Live reporting - Council questions continued

Ballenger proposing to use some of the Franklin properties as "long term leases" rather than sell it off. The leases, if possible, would generate some income for the town.

Jones mentions Town Clerk should remain as an elected position, Treasurer/Collector can be appointed. Does not completely agree with the staggered terms as it can be interpreted in many different ways.

Kelly maintaining services will be a large issue, keeping the community safe, and improving the education for the children are the other two.

Powderly the evidence I have seen supports a single tax rate. The Board of Assessor and Town Council need to justify that to the citizens. The issue would be how the long term Franklin family business would bear the increased rate under a split tax. The EMC's might be able to handle it but maintaining the smaller would be a concern.

Pfeffer every year seems to be the worst. We are in a unique position and need to do everything we can do.

Vallee all the towns have water bans. The State limits how much we can distribute. We have enough.

Whalen capital expenditures are necessary, we need to maintain equipment, we always have more requests than we have funds for.

Zollo raises the Financial Planning Committee report that was endorsed by the current council and that the new council should do so as well. It is important to education the citizens on how much we spend and where, schools, police, fire, etc.

Avakian we have approved the bond for the study, we should wait to see what the report comes back with. It will depend upon what our fiscal situation is.

Ballenger the Finance Committee will need to work closely with the council and take Mr Nutting's recommendations under advisement. It will have to be a working partnership.

Jones I don't support an override until we have a viable plan in place to explain to the citizens on what will be spent, where and why. Any cuts on the state side will trickle down to us. It needs to be made as clear as possible for the citizens.

Kelly I would look for a partner who can work with all the organizations in the Town.

Powderly The Franklin Downtown Partnership has done a fabulous job. We are the city that calls itself a Town. We like the small town feel. I'd love to have a more active relationship with the project.

Live reporting - Town Council candidates

Candidates getting similar questions but worded in different ways generating their comment about the same question. Well, it could be that each should have answered the same question. There are not that many real issues for Franklin, or are there?

Live reporting - Town Council candidates

The full slate of candidates, at least those that have shown up this evening.

Single biggest opportunity thus far, regionalization is one way to save some money.

It is encumbent upon the citizens to be aware and become involved of the town issues.

Live reporting - Town Council candidates

Town Council - 9 Positions (For 2 Years)

• Joseph McGann (absent due to a medical emergency)
  
• R. Scott Mason
• Judith Pond Pfeffer
• Shannon Zollo
• Robert Vallee
• Stephen Whalen
• Glenn Jones
• Daniel Ballinger
• Robert Avakian
• Matthew Kelly
  
• Tina Powderly
• Glenna Richards - not in attendance
• Bryce Kuchs - not in attendance due to other work commitments announced last week

Live reporting - Borad of Health 1 minute intro, questions

• Bruce Hunchard, three children

currently chairman, has been on board for 17 years
long listing of experiences, native from Franklin

• Koren Kanadanian

currently Director of Emergency Services at Providence College


What is the Board of Health role in health issues?
The current issue is the H1N1 virus, he has set up the process to prepare Franklin

Full time agent for Board of Health in Franklin, how is your role in relationship to the agent.
The agent does the day-to-day inspections and brings information back to the board, the board should have a good relationship

Q - How can you be pre-active instead of re-active?

Q - You have the ability to enact public policy, how would you do that?

There were only four questions prepared, two questions were repeated to a candidate that had not been asked that question before.

Two minutes for a closing statement

Koren
I am new to the political arena. I have an open mind to listen to address issues before the board.

Bruce
My 17 years of experience dealing with local leaders and others in the area can enable a continuity of process.

Live reporting - starting now

Moderator Larry Benedetto

Panel will randomly select a question, no questions from the audience.

Live reporting - Board of Health candidates

The moderator will be Larry Benedetto
Time keeper will be Deb Pellegri

Board of Health - 1 Position (For 4 years)

• Bruce Hunchard
• Koren Kanadanian

The candidates are ready. The camerman is here and making final preparations.

Live reporting - Candidate night

A good sign, there is a crowd of people in the room. There are seats available!

Live reporting - Candidate night

Per Deb Pellegri, the order of events tonight will have a panel of four ask questions of the candidates beginning with:.

Board of Health - 1 Position (For 4 years)

• Bruce Hunchard
• Koren Kanadanian - new

And followed by

Town Council - 9 Positions (For 2 Years)

• Joseph McGann
• R. Scott Mason
• Judith Pond Pfeffer
• Shannon Zollo
• Robert Vallee
• Stephen Whalen
• Glenn Jones - new
• Daniel Ballinger - new
• Robert Avakian (switch from Board of Assessors)
• Matthew Kelly (switch from School Committee)
• Tina Powderly - new
• Glenna Richards - new

The panelists will be

• Heather McCarron, Milford Daily News/Gazette
• Ken Norman, Franklin resident, assessor
• Jack Lank, President United Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Pat Samson, Communications Director, Dean College
  

Live reporting - Franklin candidate debate night

There may be a delay tonight. The cameraman has not yet arrived and a back up person is on the way.

Estimated start time 7:30 PM, or earlier if someone arrives!

A good turnout for the Halloween Festival

The Franklin Police Department held their annual Halloween Festival at Franklin High School on Sunday. With great sunshine, they spread their fun and games outside as well as inside the field house.

Officer Eric Cusson was just sitting.



Then he got wet!



Chief Steve Williams was dry.



Then he got wet! (Hey, wasn't that cheating?)



My what big spiders there are here in Franklin!



Look at all the things to do!



Everyone (big kids and little) had smiles on their faces.

In the News - MCAS growth model

One of the advantages of participating in regular School Committee, Town Council, and other Franklin business meetings you get to see and hear first hand what is happening. Franklin took part in the State pilot for the MCAS "growth model" that is being introduced tomorrow.


You can view the most recent meeting notes where this was discussed here.


The Milford Daily News covers this item from a Framingham perspective here:

State to unveil new MCAS interpretation model

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Abby Jordan/Daily News staff

Consider being more active in Town meetings. You never know what you may find out and something may really be an advantage to know about!

School Committee - Agenda - 10/27/09

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 13, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: None

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Update – Peter Light
b. Lifelong Learning Update - Pandora Carlucci
c. Growth Assessment Reporting – Patty Elias, RN

3. Discussion Only Items

Budget to Actual

Policy – First Reading:
JLCA – Physical Examinations of Students
JLCA – E1 Sample Notification Letter to Faculty & Staff
JLCA – E2 Sample Notification Letter to Parents/Guardians
JLCA – E3 Sample Screening Results Letter to Parents/Guardians

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $214.28 from the Remington PCC for a 6th grade field trip for the YMCA.
b. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for the 3 middle schools to New York City as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of using $6,000.00 from the Athletic Revolving Account to cover cost of starting a varsity swim team at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,330.00 from the Parmenter PCC for a Gr. 3 field trip to Plimoth Plantation.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $94.49 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for Remington Middle School.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Kim Marshall
b. Instructional Support Team
c. Adaptive Leadership
d. Superintendent’s Roundtable
e. ELL Teacher

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

8. Adjourn

350 - a big number on a big day

Over 5,000 events took place yesterday in 181 countries to raise awareness on climate change. The Franklin Area Climate Team was busy in some of the local area activities.

Steve Sherlock pinch hit for Ted McIntyre at the Attleboro event and the event coverage can be found here

Other photos and reports will be updated to the Franklin Area Climate Team website as they become available.

350.org has a repository of the events worldwide.

In the News - candidate debate Monday

Come out to the Municipal Bldg or tune in via cable and the Internet to see what the candidates say.

Franklin candidates to offer views on Monday

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley, Daily News correspondent

Reduce your carbon impact - start today

On this day, over four thousand events taking place simultaneously in over 175 nations will be held to raise awareness on climate change. This brief video from New Zealand captures the spirit of the event and it's importance.



What can you do to reduce your carbon intake?

Visit the Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT) for information and links to 350.org and other informative sites.

Not sure who to believe on the climate change issue? This video I found the most convincing argument. Take ten minutes to view this and see if you can decide to take action today.



The team will host a Cut the Carbon event on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of Foxborough Universalist Church at 6 Bird St., Foxborough.

Additional details can be found here

Dean Leadership Institute - Executive Lecture - Health Care

The featured speaker for this 4th Annual Executive Lecture will be Ralph De La Torre, M.D., President and CEO of Caritas Christi Health Care.

Full details on the event including how to register can be found in the attached document:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

In the News - candidates worried, haunted field house

Candidates worry about low turnout at forum

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

So far, only six of the 12 candidates running for nine spots on the Town Council have confirmed they will attend the 9 a.m. forum, including incumbents Whalen, Zollo and Councilor Joseph McGann, Finance Committee Vice Chairman Tina Powderly, Board of Assessors member Robert Avakian and newcomer Glenn Jones.

Excuse me, if the candidates can't bother to show interest in the Forum, how can they expect the voters to?

------

Haunted happenings in Franklin Sunday

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

------

Reminder: Town Council Candidate Debate and Candidate Forum at Senior Center

In the two most recent off year Town elections (2005 and 2007) only about 3,500 voters cast their ballots in the Franklin High School field house on election day.

In the two most recent override votes, 2007 - 8,500 and 2008 - 7,500 voters cast their ballots.

The election on November 3rd will be as important as an override election. Who we chose will either find the way to come up with a balanced budget maintaining critical services, or will end up cutting critical services.

There are twelve candidates to chose from. Five have chosen to share their thoughts here. (Four Council candidates have been published thus far, the fifth is being reviewed before being published).

Be informed. Ask them questions. Cast your vote on November 3rd.

This election will determine Franklin's future!

Reminder:

 1 - The Town Council Candidates Debate is scheduled for Monday, October 26th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg. This event will also be broadcast via the cable channels as well as the Internet webcast. 

2 - There is a Candidate Forum at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 28th at 9:00 AM. If you would like to attend please call the Senior Center to register (508-520-4945). Note: there are enough people attending, this event will not be canceled.

Freeman Rail Trail Expansion

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Freeman Rail Trail Expansion

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/22/09

by Catherine Cagle
Manager of Sustainable Transportation

Today I'm excited to let people know that the Patrick Administration has awarded $500,000 in Transportation Enhancements funding for final design of phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will extend approximately 4.8 miles from the end of Phase 1 BFRT in Westford, south through Westford, Carlisle and Acton. The towns of Westford, Carlisle and Acton completed the preliminary design to qualify for Transportation Enhancements funding for the final design; once that is completed and approved, Phase 2A will be ready for construction.  


On August 20, 2009,  residents and community groups celebrated the opening of Phase 1 of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT), a 6.8 mile shared-use path that connects Lowell, Chelmsford and Westford.  As someone who bikes to work and recreationally I am always excited to see paths like this open -- not only because they provide great opportunity for people to excercise but also because they make important connections between communities.   Since the grand opening of Phase 1 use on the path has exploded and led to many rave reviews. We hope that many of these people are excited as we are that Phase 2A design will  moving forward thanks to Transportation Enhancements funding.

 In case you were wondering, the Transportation Enhancements program is a federal program that funds community-based projects with the goal of increasing travel choice and improving the cultural and environmental character of the transportation system. Eligible TE projects fall into 12 categories such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, streetscape improvements, historic transportation facilities, cultural facilities, and environmental improvements for the transportation system. Transportation Enhancement funding supports important non-traditional and innovative transportation infrastructure projects that might not otherwise obtain funding.  We haven't always done the best job awarded TE funding and we're currently working to improve the program to speed up investments in critical bike and pedestrian projects.  For example, the Patrick Administration recently committed to increasing TE funding from $500,000 to $3.5M and formed a joint task force with highway officials to streamline project delivery and construction timelines.

 You should know that we view pedestrian and bicycling improvements are an especially high priority as the Commonwealth seeks to expand healthy travel options and sustainable transportation.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Place-kicker chases dream around the world to Dean

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Place-kicker chases dream around the world to Dean

via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Marvin Pave, Globe Correspondent on 10/21/09

FRANKLIN - His 7,000-mile football odyssey began at a National Football League-sponsored kicking clinic in Beijing in 2006. A year later, Long Ding suited up in pads for the first time in the foothills of New Hampshire's White Mountains, at the New Hampton School, and his journey has come nearly full circle at Dean College in Franklin.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe West using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

A call to action on climate control

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

A call to action on climate control

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff on 10/21/09

In observance of the International Day of Climate Action, the Franklin Area Climate Team is doing its part to spread awareness and motivate residents to start acting before it's too late.
The team will host a Cut the Carbon event on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of Foxborough Universalist Church at 6 Bird St., Foxborough.

Team member Ted McIntyre of Franklin said the idea is to "try and educate people on the 350 number, which is the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere we need to get back to."
McIntyre explained that the planet's carbon levels are close to 390 parts per million. If this number is not reduced dramatically, the results could be detrimental, he said.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

School Committee candidate - Jeff Roy

Preparing for the November 3rd election, much focus has been on the Town Council as they have final say over the full budget for the Town's services. However, fully half of the budget details are under the control of the School Committee. While there are seven candidates for seven positions, we still should know something about what their plans are.

I sat recently with the current Chairman, Jeff Roy, to review his campaign for re-election. You'll notice the first three questions are the same as that asked of the Town Council candidates. I felt those were equally applicable to both sets of candidates. The Open Space question is less applicable to the School Committee so we punted on the fourth.

According to the new FTC blogger disclosure rules, you should be aware that when Jeff and I got together at Cafe Dolce, he did pay for my sandwich and drink. Such action is very much appreciated but it does not change my approach to the interview. As I have done with all the other candidate postings, this is a collaborative effort. The sole purpose is to provide information to the Franklin voters so they can make an informed decision on November 3rd. You should also be aware that while the new FTC rules are scheduled to take effect on 12/1/2009, I have a disclosure statement that dates back to January 2005.

Franklin Matters

1. What is Franklin's big issue? What steps should we take to resolve it?
 

Jeff Roy

Attracting and retaining the best and brightest teachers to work in the Franklin School system is my top priority.  We have some great teachers in our district already and we continuously look for ways to improve the quality of our educational workforce, understanding that the human capital of our teachers will determine the quality of our schools.  In February, I posted a blog entry (click here to read it) including a presentation by Bill Gates on great teachers.  Gates first recognizes that the economy is only providing opportunities to people who have a better education, and having great teachers is the key thing to providing these opportunities.   As such, it should be our goal to get top teachers in front of our students.  Having strong and vital schools is important for every community.  More education is also linked to better physical and mental health, longer lives, fewer crimes, less incarceration, more voting, greater tolerance, and brighter prospects for the next generation.

Preserving sports programs, the arts, music and other extra-curriculars is another priority.  Education is important to the development of young citizens, and that education is important not only for the mind, but also the body.  Sports and other extracurricular activities certainly contribute to well-roundedness, and other attributes that are important for success. Music and the arts help people open their minds and create joyful harmonies that bring out the best in themselves and their colleagues.  If we all went about our business the way musicians do – where your actions complement your fellow musician – then the world would be a totally different place.
 

Franklin Matters

2. What is your position on the Financial Planning Committee report?

Jeff Roy
It was a good first step.  As the report points out, to maintain services, the district needs to increase revenues or continue to cut costs.  Our choices speak to the type of community we want.  Cutting costs moves us in the wrong direction and our community already spends far less than the state average in all 11 categories monitored by DESE.  I want a community that provides the best education for its children, a safe environment for all, and a welcome home for seniors who made the town what it is today.  That kind of commitment, however, requires us to collectively invest in our educational system and maintain the infrastructure for everyone.

Franklin has always been a community with high expectations for its schools – in academics, in athletics, in the arts and in community service. Our focus on the classroom delivers a consistently high-performing school district. Students and parents have enjoyed a high return with minimal investment.  We must continue to invest in their future.  

Franklin Matters
3. What is your position on the proposed Charter revisions?

Jeff Roy
The only aspect of the Charter revisions which directly affect the schools are the terms of office.  In that regard, I think they should be staggered.  I attended the Charter Commission meeting on April 3, 2007 and made it known that I favor staggered terms, with two or three members being elected at the same time.  This would lead to increased participation in government and would likely encourage more people to run for office.   The notion that we cannot change to staggered terms because of problems with the logistics of implementing the plan is not a solution.
 

Franklin Matters

4. What have been some of the accomplishments in the Franklin school system over last eight years?
 

Jeff Roy

There have been many highlights over the last eight years.  We are particularly pleased that we are able to maintain Franklin as a high performing school district despite budget challenges.  This is a tribute to the talent and dedication of the employees in this system.   I have had the opportunity to work with many dedicated and hard-working individuals who are committed to public education and the Franklin community.  It is particularly meaningful to do this work in the birthplace of Horace Mann, the father of public education.  Some of the most notable items that come to mind are the following:

• The opening of five new schools including Sullivan Middle, Keller Elementary, Horace Mann Middle, Oak Street Elementary & the O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center
• Increased communications between the School Committee and community
• Web access to School Committee and schools (click here)
• Having Franklin recognized as one of the top 10 communities to raise a family according to Family Circle magazine
• Having many of our staff members recognized for their accomplishments including Massachusetts teacher of the year, Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Math, a Milkin Award winner, and so many others
• Increased use of technology in the school system
• Advancement of leaders from within district (Superintendent & Principals)
• Numerous commendations to our schools including the 2007-08 report from the Office of Educational Quality Assurance (EQA) that directly affect and speak to student performance:  High MCAS scores, curricular alignment with state frameworks, the district professional development program, and the mentoring program.

I am looking forward to continuing to serve on the School Committee in Franklin and committed to keeping us on the path of greatness.

Jeff, on behalf of the Franklin voters, thank you for taking the time to share these thoughts with us. Good luck on November 3rd.

Town Council Mtg Smry 10/21/09

The collection of posts that were "live reported" from the Council meeting of Wednesday October 21 are here:

• Live reporting - Administrator, Councilor comments...
• live reporting - legislation
• Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee
• Live reporting - Appointments, Recognitions
• Live reporting - Town Council  

Congressman McGovern on Healthcare Reform

On Monday October 26th, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a Legislative Breakfast at Highland Country Club in Attleboro and we would like to invite you to join us. The keynote speaker will be Congressman James McGovern and the topic will be Healthcare Reform.

Registration begins at 7:30am and the program will begin at 8:15am.

The cost to attend is $20. 

Please RSVP by e-mail or call the North Attleboro office at 508-695-6011 

Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon

Come join the Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon

meet new members, learn new ideas and share your business or organization with others.
 

What:

Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon
 

When:

Friday, November 6th

12:00 noon 

Where: 

Dean College Campus Center
Golder Room-2nd Floor
(Parking is near the campus tennis courts due to construction)

How much:
$5.00 for a delicious lunch and great conversation!

Please RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

Any questions please call the FDP office at (774)571-3109

In the News - Vietnam War Heroes

Rose Turco formally invited the Town of Franklin and members of the Council to the dedication ceremony to e held on Nov 8th. Additional info from the Town Council meeting can be found here.

Vietnam vets to be honored in Franklin

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

 If you click through to read the story on the Milford Daily News page, you'll perhaps recognize the photo. I did provide the photo and permission for it to be used by the paper.

In the News - and then there were 12

From the Town Council meeting Wednesday evening, one of the key items was the withdrawal of Bryce Kuchs from the race for council. Due to increased work responsibilities, he would be unable to fulfill the time requirements for serving on the Town Council. He let it be known that if elected, he would not be able to serve.

He is not actively campaigning for the election. His name remains on the ballot. The deadline to withdrawn from the election and ballot was earlier this month. The ballots are printed and ready to go. Absentee ballots are already available.

The second key item is the two individual who choose to abstain on the vote to endorse the Financial Planning Committee report. Pfeffer and Vallee are part of the current council who chartered the committee to prepare the report. They know (or should know) more about the contents of the report than those who may be new to the Council after the election Nov 3rd. If they can't make a decision to say that these numbers are correct, then there is something wrong with their logic. The incoming council members would have less a chance to know as much as they currently do. At worse, it would take precious time to get up to speed. Time that could be better spent taking action to avoid the financial problems facing Franklin.

Franklin council endorses long-range fiscal plan

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

If you click through to read the article online, you'll notice a familiar picture. I did provide and authorize the use of the photos I took at the Council meeting last night.

Live reporting - Administrator, Councilor comments, closing

Fire Dept Halloween Fest coming

old business
new business

Councilor Comments
Zollo - commends the three of the departing members for their service
The election coming up could be one of the most important one for Franklin. Encourages everyone to study the issues, the candidates and their positions, and cast your ballot for those who would best represent your views on the council.

McGann - commends the three departing along with Zollo
I have been asked "Joe why I have you missed so many meetings." I have some personal issues. I have had some financial issues. I have lost family members recently and am about to lose two more within a few days."

Doak - thanks for the nice and personal thanks for what he had been able to contribute. It is hard to believe it has been six years on the Council. It has been a pleasure to serve. I want to acknowledge Carlo Geromini for his help. The Council has been relatively boring. We have had some humor from Councilor McGann from time to time. We have had quite a few improvements and established some credibility, including the first ever override that was passed. Jeff thanks for your help.

• Have to be patient, can't solve them all at once.
• Listen to the people around you.
• Keep things going, if you can leave things a little better than when you arrived you did a good thing.

Pfeffer -
1 - Two trees at corner of Cottage were taken down
2 - The plants taken in front of the new Walgreens, were those saved, are they coming back?

Whalen - Encourage community service, it is a learning experience and rewarding. It feels like the turnout might be extremely light. I would encourage a turnout.

Mason - I share the sentiments that have already been spoken. Chris and I have been friends since we were six. Thanks to Deb and Tom for working together and being friends.

Vallee - I echo the others sentiments.

Bartlett - Your community is what you make of it. It can be at whatever level you can do, there are a million different ways. There are going to be tough times where people will need to come together. It has been an honor to work for this Town. It has been a privilege.

Feeley - I would like to thank you.  While I am not running for re-election this year, this is not to say that I won't run again.


The three leaving the Town Council posed for a photo: (left to right) Deb Bartlett, Chris Feeley, and Tom Doak.



My thanks to them their service to Franklin. I hope they thoroughly enjoy their new "free" time.

live reporting - legislation

J.  LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1.  Resolution 09-67: Acceptance of Covenant-Lakeview Terrace
motion to approve - passed 9-0


2.  Resolution 09-68: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Senior Center
motion to approve - passed 9-0 

If I heard this correctly, in a time of uncertain revenues, a self-imposed hiring freeze at the Municipal Bldg for Town employees, and facing some undefined reduction in State revenue fort this current year which depending upon the amount could result in further cuts in service or personnel, the Town Council just authorized a part-time hiring based upon a donation (which may or may not be sustaining).

It may be for a good cause (i.e supposedly a cook at the Senior Center) but this is indeed puzzling.

This would be a good question to ask of the candidates on Monday evening at the Town Council Debate.

Live reporting - Financial Planning Committee

Jim Roche, Chairman
Doug Hardesty, Vice-Chair

The report as presented during April has been updated with the latest numbers on this years budget and an updated forecast for the next few years.
The deficit is structural and continuing. The biggest impact will be felt next year.
Prior deficits were resolved with a variety of one time fixes. These are not available.

Teacher salaries will increase in the first ten years, due to market dynamics. This is one example. The structural deficit will continue year in and year out.

The limitation on property taxes is a factor, the other factor is we are dependent more than surrounding towns on State Aid.

Motion to add resolution 09-69 to the agenda. Motion to approve, 9-0

Vallee arrives

Endorsement - text to be provided later
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

Amendment proposed to add "declining" to the sentence.

Judy speaking against adoption as the new Council will have to live with it. She will abstain.
Vallee will join Pfeffer in abstaining.
Whalen speaks for this Council endorsing
Doak speaks for this Council endorsing
Zollo agrees that the next Council will have to live with it, This is an unbiased report, they allowed the facts to come to a unanimous conclusion. There was a wide variance on the objectives and outcomes at the beginning but the outcome is clear.

Motion to approve, 7-0, 2 abstain (Pfeffer, Vallee)

.

Live reporting - Appointments, Recognitions

E.  APPOINTMENTS 
Brian Henderson
Disability Commission,   motion to appoint, passed 8-0

Phyllis Messere

Public Land Use Committee  motion to appoint, passed 8-0


Tom Doak and Deb Bartlett we also recognized for their long years of service in a variety of roles, including their most recent role on the Town Council.


Chris Feeley was also recognized with the presentation of a plaque for his service on the Council.

Live reporting - Town Council

Attending: Whalen, Mason, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann, Zollo
Missing: Vallee (arrived at 7:20 PM)



A.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 7, 2009, Regular & Executive Session
Motion to approve - passed 8-0

B.  ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bryce Kuchs will not be able to fulfill the responsibilities of the Town Council  position due to a change in his work. He will not be campaigning for election.

Rose Turco read the Vietnam War Fallen Heroes Signs Dedication invitation to the Town Council and to the Franklin public.



A close up of the six Franklin Vietnam War Heroes to be recognized.



Sunday November 8th, 2009  2:00 PM
Town Common War Memorial Plaza

If raining, this will be held at the same time in the Senior Center.

The full invitation can be seen here:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

C.  PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D.  CITIZEN COMMENTS

Candidate Forum at Senior Center in jeopardy

There is a Candidate Forum at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 28th at 9:00 AM.

If you would like to attend please call the Senior Center to register (508-520-4945).

If there are not enough people attending, they may cancel the Forum. Decision for the cancellation would be made on Friday, October 23.


Note: The Town Council Candidates Debate is still scheduled for Monday, October 26th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg. This will also be broadcast via the cable channels as well as the Internet webcast.

Police to hold Halloween Festival

Franklin Police will hold its annual Halloween Festival Sunday, October 25h from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Franklin High School fieldhouse.

Additional details in the flyer originally posted on the Franklin Police website:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

This event is targeted for kids in Grade 5 and younger!

Traffic Alert: MassPike Overnight Tunnel Closures

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Traffic Alert: MassPike Overnight Tunnel Closures

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/20/09

To allow for tunnel construction and inspection work in the Prudential Tunnel, I-90 (MassPike) East between Exit #22 (Prudential Center/Copley Square) and South Boston will be closed at night intermittently throughout October and November beginning tonight Tuesday, October 20, 2009 and tomorrow night Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. Direct access to the Ted Williams Tunnel from Frontage Road, and South Boston will remain open.

All traffic will be directed off the Turnpike at Copley Square onto Stuart Street.  Drivers should follow the posted detour route on Stuart Street, Arlington Street, and Herald Street and continue following the posted detour signs to their destinations, as indicated below:

To South Station, Downtown and I-93 North: From Herald Street, turn right onto Albany Street.  From Albany Street, take left onto Broadway Connector and follow the existing signs. Alternate route would be to exit Masspike at Allston/Brighton Tolls and travel east on Storrow Drive.

To Massachusetts Avenue: Turn right onto Albany Street.  Continue south on Albany Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

To I-93 South: From Herald Street, at the Albany Street intersection, take first left onto the I-93 South on-ramp.

To I-90 East/South Boston/Airport: Turn right onto Albany Street.  Continue south on Albany Street and use the Ramp to I-90 East from the Albany Street Connector.
In addition, drivers should be aware that the Massachusetts Highway Department will continue to have lane closures on I-93 bridge deck repairs south of the city near Neponset Circle for its interstate maintenance project.  Bridge deck repairs and conduit work for highway lighting replacement will continue on I-93 north of the city near the Mystic River crossing.
Check all MassPike traffic advisories here.

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Senior Center - Men's Group

Men's Group - Senior Center at Franklin, originally uploaded by shersteve.

What is social media all about?

That was the basic question. These gentlemen now know a little bit more about being social in the Internet world. It is not much different from meeting at the Post Office or barbershop and chatting with your neighbors. The biggest difference is you don't have to walk (or drive) to either the Post Office or the barbershop when it is open for business, you can go to the Internet, go to Facebook at any time during the day.

The notes I prepared for them to take away are as follows:

The two best books to start with

1. The Cluetrain Manifesto by Rick Levine, Christopher Locke, Doc Searls, David Weinberger
2. Trust Agents by Chris Brogan, Julien Smith

Tools to start with
1 - A Google account
    provides email, RSS reader, alerts, photo place (Picassa), video place (YouTube), blogs (Blogger)

2 - Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/
3 - Twitter  http://twitter.com/
4 - LinkedIn  http://www.linkedin.com/

Blogs to read

Seth Godin: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/
Mark Hurst: http://goodexperience.com/
Tom Peters: http://www.tompeters.com/

Steve Sherlock: http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/   and   http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

The three step process for social media

1. Listen
2. Learn
3. Leverage

My thanks to Ken Norman for arranging this. My thanks to my current boss for allowing me to keep this prior commitment.

"The average person knows very little"

With only seven candidates for seven open positions on the School Committee, there is no competition. And yet, the School Committee controls half the Franklin town budget. They are responsible for the education of over 6,000 students and are the largest Town employer.

Aside from the National School Board Association's plugs for what the organization does, the brief video does make some excellent points on what the School Committee members should consider.



This was posted on the NSBA site here

seniority or performance?

Good questions raised by Dr Scott McLeod in this posting on the use of seniority or performance to retain teachers when faced with layoffs.

Teacher layoffs: Should seniority rule?

from Dangerously Irrelevant by dr.scott.mcleod@gmail.com (Scott McLeod)

Time to clear the drains!

Time to clear the drains.
Time to clear the drains.

This is a mantra that could be done as a parody of the old Dunkin Dounts commercial.

The wet weather is knocking down the leaves and clogging the storm water drains.

Yes, this is an "after" picture. I had already used my wet running shoes to clear this drain.

Financial Planning Committee Report - updated

The updated and "final" report from the Financial Planning Committee is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting Wednesday.

You can review (or download) a copy of the report from the Town website here.

Town Council - 10/21/09 - Agenda

A.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 7, 2009, Regular & Executive Session

B.  ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.  PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D.  CITIZEN COMMENTS

E.  APPOINTMENTS 
Disability Commission, Public Land Use Committee

F.  HEARINGS

G.  LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H.  PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS  -
1.  Presentation to Outgoing Council Members
2.  Financial Planning Committee Final Report

I.  SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J.  LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1.  Resolution 09-67: Acceptance of Covenant-Lakeview Terrace
2.  Resolution 09-68: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Senior Center

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

In the News - new trash option

It was mentioned during a Town Council meeting earlier this year that with the contract for trash pickup expiring, the Town was looking at a "single stream' option. Additional details can be found in this article.

Franklin eyes change in trash, recycling pickup

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

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Franklin Area Climate Team wins grant

Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) Executive Director Rob Garrity today announced the award of a Wolfe & Rita Climate Action Grant to the Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT), which is organizing activities in Foxboro and surrounding towns on Saturday, October 24th, an international day of awareness and education on global warming.
 

Using the grant and private donations, organizers are creating a “Cut the Carbon” hands-on demonstration to show how everyone can do his/her part to solve the growing problem of global warming. This will be just one of thousands of events for climate action on October 24th. The “Cut the Carbon” event will take place at the Foxborough Universalist Church, 6 Bird Street, on the Foxborough town common in the afternoon.
 

The International Day of Climate Action, (www.350.org) is focused on the number "350" because that is the number scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide — measured in "Parts Per Million" -- in Earth’s atmosphere.
 

Charles DiPompo, a Foxborough resident involved in the FACT group, said “Since the planet currently has carbon levels close to 390, the limit of 350 parts per million is the number we need to get back to as soon as possible to avoid devastating climate change.”
 

The gathering will begin at 3:00 pm with an interactive display of 350 white ping pong balls and 40 black ping pong balls.  This display will symbolize the urgent need to reduce the abnormally high concentration of carbon already in the atmosphere. Area residents are invited to pledge their willingness to help solve global warming by taking home one of 40 balls representing the desired reduction in levels of carbon.  Paul Mortenson, member of the Foxborough Board of Selectmen, will be speaking.
 

Later in the afternoon, at 3:50 p.m. the bell of the Bethany Congregational Church, high in its steeple overlooking the town common will be rung 35 times as a call to action.
 

The events are part of an international effort, with thousands of organizations from over 100 countries around the world participating in local events to draw awareness to climate change and motivate citizens to action. All local events are open to the public at no charge and will be listed on the FACT blog at http:franklinareaclimateteam.blogspot.com.  Additional events include: bell ringing at 3:50 pm at the St. Blaise Catholic Church in Bellingham, the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole and the First Universalist Society of Franklin Church.
 

Bishop Bud Cederholm of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts asks the diocesan community to join him in observing an "International Day of Climate Action" on Saturday, Oct. 24, when events on town and city commons will be held to raise awareness and public advocacy toward reducing carbon emissions to slow global warming.  "Go to www.350.org for more information about how Episcopal congregations can join ecumenical and interfaith groups in their communities in holding a powerful and prophetic event.  What's needed is your leadership," Bishop Cederholm stated.
 

 “October 24th is our opportunity to think globally and act locally,” DiPompo explained. “The 24th is fundamentally a day of hope for our future.”
 

“Wolfe & Rita Climate Action Grants provide MCAN local chapters with a supplementary source of funding to pursue climate action projects, education outreach programs and promote climate activism in their communities,” said Garrity, Executive Director of MCAN.  “Since 2002 this grant program has provided MCAN chapters with more than $20,000 to pursue local projects reducing energy use, cutting carbon emissions, and educating people about climate change.”
 

Founded in 1999, MCAN is a growing coalition of 40 locally organized groups fighting the climate crisis in 70 cities and towns across Massachusetts.  The network promotes carbon-reducing practices on a municipal and residential level, supports other MCAN chapters and allied organizations in their efforts to build a focused statewide movement and provides assistance to state policy makers as they adopt policies to reduce energy use and address the threat of climate change.  To learn more visit www.massclimateaction.net.

Additional information about the Franklin Area Climate Team can be found here

In the News - Frongillo, Vallee

Franklin Youth Soccer would not be the same without the effort of Rich Frongillo.

Frongillo named to New England Soccer Hall of Fame

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

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Rep Jim Vallee recognized for his work by Community VOICES

Group recognizes Frankin rep. for work protecting victims

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Greg Kwasnik, Daily News correspondent

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In the Globe - virtual high school

Milford is exploring use of online courses. Franklin does this with their use of Moodle. As I understand it, the Moodle classes are taught by Franklin teachers and can be open to student from around the world (maybe even down the road in Milford). This brief article in the Globe West seems to imply that the virtual courses would be taught by others around the world and access by Milford students with a teacher facilitating the overall process.

Virtual high school planning advances

from Boston Globe -- Globe West by Kathleen Moore, Globe Correspondent

In preparation for the launch of its Virtual High School initiative in the spring, the Milford School Department has hired former webmaster Karen Healey to serve as the program’s coordinator.