"Regional equity with transportation funding"

The problem exists and the solution requires coordination and networking. The primary election on Thursday Sep 4th can help to provide Franklin with the voice in this effort.

The problem many see in the MetroWest I-495 corridor is the highways straddle the turf of two MPOs — the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization — as well as two regional planning agencies, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. 

"Their budgets are limited, which makes a project like the 495 interchange (difficult)," Denoncourt said, adding that it’s easier for MPOs to work on projects solely within their jurisdiction. 

Denoncourt and Westborough Town Planner Jim Robbins agreed the political boundaries also make things difficult. 

"When you drive from (I-)290 to the Mass. Pike via (I-)495, you drive through four congressional districts," Denoncourt said, which sometimes makes it tough to find a unified voice.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1606939612/Fueling-future-road-improvements-a-tall-task#ixzz25P3gws6U

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 5, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 18, 2012, Regular and Executive Session-to be released

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Election Workers

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689: Amendment to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map – Single Family III to Business Zoning – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
99 Restaurant of Boston LLC, Inc – New Officer/Director…

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Master Plan Committee

Director of Public Works

• Roads
• Fees

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689: Amendment to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map – Single
Family III to Business Zoning – 1st Reading
2. Bylaw Amendment 12-686:  Amendment to Chapter 165, Transient Vendors- 2nd Reading
3. Bylaw Amendment 12-690: Amendment to Chapter 8, Council on Aging – 2nd Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-691: Amendment to Chapter 75, Dogs – 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 associated documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/090512.pdf

"this is kind of a balancing act"

What is a balancing act? Managing health care costs. Many communities are found not to be managing their health care costs aggressively. Franklin (and Medway) are singled out in this report by the Milford Daily News for having reduced their costs as much as the State program offered!

Among the Daily News' other findings, from reports to the state comparing existing local plans to GIC offerings and from the paper's survey of the most heavily subscribed municipal plans: 

n Two-thirds of cities and towns don't include deductibles in their plans or do so for just some of their offerings. Those that do have largely followed the GIC's lead of setting levels at $250 for individuals and $750 for families. In Medway, though, the amounts are $1,000 and $2,000, respectively. Hopkinton is also trying to get new employees on a plan with similar deductibles. 

n Medway is listed as having saved as much as the GIC, along with just one other town - Franklin. 

n Two-thirds of cities and towns carry plans that don't charge workers for high-tech scans, and several don't include co-pays for hospitalizations and outpatient surgeries.

There are additional finding in this report, you can read more here: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1606939434/Not-all-communities-find-ways-to-save-on-health-insurance-costs#ixzz25JFxs7SG

MDN Editorial: Primary candidates deserve voters

Yes, Thursday, September 6th - Primary Election day

The Milford Daily News has a recap of the candidates and positions up for this primary election

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Editorial: Primary candidates deserve voters

via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/1/12

Massachusetts state primaries never seem to come at a convenient time. The early September scheduling disadvantages challengers, who have barely six weeks to campaign once they've captured their party's nomination.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Two companies bidding to run the commuter rail system

For the Franklin commuters!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Two companies bidding to run the commuter rail system

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff on 9/1/12

Nearly a decade after acquiring the contract, officials with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. say riders have benefited from improvements to service and infrastructure. Despite service upgrades the past 10 years, company Chairman Jim O'Leary said there is still more work that needs to be done for riders of the 13 rail lines.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Road Alert: Grove St closed September 8 - 10

Grove Street will be closed from Route 140 to Forge Hill Road
Beginning at 1:00 AM Saturday September 8th until midday Monday September 10, 2012



This was originally posted to the Franklin webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01951999-000F8513

West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes

In case you missed this MA MA Dept of Public Health alert:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Franklin Health Department that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Franklin on August 22, 2012. 

As this unprecedented mosquito season continues, we again urge residents to take all steps necessary to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of mosquito activity; generally between dusk and dawn. The use of a repellent containing up to 30% DEET, permethrin or picaridin provides protection against mosquitoes. Permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin, but only used on clothing. We recommend that residents drain all standing water on their property. Birdbaths, buckets/pails, wheelbarrows and children’s inflatable pools all provide ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes. 

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has increased the frequency of vehicle-mounted spraying within the county, in an attempt to reduce mosquito populations.
Any resident wishing to have their property sprayed for mosquitoes may contact the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project @ 781-762-3681. 

The Franklin Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor mosquito/virus activity in the county to ensure the residents are provided with up to date information. 

If residents have any questions, you may contact the Franklin Health Department office @ 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department