The presentation by the Teen Angels group is one of several at the School Committee meeting this evening. Read more in the Milford Daily News here."The best that we can try to do in the schools is endeavor to teach students to properly use resources, including online tools," said Roy.
That's exactly what the Franklin Teenangels chapter, a division of a nationwide group of teen cyber-safety experts, is trying to do.
Worried about online social networking safety, concerned mother and Dean College technology instructor Lisa Keohane stumbled across wiredsafety.org, a Web site dedicated to Internet safety, and learned about the teen initiative which was featured on the Web site.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"that's one bit of data that hasn't shown any indication of slowing down yet"
Monday, January 11, 2010
FM #53 Week Ending 1/10/2010
This is what matters as the week ends Jan 10, 2010 in Franklin, MA. The session covers the Town Council and two items of importance from it's meeting on January 6th.
Time: 7 minutes, 56 seconds
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 53 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 10, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of January 6, 2010
Two items of importance occurred during the meeting.
First, Brian Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development, came before the Council to preview some bylaw changes that will be coming up at the next meeting. The bylaw changes have to do with the welcome mat that Franklin is creating for biotechnology firms to consider relocating here to conduct their business. There were bylaw changes made last year that have helped put Franklin near the top of the pile of MA communities. In an analysis of what it would take to move up the listing, one item sticks out. Franklin currently requires a potential biotech company to obtain a special permit from the Town Council. This is over and over all the normal planing board, health dept, fire dept, etc reviews required. He is proposing that this requirement be removed. He is also making some minor modifications to the zoning map itself. The changes would add about 11 parcels in the industrial park and remove one parcel that recently was obtained by State to add to the Town Forest. The formal discussion to approve these changes will come before the council in future meetings. As these are bylaw changes, they require two readings before final approval.
Second, the big snow storm that hit Franklin the weekend of Dec 19/20 dropping 14-18 inches created problems for students walking to school as the sidewalks were not cleared. Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi reviewed the snow storm planning details and what the Town is currently capable of providing. With the current priority listing as follows:
With storms delivering under six inches of snow, the DPW can clear the sidewalks within a day after the plowing stops.
With storms delivery more than six inches of snow, the DPW will take two-three days after the plowing stops to clear the sidewalks.
This is due to resource constraints. One, equipment to clear the sidewalk. Even if we had money to purchase additional (approx. 120,000 per unit) would that be an effective use of our funds since we would only use them once or twice a year? Consider that this amount would effectively fund two teachers and some supplies or books.
Two, even with the equipment and additional manpower available, you can't start the sidewalks until the roads are complete. Otherwise, you'd end up messing up the sidewalk when the plows went by on the road. Don't believe this? What happens at the end of your driveway? How do you keep that clear with the plows going by multiple times on the roads?
Finally, Franklin has this issue due to the overall budget problems we face. Should we plow the roads less well? Should we accept the way it is? All good questions that should lead to a good discussion.
There is a quick poll set up on this question this week. You can see and respond to the poll on the front page of Franklin Matters.
Looking ahead this week, the School Committee meets on Tuesday, Jan 12th.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
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.
MP3 File
Session notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 53 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 10, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of January 6, 2010
Two items of importance occurred during the meeting.
First, Brian Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development, came before the Council to preview some bylaw changes that will be coming up at the next meeting. The bylaw changes have to do with the welcome mat that Franklin is creating for biotechnology firms to consider relocating here to conduct their business. There were bylaw changes made last year that have helped put Franklin near the top of the pile of MA communities. In an analysis of what it would take to move up the listing, one item sticks out. Franklin currently requires a potential biotech company to obtain a special permit from the Town Council. This is over and over all the normal planing board, health dept, fire dept, etc reviews required. He is proposing that this requirement be removed. He is also making some minor modifications to the zoning map itself. The changes would add about 11 parcels in the industrial park and remove one parcel that recently was obtained by State to add to the Town Forest. The formal discussion to approve these changes will come before the council in future meetings. As these are bylaw changes, they require two readings before final approval.
Second, the big snow storm that hit Franklin the weekend of Dec 19/20 dropping 14-18 inches created problems for students walking to school as the sidewalks were not cleared. Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi reviewed the snow storm planning details and what the Town is currently capable of providing. With the current priority listing as follows:
- the roads
- town buildings and schools
- sidewalks and downtown
With storms delivering under six inches of snow, the DPW can clear the sidewalks within a day after the plowing stops.
With storms delivery more than six inches of snow, the DPW will take two-three days after the plowing stops to clear the sidewalks.
This is due to resource constraints. One, equipment to clear the sidewalk. Even if we had money to purchase additional (approx. 120,000 per unit) would that be an effective use of our funds since we would only use them once or twice a year? Consider that this amount would effectively fund two teachers and some supplies or books.
Two, even with the equipment and additional manpower available, you can't start the sidewalks until the roads are complete. Otherwise, you'd end up messing up the sidewalk when the plows went by on the road. Don't believe this? What happens at the end of your driveway? How do you keep that clear with the plows going by multiple times on the roads?
Finally, Franklin has this issue due to the overall budget problems we face. Should we plow the roads less well? Should we accept the way it is? All good questions that should lead to a good discussion.
There is a quick poll set up on this question this week. You can see and respond to the poll on the front page of Franklin Matters.
Looking ahead this week, the School Committee meets on Tuesday, Jan 12th.
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
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.
Maguro House
Utilization of the retail store front in the new building is coming to completion. East Coast Driving School opened next to Sarapaan. Now a new Japanese restaurant, Maguro House, will be opening on the corner. When running Sunday, I catch sight of the door sign and stopped for a photo.
Construction on the interior is still in progress.
When I find out the tentative opening date, I'll share that here.
Updated - 2/25/10
The Grand Opening Party is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The restaurant website can be found here: http://www.magurohouse.com/
When I find out the tentative opening date, I'll share that here.
Updated - 2/25/10
The Grand Opening Party is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The restaurant website can be found here: http://www.magurohouse.com/
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Franklin, MA: Police Dept
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.It has been a very difficult year for us all. The economic times have left no one unscathed including your Police Department. We have had a reduction in personnel. Currently we are down to 45 sworn officers. Our business, with all its expectations, is still there and we are doing our best to keep Franklin a great place to live.
We continue to seek out grant monies to offset some of our important projects dealing with alcohol, traffic, the elderly and our youth. Franklin has been fortunate in that we have received some grant monies to help us to continue what we have started in these areas.
Our main concerns are that we continue to be an active partner in our youth and elderly programs. Our Community Service Division has been very busy in our schools and offering summer camp programs. We will hopefully be able to provide another great Halloween event at the High School Field House as we did this past year by providing a safe and fun day for the entire family.
The High School Hockey team, the Varsity Basketball team and the Tri-County Football teams all have enjoyed great seasons ending in playoff finals or in the Super Bowl. We would like to think this was in no small part due to several of our police officers in coaching positions. I believe this interaction between our officers as coaches and the student athletes builds bridges of friendships, trust and understanding. Ben Franklin’s adage of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” certainly appears to be true in this case.
The Alcohol Grant Awards have been very helpful in offsetting costs associated in our attempts to curb underage drinking. The success of our program has been evident with the number of license suspensions, and arrests made of those procuring for minors. Please accept my sincere thanks for being a great community in which to work. I’d like to take this opportunity to also thank the officers of our Police Department for their dedication and hard work over this past year. I boast of being blessed with great people to work with not only within the department but with all the other departments and boards.
Sincerely,
S.T. Williams
Stephen T. Williams
Chief of Police
For additional information, be sure to visit the Police Dept website here
- The Daily Police logs are available here
- You can follow them on Twitter here
- There are a number of safety tips available here
Saturday, January 9, 2010
DPW Sidewalk Snow Removal Presentation - 01/06/10
The presentation text for the DPW discussion on sidewalk snow removal from Wednesday night's Town Council meeting.
The sidewalk map that shows the three routes can be viewed on the DPW website here.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to view the presentation.
The sidewalk map that shows the three routes can be viewed on the DPW website here.
PLEASE NOTE:
These maps are in provided in Adobe Portable Document Format and Architecture D Size (24" x 36"). Because of their size and level of detail they are large files and take additional time to download. Please be patient.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to view the presentation.
"a teacher-driven initiative"
The Franklin Arts Academy is a "school within a school" designed to create smaller learning communities where students can engage in academics through music and video production, visual art, theater and architecture.The Franklin Arts Academy program was proposed for Franklin High School. Hopefully it will be implemented for the next school year (Fall 2010) with no impact to the budget. Read more about the program in the Milford Daily News here.
"Each of the arts classes is creating a lesson through academics," Waters said. "Everything is interrelated."
The live reporting and presentation from the Dec 8th School Committee meeting can be found here. The video and Q&A discussion can be found here.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Food, Inc. Sunday Jan 10th - 7:00 PM
A series of films on sustainable living called "The Green Reel" will be held Sunday evenings in North Attleboro. The films are presented free of charge. Some refreshments are available. Discussion about the film is encouraged.
Food, Inc. will be shown Jan 10th at 7:00 PM
The flyer for the full series can be seen here:
Food, Inc. will be shown Jan 10th at 7:00 PM
The flyer for the full series can be seen here:
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee Meeting
FRANKLIN CITIZENS RAIL TRAIL COMMITTEE MEETING
Agenda for January 14, 2010
I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Volunteer to write minutes of the meeting
C. Motion to accept previous meeting minutes
II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Gates at Spring St
B. Leveling of the Trail
C. Walking Trails
III. Membership Committee Report (Denison, McKeown, Sawyer)
A. Committee to report on membership activity
IV. Report from Finance Committee (Rossetti)
A. Report from Treasurer
VII. Report of Fund Raising Committee (Sawyer)
A. Report on fund raising activities
B. Bike Donation from Southbridge Bicycle. Need Volunteer to print raffle tickets & need sub committee
C. Spring fundraiser road race. Do we have a hosting facility? Can we pull a sub-committee together? Can we set the date?
VII. Unfinished Business:
A. Questions from members / attendees
VIII. New Business:
A.
Set Date for Next Meeting and Adjourn
The next meeting of the FCRTC will be held at the Franklin YMCA, Forge Hill Rd. Franklin. The meeting on January 14th will commence at 7:30 PM and conclude NLT 9:30 PM
Agenda for January 14, 2010
I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Volunteer to write minutes of the meeting
C. Motion to accept previous meeting minutes
II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Gates at Spring St
B. Leveling of the Trail
C. Walking Trails
III. Membership Committee Report (Denison, McKeown, Sawyer)
A. Committee to report on membership activity
IV. Report from Finance Committee (Rossetti)
A. Report from Treasurer
VII. Report of Fund Raising Committee (Sawyer)
A. Report on fund raising activities
B. Bike Donation from Southbridge Bicycle. Need Volunteer to print raffle tickets & need sub committee
C. Spring fundraiser road race. Do we have a hosting facility? Can we pull a sub-committee together? Can we set the date?
VII. Unfinished Business:
A. Questions from members / attendees
VIII. New Business:
A.
Set Date for Next Meeting and Adjourn
The next meeting of the FCRTC will be held at the Franklin YMCA, Forge Hill Rd. Franklin. The meeting on January 14th will commence at 7:30 PM and conclude NLT 9:30 PM
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Town Council Mtg Smry 01/06/10
The collection of live reported posts from the Town Council meeting of Jan 6, 2010 can be found here:
- Live reporting - Administrators report
- Live reporting - snow removal
- Live reporting - Biotech zoning changes proposed
- Live reporting - license transactions
- Live reporting - Town Council - 1/6/09
Franklin, MA: Public School Inclement Weather Notice
The standard policy for the Franklin Public Schools during inclement weather (i.e. snow storms at this time of year).
Note: subscribers via email will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to review the document.
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Note: subscribers via email will need to click through to the Franklin Matters website to review the document.
Franklin Downtown Partnership looking for help
The text of an email from Lisa Piana is found here:
Happy New Year!
We are currently planning our events for 2010. In order to continue with our full schedule of festivals and special events this year we need to fill some key volunteer positions.
Please take a look at the following list and e-mail me by January 12th if you are interested in taking a more active roll in the Franklin Downtown Partnership. Thank you to all of you who have volunteered in past years!
- Harvest Festival Co-Chair -> Responsible for helping plan and run the event
- Strawberry Festival-Co-Chair -> Responsible for planning event
- Third Thursday-Co-Chair -> Responsible for planning events
- Holiday Stroll-Co-Chairs -> Responsible for planning event
- Website Coordinator -> Responsible for keeping website up to date
We really need some new members to step forward and take a more active role this year. Some of our current members have been running the events for over 5 years and need a break.
Please call or e-mail me with any questions you might have.
Lisa Piana
Franklin Downtown Partnership
(774)571-3109
MBTA going 'real-time"?
Yes, hard to believe but it just might work.
Apparently, the trains will be equipped with GPS devices and the status will be provided via a 'count-down' timer as the train approaches the station. Coming to the Franklin line sometime in February according to the write up here:
Will this replace the Clever Commute service that can be the T's own alerts?
Stay tuned!
Note: This was also posted to Steve's 2 Cents.
Apparently, the trains will be equipped with GPS devices and the status will be provided via a 'count-down' timer as the train approaches the station. Coming to the Franklin line sometime in February according to the write up here:
MBTA: Commuter Rail "Real-Time Arrival" Countdown
from Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen
Will this replace the Clever Commute service that can be the T's own alerts?
Stay tuned!
Note: This was also posted to Steve's 2 Cents.
In the News - snow removal from sidewalks
The snow discussion from Wednesday's Town Council meeting as captured by the Milford Daily News
Franklin sidewalk plowing debated
MBCR: For the safety and convenience of our employees
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Universal Hub by roadman on 1/6/10
Got this e-mail from MBCR regarding a change in policy about exiting trains.
Customer Service Notice
Control Coach Changes
Monday, January 11, 2010!
Effective January 11, 2010, except in the case of emergency, customers will no longer be allowed to enter or exit from the "operating end" of the control coach. The engineer operates the train from this location on inbound trips. Upon arrival into Boston, there are mandatory safety duties for engineers to perform which do not allow for foot traffic through the operating end of these coaches.
Signs will be placed on the coach door on that end of all control cars to remind customers of this rule.
read more
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Universal Hub using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Live reporting - Administrators report
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
none
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
As you know, I am working on a committee to look at regionalization, which is one thing we need to continue to explore. A great statistic from the meeting today was that all the growth in MA is projected to be amongst those over 60. Currently we have 4500 seniors in Franklin, we are projected to get to 7700 seniors. This has implications for the kinds of services we will offer as well as for how we will be able to pay for them.
L. OLD BUSINESS
Trash -single stream coming on the Jan 20th meeting
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - reminder to vote on 1/19 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Flu clinic was packed today. Well run. Revisit the snow/ice - I am amazed by the job that the DPW does. Can we have DPW do more? Unfortunately, we have limited resources to work within that equation. It is valid to say we need to put more on the Schools and more on the parents.
Zollo - I agree with Tina.
Pfeffer - thanks to all the volunteers for packing the museum for the move.
Jones - Get out and vote Jan 19th. For the citizens that are capable, when they have the time, try an put a little back effort into trying to keep the sidewalks clear.
Whalen - I think this was a perfect example of balancing our resources and needs.
Mason - I had the opportunity to drive around several areas on Sunday and was very impressed that Franklin's roads were amongst the best of all that I saw.
motion to adjourn. motion passed 8-0
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
none
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
As you know, I am working on a committee to look at regionalization, which is one thing we need to continue to explore. A great statistic from the meeting today was that all the growth in MA is projected to be amongst those over 60. Currently we have 4500 seniors in Franklin, we are projected to get to 7700 seniors. This has implications for the kinds of services we will offer as well as for how we will be able to pay for them.
L. OLD BUSINESS
Trash -single stream coming on the Jan 20th meeting
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - reminder to vote on 1/19 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Flu clinic was packed today. Well run. Revisit the snow/ice - I am amazed by the job that the DPW does. Can we have DPW do more? Unfortunately, we have limited resources to work within that equation. It is valid to say we need to put more on the Schools and more on the parents.
Zollo - I agree with Tina.
Pfeffer - thanks to all the volunteers for packing the museum for the move.
Jones - Get out and vote Jan 19th. For the citizens that are capable, when they have the time, try an put a little back effort into trying to keep the sidewalks clear.
Whalen - I think this was a perfect example of balancing our resources and needs.
Mason - I had the opportunity to drive around several areas on Sunday and was very impressed that Franklin's roads were amongst the best of all that I saw.
motion to adjourn. motion passed 8-0
Live reporting - snow removal
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– DPW Snowplowing/Sidewalks
1st priority for roads for public safety (fire, police, etc.)
2nd priority public buildings/school buildings
3rd priority sidewalks
School policy on snow days posted to School website and Town website
There are snow blower type units for heavy snow removal from the sidewalks
There are plow oriented units for lesser amounts of snow removal
over 35 miles of sidewalks to clear
if less than 6 inches, with the plows, the sidewalks can be cleared in about one day
if more than 6 inches, with the snow blowers, it would take 2-3 days to clear the sidewalks
About $158,000 to cover one storm
Each machine would cost about $120,000 to purchase (snow blower type unit)
Deployment of staff (collective bargaining issues) - all in-house staff should be working at the same time with the contractors
You (Town Council) could require the residents to clear the snow in-front of their property.
Continue to educate the public on the snow removal plan, each year we go through this with the first storm.
Picture of Brook St with sidewalk cleared and student still walking on the road (12/22/09).
Mason - this came about as a result of a call from a resident on Lincoln St. There are guidelines put out by the schools that cover wavers. Beyond that, it doesn't seem like we have the manpower even if we had the equipment.
Nutting - It is parent responsibility to make the decision for their students. I don't think we have the money to go and by another machine. We are not going to be filling jobs anytime soon so I would change it.
Vallee - I have no criticism, you're doing a good job. What is your crew doing today?
Brutus - We're clearing the equipment, making repairs. We did some set up for the H1N1 flu.
Whalen - great presentation, good information. What percent of the snow removal is done by DPW vs. the contractors?
Brutus - DPW does about 30% of the road plowing for a major storm. For the longer period with less snow, we mix the staff over the phases of the snow. The DPW is always on before we call in the contractors.
Whalen - Is there a way to re-allocate some of the resources to get the sidewalks cleared? It maybe that we are doing too good a job plowing the roads.
Brutus - I understand what you're saying, the problem is with the timing. I can't really start clearing the sidewalks with snow falling. If you did the sidewalks and then the plows can by again, it would undo what we already did on the sidewalks.
Whalen - Did I hear that there is an impediment with the labor agreement?
Nutting - Everybody gets a fair bite of the apple on the overtime.
Pfeffer - The priority order is good, we don't have the capability to do it all. The schools have an opportunity to delay or cancel school.
Zollo - What routes do get covered and in what order?
Brutus - three routes shown on map, agreement reached and modified as necessary with the School Dept.
Zollo - the dilemma is how to create a balance? I am not saying we can eliminate all risk.
Kelly - Is there any priority put on the Town Common with the Sunday services?
Brutus - no there isn't any priority there. We clean up the downtown after the storm, during daylight hours.
Nutting - we used to do downtown during the night but we don't have the budget to pay the time and half. It disturbs some during the day but that is the way t is.
Jones - You do a great job. Question I have is with the hot zones.
Brutus - it is an issue, drainage needs to be handled. We are in a freeze right now so it is okay but when the thaw comes, we'll need to deal with it.
Jones - It was icy for some time.
Brutus - We really don't have a practice for salting the sidewalks. Some of the schools have salt available as necessary to use.
Powderly - you guys do a phenomenal jobs with limited resources. I am very uncomfortable with students who are walkers who would be punished in a way by not getting sidewalks cleared. I think we should revisit it. Re-allocation of the plowing resources.
Nutting - They used to have an inclement weather bus but that was cut years ago. I don't think stopping a bus to pick up students on the roads wouldn't work. The parents primary responsibility is the students safety. It is not the Town's responsibility.
Powderly - can GATRA be used? There must be some way.
Whalen - I am not the only one observing plows plowing on hardtop and reallocating that money to switch to start doing the sidewalks.
Whalen - It would be good to know if we are putting an exceptional amount of salt, etc. comparable to other communities.
Brutus - We are pretty much in the same neighborhood for salt amount per mile of road used. I take offense to running on dry roads. The center of the roads will get cleared more of course, but pushing back from the edges to widen the road takes multiple passes. We wait to call in our contractors until later than others.
Vallee - Norfolk has more than we, we need more snow blower units for the sidewalks.
Brutus - it doesn't happen often that we get a storm like that.
Pfeffer - There is no easy answer to this. The first time we don't clear the roads, then the police, fire and others would be in hear screaming. I think the Schools can do more by cnaceling when the snow gets higher.
Zollo - This is an issue because of our revenue problem. We don't have the resources to provide what we used to. This is a real life example of whether it is an override or not. With the resources that we have, we are getting a high level of service. Just understand the effects of not increasing resources.
– DPW Snowplowing/Sidewalks
1st priority for roads for public safety (fire, police, etc.)
2nd priority public buildings/school buildings
3rd priority sidewalks
School policy on snow days posted to School website and Town website
There are snow blower type units for heavy snow removal from the sidewalks
There are plow oriented units for lesser amounts of snow removal
over 35 miles of sidewalks to clear
if less than 6 inches, with the plows, the sidewalks can be cleared in about one day
if more than 6 inches, with the snow blowers, it would take 2-3 days to clear the sidewalks
About $158,000 to cover one storm
Each machine would cost about $120,000 to purchase (snow blower type unit)
Deployment of staff (collective bargaining issues) - all in-house staff should be working at the same time with the contractors
You (Town Council) could require the residents to clear the snow in-front of their property.
Continue to educate the public on the snow removal plan, each year we go through this with the first storm.
Picture of Brook St with sidewalk cleared and student still walking on the road (12/22/09).
Mason - this came about as a result of a call from a resident on Lincoln St. There are guidelines put out by the schools that cover wavers. Beyond that, it doesn't seem like we have the manpower even if we had the equipment.
Nutting - It is parent responsibility to make the decision for their students. I don't think we have the money to go and by another machine. We are not going to be filling jobs anytime soon so I would change it.
Vallee - I have no criticism, you're doing a good job. What is your crew doing today?
Brutus - We're clearing the equipment, making repairs. We did some set up for the H1N1 flu.
Whalen - great presentation, good information. What percent of the snow removal is done by DPW vs. the contractors?
Brutus - DPW does about 30% of the road plowing for a major storm. For the longer period with less snow, we mix the staff over the phases of the snow. The DPW is always on before we call in the contractors.
Whalen - Is there a way to re-allocate some of the resources to get the sidewalks cleared? It maybe that we are doing too good a job plowing the roads.
Brutus - I understand what you're saying, the problem is with the timing. I can't really start clearing the sidewalks with snow falling. If you did the sidewalks and then the plows can by again, it would undo what we already did on the sidewalks.
Whalen - Did I hear that there is an impediment with the labor agreement?
Nutting - Everybody gets a fair bite of the apple on the overtime.
Pfeffer - The priority order is good, we don't have the capability to do it all. The schools have an opportunity to delay or cancel school.
Zollo - What routes do get covered and in what order?
Brutus - three routes shown on map, agreement reached and modified as necessary with the School Dept.
Zollo - the dilemma is how to create a balance? I am not saying we can eliminate all risk.
Kelly - Is there any priority put on the Town Common with the Sunday services?
Brutus - no there isn't any priority there. We clean up the downtown after the storm, during daylight hours.
Nutting - we used to do downtown during the night but we don't have the budget to pay the time and half. It disturbs some during the day but that is the way t is.
Jones - You do a great job. Question I have is with the hot zones.
Brutus - it is an issue, drainage needs to be handled. We are in a freeze right now so it is okay but when the thaw comes, we'll need to deal with it.
Jones - It was icy for some time.
Brutus - We really don't have a practice for salting the sidewalks. Some of the schools have salt available as necessary to use.
Powderly - you guys do a phenomenal jobs with limited resources. I am very uncomfortable with students who are walkers who would be punished in a way by not getting sidewalks cleared. I think we should revisit it. Re-allocation of the plowing resources.
Nutting - They used to have an inclement weather bus but that was cut years ago. I don't think stopping a bus to pick up students on the roads wouldn't work. The parents primary responsibility is the students safety. It is not the Town's responsibility.
Powderly - can GATRA be used? There must be some way.
Whalen - I am not the only one observing plows plowing on hardtop and reallocating that money to switch to start doing the sidewalks.
Whalen - It would be good to know if we are putting an exceptional amount of salt, etc. comparable to other communities.
Brutus - We are pretty much in the same neighborhood for salt amount per mile of road used. I take offense to running on dry roads. The center of the roads will get cleared more of course, but pushing back from the edges to widen the road takes multiple passes. We wait to call in our contractors until later than others.
Vallee - Norfolk has more than we, we need more snow blower units for the sidewalks.
Brutus - it doesn't happen often that we get a storm like that.
Pfeffer - There is no easy answer to this. The first time we don't clear the roads, then the police, fire and others would be in hear screaming. I think the Schools can do more by cnaceling when the snow gets higher.
Zollo - This is an issue because of our revenue problem. We don't have the resources to provide what we used to. This is a real life example of whether it is an override or not. With the resources that we have, we are getting a high level of service. Just understand the effects of not increasing resources.
Live reporting - Biotech zoning changes proposed
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Bryan Taberner – Bio-Tech Zoning
Recognizing efforts to attract bio-tech business to the industrial areas of the town, there are two proposed changes (1) to remove the requirement for a permit by the Town Council (this is an extra level in comparison to other communities). (2) adjusting the parcels covered by the existing zoning, adding several parcels, removing one (actually recently added to the Town Forest).
What examples of bio-tech does this cover?
Very comprehensive way to handle and dispose of materials. Level 2 slightly infectious agents. Level 4 would cover anthrax (which would not be permitted in this zoning).
Level 2 and Level 3 are the busy areas with the majority of the research being done.
We would be catching up with other communities with these changes.
Worcester requires a Board of Health permit and nothing else. Cambridge has substantial amounts of special permitting required but has been home to several operations and is recognized. Multiple levels of safety plans are required before getting a permit there.
If we were to go that far, we would need an additional consultant to assist the Board of Health with the application and review process.
We have the overlay districts which other communities doesn't do.
We were given a bronze rating as a "bio-tech' ready community. This is the lowest of the four level of ratings. Eliminating the special permit will get us to the "silver" rating.
Zollo - What would enable us to go from silver to gold?
Brian - To get a higher rating is a marketing effort itself. Press releases will help. Changes to the website to help say we welcome bio-tech. Getting into a real-estate magazine would help. The State is assisting us in marketing.
Pfeffer - By removing the one parcel, this will alleviate some fears amongst the residents that had come up previously.
Nutting - this will be coming back for a formal vote. We would like this evening to solicit questions and can come back with detailed answers.
Jones - What kind of complaints are you getting?
Brian - I have been doing research and heard of one from several years ago. But it was before my time and I don't know the name of the company.
– Bryan Taberner – Bio-Tech Zoning
Recognizing efforts to attract bio-tech business to the industrial areas of the town, there are two proposed changes (1) to remove the requirement for a permit by the Town Council (this is an extra level in comparison to other communities). (2) adjusting the parcels covered by the existing zoning, adding several parcels, removing one (actually recently added to the Town Forest).
What examples of bio-tech does this cover?
Very comprehensive way to handle and dispose of materials. Level 2 slightly infectious agents. Level 4 would cover anthrax (which would not be permitted in this zoning).
Level 2 and Level 3 are the busy areas with the majority of the research being done.
We would be catching up with other communities with these changes.
Worcester requires a Board of Health permit and nothing else. Cambridge has substantial amounts of special permitting required but has been home to several operations and is recognized. Multiple levels of safety plans are required before getting a permit there.
If we were to go that far, we would need an additional consultant to assist the Board of Health with the application and review process.
We have the overlay districts which other communities doesn't do.
We were given a bronze rating as a "bio-tech' ready community. This is the lowest of the four level of ratings. Eliminating the special permit will get us to the "silver" rating.
Zollo - What would enable us to go from silver to gold?
Brian - To get a higher rating is a marketing effort itself. Press releases will help. Changes to the website to help say we welcome bio-tech. Getting into a real-estate magazine would help. The State is assisting us in marketing.
Pfeffer - By removing the one parcel, this will alleviate some fears amongst the residents that had come up previously.
Nutting - this will be coming back for a formal vote. We would like this evening to solicit questions and can come back with detailed answers.
Jones - What kind of complaints are you getting?
Brian - I have been doing research and heard of one from several years ago. But it was before my time and I don't know the name of the company.
Live reporting - license transactions
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– 99 Restaurant – New Officer & Director
motion to approve,
A formality, everything is order
Passed 8-0
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– 99 Restaurant – New Officer & Director
motion to approve,
A formality, everything is order
Passed 8-0
Live reporting - Town Council - 1/6/09
Attending: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Missing: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 2, 2009 Regular & Executive Session
motion to approve,
amended to read "vaccination sessions" not "information sessions"
Passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trivia Bee sponsored by FEF
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
Missing: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 2, 2009 Regular & Executive Session
motion to approve,
amended to read "vaccination sessions" not "information sessions"
Passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trivia Bee sponsored by FEF
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
Christmas trees will be picked up January 9th
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