Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Red Triangle Award - Renée Quarterman, M.D.
Dr. Renée Quarterman, a true champion of the Y’s mission was honored at the annual Hockomock Area YMCA’s annual meeting and awards night on Wednesday, May 15 at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham.
Renée Quarterman, M.D. received the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch’s Red Triangle Award. This award is presented annually to individuals or organizations for their steadfast dedication and partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA to meet the changing needs of our community. Since coming to the region as part of The Breast Center at Milford Regional Medical Center in 2009, Dr. Quarterman has improved the health of our community. She recognizes the importance of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program – a free twelve week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or cancer — and she often makes it part of her patient's recovery.
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| Hockomock Area YMCA Ed Hurley, Renée Quarterman, M.D., and Hockomock Area YMCA member and award presenter Virginia Brennan |
Dr. Quarterman was acknowledged for being more than a breast health expert, more than a surgeon, and more than a community wellness provider. She is a positive, progressive, caring professional about whom presenter Virginia Brennan, Franklin resident and longtime member of the Y, had this to say, “As a patient of Dr. Quarterman, I have experienced firsthand her compassionate care. As a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA graduate and volunteer, I have met so many women that have been touched by her." Virginia continued, "She understands how a community comes together to support and encourage those with health challenges."
Dr. Quarterman expressed fond childhood memories, growing up at a YMCA camp in Delaware where her family was offered support for which she is thankful. She says she joined the Hockomock Area YMCA quickly upon arriving from Oregon and finds it to be a very nurturing environment, with exercise, a huge part of the experience. “As a breast cancer provider, I believe in all of those things for my patients. I want them to be nurtured and supported," says Dr. Quarterman. And, after glancing at Virginia, she says, "I see so many of my patients, who are healthier and stronger, and I know their lives are better because they joined the Y."
Dr. Quarterman passionately speaks about the collaborative work being done by the YMCA and its partners to address chronic disease, “The Hockomock Area YMCA's LIVESTRONG and MS Programs, as well as its Diabetes Program about to be launched — these are new ventures. But, I think they will be just as longstanding as the YMCA traditions of helpings a kid feel like a kid, taking the burden off a working mom, and helping members become engaged because it's the right thing to do."
She closed by saying thank you for the award, which was quickly and enthusiastically followed by "More importantly, thank you to the Y — for everything you do!"
At the meeting, Renée Quarterman, M.D. was also elected to the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA for a three-year term.
About The Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow.For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit www.hockymca.org.
May is Older Americans Month: Unleashing the Power of Age
From Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services, we read
This year, the theme of Older American’s Month – President Carter changed the name in 1980 – is Unleashing the Power of Age, which seems eminently appropriate given the numbers and longevity of today’s senior population. More seniors are still working or looking for jobs, engaged in athletic activities, volunteering in their communities, retooling skills, following artistic pursuits, aging in place, and caring for family members. With the advent of antibiotics, healthy lifestyles, greater access to health care and community supports, seniors remain in their homes, a visible part of the social spectrum.
Yet, one barrier remains inhibiting seniors from fully experiencing their power. That barrier is ageism – the ingrained belief that seniors are less capable, less “with it,” less resilient than their younger peers. Regrettably, many seniors believe that about themselves. Ageism undermines the reality of senior accomplishments and abilities. We fail to acknowledge that if someone has lived a long productive life, he or she probably has been doing something right and experience worth sharing.
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| Unleash the Power of Age |
Ageism fails to acknowledge that seniors are quite adaptable, having lived through multiple technological and social changes in their lifetimes. Many feel perfectly at home with computers, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and whatever other new media you can think of. They were born into a century of unleashed technological power and they adapted to it. Our misplaced assumptions about older people prevents us and them from realizing their full potential.
Consider this: aging begins the day we are born. At every age, we unleash the power of age.
You can read the full article here
In the News: motorcycle accident, rail trail
All three travel lanes on Interstate-495 south near Exit 26 are closed after a motorcycle accident, according to the Massachusetts State Police.
Work on the final one-mile section of the Upper Charles Rail Trail, to connect the existing five miles of trail in town, is progressing and should be completed within the next 18 months.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
"Freedom of time and opportunity"
From the Dean College Library blog, Kent Manning writes:
I wholeheartedly agree. The day you stop learning is the day you'll fall behind. Competition is fierce and the knowledge economy places a premium on being able to think. For a more detail explanation of my own efforts on life long learning, read this http://www.sobevent.com/what-makes-shersteve-come-back-to-sobcon-over-and-over/
Click through to the full article to check out the resources suggested. I do like the TED Talks series and regularly readers here have seen a few shared from time to time. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis site is one I'll have to explore. http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/a-life-of-learning/?utm_source=feedly
Both the Franklin School District and the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech offer life long learning opportunities. For Franklin visit http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/ and for Tri-County visit http://www.tri-county.tc/?q=node/8
And while on the topic of learning, let me add a reminder for those currently looking for work, the Job Search Jam Sessions will be held on June 14. The day features sessions to learn and share information on the job search. For additional information, including registration, visit the webpage here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/04/job-search-jam-sessions-ready-to-return.html
Learning is something that should be an extension of you, not just something that happens in the classroom. So post-graduation, choose the subjects that you are interested in. Find the resources that are engaging and dynamic. Fit the learning into your lifestyle. And never let a detail like not being in a formal classroom limit your opportunities to be a student of life and to engage your mind.
I wholeheartedly agree. The day you stop learning is the day you'll fall behind. Competition is fierce and the knowledge economy places a premium on being able to think. For a more detail explanation of my own efforts on life long learning, read this http://www.sobevent.com/what-makes-shersteve-come-back-to-sobcon-over-and-over/
Click through to the full article to check out the resources suggested. I do like the TED Talks series and regularly readers here have seen a few shared from time to time. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis site is one I'll have to explore. http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/a-life-of-learning/?utm_source=feedly
Both the Franklin School District and the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech offer life long learning opportunities. For Franklin visit http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/ and for Tri-County visit http://www.tri-county.tc/?q=node/8
And while on the topic of learning, let me add a reminder for those currently looking for work, the Job Search Jam Sessions will be held on June 14. The day features sessions to learn and share information on the job search. For additional information, including registration, visit the webpage here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/04/job-search-jam-sessions-ready-to-return.html
Beautification Day - early results
Did you notice that Franklin got its beautification treatment on Saturday? There are flowers in the flower pots on the triangle, the boxes along the bridge railing and in the planters on the island at Emmons and Main St.
Courtesy of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, local business sponsors and the help of many volunteers!
The flowers are a mix of red, white and blue with a yellow for accent.
The blue are rather quiet and small but should fill in nicely as the season progresses
There was careful choice in the selection, all for hardiness and then considerations for shape and color
Around the 4th of July, these flower beds should look less like they were newly planted and more like they are brimming with growth!
As you pass by, consider thanking the Downtown Partnership, the business sponsors and all the volunteer time to help make Franklin as colorful and welcoming as it is!
Did you know that you could join the Franklin Downtown Partnership as an individual citizen for only $25/year? The form and details are contained on the website. http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/
Updated: the Franklin Downtown Partnership posted their thank you to the sponsors and volunteers here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/05/beautification-day-recap.html
Courtesy of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, local business sponsors and the help of many volunteers!
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| spring flowers |
The flowers are a mix of red, white and blue with a yellow for accent.
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| planter on the Triangle |
The blue are rather quiet and small but should fill in nicely as the season progresses
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| flower box along the bridge railing |
There was careful choice in the selection, all for hardiness and then considerations for shape and color
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| flower beds and sponsor sign |
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| flower bed and sponsor sign |
As you pass by, consider thanking the Downtown Partnership, the business sponsors and all the volunteer time to help make Franklin as colorful and welcoming as it is!
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| flower box along the bridge railing |
Did you know that you could join the Franklin Downtown Partnership as an individual citizen for only $25/year? The form and details are contained on the website. http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/
Updated: the Franklin Downtown Partnership posted their thank you to the sponsors and volunteers here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/05/beautification-day-recap.html
Community Garden - Spring Plant Sale and Workday
Spring Plant Sale and Workday
May 25th 9:00am to Noon
King St. Memorial Garden
In event of Rain the even will be moved to May 26th
Join us for a day of planting and getting the garden ready for the growing season. We'll have organic plant starts on sale to help your garden get started right, and we'll be working on general maintenance of the garden as a whole. Weeding, spreading wood-chips, and other work the garden needs. We'll also be starting a pollinator garden at the garden to help bring in the beneficial bugs that the beds need for bumper crops. Please come lend a hand! For all plot holders please remember that you need to participate in at least one work day each season. There will be work days at least once a month.
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| Franklin Community Gardens |
Franklin's 2013 Unsung Heroine
Barbara Rondeau of Franklin was honored as an Unsung Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women on Monday, April 29, 2013 in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston. Representative Jeffrey N. Roy recommended Ms. Rondeau for this recognition because of her extraordinary service to the Franklin community.
She was honored with 82 other Unsung Heroines from throughout Massachusetts. The ceremony included a program hosted by Liz Brunner acknowledging each of the 83 Unsung Heroines of 2013, followed by a group photograph and a Just Desserts reception.
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| Rep Jeff Roy - Barbara Rondeau |
“Barbara A. Rondeau was the ideal candidate for this nomination,” noted Rep. Roy. “Throughout her years of service to the Franklin community, she gave her time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others. She never sought the limelight and returns each year to the task of making Franklin a great place to live.”
The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community has them.
Ms. Rondeau is a lifelong resident and a tireless volunteer in Franklin. She is also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She volunteers her time in the tax work off program in Franklin and is a long time member of the Franklin Alden Club, a women’s service group dating back to 1893. Barbara is also the chairperson of the “Concerts on the Common” that schedules concerts and children’s entertainment on Franklin’s Town Common during the summer months. Those events are enjoyed by many in the town. Barbara is also chair of the Santa Claus on the Common committee that brings Santa to the common each year to the delight of Franklin’s children and parents alike.
This event was made possible with the support of the following community sponsors: Cape Air, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, Casner & Edwards, LLP, Continental Resources Inc., Day Pitney LLP, and the members of MetroWest ATHENA Women. The Commission’s annual Unsung Heroine initiative is underwritten by these private sponsors and the MCSW Trust Fund and no tax dollars are used to fund this event.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.
MassDOT, AAA Promote E-ZPass
AAA members will be able to obtain E-ZPass transponders!
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/05/massdot-aaa-promote-e-zpass.html?utm_source=feedly
E-ZPass transponders are now available to AAA members at AAA branches across Massachusetts, including in: Auburn, Boston, Burlington, Framingham, Haverhill, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Newburyport, Newton, North Andover, Peabody, Plymouth, Rockland, Saugus, Waltham and Westwood.Indeed, the Franklin AAA office is not on the listing but at least the service is expanding. For additional information on the expansion with AAA, pleas visit
E-ZPass users can forget about keeping cash and change on hand as they skip the line at the cash booths and travel, instead, through dedicated lanes without stopping. As residents begin to plan summer travel, it is important to note that E-ZPass is accepted on toll roads from Maine to Virginia and west to Illinois.
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/05/massdot-aaa-promote-e-zpass.html?utm_source=feedly
Monday, May 20, 2013
Farming in Franklin: Then and Now (photo essay)
Alan Earls was the host and collaborated with Seth Rousseau, AkinBak Farm and Nick Hoffman, Hoffman Farm to discuss "Farming in Franklin: Then and Now".
A small but engaged audience participated at the Franklin Historical Museum.
The welcoming display
The bust of Benjamin Franklin keeps an eye on the historical displays
The presentation document
Thanks to Alan for sharing the presentation document with us all.
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| Franklin Historical Museum |
A small but engaged audience participated at the Franklin Historical Museum.
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| Nick Hoffman, Seth Rousseau |
The welcoming display
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| farming display |
The bust of Benjamin Franklin keeps an eye on the historical displays
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| Benjamin Franklin |
The presentation document
Thanks to Alan for sharing the presentation document with us all.
Recycling event - May 25
At the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School on Pleasant St in Franklin, MA
Electronic and bicycles
A similar recycling event was held in October 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/recycle-electronics-and-bikes-today.html
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| recycling event - May 25 |
Electronic and bicycles
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| recycle your bicycle |
A similar recycling event was held in October 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/recycle-electronics-and-bikes-today.html
"may have the chance to travel to China"
"What better place for today’s young people to visit than the next super power," said Michael Walsh, the trip’s organizer and a Franklin High social studies teacher. "They are calling this the Chinese century. There seems to be a lot of opportunity for kids to visit European nations, so we were just thinking about another region of the globe for our students to explore. We thought, ‘Why not China?’"
The trip, offered through the global academic company EF Education First, will run almost two weeks and take students on tours of Xi’an, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing. In Beijing, the country’s capital, they’ll walk atop the Great Wall of China, see Tiananmen Square, and visit the Forbidden City.
The trip, which the School Committee approved last week, will cost around $30,000 — $2,500 per student. Plane tickets, hotel rooms, meals and tours are included in the price.
"It will be completely student-funded," Walsh said. "We will do whatever we can as far as group fundraising."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1039445046/Franklin-teacher-plans-China-trip#ixzz2Tp7f81Ph
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Rep Roy: Jefferson 4th Graders visit State House
Eighty Jefferson Elementary 4th Graders from Franklin took a field trip to Boston where they enjoyed a State House tour. The 4th Graders, accompanied by four teachers and a number of parent chaperones got the opportunity to take the guided tour, enter and see the House of Representatives’ Chamber and speak with their State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D), State Senator Richard Ross (R) and representative from State Senator Karen Spilka’s office.
“It was great to see such an engaged group of 4th Graders from Jefferson Elementary School,” noted Representative Jeffrey Roy (D – Franklin). “We had some great discussions about what we do in the State House and several expressed interest in working here someday. I hope to have the chance to work with them.”
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| Jefferson 4th Graders |
“A visit to the State House is an excellent way to give our students the opportunity to experience our state’s history first hand,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “It is important for them to have an understanding of state government and their valuable role in civic engagement.”
“I truly enjoyed meeting with the students and teachers from Jefferson Elementary School,” said Senator Richard Ross. “It is so heartening to meet with students who are engaged and interested in state government, as well as the rich history of the Massachusetts State House.”
In the News: charter school, police dogs
Franklin charter school works to end poverty and hunger
More than 400 other students, from kindergarten to eighth grade, at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School have led a communal fundraising effort to support Heifer International, a global nonprofit that helps the world’s poorest families feed and care for themselves
Ken Ballinger wasn't surprised when calls from police departments starting pouring into his cell phone in the weeks following the Boston Marathon bombings.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
FRANKLIN DPW ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
The Franklin Department of Public Works will host its annual open house,
featuring Touch-A-Truck for kids!
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| Touch a truck! |
Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 25 Public Works Way.
Enjoy free hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and hayrides!
The Library Book Sale is also scheduled from 9:00 to 4:00 PM today. Combine the trip to the DPW, pick up a book or two and make your kids day!
MBTA: new alert service starting June 4
As a long time commuter rail rider, I still subscribe to the T-alerts. What are T-alerts?
An alert service that sends text messages or an email to your phone or mobile device when the line you are subscribed to is having trouble. Wonder why the train is late? Ah, technical difficulty or signal trouble, or police activity. The T-alerts have improved in timeliness over the years. So even though I drive down to RI now, I still subscribe for those occasions when I would take the train in on the weekend or to just keep tabs on what is happening with the Franklin line in particular.
So if you have subscribed, you should have received the notice above about the change in the service. If you haven't subscribed, maybe now is a good time to do so. Why wait on the platform without knowing? Why not be 'in the know'!
You can select specific time periods of the day for a specific line. I happen to choose all the time periods for the Franklin Line and the email confirmation looks like this:
An alert service that sends text messages or an email to your phone or mobile device when the line you are subscribed to is having trouble. Wonder why the train is late? Ah, technical difficulty or signal trouble, or police activity. The T-alerts have improved in timeliness over the years. So even though I drive down to RI now, I still subscribe for those occasions when I would take the train in on the weekend or to just keep tabs on what is happening with the Franklin line in particular.
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| MBTA |
Beginning June 4, the MBTA will begin using a new service to send T-Alerts. As part of the transition, the MBTA is asking all current subscribers to re-subscribe in order to continue receiving T-Alerts. Visit http://bit.ly/10yX5zj to subscribe or learn more. You must re-subscribe by Thursday, June 4, in order to continue receiving T-Alerts. Thank you.
So if you have subscribed, you should have received the notice above about the change in the service. If you haven't subscribed, maybe now is a good time to do so. Why wait on the platform without knowing? Why not be 'in the know'!
You can select specific time periods of the day for a specific line. I happen to choose all the time periods for the Franklin Line and the email confirmation looks like this:
You have made the following changes to your Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority subscriptions:
You subscribed to topics:
- Franklin Line - AM Peak
- Franklin Line - Early AM
- Franklin Line - Evening
- Franklin Line - Midday
- Franklin Line - PM Peak
- Franklin Line - Weekend
You will receive an email update when new information becomes available.
Abracadabra!! There are two free shows today!
There should be more magic. Abracadabra!! There are two free shows today!
Enjoy a day with your child at the Illusions Galore Magic Show on Sunday, May 19.
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703
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Friday, May 17, 2013
Weekend activities in Franklin
Reminder that the Library Book Sale opens this evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM for friends of Franklin Library members (membership is $25 and you can sign up there), opens on Saturday from 9:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The DPW "Touch a truck" will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The book sale will close out on Sunday morning buying books by the bag. Additional details can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html
The Parmenter School will do a car wash and bottle/can drive on Saturday
Kennedy School has their fund raising recycle day on Saturday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/kennedy-fund-raising-recycle-day.html
The HMEA 12th Annual Independence Run/Walk/Stroll happens on Sunday, May 19th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/lavenchy-goes-to-dogs.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-area-road-races.html
The Historical Museum will have a presentation on the past, present and future of farming in Franklin on Sunday, May 19th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/past-present-and-future-of-farming-in.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html
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| Franklin Library Book Sale |
The Parmenter School will do a car wash and bottle/can drive on Saturday
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| Parmenter school - car wash |
Kennedy School has their fund raising recycle day on Saturday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/kennedy-fund-raising-recycle-day.html
The HMEA 12th Annual Independence Run/Walk/Stroll happens on Sunday, May 19th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/lavenchy-goes-to-dogs.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-area-road-races.html
The Historical Museum will have a presentation on the past, present and future of farming in Franklin on Sunday, May 19th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/past-present-and-future-of-farming-in.html
MassBudget's analysis of the Senate Ways & Means proposal
Yesterday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee unveiled its budget proposal for FY 2014, detailing how it would support vital state programs from Education and Health Care to Human Services, Public Safety, and beyond. Our new Budget Monitor describes the funding proposals, and also the mix of tax and non-tax revenue.
As was true for the House, the Senate Ways & Means proposal relies on some new money to help fix and improve our Transportation system. Beyond that, though, the investments specified in the proposal are fairly narrow--largely because they are constrained by the limited amount of available revenue. The Governor's budget had included a larger revenue package, which made possible a range of investments in education (pre-K through college) that would support the long-term needs of our economy.
Among the issues we discuss in our Budget Monitor:
Read our SENATE WAYS & MEANS BUDGET MONITOR
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BFCCPS Summer Programs
Yes, Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is a mouthful and a perfectly good reason to create the acronym BFCCPS. No matter what you call it, the school is a good place to learn and have fun in the summer.
The BFCCPS webpage for the summer programs can be found here
http://bfccps.org/student-life/summer-programs/
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| Charter School - Summer Fun |
The BFCCPS webpage for the summer programs can be found here
http://bfccps.org/student-life/summer-programs/
Hold the date - June 1 - "I spy" on the rail trail!
The Friends of the SNETT (Southern New England Trunkline Trail) are hosting host trail-wide events for National Trails Day® on Saturday, June 1st. The Friends of the SNETT consists of representatives from all six SNETT towns (Franklin, Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge and Douglas), as well as regional planning and state agencies. Our goal is to improve and promote the use of the trail.
Events may vary by town but include planting flowers and beautifying the trail entrance with the help of the public and the Boy and Girl Scouts, family friendly nature games, such as “I Spy Nature,” and both guided and non-guided trail walks.
"I’d like to get back to 50 personnel"
"I just don’t feel comfortable (with the current staff levels), and I’m speaking for our citizens,'' he said. "I don’t want to play Russian roulette when something happens."
Semerjian assured Vallee that in the case of a major incident, the town would receive help quickly from neighboring departments. Also a regional SWAT team, if needed, could respond in under an hour.
The same staff woes face the fire department.
Its fiscal 2014 budget does not include Fire Chief Gary McCarraher’s request for four additional firefighters — the amount, he said, that the department needs in order to increase response times, fully staff its King Street quarters and reduce line-of-duty injuries.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1039443295/Franklin-council-OKs-FY-14-budget#ixzz2TXbeFrlM
For the complete back and forth discussion during the second Budget Hearing on Thursday check these notes
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/live-reporting-town-council-budget.html
"If you approach people intelligently and honestly"
"We are not even close to catching up," said DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi. "We are not even maintaining right now. Every year that goes by, the overall road condition deteriorates."
The town has a list of all of the roads that need repair. Those in the worst shape are toward the top.
Planning repairs a year to two years in advance, the DPW has managed to slowly chip away at the list. But there isn’t an unlimited source of funds. When the town uses up the state money, all that remains is whatever can be spared from its free cash.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1039443311/Franklin-officials-override-only-option-to-slice-away-at-backlog-of-road-repairs#ixzz2TXZTdTgb
Per the discussion during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Jeff Nutting will work with the DPW to come back to the Council with a plan. They had already committed to integrating the road plan with the water/sewer plan which is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year. While the article implies an override is the only option, the Council asked to see a presentation that lays out the options.
You can find my notes of the discussion Wednesday in the section on the closing here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/live-reporting-closing_15.html
In the News: farming history, ice cream social, Tri-county, moving wall
The Franklin Historical Museum will be looking at the past, present, and future of farming in Franklin, Sunday, May 19.
Learn about Fresh Air Fund at ice cream social in Franklin, May 19
Fresh Air volunteers need your help to create another fun-filled summer for children from New York City.
The Franklin Historical Museum will be looking at the past, present, and future of farming in Franklin, Sunday, May 19.
Fresh Air volunteers need your help to create another fun-filled summer for children from New York City.
Tri-County students win medals at state conference
Tri-County RVTHS students brought home 20 medals from the Massachusetts SkillsUSA Championships.
Vietnam Moving Wall coming to Medway
Medway was one of the country's first towns to erect a Vietnam War monument. Later this month, just after Memorial Day, its residents will have the opportunity to recognize every one of the 58,272 Americans who gave their lives in the conflict.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Live reporting: Town Council - Budget hearing and vote
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy (remote)
Absent: none
A. 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.
B. HEARING - FY 2014 Budget Hearing – 2nd Reading
same process, reading line item budget and will acknowledge holds for further discussion
Holds on Treasurer/Collector and Town Clerk budgets had been held last night, were waived
Question on Facilities budget around a part-time person less than 20 hours, no benefits on the payroll through the construction period
Q - Are you undermanned?
Police Chief - yes, we are doing background on one individual now
Nutting - we have been up and down, we are hoping to get this one on by July after background checks pass etc.
Vallee - for a community our size, I don't feel we are well protected
Chief - we are fortunate with the people we have, maybe next year we could get
for the night shift, we have 3 with a sargent, with this one we can get back to 4 with a sargent
we do a forty percent replacement, if one goes out we don't replace them, if the second one goes out.
Nutting - if there is more people, the perception is that OT would go down, but it doesn't always work that way. From a crime stats, we were just named one of the safest communities.
The technology and the equipment make all those people more effective, even if it is not one time, it is not a sixty year cost. It would be nice to have more people in many places, if we have a deficit next year, what do we do?
Vallee - I am speaking for my constituents and I am not comfortable
Chief - if we want to do something, we should come up with a plan other than a time like this. You don't want to bring someone on when we may have to let them go a couple of years down the road.
Mercer - can you clarify? does this get to 44?
Chief - yes, we are at 43 and going to 44
Dellorco - What about the deputy chief?
Chief - we are working through that, this is a major decision. It is a minimal expense (i.e. increase) not an other body. We are talking with HR and should have something ready for the fall.
Nutting - we'd like to run the test for Franklin first and see what applicants we get.
Kelly - can we get a comparison report on who we stack with the other communities?
Nutting - we can do that
Kelly - I'm looking for stats that can be easily understood, how many people per square mile, etc.
Chief - we'd we right about 1.3 per thousand
Bissanti - i want to echo his sentiment, something happens during the night shift, what happens
Chief - if there are multiple accidents, Bellingham and Walpole will have a car there right away
Roy - from a public safety perspective, they do a great job, we were recognized as one of the safest communities in America. We are good shape, thanks for the good work by the Chief and dept
Jones - what would you say are the top three complaints the officers have
Chief - short on some shifts, not always sending people to training, lack of movement among the department
Powederly - I want to echo the great job that you and the Fire Dept does, across the board. I disagree with some of the comments about 'we have the money'. I think everyone would like to give staff back, we have lost 20% of our staff. you do a great job taking the pulse of the community and letting us know. I appreciate your efforts in trying to weigh those.
Vallee - Until we get back to 50, I will not be comfortable
continue the line item with the Fire Dept
Chief Gary McCarragher
optimal is 10 on shift and we are at 9
right around 400,000 for overtime
Nutting - the budget is under here because we don't have a collective bargaining agreement, we have one for every other union but not this one
Vallee - I am concerned that we are not providing 2 ambulances for our community
Chief - I share your concern, we are optimal with 5 people at each firehouse, we are one short and thereby it is a problem. We have the easy part of the budget problem, we can tell you what we need. You have to fill in the other details. We have a plan with the regional dispatch to allow us to re-position personnel to the line, we are competing for Federal dollars where Fall River is getting money over us where they are in danger of loosing 80 firefighters
Chief - 53% of the calls this year are the second call coming in when the department is already out on a call. We have call back so that helps immensely, those elements can become stressful. Fire rescue providers are the top stressful positions in America
Vallee - we are sitting with a stabilization fund and other money and I think we should do something
Pfeffer - we have nothing in this budget for the settlement?
Nutting - yes, we don't know when it will be could be the fall or next year, we don't know
Pfeffer - so it would come from free cash?
Nutting - likely, even if it is later this year, the Council still has to approve the deal when it is settled
Chief - removing the one person from the scene has a big impact
Powderly - I would like to respond to the comment of using the stabilization fund. We did use money from there in earlier years when it was significantly more. To dip into that now, relative to our budget, it is not good to use. The rating agencies look to that for our credit ratings. You can't keep dipping into that.
Vallee - my concern is not in saving money, it is in saving lives.
-----
on the schools budget line
Jones - Norfolk Aggie, a decrease?
Yes, two less students, at 2,000/student
Cultural Council
Roy - can we use the $1,000 extra in the budget and move that to the Cultural Council? The Council does good work and it seems an easy way to help increase the community in this arena
seconded, voted via roll call 9-0
C. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-37: Adoption of FY 2014 Budget
Motion to accept budget, approved via roll call, 9-0
Recycling stickers expire june 30th, can we post a notice to renew
Walk through for the new high school Jun 10th a building committee meeting at the high school 6:00 PM
D. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed via roll 8-1 (Roy humorously voted no)
Absent: none
A. 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.
 |
| Deep in the numbers - Jeff Nutting, Jim Dacey and Franklin Town Council |
B. HEARING - FY 2014 Budget Hearing – 2nd Reading
same process, reading line item budget and will acknowledge holds for further discussion
Holds on Treasurer/Collector and Town Clerk budgets had been held last night, were waived
Question on Facilities budget around a part-time person less than 20 hours, no benefits on the payroll through the construction period
Q - Are you undermanned?
Police Chief - yes, we are doing background on one individual now
Nutting - we have been up and down, we are hoping to get this one on by July after background checks pass etc.
Vallee - for a community our size, I don't feel we are well protected
Chief - we are fortunate with the people we have, maybe next year we could get
for the night shift, we have 3 with a sargent, with this one we can get back to 4 with a sargent
we do a forty percent replacement, if one goes out we don't replace them, if the second one goes out.
Nutting - if there is more people, the perception is that OT would go down, but it doesn't always work that way. From a crime stats, we were just named one of the safest communities.
The technology and the equipment make all those people more effective, even if it is not one time, it is not a sixty year cost. It would be nice to have more people in many places, if we have a deficit next year, what do we do?
Vallee - I am speaking for my constituents and I am not comfortable
Chief - if we want to do something, we should come up with a plan other than a time like this. You don't want to bring someone on when we may have to let them go a couple of years down the road.
Mercer - can you clarify? does this get to 44?
Chief - yes, we are at 43 and going to 44
Dellorco - What about the deputy chief?
Chief - we are working through that, this is a major decision. It is a minimal expense (i.e. increase) not an other body. We are talking with HR and should have something ready for the fall.
Nutting - we'd like to run the test for Franklin first and see what applicants we get.
Kelly - can we get a comparison report on who we stack with the other communities?
Nutting - we can do that
Kelly - I'm looking for stats that can be easily understood, how many people per square mile, etc.
Chief - we'd we right about 1.3 per thousand
Bissanti - i want to echo his sentiment, something happens during the night shift, what happens
Chief - if there are multiple accidents, Bellingham and Walpole will have a car there right away
Roy - from a public safety perspective, they do a great job, we were recognized as one of the safest communities in America. We are good shape, thanks for the good work by the Chief and dept
Jones - what would you say are the top three complaints the officers have
Chief - short on some shifts, not always sending people to training, lack of movement among the department
Powederly - I want to echo the great job that you and the Fire Dept does, across the board. I disagree with some of the comments about 'we have the money'. I think everyone would like to give staff back, we have lost 20% of our staff. you do a great job taking the pulse of the community and letting us know. I appreciate your efforts in trying to weigh those.
Vallee - Until we get back to 50, I will not be comfortable
continue the line item with the Fire Dept
Chief Gary McCarragher
optimal is 10 on shift and we are at 9
right around 400,000 for overtime
Nutting - the budget is under here because we don't have a collective bargaining agreement, we have one for every other union but not this one
Vallee - I am concerned that we are not providing 2 ambulances for our community
Chief - I share your concern, we are optimal with 5 people at each firehouse, we are one short and thereby it is a problem. We have the easy part of the budget problem, we can tell you what we need. You have to fill in the other details. We have a plan with the regional dispatch to allow us to re-position personnel to the line, we are competing for Federal dollars where Fall River is getting money over us where they are in danger of loosing 80 firefighters
Chief - 53% of the calls this year are the second call coming in when the department is already out on a call. We have call back so that helps immensely, those elements can become stressful. Fire rescue providers are the top stressful positions in America
Vallee - we are sitting with a stabilization fund and other money and I think we should do something
Pfeffer - we have nothing in this budget for the settlement?
Nutting - yes, we don't know when it will be could be the fall or next year, we don't know
Pfeffer - so it would come from free cash?
Nutting - likely, even if it is later this year, the Council still has to approve the deal when it is settled
Chief - removing the one person from the scene has a big impact
Powderly - I would like to respond to the comment of using the stabilization fund. We did use money from there in earlier years when it was significantly more. To dip into that now, relative to our budget, it is not good to use. The rating agencies look to that for our credit ratings. You can't keep dipping into that.
Vallee - my concern is not in saving money, it is in saving lives.
-----
on the schools budget line
Jones - Norfolk Aggie, a decrease?
Yes, two less students, at 2,000/student
Cultural Council
Roy - can we use the $1,000 extra in the budget and move that to the Cultural Council? The Council does good work and it seems an easy way to help increase the community in this arena
seconded, voted via roll call 9-0
C. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-37: Adoption of FY 2014 Budget
Motion to accept budget, approved via roll call, 9-0
Recycling stickers expire june 30th, can we post a notice to renew
Walk through for the new high school Jun 10th a building committee meeting at the high school 6:00 PM
D. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed via roll 8-1 (Roy humorously voted no)
Town Council meeting summary - May 15, 2013
The Town Council had a busy session on Wednesday. If you turned aside for a moment you could easily get confused. There was a series of public hearings scheduled include the major one for next year's budget. Before getting into the budget, let's cover the zoning bylaw changes.
There were several sets of hearings covering different groups of bylaw changes.
1 - The first set was around impervious surfaces. A couple of these bylaws are still with the Planning Board for modification so it seemed confusing but all together the set will come forward eventually. There will be a hearing on June 5th to continue the discussion on this topic.
2 - The next set was some minor modifications to the adult entertainment zoning. These are being modified because the next set on medical marijuana is built upon the adult entertainment zoning. This set was officially the first reading of two readings by the Town Council. Hopefully, no one in the audience really wanted to speak on this and the next topic as the hearing were closed summarily without looking up to the audience at all.
3 - Next up was the set for the medical marijuana zoning. This would be provisioning the Town to handle a permit for a medical marijuana dispensary as approved by the voters in the last Statewide election. There are no current proposals but this prepares Franklin should one come forward. These were officially the first of two readings before being voted on by the Town Council.
Not covered by a public hearing were two items that were referred to the Planning Board. They are zoning adjustments and targeted to handle a possible RFP and proposal to utilize the long unused property on Pond St for an anaerobic digestion facility. What the heck is anaerobic digestion? Check out the wikipedia entry here to get some background info on this process.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_digestion
The Planning Board is scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, June 3rd to review this. Per the meeting tonight, a bunch of information will be forthcoming so we need to wait for the hearing and pay attention to that one. Sitting the facility near the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech and in the middle of a neighborhood will generate some discussion for sure.
Having participated in the Finance Committee budget hearings there was nothing really new in this presentation by Jeff Nutting. You can find the detailed he shared in the full agenda document here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/051513.pdf
The school budget was also the subject of a brief presentation and then the Town Council went into the reading line item by line item were some were held for further discussion on Thursday night.
I caught the Police and Fire budgets as the major ones held for discussion. I think I missed one or two others. We'll see for sure on Thursday.
There was significant discussion on the resolution to approve salary increases for the Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector. They normally get the equivalent percent increase that everyone else gets. This year (and the first time in several years but the exact last time was not confirmed during the meeting) there was a proposal to provide more of an increase to help make the salaries competitive. With the increase the salaries are 13,000 and 8,000 less than the average respectfully per the analysis done. The measure was approved by a roll call vote 8-1 with Judith Pfeffer the lone dissenting vote.
Under new business, there was discussion and we should see sometime in the future a presentation to consider funding options on how to get the roads into a better condition. There was also discussion on how to get a medical emergency facility located here in Franklin to better serve our community. More on this topic as it develops.
The full set of notes taken live during the meeting can be found here
There were several sets of hearings covering different groups of bylaw changes.
1 - The first set was around impervious surfaces. A couple of these bylaws are still with the Planning Board for modification so it seemed confusing but all together the set will come forward eventually. There will be a hearing on June 5th to continue the discussion on this topic.
2 - The next set was some minor modifications to the adult entertainment zoning. These are being modified because the next set on medical marijuana is built upon the adult entertainment zoning. This set was officially the first reading of two readings by the Town Council. Hopefully, no one in the audience really wanted to speak on this and the next topic as the hearing were closed summarily without looking up to the audience at all.
3 - Next up was the set for the medical marijuana zoning. This would be provisioning the Town to handle a permit for a medical marijuana dispensary as approved by the voters in the last Statewide election. There are no current proposals but this prepares Franklin should one come forward. These were officially the first of two readings before being voted on by the Town Council.
Not covered by a public hearing were two items that were referred to the Planning Board. They are zoning adjustments and targeted to handle a possible RFP and proposal to utilize the long unused property on Pond St for an anaerobic digestion facility. What the heck is anaerobic digestion? Check out the wikipedia entry here to get some background info on this process.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_digestion
The Planning Board is scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, June 3rd to review this. Per the meeting tonight, a bunch of information will be forthcoming so we need to wait for the hearing and pay attention to that one. Sitting the facility near the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech and in the middle of a neighborhood will generate some discussion for sure.
Having participated in the Finance Committee budget hearings there was nothing really new in this presentation by Jeff Nutting. You can find the detailed he shared in the full agenda document here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/051513.pdf
 |
| Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting |
The school budget was also the subject of a brief presentation and then the Town Council went into the reading line item by line item were some were held for further discussion on Thursday night.
I caught the Police and Fire budgets as the major ones held for discussion. I think I missed one or two others. We'll see for sure on Thursday.
There was significant discussion on the resolution to approve salary increases for the Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector. They normally get the equivalent percent increase that everyone else gets. This year (and the first time in several years but the exact last time was not confirmed during the meeting) there was a proposal to provide more of an increase to help make the salaries competitive. With the increase the salaries are 13,000 and 8,000 less than the average respectfully per the analysis done. The measure was approved by a roll call vote 8-1 with Judith Pfeffer the lone dissenting vote.
Under new business, there was discussion and we should see sometime in the future a presentation to consider funding options on how to get the roads into a better condition. There was also discussion on how to get a medical emergency facility located here in Franklin to better serve our community. More on this topic as it develops.
The full set of notes taken live during the meeting can be found here
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