Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service.
You can listen to the recording of his talk here.
Myth: It's okay to throw something away as long as it's biodegradable. Read More »
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bill Glynn - Abraham Bolden
Bill Glynn and Abraham Bolden at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium talking about the JFK assassination on Wednesday 2/25/09
Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service.
You can listen to the recording of his talk here.
Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service.
You can listen to the recording of his talk here.
Monday, March 2, 2009
SchCom: Asst Supt Candidate
Sally Winslow talks with the School Committee at their meeting 2/24/09 as reported here earlier
Dalai Lama coming to Gillette
GHS
FOXBOROUGH —
From the New England Patriots to the Rolling Stones, a long list of famous figures have moved through Gillette Stadium.
In May, the Foxborough venue will add yet another name to the list: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
Recognized by many as the rightful head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama will give two public talks on Saturday, May 2, at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., one on the "Four Noble Truths of Buddhism" and the other a reflection on "The Path to Peace and Happiness." Each talk will last about two hours.
----------
Tickets for the Dalai Lama's talks go on sale March 6 for $37.50, $75.50 and $117.50. Tickets will be available at TicketMaster.com or by phone at 866-448-7849. Parking is free.
For more information, visit www.bostontibet.org. To learn more about the Dalai Lama, visit www.dalailama.com.
read the full story about the Dalai Lama's visit to Gillette Stadium this May in the Milford Daily News here
"the loggers will create a fire road"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
For the first time since the town commissioned its long-term forestation program study in 2000, officials will step into the woods with paintguns and begin marking up ill-fated trees, said Conservation Commission member Paul Boncek.
Barring unforeseen weather problems, Boncek will accompany registered forester Philip Benjamin of Easton on Wednesday to examine the town's open space. Benjamin conducted the study and "is intimately familiar" with the property, just off Summer Street.
Using a remote camera, Boncek will record their walk through the woods, stopping at various trees to explain why they are choosing to knock down each particular one, he said. He plans to put the recording on cable access television so people have a better understanding of the process and the purpose of the forestation program, he said.
"It's a unique thing and people often don't understand it," Boncek said. "After we mark up all these trees, sunlight makes the young trees grow up and older ones get more sunlight and become healthier."
read the full story about the reforestation planning in the Milford Daily News here
"We're certainly willing to sit down"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Just as President Barack Obama has called for sacrifices to be made in the midst of the country's economic turmoil, many town workers are also considering what cuts they are willing to make for the greater good.
Last Wednesday, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy announced that 51 school administrators, including every principal and assistant principal, the superintendent, and all non-union secretaries, offered to freeze their salaries next year.
That will save an estimated $50,000 to $70,000, and two teaching positions, said Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, who becomes superintendent July 1.
"We felt good about that," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Town Council - Agenda - 3/4/09
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 4, 11, 2009
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Public Land Use Committee
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Update – Mike D’Angelo
2. Update – Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-09: Appropriation – Survey on 30+ Acres on Pond Street
2. Resolution 09-10: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway
3. Resolution 09-11: Appropriation – Capital – Fire Dept Ladder Truck
4. Resolution 09-12: Appropriation – Capital – DPW Lawn mower
5. Resolution 09-13: Creation of Forge Park Economic Opportunity Area
6. Resolution 09-14: Creation of Franklin Industrial Park Economic Opportunity Area
7. Bylaw Amendment 09-630:Amendment to Chapter 37, Town Properties - 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Public Land Use Committee
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Update – Mike D’Angelo
2. Update – Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-09: Appropriation – Survey on 30+ Acres on Pond Street
2. Resolution 09-10: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway
3. Resolution 09-11: Appropriation – Capital – Fire Dept Ladder Truck
4. Resolution 09-12: Appropriation – Capital – DPW Lawn mower
5. Resolution 09-13: Creation of Forge Park Economic Opportunity Area
6. Resolution 09-14: Creation of Franklin Industrial Park Economic Opportunity Area
7. Bylaw Amendment 09-630:Amendment to Chapter 37, Town Properties - 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
"If you don't take care of it, you won't have it"
"We're trying to chip away, slowly but surely, to make ourselves greener and reduce our carbon footprint," Kane said.
Solar panels, as well as electrical inverters that change the direct current from the roof to alternating current that can be fed into his NStar electrical system, cost Kane $149,817.
But a $67,568 rebate from the Mass. Technology Collaborative, a $44,945 federal tax credit, a $7,221 state tax credit and other incentives brought the price down to $45,312, he said.
He will pay that amount off over six to seven years.
The solar power system is expected to generate about 18,900 kilowatt/hours a year, which should add up to an annual savings of about $3,800 on utility bills at today's rates, he said.
Kane also shopped locally, getting the Devens-manufactured panels from Marlborough-based Evergreen Solar. His electrical inverters were built by Solectria Renewables of Lawrence.
Kane, who lives in Framingham, said he is now researching whether it would make financial sense to expand his solar array and sell electricity back to his utility company. If so, he sees bigger potential in his industry.
"There are millions of square feet of storage roofs around the country," he said.
Read more about the solar electric installation in the Milford Daily News here
For additional information on solar energy, check out the series held by the Franklin Area Climate Team here
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Ed Cafasso's Letter
Hello Everyone!
I apologize for falling slightly behind in my monthly updates… The first eight weeks of the year have flown by! Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…
Fiscal Year 2010 Budget: Intensive work is underway in an effort to figure out the best financial plan for the Franklin schools given the difficult financial climate we are all facing.
Costs continue to outpace revenues and, in the current economy, revenues are shrinking. The big drivers of school cost increases in the coming fiscal year are teacher salary hikes and step changes; healthcare prices, special education, and transportation. Normally, given the budget cuts the schools sustained in the current fiscal year, one would hope for at least a level-service budget in the new fiscal year that begins July 1, a budget that meets cost increases and preserves current personnel and programs. Instead, the net effect of declining state and local revenues means that the Franklin schools will be fortunate to secure a level-funded FY10 budget. “Level funded” means operating the schools with the same amount of money as the previous year, despite increasing costs.
Under a level-funded scenario, cuts imposed last July will be not be reversed. To balance the FY10 budget, the schools will need to trim nearly $3 million in costs – the equivalent of 60 classrooms positions. Given that 45 professional teaching positions were eliminated at the start of this school year (and 14 were cut the year prior), School Committee members, administrators, principals and staff are working together to explore and discuss every possible option in an effort to avert another dramatic teaching cutback and even larger class sizes.
Everything is on the table. In recent weeks, for example, all 51 of our non-union school personnel – administrators and secretaries – decided to freeze their salaries and give up any increases in FY10. It remains to be seen whether unionized school workers will adopt a similar approach. Also unclear are the details of how the Franklin schools might benefit from the Obama administration’s stimulus package. Keep in mind, however, that the stimulus money is not recurring revenue – once it is spent, the personnel or programs it supports will be without funding.
I urge everyone to stay close to the budget process this year by paying attention to School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee meetings; and by seeking a frank discussion of these issues with your principals and your school PCCs. As a reminder of the budget cuts your schools have sustained in the past six years, I encourage you to visit this web link: http://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-school-budget-reductions-updated-presentation?type=powerpoint
School Calendar: As Oak Street and Horace Mann parents may have heard, the state Education Commissioner has refused to grant a waiver from the 180-day requirement for the single day that classes were cancelled when the facility closed due to a September water pipe break. The result is that an additional day of school will be tacked onto the end of the academic year for Oak Street and Horace Mann students.
As of this afternoon, classes in Franklin are scheduled to end Friday, June 19, which means that the extra day of school for Oak Street and Horace Mann students would fall on Monday, June 22. But another major snowstorm is being forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Additional cancellations will push the school calendar further into the week of June 21.
Franklin High School: There has been no news on the district’s application for funding assistance from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. A professional inspectional team from the MSBA toured the building in mid-December as part of Franklin’s application for state funding assistance. We hope to have an indication from state officials soon about the likelihood of state support for the renovation of the school or the construction of a new building. You can expect school and town officials to move quickly once we are able to secure some clarity from the MSBA.
The next meeting of the School Committee is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10th.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
I apologize for falling slightly behind in my monthly updates… The first eight weeks of the year have flown by! Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…
Fiscal Year 2010 Budget: Intensive work is underway in an effort to figure out the best financial plan for the Franklin schools given the difficult financial climate we are all facing.
Costs continue to outpace revenues and, in the current economy, revenues are shrinking. The big drivers of school cost increases in the coming fiscal year are teacher salary hikes and step changes; healthcare prices, special education, and transportation. Normally, given the budget cuts the schools sustained in the current fiscal year, one would hope for at least a level-service budget in the new fiscal year that begins July 1, a budget that meets cost increases and preserves current personnel and programs. Instead, the net effect of declining state and local revenues means that the Franklin schools will be fortunate to secure a level-funded FY10 budget. “Level funded” means operating the schools with the same amount of money as the previous year, despite increasing costs.
Under a level-funded scenario, cuts imposed last July will be not be reversed. To balance the FY10 budget, the schools will need to trim nearly $3 million in costs – the equivalent of 60 classrooms positions. Given that 45 professional teaching positions were eliminated at the start of this school year (and 14 were cut the year prior), School Committee members, administrators, principals and staff are working together to explore and discuss every possible option in an effort to avert another dramatic teaching cutback and even larger class sizes.
Everything is on the table. In recent weeks, for example, all 51 of our non-union school personnel – administrators and secretaries – decided to freeze their salaries and give up any increases in FY10. It remains to be seen whether unionized school workers will adopt a similar approach. Also unclear are the details of how the Franklin schools might benefit from the Obama administration’s stimulus package. Keep in mind, however, that the stimulus money is not recurring revenue – once it is spent, the personnel or programs it supports will be without funding.
I urge everyone to stay close to the budget process this year by paying attention to School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee meetings; and by seeking a frank discussion of these issues with your principals and your school PCCs. As a reminder of the budget cuts your schools have sustained in the past six years, I encourage you to visit this web link: http://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-school-budget-reductions-updated-presentation?type=powerpoint
School Calendar: As Oak Street and Horace Mann parents may have heard, the state Education Commissioner has refused to grant a waiver from the 180-day requirement for the single day that classes were cancelled when the facility closed due to a September water pipe break. The result is that an additional day of school will be tacked onto the end of the academic year for Oak Street and Horace Mann students.
As of this afternoon, classes in Franklin are scheduled to end Friday, June 19, which means that the extra day of school for Oak Street and Horace Mann students would fall on Monday, June 22. But another major snowstorm is being forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Additional cancellations will push the school calendar further into the week of June 21.
Franklin High School: There has been no news on the district’s application for funding assistance from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. A professional inspectional team from the MSBA toured the building in mid-December as part of Franklin’s application for state funding assistance. We hope to have an indication from state officials soon about the likelihood of state support for the renovation of the school or the construction of a new building. You can expect school and town officials to move quickly once we are able to secure some clarity from the MSBA.
The next meeting of the School Committee is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10th.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
the new House majority leader
Chris Feeley, Franklin's town council chairman, is also a fan, citing Vallee's work ethic.
"He has his job as a state representative, he has his law practice, he serves in the military, and he is a very family-oriented guy and somehow balances all of that very well," Feeley said. "Most important for him, he doesn't make his family sacrifice, which is what I respect most."
Read the full article on Rep Jim Vallee's rise to the House majority leader role in the Milford Daily News here
"The cost is often greater than anticipated"
Franklin School Superintendent Wayne Ogden said layoffs could leave the town with a wider budget gap.
"The liability for the town overall could be huge," Ogden said, if anticipated layoffs become a reality. "In a worst case scenario, the unemployment benefits for the town of Franklin could get into the millions."
Read the full article on how layoffs affect the budget in the Milford Daily News here
Saturday, February 28, 2009
"We should have plenty of time to adjust rates"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
As part of its plan to make $19.4 million worth of upgrades to the district's sewer plant, the Charles River Pollution Control District is asking Franklin - its largest contributor - to pay the bulk of the cost.
Based on flow going into the plant, Franklin owns 67 percent of the plant's capacity, and is expected to pay $2.52 million in fiscal 2010, which is $445,570 more than its share this year.
Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting said he has received mixed opinions about whether Town Council must vote to approve the $19.4 million, 20-year bond that will be needed, or if the district can simply assess users an increased rate. He said he waiting for an official opinion from the state Department of Revenue.
Regardless of how the money will be approved, the work needs to be done, Nutting said, if for no other reason than the daily $25,000 fine the state Department of Environmental Protection would impose for not complying with regulations.
Read the full article on the Charles River plan in the Milford Daily News here
You can view the actual presentation from the Charles River Pollution Control District as given to the Town Council during the February 4th meeting here
"a wonderful addition to the state forest"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The state is considering buying 50 acres next to the Franklin State Forest from a private owner, said state Wendy Fox, spokesman for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The DCR has sent a notice of interest to the town, Fox said, and is talking with the landowner, Reed Trust, of 230 Village St., Medway, of which Ronald Dolloff is a trustee.
The owner is asking for $2 million for the property at 1312 West Central St. (Rte. 140), confirmed their real estate agent, Jeff Allaire of ERA Key Commercial in Franklin.
The property, zoned as office/light industrial, also includes a 1,368-square-foot, boarded-up two-story house.
Neither Fox nor Allaire would comment about how serious the state is about acquiring the land, or how close it is to acquiring it. Fox said the state has been in talks with the owners for about six months.
"We do this all the time, the state is always looking at interesting property," Fox said.
Read the full article about the state's interest in the property in the Milford Daily News here
Friday, February 27, 2009
FM #32 - Abraham Bolden
In this Franklin Matters podcast, #32 in the series, we get a special presentation. Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service, came to Franklin to tell his life story and involvement with President John F Kennedy.
Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes, 27 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #32
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 32 in the series.
This session is a special one. On Wednesday evening, February 25, 2009, there was a presentation on the JFK Assassination at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium in the Horace Mann/Oak Street complex. Franklin resident Bill Glynn presented an overview of the events leading up to and around that fateful day, Nov 22, 1963. Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service came to Franklin to tell his story. The opportunity to hear Abraham in person was taken by about 50-60 people of all ages.
Now you can share in that opportunity. What follows is the audio recording of Abraham Bolden's talk. In his voice, you'll hear him tell of growing up in East St Louis, rising from a Pinkerton detective position to the Illinois State Police and from there to the Secret Service. In the Secret Service he met John F Kennedy in Chicago and then also at the White House where Abraham was stationed briefly.
One quote to keep in mind as you settle in for a little over an hour of Abraham's story. From the philosopher, Antonio Gramsci:
I don't think you'll find Abraham's talk long. I found his first person narrative riveting. His direct, honest and religious approach to life comes through. You'll begin to understand how the echoes of Dealey Plaza still reverberate today.
I would like to give special thanks to Bill Glynn and Abraham Bolden for allowing this recording. By sharing in this way, we can continue the discussion.
You can read more about Abraham Bolden and his book, "Echo from Dealey Plaza" here.
--------------
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: 1 hour, 12 minutes, 27 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #32
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 32 in the series.
This session is a special one. On Wednesday evening, February 25, 2009, there was a presentation on the JFK Assassination at the Thomas Mercer Auditorium in the Horace Mann/Oak Street complex. Franklin resident Bill Glynn presented an overview of the events leading up to and around that fateful day, Nov 22, 1963. Abraham Bolden, the first African American member of the Secret Service came to Franklin to tell his story. The opportunity to hear Abraham in person was taken by about 50-60 people of all ages.
Now you can share in that opportunity. What follows is the audio recording of Abraham Bolden's talk. In his voice, you'll hear him tell of growing up in East St Louis, rising from a Pinkerton detective position to the Illinois State Police and from there to the Secret Service. In the Secret Service he met John F Kennedy in Chicago and then also at the White House where Abraham was stationed briefly.
One quote to keep in mind as you settle in for a little over an hour of Abraham's story. From the philosopher, Antonio Gramsci:
“The challenge of modernity is to live without illusions and
without becoming disillusioned.”
I don't think you'll find Abraham's talk long. I found his first person narrative riveting. His direct, honest and religious approach to life comes through. You'll begin to understand how the echoes of Dealey Plaza still reverberate today.
I would like to give special thanks to Bill Glynn and Abraham Bolden for allowing this recording. By sharing in this way, we can continue the discussion.
You can read more about Abraham Bolden and his book, "Echo from Dealey Plaza" here.
--------------
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
"should have been aware of these plans for years"
By Rachel Lebeaux Globe Correspondent / February 26, 2009
Officials at the Franklin Food say the facility might have to close down completely if town officials insist that it vacate its space to make room for a relocated historical museum.
The pressure to move comes at a time when the pantry's use is up and contributions are down due to the dismal economy. The pantry, which serves nearly 2,200 clients from at least 15 area communities, would probably have to vacate by the summer, according to a Franklin official.
"I don't understand displaying museum items versus feeding the less fortunate members of the community," said Linda Pouliot Whites, the pantry's executive director. She said she learned only recently that the food pantry would have to leave the basement of the former senior center building on West Central Street, which it has occupied since the early 1990s.
However, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said officials made it clear that they would be wanting the pantry to relocate eight years ago, when discussions about a new senior center and a relocated historical museum first emerged. He said officials are trying to work with the pantry to find a new location.
Read the full article about the Food Pantry looking for new space as reported in the Boston Globe here
"We don't need an award"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Eighth-graders Maddie Gordon and Jake Sargeant say they don't need an award to acknowledge their volunteer work with students with severe disabilities at Annie Sullivan Middle School.
Still, after watching the pair spend much of their free time volunteering, coordinating activities, and befriending special needs kids for the last 2 1/2 years, special needs teacher Marilee Gleason and Principal Beth Wittcoff were inspired to recognize them by nominating them for the statewide Make a Difference award program.
On Sunday, Gordon and Sargeant will be honored along with 58 of their peers from across the state for their volunteer work at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Dorchester at 1 p.m.
"It's unbelievable, the enthusiasm these kids have for befriending students they normally wouldn't cross paths with. These two are very invested," said Gleason, who also oversees the school's Best Buddies program.
Read the full article about the student volunteers for Best Buddies in the Milford Daily News here
The Green Reel: "Renewal"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter.
What: "Renewal"
When: 7:00 PM on March 1, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the file "Renewal" here
Sponsors:
What: "Renewal"
When: 7:00 PM on March 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
For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the file "Renewal" 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
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Greenbusters
Digging around the SustainLane web site initially found here, I find there is a series of posts on greenbusters. Recall the popular Discovery Channel show - Mythbusters; these are focused on green myths and you get the full scoop on each. For example:
Myth: It's best never to touch your thermostat. Read More »
Myth: Washing laundry in hot water is the only way to kill bacteria and get things really clean—just like my mom told me. Read More »
Myth: Dog poop is natural, so it’s okay to leave it behind. Read More »
Myth: It takes more energy to turn a light off and back on than it does to keep it running. Read More »
Check out all the Greenbusters here
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE A SCIENTIST TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Time: 7 P.M.
Location:
Join us to learn how we are all exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) and what we can do to break the cycle. BPA, a toxic chemical found in polycarbonate plastic, is widely used in consumer products including baby bottles, sippy cups, teethers, toys, pacifiers, and utensils. BPA is also in the epoxy resins used to
line cans of baby formula and other foods. It leaches out of the container into the stored food.
Local parents and The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow are offering this event as an opportunity to learn how to keep your loved ones safe from BPA!
Take Action and Join Us For this Event!
Please contact esaunders@cleanwater.org for more information.
Time: 7 P.M.
Location:
First Universalist Society in Franklin
262 Chestnut St.
Franklin, MA 02038
Join us to learn how we are all exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) and what we can do to break the cycle. BPA, a toxic chemical found in polycarbonate plastic, is widely used in consumer products including baby bottles, sippy cups, teethers, toys, pacifiers, and utensils. BPA is also in the epoxy resins used to
line cans of baby formula and other foods. It leaches out of the container into the stored food.
Local parents and The Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow are offering this event as an opportunity to learn how to keep your loved ones safe from BPA!
Take Action and Join Us For this Event!
Please contact esaunders@cleanwater.org for more information.
Cape Wind: Record of Decision Request
The following is a Letter to the Editor submitted by Jim Liedell summarizing the Cape Wind decision points and requesting that the Record of Decision be released.
------------
Despite unemployment rising precipitously, U.S. wind industry jobs jumped to 85,000 in 2008, a 70% increase from 2007. Wind made up 42% of all added 2008 electricity capacity. We can soon start benefiting locally by Cape Wind joining this explosive growth, giving us health, economic, security and other benefits.
Major conclusions in the federal Minerals Management Services’ (MMS) mid-January very favorable Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Cape Wind’s proposed project included:
With this favorable FEIS expanding on and confirming many previous evaluations, it is sure that we will significantly benefit from Cape Wind.
To support this project, write a brief letter to
and ask them to issue their Record Of Decision promptly.
Jim Liedell
Yarmouth Port
Note: Addressee for letter updated 2/26/09 per email request from Jim Liedell
------------
Despite unemployment rising precipitously, U.S. wind industry jobs jumped to 85,000 in 2008, a 70% increase from 2007. Wind made up 42% of all added 2008 electricity capacity. We can soon start benefiting locally by Cape Wind joining this explosive growth, giving us health, economic, security and other benefits.
Major conclusions in the federal Minerals Management Services’ (MMS) mid-January very favorable Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Cape Wind’s proposed project included:
- of negative operation impacts, 3.2% are No Impact, 50% are Negligible, 38.9% are Minor, 6.3% are Moderate, and 1.6% (slightly rerouting the annual Figawi sailboat race) is Major;
- impact to tourism will be negligible and there will be no decrease in beach activity;
- floating wind turbine technology (recently pushed by the Alliance opposing Cape Wind) won’t be commercially available for 10 to 15 years;
- Cape Wind will lower our electricity prices;
- negligible to minor impact on fisheries;
- fossil-fueled plants’ global-warming and other harmful emissions will be reduced;
- no Cape Wind emissions to sea or air;
- world-wide data (including local MMA turbine) showed very few birds will be killed colliding with Cape Wind’s turbines
- no injuries caused to marine mammals;
- nine alternate locations were evaluated - they would all produce more costly (1 to 17.7 cents/kilowatt hour) electricity than Cape Wind; and
- three site-layout alternatives and four types of generation facilities were all found to be less desirable than Cape Wind’s proposal.
With this favorable FEIS expanding on and confirming many previous evaluations, it is sure that we will significantly benefit from Cape Wind.
To support this project, write a brief letter to
Kenneth SalazarSecretary, US Department of the Interior1849 C Street N.W.Washington, DC 20240
and ask them to issue their Record Of Decision promptly.
Jim Liedell
Yarmouth Port
Note: Addressee for letter updated 2/26/09 per email request from Jim Liedell
School Committee Mtg 02/24/09
The summary of live reports from the School Committee meeting 2/24/09 are collected here
"Alina should be viewed as a representative among winners"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The competition for the Massachusetts Junior Miss 2009 title at Horace Mann Middle School was fierce, said Franklin High senior Alina Ostrow.
Fourteen teenage girls, each in the top 10 percent of their class, gathered in the Thomas Mercer Auditorium for the two-day competition last weekend.
Each displayed a talent honed since childhood.
And all spoke their minds and strutted their athletic prowess on stage, doing push-ups and more challenging variations of push-ups in a choreographed aerobic routine designed to test their strength, balance and agility.
Read the full article about Alina Ostrow in the Milford Daily News here
"an interesting relationship to JFK's assassination"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
The date was April 28, 1961. The place, Chicago. President John F. Kennedy arrived at McCormick Place exhibition center to thank Mayor Richard J. Daley for helping him win the election.
Abraham Bolden remembers it like it was yesterday - cameras flashing, people knocking each other over to get a peek at the young president.
Bolden, a newly minted Secret Service agent, was stationed in front of the restroom in the lower level of the building, for which his colleagues teased him mercilessly. "Normally, a Chicago policeman would hold down such a detail, so my chances of seeing the president were slim to zero at that post."
"Lo and behold, I look up at the top of the steps, and there is President John F. Kennedy. The first thing he wants to do is use the washroom," recalled 73-year-old Bolden.
That chance encounter set into motion a chain of events that changed Bolden's life in ways he never imagined.
Read the full article about the Secret Service experience of Mr Bolden in the Milford Daily News here.
Attend the presentation at the Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium 2/25/09 at 7:00 PM
"This group is remarkable, their talent is remarkable"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
On their own volition, 51 school administrators and non-union secretaries volunteered to freeze their salaries and forgo any kind of pay increases, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy announced last night.
The group, which made the decision unanimously, includes superintendent-in-waiting Maureen Sabolinksi, all central office staff, every principal, every assistant principal, and every non-union secretary in the district, Roy said.
"It's rather good news," Roy said, noting that the group had organized to find a way to help, in response to the committee's call to "dig deep" to keep the school system intact.
"They took that initiative, they all stepped up to the plate and took on personal sacrifice. That's leadership by example," Roy said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Jeff Roy has a similar post on the Franklin School Committee blog here
My live reporting notes from the School Committee meeting when this was announced can be found here
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Live reporting - Information matters
Superintendent - While the program of studies is available online and will be printed for the 8th grade students it is not a guarantee that each course will run in September. Some classes due to under-enrollment do not run, others may due to the budget be adjusted. That would become known as we go forward.
SubCommittee Reports
Trahan - Financial Planning committee working on the final report. The Town wide forum date is still being determined.
Adjorn
SubCommittee Reports
Trahan - Financial Planning committee working on the final report. The Town wide forum date is still being determined.
Adjorn
Live reporting - action items
4. Action Items
$3500 on Good Friday, $2600 to make up at end of the year - recommend making up the day on Good Friday
The HM/Oak/ECDC complex make up day is not due to snow but due to the water/mechanical problem at the beginning of the school year. Do need to make up the day, did apply for the waiver but do need to meet the 180 day requirement by certification in July.
While we are over the hours (990 vs 900 req'd) we are pushing it due to field days and other in school activities that we can't count toward educational hours.
If the parents don't want to send their students due to religious reasons, then this would count as an excused absence.
Not a good choice, Good Friday the best educational choice.
Motion - add the make up day after the last day of school passed 5-2
- I recommend budget transfers as detailed. Approved 7-0
- I recommend acceptance of the anonymous donation of $10,000 for the Ruth Reitzas Scholarship Fund at the FHS. Approved 7-0 (actually have about $85,000 in the scholarship fund)
- I recommend the acceptance of a check for $5,000 from the Oak Street PCC for the following field trips: K: Davis Farmland; Gr 2: Stony Brook; and Gr. 4: Fine Arts. Approved 7-0
- I recommend adoption of Sub Committee Minutes Policy & Exhibit BEDGG/BEDGG-E. Approved 7-0
- I recommend action be taken regarding the make-up day for the HM/Oak/ECDC Complex. Approved 5-2 to add to the last day of the year
- I recommend approval of the Horace Mann MS Trip to Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, RI to see the play “A Raisin in the Sun”. Approved 7-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000 from the Singleton Family Foundation for Special Education programs/equipment at FHS. Approved 7-0
- I recommend approval of the recurring Washington, D.C. field trip for Remington Middle School students in April, 2009. Approved 7-0
$3500 on Good Friday, $2600 to make up at end of the year - recommend making up the day on Good Friday
The HM/Oak/ECDC complex make up day is not due to snow but due to the water/mechanical problem at the beginning of the school year. Do need to make up the day, did apply for the waiver but do need to meet the 180 day requirement by certification in July.
While we are over the hours (990 vs 900 req'd) we are pushing it due to field days and other in school activities that we can't count toward educational hours.
If the parents don't want to send their students due to religious reasons, then this would count as an excused absence.
Not a good choice, Good Friday the best educational choice.
Motion - add the make up day after the last day of school passed 5-2
live reporting - Discussion only items
3. Discussion Only Items
- Budget to Actual
- Second Reading – Sub Committee Minutes Policy & Exhibit BEDGG/BEDGG-E
Live reporting - Salary freeze agreed to by 51 administrators
Roy - a group of administrators, a total of 51 people that have agreed to freeze their salary for this year
Sabolinksi - it is a credit to their leadership, makes me very proud to work with these professionals.
Rohrbach - thank you, it is impressive
Trahan - it is redundant, but thank you
Sabolinksi - it is a credit to their leadership, makes me very proud to work with these professionals.
Rohrbach - thank you, it is impressive
Trahan - it is redundant, but thank you
Live reporting - Asst Supt Candidate
2. Guests/Presentations
b. Assistant Superintendent Candidate – Sally Winslow
Maureen introduced the changes being made choosing to replacing herself and Linda Waters' position indirectly. Bottomline they are collapsing two roles into one, and restructuring the role so that the Director of Special Ed could be replaced without complicating the issue with the PPS requirements.
Sally then presents her background and development
She came up through King Phillip and most recently Dover
She had involvement with budget development and monitoring
the special education budget takes up a huge portion of the overall district
has written grants, there is not a day in Spec Ed that there is not some crisis being managed
has lead districts through cycle reviews
one big piece is the parent relationship
she has been active in school and district wide initiatives
balanced literacy, second year at Dover
brought in Everyday Math two years ago at Dover (already here in Franklin)
Graduate of FHS
Lives in Plainville with husband and two daughters
Class of 1973, the second class to graduate from the new high school
had previously done double sessions at Horace Mann
family is life long Franklin residents
Her mother worked at the high school answering the phone
Sally volunteered a lot during school, summers with the Rec Dept.
She has a personal experience with the town
Leadership and comunication style
Team player, will work collaboratively
try to gain consensus, not afraid to articulate the bottomline
has worked with wonderful principals
try to lead by example, strong work ethic
try to be concise, clear, listen important
phone calls, emails acknowledgement important
being proactive on a regular basis, to avoid surprises
working to balance an open door policy (being accessible) with getting things done
would be in her current position until June 30th
there are things that could be done between now and then as schedule permits
would love to get to the schools before the school year ends
you might even see me lurking about at some school committee meetings
explore creative ways to provide a high quality education that Franklin has been known for
Her dad lived all his life here in Franklin, he did not take a vacation
he would go to Uncas Pond
he had an 8th grade education due to the depression
one of the happiest days he had was when I graduated and was part of the second class of women admitted into Holy Cross
He is probably even happier today looking over me here talking with you about a position with the district.
Cafass0 - I think you are a great fit for this, Maureen is very smart to be able to attract someone like you, what is your sense of the reputation of this district for Special Ed?
Winslow - I think you have been very good, you managed your own kids and we would only get those you just couldn't serve. I think that when you have capacity to build programs that is very good. I would like look at the programs and see how we can sustain them and perhaps expand them.
Cafasso - what do you think about the duel role your getting into?
Winslow - I am excited about it. It will be somewhat of a work in progress, figuring things out as the year goes.
Patrick Slight - Is there anything that you have at Dover that you could bring here?
Winslow - that is a very good question. I'd like to look at pre-evaluation to see how we can help that here.
Rohrbach - How will it be working with Maureen where you share some roles.
Winslow - Similar thought process to Maureen, we have not worked together for 12 years. We will have to find out how we can compliment each other in that way.
Roy - What 2 or three bullets attracted you to the school district?
Winslow - attract wonderful teachers, and administrators, do really well despite the budget issues
I have a lot of energy and can't wait to get into the schools to really see what there and how I can help.
b. Assistant Superintendent Candidate – Sally Winslow
Maureen introduced the changes being made choosing to replacing herself and Linda Waters' position indirectly. Bottomline they are collapsing two roles into one, and restructuring the role so that the Director of Special Ed could be replaced without complicating the issue with the PPS requirements.
Sally then presents her background and development
She came up through King Phillip and most recently Dover
She had involvement with budget development and monitoring
the special education budget takes up a huge portion of the overall district
has written grants, there is not a day in Spec Ed that there is not some crisis being managed
has lead districts through cycle reviews
one big piece is the parent relationship
she has been active in school and district wide initiatives
balanced literacy, second year at Dover
brought in Everyday Math two years ago at Dover (already here in Franklin)
Graduate of FHS
Lives in Plainville with husband and two daughters
Class of 1973, the second class to graduate from the new high school
had previously done double sessions at Horace Mann
family is life long Franklin residents
Her mother worked at the high school answering the phone
Sally volunteered a lot during school, summers with the Rec Dept.
She has a personal experience with the town
Leadership and comunication style
Team player, will work collaboratively
try to gain consensus, not afraid to articulate the bottomline
has worked with wonderful principals
try to lead by example, strong work ethic
try to be concise, clear, listen important
phone calls, emails acknowledgement important
being proactive on a regular basis, to avoid surprises
working to balance an open door policy (being accessible) with getting things done
would be in her current position until June 30th
there are things that could be done between now and then as schedule permits
would love to get to the schools before the school year ends
you might even see me lurking about at some school committee meetings
explore creative ways to provide a high quality education that Franklin has been known for
Her dad lived all his life here in Franklin, he did not take a vacation
he would go to Uncas Pond
he had an 8th grade education due to the depression
one of the happiest days he had was when I graduated and was part of the second class of women admitted into Holy Cross
He is probably even happier today looking over me here talking with you about a position with the district.
Cafass0 - I think you are a great fit for this, Maureen is very smart to be able to attract someone like you, what is your sense of the reputation of this district for Special Ed?
Winslow - I think you have been very good, you managed your own kids and we would only get those you just couldn't serve. I think that when you have capacity to build programs that is very good. I would like look at the programs and see how we can sustain them and perhaps expand them.
Cafasso - what do you think about the duel role your getting into?
Winslow - I am excited about it. It will be somewhat of a work in progress, figuring things out as the year goes.
Patrick Slight - Is there anything that you have at Dover that you could bring here?
Winslow - that is a very good question. I'd like to look at pre-evaluation to see how we can help that here.
Rohrbach - How will it be working with Maureen where you share some roles.
Winslow - Similar thought process to Maureen, we have not worked together for 12 years. We will have to find out how we can compliment each other in that way.
Roy - What 2 or three bullets attracted you to the school district?
Winslow - attract wonderful teachers, and administrators, do really well despite the budget issues
I have a lot of energy and can't wait to get into the schools to really see what there and how I can help.
Live reporting - Presentations: NASA
2. Guests/Presentations
a. NASA Project – Horace Mann Middle School
comparison of conditions between moon and earth
create a product to withstand the stresses of the moon
NASA specialist provided assistance
Note: No pictures were taken of the students to respect the privacy concerns that were not clear at the time of the presentation.
a. NASA Project – Horace Mann Middle School
- Anne Bergen, Principal
- Rachita Chaudhury
- Cody Williamson
- Lauren Kane
- Cole Comfort
- Elise Rivera
- Joe Chernak
comparison of conditions between moon and earth
create a product to withstand the stresses of the moon
NASA specialist provided assistance
Note: No pictures were taken of the students to respect the privacy concerns that were not clear at the time of the presentation.
Live reporting - School Committee - 2/24/09
Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
1. Routine Business
1. Routine Business
- Citizen’s Comments - none
- Review of Agenda - add FY 10 budget discussion update
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 10, 2009 School Committee Meeting. Motion to approve - 7-0
- Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
- Payroll - Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
- Correspondence:
"state would save about $2.5 million a year"
"Am I disappointed they're dropping the U.S. history MCAS? Not at all," said Dennis Wilkinson, test coordinator at Franklin High School. "We test the heck out of (students) in English language arts, math and biology."
He said he understood why the state would consider dropping the test, given the cost and the financial situation the state finds itself in.
Read the full article on the proposal to slide back the addition of history to the MCAS test suite in the Milford Daily News here
The Green Reel: "Renewal"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter.
What: "Renewal"
When: 7:00 PM on March 1, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the file "Renewal" here
Sponsors:
What: "Renewal"
When: 7:00 PM on March 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
For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the file "Renewal" 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, February 23, 2009
School Committee - Agenda - 2/24/09
1. Routine Business
2. Guests/Presentations
a. NASA Project – Horace Mann Middle School
b. Assistant Superintendent Candidate – Sally Winslow
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
6. New Business
7. Adjourn
- Citizen’s Comments
- Review of Agenda
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 10, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
- Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
- Payroll - Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives
- Correspondence:
2. Guests/Presentations
a. NASA Project – Horace Mann Middle School
- Anne Bergen, Principal
- Rachita Chaudhury
- Cody Williamson
- Lauren Kane
- Cole Comfort
- Elise Rivera
- Joe Chernak
b. Assistant Superintendent Candidate – Sally Winslow
3. Discussion Only Items
- Budget to Actual
- Second Reading – Sub Committee Minutes Policy & Exhibit BEDGG/BEDGG-E
4. Action Items
- I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
- I recommend acceptance of the anonymous donation of $10,000 for the Ruth Reitzas Scholarship Fund at the FHS.
- I recommend the acceptance of a check for $5,000 from the Oak Street PCC for the following field trips: K: Davis Farmland; Gr 2: Stony Brook; and Gr. 4: Fine Arts.
- I recommend adoption of Sub Committee Minutes Policy & Exhibit BEDGG/BEDGG-E.
- I recommend action be taken regarding the make-up day for the HM/Oak/ECDC Complex.
- I recommend approval of the Horace Mann MS Trip to Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, RI to see the play “A Raisin in the Sun”.
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000 from the Singleton Family Foundation for Special Education programs/equipment at FHS.
- I recommend approval of the recurring Washington, D.C. field trip for Remington Middle School students in April, 2009.
- 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. Adjourn
"It's just a silly, silly thing"
FRANKLIN —
Faced with the options of making students go to school and teachers work on either a Saturday, Good Friday, or another day in late June to make up a missed school day, the School Committee is still mulling its options.
The committee has been trying to find a viable way, but each option presents some problem.
The state education commissioner denied Superintendent Wayne Ogden's waiver request for the day of school that students at the Oak Street School complex missed when a pipe burst the Tuesday after Labor Day and shut down Horace Mann Middle School, Oak Street Elementary School, and Early Childhood Development Center (a preschool).
School Committee member Ed Cafasso has suggested the district take its chances and keep its existing school calendar instead of adding another day or half day.
"Unless I hear something that changes my mind, I am going to oppose school on Good Friday or creating an extra school day in June," Cafasso said.
"The circumstances justify a waiver, especially since Franklin students already exceed the minimum hours for instruction. Disrupting families and creating new costs for taxpayers just so we can check off a bureaucratic box doesn't seem fair to me," Cafasso said.
Read the full article about the make up day for the Oak St/Horace Mann school complex in the Milford Daily News here
Copyright explained
Wes Fryer does a good SlideShare presentation synchronizing the slideshow with audio to explain copyright. It is almost an hour but you should give yourself credit for watching it, well worth it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
FM #31 - This week in Franklin, MA
This is podcast 31 in the series on what matters in Franklin, MA. I review what happened this week ending 2/22/09. The Financial Planning Committee is closing in on finishing their report, there is an updated time line, and an opportunity for feedback.
Time: 8 minutes, 48 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #31
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 31 in the series. In this session, I’ll focus on what you should know about what happened in Franklin, MA this week ending Feb 22, 2009.
The week was a quiet one as school vacation came and went too quickly for most, I would assume. There were no major meetings scheduled for the town council or school committee.
As reported in the Milford Daily News, the Tri-County Vocational District announced their school budget this week. They are coming in at less than level funded with multiple cuts across the budget. Their final budget will be voted on in April. The exact charge to Franklin will be known then. It is primarily based upon how many students are sent to the district and then a per pupil charge is summarized.
There was a Financial Planning Committee meeting on Thursday the 19th. My live reporting from that meeting can be found here.
They previewed the 3 page Executive Summary highlighting
We now have two choices, increase revenues or cut costs. Cutting costs seems to be easy, every business that does it makes headlines doing so. But there are also examples that not every business does so smartly. The cost cutting that remains in Franklin is in actual programs and services provided. What can we do without?
Increasing revenues needs to be part of the discussion. It is the real opportunity. We need to figure out ways to make it easier for the town to grow revenues to a more sustainable level than we have today.
The timeline for the Financial Planning Committee was also updated:
Second, we have a Senior Center kitchen. A few hundred yards away are several cafeterias with kitchens where the schools provide many more meals. Let's combine those operations. Why force the seniors to travel all over town when they could more easily reach the school in their neighborhood.
Since the class size will likely increase, let's get more adults into the classrooms to help the teachers. Let's use the seniors to assist in classrooms, some may have taught previously, others dealt with grandchildren. One of the common jokes about grandparents dealing with their grandchildren is they can “spoil” them and then give them back to their parents. There is some truth to the natural relationship between the generations and helping to foster that will bring multiple benefits. With an additional adult (or adults) in the classrooms, the effect of larger class sizes (students per teacher) would be minimized
And here comes your chance. Between now and April 29th, put your thinking caps on to generate additional ideas.
You can include them in a comment, send me an email, or make a list to bring to the Forum on April 29th.
Together we can come up with something worthwhile. We may not find a silver bullet but every gem we do find will add up. A little here, a little there will soon add up significantly.
Here is your chance, take the challenge!
Looking to the week ahead: there is a Planning Board meeting on Monday, the School Committee meeting Tuesday. There are other town meetings posted on the calendar on the Franklin Home page. Check it out and go attend a meeting.
--------------
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: 8 minutes, 48 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #31
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 31 in the series. In this session, I’ll focus on what you should know about what happened in Franklin, MA this week ending Feb 22, 2009.
The week was a quiet one as school vacation came and went too quickly for most, I would assume. There were no major meetings scheduled for the town council or school committee.
As reported in the Milford Daily News, the Tri-County Vocational District announced their school budget this week. They are coming in at less than level funded with multiple cuts across the budget. Their final budget will be voted on in April. The exact charge to Franklin will be known then. It is primarily based upon how many students are sent to the district and then a per pupil charge is summarized.
There was a Financial Planning Committee meeting on Thursday the 19th. My live reporting from that meeting can be found here.
They previewed the 3 page Executive Summary highlighting
- where we have been
- where we are going
- what we can do about it
We now have two choices, increase revenues or cut costs. Cutting costs seems to be easy, every business that does it makes headlines doing so. But there are also examples that not every business does so smartly. The cost cutting that remains in Franklin is in actual programs and services provided. What can we do without?
Increasing revenues needs to be part of the discussion. It is the real opportunity. We need to figure out ways to make it easier for the town to grow revenues to a more sustainable level than we have today.
The timeline for the Financial Planning Committee was also updated:
- April 2 - focus group meeting
- April 15 - present to a joint Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee meeting
- April 29 - town forum to review the plan document and solicit feedback
Second, we have a Senior Center kitchen. A few hundred yards away are several cafeterias with kitchens where the schools provide many more meals. Let's combine those operations. Why force the seniors to travel all over town when they could more easily reach the school in their neighborhood.
Since the class size will likely increase, let's get more adults into the classrooms to help the teachers. Let's use the seniors to assist in classrooms, some may have taught previously, others dealt with grandchildren. One of the common jokes about grandparents dealing with their grandchildren is they can “spoil” them and then give them back to their parents. There is some truth to the natural relationship between the generations and helping to foster that will bring multiple benefits. With an additional adult (or adults) in the classrooms, the effect of larger class sizes (students per teacher) would be minimized
And here comes your chance. Between now and April 29th, put your thinking caps on to generate additional ideas.
You can include them in a comment, send me an email, or make a list to bring to the Forum on April 29th.
Together we can come up with something worthwhile. We may not find a silver bullet but every gem we do find will add up. A little here, a little there will soon add up significantly.
Here is your chance, take the challenge!
Looking to the week ahead: there is a Planning Board meeting on Monday, the School Committee meeting Tuesday. There are other town meetings posted on the calendar on the Franklin Home page. Check it out and go attend a meeting.
--------------
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
"people are still spending money, it's incredible"
GHS
Robert R. Vallee Sr., owner of Vallee Jewelers in Franklin, knows the key to surviving an economic depression.
"You just work," said Vallee, a sentiment echoed by others whose parents or grandparents pulled their local businesses through the Great Depression.
From their point of view, today's society has lost sight of what is important, letting greed and excessive living plunge them into debt.
The world will get through the economic crisis, and whatever's around the corner, they say, by returning to a more simple way of living and a stronger work ethic.
"My father (Emile Vallee) worked two jobs. He learned watch making and worked at a textile mill" in Manville, R.I., said Vallee.
Read the full article with stories from other business owners in the area in the Milford Daily News here
"You don't see the difference"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
On any given day, municipal departments are just beginning, trying to begin, or trying to finish, time-consuming projects on a tight budget.
Today, the School Department can sit back a bit and start adding up all the savings wrought by the completion of 65 energy-saving initiatives, an effort that took 10 years to finish.
Michael D'Angelo, the facilities director for the schools and the town, takes pride in Franklin taking the lead in using technological advances early in the game.
"We were doing it before it was popular," said D'Angelo, who is constantly researching ways to make the schools as energy-efficient as possible - he's currently eyeing the installation of solar panels three years down the road, when he says they will be cost-effective.
"We're almost as technologically advanced as you can be, without getting into solar or wind," D'Angelo said.
Read the full article on how energy efficient Franklin's schools are in the Milford Daily News here
Friday, February 20, 2009
"we're looking to impact their behavior"
More than a dozen young adults who were at the October underage drinking party where 17-year-old Taylor Meyer of Plainville was last seen alive must take part in a drug- and alcohol-awareness program, in addition to fulfilling other requirements, a Wrentham District Court judge ordered Thursday.
Fourteen people ranging in age from 17 to 20 appeared before Judge Warren Powers for a probable cause hearing, each facing a charge of underage possession of alcohol, said David Traub, a spokesman for Norfolk District Attorney William Keating.
All were charged following the Oct. 17 post-Homecoming party at the former Norfolk Airport. Meyer, who wandered away from the group, became lost, and drowned in an adjacent wetland. Her blood alcohol level was .13, according to autopsy findings.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
"You'd have to change the marketplace"
FRANKLIN —
In continuing discussions about presenting a three-year fiscal plan for the town, the Financial Planning Committee last night generally agreed that without some kind of structural change the town's expenses will outpace its revenue indefinitely.
Most towns in the state are contending with the same problem, even affluent communities such as Newton, said Town Councilor Shannon Zollo, who is also a planning committee member.
"Our budget goes up a lot more than 2.5 percent every year, it's more in the 4 or 5 percent range," said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Financial Planning Committee minutes 2/5/09
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
Members present were: Deborah Bartlett, James Roche, Matt Kelly, Roberta Trahan, Rebecca Cameron, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek. Also present were Jeffrey Nutting and Wayne Odgen. Absent were Steve Whalen and Shannon Zollo.
The Committee reviewed reports to date. Matt Kelly handed out a sample of FAQ's for review. Deborah Bartlett and Roberta Trahan submitted their information to Doug Hardesty. Jim Roche handed out a draft of his work; Jeff Nutting continues to work with Rebecca on the assumptions. Members should submit changes, improvements etc. to Doug Hardesty in the next 10 days so it will be ready for the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey Nutting
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
Members present were: Deborah Bartlett, James Roche, Matt Kelly, Roberta Trahan, Rebecca Cameron, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek. Also present were Jeffrey Nutting and Wayne Odgen. Absent were Steve Whalen and Shannon Zollo.
The Committee reviewed reports to date. Matt Kelly handed out a sample of FAQ's for review. Deborah Bartlett and Roberta Trahan submitted their information to Doug Hardesty. Jim Roche handed out a draft of his work; Jeff Nutting continues to work with Rebecca on the assumptions. Members should submit changes, improvements etc. to Doug Hardesty in the next 10 days so it will be ready for the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey Nutting
Financial Planning Committee minutes 1/15/09
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING
January 15, 2009
A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on January 15, 2009 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were Deborah Bartlett, Shannon Zollo, Roberta Trahan, Jim Roche, Rebecca Cameron and Doug Hardesty, Matt Kelly & Gwynne Wilschek. Also present was Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator and Wayne Odgen, School Superintendent. Absent was Steve Whalen.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
The Chairman Jim Roche asked that each subcommittee report on the progress of their assignment. The members reviewed their work to date and the Committee discussed the work and suggested a format for a final product by each subgroup.
Doug Hardesty requested that all work at the individual level be completed in two weeks and forwarded to him so he could collate the information.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2009
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey D. Nutting
MINUTES OF MEETING
January 15, 2009
A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on January 15, 2009 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were Deborah Bartlett, Shannon Zollo, Roberta Trahan, Jim Roche, Rebecca Cameron and Doug Hardesty, Matt Kelly & Gwynne Wilschek. Also present was Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator and Wayne Odgen, School Superintendent. Absent was Steve Whalen.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
The Chairman Jim Roche asked that each subcommittee report on the progress of their assignment. The members reviewed their work to date and the Committee discussed the work and suggested a format for a final product by each subgroup.
Doug Hardesty requested that all work at the individual level be completed in two weeks and forwarded to him so he could collate the information.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2009
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey D. Nutting
Financial Planning Committee minutes 12/18/08
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING
DECEMBER 18, 2008
A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on December 18, 2008 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were Deborah Bartlett, Shannon Zollo, Roberta Trahan, Rebecca Cameron, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek. Also present were Jeffrey Nutting and Wayne Odgen. Absent were Steve Whalen, Matt Kelly and Jim Roche.
The Town Administrator handed out information on the comparison of the FY01 to FY09 budgets, a list of all things all departments have done over the last many years to reduce staff, cut costs, improve efficiencies, receive grants, etc., as well as a list of legislative priority items the Massachusetts Municipal Association and others are hoping the Legislature will consider in order to control costs.
Doug Hardesty asked what the Committee thought should be included in the report. Deb Bartlett suggested an executive summary, budget information, fiscal policies, history of capital, school mandates, costs beyond the control of the Town, services we must perform and how citizens might help. Other suggestions were bulletin points, graphs and charts, but keeping the summary to a few pages, as well as information on population, students, staffing etc. Doug offered to try a "straw man" draft of the format and then committee members would need to do some work to fill in the information.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey Nutting
MINUTES OF MEETING
DECEMBER 18, 2008
A meeting of the Financial Planning Committee was held on December 18, 2008 at the Franklin Municipal Building. Members present were Deborah Bartlett, Shannon Zollo, Roberta Trahan, Rebecca Cameron, Doug Hardesty and Gwynne Wilschek. Also present were Jeffrey Nutting and Wayne Odgen. Absent were Steve Whalen, Matt Kelly and Jim Roche.
The Town Administrator handed out information on the comparison of the FY01 to FY09 budgets, a list of all things all departments have done over the last many years to reduce staff, cut costs, improve efficiencies, receive grants, etc., as well as a list of legislative priority items the Massachusetts Municipal Association and others are hoping the Legislature will consider in order to control costs.
Doug Hardesty asked what the Committee thought should be included in the report. Deb Bartlett suggested an executive summary, budget information, fiscal policies, history of capital, school mandates, costs beyond the control of the Town, services we must perform and how citizens might help. Other suggestions were bulletin points, graphs and charts, but keeping the summary to a few pages, as well as information on population, students, staffing etc. Doug offered to try a "straw man" draft of the format and then committee members would need to do some work to fill in the information.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey Nutting
The Green Reel: "The Next Industrial Revolution"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter.
What: The Next Industrial Revolution"
When: 7:00 PM on February 22, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the file "The Next Industrial Revolution" here
Sponsors:
What: The Next Industrial Revolution"
When: 7:00 PM on February 22, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
Free and open to the public.
For more info: 508-695-2389
For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the file "The Next Industrial Revolution" 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
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Financial Plng Comm 02/19/09
The live reporting from the Financial Planning committee meeting of 2/19/09 can be found here
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee (continued)
Executive summary, page 2.
In 1995, the town paid 71% of the school budget, we are now down to 50%.
The idea behind the plan is a call to action. These trends will continue unless action is taken.
If we eliminate services, we can address costs.
If we are too general here, they might miss the point. I think we do need to get an example in their.
March 5th for the trial preview is not likely. We have spent time just on the 3 page executive summary.
You don't have to rush to March 5th. What we have before us will not likely change. The train has already left the station.
Getting this done by April 1st should be our goal.
Need to provide the option. The citizens are either going to vote for or against but there is a choice that the citizens need to make.
Jeff is ready to send the soft copy of all the data accumulated to date.
We will be meeting March 5th. No preview for focus group.
March 19th is the FEF Trivia Bee.
Considering the 12th or 26th? Meet on the 12th.
April 2nd? can that be the focus group? yes
Keep the 26th for a meeting.
April 15th joint meeting of Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee
TBD - Horace Mann for town wide discussion. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
(updated 2/24/09 - the date had been tentatively planned for 4/29/09 but that day has a prior commitment)
We are gaining momentum as the material comes together.
In 1995, the town paid 71% of the school budget, we are now down to 50%.
The idea behind the plan is a call to action. These trends will continue unless action is taken.
If we eliminate services, we can address costs.
If we are too general here, they might miss the point. I think we do need to get an example in their.
March 5th for the trial preview is not likely. We have spent time just on the 3 page executive summary.
You don't have to rush to March 5th. What we have before us will not likely change. The train has already left the station.
Getting this done by April 1st should be our goal.
Need to provide the option. The citizens are either going to vote for or against but there is a choice that the citizens need to make.
Jeff is ready to send the soft copy of all the data accumulated to date.
We will be meeting March 5th. No preview for focus group.
March 19th is the FEF Trivia Bee.
Considering the 12th or 26th? Meet on the 12th.
April 2nd? can that be the focus group? yes
Keep the 26th for a meeting.
April 15th joint meeting of Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee
TBD - Horace Mann for town wide discussion. 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
(updated 2/24/09 - the date had been tentatively planned for 4/29/09 but that day has a prior commitment)
We are gaining momentum as the material comes together.
Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 2/19/09
Attending: Roche, Bartlett, Cameron, Hardesty, Nutting, Trahan, Whalen, Zollo, Wilschek (late)
Absent: Kelly, Ogden
Accepted minutes of Dec 18, Jan 15, Feb 5.
Discussion on the executive summary draft
Need to be consistent with numbers used. The State DOE calculates slightly differently. They include the enterprise accounts.
Include a glossary of terms in the appendix so everyone can have and use the same terms in the same way.
Doesn't want to use any term in the executive summary that would be required to be defined in the glossary.
Discussion on raising issues
Newton did their study; Harvard professors spent six months reviewing the finances and determined that the current process was not sustainable.
There are 2 or 3 budget busters that should not be a surprise; wages, health costs, SPED costs (including transportation).
Need to be accurate and unbiased on the data presentation.
We can get to the other infrastructure items over time. We will have capacity to borrow some 3 million. We won't be able to do the high school without a debt exclusion for sure, but overtime we can get to the other infrastructure items. Recall, this year's total capital budget was 8 million in requests of which we are proceeding with 1.3 million.
At some point, specifically with the roads, we are to a point where we need to do something in addition to the way we are tackling the roads today.
Absent: Kelly, Ogden
Accepted minutes of Dec 18, Jan 15, Feb 5.
Discussion on the executive summary draft
Need to be consistent with numbers used. The State DOE calculates slightly differently. They include the enterprise accounts.
Include a glossary of terms in the appendix so everyone can have and use the same terms in the same way.
Doesn't want to use any term in the executive summary that would be required to be defined in the glossary.
Discussion on raising issues
Newton did their study; Harvard professors spent six months reviewing the finances and determined that the current process was not sustainable.
There are 2 or 3 budget busters that should not be a surprise; wages, health costs, SPED costs (including transportation).
Need to be accurate and unbiased on the data presentation.
We can get to the other infrastructure items over time. We will have capacity to borrow some 3 million. We won't be able to do the high school without a debt exclusion for sure, but overtime we can get to the other infrastructure items. Recall, this year's total capital budget was 8 million in requests of which we are proceeding with 1.3 million.
At some point, specifically with the roads, we are to a point where we need to do something in addition to the way we are tackling the roads today.
"I have my concerns about the cost to implement this in our current economy,"
Under the draft regulations, the DEP is proposing a $200 fee for the initial certificate and a $200 annual certification fee. Those seeking a variance could have to pay $3,000, Civian said.
During a mid-morning break, several local developers and business owners shared their worries about the proposal.
Sherry Clancy, project manager for National Development, threw out several questions yesterday.
"I think it's something we have to get educated about and understand," Clancy said. "If there is something troublesome or cumbersome, that comment should be made now before it's too late."
-----
Another information session is scheduled for Wednesday at the DEP's Central Regional Office at 627 Main St., Worcester, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The DEP has extended the comment period on its proposed Statewide Stormwater Management Program until March 11. All comments should be submitted in writing to Mass DEP, 1 Winter St., 5th floor, Boston, MA 02108, attention: Glenn Haas or by e-mail to DEP.Waterpermitting@state.ma.us.
The proposed regulations and program details are available at the DEP Web site at www.mass.gov/dep.
Read the full article about stricter storm water management in the Milford Daily News here
Congratulations to FHS Cheerleaders
Read the full article on the team in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin High School's Varsity Cheerleaders: They are the second FHS cheerleading team to take home first place at a national competition; the first title was won in Providence in 2006.
"those items have been cut"
Franklin School Committee Chairman Jeffrey N. Roy told Tri-County School Committee members, "One reason I came here tonight is to ask you to do what you appear to be doing - level-fund your budget."
"I want to thank you for doing that because in the Franklin school district we know a lot about cutting," Roy said. Franklin schools cut more than 40 teachers and staff last year to make up for about a $2 million budget gap.
Read the full article on the Tri-County Vocational Technical school budget in the Milford Daily News here
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
celebrate an ordinary hero
Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice, does a wonderful talk at TED. Please spend the 20 minutes to review this. I agree that practical wisdom is what we need more than ever.
He is not the only one to have said:
You can also view this with an intro by Jeff Roy on the School Committee blog page here
He is not the only one to have said:
Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch. Kirk Weisler
You can also view this with an intro by Jeff Roy on the School Committee blog page here
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Green Reel: "The Next Industrial Revolution"
The Green Reel: a series of films for sustainable living will be shown on Sunday evenings this winter.
What: The Next Industrial Revolution"
When: 7:00 PM on February 22, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
read more about the file "The Next Industrial Revolution" here
Sponsors:
What: The Next Industrial Revolution"
When: 7:00 PM on February 22, 2009
Where: Agudas Achim, 901 North Main St, Attleboro or directions here
Free and open to the public.
For more info: 508-695-2389
For more info: 508-695-2389
read more about the file "The Next Industrial Revolution" 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, February 16, 2009
"Our intent is to have it look the same, but spruce it up"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
When the town's gazebo was built 91 years ago, it was designed with a roof that doesn't fully cover the base - "a huge mistake," said facilities Director Michael D'Angelo.
"It should never have been built that way," he said.
Snow, ice and water have damaged the gazebo, and the sheeting beneath the clay, Spanish tile roof is rotting because tiles have broken, D'Angelo said.
Neither he nor other town officials understand why the structure was designed in such a way, leading it to substantially deteriorate, D'Angelo said, but they plan to fix the structure this spring.
"We can't let the gazebo close up because the roof is starting to fail," said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.
"We need to fix it before we totally lose it," Nutting said.
read the full article about this effective use of capital and a grant to repair the gazebo in the Milford Daily News here
"it's hard to argue with the positive environmental impact"
FRANKLIN —
The days of 6-inch, 500-page School Committee packets are gone, replaced by the much greener option of e-documents and laptops.
Aiming to save the environment, cash, and set an example for the rest of the district, the School Committee has decided to "go green."
At the suggestion of Annie Sullivan Middle School Principal Beth Wittcoff, a member of the paperless Southborough School Committee, the Franklin School Committee did a pilot run at its first meeting, and gave it rave reviews, said Chairman Jeffrey Roy.
Members discovered a minor glitch - that their laptop batteries died once the meeting hit the 2-hour mark. The town has since put electrical outlets at the meeting table, Roy said.
"Everybody loved it, so we jumped on it from there," said Roy.
Read the full article about the paperless efforts in the Milford Daily News here
Sunday, February 15, 2009
FM #30 - This week in Franklin, MA
This is podcast #30 in the series on what matters in Franklin, MA. I review the Walgreens decision, the Gallery 218 opening, the School Committee meeting and the Town Council meeting all from this week. You give me about ten minutes, I'll tell you what you should be aware of.
Time: 11 minutes, 29 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #30
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 30 in the series. In this session, I’ll focus on what you should know about what happened this week in Franklin, MA.
1 - The Planning Board approved Walgreens development of the Four Corners property. Traffic at the corner of 140, King and Chestnut was a concern. They are coordinating with the town to create a right turn only lane for those coming up King so that they can turn right onto 140. The second lane will allow traffic to proceed directly through to Chestnut or to turn left on 140 and head into Town. This may still be an issue but isn't expected to be a big one. Time will tell.
The surprise for me was in the new opening date for Walgreens. During the prior Planning Board session, the discussion was concerned with the traffic improvements. Would the Town get the plans in time (April) to get them completed for an opening in Sep/Oct. Now the opening is not until April 2010.
You can view both Planning Board sessions via the video archive now available on the Town web site. The links will be included in the text version of this podcast.
Planning Board - 1/26/09 meeting reviewing the Walgreens plan
Planning Board - 2/9/09 meeting with final approval for Walgreens
2 - The Alumni Show opened at Galley 218 on Tuesday. A Slide show of pictures I took of the opening is available. The link will be included in the notes.
Disclosure: yes, Allison Sherlock is related to me. She happens to be the #1 daughter, a 2004 graduate of FHS and a 2008 graduate of Assumption College. Her sister, Carolyn, a 2006 FHS grad is pursuing her studies at Northeastern Univ and currently working a co-op this semester.
3 – The School Committee meeting was a full one Tuesday night. I have already provided the live reporting updates on Franklin Matters so I'll just point you to the three key presentations
4 – The School Committee started discussion on what the priorities should be as they get into the detail planning for the fiscal year 2010 budget. A "level service" budget, that is providing the same level of service next year as this, accounts for the cost increases in salary, benefits, transportation, etc would require an increase of 3.5 million dollars. The town has already told the school to come in with a "level funded" budget. That is using the same amount of money this coming year as is being used this year. Considering last year, the budget cut required 40 plus positions to go out the door, the 3.5 million shortfall this year may require another 60 or so positions to go out the door. How that would be done will be the major discussion over the next couple of months.
5 – The Town Council meeting on Wednesday was short, lasting less than an hour. They had spent an hour prior to the formal meeting in a goal setting session that unfortunately I was unable to participate in so I have no idea what they did. I do plan on finding out. I would encourage you to do likewise.
The meeting as short as it was, did have some points of interest. The capital budget will come before the Council for a formal vote sometime in March. Jeff is looking to get a better understanding of what the snow budget will really be in case any further adjustments need to be made.
The councilor comments section was also notable for the cautionary words and appeals to sacrifice as the work on the fiscal 2010 budget approaches. I encourage you to tap into the town web site and view the video archives. You can go straight to the councilor comments section to hear what they had to say.
Finally, I want to broach the O word. In all the discussions and news articles about the coming 2010 budget shortfall, one option we should keep in mind is for an operational override. Now, above all the other times it has been proposed would be a good time to actually pass one. We have dug ourselves into a hole depending up state revenues to cover our daily requirements. The state is not going to be increasing aid anytime soon. Franklin needs to step up and start paying their own way.
Yes, it will be a sacrifice but the one real benefit we will get is that for every tax dollar we put up for Franklin, it stays in Franklin.
I leave it here for now but will come back to this override topic as the budget season progresses.
To recap this week in Franklin:
Have a great week in Franklin!
----- -----
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, 29 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #30
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 30 in the series. In this session, I’ll focus on what you should know about what happened this week in Franklin, MA.
1 - The Planning Board approved Walgreens development of the Four Corners property. Traffic at the corner of 140, King and Chestnut was a concern. They are coordinating with the town to create a right turn only lane for those coming up King so that they can turn right onto 140. The second lane will allow traffic to proceed directly through to Chestnut or to turn left on 140 and head into Town. This may still be an issue but isn't expected to be a big one. Time will tell.
The surprise for me was in the new opening date for Walgreens. During the prior Planning Board session, the discussion was concerned with the traffic improvements. Would the Town get the plans in time (April) to get them completed for an opening in Sep/Oct. Now the opening is not until April 2010.
You can view both Planning Board sessions via the video archive now available on the Town web site. The links will be included in the text version of this podcast.
Planning Board - 1/26/09 meeting reviewing the Walgreens plan
Planning Board - 2/9/09 meeting with final approval for Walgreens
2 - The Alumni Show opened at Galley 218 on Tuesday. A Slide show of pictures I took of the opening is available. The link will be included in the notes.
Disclosure: yes, Allison Sherlock is related to me. She happens to be the #1 daughter, a 2004 graduate of FHS and a 2008 graduate of Assumption College. Her sister, Carolyn, a 2006 FHS grad is pursuing her studies at Northeastern Univ and currently working a co-op this semester.
3 – The School Committee meeting was a full one Tuesday night. I have already provided the live reporting updates on Franklin Matters so I'll just point you to the three key presentations
- the literacy initiative – how the approach to integrate reading in everything the student does in the classroom will be incorporated over the next couple of years
- the expansion of the Advanced Placement courses to include more than the “traditional” high graded students
- the high school improvement plan
4 – The School Committee started discussion on what the priorities should be as they get into the detail planning for the fiscal year 2010 budget. A "level service" budget, that is providing the same level of service next year as this, accounts for the cost increases in salary, benefits, transportation, etc would require an increase of 3.5 million dollars. The town has already told the school to come in with a "level funded" budget. That is using the same amount of money this coming year as is being used this year. Considering last year, the budget cut required 40 plus positions to go out the door, the 3.5 million shortfall this year may require another 60 or so positions to go out the door. How that would be done will be the major discussion over the next couple of months.
5 – The Town Council meeting on Wednesday was short, lasting less than an hour. They had spent an hour prior to the formal meeting in a goal setting session that unfortunately I was unable to participate in so I have no idea what they did. I do plan on finding out. I would encourage you to do likewise.
The meeting as short as it was, did have some points of interest. The capital budget will come before the Council for a formal vote sometime in March. Jeff is looking to get a better understanding of what the snow budget will really be in case any further adjustments need to be made.
The councilor comments section was also notable for the cautionary words and appeals to sacrifice as the work on the fiscal 2010 budget approaches. I encourage you to tap into the town web site and view the video archives. You can go straight to the councilor comments section to hear what they had to say.
Finally, I want to broach the O word. In all the discussions and news articles about the coming 2010 budget shortfall, one option we should keep in mind is for an operational override. Now, above all the other times it has been proposed would be a good time to actually pass one. We have dug ourselves into a hole depending up state revenues to cover our daily requirements. The state is not going to be increasing aid anytime soon. Franklin needs to step up and start paying their own way.
Yes, it will be a sacrifice but the one real benefit we will get is that for every tax dollar we put up for Franklin, it stays in Franklin.
I leave it here for now but will come back to this override topic as the budget season progresses.
To recap this week in Franklin:
- Walgreens is coming in 2010
- Gallery 218 features art works of FHS alumni
- The school committee meeting has multiple presentations worthy of viewing
- The capital budget will be coming up for vote in March
- 2010 will be a tough budget
- there should be an override option to offset job and service cuts
Have a great week in Franklin!
----- -----
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
"bargains won’t be difficult to find"
Kathy Stankard writes:
Read her full posting on Foreclosure Rates here
The taxpayers (myself included) will mention that the tax rate did go up slightly while the asessed value went down however we still get alot for our money like newer schools, newer police and fire station, an amazing senior center that for once makes me want to age. We also have an active community and a great small town feel even though the population is nearing 35,000.
Read her full posting on Foreclosure Rates here
"We're hoping that some of these projects get funded"
FRANKLIN —
Already facing a budget deficit, Franklin, like communities around the state, is looking to federal stimulus dollars to help fund municipal projects.
Franklin submitted several "shovel ready" projects - including water main repairs and road reconstruction - to the state in hopes of getting some of the money that could come to Massachusetts through the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."
But town Comptroller Susan L. Gagner said getting federal dollars for projects like reconstructing Pleasant Street or painting the Forge Hill water tank will not save Franklin from a budget deficit in fiscal 2010.
"Anything used for infrastructure comes out of capitol funds. It's not going to help the operating budget," she said.
Read the full article including the listing of "shovel ready" projects that Franklin submitted for consideration in the Milford Daily News here
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