Nutting - with a little knock on wood, we'll be able to meet the winter snow and ice with what we allocated (initially $700K and an additionally $600K)
GATRA - meeting today on how to keep them alive, the ridership is only 149/per week. They need 250-300 per week to meet their needs.
Meeting Friday for elected and Town officials with McGovern's office. Not for the public but FYI for those folks here.
Old business - none
New business -
Question, probably should have been asked earlier - where are we with the state and the possible new revenues?
Nutting - It might be several months before those local tax options are decided at the State level. I'll be putting the budget together assuming we don't get those.
Pfeffer - When the Haywood family donated it, it was a bandstand. In those days, folks didn't do gazebos, they built bandstands.
Vallee - I just want to go on record that I will not support the fee increases. It goes against what is supposed to be done at this time of recession/depression.
Motion - to go into executive session. Passed 8-0
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Live reporting - legislation for action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Dave Roche, Building Commissioner
The base of the building was expanded at some point but the roof did not cover it creating a water problem.
The edges of the roof are rotted. It won't do anything really to change the appearance. Simply extend the roof by about a foot to provide the protection needed.
Later we can use the Town electrician to change the lighting.
We don't have the expertise to do the tile ourselves. The Historical Commission and everybody else requested to keep the tile.
Motion to amend to include the interest accrued.
McGann question to keep the work within the Town's contractors.
Nutting - the bids already came in, don't know where they are from but we need to take the lowest bid.
Gary McGarraher, Fire Chief
Explains the billing process involving Medicare rates, not using assignments any longer to ensure full recover of the funds,
It really is not an increase in rates, it is bundling it differently in order to capture the full Medicare amount.
McGann - in comparison to surrounding Towns, where are we?
Roche - we last changed the rates eight years ago. We are in some cases, incredibly low for comparable services. With the services we are offering, we were not covering our costs. Even though it is not the best time to do so, it is something that allows us to recover more of our costs.
The state will ask the communities to review the fees to ensure that they cover the budget.
- Resolution 09-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 29A, Palomino Drive motion passed 8-0
- Resolution 09-16: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 29 B, Paddock Lane motion passed 8-0
- Resolution 09-17: Declaration of Town-Owned Land as Surplus and Available for Disposition motion passed 8-0
- Resolution 09-18: Appropriation Town Common Band Stand motion passed 8-0
- Bylaw Amendment 09-631: Chapter 82 Fees, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates - 1st Reading motion passed 8-0
Dave Roche, Building Commissioner
The base of the building was expanded at some point but the roof did not cover it creating a water problem.
The edges of the roof are rotted. It won't do anything really to change the appearance. Simply extend the roof by about a foot to provide the protection needed.
Later we can use the Town electrician to change the lighting.
We don't have the expertise to do the tile ourselves. The Historical Commission and everybody else requested to keep the tile.
Motion to amend to include the interest accrued.
McGann question to keep the work within the Town's contractors.
Nutting - the bids already came in, don't know where they are from but we need to take the lowest bid.
Gary McGarraher, Fire Chief
Explains the billing process involving Medicare rates, not using assignments any longer to ensure full recover of the funds,
It really is not an increase in rates, it is bundling it differently in order to capture the full Medicare amount.
McGann - in comparison to surrounding Towns, where are we?
Roche - we last changed the rates eight years ago. We are in some cases, incredibly low for comparable services. With the services we are offering, we were not covering our costs. Even though it is not the best time to do so, it is something that allows us to recover more of our costs.
The state will ask the communities to review the fees to ensure that they cover the budget.
Live reporting - Audit report
Susan Gagner
Jim Dacey
Auditor (fill in name later)
no material entries made to start the audit
The audit report can be found here (PDF)
Auditor recommendation to set up a capital account, current capital is budgeted by using "free cash"
Auditor recommendation on formal system to support data for utility abatements and adjustments for DPW
Q - Bartlett, we had a problem with reconciling ambulance reports from last time
A - Gagner, we have reconciled the first 6 months of 2009, we added a report to perform this audit and that why the item is no longer part of the report.
Q - Bartlett, and last year with the School problem
A - Gagner, the separation between entries has been set up, they don't have access to make ledger entries
Q - Bartlett, so this report covers the School's as well
A - Auditor, yes, this is completely covered, no issues found
Jim Dacey
Auditor (fill in name later)
no material entries made to start the audit
The audit report can be found here (PDF)
Auditor recommendation to set up a capital account, current capital is budgeted by using "free cash"
Auditor recommendation on formal system to support data for utility abatements and adjustments for DPW
Q - Bartlett, we had a problem with reconciling ambulance reports from last time
A - Gagner, we have reconciled the first 6 months of 2009, we added a report to perform this audit and that why the item is no longer part of the report.
Q - Bartlett, and last year with the School problem
A - Gagner, the separation between entries has been set up, they don't have access to make ledger entries
Q - Bartlett, so this report covers the School's as well
A - Auditor, yes, this is completely covered, no issues found
Live reporting: Town Council mtg 3/18/09
Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann
Missing: Zollo,
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 3/4/09 Regular and Executive Session
motion to approve - passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nutting - non-union municipal, school, police have all stepped up to take the pay freeze this year
5 other unions, total 6 of 8 Town have agreed to take the freeze. Jeff thanks everyone to date. The School Admin, School Committee and teachers are working their side.
Pfeffer - comments open for 5 minutes, must be resident, will be recorded on camera, broadcast via internet and cable, no alias, must use real name
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
Missing: Zollo,
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 3/4/09 Regular and Executive Session
motion to approve - passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nutting - non-union municipal, school, police have all stepped up to take the pay freeze this year
5 other unions, total 6 of 8 Town have agreed to take the freeze. Jeff thanks everyone to date. The School Admin, School Committee and teachers are working their side.
Pfeffer - comments open for 5 minutes, must be resident, will be recorded on camera, broadcast via internet and cable, no alias, must use real name
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
GATRA still needs riders!
Did you know that GATRA has been operating here in Franklin for one year already?
Yes, it is true. They completed 52 weeks of service last week. They have provided free rides, coupons, and the ridership is only an average 149 per week. This is at least 100 below the target they set out with the Town to achieve when they began.
Will they be able to continue?
The decision is pending. Much like a lot of other areas. The resources are being looked at to see if they can justify the usage.
How can you help?
Consider riding GATRA. Look at the schedule here. Consider walking to one of the roads along the route and flag the bus down. Assuming, it is a good place to stop, they will.
Do you have any ideas on how to increase riders?
GATRA would love to hear from you. You can contact them through their web site here
"His mere presence ends confrontations and arguments"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
There is probably no one more excited to go to work and catch "the bad guys" than 11-year-old Chase, a black German shepherd police dog with the Franklin Police Department.
"I'll be at home and ask him, 'You want to go to work?' and he'll start jumping up and down and go right to the door to leave the house," said Officer Michael Gilboy, who calls Chase his best friend.
Gilboy and Chase are more than friends, though. Chase wears Gilboy's badge, which adorned his collar yesterday.
Read the full article about Chase, who retired yesterday, in the Milford Daily News here
GATRA - Franklin Area Bus
What:
Needs YOUR input to help us determine the future of the Franklin Area Bus
When:
Wednesday, March 18th - 4:00 p.m.
Where:
Franklin Senior Center - 10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin's Earth Day Celebration
Franklin's Earth Day Celebration
Saturday April 18th, 2009
Beaver Pond
Starts at 9:00 AM
Volunteer to clean up targeted areas and assist with planting flowers and shrubs around Franklin.
- Please bring your own water bottle.
- Please bring your own gloves and rakes.
- Community service certificates will be issued.
- T-shirts to the first 200 volunteers.
- Clean up goes to 1:00 PM
Get some Eco-Info at Beaver Pond:
- Water conservation kits and rain barrel display.
- Mercury thermometer exchange for digital thermometers.
- Recycling tips and composting information.
- Energy conservation tips.
- Much more ! ! !
You can register on the Town website here
PodCamp Western Mass - March 28th - Holyoke
It's time to bring the PodCamp concept to Western Mass. We have a thriving community here of some truly amazing people. This is a chance for Western Mass bloggers, business people, artists, and academics, to get together, make connections, and for everyone to learn how social media can enhance their business, cause or organization. This is also a chance to celebrate the cornucopia of Western Mass. culture, a joyous blend of urban and rural; business, artistic and academic; near enough to other large metro areas, but small enough to hear yourself think.
When: Saturday, March 28, 2009
Where: Open Square in Holyoke, Second Floor
(Open Square is the mill building across the street from The Wherehouse. Entrance to parking is from either Lyman Street or Dwight Street. Open Square is located between the first and second level canals, which are bordered by Race St and Front St. The nearest entrance to the stairs and elevator is marked with a very large white "4".)
- Please use the tag PodCampWesternMass or hashtag #pcwm or #pcwm09 for content related to this event
Rough Schedule:
Looking to set up 3 breakouts for each session time after the Opening Remarks
8:30 to 9:00 - Welcome desk and coffee (?)
9:00 to 9:30 - Opening Remarks: Explanation of Unconference Format.
9:30 to 10:30 - Session 1
Break (1/2 hr.)
11:00 to Noon - Session 2
Noon to 2:00 - Lunch
2:00 to 3:00 - Session 3
Break (1/2 hr)
3:30 to 4:30 Session 4
4:30 to 5:00 Closing Remarks
You can register for PodCamp Western Mass here
------------
I will be traveling out to Holyoke to run the Welcome Desk, if anyone would like to join drive from Franklin with me, please let me know.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
FEF Trivia Bee Thursday March 19th 7:00 PM
Good fun for a good cause, fund raising for the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF). They provide lots of support the school budget has not covered.
GATRA - Franklin Area Bus
What:
Needs YOUR input to help us determine the future of the Franklin Area Bus
When:
Wednesday, March 18th - 4:00 p.m.
Where:
Franklin Senior Center - 10 Daniel McCahill Street
"There are no secrets in the big house"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Franklin's homepage has a new look this year that some residents have pooh-poohed as being uglier than in years past, but the Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government again recognized it as a "gold star" community.
Every year, the campaign (www.maopengov.org) assesses how easy it is for the public to obtain information about local government.
"It's not based on looks or design, only information. This year, we've only added to the information," said Assistant Town Administrator Maxine Kinhart, who helps administer the Web site, www.franklinma.virtualtownhall.net.
Franklin has been given the annual e-Government award every year since 2006, Kinhart said.
Read the full article about the recent award for Franklin's web site in the Milford Daily News here
THE MOSELEY GROUP HELPS WITH RE-IMAGING OF CUMBERLAND FARMS
In our continuing series on the businesses located in Franklin, this press release just came out featuring the Moseley Group.
FRANKLIN, MA -
FRANKLIN, MA -
Cumberland Farms, the well‐known convenience store throughout the Northeast, takes on a new look this week with the help of The Moseley Group, a leading food and beverage consulting firm in Franklin, Massachusetts.The Moseley Group is based in Franklin, MA.
The grand opening of Cumberland Farms’s new concept store Friday in Farmington, CT, celebrated the family‐owned company’s farm heritage with a new identity and décor package, and new made‐to‐order food offerings.
The Moseley Group was hired by Cumberland Farms a year ago to help reimage the 71‐year old company and reinvigorate the business model for its 600 stores in 11 states.
“We updated the concept with new identity, new décor, new food and new packaging,” said Tom Moseley, president. “Yet we were careful to remain true to the core of the brand. There is tremendous loyalty within the Cumberland Farms customer base, and we worked to extend the brand assets to reach new customers, too. It is not well known that Cumberland Farms is a family‐owned business in its third‐generation of leadership. We wanted to highlight this story to create a more personal connection between the stores and their customers, which we did through identity and packaging.”
The new identity includes a timeless expression of the company name, refined tree icon and new color palette; the elements work together to convey a commitment to freshness. Packaging design highlights the founding family, depicting images from circa 1930, and expresses the company’s principle commitment to good quality and value.
Moseley’s culinary team led the development of a new menu featuring hot flatbread, ciabatta and breakfast sandwiches. “This offering is what the New England convenience‐store customer is seeking – on‐trend flavor profiles delivered in a ready‐to‐eat format,” said Chris Milloff, managing partner. “Cumberland’s program is new for New England, and we expect they’ll see tremendous success with it.”
The new concept store features Merrychef accelerated ovens, which deliver sandwiches 10–15 times faster than conventional convection ovens, with perfectly toasted breads, caramelized meat flavors, and melted cheeses. Farmington, CT is the first reimaging of a Cumberland Farms store, to be followed by a store in Deep River, CT slated for opening later this month. The new design and culinary principles will be rolled out in many markets over the coming 18–24 months.
Addressing FHS wear and tear
Charlie Franklin had commented:
1 - to address the maintenance status of the building
I posted Mike D'Angelo's memo outlining the capital expenses on the high school building over the last 10 years here.
Specifically from D'Angelo's memo I quote:
2 - to address your comparison to Harvard's buildings
I managed to find a document on the Harvard buildings submitted to the Cambridge, MA government website that depicts the age of the buildings in color code. In particular, when you match the buildings coded black (those under 50 years old) those are the ones where science and math are taught. The building coded red or yellow (either "historical" or those over 50 years), those are used for dormitory and office space. They are not used for the advanced technical laboratory needs of the institution.
You can also look to the Harvard FactBook published by the Provost of Harvard University and found on their website here (PDF).
Skipping through the pages to #34 and #35 will bring you to the facts on the physical plant.
For example:
And this chart depicting the growth of their campus over time:
Therefore the comparison of the age and condition of the Franklin High School building to those at Harvard doesn't work.
The High School is approximately 1/6th - 1/7th the age of Harvard & Yale, and it is only 37 years old. If from what has been mentioned about it.. Is it the workmanship from when it was built, or the lack of proactive steps to keep up on the building? Or...is it the kids who go to the school that cause much of the damage? If that is the case, then there should be more oversight and someone is lacking in their job performance. It took years to get it to this stage..and the School Committee was in charge of the school for most of it, until recently when they could pawn off their responsibilities.The full post and comment is here.
1 - to address the maintenance status of the building
I posted Mike D'Angelo's memo outlining the capital expenses on the high school building over the last 10 years here.
Specifically from D'Angelo's memo I quote:
The news media showcased some of the tours and the need to renovate Franklin High in a negative way. That is not because we have not been maintaining the building but because the programmatic needs of the educational system have changed. The things we are looking for in a renovation will change the focus of the building. We will change a High School that probably had only 30% of its students enrolled in college prep programs in 1970 to one that has more than 90% in 2008. The building needs to change to support that enrollment change.
2 - to address your comparison to Harvard's buildings
I managed to find a document on the Harvard buildings submitted to the Cambridge, MA government website that depicts the age of the buildings in color code. In particular, when you match the buildings coded black (those under 50 years old) those are the ones where science and math are taught. The building coded red or yellow (either "historical" or those over 50 years), those are used for dormitory and office space. They are not used for the advanced technical laboratory needs of the institution.
- You can find the document here. (May open slowly as it is a PDF file)
- Scroll to page 6. On the bottom of page 6 is the color code table.
You can also look to the Harvard FactBook published by the Provost of Harvard University and found on their website here (PDF).
Skipping through the pages to #34 and #35 will bring you to the facts on the physical plant.
For example:
The University owns and operates more than six hundred buildings of varying sizes and characteristics spread over a wide geographic area. They encompass approximately 24.5 million gross square feet of space. The physical plant provides living space for students and faculty, research facilities to advance our base of knowledge, classroom and library spaces for the dissemination of knowledge, and space for administrative and support services.Of interest is their new science complex under construction in Allston, slide show here
And this chart depicting the growth of their campus over time:
Therefore the comparison of the age and condition of the Franklin High School building to those at Harvard doesn't work.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Fix the 9th Grade Problem in PreK
Given the budget cuts being talked off, which will likely increase class size, I would draw attention to this quote:
"Among the promising school interventions that work— used best in combination—include preschool programs, smaller class size especially in the early years, use of cooperative strategies, personalized learning, extended time for learning, extracurricular activities targeted particularly for underachieving students, and, finally, providing high-quality teachers who understand the students, respect them, and believe that the students can learn."
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via ASCD Inservice by ASCD Bloggers on 3/15/09
The achievement gap is a deep-seated, long-standing, hard-to-solve issue that isn't going away unless we use a strategic approach to solve it, Vanderbilt University Professor Joseph Murphy told ASCDers in his session entitled "Leadership Lessons for Closing the Achievement Gap."...Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ASCD Inservice using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Town Council - 3/18/09 - Agenda
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 3/4/09 Regular and Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
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
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- presentation of Audit – Melanson Heath & Co.
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
- Resolution 09-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 29A, Palomino Drive
- Resolution 09-16: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 29 B, Paddock Lane
- Resolution 09-17: Declaration of Town-Owned Land as Surplus and Available for Disposition
- Resolution 09-18: Appropriation Town Common Band Stand
- Bylaw Amendment 09-631: Chapter 82 Fees, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates - 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
Cafe Dolce - updated
Yea, a coffee shop is coming soon to downtown Franklin.
On the walk around town I did Friday afternoon, I stopped in to talk with BJ Carlucci. He is busy tending to a recently broken ankle as well as finishing off the ceiling and kitchen. He should be training the folks that he has already hired next week and be ready to open the first week of April.
I can't wait.
BJ and I should be getting together for another longer conversation later this week and I'll let you know more about this new business opening soon.
Updated 3/26/09 - BJ, Dave and I did talk today. The results of that discussion will be up soon. I did post a picture of their new sign here.
On the walk around town I did Friday afternoon, I stopped in to talk with BJ Carlucci. He is busy tending to a recently broken ankle as well as finishing off the ceiling and kitchen. He should be training the folks that he has already hired next week and be ready to open the first week of April.
I can't wait.
BJ and I should be getting together for another longer conversation later this week and I'll let you know more about this new business opening soon.
Updated 3/26/09 - BJ, Dave and I did talk today. The results of that discussion will be up soon. I did post a picture of their new sign here.
Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli.
Replies.Treesavers Book Outlet
In our continuing series on businesses located in Franklin, I decided to implement a modification to "Management by walking around" by changing it to "Blogging by walking around". Friday afternoon, I had some errands to do so I decided to do them all on foot and found myself at Treesavers Book Outlet.
Kerry DiGiandomenico has been operating Treesavers Book Outlet for 14 years. He took it over from the previous owner when they ran into difficulty with RT 140 under construction and traffic to the store cut sharply.
With the Honey Dew in front of the plaza also closed for renovations, traffic has dropped, so Kerry is looking for other ways to draw in used book buyers.
LeeRoy U Bailey, Jr will be at Treesavers on Saturday May 2, to sign his book; A Different Perspective on How to Reach Heaven: You Must Be Born Again.
LeeRoy will be on site at Treesavers from noon to 4:00 PM. For more information you can email LeeRoy at brnagain@gmail.com or visit his website here.
Treesavers is a good alternative to the big booksellers for anything popular. As the picture mosaic shows, there are plenty of books with many of the major categories (Ficton, Non-Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, etc.) that you would find in other book stores.
Kerry also deals in collectables. There were stacks of KISS dolls and posters amongst the stacks of books.
Audio books (books on tape or CD) are also available.
Each section of the books is generally alphabetized by author last name to make finding the book easier. Kerry tells the story of one couple who would bring him a set of index cards with author and titles. This was the listing of books that they had already read. Kerry would then keep an eye out for books not on their list, put them aside and when there were a few call them. They would come in to buy that set of books and update the listing on the index cards. Alas, the couple have both passed away now but this is the kind of place and service that Treesavers provides.
With money tight, the urge to read still prevalent, consider the low cost option to buying used books. Visit Treesavers and help support a Franklin business.
Treesavers Book Outlet is located at 391 West Central, in the same plaza as Edwins, AutoZone and Honey Dew.
Kerry DiGiandomenico has been operating Treesavers Book Outlet for 14 years. He took it over from the previous owner when they ran into difficulty with RT 140 under construction and traffic to the store cut sharply.
With the Honey Dew in front of the plaza also closed for renovations, traffic has dropped, so Kerry is looking for other ways to draw in used book buyers.
LeeRoy U Bailey, Jr will be at Treesavers on Saturday May 2, to sign his book; A Different Perspective on How to Reach Heaven: You Must Be Born Again.
LeeRoy will be on site at Treesavers from noon to 4:00 PM. For more information you can email LeeRoy at brnagain@gmail.com or visit his website here.
Treesavers is a good alternative to the big booksellers for anything popular. As the picture mosaic shows, there are plenty of books with many of the major categories (Ficton, Non-Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, etc.) that you would find in other book stores.
Kerry also deals in collectables. There were stacks of KISS dolls and posters amongst the stacks of books.
Audio books (books on tape or CD) are also available.
Each section of the books is generally alphabetized by author last name to make finding the book easier. Kerry tells the story of one couple who would bring him a set of index cards with author and titles. This was the listing of books that they had already read. Kerry would then keep an eye out for books not on their list, put them aside and when there were a few call them. They would come in to buy that set of books and update the listing on the index cards. Alas, the couple have both passed away now but this is the kind of place and service that Treesavers provides.
With money tight, the urge to read still prevalent, consider the low cost option to buying used books. Visit Treesavers and help support a Franklin business.
Treesavers Book Outlet is located at 391 West Central, in the same plaza as Edwins, AutoZone and Honey Dew.
Jane's Frames - Inventory Sale
On Monday (3/16) and Tuesday (3/17), Jane's Frames will be conducting an Inventory Sale offering discounts of 50-80%.
The inventory needs to move to prepare for a juried art show to be held on Thursday (3/19/09)
Additional information on the juried show can be found here:
The inventory needs to move to prepare for a juried art show to be held on Thursday (3/19/09)
Additional information on the juried show can be found here:
Slideshow: Government and its role in the economy
Pictures from the panel discussion on Government and its role in the economy are now available.
The audio recordings were posted previously here.
The audio recordings were posted previously here.
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