September 16, 2008 - State wide primary election saw only 1,442 Franklin voters come out to cast their ballots.
November 4, 2008 - for the presidential election 16,793 (86%) Franklin voters came out to cast their ballots.
November 3, 2009 - for the town election 3,244 (16.4%) Franklin voters came out to choose their local Town Council, School Committee and other elected Board positions.
From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
2009 Annual Report of the Town Administrator
From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.
You will recall, in recent years, Franklin was named in Fortune – Small Business Magazine, Money Magazine, and Family Circle as among the best places to live and raise a family and start a business. This past year, Franklin did not make it into any major publications. You might think that your town government is resting on its laurels, but the real truth of the matter is, 99% of what we do right goes unnoticed. It is something that we, as administrators, local elected officials, and employees struggle with on a continual basis. How do we let the citizens know about what we do on a daily basis that goes unnoticed?
Today’s citizens have busier lives than ever before. As long as the trash gets picked up every week, the water flows when you turn on the faucet or flush your toilet, and your kids come home from school with good grades and have recreation and cultural activities to participate in, everything is just fine. You get your tax bills and utility bills and you pay them and you think to yourself, life in Franklin is good.
We need you to know that there is so much more that makes those things and others happen.
This past year, the town sold the property at the corner of King Street and Rt 140 known as the Four Corners School for 2.5 million dollars. After paying the debt on the property, 1.5 million dollars is available to fund capital projects and a vacant property will be back on the tax rolls. We continue to replace older water and sewer pipes and resurface roads paid by the water and sewer fees. We adopt financial efficiencies as opportunities arise. This year the town assumed the care of the school facilities and grounds. The town now maintains all town buildings and grounds and the schools can focus on education. We negotiated the regionalization of some services with the Town of Medway. Regionalization is difficult to achieve, but in the long run serves both communities well and reduces costs. Currently, we are, on a limited basis, sharing a recreation director and programs with Medway and our Library Director is servicing both Franklin and Medway and that allows Medway’s citizens to utilize our library facilities and our citizens to utilize their facilities. In a remarkable example of cooperation and sacrifice, all of Franklin’s town and school employees volunteered to forego their raises this year to save fellow employees’ jobs.
In a public/private collaboration, The Franklin Veterans Memorial Foundation commissioned an Iraq/Afghanistan memorial for the Town Common that was dedicated on Memorial Day, 2009. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of Franklin’s citizens and was a memorable tribute to all of Franklin’s veterans and in particular, two of our sons who were killed in action: Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino, and Staff Sgt. Robert Pirelli.
We continue our mission to make available affordable housing opportunities for senior citizens and families in Franklin in developments such as Eaton Place and Meadowbrook Heights, senior developments, and Franklin Heights and Brandywine Village, family residential developments.
We constantly review and update our website to provide you with up to date information that we think you want and need to know. We publish a quarterly Municipal Services Guide that is mailed to every household and contains information on what is happening in Franklin, coming events, recreation opportunities, and helpful hints, and articles from various town departments.
These are just a few examples of what we routinely do. We will continue this work and we will develop new ways to share our good deeds with you so that you can continue to be proud of your community, even when it doesn’t make major publications.
It is my pleasure to submit my annual report for your review, and please feel free to write, e-mail, or stop by with any questions, concerns, or comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Nutting
Town Administrator
Monday, December 21, 2009
Plenty of snow
For the first round of shoveling on Sunday, actually when I fired up the Sear Craftsman snow thrower for the first time, we had almost a foot in the middle of the driveway. It had drifted higher against the garage door but that is normal.
The schools will open 2 hours late today to provide time for the sidewalks and parking lots around the school properties to get cleared. There is no budget for overtime to clear the snow on the off hours.
The schools will open 2 hours late today to provide time for the sidewalks and parking lots around the school properties to get cleared. There is no budget for overtime to clear the snow on the off hours.
Franklin's TJ Maxx to close
A reliable source amongst the Franklin Matters community passed along word that employees of the TJ Maxx store in Franklin were notified that the store will be closing Jan 16th.
With stores in Plainville, Milford, South Attleboro, Framingham and Natick currently on the map, Franklin will lose the convenience of having a location in town. Plainville, the newest store, likely would pick up some of the Franklin traffic.
If you have information to add to this story, please let me know.
With stores in Plainville, Milford, South Attleboro, Framingham and Natick currently on the map, Franklin will lose the convenience of having a location in town. Plainville, the newest store, likely would pick up some of the Franklin traffic.
If you have information to add to this story, please let me know.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
FM #52 - Week ending 12/20/09
This is #52 in the series of podcasts for Franklin Matters. Take about 10 minutes to keep up with what happened this week in Franklin, MA.
Time: 9 minutes, 35 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 52 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends December 20, 2009.
FM #52
In this session I’ll cover the
The School Committee does produce several good information streams; the school department website, the School Committee website and separate blog, the Superintendents page, and each school has their own page. The various websites have been disconnected from the Town for over a year now. There were plans to do an upgrade but the issues around content management and then problems with the proposed vendor (which went out of business as I recall) have halted that work. They are now back to square one to start over and find web site technology that can enable regular and timely updates for all those within the district; Teachers, administration and School Committee.
There is plenty of information available. I don’t think that is a problem. How easily it is found is one problem. I would posit that the second problem is that there is not a clearly defined feedback loop enabled. The Superintendent gets phone calls and the individual members of the School Committee get emails and phone calls. However, the correspondence acknowledged as part of each SC agenda only covers printed items that come through regular mail.
Now as voters, you and I get a chance to provide feedback every two years. In this most recent election, there were seven candidates for seven positions. I believe the voters gave their feedback by (1) voting in the two newcomers with more votes than any of the incumbents (2) by not casting ballots for more than 3-4 individual candidates. This voting pattern said that voters were not pleased with the existing committee.
And then the School Committee holds their self assessment in a room where it is not broadcast to the community via cable or internet as their other meetings are. It is still an open meeting, Ashley Studley (Milford Daily News reporter) and I participated and were the only non-school district personnel to do so.
Now don’t construe what I say as negative about the School Committee. The School Committee is a fine set of engaged and competent people very much interested in doing what is right to provide the very best education for all of Franklin’s youth. For all that they do well; I believe that there is room for improvement.
More on what they do well was highlighted in a couple of other activities this week.
First: Jeff Nutting and at least three members of the Town Council (Scott Mason, Judy Pfeffer and Tina Powderly) held an open information session at the Senior Center on Tuesday morning. The event was well received, good discussions were conducted. The Town Council will return in February to do a similar session.
Second: Five of the seven members of the School Committee joined with six of the nine Town Council to visit the State House as a guest of Rep Jim Vallee. During the time there, they obtained insights into the operation of the state government as well as information on the current issues and future budget for the Commonwealth. In particular, how the budget could affect local aid for Franklin.
Third: The School Committee and Superintendent coordinated a tour of the ten schools in the district for any one of the School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee who chose to participate. While targeted for the new folks on both boards, it was a well attended event. They made visited all the schools including a stop for lunch at the High School Cafeteria. The feedback from folks who participated included comments like “amazing” “eye-opening”. This kind of outreach is important. The folks who will be shortly determining budget priorities were able to see the schools, administration, teachers, support staff, and students in action.
The Town Council meeting on Wednesday evening was a short but important one to close out the calendar year. The TC took action to approve the Financial Guidelines that have been developed by the Town and accepted by prior TC’s. The TC also approved the meeting schedule for 2010. The important item was approval for the Housing Trust to proceed with creating affordable housing by using $400,000 from the Housing Trust Fund. Potential home owners could qualify for up to $80,000 to be used at their closing to purchase a home in Franklin. The amount would not be paid back. In return, there would be a rider attached to the deed to keep the house in an affordable state for the years to come. This helps the Town create affordable housing from existing properties (hence avoiding new housing).
While the School Committee struggles with the feedback loop as I discussed earlier, their activities working with the Town Council, Finance Committee, and Town Administration is all good. To the Town Council’s credit they have started their outreach with the Senior center session, I look forward to seeing more of this.
I am comfortable with how the groups have started doing business since the election. The budget year ahead of us will be a challenge. I am glad that these groups have started as they have, there is hope that we will get through the budget with improvement in the flow of information and substantial respectful discussions.
There are no more Town Council or School Committee meetings this year. I can take a break. You’ll probably appreciate the break as well. I have reported on a total of 65 meetings this year, all but one of them live and in real time. I hope that the information shared has been helpful for you to keep abreast of what is happening in Franklin.
As we close this year 2009, let me wish you all a joyful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or what ever holiday you choose to celebrate at this time of year.
Finally,
If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening
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 music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
This internet radio show or podcast is number 52 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends December 20, 2009.
FM #52
In this session I’ll cover the
- School Committee
- Town Council
- Outreach events for both groups took part in
- And then close with some reflections on what I think we can take away from these events
The School Committee does produce several good information streams; the school department website, the School Committee website and separate blog, the Superintendents page, and each school has their own page. The various websites have been disconnected from the Town for over a year now. There were plans to do an upgrade but the issues around content management and then problems with the proposed vendor (which went out of business as I recall) have halted that work. They are now back to square one to start over and find web site technology that can enable regular and timely updates for all those within the district; Teachers, administration and School Committee.
There is plenty of information available. I don’t think that is a problem. How easily it is found is one problem. I would posit that the second problem is that there is not a clearly defined feedback loop enabled. The Superintendent gets phone calls and the individual members of the School Committee get emails and phone calls. However, the correspondence acknowledged as part of each SC agenda only covers printed items that come through regular mail.
Now as voters, you and I get a chance to provide feedback every two years. In this most recent election, there were seven candidates for seven positions. I believe the voters gave their feedback by (1) voting in the two newcomers with more votes than any of the incumbents (2) by not casting ballots for more than 3-4 individual candidates. This voting pattern said that voters were not pleased with the existing committee.
And then the School Committee holds their self assessment in a room where it is not broadcast to the community via cable or internet as their other meetings are. It is still an open meeting, Ashley Studley (Milford Daily News reporter) and I participated and were the only non-school district personnel to do so.
Now don’t construe what I say as negative about the School Committee. The School Committee is a fine set of engaged and competent people very much interested in doing what is right to provide the very best education for all of Franklin’s youth. For all that they do well; I believe that there is room for improvement.
More on what they do well was highlighted in a couple of other activities this week.
First: Jeff Nutting and at least three members of the Town Council (Scott Mason, Judy Pfeffer and Tina Powderly) held an open information session at the Senior Center on Tuesday morning. The event was well received, good discussions were conducted. The Town Council will return in February to do a similar session.
Second: Five of the seven members of the School Committee joined with six of the nine Town Council to visit the State House as a guest of Rep Jim Vallee. During the time there, they obtained insights into the operation of the state government as well as information on the current issues and future budget for the Commonwealth. In particular, how the budget could affect local aid for Franklin.
Third: The School Committee and Superintendent coordinated a tour of the ten schools in the district for any one of the School Committee, Town Council and Finance Committee who chose to participate. While targeted for the new folks on both boards, it was a well attended event. They made visited all the schools including a stop for lunch at the High School Cafeteria. The feedback from folks who participated included comments like “amazing” “eye-opening”. This kind of outreach is important. The folks who will be shortly determining budget priorities were able to see the schools, administration, teachers, support staff, and students in action.
The Town Council meeting on Wednesday evening was a short but important one to close out the calendar year. The TC took action to approve the Financial Guidelines that have been developed by the Town and accepted by prior TC’s. The TC also approved the meeting schedule for 2010. The important item was approval for the Housing Trust to proceed with creating affordable housing by using $400,000 from the Housing Trust Fund. Potential home owners could qualify for up to $80,000 to be used at their closing to purchase a home in Franklin. The amount would not be paid back. In return, there would be a rider attached to the deed to keep the house in an affordable state for the years to come. This helps the Town create affordable housing from existing properties (hence avoiding new housing).
While the School Committee struggles with the feedback loop as I discussed earlier, their activities working with the Town Council, Finance Committee, and Town Administration is all good. To the Town Council’s credit they have started their outreach with the Senior center session, I look forward to seeing more of this.
I am comfortable with how the groups have started doing business since the election. The budget year ahead of us will be a challenge. I am glad that these groups have started as they have, there is hope that we will get through the budget with improvement in the flow of information and substantial respectful discussions.
There are no more Town Council or School Committee meetings this year. I can take a break. You’ll probably appreciate the break as well. I have reported on a total of 65 meetings this year, all but one of them live and in real time. I hope that the information shared has been helpful for you to keep abreast of what is happening in Franklin.
As we close this year 2009, let me wish you all a joyful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or what ever holiday you choose to celebrate at this time of year.
Finally,
If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening
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 music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.
Smalley's Cookies now on the web
I found and bought some Smalley's Cookies at the Franklin Farmers Market this summer. They are great tasting cookies!
As I talked with John in his tent at the market, I asked if they had a website I could link to. Alas, it was under development.
Until recently that is. You can now find them on the web at Smalley's Cookies.
From their About page:
I talked with John recently to prepare this update and he was pleased with the company's growth. They went to five Farmers Markets during the summer. People liked the cookies. Word of mouth has enabled them to get into The Fruit Centers in Milton, MA. and Hingham, MA and recently, the Daily Bread Bakery in Whitinsville, MA.
I like their saying "Life is Hard, Have a Cookie!"
Keep up the good cookie making John!
Until recently that is. You can now find them on the web at Smalley's Cookies.
From their About page:
Smalley's Cookies is founded on the principles of life, love and the unending pursuit of joy. We hope our cookies bring a sigh of happiness to everyone who takes a bite.Some of the cookies I could get at the Franklin Farmers Market are no longer available. Although they tasted tested well, they did not sell well. This is likely because they contained nuts. You may have noticed that there has been an increase in nut allergies amongst the youth. Folks have decided to play it safe by buying cookies without nuts.
At Smalley's we are cookie fanatics. Our goal is to create the most amazing cookies on the planet! We searched the globe for the most delectable ingredients we could find: dark and semi-sweet chocolate from Switzerland, fresh pecans with just the right amount of "snap" from Georgia, Dutch-processed cocoa from The Netherlands, sweet dates, all-natural coconut, whole eggs, sea salt and unsalted butter and not one drop of trans-fat or artificial anything!
We know you'll delight in our cookies and feel good knowing that they're all-natural. And what breeds happiness more than reaching out to lend a helping hand? Nothing! That's why a percentage of our profits are donated to organizations which protect our natural resources, and which serve children and adults across our globe.
In the words of Simon Raven, "Life is short and the world is wide," so stop and enjoy a Smalley's Cookie and spread a little happiness along the way.
I talked with John recently to prepare this update and he was pleased with the company's growth. They went to five Farmers Markets during the summer. People liked the cookies. Word of mouth has enabled them to get into The Fruit Centers in Milton, MA. and Hingham, MA and recently, the Daily Bread Bakery in Whitinsville, MA.
I like their saying "Life is Hard, Have a Cookie!"
Keep up the good cookie making John!
Abbey turbine gets wings
The wind turbine at Mount St Mary's Abbey in Wrentham was installed this week. It is quite impressive even from a distance against a gray sky with the blades not turning.
It looks like a giant bird
or a funky hang glider
coming over the trees
until you get closer and the white tower appears.
It will be tested before turning on to generate power for the Abbey.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the slide show.
It looks like a giant bird
or a funky hang glider
coming over the trees
until you get closer and the white tower appears.
It will be tested before turning on to generate power for the Abbey.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the slide show.
In the News - cards for kids
Franklin junior designs cards for children in need
from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSSSince the project began in November of this year, Burgess has successfully completed and delivered over 150 cards to children around the globe. Now more people are showing interest in helping her project grow.
"Since I made the Web site, lots of people have wanted to help me," Burgess said. "Girl scout troops, youth groups and senior centers. Every wants to get in on it."
For more information about helping Haley, visit the Cards for Kids Web site at cardsforkids.weebly.com or contact her directly by e-mail at cardsforkids524@gmail.com.
Cards for kids is looking for handmade cards made from construction paper or card-stock that include a personal, handwritten message. Burgess asks that you please refrain from including identifying information or asking questions as the children will most likely not have the opportunity to write back.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Jane's Frames
Need a last minute gift?
Still looking for ideas?
How about framing that certificate, award or great photo?
Check out Jane's Frames for a great selection.
Jane Curran is very active in Franklin as part of the Downtown Partnership. Support your local businesses this holiday season.
Still looking for ideas?
How about framing that certificate, award or great photo?
Check out Jane's Frames for a great selection.
Jane Curran is very active in Franklin as part of the Downtown Partnership. Support your local businesses this holiday season.
Pulaski Blvd Construction in Spring 2010
Heads up for those who travel Washington St to Pulaski Blvd in Bellingham:
From the Commonwealth Conversations Transportation website
Follow the link to read more about the announcement yesterday and follow links from that story directly to the project details website.
Bellingham- Pulaski Boulevard
The $13 million federal stimulus Bellingham project will reconstruct 2.2 miles of Pulaski Boulevard from Moody Street to the Franklin town line, including rehabilitation of the bridge over Peter's River. The project will improve safety and enhance convenience for motorists along the Boulevard, an important commuter route to I-495 in Franklin. Construction is expected to begin in the spring.
From the Commonwealth Conversations Transportation website
Follow the link to read more about the announcement yesterday and follow links from that story directly to the project details website.
In the News - Food Pantry, Senior Center
Fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry
Christmas concert to raise funds for Franklin Food Pantry
-----
The annual Christmas lunch provided by the Franklin Police at the Senior Center
Franklin seniors enjoy police luncheon
Historical Commission is looking for help
The Historical Commission is in need of your help.
The Historical Commission is in the process of planning the move of the Franklin Historic Museum from Washington Street to West Central Street and they are looking for assistance.
On December 29th, they are planning a work session at the Washington St. Museum. Your assistance is requested to help pack, label and box items for transfer to the new museum.
If you are able to offer some time, please contact Alan Earls at 508-528-6930 or alan.earls@comcast.net or Del Arnold at 508-528-0867 or delarn@aol.com for more details. Thank you.
The Historical Commission is in the process of planning the move of the Franklin Historic Museum from Washington Street to West Central Street and they are looking for assistance.
On December 29th, they are planning a work session at the Washington St. Museum. Your assistance is requested to help pack, label and box items for transfer to the new museum.
If you are able to offer some time, please contact Alan Earls at 508-528-6930 or alan.earls@comcast.net or Del Arnold at 508-528-0867 or delarn@aol.com for more details. Thank you.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Laughter will keep you warm
One way to keep warm is with laughter. Laughter comes naturally with fun. Bernie DeKoven, the Funsmith, has a collection of quotes on fun that is purely delightful:
If you have a quote that could be redone to make it more fun, please send it on to Bernie.
"Ask not what fun does for you. Ask rather what you do for fun." - the OaquiFor more quotes from the Oaqui, click through here.
"The more fun you have, the greater your value to yourself and to your society. The more fun you share with others, the more fun you have." - the Oaqui
"For every Way there's a way of following that Way that's fun" - the Oaqui
"The Path that is best for you is the Path that keeps the best of you in play" - the Oaqui
If you have a quote that could be redone to make it more fun, please send it on to Bernie.
Cold and frosty
The window at Berry Insurance provided a holiday scene on the cold and frosty Thursday morning:
Meeting summaries
The last official Town meeting I will attend during 2009 completed Wednesday evening. If you need to recall some detail from a meeting of the Finance Committee, Financial Planning Committee, School Committee or Town Council, the archives are available here.
My published notes are not perfect as they are captured real time (and updated as necessary). If you don't find the detail you are looking for, please ask me.
You can also view the video archive for most of these meetings on the Town website here
My meeting summaries:
By the way, the meeting summaries for 2008 are contained in the far right column.
Express LIne #4
The latest Express Line is available.
You can subscribe to this newsletter and other email notifications on the Franklin Town website here
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
You can subscribe to this newsletter and other email notifications on the Franklin Town website here
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Town Council Mtg Smry 12/16/09
The live reported posts from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 16 can be found here:
In the News - affordable housing, Abbey wind power
A good use for the money that has accumulated in the Housing Trust Fund. This creates affordable housing for folks wanting to live in Franklin by using houses already on the market rather than creating new housing.
Franklin to offer grants to first-time homebuyers
Abbey has wind turbine installed
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
live reporting - closing items
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Express Line #4 published
Maxine did good work on this
recycle holiday wrappings, etc
Tree pick up Jan 9th
H1N1 Flu clinic
last week and today, thanks for all helping
well attended moving smoothly
a huge success
10-12 year history on snow budget
highlight in Express Line
in 1998 vs 2009 police statistics
more calls with less folks
thanks to the employees for doing this
Fire Dept calls are up, DPW road miles have grown
DPW is down 6 positions so handling the snow will be a little be slower this time around
trying not to fill jobs until the budget picture clarifies in a couple of months
belt tightening across many departments
some positions are critical and can't go unfilled but for others we are waiting to see what the numbers from the State will be
Community Development
application scoring increased from 83 to 89 (need to check the numbers)
this helps with grant applications
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Powderly - request to examine tax waiver and see if this can be increased from $20K to 40K
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - tour of the schools today, very amazing and eye opening
Zollo - thanks to Rep Vallee for the visit to the State for insight into State finances
Pfeffer - holiday wishes to all
Jones - thanks to Rep Vallee for lunch and the info yesterday, thanks to Roy and Sabolinski for the world wind tour of the schools today
Vallee - Merry Christmas to all
Mason - Senior Center first councilors forum, was a great event. Will be back. This Senior Center is so well liked, it draws seniors from other towns. We will be back in February
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0
Express Line #4 published
Maxine did good work on this
recycle holiday wrappings, etc
Tree pick up Jan 9th
H1N1 Flu clinic
last week and today, thanks for all helping
well attended moving smoothly
a huge success
10-12 year history on snow budget
highlight in Express Line
in 1998 vs 2009 police statistics
more calls with less folks
thanks to the employees for doing this
Fire Dept calls are up, DPW road miles have grown
DPW is down 6 positions so handling the snow will be a little be slower this time around
trying not to fill jobs until the budget picture clarifies in a couple of months
belt tightening across many departments
some positions are critical and can't go unfilled but for others we are waiting to see what the numbers from the State will be
Community Development
application scoring increased from 83 to 89 (need to check the numbers)
this helps with grant applications
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Powderly - request to examine tax waiver and see if this can be increased from $20K to 40K
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - tour of the schools today, very amazing and eye opening
Zollo - thanks to Rep Vallee for the visit to the State for insight into State finances
Pfeffer - holiday wishes to all
Jones - thanks to Rep Vallee for lunch and the info yesterday, thanks to Roy and Sabolinski for the world wind tour of the schools today
Vallee - Merry Christmas to all
Mason - Senior Center first councilors forum, was a great event. Will be back. This Senior Center is so well liked, it draws seniors from other towns. We will be back in February
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0
Live reporting - Legislation
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - Municipal Housing Trust
funding to create at least six low income housing units from existing housing not to be used for new housing
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-82: Legal Notices
motion to approve - passed 8-0
2. Resolution 09-83: 2010 Town Council Meeting Schedule
motion to approve - passed 8-0
Whalen - question on the April schedule
Nutting - this was done to avoid the school vacation schedule, it can be changed
Mason - there are no special meetings scheduled
Nutting - we can schedule them as needed, rather than schedule them and cancel them if we don't need them
3. Resolution 09-84: Endorsement of Fiscal Policies
motion to approve - passed 8-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 2nd Reading
motion to approve - passed 8-0 (via roll call vote, all yes)
Beth Dahlstrom, Nick Alfieri attending to answer questions
vote re-done to clarify the motion
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling – 2nd Reading
motion to approve - passed 8-0
funding to create at least six low income housing units from existing housing not to be used for new housing
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-82: Legal Notices
motion to approve - passed 8-0
2. Resolution 09-83: 2010 Town Council Meeting Schedule
motion to approve - passed 8-0
Whalen - question on the April schedule
Nutting - this was done to avoid the school vacation schedule, it can be changed
Mason - there are no special meetings scheduled
Nutting - we can schedule them as needed, rather than schedule them and cancel them if we don't need them
3. Resolution 09-84: Endorsement of Fiscal Policies
motion to approve - passed 8-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 2nd Reading
motion to approve - passed 8-0 (via roll call vote, all yes)
Beth Dahlstrom, Nick Alfieri attending to answer questions
vote re-done to clarify the motion
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling – 2nd Reading
motion to approve - passed 8-0
Live reporting - Town Council
Attending: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Missing: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 18, 2009
motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Change of Manager – Shaw’s
motion to approve - passed 8-0 (Vallee arrived)
Missing: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 18, 2009
motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Change of Manager – Shaw’s
motion to approve - passed 8-0 (Vallee arrived)
K12 Online Conference
There is a great conference om K12 education occurring using the Internet this week. Three good links for presentations that occurred yesterday can be found here. Each link will take you to the individual page where you can see the video or listen to the audio of the presentation along with additional reference links.
1 -
Parallel Play or Collaboration–Leveraging the Wiki Platform for High Quality Work
Thriving in a Collaborative Web 2.0 Classroom: The “Great Debate” and “Student News Action Network”
Engaging Our Youngest Minds
School Committee Mtg 12/15/09
The live reporting post from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday Dec 15th can be found here:
This was the annual self evaluation session for the Committee. 5 of the 7 had filled out the form prior to the meeting. Jeff Roy presented what the feedback on the survey was for each point. Then it was open for discussion to add anything.
The self evaluation form:
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the document.
This was the annual self evaluation session for the Committee. 5 of the 7 had filled out the form prior to the meeting. Jeff Roy presented what the feedback on the survey was for each point. Then it was open for discussion to add anything.
The self evaluation form:
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the document.
"there's always room for improvement"
Chairman Jeffrey Roy said board members' e-mail addresses are listed online, and people with complaints should take the time to find them to send a message.
"Today, with e-mail, people get (angry), send an e-mail and regret it 15 minutes later," he said. "I like the idea of making people work a little bit so they have to formulate their thoughts."
Though there's always room for improvement, Roy said the committee provides the community with an abundance of information. He cited the School Committee's Web site, blog and the superintendent's site.
"I've got to say the level of involvement and effort in education materials is incredible ... we've made this stuff available to the community," he said. "There's a certain level of accountability for the public to take some steps" to get the information.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Live reporting - School Committee Meeting (part 2)
meeting resume
Recap of prior discussions:
read mission statement at each meeting
leave cell phones in purse or pocket, off
work on website
review strategic plan a couple of times
work collaboratively with other boards
look to self publishing
1 - discussion on use of email
Ed to check with T Raposa on school email addresses, could be a third email address for some members
would provide archiving and retention for official business
pro - if discovery were required, one the system would handle the archiving email, two the email would be separate from personal email
con - would add an additional email for some members, need to explore the client option
2 - new member questions
none
3 - budget subcommittee
discussion on level service vs. level funding
schedule a specific meeting for discussion on the budget to review ways to bridge the gap
meeting adjourns
Recap of prior discussions:
read mission statement at each meeting
leave cell phones in purse or pocket, off
work on website
review strategic plan a couple of times
work collaboratively with other boards
look to self publishing
1 - discussion on use of email
Ed to check with T Raposa on school email addresses, could be a third email address for some members
would provide archiving and retention for official business
pro - if discovery were required, one the system would handle the archiving email, two the email would be separate from personal email
con - would add an additional email for some members, need to explore the client option
2 - new member questions
none
3 - budget subcommittee
discussion on level service vs. level funding
schedule a specific meeting for discussion on the budget to review ways to bridge the gap
will start general discussions on the budget at Jan 12th
Committee to provide some input to the Administration on what the Committee would like to see
the meeting on January 26th would be the Administration presentation on the first pass of the budget
Sue looking for suggestions on the budget subcommittee
meeting adjourns
Live reporting - School Committee Meeting
Attending: Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Cafasso, Trahan, Glynn, Douglas
Missing: none
Also present: Ashley Studley, Maureen Sabolinksi, Miriam Goodman, Sally Winslow
Topic 1 - Budget
suggestion to read one of the Strategic Objectives at the beginning of each meeting
suggestion to help the community follow the numbers discussion with a single document referenced at each meeting so we can all stay "on the same page"
Topic 2 - Develop Policy
need one location for policies
Maureen to check on this with T Raposa on a solution
The MASC requires the naming scheme
Topic 3 - Evaluation Process of Superintendent
discussion on strategic plan and timing of updates considering the District and individual School Improvement Plans
(note this is covering the evaluation process itself, the specific evaluation is done separately)
Topic 4 - Modeling Behavior
Do well most of the time but laptops can be a distraction
some laptop usability insights should be provided to help project a professional and consistent appearance
maintain eye contact during presentations
speak into the microphones so your valid comments can be heard properly
Topic 5 - Working with other Boards
varied responses on this one
there was a problem over the consolidation of facilities but things have improved considerably since then
the two approaches to solving the problem that were very different but both had the same cost savings benefits in mind
the relationship with the new Council has gotten off to a good start
Topic 6 - Ambassadors to the Public
School Committee blog getting good traffic, Ed's email listing has grown
Could do more in the way of other forums, hold a public forum to communicate more directly twice a year
level of involvement in the committee has been good, there is a level of accountability for the community
Website issue causing some problems since the upgrade for the Town and the split from the service
move towards self publishing to help address this
members of the community do have the opportunity to participate
there is a difference between the citizens comment and agenda items
issues will attract attendance, raising fees, cutting buses, music, sports, will generate attendance but we don't want to create a crisis for each meeting
if someone has something to say, they can sit down and write a letter, or work a little bit to formulate their thoughts to send an email
break
Missing: none
Also present: Ashley Studley, Maureen Sabolinksi, Miriam Goodman, Sally Winslow
Topic 1 - Budget
suggestion to read one of the Strategic Objectives at the beginning of each meeting
suggestion to help the community follow the numbers discussion with a single document referenced at each meeting so we can all stay "on the same page"
Topic 2 - Develop Policy
need one location for policies
Maureen to check on this with T Raposa on a solution
The MASC requires the naming scheme
Topic 3 - Evaluation Process of Superintendent
discussion on strategic plan and timing of updates considering the District and individual School Improvement Plans
(note this is covering the evaluation process itself, the specific evaluation is done separately)
Topic 4 - Modeling Behavior
Do well most of the time but laptops can be a distraction
some laptop usability insights should be provided to help project a professional and consistent appearance
maintain eye contact during presentations
speak into the microphones so your valid comments can be heard properly
Topic 5 - Working with other Boards
varied responses on this one
there was a problem over the consolidation of facilities but things have improved considerably since then
the two approaches to solving the problem that were very different but both had the same cost savings benefits in mind
the relationship with the new Council has gotten off to a good start
Topic 6 - Ambassadors to the Public
School Committee blog getting good traffic, Ed's email listing has grown
Could do more in the way of other forums, hold a public forum to communicate more directly twice a year
level of involvement in the committee has been good, there is a level of accountability for the community
Website issue causing some problems since the upgrade for the Town and the split from the service
move towards self publishing to help address this
members of the community do have the opportunity to participate
there is a difference between the citizens comment and agenda items
issues will attract attendance, raising fees, cutting buses, music, sports, will generate attendance but we don't want to create a crisis for each meeting
if someone has something to say, they can sit down and write a letter, or work a little bit to formulate their thoughts to send an email
break
School Committee - no agenda
There is a School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening December 15th.
No agenda has been posted for this meeting.
No agenda has been posted for this meeting.
Town Council and School Committee Attendance
I have added and will be updating a spreadsheet to keep track of the attendance records for the Town Council and School Committee as these two groups go forward. Keeping track of the sheet as each meeting occurs will be easier than trying to do a year or more at a time.
The spreadsheet can be found here and in the Important Links section in the middle column. You should be able to view the spreadsheet but not be able to update it (assuming the permissions work out properly).
The spreadsheet has two tabs: one for each group. The tabs are found on the bottom of the spreadsheet.
The coding for attendance will be as follows:
Yes, an easy mnemonic to see if someone's attendance will pale in comparison to another's. Pun fully intended as the mnemonic.
The spreadsheet can be found here and in the Important Links section in the middle column. You should be able to view the spreadsheet but not be able to update it (assuming the permissions work out properly).
The spreadsheet has two tabs: one for each group. The tabs are found on the bottom of the spreadsheet.
The coding for attendance will be as follows:
P - Present
A - Absent
L - Late (arriving)
E - Early (to leave)
Yes, an easy mnemonic to see if someone's attendance will pale in comparison to another's. Pun fully intended as the mnemonic.
In the News - Dean College
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News hereDean College in Franklin will receive $125,000 for its embedded study model project, which aims to include academic support methods in the classroom.
"This is what students need to learn in tandem with the techniques they need," said Pat Samson, the school's communications director. "It embeds academic support techniques into the curriculum, making them available for all students. It's what we call the Dean method."
Principally a two-year school, Dean differs from community colleges in that it goes further to ensure students have the tools they need to learn in a college atmosphere, said Samson, adding that the school's retention and graduation rates are above average.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Franklin - H1N1 Flu Clinic - Wed - 12/16/09
FRANKLIN HEALTH DEPARTMENT H1N1 FLU CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENT
December 14, 2009
The Franklin Health Department will be holding an H1N1 flu clinic for Franklin residents on Wednesday December 16, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Franklin High School Field House 218 Oak Street.
The following persons are eligible to receive the H1N1 on a first come first served basis, consistent with Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines for vaccine administration:
* Children in 1st through 8th grades.
Please be advised, the Health Department has received nearly 70% of our vaccine allocation in the nasal spray form. Because this is a live attenuated vaccine, this formulation is only for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 years of age.
All individuals to be vaccinated in the 2-49 age groups without a contra-indicated medical history will be administered the nasal spray.
All individuals to be vaccinated are to present a completed consent form. No vaccine will be administered without a completed and signed consent form. A downloadable consent form is available on both the Health Department and School Department websites as well.
All residents will be asked to produce a valid driver’s license or other identification at the time of registration.
The Franklin Health Department will continue to hold additional H1N1 flu clinics in the coming weeks until all the high priority groups have been vaccinated. Once the priority groups are vaccinated, vaccine will be available for all residents until our supply has been exhausted.
We ask all residents to please be patient and to anticipate some waiting, as we institute our large-scale public vaccination plan.
David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department
Franklin Board of Health
Bruce Hunchard, Chair
Paul Cheli
Donald Ranieri, JR.
This was originally posted to the Town website. You can visit the site to obtain the consent form required.
December 14, 2009
The Franklin Health Department will be holding an H1N1 flu clinic for Franklin residents on Wednesday December 16, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Franklin High School Field House 218 Oak Street.
The following persons are eligible to receive the H1N1 on a first come first served basis, consistent with Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines for vaccine administration:
* Children in 1st through 8th grades.
Please be advised, the Health Department has received nearly 70% of our vaccine allocation in the nasal spray form. Because this is a live attenuated vaccine, this formulation is only for healthy individuals aged 2 to 49 years of age.
All individuals to be vaccinated in the 2-49 age groups without a contra-indicated medical history will be administered the nasal spray.
All individuals to be vaccinated are to present a completed consent form. No vaccine will be administered without a completed and signed consent form. A downloadable consent form is available on both the Health Department and School Department websites as well.
All residents will be asked to produce a valid driver’s license or other identification at the time of registration.
The Franklin Health Department will continue to hold additional H1N1 flu clinics in the coming weeks until all the high priority groups have been vaccinated. Once the priority groups are vaccinated, vaccine will be available for all residents until our supply has been exhausted.
We ask all residents to please be patient and to anticipate some waiting, as we institute our large-scale public vaccination plan.
David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department
Franklin Board of Health
Bruce Hunchard, Chair
Paul Cheli
Donald Ranieri, JR.
This was originally posted to the Town website. You can visit the site to obtain the consent form required.
FM #51 The Nutcracker Voting Episode
This internet radio show or podcast is number 51 in the series for Franklin Matters.
In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin, MA as it comes to a close this week, December 13, 2009
Time: 8 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Note: email subscribers should click through to the website to hear the audio version and to view the video sample from the Bolshoi Ballet performing a portion of the Nutcracker.
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 51 in the series for Franklin Matters.
In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin, MA as it comes to a close this week, December 13, 2009.
'Tis the season, girls in red dresses, boys with green ties, ladies with patten leather shoes...
All gathering on a night out for the annual production of The Nutcracker by the Franklin Performing Arts Company.
The parking lot for the Thomas Mercer Auditorium at the Horace Mann/Oak Street complex is filling rapidly.
Ahead of us a mother talks with her daughter about the school friend who'll be an angel and the play friend who'll be a polychannelle. While the father talks with son sternly, come on, we gotta go, you'll end up liking this … and the parents shepherd their children to the door.
Inside the door, the warmth of the corridor is welcome. The buzz is enchanting. The ticket table has a line for the “will call” tickets, all others have been sold out for this performance.
A table is set up to send a message to a 'star' performer and put it into the special mailbox.
The Spotlight Shop has oodles of stuff for sale, Nutcracker souvenirs to wear or hang or dust eventually!
The crowd moves along slowly towards the hall entrance. Odd number tickets to the left, even to the right. Triple digit tickets are in the center section so you can go in either way. A new box of playbills is cracked open, some one graciously checks your ticket, hands you a booklet and your off down the aisle to find your seat.
The audience is filling the hall, the orchestra is tuning their instruments, you may pick up a recognizable string of notes here and there as you settle in your seat.
The lights dim, Instead of the usual grand voice announcing this production and making the usual reminders to turn off your cell phones and pagers, reminding you of the prohibition on all photography, video or camera, you are startled to hear the following:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for coming this evening, let's just take a couple of moments to reflect on the audience here tonight.
Please look around you. Don't be bashful, these are friendly folks, all related in someway to the performers this evening, hence all are connected to Franklin.
This hall seats over 800 people. There shouldn't be an empty seat here this evening, the performance is sold out. It has taken months of rehearsals, planning, posting flyers, selling tickets for this successful event. Which you are all here to enjoy.
Would the folks in the center section, rows A through J please stand up? Yes, please. Rows A through J. that's right, Thank you!
Ladies and gentlemen, the folks represent 16% of the audience here this evening. Why 16%? It was 16% of the registered Franklin voters, the folks who cared enough to cast a ballot for the most recent Town election on November 3rd. Please give them a round of applause!
These folks are the ones who have cast their ballots to elect the Town Council, School Committee and other elected board positions that effectively and on a volunteer basis will oversee Franklin's operations. These elected folks will make decisions on your behalf for the police, fire, DPW, library and School services. These folks will determine the priorities for how your property tax dollars are spent.
You may complain about what you don't like but you had a choice to vote.
You have a choice to become involved and more aware of what is going on in Franklin.
You bought a ticket to come here this evening.
You don't need to buy a ticket to go to a Town Council meeting, a School Committee meeting, or to vote.
It is your choice.
The Town Council will be approving a new trash collection contract next year. You can get involved now.
The Town Council will eventually approve the downtown renovation plan that may change some streets from one-way to two way traffic through downtown.
You can start paying attention now.
The School Committee will be determining how to meet the needs of your children's education. You can get involved now.
It is your choice.
Now, we'll return you to the scheduled performance of the Nutcracker:
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell a neighbor.
If you don't like this, please tell me.
Thank you for listening.
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 music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and East of Shirley. The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with permission.
In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin, MA as it comes to a close this week, December 13, 2009
Time: 8 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Note: email subscribers should click through to the website to hear the audio version and to view the video sample from the Bolshoi Ballet performing a portion of the Nutcracker.
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 51 in the series for Franklin Matters.
In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin, MA as it comes to a close this week, December 13, 2009.
'Tis the season, girls in red dresses, boys with green ties, ladies with patten leather shoes...
All gathering on a night out for the annual production of The Nutcracker by the Franklin Performing Arts Company.
The parking lot for the Thomas Mercer Auditorium at the Horace Mann/Oak Street complex is filling rapidly.
Ahead of us a mother talks with her daughter about the school friend who'll be an angel and the play friend who'll be a polychannelle. While the father talks with son sternly, come on, we gotta go, you'll end up liking this … and the parents shepherd their children to the door.
Inside the door, the warmth of the corridor is welcome. The buzz is enchanting. The ticket table has a line for the “will call” tickets, all others have been sold out for this performance.
A table is set up to send a message to a 'star' performer and put it into the special mailbox.
The Spotlight Shop has oodles of stuff for sale, Nutcracker souvenirs to wear or hang or dust eventually!
The crowd moves along slowly towards the hall entrance. Odd number tickets to the left, even to the right. Triple digit tickets are in the center section so you can go in either way. A new box of playbills is cracked open, some one graciously checks your ticket, hands you a booklet and your off down the aisle to find your seat.
The audience is filling the hall, the orchestra is tuning their instruments, you may pick up a recognizable string of notes here and there as you settle in your seat.
The lights dim, Instead of the usual grand voice announcing this production and making the usual reminders to turn off your cell phones and pagers, reminding you of the prohibition on all photography, video or camera, you are startled to hear the following:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for coming this evening, let's just take a couple of moments to reflect on the audience here tonight.
Please look around you. Don't be bashful, these are friendly folks, all related in someway to the performers this evening, hence all are connected to Franklin.
This hall seats over 800 people. There shouldn't be an empty seat here this evening, the performance is sold out. It has taken months of rehearsals, planning, posting flyers, selling tickets for this successful event. Which you are all here to enjoy.
Would the folks in the center section, rows A through J please stand up? Yes, please. Rows A through J. that's right, Thank you!
Ladies and gentlemen, the folks represent 16% of the audience here this evening. Why 16%? It was 16% of the registered Franklin voters, the folks who cared enough to cast a ballot for the most recent Town election on November 3rd. Please give them a round of applause!
These folks are the ones who have cast their ballots to elect the Town Council, School Committee and other elected board positions that effectively and on a volunteer basis will oversee Franklin's operations. These elected folks will make decisions on your behalf for the police, fire, DPW, library and School services. These folks will determine the priorities for how your property tax dollars are spent.
You may complain about what you don't like but you had a choice to vote.
You have a choice to become involved and more aware of what is going on in Franklin.
You bought a ticket to come here this evening.
You don't need to buy a ticket to go to a Town Council meeting, a School Committee meeting, or to vote.
It is your choice.
The Town Council will be approving a new trash collection contract next year. You can get involved now.
The Town Council will eventually approve the downtown renovation plan that may change some streets from one-way to two way traffic through downtown.
You can start paying attention now.
The School Committee will be determining how to meet the needs of your children's education. You can get involved now.
It is your choice.
Now, we'll return you to the scheduled performance of the Nutcracker:
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell a neighbor.
If you don't like this, please tell me.
Thank you for listening.
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 music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and East of Shirley. The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with permission.
Municipal Lot Parking Lottery
Use the Dean College MBTA stop on Depot Street?
Want a parking permit for the Municipal Lots
Town of Franklin: one is on Depot Street
View Larger Map
and one is on W Central St next to White Hen?
View Larger Map
We hold a lottery every quarter (three months; Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep and Oct-Dec).
Permits are $120 per quarter.
More information? Call 1-508-528-1212 extension 2721 or 2777
To receive notifications like these directly to your email, you can sign up on the Town website here
Want a parking permit for the Municipal Lots
Town of Franklin: one is on Depot Street
View Larger Map
and one is on W Central St next to White Hen?
View Larger Map
We hold a lottery every quarter (three months; Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep and Oct-Dec).
Permits are $120 per quarter.
More information? Call 1-508-528-1212 extension 2721 or 2777
To receive notifications like these directly to your email, you can sign up on the Town website here
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Town Council - Agenda - 12/16/09
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 18, 2009
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Change of Manager – Shaw’s
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - Municipal Housing Trust
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-82: Legal Notices
2. Resolution 09-83: 2010 Town Council Meeting Schedule
3. Resolution 09-84: Endorsement of Fiscal Policies
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 2nd Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling – 2nd Reading
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
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Change of Manager – Shaw’s
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - Municipal Housing Trust
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-82: Legal Notices
2. Resolution 09-83: 2010 Town Council Meeting Schedule
3. Resolution 09-84: Endorsement of Fiscal Policies
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 2nd Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling – 2nd Reading
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
Green recycling for the holidays
From Franklin Recycling comes these tips on recycling for the holidays
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the document.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_u-T8vNJ7uEDKZ6CC4VaJhSslE5NYT1R0l7YH8ptOdX9yA0RKh_z-QLznIgweb8V7jgvctnqTpP-GrInvRu8AAZ-XAqkCHLHf4RVSNuiw5XopiGHhcKnr0KFd4AB5Z96QQR2QsFghbPugBqdPaEtK_q=s0-d)
‘Tis the season for gift giving and with it comes large amounts that can be recycled before it goes in the trash. Remember the trash limit is 3 bags; so recycling makes even more sense. More than 60% of trash can be recycled so if you are putting more trash out than recycling, there is more you can do.
You can read the reminder online at the Town website
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to view the document.
In the News - Garelick, Carberry
Garelick Farms ammonia leak
Ammonia leak released vapor cloud at Garelick Farms this morning
------
Helen Carberry celebrates 100
Generations in Franklin know Helen Carberry
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Snow Removal Bylaws
Uses of Streets, Chapter 155-20
No person shall plow, push, deposit, throw or pile snow or ice into or across any public street, sidewalk or property nor direct nor cause the same to be done unless in the employ of the Town.
This bylaw is important and necessary to ensure safe roads and sidewalks. It also helps the DPW to reduce its cost of snow and ice operations.
No person shall plow, push, deposit, throw or pile snow or ice into or across any public street, sidewalk or property nor direct nor cause the same to be done unless in the employ of the Town.
This bylaw is important and necessary to ensure safe roads and sidewalks. It also helps the DPW to reduce its cost of snow and ice operations.
Violators may be fined up to $300 for each day such violation continues.
No All Night Parking, Chapter 170-7
It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to park said vehicle on any street between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM of any day between November 15th and April 15th.
No All Night Parking, Chapter 170-7
It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to park said vehicle on any street between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM of any day between November 15th and April 15th.
It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to park said vehicle on any street during a snow storm in a way that obstructs snow removal equipment.
Parking on Sidewalks
Parking on sidewalks is illegal at all times and prevents the clearing of snow and ice.
Parking on Sidewalks
Parking on sidewalks is illegal at all times and prevents the clearing of snow and ice.
This can be found on the Town website along with the following Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Can I push snow from my property onto the sidewalk.
A. NO. A Town bylaw restricts this act. Additionally, such action may bring liability if an accident should occur. This also increases the town’s costs for snow operations.
Q. Do some streets receive priority during a snow storm?
A. YES. Major roadways and hills are a top priority.
Q. Does the Town really need a parking ban?
A. YES. Snowplowing and removal are difficult; parked cars on the roadways not only increase the number of hazards, but also the time it takes to remove the snow.
Q. Do sidewalks receive the same priority as streets?
A. NO. The roads are always plowed first. Only certain sidewalks are plowed when the storm has ended.
Q. Why is snow pushed into my driveway?
A. The situation is unavoidable. The plows remove the snow from curb to curb for maximum clearance of the roadway. This provides for maximum drainage and public safety.
Q. Will trash and recyclables be collected during a snow storm?
A. YES. Trash should be placed so it does not hinder the street plows or sidewalk plows.
Q. Who determines the opening, closing or delayed opening of school during snow and ice storms?
A. The school superintendent.
Intimacy, control and learning environments
Some food for thought
from TED Talks, Stefana Broadbent: How the Internet enables intimacy
Intimacy? Control? Learning environment?
Note: for email subscribers, you will need to clock through to the website to view the video
from TED Talks, Stefana Broadbent: How the Internet enables intimacy
Intimacy? Control? Learning environment?
Note: for email subscribers, you will need to clock through to the website to view the video
Friday, December 11, 2009
"There is no limit on changes in the tax rates"
It is tax rate season. Franklin's property tax rate was set last week and Boston's tax rate was set this week. There was a good write up on Boston's tax rate situation especially given the mishandling in the Boston Globe story. I thought this paragraph was succinct:
Proposition 2 1/2 limits the overall annual levy increase in a community to 2.5 percent plus taxes on any new development. There is no limit on changes in the tax rates, which are simply adjusted up or down, depending on what has happened with assessed values, in order to arrive at the total levy target from residential and commercial properties that city budget writers have drawn-up.You can read the full article by Michael Jonas in Commonwealth Unbound here
Sustainable Farming event rescheduled
Metacomet Land Trust has re-scheduled its program on Sustainable Farming due to the after effects of Wednesday's snow storm...
Please join us Wednesday, December 16th, at the Mendon Senior Center, 62 Providence Street, Mendon for this program with Carolyn and Rob Nicholson of Sweetwilliam Farm (Upton). Rob and Carolyn will discuss Sustainable Farming in our region.
Come hear the perspective of a practicing farmer when Rob and Caroline present our Annual Meeting program. We'll also discuss the important connection our land preservation efforts have to supporting agriculture in the region.
Metacomet's short annual meeting will begin at 6:30, followed by the program with Carolyn and Rob at 7:00. Please stay for refreshments and conversation after the program.
This program is free; a small donation is requested at the door.
Please join us Wednesday, December 16th, at the Mendon Senior Center, 62 Providence Street, Mendon for this program with Carolyn and Rob Nicholson of Sweetwilliam Farm (Upton). Rob and Carolyn will discuss Sustainable Farming in our region.
Come hear the perspective of a practicing farmer when Rob and Caroline present our Annual Meeting program. We'll also discuss the important connection our land preservation efforts have to supporting agriculture in the region.
Metacomet's short annual meeting will begin at 6:30, followed by the program with Carolyn and Rob at 7:00. Please stay for refreshments and conversation after the program.
This program is free; a small donation is requested at the door.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Town Council Goal Setting - 12/09/09
The Town Council met on Wednesday evening for a "Goal setting session". Councilors Whalen and Zollo arrived late as the meeting started earlier than normal at 6:00 PM. Councilor Vallee left about 7:00 PM. The remaining Councilors went into Executive Session approx. 7:45 PM not to return to open meeting.
I chose not to live blog the meeting as I wasn't sure how long it would be. I took my notes the old fashioned way.
Briefly, it wasn't as much a goal setting session as it was a getting up to speed session for the new council. A review of standard policies and procedures was covered to set the stage for an effective operation as the Council would handle business going forward.
The key take-aways for me were:
The Council will bring forward and approve the existing fiscal policies that had guided the prior councils. These determine the operating guidelines for how much the stabilization fund should be, how much long term debt we should service from the operating budget, etc. A copy of the policy document will be provided later.
Councilors Whalen and Zollo will bring forward the prior subcommittee work on the the Charter revisions for presentation and discussion with the full Council.
The Planning and Community Development Dept will be bringing forward a number of by-law change proposals. The proposal on signs will likely be of interest to many. The Franklin Downtown Planning group received a preview of it and had a good discussion on the proposal.
The plans for the downtown renovation will be coming to the Council in the next 90-120 days. A decision on whether to put the utilities underground will need to be incorporated into the overall project plan. The Council decision will be (1) to put them underground (2) how to fund the work associated with the utilities (existing grants can not be used so it would either be debt or cash).
Much of the discussion was on the overall financial picture for the town. Currently, the Town has a revenue problem (insufficient tax base and over-reliance on State revenue) but even in good times the Town has an expense problem with health and pension benefits in particular rising at a 10-15% rate and the tax levy limited to 2.5%. The draft capital plan was reviewed including how the town will have room in their debt structure beginning 2011 to take on projects up to a total of $6 million (and finance them via debt).
Franklin eyes expensive projects
Panther Pride 2009
This video was shown during the School Committee meeting of October 27, 2009 and available during the Panther Pride night to provide an overview to the current 8th grade class.
Panther Pride 2009 from Franklin High School on Vimeo.
Enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters site to view the video.
Panther Pride 2009 from Franklin High School on Vimeo.
Enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters site to view the video.
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