"Obviously, it's a continued struggle"

Last night, leaders of the administrative, comptroller treasurer/collector, town clerk and planning departments explained how reduced clerical support could result in longer waiting times, delays in providing services and reduced office hours. Those departments - coupled with the legal, human resources and inspection departments - will lose hours that combined will total the equivalent of one position. 

"We don't want to close the office, but I can envision that if something comes up and someone is out (sick) there's no way we're going to stay open," Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said. 

Planning Director Bryan Taberner said he would normally write five or six grant proposals in six months, but only anticipates completing two with the reduced staff. 

"In 2009 I probably spent 50 percent of my time on economic development (activities)," Taberner said. "I don't do more than half-a-day a week now."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1870097509/Franklin-budget-would-cut-31-jobs#ixzz1LHQ2pBNl

Budget hearings continue Tues May 3, 7:00 PM, and Thu, May 5 also at 7:00 PM.



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - May 2, 2011

The agenda document for the Finance Committee meeting Monday, May 2. This is the first of a series of budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The fiscal year begins July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2012.


FinCom Agenda 05022011



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 16, 2011

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS - Historical Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-12: Order of Taking-Land Located on Colt Road and Washington Street
2. Resolution 11-13: Designation of “Special Municipal Employees” Under State Ethics Law
3. Resolution 11-14: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-011, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
4. Resolution 11-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-012, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
5. Resolution 11-16: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 11-17: Appropriation: Norfolk County Agricultural High School
7. Resolution 11-18: Appropriation: Debt & Interest
8. Resolution 11-19: Appropriation Snow & Ice Deficit
9. Resolution 11-20: Appropriation Personal Property Revaluation (3Yr)
10. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated Zoning
– Referral to Planning Board
11. Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required Zoning
– Referral To Planning Board
12. Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard &
Height Requirements. – Referral to Planning Board
13. Zoning Bylaw 11-655: Amendment to Chapter 185 §2. Parking, Loading, and Driveway
Requirements, Subsection B - Referral to Planning Board
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-660: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45. L. (1) Administration
and Enforcement – Referral to Planning Board
15. Bylaw Amendment 11-659: Amendment to Chapter 135, Removal and Undergrounding of
Utility Poles and Overhead Wires and Structures – 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



Franklin, MA

In the News - cooking way

Bellingham students trying to cook their way to the White House

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Calling for the Pantry

$20 will feed your neighbor for a month.

Today through Tuesday evening, volunteers will be making phone calls to Franklin residents to raise money. If you are out and about, and miss the phone call you can still help by making a contribution.

You can write out a check and mail it to the Food Pantry:

Franklin Food Pantry
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116

If you would like to make a secure online donation you can do so here:

$

The Food Pantry and those we serve, thank you for your contribution!

The Franklin Food Pantry is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.

The Food Pantry website can be found here: http://franklinfoodpantry.org/




Franklin, MA

In the News - Bowling, Organ donors

Chad Dunbar Bowling Tournament to be held tomorrow

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin High students promote organ donation

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Summer Art

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Summer Art

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 4/29/11

This summer Franklin Public Schools is offering the Summer Art Institute, which will be directed by Michael Caple. The Institute will meet Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 8 (no class on July 4) at the high school from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 may choose from a variety of classes including:
Jewelry - Beginner and advanced students alike will enjoy this intensive introduction into all things jewelry making. Basic stringing and wire working will be covered to create unique, handmade earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Design will be a large focus. Materials used will include wire, chain, leather cord, clay, diamond glaze, and sheet metal. We will form, glaze, and fire our own beautiful ceramic beads, and pendants. We'll also learn metalworking techniques of texturizing and stamping using a variety of tools. Our final design will incorporate all techniques covered. Come create your jewelry collection.

Digital Photography - Students will learn how to use the camera as an art tool to create strong photographic compositions. Students will learn and use Adobe Photoshop to create and manipulate digital images. They will make high quality digital prints of their best work.

Drawing & Painting - Students will experiment with many different drawing strategies. They will review and learn about color different painting techniques, including watercolor and acrylic.

Ceramics - Students will learn basic ceramic hand-building techniques including pinch dot, slab, coil, score and slip through a variety of projects. Students will also be able to explore glaze and paint as a decorative finish for their artwork.

Graphic Design - This class focuses on the elements and principles of design that are used to create various artworks. Students will become familiar with Adobe Software including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will create their own cartoon character, create a morphed and transformed self-image, and design their own insignia.

These five classes will be taught by FPS art faculty.

High school students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 may enroll in High School Portfolio Preparation/Open Studio. This class follows the same schedule as the middle school art classes and is designed to help students build both their skill level and their portfolio for possible entrance into a post-high school art program. This course will focus on drawing skills, but will also be individualized for each student. This is a great opportunity for students who think they may want to continue their education in the visual arts.

These classes have a variety of projects that meet the interests and needs of students who are new to art, as well as students who plan to make art part of their academic career. Come and be part of the fun!

For additional information and registration -
email: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us
Telephone: 508-553-4814

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Lifelong Learning using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites