Add your entry!

Here are a couple of entries in the current survey on "What should the #1 goal for Franklin be?"

• Extra Parking for Downtown Franklin and a 100 seat movie theater

Reason: Norwood, Dedham, Newburyport, Lexington and many more have theaters and they are not college towns nor do they have as high a population as we do

• End risky fluoridation

Reason: It has been nearly two years since Franklin officials were notified by concerned residents about the federal government's fluorosis warnings regarding sodium fluoridation. Officials have known for more than a year that hundreds of Franklin residents, upon learning of these federal warnings, stopped consenting to uncontrolled dosages of sodium fluoride. Officials have known for five months about the Harvard University study suggesting a link between fluoridation and impaired brain development in children. Health justice delayed is health justice denied. Anyone who needs fluoride can easily get it; there is no need to force it everyone, particularly in uncontrolled dosages. If surrounding towns like Milford, Bellingham and Blackstone allow their parents and medical professionals to control their kids' fluoride dosages, then why not Franklin parents? The health and safety of children is the #1 priority of any town. The right of parents to make informed dosage decisions based on doctors' recommendations is too important to ignore any longer. The time is now for the health board members to lift their risky and reckless sodium fluoridation order.

You can add your own entry here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/what-should-1-goal-for-franklin-be.html

Annual Report 2012: Human Resources

The primary function of the Town of Franklin is Customer Service and that service is provided by its employees.

The Human Resources Department provides Customer Service to potential, active and former employees, as well as citizens, of the Town of Franklin.

Over the past three fiscal years we had several layoffs, resignations, and retirements. This year we were finally able to hire ten full time and eight part time employees. Employees were placed in the DPW, Library, Police, and Fire Departments. Questions about benefits continue throughout an employee’s time with the Town and continue into retirement. In addition to the mandatory participation in Norfolk Retirement System, or OBRA for part time employees benefits include:

• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short and Long Term Disability plans
• Section 457 Savings Plans

All employees, other than Police and Fire, are covered by Worker’s Compensation, a federally mandated program. Our goal is to prevent accidents and lost time from work, and to protect individuals from financial loss when there is an incident. This “no fault” insurance is designed to provide income security and medical coverage for individuals injured on the job. Since July 2011, the program is insured with MIIA Human Resources continues to ensure that incident reports are filed timely with Worker’s Compensation, reviewing claims and making payments directly to the employees. We are now able to file claims “on line” to get them set up quickly so employees are treated and claims processed quickly. Employees who have needed to use the services report a strong and positive experience working with claims managers. We also work with managers and employees across the Town to support safe work practices, so that the frequency and length
of workers compensation absences are held to a minimum.

Over the year the Town of Franklin Safety Committee updated policies, with an eye to reducing hazards at the worksite. The team created a twelve month plan focus on a range of aspects of safety.

On an annual basis, all benefit programs are reviewed to be sure they comply with Federal and State laws. Federal Health Care Reform has had a significant impact on our health insurance program and we continue to ensure we comply with all regulations.

We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. The HR Department has continued a wellness
program, offered by MIIA to the employees of the Town. These have included fitness walking, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating. This program, designed to improve health and fitness, and to reduce health insurance costs, will continue next year at no cost to employees or to the Town. Employees were enthusiastic
about participation in the strength and aerobic classes, Healthy Matters heart program and an extended walking program.

In addition to active employees we are responsible for over 400 retirees of the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools who have health and/or life insurance as a result of their long-term employment with the Town. We enjoy hearing about their activities after they have left employ with the town. As retirees are a very mobile population, it is our goal and mission to assist all retirees and their covered spouses with any questions they might have which includes the processing of all of their enrollment, coverage and address changes on a daily basis.

As we begin the next year new goals have been set. They include:

• Work with all departments to maintain a safe work environment, with a goal of reduced lost time for on the job injuries.
• Review best practices in the public sector and find opportunities for skill development to offer to municipal employees.
• Continue to monitor changes arising from National Health Care Reform which will impact the Town insurance plans.
• Partner with School HR activities to find service improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Continue to deliver high quality customer service to employees, retirees, and citizens.
• Constantly monitor full range of benefit options. Focus on the Health Insurance Program.
• Identify information which can be best communicated electronically and keep web site current.
• Provide excellent service to and resolve administrative issues arising from municipal health insurance program.
• Facilitate managers using job descriptions and performance evaluations to strengthen organizational
• and employee performance.
• Educate employees on the Sec. 125 Flexible Spending Accounts which are available to them for medical or dependent care costs. Support managers and employees in employee relations activities.

We appreciate input from employees and citizens at any time.

Respectfully Submitted

Stephanie McNeil
Human Resources Director.


INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Town of Franklin Insurance Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from each of the municipal and school unions, as well as retired employees. It provides recommendations to the Town Administrator on health and dental plans. Meetings are an opportunity for employees from the unions to
learn about insurance products, industry trends, and to help identify ways to meet employee needs within the framework of Massachusetts General Law and available financial resources.

We had again advised MIIA, our insurance provider, that we needed a renewal with a minimal cost increase. In July of 2010 the Commonwealth passed legislation, giving municipalities more control over health plan
design.

The Town also continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. The Committee voted in favor of the plan change and were able to achieve a 3% reduction in premium costs.

The IAC supports the development of a Wellness Program. This kind of program helps educate employees on health and fitness issues to support long term health. The goal is to reduce the increase of long term and high cost medical conditions.

The Town provides dental benefits on a totally employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.

The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediate payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and
become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs.

We have changed the plan year to a September 1 through August 31 window to more closely coordinate
with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year.

Participants on the IAC brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. The IAC plans to continue its work gaining knowledge about the full insurance program. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through this committee to other employees so that there is greater understanding of benefit plans.

Respectfully Submitted

Stephanie McNeil
Human Resource Director

from the Town Clerk Annual Report page, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

MassBudget: What's the State of Working Massachusetts, this New Year

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. State of Working Massachusetts 2012 2012 has now ended, and workers in Massachusetts are still trying to dig themselves out of the economic hole caused by the "Great Recession." The New Year's update of MassBudget's "State of Working Massachusetts" describes the current economic landscape, along with some of the long-term trends affecting workers and their families. As has been the case for several years now, economic growth remains too slow to restore the losses experienced by workers. In Massachusetts--as across the nation: The latest data show that median income actually fell between 2010 and 2011. The unemployment rate remains significantly higher than it was when the recession began. When we compare Massachusetts with other states, however, we find that workers here continue to fare better than workers elsewhere. Incomes remain higher, poverty rates are lower, and even when the recession was at its most severe, our state economy was outperforming most. Read Our New Year's Snapshot. IN 7 CHARTS: TODAY'S STATE OF WORKING MASSACHUSETTS Read The Complete STATE OF WORKING MASSACHUSETTS Note: The State of Working Massachusetts is an ongoing project of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. A full version is released each January, but different parts are updated at different times during the year--depending on when new data becomes available. Through each iteration, much of the structure remains the same, as do our descriptions of measures that have not changed. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

When are the Christmas Tree pickups for Franklin?

Per the DPW Calendar, Christmas trees will be picked up on your normal trash pick up day during the week of Mon, Jan 7 through Fri, Jan 11.


You can view the calendar online on the Franklin webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01A12FFA-000F8513

What should the #1 goal for Franklin be?

Happy New Year!

As we start the new year, goals and New Year's resolutions are made. Let's collect what you think the #1 goal for Franklin should be.

Annual Report 2012: Housing Authority

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing
Authority held on April 9, 2012.

George A. Danello, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
Mark A. Teehan, Assistant Treasurer
John R. Padula, Commissioner

FHA STAFF
Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director
Diane Lamoureux, Administrative Assistant
Melva Jackson, Office Clerk
Candice Day, Office Assistant
Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor
William Pizzi, Maintenance Laborer
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Groundskeeper
Anne Ayotte, Service Coordinator

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A total of 32 water closets (toilets) were replaced with efficient low-flow units at the FHA in June at 45 Winter Street. Funding for this project came through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s energy conservation program. By replacing 32 water closets, Franklin Housing Authority will look forward to a reduced water consumption and therefore a reduced water/sewer use expense.

In 2011, Franklin Housing Authority replaced 67 water closets at Central Park Terrace. We have begun to
calculate our savings and we expect to reduce our water/sewer bill by approximately $10,000 annually.
This money will give FHA a greater ability to maintain our units.

Also, through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s energy conservation program, FHA completed an energy audit that resulted in the replacement of 28 old refrigerators with new energy star units for our family residents Additional improvements, during the 2012 FYI include replacement of three roofs, repairs to catch basins, replacement of electrical panels and upgrade of electrical outlets. All of these projects were primarily funded through the Department of Housing and Community Development with Formula Funding. We work diligently to put to good use any funding for improvements from the department.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low
income Family Housing and an 8-unit Group Home. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a
four bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited support. Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to reside in a residential neighborhood.

Additionally, Franklin Housing Authority has been awarded $1,250,000 for the development of an additional Chapter 689 housing facility. Chapter 689 housing is reserved for mentally challenged adults and will be overseen by the Department of Mental Retardation. We have secured a suitable site for this development on Plain Street. Further the designer; Winter Street Architects has been approved and has begun the design phase of this development. This development will be seeking design approval from the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals and the Design Commission.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
Rotary Club members served their annual spaghetti dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Commissioner John Padula was the head Chef and also provided some entertainment. Rotary members cooked, served, entertained and picked up after. Rotarians always comment that the smiles and the kind words of appreciation received make their time and efforts very rewarding.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express
their thanks and appreciation to the following:

The Clergy, a continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.

Franklin Senior Association Members:

Suzanne Wade, President
Linda Doonan, Vice President
Joyce Hutchinson, Treasurer
Evelyn Pelletier, Secretary
Evelyn Mucciarone, Member at Large

This Association plans pizza parties, holiday gatherings, morning coffee and donuts, card parties and many more events for the enjoyment of all Franklin Seniors.

Chairman Bob Vallee and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jeffrey Nutting and his staff for their continued support and assistance.

Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and
specialized services.

Franklin Police Department, Chief Semerjian and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.

Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief Gary McCarraher and his department are always professional and respectful.

Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative James Vallee, U.S. Congressmen James McGovern, and Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our residents at heart.

Governor Patrick for his relentless support of Massachusetts public housing.

Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Michael Bellotti for including FHA in their inmate community service program.

Dean Bank for the donation of a wide screen television, blue ray and several movies to our Senior Community Hall and Senior Association.

Through the years, the community and the housing authority are finding ways to improve the quality of life
for our area seniors and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a great, safe and affordable community living opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, PHM, Executive Director


from the Town Clerk Annual Report page, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Just Label It

The start of the New Year usually brings about a new diet or resolution to improve one's health. This video lays out the issues with food labels, or lack there of and what action can be taken to get better labeled food.

One step to better health!




Additional info can be found on the Just Label It website  http://justlabelit.org/

One of many ways to eat healthy is to go with "Clean Eating"
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/

Do you have a diet or process you follow to eat healthy? Please share