Citizens Against Waste: Check book online

The most recent question came in from "Anonymous":

"Asking residents to identify waste before providing them modern transparency tools puts the cart before the horse; it unfairly transfers the onus of accountability onto busy taxpayers during difficult fiscal times. 

When will the Town of Franklin take steps to implement 21st century transparency, such as Worcester doing? It should be even easier for a small city to post all its expenditures online than for a large city."

As noted in the NECN story, Worcester is the first community to do this in MA.

I sent this question to Jeff Nutting who replied:

I do not know what is involved and how much time it would take but we can check it out. I will note this is an good example of how town and the school departments continue to get greater demands for services from all directions ( Federal and State laws, regulations, citizens) while we continue to shrink the staff. We try our best to accomplish all that is asked but at some point we will have to start making decisions on which requests we can accomplish and which one we will have to say no to. Clearly we must meet our legal obligations first. This means each time the Federal and State governments mandates a new program without any resources we have to divert staff time and money to meet that obligation. Just think how many hours we have spent over the last few years just on the Stormwater issue. When we start the next fiscal year in July I think we will have eliminated close to 40 municipal jobs in the last three years (maybe more). This does not count jobs eliminated in prior years. Yet folks will expect the same level of service. If you put is terms of a baseball team we would only be able to put seven players on the field to play the game.

From my own point of view, I wonder if looking at the check book is the best way to be transparent. Franklin already makes its information and budget planning process accessible. Very few folks actually participate in person at the budget hearings. These are the best times to really get the full story on what is being spent, how and why.

The budget hearings for FY 2012 will be coming soon. The School Committee has held their budget hearing and budget workshop. The Finance Committee will meet with each department to review their individual budgets line by line before the Town Council will cover the same ground (usually over two nights) and then vote on the final amount.

Stay tuned here and to the Franklin website for the schedule of budget hearings.

Financial audit of FY 2010
Management letter:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Audits/FY10%20Franklin%20Management%20Letter%202.pdf

Detail document:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Audits/Franklin%20Final%20FS10.pdf


FY 2011 budget summary
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Comptroller/Budget%20Summary%202011.pdf

FY 2011 budget detail
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Comptroller/budget%20voting%2011.pdf

FY 2011 budget funding
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Comptroller/FY%2011%20REVENUES.pdf

The FY 2011 budget workshop was recorded and documented here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html


The FY 2012 budget collection can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html



Franklin, MA

Friends of Franklin Library meeting, Apr 6

The Friends of the Franklin Library (FOFL) will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the library, lower level. Members and the public are welcome to attend the meetings. FOFL is always looking for new ideas, opinions and comments to help make its efforts more successful.

The Friends of the Franklin Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of the nation’s first public library. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, September through June. Membership is open to everyone.

For information about the Friends, call 508-528-6624.

The Franklin Public Library is accepting donations for its spring 2011 book sale in May. Donations may be dropped off at the library on the lower level during regular business hours.





Franklin, MA

"You can't just keep coming back with ideas and ideas"

The hearing has now been closed and the Planning Board will vote in April.

"We feel like we have given as much as we can on this project and (limiting the development to only) right turns out is a significant concession because it impacts his property and impacts his relationship with tenants," said Craig Ciechanowski, a Franklin attorney representing Daddario. 

But Yadisernia maintained that two fast food restaurants with drive-thrus would create too much traffic because the restaurants peak at the same time as the numbers of vehicles using Rte. 140 is the greatest, from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. 

And drivers might still illegally make a left turn out of the development or turn into other private businesses to reverse direction. There could also be problems at the light at Franklin Village Plaza because people exiting the new development would make a legal U-turn at that light to go toward downtown, Yadisernia said. 

"My contention is what's really hurting this project is having two (fast food) restaurants in this location," said Yadisernia, who reiterated his recommendation not to approve the project unless a fast food establishment is removed or its use changed. "That's where the stumbling block is. I personally think two fast food restaurants is too much."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1840140563/Franklin-Wendys-Taco-Bell-proposal-tweaked#ixzz1Hym9DrWt


Franklin, MA

Franklin Food Pantry - Spring Update

Thank you for your interest in the Franklin Food Pantry.  Spring is here and we are looking forward to the beginning of our local, fresh produce season!

You are invited to join us for an Oxfam Hunger Banquet this Tuesday, March 29th, 7pm @ Dean College Campus Center (invitation attached).  This event is a simulation  of the reality of hunger in the world, with people eating a meal that corresponds to their randomly assigned income level. Suggested donation is non-perishable food items to be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Many of you have been asking how to get more involved in the Giving Garden and/or the Franklin Community Gardens that will be located at the King Street Playground.  Plans are progressing quickly and many volunteers are needed.  Please email franklincommunitygardens@gmail.com to join this exciting community group.

Are you a backyard gardener (or do you know a backyard farmer)?  Do you want to plant an extra row this year to help our neighbors in need?  We are starting a Plant a Row program and are getting ready to open registration and distribute row markers and brochures.  If you are interested in participating, please email PlantARow@franklinfoodpantry.org.

We are celebrating a recent grant received from the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation to launch our Produce Points program at the Franklin Farmers Market in June 2011.  Produce Points is modeled after the Double Value Coupon Program developed by Wholesome Wave.  Stay tuned.  We will be looking for a summer intern (college student) to assist with the development of this program (15-20 hours a week, May - Aug).  Please email annemarie@franklinfoodpantry.org if interested in learning more.

Michelle Clay of Franklin has generously volunteered to create a food resource cookbook for the Franklin Food Pantry and is inviting you all to be recipe testers.  You can find more information and many recipes here  (Thank you Michelle!)  http://pantrycookbook.blogspot.com/

Mark your calendars - Saturday, May 14th is Stamp Out Hunger day. More information will be in our April newsletter.

Good food nourishes the body and the spirit. With regular, nutritious meals, we are free to grow, to think, to smile, to live.  In 2011, we will expand our capacity to provide our clients with a wide range of opportunities for gaining access to local, fresh, nutritious food.  Our free Farmer's Market for clients was a great success in 2010 and thanks to generous Donors we look forward to working with Grateful Farm to continue this program beginning in June 2011.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we distributed more than 14,000 bags to more than 800 neighbors in 2010. We received more than 50,000 lbs of food and non-food donations and also many monetary donations.  Thanks to our relationship with the Greater Boston Food Bank a $20 donation can provide up to 100 meals and we are excited to now be able to accept donations online at our website www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Gratitude Hugs to all those who donated more than 500 canvas grocery bags.  We are again humbled by the generosity and support of this wonderful community.

In 2011, we hope to continue to learn with you, our community, the many elements of nutrition, food systems, local resources and to explore the questions, "What is food?" and "Where does our food come from?".   We believe everyone has the right to access healthy, affordable food choices. 

Please contact annemarie@franklinfoodpantry.org if you are interested in working together on any of the programs mentioned or if you have a great idea that may align well with any of the above.

Current Needs 

Donations accepted Tuesday thru Friday 9am - 1pm 

or can be placed in collection bin on our front porch anytime

Cleaning Products – Laundry, Dish, All Purpose

Paper Products – Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels, Feminine

Health & Beauty – Shampoo, Pump Soap, Body Wash, Deodorant

Canned Meat / Fish

Broth / Beef Soup / Dry Soup

Canned Pasta (chef boyardeeish)

Baked Beans

Potatoes

Cereal

Chili / Taco / Meal Helpers

Condiments / Dressings

Flavored Rice and/or Pasta Side Dishes

Baking Mixes and/or Spices

Fresh and Frozen Produce always welcome!

Thank you for making a difference!

(Please check expiration dates)

Anne Marie Bellavance
Franklin Food Pantry
43 West Central Street
PO Box 116
Franklin, MA  02038
(508) 528-3115
www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Franklin, MA: Town official vehicle listing

The listing of vehicles used by Franklin employees to conduct town business has been updated for 2011. Thanks to Jeff Nutting for providing the information.

Franklin 2011 Vehicles Miles


Related posts
Milford Daily News article during Sunshine Week
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/most-can-be-reimbursed-by-mile-when.html

The 2010 vehicle listing
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/franklin-ma-town-official-vehicle.html

Franklin, MA

Dean College - James Roosevelt, Jr.

Dean College invites the public to its

5th Annual Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture

James Roosevelt, Jr.

President and CEO, Tufts Health Plan

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

5:30 p.m. Networking Reception

6:30 p.m. Presentation

Dean College Campus Center, 135 Emmons Street, Franklin

RSVP to: alumni@dean.edu or 508-541-1612

James Roosevelt's presentation at the Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture will be on Social Security and Medicare. Mr. Roosevelt joined Tufts Health Plan in 1999 as senior vice president and general counsel, and became president and CEO in 2005. As general counsel he presided over the legal department and the company's compliance, privacy and government relations functions. In November 2008 President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Roosevelt to his transition team to co-chair a review of the Social Security Administration.

This was shared on the Downtown Partnership webpage

"Franklin has historically been very proactive"

Franklin, Wrentham, Norfolk and Plainville received a $44,000 grant to study regionalizing dispatching. Franklin has applied with Millis, Walpole and Foxborough for a $40,000 grant to evaluate regionalizing some health services, town leaders said. 

Regionalization "is where it needs to go at least for certain services," Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said, noting efforts to form multi-town partnerships have been slow throughout the state. "There's a lot more ownership at the town level than other parts of the country and there's a fear of loss of control. There's just a litany of barriers that have to be overcome to make this a success." 

Fire officials met Thursday in Wrentham to kick off the study, which will be performed by Pennsylvania consulting firm L.R. Kimball. While the other three towns are examining regionalizing fire and police dispatch, Franklin is only looking at fire dispatching, Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said. 

"There is a lot of commonality and the fact of the matter is we're all in the same scenario in that we need to be doing more services for less money," McCarraher said. "Is there any potential savings in joining together in dispatch? I think we'll explore all those options in an attempt to provide faster, better services."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1840140403/Franklin-considers-regionalizing-some-services#ixzz1Hsz2sVvB



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 29, 2011

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 March 15, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Boys Hockey
b. ASMS – Make a Difference
c. Best Buddies – ASMS/FHS
d. Student Success Team (presentation available here)

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy - Discussion (policy text available here)
KCDB – School-Based Advertising Content Policy – First Reading
KBE – School/Parent Organizations Relationships
KBE-E – School Committee / Administration Participation in PCC Meetings Guidelines
KDD – News Media Relations/News Releases

Policy – Second Reading - JICFB Bullying

2011-2012 School Calendar – January 1, 2012

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Policy JICFB – Bullying as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the FHS request for a recurring field trip to the MA Junior Classical League State Convention from 4/29 to 5/1/11 in Hyannis, MA as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the 2011-2012 FHS Program of Study including change in graduation requirements as presented at the last meeting.
e. I recommend approval of the FHS field trip to Providence Place Mall on May 4, 2011 as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend amending the 2011-2012 School Calendar as discussed.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 3-ring binders from Fidelity Investments for the FHS (approximate value: $50.00).

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
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


Franklin, MA

School Committee - Policies for discussion

File: KCDB - SCHOOL-BASED ADVERTISING CONTENT

The purpose of allowing school-based advising is to generate additional revenue for Franklin High School extra-curricula programs by giving community, regional businesses and organizations the opportunity to respectfully and tastefully promote themselves and the Franklin Public Schools. Revenue generated from advertising will not supplant the operational budget of the school district. Any advertising content that is interpreted as being contrary to the stated purpose and guidelines of the Superintendent of Schools shall
be prohibited. 

The content of any advertising that may be displayed at the Franklin High Field House or Pisini Field must be approved, in advance, by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee and the Chairman of the School Committee or his/her designee. The promotion of any product related to alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances or advocates any political or religious position is strictly prohibited. Advertising that is determined to be vulgar, profane, or sexually explicit is not allowed. Advertising content with language or graphics that are interpreted as being of a harassing nature to any individual will not be allowed.

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

File: KBE - SCHOOL/PARENT ORGANIZATIONS RELATIONSHIPS

To enhance communications between parents and school officials, the School Committee encourages the maintenance of formal parent organizations at each school building. For this purpose the Committee will officially recognize parent organizations upon request. 

To foster relationships with parent organizations that encourage the home and school to work together to establish and achieve the educational goals for students, the administration and staff will: 

1. Encourage parents to share in school planning through the school improvement council in setting objectives and evaluating programs.
2. Help parents understand the educational process and their role in promoting it.
3. Provide for parent understanding of school operations.
4. Provide opportunities for parents to be informed of their child's development and the criteria for its measurement.

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

File: KBE-E - SCHOOL COMMITTEE / ADMINISTRATION PARTICIPATION IN PCC MEETINGS GUIDELINES

The School Committee and the Administration of the Franklin Public Schools recognize the autonomy of Parent Communication Councils (PCC) at each of our schools. The School Committee and Administration endeavor to support the role of the PCC and welcome opportunities to present information, provide updates on school/community business and initiatives, to engage in meaningful conversation and to solicit feedback about our schools. 

In an effort to respect the authority and mission of the PCC and to recognize that each organization has established meeting agendas, bylaws and procedures. Below is the protocol to include School Committee and/or Administration at PCC meetings.

Invitation Protocol

• Parent Communication Council President/designee, at their discretion, will invite a member(s) of the School Committee and/or Administration to present or be available at a meeting.
• Invitation will be extended through the designated School Committee Liaison or the Office of the Superintendent of Schools

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

File: KDD - NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS/NEWS RELEASES

Every effort will be made to assist the press and other communications media to obtain coverage of the programs, planning, and activities of the school system.
Representatives of the media will be provided equal access to information about the schools. General releases of interest to the entire community will be made available to all the media simultaneously. There will be no exclusive releases except as media representatives request information on particular programs, plans or problems.

In order that school system publicity is given wide coverage and is coordinated into a common effort and purpose, the following procedures will be followed in giving official information to the news media:

1. The School Committee chairman will be the official spokesman for the Committee, except as this duty is delegated by the Chairman to another School Committee member.
2. Any news releases and statements made to the press by any staff member or administrators must be cleared by the Superintendent.
3. News releases that are of concern to only one school, or to an organization of one school, are the responsibility of the Principal in conjunction with the Superintendent. All statements made to the press by other staff members of the particular school must be cleared with the Principal and Superintendent.

Every possible effort should be made to obtain coverage of school activities that will create and maintain a dignified and professionally responsible image for the school system.

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

File: JICFB - BULLYING

It is the goal of the Franklin School Committee to promote a learning atmosphere for students free from all forms of bullying. Because bullying affects not only students who are targets but also those who participate and witness such behavior, it is detrimental to student learning and achievement and will not be tolerated by Franklin Public Schools. 

Franklin Public Schools prohibits all forms of harassment, discrimination and hate crimes based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. The civil rights of all school community members are guaranteed by law. The protection of those rights is of utmost importance and priority to our school district. Franklin Public Schools also prohibits bullying of school community members for reasons unrelated to their race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. Further, Franklin Public Schools will also not tolerate retaliation against persons who report an incident(s) of bullying and/or harassment. 

Bullying is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: (a) causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; (b) places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; (c) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (d) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (e) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. For the purposes of this policy and related procedures, bullying shall include cyber-bullying.
Cyber-bullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings. 

As is required by Massachusetts General Law, curriculum concerning the prevention of bullying and the fostering of a safe and nurturing school climate at each school shall be implemented in the Franklin Public Schools. 

All reports of bullying will be promptly investigated and will subject the perpetrator(s) to disciplinary action. Bullying actions will include, when appropriate, referral to law enforcement agencies or other state agencies. Franklin Public Schools will support this policy in all aspects of its activities, including its curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities and parental involvement. 

This policy applies to all sites and activities under the supervision and control of the district, or where it has jurisdiction under the law, including school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by a school district or school. 

Bullying is also prohibited at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the district, if the act or acts in question create a hostile environment at school for the target, infringe on the rights of the target at school or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of the school.


The School Committee expects administrators and staff to make clear to students that bullying will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action. 

All staff members are required to report any bullying or harassment they see or learn about. The district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment, including bullying. The Principal or his/her designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging harassment or bullying. Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, who provides information during an investigation of bullying, or who is a witness to or has reliable information about bullying, is prohibited. 

Nothing in this policy is designed or intended to limit the District’s authority to discipline or take remedial action under General Laws Chapter 71, §37H or other statutes or regulations, or in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether this policy covers the conduct. Reports of cyberbullying by electronic or other means, occurring in or out of school will be reviewed and, when a connection to school exists, will prompt investigation and disciplinary action. 

The Superintendent will develop administrative guidelines and procedures for implementation of this policy, consistent with the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 71 §37O and related guidelines issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Superintendent in conjunction with principals will publish disciplinary polices in Student Handbooks, which shall prohibit bullying and shall include the bullying prevention and intervention plan required by Chapter 71, §37O of the Laws of the Commonwealth. Student handbooks shall include age-appropriate summaries of the student-related sections of the district’s bullying prevention and intervention plan. 

LEGAL REFERENCE: MGL General Laws Chapter 71, §37 O
LEGAL REFERENCE: Massachusetts Equal Educational Opportunities Regulations, 603 CMR 26.00.
CROSS REFERENCE: Student Handbooks
School Committee Policy JICFA, JICFA-E, JICFA-E1, JICFA-E2 Hazing
FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bullying Flowchart

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Student Success Team

The Student Success Team presentation is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.

SchCom: Student Success Team Presentation 3-29-11



Related posts:

• School Committee Agenda
• School Committee policy revisions up for discussion

Franklin, MA

"All this is doing is advancing how plates are read"

The camera, mounted to the cruiser's light bar, can read more than 1,000 license plates an hour on cars traveling at speeds of up to 70 mph, Lt. Thomas Lynch said.
Police hope to have the new camera installed and officers trained on how to use it within 30 to 60 days, Lynch said. 

Franklin got the camera with a $18,945 grant, one of 26 handed out totaling $500,000 that were recently awarded to local police departments by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to purchase the automated license plate readers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided the funding. 

"The price has come down a little bit, but it's still way out of our league," Lynch said, noting Franklin will pay $1,515 per year from its police budget for technical support and software updates beginning next year. "The grant looked like a great opportunity for us to get something we otherwise wouldn't have funds for." 

The reader can compare license plates to databases such as the Criminal Justice Information System and detect cars with drivers who have expired insurance, revoked licenses, felonies and many other violations, Lynch said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x617855388/Big-Brother-drives-into-Franklin-with-high-tech-license-plate-reader#ixzz1HnILJchY



Franklin, MA

"something to help relieve their stress"

"I thought it was going to be really boring," said Fortey, a 12-year-old sixth-grader. "But, it turns out it was really fun." 

Now, Fortey plans to use some of the breathing techniques and stretches she learned during yesterday's workshop when she takes the math portion of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam in May. 

"It lets you relax and relieves all the stress," she said. 

Fortey and 21 other members of the fitness club gathered in the school's gym to learn yoga for an hour after school. The program was funded by a $1,500 grant from the Hockomock Area YMCA and Stop & Shop. 

Students sat on mats arranged in a circle in the middle of the gym while yoga instructor Meagan Krasner taught them to take long, slow breaths that use all parts of their lungs. 

"This has a real scientific reason behind it," said Krasner. "It helps to slow your nervous system down."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1664571752/Stress-test-Franklin-students-learn-to-relax-with-yoga-before-MCAS#ixzz1HhUtMu5D

Mrs Williams, a 4th grade teacher at the Kennedy School also has a yoga program.
http://kidskeepingup.blogspot.com/2011/03/rise-and-shine-yoga_21.html




Franklin, MA

Math standards approved for state college admissions

This announcement adds a new factor to the recent discussion on reducing the math requirement to graduate from Franklin High. An action item for the School Committee meeting on March 29th is scheduled to vote on reducing the requirement to three years of math and science.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Math standards approved for state college admissions

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/25/11

The state's Board of Higher Education on Thursday adopted a new standard that students applying to public colleges and universities in the state must complete four years of high school mathematics.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Bay State Bike Week 2011

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Bay State Bike Week 2011

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 3/25/11

The 2nd annual Bay State Bike Week is set for May 14-20, a week of celebrating bicycle transportation across the Commonwealth. 

Last year was the first year that MassDOT and the State Bicycle Advocacy group MassBike partnered to make Bay State Bike Week a truly statewide celebration and as we learned unique in the country.

This year Bay State Bike Week will build on the successful 2010 effort and a long history of Bike Week celebrations across the Commonwealth, as MassDOT, MassBike, and MassRIDES, the statewide travel options program collaborate again on Bike Week rides and other events throughout Massachusetts.  This collaboration enables these organizations to work together to get the word out as widely as possible, and to broaden the scope of Bike Week events.

Biking as a mode of transportation is safe, economical, healthy, environmentally friendly, fast, and fun! Check out the Bike Week website at baystatebikeweek.org to find information for event organizers and participants. 

Event organizers are asked to submit your event for the website's statewide calendar!  In addition, watch for information on how to receive cool stuff for your event, including t-shirts, reflectors and posters while supplies last.  Organizers will also provide ideas and advice on organizing new events. 

May is fast approaching, so start planning now!  Mark May 14th to May 20th on your calendar for Bay State Bike Week and check the website for more information.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Downtown Commercial Zoning Workshop - presentation documents

These two presentations were used during the workshop held on Monday, March 21, 2011.

The first presentation outlines the discussion format for the workshop and then steps through the components of the proposed changes to the zoning (minimum lot dimensions, setbacks, coverage, etc.)

The summary of items agreed to during the discussion can be found in the notes of the meeting

Downtown Proposed DC Zoning 3/21/11


The second presentation document was referenced to show design features from other community's downtown area.


DC Presentation Examples 3/21/11

Thanks to Beth Dahlstrom for providing the documents. These can also be found on the Planning and Community Development web page here and here.



Franklin, MA

"It's a huge issue for municipalities"

"It's so much cheaper if we can get rid of the sources by picking up maintenance practices" and reducing the use of fertilizer with phosphorus, Franklin's Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said at a workshop yesterday. 

About 35 municipal officials and representatives of engineering firms, environmental companies and other agencies met at the Franklin Municipal Building for the workshop, which was organized by the Charles River Watershed Association and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. 

The workshop came as Franklin, Bellingham and Milford town leaders worry about a federal Environmental Protection Agency pilot program that seeks to tighten stormwater regulations. The EPA has told those three towns that businesses with 2 or more acres of impervious surfaces could have to pay $6,000 to $120,000 per acre to purchase new systems to control runoff.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x617855290/Milford-Franklin-and-Bellingham-told-to-target-phosphorous-at-source-to-protect-Charles-River#ixzz1HbNfVydR


Prior posts on the proposed EPA Stormwater regulation:

From August 2010
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html

From June 2010 (includes links to the May 12 meeting in Franklin)
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html


Franklin, MA

Extension of the School Year Beyond June 30

For those inquiring minds - what if we did have to go beyond June 30th to complete the school year? The State has an answer.


Extension of the School Year Beyond June 30

DESE, in consultation with the Division of Local Services (DLS), issued the following guidance
regarding possible extension of the school year beyond June 30.


Q: If the school year is extended beyond June 30 in order to comply with the 180-day equirement, may the district pay salaries and costs incurred from the current year's budget?

A: The Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services has advised that the answer is yes. If the school year must be extended beyond June 30 to comply with state law on student learning time, that would extend the scope of the municipality's appropriation for the schools beyond June 30. See Mass. General Laws Chapter 71, Section 40, which provides that the compensation paid teachers is deemed "fully earned at the end of the school year, and proportionately earned during the school year" (emphasis added). Teachers, therefore, could teach school in early July to comply with the 180-day requirement, and any salaries paid would appear on warrants payable for the fiscal year that ended on June 30.

In short, state law permits the school year (and salary payments) to extend beyond June 30 in these circumstances. School officials still should consult with their own legal counsel to determine whether any provisions in collective bargaining agreements or local ordinances would affect the decision to schedule school days after June 30.

This information can be found on Page 2 of the bulletin located here

Franklin, MA

Bay State Greenway Northern Trail Advances

For those following the efforts of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee, there is news on a similar rail trail development effort through Saugus, Lynn, and Methuen.

Bay State Greenway Northern Trail Advances

by Klark Jessen


Prior posts on the Franklin Rail Trail
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/franklin-rail-trail-committee-meeting.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-citizens-rail-trail-committee.html


Franklin, MA

In the News - electronics recycling, YMCA registration

Electronics, appliances recycle day planned in Wrentham on March 26

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Hockomock YMCA registration starts next week

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA

Preparing for I-495’s next boom

I am just catching up to this article from the Boston Globe West edition from Thursday. The article doesn't specifically mention Franklin but I would assume we are indeed one of the communities involved in the planning effort.

Planners in 37 communities along I-495 recently embarked on a $300,000 state-funded study organized by the quasi-public Metropolitan Area Planning Council to map out where residents might best channel new development, preserve open space, and build more on infrastructure. The study is due to be completed by the end of this year. 

The regional planning council is also working with the 495/MetroWest Partnership, a nonprofit public-private collaboration based in Westborough, and other local organizations on the effort. 

“This region is the state’s economic engine,’’ said Paul Matthews, the partnership’s executive director. “Because there is no central city, it tends to be overlooked a bit. Let’s make sure we have our ducks in a row as the economy picks up again in terms of development. What development do we want accomplished? Those are major questions for us to sort out."

Preparing for I-495’s next boom

via Boston Globe -- Globe West by John Dyer, Globe Correspondent on 3/24/11

Franklin, MA