Zollo - publicly acknowledge the efforts of the teachers stepping up and going beyond under tough times. Secondly to acknowledge the quality of the recreation programs in town. Acknowledge the DPW and grounds maintenance crew have been doing a good job.
Doak - question 1 on the ballot, don't like taxes, but the fact of the matter is Franklin would be hurt significantly, I will be voting against it and would like folks to consider this.
Whalen - if question 1 passes, the loss to Franklin would be $11 million and that is the probably close to the cost of the Fire, Police, and DPW.
Vallee - will bring something to new business about doing something for the Police Dept.
Feeley - thanks to Mr Holmes for reducing the Late bus cost.
Move to go to executive session and not return
approved 7-0
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Live reporting - Administrator Report
School building committee met tonight, good meeting
The Cable TV has a $500,000 gift account
- Tom Mercer, chairman
- Chris Feeley, vice-chair
- Scott Mason, clerk
The Cable TV has a $500,000 gift account
Live reporting - Rescheduled items
- Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-625: Chapter 185-5, Town Code: Zoning Map – Business to Commercial II – 2nd Reading
Live reporting - Legislature for action
- Resolution 08-53 – Order of Layout, Acceptance and Taking Newell Drive, Dover Circle, Cohasset Way, Sherborn Lane and Related Easements
The street laws date from the 1800's. The subdivision control law in the mid-1900's. A different set of points, more access than travel. The legislature has not updated the process to deal with subdivision road acceptance.
Doak - why are these coming where others may have not and may have been waiting longer
Cerel - Toll Brothers have working this diligently and cooperatively with the Town to get this done.
Doak - if the developer doesn't plan this properly, then it puts the burden on the town?
Ceral - if the developers haven't planned properly, the home owners technically own to the middle of the road, contacting them these days is tedious is possible
Approved - 7-0
- Resolution 08-54 – Order of Layout, Acceptance and Taking of Hancock Road, Winthrop Road, Corey Way and Lantern Road and Related Easements
Approved - 7-0
Live reporting - Zoning bylaw amendment
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment to Chapter 185-18. Nonconforming Uses and Structures- Dept of Planning & Community Development
David Roche - Building Commissioner
Nick Alfieri - Conservation Agent
Brian Taberner, Director, Downtown Planning and Community Development
Alfieri - As an example, 450 Maple St, built about 28 feet from the road, therefore it is pre-existing as non-confirming, to put a deck on that would be completely compliant still had to go through the Zoning Board of Approvals (ZBA) to get the approval. It will save time and money. This streamlines the ZBA process.
Vallee - this is an excellent amendment
Whalen - sounds good, what would be an example of something more controversial or how it could not be abused?
Alfieri - Speaks directly to single and two-family houses only. Others would still need to go through the ZBA. If the alteration itself is non-conforming, it would still go through the ZBA process.
Doak - how did this change from prior
Alfieri - They split non-conforming structures from non-conforming uses into two separate sections
Cerel - Nick and I worked closely on this, the section is obtuse, in the absence of a local bylaw you had to go through the rigmarole.
Doak - this seems to fall in the category of common sense
Feeley - what would you like us to do with this?
Nutting - put this on the next agenda to put through the process to get to the planning board
Live reporting - late bus approved
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
no citizens for comment
E. APPOINTMENTS
motion to add item for election day poll workers, passed 7-0
motion approved, passed 7-0
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Feeley moves to fund the Late Bus, authorized expenditure of $10,000 from the comprehensive agreement
Pfeffer disagrees with use of this for 3 middle schools as not being in the "public interest". Three PCC's have volunteered to fund this, let them. Why is not the School Committee here to support this.
Feeley I'll take that one. They offered to be here, I did not think it would be necessary.
Vallee references a letter received this afternoon from Paula Sandham and speaks in favor of the late bus.
Whalen has heard lots of feedback for not funding the late bus, he disagrees with that and explains why. School Dept made their decision based upon a set of circumstances at that time. We are now under a different set of circumstances have changed. Does meet the definition of "public purpose" in his view. This is perfectly appropriate.
Doak was surprised to hear about this funding sitting there for awhile. It is not recurring revenue, it can legitimately be used for this. The PCC's fund a lot of extra things that the school department does not fund.
Mason, my concern is that a number of people will read the paper and say, the override failed, the late bus should not be here. The opportunity is here because of the generosity of the bus company. At the end of the day, you need to side on the needs of the children.
Zollo, if anyone were to think that they were misled, that is not true, the circumstances changed, this money is available, lets use it, it is both legal and appropriate.
Stacy Bower - we were told that the late bus was lost if the override lost. If the PCC wants to fund it, let them. The Fire Dept and Police Dept were also looking for funding. The late bus is not required by the State. Doesn't feel that the Town should use this generous gift. The late bus is a luxury in town. When is the town going to say "enough"?
Feeley regardless of what happened in the past, I am supporting this as a good thing to do.
Approved 6-1 (Pfeffer no).
no citizens for comment
E. APPOINTMENTS
motion to add item for election day poll workers, passed 7-0
motion approved, passed 7-0
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Funding School Late Bus
Feeley moves to fund the Late Bus, authorized expenditure of $10,000 from the comprehensive agreement
Pfeffer disagrees with use of this for 3 middle schools as not being in the "public interest". Three PCC's have volunteered to fund this, let them. Why is not the School Committee here to support this.
Feeley I'll take that one. They offered to be here, I did not think it would be necessary.
Vallee references a letter received this afternoon from Paula Sandham and speaks in favor of the late bus.
Whalen has heard lots of feedback for not funding the late bus, he disagrees with that and explains why. School Dept made their decision based upon a set of circumstances at that time. We are now under a different set of circumstances have changed. Does meet the definition of "public purpose" in his view. This is perfectly appropriate.
Doak was surprised to hear about this funding sitting there for awhile. It is not recurring revenue, it can legitimately be used for this. The PCC's fund a lot of extra things that the school department does not fund.
Mason, my concern is that a number of people will read the paper and say, the override failed, the late bus should not be here. The opportunity is here because of the generosity of the bus company. At the end of the day, you need to side on the needs of the children.
Zollo, if anyone were to think that they were misled, that is not true, the circumstances changed, this money is available, lets use it, it is both legal and appropriate.
Stacy Bower - we were told that the late bus was lost if the override lost. If the PCC wants to fund it, let them. The Fire Dept and Police Dept were also looking for funding. The late bus is not required by the State. Doesn't feel that the Town should use this generous gift. The late bus is a luxury in town. When is the town going to say "enough"?
Feeley regardless of what happened in the past, I am supporting this as a good thing to do.
Approved 6-1 (Pfeffer no).
Live reporting - town council meeting 10/1/08
Councilors present: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, Zollo
Councilors not present: Bartlett, McGann
-------------
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 3, 2008
moved to approve - approved 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
no
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - Thelma Pullen Knowlton
Resident for over 90 years, only remaining graduate of Dean Class of 1948
Councilors not present: Bartlett, McGann
-------------
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 3, 2008
moved to approve - approved 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
no
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - Thelma Pullen Knowlton
Resident for over 90 years, only remaining graduate of Dean Class of 1948
"I get more out of it now"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
For the first time since its Franklin inception 40 years ago, the Junior Miss program is bowing out.
Organizers canceled the show, which is part of the America's Junior Miss Scholarship Program, this year due to a lack of funds and sponsors, but hope to bring it back next year by appealing to former donors and attracting new ones, said Becky Lavergne, chairwoman of Franklin Junior Miss.
"We have no choice - we have no money to give away. Our committee's gone over this a lot. ... We knew it was probably coming since last November. No one wanted to do this, but it was either give it up completely, or raise as much money as possible and come back next year," Lavergne said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
In the News - cats, alumni, walk/run, art, fair
GHS
FRANKLIN —
People at odds over a feral cat colony at Highwood Condominiums may get a resolution tonight.
The condominium complex's board of trustees will discuss the matter and possibly decide to take action at a meeting open only to condo owners, said property manager Roy Blanchard.
Blanchard declined to talk about the controversy.
"This doesn't need to be in the press anymore. We can take care of our own issues," he said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
All the remaining items can be found in this article on Franklin Notes
Monday, September 29, 2008
Town Council Agenda - 10/1/08
October 1, 2008
7:00 PM
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 3, 2008
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - Thelma Pullen Knowlton
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
7:00 PM
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 3, 2008
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - Thelma Pullen Knowlton
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Funding School Late Bus
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment to Chapter 185-18. Nonconforming Uses and Structures- Dept of Planning & Community Development
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
- Resolution 08-53 – Order of Layout, Acceptance and Taking Newell Drive, Dover Circle, Cohasset Way, Sherborn Lane and Related Easements
- Resolution 08-54 – Order of Layout, Acceptance and Taking of Hancock Road, Winthrop Road, Corey Way and Lantern Road and Related Easements
- Resolution 08-59: Dissolution of Fire Station Building Committee
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-625: Chapter 185-5, Town Code: Zoning Map – Business to Commercial II – 2nd Reading
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Sunday, September 28, 2008
late bus on tap for Town Council
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Town Council on Wednesday will discuss whether to fund the school district's popular late bus at a steeply discounted rate.
Parent Communication Councils were willing to fund the bus at $10,000 after School Superintendent Wayne Ogden announced the district did not have funds for it this year, but the district is turning to the town instead, said Chairman Jeffrey Roy, after Council Chairman Christopher Feeley and Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett offered their support.
The late bus has been a hot issue since administrators first warned the district it would have to eliminate it without additional money from the Proposition 2 1/2 tax override that was voted down in June. Concerned about the children of working parents, who would miss out on after-school activities and getting extra help with academics, School Committee member Ed Cafasso pushed the School Committee to find a way to keep the service.
read the remainder of the article in the Milford Daily News here
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Live performances this weekend in Franklin
Classical music on Sunday
Franklin’s own LiveARTS Sunday Concert Series presents the 2008-2009 season lineup and opening performance scheduled by award-winning Triple Helix, the Piano Trio, on Sunday, Sept.28, at 3:30 p.m.
All concerts are held at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St.
LiveARTS Sunday Concert Series is an affordable way for classical music lovers to enjoy professional, high-quality artistry right in their backyard. Season subscriptions are $45 adults, $30 youth and seniors, and $75 for family groups of three or more. Season subscriptions give you the gift of four concerts for the price of three.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Folk music on Saturday
Don White is appearing Saturday at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Opening will be Teresa Storch. View the full schedule and order your tickets online at the Circle of Friends website here
Cabaret at the High School
The student production of Cabaret will be conducted at Franklin High School this weekend. I could not find additional information online but if you call the high school, they should be able to provide the details.
Accreditation - more kindergartens earn the mark!
FRANKLIN -
John F. Kennedy and the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center are one of the first early childhood programs to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.
"We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said principals Joan Toye and Karen Seyfried. "NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible."
read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here
I think it is more impressive that many of the Franklin schools have accreditation than which one was first.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
In the News - salt prices, students organize, late bus may return
"It was worse than I expected," said Brutus Cantoreggi, Franklin's director of public works. "That's a lot, especially with everything else going up. Fuel is killing me."
Franklin is part of a 24-town consortium that locks in contract prices for road salt. Other area communities in the consortium include Medfield, Medway, Millis, Walpole, Sharon, Wrentham and Norwood. The low bid this year was from Eastern Mineral at $70.20 a ton. Eastern Mineral's bid last year was $52.68.
read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
"Carrying big bulky binders was not the answer I was looking for, and with the demands for tracking student portfolios along with the pressure from impending cuts that would increase class ratios and teaching burdens, I was intent on finding the right tools for this challenge," Bergen said. "Kids who are disorganized are disorganized as adults."
Meanwhile Productive Education LLC of Framingham was reaching out to superintendents across Massachusetts to tell them about its new Organize360 system using Document Organizing Assistant binders, or DocOA, pronounced "Doc Away." It is a three-ring binder-organizing tool for handling school papers.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Following Superintendent Wayne Ogden's announcement that the district this year does not have the money to fund the late bus, parents, administrators and Holmes Bus Service "stepped up to the plate" and found a way to continue offering the service, Roy said.
"We had a bus company (Holmes) willing to negotiate a better deal for the district, which brought the total down to a reasonable $10,000," Roy reported.
Parent Communication Councils from Franklin High School, Annie Sullivan, Remington and Horace Mann middle schools all committed to donating up to $3,300 to completely cover the cost of the late bus, Roy said.
However, the councils will be able to keep their money, he said.
"The Town Council chairman (Christopher Feeley) is very receptive to the notion of the town picking up the cost of the late bus ... There is clearly an overwhelming need for it," said Roy, adding that Feeley and Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett will bring the topic to the council.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
School Committee Meeting - 9/23/08
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