Present: Dellorco, Kelly, Bissanti, Vallee, Padula, Feldman, Williams, Pfeffer
Absent: Mercer
Planning Board: Halligan
Finance Committee: Dewslap, Conley
ZBA: Hunchard
Copy of handout to be added later
Note: while this session is being recorded, I won;t be able to participate for the full session due to a work commitment).
1 - neighborhood commercial zoning district
discussion on addition of small pockets of commercial to allow for neighborhood milk, convenience stores
2 - multi-family zoning
multi-family by law means apartments not just condos
we don't have anything to address 3 unit or more except in Downtown C1
we had an old zone 6
I am not arguing about writing it, where do you want to put it
Kelly - put it near the train stations to enable walk to the train to go to Boston
Nutting - down by Thompson Press, where there is an industrial zone including the lumber yard
the sense is in the downtown area
take zone 6 out of your head, you can still have multi-family but not do what that did which doesnt work
could change to zone 5, 1,000 sq ft per unit
that is one option for housing
what about Cottage/Union St?
changing the zoning would allow the owner to bring in apartments
multi-family by law is either or condos or apartments
zone 7 forces the developer to build separate building rathe than all attached in the same building
Kelly - I am trying to drive more traffic downtown, by putting more apartments there you get the downtown busier
there are two things economic development or property taxes; that is the question for the Council
concensus to consider this? yes
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Live reporting: Economic Development Committee - Mar 25, 2015
Commmittee: Bissanti, Kelly, Padula, Vallee
Planning Board: Halligan
Planning Dept: Taberner
Town Administrator: Nutting
Beta Engineering - did a revision to the traffic studies done previously
Greg Lucas - presenting
found earlier studies had under represented traffic
there is a problem today with the intersection and left turns into Pond St
so no matter what goes into the area will only increase the problem
option to increase the turn from single lane to double lane
explored option of using Old West Central St but it doesn't help the situation
the most viable solution to address existing problems and future development
would be to widen the left turn to two lanes
there is a PM peak problem, page 6
2020 base is the current traffic including the Starbucks study
2020 base w/Development is the study plus the scenarios for the Pond St options
The State owns the intersection and would be in charge of the widening and any other adjustments
Q on lengthening the single lane
A - it would be better to do the double lane turn to handle the traffic, you'd get more cars through the turn
Q - question on taking out the media divider
A - the three options were the MPO recommendations. They use crash data to look at areas for traffic improvement. It could be eligible for funding due to the high crash location at the intersection itself.
The signalling should be adjusted, they should all be implemented.
Q - How do we get the State to get this moving
A - Nutting - We would have to call MassDOT to see
We have an established need and given the development there is an increased risk
Q - do the Starbucks numbers account for freeway traffic
A - Good question, doesn't specifically address that
Q - was Pond St traffic included
A - Pond St traffic was not included in the current studies, it would need to be depending upon whatever would be going into the Pond St site
Table 1 - on page 5
trip generation numbers changed from prior studies
previous studies were general office not a medical office; traffic differs significantly not so much in the peak hours but in the overall traffic by day
assumed 86% occupancy for the hotel but the traffic is not reduced by the volume expected by the hotel
There would need to be some study depending upon what goes in there, there may be some treatment, i.e. a left turn lane into the Pond St property. Pond St is a 60 ft right of way so there is plenty of room.
Discussion on the potential of a left turn lane, not a light. If a light was there it would need further study and could help traffic coming out of Rolling Ridge to Pond St
Discussion on utilization of Old West Central, it provides some relief to two of the traffic flows but would not help the overall intersection as it would also degrade a couple of other traffic flows.
Q - Nutting - When does the intersection fail beyond what it is already doing? what could go in to the property to see what could 'live' within the traffic service levels
A - It is a balancing act with signal timing and turning lanes
Even without Pond St, we should be calling MassDOT to get this started?
Yes
Q - Padula - this was an F prior to this?
A - yes, it was an F prior to Starbucks coming in (in afternoon)
Thanks to Greg, good presentation
Discussion on whether to consider the RFP
Bissanti looking to move it forward
Nutting, no consensus of the committee on use other than no apartments
Kelly - I would like to include some solar interest for the space
Nutting - if you're going to do solar, you might want to lease the property rather than sell the property for a hotel. Are you suggesting putting out a separate solar? You may lose a few months but the mix-match can get confusing
Bissanti - where this was going and I thought it had more steam, with a residential component; I think it is too small to fit all three uses. I think we should go with the existing RFP and the residential component
Padula - I am not in favor of the solar piece, it is too late and not enough for what we need. The traffic study doesn't talk about this.
Note: Vallee had moved to the back of the room for a private conversation and missed the discussion points. Vallee returns as Kelly speaks for solar
Kelly - I wouldn't be so fast to count the solar out. I don't want to be left with I wish we had
Bissnti - We did put it out for solar and we got someone coming in with an aerobic digester
Williams - you have not yet decided the percentages of what the space would be designated as
Bissanti - would another study be needed?
Lucas - we did not have data from Pond St, that study would need to be done depending upon what is proposed
Halligan - if you put the RFP out the Council doesn't have to accept anything that is proposed
Kelly - if we put anything out, we can like it or not. I am not the smartest guy in the room and someone might come back with something we haven't talked about
Williams - you as a committee haven't decided that, if we know we want less traffic there shouldn't we spell it out?
Bissanti - there are specified uses in the RFP, we got to get something going
We wanted to restrict the develop to the number of units that could be built, if you leave it open, we have lost what we came to agreement on
Dellorco - I don't know why we can't limit it
trying to wrestle with the balance between revenue and impact
the community understands the biggest money maker for the Town, so scale back the residential component. the last time we were together, there were a number of suggestions made but we haven't seen those implemented
two of the other recommendations were already in the RFP, the only one not there was the set back from Pond St
I would appreciate it if you looked at it with an open mind, the community would be more supportive
Let's move this to the April 8th meeting. The only way we'll know is to see what we get back. I would love to see a general RFP and that can't be done
6:00 PM at April 8th
meeting adjourned
Planning Board: Halligan
Planning Dept: Taberner
Town Administrator: Nutting
Beta Engineering - did a revision to the traffic studies done previously
Greg Lucas - presenting
found earlier studies had under represented traffic
there is a problem today with the intersection and left turns into Pond St
so no matter what goes into the area will only increase the problem
option to increase the turn from single lane to double lane
explored option of using Old West Central St but it doesn't help the situation
the most viable solution to address existing problems and future development
would be to widen the left turn to two lanes
there is a PM peak problem, page 6
2020 base is the current traffic including the Starbucks study
2020 base w/Development is the study plus the scenarios for the Pond St options
Starbucks assumptions
- 45% would come up to turn left into the site
- 35% would be moving west to turn right
- 20% would come on Pond St to Starbucks
The State owns the intersection and would be in charge of the widening and any other adjustments
Q on lengthening the single lane
A - it would be better to do the double lane turn to handle the traffic, you'd get more cars through the turn
Q - question on taking out the media divider
A - the three options were the MPO recommendations. They use crash data to look at areas for traffic improvement. It could be eligible for funding due to the high crash location at the intersection itself.
The signalling should be adjusted, they should all be implemented.
Q - How do we get the State to get this moving
A - Nutting - We would have to call MassDOT to see
We have an established need and given the development there is an increased risk
Q - do the Starbucks numbers account for freeway traffic
A - Good question, doesn't specifically address that
Q - was Pond St traffic included
A - Pond St traffic was not included in the current studies, it would need to be depending upon whatever would be going into the Pond St site
Table 1 - on page 5
trip generation numbers changed from prior studies
previous studies were general office not a medical office; traffic differs significantly not so much in the peak hours but in the overall traffic by day
assumed 86% occupancy for the hotel but the traffic is not reduced by the volume expected by the hotel
There would need to be some study depending upon what goes in there, there may be some treatment, i.e. a left turn lane into the Pond St property. Pond St is a 60 ft right of way so there is plenty of room.
Discussion on the potential of a left turn lane, not a light. If a light was there it would need further study and could help traffic coming out of Rolling Ridge to Pond St
Discussion on utilization of Old West Central, it provides some relief to two of the traffic flows but would not help the overall intersection as it would also degrade a couple of other traffic flows.
Q - Nutting - When does the intersection fail beyond what it is already doing? what could go in to the property to see what could 'live' within the traffic service levels
A - It is a balancing act with signal timing and turning lanes
Even without Pond St, we should be calling MassDOT to get this started?
Yes
Q - Padula - this was an F prior to this?
A - yes, it was an F prior to Starbucks coming in (in afternoon)
Thanks to Greg, good presentation
Discussion on whether to consider the RFP
Bissanti looking to move it forward
Nutting, no consensus of the committee on use other than no apartments
Kelly - I would like to include some solar interest for the space
Nutting - if you're going to do solar, you might want to lease the property rather than sell the property for a hotel. Are you suggesting putting out a separate solar? You may lose a few months but the mix-match can get confusing
Bissanti - where this was going and I thought it had more steam, with a residential component; I think it is too small to fit all three uses. I think we should go with the existing RFP and the residential component
Padula - I am not in favor of the solar piece, it is too late and not enough for what we need. The traffic study doesn't talk about this.
Note: Vallee had moved to the back of the room for a private conversation and missed the discussion points. Vallee returns as Kelly speaks for solar
Kelly - I wouldn't be so fast to count the solar out. I don't want to be left with I wish we had
Bissnti - We did put it out for solar and we got someone coming in with an aerobic digester
Williams - you have not yet decided the percentages of what the space would be designated as
Bissanti - would another study be needed?
Lucas - we did not have data from Pond St, that study would need to be done depending upon what is proposed
Halligan - if you put the RFP out the Council doesn't have to accept anything that is proposed
Kelly - if we put anything out, we can like it or not. I am not the smartest guy in the room and someone might come back with something we haven't talked about
Williams - you as a committee haven't decided that, if we know we want less traffic there shouldn't we spell it out?
Bissanti - there are specified uses in the RFP, we got to get something going
We wanted to restrict the develop to the number of units that could be built, if you leave it open, we have lost what we came to agreement on
Dellorco - I don't know why we can't limit it
trying to wrestle with the balance between revenue and impact
the community understands the biggest money maker for the Town, so scale back the residential component. the last time we were together, there were a number of suggestions made but we haven't seen those implemented
two of the other recommendations were already in the RFP, the only one not there was the set back from Pond St
I would appreciate it if you looked at it with an open mind, the community would be more supportive
Let's move this to the April 8th meeting. The only way we'll know is to see what we get back. I would love to see a general RFP and that can't be done
6:00 PM at April 8th
meeting adjourned
Best Buddies to be 'a zip code event' for Franklin
Franklin is leading the way in expanding the Best Buddies program to the entire school district. The program began at FHS in 1997, expanded to the middle schools in 2007 and now to the elementary schools. Keller will begin a pilot this year for 3rd and 4th graders, and continue in September with those students in the 4th and 5th grade.
Assuming all goes well with the pilot, as early as September 2016 the program could begin expansion to other elementary schools in the district.
Dean College is looking to create their program so this would be "a zip code event."
Additional info on the program will be discussed at the Keller PCC meeting on Apr 9th.
After the Best Buddies presentation and discussion, the School Committee heard the latest stats on school choice (17 students remaining the program) and the recommendation not to open the program up. School Choice is the option for students from other communities to attend in Franklin. Due to capacity issues, the school district has not opened the program and the students who were part of it are allowed to complete their schooling. The peak was about 90 students several years ago.
The capital budget was adjusted to meet lower expectations on what funds would be available. The Franklin capital budget is funded by 'free cash' however the free cash is used to make up any shortfall in the snow/ice budget first. With the record winter this year, the snow/ice budget is about $500,000 over what was allocated. That is $500,000 less to fund our other capital requirements.
The Best Buddies 25th anniversary video shown during the meeting can be viewed here:
My details notes reported live during the School Committee meeting can be found here:
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| image from Best Buddies website |
Assuming all goes well with the pilot, as early as September 2016 the program could begin expansion to other elementary schools in the district.
Dean College is looking to create their program so this would be "a zip code event."
Additional info on the program will be discussed at the Keller PCC meeting on Apr 9th.
After the Best Buddies presentation and discussion, the School Committee heard the latest stats on school choice (17 students remaining the program) and the recommendation not to open the program up. School Choice is the option for students from other communities to attend in Franklin. Due to capacity issues, the school district has not opened the program and the students who were part of it are allowed to complete their schooling. The peak was about 90 students several years ago.
The capital budget was adjusted to meet lower expectations on what funds would be available. The Franklin capital budget is funded by 'free cash' however the free cash is used to make up any shortfall in the snow/ice budget first. With the record winter this year, the snow/ice budget is about $500,000 over what was allocated. That is $500,000 less to fund our other capital requirements.
 |
| photo of presentation page touting the Dodgeball Tournament |
The Best Buddies 25th anniversary video shown during the meeting can be viewed here:
My details notes reported live during the School Committee meeting can be found here:
Antique Appraisal Day - April 12
Antique Appraisal Day
Sunday, April 12, 2015
1:00PM-4:00PM
The Franklin Historical Commission invites you to have your collectables and antiques appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman of Coyle’s Auction Gallery of Bellingham. 1 to 3 items per person will be appraised at a rate of $5.00 per item.
Items to be appraised include Decorative Stoneware and Pottery; Vintage Clothing and Costume Jewelry; Fine China, glass and art glass; Oriental Rugs; Paintings and Prints; Lamps, Clocks, Decorative Accessories; Hummels and Music Boxes; Sterling Silver, Pewter and Brass; American, Victorian and Country Furniture and Accessories.
NO fine jewelry, no coins, no stamps and no weapons.
All proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum
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| Franklin Historical Museum - maybe most of the snow will be gone by Appraisal Day? |
Franklin Art Association - Spring Show - Apr 18 and 19
2015 Spring Members Show and Sale will be held at the Black Box Theater, 15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Saturday, April, 18th 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Sunday, April, 19th 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The exhibit is free and opened to the public
* Exhibit of original works of fine art and photographs
* Bin sales of original works of art and prints
* Complementary food and beverage
* Clothes line art sale
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| Franklin Art Association - Spring Show |
Awards ceremony Saturday evening at 7:00 pm
The Franklin Art Association since 1971
Sponsored in part by the Franklin Cultural Council
For further information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Live reporting: Action items to Closing
4. Action Items
a. I recommend not accepting any new School Choice students for the 2015-2016 School Year.motion to approve, seconded passed 6-0
b. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.motion to approve, seconded passed 6-0
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Walmart for Supplemental Curriculum Materials at Davis Thayer Elementary School.motion to approve, seconded passed 6-0
d. I recommend approval of the request for HMMS to take 6th & 8th grade students to Mystic Aquarium in CT on April 1, 2015 as detailed.motion to approve, seconded passed 6-0
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s ReportSabolinski - it is great to be back, thanks to Sally for an amazing job in all sorts of little crisises
thanks to all in the Central Office staff for their help
I am not totally cleared to be back, I can ambulate a little more
Remington Middle School play 60 grant received
NEASC letter from accreditation, FHS is not on warning status for first time since 1996
it has been a long journey, thanks to the community for stepping up
next NEASC visit will be 2017, next year will be self study to prepare for the following year
we have been givning them updates yearly and they have appreciated the progress
Best Buddies Dodgeball tournement, sign up now
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeFpIdnduSnlQZ3c/view?usp=sharing
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison ReportsTrivia Bee - Apr 8th
November - Harlem Wizards will return for a visit
motion to adjourn
passed 6-0 via roll call vote
Live reporting: Discussion only
3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice Votewe have currently still 17 students, but have not accepted new students
we have some issues on the horizon, a new housing development 280 apartment units in the Garelick Farm area; would have an impact on the Oak/Horace Mann schools
recommendation to continue not engaging in school choice
class size is down to where it needs to be (with a few exceptions)
the impact of class size on achievement is profound
opening it up would not be good at this time
the school committee needs to vote and we can notify the state by May 1
Capital Plan Updatea snowy winter season, the town's budget has been overshot by $500,000
there may not be a lot of funds left in the allocation after the snow is paid
the budget subcommittee meets next Wednesday
removed 2 of the 6 original requests
Chromebooks and
look to fund from available operational funds
the justifications are the same
Live Reporting: School Committee - Mar 24, 2015
Present: Douglas, O'Malley, Rohrbach, Clement, Mullen, Trahan
Absent: Jewell
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - none
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 10, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Mock trial made it to the final 4, lost to Pioneer Valley
Senior Banquet
Spring sports started this week
Franklin Friday - themed clothing
partnered with local business, winning grade gets prize 1st prize from Elizabeth's Bagels; next prize coming from The Cake Bar
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Best Buddies – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice and Stephanie Geddes
Intro by Supt Maureen Sabolinski (yes, she is back)
Documents for the Best Buddies portion of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/best-buddies-update-to-school-committee.html
Franklin was identified as a host community for the 1st elementary program
Stephanie Geddes, IEP coordinator
started in 1997 in High School
then expanded to middle school in 2007
and now to elementary in 2015
proposed in May 2014 to do so; followed up in Sep 2014
Best Buddies doesn't have a program but Franklin wil do this as a pilot
Sarah Fishman and Britt Dubendris are the advisors for the pilot
come to the April 9th PCC meeting at Keller School
to learn about the pilot
Keller community got a letter last week, this week with get the BBK bulletin (see documents for a copy of the BBK bulletin)
a lot of Twitter action
@kellerschool #1bbkeller
@fps4students
Clement: This is great, I love every aspect of this. how long until we can get it into all the elementary schools?
Fitzmaurice: We're doing it at a pace that ensures we can do it well. We have it elsewhere, It is on the cusp at Dean College. it is going to be a zip code event.
Sabolinski: Karen Spilka was helpful in this, it was not an immediate sell. We gave them a lot to think about. Our goal is to have chapters yesterday in each of the schools. The work of this group has gotten us to where we are, once we get this going, maybe a year from now, we'll be able to get this ging at the other elementary schools.
Fitzmaurice: You had me all in at hello. We haven't looked back.
O'Malley: this kind of program is about the best of who we are. We operate best when we connect. The kids will get the benefit from this.
Sabolinski: we do want to acknowledge that Jeff Roy's office has helped us, the Streeter family has helped and supported us. They are helping to sponsor the Dodge ball tournament. Pre-K through college is our vision.
Absent: Jewell
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - none
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 10, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Mock trial made it to the final 4, lost to Pioneer Valley
Senior Banquet
Spring sports started this week
Franklin Friday - themed clothing
partnered with local business, winning grade gets prize 1st prize from Elizabeth's Bagels; next prize coming from The Cake Bar
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Best Buddies – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice and Stephanie Geddes
Intro by Supt Maureen Sabolinski (yes, she is back)
Documents for the Best Buddies portion of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/best-buddies-update-to-school-committee.html
Franklin was identified as a host community for the 1st elementary program
Stephanie Geddes, IEP coordinator
started in 1997 in High School
then expanded to middle school in 2007
and now to elementary in 2015
proposed in May 2014 to do so; followed up in Sep 2014
Best Buddies doesn't have a program but Franklin wil do this as a pilot
Sarah Fishman and Britt Dubendris are the advisors for the pilot
come to the April 9th PCC meeting at Keller School
to learn about the pilot
Keller community got a letter last week, this week with get the BBK bulletin (see documents for a copy of the BBK bulletin)
a lot of Twitter action
@kellerschool #1bbkeller
@fps4students
Great news: 1st elementary school program at announced for @KellerSchool #1bbkeller @fps4students pic.twitter.com/FzoEuymuTo
— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 24, 2015
Clement: This is great, I love every aspect of this. how long until we can get it into all the elementary schools?
Fitzmaurice: We're doing it at a pace that ensures we can do it well. We have it elsewhere, It is on the cusp at Dean College. it is going to be a zip code event.
Sabolinski: Karen Spilka was helpful in this, it was not an immediate sell. We gave them a lot to think about. Our goal is to have chapters yesterday in each of the schools. The work of this group has gotten us to where we are, once we get this going, maybe a year from now, we'll be able to get this ging at the other elementary schools.
Fitzmaurice: You had me all in at hello. We haven't looked back.
O'Malley: this kind of program is about the best of who we are. We operate best when we connect. The kids will get the benefit from this.
Sabolinski: we do want to acknowledge that Jeff Roy's office has helped us, the Streeter family has helped and supported us. They are helping to sponsor the Dodge ball tournament. Pre-K through college is our vision.
Register for the 5th Annual Franklin & Bellingham SNETT Road Race
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National Medical Academy: Nurse Aid Training
National Medical Academy offers the newest medical training program specializing in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training. CNA classes are a full-fledged course that has been recently licensed by the state, which allows any individual to succeed in the field of health care.
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| National Medical Academy |
Designed by the industry professionals, the Nurse Aide Training Programs offered by National Medical Academy will mold individuals into health care professionals, particularly directed to the path of nurse assisting – be it in major hospitals, health care centers or assisted living settings.
In addition to that, National Medical Academy is focused on the system of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training and thus, individuals who want to be involved in the health care industry can now obtain the CNA certification through their Nurse Aide Training Programs.
National Medical Academy, moreover, encourages individuals to opt for taking up a course as highly needed as Nurse Assistant Training nowadays. There is truthfulness to the fact that the health care industry does not substantially function without the help of certified nurse assistants (CNA). What's more, the United States appears to increase demands for nurse assistants every year and that makes nurse assisting one of the most in demand jobs that there are, not to mention that the compensation is relatively good.
For additional information, visit the official website of National Medical Academy through the link below:
https://nationalmedicalacademy.com/
Enrollment in our CNA programs are VERY LIMITED to 5 students per class.
Enroll Today before the class is FULL!!!!!
To register for a CPR training - Click Here
"A business built on referrals" (Just ask a neighbor)
Learn about our Referral Rewards program Click Here
Please think GREEN before printing this or any email.
Boston Globe Subscribers: Redeem your GRANT voucher before it expires!
Fellow Boston Globe subscribers, there are lots of choices to make for how you would apply your grant. Please consider the Franklin Food Pantry as one.
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In the News: pothole money, charter school expansion
As announced in the Milford Daily News, Franklin will receive $140,000. This will help to offset the snow/ice budget which exceeded its amount by $500,000.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150324/NEWS/150328628/1994/NEWS
As announced here earlier, the Charter School has selected Daedalus as the project manager for their expansion project.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150324/NEWS/150328592/1994/NEWS
As part of a $30 million release, the state gave area towns an average of $100,000 each to fix potholes caused by this winter’s extreme conditions. The apportionment numbers for Gov. Charlie Baker’s Winter Recovery Assistance Program were released late Friday.
Franklin and Milford received $140,000 and $122,000, respectively. On the low side, Hopedale received $26,000 and Mendon received $41,000.
Though the funds come out of a separate account, they follow the Chapter 90 formula, which fuses municipal road miles and population to come up with a fair price.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150324/NEWS/150328628/1994/NEWS
As announced here earlier, the Charter School has selected Daedalus as the project manager for their expansion project.
“Our ultimate priority is to stay here in Franklin,” said Heather Zolnowski, the head of school. “If not, we’re looking for somewhere as close to where we are now as possible.”
Over the next decade the school plans to increase enrollment by 450 students. Already, prospective students from Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon-Upton, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole and Wrentham have the same opportunity to enroll at the school as those from Franklin.
The school will not expand the number of seats offered until after it has moved, and a timetable has not been finalized.Continue reading the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150324/NEWS/150328592/1994/NEWS
Monday, March 23, 2015
Tri-County cheerleading squad heads to Nationals
The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Varsity cheerleading team are preparing to compete at the U.S. Spirit national cheerleading competition for the first time in school history.
The Tri-County squad placed third in Division III at the MSSAA 2015 Winter Cheerleading State Competition at Wachusett Regional High School last Sunday to earn its invitation to the national competition.
The team's road to nationals included a 2015 Mayflower Athletic Conference Championship and a 2015 Division III South Regional Championship.
Continue reading about the Tri-County trip to the Nationals here
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/sports/local_sports/tri-county-cheerleading-squad-to-make-nationals-debut/article_31c4abba-d76c-5bfa-b2ec-7e6b4ea8ea7c.html
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| Tri-County rotating header image |
LETTER TO EDITOR: PARCC is Failing Teachers and Students | Framingham, MA Patch
A group of Framingham elementary school teachers have written a Letter to the Editor that was published in the Framingham Patch:
Continue to read the article to see the other reasons listed for their objections to the PARCC test.
As teachers we cannot stay silent as PARCC makes its way into our classrooms.
In the words of Soujourner Truth at the 1851 Women’s Convention, “Where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter.” Nationally, we’re hearing a racket about the problem of standardized tests driving instruction, knocking the process of education clearly out of kilter. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Test Prep takes time away from REAL Reading, Writing and Math Instruction.
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| PARCC website |
Continue to read the article to see the other reasons listed for their objections to the PARCC test.
http://patch.com/massachusetts/framingham/letter-editor-parcc-failing-teachers-and-students-0#.VQ830LCbmvY.gmail
In a related post, there is information on how to opt out of the PARCC or MCAS tests.
http://www.citizensforpublicschools.org/the-facts-on-opting-out-of-mcas-or-parcc/
In a related post, there is information on how to opt out of the PARCC or MCAS tests.
http://www.citizensforpublicschools.org/the-facts-on-opting-out-of-mcas-or-parcc/
Last Chance to sponsor a team for the 18th Annual Trivia Bee
The Franklin Education Foundation will hold its 18th Annual Trivia Bee on Wednesday, April 8th, 2015. There will be live music by the Franklin High School Jazz Band, a raffle table, and refreshments.
The Bee is the FEF’s largest fundraiser and has enabled the organization to donate over $300,000 to the Franklin Public Schools since 1997 for innovative education programs that would not otherwise be possible.
NEW THIS YEAR: MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIVIA BEE PRIOR TO THE REGULAR BEE!
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| Trivia Bee - Apr 8th |
The regular Bee will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and the theme will be movie trivia. For the regular Bee, teams consist of three people sponsored by local businesses, civic groups and individuals. Organizations may send their own team or may sponsor a team of Franklin High School students.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a team, donating an item to the raffle table, or bidding on naming rights for the final championship round should contact Kit Brady at cbbrady1@comcast.net. All entries must be received by March 25th.
For more information about the Franklin Education Foundation, please visit our website at www.franklined.org or visit us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklined.org)
"instructing its attorney to draft a favorable decision"
The 280 unit apartment complex touted for the Bellingham end of RT 140 apparently is going through. 70 of the 280 units would be available as affordable housing.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150323/NEWS/150328942/1994/NEWS
The background info on the plan can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/zoning-board-of-appeals-march-19-agenda.html
“We’ve tried to be very responsive to every concern and issues that has been raised,” said Mark Vaughn, the attorney for the project.
The developer also had to make concessions for a historical structure on the site — the fifth oldest property in town, according to the Historical Commission. The commission will allow Acme Jazz to demolish the existing structure, but requested a marker signifying the historical importance of the property.
Early on, town officials in Franklin and Bellingham (the development sits near the border between the two communities) were concerned about increased traffic on Rte. 140.
In response, Acme Jazz agreed to widen the roadway for a new westbound left-turn lane for vehicles entering the site. And the developer pledged to extend the sidewalk on the south side of Rte. 140 into Bellingham and build a new sidewalk at the entrance to the property.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150323/NEWS/150328942/1994/NEWS
The background info on the plan can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/zoning-board-of-appeals-march-19-agenda.html
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 24, 2015
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.
AGENDA
"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."
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| Franklin School Committee: Douglas, Rohrbach, Mullen, Trahan back row - O'Malley, Jewell, Clement (Town of Franklin photo) |
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 10, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Best Buddies – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice and Stephanie GeddesDocuments for the Best Buddies portion of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/best-buddies-update-to-school-committee.html
3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice Vote
Capital Plan Update
4. Action Items
a. I recommend not accepting any new School Choice students for the 2015-2016 School Year.
b. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Walmart for Supplemental Curriculum Materials at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
d. I recommend approval of the request for HMMS to take 6th & 8th grade students to Mystic Aquarium in CT on April 1, 2015 as detailed.
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. Adjourn
Best Buddies - update to School Committee - 3/24/15
The Best Buddies program is expanding within the Franklin School district. This presentation document is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2015.
Additional documents referenced during the discussion can be found here
Intro letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVk5lUGJMR2N5bms/view?usp=sharing
Dodgeball flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeFpIdnduSnlQZ3c/view?usp=sharing
Best Buddies Bulletin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMXU0Zk5FVkNwWGM/view?usp=sharing
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| Best Buddies logo |
Additional documents referenced during the discussion can be found here
Intro letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVk5lUGJMR2N5bms/view?usp=sharing
Dodgeball flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeFpIdnduSnlQZ3c/view?usp=sharing
Best Buddies Bulletin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMXU0Zk5FVkNwWGM/view?usp=sharing
Artifical vs. real turf
In the updates from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, and confirmed by School Building Committee Chair Tom Mercer, the bids for the new practice field at FHS came at at about $800K. This was less than the expected $1 - 1.1M budgeted for.
Saving money is always a good thing. Since the discussion started last year, the Franklin Matters Twitter account has been copied on some tweets about the issue with crumb rubber as we have reported on the discussion.
For example:
Last Wednesday night's I-Team report can be viewed here:
While it is important to note that of the 51 studies cited not one proves a connection, there is also the issue that the studies did not look at the long term effects. So while it is good that we will save money spring sports teams can play on the limited turf fields now (Beaver St and the high school field) rather than waiting for the snow to melt, we should also recognize that our kids are participating in a study of the long term effects.
The current turf fields were cleared with the help of funding provided by the local lacrosse and soccer leagues. It is okay to plow the artificial turf fields but not to do so on real turf fields.
The 'practice field' on the grounds of the new FHS had been budgeted for as regular grass and changed during the Town Council meeting in November
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/the-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html
Last Wednesday nights brief update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/live-reporting-legislation-through-to.html
If the embedded video doesn't work properly, you can also follow this link to view it on the CBS Boston website here
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/18/i-team-health-concerns-raised-over-artificial-turf-fields/
Saving money is always a good thing. Since the discussion started last year, the Franklin Matters Twitter account has been copied on some tweets about the issue with crumb rubber as we have reported on the discussion.
For example:
#dangerous #fields tonight at 11PM on @cbsboston investigates #crumbrubber infill on #syntheticturf CC: @FranklinMatters @jeffroy
— Turf Grass Forum (@turfgrassforum) March 19, 2015
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| screen grab of CBS Boston video report on health concerns with artificial turf fields |
Last Wednesday night's I-Team report can be viewed here:
While it is important to note that of the 51 studies cited not one proves a connection, there is also the issue that the studies did not look at the long term effects. So while it is good that we will save money spring sports teams can play on the limited turf fields now (Beaver St and the high school field) rather than waiting for the snow to melt, we should also recognize that our kids are participating in a study of the long term effects.
The current turf fields were cleared with the help of funding provided by the local lacrosse and soccer leagues. It is okay to plow the artificial turf fields but not to do so on real turf fields.
The 'practice field' on the grounds of the new FHS had been budgeted for as regular grass and changed during the Town Council meeting in November
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/the-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html
Last Wednesday nights brief update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/live-reporting-legislation-through-to.html
If the embedded video doesn't work properly, you can also follow this link to view it on the CBS Boston website here
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/18/i-team-health-concerns-raised-over-artificial-turf-fields/
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Property lines, permits, and erroneous enrollment numbers were key topics Wednesday
The quick summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday is as follows:
For additional info on Magnolia Heights, one of the developments underway that the Building Inspector is visiting regularly, check their webpage
http://www.seniorlivinginstyle.com/p/independent_living/amenities_11072/franklin-ma-02038/magnolia-heights-gracious-retirement-living-11072
You can find all my notes reporting live during the meeting here:
- The Council approved acceptance of several roads that have a a defined road plan and property lines. Some of the early developments had property lines where the ownership went to the middle of the road. In those cases, for the town to take responsibility for the road, it would need to reach agreement with all the home owners; which can be a tedious if not almost impossible task. There are several developments where these road plans are being worked and these tonight were the latest in the series where progress has reached a good point.
- Ownership and property lines also arose from a citizen comment. The resident had purchased a home 40+ years ago, had water problems reportedly from the street which the Town at the time corrected with a pump and drainage. Turns out the land never really should have been built upon, the town workers then should not have spent public money for a private benefit. The pump recently failed which the town did replace but also said that this was the last time they were doing anything about it, leaving the homeowner in a real quandary. Fortunately, all parties will work together to see if they can reach a satisfactory conclusion.
- Gus Brown, the Building Inspector, provided an overview on the work of his department. The presentation doc can be viewed below.
- The School Budget got some good news this week. What had been a $600K shortage due to the Charter School funding and reimbursement process turns out to not be the case as some erroneous enrollment numbers were used which caused the problem in the first place. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be reworking the numbers to use the proper set of enrollment and this situation should be resolved.
- The Town is still awaiting the arbitrators decision on the fire fighter union. This decision would affect the budget as the union has not had a contract for 3 years. The decision has been planned for by putting away some funds to cover but how much will be covered will be dependent upon the decision and then whether the Town Council accepts the decision. Hence, the overall FY 16 budget process is starting real slow this year. One thing is sure, there will be a balanced budget before June 30, 2015. Stay tuned for further developments in this space.
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| Magnolia Heights, a 140 unit development at Chestnut Ridge, RT 140 |
For additional info on Magnolia Heights, one of the developments underway that the Building Inspector is visiting regularly, check their webpage
http://www.seniorlivinginstyle.com/p/independent_living/amenities_11072/franklin-ma-02038/magnolia-heights-gracious-retirement-living-11072
You can find all my notes reporting live during the meeting here:
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