Live reporting - Candidates Night

Question panel

• Jack Lank, United Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Gregg Chalk, Dean College
• Mark Cataldo, Franklin resident (past Finance Committee member)
• Heather McCarron, Milford Daily News

Moderator - Larry Benedetto

Format will be each candidate will get an introduction, be asked 2 questions and get an opportunity for a closing statement. We'll rotate among the incumbents and the challengers. Time limit for each intro, question and summary.

Town Clerk
Deb Bartlett, Deb Pellegri

Pellegri - here all her life, met many in the office, a long running position, experience is very important. Only 27 clerks since

Bartlett - I want to be your Town Clerk, got certified as notarty public, spent time shadowing two other town clerks, on Long Range Planning Committee, and multiple other organizations

Q - What qualifications do you have?
Pellegri - one of the first of 87 certified as a clerk. Clerk is listed in over 400 spots in MA general laws. Experience is required. Why change this now?

Q - What motivates you to run for this position?
Bartlett - I have been thinking of this for more than 2 years. I did not re-run for Council to prepare.

Q - Should this position be elected or appointed?
Pellegri - The voters are smart, they know who they want in this position. I think this should be up to the voters to choose.

Q - What do you want to improve as Town Clerk?
Bartlett - I want to work on the website, many times I have had to come down where I could have used the web site. I want to make this easier and better for the people.

Summary - Bartlett
There have been discussions between the current Clerk with candidates and people in her office while conducting other business that has created an unsavory atmosphere.
Decrease budget by reformatting annual report and reducing postage, paper, etc.
Will maintain the most professional approach for the Town Clerk

Summary - Pellegri
Elections are very important, elections do count. I have been honest over the years. I will continue to run the office as I have run it. Please remember change for the sake of change is not good, stop and think for a moment. Do you want to replace Tom Brady just for the sake of change?


Treasurer
Introductions
Dacey
Life long Franklin resident, graduated from FHS and Villanova. Served as Treasurer for 12 years, Finance Com prior to that. Current Chair of Retirement Council for Norfolk Council. (add other listings later)

Denommee
Owner operator of a printing business here in Franklin. Goal to obtain certification, need to hold position prior to being eligible for certification

Q - What qualifications do you have for this position?
Dacey - I am certified, didn't occur until after 1st election. It is a long process. Part of Dacey Bros Dairy store business (16 stores). Office run very efficiently over the years by streamlining procedures. Entered a lock box process for payments. Year ago introduced online bill pay. Am forward thinking. Will continue to com up with new ideas.

Q - What do you think of this as appointed or elected?
Denommee - Obviously with the town voting on this in 2010, it should remain that way.

Q - What motivates you for this position?
Dacey - I enjoy getting up every morning. I want to do this until I retire. I figure about another 8 years before I retire. Working with the people in this building, refincancing to save about $400,000.

Q -
Denommee - Running a business successfully prepares me for this position. Looking at opportunities for savings, small things like the recent tax bill doesn't make reference to online bill pay.

Summary
Denommee - I am runing for this position becuase I will be an asset for the town. I will ensure that I achieve my certification in the timeilest manner the State allows. Without certification will probably be a reduction in compensation for this position, saving Franklin money for several years. Money in stabilization fund should not be used for subsidizing operations, should be invested at the highest rate possible

Dacey - committed to work until I retire, during my time here two bodn ratings upgrades. 10 years on FinCom and 12 as Treasure, hence 22 town budgets. Online bill pay and lockbox are introductions that provide service and reduce cost. No fees with new bank for moving account. Billing paid for at postage cost, no payment required for 30,000 bills. Most qualified candate for this election

Butterfly on King St

Walking back home with coffee from Cafe Dolce on Saturday morning, spotted this butterfly flitting from flower to flower along King St.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 26

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 14, 2011

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Council on Aging

Robert Crowley
Carolyn O’Brien

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-54:Chapter 61A – 1st Refusal Option – Land on Prospect Street
2. Resolution 11-55: Refunding Bond Order
3. Resolution 11-56: Amendment of FY 2012 Budget
4. Resolution 11-57: Appropriation Stabilization Fund

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


The full set of documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2011tc%20Complete%20With%20Documents/10-26-2011agenda.pdf

In the Globe - cross country, play

The FHS Girls Cross Country Team had an article in the Boston Globe West on Sunday featuring Alex Giese and Lauren Hagen.

For all ages, a day to frolic

by Kathleen Burge, Globe Staff

Shirley takes play very seriously. This year, the town of 7,200 was the only town in Massachusetts recognized by the national group KaBOOM! as a “Playful City USA.’’ This was the fifth year in a row Shirley has received the award, and this year the town also won a $20,000 grant to help build a new playground at the Lura A. White Elementary School. The town has an official Play Board and members oversee the annual “Day of Play.’’

Follow the link to the full article here

In the News - Roy

Meet the Franklin candidate: Jeffrey Roy, Town Council

by Alison McCall, Daily News staff

Deborah Bartlett answers 3 questions

One of the more interesting races in the Franklin election November 8th will be that of Deborah Pellegri and Deborah Bartlett running for Town Clerk. I spent some time with Deb Bartlett to find out how this came about. It turns out that Deb did not ‘just’ decide to run for Town Clerk. Deb has been planning to run for this office since she stepped down from her Town Council position two years ago.

FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?

DB - I moved to Boston from New York to attend to college and stayed in the area. I have volunteered extensively as my kids moved through the Franklin schools. I was part of the Kennedy PCC, then Horace Mann, and eventually Franklin High School I volunteer for the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF). I was on the building committee for both the West Central Fire Station and the Horace Mann Complex renovations. In addition, I served three terms (six years) on the Town Council and am currently on the Long Range Financial Planning Committee. (FM - This committee, you may recall, was revamped two years ago and is now comprised of all citizen representatives.)

While I was part of the Town Council, the charter changes came through for discussion and to be voted on. At that time, there was discussion that Deb Pellegri would be stepping down some time soon. I was aware of bylaw that you can’t work for the town within a year of holding an elected office. So during these past two years, I have taken several steps to prepare myself for Town Clerk. I recently completed getting certified as a notary public. I scheduled time and met with two other town clerks to review their operations. I have also met with many of the department heads to get their insights on their interaction with the Clerk’s office.

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?

DB - Effectively I have been preparing for this role all my life. I believe there are three main areas that have prepared me to serve as Town Clerk.

1 - My professional work as an office manager in a physicians office and in information technology
2 - My various volunteer positions where I had frequent contact with the Town Clerk’s office
3 - My customer service skills

My ability to build relationships and my desire to help people will serve me well in this position.

FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

DB - There will be a learning curve, no doubt about it. The office staff is phenomenal so I will learn from them and there shouldn’t be any negative difference in service. I’ll spend some time observing the operations before making any changes. I think we can do better on the communications front. Two quick examples; one, the verbiage in the annual report hasn’t changed much in years and two, the announcement that candidate papers were available for the November election came out after the period had started. I want to explore what technology improvements we can make.

I am not running against Deb Pellegri (she has a wealth of experience) as much as I am running for the Town Clerk role. At some point in time, Deb will be stepping aside. I want to provide a choice to the Franklin voters. I want to bring a different view to the Town Clerk’s office. We’ll see what the voters want.


For additional info on Deborah Bartlett you can visit her campaign website
https://sites.google.com/site/debbartlettfranklinma/

**** Note: you can find all the information for the Nov 8th Election collected here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 25

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

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

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 11, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Letter from FEA

2. Guests/Presentations
a. School Improvement Plans

1. Parmenter Elementary
2. Jefferson Elementary
3. JF Kennedy Elementary

b. Performance Based Evaluation Pilot

3. Discussion Only Items
School Committee Calendar Change
Superintendent’s Goals

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the field trip for JFKennedy 3rd and 5th graders to the Veterans Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 12, 2012 as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for the FHS Drama Club to travel to NY City to see “Rent” on November 19, 2011 as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $443.53 from Target for in-house enrichment for the Franklin High School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5000.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1750.00 from the Oak Street PCC for in-house enrichment at Oak Street Elementary School.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $530.50 from the Oak Street PCC for a field trip.
g. I recommend approval of the FHS Field trip to France & Spain in June 2012 as detailed.
h. I recommend changing the School Committee meeting Calendar to reflect a regularly scheduled meeting on November 15th and November 29th as training / workshop with FEA as discussed.
i. I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s goals as discussed.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo/Douglas Lee for in-house enrichment.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $700.00 from the Kennedy PCC for a 3rd grade field trip.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for Nurse fees for a 3rd grade field trip.

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

8. Adjourn

Candidate night, Oct 24 - 7:00 PM

Yes, there will be a candidates night Monday, Oct 24, 2011. The event will be held and broadcast from the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of the Municipal Bldg, 355 East central St, Franklin, MA.

Only candidates for contested elections will be featured. This means that the Town Council, School Committee, Board of Health, Town Clerk, Treasurer will be participating. Did I miss someone? Please let me know.

FranklinCandidatesNight_111024

High School project: FAQ

Published by the School Building Committee, this set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides a good deal of info.

FranklinSchBuildingComm FAQ 111020


The committee has scheduled an information night, Thursday Nov 17, beginning at 7:00 PM at the Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School. A presentation and discussion on the high school building project will get into the details around these FAQs.

In the News - Taste of Region, vaccinations

Taste of the Region slated, Oct. 25

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Aucoin: A warning on vaccinations

Recycle electronics and bikes today

Where:
In the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School parking lot, or as many would refer to to it, the former St Mary's School parking lot. Off Pleasant St, near the corner of Man St in Franklin.



Price listing



Bicycles too!



And the map!


View Larger Map

In the News - Powderly, flu clinics, fair, library, 5K run/walk

Meet the Franklin Candidate: Tina Powderly, Town Council

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

New state money means clinics can once again give all adults flu vaccine

by Michael Morton/Daily News staff

Note: a search on 02038 in the  http://flu.masspro.org/clinic/ website suggested by the article returned:

No Clinics found for Franklin (02038).  Please refine your search Criteria.

But the results are based upon the database and schedule as of today. Check back in the future, there may be updates

A search on  http://www.flu.gov/ for 02038 returns many results showing the Franklin locations for CVS, Walgreens, etc.

Franklin MOMS plan preschool fair

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

News from the Franklin Library

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Ladybug 5K Run/Walk planned

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Boston Foundation report examines new framework for collaboration on school ...

When you and I can put aside the School Committee's current tiff with the Town Council, there is good news and a real development on the interest based bargaining front. That is real news. Interest based bargaining can bring a possible solution to some of the long term and systemic budget issues Franklin faces.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Boston Foundation report examines new framework for collaboration on school bargaining issues

via Franklin (MA) School Committee Blog by Jeffrey Roy on 10/21/11

At a time when fiscal crises in states and municipalities throughout the country have put collective bargaining agreements with public sector unions under the spotlight and under fire, , a new Boston Foundation report lays out an alternative framework for contract talks that could provide a "win-win-win" for labor, management and taxpayers. This report is [...]

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin (MA) School Committee Blog using Google Reader
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Sewage Backup Floods Girls Locker Room

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Sewage Backup Floods Girls Locker Room

via Pantherbook on 10/21/11

The girls' locker room suffered a severe septic failure Monday afternoon that resulted in raw sewage being excreted onto the ground. A total of 8 to 10 students who had left belongings on the floor or on the bottom shelf of lockers underwent terminal damage of property which had to be thrown out during the clean [...]

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

Partridge St - closure notice

Hello this is Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works calling with an important message regarding a road closure and a detour. Effective immediately, Partridge St is closed to all traffic between Harborwood and Dover Circle due to a culvert collapses. Please try and avoid the area if at all possible. Detours are presently being set up. We hope to open Partridge St. as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding, further information can be found on the Town's website or by calling the Franklin Department of Public Works @ 508-520-4910 To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.