Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Missing: Kelly
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - none
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 23, 2009 School Committee Meeting. Motion to approve - Passed 5-0, 1 Abstain (Mullen)
Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
Payroll - Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Letter from Mrs. Kristin Redpath.
2. Response from FSC to Mrs. Redpath
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
FM #43 - This week in Franklin, 7/19/09
This is #43 in the series of podcasts for Franklin Matters. Give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA for the week ending July 19, 2009
Time: 8 minutes, 59 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #43
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 43 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA for the w/e 7/19.
We'll start with what happened this past week
Town Council approved a license transaction for a new operator for what had been recently Caso's bar & Grill.
Town Council had the most discussion on the vote to fund the renovations for the museum
The discussion centered around the use of the capital funds, they can't be used for operational purposes. Deb Bartlett's main objection was the amount at this time for the museum when there are other items on the capital wish list that are wanting. The vote was 7-1 Bartlett against, Doak was absent, all others voted for the museum.
Town Council also voted to take advantage of the local tax for hotel and meals, voting separately for each item by the same 7-1 vote. Vallee voted against both saying it was the wrong thing to do for the economy at this time, forgetting the more important item (in my opinion) that these are the first non-residential tax revenue sources to be allowed Franklin. Without them, the inevitable overrides in our future will be higher.
The DPW provided an update on the Water status.
The Planning and Community Development group provided an update on the economic development areas and priority development site progress made thus far.
Both presentation are posted and available on Franklin Matters
The Downtown Partnership had another good event on Third Thursday. I participated with other members of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting for the new showroom for Shades IN Place. Pictures and other details from Thursday are found in the posting “From stained glass to blue grass”
What does this week hold for us? A couple of key meetings will occur.
School committee mtg 7/21
Financial Planning Committee 7/23
The School Committee meeting on Tuesday will explain how their budget got balanced. They had last met on June 23rd and were facing cuts of 40 plus teachers. Somehow the number got reduced.
The Financial Planning Committee meets on Thursday this week. I will be unable to attend but I would be looking to find out when the final presentation is ready and when the update to the Town Council is going to be scheduled.
Given the TC will likely be handling the final FY 2010 budget adjustments in their first August meeting, I would guess that this might be a prime topic for the second August meeting.
We'll see how this plays out.
Please stay tuned in
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 8 minutes, 59 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #43
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 43 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA for the w/e 7/19.
We'll start with what happened this past week
- Town Council meeting 7/15
- Ribbon cutting at Shades IN Place
- Third Thursday
Town Council approved a license transaction for a new operator for what had been recently Caso's bar & Grill.
Town Council had the most discussion on the vote to fund the renovations for the museum
The discussion centered around the use of the capital funds, they can't be used for operational purposes. Deb Bartlett's main objection was the amount at this time for the museum when there are other items on the capital wish list that are wanting. The vote was 7-1 Bartlett against, Doak was absent, all others voted for the museum.
Town Council also voted to take advantage of the local tax for hotel and meals, voting separately for each item by the same 7-1 vote. Vallee voted against both saying it was the wrong thing to do for the economy at this time, forgetting the more important item (in my opinion) that these are the first non-residential tax revenue sources to be allowed Franklin. Without them, the inevitable overrides in our future will be higher.
The DPW provided an update on the Water status.
The Planning and Community Development group provided an update on the economic development areas and priority development site progress made thus far.
Both presentation are posted and available on Franklin Matters
The Downtown Partnership had another good event on Third Thursday. I participated with other members of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce at the ribbon cutting for the new showroom for Shades IN Place. Pictures and other details from Thursday are found in the posting “From stained glass to blue grass”
What does this week hold for us? A couple of key meetings will occur.
School committee mtg 7/21
Financial Planning Committee 7/23
The School Committee meeting on Tuesday will explain how their budget got balanced. They had last met on June 23rd and were facing cuts of 40 plus teachers. Somehow the number got reduced.
“There will be no teachers laid off except four gym teachers, all the librarians, and a data analyst, Roy said. “How the number was balanced was not successfully explained by the Milford Daily News article. I am looking for the meeting to provide the insights required to understand where the cuts did come from.
The Financial Planning Committee meets on Thursday this week. I will be unable to attend but I would be looking to find out when the final presentation is ready and when the update to the Town Council is going to be scheduled.
Given the TC will likely be handling the final FY 2010 budget adjustments in their first August meeting, I would guess that this might be a prime topic for the second August meeting.
We'll see how this plays out.
Please stay tuned in
---- ---- ----
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
King St and I495 Construction
From the MassHighway website, this is the project description for the I495 and King St intersection construction work underway.
Note: Like most State websites, the performance is better with IE than Firefox.
FRANKLIN- RECONSTRUCTION ON KING STREET AND I-495 RAMPS
This is a safety and traffic improvements project. It extends along King Street from Union Street to Upper Union Street and also includes Upper Union Street from King Street to Constitution Boulevard and all four I-495 ramps at King Street. It involves roadway improvements as well as intersection signalization improvements.You can find this on the MassHighway web site here. Select Franklin to see the current project status. Project 602962. By the way, it also shows completed projects.
Project includes widening of King Street to provide two lanes in each direction with left and right turning lanes at appropriate locations; widening and realignment of Upper Union Street to make Constitution Boulevard the major traffic movement; upgrading the signals at the King and Upper Union Street intersection and providing two left turn lanes from King Street onto Upper Union Street.
New signals will be installed at the intersections of I-495 southbound and northbound ramps, and the signals at the King and Union Street intersection will be upgraded. The signals along King Street will be synchronized to provide better traffic flow along King Street.
Existing concrete pavement will be removed from all four I-495 ramps and ramps will be reconstructed with full depth asphalt pavement. In addition, project involves drainage improvements, curbing, new sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, pavement markings, signing, landscaping, a closed circuit television camera for traffic monitoring on I-495, and other incidental work. This project will require temporary and permanent easements for its implementation.
Note: Like most State websites, the performance is better with IE than Firefox.
Concerts on the Common - Christie Leigh
Christie Leigh will be appearing Wednesday, July 22 for Concerts on the Common 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Mike Rutkowski will perform for the Children's Concert from 6:00 Pm to 6:30 PM.
Mike Rutkowski will perform for the Children's Concert from 6:00 Pm to 6:30 PM.
One committee vacancy could be your opportunity
They say: "many hands make for light work."
There are a dozen open committee vacancies across the Town's organization.
For a complete listing, check out the Town website here. The Town web page includes a link to obtain the proper form to apply for the vacancy that you would be interested in.
Not sure if it would be good for you?
Contact one of the existing committee members to find out more information. The Town website has a listing of the Boards and Committees here.
Why not consider volunteering for one of the positions?
This could be just the opportunity you were looking for!
There are a dozen open committee vacancies across the Town's organization.
For a complete listing, check out the Town website here. The Town web page includes a link to obtain the proper form to apply for the vacancy that you would be interested in.
Not sure if it would be good for you?
Contact one of the existing committee members to find out more information. The Town website has a listing of the Boards and Committees here.
Why not consider volunteering for one of the positions?
This could be just the opportunity you were looking for!
Monday, July 20, 2009
What kind of society would it be?
"An extraterrestrial being, newly arrived on Earth – scrutinizing what we mainly present to our children in TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, the comics and many books – might easily conclude that we are intent on teaching them murder, rape, cruelty, superstition and consumerism. We keep at it, and through constant repetition many of them finally get it. What kind of society would it be if, instead, we drummed into them science and a sense of hope?"
– Carl Sagan, Describing the World as It Is, Not as It Would Be, written for The Washington Post, January 9, 1994
This random quote came from the Wizard of Ads
School Committee - Agenda - 7/21/09
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 23, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
Payroll - Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Letter from Mrs. Kristin Redpath.
2. Response from FSC to Mrs. Redpath
2. Guests/Presentations
Teacher Retirements:
1. Sylvia Bacca - FHS 34
2. Joseph Lynch - FHS 22
3. Debra Murphy - FHS 29
4. Fran Bositis - HMMS 38
5. Rebecca Miller - Keller 13
6. Elizabeth Martucci - Oak St 36
7. Faith Wadleigh - Oak St 8
8. Theresa D’Amato - Parmenter 24
9. Walter Feldman – FHS 38
FHS Update – Peter Light
3. Discussion Only Items
a. Budget
b. FHS Facilities Project
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $102.88 from the Franklin Music Boosters for a nurse for a field trip for the Middle Schools.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Franklin Country Club for the FHS Hall of Fame Award Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of a flowering magnolia tree, valued at $300.00 raised from donations, planted in the bus loop at the Oak Street Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,000.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for In-House Enrichment at HMMS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $90.33 from the Remington PCC for a nurse for their 8th grade celebration.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplies.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Facilities Update
b. Summer Program Update
c. Pay-to-Ride Update
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. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
Confidential Legal Update
8. Adjourn
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 23, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
Payroll - Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Letter from Mrs. Kristin Redpath.
2. Response from FSC to Mrs. Redpath
2. Guests/Presentations
Teacher Retirements:
1. Sylvia Bacca - FHS 34
2. Joseph Lynch - FHS 22
3. Debra Murphy - FHS 29
4. Fran Bositis - HMMS 38
5. Rebecca Miller - Keller 13
6. Elizabeth Martucci - Oak St 36
7. Faith Wadleigh - Oak St 8
8. Theresa D’Amato - Parmenter 24
9. Walter Feldman – FHS 38
FHS Update – Peter Light
3. Discussion Only Items
a. Budget
b. FHS Facilities Project
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $102.88 from the Franklin Music Boosters for a nurse for a field trip for the Middle Schools.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Franklin Country Club for the FHS Hall of Fame Award Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of a flowering magnolia tree, valued at $300.00 raised from donations, planted in the bus loop at the Oak Street Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,000.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for In-House Enrichment at HMMS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $90.33 from the Remington PCC for a nurse for their 8th grade celebration.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplies.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Facilities Update
b. Summer Program Update
c. Pay-to-Ride Update
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. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
Confidential Legal Update
8. Adjourn
Wachusett St - Under Construction
The DPW has published a listing of road projects underway on the Town website. It is not a complete listing as Wachusett St doesn't appear to be on it and there definitely is work being done.
From time to time, the work requires the road to be closed and there are detour routes posted on utility poles.
If you are driving in the area of the Parmenter School, be aware of the Wachusett St construction until further notice.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Planning and Community Development Presentation
This is the presentation document used by Director Brian Taberner and Beth Dalhstrom for the Town Council meeting on July 15th.
For additional notes on the Town Council meeting you can find them here
For additional notes on the Town Council meeting you can find them here
DPW Water Presentation
This is the presentation document used by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi for the Town Council meeting on July 15th.
Additional notes from the Town Council meeting can be found here.
DPW Waterworks Presentation July2009
View more presentations from Steve Sherlock.
Additional notes from the Town Council meeting can be found here.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
MBTA Alert - Franklin/Forge Park 7/18 - 7/19
Franklin/Forge Park Commuter Rail Alerts
Because of necessary track work on the Franklin Line, passengers will be bused from Forge Park-495 to Franklin and from Franklin to Forge Park-495 on Saturday July 18th and Sunday July 19,2009.
It is anticipated that delays of up to 20 minutes may result from this necessary work. We apologize for any inconvenience that may result.
Because of necessary track work on the Franklin Line, passengers will be bused from Forge Park-495 to Franklin and from Franklin to Forge Park-495 on Saturday July 18th and Sunday July 19,2009.
It is anticipated that delays of up to 20 minutes may result from this necessary work. We apologize for any inconvenience that may result.
Next steps in Education Reform
Governor Deval Patrick announced two new pieces of legislation to take the next steps in education reform. This video summarizes his announcement.
To learn more about the legislation, please view the fact sheet, the Readiness Schools legislation and the Charter School "Smart Cap" legislation.
To learn more about the Commonwealth Readiness project and watch the rollout and read their final report.
Visit the original information on the Governor's page here.
Friday, July 17, 2009
How do you go from stained glass to blue grass?
How DO you go from stained glass to bluegrass?
Well, if you happened to be in Franklin on Thursday July 16th, it was pretty easy to do.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce helped Roger Magalhaes open his new showroom for Shades IN Place at 76 Grove St, Franklin at 11:00 AM.
Roger has operated his business from his home in Hopkinton for three years and found the opportunity to showcase the work that he can do for windows here in Franklin. He also collaborates with Carol Collord and Deby Carlson to provide complete window treatments with matching furniture coverings or accessories. Roger focuses on the hardgoods and performs the installation. Carol and Deby will provide the softgoods to complete the whole treatment.
A sample of a stained glass effect window at Shades IN Place. The effect is created with a layered plastic decal carefully covering the glass. Roger explained to me that to obtain the same effect from real stained glass would cost four times as much.
Additional photos of Roger's new showroom are available online at the Shades IN Place web site here
The contingent of United Regional Chamber of Commerce members gathered around Roger (in the center with the cap) to prepare for the official ribbon ceremony.
Franklin Planning Director, Brian Taberner talks with Roger proudly holding a couple of welcome plaques from Congressman Jim McGovern's office and from Senator Karen Spilka's office.
What is the crowd gathering for at Rick's? Could it be the free single scoop ice cream cone provided compliments of Middlesex Savings Bank? or could it be the bluegrass music?
It probably was a combination of the two as folks gathered around enjoying the ice cream on a summer evening listening to the bluegrass band; Obi's Boys, get into real foot tapping music in the parking lot at Rick's.
So mark your calendar for August 20th.
Look for the Third Thursday signs outside the participating businesses and enjoy the evening in downtown Franklin! Third Thursday is a collaborative effort of the local businesses coordinated by the Franklin Downtown Partnership.
Well, if you happened to be in Franklin on Thursday July 16th, it was pretty easy to do.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce helped Roger Magalhaes open his new showroom for Shades IN Place at 76 Grove St, Franklin at 11:00 AM.
Roger has operated his business from his home in Hopkinton for three years and found the opportunity to showcase the work that he can do for windows here in Franklin. He also collaborates with Carol Collord and Deby Carlson to provide complete window treatments with matching furniture coverings or accessories. Roger focuses on the hardgoods and performs the installation. Carol and Deby will provide the softgoods to complete the whole treatment.
A sample of a stained glass effect window at Shades IN Place. The effect is created with a layered plastic decal carefully covering the glass. Roger explained to me that to obtain the same effect from real stained glass would cost four times as much.Additional photos of Roger's new showroom are available online at the Shades IN Place web site here
The contingent of United Regional Chamber of Commerce members gathered around Roger (in the center with the cap) to prepare for the official ribbon ceremony.
Franklin Planning Director, Brian Taberner talks with Roger proudly holding a couple of welcome plaques from Congressman Jim McGovern's office and from Senator Karen Spilka's office.
What is the crowd gathering for at Rick's? Could it be the free single scoop ice cream cone provided compliments of Middlesex Savings Bank? or could it be the bluegrass music?
It probably was a combination of the two as folks gathered around enjoying the ice cream on a summer evening listening to the bluegrass band; Obi's Boys, get into real foot tapping music in the parking lot at Rick's.
So mark your calendar for August 20th.
Look for the Third Thursday signs outside the participating businesses and enjoy the evening in downtown Franklin! Third Thursday is a collaborative effort of the local businesses coordinated by the Franklin Downtown Partnership.
Franklin Farmers Market Noon - 6:00 PM
The Farmers Market will be open today from noon to 6:00 PM on the Town Common.
This is your weekly opportunity to help the local economy and to get quality food items.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Site prep for Walgreens continues with Four Corners Bldg gone
If you have any photos of Four Corners as it was being taken down that you would like to share, please let me know.
If you have any interior photos of Four Corners as a school building that you would like to share, please let me know.
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