"It's more than enough people for us to question"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 08, 2009 @ 10:24 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The 600 residents who got socked with late fees and interest penalties for not paying excise bills they never received do not have to pay those extra costs, Assistant Treasurer/Collector Sandra Fanning said yesterday.

The tax collector will send refunds to those who have already paid the erroneous extra charges, said Fanning.

"We're trying to be as fair as we can," Fanning said.

Those who were billed incorrectly do not need to do anything, she said.

read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"I don't want to speculate"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 08, 2009 @ 10:27 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Possibly facing a loss of $900,000 in state aid under the Senate budget, Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting said he is going to make every attempt to keep his promise to unions that volunteered to freeze their wages for year.

"No matter what happens, my goal is not to have those layoffs," Nutting said.

Earlier in the budget season, the Franklin Police Association and Local 1298, which consists of the police and fire dispatchers unions, custodians union, administrative union (clerical), Department of Public Works union, and facilities (tradesmen) union, all voted to take a one-year deferral on their negotiated wage increases to save their colleagues' jobs and help out the town.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

School Committee - Agenda - 6/9/09

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 26, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual
2. Letter from Margaret Sullivan
3. SC Response to Margaret Sullivan

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FEF Grant Awards

b. Senior Projects

c. Strategic Planning Logo Awards

Pooja Agaraal
Collin Berg
Erin Lee
Kasey Lynch
Emma Campbell
Dayna Comeau
Branna Metras
Kristen Dumas – final selection

d. RMS “Go Green” Service Learning Project

Laura Chiaravalloti, RMS Teacher
Tim LaRowe
Marcus Giese
Jake Garrity
Claudia Beck
Markus Bohmiller
Brian Morin
Tracy Pisani
Julianne Pisani
Abby Normandin
Justin Means
Angie Canesi
Elisabeth Salamy
Pooja Agarwal
Amanda Lin
Tim Stevens
Carolyn Foley
Jenna Gleason
David Sanches
Christine Harvey
Dan Pisani
Erin Harrington
Christina Mouradian
Erika Kucks

3. Discussion Only Items

FY2010 Budget Hearing – continued

School Choice

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Malone for future enrichment programs for the ECDC.
b. I recommend the continuation of the School Choice Program for the 2009-2010 School Year.
c. I recommend the request of Corine Minkle to declare damaged and outdated books at Oak Street Elementary School as surplus.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from Natalie Brunelli for the John A. Brunelli Memorial Scholarship at FHS.
e. I recommend adopting the FY10 Budget in the amount of $50,297,820.00.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Modulars
b. Elizabeth Fitzmaurice – Director of Special Education
c. Pay-To-Ride Program

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

"We're asking for $5 a house"

By David Riley/Daily News Staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 08, 2009 @ 12:22 AM

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The recession is pinching sponsorships and donations for some local Fourth of July and summer celebrations, forcing organizers to scrounge up support elsewhere or trim fireworks and other entertainment.

Still, while budget pressures have caused cancellations elsewhere, the show will go on in most MetroWest and Milford-area towns and cities that host annual Independence Day festivities and summer festivals.

"We're doing the best we can with what we have," said Warren Revell, secretary for Franklin's Fourth of July Committee.

Read the full article on the local Fourth of July fund raising efforts in the Milford Daily News here.

Events in the schools this week

Oak - Oak St. Fun Day 6/9/09 8:45 AM

JFK - Sports Day Gr. K-4 6/9/09 All Day

Oak - Oak St. Fun Day - Rain date 6/10/09 8:45 AM

Keller - 2nd Gr. End of year Performance (Gym) 6/10/09 9:00 AM

HMMS - Talent Show 6/10/09 12 Noon

Jefferson - Field Day Gr. 3-5 6/10/09 AM

Oak - 5th Gr. Talent Show (Mercer Auditorium) 6/11/09 7:00 PM

Keller - 5th Gr. Field Day (upper field) 6/11/09 8:30-11 AM

JFK - 5th Gr. Day (Assorted Activities) 6/11/09 All day

Jefferson - Field Day Gr. K-2 6/11/09 AM

ASMS - Talent Show 6/12/09 7:30 AM

JFK - All Star Reading Assembly 6/12/09 1:45 PM

Check each school website for additional information on these events

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.

Hey you can see the house now that the trees are gone!

Hey you can see the house now that the trees are gone!, originally uploaded by shersteve.

The construction at the Four Corners building is underway. Eventually, a Walgreens will operate from this location.

I'll try to report key milestones here from time to time as the work progresses.

"mandatory arbitration that would bind municipalities"

By Dan McDonald/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 07, 2009 @ 12:13 AM

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Embedded in the state Senate's budget, an insurance proposal is presenting a not-so-veiled ultimatum to municipalities: Curb your health care costs or else.

Essentially, the provision would force municipalities to reduce their health care costs to meet a state standard, lest they face an outside arbitrator coming in and settling matters with unions - to say nothing of the possible gouges to local aid.

The proposal is in Senate conference committee right now and could be tweaked, rejected, or given the go-ahead within the next month.

...

"We're very worried," said Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator and president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. "It's a huge step backward in the worst economy of our life."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"some of the best habitats are already occupied"

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 07, 2009 @ 12:17 AM

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Last month, a breached beaver dam flooded Bob Szymanski's property in Milford. Several months before, it was a very intact one in Holliston that swelled the Hopping Brook so it nearly washed over a small bridge.

Beaver habitats routinely clash with those of humans in metro Boston. Other recent reports come from Westborough, Concord, Bolton and Andover, where a hasty dam breaching flooded a charity golf event.

The issue of beaver management isn't purely academic. Untimely dams can flood houses, or muck up sewer systems and roads - costly problems to repair. In Westborough, the town set aside $5,000 in this year's budget just to deal with beavers.

Beavers' ecological benefits are also substantial, as beavers, North America's largest native rodents, create wetlands that nurture other wildlife, control flooding and purify water.

Read the full article on the beaver dams in the Milford Daily News here

This is news of interest to Franklin. The condition of the dams on the DelCarte land was the subject of some discussion during the May 6th Town Council meeting. The 8-1 vote approved spending some money to get engineering estimates on how to correct the dams. A breech in one of the dams could result in down stream flooding. The estimates of damage were hard to quantify.

Yard sale Sat 6/6/09

Franklin: yard sale Sat 6/6/09, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Multi-family yard sale

Saturday, June 6th - 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Lawrence Dr and Susan's Way

"the Alumni Association is to be a conduit"

By Nick O'Malley/Daily News correspondent

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 06, 2009 @ 01:03 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Giving the 2009 graduating class a glimpse into the distant future, the Franklin High School Class of 1959 reunited at a reception at Horace Mann Middle School yesterday. The tradition, which was started by former Principal Jack Lucas, dates back to 1998. However, this was only the second year that a reception was held for the alumni to gather and catch up on the 50th anniversary of their graduation.

Organized by the Franklin High School Alumni Association and the Franklin Lifelong Learning Institute, the event gathered 23 members of the 95-member 1959 class. It was a strong turnout, according to Lifelong Learning Executive Director Pandora Carlucci.

"Every graduate means a lot to us, no matter how long you've been out of school," Carlucci, the first of a handful of speakers, said to the lively crowd of alumni.

Read the full article about the FHS Class of 1959 in the Milford Daily News here

"Only those who risk going too far will know how far they can go."

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 06, 2009 @ 01:00 AM

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FRANKLIN —

In his last speech to the Class of 2009, Superintendent Wayne Ogden urged the 370 graduating seniors, "Educate your soul, and your spirit."

"I'm pretty darn sure the world has enough smart people - it (needs) people with compassion and integrity," Ogden said.

A "good, successful human being" is balanced, he said.

He told students now that they are graduating, they "can start the process of learning."

It may seem a strange bit of advice from a school superintendent, but he explained that for too many young people, the pursuit of a credential is substituted for the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.

"Seek knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. An associate's or bachelor's degree will fall into place," Ogden said.

To those who are not planning to go college, Ogden said, "you can learn a tremendous amount without going to school."

Read the full article on the FHS Graduation in the Milford Daily News here

The list of graduates can be found in the Milford Daily News here

"it's unlikely the bills were lost"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 04, 2009 @ 10:50 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The town treasurer mailed excise bills in February, but about 600 residents never received them, and now they've gotten hit with late fees and interest penalties, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.

Nutting attributes the problem to a mailing error on the part of the U.S. Postal Service.

"When one person says they didn't get their bill, that's one thing, but when hundreds of people are coming in and telling the same story, you have to believe it's true," said Nutting.

"They've been coming in and saying, 'Why do I have to pay this? I never got an original bill,"' he said.

Read the full article about the missing excise tax bills in the Milford Daily News here

Four Corners sale complete

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 04, 2009 @ 10:53 PM

Last update Jun 05, 2009 @ 12:07 AM

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FRANKLIN —

The town sold the former Four Corners School to Arista Development LLC and got the check for $2.5 million Tuesday, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.

Norwood-based Arista is replacing the building at the intersection of Rte. 140 and King Street with a Walgreens pharmacy.

About $1 million of the money will be used to pay the existing debt on the property, which the town bought for $1.32 million, Nutting said.

Town Council voted Wednesday to put the $1 million in an escrow account for that purpose.

The remainder of the funds can be used for any bondable expense, or capital project, such as building repairs, but cannot legally be used for operational costs, such as salaries or schools, and cannot be put into free cash, Nutting said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"The retirees' loss will not be temporary"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 04, 2009 @ 12:47 AM

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FRANKLIN —

The teachers union is slated to vote on a new proposal for wage concessions in the coming weeks, according to School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

The School Committee is asking the union to defer its negotiated 2.5 percent wage increase for one year, at which point the union will receive both a 2.5 percent raise, plus any new negotiated pay increase, Roy said.

The union has offered to take the wage freeze, as well as to forgo course reimbursements for one year, but demanded three permanent contractual changes in exchange.

The School Committee rejected that offer, and the union rejected a counter-proposal by the School Committee.

On June 15, the teachers union will meet to take a ratification vote on a proposal that strikes contractual language requiring teachers to give a reason for personal days, and eliminates one of the additional after-school meetings, in exchange for a 2.5 percent wage increase deferment, according to a copy of the proposal.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Since Bob McLaughlin was unavailable for comment to create this article, the quotations from him were taken from his posting to the teacher's website on Memorial Day, May 25th. Read his full posting here.

"the most fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solution"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 04, 2009 @ 12:38 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Slowly but surely, the plan to renovate or build a new Franklin High School is moving ahead, with a favorable vote from the Massachusetts School Building Authority allowing the town to conduct a feasibility study, according to School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

Yesterday, the authority's board of directors voted to invite the town to conduct the study to assess the needs of Franklin High School, said state building authority press secretary Carrie Sullivan.

The "invitation to collaborate" on a feasibility study does not mean the the organization has approved the project, Sullivan said.

"It is strictly an invitation to the Franklin school district to work with the (authority) to explore potential solutions to the problems that have been identified," she said.

Roy called the authority's decision "very significant, because we're now more in the pipeline."

Read the full article on this latest development in the FHS renovation process in the Milford Daily News

"It's a war, it's one we have to win"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 04, 2009 @ 12:25 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Town Council last night suspended the liquor licenses of three establishments caught selling alcohol to minors in a police sting.

Police Chief Steven Williams told the Town Council that the sting on May 15 involved six officers and three teenagers working undercover to check all of Franklin's 31 establishments licensed to sell alcohol.

The teens were told to show their actual licenses, which indicate their date of birth, a phrase in red stating that they are under 21, and which are also vertical, also signifying they are underage, Williams said.

Although some councilors were sympathetic toward the owners of Devita's Market, 198 East Central St., and and J.B.'s Liquor World, 365 West Central St., both first-time offenders, they ultimately voted to stand by their precedent of suspending the liquor licenses for three days.

Devita's Market and Liquor World will lose their liquor license for one day Friday and have two days held in abeyance for two years, the council voted.

The council also took Williams' recommendation and suspended Teppanyaki Restaurant's liquor license for five days, starting Friday.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

NO Live reporting available tonight

Yes, hard to believe but true. I have a prior engagement this evening and won't be live reporting from the Town Council meeting.

You'll need to tune it to the meeting via cable or via the live webcast.

Of course, you also have the option of coming on down to the Municipal building to participate in person. The seat I usually occupy near the column behind the presentation table will be open (at least I won't be in it).

I'll catch up with the meeting when the video is posted to the web.

If you find any good spots during the meeting let me know.

FSPA is growing up

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts is growing up to become the New England Center for the Performing Arts.

Visit their updated website to check out what's happening!

Business: Patco Performance Engineered Tapes

FRANKLIN, MA, June 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ --

Meeting specialty tape needs for precise applications requires the right balance of experience, know-how, resources, and innovation. Patco, a division of Berry Plastics, is the industry's leading "go to" resource for the formulation and production of performance engineered tapes and delivers this very set of skills with each new product innovation. Patco has been meeting the pressure sensitive tape needs for a wide variety of industries including aerospace, medical, manufacturing, safety, construction, electronics, general industrial, and automotive for more than 44 years.

"Patco offers solutions for today's applications and the needs of tomorrow. Meeting the client's specifications and performance criteria are the starting points for product development," says Mr. Ernie Giordano, Director of Sales and Marketing, Performance Engineered Tapes, Berry Plastics Tapes and Coatings Division. "Recognizing the emerging environmental demands and the future regulations for products is an additional value component that the team excels in incorporating," he adds.

Patco's unique manufacturing and insightful formulations are demonstrated in some of its most recent products. "Ski tape," developed for use during the manufacture of snow sports equipment, provides a high temperature protective mask. UV-Protek, a new outdoor grade tape with a first-to-market regenerative U.V.I. system, combats and blocks 100% of the U.V. rays from the surface on which the tape is applied. And when the aircraft industry needed a unique tape to meet environmental regulations, Patco engineered a flame retardant protective tape free of Halogen and PBDE's.

"We are very proud of Patco and the exceptional products that are ingeniously developed by our formulators. We are committed to producing the optimal products to meet the most challenging applications." states Mr. Ernie Giordano. "Patco boasts an impressive track record with hundreds of unique performance engineered tape solutions for client applications," he adds.

All Patco products are manufactured domestically in its certified ISO 9001:2008 facility and offer the unique combination of high performance, competitive pricing, and engineering support that are unmatched by other specialty tape manufacturers.

For further information on how Patco can meet your application needs please contact Ernie Giordano at erniegiordano@berryplastics.com or by calling 508.918.1684.

About Berry Plastics

Berry Plastics is a leading manufacturer and marketer of plastic packaging products. Berry Plastics is a major producer of a wide range of products, including open top and closed top packaging, polyethylene-based plastic films, industrial tapes, medical specialties, packaging, heat-shrinkable coatings, specialty laminates, and FIBCs. The company's 13,000 plus customers range from large multinational corporations to small local businesses. Based in Evansville, Indiana, the company has 66 manufacturing facilities worldwide and nearly 13,400 employees. For more information, please visit www.berryplastics.com.


---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

NO live reporting for Town Council Mtg

Yes, hard to believe but true. I have a prior engagement this evening and won't be live reporting from the Town Council meeting.

You'll need to tune it to the meeting via cable or via the live webcast.

Of course, you also have the option of coming on down to the Municipal building to participate in person. The seat I usually occupy near the column behind the presentation table will be open (at least I won't be in it).

I'll catch up with the meeting when the video is posted to the web.

If you find any good spots during the meeting let me know.

Enjoy!

"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

---

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!

Monument Collection

The collection of posts about the monuments on the Town Common including the dedication of the new Iraq/Afghanistan monument on Memorial Day 2009.

• Afghanistan monument side
• Iraq monument side
• Town Common: new monument view
• Dedication Program
• Channel 5 Coverage
• FM #40 - Memorial Day 2009
• Town Common Memorials
• Monument Mosaic
• Monument: World War I

Afghanistan monument side

Afghanistan monument side, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Iraq monument side

Iraq monument side, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Town Common: new monument view

Town Common: new monument view, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Parmenter 5K Run/Walk

The web site for the Parmenter 5K Run/Walk can be found here

On the web site you'll find links to the course map, a registration form to print out and other race details.

Echo Therapeutics Licenses Needle-Free Prelude SkinPrep System

In our continuing series on companies doing business in Franklin we find this PR Release from Echo Therapeutics. For additional entries in this category, please check this link

FRANKLIN, Mass., May 28 /CNW/ -- Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin
Board: ECTE) announced today that it has signed a license agreement with
Ferndale Pharma Group ("Ferndale"), under which Echo granted Ferndale the
right to develop, market, sell and distribute Echo's Prelude(TM)  SkinPrep
System ("Prelude") for painless, needle-free skin preparation prior to the
application of topical 4% lidocaine cream for fast-acting, local dermal
anesthesia prior to a wide-range of needle-based medical procedures in North
America and the United Kingdom.  Echo's non-invasive Prelude SkinPrep System
incorporates patented skin permeation control technology which allows for
quick and painless removal of the outermost layer of the skin for both
transdermal drug delivery and glucose measurement.

 "Completing this first Prelude licensing agreement was one of our top
priorities," stated Patrick T. Mooney, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Echo Therapeutics. "Ferndale is a market leader specializing in
advanced skincare and topical therapeutic products.  This collaboration
combines our skin permeation technology platform and Ferndale's leadership in
the fast-growing topical anesthetic market based on LMX4, its topical 4%
lidocaine cream."

 Dr. Mooney continued, "Importantly, this licensing transaction
demonstrates the drug delivery capabilities of Prelude.  We believe that there
are numerous additional partnering opportunities for both Prelude and our
Symphony(TM) tCGM System for needle-free, transdermal continuous glucose
monitoring.  We are actively engaged with and interested in finding additional
partners as we leverage the use of Prelude as a transdermal drug delivery
platform and Symphony for continuous glucose monitoring in the many
territories around the world."

 Michael Burns, Ph.D., President of Ferndale added, "We are extremely
excited about using Prelude to expand our presence in the important topical
dermal anesthesia market in hospitals, clinics and with plastic surgeons and
dermatologists. We expect Prelude to allow much more rapid onset of
effectiveness for our topical anesthetic product, thereby significantly
increasing the size of our market opportunity."

 Under the terms of the agreement, Echo will receive an up-front licensing
fee of US $750,000. Echo will also receive $750,000 upon FDA clearance of the
product and additional milestone payments based on the achievement of certain
net sales targets and guaranteed minimum royalties totaling an additional
$12.6 million. Echo will also receive an escalating royalty on net sales of
the product.  Ferndale will also be responsible for all product development
and regulatory costs for the final development of the Prelude SkinPrep System
for topical analgesic/anesthetic drug delivery applications.

 About Echo Therapeutics

 Echo Therapeutics is focused on medical devices and specialty
pharmaceuticals. Echo is developing a non-invasive, wireless, transdermal
continuous glucose monitoring (tCGM) system for patients with diabetes and for
use in hospital critical care units.  Echo is utilizing its Prelude SkinPrep
platform technology for transdermal drug delivery and is developing a wide
range of novel topical reformulations of widely-used, FDA-approved products.

 About Ferndale Pharma Group

 The Ferndale Pharma Group of companies specializes in the development,
manufacture, distribution and marketing of various dermatologic products
including prescription topical drugs for the treatment of several acute and
chronic dermatoses, medical devices that support and maintain wound closures
and an extensive line of proprietary cosmeceutical products.  Ferndale's LMX 4
topical analgesic cream uses advanced formulation know how that significantly
enhances product performance.  LMX 4 is the leading brand in its class and is
widely recognized for its fast onset of analgesic action, wide margin of
safety and superior ease of use.

 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may
constitute forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations
and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
statements.  Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to,
risks related to regulatory approvals and the success of Echo's ongoing
studies, including the efficacy of Echo's Symphony tCGM System, the failure of
future development and preliminary marketing efforts related to Echo's Prelude
SkinPrep System, risks and uncertainties relating to Echo's ability to
develop, market and sell diagnostic products based on its skin permeation
platform technologies, including the Prelude SkinPrep System, the availability
of substantial additional equity or debt capital to support its research,
development and product commercialization activities, and the success of its
research, development, regulatory approval, marketing and distribution plans
and strategies, including those plans and strategies related to its Prelude
SkinPrep System.  These and other risks and uncertainties are identified and
described in more detail in Echo's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including, without limitation, its annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2008, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and its
current reports on Form 8-K. Echo Therapeutics, Inc. undertakes no obligation
to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 For More Information:
 Patrick T. Mooney, MD
 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 (856) 429-8778

 10 Forge Parkway
 Franklin, MA 02038, USA
 Tel: 1+ 877-476-6878
 Fax: 1+ 508-553-8760
 www.echotx.com

For further information: Patrick T. Mooney, MD, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Echo Therapeutics, Inc., +1-856-429-8778 Web Site:
http://www.echotx.com

"Hand-watering is allowed"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 29, 2009 @ 12:21 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

The town's water conservation plan is now in effect, restricting outdoor water use to one day a week, said Department of Public Works Director Brutus Cantoreggi.

Residents are allowed to water outdoors only on their trash day through Sept. 1, he said.

The plan saves at least one million gallons of water daily, Cantoreggi said.

"This is unique in this state, because most communities have water bans allowing (outdoor water use) two days a week. We're much stricter," said Cantoreggi.

Franklin implemented the water conservation plan six years ago, and was recognized for it by the state Department of Environmental Protection, Cantoreggi said.

Franklin gets all of its water from the aquifers underground, so without conservation, there is the potential to run low on water, Cantoreggi said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"The Centers for Disease Control cleared the student"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 28, 2009 @ 11:36 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Superintendent Wayne Ogden confirmed that a Franklin middle school student was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, earlier this month and has already recovered.

Ogden declined to specify which school the student attends, to maintain privacy.

The student became sick on May 5, while on a plane heading across the country at the start of the student's vacation, he said. Ogden said he does not know whether the student got sick in Franklin.

The student was diagnosed with H1N1, treated, and recovered before returning home to Franklin on May 18, Ogden said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Elsewhere - school topics of interest

In the Boston Globe West section there are two articles of interest.

One talks about Littleton proposing to change their school calendar to eliminate specific religious holidays and to offer the students a "floating" holiday instead. They are attempting to make the calendar more inclusive for all religions and yet still provide the time off with no repercussion to the students for their religious holiday. Read more here

The second talks of two different approaches to the school building process being piloted by the State. You are probably aware that Franklin is still waiting for word on where the High School fits on the listing. Current indications are that it doesn't fit very high on the listing as the building is in "general good shape" and does have a couple of specific needs; improvements for accessibility and science labs. Natick and Wayland have taken different routes on their school plans. The details are reviewed in the article here.

Franklin can continue to wait, and hope for some State aid, or decide to do something sooner rather than later on their own. The longer we wait, given the continued budget cuts effecting the overall operations at the High School, the more likely the accreditation status could change for the worse.

If you are concerned about the high school, try and find out what the School Building Committee is doing. Are they meeting to review their options, or are they waiting?

What should they do?

"actually freezing their wages"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 27, 2009 @ 10:32 PM

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FRANKLIN —

While the School Committee is still trying to clinch a deal with the teachers union, the cafeteria workers' vote for a wage freeze is valid, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

The cafeteria workers are one of six units that comprise the Franklin Education Association, Roy said. The units negotiate separately, he said.

At Tuesday night's School Committee meeting, cafeteria workers' representatives announced the group had voted 19-9 in favor of freezing their wages through next June.

Their contract was due to expire June 30, 2009, Roy said, but the group choose to extend it by a year. A newly negotiated contract will take effect July 1, 2010, Roy said.

"They are the only group that's actually freezing their wages - everybody else is talking about deferring wages," he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"Someone needs to be responsible"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 27, 2009 @ 11:05 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Now that their mission seems nearly complete, members of the long-range financial planning committee last night said they want to "keep the momentum going" regarding public interest in town finances.

"People are ripe right now, people are starting to listen," said School Committee member Roberta Trahan, a member of the committee.

The feedback is mostly positive, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, reading bits of residents' e-mails.

Doug Hardesty, the group's vice chairman and one of two citizens-at-large on the board, said, "Everywhere I go, people are talking about it."

The group spent the last year meeting, researching and compiling a report on the town's finances and fiscal outlook, which culminated in a public presentation on April 27.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Read the live reporting from this meeting 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!!

here's a sneak peak at our raffle prize list -

Curt Schilling autographed Jersey
Bruins Alumni Jersey (signed by over 20 players including Terry O'Reilly, Rick Middleton, Brad Park, "Pie" McKenzie...)
Red Sox Jersey signed by Bill "Spaceman" Lee
Shawn Thornton autographed Bruins Jersey
30+ autographed 8x10's of misc players including Sammy Morris, Lawrence Maroney, Cam Neely & Ray Bourque
Over a dozen baseballs autographed by players such as Jim Lonborg, Rico Petrocelli, Bill "Spaceman" Lee and the "wild thing" Jonathan Papelbon!
autographed pucks from Bruins greats - Rick Middleton, Milt Schmidt and more
T-shirts signed by current Bruins players including Phil Kessel, Blake Wheeler & Milan Lucic!
There will be other memorabilia signed by players including Vince Wilfork
Lots of other non-autographed items, too. Including a dart boards set, tickets to the Brockton Rox, Pinz gift cards, "Supahfans" T-shirts, Pump-it-Up party...There's a lot!!

We are setting up lots of fun activities in our "Kid's Tailgate Party" room, too.

This is going to be a lot of fun and it's for a great cause. hope to see everyone there!!

Financial Plng Comm 05/27/09

The collected posts from the Financial Planning Committee meeting on 5/27/09

• Live reporting - FPC - cont'd
• Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 5/27...

If you have not viewed the draft report produced by the committee:

• The Executive Summary report can be found here (PDF)
• The full report can be found here (PDF)

Live reporting - FPC - cont'd

Modify the report
Take to Council for 7/1/09
Endorsement of the findings
Consent, approval to come up with a plan
FPC takes lead on next steps
Finalize plan before November election so the candidates can at least talk to it

Reference to J Pfeffer's email feedback
Deb Bartlett to all, then Doug to confirm that the changes have already been incorporated or could be, then Doug to cycle back with her to confirm the report is okay.

June 25th 7:30 PM next meeting

Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee 5/27/09

Attending: Roche, Bartlett, Nutting, Zollo, Hardesty, Cameron, Wilschek, Kelly, Trahan
Absent: Ogden, Whalen

Approved minutes of 4/23/09

Document located off the Town Administrators page although the Committee is listed as a subcommittee of the Town Council

Discussion on potential schedule for budget, open hearing on 10th, continue it the 11th, and then continue to the 24th. At that point decide upon a number, and go with that. You can adjust later. Especially if the State hasn't made their decision.

Reading some of the citizen feedback via email.

One feedback is better PR on what the Town has done to cut costs.

The problem is real. What are we going to do to get out of this mess?

Short term, finalize the report; let the Town Council, School Committee, FinCom accept the report and then they should set next steps. Probably shouldn't come up with recommendations before they specifically ask us.

Within 2 or 3 key assumptions, this is the number. They can go with that.

School Committee Mtg 05/26/09

This is the collection of live reporting posts from the School Committee meeting of 5/26/09

• Live reporting - New business
• Live reporting - Superintendents report
• Live reporting - Action items
• Live reporting - Acceptable Use Policy
• Live reporting - Detailed Questions FY 2010
• Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget Q and A
• Live reporting - FY 2010
• Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget
• Live reporting - Cafeteria takes deferment
• live reporting - presentations
• Live reporting - School Committee 5/26/09

"very serious fundraising"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 27, 2009 @ 12:59 AM

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FRANKLIN —

The Franklin Fourth of July Coalition is seeking the public's help to raise $30,000 for this year's fireworks and parade as well as starter money for next year's celebration.

"In order to keep this tradition alive, it's important that we, as a private group not affiliated with government, get public support," said coalition co-Chairman Michael Walker-Jones.

"This celebration is one of the things that contributes to the quality of life in the Franklin region," he said.

Three major donors the nonprofit organization had been looking to for funds totaling $20,000 are not able to help during the recession, he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"There was no mention"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 26, 2009 @ 11:12 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

The School Committee last night voted to continue until June 9 its public hearing on the fiscal 2010 budget, wanting to give the public another opportunity to be heard.

School administrators are still waiting to hear from the state about how much local aid and other funding Franklin will receive, said Superintendent Wayne Ogden and Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski.

To provide the same level of services and teachers as last year, the district needs a budget of $53.8 million, but through reductions in expenses (such as health care premiums, wage freezes for administrators and non-union staff), the district needs $53.29 million, Ogden said.

Administrators expect the district will receive $1.5 million via circuit breaker aid (reimbursement for special education costs), state and federal stimulus funds, what is called "extraordinary relief" for special education costs, and funds for School Choice.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Live reporting - New business/Closing

Kelly - The fund raiser for the ECDC, notifications can be found here on Franklin Matters

A big thank you to all the bands for their performance for the Memorial Day parade.

Trahan - to thank the town, it was a wonderful day and a great community effort.

Slight - The cuts in PE/Health, 69% of the kids drink and the first line of defense is activity. Health education is a huge problem..

Ogden - the point is still a string one, it will still be a requirement it but just not as frequently.

Roy - Bob Fahey indicated that the school had participated to a great extent in the fund raising for the monument. We are looking to get them here to recognize their efforts. It might not be until September but Mr Fahey will be here to recognize them.

Motion to go into Executive Session, not to return to public meeting, passed 7-0

Live reporting - Superintendents report

Preliminary report, shows a possible 10 retirements, four officially have filed the paperwork, the other six have the paperwork but not turned it in yet.

This may give us some flexibility with keeping some staff by using the retirement to avoid a layoff.

Live reporting - Action items

4. Action Items

• I recommend to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the Bi-County Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Walpole, MA. approved 7-0
  
• I recommend approval of the Parmenter Primary Learning Center field trip to Roger Williams Park, in Providence, RI on June 2, 2009. approved 7-0
• I recommend approval of the 2009-2010 School Committee Meeting Schedule. Amend calendar to July 21st from July 13th approved 7-0
• I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. approved 7-0
• I recommend acceptance of the donation of $5,000.00 to the FHS Science department in memory of Mr. Donald Redpath from the Sanofi Pasteur Company. approved 7-0
• I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light to declare the attached list of additional FHS Library books as surplus. approved 7-0
• I recommend acceptance the following checks for the Franklin High School Scholarships as listed: approved 7-0

1. $500.00 from Alan Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
2. $500.00 from Carla & Richard Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
3. $500.00 from Philip & Jennifer Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
4. $500.00 from Nancy Lovely for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
5. $500.00 from Janet Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
6. $5,000.00 from Jessie Lo & Michael Johnson for the Michael N. Johnson Alumni.

• I recommend approval of the RMS Gr. 8 Science field trip to Roger Williams Park Zoo on June 8, 2009 as detailed. approved 7-0

Live reporting - Acceptable Use Policy

The subcommittee will take another crack at this and bring it back

Live reporting - Detailed Questions FY 2010

Armenio - I know this is position related, what impact will this have on the district?
Sabolinski - other districts are adding this position, we are cutting this. That is one impact. We will try and spread some of the reporting around.

Armenio - these are not options, these are requirements
Sabolinski - yes, this will be difficult

Armenio - we're zeroing this out, this will be more of a capital item. When you look at social studies they only went up to the Vietnam War.
Sabolinski - we are replacing books this year that are over a dozen years old.

Cafasso - can you tell me how this is up after years of being down?
Goodman - each school got their allocations and depending upon how they used it at their level, the schools across the board the got the same amount as they got last year, it is their discretion on how they are using it.

Armenio - question on field trips, this was taken out years ago
Goodman - this is a coding issue, all transportation should be in the 3300 series, any non-school to home transportation should be here, so visits between schools, to TriCounty these fall here

Cafasso - Where is this coming from?
Goodman - this is a growth from year to year, there is a contract in place, we have added a bus, some of this is offset with the pay-to-ride fees but this is still underfunded.

Cafasso - This is a philosophical decision that we are not fully funding the cost of the transportation.
Sabolinski - that becomes a bigger philosophical decision when you come to high school sports, those are not fully funded either. the entire population effectively subsidizes the few who use it

Cafasso - my question was designed to see if we were seeing cost increases in the contract?

Rohrbach - Can someone explain what it means?
Waters - We have approx 70 students, a small percent of the total population. There needs are such that we can not provide within the district. Those tuitions can range from 25,000 to 200,000 per student. The total is 3.8 million. We are actually doing better than elsewhere. For a district our size, to have only 70 out of district is good. We have increased programs to keep students within the district here where possible.

Armenio - we are notified of tuition rate increases around Dec 15th?
Waters - The out of district schools can apply for an increase to the State at any time, we have no control over that.

Greydon Smith, citizen - what is our responsibility for special education?
Waters- special education is federally mandated as well as at the State. The students have a right to education, the decisions are made by the team. The number you see is legally mandated.

Citizen - and what is the funding for this?
Ogden - explains that we don't get direct funding for it, the State does participate with "circuit breaker" funds
Goodman - we get reimbursed about 20%

Roy - we have options with what we can do for the public hearing. we can close it for tonight, or continue it to a future date?
Cafasso - I would move to continue the hearing to a future date.

Motion to continue the hearing until June 9th
Passed 6-1

Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget Q and A

Armenio - will the schedule rotate?
Light - we are still working out the details but yes it will rotate

Armenio - fees won't go away, participation may go down, I'm not happy with the fees. What about enrollment?
Light - we are estimating an increase of about 50-75 but things are still in flux

Kelly - The elementary numbers changed from the 3/24/09 presentation, can you explain the difference?
Minkle - The numbers are closer to actual but have been changing; April 30th enrollment, May 15th kindergarten enrollment, with a teacher reduction of 20 (versus 30 prior)

Cafasso - What will happen now with the library space? What will they be used for, how will the students use them?
Sabolinski - Assistance to checkin/checkout books will still exist, teachers can still bring their classes, there just won't be instruction in the library

Cafasso - Hard to predict what extracurriculars will be offered depending upon the teachers remaining and the student interest
Wittcoff - The middle school programs change each year depending upon the teachers and the student interest

Cafasso - Are any left in the district?
Ogden - Yes, elementary level

Cafasso - What is the role of CET in our district?
Wittcoff - They provide support to teachers in instructional practices
Ogden - There is a hope that some of the stimulus funds can be used to restore some of these positions outside of the budget.

Cafasso - Would you like to add anything to this discussion?
Wittcoff - The corner stone of the middle school model is teaming, by teaming, the teachers are sharing the same students. This allows the teachers to share and identify the students for help as required. This level is second only to the elementary level in rate of brain growth. This is a critical period, this model has been in use for 50 years, anything less than this would be a step back in time.

Cafasso - I don't see a fee cap for a family?
Ogden - We did not reach agreement in the subcommittee

Cafasso - I am disappointed with where we are, at a time when the President has announced the first Latino women in an appointment to the Supreme Court, schools are supposed to be the safety net for kids.

Rohrbach - What will PE/Health look like next year?
Ogden - Peter Light (High school principal) has not completed collecting data from the students. I can say it will look different, there will be less. The high school will look more like the elementary model where they get it once a week.

Live reporting - FY 2010 Discussion

Salary a big chunk
Health care, Transportation, and Out of district tuition account for the bulk of the remaining amount.

Elementary level $210
Middle Schools $225
High School $355

This is the apportionment of the budget on a per pupil basis
Some of the budget line item changes can be directly attributed to these amounts flowing to the schools

Overall reducing 42-25 positions with this budget

High School
Asst Principal, Secretary, Librarian, and four teachers = total of seven positions

Class sizes can remain manageable with a change in the schedule from 7 period rotating to a 6 period schedule. 60 minute per period.

Middle Schools
2 grade 6 teachers
4 grade 7 teachers
4 grade 8 teachers
2 music
1 librarian
1 Math curriculum enhancement teacher

Class sizes remain significantly high

Elementary Schools
18.5 classroom teachers
2.5 librarians
1.2 specialists

Class size will be much increased, 21 of the 30 class groupings will exceed School Committee guidelines

User Activity Fees
As announced previously, the fees will increase over the next three years to bring the fee revenue into a 50/50 support level with the budget assumptions

Athletic fees, pay-to-ride, extracurricular fees are the three areas covered.
Page 9 depicts the fee schedule for the next three years

A calculation of the fees shows a "typical" family with students at the High School could amount to $3,000 per year. This would be about 60% of the average property tax amount.

The budget reduction targeted 3 million has come within 1,489,233.
The Senate budget differs significantly from the House and Governor's budget. That amount is not reflected in the numbers shown here.

Summary

• No late bus
• High school scheduling changes
• Split teams at the Middle Schools
• Larger elementary class sizes
• Programing changes (Music, library, PE/Health)
• Fewer extracurricular activities

Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget

This is the budget document from the packet for the meeting this evening

FY 2010 Budget 5/26/09

View more Microsoft Word documents from Steve Sherlock.

Live reporting - Cafeteria takes deferment

The cafeteria workers voted to take the wage increase deferment for this year.

Live reporting - School Committee 5/26/09

Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Missing: none

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda - remove warrants from the agenda for tonight

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 12, 2009 School Committee Meeting. Motion to approve, passed 7-0

Payroll Ms. Armenio

FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence: 1. Letter from Ms. Barbara Hiss

live reporting - presentations

Mary Cole - high school track athlete broke the 2 mile record at 11:31

(pictures later)