12 Days of Donating: Day 7

On Day 7 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In July, road work on RT 140 was underway to prepare for the opening of the Big Y in August. A syringe disposal kiosk was positioned at the Fire Station downtown, then moved to the DPW Offices. The five candidates campaigning to replace Rep Vallee were hitting the pavement going door to door and the three Democrats were preparing for their first debate on July 30.

The Farmers Market opened every Friday from June through November 2 and seemed to be the busiest during July. The market located at the Town Common, featured the produce from local farmers. One special treat I enjoyed was the fresh native honey from Akin-Bak Farms. Stopping by to talk with Howard Crawford was always a pleasure.

I have seen articles raising questions about the benefits of buying local produce but I also wonder who is really behind the article. Unfortunately, so many of the big food companies fund research that is slanted, it becomes hard to trust what is available to read. Hence, there is one advantage with buying local. The farmer is there to talk to. Simple, direct. Fresh produce from the local area.

The Nourse Farm stand from Oct 2011 at the Franklin Farmers Market

Half way through the 12 Days of Donating, the Franklin Food Elves have combined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Town Council - 12/05/12

The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 5, 2012 can be found here

• Live reporting - legislation, closing
• Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals
• Live reporting - Town Council - Dec 5, 2012

In the News: trail improvements, capital plan, day care snags

Franklin to help improve trail

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Additional information from the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 5th can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/town-council-120512.html

Schools may receive funds for capital improvement projects

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Improvements to Franklin day care hit snag

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

"There’s an air of uncertainty"

You may have heard it before and you did because it is true. Until the overall economic conditions radically improve, this situation will arise each budget year.

Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Wednesday that he’s confident the town has enough money in its reserve to make it through the year without slashing jobs if the state makes cuts, but fiscal 2014 could be a different story. 

"We can survive short-term, but it’s the long term I’m worried about. Franklin is overly dependent on state aid, and a cut would have a major effect on us," said Nutting. 

About one-third of Franklin’s 2013 budget – $30 million of $92 million – is funded by state aid due to the town’s fast growth and school-aged population. Even a slight decrease in fiscal 2014 aid would therefore be concerning for the town. 

"We are much more heavily dependent on state aid than other communities our size," Nutting said. "A fiscal 2014 reduction in state aid of even 2 or 3 percent is a million bucks, and to another town of size, it could only be $200,000."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1107418643/Officials-concerned-with-future-of-state-aid#ixzz2EGdLTLxa

Best Buddies (video)

There have been a number of Best Buddies activities in Franklin so this new holiday video message is a good one to share.



"Show up
Stand up
I'll be your buddy anyway!"


For more information and to donate to Best Buddies visit their web page  http://www.bestbuddies.org/


Related posts on the Best Buddies program in Franklin schools
Best Buddies provides grants
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jun_24.html

Best Buddies brought the Meiers to Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/i-hope-that-you-welcome-them.html

Best Buddies grant awards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/01/fm-54-week-ending-11710.html

Live reporting - legislation, closing

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-82: Legal Notices
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

2. Resolution 12-83: 2013 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
moving the meeting in July to the 17th
Feb 20th moved to the 13th
Mar 17 moved to the 24th
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

3. Resolution 12-84: Southern New England Trunkline Trail Multi-Community Joint Planning Resolution
Received a grant for $10K to do some planning, working to study the Prospect St crossing

Powderly thanks for all the effort, this is a long development
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Can suspend the parking on Saturday beginning this weekend
just can't park all day

Planning Board endorsed the Site Plan bylaw and it will come back to Town Council

DelCarte dam construction will start next week and should end about May

Governor's adjustment to budget in administrative areas, looking to the Legislature to make local aid cuts, not too concerned about the short term cuts, the schools will get hit the most due to the circuit breaker
big concern to look to FY 2014, especially given Congress inability to do anything
it will be a trickle down effect to the local communities, this year we'll get by, next year is a concern

zoning bylaw on medical marijuana, looking to get ahead of the curve
choices are, don't allow it at all, or allow it in the adult entertainment area (industrial park) or not do anything which will create a problem eventually

Q - are there a limited number of dispensaries?
A -  in the beginning there will be five dispensaries per county, but after that they can expand

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - had opportunity early on to be interviewed when on the School Committee, that experience taught him to be better prepared
Received many compliments on the tree lighting on the common, it has been well received

Bissanti - congratulations to Stella on her award, I had heard her name referenced as a person to be recond with

Pfeffer - she knows what is going on, she is on top of her game; I remember going to her father's store (the holder of the first liquor license)

Powderly - had received the first congratulatory phone call from Stella
Echo the fine comments on the Town Common, it looks beautiful
thanks to the Downtown Partnership for a great Holiday Stroll

Kelly - congrats, the common looks beautiful

Dellorco - congrats, the lights look great, the trees that were cut were a great call

Mercer - congrats on the award, my family has know Stella for many years; I had worked with her on the Senior Center project and she was a great leader along with Judy Pfeffer
Mountains of dirt being moved around on the high school site. foundations getting poured in the next couple of weeks and with some weather luck we'll see some steel shortly after

Vallee - I'd like to thank you for what you have done, and thank you to Karen for bringing her to the meeting, that is over and above her duty

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

motion to adjourn, approved 8-0

Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - Caterina Colson
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0

2013-2014 Election Workers
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Location and Alteration of Premises - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits
moving to 14 Grove St, looking to move subject to approval and completion of the improvements
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

2013 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals
with a few licenses being held back until past due invoices are paid in full
while some of the restaurants are on the listing, there maybe another party (land owner for example) responsible for the tax bills.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Live reporting - Town Council - Dec 5, 2012

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Jones

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 18, 2012
move approval of the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
and by Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Stella Jeon

Stella said she shares this award with a number of folks, members of the groups she is part of and works with. "It has been a joy of me to serve the community."

Karen Alves, read a poem written by Stella to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Senior Center

12 Days of Donating: Day 6

On Day 6 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In June, the Town Council approved the budget for FY 2013, the Downtown Partnership held their Annual Strawberry Stroll, and MassDOT held a public hearing on the Downtown Project among many events during the month.

The Franklin Community Garden operating in its second year was the setting for a good bit of sharing on healthy alternatives to the use of pesticides. If you have not been to the Community Garden at the King St Memorial Field, please make a date to do so sometime. It is a great example of the collaboration among organizations within Franklin. The benefits are enormous. Every time I go there, I come away with another good story to share. While good food is grown in the raised garden beds, the conversations among the gardeners, and with those who pass by, is building the kind of community where we can all be proud to say we live here!



For more on the Community Garden and healthy alternatives to pesticides, visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-community-garden-diatomaceous.html

For additional information on the Community Garden, visit their website http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/


Another good example of collaboration is the current 12 Days of Donating where the Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html 
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

"duel entrances in and out were the preferred option"

For those shopping at Stop & Shop, using the points for gas purchases meant going to the Shell Station on RT 140. There are plans in the process of gaining approval for a Stop & Shop gas station to be located at the empty lot on the corner of Grove St and RT 140. The Planning Board will continue their hearing on Dec 17th with Zoning Board and Conservation Commission approval required as well before they can begin.

Stop & Shop has proposed a gas station with five fueling islands that can service 10 vehicles at a time. Near the pumping stations, the company has said it wants to build an attendant’s kiosk with an attached restroom. Underneath the facility will be two gasoline tanks (diesel won’t be available): one holding 30,000 gallons of fuel the other 8,000 gallons. 

The gas station would be located about a quarter mile from the Stop & Shop supermarket at 40 Franklin Village Drive. 

Should the Planning Board — which met on Monday to discuss the proposal during a public hearing — approve the design plan and issue the company a special permit, Stop & Shop has indicated that it would look to begin construction sometime in the spring.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719501777/Franklin-Stop-Shop-gas-station-proposal-closer-to-approval#ixzz2EAmQAW5r

Where would the gas station be located? On the empty lot at the corner of Grove St and RT 140 according the the address and the map.



View Larger Map

"having money left over is always a good thing"

In the Franklin budget process, the Finance Committee gets the preview of the budget before it goes to the Town Council. In their meeting Tuesday, they were shown the plan to cover the capital budget in two phases for this time around. The first phase is underway and is scheduled for Council vote in Jan 2014. The second phase is scheduled to complete in Apr/May 2014. The Milford Daily News reports on the meeting in part by writing:

The Finance Committee reviewed most of the plan, including spending requests from the fire, police, technology, library and school departments — during its meeting Tuesday night. 

The committee will examine the remaining requests, from the Department of Public Works and water and sewer departments, at its Jan. 8 meeting, before spending the rest of that month reviewing the plan in its entirety and then making a recommendation to Town Council. 

Calling his strategy fiscally conservative, Nutting wants to prepare the town for strains on the budget resulting from a potentially harsh, snowy winter and a possible decline in local aid prompted by shortfalls in state revenue.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719501763/Franklin-may-go-easy-on-capital-improvement-plan#ixzz2EAjBdwA2

MassBudget: Mid-Year Budget Cuts

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Mid-Year Budget Cuts Because tax receipts for FY 2013 have been lower than expected, the Governor today announced a series of mid-year spending cuts--along with plans to use money from existing reserves. Our new factsheet, Mid-Year Budget Cuts for FY 2013, describes these proposals and the broader fiscal context. Among the cuts announced today are the following: Lower reimbursements for districts with high-needs special education students (via $11.5 milllion in cuts to the SPED Circuit Breaker) $7.4 million in cuts to mental health programs, including some services for children and some for adults A 1% cut to Local Aid, which funds municipal services including police and fire protection, parks, and public works. (This cut would have to be approved by the legislature.) $200 million drawn from the state stabilization fund (the "rainy day" fund) There are two basic reasons that Massachusetts continues to find itself in a fiscal crisis. First, because of the lingering effects of the Great Recession. And second, because of tax cuts and other declines in tax receipts over the last fifteen years that cost the state over $3 billion in annual revenue. Read MID-YEAR BUDGET CUTS FOR FY 2013 The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

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

12 Days of Donating: Day 5

On Day 5 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In May, there was a whole lot going on. candidate campaigns for Rep Jim Vallee's seat started, the Master Plan Committee held its first public forum, and the annual Memorial Day activities took place among the many events for the month. 

The one event, i'd like to focus on here is the combined Library Book Sale and DPW "Touch a Truck". This is a good example of Franklin seamlessly providing a quality event and yet it is a combined Town and non-profit sponsored event. The DPW provides the facility and the vehicles are arranged for easy access around the garage and parking areas. The food is donated by local businesses. The Library Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of Franklin Library and is an all volunteer non-profit effort. The turnout is great, the smiles and bags of books are plentiful. The Library (and hence the Franklin residents) benefit from the funds raised. There is also a separate collection for the Franklin Food Pantry (which we appreciate!).

One could walk away from the event and think this is a wonderful thing that the town does. And they would be right. It is a result of the wonderful collaboration that can be very effective among the various Franklin organizations.





Guy Supernor poses as Batman

For more photos from the Library Book Sale and DPW "Touch a Truck" day
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/library-book-sale-and-dpw-touch-truck.html

Another good example of collaboration is the current 12 Days of Donating where the Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html 
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

DelCarte Property (video)

While on my run Sunday morning, I stopped for a couple of minutes to take some pictures and this video. It is not always good to stop while running but I use the excuse that I am making my run twice as good by reporting along the way. The DelCarte Property is wonderful open space and when the dams are fixed, the trails upgraded, this will be a treasure for all of Franklin to enjoy!

Where is the DelCarte Property?

View Larger Map


Related posts on the development of the DelCarte Property

DelCarte Tour in 2010
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/10/franklin-ma-delcarte-tour.html

Town Council approved work on the dam in June 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/in-news-leadership-delcarte-bullies.html

Ernest DelCarte donation
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/something-that-puts-franklin-on-map.html

Partial cell phone survey results

My thanks to the 41 folks who replied to the cell phone survey we started here yesterday before switching to the http://sensorly.com/ site. This is what we captured before we switched:



Many thanks for the quick and detailed responses. Sensorly will be a better place to aggregate our answers. I could not have replicated the maps that they provide.