The Franklin Education Foundation will be holding its annual Casino Night, Saturday, Nov 3
Additional information can be found on the FEF webpage http://www.franklined.org/casino_nights
or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/events/295237077251757/
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Parmenter modular update - last
The grass is filling in. The fence is back in place.
Hard to believe that there were modular units here for more than 10 years. Looking good DPW grounds crew!
Related posts depicting the changes as the modulars were taken down and removed
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/parmenter-modular-update_30.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/update-parmenter-modular-units-1-gone-3.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/parmenter-modular-removal-underway.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/parmenter-modular-units.html
Hard to believe that there were modular units here for more than 10 years. Looking good DPW grounds crew!
Related posts depicting the changes as the modulars were taken down and removed
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/parmenter-modular-update_30.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/update-parmenter-modular-units-1-gone-3.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/parmenter-modular-removal-underway.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/parmenter-modular-units.html
Town Council - 10/17/12
The posts reported on live during the Town Council meeting of Wednesday Oct 17, 2012 can be found here
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Live reporting - Closing
Town Council returns from Executive Session at 7:45 PM
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
2. Resolution 12-71 (undefined in public session)
motion to table resolution, not debatable, passed 8-0 (Roy recuse)
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
2. Resolution 12-71 (undefined in public session)
motion to table resolution, not debatable, passed 8-0 (Roy recuse)
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0
Live reporting - license hearing
F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverage License-Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10 PM
Franklin Wine and Spirits
Chief Semerjian providing additional info
Owners: We take it very seriously, 30 plus years of experience, beyond disheartening that this happened at this location. There have been no other violations. There is a license transfer pending for ownership reasons.
Q - Councilor Roy: What training have you had?
Owners: We have had the TIPS training, the Police have been very helpful to provide information on what to look for, clock with up to date approval time. Hard to believe that someone with 30 years of experience.
Q - Councilor Jones: how does this violation work with the pending sale/
A - Counsel Cerel: The issue does not transfer with the license, it is really held to the individual
motion to approve, passed 9-0 license suspended for this Saturday
N. Council Comments
Powderly
Oct 23, Senior Center tax relief programs
Kelly
Ground breaking great event, well attended
Mercer
thanks for attending the ground breaking
thanks to those who put the day together
The Building Hearing will be holding a public meeting on Nov 14th in the Council Chambers. An update on the project, the different phases, traffic patterns, etc.
Architect, Project Manager, Contractor will all be present. Will also be televised via Franklin TV
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
Motion to go to executive session for purchase of property, open session will return
approved 8-0, Roy recuse
the Council left to use Room 205 and will return to the Council Chambers when the executive session has completed
Live reporting - adjusted schedule of meeting
with little to do before the scheduled 7:10 hearing, the Council jumped around the agenda to full in time
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
coming forward with some temporary easements for during the downtown construction period
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
For Future Legislation
none
after getting this far, there was a two minute recess to return in time for the 7:10 hearing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
coming forward with some temporary easements for during the downtown construction period
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
For Future Legislation
none
after getting this far, there was a two minute recess to return in time for the 7:10 hearing
Live reporting - Town Council - Oct 17, 2012
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 19, 2012
motion to approve, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
motion to add Res - 1271 to agenda, approved via roll call 8-0 (Roy recuse)
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
COA Appointment - Suzanne Wade
motion to approve, passed 9-0
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-70:Appropriation - Insurance Recovery Account
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 19, 2012
motion to approve, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
motion to add Res - 1271 to agenda, approved via roll call 8-0 (Roy recuse)
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
COA Appointment - Suzanne Wade
motion to approve, passed 9-0
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-70:Appropriation - Insurance Recovery Account
motion to approve, passed 9-0
10th Norfolk candidates state positions
I was unable to get a good internet connection to report live from Medway High School but took my notes by hand and have transcribed them to share here.
Co-hosted by the Republican and Democratic Town Committees of Medway at the Medway High School
The format was for both candidates to have an opening and closing statement and in between state their positions on a set of five topics; (1) Education, (2) Economic Development, (3) Local funding, (4) Tax policy and (5) the Role of government.
There are distinct differences between the two candidates as shown in their statements on each topic.
Opening Statements
Roy - provided an overview on his public service record and how he will represent everyone in the District.
Eustis - opened with a challenge to Mr Roy’s statement that MA is doing it right and went on to list the litany of corruption associated with Beacon Hill and the Democratic Party. Referenced the Forbes study that listed MA as 47th among the states as a place to do business.
1 - Education
Eustis - cares about schools, understands the need for investment in the community, recognizes that stronger schools will make the community more attractive for businesses. Doesn’t support instate tuition for illegal immigrants because the state can’t afford it. Thinks the college tuition is too high and that with 50% of the recent graduates still looking for work says that is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Roy - every child deserves a good education, invited Mr Eustis to tour the Franklin schools with him to see how well they are doing spending less in all 11 categories tracked by the state and yet a high performing district. The good schools are why businesses come here. Tri-county and Norfolk provide area students alternatives. He does not favor the Governor’s proposal on instate tuition. Thinks that we should focus on the local issues.
2 - Economic Development
Roy - wants to help businesses get back to work, with good schools businesses want to locate here. he goes on to reference three companies in Franklin two of whom relocated there and the reasons were good work force, good school system and quality of life in the community. Referenced a study by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) http://www.aimnet.org/ that touts the progress MA has made during this recent economy has been the envy of other states and regions. Can we do better? Yes. His strategic plan on economic development covers five points: 1 - money to consumers by reducing the sales tax to 5%, 2 - helping small businesses, 3 - help public higher education, 4 - reduce the cost of doing business here, and 5 - partner with the leaders in Franklin and Medway.
Eustis - I will continue to bash Beacon Hill because their performance is unacceptable. According to the Forbes report MA is 47th among the states as a place to do business. That tax rates and regulations have scared away ⅓ of the businesses who were based here in MA. RI and NH in particular have lured companies with tax breaks and incentives. MA is not competitive. As an example,the data security protection regulation implemented goes further than the FDC requires, why is that necessary? Need to follow the examples set by our neighboring states, need to enforce immigration laws.
3 - Local Funding
Eustis - wants every dollar that goes to Beacon Hill to come back, local government should make the choice, makes local government accountable, the the towns are running on increasingly tight budgets yet there is waste, fraud and abuse with the money that leaves here. Referenced EBT card abuses, the creation of 2,000 jobs in state government where the salaries exceed $100,000, the scandal in the probation department. He closed by reiterating that he would fight for every dollar to come back.
Roy - I am a fan of Massachusetts. In a rebuttal of the Forbes study referenced, many of the same CEO’s in the survey actually live in the places that are lower ranked, CA, NY and MA. Why is that? They’ll live in the lower ranked state but not do business there? Agrees, that local aid is important. Education, parks and green spaces, senior centers, all of these things are paid for with public funds, we are not funding Republican or Democratic facilities. Stated he is opposed to illegal activities, violators need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Attempted to link the Beacon Hill challenges to an attack on former Rep Vallee and asked Mr Eustis why if he was so interested in the party abuses didn’t he do something about it? Closed with he has the experience to get local aid for Medway and to spend it appropriately in the priority areas.
4 - Tax Policy
Roy - opens with ‘nobody likes to pay taxes’, taxes fund our government operations and our budgets should reflect our values. He reiterated his desire to roll back the sales tax to 5%. Wants to collect taxes on internet based sales. MA is losing $335 million in this arena. Not collecting this tax, creates a competitive disadvantage for those brick and mortar stores. He wants to ensure no unfunded mandates come from new legislation. He wants to look at tax haven abuses. MA is doing well as it has gone three years with no new taxes or fees. He would like to see an analysis on tax credits to see that they actually return what they are supposed to.
Eustis - Opens by objecting to Mr ROy’s linking of Vallee to Beacon Hill. you know I like Rep Vallee, “don’t do that Jeff.” He then questions state government, if the CEO’s don’t rate MA higher, how are we better off? We are taxed at the highest rate in the nation. We don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. Stated Mr Roy opposes the tax free weekend and can’t understand why. All you need to do is drive down an exit or two to the Wrentham Outlets to see how much of an effect it has. Reiterates the need for MA to be competitive in the region, wants to explore a tax exemption for seniors, of the 21 communities who have declared their tax rates, all 21 have increased them. People need tax relief not an increase in taxes.
5 - Role of Government
Eustis - He stated that there are two roles for government, the first is to provide the common services (public safety, education, and the safety net for those in need). If there was a second point I missed it. He did reference MA as having create the first constitution and how the US Constitution defines government. That ‘what we think (as candidates) doesn’t really matter’. His shortest statement as he surprised Mr Roy by ending without using all of his allotted time.
Roy - government is the name we give to that which we do together. Government doesn’t do everything, it does provide an opportunity. He told a story of meeting a mother of an FHS student who as a sophomore was struggling with school until he took advantage of the new Arts Academy program at FHS. Now as a junior he is excited about school and looking at where to go to college. We need to create these educational opportunities. Help those in their later years. Need to do the common things, build roads and bridges, greenspace, without being dependent for everything at Beacon Hill.
Closing Statements
Roy - gives series of thanks to those who organized this, those present, has respect for Mr Eustis, is overwhelmed by the support and endorsements he has received. Refers folks to read the letters available on his website. “Can we do better? Of course we can” We are modeling how to do it better. I will help spread the word. I will combine my experience and energy to make MA a good place to work and live. The question this election is who has the most commitment? who has the most relevant experience? who is the best qualified to represent Franklin and Medway? I have all three of these and I look for your vote on Nov 6th.
Eustis - gives series of thanks to those who organized this, those present. Reiterates that this election is about a choice. If you think MA is going in the right direction, then he is not your candidate. He didn’t talk about his local service but did serve in the Navy for four years. He did serve in other ways, his work as an attorney, never turned someone away for inability to pay, always provided service at a reduced rate and gets great satisfaction from doing so. In reference to Mr Roy’s endorsements, his mother had said; “Show me your friends and I will show you who you are.” Closed with a story of helping a lady shopping with her daughter at Market Basket, lady was challenged by shopping and trying to make ends meet with little money.We need to do better, we deserve more from our state government.
The next debate will be held on Tuesday, Oct 23 at the Horace Mann Middle School on Oak St in Franklin, MA. It will begin at 7:00 PM.
10th Norfolk District candidate debate
Republican candidate - Richard Eustis
Democratic candidate - Jeff Roy
Democratic candidate - Jeff Roy
Co-hosted by the Republican and Democratic Town Committees of Medway at the Medway High School
The format was for both candidates to have an opening and closing statement and in between state their positions on a set of five topics; (1) Education, (2) Economic Development, (3) Local funding, (4) Tax policy and (5) the Role of government.
There are distinct differences between the two candidates as shown in their statements on each topic.
Opening Statements
Roy - provided an overview on his public service record and how he will represent everyone in the District.
Eustis - opened with a challenge to Mr Roy’s statement that MA is doing it right and went on to list the litany of corruption associated with Beacon Hill and the Democratic Party. Referenced the Forbes study that listed MA as 47th among the states as a place to do business.
1 - Education
Eustis - cares about schools, understands the need for investment in the community, recognizes that stronger schools will make the community more attractive for businesses. Doesn’t support instate tuition for illegal immigrants because the state can’t afford it. Thinks the college tuition is too high and that with 50% of the recent graduates still looking for work says that is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Roy - every child deserves a good education, invited Mr Eustis to tour the Franklin schools with him to see how well they are doing spending less in all 11 categories tracked by the state and yet a high performing district. The good schools are why businesses come here. Tri-county and Norfolk provide area students alternatives. He does not favor the Governor’s proposal on instate tuition. Thinks that we should focus on the local issues.
2 - Economic Development
Roy - wants to help businesses get back to work, with good schools businesses want to locate here. he goes on to reference three companies in Franklin two of whom relocated there and the reasons were good work force, good school system and quality of life in the community. Referenced a study by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) http://www.aimnet.org/ that touts the progress MA has made during this recent economy has been the envy of other states and regions. Can we do better? Yes. His strategic plan on economic development covers five points: 1 - money to consumers by reducing the sales tax to 5%, 2 - helping small businesses, 3 - help public higher education, 4 - reduce the cost of doing business here, and 5 - partner with the leaders in Franklin and Medway.
Eustis - I will continue to bash Beacon Hill because their performance is unacceptable. According to the Forbes report MA is 47th among the states as a place to do business. That tax rates and regulations have scared away ⅓ of the businesses who were based here in MA. RI and NH in particular have lured companies with tax breaks and incentives. MA is not competitive. As an example,the data security protection regulation implemented goes further than the FDC requires, why is that necessary? Need to follow the examples set by our neighboring states, need to enforce immigration laws.
3 - Local Funding
Eustis - wants every dollar that goes to Beacon Hill to come back, local government should make the choice, makes local government accountable, the the towns are running on increasingly tight budgets yet there is waste, fraud and abuse with the money that leaves here. Referenced EBT card abuses, the creation of 2,000 jobs in state government where the salaries exceed $100,000, the scandal in the probation department. He closed by reiterating that he would fight for every dollar to come back.
Roy - I am a fan of Massachusetts. In a rebuttal of the Forbes study referenced, many of the same CEO’s in the survey actually live in the places that are lower ranked, CA, NY and MA. Why is that? They’ll live in the lower ranked state but not do business there? Agrees, that local aid is important. Education, parks and green spaces, senior centers, all of these things are paid for with public funds, we are not funding Republican or Democratic facilities. Stated he is opposed to illegal activities, violators need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Attempted to link the Beacon Hill challenges to an attack on former Rep Vallee and asked Mr Eustis why if he was so interested in the party abuses didn’t he do something about it? Closed with he has the experience to get local aid for Medway and to spend it appropriately in the priority areas.
4 - Tax Policy
Roy - opens with ‘nobody likes to pay taxes’, taxes fund our government operations and our budgets should reflect our values. He reiterated his desire to roll back the sales tax to 5%. Wants to collect taxes on internet based sales. MA is losing $335 million in this arena. Not collecting this tax, creates a competitive disadvantage for those brick and mortar stores. He wants to ensure no unfunded mandates come from new legislation. He wants to look at tax haven abuses. MA is doing well as it has gone three years with no new taxes or fees. He would like to see an analysis on tax credits to see that they actually return what they are supposed to.
Eustis - Opens by objecting to Mr ROy’s linking of Vallee to Beacon Hill. you know I like Rep Vallee, “don’t do that Jeff.” He then questions state government, if the CEO’s don’t rate MA higher, how are we better off? We are taxed at the highest rate in the nation. We don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem. Stated Mr Roy opposes the tax free weekend and can’t understand why. All you need to do is drive down an exit or two to the Wrentham Outlets to see how much of an effect it has. Reiterates the need for MA to be competitive in the region, wants to explore a tax exemption for seniors, of the 21 communities who have declared their tax rates, all 21 have increased them. People need tax relief not an increase in taxes.
5 - Role of Government
Eustis - He stated that there are two roles for government, the first is to provide the common services (public safety, education, and the safety net for those in need). If there was a second point I missed it. He did reference MA as having create the first constitution and how the US Constitution defines government. That ‘what we think (as candidates) doesn’t really matter’. His shortest statement as he surprised Mr Roy by ending without using all of his allotted time.
Roy - government is the name we give to that which we do together. Government doesn’t do everything, it does provide an opportunity. He told a story of meeting a mother of an FHS student who as a sophomore was struggling with school until he took advantage of the new Arts Academy program at FHS. Now as a junior he is excited about school and looking at where to go to college. We need to create these educational opportunities. Help those in their later years. Need to do the common things, build roads and bridges, greenspace, without being dependent for everything at Beacon Hill.
Closing Statements
Roy - gives series of thanks to those who organized this, those present, has respect for Mr Eustis, is overwhelmed by the support and endorsements he has received. Refers folks to read the letters available on his website. “Can we do better? Of course we can” We are modeling how to do it better. I will help spread the word. I will combine my experience and energy to make MA a good place to work and live. The question this election is who has the most commitment? who has the most relevant experience? who is the best qualified to represent Franklin and Medway? I have all three of these and I look for your vote on Nov 6th.
Eustis - gives series of thanks to those who organized this, those present. Reiterates that this election is about a choice. If you think MA is going in the right direction, then he is not your candidate. He didn’t talk about his local service but did serve in the Navy for four years. He did serve in other ways, his work as an attorney, never turned someone away for inability to pay, always provided service at a reduced rate and gets great satisfaction from doing so. In reference to Mr Roy’s endorsements, his mother had said; “Show me your friends and I will show you who you are.” Closed with a story of helping a lady shopping with her daughter at Market Basket, lady was challenged by shopping and trying to make ends meet with little money.We need to do better, we deserve more from our state government.
The next debate will be held on Tuesday, Oct 23 at the Horace Mann Middle School on Oak St in Franklin, MA. It will begin at 7:00 PM.
Help the YMCA, shop at Whole Foods Oct 23
Whole Foods is donating to the YMCA next Tuesday, Oct 23 to promote 'healthy futures'
Lady Bug 5K, Kids Fun Run planned
Fund raising road races are increasing in number in Franklin. A good sign of interest in health!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 10/16/12
The Kennedy School PCC will hold its Second Annual Lady Bug 5K Run/Walk, as well as a Kids Fun Run, on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Kennedy Elementary School 551 Pond St., Franklin.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
FSPA to stage ‘How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying’
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 10/16/12
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will present "How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying," an original musical parody written by FSPA drama instructor Nick Paone, this Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak St., Franklin.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
10th Norfolk: Eustis and Roy state positions
The first debate, really a series of position statements, was held at Medway High School Tuesday evening. Richard Eustis and Jeff Roy faced off on a series of five topics. They'll face off again next week in Franklin. My notes from the session will be posted soon. The Milford Dailt News writes in part:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1831579813/Election-2012-Roy-Eustis-spar-over-health-of-the-state#ixzz29Xx9e3zt
The state representative candidates for the 10th Norfolk District seat sparred in an hour-long debate, co-sponsored by Medway’s Republican and Democrat committees, atop the stage inside the high school auditorium.
The district consists of Franklin and precincts 2, 3 and 4 in Medway. Democrat James Vallee previously held the seat.
Both attorneys, Roy and Eustis still managed to draw bold distinctions between one another's background. And they disagreed on what the State House has done, or not done, to improve Massachusetts.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1831579813/Election-2012-Roy-Eustis-spar-over-health-of-the-state#ixzz29Xx9e3zt
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
"developing a comprehensive digital catalogue"
In the article, the Milford Daily News writes about the effort to catalogue the collection at the Franklin Historical Museum.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890060168/Franklin-Historical-Commission-works-to-catalog-museums-collection#ixzz29S7EVnVc
The Museum will be putting together a display of military uniforms for November to honor the veterans. Have you stopped by to see yet? It is quite the place to visit!
Spearheading the effort, Delwyn Arnold estimates that 90 percent of the items now on display have been recorded. He said that more than 1,000 items, currently stored in the museum's basement, have not been entered into the system.
The bulk of the collection consists of newspapers, town reports, documents and photographs dating back to the 1800s.
So far, the commission hasn’t unearthed any hidden gems — significant artifacts in the collection that members had no idea existed. But Arnold said it’s still a possibility.
At present, members don't have a timeline for when the database will be complete.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890060168/Franklin-Historical-Commission-works-to-catalog-museums-collection#ixzz29S7EVnVc
The Museum will be putting together a display of military uniforms for November to honor the veterans. Have you stopped by to see yet? It is quite the place to visit!
Experience Life as Upper, Middle, or Low Income Citizen at Dean College Hunger Banquet
Experience Life as Upper, Middle, or Low Income Citizen at Dean College Hunger Banquet
Dean Community Outreach invites guests to an interactive learning experience banquet promoting hunger awareness, featuring a complimentary meal & guest speaker.
Franklin, MA (October 15, 2012) – Taking a "can drive" one step further, Dean College invites the Franklin and surrounding communities to a public "Hunger Banquet" on Tuesday, November 13, in which participants will experience a meal either as an Upper Income citizen, Middle Income citizen, or Lower Income citizen.
Dean Community Outreach students conceptualized and will emcee this learning experience where guests will be assigned a class upon arrival and will experience life as a member of that class for the duration of the program. Upper income class guests will receive a scrumptious meal served to them in an upper class setting at a roundtable. Middle income class guests will experience their meal middle class meal at rectangular tables, while the lower income class experiences their meal on the floor.
"The stunning visual aspect of this meal is unfortunately an accurate representation of the issue of Hunger in the United States, and beyond," said Shannon Overcash, Staff Adviser to the Dean Community Outreach student group. "While most people are aware that hunger is a problem out there, many do not realize it can be a problem very close to home, even here in Franklin. Bringing you're children, friends, or spouses to experience it first-hand will be very beneficial to yourself and the community."
Guests are invited to experience this program free of charge, however, Dean Community Outreach students ask that each guests bring with them a canned food donation which will go to the Franklin Food Pantry. In addition to the meal experience, a representative from the Franklin Food Pantry will speak to guests about the hunger and poverty in the Franklin area.
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