Downtown Project Update #28

As many residents have probably noticed, the downtown revitalization project has hit its stride. For the upcoming two weeks, continue to expect frequent, short detours around downtown, while the contractors finalize installation of new sidewalks up East Central to the center and up Main Street. This section of work should conclude within the next two weeks, weather permitting. The contractors are also going to begin milling the street and getting the roadway network ready for paving.

This update will be the first in many to educate the public of when the downtown will become two-way traffic pattern. Please share with your friends and family that downtown will have two-way traffic. The Town will be placing electronic boards around the area to alert drivers of the new two-way traffic pattern. We expect this could occur as early as the end of June, weather permitting. Everything is weather permitting in New England, right?

Given the progress being made to date, the project looks to be on schedule for completion toward early August.

new curbing in advance of the new sidewalks being installed downtown

This was shared from the Official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/023DDC0C-000F8513

"Our revenues are pretty much constrained to tax increases"

Local officials released a $116 million fiscal year 2017 budget proposal this week - a measure the Town Council will deliberate upon later this month. 

The $116,417,305 total operating budget would represent about a 2.5 percent increase over the $113,608,899 fiscal year 2016 budget. Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the budget essentially provides level services without reducing staff or seeking an override. 

"I am asking the council to increase firefighter staffing by one," he said. "I'm also asking for a deputy treasurer/collector in advance of retirements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160510/franklin-releases-budget-proposal

The full budget document can be found here  http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/023DBE49-000F8513

Franklin Municipal Building

Dean College 2016 Commencement Exercises - Saturday, May 14th @ 11a.m.

Dean College 2016 Commencement

WHEN: 

Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.


WHERE: 

Awpie Way (Front Lawn of Dean Hall) Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038


WHAT: 

Dean College will be celebrating its 150th commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. Commencement speakers include Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College President, Mark D. Boyce, Chairman of the Dean College Board of Trustees, Candice Coco Lam, Associate Degree student speaker, Jaclyn Coutoumas, Bachelor's Degree student speaker, and Allison Clarke, School of Continuing Studies speaker.

Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin Massachusetts, 45 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Dean College offers baccalaureate degrees, associate degree programs, as well as a robust schedule of part-time continuing and professional education credit and certificate programs throughout the calendar year.

Dean College

Summer STAR Class - Accessorize Yourself! - for entering grades 3. 4. 5

Franklin Public Schools ~ Lifelong Learning Institute Accessorize Yourself ! Summer STAR Class July 11 to 15, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm for entering grades 3, 4, 5 If you are looking to add a little "blink" to your daily wardrobe, look no further.  We will be creating many wonderful projects during the week.   T-shirt Transformations We will take an ordinary t-shirt and turn it into a new accessory such as a scarf or hand bag. Duct Tape  Duct tape comes in so many colors and patterns that we can create interesting bracelets and lanyards. Summer Accessories We don't want to forget about our sunglasses and flip flops.  Just adding a few jewels, beads and flowers and we have just created a new item to wear this summer! Register Today FPS, Lifelong Learning - lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us - 508.553-4814

"oppose this misguided, unnecessary, dangerous and costly project"

"Residents from Walpole, Sharon, Canton and other surrounding towns filled the front end of the Walpole High School auditorium Monday night to speak out against the proposed Spectra pipeline. 

"I urge you to take every step possible as a member of MEFS (Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board) and the human race to oppose this misguided, unnecessary, dangerous and costly project," said Bri McAlevey of Sharon. 

On Monday night, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board held one in a series of public hearings on the proposed 10.1-mile Atlantic Bridge Project, known colloquially as the Spectra Energy pipeline project. Four miles of the project would run through Walpole, with other sections running through Milford, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Franklin, Norfolk, Sharon, Stoughton and Canton."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160510/state-board-hears-spectra-pipeline-opposition

No Spectra sign on Franklin lawn

Environmental Merit Award for Regency Transportation

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Sixteen winners from Massachusetts were recognized Tuesday at the 2016 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s New England regional office. The environmental leaders were among three dozen recipients across New England honored for helping to improve New England’s environment. 

Each year EPA New England recognizes individuals and groups in the six New England states who have worked to protect or improve the region’s environment in distinct ways. The merit awards, given out since 1970, honor individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160510/epa-recognizes-franklin-hopedale-companies

Regency Transportation

Regency Transportation can be found on the web at http://regencytrans.com/

Live reporting: to Closing

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

• unified track meet rescheduled to Wed, May 11, 3:30 PM
• up coming events with the summer program; band, art, chorus, high school experience and many other opportunities are available
• 1966 reunion class to participate at the FHS graduation
• Transportation letters went out last week, if no letter, call the Central Office; K-6 over 2 miles eligible; middle and high school busses will be filling up
• May 25th School Budget hearing at Town Council; how do you measure adequacy? It is usually not adaquite

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• Policy Sub Committee
• more policies coming up for update next meeting

School Committee Liaison Reports
Coffee hours scheduled for various times and places



6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 

• Dr. O’Malley

meeting closed