The new Town Council packet to study

At the beginning of each new term for the Town Council, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting provides the councilors with a packet of information. You can read along too!

Town Council getting sworn in by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri

1 - Town of Franklin - Home Rule Charter

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownCharter/revised%202013.pdf

The preamble to the Charter:

"We, the people of the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts, in order to form a more perfect community, reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of our local government and take fullest advantage of the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, do ordain and adopt this Home Rule Charter for our Town."

2 - Role of the Town Council

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/role.pdf

The first section reads as follows:

1. A member of the Council, in relation to his/her community should:
A. Realize that his/her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the Administrator.
B. Realize that he/she is one of a team and should abide by, and carry out, all Council decisions once they are made.
C. Be well-informed concerning the duties of a Council member on both local and state levels.
D. Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times.
E. Accept the office as a means of unselfish service, not benefit personally or politically from his/her Council activities.
F. In all appointments, avoid political patronage by judging all candidates on merit, experience, and qualifications only.
G. Abide by the ethics established by the State and not use the position to obtain inside information on matters which may benefit someone personally.

3 - Fiscal Policies

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/fiscal.pdf

Note: the fiscal policy document handed out on Wednesday is a proposed update to the document currently approved by the Town Council and linked to above.

4 - Fiscal 2016 Budget

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/budgets/FY%2016%20Budget/

The Fiscal budget is really a set of documents with the Budget Letter by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting summarizing the revenue and expense driving factors.


Additional information on the Town Council can be found on the Franklin website here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/index

nationalgrid: Take control of your energy bills

Help With Winter Bills. Massachusetts residents have suffered through some of the coldest winters in recent memory. And with winter on the way, this is the time of year when we use more energy as we stay inside and keep warm.

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Help With Winter Bills Massachusetts residents have suffered through some of the coldest winters in recent memory. And with winter on the way, this is the time of year when we use more energy as we stay inside and keep warm. Winter prices for electricity supply became effective on November 1. These supply prices are determined by the market and reflect our cost to purchase electricity on your behalf. We are concerned about what these changes in electricity costs mean for you. That's why we offer a variety of programs and services that can help you manage your energy costs, including: Energy Efficiency – From simple no-cost tips to more comprehensive programs, we have the energy saving solution to match your needs. Payment Options – We have a variety of options, including our Budget Plan which lets you spread out the impact of those high winter bills over the course of the year, creating stability. Payment Assistance – We offer consumer advocacy programs to help low-income eligible customers pay their bills. Energy Suppliers – You can choose who supplies the electricity we deliver to your house. We encourage you to consider all available energy supply options and determine which one will best meet your needs. To learn more about these solutions and options please visit ngrid.com/billhelp. It is also important for you to know that National Grid recently submitted a proposal to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to update our electricity distribution rates for the first time since 2009. This is different from the supply portion of your bill, These distribution charges cover the cost of operating and maintaining the poles and wires that bring electricity to your home or business. Please note that this proposal will be reviewed thoroughly by the DPU and, if approved, will not take effect until October 1, 2016. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.   Connect Now Visit us online at nationalgrid.com

This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Say NO to snow and YES to art!

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Make art therapy a regular activity for people at HMEA this winter Earlier this Fall, a group of individuals from our HMEA Day Program spent a morning making seasonal crafts.  For many people we work with at HMEA, who have developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, art can be an extremely therapeutic activity. We've seen firsthand how effective it is to a person's over all well-being. So, that's why we're asking for your help to fund #artforhmea for people to enjoy arts and crafts all winter long. The individuals supported by HMEA are eagerly awaiting more art projects to get them through what could be another long winter ahead - donate $10, $25, $50, or more today to support HMEA's art therapy program this holiday season. $25 would give one person the enjoyment of doing arts and crafts until Spring. *WMRC First Class Radio has partnered with HMEA as media sponsor for this initiative and has offered to match funds raised for #artforhmea with an in-kind advertising donation of up to $2,000 to be used for future events benefiting individuals supported by HMEA. Thanks, Margaret Salaki Program Manager Join the movement and give back December 1st, 2015 HMEA will be joining #GivingTuesday for its second year in a row, hoping to channel the generous spirit of the holiday season. #GivingTuesday is an international movement that inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support.  This #GivingTuesday, HMEA challenges you to help raise money to fund arts and crafts therapy over the winter through HMEA's Day Program Locations. Make a contribution today online or mail to address below.  please note: "Giving Tuesday" or #artforhmea on your check [DONATE NOW] HMEA, INC. | 8 FORGE PARK, FRANKLIN MA 02038 | 508-298-1100

Forward this email HMEA | 8 Forge Park East | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Pan-Mass scavenger hunt, gas pipeline concerns, Tri-County solar

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"A scavenger hunt, hosted by The Pan-Mass Challenge Franklin Kids Ride, raised $4,000 to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund for cancer research. 

Participants stopped at local businesses and to complete a task in order to gain points to win the scavenger hunt."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151117344/1994/NEWS

Members of the Town Council said they would schedule a hearing on a proposed Spectra Energy natural-gas pipeline after many residents complained that the project would undercut safety and hurt property values. 

The matter came up Thursday, when several people spoke during the public comment portion of the council's meeting.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151117240/1994/NEWS

A Friday morning ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School celebrated a solar installation that speakers said would bring save money and provide a learning tool for students. 

The event - held at the field which is home to the 1.3-megawatt array of solar panels - was attended by students, Tri-County officials, solar-company employees, state lawmakers and U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151117203/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/13/15 - THU 11/19/15

FRIDAY 11/13/15
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
7pm   Harlem Wizards in Franklin (FEF Fundraiser) at Tri-County HS (game time at 7pm, door open at 6pm) (SOLD OUT)
7:15pm   Showcase Pro Wrestling at Elks Lodge (doors open 7:15pm, bell time 7:47pm)
8pm   The Black Box Local Artist Series: The Chick Magnets and The Ben Gardner’s Boat
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 11/14/15
9am-3pm   Franklin Newcomers’ Annual Craft Fair at Tri-County HS
9:30am   Open Space and Recreation Public Meeting at the Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 11/15/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
11:30am   Big Band Brunch with Kenny Hadley at The Black Box
3pm   Sparky’s Puppets: Harvest Tales at Franklin Public Library
3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: LiveARTS String Quartet at the FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street

WEDNESDAY 11/18/15
6:30pm   Doggie Tales at Franklin Public Library. Read to a service dog. Registration required.

THURSDAY 11/19/15
3-4:30pm   Memory Cafe for caregivers and their loved ones at Franklin Senior Center. This month: painting small birdhouses. Call Elaine at 508-520-4945 to register.
4-5pm.  Lego Club (ages 3-12) at Franklin Public Library
6:30-8:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar. Acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: Transition Fair - A variety of agencies from Early Intervention and the Franklin Public Schools, to college and adulthood, Franklin Municipal Building (3rd floor). Free, public welcome!

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Students in All Grades Outpace State in PARCC Test Performance

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School students (BFCCPS) outperformed state averages on all tests across all grade levels on the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests taken last spring. 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Across all grade levels tested, students at BFCCPS averaged an 81 percent proficiency rate on PARCC English language arts (ELA) exams and 70 percent in math, compared to average statewide proficiency rates of 46 percent and 45 percent, respectively. 

"We are proud of our students and teachers, who put in a lot of hard work to make this incredible achievement possible," said Heather Zolnowski the Head of School at BFCCPS. "Our community is built on a strong partnership between parents, students, our faculty and administration, and the extraordinary results seen across the board on the PARCC exam is a testament to our success."BFCCPS is among approximately 300 school districts across Massachusetts that opted to administer the PARCC test in the spring of 2015 under a two-year state pilot. 

The gaps between BFCCPS PARCC scores and statewide averages are dramatic. On the English language arts test, 90 percent of BFCCPS 6th graders scored proficient or better compared to the state average of 60 percent. For the same class, 78 percent scored proficient or above for math, compared to the state average of 53 percent for 6th graders. 

Similarly, 76 and 86 percent of BFCCPS 3rd and 8th graders, respectively, earned proficient scores in English, as compared to 54 and 64 percent of 3rd and 8th graders statewide who took PARCC. In math, 84 percent of 3rd graders and 74 percent of 5th graders at the regional public charter school received scores of proficient and above, while averages were 55 percent for both 3rd and 5th grades across the state. 

BFCCPS' high PARCC scores across the board demonstrate that its students are progressing well through each grade level and on track to be well prepared for high school and beyond. 

Enrollment Applications for this regional public charter school for students in Grades Kindergarten through Eight for the 2016-2017 school year are now live. BFCCPS will host the first of six information sessions where applicants can learn more about the school this Saturday, November 14th from 10 am to noon. Learn more and apply online at http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/

About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

In the News: Town Council re-organizes, Y splash park to open in spring

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Two vice-chairman candidates were nominated: Thomas Mercer and Robert Vallee, who had served as the council's chairman for the past term. The board was split on the two candidates, ending in a 4-4 tie. 

Council member Judith Pond Pfeffer motioned to table the vice chairman matter until the full council is seated. Her fellow councilors agreed. 

Town Attorney Mark Cerel said that as the vice-chairman's duty is to preside over meetings in the absence of the chairman, the council must be careful to schedule meetings only on dates when Kelly is available - at least until the vice-chairman matter is settled. 

Pfeffer was unanimously named to continue on as the council's clerk."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151112/NEWS/151117827/1994/NEWS

"On Oct. 20, the Hockomock Area YMCA announced the construction of the Rockland Trust Family Splash Park at its Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. 

The construction will happen through the end of this year and the park will open in the spring."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151119874/1994/NEWS