Saturday, December 22, 2007
Where in Franklin? #24 - 2nd Clue
Since the first picture didn't draw any guesses, maybe this is enough to attract some recognition of where this might be located.
Enjoy!
Franklin's Santa - Frank Falvey
Spreading cheer in Franklin
-----------------------------
Yes, he does look like most common representations of Santa Claus.
Read the full story in the Miford Daily News here.
| FRANKLIN - He doesn't see you when you're sleeping, he has no idea when you're awake. And when it comes to being bad or good, don't worry about being good just for Frank Falvey's sake. "I try to stay away from that," said the Pond Street resident, in character as the jolly fat man during a downtown jaunt yesterday. "I don't think Santa Claus is trying to judge the bad or the good. It has to do with innocence and hope and possibility and wonder in what's going to come." |
Yes, he does look like most common representations of Santa Claus.
Read the full story in the Miford Daily News here.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Franklin Blogger: Model trains, his passion
---------------------------
Model railroads are Mason's passion
By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff
Although he was just 4 years old at the time, Scott Mason clearly remembers the first train set he ever received — 1950s vintage, used Lionel trains given to him for Christmas by a family friend.
Read the full article here
---------------------------
Scott Mason's website can be found here
Model railroads are Mason's passion
By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff
Although he was just 4 years old at the time, Scott Mason clearly remembers the first train set he ever received — 1950s vintage, used Lionel trains given to him for Christmas by a family friend.
Read the full article here
---------------------------
Scott Mason's website can be found here
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Where in Franklin? #24
This place would look considerably different today covered with snow. So going back to a few weeks ago, where would you have found these trees decked out in glorious shades of red?
The guidelines for playing "Where in Franklin?" can be found here.
Updated 12/20/07
As this has gotten buried with other posts this week, I wanted to raise it up again to see if anyone can identify it?
Patriots Traffic, MCAS, FHS Girls Hockey
-------------------------------
Patriots place traffic: Wait till next year
The going isn't too rough, yet, on game days at the retail and entertainment complex near the stadium. But the challenge of managing it will only grow as the site fully opens
Read the full article here.
------------------------------
Mixed news on MCAS scores
Overall marks up, but some falter
Read the full article here.
-------------------------------
Panthers pounce, shut down rival
In staying strong against Canton, Franklin shows maturity, confidence
Read the full article here.
Patriots place traffic: Wait till next year
The going isn't too rough, yet, on game days at the retail and entertainment complex near the stadium. But the challenge of managing it will only grow as the site fully opens
Read the full article here.
------------------------------
Mixed news on MCAS scores
Overall marks up, but some falter
Read the full article here.
-------------------------------
Panthers pounce, shut down rival
In staying strong against Canton, Franklin shows maturity, confidence
Read the full article here.
Franklin can afford library repairs
Franklin can afford library repairs
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
FRANKLIN - The town can fit library repairs into upcoming budgets, councilors learned last night, but cannot take on any other large projects without tapping into its savings account, selling property or asking residents for more money.
--------------------
By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
FRANKLIN - The town can fit library repairs into upcoming budgets, councilors learned last night, but cannot take on any other large projects without tapping into its savings account, selling property or asking residents for more money.
--------------------
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Town Council Meeting 12/19/07 - Summary
The Town Council meeting of 12/19/07 was recorded and sections of the meeting are available as follows:
Announcement: Planning Board Positions (audio)
Proclamation: Carlo Geromini (audio)
Motion on License Renewals (audio)
Jeff Nutting on the Capital Requirements (audio)
Town Administrator's Report (audio)
Closing Comments
----------------------------
My notes taken during the meeting as it occurred:
Accepting applications for planning board up through Jan 9th, appointing Jan 29th to fulfill
Rep. Vallee – House Resolution in recognition of Carlo Geromini
Carlo’s comments, has been reading… currently in middle of Kerouac “On the Road”,
Discussion on Franklin Tavern, in bankruptcy, viewing with buyers, license up for renewal
Even with renewal the trustee can’t use the license until further proceeding are accomplished
Passed 7-0
Nutting – capital forecasts
Reference to gen fund debt worksheet “Franklin capital Plan, Dacey 11-29-07”
Bartlett, Q
1.4M debt currently in plan but not being used
Municipal parking used to leverage some grant application, several months application pending
Whalen Q
3.5 percent very conservative
As debt frees up, there will always be something else to spend it on, walk the balance
Policy and guideline, free to be changed
Doak Q
2010 or 2011 depending upon what you want to do
Council is authorizing projects
Staff or capital committee makes recommendation
Roads are not part of this capital planning
500-700,000 Chapter 90 money from state funds our road work
900,000 in 2001,900,000 in 2004 otherwise nothing from town funds, totally from the state
Pleasant St 9.5 million alone
One huge need unmet is roads, could suggest an override, cash or state
Capital requirements
Schools 3.5M for other non-HS repairs
Portables lifespan remaining 5,6,7 years; cost over 2M
Population continues to increase, they need the space
HS – renovate or replace, tens of millions, no specific game plan yet, not on state listing
No significant impact to tax bill
Library interior, next 3-5 years, outside priority
Need to cap landfill, trying to get a land swap to help the process
Underground utilities, should it be done at the same time? Open for discussion/decision
Recreation center (currently in Municipal building)
Open space – long term savings in this kind of purchase
Roads build up a fund year over year
Water – gone through the 15 m authorized years ago, still have miles of pipe to be replace, can pay as we go with cash
Sewer – unless Beaver St junction comes apart, can go with normal cash flow to cover
Delcarte property – unknown at this point
Whalen Q
DEP has been lenient on this issue thus far…
Expect best guess estimate in next couple of months
District Improvement Financing (DIF) – state process, up to 25% of the town
Economic development grants are possible, generally smaller amounts
We have done well with grants, some we are not eligible for due to the wealth of the community
Doak Q
Amounts in water/sewer for ongoing funds, what’s our capacity
Took money from water reserves, approx 2M in water account
Not making enough money on an annual basis thus far, so would need to use that to stabilize the rate before we raise it
Earliest would be for 09 or 2010 for additional water/sewer projects, probably next 60 days come forward with a plan
Bartlett Q
Policy versus advice, need some assistance from the appropriate parties
Zollo Q
Getting the other assets on the sale front is important, we will need to get that revenue sooner than later
Pfieffer Q
Library, should not be considered last on the listing
RFP received no bids
Should consider changes to go back out again
Nutting – Admin Report
Kudos to DPW, snow blowers travel slower, plows can go quicker but couldn’t handle the depth of the snow
Ryan Jette awarded Heights award
Nice award from an outside group
Holiday on Monday, Tuesday, Christmas, New Year day before as well
Councilor comments
Zollo, quality of rec program, convinced that we have one of the best programs
Creating an inflationary bid process by publishing estimates before hand
2 phase project
17 trades bid on amount of work for their potion, collated with those numbers, then general contractor takes that to include his portion to come back with the total
Various estimates will come in but bids will not come in with the inflation
Filed sub records are public record, according to specs
Seems counter intuitive, public bid law
Seems to be a recurring theme if we did not have to abide by the state laws
Announcement: Planning Board Positions (audio)
Proclamation: Carlo Geromini (audio)
Motion on License Renewals (audio)
Jeff Nutting on the Capital Requirements (audio)
Town Administrator's Report (audio)
Closing Comments
----------------------------
My notes taken during the meeting as it occurred:
Accepting applications for planning board up through Jan 9th, appointing Jan 29th to fulfill
Rep. Vallee – House Resolution in recognition of Carlo Geromini
Carlo’s comments, has been reading… currently in middle of Kerouac “On the Road”,
Discussion on Franklin Tavern, in bankruptcy, viewing with buyers, license up for renewal
Even with renewal the trustee can’t use the license until further proceeding are accomplished
Passed 7-0
Nutting – capital forecasts
Reference to gen fund debt worksheet “Franklin capital Plan, Dacey 11-29-07”
Bartlett, Q
1.4M debt currently in plan but not being used
Municipal parking used to leverage some grant application, several months application pending
Whalen Q
3.5 percent very conservative
As debt frees up, there will always be something else to spend it on, walk the balance
Policy and guideline, free to be changed
Doak Q
2010 or 2011 depending upon what you want to do
Council is authorizing projects
Staff or capital committee makes recommendation
Roads are not part of this capital planning
500-700,000 Chapter 90 money from state funds our road work
900,000 in 2001,900,000 in 2004 otherwise nothing from town funds, totally from the state
Pleasant St 9.5 million alone
One huge need unmet is roads, could suggest an override, cash or state
Capital requirements
Schools 3.5M for other non-HS repairs
Portables lifespan remaining 5,6,7 years; cost over 2M
Population continues to increase, they need the space
HS – renovate or replace, tens of millions, no specific game plan yet, not on state listing
No significant impact to tax bill
Library interior, next 3-5 years, outside priority
Need to cap landfill, trying to get a land swap to help the process
Underground utilities, should it be done at the same time? Open for discussion/decision
Recreation center (currently in Municipal building)
Open space – long term savings in this kind of purchase
Roads build up a fund year over year
Water – gone through the 15 m authorized years ago, still have miles of pipe to be replace, can pay as we go with cash
Sewer – unless Beaver St junction comes apart, can go with normal cash flow to cover
Delcarte property – unknown at this point
Whalen Q
DEP has been lenient on this issue thus far…
Expect best guess estimate in next couple of months
District Improvement Financing (DIF) – state process, up to 25% of the town
Economic development grants are possible, generally smaller amounts
We have done well with grants, some we are not eligible for due to the wealth of the community
Doak Q
Amounts in water/sewer for ongoing funds, what’s our capacity
Took money from water reserves, approx 2M in water account
Not making enough money on an annual basis thus far, so would need to use that to stabilize the rate before we raise it
Earliest would be for 09 or 2010 for additional water/sewer projects, probably next 60 days come forward with a plan
Bartlett Q
Policy versus advice, need some assistance from the appropriate parties
Zollo Q
Getting the other assets on the sale front is important, we will need to get that revenue sooner than later
Pfieffer Q
Library, should not be considered last on the listing
RFP received no bids
Should consider changes to go back out again
Nutting – Admin Report
Kudos to DPW, snow blowers travel slower, plows can go quicker but couldn’t handle the depth of the snow
Ryan Jette awarded Heights award
Nice award from an outside group
Holiday on Monday, Tuesday, Christmas, New Year day before as well
Councilor comments
Zollo, quality of rec program, convinced that we have one of the best programs
Creating an inflationary bid process by publishing estimates before hand
2 phase project
17 trades bid on amount of work for their potion, collated with those numbers, then general contractor takes that to include his portion to come back with the total
Various estimates will come in but bids will not come in with the inflation
Filed sub records are public record, according to specs
Seems counter intuitive, public bid law
Seems to be a recurring theme if we did not have to abide by the state laws
Councilors Closing Comments (audio)
Before the meeting moves into Executive Session, the Councilors get to add new business and make their closing comments.
Time: 8 minutes, 36 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 8 minutes, 36 seconds
MP3 File
Town Administrator's Report (audio)
Jeff Nutting, the Town Administrator, reports on the snow removal, kudos for Ryan Jette and the recreation programs, and how the Municipal Building will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Time: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
MP3 File
Jeff Nutting on the Capital Outlook (audio)
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting outlines the capital needs for the near future and gets into discussion with the Council on how this could be done with either cash, grants, or debt.
Time: 51 minutes, 57 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 51 minutes, 57 seconds
MP3 File
Motion on License Renewals (audio)
The Town Council after some discussion and clarifications passed by 7-0 vote a number of license renewals.
Time: 3 minutes, 37 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 3 minutes, 37 seconds
MP3 File
Proclamation: C Geromini (audio)
Rep. Vallee reads the proclamation recognizing retired Councilman Carlo Geromini for 40 years of service to Franklin
Time: 3 minutes, 56 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 3 minutes, 56 seconds
MP3 File
Announcement: Planning Board Positions (audio)
The Planning Board is accepting applications through January 9, 2008 with appointments to be made at a joint meeting of the Town Council and Planning Board on Jan 23, 2008.
Time: 22 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 22 seconds
MP3 File
Franklin's MCAS Results (Audio)
The presentation and discussion during the School Committee meeting of 12/11/07 on the most recent MCAS results for Franklin.
Time: 56 minutes, 44 seconds
MP3 File
Time: 56 minutes, 44 seconds
MP3 File
Franklin Schools - MCAS Report for 2007
Michelle Kingston Smith, Director, Instructional Services, presented the following report to the School Committee during the December 11, 2007 meeting.
The report can be found on the district web site so you can follow along with the recording.
The audio for this presentation can be found here.
(Note: There is a delay during the beginning of the presentation as the presentation laptop is rebooted. Superintendent Ogden fills in the time with an update on a special education teacher that will need to be hired to meet the requirements of two 3-year olds registering in the district during February. They are hearing impaired.)
------------------------
My notes taken during the presentation
EQA audit
4 -Commendations for district
Higher MCAS scores
Strong curriculum alignment with state frameworks
Professional development
Mentoring program
“High performing” district
Aggregate outperformed the state
105 students awarded the J&A Adams scholarship based upon Grade 10 performance
Grade 8 was 2 full performance ratings above the state
9th grade Biology out performed the state by two ratings
Low income and special education subgroups are underperforming according to plan (although they are higher than the state)
Subgroups dropping in science where state subgroups are improving, overall i.e. aggregate numbers are rating “High”
K different world for writing, important to be developmentally appropriate and feed to upper grades
K-12 literacy plan
District wide, draft philosophy
Identify core instructional expectations, assessment practices
Action plan for identifying and implementing
“Middle school culture is redhot with factors that affect student performance”
Media, choices kids have, forced choices with family environment, so many variables
Audit shows the curriculum is aligned
Quality assessment, engagement and motivation, how do you measure that?
Current 10th graders will need to pass science and technology test to graduate
The report can be found on the district web site so you can follow along with the recording.
The audio for this presentation can be found here.
(Note: There is a delay during the beginning of the presentation as the presentation laptop is rebooted. Superintendent Ogden fills in the time with an update on a special education teacher that will need to be hired to meet the requirements of two 3-year olds registering in the district during February. They are hearing impaired.)
------------------------
My notes taken during the presentation
EQA audit
4 -Commendations for district
Higher MCAS scores
Strong curriculum alignment with state frameworks
Professional development
Mentoring program
“High performing” district
Aggregate outperformed the state
105 students awarded the J&A Adams scholarship based upon Grade 10 performance
Grade 8 was 2 full performance ratings above the state
9th grade Biology out performed the state by two ratings
Low income and special education subgroups are underperforming according to plan (although they are higher than the state)
Subgroups dropping in science where state subgroups are improving, overall i.e. aggregate numbers are rating “High”
K different world for writing, important to be developmentally appropriate and feed to upper grades
K-12 literacy plan
District wide, draft philosophy
Identify core instructional expectations, assessment practices
Action plan for identifying and implementing
“Middle school culture is redhot with factors that affect student performance”
Media, choices kids have, forced choices with family environment, so many variables
Audit shows the curriculum is aligned
Quality assessment, engagement and motivation, how do you measure that?
Current 10th graders will need to pass science and technology test to graduate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)