Franklin Matters

Thursday, April 5, 2012

"adopted lower trash fees"

In the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, there were four major items discussed:

the capital budget
within it were items for the Library
discussion on Fire Dept staffing
adoption of the lower trash fee (reduced from $220 to $204)

Part of the Milford Daily News reporting on the meeting:

Town Council also approved funding for library items not on the agenda, unanimously supporting $10,000 for library salaries and $40,000 for library materials, both from the free cash account.

The move was in anticipation of a state vote tomorrow to reconsider the library’s certification and show that the town financially supports its library, Library Director Felicia Oti said.

The library lost its certification in February, in part because about 27 percent of its funding was cut in the last budget cycle, said a spokeswoman from the state’s Board of Library Commissioners.

In the News - Fire Dept, marathon

Franklin firefighters battle late-night condo fire

by Staff reports

Franklin girl inspires mom’s Marathon effort

by Elizabeth Stickley/Daily News correspondent

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Seth Godin always asks provocative questions. He has an ebook/essay on education reform that I just found here

http://www.squidoo.com/stop-stealing-dreams

Have you read this yet?

What do you think?

Alert: RT 140 Construction

Beginning April 9th, 2012 a water main replacement project will begin on East Central St (Route 140) in the area between Glen Meadow Road and Aspen Way. Motorists should allow for extra time when travelling in this area as the roadway will be reduced to a single lane at times. Work will be completed during the hours of 9 AM – 4 PM in an effort to minimize disruption. Construction is anticipated to last approximately 4 weeks.

This text and the embedded doc were originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887CEA-000F8513

RT_140_Construction_20120409

A live portion of Google Maps showing the area of construction:

View Larger Map

Public Notice: hydrant flushing

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 9, 2012. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed between the hours of 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures. Residents may experience discolored water during this process.

Residents may experience, temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though aesthetically the water may look discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation and we apologize for any
inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Water Office at 508-553-5551.

Department of Public Works
Deacon Perrotta
Water & Sewer Superintendent

Originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887947-000F8513

Over the last four decades, workers earning the minimum wage in Massachusetts have seen a significant decline in the real value of their wages.

In What's It Worth? The Value of the Minimum Wage in Massachusetts, we find that:

Today's minimum wage is 24% lower than it was in 1968 (adjusted for inflation).
The gap between what minimum wage workers earn and what other workers earn has grown substantially over time--especially at the top of the income spectrum.
Without some adjustment, the real value of the minimum wage is projected to fall below $7.00 by the end of this decade.

"What's It Worth" also includes an interactive tool that allows you to compare various options for adjusting the minimum wage--and even to design your own proposal.

READ WHAT'S IT WORTH

USE THE ONLINE TOOL TO COMPARE OPTIONS

MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.