Hanging With Franklin's Own Tom Brady Jr.

This month I interviewed Franklin’s one and only Tom Brady Jr. I have wanted to interview Tom Brady Jr.for some time. We all know how busy Tom is juggling his wife, two kids, and traveling for work, so I was thrilled when we finally sat down for this interview last night.

Hello Mr. Brady it is a pleasure to meet you. I am a big fan. May I call you Tom?

But of course.

 Can you state your full name on the record?

Thomas Andrew Brady Jr.

Hmm? I thought that your name was Tom Edward Patrick Brady, Jr.?

No

Well you do play football right?

Yes

Right, for the New England Patriots.

No

Oh Sorry. What team do you play for?

The Brady Family team?

Not like the NFL?

No, Like Tom and Pru. You know touch football.

I am beginning to think that I have the wrong Tom Brady Jr. here. Are you at least a big patriot’s fan?

Oh Yes.

More so or less so since the year 2000? 

The same.

So when Tom Brady became famous in the year 2000 it didn’t ruin your team loyalty?

No.

How did your life change?

I have a company called Tom Brady Carpentry and the year we went to the Super Bowl. I had “Tom Brady” signs in my truck that fans took. I also had magnetic “Tom Brady” signs on the sides of the truck that fans also took.  

Oh dear.

My voice mails were loaded with young girls looking for Tom Brady. I had a kitchen cabinet set being delivered and the delivery guys stole the delivery labels off them because they were made out to Tom Brady. That was just the first year.

Well lots of young girls?  That must have been a plus?

My wife didn’t think so.

Oh dear, Oh my, that’s terrible. Did you get any perks?

After the Super Bowl my best friend David the plumber would go out to bars and tell the bartender that Tom Brady was coming in for beers. The bartender never believed him so they’d make a bet. Then I’d show up, show the bartender my license and we’d drink for free.

I love free stuff! Any other perks?

Well after the first Super Bowl win John Henry called my parents house the day after to congratulate Tom Brady on the win. My mother with the thickest Irish brogue said that she thought that he had the wrong Tom Brady. He said “No I don’t believe I do?” She laughed and said “okay” and hung up.

And for idiots like me who is John Henry?

Do you know the Red Sox?

Obviously I don’t know as much about them as I should.

He’s one of the owners.

I am so ashamed…I know who Bob Kraft is….

Oh I met Bob Kraft when I did the signs for Bass Pro Shops, for Bob’s Signs.

Did he think it was funny that your name was Tom Brady?

He stopped me in the stair well because my picture was in the Boston Globe the day before.

Really?  For what?

There was a picture of me hanging the signs for the Bass Pro Shops. I was on the front page.

Really? You are a celebrity! What did Bob Say?

I asked him for his autograph and he said that you are my other Tom Brady. So I asked for more zeros in the end of my paycheck.

Any luck?

Oh God no.

Did he laugh?

Yes, hysterically.

I am assuming that you still got the autograph?

Yes.

Did you ever get to meet Tom Brady?

Of course, more than once, I’ve met him three times.

What! Really?

Yeah I met him at Gillette stadium and once at Patriot place.

What?  Just walking around?

He was jogging around Gillette field and I was working for Bob’s Signs again. We were putting up flags.

How did you meet him if he was jogging?

I stopped him.

How? Did you throw yourself in front of him?

Well, I stood in front of him.

Really? He’s 6’5” and you're short like me. He didn't run you down?

No.

 Was he annoyed?

No at first he was surprised, then very pleasant.

That’s just crazy. Did you talk long?

A little then he said that he had to keep going on his routine and he jogged off.

That’s too funny? What about the second time?

He was walking to his car after practice and I got his autograph. I told him that my name was Tom Brady and he signed it “To Tom Brady oh what a name, (then he signed it) Tom Brady #12”

Amazing, then you met him yet again?

I met him at Patriot Place in front of Circuit city. He was shopping, he was running out and said a quick hi.

I am so jealous. It must be nice to be Tom Brady.

Well, whenever I order food for takeout in Franklin, its ready 10 minutes earlier.

Do the people look all disappointed when you come in?

Yes, I disappoint people all of the time.

Well you have not disappointed me. You are a fascinating guy. Before I let you go, do you and Tommy #12 have anything else in common?

We both have a beautiful wife and two beautiful children.

Public Notice: Tree Removal of Public Shade Trees

TREE REMOVAL OF PUBLIC SHADE TREES

A public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010, 3:00 PM on the Franklin Town Common for the cutting and removal of thirteen hazard/dieing trees. The public shade trees to be removed are located at the Town Common. All interested people should meet at the gazebo at 3:00 PM. All trees to be removed will be marked with yellow caution tape.

Robert A. Cantoreggi
Tree Warden/Director of Public Works


Franklin, MA

In the News - Iron Chef at Dean

Dean College students enjoy Iron Chef competition

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Gallery 218: works of the summer

A crowd, behaving nicely with one another. The work came from the summer. When time was freer and easier than dictated by the school bells, the bus schedule or homework requirements.

Intent on observing a video or one of the paintings on the wall. Observation can lead in so many directions.

A self portrait. Is it close? What do you see when you look in the mirror?

What can you do with your hands, some paint, paper, or knitting needles and yarn? How handy are you?

These works are a small of what some of the Franklin teachers and students did this summer. Representing all the K-12 schools in the district, there are over 100 works on display at Gallery 218 in Franklin High School.

The Gallery is open immediately before and after school. Access off hours can be arranged by contacting Mike Caple, Director of the Art Program.


Art Bonus:
There is also a showing of some Franklin Teachers works at the Hunakai Studio in Foxboro. The show is called "Art of the Educator" and closes Nov 19th this weekend. Take a drive out this Saturday or Sunday to view it before it closes.

Hunakai School of Fine Arts
16 Chestnut Street Suite 410
Foxboro, MA 02035
(508) 543-5665


Updated 11/5/10 - after posting this about the show at Hunakai, I managed to catch up with Carla to find out more about the show and that it was extended until Nov 19th due to the great reception the show has received.


Franklin, MA

"The move to Franklin has been everything we had hoped"

"There is no other community that has put on such an effort," said Jack Lank, president of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. "People here in Franklin get it, they really do."

The summit highlighted the town's ability to offer tax incentives to businesses that expand within six so-called economic opportunity areas designated over the last two years.

The areas include Forge Park, Franklin Industrial Park, North Grove Street, South Grove Street and Pond Street. There are about 100 parcels available, totaling more than 900 acres.

Read the full article about the economic summit held yesterday in Franklin:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x370072951/Franklins-focus-on-business-applauded


Franklin, MA

Parmenter School: Story Walk

StoryWalk is an exciting initiative that combines a children’s story with a popular walking route, developed in September 2007 by Anne Ferguson in Vermont. Ferguson conceived of StoryWalk as a way to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to take young children on a short stroll that will be fun for all.

While the current book will stay up all year, Girl Scout Troop 80913 of Franklin will be hosting a GRAND OPENING this Saturday, October 30th, from 2-4pm.

The walking trail is located behind the Parmenter School in Franklin.


Organization: Girl Scouts of Eastern MA (Troop 80913)

Franklin, MA

In the News - home schooling

Franklin schools: Home-schoolers can only play if team spots are open

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Sure this piece of the discussion was controversial, but what happened during the remainder of the meeting? What happened to the bullying plan and the update on Special Education?


Franklin, MA

Fund raising weekend for Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is fortunate to participate in two, yes, two exciting fund raising events on one weekend.

Saturday, Nov 13 - Bigelow Station plays at the 3 Restaurant
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry.html

Sunday, Nov 14 - Fund Raising at Legacy Place
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry_23.html

How does the Legacy Place fund raiser work?

You buy a ticket for $10. This gets your name on the listing at Legacy Place. When you arrive on Sunday, Nov 14th. Check in to get a bracelet. You wear the bracelet during your shopping trip. The bracelet is an easy sign for the merchants to see that your part of the fund raising "Legacy of Giving" and you obtain the appropriate discount.

The $10 goes entirely to the Franklin Food Pantry. You gain by getting discounts on your purchases at participating vendors. A win-win!

Franklin, MA

Special Education - Update 10/26/10

This document is scheduled to be reviewed at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, October 26.

Beth Fitzmaurice will be presenting:

FPS_SpecialEducation_Update10-26-10


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 10/26/10

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.

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 listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."


1. Routine Business


Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual
2. Jefferson Letter


2. Guests/Presentations
a. Anti-Bullying Task Force Presentation
b. Special Education Presentation – Beth Fitzmaurice


3. Discussion Only Items
Policy: IHGB – Homeschooling – Second Reading
Delegate Selection for MASC Convention
Community Outreach


4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of MacBook Pro-Laptop including accessories and document cameras (valued at $2,453.31) from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Youwei and Jeanne Lin for math enrichment at RMS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $123.19 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for the Remington Middle School.
d. I recommend acceptance of two checks from Follett for $51.22 and $122.06 (Total: 172.28) for Jefferson Elementary School from consignment of old books.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from a Fidelity anonymous gift account for the Annie Sullivan Middle School Field trips and in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from a Fidelity anonymous gift account for the Annie Sullivan Middle School Field trips and in-house enrichment.
g. I recommend adoption of Policy IHGB Homeschooling as discussed.
h. I recommend the selection of Bill Glynn as the School Committee’s delegate to the MASC Convention.


5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. TBD


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
Contractual Negotiations


8. Adjourn




Franklin, MA

In the News - Alzheimer's Talk, Economic Summit

Alzheimer's talk at Franklin Senior Center

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin to hold economic summit tomorrow

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Joe O'Connell/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Federal Rail Grants Announced

Work to add seven tracks to South Station. Work around New England to upgrade rail services. This is promising! For additional details following the linked headline.

Federal Rail Grants Announced

from Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen



Franklin, MA

Anti-bullying Task Force: Report and Plan

The Franklin School Committee aims to provide its students and staff with an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from student harassment, also known as bullying. Indeed, the mission of the Franklin Public Schools is to “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 School Committee meeting scheduled for Oct 26th (full agenda not yet published) will include an update from the Anti-Bullying Task Force. The task force's full report is contained here:

Antibullying Task Force Report

The plan proposed by the Anti-Bullying Task Force is contained here:

Franklin Public Schools Bullying Plan


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to review both documents.

Franklin, MA

Look for a good community as a base to conduct business?

Consider Franklin, MA - There will be an Economic Development Summit on Wednesday, October 27th to showcase the properties and opportunities to do business in Franklin,

Additional info on the event including pre-registration and agenda can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/franklin-ma-is-looking-to-do-business.html



Franklin, MA

New paper coming to Franklin

Yes, the Milford Daily News and Wicked Local/Franklin Gazette will get some competition.

I met with Chuck Tashjan of Our Town Publishing recently to discuss his new expansion into Franklin. He has already been publishing a monthly for Medway-Millis and expanded to Norwood earlier this year.

You can view the online version of these papers here:

• Medway-Millis www.millismedwaynews.com 
• Norwood www.norwoodtownnews.com

He is looking to do a monthly newspaper for Franklin beginning in December. The newspaper (likely 12-16 pages) will be delivered via postal mail (not thrown in your driveway).

Contact Chuck, his office number is 508-533-4588

• If you have a local business and would like to advertise
• If you are a local  community group and have good news to share on a monthly basis

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Election 2010 - Ballot Questions

The five ballot questions can be found here: the first three are state-wide ballot questions. The last two are specific to Franklin and the proposed changes to our Charter.

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.

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.

QUESTION 3

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 reduce the state sales and use tax rates (which were 6.25% as of September 2009) to 3% as of January 1, 2011. It would make the same reduction in the rate used to determine the amount to be deposited with the state Commissioner of Revenue by non-resident building contractors as security for the payment of sales and use tax on tangible personal property used in carrying out their contracts. The proposed law provides that if the 3% rates would not produce enough revenues to satisfy any lawful pledge of sales and use tax revenues in connection with any bond, note, or other contractual obligation, then the rates would instead be reduced to the lowest level allowed by law. The proposed law would not affect the collection of moneys due the Commonwealth for sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property or services occurring before January 1, 2011. The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect. "

A YES VOTE would reduce the state sales and use tax rates to 3%.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the state sales and use tax rates.

Franklin Charter Question 1

Shall sections 1 to 7, inclusive, sections 10 to 13, inclusive, and sections 15 to 25, inclusive, of an act passed by the General Court in the year 2010 entitled ‘An Act Relative to the Charter of the City known as the Town of Franklin’, be accepted?

*** The proposed changes to the Franklin Charter contained in Sections 1-7, 10-13, and 15-25 of the Home Rule legislation include updates to various provisions to comply with existing law or to reflect current municipal practice; they also include several technical corrections. The major changes are summarized as follows: redefining duties of Town Council Clerk to comply with Open Meeting and Public Records laws, providing the Town Council with the ability to reorganize itself and flexibility in scheduling meetings, clarifying the Town Administrator's authority and duties including his appointing authority, updating the listing of standing committees and appointed positions to eliminate obsolete ones, provision for both a temporary and acting town administrator if the town administrator is absent or the position is vacant, reduction of the finance committee from eleven to nine members and updating of the process for their appointment, updating of annual budget and financial planning processes, elimination of obsolete section governing personnel suspension and removals, and elimination of obsolete transitional provisions in connection with charter's original adoption and prior amendment.

Franklin Charter Question 2

Shall the Town Treasurer-Collector be appointed, as provided in Sections 8, 9, 14 and 26 of that act, rather than elected?

*** The proposed changes contained in Sections 8, 9, 14 and 26 of the Home Rule legislation eliminate Treasurer-Collector as an elected position and make it an appointed one; the appointment will be made by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council as is presently the case for all other town officers except the Town Clerk. A transitional provision allows the incumbent Treasurer-Collector to continue in office until the end of his elected term.


------------

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).




Please Note: This is NOT a valid official ballot. Candidates for some local and county offices are not reflected in the ballot above. These offices may, however, appear on your ballot when voting.



Franklin, MA

Fund raiser for Franklin Food Pantry - Legacy Place

Support the Franklin Food Pantry by purchasing a $10 ticket to the Legacy of Giving event, and receive amazing one-time savings of up to 25% on your holiday shopping!

100% of the ticket price will go to support the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry was established in 1987 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our vision is healthy neighbors. Our mission is to engage the community in the cultivation of sustainable programs that provide resources needed to live a healthy life. We provide more than 8,000 lbs of food and non-food items to over 400 clients in the Franklin area each month.

Event Details:

A Legacy of Giving is being held at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA on Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 3- 8:00 p.m. Complete details can be found in the attached document.

Legacy of Giving

Note: the document was modified slightly to include the newly revised Vision of the Franklin Food Pantry.

How does the Legacy Place fund raiser work?

You buy a ticket for $10. This gets your name on the listing at Legacy Place. When you arrive on Sunday, Nov 14th. Check in to get a bracelet. You wear the bracelet during your shopping trip. The bracelet is an easy sign for the merchants to see that your part of the fund raising "Legacy of Giving" and you obtain the appropriate discount.

The $10 goes entirely to the Franklin Food Pantry. You gain by getting discounts on your purchases at participating vendors. A win-win!

Franklin, MA

Demystifying the Chapter 70 Formula: How the Massachusetts Education Funding System Works

Explore our online budget database Is our research helpful to you? Support our work Contact Info   Noah Berger   President   nberger@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x102   Tom Benner   Communications Director   tbenner@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x100 Demystifying the Chapter 70 Formula: How the Massachusetts Education Funding System Works October 22, 2010 A new MassBudget fact sheet explains the basic structure of the state's Chapter 70 formula for distributing education aid to local school districts. While understanding the formula may seem daunting, its underlying structure is actually quite simple, as demonstrated by the four steps outlined in the fact sheet. Chapter 70 education aid is the Commonwealth's primary program for distributing its portion of K-12 public education funding to the state's 328 local and regional school districts. The fact sheet, Demystifying the Chapter 70 Formula: How the Massachusetts Education Funding System Works, is available at www.massbudget.org or by clicking here. See MassBudget's Budget Browser to explore Massachusetts state budgets from Fiscal Year 2001 to the present, as well as budget proposals offered by the Governor and the Legislature. MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Email Marketing by Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Fund raiser for Franklin Food Pantry - Bigelow Station and 3 Restaurant

Don't miss Franklin Food Pantry's first Benefit on Saturday, November 13th at 3 restaurant, thanks to Rich Brachold and Bigelow Station.

Tickets are $25/person and can be purchased before November 6th at Village Ski or the Food Pantry. We have 50 tickets available, first come first serve. A great night of appetizers, drinks and great music begins at 7pm. The band, Bigelow Station, will begin playing at 8:00pm. Tickets will include a chance to win a mid-week ski or "get-a-way" vacation at Sugarloaf in Maine.

We request ticket holders bring a food item on the attached list. If you cannot join us on November 13th, consider donating an item from our Holiday Needs list (pdf Needs Flyer here). Donations can be dropped off at the Food Pantry Tuesday - Friday between 9am and 1pm or placed in our collection bin on our front porch anytime.

If you prefer to write a check, remember our relationship with the Greater Boston Food Bank stretches monetary donations much further; one dollar may provide up to 7 meals! Every donation will help us support more than 400 clients during the holidays.



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Election Nov 2 - Franklin Question #2

Shall the Town Treasurer-Collector be appointed, as provided in Sections 8, 9, 14 and 26 of that act, rather than elected?


*** The proposed changes contained in Sections 8, 9, 14 and 26 of the Home Rule legislation eliminate Treasurer-Collector as an elected position and make it an appointed one; the appointment will be made by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council as is presently the case for all other town officers except the Town Clerk. A transitional provision allows the incumbent Treasurer-Collector to continue in office until the end of his elected term.

-----------

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

Town Council - 10/20/10

The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Weds Oct 20th can be found here:

• Live reporting - Closing
• Live reporting - Legislation for Action
• Live reporting - DPW - Sewer extensions
• Live reporting - DPW - Solid Waste
• Live reporting - DPW - Town Common Trees
• Live reporting - DPW - snow
• Live reporting - Public Hearing - underground util...
• Live reporting - Action items
• Live reporting - Town Council
• 
  

Franklin, MA

5th Annual Casino Night - Nov 19

On Friday, November 19, 2010, the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold its 5th Annual Casino Night at the Franklin Elks from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The event will feature Black Jack, Roulette and Money Wheel as well as raffles, a Silent Auction, cash bar and FREE hors d’oeuvres. The event is well known as a fun evening out with friends and neighbors, all while contributing to a worthwhile cause.

FEF is currently seeking table sponsors as well as auction donations. If you have an item to donate or if your company is interested in sponsoring, contact FEF. It’s a great way for local companies to show their commitment to education in Franklin.

Admission is $25. To avoid waiting in line at the door, advance ticket purchase is recommended. For ticket purchase, auction donation or sponsorship information, please contact Peter Minor at (508) 541-6700 or peter@peterminor.com. Cash only accepted for chip purchase. Checks and Visa/MC accepted for Silent Auction items. For more information visit www.franklined.org.

Since 1997, The Franklin Education Foundation events have raised well over $190,000 which has been distributed to Franklin public schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF have funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org.


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Election Nov 2 - Franklin Question #1

Shall sections 1 to 7, inclusive, sections 10 to 13, inclusive, and sections 15 to 25, inclusive, of an act passed by the General Court in the year 2010 entitled ‘An Act Relative to the Charter of the City known as the Town of Franklin’, be accepted?

*** The proposed changes to the Franklin Charter contained in Sections 1-7, 10-13, and 15-25 of the Home Rule legislation include updates to various provisions to comply with existing law or to reflect current municipal practice; they also include several technical corrections. The major changes are summarized as follows: redefining duties of Town Council Clerk to comply with Open Meeting and Public Records laws, providing the Town Council with the ability to reorganize itself and flexibility in scheduling meetings, clarifying the Town Administrator's authority and duties including his appointing authority, updating the listing of standing committees and appointed positions to eliminate obsolete ones, provision for both a temporary and acting town administrator if the town administrator is absent or the position is vacant, reduction of the finance committee from eleven to nine members and updating of the process for their appointment, updating of annual budget and financial planning processes, elimination of obsolete section governing personnel suspension and removals, and elimination of obsolete transitional provisions in connection with charter's original adoption and prior amendment.


-----------

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

In the News - EPA storm water

Engineer discusses stormwater runoff mandate with towns

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff



Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Closing

L. OLD BUSINESS
Zollo - what about the bylaw for parking on your front law?

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - Rose Terco's phone number

Zollo - Franklin has a record of low voter turnout in off year elections
it is possible to vote via absentee ballot up through noon time Nov 1

Whalen - Cafe Dolce is now open Mon- Sat up until 8:00 PM

Mason - sale tax repeal would reduce aid to Franklin in excess of $4 million dollars

motion to adjourn, passed 7-0


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - Legislation for Action

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Powderly -
1 - booklet completed by M Kinehart, to be distributed by local officials
2 - voluntary donation via checkbox, based upon experience of other towns (cost of administration versus revenue gained) cost outweighs the benefits
3 - Rose Terco (?) putting together a memorial for those killed in action in WWII, coinciding with Memorial Day - reaching out to members of the family ot have them participate


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
(#1 was already covered earlier in the meeting)

2. Resolution 10-62: Appropriation – Library Expense Account
For the library to meet the minimum for the State funding level, a transfer between funds now on a deadline to get it done

motion to approve, passed 7-0


3. Bylaw Amendment 10-650: Chapter 168, Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance – 2nd Reading

motion to waive reading, passed 7-0

Nutting - this is what you saw a couple of weeks ago. For safety of the fire fighters

McGann - is there any cost?
Nutting - not to the Town

Margret Ranieri - local Realtor
on a practical level, you are unlikely to reach the owners if they are outside the community
if that has occurred, you are not likely to get them to register

consider an exemption for locally owner properties
consider an extension to 6 or 9 months
it is not unlikely for a property to go vacant for 60-90 days
should make the property requirements no greater than that required by the regular home owners

roll call - passed 7-0

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Nutting read letter of recommendation for service by the fire department

Oct 27th Economic Summit (posted here previously)

Voter information guide - recommend to read the guide from the Sec of the Commonwealth
anticipate a large turnout
Don't stop at question 3, let your voice be heard on questions 4 and 5


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - DPW - Sewer extensions

Sewer System Discussion

Nutting - looking for some direction on the current sewer extension bylaw, intent to not extend it
Should the council decide to change it? More of a struggle when it is a sub-division but not for a single house

Mason - how long ago was the bylaw passed?
Nutting - I'd have to look at it, it has been amended a couple of times

Mason - maybe 15 or so times have is been used?
Nutting - yes

Mason - what is the issue, do we have some latitude?
Nutting/Cerel - #6 was added in 2005 to give the Council greater discretion

Pfeffer - this was put in to control the growth, and last time we had a seven unit sub-division and I was the only one to object. Should we continue to try to do this?

Mason - I am not opposed to way to try and tighten it up. Maybe we are not seeing the growth and it is not as big an issue.

Nutting - For a Town going to spend millions of dollars on storm water, a septic system is better for us

Pfeffer - I am not looking to change this, I am looking to enforce what we already have,

Vallee - you're not going to see uncontrolled growth for a long time. All we have to do is say no.

Powderly - the issue is what is the intent? Some of the environmental concerns were not discussed before but given the storm water situation, maybe we should look at it again

Cerel - #6 was given in the sense of the Council to provide some leeway for negotiation, you could eliminate #6 and not be in danger of anything else.

three minute recess



Franklin, MA

Live reporting - DPW - Solid Waste

Report on the new Solid Waste and Single Stream Recycling System

The presentation referenced:

Franklin, MA: DPW - Solid Waste Presentation


over 8800 regular carts
only 27 small (35 gallon) carts

There is a 2-day average for cart repair, between pick up and turn around

You do need to call Waste Management for pick up of the bulky items
287 bulk items per month

7 cart repairs to date (1 struck by a car)

estimated 90% reduction in service complaints

Trash (tonnage) going down, Recycling (tonnage) going up

Modifications to Chapter 151 to reflect changes to code

Whalen - on the slide entitled household average, is this good with the reduction of rain weight
Cantoreggi - we are cutting the outside trash, we have more paying customers in the system

Whalen - this has been a tremendous success, I think it is a home run all around
Pfeffer - it does work, it takes a knack to put the cart down so the covers come over, when it rains and snows, it should be taking the extra time to do so

Whalen - I think there is a size larger cart, do you have demands for it?
Cantoreggi - I don't think so, we can look at it. There has not been a big push for this.


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - DPW - Town Common Trees

Franklin Town Common Tree Report
David Anderson, certified arborist, consulted with the DPW


The presentation document:

Franklin, MA: DPW - Tree Presentation

Mostly Norway Maples on the Common,

the diameter of a tree is measured 4.5 feet off the ground

diversity of trees on Common, sugar maples,

A big beautiful tree can be gone in a day with weather or capable machinery
but it takes about 100 years to get the tree to look like it does

issues, no defined tree care maintenance budget, it has been reduced over time due to the issues with the budget

recommend hearing by public tree warden then remove 12 possibly hazardous trees ASAP
consider relocating the carnival so it saves the ground compacting issues

McGann - if we don't do the removal, the other trees will be impacted

Cantoreggi - We all love trees, some we should cut down but I don't want to do that without having done a presentation first.

Vallee - What would it cost to take down these trees?
Cantoreggi - I think we can do these in house as time permits

Pfeffer - there maybe tree person who would come in and do that work to gain the wood from it

Nutting - we should proceed with the hearing on the trees?
Mason - yes, check with the tree wardens schedule.


Franklin, MA