"hard work will pay off"

By Ken Hamwey/Daily News correspondent

Sun May 31, 2009, 12:30 AM EDT

Tom Geysen never played varsity sports in high school or college, but that didn't stop him from becoming one of Franklin's top-notch coaches.

The 64-year-old Geysen, who won Hockomock League championships in girls soccer and boys track, also was a high-caliber coach in boys basketball and softball. Retired from education since 2003 after 35 years of teaching English, Geysen continues to direct the Panthers' girls soccer team and the boys track squad.

Read the full article about Tom Geysen on the Wicked Local pages here

Treesavers - Jan Bornstein, book signing

Jan Bornstein will be at Treesavers Books to sign on June 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

For more about Jan's books visit her web site

"a reasonable approach"

GHS

Posted Jun 03, 2009 @ 12:25 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Given the uncertainty of how much local aid the state will give Franklin, Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting is recommending Town Council adopt the Finance Committee's budget, and make necessary changes in July.

He also told the Finance Committee last night that he senses, based on recent visits to the State House, legislators will not finish their budget until the end of June.

"We're $876,000 short, according to the Senate budget, the latest budget. One option is to cut our budget today, but that causes unnecessary panic," because the state could turn around and give Franklin additional funds, Nutting said. The town budget for next year is about $88 million.

Town officials could also take a middle line, and reduce the budget by $400,000 or $500,000 now, he said, but he advised the simplest option, of adopting a preliminary budget and making cuts later.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Live reporting - Finance Committee Mtg 6/2/09

Attending: Juan Rivera, Patricia Goldsmith, Phyllis Messere, Mark Cataldo, James Roche
Tina Powderly, Robert Teixeira, Brett S. Feldman, Rebecca Cameron

Missing: Jack Caufield, Craig Maire

Minutes for the following meetings were brought up for review.
April 16 - motion to approve, passed 9-0
April 21 - motion to approve, passed 9-0
April 28 - motion to approve, passed 9-0
April 29 - motion to approve, passed 9-0
May 5 - motion to approve, passed 9-0

Retirement Actuarial Study - request for $14,000 to be performed to update last one in 2007, the study is required by law to get updated every 2 years

The total outstanding liability is 49 million based upon a present value of the total liability (at an 8% assumed return)

motion to approve, passed 9-0

Library repairs
Proposing to pay off the library repairs with the net proceeds from the sale of the Four Corners building. Alternative to go to the market by June 30th to bond the library repairs. The proceeds for the Four Corners building are already in hand.

Bids for museum will be out at the end of June
Ladder truck has been bonded for the next three years

As long as an item is bondable, the proceeds from the Four Corners building can be used.

motion to approve, passed 9-0

Update on Budget
Recommendation to use the budget as recommended and acted upon by Finance Committee. Then come July, make any other changes needed. Jeff Nutting was at the State House yesterday and there are still no indications that it will be resolved by the end of the month.

Easier to adopt the budget and then when all the facts are known, make any decisions at that time. There are so many things in the air right now.

The School Committee has already provided notices to the 60 odd personnel that should be affected worse case.

The Senate is hoping to do better than what is already mentioned. Exactly what it will be remains to be seen.

The Town has used the Governor's numbers. The House's numbers were higher and the Senate's numbers were lower than the Governor's.

Jeff Nutting - "My gut feeling is that the 875,000 is going to gt smaller... They cut Chap 70 2% across the board. That is the first time Franklin has seen a lower number in 17 years."

Finance Committee meetings currently scheduled for June 9th and June 23rd in case they are needed.

There is an opening in the Finance Committee. Jeff recommended to the Charter Commission to stagger the terms to avoid a complete turn over.

New Business

T Powderly proposal for a joint committee to advocate to the MA State House for some of the legislative changes needed to get out from under some of the policy requirements and unfunded mandates.

J Roche thinks that is a great idea, if you have any interest in that arena, let me know.

J Rivera - concerned about an email about a proposal to remove the Strings Program.
J Nutting - Policy decisions about school programs are totally the perview of the School Committee. The Finance Committee and the Town Council only approve the bottom line of the budget. The Budget hearing at the School Committee was continued to June 9th.

motion to adjourn - passed 9-0

Town Council - Agenda - 6/3/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 20, 2009

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS – Conservation Commission, Public Land Use Committee,
Recreation Advisory Board, Right To Know Coordinators, 2009 Annual
Committee Reappointments, Housing Authority Reappointment

F. HEARINGS - Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10

* Devita’s Market
* J.B’s Liquor World
* Teppanyaki Restaurant

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 09-31: Dissolution of the Franklin Street Lighting Committee
2. Resolution 09-32: Appropriation – GASB 45 Actuary Study
3. Resolution 09-33: Establishment of a Fire Dept. Fire Rescue Training Revolving Account
4. Resolution 09-34: Establishment of a Council on Aging Senior Center Program Revolving Account
5. Resolution 09-35: Establishment of a Council on Aging Supportive Day Program Revolving Account
6. Resolution 09-36: Establishment of a Law Enforcement Explorers Program Revolving Account
7. Resolution 09-37: Establishment of a Police Dept. Rape Aggression Defense Training Revolving Account
8. Resolution 09-38: Establishment of a Use of Facilities Revolving Account
9. Resolution 09-39: Authorizing Escrow Agreement

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

Finance Committee - Agenda - 6/2/09

Town of Franklin

Finance Committee Agenda

Tuesday June 2, 2009
7:00 PM
Municipal Building Council Chambers

Balances as of April 2009

Gen Stab 4,554,332
PW Stab 737,853
Debt Stab 576,998
Traffic Stab 21,162
Overlay Surplus - 0 -
Free Cash 63,014

Call to Order

Citizens Comments

Approval of Minutes

Action Items
Appropriation: Retirement Actuarial Study - $14,000 Free Cash

Old Business

New Business

Adjournment

United Regional Chamber of Commerce - Open House

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Meet the Staff Open House on Monday, June 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Held at 3 Restaurant, 461 West Central St. in Franklin, the event will give business professionals an opportunity to learn about the only Chamber that has offices in Franklin, North Attleborough and Attleboro.

Find out about upcoming events, meet other Chamber members, and learn how the Chamber can help grow your business.

Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Please call any of The United Regional Chamber of Commerce offices to register: 508-528-2800, 508-222-0801, or 508-695-6011.


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medway, Medfield, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.

"the budget has to be balanced"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 01, 2009 @ 10:07 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Members of the School Committee and teachers union will meet today once again in an attempt to reach an agreement on a wage freeze that would save $800,0000, or about 16 teachers' jobs, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

"Hopefully, we'll get this done," Roy said.

"It's fair to say we're making a conscious effort to get this resolved before finishing the budget," he said.

The two groups already missed the May 26 deadline, which is when the School Committee opened the public hearing on the budget.

The School Committee continued the hearing to June 9, and must present its budget to Town Council on June 11.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"all but two did card and ask for a license"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 01, 2009 @ 10:12 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Three establishments in town face temporary license suspensions after serving alcohol to underage buyers in a police sting, said Lt. Thomas J. Lynch.

On Wednesday, the Town Council will hold public hearings for Devita's Market, 198 East Central St., J.B.'s Liquor World, 365 West Central St., and Teppanyaki Restaurant, 264 Village Drive, all of which failed compliance checks on May 15, Lynch said.

The sting involved underage buyers using legitimate Massachusetts licenses showing their true age, Lynch said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Gov Patrick continues the discussion

BOSTON – Thursday, May 28, 2009 –

Governor Deval Patrick today launched an online community forum, inviting citizens to continue the conversation started during the administration’s series of statewide community forums about the choices and priorities facing the Commonwealth in the current economic climate.

Available at www.mass.gov/forum, the forum presents the public with a unique opportunity to share their ideas about the state’s budget challenges as well as the transportation, pension and ethics reform proposals currently being debated on Beacon Hill. Over the next two weeks, Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray and senior administration officials will be online at various times, reading suggestions, answering questions and contributing to the dialogue.

“We need the collective wisdom of all the people in the Commonwealth to tackle the budget challenges and reform opportunities facing us at this critical moment,” said Governor Patrick. “This online forum allows us to continue the conversation we started during the community forums and capture those great ideas – your ideas – that will help get us through to a better tomorrow.”

Governor Patrick has selected UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack to serve as the forum’s “Citizen Moderator.” Chancellor MacCormack will work with the Governor’s Office to help facilitate the online conversation and ensure all ideas are heard. At the conclusion of the discussion, Chancellor MacCormack will select from forum participants to assemble a Citizen Task Force. The Task Force will be responsible for compiling ideas, insights and recommendations shared throughout the forum and presenting a report to the Governor.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to participate in a meaningful dialogue about the future of our Commonwealth,’’ Chancellor MacCormack said. “My primary responsibility as moderator will be to ensure that everyone with a big idea has a voice, and that we work together to help solve some of the major challenges facing the Commonwealth. I look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas.”

In addition to the more than 30 community forums the Governor and members of his administration held throughout the month of May, he kicked off a series of summer town hall meetings in Dennis on Tuesday. The meetings are open to the public, giving residents a chance to talk directly to Governor Patrick about issues they care about most, including the economy, the state’s budget challenges, and the Governor’s efforts to push for reforms on Beacon Hill. For a full schedule and more information, visit www.mass.gov/governor/townhall.

Originally posted on the Governor's web site

Avg Teacher Salaries

I understand that unless the numbers are framed properly in context, it always causes trouble trouble to talk about "average".

From Dr Scott McLoed's posting this morning comes a handy interactive reference on average teacher starting salaries and average teacher salaries, state by state.

Play with this sortable table of beginning and average teacher salaries by state.

So what do you read from this table of information?

"one of the most heavily used waterways in the country"

By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff
Milford Daily News
Posted May 31, 2009 @ 10:29 PM
WRENTHAM —

While water quality in the Charles River has improved significantly since the Clean Charles River Initiative began in 1995, there is still work to be done.

State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, is part of a new legislative team charged with making recommendations on lingering river issues.

Brown, the assistant minority whip, was recently appointed to the Charles River Water Quality Commission by Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei. The commission will investigate the water quality of the Charles River and determine what further improvements are needed to bring it to a consistently safe level for swimming - particularly in the most heavily populated area on the Boston end of the river.

"It's going to be interesting," Brown said, noting that the Charles River "obviously affects my district."

There are 35 towns within the river's watershed, including Franklin, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Wellesley, Wrentham, Natick, Sherborn and Wayland in Brown's district. Other area towns in the watershed include Ashland, Bellingham, Foxborough, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Mendon and Milford.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"We want to give these kids something to do"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 01, 2009 @ 12:24 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Worried about the town's youth, Town Council Vice Chairwoman Deborah Bartlett is calling on local leaders to help end underage drinking after learning that on two consecutive weekends, large groups of teens were arrested, despite the recent death of 17-year-old Taylor Meyer.

Meyer, a King Philip High School senior from Plainville, drowned in a swamp after drinking alcohol at a party in Norfolk last October.

"I'm very concerned, because we've had arrests for two underage parties in the last weeks, that has never happened in Franklin that I can remember," said Bartlett.

"As leaders of this town, we would be remiss if we did not try to do something" to help, Bartlett said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

To review the W.A.S.T.E.D. (when alcohol starts to affect decisions) presentation at FHS from Dec 2008 check this link

Events in the schools this week

Jefferson - Celebrity Readers @ Barnes & Nobel Bellingham 6/1/09 5:00 PM

FHS - Academic Awards Night (Mercer Auditorium) 6/1/09 6:30 PM

Jefferson - Celebrity Readers @ Barnes & Nobel Bellingham 6/2/09 5:00 PM

Jefferson - Volunteer Celebration 6/2/09 AM

Keller - Voices of the Past Breakfast & Presentation 6/4/09 9:00 AM

HMMS - Awards Ceremony 6/5/09 9:00 AM

Keller - Voices of the Past Breakfast & Presentation 6/5/09 9:00 AM

Parmenter - Kindergarten Concert 6/5/09 9:00 AM

Davis Thayer - Founder's Day Prog (Cafeteria) 6/5/09 1:00 PM

FHS - Commencement (Field House) 6/5/09 5:00 PM

FHS - All Night Party (FHS) 6/5/09 11 PM-5 AM

Oak - 5th Gr. Dare Graduation 6/5/09 12 Noon

Jefferson - Reading Prog. Celebration 6/5/09 1-2:15 PM

Davis Thayer - Annual Fun Fair (playground) 6/5/09 4-7 PM

Jefferson - Publishing Party - Gr.4 6/5/09 9-Noon

Keller - Dare Graduation (upper field) 6/6/09 10:00 AM

Parmenter 5K results

The official results of the Parmenter 5K Run/Walk are available on Cool Running.

A good turnout for this first time event!