The Center for American Progress has published the following report on teacher effectiveness that I have not read yet but seems to be a good one to share.
Evaluating Teacher Effectiveness
What do you think of the report?
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Franklin, MA: Election Nov 2 - State Question #2
QUESTION 2
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or House of Representatives before May 4, 2010?
*** This proposed law would repeal an existing state law that allows a qualified organization wishing to build government-subsidized housing that includes low- or moderate-income units to apply for a single comprehensive permit from a city or town’s zoning board of appeals (ZBA), instead of separate permits from each local agency or official having jurisdiction over any aspect of the proposed housing. The repeal would take effect on January 1, 2011, but would not stop or otherwise affect any proposed housing that had already received both a comprehensive permit and a building permit for at least one unit. Under the existing law, the ZBA holds a public hearing on the application and considers the recommendations of local agencies and officials. The ZBA may grant a comprehensive permit that may include conditions or requirements concerning the height, site plan, size, shape, or building materials of the housing. Persons aggrieved by the ZBA’s decision to grant a permit may appeal it to a court. If the ZBA denies the permit or grants it with conditions or requirements that make the housing uneconomic to build or to operate, the applicant may appeal to the state Housing Appeals Committee (HAC). After a hearing, if the HAC rules that the ZBA’s denial of a comprehensive permit was unreasonable and not consistent with local needs, the HAC orders the ZBA to issue the permit. If the HAC rules that the ZBA’s decision issuing a comprehensive permit with conditions or requirements made the housing uneconomic to build or operate and was not consistent with local needs, the HAC orders the ZBA to modify or remove any such condition or requirement so as to make the proposal no longer uneconomic. The HAC cannot order the ZBA to issue any permit that would allow the housing to fall below minimum safety standards or site plan requirements. If the HAC rules that the ZBA’s action was consistent with local needs, the HAC must uphold it even if it made the housing uneconomic. The HAC’s decision is subject to review in the courts. A condition or requirement makes housing uneconomic if it would prevent a public agency or non-profit organization from building or operating the housing except at a financial loss, or it would prevent a limited dividend organization from building or operating the housing without a reasonable return on its investment. A ZBA’s decision is consistent with local needs if it applies requirements that are reasonable in view of the regional need for low- and moderate-income housing and the number of low-income persons in the city or town, as well as the need to protect health and safety, promote better site and building design, and preserve open space, if those requirements are applied as equally as possible to both subsidized and unsubsidized housing. Requirements are considered consistent with local needs if more than 10% of the city or town’s housing units are low- or moderate-income units or if such units are on sites making up at least 1.5% of the total private land zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use in the city or town. Requirements are also considered consistent with local needs if the application would result, in any one calendar year, in beginning construction of low- or moderate-income housing on sites making up more than 0.3% of the total private land zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use in the city or town, or on ten acres, whichever is larger. The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
A YES VOTE would repeal the state law allowing the issuance of a single comprehensive permit to build housing that includes low- or moderate-income units.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the state law allowing issuance of such a comprehensive permit.
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You can find the complete set of ballot questions and candidates for office on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's web site here: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
You can put your Franklin address into this form and receive a full set of the candidates and ballot questions (3 state wide and 2 specific to Franklin).
Franklin, MA
FM #74 Week Ending 10/17/10
Let's take about 10 minutes to catch up on what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Oct 17th, 2010.
Time: 10 minutes, 49 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Let's take less than 10 minutes to review the week ending Oct 17 here in Franklin, MA. So what should you know from the past week?
The School Committee met on Tuesday Most of the night was spent on the high school
Copies of the presentations are posted to Franklin Matters.
Of special interest is this segment of dialog between chair Jeff Roy and Principal Peter Light discussing the effects of the Rachel's challenge event recently held at the high school.
(here is the audio clip from the meeting)
What do we have coming up this week?
The Town Council meeting is Weds. The continuation of the public hearing on the underground utilities will be held. You may recall the initial hearing 9/29. The notice was incorrect in that it left out the section of Main St hence, part 2 this week. While the council did a straw vote last time indicating that they would likely not vote to proceed with putting the utilities underground, the official vote should be this week. The council did vote last time to endorse the change from 1-way to 2-way traffic, there will be additional votes required as there is a by-law change needed before that changes. Oh and the construction downtown will begin during 2011 and complete sometime 2012.
Of most interest this weds will be a series of updates from the DPW
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to listen to the audio podcast.
Time: 10 minutes, 49 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Let's take less than 10 minutes to review the week ending Oct 17 here in Franklin, MA. So what should you know from the past week?
The School Committee met on Tuesday Most of the night was spent on the high school
- The school improvement plan was reviewed http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=HW0UW7w25OKFIuztz4K2Eg%3d%3d
- The senior project was reviewed http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=Z6iurs7XvBmQeuYTQ5aJIA%3d%3d
- The school discipline process and statistics showing the improvements were reviewed http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=M2eDWWFyvuaKUWPh8tPJnw%3d%3d
Copies of the presentations are posted to Franklin Matters.
Of special interest is this segment of dialog between chair Jeff Roy and Principal Peter Light discussing the effects of the Rachel's challenge event recently held at the high school.
What do we have coming up this week?
The Town Council meeting is Weds. The continuation of the public hearing on the underground utilities will be held. You may recall the initial hearing 9/29. The notice was incorrect in that it left out the section of Main St hence, part 2 this week. While the council did a straw vote last time indicating that they would likely not vote to proceed with putting the utilities underground, the official vote should be this week. The council did vote last time to endorse the change from 1-way to 2-way traffic, there will be additional votes required as there is a by-law change needed before that changes. Oh and the construction downtown will begin during 2011 and complete sometime 2012.
Of most interest this weds will be a series of updates from the DPW
- Winter Road Treatments & Snow Removal
- Franklin Town Common Tree Report
- Report on the new Solid Waste and Single Stream Recycling System
- Sewer System Discussion
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to listen to the audio podcast.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Town Council - agenda and documents
The agenda and associated documents are available for the Town Council meeting on Weds, Oct 20. The layout and formatting makes some of this hard to read (unless you sacrifice a few trees first).
I'll try to obtain copies of the individual presentations but in the meantime, you can prepare for a series of updates from the DPW on
The DPW updates begin after the Public Hearing on the underground utilities for the Downtown Project.
(You may recall there was already a public hearing on 9/29/10 for the underground utilities but due to the original notice leaving out the Main St portion of the project, the public hearing needed to be re-posted (hence this part 2). The Council will be in a position to take a vote on the underground utilities. The straw poll taken at the 9/29 meeting indicated a resounding No vote. Council Jones will be missing this meeting as he is in Haiti. Will all the other councilors show up? Stay tuned to find out.)
Town Council 10/20/2010 Agenda
Franklin, MA
I'll try to obtain copies of the individual presentations but in the meantime, you can prepare for a series of updates from the DPW on
- Winter Road Treatments & Snow Removal
- Franklin Town Common Tree Report
- Report on the new Solid Waste and Single Stream Recycling System
- Sewer System Discussion
The DPW updates begin after the Public Hearing on the underground utilities for the Downtown Project.
(You may recall there was already a public hearing on 9/29/10 for the underground utilities but due to the original notice leaving out the Main St portion of the project, the public hearing needed to be re-posted (hence this part 2). The Council will be in a position to take a vote on the underground utilities. The straw poll taken at the 9/29 meeting indicated a resounding No vote. Council Jones will be missing this meeting as he is in Haiti. Will all the other councilors show up? Stay tuned to find out.)
Town Council 10/20/2010 Agenda
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Election Nov 2 - State Question #1
QUESTION 1
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or House of Representatives before May 4, 2010?
*** This proposed law would remove the Massachusetts sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol, where the sale of such beverages and alcohol or their importation into the state is already subject to a separate excise tax under state law. The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2011.
A YES VOTE would remove the state sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol where their sale or importation into the state is subject to an excise tax under state law.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the state sales tax on alcoholic beverages and alcohol.
-----------
You can find the complete set of ballot questions and candidates for office on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's web site here: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
You can put your Franklin address into this form and receive a full set of the candidates and ballot questions (3 state wide and 2 specific to Franklin).
Franklin, MA
Comedy Night - Nov 12
Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)
2010 Evening of Comedy Fundraiser!
Date: Friday November 12, 2010
Time: Doors at 6:30, show at 8
Location: Milford Doubletree Hotel Ballroom, 11 Beaver St. Milford, MA 01757
Ticket cost: $30 in advance/ $35 at door (includes show and appetizer buffet)
We are happy to announce our 3rd annual Comedy Night
Featuring:
Door prizes throughout the evening
AMAZING silent auction
Our infamous balloon raffle
And, of course, TONS OF LAUGHS
TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
Email Sarah Montani, SEPAC fundraising committee chair, at sarahmontani37@gmail.com.
Franklin, MA
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Do you have a Filene's Basement Story?
Dean College to premier “Voices From the Basement” documentary October 19
History of Filene’s Basement documentary by Milford Native Michael Bavaro
Franklin, MA – The premier of the documentary “Voices from the Basement” a history of Filene’s Basement, will be held at Dean College on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the College’s Multi Purpose Room (MPR) in the Campus Center, 135 Emmons Street.
The history of Filene’s Basement is captured through newsreels, archival footage, vintage photographs and audio recordings. Its founding brothers, Edwards and Lincoln Filene, were two of the great retail pioneers who helped shape many of the social and economic paradigms that made America great.
“This is the first time this documentary will be played to a large audience,” said Gerry Shaw, Ph.D., Interim Department Chair of Dean’s School of Business. “We are using this documentary across the curriculum in business , theatre , communications , sociology and history classes,” said Dr. Shaw. “We are especially grateful to Michael Bovaro who created this documentary and Susan Edbril who produced it for choosing to premier the film here,” he said.
“Almost everyone has a Filene’s Basement Story,” said Maureen Ridings, Director of Alumni Relations for Dean. “Whether you went there with a relative as a child, or shopped there for your first business suit, we all have great memories of the store in Downtown Crossing.”
Bovaro, a native of Milford, MA wrote, filmed and directed the 45-minute film. The program will be followed by a panel discussion with Bovaro, Ms. Edbril, Sociology professor Kristin Holster, and Brian Early, general manager of Patriot Place. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Shaw. Refreshments will be served.
The event is open to the public and free of charge but registration is requested. Please call 508-541-1612 to register.
Franklin, MA
History of Filene’s Basement documentary by Milford Native Michael Bavaro
Franklin, MA – The premier of the documentary “Voices from the Basement” a history of Filene’s Basement, will be held at Dean College on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the College’s Multi Purpose Room (MPR) in the Campus Center, 135 Emmons Street.
The history of Filene’s Basement is captured through newsreels, archival footage, vintage photographs and audio recordings. Its founding brothers, Edwards and Lincoln Filene, were two of the great retail pioneers who helped shape many of the social and economic paradigms that made America great.
“This is the first time this documentary will be played to a large audience,” said Gerry Shaw, Ph.D., Interim Department Chair of Dean’s School of Business. “We are using this documentary across the curriculum in business , theatre , communications , sociology and history classes,” said Dr. Shaw. “We are especially grateful to Michael Bovaro who created this documentary and Susan Edbril who produced it for choosing to premier the film here,” he said.
“Almost everyone has a Filene’s Basement Story,” said Maureen Ridings, Director of Alumni Relations for Dean. “Whether you went there with a relative as a child, or shopped there for your first business suit, we all have great memories of the store in Downtown Crossing.”
Bovaro, a native of Milford, MA wrote, filmed and directed the 45-minute film. The program will be followed by a panel discussion with Bovaro, Ms. Edbril, Sociology professor Kristin Holster, and Brian Early, general manager of Patriot Place. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Shaw. Refreshments will be served.
The event is open to the public and free of charge but registration is requested. Please call 508-541-1612 to register.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 10/20/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 29, 2010 and October 6, 2010
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Design Review Commission - Chris Baryluk
F. HEARINGS - Public Hearing to Consider Removal of Utility Poles, Overhead Wires & Associated Overhead Wires and Associated Overhead Structures in Downtown Area – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Department of Public Works:
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-59: Confirmatory Taking – Land at 459 Pleasant Street
2. Resolution 10-62: Appropriation – Library Expense Account
3. Bylaw Amendment 10-650: Chapter 168, Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance – 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Design Review Commission - Chris Baryluk
F. HEARINGS - Public Hearing to Consider Removal of Utility Poles, Overhead Wires & Associated Overhead Wires and Associated Overhead Structures in Downtown Area – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Department of Public Works:
- Winter Road Treatments & Snow Removal�Winter Road Treatments & Snow Removal
- Franklin Town Common Tree Report
- Report on the new Solid Waste and Single Stream Recycling System
- Sewer System Discussion
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-59: Confirmatory Taking – Land at 459 Pleasant Street
2. Resolution 10-62: Appropriation – Library Expense Account
3. Bylaw Amendment 10-650: Chapter 168, Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance – 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
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Franklin, MA: Library Book Sale
Where can you get a book for less than $2.50? or one for $1.00? or one for $.50?
The Franklin Public Library Book Sale of course. Run by the Friends of the Library, it is a major fund raiser that generally occurs twice a year (spring and fall).
There are books for all ages, from the youngest
To the most sophisticated readers in the house (yes, the presentation of the books can make for strange bedfellows!)
In addition to books, you can find multiple forms of media
including a good selection of Disney and other kids movies
Thanks to the dozens of Friends of the Library volunteers and to the all important sponsors for making this event happen. I know one kindergarten teacher found about $15 worth of books for the classroom there.
And the money goes for a good cause: to help the Franklin Public Library provide good service under the limited Town budget.
What are the hours?
At the DPW Garage at the end of Hayward St.
The Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.
Franklin, MA
The Franklin Public Library Book Sale of course. Run by the Friends of the Library, it is a major fund raiser that generally occurs twice a year (spring and fall).
There are books for all ages, from the youngest
To the most sophisticated readers in the house (yes, the presentation of the books can make for strange bedfellows!)
In addition to books, you can find multiple forms of media
including a good selection of Disney and other kids movies
Thanks to the dozens of Friends of the Library volunteers and to the all important sponsors for making this event happen. I know one kindergarten teacher found about $15 worth of books for the classroom there.
And the money goes for a good cause: to help the Franklin Public Library provide good service under the limited Town budget.
What are the hours?
- Saturday, Oct 16th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Sunday, Oct. 17th, from 9AM to Noon - 'bag sale'
At the DPW Garage at the end of Hayward St.
The Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.
Franklin, MA
Municipal Calendar - 4Q 2010
What does happen in the Franklin Municipal Building?
You may have visited the Town Clerk to apply for a passport. Or checked on your tax bill with the Assessors office.
What else happens within the walls?
The quarterly publication of the Municipal Calendar has arrived in time to possibly answer some of your questions. Published by the State, this Municipal Calendar effectively outlines the schedule of studies, filings, etc in order for the local community to operate in a timely and effective manner.
October 1: Collector Mail Semi-Annual Tax Bills For communities using the regular semi-annual payment system, actual tax bills or optional preliminary bills should be mailed by this date.
October 1: Taxpayer Semi-Annual Preliminary Tax Bill — Deadline for Paying Without Interest According to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 57C, this is the deadline for receipt of the preliminary tax payment without interest in communities using the annual preliminary tax billing system, unless the bills were mailed after August 1. If mailed after August 1, the payment is due November 1, or 30 days after the bills were mailed, whichever is later.
October 1: Taxpayer Deadline for Applying to Have Land Classified as Agricultural/Horticultural Land or Recreational Land, M.G.L. Ch. 61A and Ch. 61B. According to M.G.L. Ch. 61A, Sections 6 and 8, and Ch. 61B, Sections 3 and 5, this is the deadline to apply to assessors to have land valued, taxed and classified as agricultural/horticultural or recreational land in the next fiscal year, unless a revaluation program is being conducted for that fiscal year. Under M.G.L. Ch. 59, Section 38 and DOR guidelines, assessor must review all property valuations and make adjustments to ensure current fair cash valuations every year. Because a revaluation program is being conducted every year, taxpayers who do not submit their applications by October 1 have until 30 days after the actual tax bills for the fiscal year are mailed to apply.
October 15: Superintendent Submit School Foundation Enrollment Report to DESE
October 31: Accountant Submit Schedule A for Prior Fiscal Year This report is a statement of the revenues received, expenditures made and all other transactions related to the town’s finances during the previous fiscal year. The Schedule A classifies revenues and expenditures into detailed categories that will provide information essential for an analysis of revenues and expenditures generated by various departments. This data, like other financial information reported to DOR, is entered into DOR’s Municipal Data Bank; as such, the Department may provide time series, comparative and other types of analyses at the request of a city or town. This information is also sent to the US Census Bureau and eliminates a prior federal reporting requirement. Failure to file by October 31 may result in withholding major distributions of state aid until the Schedule A is accepted by BOA.
October 31: Selectmen Begin Establishing Next Fiscal Year Budget Guidelines and Request Department Budgets
October 31: Assessors Begin Work on Tax Rate Recapitulation Sheet (to set tax rate for annual preliminary tax bill communities) A community that uses the annual preliminary tax bill system (on a quarterly or semiannual basis) should begin gathering tax recap information in order to have enough time for the tax rate to be set and tax bills mailed by December 31. See August’s Complete Tax Rate Recapitulation Sheet.
November 1: Taxpayer Semi-Annual Tax Bill — Deadline for First Payment According to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 57, this is the deadline for receipt of the first half semi-annual tax bills or the optional preliminary tax bills without interest, unless bills were mailed after October 1, in which case they are due 30 days after mailing.
November 1: Taxpayer Semi-Annual Tax Bills — Application Deadline for Property Tax Abatement According to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 59, applications for abatements are due on the same date as the first actual tax installment for the year.
November 1: Taxpayer Quarterly Tax Bills — Deadline for Paying 2nd Quarterly Tax Bill Without Interest
November 1: Treasurer Deadline for Payment of First Half of County Tax
November 15: Treasurer First Quarter Reconciliation of Cash
November 15: DESE Notify Communities/Districts of Any Prior Year School Spending Deficiencies By this date, or within 30 days of a complete End of Year Report (see September 30), ESE notifies communities/districts in writing of any additional school spending requirements.
November 30: Selectmen Review Budgets Submitted by Department Heads This date will vary depending on dates of town meeting.
December 15: Taxpayer Deadline for Applying for Property Tax Exemptions for Persons If tax bills are mailed after September 15, taxpayers have 3 months from the mailing date to file applications for exemptions.
Decenber 15: Accountant/Superintendent/School Committee Submit Amendments to End of School Year Report to DESE Last filing date to impact next year’s Chapter 70 State Aid.
December 31: State Treasurer Notification of Quarterly Local Aid Payments on or Before December 31
December 31: Water/Sewer Commissioners Deadline for Betterments to be Included on Next Year’s Tax Bill (M.G.L. Ch. 80, Sec. 13; Ch. 40, Sec. 42I and Ch. 83, Sec. 27)
December 31: Selectmen Begin to Finalize Budget Recommendation for Review by Finance Committee
December 31: Assessors Mail 3-ABC Forms to All Eligible Non-Profit Organizations
December 31: Collector Deadline for Mailing Actual Tax Bills For communities using the annual preliminary billing system on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, the actual tax bills should be mailed by this date.
Franklin, MA
You may have visited the Town Clerk to apply for a passport. Or checked on your tax bill with the Assessors office.
What else happens within the walls?
The quarterly publication of the Municipal Calendar has arrived in time to possibly answer some of your questions. Published by the State, this Municipal Calendar effectively outlines the schedule of studies, filings, etc in order for the local community to operate in a timely and effective manner.
October 1: Collector Mail Semi-Annual Tax Bills For communities using the regular semi-annual payment system, actual tax bills or optional preliminary bills should be mailed by this date.
October 1: Taxpayer Semi-Annual Preliminary Tax Bill — Deadline for Paying Without Interest According to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 57C, this is the deadline for receipt of the preliminary tax payment without interest in communities using the annual preliminary tax billing system, unless the bills were mailed after August 1. If mailed after August 1, the payment is due November 1, or 30 days after the bills were mailed, whichever is later.
October 1: Taxpayer Deadline for Applying to Have Land Classified as Agricultural/Horticultural Land or Recreational Land, M.G.L. Ch. 61A and Ch. 61B. According to M.G.L. Ch. 61A, Sections 6 and 8, and Ch. 61B, Sections 3 and 5, this is the deadline to apply to assessors to have land valued, taxed and classified as agricultural/horticultural or recreational land in the next fiscal year, unless a revaluation program is being conducted for that fiscal year. Under M.G.L. Ch. 59, Section 38 and DOR guidelines, assessor must review all property valuations and make adjustments to ensure current fair cash valuations every year. Because a revaluation program is being conducted every year, taxpayers who do not submit their applications by October 1 have until 30 days after the actual tax bills for the fiscal year are mailed to apply.
October 15: Superintendent Submit School Foundation Enrollment Report to DESE
October 31: Accountant Submit Schedule A for Prior Fiscal Year This report is a statement of the revenues received, expenditures made and all other transactions related to the town’s finances during the previous fiscal year. The Schedule A classifies revenues and expenditures into detailed categories that will provide information essential for an analysis of revenues and expenditures generated by various departments. This data, like other financial information reported to DOR, is entered into DOR’s Municipal Data Bank; as such, the Department may provide time series, comparative and other types of analyses at the request of a city or town. This information is also sent to the US Census Bureau and eliminates a prior federal reporting requirement. Failure to file by October 31 may result in withholding major distributions of state aid until the Schedule A is accepted by BOA.
October 31: Selectmen Begin Establishing Next Fiscal Year Budget Guidelines and Request Department Budgets
October 31: Assessors Begin Work on Tax Rate Recapitulation Sheet (to set tax rate for annual preliminary tax bill communities) A community that uses the annual preliminary tax bill system (on a quarterly or semiannual basis) should begin gathering tax recap information in order to have enough time for the tax rate to be set and tax bills mailed by December 31. See August’s Complete Tax Rate Recapitulation Sheet.
November 1: Taxpayer Semi-Annual Tax Bill — Deadline for First Payment According to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 57, this is the deadline for receipt of the first half semi-annual tax bills or the optional preliminary tax bills without interest, unless bills were mailed after October 1, in which case they are due 30 days after mailing.
November 1: Taxpayer Semi-Annual Tax Bills — Application Deadline for Property Tax Abatement According to M.G.L. Ch. 59, Sec. 59, applications for abatements are due on the same date as the first actual tax installment for the year.
November 1: Taxpayer Quarterly Tax Bills — Deadline for Paying 2nd Quarterly Tax Bill Without Interest
November 1: Treasurer Deadline for Payment of First Half of County Tax
November 15: Treasurer First Quarter Reconciliation of Cash
November 15: DESE Notify Communities/Districts of Any Prior Year School Spending Deficiencies By this date, or within 30 days of a complete End of Year Report (see September 30), ESE notifies communities/districts in writing of any additional school spending requirements.
November 30: Selectmen Review Budgets Submitted by Department Heads This date will vary depending on dates of town meeting.
December 15: Taxpayer Deadline for Applying for Property Tax Exemptions for Persons If tax bills are mailed after September 15, taxpayers have 3 months from the mailing date to file applications for exemptions.
Decenber 15: Accountant/Superintendent/School Committee Submit Amendments to End of School Year Report to DESE Last filing date to impact next year’s Chapter 70 State Aid.
December 31: State Treasurer Notification of Quarterly Local Aid Payments on or Before December 31
December 31: Water/Sewer Commissioners Deadline for Betterments to be Included on Next Year’s Tax Bill (M.G.L. Ch. 80, Sec. 13; Ch. 40, Sec. 42I and Ch. 83, Sec. 27)
December 31: Selectmen Begin to Finalize Budget Recommendation for Review by Finance Committee
December 31: Assessors Mail 3-ABC Forms to All Eligible Non-Profit Organizations
December 31: Collector Deadline for Mailing Actual Tax Bills For communities using the annual preliminary billing system on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, the actual tax bills should be mailed by this date.
Franklin, MA
Taste of the Region Features 23 Food Establishments
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's Taste of the Region is back! This fun and tasty event is scheduled for Tues., Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin. In addition to a great variety of foods, from main course samples to desserts, a silent auction and raffle will be featured.
Admission tickets are $10 if purchased by Oct. 26 or $15 at the door. Call 508-528-2800 or 508-222-0801 to purchase tickets.
So far, 23 restaurants and food establishments are participating and providing samples of their specialties to those attending the event, including: 3 Restaurant - Franklin, Pamfilio's – Cumberland, B & M Clambakes – Pawtucket, Cozy Catering – Providence, Pan City Grill – Plainville, Young's Caterers Inc. – Seekonk, Washburn Farms LLC – Medway, Edible Arrangements – Attleboro, Panera Bread – Franklin, Sweet Gifts – Attleboro, Tri County Culinary Club - Franklin, Hawthorn Suites – Franklin, Glen Ellen Country Club – Millis, Highland Country Club – Attleboro, Colonel Blackinton Inn – Attleboro, Proctor Mansion Inn - Wrentham, Willow Tree Poultry Farm Inc - Attleboro, Harry & David – Wrentham, Forge Hill Senior Living Community – Franklin, Trinity Bar & Restaurant – Norton, Longhorn Steakhouse – Franklin, Uno Chicago Grill – Bellingham, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – Wrentham.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization with offices in Attleboro, North Attleborough and Franklin, serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Wrentham.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Looking for something to do this weekend?
Amongst the many things possible, there is (1) a performance of Little Women at Dean College and (2) wool spinning at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday
(1) Franklin, MA – The Dean College Theatre program will present Louisa Mae Alcott’s classic tale of growing up in 19th-century New England, Little Women: The Musical starting Thursday, October 14, with evening and matinee performances throughout the weekend. The production features 12 students from the College’s School of the Arts who are majoring in theatre, musical theatre or arts and entertainment management. The production is directed by Dean College faculty member Craig Handel; and the musical elements will be under the direction of Rob Goldman. The musical recently ran on Broadway.
"We wouldn’t be able to approach the quality of work that our students have been doing lately without Rob,” said Prof. Handel. “He’s not only a great conductor and vocal coach, but he’s a teacher who understands and communicates the difference between professional quality work and the type of work usually done by amateurs. Under Rob, our students are constantly being pushed toward the higher standard and the results have been apparent in the high quality of our shows.”
The much-beloved story of Little Women: The Musical centers around the four March sisters and focuses primarily on Jo, the second oldest of the girls. The plot traces Joe’s evolution from an uncertain but headstrong young girl into a mature and successful writer. According to Handel, the character of Jo has been an inspirational role model for young girls ever since Alcott published the novel in 1868.
“The songs in this musical version tap into the struggle and eventual triumph of Jo’s spirit in a way that truly captures the inspirational elements of her journey,” said Prof. Handel.
The play will run Thursday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 15 and 16; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 17. All performances will take place in the Dean College Performing Arts Studio on School Street. Tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 508-541-1606 or visit the website at http://www.dean.edu/events/index.cfm.
(2) SPECIAL EVENT - this Sunday, October 17th
Wool Spinners (probably 6-8 women) from Bellingham will demonstrate how wool is spun into yarn with their antique spinning wheel. They will then explain how this yarn can turn into sweaters, scarves, etc. Come and watch this historical event and learn their special techniques.
The museum will be open from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.
Franklin, MA
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(1) Franklin, MA – The Dean College Theatre program will present Louisa Mae Alcott’s classic tale of growing up in 19th-century New England, Little Women: The Musical starting Thursday, October 14, with evening and matinee performances throughout the weekend. The production features 12 students from the College’s School of the Arts who are majoring in theatre, musical theatre or arts and entertainment management. The production is directed by Dean College faculty member Craig Handel; and the musical elements will be under the direction of Rob Goldman. The musical recently ran on Broadway.
"We wouldn’t be able to approach the quality of work that our students have been doing lately without Rob,” said Prof. Handel. “He’s not only a great conductor and vocal coach, but he’s a teacher who understands and communicates the difference between professional quality work and the type of work usually done by amateurs. Under Rob, our students are constantly being pushed toward the higher standard and the results have been apparent in the high quality of our shows.”
The much-beloved story of Little Women: The Musical centers around the four March sisters and focuses primarily on Jo, the second oldest of the girls. The plot traces Joe’s evolution from an uncertain but headstrong young girl into a mature and successful writer. According to Handel, the character of Jo has been an inspirational role model for young girls ever since Alcott published the novel in 1868.
“The songs in this musical version tap into the struggle and eventual triumph of Jo’s spirit in a way that truly captures the inspirational elements of her journey,” said Prof. Handel.
The play will run Thursday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 15 and 16; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 17. All performances will take place in the Dean College Performing Arts Studio on School Street. Tickets are $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 508-541-1606 or visit the website at http://www.dean.edu/events/index.cfm.
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(2) SPECIAL EVENT - this Sunday, October 17th
Wool Spinners (probably 6-8 women) from Bellingham will demonstrate how wool is spun into yarn with their antique spinning wheel. They will then explain how this yarn can turn into sweaters, scarves, etc. Come and watch this historical event and learn their special techniques.
The museum will be open from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.
Franklin, MA
Young Professionals Organization Hosts North Bowl Event
United Regional Young Professionals Organization invites you to a night of fun and Cosmic Bowling at North Bowl, 71 E. Washington St., North Attleborough, on Nov. 9, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. $20 per bowler includes two hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and soda. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to a local food pantry. Reservations required. Contact Vicky Faunce at 508-223-5218 or vicky.faunce@bcsbmail.com.
The YPO is a branch of The United Regional Chamber of Commerce and is comprised of 20- and 30-something business professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement, and professional development. YPO participants must be at least 21 years old. For more information, visit the YPO's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unitedregionalypo.
Dean Fall II accelerated undergraduate program offered in October
Franklin, MA – Dean College is once again offering its innovative "Dean Fall II" program giving students who were unable to start college in September, or who were unhappy with their college choice the opportunity to take classes at an accelerated rate without falling behind a semester.
"Based on the needs of many young adults and the success of last year's program, we are again offering this program," said John Marcus, Vice President of Enrollment Services and Marketing. "Dean Fall II is affordable and accessible and allows students to earn 9 credit hours before the start of the spring semester either as a commuter or as a resident student."
Students enroll in three courses taught in an accelerated format and classes begin October 26, 2010 and run through December 16, 2010. The courses include core academic classes in humanities and social sciences designed to keep them on track towards a degree.
Federal Financial Assistance is available to qualified students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.)
For more information about the Dean Fall II program, please call 508-541-1508 or go to admissions.dean.edu/fall2 to download an application.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Franklin, MA is looking to do business
In its continued efforts to attract and retain businesses the Town of Franklin is holding an economic development related event at 8:30 a.m. on October 27, 2010 at 431 Washington Street in Franklin. The primary purpose of the event is to inform property owners and commercial real estate companies with available property within the Town’s Economic Opportunity Areas that there are resources available to assist them. The secondary purpose is to assist with marketing of these properties and our business friendly community in general. We want the commercial/industrial site selection world to look to the Town of Franklin first when looking to site a facility.
This gathering of property owners, business owners and managers, State officials, commercial property realtors, and others in the site selection field, will discuss ways in which available incentives can be used to stimulate economic activity within the Town of Franklin’s six Economic Opportunity Areas and Town’s other industrial and commercial areas. Property owners and realtors attempting to lease or sell a commercial or industrial property within the Town of Franklin are being asked to bring marketing materials to display and distribute at the event.
As part of the event (Resources for Massachusetts Business Development) representatives from state agencies and other economic development related organizations will introduce themselves and discuss potential resources that they may have available. These organizations include Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development, and Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.
With the sluggish economy the Town of Franklin needs to utilize all economic development incentives available to it in order to assist companies looking to settle or expand in the region. One of the most attractive incentives that a Massachusetts city or town can offer businesses looking to locate or expand in their community is a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement. To qualify for tax increment financing a business must propose an expansion project within an Economic Opportunity Area.
As a member of the I-495/95 South Regional Economic Target Area, the Town of Franklin can designate specific parcels as economic opportunity areas. During 2009 the Town of Franklin created three large economic opportunity areas, which were approved by the State’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council in April 2009. Earlier this year Franklin Town Council approved creation of three additional economic opportunity areas; the Town expects approval from the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council during November 2010. The six economic opportunity areas consist of 100 parcels totaling over 945 acres.
Currently there are at least 1,000,000 square feet of vacant or underutilized buildings in Franklin’s commercially and industrially zoned areas, most of which are within the Town’s six economic opportunity areas. This vacant property includes the majority of the 242,000+ square feet of floor space at 431 Washington Street, which is the former home of the Investor Services Division of Putnam Investments. The property’s management company, Marsh and McLennan Companies, has graciously agreed to host the Town’s 2010 Economic Development Summit at their 431 Washington Street facility.
The community’s industrially zoned areas are home to dozens of research and development and manufacturing companies, and Franklin has attracted innovative technology companies in a wide range of industries, including nanotechnology, robotics, logistics, data storage, medical devices, biotechnology, and specialty materials. Franklin hopes to use the economic opportunity area designation as an incentive to encourage these existing businesses to expand, as well as to attract new businesses, promote a higher level of investment in the Town’s commercial and industrial areas, increase employment options for the Town of Franklin’s residents, and increase the Town’s commercial and industrial tax base.
The potential benefits resulting from the formation of these economic opportunity areas are substantial not only for property owners and businesses within the economic opportunity areas, but also for the Town of Franklin and the region in general. A tax increment finance agreement is a 5 to 20 year property tax exemption based on the increased value of the property due to new construction or significant improvements.
The municipality supports the use of Tax Increment Financing agreements, especially for development projects that create livable wage jobs, support innovative technologies, and result in redevelopment of empty or underutilized industrially zoned properties or development of new facilities. In addition to the possibility of negotiating a tax increment finance agreement with the Town of Franklin, potential economic benefits for companies within economic opportunity areas can be significant, including an investment tax credit for qualifying tangible depreciable assets, as well as a ten-percent abandoned building tax deduction for costs associated with the renovation of a building that has been at least seventy-five percent vacant for two or more years.
Franklin is continually looking for ways to create conditions favorable for business expansion, and assist property owners fill the Town’s currently empty or underutilized industrially zoned manufacturing, warehouse and office space. The Town is hopeful expanding businesses will take advantage of these opportunities.
Please contact Planning and Community Development Director, Bryan Taberner, if you have questions or require additional information regarding the Town of Franklin’s economic opportunity area initiative, or the Economic Development Summit being held on October 27th.
Franklin MA PR 20101027 Economic Summit
Franklin, MA
This gathering of property owners, business owners and managers, State officials, commercial property realtors, and others in the site selection field, will discuss ways in which available incentives can be used to stimulate economic activity within the Town of Franklin’s six Economic Opportunity Areas and Town’s other industrial and commercial areas. Property owners and realtors attempting to lease or sell a commercial or industrial property within the Town of Franklin are being asked to bring marketing materials to display and distribute at the event.
As part of the event (Resources for Massachusetts Business Development) representatives from state agencies and other economic development related organizations will introduce themselves and discuss potential resources that they may have available. These organizations include Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development, and Massachusetts Biotechnology Council.
With the sluggish economy the Town of Franklin needs to utilize all economic development incentives available to it in order to assist companies looking to settle or expand in the region. One of the most attractive incentives that a Massachusetts city or town can offer businesses looking to locate or expand in their community is a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement. To qualify for tax increment financing a business must propose an expansion project within an Economic Opportunity Area.
As a member of the I-495/95 South Regional Economic Target Area, the Town of Franklin can designate specific parcels as economic opportunity areas. During 2009 the Town of Franklin created three large economic opportunity areas, which were approved by the State’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council in April 2009. Earlier this year Franklin Town Council approved creation of three additional economic opportunity areas; the Town expects approval from the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council during November 2010. The six economic opportunity areas consist of 100 parcels totaling over 945 acres.
Currently there are at least 1,000,000 square feet of vacant or underutilized buildings in Franklin’s commercially and industrially zoned areas, most of which are within the Town’s six economic opportunity areas. This vacant property includes the majority of the 242,000+ square feet of floor space at 431 Washington Street, which is the former home of the Investor Services Division of Putnam Investments. The property’s management company, Marsh and McLennan Companies, has graciously agreed to host the Town’s 2010 Economic Development Summit at their 431 Washington Street facility.
The community’s industrially zoned areas are home to dozens of research and development and manufacturing companies, and Franklin has attracted innovative technology companies in a wide range of industries, including nanotechnology, robotics, logistics, data storage, medical devices, biotechnology, and specialty materials. Franklin hopes to use the economic opportunity area designation as an incentive to encourage these existing businesses to expand, as well as to attract new businesses, promote a higher level of investment in the Town’s commercial and industrial areas, increase employment options for the Town of Franklin’s residents, and increase the Town’s commercial and industrial tax base.
The potential benefits resulting from the formation of these economic opportunity areas are substantial not only for property owners and businesses within the economic opportunity areas, but also for the Town of Franklin and the region in general. A tax increment finance agreement is a 5 to 20 year property tax exemption based on the increased value of the property due to new construction or significant improvements.
The municipality supports the use of Tax Increment Financing agreements, especially for development projects that create livable wage jobs, support innovative technologies, and result in redevelopment of empty or underutilized industrially zoned properties or development of new facilities. In addition to the possibility of negotiating a tax increment finance agreement with the Town of Franklin, potential economic benefits for companies within economic opportunity areas can be significant, including an investment tax credit for qualifying tangible depreciable assets, as well as a ten-percent abandoned building tax deduction for costs associated with the renovation of a building that has been at least seventy-five percent vacant for two or more years.
Franklin is continually looking for ways to create conditions favorable for business expansion, and assist property owners fill the Town’s currently empty or underutilized industrially zoned manufacturing, warehouse and office space. The Town is hopeful expanding businesses will take advantage of these opportunities.
Please contact Planning and Community Development Director, Bryan Taberner, if you have questions or require additional information regarding the Town of Franklin’s economic opportunity area initiative, or the Economic Development Summit being held on October 27th.
Franklin MA PR 20101027 Economic Summit
Franklin, MA
Business to Business Expo Oct. 28
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR BUSINESS TO BUSINESS EXPO
The Business to Business Expo, a collaboration of four local chambers of commerce, will be held at the Taunton Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Dr., Taunton, on Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is taking part in this event that highlights some of the most vibrant companies in the region. The Expo features businesses from throughout the region served by The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce.
The Expo will be held with a Business After Hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature two free seminars: the ABCs of E-Tools by Trish White from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Uncovering the Hidden Profit in Productivity by Ed McDonough from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibitors have two choices of display space. Companies can choose an 8' x 6' booth which includes a 6' skirted table, two chairs and a company sign or a 3' x 6' skirted table. The cost is $349 for a booth and $249 for a table top for participating Chamber members, and $599 and $499 respectively for non-members.
Admission to the event for visitors is free.
For more information, call The United Regional Chamber of Commerce at 508-222-0810 or 508-528-2800.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.
Dean College to host College Fair October 26 - more than 60 colleges participating
Dean College Hosts College Fair
Franklin, MA -- Admissions counselors from more than 60 Colleges and Universities will visit with prospective students at Dean College's annual College Fair on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. in the Atrium of the College's Campus Center.
"All local high school students are encouraged to attend," said Tracy Nowak, Academic Advisor and Transfer Services Coordinator at Dean. "Admissions counselors will be on hand to answer questions about their institutions. It is a great opportunity to learn about the academic programs offered by the various colleges as well as the activities, services, financial aid, and housing options they have available.
The College Fair will be held in the Campus Center Atrium, 135 Emmons Street. For more information contact Tracy Nowak at (508) 541-1536.
Community Gardeners To Meet - Oct 25th
When: Monday, October 25, 2010 - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Franklin YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin
Agenda items: Mission Statement, Land updates, and committee sign-ups
Where: Franklin YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin
Agenda items: Mission Statement, Land updates, and committee sign-ups
We are going write our Mission Statement and elect steering committee chairs.
Our steering committee will be comprised of:
1) a Chairperson
2) a Co-Chair
3) Treasurer
4) Recording Secretary
5) Garden Site Coordinators, 1 for Giving Garden, 1 for Community Garden (and hopefully 1 for a Youth Garden!)
6) Committe Chairs, tbd
We will work as a group determine what our committee structure should be, list them, and enlist chairpersons and co-chairs for them.
Some committees will go to work right away, and some will get busy in the near future.
We listed our visions for a community garden at our first meetings. A mission statement will be very important as we begin to source funding for our garden(s) and to educate the community at large about what we are doing and why.
Hope to see you there!
Contact persons:
Amy Acevedo - amyacevedo1@verizon.net
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Franklin, MA: Library Book Sale
The Book Sale to raise money for the Franklin Public Library will be held at the DPW garage on Hayward St this weekend.
The Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.
Did you know the library has a blog? Check it out here: http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/
Franklin, MA
- Saturday, Oct 16th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Sunday, Oct. 17th, from 9AM to Noon - 'bag sale'
The Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.
Did you know the library has a blog? Check it out here: http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/
Franklin, MA
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