"prevent early-season mosquitoes"

The approach on controlling mosquitoes has changed a little over the years as reported in this article by the Milford Daily News.

David Lawson, director of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District, said it is impossible for him to predict whether this season will see a proportionate number of West Nile and EEE cases. 

"Mosquito populations are very dependent on rainfall," Lawson said. "We felt that this was a fairly dry spring up until recently. I don’t know whether it will be a dry summer or wet summer. All we know is that we are going to stay diligent, do our surveillance, and test for the viruses." 

It’s unknown why the summer of 2012 brought a great spike in cases of the viruses, he said. While an almost nonexistent winter may have killed fewer larvae, the dry spring would have led to a higher mortality rate.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1039451968/Mosquito-control-difficult-to-predict-impact-this-summer#ixzz2V8xJqYKQ

Franklin, MA: Town Council - June 5, 2013 - Agenda

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– April 3, 2013 Regular and Executive Session and April 24, 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 - 7:10 PM

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES:
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-702: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 36. Impervious Surfaces – Continued from May 15th
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-703: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 40. Water Resource District – Continued from May 15
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-716: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 3. Definitions
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-717: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and
Height Requirements

POND STREET CHANGE OF ZONING:
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-714: Changes to Chapter 185-3. Definitions
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-715: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required.

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– New All Alcoholic Beverages Hotel License – Residence Inn by Marriott-Franklin

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Form of Non-Binding Ballot Question, re: Adoption of Mayoral Form of Government

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-38: Acceptance of Grant of Right of Access Over Land at 828 West Central Street
2. Resolution 13-39: Appropriation: Appraiser for Downtown HPP Project and Compensation for Permanent and Temporary Easements
3. Resolution 13-40: Appropriation: 37 Beaver Street
4. Resolution 13-41: Appropriation: Fire Department Salaries
5. Resolution 13-42: Appropriation: Capital FY 2013
6. Resolution 13-43: Appropriation: Other Post-Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund
7. Resolution 13-44: Appropriation: Senior Center Capital Improvement
8. Resolution 13-45: Appropriation: Fire Truck Stabilization Fund
9. Resolution 13-46: Appropriation: Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund
10.Resolution 13-47: Appropriation: Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
11.Resolution 13-48: Appropriation: Other Post-Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund
12.Resolution 13-49: Appropriation: Other Post-Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund

PERSONNEL BYLAW:
13.Bylaw Amendment 13-713: Amendment to Chapter 25, Appendix A - Classification Plan and Appendix B-Compensation Plan – 2nd Reading

IMPERVIOUS SURFACES:
14.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-702: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 36. Impervious Surfaces – 1st Reading
15.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-703: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 40. Water Resource District – 1st Reading
16.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-716: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 3. Definitions – 1st Reading
17.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-717: Changes to Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – 1st Reading

POND STREET CHANGE OF ZONING:
18.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-714: Changes to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 1st Reading
19.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-715: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required – 1st Reading

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT:
20.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-706: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Adult Use Overlay District – 2nd Reading
21.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-707: Changes to Chapter 185-47. Adult Entertainment Establishment Districts – 2nd Reading

MEDICAL MARIJUANA:
22.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-708: Changes to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 2nd Reading
23.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-709: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 2nd Reading
24.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-710: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Medical Marijuana Use Overlay District – 2nd Reading
25.Zoning Amendment 13-711: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required – 2nd Reading
26.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-712: Changes to Chapter 185-49. Medical Marijuana Use Overlay District – 2nd Reading

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 set of documents as published for this meeting can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/060513.pdf

Do out of staters pay taxes?

In case you ever wondered if those who work outside of MA pay taxes to MA, the answer is yes. I can help confirm this as I work in RI and file two state tax returns (RI and MA). And what is the incentive to fill two returns? If you don't, you effectively pay double taxes. Filling the two returns gets credit in MA for paying the tax in RI so the total tax bill is less (and fair).

A just released DOR report shows that 324,829 citizens who don't live in Massachusetts paid $972.6 million in state income taxes in 2010. No surprise that New Hampshire tops the list with 90,540 citizens who paid $270,655,228 on wages they earned in Massachusetts. That total accounted for nearly 28 percent of all taxes paid by out-of-staters. New Hampshire's average tax bill was $2,989. 

Two other border states, Rhode Island and New York came in second and third. Some 67,203 Rhode Islanders paid $143,662,354, an average of $2,138 per taxpayer or nearly 15 percent of the out-of-state total. In New York, 24,286 residents paid $94,591,776, with an average tax bill of $3,895 and nearly 10 percent of the total.

You can find the full report on the DOR webpage

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Strawberry Stroll

It's warm, it's June, must be Strawberry Stroll time soon.

Yes, mark the date - June 13 to come to downtown Franklin for the annual Strawberry Stroll!


To download and print the flyer please click here.

For more information on the Franklin Downtown Partnership, please visit their webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Franklin Library: Crafty Monday

Design and paint your own canvas beach bag for the summer.  You can carry your library books to the beach in style! 

Monday June 3, 2013 at 4 PM. For ages 6 - 12.

for more activities scheduled at the Library, visit the Franklin Public library webpage 
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/

In the News: Franklin lacrosse

Lincoln-Sudbury 14, Franklin 6: Warrior power as L-S dominates fourth quarter in boys lacrosse playoff win

Lincoln-Sudbury outscored Franklin 11-2 in the second half and cruised to a 14-6 win in the first round of the Division 1 East sectional.

Jane's Frames - Boston Marathon 2013 medals framed for free

Franklin runners, if you would like to get your 2013 Boston Marathon medal framed, Janes's Frames is running a special for a limited time. Jane's email to me stated:

I’m wondering if you could put in Franklin Matters some information about the fact that I am framing the 2013 Marathon medals for free, until I reach 100 pieces framed, and for a limited time, or until my supplies run out. My vendors have generously donated some of the supplies, with some matboard for free, others at cost and the moulding at cost. 

I have included a picture of how the finished free framing would look. Also, some runners have added their running bib, photos, Official Time, etc. in their frames. I those cases they paid the difference between the cost of what they chose versus the free frame. 

Jane's Frames

Boston Marathon medal 2013

For more about Jane's Frames visit her webpage  http://janesframes.com/
or her Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/janesframes

Walk the Franklin Trail today!

The Friends of the SNETT Trail are hosting a walk and activities on the Franklin portion of the trail beginning at 11:30.

Play "I Spy"




For more information about the Franklin portion of the trail, visit http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

In the News - anti-cancer cause, charges thrown out, audit accuracy

Franklin woman to shave head for anti-cancer cause

Even though Lauren Duffy-Peter considers her bright red hair her greatest attribute, she’s willing to shave off every lock to help raise money for cancer research.

Franklin chemist wants charges thrown out

A former state chemist who authorities say tampered with criminal evidence is challenging charges connected to claims she made in court that she had a master's degree.

Governor questions accuracy of welfare audit

An audit that found welfare benefits had been paid to more than 1,100 people in Massachusetts who were dead was of "questionable accuracy," Gov. Deval Patrick said.

Parmenter 5K - Sunday

The Parmenter 5K Run for all Ages is scheduled for Sunday, June 2.

Parmenter 5K - Jun 2

Registration and additional info can be found on the race webpage
http://www.parmenter5k.com/

MassBudget: Conference Preview - differences between the Senate and House budget proposals

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Comparing Senate and House Budget Proposals Last week, the Senate finalized its budget proposal for FY 2014, laying out its plans for what we should do together through state government in the coming year. Our new "Conference Preview" describes the major differences between the Senate budget and the House version, in order to highlight the decisions that the upcoming House-Senate Conference Committee will face. Some of the most significant differences are: $75 million in additional House funding to help make higher education more affordable Modest Senate initiatives to address the large and growing wait list for children seeking early education & care An $11 million gap between the Senate's higher funding level for Youth Empowerment programs and the House's lower level In addition to describing these and other differences between the House and Senate budgets, the "Conference Preview" also analyzes the more prominent amendments that were adopted during Senate debate. For more detail on the budget process, including these legislative budgets and the Governor's earlier proposal, see our Budget Resources. Read CONFERENCE PREVIEW: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SENATE AND HOUSE BUDGET FOR FY 2014 See ALL OF OUR BUDGET RESOURCES The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"reform the laws and respect the rights of the citizens"

The Gun Control Forum held at Dean College and hosted by Rep Jeff Roy was reported on in the Milford Daily News.

"I ask for continued, thoughtful, reasoned and sane debate as we go forward in these next few months," Naughton said, adding that a new piece of legislation will be ready for the House in the fall. 

Nearly 100 people, with wide-ranging views on gun control, attended the more than hour-long talk on gun legislation, hosted by state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin. The 7-person panel included a gun rights lobbyist and police chief, professors and legislators. 

Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said gun licensing rules need tuning, saying, "Legislators are trying to do the best they can."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1910061630/Civil-tone-for-gun-debate-in-Franklin#ixzz2UrQhZht8


The 1998 legislation as referenced in the article can be read here
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/1998/Chapter180

The full document for H 3253 as filed by Rep Linsky can be viewed here
http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H3253

From the same page, you can search for other related legislation as filed this year.

United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Early Bird Golf Rate Ends June 3

The United Regional  Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament  ************************************************************************************************************************************ June 17 - Franklin Country Club  672 E. Central St., Franklin   What's Included: 18-holes of Golf, Cart, Lunch, Dinner, and More Important Times: 11 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Putting Contest &   Rules & Cart Pick-Up Noon Shotgun Start 5 p.m. Awards Dinner    Cost:  $185, or $210 with player passport before June 3                                          Register by Calling: 508-222-0801, 508-528-2800 or 508-695-6011    Thank You to These Generous Sponsors:                      ************************************************************************************************************************************ Even If You're Not a Golfer,   You Can Still Promote Your Business by donating items for the "golfers bags" that will be given to every golfer. What you donate is up to you! Possibilities include lip balm, sunscreen, snack bags, or whatever you might like that can display your business name. Call the Chamber at 508-222-0801 to let us know what you'd like to contribute.

Forward email The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

"It’s almost as moving as the real thing"

The half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is in Medway through Sunday.

"It’s tough, but it’s satisfying," said Souza, who helped put up panel 30 West of the Wall, which includes the name of his childhood friend, Richie. 

Volunteers, including Leigh’s nephew George Grant of Medway, spent most of Thursday putting up the wall, which is managed by a Michigan-based nonprofit organization and includes more than 58,000 names. 

After the presentation of colors by the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines out of Devens, the ceremony was lead by Marines Staff Sgt. Robert Saleski of Medway, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient. 

Among the speakers was state Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, who said the monument is one of the "most powerful and moving tributes to personal sacrifice and national loss," including more than 1,000 soldiers from Massachusetts. 

"The names pay silent tribute to men and women from communities like this one," said Roy, who recalled being 7 when his neighbor was killed in Vietnam. "I can remember the sorrow at the dinner table, and the emptiness of my neighbors’ house."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1910061633/Moving-tribute-Vietnam-Wall-visits-Medway#ixzz2UrUY21yP

Age appropriate there and here

Bernie DeKoven, the Chief Deep Funster, writes;

John Taylor Gatto’s article, The Curriculum of Play, is visionary in its scope, and deeply validating for anyone who believes in the kind of education that takes place when children are free and at play. Perhaps I am so drawn to it because I’ve spent so much of my life, since 1971 and the publication of my Interplay Games Curriculum, and the years of teaching and training that led up to it. Nevertheless, dear Deep Funster, I decided to assume that at least some of Gatto’s article would be as affirming to your beliefs as it was to mine. I am not in total agreement. But if I were, it probably wouldn’t be as much fun to read.

He also includes this video about "Schools of Trust"





So coming off the post and video, I find out that at least Franklin teachers will be doing a 45 writing prompt for K-2 to prepare something for the teachers in September to use. Students in 3-5th grade will get 2 forty-five minute periods for this writing exercise. This is not part of the Writers Workshop curriculum that is used by the district. So excuse me! 45 minutes for a K student without assistance? And Franklin touts their age appropriate educational experience? You gotta be kidding?


You can read Bernie's full posting here
http://www.deepfun.com/fun/2013/05/the-curriculum-of-play/


I would be curious to find out how widespread this writing prompt exercise is. Unfortunately, I have not been  able to attend many School Committee meetings due to my work with the Food Pantry. If you hear of this in your school, please share.