Parmenter 5K results

Congrats to the 179 finishers for the 5th Annual Parmenter Run for All Ages held on Sunday.

just before race start in 2012

The complete results can be found at Cool Running here
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/13/ma/Jun2_5thAnn_set1.shtml

"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.

Spring photo mini-sessions - family photos!

Aubrey B Greene Photography

This Spring, mini-sessions will be held on June 15, 2013, from 9am - 4:30pm, with slots every half hour. Sessions will be 20 minutes long and can include any number of people. My selection of the best images will be edited and posted online for ordering prints, canvases & gifts. 

Sessions cost $100 each, and will be held outdoors on the Dean College campus in Franklin, MA. 

If you would like to sign up, please e-mail AUBREY@AUBREYGREENE.COM to reserve your time slot!

You can view Aubrey's work on her website
http://www.aubreybgreeneblog.com/index.php/post/view/spring_mini_sessions

View the event on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/events/500862403315043/

Gun Safety Forum - 7:00 PM - Dean College

Hosted by Rep Jeffrey Roy, the forum will feature a panel with

• Stephan Semerjian, Franklin Police Chief
• Representative David P. Linsky, Leader on public safety legislation
• Representative Harold P. Naughton, Chair, Joint Committee on Public Safety & Homeland Security
• Jim Wallace, President, Gun Owners Action League (GOAL)
• Andrea Leverentz, Associate Professor of Sociology, UMass Boston

"a record of perfect attendance since kindergarten"

One tried, one let it happen. Both students ended up with perfect attendance records as they graduate from Franklin High School.

"When I was up late doing homework or something, I always wanted to take a day off," Lauren said of making it through high school without a sick day. "A lot of my friends would do that. But my mom pushed me to keep up with it: ‘You made it this far,’ she said, ‘just keep going.’" 

Combined, the teenagers completed more than 4,000 school days. After middle school, honored by teachers and administrators, they realized just how far they’d gone without missing any classes. 

For Lauren, the award compelled her to keep the record going through high school: "It was a motivator for me." 

Tom, however, was indifferent. "I wasn’t trying for a record," he said. "I just went whenever I could, and it happened to be every day."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x90721711/Two-Franklin-High-seniors-graduating-with-perfect-attendance#ixzz2UleRLBW1

Pour Richard's One Fund Fundraiser

Announcing Pour Richard's First Pennywise Party*

*and One Fund Boston Benefit

Save the Date! Sunday, June 9th we will host our first Pennywise Party. Are you stocking up for a vacation home, a boat, or just a bunch of great summer entertaining? Don't waste precious time stopping for provisions. Instead, you can have your own little stash of great wine, AND know that you got a great bargain. We have asked our distributors to bring great wines that they can offer at a 20-70% discount. We'll have 40+ wines for you to try, you buy what you like, and your order will be available for pickup in a couple of days. 

Our first Pennywise Party will also be a benefit for One Fund Boston. There will be awesome wine and wine-related raffles, and we'll be donating a percentage of profits. We literally can't believe some of the wines we've received for this event: Wattle Creek GSM at 75% off, Guenoc single vineyard Petite Sirah at66% off, Andeluna Chardonnay at more than 60% off. Hope to see you there!

For more about Pour Richard's visit their website  http://pourrichardswine.com/

Relay for Life - Franklin

The next Relay for Life is scheduled for Jun 14 - 15 at Tri-County Regional Voc Tech here in Franklin.

One of the featured events during the Relay will be a Pantene hair stylist Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

For the full schedule of events visit the Franklin Relay for Life webpage

Crescent St Construction

One of the streets being rebuilt this year on the DPW schedule is Crescent St. I caught this photo as I passed by on the way to the parade Monday.

Crescent St construction

If you missed the Town Council meeting in April with the presentation on all the DPW projects you can check this link http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-public-works-upcoming-projects.html

Emeritus Senior Living

The construction is making progress, earlier photos that I took as I passed by were all of the site prep.

Emeritus at Franklin

This week there is steel rising above ground and a stairwell or elevator shaft being put together.

construction framing

For more about Emeritus Senior Living visit their webpage
http://www.emeritus.com/massachusetts/franklin/emeritus-franklin

In the News: tornado relief

Franklin police and fire collecting donations for tornado victims

The Franklin Police and Fire departments have teamed up with Tony Gallo of Gallo Moving to collect much needed relief supplies for the tornado victims of Moore, Okla.

Memorial Day Parade - photos

A photo slideshow of the Memorial Day parade

Where would the anaerobic digester be located?

ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 13-714

Changes to §185-3. Definitions

A ZONING BY-LAW TO AMEND THE FRANKLIN TOWN CODE AT

CHAPTER 185, SECTION 3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL THAT:

Chapter 185 of the Code of the Town of Franklin is hereby amended by the following
addition, added into §185-3 Definitions in alphabetical order:

ANAEROBIC DIGESTER - A structure or series of structures where a biological
process, anaerobic digestion, breaks down or “digests” organic waste materials in the
absence of oxygen, and through utilization of separators, biogas recovery systems and
other processes, produces digestate and biogas, which are further processed for
production of soil amendment, fertilizer, electric energy, pipeline quality natural gas, and
similar commercial products.

The foregoing Zoning By-law amendment shall take effect in accordance with the
Franklin Home Rule Charter and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 5.


The public hearing and presentation will take place before the Planning Board, Monday, June 3.

Pond St entrance to former sewer facility

Proposed location is on Pond St (next to KinderCare) at the site of the former Franklin sewer facility.




View Larger Map


For more on the public hearing
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/anaerobic-digester-presentation-town-of.html

"Getting an unaccepted road on a town’s books can be a complicated process"

A Massachusetts Department of Transportation inventory found more than 3,200 miles of so-called unaccepted roads in the state last year, though the state may undercount the true number, according to Turner and several municipal highway officials. 

"It really is a bill that’s time has come," Turner said recently. "It’s really necessary." 

Such streets pepper the eastern Massachusetts landscape, often in subdivisions where builders skipped town, went bankrupt or died before a municipality reviewed and formally accepted the development’s roads as public ways. 

This often causes headaches, with no developer to plow, repair or pave such roads and towns under no obligation and without any state road funding to do any major maintenance of improvements to such streets.

...

Some towns have taken different approaches to unaccepted roads. Franklin adopted a streamlined process to accept roads and has been actively doing so, said Brutus Cantoreggi, the town’s public works director. The town can then count those roads in the formula used to determine how much state Chapter 90 highway maintenance money it receives, he said. 

"If it was initially going to be a publicly accepted roadway, that’s where it has to go," Cantoreggi said.

Read more: State bill aims to resolve confusion over unaccepted roads - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x83400805/State-bill-aims-to-resolve-confusion-over-unaccepted-roads#ixzz2UZx2EMTe

Related posts:

The annual Report section on the DPW's Highway Division
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/annual-report-2012-dpw-highway-and.html

The DPW presentation to the Town Council in April, 2013 on the various projects being worked this year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-public-works-upcoming-projects.html

The current road condition report
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-road-conditions-from-worst-to.html

Memorial Day Parade

The parade is scheduled to start at 10:30 AM. The parade forms at the Historical Museum and will walk up Main St to the Town Common. The parade will make stops at Dean College and the monuments on the Town Common for brief ceremonies.

From last years parade, the Horace Mann Middle School Band:

Horace Mann Middle School Band

"the day we remember what it means to be a hero"

An essay by Vanessa Desiato, an intern with the MA Dept of Veterans Services:

So what does Memorial Day mean to me, now that I'm older, more experienced, and a little bit taller? It means we should stop and think about the sacrifices men and women have given to make this world a safer place for someone else, not just on Memorial Day, but every day. As an intern at the Department of Veterans’ Services, serving Massachusetts' veterans, every day is a Memorial Day/Veteran’s Day hybrid. These soldiers are stronger and braver than I could ever imagine myself being. They are heroes. They are people like my brother, who heard the call to serve, and couldn’t be persuaded to do anything else. Someone I grew up with making snowballs, blowing up hotdogs, and climbing on, was a hero-in-the-making, and I had no idea.

Read the full essay here

"Massachusetts has raised tobacco taxes in 1993, 1998, 2002 and 2008"

This may also happen this year as the Governor, House and Senate all include a dollar a pack increase in their respective budgets for FY 2014.

Cigarette tax revenues, along with the settlement money, brought in about $815 million last year, according to the Department of Revenue. That figure would rise another estimated $165 million - for a total of $980 million - under a proposed dollar-per-pack increase supported by the governor, House and Senate. 

All of the increase would go to fix the state's aging transportation infrastructure. Nearly all the other tobacco tax revenue now goes into the general fund. Only $4.2 million went to anti-smoking programs this year. 

Marc Hymovitz, director of advocacy and Massachusetts state government relations for the American Cancer Society, said the use of tobacco tax revenue to fund anti-smoking programs in earlier years was superseded by the state's economic crises of the past decade.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1910060119/States-becoming-more-dependent-on-tobacco-levies#ixzz2UUcmwren

Moving Wall in Medway May 30 - June 2

Do not miss this opportunity to visit the half-size replica, which will be located at the Medway VFW on Holliston Street. 

An opening ceremony will be held Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m., and a closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 2, at 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open 24 hours a day until Monday morning, June 3, and will be staffed by volunteers for your inquiries or individual needs. 

Materials will be available to do rubbings of names, should you desire to do so, in remembrance of a friend or loved one killed in action in the Vietnam War.

Moving Wall

Read more: Downing: Vietnam Wall in Medway - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x776195863/Downing-Vietnam-Wall-in-Medway#ixzz2UUeMJNtP

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 28

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 May 14, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

2. Guests/Presentations
a. District Improvement Plan
(details of the proposed plan are contained in the following Google docs)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTElwY2dqUkRQQnc/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTmF6cjJKR1VHSkU/edit

b. Jefferson Elementary School Update – Linda Ashley
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNHlmYlNlWXJ4VGs/edit

3. Discussion Only Items
Increase in School Lunch Prices – Miriam Goodman
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOGlEUXBDVEd5VjA/edit

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the FPS District Improvement Plan for the 2013-2014 school year
b. I recommend approval of an increase to school lunch prices to: Elementary $2.20, Middle School $2.65 and High School $2.90 as discussed.
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of cameras and other supplies (Valued at $1702.84) for RMS TV Studio from Franklin TV.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $282.66 from Wells Fargo Community Support for Douglas Lee for the FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $75.00 from Roger and Roberta Trahan for a FHS Scholarship.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Denise Miller for a FHS Scholarship.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 5 laptops, MS Office licenses and 5 carts (valued at $3,719.85) from the JF Kennedy PCC for Kennedy students.
h. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the Norfolk DA for an Operation Graduation Grant for FHS.
j. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 8 standing desks (cost: $1819.30) for grades 3 and 5 at Oak Street Elementary School from the PCC.
k. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 15 fans (cost: $1602.90) for Oak Street’s second floor from the PCC.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $355.72 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for Davis Thayer Elementary School.
m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from Jayne Sabolinski for a FHS scholarship.

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

Franklin News: dog licenses, museum volunteers, water conservation

I'll find the current news on the official Franklin webpage and share it here for you to also share it among your friends and neighbors.


AVOID A LATE FEE…LICENSE YOUR DOG TODAY!!!!!!!

Town Clerk, Deborah L. Pellegri is reminding dog owners that licenses were 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.

Notice: Museum Volunteer

The Historical Commission is looking for a volunteer to sort and put in ABC order some old newspapers. Call: Deborah L. Pellegri at 508-520-4900

Water Conservation Measures Effective Mon June 3rd

The summer Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption. During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and State restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months. 

A total of l-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns. Non­ compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200. 

For additional information, visit the DPW web page. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 508-520-4915 or 508-553-5500.

"building a kiosk to hold things like trail maps"

Milford Daily News reports on Christopher Rich, a 16-year-old Scout with Troop 126, who Eagle Scout project is building a kiosk at the DelCarte Property.

Rich said he hoped the project would allow Franklin residents to enjoy the land, a 126-acre parcel that sits along Pleasant Street. 

"When I first started, I was amazed that it was such a beautiful place," he said. "I love conservation, and I'd love to make this property more accessible to people in town. The kiosk will be a place where people can put up information on things going on in town, and we made the trail much more usable."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1910060045/Boy-Scout-wrapping-up-Eagle-Project-in-Franklin#ixzz2UOiFs44f

DelCarte, sunny day Oct 2010

Related posts on the DelCarte Property

The proposal to fund the playground and trail improvements
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/delcarte-recreation-proposal.html

Where is the DelCarte Property?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/10/where-is-delcarte-property.html

A brief video from a Sunday morning, Dec 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html

Notes from my first tour of DelCarte in Oct 2010
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/10/franklin-ma-delcarte-tour.html

Franklin Library: Craft Circle

Craft Circle

craft circle - Franklin Library

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

"We strategically add seats"

Today's issue of the Milford Daily News reviews the school choice program and how local districts use it. Franklin stopped adding students via school choice in 2007 due to the budget cuts.

Under the School Choice program, public school districts can vote to accept students from outside their district. The student’s home district pays the receiving district a tuition of up to $5,000 each year a student is enrolled in the receiving district. Districts that join School Choice can limit how many students they want to accept each year, but cannot remove a student once he or she enrolls through the program. 

Since School Choice was created in 1991, out-of-district students have enrolled in the Holliston school system at a high rate, drawn by the district’s French immersion classes and Montessori education, said Superintendent Brad Jackson. 

This year was no exception as 120 out-of-district students enrolled in the Holliston school system through School Choice, while just six students left the district through the program. Through the program, the district received about $650,000 in revenue, which Jackson said is used to offset budget costs and reduce the impact on Holliston’s taxpayers.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x776195535/School-Choice-a-boon-for-local-districts?rssfeed=true&utm_source=feedly#axzz2UOfO6EtM


Related articles
The history of school choice enrollments was covered in a Jan 2013 School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-public-schools-school-choice.html

Coverage of the School Committee decision to opt out of school choice in 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/schools-opt-out-of-school-choice.html