Saturday, May 10, 2008
Franklin Center - opening September 2008
"Single level living"
Seems to me to mean that each condo will be located within one floor as the building will be three stories tall (at least that is what it appears to be now).
That is a good advantage for a condo compared to other layouts where you have your space spread amongst a smaller foot print and you use multiple floors for your living space.
Way to go!
Franklin Center grows
Almost missed this as it is tucked away behind the completed buildings along Main St. They have moved aggressively and have a second floor almost complete with a third floor coming.
Way to go!
Parmenter School: Car Wash/Bottle Drive 5/17/08
On our walk today, found this to spread the good news about!
Attention Franklin Train Riders
Franklin Line Necessary Track Work ~ Bussing Monday through Friday
Beginning Thursday May 8 and continuing until further notice Monday through Friday, passengers on trains operating between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM will be bussed between Norwood Central and Walpole and vice-versa.
All passengers at the Windsor Gardens stop will be dropped off and picked up on Route 1A in front of the Windsor Gardens complex, not at the station.
Delays of up to 30 minutes may occur to the following trains as a result of the bussing: Outbound: 707, 709 and 711 Inbound: 714, 716 and 718
We apologize for any inconvenience that may result from this necessary track work. Thank you for riding Commuter Rail.
From the MBTA web site
Note: After the work on this particular section, there will be bussing around the Norfolk and then Franklin/Dean and Franklin/Forge Park stations. This is due to the required track work and that there is only a single track between Franklin and Walpole.
This is part of the notice made back in April.
In the News - Water/Sewer rates
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Residents will start paying more for water, and less on sewer this July.
Thanks to conservation, the town is not selling as much water as it has in years past, and will bump up the rate 15 percent at the start of fiscal 2009, and another 15 percent in fiscal 2010, as voted 6-2 by Town Council on May 7.
The council also agreed to lower sewer charges by 10 percent, as recommended by Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.
The dual changes will result an a net increase of about $23 for the average rate payer, Nutting estimated.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
Read my notes written during the during meeting here.
Listen to this segment of the meeting to hear what was said by whom.
DPW Open House 5/31/08 (audio)
From the Town Council meeting on 5/7/08, reminder that the water conservation restrictions will begin the Tuesday after Memorial day.
There is also an announcement of the Open House at the Dept of Public Works. Focused for the kids and families.
Time: 2 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
My notes from the meeting can be found here.
There is also an announcement of the Open House at the Dept of Public Works. Focused for the kids and families.
Time: 2 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
My notes from the meeting can be found here.
Water/Sewer Rate Changes (audio)
From the Town Council meeting 5/7/08, the discussion and eventual vote approving the water rate increase of 15% and sewer rate decrease 10%. The water rate will also increase in FY 2010 another 15% to help provide the funding necessary to continue the water line repairs at about 1-2 miles per year.
Admendment moved to second reading on personnel classification adjustments.
Amendment moved to second reading on an adjustment to the water map.
Time: 10 minutes, 47 seconds
MP3 File
My notes from the meeting can be found here.
Admendment moved to second reading on personnel classification adjustments.
Amendment moved to second reading on an adjustment to the water map.
Time: 10 minutes, 47 seconds
MP3 File
My notes from the meeting can be found here.
Town Common sign placement (audio)
From the Town Council meeting on 5/7/08, there was less discussion than the first time this came up (which caused it to go away for rework).
It is a sign touting the historical signifcance of the town to be positioned on the Town Common. It can be moved if necessary.
Time: 11 minutes, 34 seconds
MP3 File
It is a sign touting the historical signifcance of the town to be positioned on the Town Common. It can be moved if necessary.
Time: 11 minutes, 34 seconds
MP3 File
Other action items (audio)
From the Town Council meeting 5/7/08, a series of resolutions were discussed briefly and voted on to approve funding for the following:
MP3 File
My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.
- balance the snow/ice account now that winters passed
- zoning board advertising budget
- override election funding
- veterans budget adjustment
- comptroller budget adjustment
Time: 5 minutes, 37 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.
Ladder Truck paydown plan (audio)
From the Town Council meeting 5/7/08, the discussion and vote on the paydown plan for the new ladder truck. The truck costs $869,000. This resolution approves the payment of $169,000 this year and $175,000 for each of the next 4 years.
Time: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.
Time: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.
4th of July (audio)
The new 4th of July coalition gets the same town backing (capped at $15,000) as when the town ran the recent 4th celebrations (approx 2002-2007).
There is no parade this year. The group was cautioned that this should be considered seed money. They should expect to become self-sustaining in future years as the town funds are tight.
Time: 17 minutes, 48 seconds
MP3 File
The notes from the meeting can be found here.
There is no parade this year. The group was cautioned that this should be considered seed money. They should expect to become self-sustaining in future years as the town funds are tight.
Time: 17 minutes, 48 seconds
MP3 File
The notes from the meeting can be found here.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Franklin School Department positions lost 2003-2009
If the override does not get passed, the school department would lose 46.5 positions. The reduction this year (FY 2009) would come primarily from teachers in the classroom this year that would leave in June and not return to help Franklin's students continue their education in September.
A more complete picture of the reductions in the education budget can be found in the slide presentation found here.
------------------
Learn all you can by visiting here frequently.
Visit the School Committee override page for the schedule of information sessions
You can find all the override related information here
Be informed to cast your vote on June 10th
Election date - June 10th
Election Date
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Time: 6:00am - 8:00pm
Place: Franklin High School Fieldhouse
Question #1: Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $2,800,000.00 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the operating budget for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008? Yes No
-------------
Learn as much as you can by visiting here frequently.
Visit the School Committee override page for the schedule of information sessions
Be informed to cast your vote on June 10th
Four Corners Potential Sale to Walgreens (audio)
from the Town Council meeting 5/7/08, the presentation and discussion on the potential sale of the Four Corners building and land to Walgreens. This item will return to the agenda in two weeks for a formal vote.
Time: 24 minutes, 10 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.
Time: 24 minutes, 10 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the meeting can be found here.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Councilor McGann during Citizens Comment (audio)
From the Town Council meeting on 5/7/08, Councilor McGann uses the Citizens Comment portion of the meeting to complain about his not getting notified of the meeting at 6:00 PM the week before to vote on the override question. He arrived at 6:50 and was surprised to find the meeting over.
Time: 5 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the comments by Councilor McGann can be found here.
Time: 5 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
My notes taken during the comments by Councilor McGann can be found here.
"Franklin voters will be able to start trusting again"
Yes, I did say that.
During the Town Council meeting 5/7/08 when Chairman Chris Feeley proposed a committee to prepare a long range projection for Town finances.
I'll have the complete audio file up some time this week. In the mean time, you can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
My "live blogging" recap of the meeting can be found here.
During the Town Council meeting 5/7/08 when Chairman Chris Feeley proposed a committee to prepare a long range projection for Town finances.
I'll have the complete audio file up some time this week. In the mean time, you can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
My "live blogging" recap of the meeting can be found here.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
5 Year Plan committee to be formed
During the New Business portion, Chairman Chris Feeley put forth a proposal to name a committee to develop a five year projection. The group would be comprised of
I stepped forward to make the suggestion to add two citizens to the panel. In so doing, this would allow the community to take part in this critical activity. This would be a compelling step to helping restore trust in the administration and elected officials. There is some distrust in the community.
The motion was amended to include two citizens and approved unanimously.
- 2 School Committee representatives
- 2 Finance committee representatives
- 3 Town Councilors
I stepped forward to make the suggestion to add two citizens to the panel. In so doing, this would allow the community to take part in this critical activity. This would be a compelling step to helping restore trust in the administration and elected officials. There is some distrust in the community.
The motion was amended to include two citizens and approved unanimously.
Town Administrator Report
moved discussion on Peace & Good Order amendments to June 4th meeting
-------------
meeting in Boston, tip sheet the downtown funding should be okay
-------------
new business
proposal to put together a group to come up with a five year projection, comprised of
2 School
2 Finance
3 Councilors
suggestion by myself to add two citizens to the panel
motion approved
-----------------
Zollo participated at Davis Thayer PCC today to answer questions on override
McGann condolences to Mrs Mullen on the loss of her husband
Feeley to address McGann on meeting moved to 6:00 PM
he will show the email with his name on it
he was not aware of the meeting at 6:00, he did show up early for the 7:00 PM meeting
Feeley will take the heat for it
-------------
meeting in Boston, tip sheet the downtown funding should be okay
-------------
new business
proposal to put together a group to come up with a five year projection, comprised of
2 School
2 Finance
3 Councilors
suggestion by myself to add two citizens to the panel
motion approved
-----------------
Zollo participated at Davis Thayer PCC today to answer questions on override
McGann condolences to Mrs Mullen on the loss of her husband
Feeley to address McGann on meeting moved to 6:00 PM
he will show the email with his name on it
he was not aware of the meeting at 6:00, he did show up early for the 7:00 PM meeting
Feeley will take the heat for it
Water conservation starting
Tuesday after Memorial Day
start lawns before then, after that Tuesday you'll need to abide by the restrictions
---------------
DPW Open House
10:00 to 1:00 PM on May 31st
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start lawns before then, after that Tuesday you'll need to abide by the restrictions
---------------
DPW Open House
10:00 to 1:00 PM on May 31st
---------------
Action items
Resolution passed to grant an easement 5 years after the fact
------------------
Franklin 4th of July
resolution to allow town resources to work on the events for the celebration
Mike Kelly, co-chair
Warren Revell, paperwork submitted for 501C
Frank Falvey
Feeley confirms that their attorney has been applied for the necessary paperwork for both
amendment to limit the Town expense at $15K - passed unanimously
net expense of 10K to be reimbursed
approx 2002 town took over the 4th of July
transitioned from no cost to town cost to capped cost
Fire overtime was cut from budget so this would need to be added back
All-night party is paid for by a grant and not town money
partly good will, partly good public safety to have someone at the event
Bartlett advises to start thinking for obtaining their own funding for next year
Revell - "precedent set, town should show some support"
Bartlett - "needs to be equitable"
Vallee will support it, McGann echoes Vallee
with fuel cost rising, the crowd this year will potentially be larger
Kelly wants to keep the tradition going
meeting weekly to lay out the ground work for this event
Falvey - citizens may not have been aware of the town support
please contact if you would lke to make a donation
PO Box 152, Franklin, MA
there is no parade this year
there will be fireworks
there are two open booths currently
resolution passed as amended
------------------
ladder truck pay down
Finance Committee approved 9-0
discussion on value of the equipment and how frequently it would be used
how to you value a life? the safety of the firefighters is significantly improved
unanimously approved
----------------
resolution on snow/ice
approved unanimously
--------------
resolution on zoning board advertising budget adjustment
question on where the money is coming from, insurance claims varies
budget for FY 09 is less in that account
approved unanimously
--------------
resolution on override election funding
approved unanimously
---------------
resolution on veterans expenses
approved unanimously
---------------
resolution on comptroller budget adjustment for advertising expense
approved unanimously
---------------
resolution on Town Common sign placement
signs for historic walking trail which starts at Brick School House
Zollo speaking for, thanks for work
a permanent sign with historic significance
funding for the sign is from the grant from the Downtown Development
discussion on placement, does it denigrate?
approved 7-2 vote
--------------
amendment on water rate/sewer rate
Vallee on the record opposing this by-law
roll
McGann no, Vallee no, Whalen absent
passed 6-2
--------------
amendment personnel regulations
moving to second reading, adds positions to salary scale
raising scale by 3%, due to cost of living actually 4.3% which is raising it less than the cost of living
this doesn't cost the town anything by itself, it just provides the scale by which the positions are hired at
adding positions in anticipation of resolving the facilities issue
more discussion coming at second reading
approved unanimously
----------------
by-law amendment to adjust water map
Pfeffer expressed desire to vote against
developer looking for town water extension
wells did go dry in that area 3-4 years ago
subdivision is in vicinity of well 10
no cost to the town but does bring a benefit to the town
----------------
------------------
Franklin 4th of July
resolution to allow town resources to work on the events for the celebration
Mike Kelly, co-chair
Warren Revell, paperwork submitted for 501C
Frank Falvey
Feeley confirms that their attorney has been applied for the necessary paperwork for both
amendment to limit the Town expense at $15K - passed unanimously
net expense of 10K to be reimbursed
approx 2002 town took over the 4th of July
transitioned from no cost to town cost to capped cost
Fire overtime was cut from budget so this would need to be added back
All-night party is paid for by a grant and not town money
partly good will, partly good public safety to have someone at the event
Bartlett advises to start thinking for obtaining their own funding for next year
Revell - "precedent set, town should show some support"
Bartlett - "needs to be equitable"
Vallee will support it, McGann echoes Vallee
with fuel cost rising, the crowd this year will potentially be larger
Kelly wants to keep the tradition going
meeting weekly to lay out the ground work for this event
Falvey - citizens may not have been aware of the town support
please contact if you would lke to make a donation
PO Box 152, Franklin, MA
there is no parade this year
there will be fireworks
there are two open booths currently
resolution passed as amended
------------------
ladder truck pay down
Finance Committee approved 9-0
discussion on value of the equipment and how frequently it would be used
how to you value a life? the safety of the firefighters is significantly improved
unanimously approved
----------------
resolution on snow/ice
approved unanimously
--------------
resolution on zoning board advertising budget adjustment
question on where the money is coming from, insurance claims varies
budget for FY 09 is less in that account
approved unanimously
--------------
resolution on override election funding
approved unanimously
---------------
resolution on veterans expenses
approved unanimously
---------------
resolution on comptroller budget adjustment for advertising expense
approved unanimously
---------------
resolution on Town Common sign placement
signs for historic walking trail which starts at Brick School House
Zollo speaking for, thanks for work
a permanent sign with historic significance
funding for the sign is from the grant from the Downtown Development
discussion on placement, does it denigrate?
approved 7-2 vote
--------------
amendment on water rate/sewer rate
Vallee on the record opposing this by-law
roll
McGann no, Vallee no, Whalen absent
passed 6-2
--------------
amendment personnel regulations
moving to second reading, adds positions to salary scale
raising scale by 3%, due to cost of living actually 4.3% which is raising it less than the cost of living
this doesn't cost the town anything by itself, it just provides the scale by which the positions are hired at
adding positions in anticipation of resolving the facilities issue
more discussion coming at second reading
approved unanimously
----------------
by-law amendment to adjust water map
Pfeffer expressed desire to vote against
developer looking for town water extension
wells did go dry in that area 3-4 years ago
subdivision is in vicinity of well 10
no cost to the town but does bring a benefit to the town
----------------
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