Live reporting: Legislation through to closing

Subcommitee reports
EDC meeting Apr 8 at 6:00 PM to continue to work on the Pond St RFP


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-13: Appropriation: Town Administration – Insurance Recovery Account

motion to accept, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
condolences to the Rittenhouse family, on Sue's passing

Recylcing Center closed on Easter Sunday

FinCom meeting Tuesday

FEF Trivia next Weds

Welcome Supt Sabolinski back after a broken ankle

Letter from a citizen

snow/ice - About $550,000 over budget; will look for paying it off with 'free cash'

L. OLD BUSINESS
Kelly - looking to get someone to PR, hopefully the budget subcommittee will put that it in the budget

Nutting- it will be put in the budget

Bissanti - this is something that Matt and I discussed 3 years ago, I heard that before, I have read many Franklin articles and a lot of people miss what happens in the room, The reporters get so much and have deadlines, if the PR can be a wire item out to the Milford Daily NEws

Pfeffer - the last time we discussed this, we were going to look at Dean to see if an iterns would work

Nutting - they need to be timely

Vallee - why don't they do something 

Nutting - they are scheduled to be at the next meeting

Vallee - go visit the studio, what we want is there

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Dellorco - I agree we can do more with the PR



P. ADJOURN

motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 via roll call

Live reporting: audit results - "an unqualified opinion"

Susan Gagner, Karen Snow,

Melanson Heath audit results

The full set of results can be found in the package
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/040115.pdf

"an unqualified opinion" is the highest rating to be received

9.4% unassigned fund balance
general and budgetary stabilization funds increased since last year
policy to be at 5-10%, and you are right where you want to be

page 14 - funds in two columns
include all the long term assets and liabilities

bonds for the high school increased
OPEB unfunded liability being recognized over 30 years
work underway to get it fully recognized ealier

need to recognize the Franklin portion of the Norfolk County retirement system
$45M is Franklin's piece will show on the statement for FY 15 (next year)

have started funding it with the trust fund

page 15 - unassigned fund balance
increase 8.1 to 9.4%
bond ratting to AA+, part of the increase due to the solid fund balance

page 20 - general fund budgetary results
positive revenue, motor vehicle excess in higher than forecasted, expenses also $1.4 less than expected hence the increase noted

all unrestricted fund balances in enterprise funds are healthy too

solid position, solid and well managed

recognizing these large liabilities is being done, you have been paying down
you are paying them as you are accessed each year

Nutting - when we talk about an annual budget issue, 10 years ago that didn't exist, we are not funding it anywhere we need to. Those pressures didn't exist. I will continue to 'cry wolf'. We are going to have to replace technology sooner as that is the nature of it

Kelly - $134 M in liabilities, how do we compare?
Snow - comparable to other towns of your size. It will need to be funded but you are about right there where others of your size are.

Kelly -
Snow - there are very few are fully funding, and their funding requirements are smaller. In most cases they are putting a little bit each year and that helps to reduce the liability

Kelly - I can't give enough credit to the town and our staff for getting us to our AA+ rating, nice work

Padula - I am concerned about this, the fact that we are going to have to recognize this doesn't help. How are we going to pay for this?

Nutting - pensions have to be funded by 2040, cost of pensions on an ongoing basis, we didn;t fund it for 50 years like every other community. We need to fess up and pay up. It will be here tonorrow. The state needs to make some stautory laws to help, folks living longer, retirements earlier, so that helps to create the issue.. Rigth now you can work 10 years, 20 hours and then get benefits for the rest of your life. We can't afford to do that. Thos would eat up every dollar of new money if something didnt happen

Feldman - recommendation in management letter
Snow - developing a long term project for a risk assessment, defined and established procedures  to ensure towns assets are protected. This is the only unresolved

Nutting - the reason we are in fiscal position, the Council takes the action on the budget not to keep everybody happy but to keep us healthy financially. It is a long term commitment by the COuncil that does the progress. Acolades to the COuncil

Snow - thanks to the Administration and every one involved, we have no issues in getting info and responses,

Live reporting: Ping4Alert

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Gary McCarraher – Ping 4 Alert

(presentation to be added later)

no user information required, info delivered via GPS location to mobile devices

also enables alerts to be posted to Twitter and Facebook, one tool for all the posts

can be used by Police, Fire, DPW, Schools, Town Administration for all the notices in emergency and standard business uses

While the State uses it purely for emergency notifications, Franklin will try to broaden the uses. For example, during the downtown construction it can notifiy on the delays or detours.

Fire Dept uses it for burning alerts.

other departments will be coming online in coming weeks

Executed through emergency management

need one unified message in an emergency

working to coordinate with the departments

each department has access uniquely

we have a grant through MEMA 

Fire Dept has been the point of contact for the town

Feldman - I am already on it and it works well

McCarragher - Ping4 is a for profit company in NH, grants have been providing the funding

Live reporting: License transfer and hot box purchase

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Transfer of Liquor License – Jimmy D’s d/b/a the GBU
license had been held by Saco Rose

Padula, Kelly - recused themselves as they have relationships with the owner

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0 via roll

Legislation

2. Resolution 15-14: Appropriation: Capital FY 15 – Diesel Asphalt Hot Box
Carlos Rebello, here to answer question
the hot top would provide a better patch than the cold patch previously used
there is a hot mix plant in Bellingham so it will be easy to get mix
could be up and running in three weeks

Kelly - had been suggested a couple of years ago at the Senior Center, we do listen, it may have taken some time but it is being implemented

Padula - did we ever have a hot box?
Rebello - no

Rebello - it is all on the trailer, easier to use, goes down hot
researched to find the diesel unit rather than a propane unit
shoudl be around for 10 years

Bissanti - have they changed the mix?
Rebello - making high performance patch, $120/ton, vs $68/ton for the hot mix

Williams - can this be used around the year?
Rebello - yes, that is the whole point

Padula - why wouldn't we buy the high performance patch?
Rebello - we do that now, we want to fill them as quick as possible

move to change the motion to $25,000 from $30,000
seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call

(Dellorco arrived late)

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: Town Council - Apr 1, 2015

Present: Feldman, Padula, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams 
and Mercer - via remote participation (means a roll call for all votes)

Absent: Dellorco (actually arrived late)


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
February 4, 2015, March 4, 2015, March 18, 2015, March 18, 2015 – Executive Session

motion to approve, seconded, 8-0 (via roll call)

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.


C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Purple Heart Town

text of the proclamation can be found in this document
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/040115.pdf


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Horace Mann Statue committee
Jeff Roy, Bob Dellorco, Lisa Piana, Mary Olsson

F. HEARINGS
none

Franklin Public Schools: Connect Ed update - Text Messaging being added to Phone Calls

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 31, 2015

Parents, Faculty, Staff and Students,

As part of our review of safety protocols we are planning some upgrades to our communication protocols. Our Connect Ed/Blackboard Connect message system which uses email and phone calls to convey information, can take some time to make sure all 6,800 contacts are reached. This is an effective system for inclement weather notification or sharing other forms of non-urgent communication. To enable us to get emergency notifications out faster we have subscribed to the SMS text message service from Connect Ed/Blackboard. We will only use this feature to make you aware of an urgent emergency situation such as a lockdown or evacuation of a school.

As part of the implementation of Franklin Public School District text messaging alert system, you will be receiving a text message from Blackboard Connect inviting you to subscribe to any text announcements sent by the school.

We will use Blackboard Connect phone call/email to communicate information such as weather closings, closing for gas or water leaks, sporting events, and any type of general outreach or notifications.  We will use the SMS text message service to let you know about a lockdown or evacuation of a school. You will have the option of declining a subscription if you wish to do so. Please note that the messaging subscription will be included in the cost of your existing data plan; you will not incur any additional charge to receive Blackboard Connect messages.

Below is an example of the Confirmation Message that is sent automatically:

Franklin Pub Schools: You are now subscribed to receive text alerts. Reply HELP for help, STOP 4819 to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply.

If you reply with HELP, you will receive this message:

BbConnect Notify Alerts: 2msgs/mo. Msg and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. Info: www.blackboardconnect.com/sms/terms.asp, 888-599-2720

Coming Attractions: #FPSNEWS Twitter account

If you opt out but then later decide you would like to opt back in, text SUBSCRIBE 4819 to 23177 or 63079.

Please watch for the invitation to subscribe to Blackboard Connect on your mobile phone. We hope that you will take advantage of this important communication tool. You can opt out at any time. Please remember that if you cell phone number changes you need to report the change to your child's school.

community entrance to FHS

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting Agenda - Apr 2

Franklin Downtown Partnership GENERAL Meeting Agenda

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am

Golder Room

Downtown Partnership sign

I.               Open Meeting                                                   

II.             Adoption of Agenda                                          

III.           Introductions                                                     

IV.           Town Updates - Jeff Nutting                                   

V.             Streetscape Project Presentation - Jeff Nutting  

- Timeline

- Traffic Details

- New Drawings

- Period Lighting and Planters

VI.           Report from Executive Director - Lisa Piana        

- 2015 Meeting and Event Schedule

- FDP Membership Renewal

- FDP Quarterly Updates

- Shop Local Campaign

                  

VII.         Shop Local and “Positive” Campaign                

- Tom McAuliffe-President WMRC Radio

VIII.       New Business                                                                

       

IX.           Adjourn     

Next General Meetings: June 4, September 3, and November 5  

Click here to download and print this agenda.

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/03/general-meeting-agenda.html

Franklin Library: Kevin Gardner - author of "The Granite Kiss"

Kevin Gardner, author of The Granite Kiss is scheduled to speak at the Franklin Library on Thursday, Apr 2 at 6:30 PM.

Author Kevin Gardner describes the granite kiss as "that inevitable experience in stone work when a fingertip or two fails to escape the contact point between two large stones on the occasion of their first meeting." In this elegant, literate primer on the fundamentals of building with stone, Gardner distills 30 years of experience in building, restoring, and repairing traditional New England-style dry stone walls into principles and practices that are adaptable to a wide variety of designs and circumstances. 

Gardner addresses the inherent design challenges that arise when working with the typical rounded, hard-to-use fieldstone of New England; gives valuable advice on acquiring materials, preparing the site, and laying out a footing; outlines the basic principles of constructing single-, double-faced, and retaining walls; and reveals how to build walks, patios, planters, ramps, foundations, wells, steps, corners, pillars, and stiles. He considers the mythology of the stone wall and its place in the New England imagination: why we revere the miles of old farm walls that wander through our woods and fields, and why we are driven to preserve, restore, and duplicate them.

The Granite Kiss author - Apr 2, 6:30 PM

This event was shared from the Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/03/kevin-gardner-discovering-new-england.html

Senator Ross: March 2015 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, March 2015 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, Spring is finally here, and with that the end of weeks of severe winter weather.This past month, my colleagues in the state senate and I have been busy touring the Commonwealth, listening to the concerns of not only our constituents, but those who live outside of our districts as well. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for information on internship opportunities, critical legislative matters being discussed on Beacon Hill, as well as upcoming office hours during the month of April. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly to let me know what your priorities are. Sincerely, SENATE COMMONWEALTH CONVERSATIONS TOUR This past month, members of the Massachusetts State Senate participated in a statewide tour of senate districts. This Commonwealth Conversations Tour aimed to reach out to local residents, businesses and organizations to listen to their needs and concerns with the hope that it will foster more civic engagement and help each senator learn more about issues outside of our own districts. On Monday, March 2nd, I joined my colleagues in listening to the concerns of the residents of MetroWest. The tour began at Plainridge Park Casino to discuss issues impacting economic development in the region and concluded with an open public forum at Newton North High School. I attended several of these tours across Massachusetts, which were were an exciting opportunity for the Senate to engage in a meaningful discourse with our constituents, local officials, and business leaders on the issues they care about. We heard about issues pertaining to transportation, education, jobs, the economy, and the environment. It was great to also hear from those outside of our district to gain a better understanding of priorities across the Commonwealth. This is just the beginning of a Senate session with a renewed dedication to listening to the people of the Commonwealth. As budget debates begin, I encourage my constituents to continue reaching out to my office. For a recap on Commonwealth Conversations, visit the MA Senate website here. SOUP FOR HEAT On Saturday, March 7th, roughly a hundred people gathered at the Larson Senior Center in Attleboro for the 11th annual Soup for H.E.A.T. fundraiser. Helping With Energy Assistance Together (H.E.A.T.), who sponsored the event, is an organization that assists those in need of a little financial help during the cold winter months. This winter especially has impacted many of my constituents, from rate increases to severe winter storms, many people have not been able to catch a break. Just last year, H.E.A.T. gave out nearly $12,000 in emergency heating funds to Attleboro residents, demonstrating how much of a difference this organization and this great event in the community makes. This year, the turnout could not have been better and as always, it was a ton of fun. All of the soups were donated, and I was happy serve alongside my colleague Senator Jim Timilty. If you would like to send a donation, you can mail it to H.E.A.T., P.O. Box 4104, Attleboro, MA, 02703. METROWEST HUMAN SERVICES BREAKFAST I appreciated meeting with human services workers and hearing about their essential life-saving programs at the 13th annual MetroWest Human Services Advocacy Coalition Legislative Breakfast in Natick. From opiate addiction to homelessness, crucial policy issues impacting the Commonwealth and its' residents remained the focal point, as well as the importance of giving back. Having recently been appointed to the Senate Special Committee on Opioid Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Options, an extension of the Senate Special Committee on Drug Abuse and Treatment Options, tackling the drug problem in Massachusetts has been a major priority of mine. In light of serious budget shortfalls impacting the Commonwealth and with pertinent FY16 budget discussions underway, it is vital that these programs are properly funded and considered. Thank you to all who work in human services and for all you provide to our communities across the state. FOCUSING ON THE BUDGET As a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, I applaud Governor Baker's FY16 budget proposal; a common sense, responsible budget that makes significant increases to local aid without raising taxes or dipping into the state's Rainy Day Fund. The proposal, filed earlier this month, recommends a $34 million increase in unrestricted local aid, $105 million for Chapter 70 school aid, and the restoration of FY15 budget levels for the METCO program. Additionally, Governor Baker filed accompanying legislation that would also double the Earned Income Tax Credit up to 30% of the federal credit over three years, which will go a long way for working families across the Commonwealth. Given the recent budget deficit and fiscal challenges facing the state, it is crucial that our cities and towns are not negatively impacted and I believe this proposal has the interest of the people at heart. I agree with the Governor that the Commonwealth must not turn its' back on our cities and towns. We must do all that we can to return funding to the local level and keep our agreement in not short changing municipalities with cuts to local aid and UGGA. This is just the beginning when it comes to the budget process, but I once again praise Governor Baker for his positive and responsible recommendations. GETTING THE MBTA BACK ON TRACK Massachusetts faces serious challenges when it comes to transportation, particularly with the MBTA, but the problems do not stem solely from a lack of funding, and raising taxes is not the answer. The failures, specifically pertaining to the MBTA, stem from a history of mismanagement as well as a lack of sufficient oversight measures from the Legislature. In February, Senate Republicans put forward legislation to financially stabilize the MBTA by creating a seven-member Finance Control Board that would gain immediate control of the MBTA's finances. The board would first establish a plan to correct historical inefficiencies, and put the transit system back into full service operation as soon as possible. This is by no means the only solution, but we cannot continue to throw money at a problem and expect it go away. The Legislature's answer to addressing the state's transportation needs cannot be to simply burden our constituents with more taxes and fare increases. The Legislature's answer should be a holistic, all-of-the-above approach. Complex problems require complex solutions. To read the entire op-ed, please click here. Congratulations to Real Living Realty Group for the opening of their new office in Franklin (left) and to all of the winners of the Wellesley Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Recognition Awards (right). SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES I am currently seeking interns in my State House office for the summer, all interested college students are encouraged to apply. The summer is exciting time to intern on Beacon Hill. From speaker seminars to legislative debates, interning in my office presents an excellent opportunity to experience the workings of state government and I am looking for driven, professional individuals who are capable of taking on real challenges daily. Intern duties include drafting correspondence with constituents, gathering news clips, legislative research, general administrative tasks, as well as attending formal Senate sessions and public hearings. Internships are unpaid, but present an opportunity to learn about the legislative process. My staff and I will work with students to gain credit where applicable. If a college student is interested, they are encouraged to send their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. The Needham Legislative Delegation sat down with the League of Women Voters to chat about our legislative priorities. (left) White Ribbon Day 2015 at the State House, working together to end violence against women with Rep Jeff Roy. (right) HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING The Community VNA Hospice and Palliative Care in Attleboro is seeking volunteers to assist terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers can provide support in a variety of ways, including visiting clients, offering transportation to medical appointments, running errands, and providing respite for caregivers. The Administrative Offices also needs volunteers to help with medical record filing and assist with mailings. No experience is required. This program  is a great opportunity to give back to those in our community and help provide some extra help to a fantastic organization. The 20 hour training program will be held May 5th through May 26th. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00am-12:00pm at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. Pre-registration is required by April 15, 2015, so be sure to call (508)222-0118 or (800)220-0110 to secure a spot. For more information, you can also visit www.communityvna.com. Congratulations to Cori Farrow of North Attleboro who received first place for the 2015 Massachusetts Safe Jobs for Youth Poster Contest. (left) "Reach Out For Youth & Families" Breakfast  celebrating the great work the YMCA has and continues to do for children and families across the Commonwealth with Attleboro's Mayor Kevin Dumas. (right) THE JOINT RULES: WHY THE DEBATE IS SO IMPORTANT Currently, the Massachusetts House and Senate are in the midst of a conversation about the joint rules that govern the flow of bills in the legislature. To increase government efficiency and responsiveness, the Senate is hoping to get bills moved through joint committees and back to the chamber they were proposed in more quickly. Often bills that are filed in January of the first year of a legislative session will not move out of a joint committee until the following year. Because there are more House members than Senators, the House effectively controls how and when a bill will move through each committee. To remedy this, the Senate is proposing a simple change, to allow House or Senate members to send bills, with a majority vote of their members, to the chamber of origin. House members vote on House bills, Senate members vote on Senate bills. The simple change could allow for more bills to be considered and voted on. For more information on the Joint Rules and a simple breakdown, visit Senate President Stan Rosenberg's website here. Pleased to be the guest Quiz Master for the Battle of the Books at Hill-Roberts Elementary School in Attleboro. (left) Congratulations to Andrew Bejian, Brendan Chambers, and William Gallagher, the newest Eagle Scouts of Troop 10 in Needham. (right) SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINARS Over the past few months, I have joined other area legislators in hosting informational seminars on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District with Brian Lynch of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The Senior Circuit Breaker is a tax credit for senior citizens whose property payments account for more than 10% of their annual income. Eligible seniors will receive a dollar credit on their Massachusetts tax return for every dollar that their total property tax, water, and sewer bills exceed 10% of their income. A maximum of $1050 credit is available. Additionally, if the taxpayer has not claimed the tax credit in the past, (s)he may claim it for the previous three years. To be eligible, taxpayers, aged 65 years or older, must own or rent their residence in Massachusetts, and have an annual income of: $56,000 or less for a single filer; $70,000 or less for a head of household; and $84,000 or less for joint filers. If a taxpayer's property is assessed at $691,000, (s) he is not eligible for the tax credit. In 2013 the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit provided $83 million in credits to nearly 69,000 taxpayers. If you have any questions about the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit before April 15th, please call my office at (617)722-1555 or visit the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website at http://www.mass.gov/dor/. Happy to meet with students and families of the Wayland public schools to discuss the impact the METCO program has had on their daily lives. (left) MetroWest Libraries Legislative Breakfast at the Franklin Public Library. Thank you to all MetroWest libraries for all you offer and provide to our communities.(right)   View entire message

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