Friday, September 11, 2015

MassBudget: Analyzing Education and Transportation Tax Reform Proposal



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.

Funding Improvements for Schools, Roads, and Public Transit with Tax Reforms that Improve Fairness
A ballot question has been proposed that would support investments in education and transportation with revenue from an additional 4% tax on income over a million dollars a year. Funding Improvements for Schools, Roads, and Public Transit with Tax Reforms that Improve Fairness examines this proposal and how it relates to longer term economic and policy trends in Massachusetts.

A wide body of research shows that a well-educated workforce and well-functioning transportation system together serve as a critical foundation for state economic success. In Massachusetts, our ability to make smart investments in education and transportation has been hampered by a tax system in which our highest income residents pay a much smaller share of their income in taxes than almost everyone else.

 
This has proven particularly problematic because our highest income residents have also seen a disproportionate share of the income growth in the Commonwealth over the past few decades. When those whose incomes are growing the most pay the smallest share of their income in taxes, that reduces the state's ability to invest in things like improving our schools, making public higher education affordable, and maintaining our transportation systems.

An additional 4% tax on income over a million dollars would have a modest effect on the few taxpayers - less than one percent of all filers - who would be affected. Because the tax doesn't apply to the first million dollars of income, and because state taxes are deductible from federal taxes, the effective tax rates (ETR) for those affected would be significantly below the marginal tax rate.

 

To read the full factsheet, please click HERE.

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
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

FHS Football preview

The FHS Football team opens the season tonight with a game at Arlington at 7:00 PM. 

Hockomock Sports has published their preview of the Hockomock League teams. We can share the FHS football team preview here:


FRANKLIN

2014 Record: 5-6
2014 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Brad Sidwell
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

"Key/Returning Players: Ben Riggs SR. 6-3, 300,OL/DL; Joe Giacolone SR 6-2, 270, OL/DL; Nick Yelle SR. 5-9, 180, LB/RB; Luke Gordon SR. 6-1, 175, WR/DB; Sam Harrell SR. 6-0, 180, WR/DB; Jake Lyons JR. 5-10, 190, RB/DB; Tyler Gomes JR. 6-1, 210, FB/DE; Brad Jarosz JR QB; Will O’Reilly SR. WR/DB; Eddie Scannapieco WR/DB 
Outlook: The Panthers come into 2015 lacking varsity experience in a lot of places, but with more depth at the skill positions and improved play at the line of scrimmage that has head coach Brad Sidwell entering his 20th season with hopes of getting Franklin into the tournament after back-to-back 5-6 seasons. He said, “Not a lot of experience, but many have been progressing through the sub varsity programs.[We] will play physical football.” 
The Panthers will be starting a new quarterback this season with junior Brad Jarosz expected to take over under center and he will have plenty of weapons to use in Franklin’s typically up-tempo offense. Nick Yelle will be in the backfield along with Jake Lyons, while Sam Harrell, Will O’Reilly, Luke Gordon and Eddie Scannapieco are all back on the outside. "

Continue reading the Franklin preview and all the other team previews for the Hockomock League Kelly-Rex Division here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/football-2015-kelley-rex-division-preview-2/

and the Davenport Division here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/football-2015-davenport-division-preview/

The TC Insider - Tri-County Newsletter







September 9, 2015


A Message from Principal Mallon:

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. September is always an exciting time for students with new classes, sports, and clubs and just being one year closer to graduation. Academic teachers, under the direction of the Academic Coordinator Melissa Beckmann, worked again this summer revising and writing units of instruction to align our curriculum with the common core. The curriculum writing project has now been extended to the vocational side of the house. Two vocational teachers led curriculum workshops under the direction of the Vocational Director, Mrs. Jean George. In the area of bullying prevention, we will be using evidence-based lessons from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) along with content-specific lessons in English, Technology, Health, U.S. History, and Related Instruction to deliver the required elements of the bullying curriculum. In addition, students will be participating in grade-level assemblies presented by Phil Fogelman from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).  His presentation is entitled Breaking Barriers. The goals of Phil's presentation are: (1) to explore the invisible barriers that stand in the way of positive social change in our schools and communities today; and (2) to identify steps that participants can take to help break down these barriers in their schools and communities, and in doing so, facilitate respect, fairness and equal opportunity for all people. The assemblies will be held on September 21 and September 28. Our Dean of Students, Chris Beaton will present to parents on Monday, September 29, from 7 to 8:30 in the auditorium. Tri-County's Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, which is included in the Student Handbook posted on our webpage, was also mailed to all families in late August. 

You can review the complete email message View Email In Browser




Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 15

Sunday, September 20




About The TC Insider

The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students.














Tri-County RVTHS
147 Pond Street
Franklin, MA 02038
www.tri-county.us
508-528-5400





Tri-County webpage header image
Tri-County webpage header image


Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District · 147 Pond Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

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In the News: deputy chief sworn in, Dean opens for 150th year


The town's new deputy police chief took the oath of office Wednesday night in front of friends, family and fellow officers. 
Thomas Lynch, formerly a lieutenant with the department, was sworn in by Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri at that evening's Town Council meeting. 
After the oath was administered, Lynch spoke briefly about the new position. 
"I will do my best to provide quality service to the town of Franklin," he said. "I want to thank the mentors I've had throughout my law enforcement career. I will continue to seek their advice and counsel when the need arises."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150910/NEWS/150919051/1994/NEWS



Dean College began its 150th year this week, welcoming both returning students and a freshman class of more than 500. 
The college's official move-in day was Sept. 7 - Labor Day - and classes began Sept. 8. 
Gregg Chalk, the college's vice president of marketing and business development, said a number of changes and new initiatives awaited students, including a partnership with the Kraft Sports Group, which owns the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. The agreement features degree programs in such fields as arts and entertainment management, sports management and security management. 
"We'll be running courses at Gillette Stadium, and our students will have a lot of interaction with their personnel," Chalk said. "They'll get to see what goes on from that perspective."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150910/NEWS/150919060/1994/NEWS

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Update: Candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 3

Very little change in the most recent update from the Town Clerk's office as of close of business on Wednesday, Sep 9. 

The last date to take out papers is Monday, Sep 14. The last date to return signed papers is Wednesday, Sep 16.

The ballot should get finalized in the week to 10 days after the 16th as the certification of signatures is completed.

The remainder of the election timeline leading to Nov 3rd can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/calendar-for-biennial-town-election.html



POSITION NAME Total
Assessor Donna Greenwood
Thomas P. Gleavy
W.Kenneth  Norman
Assessor Total 3
Bd. Of Health Donald G. Ranieri, Jr.
Gail P. Chirdon
Philip M. Brunelli
Tara E. Gurge
Bd. Of Health Total 4
Constable Daniel J. McCahill
John S. Power
Philip M. Brunelli
Constable Total 3
Planning Bd Gregory Giardino
Gregory T. Rondeau
John F. Carroll
Mikel G. DeFrancesco
William D. David
Planning Bd Total 5
School Com. Anne K. Bergen
Cynthia J. Douglas
Denise L. Schultz
John S. Jewell, PHD
Kevin P. O'Malley
Mary Jane Scofield
Rita M. Graci
Trevor A. Clement
Vanessa A. Bilello
School Com. Total 9
Town Clerk Diane M. Padula-O'Neill
Elizabeth F. Simon
Paul J. Cheli
Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk Total 4
Town Council Andrew M. Bissanti
Brett S. Feldman
Deborah L. Pellegri
Glenn F. Jones
James D. Schultz, Jr.
James V. Gianotti, Jr.
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Matthew T. Kelly
Peter E. Padula
Richard W. Power, Sr.
Robert D. Dellorco
Robert R. Vallee
Sean P. Slater
Thomas D. Mercer
Town Council Total 14

Franklin Town Common
Franklin Town Common

The "election collection" can be found here

Floral Design Classes Begin Next Week



Franklin Public Schools - Lifelong Learning Institute
The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning


Floral Design Partnership with Hillside Nurseries
Classes Begin September 15
The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, in conjunction with Hillside Nurseries, is pleased to offer their first Floral Design Partnership Seminars. This flexible program, consisting of 5 individual workshops, has been developed to introduce you to the enjoyment and satisfaction the art of floral design holds. 

Whether you are the amateur home florist or the potential budding professional, these hands-on evening classes offer an exciting exploration for you. Your registration fee is all inclusive and will provide you with a finished product that you can take home each week.

You can register for all of the courses or just one - it's up to you. See registration options below.

 
Outdoor fall decorating has never been easier and more fun and better yet - at this class we will discuss how to create an inexpensive, yet sophisticated outdoor display for your home AND show you a sample display. You will see how to add a bit of nature into your front porch or yard fall decorating scheme to enhance its overall curb appeal. Together, we will then build a planter that you can integrate with your exterior display. If you have a favorite planter, plan to bring it with you. It should be between 10 and 12 inches in diameter and height. If you don't have a favorite planter, we can provide one for you.

Want to take a more natural approach with your pumpkin decorating?  Well, you can skip the spider webs and jack-o-lanterns. At this class you will learn how simply carving a hole in a pumpkin and filling it up with your favorite fall blooms can create an exquisite centerpiece and decoration.

 October 6 - Cornucopia - A Thanksgiving Tradition Nothing says fall like a beautiful cornucopia arrangement. When you attend this class you will learn how to make a quick and easy cornucopia for your Thanksgiving table, a centerpiece that is beautiful and sure to impress.

A festive treat for the holidays, at this class you will learn how to create a traditional, natural looking boxwood tree. This timeless design will be an elegant addition to you holiday decorations OR it will make a fabulous present. AND boxwoods are long lasting. They stay fresh from five to eight weeks, if watered daily.

At this class you will be making a magnificent arrangement, suitable for any of your holiday events. As a beautiful Christmas centerpiece decoration, this unique arrangement will mix the colors and textures of the season around the base of a glowing single candle. You will decorate with velvet ribbon.

When
Beginning September 15

All classes 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings. 

Space is limited so register early

Where
Hillside Nurseries
823 Washington Street
Franklin, MA 02038
colorful-flowers.jpg
AUTUMN FLORAL CREATIONS

This fall you can experience 5 different floral design opportunities


Bring Autumn & the Holidays home with you
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FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

FHS vs Oliver Ames results in sports action on Wednesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS girls soccer game vs. Oliver Ames (a tie), boys soccer (a loss) and volleyball (a win).

Girls Soccer

Last year, when Franklin and Oliver Ames met in the first game of the girls’ soccer season, the Panthers dominated with a number of scoring chances that weren’t put away. In the end, keeper Dani Lonati saved the Panthers from those wasted chances by stopping a late penalty kick and earning a point. 
This year, the roles were reversed in the second half at Muscato Stadium. Oliver Ames dominated the ball in the second half, pushing forward, and controlling the center of the pitch, but struggled to put away the chances that it created. 
In the dying seconds, sophomore goalie Regan Benton made her third huge save of the half, diving out at the feet of Meg Adams, to stop a breakaway and ensure the battle of reigning league champions finished 0-0.
Regan Benton makes a save against Franklin. The sophomore made several key stops to preserve a 0-0 draw. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Regan Benton makes a save against Franklin. The sophomore made several key stops to preserve a 0-0 draw. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


Continue reading the article online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/benton-saves-day-oa-and-franklin-end-in-stalemate/


Boys Soccer


Oliver Ames, 2 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
OA sophomore Cameron Vella and senior Chris Romero scored second half goals to lift the Tigers. Max Bamford and Romero each had an assist in the game. Head coach John Barata said Keegan Nutt and Nathaniel Cardoza played great in the middle. Jack Carroll recorded his first career shutout for OA.


Volleyball


Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – 
Franklin senior Hannah Chase had six aces and three kills, Aubrie Kutil had six kills, sophomore Meaghan Maguire collected four blocks and Dayna McCue had six digs and an ace.

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-090915/

Franklin Federated Church plans colorful kickoff - Sep 13


Franklin Federated Church is planning to kick off the program year on Sunday, Sept. 13, with a splash of color. As part of the 10 AM worship service, a rainbow flag will be hung outside the front door and dedicated. It will join the new rainbow marker that has been added to the church's front lawn sign.

Franklin Federated Church
Franklin Federated Church

The two rainbows are symbols of the congregation's commitment to welcome all into the life and ministry of the church, as explained in a statement adopted by the congregation in 2013. It reads in part:

"We welcome all those who come to worship God and declare ourselves to be open to all for participation in the full life and ministry of the church regardless of age, ethnicity, faith background, mental abilities, physical abilities, or sexual orientation & gender identity." (read the entire statement at: franklinfederated.org/visit-welcome-and-affirming/)

The Sept. 13th service is called Reaffirmation Sunday. Fall is a time of reconnecting, so this day is an opportunity for everyone to refresh their spiritual connection and for church members to reaffirm their commitment to the church. The 10 AM service will include Communion (all are invited to partake) and will be followed by a picnic on church grounds.

Reaffirmation Sunday also marks the kickoff of the church's program year, and includes:
An opportunity, prior to worship, for children in preschool through middle school to register for Sunday school, which will begin meeting on Sept. 20.

A chance for people of all ages to sign up for a Connect group. These are groups that meet weekly for 10 weeks around shared interests, such as art, nature, playing Scrabble, watching and discussing movies, and more.

Franklin Federated Church is located at 171 Main Street, across from the corner of the Common. There is a handicapped access ramp leading from the driveway at the left of the church into the Sanctuary. There are large print bulletins, hearing assistance devices and activity bags for children all available for use during the service.

All are welcome. To learn more, visit franklinfederated.org or.facebook.com/franklinfederated. You can also stop in to Pastor Charley Eastman's office hours at Panera Bakery on Thursday, Sept. 10, between 8:30 and 10:30 AM, or contact the church at (508) 528-3803.

In the News: man to be charged, Horace Mann statue funded


The local man whose alleged threats to set fire to or blow up his house that led to a neighborhood evacuation Tuesday will be facing charges for the incident, police said. 
The 43-year-old man, whom police declined to identify Wednesday afternoon because he was still receiving health services, will likely be facing charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, making a false bomb threat and possessing an infernal machine, said Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch. 
The incident took place at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a police release, after the department received a report that the School Street resident had been threatening to harm himself and others.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150909/NEWS/150906534/1994/NEWS


The Town Council has voted to allocate $46,000 to a project to build a statue of Horace Mann, securing the final piece of funding needed to honor the man known as the father of public education. 
The council at its meeting Wednesday night opted to transfer $28,000 from the Adelbert Thayer Trust and $18,000 from the Austin Fletcher Trust to the effort, which would place the statue at 150 Emmons St. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting noted that State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, had secured $50,000 in state funding for the $96,000 project. He said the $46,000 transferred Wednesday would come from trust funds established to assist the town. 
"It wouldn't be taxpayers' money, and it would come from interest earned on the trust funds," he said.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150909/NEWS/150906487/1994/NEWS

Cruisin' for a Cure Car Show - Sep 12

The 7th Annual Cruisin' for a Cure Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 12 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Benchmark Senior Living Center 4 Forge Hill Road.


Cruising for a Cure Car Show - Sep 12
Cruising for a Cure Car Show - Sep 12
All proceed from the event to benefit the Alzheimer's Assoc

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Live reporting: to closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
thanks to the police and fire for the action yesterday on the School St issue

looking to get three fire fighters to replace 2 and anticipate a retirement

now have a Facebook page for the Town
will hook up

Oak St is only temporarily paved

looking to move the Rec Dept by the end of next week
web and phones down for move

Nutting - in order to meet his request, would have to declare surplus and abandoning a portion of a pubic way, doesn't meet the intent of public property. Sets a bad precedent from a public policy perspective

L. OLD BUSINESS
water did seep into the structure, does require maintenance on a regular basis
may need to cover it up would keep kids off during the winter

it took an awful long time to get them to repair, the kids are out there constantly
would need to provide notice if it is covered


M. NEW BUSINESS
you heard Jeff's comments

he would need a variance and the recommendation was to make an inlaw housing rather than dual property

would need to do title search, would need to draw plans, would have to incur those costs

Kelly - sometimes we need to sit down with the home owner and the building commissioner

Cerel - you don't know what kind of pandora's box you are opening here, my legal advice would be this is a slippery slope

Bissanti - we can't talk about Pandora's box every time

can't apply for a duplex or inlaw, would not get approved for it
town took it in 1940, I am looking to take it back
my brother needs the help

Pfeffer - I think it is a bad use of the public property

The neighbor doesn't want the improvement because it would raise their taxes

Padula - there may be other avenues for this,

There are other options that are available

Refer to new business is only thing that can be done to resolve this

Vallee - proposing to get Partners HealthCare to get an urgent care facility for the town
Carewell is part of the site plan being presented on Sep 14
Medico is going in next to Starbucks


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - sidewalk and utility poles
Nutting - we do have a commitment

Pfeffer - work on Wachusett St for the parking lot
property at 48 Arlington, doing work spruced up and it looks great

solar panels at Parmenter are not working
cellar leak at Parmenter


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting: legislation for action


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION


  • Resolution 15-52: Order of Layout, Acceptance & Taking of a portion of Lewis Street, Currently a private way – Referral to Planning Board

discovered during the process of replacing the sewer lines, that the property had not been in the public way, property owners have approved
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0


  • Resolution 15-53: Funding Horace Mann Statue

transfer of small sums from two trust funds for the Horace Mann statue
$50K from State budget, balance to be from the above trust funds

letter from Rep Roy read for the record
urging action and funding for the statue

Debbie Pellegri
everything has been said already
recognize the members of the committee
May 20th the Council appointed us to commission the statue
former Horace Mann high school is 150 Emmons St
do have the birthplace marker at the Shaw's Market Plaza
Roger Calarese, developer of the land will be putting in $150K of his own money for the landscaping
a business and community plan working together to put this statue

Maureen Sabolinski, School Superintendent
thank you for your consideration in this resolution
we look forward to the unveiling

Charlie
won't cost Mr and Mrs John Q Public anything from their pocket
it makes terrific sense

Lisa
if you have had a chance to read more about Horace as I have over the last few months
this project is really exciting

Mercer
the committee did lots of really good home work
4 or 5 sculptures came in and they make a really good choice

Padula
the fact that Roger donated $150K for this project speaks to the nature of his work
he didn't have to do that

Kelly
we knew he was the right guy for the job
especially as the next door neighbor, I can wait to see the new building up

Mr Calarese is before the planning board next week
RFP P&S is for Nov/Dec so likely spring construction

construction of the sculpture will take about a year

Bissanti
is the design chosen? yes, copy in agenda packet

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


  • Resolution 15-55: Ratification of the Franklin Public Library Staff Association Contract
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
this is inline with the other agreements, language changes and
  • Resolution 15-56: 2015 Amended Schedule of Town Council Meetings
charter requires Council to be sworn in on seconded Wednesday
as it is a holiday (Nov 11) moving to Nov 12
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – 2nd Reading – 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)
in accordance with Master Plan recommendation
would ultimately eliminate the old factory down there and replace with residential

Kelly - this is a great opportunity for the downtown to create space for walking to the train

  • Bylaw Amendment 15-751: Changes to Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
recommended by Conservation Commission to streamline the process

  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-752: Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
allows flexibility, more so than the current wording today