Thursday, September 22, 2011

Eat at Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Thurs. Oct. 13th


Eat at Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Thurs. Oct. 13th
and Support Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.!

On Thursday October 13th from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Five Guys Burgers and Fries in the Franklin Village Mall will once again generously donate 10% of ALL their sales to the Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.

Franklin Music Boosters is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Through volunteer support and fundraising, the Music Boosters help provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings; sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, as well as support the music department with volunteer help.

For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.


Advertising Opportunity for Local Businesses


Advertising Opportunity for Local Businesses with Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.

The Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. is once again producing its annual Ad Book, which is handed out at every concert conducted in the Franklin Public Schools during the 2011-2012 school year. For as little as $50 your company’s message can be before the eyes of thousands of local residents throughout the year. Business card, half page and full page ads are available.

Franklin Music Boosters is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Through volunteer support and fundraising, the Music Boosters help provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings; sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, as well as support the music department with volunteer help.

To advertise in the Ad Book, contact Robin Dao, robindao3@gmail.com. For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.



Sparky's Puppets

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 9/21/11

Halloween Harvest
Meet a friendly witch, a pesky goblin, and a mischievous spider in this fast-paced, funny, and interactive show.
Wednesday October 26, 2011
3:30 - 4:15 PM
Ages 3-10
No registration required

Library Meeting Room

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

What would you like to know?

When you have an election ballot in front of you, you have a list of positions, a listing of candidates and a marker to fill in a circle next to one or more names. How do you decide to make a choice amongst the candidates?

To help you make your choice, I have offered to meet with all the candidates. My purpose is hear directly from them about their background. To listen and share their views on the issues that that they will work to resolve on our behalf for Franklin.

This is not an endorsement of any candidate. This is an information sharing exercise.

I’ll ask the same set of questions of each candidate so that you will have some common ground to make your decision.

The questions I propose to start with are as follows:
1 - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?

2 - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? or What do you think makes you a good candidate to fulfill this role?

3 - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
If you have some questions you'd like to ask, I’d like to hear them. Send me an email or leave a comment here.

I may find during the course of the interviews that I 'tweak' the questions. If I do that, I’ll post the updated questions here.

I have five candidates lined up thus far. Up to 37 total for this election are possible so we'll see how many take advantage of this.



The Election 2011 collection of posts can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

Town Council and School Committee attendance records (Nov 2009 to present)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdEZSWlZLTFVqNmcxZWFTNDNxNk5PZkE&hl=en#gid=0

FIGHT HUNGER Paintball Challenge


FIGHT HUNGER Paintball Challenge
To Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Sat. Sept. 24th, 2011 -
9 am

FOX 4 Paintball Field
159 Milford St.
UPTON, MA

Donations of Non-Perishable Items will be collected during the Match.

Additional information can be found in the flyer:

Fight Hunger Poster


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

In the News - choice of yard sales



First Universalist Society hosts indoor yard sale




Franklin academy holding yard sale


Route 2 Closure and Detour Map

Be aware of road closures along Route 2 out in the western part of MA

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 9/20/11

Route 2 Irene Damage 1 MassDOT has assembled a map showing the closed portion of Route 2 that suffered significant damage due to flooding from Tropical Storm Irene and outlining the current posted detour.

Route 2 is closed from Mile Marker 21.6 in Florida to Mile Marker 27.5 in Charlemont, with damage including severe slope failures, roadway undermining and instability, eroded bridge approaches, mud slides, and culvert and retaining wall damage.

The significant damage and necessary repairs require an extended period of time to restore the roadway, and MassDOT is committed to an accelerated repair process.

Please review the Route 2 damage and detour route map to learn more and view photos of the damage.


The Detour Route is also listed below.

From North Adams: 
Route 8, Adams, to Route 116 through Adams, Savoy, Plainfield, and Ashfield,
to Route 112 through Ashfield and Buckland,
to Route 2, East Charlemont.

Things you can do from here:

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

November 8: Election Line up



The line up is being completed for the Nov 8th election. Candidates have until Oct 6th to change their mind and the Town Clerk's office has until Oct 4th to certify the signatures for each of the candidates are in fact valid and from Franklin.

Town Clerk:
Deborah Pellgri, Deborah Bartlett

Treasurer:
James Dacey, Mark Denommee

Town Council: 9 positions
Incumbents: Matt Kelly, Glenn Jones, Robert Vallee, Judith Pfeffer, Joe McGann, Tina Powderly
Challengers: Juan Ramon Rivera (Finance Committee), Jeffrey Roy (School Committee), Thomas Mercer (High School Building Committee), Ronald Calabrese (Planning Board), Andrew Bissanti and Robert Dellorco

(Parenthesis indicates previous board or committee position held)

School Committee: 7 positions
Incumbents: Cynthia Douglas, Susan Rohrbach, Paula Mullen, Edward Cafasso, Roberta Trahan, William Glynn (Glynn withdrew his name from ballot)
Challengers: Sean Donahue, John Jewell and Pamela McIntyre

Board of Assessors: 2 positions
Ken Norman, Vincent DeBaggis

Board of Health: 2 positions
Philip Brunelli, Richard Aucoin and incumbent Donald Ranieri Jr.

Constable: 3 positions
Incumbents: Robert Jarvis, Philip Brunelli, Richard Delfino
Challengers: Charles Delfino Jr. , John Power

Planning Board: 3 positions
John Carroll, Greg Ballarino, William David

Planning Board Associate
no one applied for (hence Town Council will need to approve appointment of someone)


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x2137969832/Races-fill-up-for-Franklin-election#ixzz1YU9rWO49


The collection of posts related to Franklin's Election 2011 can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html



Schedule changes

You may have noticed that there was a Long Range Financial Planning committee meeting scheduled for Monday, Sep 19. Notification that it was canceled appeared on the Franklin website Monday.

The Town Council meeting that had been scheduled for Sep 21 was announced at last week's meeting to be moved to Weds, Sep 28th



Resources for alcohol retailers

How convenient - The Bureau of Consumer Protection, part of the FTC just published this listing of resources for alcohol retailers.


 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via BCP Business Center | Blog Feed by Janet Evans on 9/13/11

Launching this year's "We Don't Serve Teens" campaign, the FTC and a coalition of private and public groups have materials available for businesses, parents, and others that support the legal drinking age of 21.  If you're an alcohol retailer — or have clients in the industry — you know that underage alcohol sales are illegal.  But how can store owners and managers build compliance into the day-to-day operation of their business?  Here are some tips from the FTC:

1.   Create and maintain a written policy that lists steps your staff has to take for every alcohol sales transaction.  Subjects to cover:  when an ID check needs to be done, what a valid ID looks like, and when — and how — to refuse a sale.

2.   Train all managers and staff on your alcohol sales policy. The best training includes role-playing on how to ask for an ID and how to deny a sale in a non-confrontational manner.

3.   Use tools that make it easy.  Program cash registers to recognize alcohol sales and prompt cashiers to require ID.  If electronic ID verification isn't possible, use a specialty calendar showing birth dates eligible to buy.

4.   Monitor staff conduct through review of point-of-sale videos and private "mystery shopper" inspections.

5.   Keep records that show training dates, unusual occurrences, and the results of compliance checks. Use these records during employee reviews to prevent recurring problems — and to give credit to employees that follow company policies.

6.   Communicate with the public.  Alcohol retailers help their communities when they post information about the legal purchase age and the importance of preventing teen access to alcohol.  Free signs in English and Spanish about the legal drinking age are available from the FTC's bulk order site.

7.   Looking for more information? Visit the Don't Serve Teens site and bookmark the BCP Business Center page for members of the alcohol industry.


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Canoe the Waterfire in Providence, RI !!

From a faithful reader concerned about our water quality comes a unique opportunity!


"If you are an experienced canoeist and are looking for an unusual and fun opportunity to use your paddling skills please Check out this YouTube video of WaterFire Founder and Executive Artistic Director Barnaby Evans inviting you to participate in this special project.




With your help Waterfire Providence plans on making it even more spectacular by increasing our school to 85 illuminated Japanese Koi!

This year Waterfire is partnering with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and celebrating Rhode Island Water Celebration Day, a day marking the importance of water quality, access, and its uses that enrich the lives of everyone who lives in or visits Rhode Island.

If you are an experienced canoeist and want to be a a part of WaterFire Providence's September 24th lighting, please follow this link and complete the registration. Further event details including a timeline, directions, etc. will be updated on www.waterfire.org/clearcurrents as the date comes closer.

Thank you for supporting another spectacular WaterFire Providence special project!"

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

The ballot line up is being confirmed today


Candidates who have not returned their papers have until today at 4 p.m. to drop them off at the clerk's office to be certified. 
All nine Town Council seats and all seven school board posts are up for grabs every two years. 
Because some people have not yet returned their papers, there isn't yet a race for School Committee, but there are 11 people who have taken out nomination papers for the board. 
Incumbents Cynthia Douglas, Susan Rohrbach, Edward Cafasso and Paula Mullen, along with newcomer Sean Donahue, have all returned their papers and are therefore the five confirmed candidates. 
Pamela McIntyre, Cora Armenio, Mary Peterson, and John Jewell, chairman of the Republican Town Committee, as well as incumbents Roberta Trahan and William Glynn have taken out, but not yet returned, papers for School Committee.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x66189020/Franklin-election-deadline-is-today#ixzz1YOD92aIP

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - Oct 1

Franklin's annual hazardous waste collection day is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2011. The form would need to be filled out to obtain a ticket for the day. Tickets cost $10 and can be obtained first come, first served from the DPW as detailed on the form:

Household Hazardous Waste 2011



Sunday, September 18, 2011

REcycle: helping Bikes Not Bombs


There was order and process to the REcycle Club event yesterday at Franklin High School. The end result was 65 bikes and over $200 collected for Bikes Not Bombs!

Bikes that were donated were lined up.

REcycle_110917 006

Care was taken to not damage the seat as the peddles were removed and the handle bars turned to make the bikes more compact for shipping

REcycle_110917 013

When the bikes were complete they were lined up ready to board the truck

REcycle_110917 007

The truck from Bikes Not Bombs arrived and was ready to be loaded

REcycle_110917 005

And part of the crew processing the bikes paused briefly from their work for a photo:

REcycle_110917 011

From Left to right: Zak Borelli, Cody Williamson, Michael Williams and club leader - Eamon Earls

For more about BikesNotBombs visit their website: http://bikesnotbombs.org/


Community turns out to clean up Milford trail

For those following the development efforts of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee, this from neighboring Milford catches the eye. They had the clean up this Saturday in advance of the ribbon cutting to formally open the new section on Sat, Sep 24.


Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 9/17/11

phoMDmilftrailcleanup2_917.jpg
Armed with brooms, garbage bags and rakes, more than a dozen volunteers descended on the Milford Upper Charles Trail yesterday, adding beauty to the recreational resource.

Things you can do from here:



Related posts covering the Milford Trail
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/upper-charles-trail-milford-section.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/09/in-new-milford-rail-trail-update.html

Could the Blackstone Valley become a national historic park?

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by By Brian Benson, DAILY NEWS STAFF on 9/17/11

history 2
It may not be as well known as historic sites in Boston or Lexington and Concord, but supporters of a proposal to create a national historical park in the Blackstone Valley said the region played a critical role in the country's industrialization.

Things you can do from here:

Networking Luncheon - Friday, Sep 23

Franklin Downtown Partnership
Networking Luncheon

Friday, September 23
1 p.m.
Dean College Campus Center
New Dining Hall
$5.50

It's a great way to meet new members!
Contact Joel Carrara if you have any


Saturday, September 17, 2011

Parmenter: Back to Football Friday

The NFL is sponsoring a Back to Football Friday whereby they will award 34 $10,000 grants to benefit Health and Wellness in local schools in a country wide competition.

What Parmenter did was to incorporate community service as a way to not only stress the importance of Health & Wellness but to also stress the importance of community service. We collected:
P - Paper Products
A - Animal Products
T - Toiletries
S - Stuffed Animals
These items will be distributed to the Friends of Franklin, Franklin Food Pantry, Animal Shelters, etc.

We took pictures of all our students and a few of smaller groups. Our group picture is still with our photographer, but here are two pictures of smaller groups.

One has all our items that we collected (which were abundant):

Parmenter_Pats_110916_2

One at our school sign.

Parmenter_Pats_110916_1


Thanks to Mary Jo Peterson and Jennifer Taddeo, a couple of "community contributors", who provided info and photos from the event at the Parmenter School on Friday.


If you have a local event or good news about Franklin to share, please let me know. Good news is always welcomed!


Halloween costumes for a good cause

A nice cool, fall morning can get us thinking that Halloween will be coming soon!


Berry Insurance, with offices in Franklin and Quincy, Massachusetts, will be collecting Halloween costumes to benefit Children’s Hospital Boston.


This will be Berry Insurance’s third year hosting the drive. In years past Berry Insurance has collected and donated over 50 costumes to the Hospital.

Berry Insurance is collecting only brand new, unused/unworn, Halloween costumes and accessories for children of all ages to be donated just in time for Halloween. All costumes must be new and shouldn’t be violent or scary. Don’t forget about accessories like hats and crowns for those children that can’t get out of bed to dress up.

For anyone who would like to donate, drop off locations are set as follows. Please bring in any donations prior to October 21, 2011.

· Berry Insurance, 9 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 from 8am – 4pm

· Berry Insurance, 300 Congress Street, Suite 306, Quincy, MA 02169 from 8am – 4pm

· United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union Street, Attleboro, MA 02703

· United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 5 West Street, Franklin, MA 02038

The donations will be made in conjunction with Four Point’s by Sheraton’s nationwide costume drive.



In the News - Dean College, Ellis Paul, FPAC season



Dean named makes 'Best College' list

Ellis Paul plays Saturday night in Franklin

FPAC announces ‘11-’12 season


Friday, September 16, 2011

2 Kennedy Playground Fund Raisers

From the Kennedy Playground Committee comes word on two fund raisers:


#1
We are having a day at the 99 Restaurant. David Camilleri, the Franklin's 99's general manager, has set it up that if a person or a group brings in the Kennedy Voucher, 15% of their bill will go toward the Kennedy Playground Fund. Usually they only do 4pm to 9pm but extended it to 11am to 10pm so people can come early for lunch or for a late dinner.

The details are
Location: 99 Restaurant, Franklin Ma
Date: Wednesday, Sept 28th
Time : 11am to 10pm
15% of a person's bill goes toward the Kennedy Playground Fund 
Vouchers can be downloaded and printed from our website - www.KennedyPlayground.com

Dining for a Cause Customizable Organization Flyer

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


#2

Ladybug 5K Road Race/Walk and Fun Run
Saturday, October 29, 2011

Race/Walk - registration $20 (before Oct 24), $25 on race day
Fun Run - registration $5 (before Oct 24), $10 on race day

Registration forms can be found here or online at the Kennedy Playground website





"Do I have to do anything?"

The Milford Daily News has a follow up conversation with Police Chief Stephen Williams who is scheduled to retire in December:

Williams worked his way through the ranks exclusively in Franklin, an advantage he said he hopes his successor will have. 
"It's an advantage for me to be a homegrown boy in that I know the people and the players - knowing what Franklin is, what it has been and what it will be," Williams said. 
Williams said his replacement will most importantly have to be connected to and involved with the community, pointing to officers who pay attention to local government decisions, coach school sports, visit senior centers and care about downtown parking problems. 
"Those are very key components of having a department that's well-entrenched in the community," Williams said. "The new chief will continue to build those bridges and friendships."


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948307078/Police-chief-looks-back-as-Franklin-prepares-to-fill-his-spot#ixzz1Y6gVwuyX

Chief William's retirement was announced during the Town Council meeting Wednesday night
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/live-reporting-door-to-door.html

Farmer's Market - Open - Noon to 6:00 PM


Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

Located on the Town Common

Franklin: Farmers Market


Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.


In the News - 9/11, Cultural Council, Women's Club



Students pay homage to 9/11 in Franklin

Franklin Cultural Council seeking applications

St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s Club season begins


Reminder: Bike Recycling



On Saturday, September 17th there will be a used bicycle collection at the Franklin High School parking lot, 218 Oak Street, to benefit charity. The collection runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is sponsored by the Franklin High School RE:Cycles Club to benefit a Boston based charity that provides used bicycles to people in need, in the US and overseas. We are looking for used bike donations as well as money donations to defray the cost of shipping overseas. Bikes Not Bombs, the beneficiaries of the drive, are a 501(c)3 charity, and donors can request a receipt for tax purposes. We are especially in need of adult bikes in reasonable or easily reparable condition. The event will be held, rain or shine.

For more information contact Eamon McCarthy Earls at re_cycles@yahoo.com.



Thursday, September 15, 2011

"I'm sad to see him go"


... councilors voted to raise sewer and water bills by 10 percent each in June of 2012, amounting to about $44 more in sewer bills to the average customer and $60 more in water bills to the average customer in the first year. 
The additional money is expected to pay for planned capital improvements to those utilities. The Charles River Pollution Control District requires upgrades to the regional sewer treatment plant, of which Franklin owns 65 percent, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. On the water end, councilors authorized a $7.5 million bond to improve the water system last year. 
Though two years of increases were on the budget for approval, councilors approved both years of sewer, and only the first year of higher water bills.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948306558/Franklins-top-cop-to-retire-in-3-months#ixzz1Y0tpptLB

My summary of the Town Council meeting

  • Four establishments get penalized for serving underage minors on July 29, 2011.
  • A new restaurant to open in Franklin Village Plaza gets a liquor license
  • Chief Williams will be retiring in December
  • Chief McCarragher provided an update and lessons learned from the response to Irene
  • Sewer rates are going up due to EPA requirements for the Charles River Pollution Control District of which we are responsible for 65% of the volume
  • McGann will run for Town Council and let the voters decide if his attendance record matters (54% attendance)

The full set of notes can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/town-council-091411.html

"I'm going to let the voters decide"


"I'm really surprised that more people aren't interested in the Town Council and the School Committee," said Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri, a 27-year incumbent who does face a challenger, former Town Councilor Deborah Bartlett. "We've had so much going on. People have been blogging left and right, and I wish some of these people would come forward and run." 
Every one of the nine Town Council seats and all seven School Committee seats are available every two years. 
The Town Council has only eight candidates who have returned nomination papers so far. Incumbents Glenn Jones, Tina Powderly, Robert Vallee and Judith Pond Pfeffer are running. New hopefuls include School Committee Chairman Jeff Roy, School Building Committee Chairman Thomas Mercer, Robert Dellorco and Juan Ramon Rivera. 
Councilors Joseph McGann and Matthew Kelly have taken out but not yet returned nomination papers. At last night's council, McGann, who would be running for his fifth term, said three councilors have asked him not to run because of missed meetings.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x227170085/Few-candidates-for-council-school-board-seats-in-Franklin-election#ixzz1Y0qI4tOS

The attendance records for Town Council and School Committee for the past two years are available here

Note: the School Committee records are not up to date but the attendance percent is high and their record is consistent. The Town Council has some folks with shady attendance records. The majority of those with poor records are not running for a new term. One will be. So if you want your voice to be represented half the time time (54%), that will be your choice.

In the News - golf tournament, Gerry's Place, diabetes walk



Franklin arts center golf tournament Sept. 26




Tri-County School restaurant open to public




Franklin walk to raise money to cure diabetes


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Town Council 09/14/11



Highlights from the Town Council meeting:
  • Four establishments get penalized for serving underage minors on July 29, 2011.
  • A new restaurant to open in Franklin Village Plaza gets a liquor license
  • Chief Williams will be retiring in December
  • Chief McCarragher provided an update and lessons learned from the response to Irene
  • Sewer rates are going up due to EPA requirements for the Charles River Pollution Control District of which we are responsible for 65% of the volume
  • McGann will run for Town Council and let the voters decide if his attendance record matters (54% attendance)



The collection of reporting from the Town Council meeting can be found here.





Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT workshop for new councilors on 11/16tax hearing for Nov 30


L. OLD BUSINESS none


M. NEW BUSINESS meeting next week, rescheduled for Sep 28


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
McGann - three comments from councilors about not running again due to his missed meetings, doesn't think it is the council members decision, will let the voters make that decision, you have 12 good candidates to make a choice, my name will be on the ballot, it will be up to the voters to have their say
Kelly - thanks to all for help on Irene, thanks to the Y for opening their doors

Jones - what is the policy on the Kennedy fund raising?
Nutting - it is up to the Kennedy community to raise the money


Whalen -  speaking to the cuts of personnel that is not getting to the other departments rather than the Schools and Library, can we get the department heads in periodically to have the folks hear about the effect of the cuts.



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

motion to go to executive session, passed 9-0













Live reporting - Legislation for action


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 
1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation – Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief from Civil Service (Tabled on 8/10/2011) - tabled indefinitely, just not ready yet

2. Resolution 11-45: Chapter 61A-1st Refusal Option – Land on Spring Street
second time before the Council, owner has PSA, we have first right of refusal, has no value for the Town, recommended to let the sale proceed

motion to approve - passed 9-0


3. Resolution 11-47: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Shared Nursing Services
shared nurse through a grant program, looking to extend this for another year with receipt of another grant

motion to approve - passed 9-0


4. Resolution 11-48: Acceptance of Gift of Land at 1156 Pond Street (Lot #2)
donation of land in lieu of foreclosure

 motion to approve - passed 9-0


5. Resolution 11-49: Grant of Sewer Easement on Property At 82 (Formerly 95) Park Rd
sewer line installed without easement being recorded previously, needed to move line and cover it all properly this time

motion to approve - passed 9-0


6. Bylaw Amendment 11-663: Sewer Rates-Appendix B- List of Service Rates - 2nd Reading

as a result of the Charles River Sewer Plant upgrade, rate increases should cover the requirements; $44 and then $88 the year after, plant is under an EPA order to remove phosphorus - ultimately a million dollars raised will cover our 65% of the total amount, timed for when the bond comes in - no further rate changes for 4-5 years, has been steady for 7 years


motion to approve - passed 9-0 (via roll call)


7. Bylaw Amendment 11-664: Water Rates-Appendix B-List of Service Rates- 2nd Reading




related to pay off the 7.5 million bond authorization as approved earlier. Not related to the sewer rate increases.


Powderly - having trouble approving at this time
Nutting - you will need this eventually, could it wait a year, I am trying to be proactive, will we need all of it next year
Nutting - either way it is coming, pay me now or pay me later
Whalen - under different circumstances, it would be a prudent way to proceed. Back to back, 10% when not necessary


Nutting - the surplus has varied year to year, we have used it for road repairs, water system needs improvements all the time, 160 miles of water system even at 2 miles per year it is 80 year project


Mason - no question of economy is still pour, it is a perception problem, if we can spend down it a little, it may more sense - if we can tighten our belt it may help


Nutting - only authorize a rate for 2012, and not for 2013


Powderly, motion to amend, to have only the 2012 rate increase of 10% 


motion to approve amendment - passed 9-0 
motion to approve bylaw - passed 9-0 (via roll call)

Live reporting - Irene response

2. Tropical Storm Irene – Gary McCarraher

Worked through conflicting info from the weather services until the National Weather service took priority with their accuracy

55 MPH winds marked at Fire Stations, 100 emergencies responded during Sunday
fortunately no injuries to workers or residents on Sunday
all roads were passable by 10:00 PM Sunday evening
National Grid did not show up on Sunday at all

multiple communications with National Grid with commitment to have someone on site Monday
priorities to restore power to key areas and water service
Central Park Terrace, senior housing, those with oxygen needs were dealt with as necessary
priority listing set up one day for action the next day

School St, Parmenter, etc were priority on Tuesday listing

South St, Summer, Beach priority for Weds due to primary lines down

Beach St, Elm, Indian Way for Thu

Police surveyed the town to cross check power outages

restoration of individual home services were addressed on Fri, Sat and Sun
maintained communications via CCTY, consolidated messages with schools

Lessons Learned:
market Ctty service, to cell phone service in addition to land lines
public cell phone charging area
improve power sign board options

additional learning will be reviewed in another meeting of the departments

Kelly - what about National Grid and their response? they did not get here until Tuesday

Nutting - requesting a meeting to discuss, one of their problems was trying to communicate with 27 communities, too confusing

McCarraher - One of our keys to success was getting someone into Franklin
13,000 electrical customers, about 10,000 were out initially

Nutting - it wasn't a good communication from the beginning, it was a multi-day event but they couldn't say how long - they had a corporate decision and lost hundreds of folks three weeks prior and simply were not prepared.

McGann - what did we get from a representative?
McCarragher - we wanted information, when we called it was like it was the first time, the representative was able to navigate their queue. I just needed reasonably accurate information so we could make our decisions. We were frequently getting lost in the mix, we got scheduling done with constant contact and making sure we didn't get lost in the shuffle. The guys on the street did a marvelous job, the problem was in the back room and getting the prioritization set up.

Vallee - following upon the comment
McCarragher - it is early, only first quarter to have data with the current staffing. I am concerned about it, it is not regular bu depending upon what can happen, it could be slower response.

Mason - thanks to your help, the operation was impressive

Nutting - our first obligation is to Franklin

Dick O'Connor (from Rep Vallee office)



Live reporting - door to door solicitations

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Residential Soliciting – Stephen T. Williams

permit application required, backgrounds checked, will get out immediately upon call
you do not have to entertain a solicit

do not permit solicitations for advocacy and political groups

Jones - had requested this due to a young lady who had visited his home and other neighbors

Chief Williams - don't open the door, ask for credentials

Nutting -Williams has tendered his resignation effective 12/16/11 after 40 years of service