This recording for Franklin Matters is the second of a special series to replay the discussion at the Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.
Time: 26 minutes, 57 seconds
MP3 File
FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1
Session Notes:
Music intro
My intro
FM #39-2
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-2 in the series.
This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick replays the presentation. We pick up with the Gov completing his introduction and setting out the ground rules. He turns the mic over to Brendan Ryan, Director of Civic Engagement who takes us through a series of slides.
I intend to synchronize this audio with the actual slides. Synchronizing the audio with the slides will make this segment much easier to listen to as each time they refer to a slide, they don't always read what is on the slide itself. In the meantime, here is the audio.
---- ---- ----
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
Friday, May 22, 2009
FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1
This recording for Franklin Matters is the first of a special series to replay the discussion at the Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.
Time: 7 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
Music intro
My intro
FM #39-1
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-1 in the series.
This segment will be one of a special series to cover the Town Hall Forum conducted at the Senior Center on Sunday, May 17th by Governor Deval Patrick.
The recording of the full almost two hour session will be broken into segments to make it easier to listen to (time wise). This first segments will picks up with the introduction by Representative Jim Vallee, and then Gov Deval Patrick sets the ground rules for the discussion that follows.
The recording jumps into Rep Vallee's intro. I apologize for missing the welcome remarks by Town Council Chairperson Chris Feeley.
Gov Patrick's ground rules and execution of what follows is a wonderful example of facilitating a respectful discussion.
---- ---- ----
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: 7 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes
Music intro
My intro
FM #39-1
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-1 in the series.
This segment will be one of a special series to cover the Town Hall Forum conducted at the Senior Center on Sunday, May 17th by Governor Deval Patrick.
The recording of the full almost two hour session will be broken into segments to make it easier to listen to (time wise). This first segments will picks up with the introduction by Representative Jim Vallee, and then Gov Deval Patrick sets the ground rules for the discussion that follows.
The recording jumps into Rep Vallee's intro. I apologize for missing the welcome remarks by Town Council Chairperson Chris Feeley.
Gov Patrick's ground rules and execution of what follows is a wonderful example of facilitating a respectful discussion.
---- ---- ----
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
Photo essay - 3rd Thursday - Block Party
On a night when the sky was clear
The sun was setting
These guys were concentrating on playing good music
The acoustic section of the group "Nothing to No One" was something to listen to for many
Have something to eat or drink at Cafe Dolce
Come on down to celebrate the next Third Thursday in June!
The sun was setting
These guys were concentrating on playing good music
The acoustic section of the group "Nothing to No One" was something to listen to for many
Have something to eat or drink at Cafe Dolce
Come on down to celebrate the next Third Thursday in June!
Gov Patrick video summary
The Governor has posted his video summary of the Forum at the Senior Center on Sunday, May 17th.
You can view this almost 4 minute video:
I'll have the audio for the full Forum coming out in sections during the day Friday.
You can view this almost 4 minute video:
I'll have the audio for the full Forum coming out in sections during the day Friday.
Governor's visit, summarized; short and sweet
These two sherku were written as a result of Governor Patrick's visit to Franklin's Senior center on Sunday. I am working to publish the audio of the session in sections so if you missed the event, you can still listen to what was said during his visit.
What is a sherku?
This is almost a "found" poem as it an amalgam of Gov Patrick's remarks when he visited Franklin on Sunday (5/17/09).
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What is a sherku?
This is a "found" poem - Governor Patrick said this during his visit to Franklin on Sunday (5/17/09).
Gov Patrick says
Tough state budget choices
Most of these things we will
Pay for sooner or later
What is a sherku?
This is almost a "found" poem as it an amalgam of Gov Patrick's remarks when he visited Franklin on Sunday (5/17/09).
-----------
Gov Patrick says
We better start behaving
Like we are members
Of the same community
What is a sherku?
This is a "found" poem - Governor Patrick said this during his visit to Franklin on Sunday (5/17/09).
"We schedule them one at a time"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
Negotiating teams for the teachers union and School Committee met for more than two hours yesterday in an effort to reach an agreement on a proposed wage deferral, but they haven't gotten there yet.
"We still haven't come to an agreement yet," said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy. "Both sides have stressed we would not discuss the details of negotiations."
Among those in the closed-door meeting: Roy, School Committee members Cora Armenio, Vice Chairwoman Paula Mullen, Franklin Education President Robert McLaughlin, Superintendent Wayne Ogden, Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Oak Street Elementary School Principal Corine Minkle, school Human Resources Director Lisa O'Keefe, school Finance Director Miriam Goodman, as well as an elementary school teacher and a middle school teacher.
To close a gap, the town has teachers for a wage freeze. The union, in return, asked for other concessions, which led to the current stalemate.
Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Block Party -> 4:30 - 8:00 PM Downtown
The Franklin Downtown Partnership announced special activities planned for "Third Thursday" on May 21, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Join downtown businesses on the third Thursday of every month for special offers, discounts and fun activities for the entire family.
The May theme is a Block Party, featuring acoustical entertainment on the outdoor patio at the newly opened Cafe Dolce and a Beader Night Party at Sara Paan Beads.
Following are the planned activities:
Free live, acoustical entertainment in the outdoor patio and complementary muffins and scones during Third Thursday. Visit http://www.cafedolce.net/ for details.
Sara Paan Beads, 16 East Central St.:
Staff will help customers finish a piece during the "Beader Night Party" and give special demonstrations on creating multi-strand necklaces, loop earrings and more. Refreshments will be served. Visit http://www.maysjewelry.com/ for more details.
Artbeat, The Creativity Store, 9 Summer St.:
Children are invited to meet local author/illustrator Debra Wainwright, who will read from her new book, "That Kind of Dog." Get a signed copy of the story and take a picture with Bramble. Free craft projects can be made while enjoying light refreshments.
Other downtown business will participate in the event.
Town Council Mtg Smry 05/20/09
The collection of posts reported live during the Town Council meeting of 5/20/09 are here:
"not the final word"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Just as town officials seemed to have nearly closed a budget gap for next year and avoided widespread layoffs, Franklin stands to lose another $1.7 million in state aid.
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting told councilors last night that the Senate budget reduces Franklin's local aid by $1 million, which means the school district's share will be reduced by at least half a million.
Franklin is also slated to receive hundreds of thousands less in stimulus funds and reimbursements for special education costs, he said.
"There is no good news coming out of the Senate budget," Nutting said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
New England Sports Celebration - 5/31/09
From the Facebook page for the New England Sports Celebration
Come down and help us raise funds for the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center PCC. We are planning a fun-filled family day celebrating the proud tradition of New England sports!!
Currently, we have Boston hockey legend TERRY O'REILLY coming down to sign autographs from 2PM-4PM.
Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions. You are welcome to bring your own items, and we will have a great selection of pictures, pucks and other items available for sale!
Also from 2PM - 4PM, Wally the Green Monster will be visiting to take pictures and sign autographs for his fans for FREE!!!
AND JUST ANNOUNCED - Football Legend STEVE GROGAN will also be available from 2PM-4PM!!! Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions.
There will be lots of other fun activities for the kids, as well. Cash bar and concessions will be available. did we mention....ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
This is a public event and we want to pack the place - so please feel free to invite anyone you would like!!! A lot more to come on this...
SAVE THE DATE!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Live reporting - Councilor Comments
Doak - I want to thanks the Charter Commission for the work they did, there is a lot of good info here that we'll need to get into.
Pfeffer - I thought Gov Patrick did very well with handling the comments, especially with asking for if you don't want this cut, where do we cut?
Nutting - I can't tell you how proud I was of the Senior Center, it was wonderful to have the Governor there
Whalen - Downtown Partnership, general meeting at Dean 8:30 AM
Third Thursday 5/21/09
Strawberry Festival, June 19th
Networking Luncheon, May 27th Golder Room
I'd like to know more about it?
Nutting - The Quinn provides a financial incentive for a degree, town pays half and state pays half; bachelors degree gets a 10% bump, the town puts in 5 and the state puts in 5. If it gets cut, the town side would still be there, the state side wouldn't. Effects folks differently depending upon their rank and their education level, it can be part of their base pay would would affect their detail rate.
Bartlett - Dow e pay any reimbursement for them on the courses themselves?
Nutting - there are 8 collective bargaining agreements, I'd like to get back to you specifically on that. I don't won't to mis-speak
Bartlett - I found it interesting that Gov Patrick has the same issue with explaining the capital vs operating budget problem that we do.
Feeley - It think it should be noted that despite what reported in the Milford Daily News, the town did provide space and was willing to do the retro-fitting necessary for the Franklin Food Pantry.
The Council went into Executive Session for purposes of collective bargaining not to return to open meeting.
(my editorial note: per Joyce Kelly, it was part of the article and the editor cut it out.)
Pfeffer - I thought Gov Patrick did very well with handling the comments, especially with asking for if you don't want this cut, where do we cut?
Nutting - I can't tell you how proud I was of the Senior Center, it was wonderful to have the Governor there
Whalen - Downtown Partnership, general meeting at Dean 8:30 AM
Third Thursday 5/21/09
Strawberry Festival, June 19th
Networking Luncheon, May 27th Golder Room
I'd like to know more about it?
Nutting - The Quinn provides a financial incentive for a degree, town pays half and state pays half; bachelors degree gets a 10% bump, the town puts in 5 and the state puts in 5. If it gets cut, the town side would still be there, the state side wouldn't. Effects folks differently depending upon their rank and their education level, it can be part of their base pay would would affect their detail rate.
Bartlett - Dow e pay any reimbursement for them on the courses themselves?
Nutting - there are 8 collective bargaining agreements, I'd like to get back to you specifically on that. I don't won't to mis-speak
Bartlett - I found it interesting that Gov Patrick has the same issue with explaining the capital vs operating budget problem that we do.
Feeley - It think it should be noted that despite what reported in the Milford Daily News, the town did provide space and was willing to do the retro-fitting necessary for the Franklin Food Pantry.
The Council went into Executive Session for purposes of collective bargaining not to return to open meeting.
(my editorial note: per Joyce Kelly, it was part of the article and the editor cut it out.)
Live reporting - Old/New Business
Vallee - with the Police department taking the wage freeze, the Quinn Bill, and the potential loss of details, what are you planning to do for them?
Nutting - The Quinn bill hasn't been finally decided yet
Nutting - if it is cut, we can have an executive session to review compensation
Nutting - The Quinn bill hasn't been finally decided yet
Nutting - if it is cut, we can have an executive session to review compensation
Live reporting - Administrator update
Nutting - thanks to all for participation, open house at the DPW in conjunction with the Library Book sale.
Third Thursday tomorrow night. Music at Cafe Dolce, other businesses will be participating with arts/crafts, etc.
Marini working with Planning Board to remove fence downtown, put some greenery and benches there
Third Thursday tomorrow night. Music at Cafe Dolce, other businesses will be participating with arts/crafts, etc.
Marini working with Planning Board to remove fence downtown, put some greenery and benches there
Live reporting - Action items
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - None
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Notes: 1 - a house keeping approval to clean up for old bonds, there is no cash involved.
Notes: 2 - this wasn't expected a year ago when you voted to reduce the rates. Water usage down 14%, which reduces sewer rates. Charles River rate increased. Vacancies consume less water. This would be the first rate increase since 2003. We cut the rate 10%, this would actually add that back plus 5%. If consumption doesn't increase, we may still need to adjust again for 2011.
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
- Resolution 09-30: Appropriations Amended motion to accept - passed 7-0
- Bylaw Amendment 09-633: Amendment to Sewer Rates motion to move to second reading - passed 7-0
Notes: 1 - a house keeping approval to clean up for old bonds, there is no cash involved.
Notes: 2 - this wasn't expected a year ago when you voted to reduce the rates. Water usage down 14%, which reduces sewer rates. Charles River rate increased. Vacancies consume less water. This would be the first rate increase since 2003. We cut the rate 10%, this would actually add that back plus 5%. If consumption doesn't increase, we may still need to adjust again for 2011.
Live reporting - FY 2010 update
What happened today reduced $1.7 million from the Franklin budget for FY 2010.
The local revenue options were passed but the timing of obtaining that would prevent us from benefiting it for next year.
No indication that the budget will be adopted until late June
We'll need to use the Governor's number which is probably high to begin with.
Bartlett - Hw would we estimate the meals tax?
Nutting - The DOR estimated sometime ago for us. We haven't done anything yet as it isn't real. You couldn't use 100% in the first year to be fiscally prudent. There are all kinds of estimates. The Senate and the House have two different telecom versions which all leads to no definitive answer.
Picture won;t be clear on the Senate side until the end of this week, or next week.
Nutting - the telecom is pretty straight forward as it is a property tax, we have the data.
The local revenue options were passed but the timing of obtaining that would prevent us from benefiting it for next year.
No indication that the budget will be adopted until late June
We'll need to use the Governor's number which is probably high to begin with.
Bartlett - Hw would we estimate the meals tax?
Nutting - The DOR estimated sometime ago for us. We haven't done anything yet as it isn't real. You couldn't use 100% in the first year to be fiscally prudent. There are all kinds of estimates. The Senate and the House have two different telecom versions which all leads to no definitive answer.
Picture won;t be clear on the Senate side until the end of this week, or next week.
Nutting - the telecom is pretty straight forward as it is a property tax, we have the data.
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