the: (i) Franklin Education Foundation, (ii) Music Boosters, (iii) Athletic Booster Clubs, (iv) Parent Communication Councils (PCC), etc.

One of a series to address frequently asked questions
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/faq-part-2.html


------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut)

Or

Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:
  1. Make your choice
  2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Additional information on the override can be found here:


Franklin, MA