Franklin woman runs for Dana-Farber
by Alison McCall/Daily News staff
United Regional Chamber scholarships available
by Alison McCall/Daily News staff
Friday, March 23, 2012
DOR mobile app now available from Apple and Google
An app from the DOR? At least it is available for both Apple and Google but really did we need this?
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 3/22/12
The Department of Revenue has produced, in-house, a new mobile smartphone app that allows taxpayers to check the status of their refund, file for an extension and make an estimated payment, take corrective action should a refund be held up, and keep up with DOR alerts and video.
In a press release issued today, DOR Commissioner Amy Pitter said that "DOR wants to engage and communicate with taxpayers in the easiest and most direct manner possible, and for many taxpayers, that means their smartphones which are already a center for commerce and personal business."
The release includes links to Apple and Google where the app can be downloaded at no cost. No other state revenue department offers a similar app with the same level of functionality.
Pitter said she was "proud of the development work for this app that was done by DOR's Information Services Organization Web and Mobile Team," and noted that the groundwork had been laid for more apps in the future.
DOR's homepage features a story complete with screenshots of the new app.
In a press release issued today, DOR Commissioner Amy Pitter said that "DOR wants to engage and communicate with taxpayers in the easiest and most direct manner possible, and for many taxpayers, that means their smartphones which are already a center for commerce and personal business."
The release includes links to Apple and Google where the app can be downloaded at no cost. No other state revenue department offers a similar app with the same level of functionality.
Pitter said she was "proud of the development work for this app that was done by DOR's Information Services Organization Web and Mobile Team," and noted that the groundwork had been laid for more apps in the future.
DOR's homepage features a story complete with screenshots of the new app.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Voices of Franklin: Town Council - Yes
As elected and appointed officials charged with developing prudent fiscal policies and strategic planning decisions for the town of Franklin, the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee unanimously support the March 27th Debt Exclusion ballot question for a new Franklin High School (FHS).
While the Town continually reviews its capital needs, a 2005 report from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) caused us to prioritize the high school facility. At that time, FHS was placed on warning status for 19 facility-related issues. Franklin spent the next three years identifying and addressing those issues that could be fixed outside of a major renovation.
In 2008, NEASC continued FHS’s warning status and asked Franklin to “resolve all facility issues.” As documented in an independent architectural study, the structural issues of FHS are indisputable and can only be addressed with a comprehensive renovation or new building and include:
- lack of accessibility for handicapped and/or injured (e.g., sprained ankles) students
- lack of facility-wide emergency sprinkler system
- poor condition of field house structure and roof
- classrooms below the minimum square feet required by MSBA
- poorly equipped and outdated science labs and classrooms
- poor ventilation and lighting
- inadequate parking and access to the building
- inadequate oversight of the entry due to the current location of administration offices
We highlight these points to demonstrate that the issues facing Franklin are not a matter of aesthetics, or maintenance, or easily addressed with simple wiring and new ceiling tiles. In fact, the State added over $1.5 million dollars to Franklin’s original reimbursement level after it positively assessed the historical maintenance of our town and school facilities.
A joint committee was formed to determine the most cost-effective way to address the problem. After four years of extensive study and detailed oversight from the State, the recommendation before the voters on March 27th is to build a new school under the State’s Model School Program.
A variety of diligent and independent analyses assure us and State officials that the particular masonry framework of FHS (versus an adaptable steel frame), 19 roof levels and the sprawling H-wing design of the high school makes the renovations necessary for compliance about as expensive to taxpayers as a new school, with a significantly increased chance of cost overruns, extensive disruption to students and a shortened return on investment.
The invitation-only Model School Program has many benefits that make it the most judicious cost-efficient use of taxpayer’s dollars, including:
- increased reimbursement from the state
- shorter construction time versus a newly designed school
- previous duplication in other towns limits change orders and unknown costs
- maximizes student safety and minimizes disruption to educational environment
Specifically, the new FHS proposal would result in:
- State reimbursement rate of 59.52 percent of eligible costs
- fully furnished and equipped high school, including athletic fields
- 6 additional classrooms, with all classrooms meeting minimum size guidelines
- 21st century classrooms and science labs with integrated technology
- an 830-seat auditorium/theater
- a 17,700-square-foot gym and 6,000-square-feet-indoor walking track
- full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for access and special education
- remove Franklin High from accreditation warning status
The Model School proposal resolves undeniable facility issues that we must address. It also limits the opportunity for unknown costs and limits the cost for taxpayers to about 40 cents per every dollar spent, whereas an unapproved renovation is ineligible for the state reimbursement and would be borne 100 percent by the taxpayer. Furthermore, the new design maximizes the educational opportunities available to our students, preparing them for our current professional world, with an emphasis on group learning and technology. There are many ancillary benefits as well, including protection of property values and enhanced community pride.
Franklin has a proud tradition of investing in its town for the betterment of all our citizens. We urge you to continue this support for your community and vote yes on March 27th for a new Franklin High School.
-----
The text of this letter was published in the meeting agenda for the 3/21/12 Town Council meeting
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/032112.pdf
11th Annual HMEA 5K - May 20
Hold the day for the HMEA 11th Annual Independence Day event that will be held May 20.
To register or find more information, please visit http://www.hmea.org/events.html
To register or find more information, please visit http://www.hmea.org/events.html
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.
Sign bylaws passed
In other news, the council held a somewhat heated discussion before accepting a trio of zoning bylaws meant to revamp bylaws on signs.
“I don’t like to see these things become too restrictive,” Councilor Andrew Bissanti said, a sentiment four other councilors echoed. “I’m just saying, signage is a language, it’s a form of communication for business.”
The new sign rules are meant to upgrade the previous laws. Currently, there are several violations of the bylaw used prior to tonight’s acceptance within the town, from banner signs to signs that are too large, to political signs. Political signs are now legal under the adopted rules, if regulated.
“We have outdated definitions, we have inadequate definitions,” town attorney Mark Cerel said. “This is ... a significant improvement over what is in place now.”
The bylaws delineate four districts in Franklin: residential, downtown, industrial, and commercial and business. That part of the bylaw was initially not accepted when a majority, rather than the necessary two-thirds of councilors voted for it.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1866854492/Franklin-council-urges-passage-of-override#ixzz1pq1KAfEP
The full set of documents used in the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/032112.pdf
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
News Flash from The Garden Front!
Hello Gardeners, Friends, and Supporters!
Just found out this morning that tomorrow our new garden shed (paid for by an awesome grant from the Franklin Rotary Club!) will be constructed on site at the King Street Memorial Garden. The students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will be there setting it up.
When: Thursday, March 22
Time: In the morning, around 9 am
If you are able to join us and lend a hand (or a round of applause!) we'd love to have you.
Bring something cool to drink, it will be quite warm out.
If you would like to donate any gardening tools we now have a place for them to live!
Many thanks to the students and staff at Tri-County RVTHS, the Franklin DPW, the Franklin Rotary Club, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, and all of our gardeners and volunteers!
Hope you can join us at the Garden!
Many Hands make light work!
Deepest Thanks,
Your Friends from the Franklin Community Garden
Visit us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!
FY2013 Budget Issues and Procedures
For those really into the details of the local budget and accounting this has some good information on the proper procedures for handling specific circumstances.
DLS Releases FY2013 Budget Issues and Procedures Bulletin
The Division of Local Services has posted on its website a new Bulletin addressing several issues that cities, towns, regional school and other districts should consider for FY2013 revenue and expenditure budgeting and other related matters.
Parmenter 5K - June 10th
This year's 4th Annual Parmenter Fun Run for All Ages will be held on Sunday, June 10th at 10am. More details will follow soon, including registration. For specific questions, one can email parmenter5k@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Franklin Votes - March 27th (video)
A video to summarize the pros and cons of the vote on the debt exclusion for the new Franklin High School is now available. The video features appearances by School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, and Town Councilors Jeff Roy and Bob Vallee. Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri provides some insights to help the voting process on March 27th.
Get out to vote on March 27th!
Get out to vote on March 27th!
495/MetroWest Development Compact Plan
Local, state and regional priorities for development and preservation are identified.
Prime sites to develop include Milford’s Bear Hill area, Northborough Crossing, the Golden Triangle in Framingham and Draper Mill in Hopedale, which would all have strong regional significance.
The state also wants to see companies move to the Forge Industrial Park and North Grove Street in Franklin, Framingham’s downtown and Tech Park and 9/90 crossing, Legacy Farm and South Street in Hopkinton and Tower Street Mill in Hudson.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x299890263/Development-plan-puts-focus-on-future-of-region#ixzz1peILKVB3
The full plan can be found here (PDF)
http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/eohed/pro/planning/metrowest/
Monday, March 19, 2012
Congratulations to the Hockey Team
It is an accomplishment to have made it to the State Finals two years in a row!
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1569575760/Heartbreak-hocked-for-Franklin-Medway#ixzz1pYOzARMa
For Franklin, it was March redux. Last year at this time the Panthers came within a goal of winning the state title. Yesterday, the differential — and the outcome — was the same at TD Garden.
Wilmington’s 3-2 victory left the Panthers a goal shy of their goal. Again.
“It’s tough, two years in a row,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane, who was on Franklin’s last championship team, in 1983.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1569575760/Heartbreak-hocked-for-Franklin-Medway#ixzz1pYOzARMa
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Community Garden: A grey day for green thumbs!
It may have been a grey day for green thumbs but about 30 folks gathered to "Give Peas a Chance" at the Franklin Community Garden on Saturday. Some had plots in the garden some gardened in their own space. All came together to hear Chris Clay share some tips on peas and other things to plant early.
There was a line briefly to get peas
One plot has been stringed off in grid fashion to help with their planting this year
Amy Acevedo watched as Leo O'Brien planted his peas in a starter cup
Jack Barry observes as Chris sinks his round of green wire mesh as a support for the peas
As Chris explains, his son Gabe plants the peas around the wire mesh
Jack lends a hand as Chris ties off the bamboo sticks in a teepee shape which is another way to support your peas
This was the first of a series of sessions to talk about gardening and share gardening tips
Where is the Community Garden?
Located in the King St Memorial Park
View Larger Map
There was a line briefly to get peas
One plot has been stringed off in grid fashion to help with their planting this year
Amy Acevedo watched as Leo O'Brien planted his peas in a starter cup
Jack Barry observes as Chris sinks his round of green wire mesh as a support for the peas
As Chris explains, his son Gabe plants the peas around the wire mesh
Jack lends a hand as Chris ties off the bamboo sticks in a teepee shape which is another way to support your peas
This was the first of a series of sessions to talk about gardening and share gardening tips
Where is the Community Garden?
Located in the King St Memorial Park
View Larger Map
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 3/21/12
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 7, 2011
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Disabilities Commission - Anthony J. Molinaro
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Letter to the Editor
Bryan Taberner – Director, Community Planning & Development
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-20: Adoption of Amendment to Town Council Procedures Manual
2. Resolution 12-21: Amendment to Creation of A Citizen Committee
3. Bylaw Amendment 12-674: Amendment to Chapter 48, Tobacco Products – 1st Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-675: Amendment to Chapter 63, Numbering of Buildings – 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-676: Amendment to Chapter 84, Fire Alarms - 1st Reading
6. Bylaw Amendment 12-677: Amendment to Chapter 86, Fire Lanes – 1st Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 12-678: Amendment to Chapter 95, Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse – 1st Reading
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-669:Amendment to Chapter 185-45. Administration and Enforcement – 2nd Reading
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-670: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 2nd Reading
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-671: Amendment to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 2nd Reading
11. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-672: Amendment to Chapter 185-20. Signs- 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
The documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/032112.pdf
Weight Watchers: Schedule of hours
In January, I found that Weight Watchers would be opening an office in the Horace Mann Plaza. I stopped by on Saturday to confirm that they were open (yes) and picked up a copy of their schedule (see below).
Weight Watchers Franklin
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)