"lower the trash fee by $16, from $220 to $204"

Under the state option, board members who intend to use remote participation must explain their absence under certain categories, such as military service, illness or geographic distance. 

The town will test remote participation first with speaker phone, instead of video conferencing, and restrict use to one member per meeting and only within the Council chambers, on the second floor of the municipal building. Members must notify the chairman of their committee at least four hours before the meeting, and subcommittees will not be allowed to use remote participation.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1014038517/Remote-meeting-attendance-approved-for-Franklin#ixzz1oWJr9Qgf

Update to MassBudget's Budget Browser - FY2012 Supplemental Budget

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Budget Browser Updated - New FY2012 Numbers  Information from February's supplemental FY12 budget has been added to MassBudget's interactive Budget Browser. This includes: $21.2 million to help low-income seniors and families with their home-heating bills (in line-item 7004-1000)     An additional $35.0 million for adult day health services (4000-0600)    A new $20.4 million Information Technology fund, to improve IT across a range of state agencies (1599-4380) The budget browser allows you to see how funding has been allocated among the major budget categories (health care, education, environment, housing, and more)--and to track spending for any line-item or any group of line-items. EXPLORE THE BUDGET BROWSER You can also watch our tutorial video: HOW TO USE THE BUDGET BROWSER  MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Cowper: HS vote is a chance to invest in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Cowper: HS vote is a chance to invest in Franklin

via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/7/12

The recent boys basketball game between Franklin and Mansfield is a perfect example of why we will vote YES to build a new high school. The FHS field house was packed with folks of all ages from both towns. Like us, many of the adults who came to watch didn't have kids on the team or even at the high school any more. It was just a chance to cheer for a common goal and show the power of community spirit and pride. What other activities attract people of all ages in the same place for an entertainment event? The energy was exciting and unifying

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Grease is the word!

FHS production of Grease. March 23 & 24, 2012 at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin starting at 7pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Franklin takes down Boston Latin in mock trial competition

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin takes down Boston Latin in mock trial competition

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff on 3/6/12

After a bitter loss to Boston Latin School in last year's mock trial competition, Franklin High's team got the sweet taste of redemption yesterday, defeating Latin and advancing in the tournament

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Franklin, MA: Earth Day registration open

Thank you for your interest in the Franklin Earth Day event on April 22nd, 2012! For over 10 years, the Town of Franklin has conducted this event in an effort to educate the public on recycling, beautification, and general clean up of the town. This year, we are taking online registration for those folks looking to lock in a location in Town that they are interested in cleaning. Please select the area in town you are interested in cleaning and let us know specifics about your planned clean up. Gloves and trash bags can be picked up ahead of time at the Recreation Dept (150 Emmons St).

Register online for Earth Day

15th Annual Trivia Bee - March 15

Yes, you read that correctly.

The 15th Annual Trivia Bee will be held on March 15th! How cool is that?


FEF Trivia Bee Flyer 2012


Hold the date on your calendar!

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

Franklin Rotary Scholarship Application

Dear High School Senior,

As your high school experience is coming to a close, it is time to contemplate, plan and make decisions that will affect your future. Part of that process is determining how to pay for a college education. The cost of furthering your education is high but the failure to obtain additional knowledge will cost you even more. Our members understand this and recognize the significant expense and sacrifice that often accompanies its pursuit. With this in mind the Rotary Club of Franklin, as it has for many years, continues to offer graduating high school seniors from Franklin, Tri–County, King Phillip, and Medway High Schools an opportunity to receive scholarships to offset the expense of higher education.

The Rotary Club is an international service organization that is dedicated to world peace through service to others and an increased awareness of people’s needs through education. Based on this premise, each application for the Franklin Rotary Club Scholarship is evaluated on the basis of community involvement, financial need, and academic achievement.

To apply for a Scholarship please go to the Rotary Club of Franklin website http://www.franklinrotaryma.org. Click on to “Rotary Scholarships” and fully complete an application.

Please return it as soon as possible and before the May 4, 2012 deadline to:
Rotary Scholarship Committee
PO Box 148
Franklin MA 02038


On behalf of the Rotary Club of Franklin and its Scholarship committee we wish you good luck and best wishes.

Sincerely,

Daniel Gentile
Chairman,
Rotary Club of Franklin Scholarship Committee

Presidential Primary: Polls open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

“It certainly is a race on the Republican ballot,” Franklin Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said. “It’s going to bring the Republicans out, that’s for sure.” 

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, are also running for the Republican nomination. 

Democrats have President Barack Obama on the ballot, and Green-Rainbow voters can choose from Jill Stein, Harley Mikkelson and Kent Mesplay. 

Residents will only receive ballots for the political party for which they are registered. 

Unenrolled voters can ask for any of the three available ballots this year.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x413535626/Some-area-town-clerks-expect-more-to-show-up-at-polls-today#ixzz1oKdNn1o3

Franklin, Newton students make Mock Trial 'Sweet 16'

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin, Newton students make Mock Trial 'Sweet 16'

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/5/12

Franklin High School and Newton South High School have advanced to the "Sweet 16'' regional finals in the 27th annual Massachusetts Bar Association Mock Trial competition.

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Franklin Library: Nook eReaders Workshop

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Nook eReaders Workshop

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 3/5/12

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Registering to Vote and Absentee Ballot Information

Dear Supporters-

This is an important reminder regarding the upcoming vote on March 27 for the new high school.

If you are NOT registered to vote, the last day to register for this election is this Wednesday, March 7!

In this election, Franklin voters will have the chance to support the construction of a fully furnished and equipped 21st century high school and auditorium for our community. Voters will be asked to approve borrowing for a modern, new facility that will cost $47 million. The new high school is based on a state-approved model school design and will be open to students in the fall of 2014.  For more information on the high school project, please visit: www.newfhs.com.

You can register at the Franklin Town Clerk's office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street.  Additionally, following is information on voting by absentee ballot.

Please pass this along to your friends and neighbors!  Thank you!

How to Vote by Absentee Ballot

If you will be physically unable to vote on March 27, you can vote by absentee ballot starting on March 7 and at any time up to noon on Monday, March 26.

There are several convenient ways to obtain and vote by absentee ballot. You can do so in person at the Town Clerk's Office. Or, you can vote by mail. Here's how:

Download and complete an Absentee Ballot application right now. To obtain a form for yourself, visit http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absentee_ballot.pdf.

To request a ballot for a family member, visit: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absente_ballot_fam.pdf .

· Complete the form appropriate for you (the voter or family member). Be sure to check off the "Election Box" in Section 1 and write in the date of March 27.

· Hand-deliver or mail the completed from to the Town Clerk's Office, Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038. Forms must be received in the Town Clerk's Office by Noon, March 26. Since original signatures are required, ballot applications cannot be faxed or emailed.

· The Absentee Ballot will be mailed to you or your family member after March 7.

· Ballots will be mailed to the voter with two envelopes. After making your YES vote on the ballot, place the ballot in the smaller, brown envelope and sign it. Insert the smaller envelope in the bigger, white envelope. Place two 1st-class stamps on it and mail it.

Franklin High School Tours and Info Session Set for March 8

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin High School Tours and Info Session Set for March 8

via Franklin (MA) School Committee Blog by Sean Donahue on 3/4/12

FRANKLIN, Mass. – The Franklin School Building Committee will be hosting an information session on the proposed new Franklin High School and providing tours of the current high school on Thursday, March 8. Starting at 6 p.m. tours of the current facility will be offered by members of the Franklin School Committee and others. This [...]

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"don’t want the public to be put in harm’s way"

“There is such a variety of fireworks, so it would be very difficult to monitor what exactly they’re firing off,” Goodale said. “We have solid guidelines and regulations for burning brush, but it would be difficult with fireworks.” 

Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said tragic accidents result from fireworks, including burns, loss of limbs and sight. 

“We have to factor all these injuries into the debate over fireworks. They have a large impact,” McCarraher said. “It’s always difficult to offset tragedies with creating jobs and bringing in revenue. It’s not worth the risk.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x413535278/Area-chiefs-oppose-legalizing-of-fireworks#ixzz1oEo7W29s

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 7, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– November 2, 16, 2011 Regular Session, February 16, 2012 Executive Session

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS


E. APPOINTMENTS


F. HEARINGS – 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-669:Amendment to Chapter 185-45 Administration and Enforcement
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-670: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-671: Amendment to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-672: Amendment to Chapter 185-20. Signs

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- BBRG TR, LLC d/b/a Joe’s American Bar & Grill- Change of LLC Managers &…

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Melanson Heath – 2011 Audit
- Remote Participation

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-14: Authorization to Borrow-repairs and remodeling to various school buildings, painting a tank, upgrades to the water plant, new water lines and engineering
2. Resolution 12-15: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law
3. Resolution 12-16: Master Plan Committee – Amended
4. Resolution 12-17: Appropriation: Elections & Registrations
5. Resolution 12-18: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 12-19: Appropriation: Beaver Street Recycling Center
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-669:Amendment to Chapter 185-45Administration and Enforcement – 1st Reading
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-670: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 1st Reading
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-671: Amendment to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-672: Amendment to Chapter 185-20. Signs- 1st Reading
11. Bylaw Amendment 12-673: Amendment to Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading
12. Bylaw Amendment 12-679: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading
13. Bylaw Amendment 12-680:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st 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


The full set of documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/030712.pdf