Franklin Matters: Year in Review - October 2013

not too long ago, the archives contained some good stuff from October:

The candidates in contested elections got together for a forum to share their views
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/candidates-forum-oct-23-2013.html

The foundation for the playground at DelCarte Open Space was laid down. It was a gorgeous fall day for photos  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-open-space-photo-essay.html




The Town Council resolved the license suspension appeal from Ichigo Ichies as well as gave the final approval for the Cook's Farm approval
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/ichigo-ichie-cooks-farm-and-bunch-of.html

The Fire Dept held its annual Open House at the #2 Fire Station on King St
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/fire-dept-open-house-photo-essay.html

Find a pothole or street light out? Use the new smart phone app to report this!
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/yes-franklin-has-app-for-that.html

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - September 2013

The year in review continues to dig into the archives and now we find ourselves in September...

The Library Book Sale put on by the Friends of the Library was canceled by the Library Board of Directors
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/denied-request-without-further.html

The Cook's Farm proposal moved to a second reading after a divided council voted
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/divided-council-moves-zoning-bylaw.html

wrought iron fencing was added to Dean College

The lineup of candidates for the November Franklin election had few races
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

After much good work by the Master Plan Committee, the 'Master Plan' was updated and brought to the Town Council  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/live-reporting-master-plan.html

“It’s easy for people to find a reason to oppose casinos”

Major funding sources in the state’s budget for the coming year and years to come may be eliminated if two ballot initiatives to be considered in the November 2014 election are successful next year. 

Seven ballot initiatives have already received enough signatures - 68,911 - to be placed on the ballot next year. Among them are calls to repeal the casino legislation and the automatic gas tax increase, both of which are tied to sources of revenue for the coming fiscal or future fiscal years. 

However, the leaders of the initiatives say their cause outweighs these budget concerns.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x800890845/Ballot-questions-may-cause-budget-woes#ixzz2oxcCnRXI

Where in Franklin? - 2013 06

The answer to Saturday's "Where In Franklin?" photo was initially correctly identified by Maura O'Brien via email. She subscribes to receive the daily email with what has been posted for that day. If you don't already subscribe via email, you can sign up here. (Note: it is a two step process. You add you email and then need to confirm it before you receive the next day's email.)

Where in Franklin? 2013 05 - near the Ben Franklin statue at the Library

The granite bench is one of a series that you can find around the brick plaza outside the Library where the Ben Franklin status is.

The tip of the bench is seen in the left corner of this photo

And for today's photo, where in Franklin would you be playing?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 06

Send an email, or leave a comment with your answer. 
First correct answer is the winner. 
Complete guidelines for "Where in Franklin?" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/2013-where-in-franklin.html

Annual Report 2013: Town Attorney

Continuing our journey through the Franklin, MA Annual Report for 2013 we find the section on the Town Attorney

The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input. 

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws. 

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits. The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney

Franklin Municipal Building

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - August 2013

The end of summer came in August with the start of school before Labor Day and a flurry of news items

The allegation and suspension of a Franklin High School teacher
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/lets-note-that-this-is-all-about.html

A new drop off pattern for parents at the high school
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/high-school-traffic-pattern.html

New traffic speed signs were added to King St at the crossing to the Parmenter School
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/getting-ready-to-slow-down-on-king-st.html

The School Building Committee heard an update on the High School and the options proposed for Davis Thayer  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/school-committee-has-work-to-do.html

Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr.

A series of posts to share Franklin's Fallen Heroes from World War II
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - July 2013

Half way through the archives for 2013, we find ourselves in July

The Town Council, Planning Board and others held a special meeting to talk through the zoning issues for the proposed high density development at Cook's Farm
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-town-council-special.html

The Community Garden was in full bloom
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/community-gardens-photo-essay.html

Growing in the Franklin Community Garden

The timeline for the local election to be held November 5th was announced
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-local-election-timeline.html

The school district conducted a survey on the school calendar and published the results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/school-calendar-survey-results.html

With the school construction underway, there were no fireworks for the 4th of July. Whether there will be for 2014 or not remains to be seen. We did share a video of the 2012 fireworks.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-fireworks-2012-edition.html