Franklin due for busy road construction season
Franklin puts money aside to pay laid-off workers
Franklin, MA
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Poll Issue update
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Known Issues for Blogger by brett wiltshire on 6/16/10
Many users are reporting that poll gadgets are failing to render, displaying a 'Not Found' message. We're investigating the issue and will post a reply as soon as we have more information to share.
Thanks for your patience.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Known Issues for Blogger using Google Reader
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Bottom line: I'll wait until it is fixed and then enable it. The poll will be open for at least a week to ensure appropriate response time.
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
reinforce statement on the use of the new trash bins only on and after 7/1/10
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - can we have the sewer by law up for review
P. ADJOURN
reinforce statement on the use of the new trash bins only on and after 7/1/10
the bins were purchased with the fees in the solid waste account and not from general operations
Notice last week was an affront per the EPA notifications
it was caught before the water went out into the system
When there is a real problem, the folks may not pay attention as much due to these 'extra' notices
The DPW does a great job on the water, it is a 24x7 operation
Library director (Felicia Oti) did a report it is on the web site
looking at the collaboration
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - can we have the sewer by law up for review
Nutting - we really need a policy discussion, have given out in limited quantities before
may see more when the economy picks up, should look at what the council adopted 10 years ago
need to figure out how to handle the issues, it does go to the whole growth issue
you don't want to be chasing new schools
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - 4th of July committee looking for money
thanks to the firemen for attending and presenting their opinions
thanks to the DPW for the landscaping work at the fire stations, it looks really good.
Jones - realizing that there are vacancies, there is an opportunity to get involved
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-32: Ad Hoc Recycling Committee
motion to accept, passed 7-0
2. Resolution 10-33: Acceptance of Gift Franklin Library
motion to accept, passed 7-0
3. Resolution 10-34: Acceptance of Gift – Maintenance of Brick School
motion to accept, passed 7-0
The Charter School has been using the building for an annual fee of $1, they are about to make a decision on long term utilization, these funds cover the building expenses in the meantime
4. Resolution: 10-35: Appropriation – Unemployment Trust Fund
motion to accept, passed 7-0
Better to put this in now with this years money knowing at least 18 will need to be covered than have to come up later
5. Resolution 10-36: Consolidation of School Maintenance Function With Town
motion to accept, passed 7-0
a continuation of the program started 2 years ago, now being extended to a five year term
a great success
as a team we have been able to do a better job than individually
6. Bylaw Amendment 10-646: Request for Sewer Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 2nd Reading
motion to accept, passed 6-1 (Pfeffer no)
All offers have been received in writing and are agreeable
Pfeffer - 7 houses, 3 bedrooms each, too many kids with the house revenue not paying for the school
Vallee - was this section the one we paved before
Yadisernia - this is not the same section, if he only did the cut in, he would have a smaller peice, by replacing the 100 foot, now 200 foot section that is where he will do a full overlay for the width of the street
Mason - I agree with Council Pfeffer on the school issue, especially in light of our trouble getting additional funds for the schools. Due to prior council decisions, as long as the applicant has meet other terms and conditions, these were approved. I think we need to re-look at the by-laws and see if we need to do anything.
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-647:Request for Water Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 2nd Reading
motion to accept, passed 6-1 (Pfeffer no)
Yadisernia - this adds some valves that we need and add where we can
Franklin, MA
1. Resolution 10-32: Ad Hoc Recycling Committee
motion to accept, passed 7-0
2. Resolution 10-33: Acceptance of Gift Franklin Library
motion to accept, passed 7-0
3. Resolution 10-34: Acceptance of Gift – Maintenance of Brick School
motion to accept, passed 7-0
The Charter School has been using the building for an annual fee of $1, they are about to make a decision on long term utilization, these funds cover the building expenses in the meantime
4. Resolution: 10-35: Appropriation – Unemployment Trust Fund
motion to accept, passed 7-0
Better to put this in now with this years money knowing at least 18 will need to be covered than have to come up later
5. Resolution 10-36: Consolidation of School Maintenance Function With Town
motion to accept, passed 7-0
a continuation of the program started 2 years ago, now being extended to a five year term
a great success
as a team we have been able to do a better job than individually
6. Bylaw Amendment 10-646: Request for Sewer Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 2nd Reading
motion to accept, passed 6-1 (Pfeffer no)
All offers have been received in writing and are agreeable
Pfeffer - 7 houses, 3 bedrooms each, too many kids with the house revenue not paying for the school
Vallee - was this section the one we paved before
Yadisernia - this is not the same section, if he only did the cut in, he would have a smaller peice, by replacing the 100 foot, now 200 foot section that is where he will do a full overlay for the width of the street
Mason - I agree with Council Pfeffer on the school issue, especially in light of our trouble getting additional funds for the schools. Due to prior council decisions, as long as the applicant has meet other terms and conditions, these were approved. I think we need to re-look at the by-laws and see if we need to do anything.
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-647:Request for Water Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 2nd Reading
motion to accept, passed 6-1 (Pfeffer no)
Yadisernia - this adds some valves that we need and add where we can
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Open Meeting Law
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Update of the New Open Meeting Law – Mark Cerel
The document Mark references can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/mark-cerel-analysis-of-open-meeting-law.html
implications of the changes
need to be enforced by all committee chairpersons
notice now excludes Saturdays in the calculation of 'notice'
listing of topics does not necessarily equate with the agenda, needs to be fairly specific
should supplement the meeting notice as soon as practical, make a reasonable attempt
enforcement has been shifted to the Attorney Generals Office
obligation of the chair to notify the participants of recording
recorder does need to notify the chair if recording is being done
citizens right to speech is not expanded by these changes
grounds for executive session have not changed
need to declare that to take up the topic in open session would be prejudicial
new language for the Town will be developed
Franklin's minutes as currently prepared currently exceed most requirements
documents used in the meetings now come under the meeting record requirements
Civil penalty of $1,000 as a last and final step for violations
"deliberation' is a term still being defined, it is in flux at this time
"meeting" is also a problem as it contains conditions of 'deliberation'
"reasonably anticipates will be discussed at meeting" the exact meaning of this phrase is to be determined
attorney/client privilege - equally available to municipal clients as it is to common clients, interpretation of this with Open Meeting Law remains to be defined
I asked for a clarification on my own recording of the meeting as it is being recorded and broadcast by the Town.
per Mark's response, I will need to declare for future meetings (no issue, just wanted to make sure what I needed to do).
Franklin, MA
Update of the New Open Meeting Law – Mark Cerel
The document Mark references can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/mark-cerel-analysis-of-open-meeting-law.html
implications of the changes
need to be enforced by all committee chairpersons
notice now excludes Saturdays in the calculation of 'notice'
listing of topics does not necessarily equate with the agenda, needs to be fairly specific
should supplement the meeting notice as soon as practical, make a reasonable attempt
enforcement has been shifted to the Attorney Generals Office
obligation of the chair to notify the participants of recording
recorder does need to notify the chair if recording is being done
citizens right to speech is not expanded by these changes
grounds for executive session have not changed
need to declare that to take up the topic in open session would be prejudicial
new language for the Town will be developed
Franklin's minutes as currently prepared currently exceed most requirements
documents used in the meetings now come under the meeting record requirements
Civil penalty of $1,000 as a last and final step for violations
"deliberation' is a term still being defined, it is in flux at this time
"meeting" is also a problem as it contains conditions of 'deliberation'
"reasonably anticipates will be discussed at meeting" the exact meaning of this phrase is to be determined
attorney/client privilege - equally available to municipal clients as it is to common clients, interpretation of this with Open Meeting Law remains to be defined
I asked for a clarification on my own recording of the meeting as it is being recorded and broadcast by the Town.
per Mark's response, I will need to declare for future meetings (no issue, just wanted to make sure what I needed to do).
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Powderly
Absent: Whalen , Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 2, 2020 Regular and Executive Session
motion to approve, passed 6-0-1
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trash bins are being distributed this week, the process starts July 1
Farmers Market on the common from noon- 6:00 PM on the Town Common
Strawberry Festival this Thursday, June 17th
4th of July events to be linked to off the Town website
Concerts on the Common, schedule to be posted on the Town website
St Rocco's Festival
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
John Chalk, firefighter and EMT
disappointed with Pfeffer's comments last week
comments were misleading and very offensive
Leo Gallagher, firefighter and EMT
We are proud of the job, no matter what we do, delivering babies, etc.
We are here for the resident sof this Town 24x7
We don't have a lawn mower at either station.
We all have 2 or 3 jobs because our base pay is not something you can raise a family on
Bob Donovan, firefighter and EMT
I was here previously to address this group
A firefighter did bring in his own lawn mower to cut the grass at the King St station
There is no need for negative comments
The majority of the people appreciate what we do
I take pride in what we do, we pay takes here, we send our kids to school here
There is no need for those comments
E. APPOINTMENTS
Annual Committee Re-Appointments
(see long listing to be added later)
motion to approve appointments, passed 7-0
There are vacancies for some of the committees, the listing to be added to the Town website
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
Franklin, MA
Absent: Whalen , Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 2, 2020 Regular and Executive Session
motion to approve, passed 6-0-1
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trash bins are being distributed this week, the process starts July 1
Farmers Market on the common from noon- 6:00 PM on the Town Common
Strawberry Festival this Thursday, June 17th
4th of July events to be linked to off the Town website
Concerts on the Common, schedule to be posted on the Town website
St Rocco's Festival
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
John Chalk, firefighter and EMT
disappointed with Pfeffer's comments last week
comments were misleading and very offensive
Leo Gallagher, firefighter and EMT
We are proud of the job, no matter what we do, delivering babies, etc.
We are here for the resident sof this Town 24x7
We don't have a lawn mower at either station.
We all have 2 or 3 jobs because our base pay is not something you can raise a family on
Bob Donovan, firefighter and EMT
I was here previously to address this group
A firefighter did bring in his own lawn mower to cut the grass at the King St station
There is no need for negative comments
The majority of the people appreciate what we do
I take pride in what we do, we pay takes here, we send our kids to school here
There is no need for those comments
E. APPOINTMENTS
Annual Committee Re-Appointments
(see long listing to be added later)
motion to approve appointments, passed 7-0
There are vacancies for some of the committees, the listing to be added to the Town website
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
Franklin, MA
Hopedale TM moves on regionalizing
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Melanie Graham/Daily News staff on 6/16/10
With the blessing of Town Meeting, the School Department will take another step toward regionalizing with the Mendon-Upton school district.
The School Department will now send three local representatives to be a part of a joint regionalization committee with Mendon-Upton, who said earlier this week they're ready to begin formal discussions with Hopedale.
Town Meeting also approved the rezoning of approximately 14 acres off South Main Street, said Town Coordinator Gene Phillips. The article, which was presented by developer Topsfield Associates, called for the land to be converted from residential to commercial.
In April, Big Y Foods Inc. announced it was interested in placing a supermarket on the rezoned site, which sits on land in both Milford and Hopedale.
The School Department's $75,000 mold clean-up bill also saw approval last night as well as the town's $17.97 million budget, Phillips said.
For more coverage read Thursday's print edition of The Milford Daily News. To subscribe, call 888-MY-PAPER. You can also buy an e-edition of the paper by clicking on the icon at the top of the site.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
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What if?
Update: Google is having a problem with the poll question, when it gets resolved, the question will return.
Based upon the discussion around the article in the Milford Daily News on Tuesday, a new poll question has been added to the center column.
The question asks if the override question had been phrased differently would the results have been different. In particular the question is:
Franklin, MA
Based upon the discussion around the article in the Milford Daily News on Tuesday, a new poll question has been added to the center column.
The question asks if the override question had been phrased differently would the results have been different. In particular the question is:
If the override was split into 2 separate questions, would you have approved the school override? Q1 - $2.1 million for schools Q2 - $900K for roads/the town
Yes
No
The article and full comment stream can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Construction alert: Chestnut St
Chestnut street from East Central Street (RT 140) to Chestnut Ridge Drive will be under construction starting June 21, 2010 for about four weeks.
Chestnut Street from East Central Street (RT 140) to Jordan Road will be closed to through traffic during normal working hours, starting June 28, 2010 for about five days. One lane is open to through traffic during the remainder of the construction.
Franklin, MA
Chestnut Street from East Central Street (RT 140) to Jordan Road will be closed to through traffic during normal working hours, starting June 28, 2010 for about five days. One lane is open to through traffic during the remainder of the construction.
Franklin, MA
EPA Storm water proposal information
Two meetings organized by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding designated discharge sites will be held in Franklin. Storm water discharges from these sites need to be controlled according to the Clean Water Act. The practical implication of this determination is that the owners of designated discharge sites will be required to obtain permits under federal law, and will be required to undertake actions to control the discharge of storm water from their properties.
On June 22, the first meeting will be held at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School in Franklin from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., the EPA will briefly summarize the actions that it proposes.
Also on June 22, the second meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. The EPA will conduct a public hearing at which interested persons may make formal statements that will be entered into the legal record on the permit action.
The video of the initial EPA meeting on May 12th can be found here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=FMBp%2fftAyOSLass0t%2fQJKg%3d%3d
The handout from the prior EPA meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html
Franklin, MA
On June 22, the first meeting will be held at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School in Franklin from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., the EPA will briefly summarize the actions that it proposes.
Also on June 22, the second meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. The EPA will conduct a public hearing at which interested persons may make formal statements that will be entered into the legal record on the permit action.
The video of the initial EPA meeting on May 12th can be found here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=FMBp%2fftAyOSLass0t%2fQJKg%3d%3d
The handout from the prior EPA meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html
Franklin, MA
Franklin, Medway - Library opportunities
A very good read on the opportunity to further combine the operations of the Franklin and Medway Libraries.
Franklin Medway Library Report - 5/04/10
Franklin Medway Library Report - 5/04/10
In the News - trash bins arrive
FRANKLIN — Residents this week are getting a special delivery as the town prepares to implement its new trash collection system.
Over the next 10 days, 17,500 of the 65-gallon bins will be distributed, allowing for automated trash and single-stream recycling pickup.
Read the full article here
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 6/16/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 2, 2020 Regular and Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Annual Committee Re-Appointments
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – Update of the New Open Meeting Law – Mark Cerel
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-32: Ad Hoc Recycling Committee
2. Resolution 10-33: Acceptance of Gift Franklin Library
3. Resolution 10-34: Acceptance of Gift – Maintenance of Brick School
4. Resolution: 10-35: Appropriation – Unemployment Trust Fund
5. Resolution 10-36: Consolidation of School Maintenance Function With Town
6. Bylaw Amendment 10-646: Request for Sewer Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 2nd Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-647:Request for Water Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 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
The full agenda document can be found on the Franklin website (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2010tc/06162010agenda.pdf
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Annual Committee Re-Appointments
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – Update of the New Open Meeting Law – Mark Cerel
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-32: Ad Hoc Recycling Committee
2. Resolution 10-33: Acceptance of Gift Franklin Library
3. Resolution 10-34: Acceptance of Gift – Maintenance of Brick School
4. Resolution: 10-35: Appropriation – Unemployment Trust Fund
5. Resolution 10-36: Consolidation of School Maintenance Function With Town
6. Bylaw Amendment 10-646: Request for Sewer Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 2nd Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 10-647:Request for Water Map Amendment: Seven Lot Subdivision Off Beech Street at #23 – 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
The full agenda document can be found on the Franklin website (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2010tc/06162010agenda.pdf
Franklin, MA: Town official vehicle listing
Due to a comment that was making the rounds before the override that "everyone in DPW got a new vehicle", I asked for and received the following listing of vehicles from Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator.
The listing excludes the police fleet and the most of the DPW vehicles as those don't have a single user.
The Town positions which have a car, for overnight use or day use are listed with age and mileage.
Town positions without a vehicle but who do use their personal vehicle for Franklin business and thereby get an expense reimbursement are also listed.
Only one vehicle has a model year of 2010.
You can view the listing here:
Franklin MA Vehicles 100614
Or you can view the spreadsheet here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdEpYMU5ES0Zlb0tsWkg1bWt1TUl6Snc&hl=en
Updated:
If a municipal vehicle is taken home the employee is charged income at the IRS rate of $3 per day and must pay income tax on the benefit. Public Safety vehicles are exempt under the IRS code. There is no charge from the town to take the vehicle home. However employees are expected to responded in a timely manner to emergencies unless they are on vacation, etc. Accordingly each public safety department (except the building commission) has at least two employees that can respond asap. So if one is not available there is a backup. The DPW has more since they have more exposure - water, sewer breaks, failed pumps, alarms at stations, snow, storms, heavy rain, trees down, structural failure of things like culverts, roads, etc.
As far as personal use, the following quote is from a portion of the policy ' the vehicle is not to be used for personal purposes, other than commuting and de minimis personal use' An example of de minimis use would be stopping to buy a coffee, lunch etc.
Updated 6/16/10
Jeff Nutting has an annual vehicle allowance of $6,000 as part of his employment contract. He does not have a Franklin vehicle.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin MAtters to view the document
The listing excludes the police fleet and the most of the DPW vehicles as those don't have a single user.
The Town positions which have a car, for overnight use or day use are listed with age and mileage.
Town positions without a vehicle but who do use their personal vehicle for Franklin business and thereby get an expense reimbursement are also listed.
Only one vehicle has a model year of 2010.
You can view the listing here:
Franklin MA Vehicles 100614
Or you can view the spreadsheet here:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdEpYMU5ES0Zlb0tsWkg1bWt1TUl6Snc&hl=en
Updated:
If a municipal vehicle is taken home the employee is charged income at the IRS rate of $3 per day and must pay income tax on the benefit. Public Safety vehicles are exempt under the IRS code. There is no charge from the town to take the vehicle home. However employees are expected to responded in a timely manner to emergencies unless they are on vacation, etc. Accordingly each public safety department (except the building commission) has at least two employees that can respond asap. So if one is not available there is a backup. The DPW has more since they have more exposure - water, sewer breaks, failed pumps, alarms at stations, snow, storms, heavy rain, trees down, structural failure of things like culverts, roads, etc.
As far as personal use, the following quote is from a portion of the policy ' the vehicle is not to be used for personal purposes, other than commuting and de minimis personal use' An example of de minimis use would be stopping to buy a coffee, lunch etc.
Updated 6/16/10
Jeff Nutting has an annual vehicle allowance of $6,000 as part of his employment contract. He does not have a Franklin vehicle.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin MAtters to view the document
Boston Sports Club Open House - Wednesday - 6/16/10
Franklin's Boston Sports Club will hold an open house on Wednesday, June 16th.
Where is the Boston Sports Club located in Franklin?
750 Union Street Franklin, MA 02038
View Larger Map
More on the BSC can be found on their website:
http://www.mysportsclubs.com/regions/BSC.htm?WT.svl=Header
Boston Sports Club is a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce
Franklin, MA
What happens during the open house?
Work out for free, prizes annd demos all day!
Where is the Boston Sports Club located in Franklin?
750 Union Street Franklin, MA 02038
View Larger Map
More on the BSC can be found on their website:
http://www.mysportsclubs.com/regions/BSC.htm?WT.svl=Header
Boston Sports Club is a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce
Franklin, MA
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