Posted by Franklin Public Library at
Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
In the News: OUI arrest, mosquito spraying
Franklin man arrested on second OUI in 3 years
Helicopter mosquito spraying to take place in April
Officer Louis Marguerite put the pieces together: the car’s underbelly bleeding transmission fluid, the liquid trail, the tire marks right before the sidewalk at the end of Echo Bridge Road.
Helicopter mosquito spraying to take place in April
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District will be conducting helicopter applications of the biorational larvicide BTI (bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Live reporting - Finance Committee - Apr 2, 2013
Present: Smith, Dufur, Feldman, Roche, Dewsnap, Aparo, Huempfner
Absent: Goldsmith, Quinn
Susan Gagner, Jeff Nutting and Jim Dacey (from right to left as you watch the video broadcast)
motion to approve meeting minutes, approve 7-0
Begin by reading the budget line by line, if any one hold a dept that should be acknowledged
those questions can be answered, then they can go and approve the budget as a single item
Holds
Fire Dept
Dufur - recognition for the excellent Fire Dept presentation. Recommending one part-time addition, recognizing the aging of the department, the growth of the community would increase additional pressure on the service level performance. Overall creates a compelling agrument
Roche - one guy will help but...
Nutting - reviewing additional info in regards to the injuries, last Fri had a graduate from the Academy, a second person coming back in July, another person is being planned for hiring in July, yet another anticipated coming back from injury. Not currently in the budget but planning ahead for a disability retirement, exactly when will it happen, hard to say. Increasing three new people will help shift the burden. The runs have not yet increased but it is anticipated they might. 14 -15,000 hours of OT averaged. Need to think about the burden above the salary to cover the benefits and insurances required. It is not easy but we should be able to hold our breath for another year.
Nutting - still don't have a collective bargaining agreement with the Fire Fighters union, about to go to arbitration. Would you save some money via reduction in overtime in short term maybe, but the overall costs salary and benefits is a lot of money
Dufur - it is manageable
Feldman - looking at the outlook, it doesn't get rosier
Nutting - scheduled for 91 tours, with the overtime it gets to about 95 tours. Going to the 24 hour shift has had some effect versus what they did with the 10-14 hour shifts
Motion to approve the budget
general fund 95 million etc.
approved 7-0
motion to approve the budget
enterprise budget 10 million etc.
approved 7-0
Old business - none
New business -
Jeff has submitted a five year forecast "The sky is not falling but it is getting lower"
forecast based upon best estimates, forecast has not really changed over time
"we have eliminated 20% of the workforce"
we don't get 2.5% increase in our revenues
"The only thing that fixes roads is money" I think we need a dedicated override for the roads
it can only be spent on what it was funded for, i.e. roads
as opposed to a general override where it goes to the general funds after the first year
(a copy of the letter will be posted here later)
We are working regionally for safety dispatch, it may come in about 18 months and save us about $100,000. It is the right thing to do and we are doing it. It is hard to get people to come to the table. We share recreation, dog services, and sewer. We tried the library and they left.
Our general fund debt outside of Prop 2.5% is dropping, as our old debt gets paid off. Some of the buildings get paid off over the next couple of years as the high school comes on
I have level funded the state funding and am very concerned about that especially with whatever happens at the Federal level increasing pressures on them
How did the snow and ice come out?
Knock on wood, we should be just under the amount budgeted ($900,000). it is very unpredictable
Has OPEB made it to the state house agenda?
No, it is woefully inadequate. They started on lengthening the requirements for eligibility
Question on auditors report
In the management report, working on a plan to address the recommendations
Fraud risk assessment
Absent: Goldsmith, Quinn
Susan Gagner, Jeff Nutting and Jim Dacey (from right to left as you watch the video broadcast)
motion to approve meeting minutes, approve 7-0
Begin by reading the budget line by line, if any one hold a dept that should be acknowledged
those questions can be answered, then they can go and approve the budget as a single item
Holds
Fire Dept
Dufur - recognition for the excellent Fire Dept presentation. Recommending one part-time addition, recognizing the aging of the department, the growth of the community would increase additional pressure on the service level performance. Overall creates a compelling agrument
Roche - one guy will help but...
Nutting - reviewing additional info in regards to the injuries, last Fri had a graduate from the Academy, a second person coming back in July, another person is being planned for hiring in July, yet another anticipated coming back from injury. Not currently in the budget but planning ahead for a disability retirement, exactly when will it happen, hard to say. Increasing three new people will help shift the burden. The runs have not yet increased but it is anticipated they might. 14 -15,000 hours of OT averaged. Need to think about the burden above the salary to cover the benefits and insurances required. It is not easy but we should be able to hold our breath for another year.
Nutting - still don't have a collective bargaining agreement with the Fire Fighters union, about to go to arbitration. Would you save some money via reduction in overtime in short term maybe, but the overall costs salary and benefits is a lot of money
Dufur - it is manageable
Feldman - looking at the outlook, it doesn't get rosier
Nutting - scheduled for 91 tours, with the overtime it gets to about 95 tours. Going to the 24 hour shift has had some effect versus what they did with the 10-14 hour shifts
Motion to approve the budget
general fund 95 million etc.
approved 7-0
motion to approve the budget
enterprise budget 10 million etc.
approved 7-0
Old business - none
New business -
Jeff has submitted a five year forecast "The sky is not falling but it is getting lower"
forecast based upon best estimates, forecast has not really changed over time
"we have eliminated 20% of the workforce"
we don't get 2.5% increase in our revenues
"The only thing that fixes roads is money" I think we need a dedicated override for the roads
it can only be spent on what it was funded for, i.e. roads
as opposed to a general override where it goes to the general funds after the first year
(a copy of the letter will be posted here later)
We are working regionally for safety dispatch, it may come in about 18 months and save us about $100,000. It is the right thing to do and we are doing it. It is hard to get people to come to the table. We share recreation, dog services, and sewer. We tried the library and they left.
Our general fund debt outside of Prop 2.5% is dropping, as our old debt gets paid off. Some of the buildings get paid off over the next couple of years as the high school comes on
I have level funded the state funding and am very concerned about that especially with whatever happens at the Federal level increasing pressures on them
How did the snow and ice come out?
Knock on wood, we should be just under the amount budgeted ($900,000). it is very unpredictable
Has OPEB made it to the state house agenda?
No, it is woefully inadequate. They started on lengthening the requirements for eligibility
Question on auditors report
In the management report, working on a plan to address the recommendations
Fraud risk assessment
Franklin Fire Dept: FY 2014 Budget Presentation
The presentation document as used by Chief Gary McCarraher and Deputy Chief Paul Sharpe for the budget hearing last week can be viewed here:
The notes from the Budget hearing last week can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget.html
The notes from the first two budget hearings can be found here
The notes from the Budget hearing last week can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget.html
The notes from the first two budget hearings can be found here
Rep Roy - April Office Hours
Boston, MA -- State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of April on the following days:
Medway – Saturday, April 6th, 10:00-11:00AM, Coffee Sensations - 116 Main Street Medway, MA
Franklin – Tuesday. April 16th, 8:30-9:30AM, Franklin Senior Center - 10 Daniel McCahill Street Franklin, MA
Medway – Thursday, April 25th, 7:30-8:30AM, Medway Senior Center - 76 Oakland Street Medway, MAChristopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.
Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.
He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.
Hock 5 Rankings Released for Spring Sports
Hock 5 Rankings Released for Spring Sports
http://feedly.com/k/Z4nhNm
http://feedly.com/k/Z4nhNm
As the majority of spring teams open up their 2013 campaigns this week, we have released our Hock 5 Rankings for Baseball, Softball, and Boys and Girls Lacrosse. This is the first time in HockomockSports.com's history we have done Spring Hock 5 rankings.
For baseball, two DI teams - Franklin and Taunton - who met in the playoffs last year battle for the top spot in the preseason poll.Click here for the Baseball Hock 5
In softball, both newcomers Milford and Taunton made the poll, but only one of them was chosen to be the unanimous number one to start the season. Click here for the Softball Hock 5
For boys lacrosse, the Davenport took the majority of the spots in the poll, including the top spot. And in girls lacrosse, the Kelley-Rex took the one, three, and five spots.Click here for the Boys Lacrosse Hock 5Click here for the Girls Lacrosse Hock 5
In the News: STAR, summer camp, Stony Brook
The Franklin Public Schools Summer STAR program has expanded its summer courses and is offering new classes specifically designed for incoming 5th and 6th grade students.http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x2082723775/Franklin-STAR-program-expands-summer-courses?rssfeed=true
Registration is now open for summer camp at the Hockomock Area YMCA. All three branches in Foxborough, North Attleboro, and Franklin will hold camp information days on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x2082723755/Hockomock-YMCA-branches-plan-camp-information-days?rssfeed=true
Spring! What more is there to say? Join the naturalists at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk, for a number of exciting programs.http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x898158015/Stony-Brook-slates-April-programs?rssfeed=true
Monday, April 1, 2013
Finance Committee - Agenda - Apr 2, 2013
The agenda for the Finance Committee (FinCom) meeting on Tuesday, April 2 is shown below. They will conclude their budget hearings with their vote on the budget. The budget voting doc is not yet posted to the Franklin webpage. When it is, I'll update the link.
Information on the three budget hearings can be found here:
The overall budget summary can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/FY%202014%20Proposed%20Budget/FY%2014%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf
Information on the three budget hearings can be found here:
- Finance Committee - Budget hearing - 03/28/13
- Finance Committee - Budget hearing - 03/14/13
- Finance Committee - Budget hearing - 03/13/13
The overall budget summary can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/FY%202014%20Proposed%20Budget/FY%2014%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf
Life is good Co-founder Bert Jacobs at Dean College
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| Life is good |
Life is good Co-founder, Bert Jacobs, brings the good vibes to the Dean College campus as part of the Dean Leadership Institute's Executive Lecture Series. This event is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP by emailing DLI@Dean.edu with the names of people attending.
Location: Dean College Campus Center, 6:30 PM
"a voyage of discovery"
The Milford Daily News has an article on the interns from Dean College working with the Franklin Historical Commission.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898157795/Dean-College-student-interns-get-inspired-at-Historical-Museum#ixzz2PChZvF2C
Dean student Alan Procknow presented on the industrial revolution as seen in Franklin, during the Franklin Downtown Partnerships' Holiday Stroll in November 2012. http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/alan-procknow-franklins-industrial.html
"It’s gratifying for the historical commission in that the materials are not just sitting there: people are creating new knowledge," he said, adding "I like it as a history professor because my students are getting some real world experience."
Alan Earls, a member of the commission, said that the intern’s scholarly exuberance freshens up the monotonous inventory process.
"The thought is that students can bring their academic capabilities into it," Earls said. "We welcome the hands and minds."
He added, "We hope to do more with Dean. They have a great history program there and a strong connection with the town."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898157795/Dean-College-student-interns-get-inspired-at-Historical-Museum#ixzz2PChZvF2C
Dean student Alan Procknow presented on the industrial revolution as seen in Franklin, during the Franklin Downtown Partnerships' Holiday Stroll in November 2012. http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/alan-procknow-franklins-industrial.html
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 3, 2013
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 6, 2013
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
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-21: Acceptance of Real Estate Payment Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc., RE: Property at 23 Hutchinson Street
2. Resolution 13-22: Long Range Financial Planning Process
3. Resolution 13-23: Appropriation: Town Clerk, Poll Workers, Expenses
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-706: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Adult Use Overlay District – Referral to Planning Board
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-707: Changes to Chapter 185-47. Adult Entertainment Establishment Districts – Referral to Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-708: Changes to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – Referral to Planning Board
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-709: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – Referral to Planning Board
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-710: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Medical Marijuana Use Overlay District – Referral to Planning Board
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-711: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required – Referral to Planning Board
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-712: Changes to Chapter 185-49. Medical Marijuana Use Overlay District – Referral to Planning Board
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 full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/040313.pdf
Franklin Updates
The Franklin webpage had a bunch of updates Thursday and Friday of this week. I have shared them here:
DelCarte Recreation Plans and Maps
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA78F9-000F8513
Street Sweeping
Dog Licenses
4th Quarter Property Tax Bills
Cultural Council
Hydrant Flushing
DelCarte Recreation Plans and Maps
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA78F9-000F8513
Street Sweeping
The Department of Public Works will commence street sweeping operations on Monday, April 29th. Sweeping will start downtown and will be followed by primary roadways. Secondary roadways and subdivisions will be swept based upon the order for the 2013 street sweeping zones. Street sweeping is expected to take up to 3 months and is weather dependent. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Department of Public Works. Link to maphttp://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA7117-000F8513
Dog Licenses
Town Clerk, Deborah L. Pellegri is reminding dog owners that licenses are due April 1st. Owners have until July 1ST to come into the office or mail in a renewal to obtain a 2013 license without any additional fees. After July 1, the late fee will be $25.00 plus the cost of the dog tag. Please remember to license your dog TODAY and avoid any late charges. All dogs must show updated rabies information if it is not on file with us.http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA425D-000F8513
4th Quarter Property Tax Bills
Treasurer Collector James P. Dacey has mailed fourth quarter fiscal 2013 real estate and personal property tax bills. Bills are due May 1, 2013. Payments received after due date are charged 14% interest.http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA7217-000F8513
Cultural Council
The Cultural Council is looking for member Please see contacts above if you would like information about the committee. If you are interested, please complete the committee request form and return to the Town Clerk's Office. Committee Request Form
Hydrant Flushing
"it’s getting better, but it’s not great"
At Northeastern University’s Center for Labor Market Studies, director Andrew Sum uses data collected in the census to estimate how many people stopped actively looking for work in 2011 and 2012.
In data compiled monthly during the past two years, the number of people in Massachusetts who were unemployed, wanted jobs but had stopped looking was about 108,000.
They gave up.Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1522346510/Long-term-unemployed-struggle-in-job-search#ixzz2P7CZ0vdG
You don't need to give up. In addition to the state Workforce Development Centers in Framingham (as mention in this article) or in Milford (the closest to Franklin), there are networking groups around. If you choose to be actively involved in your job search, you can find a group.
In Hopkinton, there is a group meeting every other week at St John the Evangelist Church Parish Center. During the better part of the two years that I was looking for work, this group was a great resource.
On June 14th, there will be a Job Search Jam Session held in conjunction with the Hopkinton Networking Group. For a nominal cost (about $10), you get coffee, lunch and snacks during the day long event. There will be sessions to provide information on what you need at the moment in your search. Sessions on your resume, the use of LinkedIn, networking, and other similar topics will be offered.
You can visit the event webpage and sign up for future updates via email.
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/03/job-search-jam-sessions-returns-jun-14.html
Jane's Frames: April Zentangle Class
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| Zentangle Class "Anything is possible, One Stroke at at Time" | |
| Dear Steve, Experience Zentangle! "You Can Do Anything, One Stroke at a Time." Enjoy an evening of relaxation and fun with Certified Zentangle Instructor Cathy Corcoran. Learn the process of "Tangling," a meditative art form that is a unique and exciting tool for accessing and encouraging quiet mind while creating beautifully patterned paper tiles. (Yes, you can ~~~ anyone can learn to "Tangle!"). Zentangle helps to open your intuitive connection, heighten creativity, improve focus, calm anxiety, and help to manage pain. Zentangle provides the perfect space for inspirations and solutions to flow, as well as improving your problem-solving capabilities. It is a remarkable stress buster, and most of all, IT IS FUN!!! Everything is provided for you, just bring an open mind and heart, and be ready to explore a new aspect of your soul. ABSOLUTELY NO ART OR CREATIVE TRAINING REQUIRED!!!
Sincerely,
Jane Curran
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Franklin Library: Teen Advisory Board - M.A.G.I.K.
America's First Public Library
Director's Welcome
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library Blog. A place to find out what's happening at the library. We invite you to explore this site and welcome your ideas and suggestions on what you would like to see and how we can better serve you. Our success depends on your constructive feedback and we thank you for your support as we continue to explore ways to inform, excite, and enrich your library experience.
March 30, 2013
Teen Advisory Board - M.A.G.I.K.
Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940
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