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Monday, February 11, 2013
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 13, 2013
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 5, 2012
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
Acceptance of Lady Slipper Lane, Pasture Way and Symmes Road as Public Ways – Public Hearing – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Gus Brown, Building Commissioner
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-07: Order of Acceptance of Lady Slipper Lane, Pasture Way, and Symmes Road as Public Ways
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 as published for this session can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/021313.pdf
Rail Trail Committee to meet Feb 12, 7:30 PM
The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013. The agenda for this meeting is shown below.
Networking Luncheon - Please Join Us!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 2/10/13
Franklin Downtown Partnership
Networking Luncheon
Friday, March 1st- 1:00
Dean College Campus Center
Dining Hall
Hope you can come and meet other
FDP members.
RSVP Joel Cararra at
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Sunday, February 10, 2013
Franklin Schools: 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Feb 11
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 6:16 PM
Subject: 2 Hour Delay
:
Date: Feb 10, 2013 6:16 PM
Subject: 2 Hour Delay
:
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All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
Trains to Boston resume in the AM on Monday!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 11:23 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:
Regularly scheduled Commuter Rail service will resume at the start of service on Monday, February 11, 2013.
Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 11:23 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:
Regularly scheduled Commuter Rail service will resume at the start of service on Monday, February 11, 2013.
Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.
Drive cautiously
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 12, 2013
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.
"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 January 29, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. Guests/Presentations
a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards
b. Best Buddies Grants
c. FHS Project Update – Tom Mercer
(Note: The document for this can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/high-school-construction-update.html)
d. District Improvement Plan (DIP) – Maureen Sabolinski, Sally Winslow, Joyce Edwards
(Note: The document for this can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-district-improvement-plan-checklist.html)
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading
1. JLCCB – Wellness Policy
(Note: The current and proposed documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-wellness-policy-proposed-revision.html)
4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving Policy JLCCB-Wellness to a second reading for the next School Committee meeting on February 26, 2013.
b. I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take JF Kennedy Music Students to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 11, 2013 for a musical performance as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the rescheduling of the previously approved ski trip for HMMS students due to frigid temperatures to Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, NH to March 2, 2013.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for a mini-grant awarded to Karen Lindblom at Remington Middle School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.00 from Robert and Joyce Cullins for district wide in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3890.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for Middle School concerts and chorus.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of dictionaries for all Franklin third grade students from the Franklin Elks Lodge 2136.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,490.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support / Doug Lee for in-house enrichment for FHS.
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
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
FPS: Wellness Policy - proposed revision
The Wellness Policy is up for discussion and possible revision on the School Committee agenda.
The current policy document:
The proposed revision to the policy:
The current policy document:
The proposed revision to the policy:
FPS: District Improvement Plan - checklist
The District Improvement Plan checklist is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013.
High School: Construction Update
This document is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013
All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
No trains to Boston today!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: T-Alerts Notification
Date: Sun, Feb 10, 2013 at 6:44 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: T-Alerts Notification
Due to severe weather that impacted the Boston area, MBTA service is suspended on all modes through Sunday, February 10, 2013.
Service will resume as soon as possible.
Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.
The tracks are fairly clear so it must be the signal/power problem in Quincy that was mentioned during the Governor's update yesterday that is still the cause. With no power at this main tower in Quincy, no signals can get to anywhere on the system.
From: T-Alerts Notification
Date: Sun, Feb 10, 2013 at 6:44 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: T-Alerts Notification
Due to severe weather that impacted the Boston area, MBTA service is suspended on all modes through Sunday, February 10, 2013.
Service will resume as soon as possible.
Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.
MBTA Crossing at Union St, Franklin |
Voices of Franklin: Fluoridegate (video)
Franklin resident Rich Aucoin sends along the link to this hour long documentary on fluoride.
FLUORIDEGATE is a new documentary that reveals the tragedy of how government, industry and trade associations protect and promote a policy known to cause harm to our country and especially to small children who suffer more than any other segment of the population. While their motivation remains uncertain, the outcome is crystal clear: it is destroying our nation!
For more information on fluoride, you can visit the Franklin Fluoride Council webpage
http://franklinfluoridecouncil.com/
or the Fluoridegate webpage http://www.fluoridegate.org/
Making our government open, transparent and accessible"
The paper has a recap of some area communities and the effort to put public meeting information in digital format.
Read more: Towns look to go digital in putting documents online - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x898128772/Towns-look-to-go-digital-in-putting-documents-online#ixzz2KUlUsWw9
The Franklin School Committee puts together an Adobe document package that contains the individual files for the agenda, action items, presentations, etc.
I am not aware of the Planning Board going digital. The problem there is with all the drafting documents. Some of those documents are huge and while it is possible to put them in digital format, the usability of viewing them online is not as good as simply holding the paper document.Some day!
Franklin’s website includes Town Council meeting packets dating back to 2008.
Assistant to the Town Administrator Maxine Kinhart said staff make electronic packets for councilors, so it is just one more step to post online.
"We just did it as a convenience to the citizens," she said. "They’re all public records so we just put it all out there."
Kinhart said the town made computers available for councilors to use at meetings, but they prefer to bring their own devices.
Read more: Towns look to go digital in putting documents online - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x898128772/Towns-look-to-go-digital-in-putting-documents-online#ixzz2KUlUsWw9
The Franklin School Committee puts together an Adobe document package that contains the individual files for the agenda, action items, presentations, etc.
I am not aware of the Planning Board going digital. The problem there is with all the drafting documents. Some of those documents are huge and while it is possible to put them in digital format, the usability of viewing them online is not as good as simply holding the paper document.Some day!
Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 9, 2013 1:50 PM
Subject: Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update
Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with updated information on the storm. The Governor's issued driving ban will be lifted at 4pm. Please stay off the roads until then so the DPW crews can clear the streets of snow.
No significant power outages have been reported in town. If you are experiencing an outage, please call national Grid directly at 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212. Bldg Commissioner Gus Brown reminds residents to clear around ALL exhaust vents (fireplaces, furnaces, dryers). Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe asks for your assistance in clearing out any hydrants near your property. Let the clean-up continue. Thank you for listening. Goodbye.
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 9, 2013 1:50 PM
Subject: Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update
Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with updated information on the storm. The Governor's issued driving ban will be lifted at 4pm. Please stay off the roads until then so the DPW crews can clear the streets of snow.
No significant power outages have been reported in town. If you are experiencing an outage, please call national Grid directly at 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212. Bldg Commissioner Gus Brown reminds residents to clear around ALL exhaust vents (fireplaces, furnaces, dryers). Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe asks for your assistance in clearing out any hydrants near your property. Let the clean-up continue. Thank you for listening. Goodbye.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
In my walk around on Saturday afternoon, I did see some hydrants cleared.
Franklin fire hydrant cleared of snow |
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Winter Storm Update: Travel Ban Lifted
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/9/13
Governor Deval Patrick today lifted the order banning vehicle traffic on all state roads effective immediately for all communities west of I-91 and for Nantucket County, and the ban is lifted statewide at 4:00pm today, Saturday. Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel to be safe and allow public safety, emergency, and road crews to do their jobs. Visit Mass.Gov to view winter storm resources.
MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey says all MBTA service will remain shut down all day Saturday.
If you must travel, continue to use extreme caution. MassDOT live online traffic cameras show current conditions on major state roadways. More than 3,600 pieces of snow and ice removal equipment have worked around the clock during the storm clearing roadways. Check MassDOT's winter driving tips.
Visit the MBTA Winter web page to learn the latest information on MBTA service.
MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey says all MBTA service will remain shut down all day Saturday.
If you must travel, continue to use extreme caution. MassDOT live online traffic cameras show current conditions on major state roadways. More than 3,600 pieces of snow and ice removal equipment have worked around the clock during the storm clearing roadways. Check MassDOT's winter driving tips.
Visit the MBTA Winter web page to learn the latest information on MBTA service.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Morning snow photo
Early morning blizzard photo
looking out from the garage door, the snow is still coming down and swirling.
If you follow the shadow of the basketball pole, you might be able to make out the lump at the end of the driveway. That is about where the mailbox is and it is barely above the snow at this time.
Be safe. The road travel restrictions are still in place. As daylight begins to arrive, we can get out to shovel, clean out and take better photos!
If you follow the shadow of the basketball pole, you might be able to make out the lump at the end of the driveway. That is about where the mailbox is and it is barely above the snow at this time.
Be safe. The road travel restrictions are still in place. As daylight begins to arrive, we can get out to shovel, clean out and take better photos!
Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Verizon Services"
Date: Feb 8, 2013 11:40 PM
Subject: Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service
From: "Verizon Services"
Date: Feb 8, 2013 11:40 PM
Subject: Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service
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Roy gets his assignments and votes to freeze UI
Rep Jeff Roy's office has shared two press releases. One with his committee assignments and one on a recent vote to freeze the unemployment insurance rate rather than raise it.
Committee assignments:
Unemployment Insurance Rate Freeze:
For additional information on Rep Roy, visit his webpage http://jeffreyroy.com/
Friday, February 8, 2013
Franklin Schools: Sunday Events Canceled
The schools are being proactive....
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Sunday Events Canceled
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Sunday Events Canceled
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NationalGrid out ahead of this one
According to this press release NationalGrid is getting out ahead of the storm. And that is a good thing, one - they are doing the press release which they had not done previously, and two, spelling out how prepared they are. They may have been so in prior storms (although experience tells us otherwise) so they are making improvements!
Franklin Food Pantry updates
1 - The Franklin Food Pantry is closed today, Friday, Feb 8th. The Food Pantry follows the school schedule of storm closures.
2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.
2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.
RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/7/13
MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined local officials and announced the availability of driver's license permit testing at the Attleboro RMV Branch, located at 75 Park Street.
The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.
"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."
The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts. To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address: http://www.massrmv.com
The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.
"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."
The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts. To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address: http://www.massrmv.com
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
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"many friendships ... will blossom in this building"
The new dormitory for Dean College was the scene for an official and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898127413/Ribbon-cut-on-Deans-new-dorm#ixzz2KIvte278
Administrators named the 32,000-square-foot dorm after Dorothy and Glendon Horne. Glendon Horne graduated from the college in 1931. His wife left Dean her estate, a donation of about $2 million — the college’s largest single gift in its history.
"It is something in our wildest dreams we never thought would happen," said Rooney of the gift. "It made the particulars of this building possible."
Noting the building’s location along West Central Street, Rooney said, "In some ways, it will attach us to Franklin in a very different way."
New Dean College dorm on Christmas morning 2012 |
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898127413/Ribbon-cut-on-Deans-new-dorm#ixzz2KIvte278
In the News: Tri-County, Democrats, MBTA, police
Restaurant competition for Tri-County is rescheduled
by Staff reports
Tri-County students preparing for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s annual culinary and restaurant management competition have another few weeks to hone their business plans and master their dishes thanks to Nor’easter Nemo.
Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus is postponed
by Staff reports
The Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus planned for this Saturday, Feb. 9th at 9 am at Alumni Restaurant in Franklin has been POSTPONED due to the weather.
MBTA to suspend all transportation 3:30 p.m. on Friday
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
Due to the severe winter storm, the MBTA will suspend all modes of service effective at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.
Franklin Police: Robber’s own unmasking is his undoing
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
A suspected robber provided detectives with all they needed to find him when he removed his disguise during a robbery last month, authorities said.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
National Grid: Blizzard update
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "National Grid"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 8:00 PM
Subject: National Grid: Blizzard update
From: "National Grid"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 8:00 PM
Subject: National Grid: Blizzard update
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February 2013 Snow Storm
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 6:18 PM
Subject: February 2013 Snow Storm
Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with information on the pending snow storm. There will be regular pick up of trash and recycling on Friday Feb 8. However, the recycling center on Beaver St will be closed both Friday and Saturday. The parking ban will become active on Friday at 6pm through the duration of the storm. School Officials are in constant contact with Public Safety and Town Officials regarding the possibility of cancellation/early dismissal for Friday, and will be sending out a message once a decision is made. Thank you for listening, stay safe, goodbye.
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 6:18 PM
Subject: February 2013 Snow Storm
Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with information on the pending snow storm. There will be regular pick up of trash and recycling on Friday Feb 8. However, the recycling center on Beaver St will be closed both Friday and Saturday. The parking ban will become active on Friday at 6pm through the duration of the storm. School Officials are in constant contact with Public Safety and Town Officials regarding the possibility of cancellation/early dismissal for Friday, and will be sending out a message once a decision is made. Thank you for listening, stay safe, goodbye.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
Note: Schools in Franklin are closed on Friday, Feb 8th
Attention: Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail Riders
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 7:23 PM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:
Due to severe weather, the last trains from South Station on Friday, February 8th, are the following:
Fairmont Line: No. 759 3:30 PM
Framingham/Worcester: No. P517 2:45 PM
Franklin: No. 713 2:40 PM
Greenbush: No. 079 2:27 PM
Kingston/Plymouth: No. 041 2:47 PM
Middleboro/Lakeville: No. 015 2:10 PM
Needham: No. 617 3:00 PM
Providence: No. 811 3:30 PM
Inbound service to Boston will be suspended at 3:30 PM
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 7:23 PM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:
Due to severe weather, the last trains from South Station on Friday, February 8th, are the following:
Fairmont Line: No. 759 3:30 PM
Framingham/Worcester: No. P517 2:45 PM
Franklin: No. 713 2:40 PM
Greenbush: No. 079 2:27 PM
Kingston/Plymouth: No. 041 2:47 PM
Middleboro/Lakeville: No. 015 2:10 PM
Needham: No. 617 3:00 PM
Providence: No. 811 3:30 PM
Inbound service to Boston will be suspended at 3:30 PM
Franklin Schools Closed, Friday, February 8
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Subject: School Closing
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Subject: School Closing
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Town Council - 02/06/13
The discussion of the Town Council around the proposal to move the Treasurer/Collector position from elected to appointed continued during this session. If I were to read how the Council would vote, most would not individually vote to approve of the change. They all seem to be in favor putting the proposal before the voters to decide.
The question and charter change would simply call for an appointment by the Town Administrator and ratification (approval or denial) by the Town Council. How the selection process for the candidate is conducted is still not defined. Should it be more like a school principal? or more like the current practice for the other appointed positions; fire chief, police chief, etc.
Letting folks have a say in the process and having a defined process before the vote is something that I think would make the voter's decision an easy one.
The second major item on the agenda Wednesday evening was the annual auditor's report. It is worthy of note that this is occurring earlier than normal. From my own records reporting on this meeting, except for the forensic audit report to the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting in Jan of 2008, this is the earliest the report has been available. That the report is clean and early is a good indication that the internal processes with Franklin are in a good state of affairs. Are they perfect? No.
As mentioned in the Management Letter, there are some fine tuning possibilities. The formal risk assessment process is one. The separation of duties for the ambulance accounting is another. It is interesting that this separation of duties issue has cropped up and apparently is due to the budget cuts reducing personnel. If you recall, it was also a position reduction in 2005 that lead to the accounting error discovered in 2007 and resulted in the forensic audit. Of note, the best thing to come out of that audit was that the Town finances finally got on the same set of books. Prior to that the School and Town books were separate.
The third major item on the agenda was the final passing of the bylaw changes to the site plan process. You may recall that there had been a great deal of hullabaloo over this when it first came before the Council. More than one Councilor had angry words and cutting comments. A workshop was held to clear the air, help with their understanding, resolve their miss understandings and as a result, last night there was nary a whisper as the roll call voted to approve the measures. Council Chair Vallee voted against one measure and Council Pfeffer voted against one also, the third passed with an 8-0 vote (Roy was absent).
The individual reports from the meeting on Wednesday:
The question and charter change would simply call for an appointment by the Town Administrator and ratification (approval or denial) by the Town Council. How the selection process for the candidate is conducted is still not defined. Should it be more like a school principal? or more like the current practice for the other appointed positions; fire chief, police chief, etc.
Letting folks have a say in the process and having a defined process before the vote is something that I think would make the voter's decision an easy one.
- If the voter feels comfortable with the process to select the most qualified person with a preference for a Franklin resident, then I think they would be more likely to go for it.
- If the voters have no idea how the selection is made, the fear, uncertainty and doubt about the quality of selection and lack of participation in the selection will likely doom the vote.
The second major item on the agenda Wednesday evening was the annual auditor's report. It is worthy of note that this is occurring earlier than normal. From my own records reporting on this meeting, except for the forensic audit report to the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting in Jan of 2008, this is the earliest the report has been available. That the report is clean and early is a good indication that the internal processes with Franklin are in a good state of affairs. Are they perfect? No.
As mentioned in the Management Letter, there are some fine tuning possibilities. The formal risk assessment process is one. The separation of duties for the ambulance accounting is another. It is interesting that this separation of duties issue has cropped up and apparently is due to the budget cuts reducing personnel. If you recall, it was also a position reduction in 2005 that lead to the accounting error discovered in 2007 and resulted in the forensic audit. Of note, the best thing to come out of that audit was that the Town finances finally got on the same set of books. Prior to that the School and Town books were separate.
The third major item on the agenda was the final passing of the bylaw changes to the site plan process. You may recall that there had been a great deal of hullabaloo over this when it first came before the Council. More than one Councilor had angry words and cutting comments. A workshop was held to clear the air, help with their understanding, resolve their miss understandings and as a result, last night there was nary a whisper as the roll call voted to approve the measures. Council Chair Vallee voted against one measure and Council Pfeffer voted against one also, the third passed with an 8-0 vote (Roy was absent).
The individual reports from the meeting on Wednesday:
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Legislation
- Live reporting: Audit for 2012
- Live reporting: Treasurer/Collector
- Live Reporting - Town Council - Feb 6, 2013
The full set of documents released with the agenda can be found on the Franklin Town Council webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/020613.pdfBlizzard watch issued for eastern Massachusetts; 12-24 inches possible
By all accounts Friday afternoon into evening is going to be the toughest time with the most snow fall. According to what is being shared by the various news and weather outlets this morning, the snow will last into Saturday.
Stay tuned for a decision on the Franklin Food Pantry phone-a-thon which has been scheduled for this Saturday (Feb 9) and next (Feb 16). We may decide to not make any calls this Saturday. The Food Pantry Board of Directors should have a decision to share on Friday morning.
Be safe!
The National Weather Service office in Taunton has issued a blizzard watch for eastern Massachusetts for late Thursday night through Saturday morning.
Stay tuned for a decision on the Franklin Food Pantry phone-a-thon which has been scheduled for this Saturday (Feb 9) and next (Feb 16). We may decide to not make any calls this Saturday. The Food Pantry Board of Directors should have a decision to share on Friday morning.
Be safe!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 2/6/13
The National Weather Service office in Taunton has issued a blizzard watch for eastern Massachusetts for late Thursday night through Saturday morning.
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
In the News: charter amendment, culinary competition, Governor's case
Franklin council considers charter amendments
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
Town Council on Wednesday night mulled amending the charter to pave the way for a November ballot question on whether the treasurer/collector job should be appointed.
Tri-County prepares for state culinary competition
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
Governor makes case for tax hikes, spending
by David Riley/Daily News staff
Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday said consensus is building around his major new transportation initiatives, but his equally ambitious education plan could prove to be a "harder lift."
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - has the Senior Center had another leak?
Mercer - There have been three different freeze ups since the Senior Ctr opened, all due to design flaws, there are fixes being put into place to avoid this in the future
Vallee - I got a call from the Globe about another community that is withdrawing from the Norfolk County Association
Nutting - we pay a lot of money to belong to the County. I can't really comment without fully understanding what the reporter was saying. I don't know how to get rid of a County. The assessment comes on the Cherry Sheet
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - a number recieved anonymous letters, if you can't put a name to the letter we can and won't respond
Mercer - we are starting to go vertical, exactly on schedule
Kelly - we seem to be getting more of them than ever before, we also have a microphone here, without a name on it, we cannot respond to it
Vallee - parking meters, she is giving tickets 24x7, is what she is saying,please look at this issue
Bissanti - does she have a uniform?
Nutting, yes in winter it is covered
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - has the Senior Center had another leak?
Mercer - There have been three different freeze ups since the Senior Ctr opened, all due to design flaws, there are fixes being put into place to avoid this in the future
Vallee - I got a call from the Globe about another community that is withdrawing from the Norfolk County Association
Nutting - we pay a lot of money to belong to the County. I can't really comment without fully understanding what the reporter was saying. I don't know how to get rid of a County. The assessment comes on the Cherry Sheet
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - a number recieved anonymous letters, if you can't put a name to the letter we can and won't respond
Mercer - we are starting to go vertical, exactly on schedule
Kelly - we seem to be getting more of them than ever before, we also have a microphone here, without a name on it, we cannot respond to it
Vallee - parking meters, she is giving tickets 24x7, is what she is saying,please look at this issue
Bissanti - does she have a uniform?
Nutting, yes in winter it is covered
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
Live reporting - Legislation
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-05: Hoffmann Farms, A Private Definitive Subdivision Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
motion to approve, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 13-06: Appropriation: Town Clerk - Advertising
motion to approve, passed 8-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 8-0 via roll call
streamlining the site plan for the developers and the Town
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 7-1 via roll call (no - Vallee)
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 7-1 via roll call (no - Pfeffer)
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-05: Hoffmann Farms, A Private Definitive Subdivision Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
motion to approve, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 13-06: Appropriation: Town Clerk - Advertising
motion to approve, passed 8-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 8-0 via roll call
streamlining the site plan for the developers and the Town
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 7-1 via roll call (no - Vallee)
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 7-1 via roll call (no - Pfeffer)
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