- I recommend the approval of budget transfers as detailed on the attached list. Approved 7-0
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of $2,500.00 from the Helen Keller PCC for a field trip and buses to the Museum of Fine Arts for Keller’s 4th grade students. Approved 7-0
- I recommend approval of the field trip to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI for Keller’s 5th graders on May 1, 2009. Approved 7-0
- I recommend the hiring an Educational Assistant for the ALP that has not been budgeted for. Approved 7-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $350.00 from B & B Framers and B.F. Kushner of Franklin for mat boards for art for the Jefferson Elementary School. Approved 7-0
- I recommend approval of the FHS Cheerleading field trip to Atlantic City, NJ for a competition from 2/13 – 2/15/09 as detailed. Approved 7-0
- I recommend signing and ratifying the contract between Maureen Sabolinski and the Franklin School Committee for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Approved 7-0
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Live reporting - Action items
4. Action Items
Live reporting - Discussion only items
3. Discussion Only Items
Two possible solutions
- Make Up Day for HMMS/Oak/ECDC Complex
Two possible solutions
- half day on Good Friday
- appending another day at the end of the year
- Peanut Butter in our Schools
- First Reading of Policy KCDB - School Based Advertising Content
Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget
Approach to provide the same level of services as this year.
$3.8 million or 6.9% increase would be required
What the state budget does will drive what our numbers come out as
Budget will be posted to the School's website tomorrow for a more detail review
a "level service" budget
the individual schools got the same allocation as last year. The individual schools may have chosen to distribute within differently.
Dollars allocated on a per pupil basis, will account for the major differences in the overviews for each line item
Teacher reimbursements to individual teachers and hence to the schools were centralized.
Increases for health benefits are projected to be about 10-15%
Armenio - This budget year will not be pleasant, not that any of the recent ones were too pleasant. This assumes School Choice would be continued at the same level as this year?
Ogden - Yes
Armenio - So if the reductions are such that people choose to bring the students back to their home district, that would be revenue we would loose.
Cafasso - On the transportation, can you give us a little more what is behind that?
Goodman - We are expecting an increase, there is an offset for the pay-to-ride, but there is also an increase in special ed out of district transportation.
Slight - What is included in the cost per pupil?
Ogden - the material and expenses associated with each level of the schools
Ogden - Chapter 70 formula possibly to be re-done for the FY 2011 year.
Rohrbach - some relief in spec ed transportation cost would be appropriate
Ogden - Rep Deleo did not think that was possible this year
Roy - Per Nutting, he is expecting Franklin to be short approx 4.5 to $5 million for FY 2010.
We have to be cautious, none of the reductions already made will not be considered for being back next year. It is more likely to see further cuts.
Ogden - what we may get is more like a level funded budget
$3.8 million or 6.9% increase would be required
What the state budget does will drive what our numbers come out as
Budget will be posted to the School's website tomorrow for a more detail review
a "level service" budget
the individual schools got the same allocation as last year. The individual schools may have chosen to distribute within differently.
Dollars allocated on a per pupil basis, will account for the major differences in the overviews for each line item
Teacher reimbursements to individual teachers and hence to the schools were centralized.
Increases for health benefits are projected to be about 10-15%
Armenio - This budget year will not be pleasant, not that any of the recent ones were too pleasant. This assumes School Choice would be continued at the same level as this year?
Ogden - Yes
Armenio - So if the reductions are such that people choose to bring the students back to their home district, that would be revenue we would loose.
Cafasso - On the transportation, can you give us a little more what is behind that?
Goodman - We are expecting an increase, there is an offset for the pay-to-ride, but there is also an increase in special ed out of district transportation.
Slight - What is included in the cost per pupil?
Ogden - the material and expenses associated with each level of the schools
Ogden - Chapter 70 formula possibly to be re-done for the FY 2011 year.
Rohrbach - some relief in spec ed transportation cost would be appropriate
Ogden - Rep Deleo did not think that was possible this year
Roy - Per Nutting, he is expecting Franklin to be short approx 4.5 to $5 million for FY 2010.
We have to be cautious, none of the reductions already made will not be considered for being back next year. It is more likely to see further cuts.
Ogden - what we may get is more like a level funded budget
Live reporting - Steering Committee for Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan Update
The slides can be viewed here
The PR Statement as read by April Crehan:
The Steering Committee:
- Maureen Sabolinski
- Strategic Planning Team Member(s)
The slides can be viewed here
The PR Statement as read by April Crehan:
The Franklin (MA) Public Schools’ Strategic Plan allows the district to respond to emerging trends, events, challenges, and opportunities within the framework of the district's core values, vision, and mission. The School Committee has started the process to review and update the Plan adopted by the district in 2004. In conjunction with the Superintendent, the School Committee has appointed a Strategic Plan Steering Committee to manage this process. The Steering Committee will solicit input from all interested parties in the community with regard to the core values, vision, and mission of the Franklin Public Schools.
Strategic planning in education is a complex process. The Steering Committee recognizes that there are many parties interested in the education of the children of Franklin. Because the core values, vision, and mission articulated in the Strategic Plan will guide decisions regarding our children’s education for the next five years, it is vital that the interests of the community are represented. Opportunities for periodic review and feedback to and from the community will be included in the development and implementation of this Strategic Plan.
The Steering Committee:
Co-Chair:
- Judi Bassignani - Principal, Parmenter Elementary
- Miriam Goodman -Director, Franklin Public Schools Finance
Members:
- Colleen Ahern - Teacher, Sullivan Middle School
- April Crehan - Student, Franklin High School
- Renee Danho - Community, Dean College
- Ted McIntire - Parent
- Susan Rohrbach - School Committee
- Steve Sherlock - Community
- Peg Sweeney - Parent
- Rosanne Walsh - Teacher, Remington Middle School
Administration Liaisons
- Wayne Ogden - Current Superintendent of Schools
- Maureen Sabolinski - Incoming Superintendent of Schools
Live reporting - Life long learning
2. Guests/Presentations
Lifelong Learning Update
Approx 5500 participants in all the offerings from Life Long Learning
Survey after every session, utilize the feedback for the next round of programs
Approx. 244 faculty and staff to run the program
$1.3 million revenue generated last year. All equipment become part of the Franklin School District inventory.
Private music lessons - trained and active performers as musicians
2300 students in the Summer program. Catalogs are at the Post Office ready for delivery.
Jeanne Hummel does the brochures and the website and does a marvelous job doing this.
Second summer of the High School Experience coming up. Added a Social Studies teacher to the course.
Nancy Schoen working with the music mentors has been taking the program to a new level.
Cafasso - You are doing a stellar job! I appreciate your hard work.
Kelly - I think it is very important to stress that this is self-funded.
Lifelong Learning Update
- Pandora Carlucci
The programs under the aegis of the Lifelong Learning Institute endeavor to contribute to the development of the Town of Franklin as a knowledge community.
Approx 5500 participants in all the offerings from Life Long Learning
Survey after every session, utilize the feedback for the next round of programs
Approx. 244 faculty and staff to run the program
$1.3 million revenue generated last year. All equipment become part of the Franklin School District inventory.
Private music lessons - trained and active performers as musicians
2300 students in the Summer program. Catalogs are at the Post Office ready for delivery.
Jeanne Hummel does the brochures and the website and does a marvelous job doing this.
Second summer of the High School Experience coming up. Added a Social Studies teacher to the course.
Nancy Schoen working with the music mentors has been taking the program to a new level.
"We are all teachers and learners."
Cafasso - You are doing a stellar job! I appreciate your hard work.
Kelly - I think it is very important to stress that this is self-funded.
Live reporting - School Committee
Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
Mr Light - has launched a blog and podcast off the FHS website, click on Mr Light's name
Jazz Cafe - Feb 4, 7:00 PM - at Remington-Jefferson
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
- Citizen’s Comments - none
- Review of Agenda - no executive session needed
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 13, 2009 School Committee Meeting. approved 7-0
- Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly approved 7-0
- Payroll - Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
Mr Light - has launched a blog and podcast off the FHS website, click on Mr Light's name
Jazz Cafe - Feb 4, 7:00 PM - at Remington-Jefferson
- Correspondence: Letter from Bethany Trainor
NewBCamp - find out about blogging, podcasting, Twitter, etc.
It's been almost one year since the inaugural NewBCamp took place and there's another one coming up in Providence.
What is NewBCamp?
It is a gathering of people interesting in learning and sharing about the new social media tools; blogs, podcasts, video blogs, Twitter, etc.
What is in it for me?
If you are interested in learning about these tools, then this is the place for you. The focus is on the new user (i.e. newbie or NewB). You won't feel lost, you will be amongst those who are learning from those who are willing to share.
What does it cost?
It is very reasonably priced at only $10. Less than a movie!
What are the details?
When:
February 8, 2009 - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:
Johnson & WalesPepsi Forum
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903
NewBCamp is brought to you by two organizations - Free Geek Providence and SofT ICE at Johnson & Wales.
If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact me. I will be there at the Welcome/Registration Desk.
If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact me. I will be there at the Welcome/Registration Desk.
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The Green Reel: "Escape from Suburbia"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter.
What: "Escape from Suburbia"
When: 7:00 PM on February 1, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the file "Escape from Suburbia" here
Sponsors:
What: "Escape from Suburbia"
When: 7:00 PM on February 1, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
Free and open to the public. For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the file "Escape from Suburbia" here
Sponsors:
Agudas Achim
Crystal Spring Center
Simply Keep It Local
Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary
Citizens for a Sustainable Local Economy
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church
Green Committee of First Universalist Society of Franklin
New Dawn Earth Center
Oake Knoll Ayrshires
Franklin Area Climate Team
White Barn Farm
St Mark's Episcopal Church-Foxboro
Monday, January 26, 2009
Live reporting - Planning Board/Walgreens
The Planning Board is in the public hearing for the proposed Walgreens at Four Corners. To alleviate traffic concerns, the Town working with Walgreens will add a right turn only lane (north bound on King) to turn onto East Central St (heading east). The second lane will be a combined straight-through traffic (to Chestnut) and left turn (westbound on East Central heading into town).
Jeff Nutting committed that if the applicant provides the design plans by April 1, the town will have enough time to do the work before Walgreens would be scheduled to open (in October).
The public hearing has now been closed. The decision on the special permits required will be scheduled.
Jeff Nutting committed that if the applicant provides the design plans by April 1, the town will have enough time to do the work before Walgreens would be scheduled to open (in October).
The public hearing has now been closed. The decision on the special permits required will be scheduled.
School Committee - Agenda - 1/27/09
AGENDA
Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
1. Routine Business
2. Guests/Presentations
Lifelong Learning Update
Strategic Plan Update
FY10 Budget Overview
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
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
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 January 13, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
- Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
- Payroll Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
- Correspondence: Letter from Bethany Trainor
2. Guests/Presentations
Lifelong Learning Update
- Pandora Carlucci
Strategic Plan Update
- Maureen Sabolinski
- Strategic Planning Team Member(s)
FY10 Budget Overview
- Maureen Sabolinski
- Miriam Goodman
- Wayne Ogden
3. Discussion Only Items
- Make Up Day for HMMS/Oak/ECDC Complex
- Peanut Butter in our Schools
- First Reading of Policy KCDB - School Based Advertising Content
4. Action Items
- I recommend the approval of budget transfers as detailed on the attached list.
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of $2,500.00 from the Helen Keller PCC for a field trip and buses to the Museum of Fine Arts for Keller’s 4th grade students.
- I recommend approval of the field trip to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI for Keller’s 5th graders on May 1, 2009.
- I recommend the hiring an Educational Assistant for the ALP that has not been budgeted for.
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $350.00 from B & B Framers and B.F. Kushner of Franklin for mat boards for art for the Jefferson Elementary School.
- I recommend approval of the FHS Cheerleading field trip to Atlantic City, NJ for a competition from 2/13 – 2/15/09 as detailed.
- I recommend signing and ratifying the contract between Maureen Sabolinski and the Franklin School Committee for the position of Superintendent of Schools.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
- Make Up Day – School Calendar Change
- Neglect and Abuse
- Special Education Educational Assistant
- Peanut Butter
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
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
Sunday, January 25, 2009
FM #29 - This week in Franklin, MA
This is the 29th in a series of podcasts on what is happening in Franklin, MA. In this session, I talk about how much snow removal we should do and about the teen substance abuse problem that Bill Phillips and his New Beginnings Program addresses.
Time: 9 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
Music intro
My intro
FM #29
This podcast for Franklin Matters is number 29 in the series. In this session, I’ll focus on what you should know about what is happening this week in Franklin, MA.
From the Town Council meeting 1/21/09, there was a very good presentation on the DPW and their snow removal efforts. Robert Cantoreggi, DPW Director was accompanied by Jim Estabrook, Graphical Information Systems Manager, to make the presentation. The video of the Town Council meeting is available on the town website. The presentation itself is also available on Franklin Matters.
You should note that the town website has added a link in the left column to allow you to go directly to the live video feeds and to the video archives. This is a simple navigation aid that will have lasting benefits. Thanks very much for putting this link in place. I have also added a link in the meetings for 2009 section.
In these days of cost cutting, one discussion we should have is how much should we spend on the snow removal? If you travel into some of the upstate Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont communities, they do not always plow their roads down to the pavement like we do here. There are other examples in state as well as out of state. You can travel on them. It is not a safety issue from a passageway point of view. You would need to travel slower as they remain snow covered and hence would tend to be slippery.
The money for salt and labor is effective only for as a short term benefit. Since a million dollars provides the salary and benefits for about 20 employees in the town. I would rather spend the money to keep people on the payroll rather than toss it away on road salt and snow removal.
What do you think?
Should we continue to pay whatever it takes to plow and sand our roads as we are today or should we consider cutting back, especially to save the money for other priorities? I’d be interested in hearing what you have to say on this.
The Town Council has asked the DPW Director to come back with some alternatives of reducing cost by 10 or 20 percent. Stay tuned into this discussion to see what happens.
A second item from the Town Council meeting will be worth watching, The Police Dept conducted a sting operation with 28 establishments in town that serve liquor and apparently caught two serving minors. I am not a lawyer but based upon what was reported in the Milford Daily News, they may not have a solid case on one of the two establishments. The hearing on the 4th should be interesting.
Let me be clear, the sting was a good thing. We do need to monitor how our teenagers get access to alcohol. The drinking and substance abuse amongst our teens is a problem that needs to be addressed. Bill Phillips has stated that you can get alcohol, drugs and weapons in any high school. In one school, there was a cooler in the student’s vehicle in the school parking lot to serve the beer cold. Bill referenced these and other stories during the WASTED presentation at Franklin High School in December. If you have not yet listened to that, I do recommend it. It is powerful material.
Bill’s program, New Beginnings, is in jeopardy. He had been funded by the MA Dept of Public Health. Unfortunately, his grant has been cut in this recent round of state budget cuts. The program has addressed over 200,000 teenagers since it was established in 1985. He currently is providing services to over 150 teenagers.
On the night he presented at Franklin High, he acknowledged receiving 19 emails from Franklin students after talking with them during the assemblies that day. 19 students by 4:00 PM that day had already reached out to Bill for help. How many of those are in jeopardy of losing Bill’s support right now? I don’t know but the odds are that some from Franklin are in the bunch.
I have started to help Bill in raising additional funds for his program. You may have noticed the Virgin Atlantic contest posting on Franklin Matters. This is just one step in the process of raising awareness for his program. I think his program is effective. I think it is valuable. I think it needs to raise additional funds to keep operating.
If you can help in anyway, I would appreciate it. Making a contribution is one way. You can contribute directly via his web site.
If you know of any company or foundation that Bill could appeal to for a contribution, please let me know. Or contact Bill directly.
If you would like to help spread the word on keeping the program alive, please let Bill or I know.
And to close this session, let’s look at what is coming up this week: there is a
Check them out.
Keep informed
and stay warm!
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 9 minutes, 20 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
Music intro
My intro
FM #29
This podcast for Franklin Matters is number 29 in the series. In this session, I’ll focus on what you should know about what is happening this week in Franklin, MA.
From the Town Council meeting 1/21/09, there was a very good presentation on the DPW and their snow removal efforts. Robert Cantoreggi, DPW Director was accompanied by Jim Estabrook, Graphical Information Systems Manager, to make the presentation. The video of the Town Council meeting is available on the town website. The presentation itself is also available on Franklin Matters.
You should note that the town website has added a link in the left column to allow you to go directly to the live video feeds and to the video archives. This is a simple navigation aid that will have lasting benefits. Thanks very much for putting this link in place. I have also added a link in the meetings for 2009 section.
In these days of cost cutting, one discussion we should have is how much should we spend on the snow removal? If you travel into some of the upstate Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont communities, they do not always plow their roads down to the pavement like we do here. There are other examples in state as well as out of state. You can travel on them. It is not a safety issue from a passageway point of view. You would need to travel slower as they remain snow covered and hence would tend to be slippery.
The money for salt and labor is effective only for as a short term benefit. Since a million dollars provides the salary and benefits for about 20 employees in the town. I would rather spend the money to keep people on the payroll rather than toss it away on road salt and snow removal.
What do you think?
Should we continue to pay whatever it takes to plow and sand our roads as we are today or should we consider cutting back, especially to save the money for other priorities? I’d be interested in hearing what you have to say on this.
The Town Council has asked the DPW Director to come back with some alternatives of reducing cost by 10 or 20 percent. Stay tuned into this discussion to see what happens.
A second item from the Town Council meeting will be worth watching, The Police Dept conducted a sting operation with 28 establishments in town that serve liquor and apparently caught two serving minors. I am not a lawyer but based upon what was reported in the Milford Daily News, they may not have a solid case on one of the two establishments. The hearing on the 4th should be interesting.
Let me be clear, the sting was a good thing. We do need to monitor how our teenagers get access to alcohol. The drinking and substance abuse amongst our teens is a problem that needs to be addressed. Bill Phillips has stated that you can get alcohol, drugs and weapons in any high school. In one school, there was a cooler in the student’s vehicle in the school parking lot to serve the beer cold. Bill referenced these and other stories during the WASTED presentation at Franklin High School in December. If you have not yet listened to that, I do recommend it. It is powerful material.
Bill’s program, New Beginnings, is in jeopardy. He had been funded by the MA Dept of Public Health. Unfortunately, his grant has been cut in this recent round of state budget cuts. The program has addressed over 200,000 teenagers since it was established in 1985. He currently is providing services to over 150 teenagers.
On the night he presented at Franklin High, he acknowledged receiving 19 emails from Franklin students after talking with them during the assemblies that day. 19 students by 4:00 PM that day had already reached out to Bill for help. How many of those are in jeopardy of losing Bill’s support right now? I don’t know but the odds are that some from Franklin are in the bunch.
I have started to help Bill in raising additional funds for his program. You may have noticed the Virgin Atlantic contest posting on Franklin Matters. This is just one step in the process of raising awareness for his program. I think his program is effective. I think it is valuable. I think it needs to raise additional funds to keep operating.
If you can help in anyway, I would appreciate it. Making a contribution is one way. You can contribute directly via his web site.
If you know of any company or foundation that Bill could appeal to for a contribution, please let me know. Or contact Bill directly.
If you would like to help spread the word on keeping the program alive, please let Bill or I know.
And to close this session, let’s look at what is coming up this week: there is a
- Planning Board meeting on Monday
- School Committee meeting on Tuesday
- Financial Planning Committee is scheduled for Thursday
Check them out.
Keep informed
and stay warm!
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
"I like the sting, it's good"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Two bars in town may temporarily lose their liquor licenses after allegedly serving alcohol to teens working with Franklin Police in an age compliance check, police said.
Workers at the Pepper Terrace Restaurant, at 400 Franklin Village Drive, and Cottage Street Pub & Grill, at 158 Cottage St., allegedly sold the teens beer on Saturday, Jan. 17, said Lt. Thomas Lynch.
"Do they look like they're 21? No they don't," Lynch said, explaining that police specifically instructed the teens not to wear make-up, jewelry, or dress up to appear older.
The goal, he said, was to check whether the establishments would serve people who were clearly younger than 21 years old.
Read the full article on the results of this sting operation in the Milford Daily News here
Circle of Friends - Vance Gilbert, Ann Heaton
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Saturday,- January 31st, 8:00 PM
Saturday,- January 31st, 8:00 PM
"Gilbert's burnished voice poured over one purling, liquid melody after another, over an accompaniment of tender arpeggios and supple chord progressions. "
-The Chicago Tribune
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Our teens need your help
Since 1985, the New Beginnings Program (NBP) has provided a comprehensive wellness initiative for schools, parents and communities for hundreds of youth involved in drug and alcohol addiction. The presentations, classes, one-to-one education, and true life testimonies have made a substantial impact. As a result of the recent cuts in funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NBP has cut its staff, supplies and other expenditures jeopardizing the support for over 120 youth currently in the program.
The New Beginnings Program faces a critical need for financial resources to sustain the counseling services that our youth at risk require.
Please visit the NBP website to find information regarding its services, successes, and to make a contribution.
Bill Phillips, the founder of New Beginnings, was a central part of the WASTED presentation at Franklin High School in December, 2008.
You can help by casting your vote in support of this program here:
http://revolutiontakesflight.com/items/Help_Teens_with_Substance_Abuse?c=0
Free registration will be required to cast your vote.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF MA, 21 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID OUTSIDE OF MA AND WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends: 2/6/09.
For Official Rules and prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit http://www.revolutiontakesflight.com. Sponsor: Virgin America, 555 Airport Blvd., 4th Floor, Burlingame, CA 94010.
DPW Presentation on Snow Removal
Thanks to Brutus and Jim for providing this copy of the DPW slides presented during the Town Council meeting Wednesday evening.
Live reports from the Town Council meeting can be found here
Live reports from the Town Council meeting can be found here
"for children ages 4 months to 9 years of age"
JW Tumbles to open first Mass. location
|
"you have to live with that for the rest of your life"
GHS
NO DATA —
In any police department, reconstructing a fatal accident requires using technical gadgets, solving complex mathematical equations, capturing hundreds of images from the accident scene, and "good old-fashioned" practices like taking measurements and gathering witness testimony.
Their detective works yields minute details - such as how many seconds it takes a pedestrian to cross the street, a car's speed, objects the drivers perceived, response time, whether someone used their brakes or cut around a corner too quickly.
Yesterday afternoon, Lt. Thomas Lynch and Officers Rick Grover and David Gove explained the ABC's of reconstructing fatal and serious car wrecks, as they completed the final leg of investigating the accident that killed beloved teacher Palma Johnson Dec. 12.
Read the full article to understand the attention to detail that is involved in accident reconstruction.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Green Reel: "King Corn"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter beginning January 25th.
What: King Corn
When: 7:00 PM on January 25, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the film King Corn here
Sponsors:
What: King Corn
When: 7:00 PM on January 25, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
Free and open to the public. For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the film King Corn here
Sponsors:
Agudas Achim
Crystal Spring Center
Simply Keep It Local
Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary
Citizens for a Sustainable Local Economy
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church
Green Committee of First Universalist Society of Franklin
New Dawn Earth Center
Oake Knoll Ayrshires
Franklin Area Climate Team
White Barn Farm
St Mark's Episcopal Church-Foxboro
Saving Money in Plain English
In our continuing series on learning, the folks at Common Craft have come up with a new video on saving money. They explain the difference between putting money in your piggy bank or into a savings bank.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cafe Dolce - coming soon
yea, a coffee shop is coming soon to downtown Franklin.
This posting has updated information here
Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli.
Replies."Franklin does not have "any more or less" drugs than any other community"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
In what police say is likely the biggest heroin bust in Franklin's history, Franklin Police and the Norfolk County Police Anti-Crime Task Force seized 324 grams of heroin from a Providence man who sold $150 worth of cocaine to an undercover officer.
In addition to the $32,000 worth of heroin, police also seized 12 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $500 to $1,000, and $4,339 in cash during the arrest at 599 Old West Central St. (Rte. 140), police said.
"It's a very significant bust. Most people involved in the investigation and arrest, even the narcotics guys, they'd never seen that much heroin in any one place before this," said Franklin Lt. Thomas Lynch.
"That was the most (heroin seized) in one incident for one individual Franklin has ever had. In the 12 years I've been in law enforcement, I've never seen that much heroin in one place," said Lynch.
Read the full article on the heroin bust in the Milford Daily News here
Our teens have admitted struggling with substance abuse. You can check out the WASTED presentation here.
Town Council Mtg Summary 1/21/09
The following are the collection of posts for the Town Council meeting of 1/21/09
- Live reporting - Administrator's update, to meetin...
- Live reporting - Nutting - performance review
- Live reporting - action items
- Live reporting - the DPW story on snow
- Live reporting - Town Council 1/21/09
"Are we doing too good of a job?"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi shed light last night on a few of the mysteries of snow removal, like how much more contractors cost than town employees, why the town needs them, and why salt is ultimately cheaper than sand.
In a presentation to Town Council, Cantoreggi noted the town has already used up its snow removal budget for the year. He said the DPW is trying to cut costs and outlined the price of snow removal, reviewed the kinds of road treatments used by his department, as well as reimbursements for mailboxes smashed by plows, and described a cost-cutting measure he implemented this year.
Is it time?
Other than being an ad for Kaplan University, a company trying to re-invent itself, the subject raises some good questions. Is it time to re-think the educational process?
What do you think?
What do you think?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Live reporting - Administrator's update, to meeting close
Common Cause has awarded the town an award for information on the town web site. An informed electorate is the best way to survive tough times. Thanks to the town employees for providing the updates.
We should hear soon what the state funding status will be. It will be tough times.
Bartlett - What about the stimulation funding?
Nutting - The expectation that everyone will get something is incorrect. By the time you get down to the local level, where things need to be shovel ready, there won't be a lot of opportunity. Some of this will be done via block grants. The Congress has not yet voted on this. Governor Patrick is preparing the state well to react when it happens. We could use $500 billion on MA alone.
Bartlett - How will the process work when the Governor balances the budget?
Nutting - We need to look at the 2010 budget as well as the cuts for the 09 budget to make a smart choice. They ought to be parallel. I don't think it is practical to cut a school budget during the year. Can you just say no more math, or cuts spring sports? I think it will fall to the town to absorb the 09 cuts.
Old business -
Pfeffer - someone must know what the cause of the power and water damage was?
Nutting - I will get you information on what we are submitting.
Nutting - We go out to bid health insurance and property/casualty periodically. We are actually out to bid right now. We should get the bids in March.
New business -
Whalen - I thought we were getting a more comprehensive package on what happened and what the plan is to avoid this in the future.
Nutting - We will resolve that will tying the alerts into the Fire Station so when the heat goes out, there will be calls made.
Whalen - we should have a full accounting
Nutting - You probably won't see it until later February and March.
Pfeffer - we were promised a fuller report
Nutting - yes, you will get it, just not now.
Councilor Comments -
Mason -
Vallee - I heard from two people who are upset that they received a 34-38% increase in their taxes. I would like to hear from my constituents.
Nutting - Any one aggrieved by a tax increase, you need to file by Feb 1. If you don't file by Feb 1, you won't be able to get any adjustment.
We should hear soon what the state funding status will be. It will be tough times.
Bartlett - What about the stimulation funding?
Nutting - The expectation that everyone will get something is incorrect. By the time you get down to the local level, where things need to be shovel ready, there won't be a lot of opportunity. Some of this will be done via block grants. The Congress has not yet voted on this. Governor Patrick is preparing the state well to react when it happens. We could use $500 billion on MA alone.
Bartlett - How will the process work when the Governor balances the budget?
Nutting - We need to look at the 2010 budget as well as the cuts for the 09 budget to make a smart choice. They ought to be parallel. I don't think it is practical to cut a school budget during the year. Can you just say no more math, or cuts spring sports? I think it will fall to the town to absorb the 09 cuts.
Old business -
Pfeffer - someone must know what the cause of the power and water damage was?
Nutting - I will get you information on what we are submitting.
Nutting - We go out to bid health insurance and property/casualty periodically. We are actually out to bid right now. We should get the bids in March.
New business -
Whalen - I thought we were getting a more comprehensive package on what happened and what the plan is to avoid this in the future.
Nutting - We will resolve that will tying the alerts into the Fire Station so when the heat goes out, there will be calls made.
Whalen - we should have a full accounting
Nutting - You probably won't see it until later February and March.
Pfeffer - we were promised a fuller report
Nutting - yes, you will get it, just not now.
Councilor Comments -
Mason -
Vallee - I heard from two people who are upset that they received a 34-38% increase in their taxes. I would like to hear from my constituents.
Nutting - Any one aggrieved by a tax increase, you need to file by Feb 1. If you don't file by Feb 1, you won't be able to get any adjustment.
Live reporting - Nutting - performance review
Although differences of opinion may occur, Jeff executes the wish of the council.
Jeff drives around town
1 - to monitor the status of what's going on
2 - ensure that operations are current
continued development of town department heads and employees
maintain cost effective and efficient operations
Council should establish goals, Nutting should do likewise
more periodic updates from town dept heads to better educate the town and average citizens
recommendation for 2.5% pay increase retro active to October 2008
Zollo, (chair) McGann, Pfeffer (members)
raise was already budgeted, will not be seeking a raise for this budget year.
Vallee will not support any increase for any employee at this time
Doak - Jeff is the only employee in the town who has not gotten the increase this year. We should have done this sooner rather than later. I will support the recommended increase.
Chris - Jeff is the CEO of the town, normally is the highest pay of the town, normally would be getting the highest increase. Jeff's leadership in declining the increase for the coming year is good.
Approved 6-1
Jeff drives around town
1 - to monitor the status of what's going on
2 - ensure that operations are current
continued development of town department heads and employees
maintain cost effective and efficient operations
Council should establish goals, Nutting should do likewise
more periodic updates from town dept heads to better educate the town and average citizens
recommendation for 2.5% pay increase retro active to October 2008
Zollo, (chair) McGann, Pfeffer (members)
raise was already budgeted, will not be seeking a raise for this budget year.
Vallee will not support any increase for any employee at this time
Doak - Jeff is the only employee in the town who has not gotten the increase this year. We should have done this sooner rather than later. I will support the recommended increase.
Chris - Jeff is the CEO of the town, normally is the highest pay of the town, normally would be getting the highest increase. Jeff's leadership in declining the increase for the coming year is good.
Approved 6-1
Live reporting - action items
LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Discussion on reducing costs, the major expense on salting/sanding will occur later this year. Brutus to come back with some alternatives to cut costs what would it look like.
- Resolution 09-02: Declaration as Surplus and Available for Disposition (Leasing) and Authorization therefore of a Portion of Town-Owned Land at 40 West Central Street
- Resolution 09-03: Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations – Snow & Ice
Discussion on reducing costs, the major expense on salting/sanding will occur later this year. Brutus to come back with some alternatives to cut costs what would it look like.
Live reporting - the DPW story on snow
Robert (Brutus) Cantorregi
Jim Estabrook, GIS specialist
Thanks to Brutus and Jim for providing this copy of the full presentation:
only $2,010 left in snow budget right now
Citizens can help by:
Nutting - They have been cutting back on the routes and materials but nothing else.
Brutus - Maybe instead of getting to a subdivision within four hours after a storm, we do eight? Then heaven forbid, we don't get there and there is a tragedy due to a safety issue.
Whalen - what are the costs associated with a slower clearing of the snow? Maybe a few more school cancellations?
Nutting - the wear and tear of our DPW employees, just the safety of the employees alone, never mind the wear on the equipment.
Whalen - I am surprised that citizens with snow blowers just don't do more sidewalks.
Jim Estabrook, GIS specialist
Thanks to Brutus and Jim for providing this copy of the full presentation:
only $2,010 left in snow budget right now
Citizens can help by:
Don't put snow back into the streetDoak - the DPW is a victim of their own success. Is it a consideration to do less?
Clear the fire hydrants
Nutting - They have been cutting back on the routes and materials but nothing else.
Brutus - Maybe instead of getting to a subdivision within four hours after a storm, we do eight? Then heaven forbid, we don't get there and there is a tragedy due to a safety issue.
Whalen - what are the costs associated with a slower clearing of the snow? Maybe a few more school cancellations?
Nutting - the wear and tear of our DPW employees, just the safety of the employees alone, never mind the wear on the equipment.
Whalen - I am surprised that citizens with snow blowers just don't do more sidewalks.
Live reporting - Town Council 1/21/09
Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak
Absent: McGann, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none tonight
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none tonight
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none tonight
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - School Building Committee
Approved 7-0
Absent: McGann, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none tonight
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none tonight
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none tonight
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Fire Chief McCarraher asked for the citizens to help with clearing the fire hydrants near their residences. The DPW is getting around to clear them but the citizens can help create a safer environment.
E. APPOINTMENTS - School Building Committee
Peter Light, new Principal at Franklin High School, was appointed to replace Pam Gould on the School Building Committee. Pam is leaving for another position in Plymouth.
Approved 7-0
History of the internet
Thanks to the folks at Common Craft for pointing out this cool video history of the interent by PICOL. The foks at PICOL are developing a common picture library to help make communications easier and simpler to understand.
Watch this history video and see if they are successful:
History of the Internet from PICOL on Vimeo.
Did this make sense to you?
Did you like this?
Watch this history video and see if they are successful:
History of the Internet from PICOL on Vimeo.
Did this make sense to you?
Did you like this?
"Our vested interest is two-fold"
GHS
MEDWAY —
Looking to offer a neighbor a hand, Franklin is poised to start running its recreation programs in Medway, starting possibly with flag football for kids this spring.
Based on selectmen's enthusiastic reception at their meeting last night, the idea, while relatively modest, could open the towns' services to broader regionalization. The concept is mentioned often by local officials, but always proves hard to realize.
Medway has few recreation programs, while Franklin offers a full slate from cooking classes for pre-schoolers to an adult baseball league.
Recreation officials from both towns said yesterday they see the arrangement benefiting their kids and their finances: Medway would start having regular activities in town, while collecting user fees for its fields, and Franklin would bring in more money for a recreation department that essentially already pays for itself.
Read the full article on this collaboration effort in the Milford Daily News here
The American Form of Government
A good ten minute explanation of the American form of government:
Enjoy!
Thanks to WXPNews for the link.
Enjoy!
Thanks to WXPNews for the link.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Be remarkable
Seth Godin's talk at the TED conference a couple of years ago has been viewed many times. It can stand alone as a great piece of practical business advice. Seth delivers the message in a humorous and attention maintaining manner.
Put the video in Nibipedia, a new utilization of the wiki format, and the video becomes more powerful. While viewing, there is a screen below the video that changes as Seth is talking. It sequences the video with "nibs", a deeper explanation of that specific point in the video.
This is fascinating stuff. As it is a wiki, you can create another "nib". If one section of the video reminds you of something, you can create an account and add a new nib.
This is not the only video that has been "nibbed" on Nibipedia. This one just happens to be one I like and is a great example of what is needed to be remarkable today.
You can view the video here.
Once you have, continue to explore
Put the video in Nibipedia, a new utilization of the wiki format, and the video becomes more powerful. While viewing, there is a screen below the video that changes as Seth is talking. It sequences the video with "nibs", a deeper explanation of that specific point in the video.
This is fascinating stuff. As it is a wiki, you can create another "nib". If one section of the video reminds you of something, you can create an account and add a new nib.
This is not the only video that has been "nibbed" on Nibipedia. This one just happens to be one I like and is a great example of what is needed to be remarkable today.
You can view the video here.
Once you have, continue to explore
Town Council - Agenda - 1/21/09
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - School Building Committee
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - Snow & Ice Budget - DPW
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
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
This agenda can also be found on the Town web page here
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - School Building Committee
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - Snow & Ice Budget - DPW
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
- Resolution 09-02: Declaration as Surplus and Available for Disposition (Leasing) and Authorization therefore of a Portion of Town-Owned Land at 40 West Central Street
- Resolution 09-03: Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations – Snow & Ice
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
This agenda can also be found on the Town web page here
The Green Reel: "King Corn"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter beginning January 25th.
What: King Corn
When: 7:00 PM on January 25, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the film King Corn here
Sponsors:
What: King Corn
When: 7:00 PM on January 25, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
Free and open to the public. For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the film King Corn here
Sponsors:
Agudas Achim
Crystal Spring Center
Simply Keep It Local
Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary
Citizens for a Sustainable Local Economy
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church
Green Committee of First Universalist Society of Franklin
New Dawn Earth Center
Oake Knoll Ayrshires
Franklin Area Climate Team
White Barn Farm
St Mark's Episcopal Church-Foxboro
Monday, January 19, 2009
"we encourage their interest"
According to CNN exit polls, of the 18- to 29-year-old voters, 66 percent of them cast their ballots for Barack Obama in November. And although a majority of students at Franklin High School are not of legal voting age, that minor detail has not stopped some from taking a sincere interest.
"Even though you can't vote, you can still make a difference," said junior Zachary Woodward.
He and classmate Sara LaFlamme recently started up a Young Democrats club at the school and held their first meeting last Thursday.
"I've always considered myself a Democrat," said LaFlamme. "But this election really caught my attention because the two (Democratic) candidates were a woman and a black man. Those are huge steps right there."
She and Woodward went through a number of issues at the meeting, ranging from the economy to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and presented the Democratic standpoint of each.
"I really see this club as a portal through which we can channel our ideas," Woodward told the 11 students present. "Just because we can't vote, we still know what's important."
Tina Leardi, a U.S. history teacher and the club's adviser, stressed that a person doesn't have to agree with all Democratic policies to identify with the party.
"I think (the club) is a really good idea," she said. "Kids should be reading the papers, watching the news, and forming their own opinions."
Read the full article on how the interest in politics has risen amongst high school students in the Milford Daily News here
Schools - capital priority list
GHS
FRANKLIN —
While the townwide Building Committee assesses which buildings are in most need of repair, the School Committee wants to send a strong message that renovating Franklin High School should take precedence.
Facilities Manager Michael D'Angelo made a list of 25 capital projects that need to be done in the school district, with a total cost of $4.9 million.
"The number one priority is not on this list, and that's Franklin High School. Everything on this list should take a backseat to moving forward with Franklin High School," said Chairman Jeffrey Roy.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily New here.
This was part of the live reporting from the School Committee meeting on 1/13/09
You can view the video of this discussion on the town website
FM #28 - This week in Franklin, MA
This is #28 in the Franklin Matters series of podcasts. This one focuses on what happened this week in Franklin with key points from the School Committee meeting, the Franklin Area Climate Team, the Financial Planning Committee, and the FINCOM meeting of January 6th.
Time: 11 minutes, 40 seconds
MP3 File
This podcast for Franklin Matters is number 28 in the series. In this edition, I’ll focus on what you should know about what is happening here in Franklin, MA as we begin 2009.
From the School Committee meeting 1/13/09, there was a very good presentation on the high school arts program and how it is bringing art into the community. Art teacher, Mike Caple was accompanied by two students, Rachel Nault and Madison Weber, to make the joint presentation.
You can view the presentation on web now. The School Committee meeting was streamed live over the internet. This was the third town meeting to be broadcast this year. You can go to the video archive and view the meeting in its entirety or specific sections according to the published agenda. The link is on the town web site and will be included in the blog post that accompanies this.
Continuing with the SchCom meeting, Peter Light. previously announced as the interim principal for Franklin High, was announced as the permanent replacement during the meeting Tuesday evening. You should recall that Pam Gould had tendered her notice to leave Franklin to take the Asst. Superintendent of HR position in Plymouth. I would have liked her to stay here, she was doing so well. Given the choice to move up and on or stay, I do agree with her choice. I wish her well.
Peter has done well in dozen years he has been here in Franklin. I expect he will make a great principal for the high school. He knows the community. He has the willingness to listen and the drive to do good things.
How did he move from interim to permanent so quickly? While not explicitly stated, it was acknowledged that Peter was a finalist for the principal position in Needham. Reading between the lines, I think it was better to make him permanent, to keep him here rather than run the risk of losing him.
Wednesday evening, along with about 25-30 others, I viewed the documentary “Kilowatt Ours” at the Franklin Library. This was the fourth and final of the Energy $ense series sponsored by the Franklin Area Climate Team. Information on the prior sessions is available on Franklin Matters. There is a special link on the right hand column under Important Links. Look for “FACT – Energy $ense Series”.
At the library, I picked up a flyer for “The Green Reel – 2009 Winter Film series”. There will be additional details on this series of 5 films to be published on Franklin Matters. The first film is “King Corn” to be shown at Agudas Achim in Attleboro on January 25th.
Thursday evening the Financial Planning Committee got together to review the status on the report they are pulling together. The various sections of the report were covered in detail in my “live reporting” notes already posted on Franklin Matters.
The draft report will be previewed with a focus group, followed by a town wide open forum. The date remains to be determined for this forum but I would encourage you to stay tuned. As soon as it is available, this is one forum we should all participate in. The budget details for the short term outlook for Franklin will be critical points to understand.
When someone like Rebecca Cameron says:
Rebecca sits on the Finance Committee and has insights into the details of the Franklin budget process that many of would like to have. She now is part of the group developing this long term plan for Franklin. I have said before that the work this group is doing is going to be critical to what Franklin does in the short term and longer term. The information they have gathered and are about to share should create a better understanding across the Franklin community of what the real issue are.
One key point on the operation of the Fire Department was captured during the Finance Committee meeting on January 6th. Chief McCarraher was answering questions from FINCOM members as he reviewed his capital budget plan. One question was why not outsource the ambulance services. The answer the Chief gave is important to understand how smartly the Fire Department has created its staffing plan and how efficiently they do utilize their resources. Let’s listen to this clip from the meeting:
... insert clip ...
The Fire Department staffs a minimum number to provide a first response and calls in off-duty resources when there is a fire. He had 10 folks regularly on, needs fifteen for a fire when it occurs. In the meantime, he uses the extra time of the fire staff to answer ambulance calls for which they are reimbursed. Very smartly done. Can’t be much more efficient than that. If you don’t follow this line of thought, please be sure to talk with the Chief, or send me an email or comment.
To quickly recap this segment, we talked about
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 11 minutes, 40 seconds
MP3 File
This podcast for Franklin Matters is number 28 in the series. In this edition, I’ll focus on what you should know about what is happening here in Franklin, MA as we begin 2009.
From the School Committee meeting 1/13/09, there was a very good presentation on the high school arts program and how it is bringing art into the community. Art teacher, Mike Caple was accompanied by two students, Rachel Nault and Madison Weber, to make the joint presentation.
You can view the presentation on web now. The School Committee meeting was streamed live over the internet. This was the third town meeting to be broadcast this year. You can go to the video archive and view the meeting in its entirety or specific sections according to the published agenda. The link is on the town web site and will be included in the blog post that accompanies this.
Continuing with the SchCom meeting, Peter Light. previously announced as the interim principal for Franklin High, was announced as the permanent replacement during the meeting Tuesday evening. You should recall that Pam Gould had tendered her notice to leave Franklin to take the Asst. Superintendent of HR position in Plymouth. I would have liked her to stay here, she was doing so well. Given the choice to move up and on or stay, I do agree with her choice. I wish her well.
Peter has done well in dozen years he has been here in Franklin. I expect he will make a great principal for the high school. He knows the community. He has the willingness to listen and the drive to do good things.
How did he move from interim to permanent so quickly? While not explicitly stated, it was acknowledged that Peter was a finalist for the principal position in Needham. Reading between the lines, I think it was better to make him permanent, to keep him here rather than run the risk of losing him.
Wednesday evening, along with about 25-30 others, I viewed the documentary “Kilowatt Ours” at the Franklin Library. This was the fourth and final of the Energy $ense series sponsored by the Franklin Area Climate Team. Information on the prior sessions is available on Franklin Matters. There is a special link on the right hand column under Important Links. Look for “FACT – Energy $ense Series”.
At the library, I picked up a flyer for “The Green Reel – 2009 Winter Film series”. There will be additional details on this series of 5 films to be published on Franklin Matters. The first film is “King Corn” to be shown at Agudas Achim in Attleboro on January 25th.
Thursday evening the Financial Planning Committee got together to review the status on the report they are pulling together. The various sections of the report were covered in detail in my “live reporting” notes already posted on Franklin Matters.
The draft report will be previewed with a focus group, followed by a town wide open forum. The date remains to be determined for this forum but I would encourage you to stay tuned. As soon as it is available, this is one forum we should all participate in. The budget details for the short term outlook for Franklin will be critical points to understand.
When someone like Rebecca Cameron says:
”It finally hit me how much we are dependent upon the state”I think this is a break through moment.
Rebecca sits on the Finance Committee and has insights into the details of the Franklin budget process that many of would like to have. She now is part of the group developing this long term plan for Franklin. I have said before that the work this group is doing is going to be critical to what Franklin does in the short term and longer term. The information they have gathered and are about to share should create a better understanding across the Franklin community of what the real issue are.
One key point on the operation of the Fire Department was captured during the Finance Committee meeting on January 6th. Chief McCarraher was answering questions from FINCOM members as he reviewed his capital budget plan. One question was why not outsource the ambulance services. The answer the Chief gave is important to understand how smartly the Fire Department has created its staffing plan and how efficiently they do utilize their resources. Let’s listen to this clip from the meeting:
... insert clip ...
The Fire Department staffs a minimum number to provide a first response and calls in off-duty resources when there is a fire. He had 10 folks regularly on, needs fifteen for a fire when it occurs. In the meantime, he uses the extra time of the fire staff to answer ambulance calls for which they are reimbursed. Very smartly done. Can’t be much more efficient than that. If you don’t follow this line of thought, please be sure to talk with the Chief, or send me an email or comment.
To quickly recap this segment, we talked about
- live streaming for town meetings
- the high school art in the community program
- Peter Light the new principal at the high school
- the efforts of the Franklin Area Climate Team
- finally the Financial Planning Committee
----- -----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Sunday, January 18, 2009
School Committee video available
The video broadcast of the School Committee meeting Tuesday January 13th is now available on the Town web site here
You can also view the complete January meeting archive here and then select the meeting you would like to see.
You can also view the complete January meeting archive here and then select the meeting you would like to see.
"We can ride this out"
Music venues of all sizes are tightening their belts as well. The Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham and Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin report a 20 percent drop in fall and winter ticket sales.
"What we're also seeing is that people are waiting longer to buy tickets," said Circle of Friends volunteer organizer Jake Jacobson. "It's understandable because people are afraid of losing their jobs."
For Circle of Friends, a small, well-respected, volunteer-run operation that does not rely on donations, the consequences are manageable. Equipment purchases are being put on hold.
Read the full article on how non-profit arts organizations are coping with the downturn in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here
The next concert at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is scheduled January 31 featuring Vance Gilbert and Ann Heaton
"The project will not cost the town anything"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Building a multi-purpose bike path from Franklin State Forest to Palmer is going to require a lot of time, passion, and help, but it's legwork that Franklin bicyclists are ready to put in.
On Jan. 14, the Franklin Odd Fellows along with representatives from the Masonic Order, Army Corps of Engineers, Grandtruck Trailblazers, Conservation Commission, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Bellingham Lions Club, and other local bicyclists and nature lovers formed "Friends of the Bike Path Committee" to begin discussions on creating Franklin's portion of the bike trail.
The trail will replace unused rail bed, starting in Franklin, and weaving through 15 towns including Bellingham and Blackstone, to Palmer and back to Southbridge and Sturbridge. In Franklin, the railroad splits at Cottage and Union streets, with the inactive part of the line beginning at Grove Street.
Read the full article about the proposed bike/exercise path in the Milford Daily News here
The group welcomes volunteers and meets again on Wed., Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Lodge. They will talk about how to present their case for developing the path to the town.
"average rate of municipal health care cost increased 13 percent"
BOSTON - Rep. James E. Vallee, D–Franklin, support plans to file legislation this month to remove union veto power over cities and towns seeking to save hundreds of millions of dollars by joining the state health insurance plan.
"Cities and towns need our help and I am committed to doing all I can to help my communities weather the current fiscal crisis," said Vallee. "I believe these changes will help communities save money by allowing them to join the state health insurance plan. The cost savings to communities is tremendous."
Read the full article on the cost saving measure online at Wicked Local here
"I think we're very detail-oriented"
Nothing too fancy or too complicated. But at the end of the day, it nets positive results.
"We're not about athleticism," said the 6-foot-5-inch Spencer. "Whoever works harder is going to win the game."
Added Dean, "We're not about flash. We're about getting it to the open guy."
Read the full article on the Franklin High School boys basketball team in the Boston Sunday Globe West section here
"you just have to do it"
Municipalities often budget low for snow and ice cleanup because, unlike with most other accounts, they can spend in the red and make up the difference later in the year.
But even in Franklin, where the Town Council had hiked its snow budget from $551,000 to $694,000, Public Works Director Brutus Cantoreggi said Thursday he was near the limit.
"I've spent about $550,000 so far," he said. "But one of my salt sheds is empty, and it costs $150,000 to fill, so I'm gone."
Plummeting fuel prices have been a boon, some public works directors said, but road salt is still proving to be a budget-buster. In Franklin, the price jumped from $54 a ton to $75 this season. That means it costs about $30,000 each time Cantoreggi sends a fleet of trucks to put down a layer of sand and salt across town.
"Labor costs are about the same. It's just the salt," he said. "It's been a very busy winter."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Saturday, January 17, 2009
NewBCamp - find out about blogging, podcasting, Twitter, etc.
It's been almost one year since the inaugural NewBCamp took place and there's another one coming up in Providence.
What is NewBCamp?
It is a gathering of people interesting in learning and sharing about the new social media tools; blogs, podcasts, video blogs, Twitter, etc.
What is in it for me?
If you are interested in learning about these tools, then this is the place for you. The focus is on the new user (i.e. newbie or NewB). You won't feel lost, you will be amongst those who are learning from those who are willing to share.
What does it cost?
It is very reasonably priced at only $10. Less than a movie!
What are the details?
When:
February 8, 2009 - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:
Johnson & WalesPepsi Forum
8 Abbott Park Place
Providence, RI 02903
NewBCamp is brought to you by two organizations - Free Geek Providence and SofT ICE at Johnson & Wales.
If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact me. I will be there at the Welcome/Registration Desk.
If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact me. I will be there at the Welcome/Registration Desk.
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Patrick J. Carney
| Patrick J. Carney, 22 of Franklin died January 15 in Brigham & Women’s Hospital Boston after a six month battle with cancer. He was the son of Joseph and Kim (Wilcke) Carney of Franklin. |
 |
Read the full set of information on the Xaverian Brothers web site here
Friday, January 16, 2009
Chicago - "Share My Inauguration"
Since I started following the students at Worcester Academy and their effort to cover the inauguration, I have also found that there is a group from Chicago:
FOLLOW THEIR JOURNEY
Twenty-four Chicago inner-city 5th and 6th graders will witness Barack Obama’s historic inauguration. Dubbed the DC 24, the students from Frazier Preparatory Academy, a pre-K through 6th grade elementary school, will also tour area universities and monuments during their four-day adventure.Along the way, they’ll chronicle their journey and share their impressions through a series of blogs and vlogs. Traveling with the students is Tara Settembre, one of LA’s best known bloggers, who will coach the DC 24 on blogging and vlogging.
You can view the DC 24 web site here.
"It finally hit me how much we are dependent upon the state"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
With the economy plunging even further into a recession, the town's long-range fiscal planning committee that had been prepping for a financial windstorm is now bracing for a hurricane.
"When we started in August, we were $2 million short. We're praying now it's only going to be $2 million short," said group member Rebecca Cameron, a Finance Committee member.
The council-appointed group, charged with preparing a long-range financial plan, anxiously awaits Gov. Deval Patrick's news, expected in two weeks, enumerating what state aid he will cut.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
You can also review my "live reporting" notes from the meeting here
Financial Planning Comm 01/15/09
The live reporting posts covering the Financial Planning Committee meeting of Thursday 1/15/09 can be found here:
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee (cont'd)
6 - Financial planning (Roche)
handout from Jim, includes listing from S&P listing the ten things for public finance that are characteristics of good planning. Franklin does in fact do all these ten things.
The source for this listing is the S&P article found here
add vital signs and trends, i.e. stabilization fund in 2003 vs 2010 stark difference.
7 - FAQ (Kelly)
summarizing from over all the sources, the questions that have been raised.
trying to provide a quality of life for all members of the community
is a student with and IEP considered a SPED student? or are they categorized separately
8 - Financial Terms (Nutting)
if the state would allow we would do these things
the capital budget
the debt and narrative
the FAQ draft should also be answered from the town figures
discussion on setting up the focus group to review the draft of the report
what is the date for the deliverable? then set the date for the focus group
Feb 5th to internally review the draft
Formalize the draft by the 29th
Focus group on March 5th
half the group gets the report before hand, half gets it upon the entry
will get feedback on presentation simplicity
handout from Jim, includes listing from S&P listing the ten things for public finance that are characteristics of good planning. Franklin does in fact do all these ten things.
Top 10 List
1. An established rainy day/budget stabilization reserve
2. Regular economic and revenue reviews to identify shortfalls early
3. Prioritized spending plans and established contingency plans for operating budgets
4. A formalized capital improvement plan in order to assess future infrastructure requirements
5. Long-term planning for all liabilities of a government, including pension obligations, other post employment benefits and other contingent obligations would be optimal and allow for comprehensive assessment of future budgetary risks
6. A debt affordability model in place to evaluate future debt profile
7. A pay-as-you-go financing strategy as part of the operating and capital budget.
8. A multi-year financial plan in place that considers the affordability of actions or plans before they are part of the annual budget.
9. Effective management and information systems
10. A well-defined and coordinated economic development strategy
The source for this listing is the S&P article found here
add vital signs and trends, i.e. stabilization fund in 2003 vs 2010 stark difference.
7 - FAQ (Kelly)
summarizing from over all the sources, the questions that have been raised.
trying to provide a quality of life for all members of the community
is a student with and IEP considered a SPED student? or are they categorized separately
8 - Financial Terms (Nutting)
if the state would allow we would do these things
the capital budget
the debt and narrative
the FAQ draft should also be answered from the town figures
discussion on setting up the focus group to review the draft of the report
what is the date for the deliverable? then set the date for the focus group
Feb 5th to internally review the draft
Formalize the draft by the 29th
Focus group on March 5th
half the group gets the report before hand, half gets it upon the entry
will get feedback on presentation simplicity
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee
Attending: Roche, Bartlett, Cameron, Hardesty, Nutting, Wilschek, Kelly, Ogden, Trahan, Zollo
Absent: Whalen
Meeting opens
Working listing of action items to pull the presentation together (numbered listing that follows)
add self-help items - average person working in lieu of taxes provides about 8000 hours of labor to help the DPW, library, etc.
Report Category
1 - Assumptions (Cameron)
wrote out from the budget draft that Jeff had put together earlier
Outline format to tell the story so those who won't be able to read and understand the table of numbers will get the gist of what is occurring.
Rationalization will be key, a range of 3-5% on one number may not have the same effect on the budget that another number could have a range of 2 - 2.5% and have a significant effect.
Justification for the numbers, i.e. what is the driving factor, health insurance, or lane changes per contract.
Formatting is not important at this time, it is more important to get the content section down.
2 - Benchmarking component (Whalen)
comparison of Franklin to other towns, comparison of Franklin within, i.e. trends
looking to identify the appropriate peer group for Franklin
explain why some towns that some would think would be comparable are not in the report
need good rational for what is included and what is excluded
simply need to demonstrate that the town is responsible, that there is no obvious low hanging fruit
3 - Financial Model/Sensitivity Analysis (Hardesty)
doesn't want to re-do the numbers just yet as the numbers are so much influx at this time, the approach will be the same, will just update with the actual numbers when they become available.
How to enhance revenue or reduce costs with things that can be done easily
For the gap beyond that, this would then list out the choices
taking a layered approach, baseline (level 1) plus (level 2) listing the assumptions that drive the changes
4 - HR Matters (Trahan)
Done with Wayne and Jeff, handout provided with summary
85-90% of the town employees are unionized
the unions have been cooperative in negotiations, the raises have been very reasonable
include the post retirement underfunded liability as an assumption and foot note, unless legislation changing this, it is reportable but would not effect the planning for our time line
5 - Revenue/Expense Enhancements (Zollo)
Will have something formal for the committee next time, a top ten list or a growing total and show the growth over the past and going forward. How far back do we want to go? For credibility, go back at least as far as Jeff. Current management is striving to be efficient. Proposed to go back as afar as 2001. Maybe not the full ten or fifteen, show at least the significant ones.
Appendix listing can show them all, but the top list would cover the 80/20 rule. Factor in the inflation and show what it could have been versus what it is today.
There are two kinds of savings, cuts and efficiencies. Trying to color each to show how they contributed.
Absent: Whalen
Meeting opens
Working listing of action items to pull the presentation together (numbered listing that follows)
add self-help items - average person working in lieu of taxes provides about 8000 hours of labor to help the DPW, library, etc.
Report Category
1 - Assumptions (Cameron)
wrote out from the budget draft that Jeff had put together earlier
Outline format to tell the story so those who won't be able to read and understand the table of numbers will get the gist of what is occurring.
Rationalization will be key, a range of 3-5% on one number may not have the same effect on the budget that another number could have a range of 2 - 2.5% and have a significant effect.
Justification for the numbers, i.e. what is the driving factor, health insurance, or lane changes per contract.
Formatting is not important at this time, it is more important to get the content section down.
2 - Benchmarking component (Whalen)
comparison of Franklin to other towns, comparison of Franklin within, i.e. trends
looking to identify the appropriate peer group for Franklin
explain why some towns that some would think would be comparable are not in the report
need good rational for what is included and what is excluded
simply need to demonstrate that the town is responsible, that there is no obvious low hanging fruit
3 - Financial Model/Sensitivity Analysis (Hardesty)
doesn't want to re-do the numbers just yet as the numbers are so much influx at this time, the approach will be the same, will just update with the actual numbers when they become available.
How to enhance revenue or reduce costs with things that can be done easily
For the gap beyond that, this would then list out the choices
taking a layered approach, baseline (level 1) plus (level 2) listing the assumptions that drive the changes
4 - HR Matters (Trahan)
Done with Wayne and Jeff, handout provided with summary
85-90% of the town employees are unionized
the unions have been cooperative in negotiations, the raises have been very reasonable
include the post retirement underfunded liability as an assumption and foot note, unless legislation changing this, it is reportable but would not effect the planning for our time line
5 - Revenue/Expense Enhancements (Zollo)
Will have something formal for the committee next time, a top ten list or a growing total and show the growth over the past and going forward. How far back do we want to go? For credibility, go back at least as far as Jeff. Current management is striving to be efficient. Proposed to go back as afar as 2001. Maybe not the full ten or fifteen, show at least the significant ones.
Appendix listing can show them all, but the top list would cover the 80/20 rule. Factor in the inflation and show what it could have been versus what it is today.
There are two kinds of savings, cuts and efficiencies. Trying to color each to show how they contributed.
Worcester Academy Inauguration project
Thanks to my daughter for the tip, here is an example of a local high school project using social media to report on and record their experiences of the upcoming inauguration.
Their blog can be found here.
This is a sample video posted to YouTube and their blog, recorded with a Flip camera
Way to go Worcester Academy!
Their blog can be found here.
This is a sample video posted to YouTube and their blog, recorded with a Flip camera
Way to go Worcester Academy!
"everything that's simple we've already done"
Read the full article in the Boston Globe West section here
Last spring in Franklin, residents voted against a $2.8 million override, after approving a $2.7 million tax increase the year before. This year, a financial plan committee is preparing a three-year projection to better prepare for the town's fiscal needs. An initial draft should be available by early next month, according to the Town Council's vice chairwoman, Deborah Bartlett.Bartlett wouldn't rule out the possibility of an override request, saying, "I don't think we're thinking that far ahead yet." However, "it's hard to know, with everything so volatile at this point," she said. "I think people are scared . . . and we don't know how they will feel about committing to more money than they're currently committing."
It's clear that revenues in Franklin will once again fall short of expenses, Bartlett said, and "without more money, we're not going to be able to provide the same level of service as today."
Officials are searching for ways to consolidate services and save money, but "everything that's simple we've already done," she said.
"reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere"
The Green Energy Fair is a free event that will be held at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., on Thursday, Feb. 5. It will feature information from a Wrentham organic farmer, vendors selling green products and energy-saving tips.
The Global Warming Cafe will be held Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m., at the First Universalist Church in Franklin. The cafe is open to the public and is an informal gathering to discuss global warming and how to stop it.
For more information about the low-carbon diet, logon to www.350.org.
To sign up for news of future FACT events, e-mail FranklinAreaClimateTeam@yahoogroups.com
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Kilowatt Ours - Impressive
Approx 25-30 people braved the cold to view the documentary "Kilowatt Ours" at the Franklin Library on Wednesday evening. In this photo, Ted McIntyre, Franklin Area Climate Team, provided the opening remarks to the group. Fred Schlicher, Program Manager from the Mass Climate Action Network, gave a brief overview of the film.
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Outdoor burning season begins
Did you know that the outdoor burning season begins today?
You do need a permit.
Even with the permit, you still can't burn leaves.
Additional details and permit process can be found on the Town web site
You do need a permit.
Even with the permit, you still can't burn leaves.
Additional details and permit process can be found on the Town web site
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
SchCom: Sabolinski, Light, Ogden
Incoming Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski and Peter Light listen as current Superintendent Wayne Ogden explains the selection process that resulted in Peter being announced as the new Principal of Franklin High School.
Additional notes from the School Committee meeting can be found here
SchCom: FHS Art Gallery
The presentation on the Franklin High School Art Gallery activities was made by Art Teacher Mike Caple (center), Rachel Nault (left) and Madison Weber (right).
Notes from the presentation can be found here
Additional notes from the School Committee meeting can be found here
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