I got out to Mount St Mary's Abbey in Wrentham to record this brief video of the wind turbine in action:
One advantage of wind over solar, the wind sometimes doesn't stop when the sun goes down. It can continue to generate power during the night as long as there is sufficient wind.
Earlier posts/photos of the wind turbine can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/12/abbey-turbine-gets-wings.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/11/whoosh-whoosh.html
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Franklin mock trial team beats Holliston, 97-84
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Melanie Graham/Daily News staff on 2/8/10
In their second preliminary match of this year's mock trial competition, Franklin High School beat out Holliston High School 97 to 84 on Friday.
The win brings Franklin's record to 2-0 for this year's state-wide mock trial competition, sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association.
The match, which took place at Waltham City Hall, had Franklin acting as the defense and Holliston as the plaintiff.
Franklin coach Michael Walsh said four members of the team received a perfect score of 10 for their performance. Each performance, whether it is an attorney or witness, is scored on a scale from 1 to 10. The highest possible score for a team is 110 points.
This week marks the third and final week of preliminary competitions. Each team has three preliminary matches within one of 16 regions.
Following the results of this week's matches and any necessary tie-breakers, 16 teams will be chosen to move on to the next round. The final match will take place Friday, March 26 at Faneuil Hall in Boston.
Franklin's next match will take place Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. against Bellingham High School at the Bellingham Public Library, 100 Blackstone St.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Monday, February 8, 2010
FM #57 - Week ending 2/7/2010
This internet radio show or podcast is number 57 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends February 7, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 2, and the Town Council meeting on Weds, Feb 3.
Time: 8 minutes, 52 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 57 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends February 7, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 2, and the Town Council meeting on Weds, Feb 3.
1 - The Finance Committee heard the initial presentation from the major Town departments, Facilities, Schools, Technology, Fire, Police and DPW on the capital requests. Much more is on everyone's list that was actually presented. There is a prioritization being done by the departments, guided by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting.
No vote was taken on the capital requests. As Franklin uses 'free cash' to fund both the snow/ice budget and capital, we need to wait until winter passes to see what we have left for capital.
Some have asked why don't we fully budget snow/ice? Franklin has been gradually increasing the amount over the past several years. One of the risk you run is you also don't want to fully fund it for a bad winter, then the next year you can't reduce it due to state finance controls. Bringing it up higher to be closer to reality is good, getting it exact is not a good thing to do.
The free cash is a good use of coverage for snow/ice. Someday, there should be a capital budget line item but it won't be not anytime soon given the budget constraints that already exist.
The vote on the capital budget would more likely come in late March or April depending upon the winter season and how close it seems to be ending.
For additional details on each departments needs, there are posts on Franklin matters. You can also view the video archive to see the meeting and discussion for yourself.
2 - For a short Town Council meeting, there was a bit of interesting discussion.
The discussion started right away with Citizen's Comments
Michael Galvin, Vice-President of American Waste Services, LLC (the current waste contractor and a bidder on the new contract), also a Franklin resident spoke.
He referenced an 11 page document that apparently the Town Council received (at least some of them) and tried to condense his remarks to keep within the guidelines for citizen's comments (5 minute limit)
He didn't make it; he got cut off at five, but then was allocated another five minutes from another resident.
This is what I walked away with:
- The contract is still under negotiation, three bidders are involved, why is this discussion in public, shouldn't the other two have equal access?
- There is some dispute about the numbers. If the current contractor has actual numbers, why wouldn't they be considered along with the research from other communities? Why weren't the actual numbers from Franklin's experience included earlier in the discussion. (If they were, it wasn't apparent from the discussion Weds.)
- Mr Galvin's comment should have stood alone. However, when the second piece of legislation scheduled for the meeting agenda came up for discussion, the conversation deviated from the matter at hand to get into this.
- The second piece of legislation was the authorization of the purchase of the totters/bins to implement the single stream contract. The totters would be used no matter which of the three bidders won.
The argument by Councilor Vallee that this is the wrong time to spend any money is interesting. This is actually the best time to buy the totters (assuming we go with this single stream process).
* The interest rate (for financing the purchase) is as low as it can be
* The cost for the bins will be low
* The waste rate will actually be a cost savings for Franklin residents (from $244 to $220, a $24 savings)
* It will be a sort of 'stimulus purchase' for the vendor who actually sells us the bins/totters, hence a really good deal, especially at this time
Given that the waste fee second reading will come before the Council for the 2/10/10 meeting, this discussion will possibly be continued and revisited with more time wasted (yes, that pun is intended) by some folks trying to.micro-manage the situation.
Assuming the second reading does come forward, all it is supposed to do is set the rates for the Town to charge the residents. The contract will still be negotiated sometime before the current one expires on June 30th.
Stay tuned to see what happens!
Looking ahead
The School Committee meets on Tuesday
The Town Council meets on Wednesday
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
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.
Let's take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends February 7, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 2, and the Town Council meeting on Weds, Feb 3.
Time: 8 minutes, 52 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 57 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends February 7, 2010
In this session I’ll cover the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 2, and the Town Council meeting on Weds, Feb 3.
1 - The Finance Committee heard the initial presentation from the major Town departments, Facilities, Schools, Technology, Fire, Police and DPW on the capital requests. Much more is on everyone's list that was actually presented. There is a prioritization being done by the departments, guided by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting.
No vote was taken on the capital requests. As Franklin uses 'free cash' to fund both the snow/ice budget and capital, we need to wait until winter passes to see what we have left for capital.
Some have asked why don't we fully budget snow/ice? Franklin has been gradually increasing the amount over the past several years. One of the risk you run is you also don't want to fully fund it for a bad winter, then the next year you can't reduce it due to state finance controls. Bringing it up higher to be closer to reality is good, getting it exact is not a good thing to do.
The free cash is a good use of coverage for snow/ice. Someday, there should be a capital budget line item but it won't be not anytime soon given the budget constraints that already exist.
The vote on the capital budget would more likely come in late March or April depending upon the winter season and how close it seems to be ending.
For additional details on each departments needs, there are posts on Franklin matters. You can also view the video archive to see the meeting and discussion for yourself.
2 - For a short Town Council meeting, there was a bit of interesting discussion.
The discussion started right away with Citizen's Comments
Michael Galvin, Vice-President of American Waste Services, LLC (the current waste contractor and a bidder on the new contract), also a Franklin resident spoke.
He referenced an 11 page document that apparently the Town Council received (at least some of them) and tried to condense his remarks to keep within the guidelines for citizen's comments (5 minute limit)
He didn't make it; he got cut off at five, but then was allocated another five minutes from another resident.
This is what I walked away with:
- The contract is still under negotiation, three bidders are involved, why is this discussion in public, shouldn't the other two have equal access?
- There is some dispute about the numbers. If the current contractor has actual numbers, why wouldn't they be considered along with the research from other communities? Why weren't the actual numbers from Franklin's experience included earlier in the discussion. (If they were, it wasn't apparent from the discussion Weds.)
- Mr Galvin's comment should have stood alone. However, when the second piece of legislation scheduled for the meeting agenda came up for discussion, the conversation deviated from the matter at hand to get into this.
- The second piece of legislation was the authorization of the purchase of the totters/bins to implement the single stream contract. The totters would be used no matter which of the three bidders won.
The argument by Councilor Vallee that this is the wrong time to spend any money is interesting. This is actually the best time to buy the totters (assuming we go with this single stream process).
* The interest rate (for financing the purchase) is as low as it can be
* The cost for the bins will be low
* The waste rate will actually be a cost savings for Franklin residents (from $244 to $220, a $24 savings)
* It will be a sort of 'stimulus purchase' for the vendor who actually sells us the bins/totters, hence a really good deal, especially at this time
Given that the waste fee second reading will come before the Council for the 2/10/10 meeting, this discussion will possibly be continued and revisited with more time wasted (yes, that pun is intended) by some folks trying to.micro-manage the situation.
Assuming the second reading does come forward, all it is supposed to do is set the rates for the Town to charge the residents. The contract will still be negotiated sometime before the current one expires on June 30th.
Stay tuned to see what happens!
Looking ahead
The School Committee meets on Tuesday
The Town Council meets on Wednesday
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
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.
Finance Committee 02/02/10 - Collection
The collection of posts covering the Finance Committee meeting of Feb 2 can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/partial-live-reporting-at-fincom.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-020210.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-20310-part-2.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/partial-live-reporting-at-fincom.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-020210.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-20310-part-2.html
Finance Committee - 2/02/10 - part 2
Deputy Chief Steve Semergian, Kevin Ryan - Police Dept
Requesting to replace 5 cars from 2006. Replacing some desktops and laptops that are ready. There are also printers to be replaced that are getting hard to fix and get parts for. While the cruises are being replaced, the cars go to the garage and would be re-used within the Town.
Question on Police request for computers why are they not part of the overall Town Technology budget listing?
Nutting - Good question, I hadn't thought of it that way. They do have some special needs and requirements. Everything does go through Tim anyway. Everything is purchased off the State bid list, every copier is off the same manufacturer to ensure we have standard pricing and replacements available.
The pricing includes the special police software, the hardware pricing would be the same as the Schools.
Police cruisers have engine hours calculated to account for rolling miles and time just running and sitting.
Chief Gary McCarraher, Fire Dept.
Per Nutting, there is an Engine replacement requested but we have put that off at this time. Some of these requests, you have seen before.
McCarraher, it is groundhog day!
The Chief provides an overview of the department's equipment and life expectancy with the replacement plans, how they are utilized and re-utilized for different roles before going away. In general terms, the fleet rotation exceeds the recommendations of national best practices.
The Fire Dept full FY 2010 budget proposal (both operating and capital) can be found here (PDF)
Prior portions of the meeting can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-020210.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/partial-live-reporting-at-fincom.html
Requesting to replace 5 cars from 2006. Replacing some desktops and laptops that are ready. There are also printers to be replaced that are getting hard to fix and get parts for. While the cruises are being replaced, the cars go to the garage and would be re-used within the Town.
Question on Police request for computers why are they not part of the overall Town Technology budget listing?
Nutting - Good question, I hadn't thought of it that way. They do have some special needs and requirements. Everything does go through Tim anyway. Everything is purchased off the State bid list, every copier is off the same manufacturer to ensure we have standard pricing and replacements available.
The pricing includes the special police software, the hardware pricing would be the same as the Schools.
Police cruisers have engine hours calculated to account for rolling miles and time just running and sitting.
Chief Gary McCarraher, Fire Dept.
Per Nutting, there is an Engine replacement requested but we have put that off at this time. Some of these requests, you have seen before.
McCarraher, it is groundhog day!
The Chief provides an overview of the department's equipment and life expectancy with the replacement plans, how they are utilized and re-utilized for different roles before going away. In general terms, the fleet rotation exceeds the recommendations of national best practices.
The Fire Dept full FY 2010 budget proposal (both operating and capital) can be found here (PDF)
Prior portions of the meeting can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/finance-committee-020210.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/partial-live-reporting-at-fincom.html
Finance Committee 02/02/10
Jeff Nutting opens with comments on the process. The capital budget effectively uses 'free cash'. The amount has varied over the past several years from $600,000 to about $3 million. Six town departments have submitted requests. There won't be a vote tonight. Some of the free cash is also to be used for snow and ice. As the Town is about to overspend the snow and ice budget and the winter is not over, we will need to wait and see what happens.
Jim Roche, Finance Committee Chair, also noted that the meeting this evening is for discussion, question and answers. There is a capital subcommittee to meet with members of Town Council, Finance and School Committees to review and prioritize the capital items before any final votes for approval.
Tim Raposa, Technology Director
1 - Town Technology - Some money for upgrade to a fiber network, some money for upgrade of desktops and laptops. The systems are warrantied for three years, they tend to keep them for four to five years, after that the maintenance expense increases and it makes more sense to replace the systems than to continue to maintain them.
Some money also for server consolidation. Reduction of servers by 60-75%. This will reduce the number of servers, HVAC for maintaining the servers, and associate other server maintenance costs.
Question on data protection - The Schools and Town systems are already protected, most of the data resides on the server and not on the laptops themselves. Education may be required to help to reinforce good practices but from a technical perspective, they are
2 - School Technology -
JFK wireless access to be wired, teacher laptops. The school was chosen as it is the least cost elementary school to do this, Parmenter would be much more. Davis Thayer with its aging facilities doesn't make sense to put it in there at this time.
smart boards for a grade level, the exact grade remains to be determined by the principals.
3 - audio visual over fiber - AV systems in various school complexes, this would be a single server for the entire district to handle a video feed and storage across the district. Centralized, a single purchase, step one. Step two would be to get display devices, like smart boards or classroom monitors. Need to start with the foundation piece and then expand with the other items.
a good bit of the enhancements are dependent upon the fiber purchase which is in the Facilities budget. The smart boards are purchased with training. The training is key for the teachers to use them effectively in the classrooms.
There was also discussion on lease versus purchase. The purchase option currently is the better option. Lease actually is less flexible and more costly over time.
Mike d'Angelo - Director Facilities
The fiber would be single mode, $350,000 total cost. Actual outlay would be $150,000 as cable would grant us $200,000 for this conversion. The fiber would be laid in a ring for redundancy. If one section breaks, the others would be still be able to bypass and continue. There are 24 threads in the connections, 2 could be used in a pair, one for transmit, one for receive. Annual rental for existing T1 lines is over $50,000 per year. The fiber costs would be less. Support would be contracted out as Franklin would own the fiber itself. Support contracts would be similar to the contracts we have for the street lights.
Replace carpeting at the Library; meeting room and local history room. Library picking up some of the costs for this. The Trustees would be picking up this with some State Aid. $20,000 is the local Franklin portion.
Digital video security systems cover the access for school buildings; key fob entrance, video captures who comes in, date/time recorded, major rooms, and entire perimeter. When Keller Sullivan was built it was done with the technology at the time but it has fallen behind now. The system was added to the other schools in 2000/2001. Keller Sullivan does not have this system. $220,000 to add this system to Keller-Sullivan to bring it to the same level of security as all the other schools.
The security system is used extensively by the principals. The doors are locked all the time, everyone is buzzed in or they can enter via the key fob.
Pavement and parking lot at Parmenter proposed to be redone at the same time by the same contractor as Wachusetts Street when it gets done this year.
We have another $3 million in pent up demand. We'd like to consider a bond issue to use some bonding capacity to provide some additional money for facilities. This might come down in the future. The School Committee would know more about Davis Thayer, will it stay open, close? The portable classrooms would need to be addressed.
We have needs for more than we have money for.
We started a program to replace the vans that do in district transportation. We replaced two last year and would like to replace two more this year. $54,000 includes lifts and special equipment to outfit them as required. We got the set of ten several years ago with a grant. This is the second year of a multiyear replacement schedule.
Jim Roche, Finance Committee Chair, also noted that the meeting this evening is for discussion, question and answers. There is a capital subcommittee to meet with members of Town Council, Finance and School Committees to review and prioritize the capital items before any final votes for approval.
Tim Raposa, Technology Director
1 - Town Technology - Some money for upgrade to a fiber network, some money for upgrade of desktops and laptops. The systems are warrantied for three years, they tend to keep them for four to five years, after that the maintenance expense increases and it makes more sense to replace the systems than to continue to maintain them.
Some money also for server consolidation. Reduction of servers by 60-75%. This will reduce the number of servers, HVAC for maintaining the servers, and associate other server maintenance costs.
Question on data protection - The Schools and Town systems are already protected, most of the data resides on the server and not on the laptops themselves. Education may be required to help to reinforce good practices but from a technical perspective, they are
2 - School Technology -
JFK wireless access to be wired, teacher laptops. The school was chosen as it is the least cost elementary school to do this, Parmenter would be much more. Davis Thayer with its aging facilities doesn't make sense to put it in there at this time.
smart boards for a grade level, the exact grade remains to be determined by the principals.
3 - audio visual over fiber - AV systems in various school complexes, this would be a single server for the entire district to handle a video feed and storage across the district. Centralized, a single purchase, step one. Step two would be to get display devices, like smart boards or classroom monitors. Need to start with the foundation piece and then expand with the other items.
a good bit of the enhancements are dependent upon the fiber purchase which is in the Facilities budget. The smart boards are purchased with training. The training is key for the teachers to use them effectively in the classrooms.
There was also discussion on lease versus purchase. The purchase option currently is the better option. Lease actually is less flexible and more costly over time.
Mike d'Angelo - Director Facilities
The fiber would be single mode, $350,000 total cost. Actual outlay would be $150,000 as cable would grant us $200,000 for this conversion. The fiber would be laid in a ring for redundancy. If one section breaks, the others would be still be able to bypass and continue. There are 24 threads in the connections, 2 could be used in a pair, one for transmit, one for receive. Annual rental for existing T1 lines is over $50,000 per year. The fiber costs would be less. Support would be contracted out as Franklin would own the fiber itself. Support contracts would be similar to the contracts we have for the street lights.
Replace carpeting at the Library; meeting room and local history room. Library picking up some of the costs for this. The Trustees would be picking up this with some State Aid. $20,000 is the local Franklin portion.
Digital video security systems cover the access for school buildings; key fob entrance, video captures who comes in, date/time recorded, major rooms, and entire perimeter. When Keller Sullivan was built it was done with the technology at the time but it has fallen behind now. The system was added to the other schools in 2000/2001. Keller Sullivan does not have this system. $220,000 to add this system to Keller-Sullivan to bring it to the same level of security as all the other schools.
The security system is used extensively by the principals. The doors are locked all the time, everyone is buzzed in or they can enter via the key fob.
Pavement and parking lot at Parmenter proposed to be redone at the same time by the same contractor as Wachusetts Street when it gets done this year.
We have another $3 million in pent up demand. We'd like to consider a bond issue to use some bonding capacity to provide some additional money for facilities. This might come down in the future. The School Committee would know more about Davis Thayer, will it stay open, close? The portable classrooms would need to be addressed.
We have needs for more than we have money for.
We started a program to replace the vans that do in district transportation. We replaced two last year and would like to replace two more this year. $54,000 includes lifts and special equipment to outfit them as required. We got the set of ten several years ago with a grant. This is the second year of a multiyear replacement schedule.
School Committee - Agenda - 2/09/10
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive Sessions of the January 26, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
• Payroll Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. none
3. Discussion Only Items
• none
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips & in-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueders Environment for the district gift account for scholarships.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3732.50 from the Oak St. PCC for In house enrichment as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of labor to fix the Davis Thayer scoreboard from Mr. Glenn Jones as detailed in the attached pictures.
5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
a. Enrollment Comparisons
b. The Backpack Bulletin – February 2010
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
• To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
• Personnel Issue
8. Adjourn
Town Council - Agenda - 2/10/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
- Design Review Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Senior Outreach- Update
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
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
- Design Review Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Senior Outreach- Update
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-06: Acceptance of Gift- Franklin Library
2. Bylaw Amendment 10-641: Chapter 82; Appendix A: List of Service Fee Rates, Solid Waste and Recycling Fees – 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
In the News - benefits for Vietnam veterans
Franklin Veterans Agent Bob Fahey said 709 Franklin residents served in Vietnam between 1965 and 1975, and recently several have approached him about whether their illnesses could be connected to their service.
``What I want to do as a veterans agent is make people aware of these circumstances war creates,'' Fahey said.
He said vets must file an application proving their service in Vietnam, and provide documentation of the disease to determine whether they qualify for benefits.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Vets now qualify for Agent Orange-related illness benefits
Franklin High School plans winter carnival and silent auction
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 2/6/10
Franklin High School 2010 Winter Carnival and silent auction will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28, 12-4 p.m., at the Franklin High School Field House.
The event for all ages will include a silent auction, featuring floor seat Celtic tickets, Red Sox tickets and more.
For information visit fhsstudentgovernmetn@yahoo.com
All proceeds to benefit Shriners Burn Hospital, in Boston.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Sunday, February 7, 2010
In the News - drum studio, solar costs
Definitely marching to his own drummer Kris Russell, has opened his own studio to share his passion for drumming:
The cost of going solar is manageable and Mike Kelly can help you figure out how it can work for you
Drumming to his own beat
The cost of going solar is manageable and Mike Kelly can help you figure out how it can work for you
Is the cost of going solar getting lighter?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Businesses opening
1 - As pictured here earlier, Cafe Dolce is expanding to the former Choo Choo shop at the downtown Franklin/Dean College station. Conversation with BJ and his father reveals they are looking to open next week. The place has been freshly painted, tables and chairs cleaned and painted. Additional works and final permits are required but with a little luck they intend to open next week.
A better outside photo than the one in the early morning light on Thursday:
The coffee will be brewing soon:
2 - And Maguro House, a Japanese restaurant, will opening this month at the corner of the building opposite from Cafe Dolce.
Updated 2/25/10
The Grand Opening Party is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
These are good signs for downtown!
A better outside photo than the one in the early morning light on Thursday:
The coffee will be brewing soon:
2 - And Maguro House, a Japanese restaurant, will opening this month at the corner of the building opposite from Cafe Dolce.
Updated 2/25/10
The Grand Opening Party is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
These are good signs for downtown!
In the News - lawsuit
Alleging they were victims of what their lawyer called an outrageous display of excessive force by a police officer, one current and three former students at Dean College have filed suit in federal court.
The four are seeking $1 million in damages, and have named two Franklin officers and the town as defendants.
The plaintiffs claim their constitutional rights were violated when Officer Douglas Nix drew his gun and aimed at them after pulling over their SUV on Feb. 28, 2009.
Read the remainder of the article here:
Lawsuit claims police brutality
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFriday, February 5, 2010
really going to change how the DCR does business
“The DCR forest vision draft, if ever adopted, would represent a major improvement in the state’s practices and policies for cutting on forest lands, because it would much more emphasize stewardship, habitat, recreation, and scenic values, with less emphasis on timber cutting,’’ said Gregor McGregor, a member of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, which advises local boards in communities around the state.
The draft plan represents “a paradigm shift,’’ he said, in moving land use away from timbering and toward ecosystem values.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/tsc_draft_recommendations.htm
Last night there was a forum in Westborough, the next closest forum will be on the 11th in Taunton:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/forestryfvpupcoming.htm
Feedback can be provided by attending one of the forums, via email or an online survey. Of course, there is no restriction against providing feedback in all three methods.
You can read the full article in the Boston Globe West edition from Thursday
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/02/04/some_state_owned_parkland_being_reclassified_to_minimize_tree_cutting_other_damage/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Globe+West
Cafe Dolce expands to train station
I took the train into Boston on Thursday for a conference and was pleased to find this sign over the door at the former Choo-Choo shop.
Jane Curran had left me know they were going to expand. I haven't caught up with BJ or Dave yet but when I do, I'll provide additional info on when they open.
Hard to believe it is almost a year ago that they opened downtown (4/13/09)! You can view the photo slide show of the opening day here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/04/grand-opening-cafe-dolce.html
Jane Curran had left me know they were going to expand. I haven't caught up with BJ or Dave yet but when I do, I'll provide additional info on when they open.
Hard to believe it is almost a year ago that they opened downtown (4/13/09)! You can view the photo slide show of the opening day here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/04/grand-opening-cafe-dolce.html
Franklin, MA: Citizens Rail Trail Committee - meeting 2/9/10
The next meeting of the FCRTC will be held at the Franklin YMCA, Forge Hill Rd. Franklin. The meeting on February 9th will commence at 7:30 PM and conclude NLT 9:30 PM.
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
a. Raffle Ticket Sales
b. Road Race Committee
VIII. Report on Meeting with Franklin PLUC 2/1/10 (Svendsen)
IX. Open Discussion on Restructuring FCRTC
X. Unfinished Business:
A. Questions from members / attendees
XI. New Business:
A.
XII. Set Date for Next Meeting and Adjourn
Additional information on the Citizens Rail Trail Committee can be found on their website
http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/
You can find prior posts on their activities by searching on Franklin Matters for "rail trail"
"build confidence in a high-pressure situation"
"It's a way to compete on a team for kids who may or may not be athletic," said Franklin mock trial team coach Mike Walsh.
Walsh, a social studies teacher at Franklin High School, said the school has recognized mock trial as a true team sport, going so far as awarding varsity letters to those who make the team.
Read the full article about mock trial teams here
Teens try their hand at the law
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Waste Discussion Recap
For a short Town Council meeting, there was a bit of interesting discussion.
Assuming the second reading does come forward, all it is supposed to do is set the rates for the Town to charge the residents. The contract will still be negotiated sometime before the current one expires on June 30th.
Stay tuned to see what happens next week!
The discussion started right away with Citizen's Comments
Michael Galvin, Vice-President of American Waste Services, LLC (the current waste contractor and a bidder on the new contract), also a Franklin resident spoke.
He referenced an 11 page document that apparently the Town Council received (at least some of them) and tried to condense his remarks to keep within the guidelines for citizen's comments (5 minute limit)
He didn't make it; he got cut off at five, but then was allocated another five minutes from another resident.
This is what I walked away with:
- The contract is still under negotiation, three bidders are involved, why is this discussion in public, shouldn't the other two have equal access?
- There is some dispute about the numbers. If the current contractor has actual numbers, why wouldn't they be considered along with the research from other communities? Why weren't the actual numbers from Franklin's experience included earlier in the discussion. (If they were, it wasn't apparent from the discussion Weds.)
- Mr Galvin's comment should have stood alone. However, when the second piece of legislation scheduled for the meeting agenda came up for discussion, the conversation deviated from the matter at hand to get into this.
- The second piece of legislation was the authorization of the purchase of the totters/bins to implement the single stream contract. The totters would be used no matter which of the three bidders won.
The argument by Councilor Vallee that this is the wrong time to spend any money is interesting. This is actually the best time to buy the totters (assuming we go with this single stream process).
- The interest rate (for financing the purchase) is as low as it can be
- The cost for the bins will be low
- The waste rate will actually be a cost savings for Franklin residents (from $244 to $220, a $24 savings)
- It will be a sort of 'stimulus purchase' for the vendor who actually sells us the bins/totters, hence a really good deal, especially at this time
Given that the waste fee second reading will come before the Council soon (likely next week), this discussion will possibly be continued and revisited with more time wasted (pun intended) by some folks trying to.micro-manage the situation.
Assuming the second reading does come forward, all it is supposed to do is set the rates for the Town to charge the residents. The contract will still be negotiated sometime before the current one expires on June 30th.
Stay tuned to see what happens next week!
Town Council Mtg Smry 02/03/10
The collection of live reported posts from the Town Council meeting on Weds 2/3/10 can be found here
Senator Spilka to Hold Office Hours in Franklin; Fri - Feb 19
Senator Karen Spilka to Hold Office Hours in Franklin
Join Senator Spilka and Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka's District and Constituent Services Director, for coffee and conversation. They will update constituents on the latest news and events, and answer any questions you may have.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Franklin: Elizabeth's Bagels and More
10:00 a.m -11:00 a.m.
456 West Central Street, Franklin
In the News - authorized to buy
Highlights of the Town Council discussion on the new waste recycling system from Wednesday's meeting are reported in the paper:
Franklin votes to borrow money to fund new trash system
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
FM Budget Workshop Part 4 - 1/25/10
This is part 4 of the Budget Workshop held on Monday, Jan 25, 2010. Susan Gagner completes her presentation, Jim Dacey covers debt and Jeff Nutting explains the Stabilization Fund and 'free cash'.
Time: 26 minutes, 47 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Franklin held conducted a budget workshop on Monday, Jan 25, 2010. This is part four of the session recording. Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller, completes her presentation reviewing pages 8 and 9 on Net School Spending, and a little on Page 7, which was covered in Part 1.
Jeff Nutting introduces Jim Dacey, the Treasurer/Collector, who goes into detail on the debt process, highlighting the almost continuous planning and re-evaluation done in this area. The master spreadsheet they use has had 57 revisions in about 7 or 8 years.
Jeff gets asked by Scott Mason to explain the Stabilization Fund.
Steve Sherlock asks for them to cover "free cash".
The group then takes a break for refreshments and conversation. We'll resume in part 5 with the School Budget.
Susan Gagner - Page 8 - Net School Spending
Susan Gagner - Page 9 - Net School Spending (cont'd)
Susan Gagner - Page 7 - Chapter 70 and School Budget history
Jim Dacey - Debt process details
Jim Dacey - Debt plan - latest revision
Jim Dacey - Debt percent of overall budget
-----
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.
Live reporting from the workshop can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-special-meeting-budget.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-budget-workshop.html
Part 1 of the workshop recording can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/fm-budget-workshop-12510-part-1.html
Part 2 of the workshop recording can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/fm-budget-workshop-12510-part-1.html
Part 3 of the workshop recording can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/fm-budget-workshop-part-3-12510.html
Time: 26 minutes, 47 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Franklin held conducted a budget workshop on Monday, Jan 25, 2010. This is part four of the session recording. Susan Gagner, Town Comptroller, completes her presentation reviewing pages 8 and 9 on Net School Spending, and a little on Page 7, which was covered in Part 1.
Jeff Nutting introduces Jim Dacey, the Treasurer/Collector, who goes into detail on the debt process, highlighting the almost continuous planning and re-evaluation done in this area. The master spreadsheet they use has had 57 revisions in about 7 or 8 years.
Jeff gets asked by Scott Mason to explain the Stabilization Fund.
Steve Sherlock asks for them to cover "free cash".
The group then takes a break for refreshments and conversation. We'll resume in part 5 with the School Budget.
Susan Gagner - Page 8 - Net School Spending
Susan Gagner - Page 9 - Net School Spending (cont'd)
Susan Gagner - Page 7 - Chapter 70 and School Budget history
Jim Dacey - Debt process details
Jim Dacey - Debt plan - latest revision
Jim Dacey - Debt percent of overall budget
-----
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.
Live reporting from the workshop can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-special-meeting-budget.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-budget-workshop.html
Part 1 of the workshop recording can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/fm-budget-workshop-12510-part-1.html
Part 2 of the workshop recording can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/fm-budget-workshop-12510-part-1.html
Part 3 of the workshop recording can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/fm-budget-workshop-part-3-12510.html
Live reporting - Closing items
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
none
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - under-utilization of funding available for seniors to provide relief from property taxes
Pfeffer - First information night on Housing trust, 6 couples came for info; Medway looking to become a green community, is Franklin looking at this?
Nutting - we are looking at it, but we are not sure we can meet the standard, our buildings are newer and may not be able to save as much as they would like. We have applied for solar panels for one of the schools
Pfeffer - One of Carlo's words of wisdom was if someone sends an anonymous letter, ignore it
Mason - yes, I have been getting unsigned letters, not that I am not concerned, but if you don't sign it, I can't follow up on it
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not needed
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjorn
none
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - under-utilization of funding available for seniors to provide relief from property taxes
Pfeffer - First information night on Housing trust, 6 couples came for info; Medway looking to become a green community, is Franklin looking at this?
Nutting - we are looking at it, but we are not sure we can meet the standard, our buildings are newer and may not be able to save as much as they would like. We have applied for solar panels for one of the schools
Pfeffer - One of Carlo's words of wisdom was if someone sends an anonymous letter, ignore it
Mason - yes, I have been getting unsigned letters, not that I am not concerned, but if you don't sign it, I can't follow up on it
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not needed
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjorn
Live reporting - Legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
• Resolution 10-85: Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations
a regular house keeping requirement, better to be a little under than over
motion to approve - passed 8-0
• Resolution 10-86: Authorization to Borrow for the Purchase of Trash Totters
motion to approve - passed
Discussion
Jeff in order to implement the new system, need to front the cost for the bins/totters
once paid off, the fee could be used to replenish them as needed and still drop over time
Vallee speaking against the purchase now, the timing is wrong
Nutting - We were told to fix this, we spent more than three years on this, we worked with the Recycling Committee, did a ton of research,
Whalen - I am in favor of this
Garella - the negative vote was due to the single bin option, not due to any other numbers. If you don't go with this program, the cost will increase over time.
McGann - clarification question on bidder delivery of new truck
Nutting - either bidder would have to meet the requirements of the RFP
Nutting - we went out with an increase in recycling, we have been to the Council previously on a pay-as-you-throw process and you didn't like that, we have now come with the single stream process
Pfeffer - my concern is with the seniors being able to handle the units
McGann - proceeding to ask Jeff
Mason - discussion is bordering on the item that would come up for discussion next week. This is for the totters, next week is the fee schedule
Nutting - we would need totters for this system
McGann - question on who pays for some items
Nutting - residents already pay for some items, some of which it will increase, the $25 fee may not be the contract, we haven't finished negotiation yet
McGann - how is there such a difference amongst the bidders
Nutting - I can speak to that, they have to meet the requirements of the RFP
Roll call (requires 2/3 majority)
Jones - can we combine this and do this next week
Vallee - I am against this for the reasons I mentioned before
Passed 6-2 McGann, Vallee - both voted no
1 Absent (Zollo)
• Resolution 10-87: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow – Municipal Off-Street Parking
house keeping item, authorized several years ago, taking it off the books but it is not relevant to anything now
Motion to approve - passed 8-0
• Resolution 10-88: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow – Purchase of Street Lights
The purchases were made with cash and we did not need to borrow to pay for them.
Another house keeping item, authorized several years ago, taking it off the books but it is not relevant to anything now
Motion to approve - passed 8-0
• Resolution 10-85: Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations
a regular house keeping requirement, better to be a little under than over
motion to approve - passed 8-0
• Resolution 10-86: Authorization to Borrow for the Purchase of Trash Totters
motion to approve - passed
Discussion
Jeff in order to implement the new system, need to front the cost for the bins/totters
once paid off, the fee could be used to replenish them as needed and still drop over time
Vallee speaking against the purchase now, the timing is wrong
Nutting - We were told to fix this, we spent more than three years on this, we worked with the Recycling Committee, did a ton of research,
Whalen - I am in favor of this
Garella - the negative vote was due to the single bin option, not due to any other numbers. If you don't go with this program, the cost will increase over time.
McGann - clarification question on bidder delivery of new truck
Nutting - either bidder would have to meet the requirements of the RFP
Nutting - we went out with an increase in recycling, we have been to the Council previously on a pay-as-you-throw process and you didn't like that, we have now come with the single stream process
Pfeffer - my concern is with the seniors being able to handle the units
McGann - proceeding to ask Jeff
Mason - discussion is bordering on the item that would come up for discussion next week. This is for the totters, next week is the fee schedule
Nutting - we would need totters for this system
McGann - question on who pays for some items
Nutting - residents already pay for some items, some of which it will increase, the $25 fee may not be the contract, we haven't finished negotiation yet
McGann - how is there such a difference amongst the bidders
Nutting - I can speak to that, they have to meet the requirements of the RFP
Roll call (requires 2/3 majority)
Jones - can we combine this and do this next week
Vallee - I am against this for the reasons I mentioned before
Passed 6-2 McGann, Vallee - both voted no
1 Absent (Zollo)
• Resolution 10-87: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow – Municipal Off-Street Parking
house keeping item, authorized several years ago, taking it off the books but it is not relevant to anything now
Motion to approve - passed 8-0
• Resolution 10-88: Rescission of Authorization to Borrow – Purchase of Street Lights
The purchases were made with cash and we did not need to borrow to pay for them.
Another house keeping item, authorized several years ago, taking it off the books but it is not relevant to anything now
Motion to approve - passed 8-0
Live reporting - License
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - Application for a New Wine & Malt License – Spruce Pond Creamery
Motion to approve, Passed 8-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
Motion to approve, Passed 8-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
Live reporting - Town Council
Attending: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Powderly
Missing: Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 6, 2010
Motion to approve, with addition of sentence from S Whalen
Passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Michael Galvin, Franklin Resident, Vice-President - American Waste Services, LLC
speaking on cost for contract bidding of the waste program
"taking away services that residents currently have"
Robert Delllorco gave his five minutes to Michael to continue speaking
\(I'll add the recording of this later)
Gene Garella - Chairman, Recycling Committee
committee voted three times
unanimous to accept a single stream recycling
3-1 vote to accept (to be filled in)
voted against increasing the fee at Beaver St
program adds overflow bags to residents to cover for parties
recycling made easier with single stream
recycling increase should reduce waste tonnage
No questions allowed during citizens comments
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
Missing: Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 6, 2010
Motion to approve, with addition of sentence from S Whalen
Passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Michael Galvin, Franklin Resident, Vice-President - American Waste Services, LLC
speaking on cost for contract bidding of the waste program
"taking away services that residents currently have"
Robert Delllorco gave his five minutes to Michael to continue speaking
\(I'll add the recording of this later)
Gene Garella - Chairman, Recycling Committee
committee voted three times
unanimous to accept a single stream recycling
3-1 vote to accept (to be filled in)
voted against increasing the fee at Beaver St
program adds overflow bags to residents to cover for parties
recycling made easier with single stream
recycling increase should reduce waste tonnage
No questions allowed during citizens comments
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
More on cyberbullying
... we need to treat bullying as a public health issue. We reduced teen smoking and drunk driving with massive education programs. We can do the same with bullying.
We’ve learned little in the United States, even though the study cited our national anti-bullying efforts to date. I suspect that the reasons the US bullying rate has not moved are complex. But a good place to start is coming up this Sunday as a huge percentage of Americans will sit down in living rooms and bars and watch the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts play in the Super Bowl.
Most bullying begins with nasty words, and what will we certainly see on Sunday? We’ll see player after player jawing at each other and talking trash. No media outlet seems above glorifying in some way the top trash talkers in sports, whether it is reminiscing about Muhammad Ali or observing the most flamboyant athletes of the moment.
And read all of Derrick Jackson's column in the Boston Globe here
The MA Trial Court Law Library page here has a great collection on the legislation around cyberbullying
My preference is for starting at home. The schools can help but even if they do all they can, when a kid goes home and it is not reinforced, all the effort is lost.
Wha do you think?
Are your oil fired buners compliant?
From the massgov Twitter stream today, I saw:
When you follow the link you find: (bold added for my emphasis)
Is your oil fired burner compliant?
@massgov: Older oil burners must be upgraded to prevent leaks - A law enacted over a year ago (St. 2008, c.453) requires home... http://ow.ly/16tOyU
When you follow the link you find: (bold added for my emphasis)
The burner in my house failed and was replaced in Sep 2008 so I know we are compliant. This is the first I hear that there is a deadline to be complaint by July 1, 2010.A law enacted over a year ago (St. 2008, c.453) requires homeowners with oil burners installed before 1990 to make a small change to their systems by July 1, 2010 to prevent leaks. According to the Mass. DEP, under the Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law, "Owners of 1- to 4-unit residences that are heated with oil must already have or install an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with a protective sleeve... Installation of these devices must be performed by a licensed oil burner technician." "It is important to note that heating oil systems installed on or after January 1, 1990 most likely are already in compliance because state fire codes implemented these requirements on new installations at that time."
The good news is that the law also requires insurers who offer homeowner's insurance to also offer coverage for oil leaks to those who have certified that they have made the repairs or are exempt from the requirement.
More information, including a diagram of necessary repairs, is available at the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection site.
Is your oil fired burner compliant?
In the News - road repairs
Ashley Studley, Milford Daily News, filed her report from the Finance Committee meeting that took place last night.
Franklin looks at street repairs
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Partial Live Reporting at FINCOM
I didn't get to tune into the Finance Committee meeting Tuesday evening until it was an hour underway. I did catch part of Chief McCarraher's discussion on the needs of the Fire Dept, and then Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi's discussion on the DPW's needs.
I will catch up to the full meeting when the video is available on demand and report on the capital outlook. The one good item from this is the attempt to start spending something on a regular basis to repair our roads. As you may be aware, there are approx 200 miles of roads, many of which were built in the last 30 years and with no budget for road repair we are asking for trouble.
Yes, some of our roads do get repaired as part of the water enterprise account when water mains need to be repaired and upgraded. Or when we get some Chapter 90 money from the state, approx 750,000 the past several years. The Town has been very thrifty on this front and will need to start spending something significant on a regular basis to begin to handle the demands.
The Finance Committee did not vote on any capital budget items this evening. Based upon what happened last year, Jeff Nutting will wait to see how the winter treats the snow/ice budget before committing to use some of the "free cash" for capital items.
The meeting can be viewed on the internet video archive for the Town here
I will catch up to the full meeting when the video is available on demand and report on the capital outlook. The one good item from this is the attempt to start spending something on a regular basis to repair our roads. As you may be aware, there are approx 200 miles of roads, many of which were built in the last 30 years and with no budget for road repair we are asking for trouble.
Yes, some of our roads do get repaired as part of the water enterprise account when water mains need to be repaired and upgraded. Or when we get some Chapter 90 money from the state, approx 750,000 the past several years. The Town has been very thrifty on this front and will need to start spending something significant on a regular basis to begin to handle the demands.
The Finance Committee did not vote on any capital budget items this evening. Based upon what happened last year, Jeff Nutting will wait to see how the winter treats the snow/ice budget before committing to use some of the "free cash" for capital items.
The meeting can be viewed on the internet video archive for the Town here
Text translator for 'teen speak'
Texting is all the rage amongst teens.
Cyberbullying happens to be one theme amongst the many messages sent.
LG has a website to help translate the texting shortcuts used.
You can translate from the short cut to SMS text or from a regular English sentence translate to text.
Related links:
Teen Angels is a group of middle school students working to raise awareness amongst their peers on cyberbullying. The TeenAngels presented to the School Committee earlier this month. You can see what they did here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html
Legislation is being discussed to address cyberbullying. I don't think legislation is the answer. Parents, teachers, and the teens themselves can do a better job of creating awareness and changing behaviors.
Cyberbullying happens to be one theme amongst the many messages sent.
LG has a website to help translate the texting shortcuts used.
You can translate from the short cut to SMS text or from a regular English sentence translate to text.
Related links:
Teen Angels is a group of middle school students working to raise awareness amongst their peers on cyberbullying. The TeenAngels presented to the School Committee earlier this month. You can see what they did here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html
Legislation is being discussed to address cyberbullying. I don't think legislation is the answer. Parents, teachers, and the teens themselves can do a better job of creating awareness and changing behaviors.
Green Reel - FLOW, Sunday, Feb 7 at 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.
"Flow" will be shown Feb 7th at 7:00 PM
"An astonishingly wide-ranging film. An informed and heartfelt examination of the tug of war between public health and private interests." - New York Times
"Lively and engaging...Smartly Done" - Los Angeles Times
“The inconvenient truth at the center of Flow: For Love of Water is that while the oil crisis is intensely debated and documented, disasters involving an even more essential fluid go perilously unnoticed.” - Slant Magazine
“Focusing on pollution, human rights, politics, and corruption, filmmaker Salina constructs an exceptionally articulate profile of the precarious relationship uniting human beings and water. “ - Rotten Tomatoes
----
Official Selection 2008 Sundance Film Festival
International Jury Prize 2008 Mumbai International Film Festival
Best Documentary 2008 Vail International Film Festival
Winner Best Documentary United Nations Association Film Festival
----
Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.
Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
Interviews with scientists and activists intelligently reveal the rapidly building crisis, at both the global and human scale, and the film introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, while begging the question "CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?"
Beyond identifying the problem, FLOW also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround.
The flyer for the full series can be seen here:
"Flow" will be shown Feb 7th at 7:00 PM
Flow (For Love Of Water)
"An astonishingly wide-ranging film. An informed and heartfelt examination of the tug of war between public health and private interests." - New York Times
"Lively and engaging...Smartly Done" - Los Angeles Times
“The inconvenient truth at the center of Flow: For Love of Water is that while the oil crisis is intensely debated and documented, disasters involving an even more essential fluid go perilously unnoticed.” - Slant Magazine
“Focusing on pollution, human rights, politics, and corruption, filmmaker Salina constructs an exceptionally articulate profile of the precarious relationship uniting human beings and water. “ - Rotten Tomatoes
----
Official Selection 2008 Sundance Film Festival
International Jury Prize 2008 Mumbai International Film Festival
Best Documentary 2008 Vail International Film Festival
Winner Best Documentary United Nations Association Film Festival
----
Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.
Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
Interviews with scientists and activists intelligently reveal the rapidly building crisis, at both the global and human scale, and the film introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, while begging the question "CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?"
Beyond identifying the problem, FLOW also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround.
The flyer for the full series can be seen here:
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
In the News - regionalization, elderly growth
One of the avenues to explore to more effectively utilize the limited funding available and maintain services is regionalization. Franklin and Bellingham share animal services. Franklin and Medway share library and recreation services. Franklin and Medway share nursing services for seniors.
This article shows other communities are considering additional services for regionalization.
This article shows other communities are considering additional services for regionalization.
Medway mulls regionalizing nursing, dispatch
Presenting data already collected for the foundation, Boston University professor Lorenz Finison told the commission yesterday that the regional population of residents 75 or older in 2000 is projected to grow about 60 percent by 2030. The study area includes the foundation's coverage zone of 25 cities and towns, a swath that stretches from Needham to Westborough and from Hudson to Bellingham.
Group discusses MetroWest's elderly population
In the News - pension reform
Given the extended discussion during the Budget Workshop held a week ago, this editorial is timely:
Editorial: Next steps on pension reform
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