Present: L Huempher, P Goldsmith, P Messere, S Dewsnap, T Smith, J Roche, C Quinn, M Dufour, B Feldman (late) - J Nutting, J Dacey, S Gagner
Absent: none
Debbie Pellegri - swore in the committee members present
meeting called to order
meeting being recorded by Franklin Matters
motion to accept minutes of May 2, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 3, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 5, passed 3-0, 4 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 9, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
re-organization; to re-elect Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
Roche, nominated to be Chair - seconded, passed 8-0
Quinn, nominated to be Vice Chair, passed 8-0
Meserve, nominated to be Clark, passed 8-0
Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey - the finance team
B Feldman joined meeting (he got sworn in before coming into the meeting)
$100 million dollar business, call if you have questions
Town Admin submits budget, FinCom makes recommendation, Town Council makes their final decision
Fiscal policies on various matters, one for stabilization fund to be about 5% of budget
getting about 2.5-3 percent interest today, has been more in the past
Jeff provided an overview on the status of the general accounts
"free cash" revenues in excess of those budgeted, and expenses less than those budgeted
averages about 2.7M has been as high as 7M
about 2-3% of budget, it is not free
used for capital budget, some held in reserve (for snow/ice etc.)
don't use free cash to balance the budget
capital budget for recurring expenses like police cars, equipment, etc.
fiscal year, Jul to Jun
Free cash calculated from prior year budget, books closed at June 30th, then certified by State before being used locally
a big chunk is kept for snow/ice, that budget has been bumped up gradually
what gets cut first in the budget, capital?
free cash was used during the 90's to balance the budget, Jeff weaned us off that over 2-3 years after he came in
competing interests with the budget, weigh the choices, is it reasonable and rational?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Rich Aucoin answers 3 questions
FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?
Rich - I was born and raised in Waltham, youngest of 5. Moved to Franklin 5 years ago. I have worked in Franklin since 1992 as a mechanical designer.
My spare time is spent working with friends and neighbors on local community projects and political advocacy, particularly in the areas of civil rights and government transparency and accountability.
I have run for local office twice before, in 2001 and 2003.
FM - 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?
Rich - My research and experience in the area of civil rights is needed on the Franklin Board of Health.
Boards of Health are responsible for more than just disease prevention and environmental protection. Just as importantly, per Chapter 111 of MA Gen Laws, local health boards are the only governmental bodies in the commonwealth with the power to enforce the individual's right to Informed Consent. Or said another way, local health boards are the only authority in the state that can legally take away this important right and force you and your family to take a drug against your will.
Such a remarkable government power must be exercised with the utmost deliberation and care.
But having attended several Franklin health board meetings over the past two years, it is clear to me that the current board lacks sufficient appreciation for the seriousness of Informed Consent rights. The board needs at least one member who will represent the individual or parent wishing to control her own family's medical decisions.
Two immediate areas of concern for Franklin residents regarding their right to Informed Consent:
.
1.) The current board is medicating residents with uncontrolled dosages of fluoride through our drinking water, without accepting accountability for the potential side effects of the practice. Even worse than dispensing uncontrolled dosages of fluoride is doing so without even the benefit of studies showing the practice is safe or effective. The board has admitted that it has no data whatsoever backing the safety or effectiveness of uncontrolled dosages of ingested fluoride. (Note that topical use of fluoride [brushing] is safe because it is not swallowed.)
.
2.) The current board is far too eager to dispense controversial new vaccines that have been rushed to market by Big Pharma without first providing residents the good, bad and ugly facts needed to make an informed decision. E.g., in 2009, the board moved forward with the hastily readied H1N1 vaccination program without accepting any responsibility for the potentially harmful side effects. The justification given by the board was that it was just following state recommendations. This answer was a clear abdication of its Chapter 111 authority and, worse, demonstrated a disturbing lack of reverence for our town's home rule charter. Let us face it: dispensing vaccines is a very serious business due to the known risks of injury. We need a local board that will either take responsibility for its actions or step aside completely. If your doctor were to give you a treatment that caused you injury, you would at least have recourse in the courts. But if an unlicensed health board gives your child a vaccine that goes terribly wrong, the town lawyer will simply claim the board enjoys civil and legal immunity. That is wrong. I believe that if the board is going to dispense any medication, it must take responsibility for the consequences just as any licensed physician must. Otherwise, the board should stop practicing medicine and leave it to real doctors.
FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
Rich - The biggest challenge to my role as defender of individual rights on the health board would be persuading other town officials that enforcing Informed Consent law is good for both residents and for the town. Some town officials have a reflexive tendency to do whatever the state says. But given the influence peddling and corruption on Beacon Hill, we need local officials who will stand up for what is right when special interests at the state level try to steer us wrong.
Restoring Informed Consent will be good for Franklin's residents because it will ensure their right to make knowledgeable medical decisions without worrying that they or their child might be punished or ridiculed for making the "wrong" choice. And it's good for the town because it puts an end to civil rights abuses that could eventually lead to messy and costly civil suits.
A vote for Rich Aucoin is a vote for medical freedom and Informed Consent rights for Franklin families.
Rich - I was born and raised in Waltham, youngest of 5. Moved to Franklin 5 years ago. I have worked in Franklin since 1992 as a mechanical designer.
My spare time is spent working with friends and neighbors on local community projects and political advocacy, particularly in the areas of civil rights and government transparency and accountability.
I have run for local office twice before, in 2001 and 2003.
FM - 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?
Rich - My research and experience in the area of civil rights is needed on the Franklin Board of Health.
Boards of Health are responsible for more than just disease prevention and environmental protection. Just as importantly, per Chapter 111 of MA Gen Laws, local health boards are the only governmental bodies in the commonwealth with the power to enforce the individual's right to Informed Consent. Or said another way, local health boards are the only authority in the state that can legally take away this important right and force you and your family to take a drug against your will.
Such a remarkable government power must be exercised with the utmost deliberation and care.
But having attended several Franklin health board meetings over the past two years, it is clear to me that the current board lacks sufficient appreciation for the seriousness of Informed Consent rights. The board needs at least one member who will represent the individual or parent wishing to control her own family's medical decisions.
Two immediate areas of concern for Franklin residents regarding their right to Informed Consent:
.
1.) The current board is medicating residents with uncontrolled dosages of fluoride through our drinking water, without accepting accountability for the potential side effects of the practice. Even worse than dispensing uncontrolled dosages of fluoride is doing so without even the benefit of studies showing the practice is safe or effective. The board has admitted that it has no data whatsoever backing the safety or effectiveness of uncontrolled dosages of ingested fluoride. (Note that topical use of fluoride [brushing] is safe because it is not swallowed.)
.
2.) The current board is far too eager to dispense controversial new vaccines that have been rushed to market by Big Pharma without first providing residents the good, bad and ugly facts needed to make an informed decision. E.g., in 2009, the board moved forward with the hastily readied H1N1 vaccination program without accepting any responsibility for the potentially harmful side effects. The justification given by the board was that it was just following state recommendations. This answer was a clear abdication of its Chapter 111 authority and, worse, demonstrated a disturbing lack of reverence for our town's home rule charter. Let us face it: dispensing vaccines is a very serious business due to the known risks of injury. We need a local board that will either take responsibility for its actions or step aside completely. If your doctor were to give you a treatment that caused you injury, you would at least have recourse in the courts. But if an unlicensed health board gives your child a vaccine that goes terribly wrong, the town lawyer will simply claim the board enjoys civil and legal immunity. That is wrong. I believe that if the board is going to dispense any medication, it must take responsibility for the consequences just as any licensed physician must. Otherwise, the board should stop practicing medicine and leave it to real doctors.
FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?
Rich - The biggest challenge to my role as defender of individual rights on the health board would be persuading other town officials that enforcing Informed Consent law is good for both residents and for the town. Some town officials have a reflexive tendency to do whatever the state says. But given the influence peddling and corruption on Beacon Hill, we need local officials who will stand up for what is right when special interests at the state level try to steer us wrong.
Restoring Informed Consent will be good for Franklin's residents because it will ensure their right to make knowledgeable medical decisions without worrying that they or their child might be punished or ridiculed for making the "wrong" choice. And it's good for the town because it puts an end to civil rights abuses that could eventually lead to messy and costly civil suits.
A vote for Rich Aucoin is a vote for medical freedom and Informed Consent rights for Franklin families.
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 10/11/11 - 7:30 PM
I. Call to Order and Introduction of New Attendees
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Report from Treasurer
IV. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding
Update on YMCA Grant Application
Approval of Date for 2012 Road Race (Labonte)
Update on List of Grants (Labonte)
Discussion of Associated Grant Makers membership (Labonte)
b. Organizational Review of Committee
Name and Mission
Discussion of Proposed Bylaws
c. Alliances
Update on SWAP and Met Land Trust meetings
Review of Committee's PowerPoint Presentation (Barth)
d. Trail Development Update from Ron Clough, DCR
e. Awareness/Outreach
Discussion of Potential Outreach/Awareness Ideas
V. Adjournment (9:00)
The meeting will be held at the Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Minutes from Sep meeting FCRTC - Minutes - Sep 2011 Draft mission statements FCRTC - Draft Missions
II. Approval of Minutes
III. Report from Treasurer
IV. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding
Update on YMCA Grant Application
Approval of Date for 2012 Road Race (Labonte)
Update on List of Grants (Labonte)
Discussion of Associated Grant Makers membership (Labonte)
b. Organizational Review of Committee
Name and Mission
Discussion of Proposed Bylaws
c. Alliances
Update on SWAP and Met Land Trust meetings
Review of Committee's PowerPoint Presentation (Barth)
d. Trail Development Update from Ron Clough, DCR
e. Awareness/Outreach
Discussion of Potential Outreach/Awareness Ideas
V. Adjournment (9:00)
The meeting will be held at the Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Minutes from Sep meeting FCRTC - Minutes - Sep 2011 Draft mission statements FCRTC - Draft Missions
Race to Nowhere film screening in Franklin
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
The Franklin Public Schools, in conjunction with the Joint Parent Communication Councils of Franklin, is hosting a screening of the film Race to Nowhere on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m. The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street. A panel discussion will follow the screening. [...]
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- Subscribe to Franklin (MA) School Committee Blog using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Oct 12
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invites you to their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 12th at 7:30 pm upstairs at “3” Restaurant, 461 West Central St, Franklin.
This month, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting will visit to talk about local news, the upcoming town elections, the pending High School project, new businesses coming to town, and much more. He’ll also answer any questions you have, so bring your hot topics!
Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. Cash bar available.
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a social club for residents of all ages and situations–not just those new to town. For more info, visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Giant Church Yard Sale - Oct 15th
Giant yard sale coming up Saturday, October 15th at the Franklin Federated Church.
Teacher raises rankle council
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Anger in Franklin over 1.5 in pay raises for teachers in a year marked by town-wide pay freezes and job losses came to a head last week when the Town Council voted unanimously to reopen hearings on the town budget nearly four months after approving it, a move that Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting described as "extremely unusual.'' The vote allows the council to reexamine the school budget, and gives them the option of taking money out of the school budget and allocating it to other parts of the town budget, like the police or fire departments.
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- Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe West using Google Reader
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Sunday, October 9, 2011
Charles Hazlewood: Trusting the ensemble
TED shares such great ideas. How convenient and timely for them to share this one.
"Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust in musical leadership -- then shows how it works, as he conducts the Scottish Ensemble onstage. He also shares clips from two musical projects: the opera "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and the ParaOrchestra".
Charles talks about how his job as a conductor depends upon trust with his orchestra: "an unshakable bond of trust born out of mutual respect"
I trust you. You can watch this and connect the dots.
Enjoy the music!
"Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust in musical leadership -- then shows how it works, as he conducts the Scottish Ensemble onstage. He also shares clips from two musical projects: the opera "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and the ParaOrchestra".
Charles talks about how his job as a conductor depends upon trust with his orchestra: "an unshakable bond of trust born out of mutual respect"
I trust you. You can watch this and connect the dots.
Enjoy the music!
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 10/11/11
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 September 27, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards
1. Susan Mullen
2. Sarah MacLellan
b. Middle School – School Improvement Plans – MS Principals
3. Discussion Only Items
Calendar Adjustment
Superintendent’s Contract
FY 11 Budget
4. Action Items:
a. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $875.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a field trip.
e. I recommend approval of the field trip for 4th and 5th grade Oak Street students to the Rhode Island Philharmonic on April 12, 2012 as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for 80 middle school chorus students to NY City on May 12, 2012 to see a play as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1500.00 from YMCA Healthy Futures Grant for Oak Street Elementary School for supplemental curriculum materials.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $42.56 from Follett for supplemental curriculum materials for Jefferson Elementary School.
i. I recommend amendment of the 2011-2012 School Calendar that makes March 23, 2012 a district wide reduced day.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $525.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for a field trip.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Fidelity – Lilly Family Fund for Annie Sullivan Middle School.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $187.06 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for Annie Sullivan Middle School.
m. I recommend acceptance of the proposed Superintendent’s contract as detailed.
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. Adjourn
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Looking for military uniforms
The Franklin Historical Museum is looking for military uniforms to display during November.
If you have any that you could share, the details are in the document on how to contact the museum.
Franklin Historical Museum Notice: Military Uniforms
Does School Start too Early?
It is good to see students at Franklin High School using social media tools, like this blog - Pantherbook. Click through to read the full article and continue to explore their archives. They have a good mix of news and school discussions.
Way to go Panthers!
This question has been brought up many times in the past; do high school students start too early? Teachers complain about students sleeping in class all the time but it might not be their fault. In an issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine they stated that there is more and more evidence [...]
Way to go Panthers!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Pantherbook on 10/7/11
This question has been brought up many times in the past; do high school students start too early? Teachers complain about students sleeping in class all the time but it might not be their fault. In an issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine they stated that there is more and more evidence [...]
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Pantherbook using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
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