Monday, February 11, 2013

After Nemo (photo essay)

Walking around Franklin on Saturday afternoon and then again on Sunday provided some good photo opportunities.


Nemo_Franklin_Parmenter
Parmenter School
Parmenter School is ready to open two hours late today


Nemo_Franklin_HistMuseum
Franklin Historical Museum
The Museum, in the snow, with the setting sun.... looking good!


Nemo_Franklin_RocklandTr
Rockland Trust
I am not sure that the brand managers would appreciate with Mother Nature did with their sign!


Nemo_Franklin_Triangle1
Downtown view at the triangle

Nemo_Franklin_Triangle2
Looking west at the triangle
The roads are narrow, be careful moving about


Nemo_Franklin_WinterSt
The storm hid the name of this street
When walking Sunday, the street sign was able to reveal its name. The snow had cleared. (see below)

Nemo_Franklin_KingStSummerSt
King of the hill anyone?
The corner of King St and Summer St heading into Franklin was piled high

Nemo_Franklin_KingSt
King St empty on a Saturday afternoon?
The travel ban was still in effect and folks were abiding by it. Only a few snow plows came by during our walk on Saturday.

nemo_Franklin_TreeShadow
Tree shadow
Sunday brought bright sunshine

nemo_Franklin_SnowWaves
snow sculpted by the wind
Many yards slope and how the wind played with the snow revealed some interesting combinations

nemo_Franklin_FHARoof1
snow overhang
One of the Franklin Housing Association buildings has this nice big snow curve hanging there

nemo_Franklin_FHA2
snow curve, side view
The connections are made one flake at a time

nemo_Franklin_WinterSt2
Winter St
The mystery sign is appropriately Winter St.

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



Things you can do from here:

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
:

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

Please be advised that all schools will open 2 hours late on Monday, February 11. 


The DPW did a great job plowing roads and schools however not all sidewalks are plowed at this time. The district will implement emergency transportation for those students who walk to school and are unable to obtain a ride. Buses have been directed to stop and pick up all walkers. For a list of bus stops please go to the transportation page in the Business office link on our web site.

Please be aware that the snow banks are high and roads are expected to be wet so please drive with caution.

District office will be open at the regular time.

Stay safe




To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer.
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 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 FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.


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.



Drive cautiously

Be careful driving around Franklin today. Especially when coming from a side street to a main street, the snow is piled high on the corner and you'll have difficulty peeking around to watch for the traffic.

From North Park St to Wachusett

Nemo_Franklin_NParkcorner


From Wachusett to King St

Nemo_Franklin_WachusettSt



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:

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.


MBTA Crossing at Union St, Franklin
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.

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.
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.

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.

Nemo_Franklin_FireHydrant
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.

Things you can do from here:

Morning snow photo

In daylight, the snow is both pretty and awesome

snow on deck, #nemo 2013

The seats will be soft and comfy. The beer will be cold!

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!


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


Verizon


Dear Valued Verizon Customer,

In recent months, the East Coast has certainly had its fair share of significant weather events. As the latest winter storm unfolds, Verizon has deployed resources to support areas that could be impacted. Unfortunately, power outages are the most common weather-related issue our customers experience.  If you should lose power, below are some important tips about your FiOS® service: 
  • In the event of a power outage, your FiOS® Internet and/or TV service will not be available until your power is restored
     
  • If you have fiber-based voice service or FiOS® Digital Voice, the Battery Backup Unit (BBU) that Verizon installed to support your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) supplies up to eight (8) hours of corded phone service
     
  • Should the battery in your BBU cease to power your corded phone, you may still be able to make an emergency phone call by pressing the blue Battery Emergency Use button on your BBU. This should enable your ONT to reboot and provide up to one hour of additional talk time
     
  • Once power is restored, you may need to reset your ONT or reconnect/replace the battery to restore your FiOS service(s)

To Reset Your Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
  1. Unplug the electrical power cord of your Battery Backup Unit from the wall outlet
  2. Wait one minute and then plug the cord back into the wall and see if the ONT resets. If the ONT resets, then your FiOS service(s) should come back online. If not, please try to reconnect the battery according to the directions below
To Reconnect (Or Replace) The Battery In Your Battery Backup Unit (BBU)
  1. Unplug the electrical power cord of your BBU from the wall outlet
  2. Open the battery cabinet on the BBU (you may need a screwdriver to do this)
  3. Disconnect the battery leads and wait 10 seconds. Reconnect the battery leads
  4. Put the battery cabinet back on and then plug the power cord back into the wall and see if the ONT resets. If the ONT resets, then your FiOS service(s) should come back online. If not, you may need to replace the battery that Verizon provided.

For up-to-date information throughout the storm, please visit verizon.com/outage from your computer, smartphone, or wireless device. This site will allow you to create a repair ticket, find additional help for troubleshooting or restoring your service, and download our Verizon In-Home Agent which provides you with fast, easy solutions. 

Please stay safe, and thank you for being a loyal Verizon customer.

Sincerely,

Your Verizon Team


Having trouble with the links in this email? You can also copy and paste the following address into your browser to view your account: http://www.verizon.com/myaccount
Ensure Verizon emails reach your inbox by adding verizon-services@verizon.com to your "safe" email list. Your email or Internet
provider can provide instructions on how it works.
This email has been sent from an auto-notification system that cannot accept incoming email.
Sign In
Forgot Your Password?
Customer Service ©2013 Verizon

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


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello
Due to weather conditions, all school and community activities scheduled for Sunday, February 10 are canceled. This includes all athletic practices and games.

Maureen Sabolinski

Superintendent of Schools




To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer.
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 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 FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

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.


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

RMV Attleboro, February 7, 2013MassDOT 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




Things you can do from here:

"many friendships ... will blossom in this building"

The new dormitory for Dean College was the scene for an official and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
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

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

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

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

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



To view this email as a web page, click here.
national grid


February blizzard update

With a severe winter storm on the way that some weather forecasters already are calling a storm of historic proportions, National Grid has started preparing for widespread, prolonged power outages that could result from the predicted blizzard-like conditions. Although the path of the storm is still being monitored, we are taking steps to ensure we are prepared for this storm and we want to make sure that you are too.
Be prepared by creating an emergency kit:
  • Water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Battery-powered or hand - crank radio
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers
Please remember that should you lose power during the storm, restoration may not happen immediately. Given the scale of the storm , with high wind and deep snow conditions , we must first ensure the safety of our crews and linemen. We will have hundreds of additional crews and support resources able to begin work around the clock to restore service but only once it is safe for them to do so. Please be prepared for extended outages by having the items listed above and also by staying connected.
We urge you to stay connected
In addition to Outage Central, National Grid offers a number of ways for customers to report outages or learn about restoration efforts and important safety information. 
Here's how:
  • Outage reporting hotline - Call 1-800-465-1212 to report an outage.
  • Text messages - Customers can receive text message alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). Customers can opt out at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743). 
  • Find us on Facebook  or Twitter to connect with us and other customers. You can also view images from the field, get safety tips and the latest updates on our restoration efforts.
Remember, if your power goes out, you can access our mobile website by going to nationalgrid.com on your mobile phone. There you will be able to report outages, check the status of your outage, view outage maps, view important messages and access safety tips.
National Grid
Here with you. Here for you.
national grid
© 2012 National Grid USA Service Company, Inc.
This email was sent by: National Grid
One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, U.S.A.

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.

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


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


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello:

This is a message from Superintendent of Schools, Maureen Sabolinski, to inform you that after consulting with state and local public safety officials, all Franklin Schools will be closed on Friday due to inclement weather. All activities on Friday and Saturday are canceled. The administration offices will be open.
Stay safe




To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer.
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 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 FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

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.
  • 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:



 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.pdf



Blizzard 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!

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:

In the News: charter amendment, culinary competition, Governor's case


Franklin council considers charter amendments

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

For more than a month, Seamus Geehan spent hours after school cutting smoked salmon into paper-thin slices, then rolling them into the shape of petite pink orchards.




Governor makes case for tax hikes, spending

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."