Franklin, MA: FY 2013 Budget hearings

The Town Council has two special meetings this week for the annual budget hearing on the FY 2013 budget.

Franklin operates on a fiscal calendar from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. The FY 2012 budget approved last year funded operations through June 30, 2012. The budget hearings on Weds/Thu will look at funding operations for the period from July 1 through June 30, 2013.

The budget cycle generally begins in Sep/Oct as each department puts together their capital budget. The capital budget is funded by 'free cash'. Free cash is the amount of money left over from the prior budget year that the State has certified is really available. It is a one time fund and not used for operational expenses (personnel, salaries and benefits). It is used to fulfill the capital requirements (new equipment, school books, vehicles, etc.).

As the capital needs are reviewed, each department also puts together their operational requirements. These are reviewed by the Town Administrator and then brought before the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee holds a set of budget hearings where each department manager presents their case for the next year budget, explains their operations, their funding priorities and answers any questions.

The Finance Committee (FinCom) budget hearings were held in April and ended with the FinCom voting on the budget to forward it to the Town Council. This is the budget the Council will be reviewing.

The voting document shows multiple columns. The last two years total for each line item. The original total for this year as put forward by the department. The recommendation by the Town Administrator (TA). This year, the TA only changed one line item (510 - Health) reducing the amount by $1,500. On the one hand, you can attribute only one change to close coordination between the TA and the department head. In this case, the Board of Health apparently submitted a request to create a salary or stipend for what has been a volunteer or unpaid position.

The expense side of the budget generally gets the most focus but the revenue side of the budget is equally important. Franklin is required to present a balanced budget. Where the money comes from is as interesting as how it is spent. For example, this year $350,000 that was taken away from the School budget in Oct 2011 is being put back into the budget for next year. The vote to approve that transfer is part of the overall budget process decisions coming up Weds and Thu nights.

The budget documents

Expense budget FY 2013
Revenue budget FY 2013

FinCom hearings
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/finance-committee-budget-hearing-fy.html

Hearing schedule for FinCom
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/fincom-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html

Big Y: construction progress

The BIG Y continues to make good progress. The parking lot is more level, more curbs are in place.



Another view of the main entrance

This Week on the Radio: "Take the Money and Run for Office"

I was behind on my audio listening having changed my routine to finish the Hunger Games trilogy of books on tape and caught up to this one on Monday's drive to work. How timely that it deals with the US Supreme Court decision on Citizens United that lead to the People's Rights Amendment.

Ira Glass and This American Life deal with this topic in their usual fashion including an interview with both Senators McCain and Feingold who were the architects of the campaign law modifications that were overturned by the Supreme Court decision. Interesting listening! And scary to think of the consequences of the last minute SuperPAC attack impacts!

What was the Citizens United decision? You can find the Wikipedia version here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

This Week on the Radio: "Take the Money and Run for Office"

via This American Life Updates by adrianne on 4/1/12

For anyone who has ever heard the term "Washington insider" and felt outside — we are with you. So this week, we go inside the rooms where the deals get made, to the actual moment that the checks change hands — and we ask the people writing and receiving the checks what, exactly, is the money buying?

Broadcast March 31 to April 2

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to This American Life Updates using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Event

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Networking Event

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/21/12

Members are invited to attend a special networking evening

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Networking Evening

Thursday, May 31, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

An evening of networking and design tips

at Sally's Alley's New Showroom

470 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin

Refreshments and drinks will be served.

Come browse and see the newest in Window Treatment Fashions! 

Enjoy meeting new FDP members!

RSVP to Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Downtown Partnership using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Lifelong Learning: Summer programs

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 5/21/12

Lifelong Learning has registered over 1,600 students in enrichment classes for Summer 2012! This coming weekend, May 26, 27 & 28 is Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day signals the informal beginning of the summer season ... days on the Cape, working in the garden, and sunny days. It also means that the Summer Program 2012 is just a few weeks away.

Beginning the week of June 25, Franklin Public Schools is offering over 100 classes to students entering pre-school through grade 12. The classes meet during different weeks, at different times and at different locations. The opportunities include:

• Math Academy for students in grades K through 6 who see everything throught the lens of mathematics
• Summer Art Institute for students in grades 7 through 12 who enjoy painting, or drawing or ceramics or digital photography or more
• STAR and StarPLUS are programs that offer a variety of enriching and enjoyable classes for students in pre-school through grade 5 (STAR) or middle school(StarPLUS)
• Summer Music Program that offers classes for string and band players in grades 5 through 9, as well as Summer Glee classes
• high school academic support in math, English, social studies and science
• High School Experience for the incoming Class of 2016

Visit our website: www.franklin.k12.ma.us and select summer program from the column on the left. Come and be part of the fun!

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Lifelong Learning using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Events in Franklin this week

The Parmenter Elementary School sign highlights some of their events this week




Also up this week:

Jeff Roy's Campaign kicks off with an event at the Elks Club on Tues, May 22 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
http://www.facebook.com/events/234977643273553/ or http://jeffreyroy.com/

Author Kristi Marsh talks about her book "Little Changes" at the YMCA on Weds, May 23
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/local-author-to-discuss-making-little.html

The Town Council reviews the budget for next year over two nights Weds and Thu (May 23, 24) both night beginning at 7:00 PM. The final vote on the budget for next year is scheduled for Thursday's meeting.

Friends of the Franklin Library: newsletter - Spring 2012

Who are the Friends of the Franklin Library?

Do they play a role in the Library or do they just do the 'book sale'?

These and other questions of your might be answered in the Friends of the Library newsletter for Spring 2012.



If you have a question not answered by this edition, you can send an email to FOFL02038@gmail.com or join and participate in the group which meets the first Wednesday of the month.

"care more about candidates than parties"

The Milford Daily News has a recap of the current candidates for Rep Jim Vallee's 10th Norfolk seat which is up for grabs this fall.

“I’m delighted to see that five candidates have stepped up to this race,” said Roy, also the chairman of Franklin’s Democratic Town Committee. “I can’t remember a time in my lifetime that we’ve (had) that kind of choice.” 

Roy is a Boston lawyer, Franklin town councilor, and former Franklin School Committee member, who said he wants to focus on jobs, education, and civility in government if elected. 

Jewell, a Franklin School Committee member who spent 24 years in the military and now works at the medical company Siemens Diagnostics, said he’s looking at the financial aspect — by cutting frivolous spending and securing local aid — and education. 

Padula, a Franklin-based insurance agent and former special assistant District Attorney, said he also wants to look at financial issues, but looks more to creative budgeting. 

Eustis, a lawyer who served in the U.S. Navy for four years, said he’ll focus, like Roy, on bridging partisan lines. 

Analysts said Vallee’s long commitment to his job, as well as more people paying attention in the charged political environment created by U.S. Senate races and a presidential race, will contribute to candidates needing to work harder.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347546236/Residents-vie-for-Franklin-Medway-rep-s-seat#ixzz1vUk0FBXT

Library book sale and DPW "Touch a Truck"

There were about 150 people lined up for the opening of the Library book sale organizers. I stopped by about noontime to take some pictures and it was still busy but in the first lull period since the rush of the morning. Lots of books were available. Last year, the spring sale had about 400 boxes of books; this year there were about 500. The fall book sale by comparison is smaller with only about 200 boxes of books available at the Fall 2011 sale.

Families were spread out among the book tables, choosing, talking and making their purchases. Some of them also took advantage of the "Touch a Truck" opportunity as well.



Sightings of Cinderella and Snow White were reported during the day. I did manage to catch and get Batman (Guy Supernor) to pose for a photo.

Thanks to all for helping make this a great family event!

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 22, 2012

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 May 8, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Keller Elementary School Update – Julie Vincentsen
b. JF Kennedy Elementary School Update – Joan Toye

3. Discussion Only Items
a. none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for supplies at Remington Middle School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from Whitson’s Food Service Corp. for a scholarship for Franklin High School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $282.66 from Wells Fargo (Douglas Lee) for a FHS scholarship.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the Norfolk County DA for the FHS All Night Party.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1675.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1050.00 from the ASMS PCC for a field trip.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $255.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for the FPS District.

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
Approval of Executive Session Minutes from the April 24, 2012 and May 8, 2012 School Committee Meetings.

8. Adjourn

Keller 5K Fun Day - June 3, 2012

The Keller Elementary School will be the start and finish for a 5K Fun Day on June 3, 2012



The t-shirt order has already been placed for the event to happen on June 3 from 9:00 AM to noon.

Registration and additional information can be found online here  http://www.keller5k.com/

Live reporting - Question and Answer

Deb Bartlett - love living in the town, folks are generally taking care of their space so that it looks good. For some of the property where if they are no longer being maintained and it is a concern. Is there a recourse for neighbors to get some action taken?

Beth Dalhstrom - I believe there is by-law covering abandoned properties. I can get more information on it.




Deb B - Grove Street is an issue where NuStyle is and that is finally coming down. We rely on volunteers too much to take care of some of the public space. The Town should have the resources to maintain these spaces. It is hard for a group to try and do something like this (the trail committee for example) but they will need some resources from the Town.

Jeff Roy - thank you, assistance from the Town and in particular the blight areas. We'll look to get these comments addressed by a subcommittee.

David Dobrzynski - In driving by, the Town looks good but when walking by or running by you get a closer look, there is a lot of trash around that we can do better cleaning up for ourselves. There is a massive amount of clean up, we are citizens, we should make some effort.

I added to David's comments about the trash and recycling pickup. I  have posted here and elsewhere about picking up recycling in my walks around town. I also mentioned that I had recently heard that the app that Boston uses for smartphones was being looked at to expand to other communities. This would be something to be explored.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/doit/apps/citizensconnect.asp

Tom DeRosa talking about the quality of life, i.e. additional traffic from the BIG Y for example. There are restrictions within the zoning by-laws that exist. Those should be looked at.

Bill Glynn raised a question on the mission statement and the vision where they are flawed. Are those going to be addressed before getting into the goals that could come from that?

Jeff Roy acknowledged that the committee has started looking at those very items.

Bill continues with a example on one of the goals. Let's also get into some of the whys for that goal. It is generic and sound good but what are the driving factors.

Jeff continues with an example from the subcommittee on Open Space and Recreation work

Nick Alferi, Conservation Agent, one of the goals should be to have a conservation property or Town property available within a 15 minute walk of each of the residents. There are reasons for protecting wetlands and trees. It is not just that they are home for critters and are nice to look at. They provide shade, provide cooling space, and other real factual reasons for saving trees and wetlands. It is not just a 'feel-good' thing, there are scientific reasons as well.

We are fairly close in some sections of town in other sections, we are challenged to do this. Obtaining space at the retail price is expensive but working with the owners and letting them know of the need and opportunities can get some space.

Ken Norman - Speaking for the 2-way traffic needed as part of the downtown improvement project. There were compromises made when the new fire station was built downtown and the senior center in its location.

Lauren Marcyn - expressed desire for inclusion of bike friendly spaces

Beth - provided an update on the downtown project that the plans are at 75% complete and awaiting State approval. The by-law for the 2-way streets was approved by the prior council and are ready for implementation.

Brad Feldman raised a question on our progress towards becoming a green community.

Jeff and then Beth provide an update on our progress. We were already so advanced that to get certified as a green community is underway but not there yet.

Brad expressed concern about the MBTA and its plans for the stations. Should we include something for a casino? Foxboro has turned their back apparently do we need to do anything? Should regionalization of the police, fire, etc be considered part of this? Maybe under the community services section? Can we do any bench marking against other communities?

Beth comments on the other regional efforts, MetroWest and other organizations are working in this area

David - had participated in the Economic Development Summit in April, had an interesting conversation with  a local business on the language of attracting new businesses. While we are focused on attracting new what are we doing to keep existing businesses? It was interesting to hear that mentioned, we are a regional player and competing against our neighbors. We need to balance between our existing companies and attracting the new businesses.

Tom DeRosa - How does Wrentham turn down a CVS when we don't turn down anything? I used to live in Needham,and people where leaving there because the property taxes were too high. You want to keep people in town. Can the senior taxes get capped?

Jeff - there are programs out there to help tax bills for seniors.

I endorsed checking with the Senior Center for the info on the tax abatements and tax breaks for the seniors.

Bill - We are in a water ban and have been forever. If we can't sustain our existing bases, can we even consider expanding? If you project this out to a silly conclusion could there be an odd even shower restriction?

Jeff -  we have capacity, that is not the problem. The state controls the permits and our pumping capacity.

Nick - we have shallow wells to supply out water and the state controls that. If we had surface water or another source, the bans would be different. I don't see anytime in the future where we are not going to have some type of water ban. In the winter time, there is no problem delivering water. We can supply the water but can provide it day after day.

David - If you have been following the storm water program, it is controversial. We need to recharge our ground water. This is a struggle that Franklin and every other community will face. It is not in the Town's best interest to reduce water use as it provides revenue for us.

Jeff - the plan will be used for directing and guiding the Town's actions for our future.

David - I am participating because in 1997 the plan was developed and then not adopted. I don't want to get to June 2013 and not have the Town Council not adopt the plan, not start implementing the action items.

Bill - what you said is key, if we put into the master plan that we need to recharge the water supply. That may give us the reasons for adjusting or declining a development

Beth - we committed staff in the Town, we are not working this hard not to have the Town Council accept the plan and follow the actions items

Bill - I am never a big fan of making a big decision when we are possibly making a bad decision because of some other factors (i.e the fire station and the senior center), would we make the 2-way decision if the fire station was not downtown.

The first part of the meeting is noted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-master-plan-public.html

Live reporting - Master Plan Public Hearing

Introductory remarks by Jeff Roy

Copy of presentation to be added later



Committee appointed in Jan 2012, plan due in 2013, will provide an interim update to the Town Council
Will recommend monitoring measures to ensure that this plan gets fully incorporated unlike the last master plan which did not get fully incorporated.

Committee has a page on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan

Committee also has a page on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan



Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner takes over to get into the details of the plan components

One item that needs to be incorporated is the current census data which is just been released and available for analysis. This provides the latest demographic information on who the residents of Franklin are.

Looking for input from the public to help guide and direct the master plan. Use either web site link to provide feedback. The committee is looking to gather input via whatever medium is acceptable. It is more important to gather the input.

The current Franklin mission statement and master plan vision statement are open for discussion. Copies available via links above (and in presentation to be added).

In the presentation copy (to be added) there are sections on each of the subject areas with existing goals and in some cases proposed goals. For example, the Open Space and Recreation plan has been fairly active with work accomplished with the implementation of the Dog Park, the Community Gardens,and  the work on SNETT Trail to highlight a few of the key ones.

On economic development there are separate town-wide and downtown strategies

end of presentation overview


The second part of the meeting continues here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-question-and-answer.html

Voices of Franklin: Jim Hill - The People's Rights Amendment

The proposed agenda for the Town Council meeting May 16 was changed to remove the resolution (Res 12-33) referenced. There was discussion on the item but that was all.

You can find the agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-16.html 

Links to the People's Right website
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html 

and the discussion summary here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html 


Jim Hill was the second citizens to speak on this topic. Jim provided his comments for publication here after the meeting.

I respectfully disagree that this is a partisan issue. Senators McCain (republican) and Feingold (democrat) introduced legislation (the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act also known McCain-Feingold) to reverse the effects of Citizens United but corporate lobbyists got involved and the legislation was blocked. John McCain was later quoted in reference to lobbyists that he’d rather be doing something else but “This is the water we swim in.”

The Supreme Court Decision in favor of Citizens United v the Federal Election Commission gave “artificial entities” the same 1st amendment free speech rights as living, breathing people. As a result corporations have an unlimited right to pour millions into political campaigns through superpacs. Not only can American corporations influence political outcomes but also international conglomerates. I don’t want corporations and foreigners controlling political outcomes. How un-America is that! This is not what our forefathers had in mind. The constitution was written to protect the rights of living, breathing persons, not corporations. Please pass ”The people’s Rights Amendment Resolution” to protect the people’s first amendment rights. I would be proud of my Town of Franklin if you vote in support of this. Thank you.

Camp Open House this Sunday at Hockomock Area YMCA

With this sunny weather, thoughts are turning to summer!

This Sunday, May 20, from 11a – 2pm, we would like to encourage families and teens to come out The Hockomock Area YMCA for a hand's on CAMP OPEN HOUSE. 

Meet the staff!  Ask questions!  See the facilities!

Find out why 93% of campers from 2011 said they would be back in 2012!

***Sign Up for Summer Camp Between May 19-May 21st, 2012 and receive a $25 YMCA Gift Card Per Camper!

As parents look for opportunities to keep their kids active this summer, we remind caregivers that camp is among the best options for engaging kids in activities that will help develop their spirit, mind and body, while getting them outdoors in a safe environment. "Camping is synonymous with personal development.  It provides kids with the opportunity to practice social and decision-making skills through new experiences," says Jim Downs, vice president of youth & community development of the Hockomock Area YMCA. "Kids come to camp to develop friendships, learn skills in a new environment, and make memories that will last a lifetime."

NEW Adventure Teen Camps   - http://www.hockymca.org/~hocky/images/dev/docs/Teens/Summer_Adventure_Camp_Flyer_2012_-_2.pdf 

NEW Horizons Integration Camp  - http://www.hockymca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169&Itemid=258

We offer:

Convenient Transportation at a Minimal Cost

CPR/First Aid/Child Protection Certified Staff

CORI & SORI Cleared Staff

Financial Assistance

1-to-10 Max Staff to Camper Ratio

Hockomock Y Camps comply w/Mass Dept of Public Health Regs (105 CMR 430) & local town Boards of Health.

                                                                  

Thank you from your friends at the YMCA!

Martha Foley 
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA
Marketing and Developmt Director
P:774.235.2729 | F:508.528.6270         
visit our website:  www.hockymca.org
like us on facebook: HockomockAreaYMCA

“The music, the friendships, you can’t beat them"

She said that, even while eating dinner during trips for the famous singing competitions, people recognized the signature matching costumes. The group would leave their dinners, choose a song amongst themselves and perform for the people in the restaurant. 

Their travels took them to places such as New Orleans, Hawaii, Nova Scotia and London. 

“And that happened everywhere,” Dempsey said, laughing. “We just loved to sing.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347545866/Sweet-Adelines-mementos-up-for-grabs-in-Franklin#ixzz1vJIPXtE3

“It hits at the legislative intent"

The case, which hinged on the court’s interpretation of the word “convicted,” only affects drivers whose first drunken driving offense resulted in a plea where they admitted to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty, but did not plead guilty or were not found guilty. Since those cases do not result in convictions, they cannot be counted, the court found. 

Melanie’s Law mandates a 3-year license suspension of a driver with a previous drunken driving conviction who refuses to take a breath test. 

“If the Legislature, in enacting Melanie’s Law, had wanted to include an admission to sufficient facts in the definition of ‘convicted,’ it could have done so explicitly,” wrote Supreme Judicial Court Justice Margot Botsford.

Read more: http://www.patriotledger.com/news/cops_and_courts/x1986339752/Supreme-Judicial-Court-ruling-weakens-Melanie-s-Law-critics-say#ixzz1vJKbUKTe

Weekend Outlook

Friday


Low flying helicopters today
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/alert-low-flying-helicopters-friday-may.html


Saturday


Oak St PCC Fund Raiser - Franklin Caf'e & Grill - 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/oak-st-pcc-fund-raiser-sat-may-19th.html

Library Book Sale - 9:00 - 4:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/library-book-sale-this-weekend.html



DPW - "Touch a truck" - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM



A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/2012/05/may-educational-and-event-calendar.html






Master Plan Committee Public Hearing - 10:00 AM - noon?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/master-plan-hearing-this-saturday.html

Sunday Cub Scout Registration - Sunday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-cub-scouts-running.html


HMEA 5K Independence Run/Walk
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/hmea-11th-annual-independence-5k-may.html



BBC Fund Raiser for Kelly/Lazinski Family
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/bbc-fundraiser-for-kellylazinski-family.html

“It’s giving back”

The books ran the gamut of the body’s systems. Santorsola’s taught about the digestive system — eventually Josh convinced his friends to like vegetables, too. 

A cartoon cheetah who forgot to stretch before running taught students about the muscular system, while a boy confined to a wheelchair after an accident taught children about the nervous system. 

In all the stories, something left the main character feeling left out, whether it was a health issue or something such as a piece of broccoli that wanted to be eaten by candy-loving kids. 

There was a simple anti-bullying message underlying all the stories: People aren’t so different and everybody is better off when we all get along.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x210476444/Sharing-stories-in-Franklin#ixzz1vDGt1ena

Oak St PCC - Fund Raiser - Sat May 19th

The Oak St PCC will benefit from 10% of all the purchases at the Franklin Caf'e and Grill on 418 W Central St during their open hours on Saturday, May 19th.

So for breakfast, lunch or dinner you can eat and help the Oak St PCC!





Disclosure: my wife teaches kindergarten at Oak St