Another in a series of podcasts about what matters in Franklin, MA. This session covers the Town Council meeting I missed, the Milford Daily News articles on the Arlington Plan and the Brick classroom status. It also looks out to the upcoming School Committee meeting on July 15th.
Time: 11 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
Intro - This is Steve Sherlock with another in a series of podcasts for Franklin Matters.
In this session we’ll recap the Town Council meeting, the Arlington plan, the upcoming School Committee meeting, and topics on its agenda including the audit report and Brick classroom status, and finally the new town web site
---- ---- ----
I missed the Town Council meeting this week due to the scheduling problem I already wrote about. I had recorded Jeff and Chris talking about the first meeting in July being the second weds (as it normally is) but for some reason the official schedule (resolution 07-46) said the first meeting is 7/16.
Vallee made a fool of himself again. After declining to participate in any of the override information sessions, he opens discussion on looking to raid the stabilization fund for a million dollars to save some of the teacher layoffs. He was lucky to get enough votes to get it on the agenda. 4 councilors missed that meeting and he only needed a simple majority to get the agenda item. He had two votes, his and McGanns until Feeley put his in to put it on the agenda but with full disclosure that he would appreciate a good discussion on it but could not support it. With 3 of the 5 present he had a simple majority, with all nine present last Wednesday, he did not stand a chance.
Instead of simply withdrawing his motion, he claimed that since no one from the schools were there to support it, he would withdraw it. What a cheap shot? Generates a sound bite with no recourse.
I am beginning to wonder what value he does add to the council? He came back supposedly to lend his expertise. He has shown no leadership. He has shown no expertise in solving problems. He has shown time and again that he might be better off saying nothing.
---- ---- ----
The Arlington plan was reviewed on Thursday night with the special Financial planning committee. Arlington does differ from Franklin in a number of ways. They do have considerably less commercial development within their tax base.
They would not have kept the promise of their five year plan without an unexpected windfall increase of state funds. Read the article in the Milford Daily news. Our planning committee will have their work cut out for them to try and replicate the Arlington plan for Franklin.
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The school committee does meet this Tuesday July 15th. The agenda is not yet posted for review but that usually is there late Monday so it is still early.
The school dept should be going to the town council meeting on the 23rd to provide an update on the forensic audit. That should be an interesting meeting. New Finance Administrator Miriam Goodman, Superintendent Wayne Ogden, Chairman Jeff Roy, and others from the committee are likely to attend.
The Brick situation remains unresolved. The Milford Daily News reports in Sunday’s edition of the BSA presence at this coming meeting.
Several councilors are quoted in favor of keeping it open but respectful that the decision is in the School Committees hands.
This is a tough choice. The study showed that in sq foot terms, it was the most expensive classroom to operate in the district. The last school committee Asst Supt Sabolinski talked about the fact that it can’t service special needs children in the classroom.
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New town web site turned on this weekLost some links to the prior meeting agendas. The minutes for the meetings in 2008 up thru May 7th are available but nothing prior to that yet.
The look and layout is cleaner. It will take some getting used to getting aroundWhat do you think of it?
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
For additional textual information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Sunday, July 13, 2008
In the News - McGann Jr, Brick, Gas prices
The Milford Daily News has three articles of interest or reference to Franklin today.
FRANKLIN —
Read the full article here
Franklin -
Read the full article here
Franklin -
Read the full article here
FRANKLIN —
Joseph McGann Jr. hasn't slowed down much since nailing two
state championships in wrestling at Franklin High School and a national title at
Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J., in 2001.After wrestling for North Carolina
State, McGann kept a low profile, training in Eastern-style fighting at United
States Mixed Martial Arts in Bellingham, under Ultimate Fighting Championship
professional Jorge Rivera.
Read the full article here
Franklin -
Supporters of the Red Brick School are continuing their
efforts to keep the historically distinctive building open for classes this
year.Members of Brick School Association plan to "have a very visible presence''
at the School Committee's July 15 meeting, said association treasurer Herbert
Hunter. "We'll certainly provide plenty of input,'' Hunter said. The group is
not officially part of that meeting's agenda.The School Committee's Subcommittee
on Building Use has said it will likely recommend declaring the Red Brick as
surplus and return it the town, essentially ending the building's standing as a
one-room red brick school in continuous operation, recognized by the National
Historic Register. The School Department has announced there is no money in its
budget to continue running a kindergarten class there. About 1,000 residents
celebrated the school's 175th anniversary this June, said Deborah Pellegri, town
clerk and Brick School Association member.
Read the full article here
Franklin -
In Franklin, developer John Marini is mixing downtown
apartments with shops and office space, all a stone's throw from a downtown
commuter rail stop. Westborough's Bay State Commons, which opened last year,
combines everything from a Roche Brothers supermarket to 44 luxury
condominiums.
Read the full article here
Friday, July 11, 2008
Another Social Networking Site - Wicked Local
Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here
WICKED LOCAL: Social networking comes to New England sites GateHouse Media New England has entered into an agreement with TownConnect to introduce family-based social networking and a variety of other community-building tools on GateHouse’s 159 Wicked Local town web sites in Massachusetts.
Through the co-branded Wicked Local People sites, residents of the 159 eastern Massachusetts communities served by GateHouse newspapers can participate in a free, secure, private network and easily organize online communities of friends, neighbors and extended families; coordinate schedules; share photos and files; and connect families, friends, and neighbors.
“When we launched the Wicked Local network last fall, we wanted to combine professional journalism, lots of community information, and lots of opportunities for residents to interact with us and with each other,” said Kirk Davis, president of GateHouse Media New England. “Working with TownConnect allows us to take that interaction to the next level - immediately.”
If you have followed our web 2.0 series, you should have some idea of what this site can do. I did sign up but don't have the time just now to continue to fill out the info required. There were about 20 or so other Franklin folks to do so when I signed up. It will need to have more to be worthwhile.
"Each worked really hard"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The newly formed Financial Planning Committee spent most of its second meeting getting details from Arlington Deputy Town Manager Nancy Galkowski about the $6 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override her community passed in 2005 with the promise of not asking for another for five years.
Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting invited Galkowski because Franklin town leaders had expressed interest in proposing a similar scenario in the future: asking residents to approve a sizable override and not seeking another for an established number of years.
"We're completely different than Franklin," Galkowski told the group, which last night included Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche, Finance Committee member Rebecca Cameron, School Committee members Matt Kelly and Roberta Trahan, Town Council Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett, and resident Douglas Hardesty.
Aside from a strip of Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington has a negligible commercial base, she said, particularly compared with Franklin.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Schedule error persists
If you missed the meeting last night, you may not be alone. I also missed it due to a persistent schedule error. Both the old town web site and the new one contain the resolution 07-46 with the approved schedule of Town Council meetings for 2008. Both schedules show meetings on the 16th and not the 9th.
Oh well.
Schedule of Town Council meetings:
Oh by the way, there is a new look to the Town web site. Check it out!
Oh well.
Schedule of Town Council meetings:
Oh by the way, there is a new look to the Town web site. Check it out!
"a bit disingenuous"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Displeased that school officials did not rally behind his idea to give schools $1 million from the town's stabilization account, Councilor Robert Vallee withdrew the proposal last night.
"It appears it's not important enough of an issue for them to get involved in, so, as far as I'm concerned, the case is closed," Vallee said.
School Committee members, several of whom have previously stated taking stabilization funds is unsound fiscal practice but would still accept the money, did not attend the meeting, but heard Vallee's comments as they watched the televised meeting at home.
Three committee members, Cora Armenio, Roberta Trahan, and Susan Rohrbach, jumped in their cars and rushed to Town Hall to respond to Vallee's comments, which they said they felt were inaccurate and unfair.
A bit breathless from the mad dash to Town Hall, Armenio explained that tapping into the stabilization account is "fiscally irresponsible," and would still leave 22 teachers laid off. The School Committee members spoke outside the doors of Town Council chambers because the topic and the citizens comments portions of the meeting were closed.
"I find it a personal affront to say we do not care," Armenio said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Where in Franklin? Answer #50
Maybe due to vacations, we did not get an answer to picture #50.
So getting back into the swing of things (after some of my own vacation), here the answer to #50 was found on Dean Ave with the blue shuttered/white clapboard building belonging to the Franklin Lumber Co.
Stay tuned for the next opportunity.
"three options for its future"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
There yet may be a ray of hope for proponents of keeping an active classroom at the historic Red Brick School, though it appears likely the School Department will hand the building to the town.
Last night, the School Committee's Subcommittee on Building Use decided to invite Town Council Chairman Christopher Feeley, Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting and School Superintendent Wayne Ogden to its Aug. 12 meeting to solicit input regarding the school's future, rather than voting to recommend school officials give the brick school to the town.
"To be fair to everyone, we should ask for input," said Roberta Trahan, a School Committee and subcommittee member.
"I've given a lot of thought to this. It's been a tough situation, and I had hoped the community" could reach an agreement on what to do with the Brick School this year, said Trahan.
Trahan outlined three options for its future: using the building for something else, such a learning center or museum; treating it as surplus and giving it back to the town; or waiving the School Committee's new policy prohibiting targeted gifts (for operational costs) to keep it open as a school.
The subcommittee hopes to come up with a recommendation for the School Committee at its Aug. 12 meeting (at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building), said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily New here
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Meeting schedule
During the last Town Council meeting, the talk of the "next" meeting was that it was going to be July 9th; the second Wednesday. Apparently, neither Chris Feeley nor Jeff Nutting had their real schedule handy at the time or recalled that the first meeting this month is actually July 16th. I carried forward that error in my reporting (and podcast) until I finally checked the Town website to find out otherwise.
School Committee meeting - 7/15/08 7:00 PM
Town Council meeting - 7/16/08 7:00 PM
School Committee meeting - 7/15/08 7:00 PM
Town Council meeting - 7/16/08 7:00 PM
Monday, June 30, 2008
"needs to fix critical problems"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
After months of a stressful budget season and failed tax override attempt, the School Department finally received good news last week.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Maureen Sabolinski announced the Massachusetts School Building Authority has invited the town to submit a letter of interest for a building project at Franklin High School.
The department had applied and was rejected two years ago, she said, and this is the first opportunity to reapply. The state did not give feedback explaining why it rejected the application, she said.
"We are very fortunate to get a second chance on potential state funding," said School Committee member Ed Cafasso.
"We need to come together as a community to seize this chance as quickly as possible. We are at a crossroads in terms of shaping the future of the high school. It's decision time. We owe it to the community to act decisively," said Cafasso.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Franklin Matters: Sch Com Mtg 6/24/08
Another in a series of podcasts on what matters in Franklin (MA). This one features three segments from the School Committee meeting of 6/24/08 reviewing the depatures from the district due to the budget cuts, the reallocation of some funds to add back 3 teachers, and the closure of the Brick classroom.
Time: 16 minutes, 39 seconds
MP3 File
My notes preparing to record this session:
Features three segments from The School Committee meeting of 6/24/08
In this first segment Asst Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski
Reviews the totals for the teacher layoffs done in May
Lists the categories of layoffs and other departures from the district
There will be some hiring to replace some people whose positions were not cut
Ed Cafasso reiterates a few key points on the numbers
---- ---- ----
In this second segment, Jeff Roy starts the discussion on the 180,000 unallocated funds in the budget
You may recall that this amount was in the hardcopy of the budget but didn’t calculate properly leaving the total unallocated
Sue Rohrbach reports from the budget subcommittee their recommendation
Maureen Sabolinski outlines the proposal to add three teachers in the elementary schools
Consensus was reached by the elementary principals on this decision
Reduces the districts net loss to 42 teachers
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In the final segment, Jeff Roy confirms that as the school and fiscal year come to a close that the district will complete the year at budget, with no surprises
Paula Mullen opens the discussion on the Brick classroom status
Maureen Sabolinski provides Details on the Davis Thayer situation with 2 kindergarten classes in one building
Cafasso closes expressing the committee hard choice in tough budget times
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The state has re-opened applications for school building projects, so the FHS renovation or building discussion will move to the forefront in the next couple of months to meet the state application date in Sept.
The July 9th Town Council meeting school audit/budget update to be presented
Next school committee meeting on July 15th
Stay tuned, stay involved
The holiday week ahead should be quiet, very few meetings, fireworks at the high school, and carnival rides and music on the common, but no parade, enjoy the 4th
---- --- ---
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
For additional textual information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 16 minutes, 39 seconds
MP3 File
My notes preparing to record this session:
Features three segments from The School Committee meeting of 6/24/08
In this first segment Asst Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski
Reviews the totals for the teacher layoffs done in May
Lists the categories of layoffs and other departures from the district
There will be some hiring to replace some people whose positions were not cut
Ed Cafasso reiterates a few key points on the numbers
---- ---- ----
In this second segment, Jeff Roy starts the discussion on the 180,000 unallocated funds in the budget
You may recall that this amount was in the hardcopy of the budget but didn’t calculate properly leaving the total unallocated
Sue Rohrbach reports from the budget subcommittee their recommendation
Maureen Sabolinski outlines the proposal to add three teachers in the elementary schools
Consensus was reached by the elementary principals on this decision
Reduces the districts net loss to 42 teachers
---- --- ---
In the final segment, Jeff Roy confirms that as the school and fiscal year come to a close that the district will complete the year at budget, with no surprises
Paula Mullen opens the discussion on the Brick classroom status
Maureen Sabolinski provides Details on the Davis Thayer situation with 2 kindergarten classes in one building
Cafasso closes expressing the committee hard choice in tough budget times
----- --- ---
The state has re-opened applications for school building projects, so the FHS renovation or building discussion will move to the forefront in the next couple of months to meet the state application date in Sept.
The July 9th Town Council meeting school audit/budget update to be presented
Next school committee meeting on July 15th
Stay tuned, stay involved
The holiday week ahead should be quiet, very few meetings, fireworks at the high school, and carnival rides and music on the common, but no parade, enjoy the 4th
---- --- ---
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
For additional textual information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
"the traffic from Interstate 495 will be louder"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The sisters of Mt. St. Mary's Abbey lead a simple life, and they plan to use the latest green technology to keep it that way.
The Cistercian community of 52 women grow most of their own food, adopting a vegetarian diet out of a philosophy of frugality and austerity. They use a solar-powered electric fence to hold their sheep and alpaca, and sustain their physical needs by making and selling candy.
In 2006, Sister Mariann Garrity replaced all of the incandescent bulbs at the abbey (about 200 light fixtures) with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights.
This summer, the Cistercians of the Strict Observance at Mt. St. Mary's Abbey are getting further swept up in their efforts to conserve, putting a 40-meter-tall wind turbine in the field beside the sheep pasture, in the middle of their 580-acre property, which is split between Franklin and Wrentham.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"nothing beats the flavor"
By Krista Perry/Daily News correspondent
GHS
Posted Jun 27, 2008 @ 10:52 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRANKLIN —
GHS
Posted Jun 27, 2008 @ 10:52 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRANKLIN —
Local farmers and artisans lined the paths of Town Common yesterday for the third Friday in a row to sell their fresh produce and crafts to zealous customers.Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here
The variety of the produce and the ability of local farmers to concentrate on specialty crops makes this farmers' market unique, many vendors said.
"This farmers' market is great for building the community," said Catherine LaValle, of Grateful Farm, an organic farm in Franklin. "People know our produce is fresh and that we do not use harsh chemicals."
LaValle said the presence of the farmers' market every Friday gives local farmers an opportunity to succeed during a terrible economy. Competition with larger farms is very high, she said.
Despite the hard times, LaValle said that Grateful Farm takes pride in the way they treat the earth.
"Many large farms do not rotate their crops and the soil loses its nutrients," she said. "We grow all kinds of different vegetables in all kinds of colors. You can't get that at a grocery store."
Friday, June 27, 2008
"as you learn more, you evolve "
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The Conservation Commission last night took a step forward in its plan to cut select trees from about 25 acres of the Franklin State Forest bordering Summer Street to keep the forest healthy and thriving.
The commission voted to allow Conservation Agent Nick Alfieri to prepare an request for a proposal to hire a consultant who will draw up a forest management plan.
Two commission members, Pearce Murphy and Jon Fournier, voted against the plan. "I feel ... for 10,000 years, forests have survived" without human intervention, Pearce said.
Commenting that he is not speaking for or against the plan, Alfieri advised the commission that it will have complete control over which trees it wants chopped, and they can change their minds even after consultants create a plan.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Thursday, June 26, 2008
"it just means other things won't get done"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Taking a break from packing boxes, wrapping up "small issues" and moving out of Town Hall yesterday, Lisa Piana reflected on her 3 1/2 years as downtown manager, saying she is most proud of the work she's done in bringing people together.
Her role as the town's downtown manager ended yesterday, due to Town Council's recent decision to stop funding the position.
She had two separate roles, splitting her duties between working for the town nine hours a week and working for the Downtown Partnership 12 hours a week. She will remain the executive director of the Downtown Partnership.
"The downtown manager was the point-person to bring the community together with the town to make projects happen" - like attracting $30 million worth of development from Canton developer John Marini, she said.
"It's going to make a big difference for downtown retail," said Piana.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
"It's not a shell game"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
At the recommendation of Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, the School Committee last night agreed to use $180,000 of unspent money found in the athletic revolving account this year to put three teachers back in the classroom.
Former acting Finance Director for schools Paul Funk notified the committee of the accounting oversight this spring, but the committee opted to wait for the results of the Proposition 2 1/2 tax override on June 10 to decide how to use the money.
"In the past, the superintendent (Wayne Ogden) recommended using it for bringing back three teachers. We said right up front, teachers, teachers, teachers," which will reduce class sizes, Sabolinski said.
The School Committee agreed to allow principals to hire a Grade 4 teacher at Helen Keller Elementary School, a Grade 3 teacher at Oak Street Elementary, and a Grade 2 teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, as class sizes there were slated to be 28 to 30 students, Sabolinski said.
"There was consensus among all elementary school (principals). A lot of thought went into making those recommendations. They looked at the needs of students in those classrooms," Sabolinski said.
School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy noted the district is still losing the vast majority of teachers they expected to this spring.
"It's only three teachers out of 45, so it's a net loss of 42 teachers," Roy said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
School Committee Meeting 6/24/08
live reporting - Superintendent's report, subcommi...
live reporting - Action items
live reporting - FY 08, Brick closes
Allocation of $180,000 - 3 teachers come back
live reporting - late bus
Live reporting - school choice, Pay-to-ride
Live reporting - budget effects
School Committee meeting - live reporting
School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 6/24/08
live reporting - Action items
live reporting - FY 08, Brick closes
Allocation of $180,000 - 3 teachers come back
live reporting - late bus
Live reporting - school choice, Pay-to-ride
Live reporting - budget effects
School Committee meeting - live reporting
School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 6/24/08
Franklin Town Common sign
The Town Common sign that took the Town Council two meetings to decide where to place it, is up and under utilized as of this picture last Saturday.
It is placed along Main St, near the sideway (just to the left in this photo) that leads to the gazebo (just to right rear in this photo). It is away from the other monuments along that side of the street so the intentions of the Council were met in this placement.
The sign will hold the historic walking trail map. The map apprently wasn't not ready at the time the picture was taken.
The prior Town Council discussions can be found here and here
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
live reporting - Superintendent's report, subcommittee reports
Superintendent’s Report - Maureen Sabolinski
a. Projected Enrollment - numbers in School Committee packet
b. School Choice - discussed previously
c. Ed Nets
becoming involved, contract still up in air, breaches of staff and student information still need to be reviewed
d. Bus Accident Update
one of the outcomes of the accident as previously reported was who was going to be in charge to avoid the situation where some students were not examined after the incident. Protocols being set up with a very productive meeting, will be updated into the crisis manual. Will come back with an update.
e. Traffic Study at High School/Horace Mann
The Town is initiating a traffic study in the area and engage a traffic engineer to study and report back.
MSBA opening a window to accept new statements of interest for building projects, need to submit by Sep 15
technically according to the statute don't need a building committee until the State says you are getting money for construction. Should not re-submit what we did previously, should get together to decide what should be re-submitted
Jeff Roy requesting that the audit copies be sent directly to the school committee as an internal control, should not have to go through either the Town or the Central Office. He has made the request before and will make it again
Subcommittee reports
Matt Kelly will be meeting with Miriam Goodman on a weekly basis to review and approve the bills on a timely basis
live reporting - Action items
Action Items:
1. I recommend acceptance of $13.50 from Kaitlyn Simmons & Corinne Lewis, raised from their lemonade stand for the Oak Street Elementary School Gift Account.
approved 7-0
2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $285.00 from Lifetouch Pictures for the Future Enrichment Programs at ECDC.
approved 7-0
3. I recommend approval of the request of FHS teachers Jackie Eckhardt and Debbie Murphy for the annual trip to Spain for the summer of 2009.
approved 7-0
4. I recommend adoption of the revised 2009-2010 School Calendar
approved 6-1
5. I recommend adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Jeff Roy - school department lawyers were not required to work out the issues on the MOU, this covers most of the items raised in the previous meeting, not perfect but a good ways along, can still be modified as it goes
Cafasso questioned to make sure the heating utilities were being covered by the town given the discussion about the Brick school
hopes that the principals are vigilant and report back to us if things do not go smoothly
Jeff Roy - did get the clause to state that the principals will retain level of control over personnel in their buildings
Rohrbach - hope this goes smoothly, hopes that this does generate some cost savings
approved: 7-0
6. I recommend adoption of the Consolidation Plan.
approved: 7-0
7. I recommend the increase to $325.00 per year for the Pay-to-Ride Program.
approved: 7-0
live reporting - FY 08, Brick closes
Sabolinski
Miriam will be bringing the school year to a close with the budget coming in where it needs to be, no surprises
Mullen
Brick school was not in the budget
Sabolinski
needing to put students with disabilities in two places instead of just one
principal agrees with the placement in this way
makes it more efficient to have the two classrooms in Davis Thayer
Cafasso
no one on the committee is happy about not having the Brick school in the budget
in difficult budget times extremely hard to continue that operation
building use subcommittee needs to look at and make a good use of
Miriam will be bringing the school year to a close with the budget coming in where it needs to be, no surprises
Mullen
Brick school was not in the budget
Sabolinski
needing to put students with disabilities in two places instead of just one
principal agrees with the placement in this way
makes it more efficient to have the two classrooms in Davis Thayer
Cafasso
no one on the committee is happy about not having the Brick school in the budget
in difficult budget times extremely hard to continue that operation
building use subcommittee needs to look at and make a good use of
Allocation of $180,000 - 3 teachers come back
Rohrbach
With the additional funds from the athletic funds that were in the budget and not currently encumbered, the budget subcommittee decided to use it to return three teachers from the 45 layoffs, likely at the elementary level
Sabolinski
biggest impact of cuts were at the elementary level
school principals got together to come up with a recommendation
Proposed to add back at
would now reduce the overall teacher layoffs from 45 to 42
Cora Armenio -
The reduction at the high school of 17 teachers, already on warning for that situation
Would 3 make a difference for this status?
Sabolinski -
Maybe, but with the positions already cut and courses already reduced
there is still the facility issue
the importance of the elementary levels is where it all starts
literacy is important
high schoolers will get into larger class sizes in college
Jeff Roy -
Miriam Goodman has currently allocated a budget of 49,760,242
She adds the 180,000 and comes back with the new budget of 49,940,242
with a full line by line accounting so we can vote that budget in July
Ed Cafasso -
can you enunciate a little better about how these three are being re-allocated so we can create a better understanding of what these decisions are and why we are making them
tried to get a close to the school committee guidelines as possible, we would need more teachers to make a better decision
Maureen Sabolinski -
So to clarify the principals can move forward and start to fill those positions
Jeff Roy
Yes
the final FY09 budget will be ready for vote in July
With the additional funds from the athletic funds that were in the budget and not currently encumbered, the budget subcommittee decided to use it to return three teachers from the 45 layoffs, likely at the elementary level
Sabolinski
biggest impact of cuts were at the elementary level
school principals got together to come up with a recommendation
Proposed to add back at
Keller - one grade 4class sizes were slated to be 28-30
Oak - one grade 3
Kennedy - one grade 2
would now reduce the overall teacher layoffs from 45 to 42
Cora Armenio -
The reduction at the high school of 17 teachers, already on warning for that situation
Would 3 make a difference for this status?
Sabolinski -
Maybe, but with the positions already cut and courses already reduced
there is still the facility issue
the importance of the elementary levels is where it all starts
literacy is important
high schoolers will get into larger class sizes in college
Jeff Roy -
Miriam Goodman has currently allocated a budget of 49,760,242
She adds the 180,000 and comes back with the new budget of 49,940,242
with a full line by line accounting so we can vote that budget in July
Ed Cafasso -
can you enunciate a little better about how these three are being re-allocated so we can create a better understanding of what these decisions are and why we are making them
tried to get a close to the school committee guidelines as possible, we would need more teachers to make a better decision
Maureen Sabolinski -
So to clarify the principals can move forward and start to fill those positions
Jeff Roy
Yes
the final FY09 budget will be ready for vote in July
live reporting - late bus
Sabolinski -
Exploring options, will have another update in late July
GATRA is one alternative being looked at
current bus service from Holmes is also being looked at
If GATRA is willing to be a partner, there are needs to be fulfilled particularly for the kids, especially from the high school based upon the survey results
Jeff Roy - "happy to hear that you are committed to find a way to have some way to get the kids home"
GATRA is only $.50 versus the late bus at $1.00, could be better for the families involved
looking at Holmes for a "pay for use"
kids who opted for "pay to ride" rode the late bus free
pay to ride does cover a two-way fee, this would then be a third charge
Exploring options, will have another update in late July
GATRA is one alternative being looked at
current bus service from Holmes is also being looked at
If GATRA is willing to be a partner, there are needs to be fulfilled particularly for the kids, especially from the high school based upon the survey results
Jeff Roy - "happy to hear that you are committed to find a way to have some way to get the kids home"
GATRA is only $.50 versus the late bus at $1.00, could be better for the families involved
looking at Holmes for a "pay for use"
kids who opted for "pay to ride" rode the late bus free
pay to ride does cover a two-way fee, this would then be a third charge
Live reporting - school choice, Pay-to-ride
School choice
previous decision to continue to with school choice
early applicants were notified of not guaranteeing slots
40 overall - 23 in K, the remainder is sprinkled amongst the other grades
76 enrolled in school choice last year, 61 returning, 5 graduated, 10 others left for other reasons, bulk not going to Grade 1 (they came here for K).
have 23 applications for K, would have to do a lottery to chose possibly 10-12
have not publicly held the lottery but could do that to generate some publicity
decision from budget subcommittee to keep any extra funds in the School Choice amount (approx $120K) for a contingency
there are a number of items that it could be used for, instead of a recurring cost (i.e. text books, school supplies, etc.)
anticipating a reduction in revenues for next year as only 61 students are returning which would provide about $300,000 in revenue
Ed Cafasso "one quarter of one percent, a good idea to keep that money unencumbered"
Jeff Roy
"school choice is only offered on a space available basis "
Pay to Ride
616 applications as of Friday, 860 as of this morning
920 applications as of end of day today, last year about 1800 total
on target to where we were last year at this time
seat guaranteed to those with application submitted by June 27th; after that, no guarantee
people moving in do get some slots held for them, others will go to the wait list
Ed Cafasso - would be good to do a survey of the Pay-to-Ride to find out why they use the service
get an idea of routes and schedules in August, before school opens, to try an head off some issues like what occurred last year
Maureen Sabolinski - some parents disagreed with the Franklin Police assessment, that is not a decision the Central Office makes (on bus turn points)
previous decision to continue to with school choice
early applicants were notified of not guaranteeing slots
40 overall - 23 in K, the remainder is sprinkled amongst the other grades
76 enrolled in school choice last year, 61 returning, 5 graduated, 10 others left for other reasons, bulk not going to Grade 1 (they came here for K).
have 23 applications for K, would have to do a lottery to chose possibly 10-12
have not publicly held the lottery but could do that to generate some publicity
decision from budget subcommittee to keep any extra funds in the School Choice amount (approx $120K) for a contingency
there are a number of items that it could be used for, instead of a recurring cost (i.e. text books, school supplies, etc.)
anticipating a reduction in revenues for next year as only 61 students are returning which would provide about $300,000 in revenue
Ed Cafasso "one quarter of one percent, a good idea to keep that money unencumbered"
Jeff Roy
"school choice is only offered on a space available basis "
Pay to Ride
616 applications as of Friday, 860 as of this morning
920 applications as of end of day today, last year about 1800 total
on target to where we were last year at this time
seat guaranteed to those with application submitted by June 27th; after that, no guarantee
people moving in do get some slots held for them, others will go to the wait list
Ed Cafasso - would be good to do a survey of the Pay-to-Ride to find out why they use the service
get an idea of routes and schedules in August, before school opens, to try an head off some issues like what occurred last year
Maureen Sabolinski - some parents disagreed with the Franklin Police assessment, that is not a decision the Central Office makes (on bus turn points)
Live reporting - budget effects
3. Discussion Only Items
- Personnel Changes
teachers were notified for non-renewal during May
in total 74 teachers leaving the district for a variety of reasons, 28 positions will be filled
the others were cut due to the budget changes
there are turnovers in other positions that are funded and need to be filled
45 teachers were notified, there is no shell game
FHS over reduced their number of teachers to add an additional counselor
Jeff Roy
all teacher notices given in May, two reasons
1 - give an advantage to find jobs where they could
2 - to the extent that they can find jobs, that would be a reduction in the unemployment costs the Town would face
The district will look different in the fall
• Budget to Actualreally 2.8 less as another $300,000 will be coming to the schools from the Medicaid reimbursement
• Override Ramifications
Current Budget Number
Level funded $54,626,000
plus Additional Rev 830,000
subtotal $55,456,000
less Facilities Consolidation $5,515,758
equals the FY 09 Budget $49,948,242
$3.1 Million less than the level service budget of FY 08
- Personnel Changes
teachers were notified for non-renewal during May
in total 74 teachers leaving the district for a variety of reasons, 28 positions will be filled
the others were cut due to the budget changes
there are turnovers in other positions that are funded and need to be filled
45 teachers were notified, there is no shell game
FHS over reduced their number of teachers to add an additional counselor
Jeff Roy
all teacher notices given in May, two reasons
1 - give an advantage to find jobs where they could
2 - to the extent that they can find jobs, that would be a reduction in the unemployment costs the Town would face
The district will look different in the fall
School Committee meeting - live reporting
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments - none
• Review of Agenda - no changes
• Minutes:
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 10, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
approved unanimously
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
approved
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
approved
• FHS Student Representatives
enjoying their summer vacation
• Correspondence:
none
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Tamatha Bibbo – Recognition
of 10 years service at Franklin High School
• Citizen’s Comments - none
• Review of Agenda - no changes
• Minutes:
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 10, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
approved unanimously
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
approved
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
approved
• FHS Student Representatives
enjoying their summer vacation
• Correspondence:
none
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Tamatha Bibbo – Recognition
of 10 years service at Franklin High School
Franklin: new museum repairs
The pictures tell the story of work being done on the new Horace Mann Museum which is moving into the former Senior Center, former Town Hall.
Franklin Area Climate Team - Meeting - 6/26/08
The Franklin Area Climate Team will hold its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Unitarian Society, 262 Chestnut St.
Combining the effort of residents of Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, Bellingham, Medway and other towns, the team works to make changes in local towns and homes to stop global warming.
Plans include organizing local actions such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Community Energy Challenge or the Massachusetts Climate Action Network's Low Carbon Living or "LoCal" program, which is being adopted in communities around the Boston area.
For more information on the LoCal team challenge, see massclimateaction.net/low-carbon-living.html.
All are welcome to show enthusiasm and ideas to help stop climate change at the local level.
Combining the effort of residents of Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, Bellingham, Medway and other towns, the team works to make changes in local towns and homes to stop global warming.
Plans include organizing local actions such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Community Energy Challenge or the Massachusetts Climate Action Network's Low Carbon Living or "LoCal" program, which is being adopted in communities around the Boston area.
For more information on the LoCal team challenge, see massclimateaction.net/low-carbon-living.html.
All are welcome to show enthusiasm and ideas to help stop climate change at the local level.
School Committee Meeting - Agenda - 6/24/08
Franklin School Committee Meeting
June 24, 2008
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Executive Session 6:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes:
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 10, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence:
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Tamatha Bibbo – Recognition
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items:
5. Information Matters:
• Superintendent’s Report
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business:
• To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
• Personnel
8. Adjourn
June 24, 2008
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Executive Session 6:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes:
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 10, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence:
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Tamatha Bibbo – Recognition
3. Discussion Only Items
• Budget to Actual
• Override Ramifications
o Current Budget Number
o Personnel Changes
o School Choice
o Pay to Ride
o Late Bus
• Budget Sub Committee Recommendation for $180,000.
• Close out fiscal year
4. Action Items:
1. I recommend acceptance of $13.50 from Kaitlyn Simmons & Corinne Lewis, raised from their lemonade stand for the Oak Street Elementary School Gift Account.
2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $285.00 from Lifetouch Pictures for the Future Enrichment Programs at ECDC.
3. I recommend approval of the request of FHS teachers Jackie Eckhardt and Debbie Murphy for the annual trip to Spain for the summer of 2009.
4. I recommend adoption of the revised 2009-2010 School Calendar
5. I recommend adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding.
6. I recommend adoption of the Consolidation Plan.
7. I recommend the increase to $325.00 per year for the Pay-to-Ride Program.
5. Information Matters:
• Superintendent’s Report
a. Projected Enrollment
b. School Choice
c. Ed Nets
d. Bus Accident Update
e. Traffic Study at High School
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business:
• To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
• Personnel
8. Adjourn
Monday, June 23, 2008
"$8 for residents, $12 for non-residents"
GHS
School days are over and regional swimming spots are opening to let residents cool off.
Despite a tight town budget, the Franklin Recreation Department will aim to break even with outside revenue so that residents do not feel the effects of budget constraints on summer activities.
"Our budget is a little over $400,000," said Recreation Director Ryan Jette. "We charge patrons so we can break even. We try to be a self-supporting entity."
This year, the Recreation Department is sponsoring movie nights at Beaver Pond, during which kids can play soccer or Whiffle Ball for an hour before watching a movie. A 20-by-14-inch movie screen will be set up on the turf. On July 18, "Bee Movie" will be shown, and on Aug. 15, "Shrek 3." Games start at 7 p.m., the movie will start at 8 p.m., and admission is $3.
"Families bring their lawn chairs and eat snacks," Jette said. "We are bringing a great service (to Franklin)."
Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here
In the Globe - fundraising, new school construction
"We're in a little bit of a holding pattern"
By Rachel Lebeaux Globe Correspondent / June 22, 2008
More than 40 schoolteachers are expected to lose their jobs after Franklin voters turned down a tax increase, but town leaders are still searching for ways to inject money into the cash-strapped school system.
Last week, Town Councilor Bob Vallee asked the council to consider transferring $1 million from the town's stabilization account to the school department in order to retain some of the teachers. The council's chairman, Chris Feeley, agreed to hold a discussion at its July 9 meeting.
Part of the budget crunch for next fiscal year stemmed from town officials' reluctance to dip into Franklin's stabilization fund, which stands at $4.3 million, as they have in previous budget cycles.
----------------
"We're building schools for education, not for phys ed, not for the arts, not for community events"
By Rachana Rathi Globe Staff / June 22, 2008
The town of Wellesley has a vision: a $159 million new high school, where its students will have access to a theater, a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, and an indoor track. In Norwood, the plan is to spend $80 million to $100 million on a new high school with a gym large enough to replace the two they have now, and maybe even a replica of the old school's landmark clock tower.
Both plans face a major hurdle: the state, on which each project depends for significant funding help.
State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill has made it clear that he will use the power of the purse to control the costs of local school projects. He criticized the Wellesley proposal for being too extravagant, likening it to the new Newton North High School under construction for $197.5 million. He vowed to prevent any more such projects in Massachusetts, saying earlier this year that the state's job is "not to build Taj Mahals."
Norwood has already received the go-ahead from the state to design its project, along with a commitment for funding, although the money is conditional on the school's final design being approved. Wellesley has yet to even meet with the state. Officials in both towns are concerned that they won't be allowed to build the schools they want, or believe their communities can afford, and Cahill is doing little to allay those fears.
Read the full article in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Franklin Matters: Vallee doesn't want the teacher layoffs
One in a series of podcasts on Franklin (MA) Matters. This one presents the New Business section of the June 18, 2008 meeting where Councilor Vallee objects to the "massive teacher layoffs".
Time: 6 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
During the New Business section of the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2008 some interesting discussion occurred. I have captured the 3 and half minutes or so here for you to listen to. I’ll come in after this segment with my analysis.
Oh, one other item before you listen, only five members present (Feeley, Vallee, Bartlett, Pfeffer, McGann) and four absent (Whalen, Mason, Doak, Zollo), there is a procedural discussion on what vote is required to bring the item to an agenda item. A simple majority ultimately is required, or 3 of the five present.
Okay, so what has just happened?
Vallee for all his experience shows his lack of knowledge of the protocol required. While I would love to find money to save the layoffs, Vallee would have been better off spending his time on the circuit with the other members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance committee explaining the override.
The recent audit report (also covered in a recent podcast) reiterates the need to keep the savings account at around 5-10% of our annual budget. We are slightly under that already. It is fiscally irresponsible to take more money to avoid the layoffs. It would have been fiscally responsible for Vallee to have expressed his support during the override campaign.
Coming in now, after the decisive vote. Sorry, it is too little, too late in the game.
A nice recap of the situation was presented in the Milford Daily News. The link is available in the blog post that accompanies this podcast.
----------
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
For additional textual information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 6 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
During the New Business section of the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2008 some interesting discussion occurred. I have captured the 3 and half minutes or so here for you to listen to. I’ll come in after this segment with my analysis.
Oh, one other item before you listen, only five members present (Feeley, Vallee, Bartlett, Pfeffer, McGann) and four absent (Whalen, Mason, Doak, Zollo), there is a procedural discussion on what vote is required to bring the item to an agenda item. A simple majority ultimately is required, or 3 of the five present.
after listening to the segment
Okay, so what has just happened?
Vallee for all his experience shows his lack of knowledge of the protocol required. While I would love to find money to save the layoffs, Vallee would have been better off spending his time on the circuit with the other members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance committee explaining the override.
The recent audit report (also covered in a recent podcast) reiterates the need to keep the savings account at around 5-10% of our annual budget. We are slightly under that already. It is fiscally irresponsible to take more money to avoid the layoffs. It would have been fiscally responsible for Vallee to have expressed his support during the override campaign.
Coming in now, after the decisive vote. Sorry, it is too little, too late in the game.
A nice recap of the situation was presented in the Milford Daily News. The link is available in the blog post that accompanies this podcast.
----------
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
For additional textual information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Where in Franklin? #50
I was riding around town looking for pictures for the Rainbow Challenge and found this as an entry for "blue".
The guidelines to play Where in Franklin? can be found here .
Enjoy!
Where in Franklin? Answer #49
Yes, after some time focused on the override, the Where in Franklin series will resume.
This entry had been provided by Susan Speers. The location was identified by Joel D'Errico. Susan described the location as:"It's on one of the trails on the protected open space around Franklin Woods, off Lincoln Street. Land owned by Metacomet Land Trust, which links with Conservation Commission land."
Thanks for playing!
Stay tuned for the next opportunity.
"It doesn't get more exciting than this"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Many high school students sit in class all day dreaming about getting their big break into stardom and touring Europe in a bus with their own band. Now, 15 students at the Franklin School of the Performing Arts are living that dream.
Electric Youth, a group of 14- to 18-year-olds, is performing their Broadway hits and American popular music for audiences in Austria, Slovena and Italy during its 7th annual one-month European tour. The group recently completed its third concert in Obergrafendorf, Austria, just outside of Vienna, in front of a very zealous audience.
"American music plays very well in Europe,'' said Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, in a telephone interview.
"The audience in Obergrafendorf was so enthusiastic. We did three encores.''
Andrew Holmes, a senior member of Electric Youth from Holliston who will attend the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music next fall, said that he loves the idea of being on tour in Europe.
"I love going from place to place with 15 of my best friends. I love being able to wake up and be somewhere completely new,'' said Holmes, in a telephone interview. He is on his third trip to Europe with Electric Youth. ``At first it was scary but I learned to love it.''
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
For more about the Franklin School for Performing Arts visit their website.
Spreading the word
The podcast is now available via iTunes. There is a box on the right column so you can subscribe and listen via your iPod or other MP3 player as well as clicking on the individual links in the posts here at Franklin Matters.
I have created a group in Facebook: "I Believe Franklin (MA) Matters". For those who use Facebook, this will provide an opportunity to spread the word.
I have created a group in Facebook: "I Believe Franklin (MA) Matters". For those who use Facebook, this will provide an opportunity to spread the word.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Franklin Matters: Fiscal Year 2007 Audit Report
One is a series of podcast on Franklin (MA) Matters. This episode presents the Fiscal Year 2007 Audit Report from the Franklin Town Council meeting of June 18, 2008.
Time: 45 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This is Steve Sherlock with another in a series of podcasts for Franklin Matters.
The Town Council meeting of June 18, 2008 featured a presentation on the audit results for fiscal year 2007. It is interesting for a couple of points.
Here it is June 2008 and we are getting the results of the fiscal year that ended fully one year ago.
Why the delay? Partially priority. Partially schedule conflict.
The report for Fiscal 2006 was presented in June 2007 so there is a history of taking time to prepare the audit and review the results.
One key item driving this is people. The Town of Franklin, contrary to what some folks believe is not over staffed or over manned. There are only a few people involved and they can only do so much. As a result, the schedule conflict created by the school audit which was discovered approx in Sep 2007 and took place during Sep – Dec 2007 prevented the normal fiscal year audit from taking place.
I have chosen to present the full segment from the Town meeting here. It is important and will help place the financial foundation for everything else that goes on. Frank Falvey comments towards the end of this segment to reinforce two points; first, the recommendation made by the auditors to put in place an internal audit process and second for the Town Council/Town Administration to process these audits in a more timely fashion.
The full audit report is available in a PDF format on the town website. You can follow along fairly well with the auditors comments to the pages he is talking to. Be aware there there is a preliminary section with pages 1-3, then the full audit report section also beginning with page one. As I understood it, the references were all to the pages in that second section.
The segment lasts about 40 minutes. Enjoy!
--- after the Town Council segment ---
This has been another podcast in series on Franklin (MA) Matters. You can visit the web site at Franklin Matters blogspot dot com. If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 45 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This is Steve Sherlock with another in a series of podcasts for Franklin Matters.
The Town Council meeting of June 18, 2008 featured a presentation on the audit results for fiscal year 2007. It is interesting for a couple of points.
Here it is June 2008 and we are getting the results of the fiscal year that ended fully one year ago.
Why the delay? Partially priority. Partially schedule conflict.
The report for Fiscal 2006 was presented in June 2007 so there is a history of taking time to prepare the audit and review the results.
One key item driving this is people. The Town of Franklin, contrary to what some folks believe is not over staffed or over manned. There are only a few people involved and they can only do so much. As a result, the schedule conflict created by the school audit which was discovered approx in Sep 2007 and took place during Sep – Dec 2007 prevented the normal fiscal year audit from taking place.
I have chosen to present the full segment from the Town meeting here. It is important and will help place the financial foundation for everything else that goes on. Frank Falvey comments towards the end of this segment to reinforce two points; first, the recommendation made by the auditors to put in place an internal audit process and second for the Town Council/Town Administration to process these audits in a more timely fashion.
The full audit report is available in a PDF format on the town website. You can follow along fairly well with the auditors comments to the pages he is talking to. Be aware there there is a preliminary section with pages 1-3, then the full audit report section also beginning with page one. As I understood it, the references were all to the pages in that second section.
The segment lasts about 40 minutes. Enjoy!
--- after the Town Council segment ---
This has been another podcast in series on Franklin (MA) Matters. You can visit the web site at Franklin Matters blogspot dot com. If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve dot gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
"it just takes a little planning"
Residents get a free ride
By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff
Fri Jun 20, 2008, 05:50 PM EDT
FRANKLIN -For the past few months, Franklin resident Janaina Santos has been "out-and-about" - shopping, taking trips to the library or to Boston - more than she has in a while, thanks to the new public bus, she said.
The Franklin Area Bus, operated by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority and funded part by a grant program, has only been in town three months, but Santos is already a regular, she said.
"I think it's awesome. It's good - I'm satisfied with it," said Santos, smiling and taking a seat on the bus beside her daughter after picking up a few groceries at the Stop & Shop on Rte. 140.
Instead of walking or getting a ride with a friend, Santos rides the bus nearly every day now to go to work at the Franklin Senior Center, when she needs to run errands, shop, or get to the train station to head to the city, she said. Her children take the bus to the library, Santos said.
"It's very good. I think it's going to be helpful in the wintertime, for everybody. They should continue to have it," Santos said.
Santos is one of about 25 Franklin residents who now regularly benefits from the town's lengthy battle to bring the public bus to town, and who took advantage of GATRA's one-day, nationwide campaign, "Dump the Pump," and got a free ride yesterday.
Read the full story in the Franklin Gazette here
Have you ridden the bus yet? The schedule is available on the Town website.
"You are all truly blessed"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The town's oldest residents were honored yesterday at the seventh annual Nonagenarian Tea, held at the Franklin Senior Center.
Seniors age 90 and up gathered in the morning, surrounded by their families, to celebrate their gifted lives.
Thirty seniors were given a rose and a citation, with Franklin Town Council member Bob Vallee present to hand out the citations.
"Congratulations to all of you," Vallee said. "You are all truly blessed."
Senior Center Director Karen Alves served as master of ceremonies and gave special recognition to the two centenarians present at the tea.
Helen Beghosian, 104, who still cooks and goes for walks, and Lilian Pisani, 100, were given bouquets to recognize their vitality.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
"it's a discussion worth having"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The school district could save up to 20 teacher jobs, officials say, if Town Council agrees to Councilor Robert Vallee's request to give schools $1 million from the stabilization account in July.
Taking action to prevent 47 teacher layoffs is "critical," Vallee said at the council's June 18 meeting, then making a motion to put the subject on Town Council's July 9 agenda for discussion. Only five councilors were present for the meeting, and the item barely made it on the agenda.
In anticipation of possible pressure from various town departments for further funding for operational costs from the stabilization account, the Finance Committee at its June 17 meeting unanimously voted to send a strong message to Town Council that such action is "inappropriate," except for unemployment costs, said Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche.
The cost of laying off 45 people is about $675,000 in unemployment costs, according to Superintendent Wayne Ogden.
Bonding companies downgrade towns that continually use stabilization funds, Roche said, noting that Franklin has been taking money from that account for operational expenses for the last four years.
"We can't afford our interest rate to go up because we're foolishly spending our stabilization funds," Roche said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Friday, June 20, 2008
Local Scenes
Dipping into the archives, this was originally posted a year ago.
The Flickr photo set can be found here
The blog postings can be found here:
Landscape Changes
Parmenter School gets ready
Planning Board is hard at work
Free stuff
St Rocco - Fund Raising
St Rocco - Ferris Wheel
St Rocco's - and the band played on
New Fire Station
Angles
Stone Wall creator
Stone Wall
MBTA Station 2
Union St Paved
Main Street Construction
Korean War Memorial
Persian Gulf Memorial
Vietnam Conflict Memorial
detritus from Honey Dew
Got enough signs?
Franklin MBTA 2
Franklin MBTA Station
Stone wall creator
Stone wall
Angles
New fire station
Main St construction
Summer St Fountain
Water cell
Franklin Welcome
WW II Memorial
WW I Memorial
Spanish-American War Memorial
Civil War Memorial
Revolutionary War Memorial
Main Street View
Oak St School
Penny Lane
Senior Center (new)
Senior Center (current)
Dean College
Public Library
Franklin Town Common 1
Franklin Town Common 2
MBTA Station downtown
The Rome Restaurant
Isabella's Groceria
St Mary's
Enjoy!
The Flickr photo set can be found here
The blog postings can be found here:
Landscape Changes
Parmenter School gets ready
Planning Board is hard at work
Free stuff
St Rocco - Fund Raising
St Rocco - Ferris Wheel
St Rocco's - and the band played on
New Fire Station
Angles
Stone Wall creator
Stone Wall
MBTA Station 2
Union St Paved
Main Street Construction
Korean War Memorial
Persian Gulf Memorial
Vietnam Conflict Memorial
detritus from Honey Dew
Got enough signs?
Franklin MBTA 2
Franklin MBTA Station
Stone wall creator
Stone wall
Angles
New fire station
Main St construction
Summer St Fountain
Water cell
Franklin Welcome
WW II Memorial
WW I Memorial
Spanish-American War Memorial
Civil War Memorial
Revolutionary War Memorial
Main Street View
Oak St School
Penny Lane
Senior Center (new)
Senior Center (current)
Dean College
Public Library
Franklin Town Common 1
Franklin Town Common 2
MBTA Station downtown
The Rome Restaurant
Isabella's Groceria
St Mary's
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
"We just can't lay off 45 teachers"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
At Councilor Robert Vallee's insistence, Town Council last night voted to discuss at their next meeting, on July 9, giving schools $1 million to avoid some of the massive teacher layoffs.
"I'm very concerned about 47 layoffs at the schools," Vallee said, suggesting the council consider taking $1 million out of the town's stabilization account to fund teachers' jobs.
Earlier in the budget season, Town Council agreed not to tap into stabilization this year for operational costs such as teacher or staff salaries in order to keep sufficient funds in that account.
Vallee made the same proposal in budget discussions prior to the failed $2.8 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override ballot question on June 10.
"I think it's critical. It's irresponsible for us to do nothing about this. We just can't lay off 45 teachers without the town taking action," Vallee said.
Councilor Joseph McGann seconded Vallee's motion, and after a few moments of looking around at one another and some raised eyebrows, Chairman Christopher Feeley said he would vote to put it on the July 9 agenda.
"I'm always in favor of a good debate," Feeley said, but noted he will not support the move.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
"I know what I want to do now"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Three months ago, 19-year-old Kristin Graci's life was "pretty crazy, always busy" as a typical college student in the middle of her second semester at Arizona State University.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The former Franklin High School varsity softball starting pitcher was still figuring things out - like what path she wanted to pursue in life. She was enjoying college, spending time with her boyfriend and was looking forward to summertime.
In April, she contracted the flu, which Graci and her loved ones soon discovered was merely a harbinger of a much more foreboding illness.
When two viruses immediately followed, doctors thought Graci might have mononucleosis, but suspected worse, she said.
Graci moved out of her dorm, flew back home on a Sunday, and started undergoing tests at Dana Farber on Monday, she said.
In two days, doctors told her she had leukemia. She spent the next five weeks in the hospital.
Kristin's obituary can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=kristin-e-graci&pid=141427072
"We're pretty excited about that"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
With a $15,000 donation from the Lions Club, the Franklin Fourth of July Coalition no longer has to worry about how to pay for the fireworks at this year's five-day celebration.
The gift fully funds the fireworks, said Lions Club President Mark Sawyer.
"Everything's really come together in the last month-and-a-half, two months. Everything's pretty much all set," said coalition co-Chairman Michael Kelly.
"We've all worked together ... (former event co-Chairman) Charlie Oteri and (Town Clerk) Debbie Pellegri have helped us tremendously in the transition. I'm excited about ... the whole thing," Kelly said.
The first day of festivities, on Wednesday, July 2, will include rides and a disc jockey from 5 to 10 p.m. on the town common, said Warren Revell, coalition secretary.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Franklin Center Commons: roof's on
I did not get around to posting this picture from our walk Saturday morning but the roof is now on the condominium building located down behind the store fronts along Main St.
King Street - sidewalk detour reasons gone
When King Street was re-done, the sidewalk took a turn to go around two stately trees.
Alas, the trees are no longer.
The sidewalk however, still makes the curve around what used to be.
Audit report due at Town Council
The Town Council agenda package for Wednesday's meeting is now available for download here (PDF).
Pages 5 through 54 cover the audit report for the fiscal year ending 6/30/07.
Yes, it took a while to prepare the report. This was Frank Falvey's point during his recent citizens comment.
Read the report, go to the meeting prepared with one or two questions.
Ask them. Yes, you can do it.
Do it for me. Unfortunately, I won't be there.
If you need a question or two, let me know (via comment or email).
Pages 5 through 54 cover the audit report for the fiscal year ending 6/30/07.
Yes, it took a while to prepare the report. This was Frank Falvey's point during his recent citizens comment.
Read the report, go to the meeting prepared with one or two questions.
Ask them. Yes, you can do it.
Do it for me. Unfortunately, I won't be there.
If you need a question or two, let me know (via comment or email).
Meetup.com
Continuing our series on understanding Web 2.0 tools, the good folks at Common Craft have a new video this time produced specifically for Meetup.com.
What's Meetup? from Meetup HQ on Vimeo.
FYI - there are 6 groups within 5 miles of Franklin and 29 groups within 10 miles. Quite a variety with room for more.
Enjoy!
What's Meetup? from Meetup HQ on Vimeo.
FYI - there are 6 groups within 5 miles of Franklin and 29 groups within 10 miles. Quite a variety with room for more.
Enjoy!
Monday, June 16, 2008
"there's a virtual certainty that's going to happen"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
A newly appointed long-range financial planning committee hopes to sit down with Arlington officials for guidance on long-term financial planning, since both towns have faced similar fiscal challenges.
Town Council agreed to create the committee last month, giving it a broad mission to produce a three- to five-year financial plan for the town, and voted to allow council Chairman Christopher Feeley to appoint its members.
Town Council unanimously agreed to Feeley's appointments to the nine-member committee on June 4: residents Douglas Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek; Finance Committee Chairman Jim Roche and member Rebecca Cameron; School Committee members Roberta Trahan and Matt Kelly; Council Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett and Councilors Shannon Zollo and Stephen Whalen.
The new committee picked officers at its first meeting Wednesday night.
"One thing good about (the meeting) is, we got right to work. We elected Jim Roche chairman, and Doug Hardesty vice chairman," said Whalen, noting Hardesty is an auditor with Deloitte & Touche, one of the biggest auditing firms in the country.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL - agenda - 6/18/08
Agenda - June 18, 2008 - 7:00 PM
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS – Annual Committee Appointments
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Annual Audit Report
NuStyle – Grove Street
Amendments to Town Code Chp 125-Peace & Good Order
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 08-46: FY 2008 Capital Budget
2. Resolution 08-47: Authorization to Borrow – Library Repairs
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-617: Amendment to Chp. 185, Town Code: Water Resource District – 2nd Reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-618: Amendment to Chp. 185, Town Code: Biotechnology Uses – 2nd Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-619: Amendment to Chp. 185-5: Zoning Map - Biotechnology Use – 2nd Reading
6. Bylaw Amendment 08-624- Amendment to Sewer System Map – 273 Country Way – 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Franklin Matters: Intro and Override Reasons
This is the first podcast in a series for Franklin (MA) Matters. In this segment, I review the reasons for the recent override failure, propose some lessons to be learned and possible actions to be taken to prepare Franklin for the future.
This is a public service provided to my fellow Franklin (MA) citizens and voters.
Time: 10 minutes, 43 seconds
MP3 File
Podcast Notes:
Intro
Based upon the traffic analysis, how many readers, how many listeners, I am going to try something different, this podcast will likely to be a weekly format, or at least as frequently as necessary to cover what matters
I will make this available via iTunes, I’ll continue to record as many meetings as I can attend but rather than posting the full meeting, I’ll use segments in this podcast.
The goal of this podcast is to provide a review of what has happened and an outlook as to what is coming up for the week or near future
----------------
Why did the override fail?
By the numbers, 1600 yes votes from last year did not vote yes this year:
500 of them chose to vote no. Just over 1000 stayed home and chose not to vote at all.
What happened to these yes votes?
I think there are a number of reasons.
Apathy is always a factor - "My vote won't make a difference." On a national scale, the individual vote does not count for a whole lot. On the local scale, one vote is ONE vote.
Town priorities - The school budget is always a town matter. The School Department and Superintendent are properly advocates for what they need. The Finance Committee provides some oversight and validation but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Town Council. So while this year (and last) the School Committee brought forth what they needed to maintain the level of education that they were providing, the Town Council chose to follow the beat of their own drummer. Last year the Town planned for the override in advance and included town operations in the override amount. This year, the Town set the schools up on their own and only allowed an override when forced by the School Committee and the presence of growing support within the community. Alas, the support was not enough to carry all the way through.
Mis-information - The hearsay, mis-information and inaccuracies were prevalent in the community discussions. Trying to get the proper information out to the folks was like swimming against the riptide. The Milford Daily News closed out anonymous comments the day after the vote but the damage was done. The constant naysayers were abusive and out in force. Heaven forbid, you try to get a word in edgewise. The key point on this is the difference between a capital expense and an operational expense. Clearly, the majority of Franklin voters don't understand or appreciate the difference.
I believe the Franklin voters who did not cast their ballots will come to regret their decision. The days of Franklin being selected in Top 10 or Top 100 are over. Digging out of this hole will be the hardest thing to do.
The task of the Five Year Plan Committee will be immense. We, the voters, will have a chance of getting a decent plan. There are two "normal, everyday citizens" on the committee along with the elected and appointed officials. We will have to monitor the committee to ensure that they are open and doing something productive. We can not let the Town Council let this opportunity sit idle again.
Additional reasons can be found here
---------------
What can we learn from the failure?
Personally, letting others direct the conversation, reporting the facts, hoping for the best doesn't work.
Action will be required. The level of my own engagement in the town meetings (especially the Town Council) needs to increase.
You, yes you!
Don't sit at home and let the talking heads babble on. Make the effort. Go to the Council Chambers. Show them that there are real live people for whom they should care about what they do. Hold them accountable.
Conversation about what is happening needs to maintain some focus on the real issues. Don't let the agenda hide some items. Ask where is it? Ask what is happening? Ask why?
Together we can come out of the hole. Or separately, we can see our home values decline, or students fall behind, our future dim.
This is our choice.
What choice will you make?
How much does Franklin matter to you?
For additional textual information, please visit Franklin Matters
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
You can send me an email at shersteve at gmail dot com
------------
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
This is a public service provided to my fellow Franklin (MA) citizens and voters.
Time: 10 minutes, 43 seconds
MP3 File
Podcast Notes:
Intro
Based upon the traffic analysis, how many readers, how many listeners, I am going to try something different, this podcast will likely to be a weekly format, or at least as frequently as necessary to cover what matters
I will make this available via iTunes, I’ll continue to record as many meetings as I can attend but rather than posting the full meeting, I’ll use segments in this podcast.
The goal of this podcast is to provide a review of what has happened and an outlook as to what is coming up for the week or near future
----------------
Why did the override fail?
By the numbers, 1600 yes votes from last year did not vote yes this year:
500 of them chose to vote no. Just over 1000 stayed home and chose not to vote at all.
What happened to these yes votes?
I think there are a number of reasons.
Apathy is always a factor - "My vote won't make a difference." On a national scale, the individual vote does not count for a whole lot. On the local scale, one vote is ONE vote.
Town priorities - The school budget is always a town matter. The School Department and Superintendent are properly advocates for what they need. The Finance Committee provides some oversight and validation but the ultimate responsibility lies with the Town Council. So while this year (and last) the School Committee brought forth what they needed to maintain the level of education that they were providing, the Town Council chose to follow the beat of their own drummer. Last year the Town planned for the override in advance and included town operations in the override amount. This year, the Town set the schools up on their own and only allowed an override when forced by the School Committee and the presence of growing support within the community. Alas, the support was not enough to carry all the way through.
Mis-information - The hearsay, mis-information and inaccuracies were prevalent in the community discussions. Trying to get the proper information out to the folks was like swimming against the riptide. The Milford Daily News closed out anonymous comments the day after the vote but the damage was done. The constant naysayers were abusive and out in force. Heaven forbid, you try to get a word in edgewise. The key point on this is the difference between a capital expense and an operational expense. Clearly, the majority of Franklin voters don't understand or appreciate the difference.
I believe the Franklin voters who did not cast their ballots will come to regret their decision. The days of Franklin being selected in Top 10 or Top 100 are over. Digging out of this hole will be the hardest thing to do.
The task of the Five Year Plan Committee will be immense. We, the voters, will have a chance of getting a decent plan. There are two "normal, everyday citizens" on the committee along with the elected and appointed officials. We will have to monitor the committee to ensure that they are open and doing something productive. We can not let the Town Council let this opportunity sit idle again.
Additional reasons can be found here
---------------
What can we learn from the failure?
Personally, letting others direct the conversation, reporting the facts, hoping for the best doesn't work.
Action will be required. The level of my own engagement in the town meetings (especially the Town Council) needs to increase.
You, yes you!
Don't sit at home and let the talking heads babble on. Make the effort. Go to the Council Chambers. Show them that there are real live people for whom they should care about what they do. Hold them accountable.
Conversation about what is happening needs to maintain some focus on the real issues. Don't let the agenda hide some items. Ask where is it? Ask what is happening? Ask why?
Together we can come out of the hole. Or separately, we can see our home values decline, or students fall behind, our future dim.
This is our choice.
What choice will you make?
How much does Franklin matter to you?
For additional textual information, please visit Franklin Matters
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow Franklin citizens and voters by Steve Sherlock
You can send me an email at shersteve at gmail dot com
------------
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
"Through work one can recover and become well"
Milford Daily News
HOPEDALE —
Steve Goldman had plans for his future. An Academic All-American gymnast at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Goldman had hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Life had other plans. Under stress, Goldman suffered a nervous breakdown, and later was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
"Right now my diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder with bipolar features,'' Goldman said. "I have serious depression and serious mania problems, and auditory and visual hallucinations.''
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness where patients experience abnormally elevated moods, and also extreme depressive moods. These episodes are typically separated by periods of normality.
With teaching not an option, Goldman worked several part-time jobs in between treatment. Depressed that he could not teach and scared of what the future held, Goldman needed a change in his life.
He had been receiving help at the Quincy Mental Health Center following his diagnosis in 1998. After the death of his father, Goldman moved to Franklin.
Goldman was referred to the Crossroads Clubhouse in Hopedale, a center designed to utilize peer support and a strong rehabilitative environment for those with mental illness.
Soon after checking in, Goldman met Val Comerford, the program director of the clubhouse. Comerford also suffers from a mental illness, so Goldman saw her as a source of hope that he could recover and have a meaningful career.
"I didn't have a role model for so long, and when I met Val I couldn't believe she got so far,'' Goldman said. "I'm going to go as far as I can now because of what I saw in her.''
Read the remainder of this inspirational article in the Milford Daily News here
"Fiscal 2010 is predicted to be even more challenging"
GHS
Is a teetering economy the place to hold the line on property taxes and leave room for rising gas and grocery bills, or to chip in a little more to hang onto teachers and strained municipal services?
Local voters seem split down the middle on the answer.
Out of 15 Proposition 2 1/2 override requests put before MetroWest and Milford-area residents this year, eight have failed and seven have passed.
However, three of those successes were debt exclusion overrides, which only raise taxes temporarily to pay for a specific project. Operational overrides, which made up all the other requests, permanently increase the amount of taxes a town or city can collect.
Statewide, the rate of override approvals is roughly similar, said John Robertson, deputy legislative director for the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
"About half of the communities that go out win at least one of their (ballot) questions," and that trend has remained roughly steady since fiscal 2006, he said last week.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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