Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 - Apr 21, 2016 (audio)

My notes via Twitter from the Finance Committee meeting held on Thursday April 21, 2016. This was the second of the four planned budget hearings.

The next two scheduled budget hearings 

• Thursday April 28
• Tuesday May 3

Kevin Doyle, Assessor, ready to discuss the FY 2017 budget requirements for his department

(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)

The audio recording of the 2nd budget hearing of the Franklin Finance Committee. This is one of the series preparing the budget for the Fiscal Year 2017.

FM #121

This internet radio show or podcast is number 121 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the 2nd budget hearing for the Fiscal Year 2017 held by the Franklin Finance Committee. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal Building and hence not available for regular broadcast by Franklin TV.

My notes from the meeting have been posted to the Franklin Matters webpage. The meeting agenda is also available. The budget book itself is not available. A limited number of copies were made. We’ll get budget summary as the Town Council opens their budget hearing either later in May or in June.

For those not familiar with the budget cycle. Each department makes a proposal to the Town Administrator. He reviews and potentially makes adjustments. This is what is reviewed by the Finance Committee. This group will approve a budget and it will be reviewed by the Town COuncil before being voted on to become effective July 2016.

For Franklin, the fiscal year runs July 1 2016  to June 30 2017. The FY is referred to be the ending period so this is the FY 2017 budget for next year, we are already operating on and close to finishing the FY 2016 budget.

Without further ado, here is the recording of the meeting

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This brings to the program to a close.

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

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Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

"we use the trail often, and it's nice to give back"

"The town held a volunteer cleanup of its DelCarte Conservation Property on Saturday in what officials hope will become an annual tradition. 

The event - which ran from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Street property - had people picking up trash, planting and raking. 

Conservation Commission member Tara Henrichon, who helped organize the cleanup, said the event was going "amazingly well." 

"We have about 20 to 25 people so far," she said. "There are a bunch of projects - we're adding natural plants to the rain garden and about 10 to 12 people are out on the trails... We're also clearing out invasive plants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160423/franklin-being-kind-to-mother-nature

Folks out and about cleaning up at DelCarte

The ladies from Starbucks with full trash bags

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen helped to knock down and spread out a pile of mulch

It was good to see more than 30 people come out for this event. Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and several members of the Conservation Commission participated.

Thanks to Soren, a student from BFCCPS, who helped me work on spreading the pile of mulch.

Franklin Awards Two Affordable Homes to New Families

On April 6, 2016 the Town of Franklin conducted an affordable housing lottery for two homes at 15 Beaver Court and 48 Arlington Street. The homes were awarded as part of the Town of Franklin’s commitment to maintain a diverse housing stock for families of all incomes and to provide improvements to neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of properties. The homes within this program are managed by the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

The Trust Fund was established on May 18, 2015. The Trust has capabilities to receive, hold, invest or expend funds for the rehabilitation, renovation, construction, financing or refinancing of property within the Town of Franklin. The Fund has an open request for proposals every month for individuals looking to sell their property in Town. In some cases, homes may need small or larger renovations, in which the Town may purchase a home, make the renovations, and bring the home up to building code and resale through a public lottery. 

The Fund makes these residential properties available to low and moderate income families looking for a home. The homes are deed restricted and must maintain a level of affordability according to state guidelines. Monies put into the Trust Fund are mostly from mitigation of other development projects in the community. 

For the April 6th lottery, the Town had nine applicants in all for both properties. Held in the Town Council Chamber, the public lottery selected each applicant to provide an order or priority. Two families were awarded the opportunity to obtain a mortgage from a bank to purchase the home. 

Both families have thirty (30) days to secure their mortgage. Please stay in touch with the Town website, Facebook page and Twitter account for any further announcements, application deadlines and other opportunities. Residents may also call Maxine Kinhart in the Town Administrator’s Office with any questions at 508-553-4887. 

one of the homes in the lottery was this one on Beaver Court built by Tri-County students

6 Meaningful Gifts for Mom & Coupon!

Mother's Day is May 8! View this email in your browser Use coupon code MOM2016 for $5 off! Beautiful, meaningful gifts for every Mom. Confidence Beads and Beads for a Cause make perfect gifts with a message for Mom. Whether you want to inspire her, honor her with a gift that gives back and show your appreciation for her, Confidence Beads and Beads for a Cause have great options for everyone this Mother's Day. Shop Now Copyright © 2016 Confidence Beads, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 246 Franklin, MA 02038

In the News: Historical Museum events, Dean Dash 5K

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., will host the following events. 

Horace Mann’s 220th Birthday: The community is invited to the museum on May 1 for coffee and cake in the museum library. A slideshow presentation on the life of Horace Mann and his accomplishments will be running throughout the afternoon."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160423/franklin-historical-museum-lists-upcoming-events

"More than 200 runners showed up for a Dean College road race midday Saturday, despite the lingering threat of rain. 

That participation made the third annual Dean Dash 5K the most successful yet, officials said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160423/franklin-dean-5k-keeps-pace

The complete set of results for the 168 runners who finished the race can be found online
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Apr23_DeanDa_set1.shtml

setting up for the Dean Dash 5K

"the need for the housing outweighs the local concerns"

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, April 21, 2016 opened the hearing on Madalene Village. After hearing the comments and concerns from several neighbors the ZBA authorized the hiring of a traffic study and an attorney to help them process the proposal.

The ZBA attorney just hired to assist with the Madalene Village proposals, turned to the audience and provided an overview of the regulations around the 40B legislation. One key concept is 

"the need for the housing outweighs the local concerns"

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The following letter was submitted to the ZBA and summarizes the multiple concerns of the neighbors:

"The abutter community has many concerns with the Madalene Village development proposed for the 3.87 acre parcel of land abutting Cottage and Peck Street. As we have spoken to town officials and neighbors and reviewed the documentation provide by the developer, we have uncovered grave concerns with the proposal that would adversely impact the current residents of our neighborhood and also negatively affect the interests of the greater Franklin community. 

Our concerns fall into the broad categories of environmental and conservation, safety of current residents, safety of future residents, health issues and matters of integration into the existing neighborhood. They are as follows:"

a view of the 'intermittent drainage ditch' or stream from Peck St.

Continue reading the full set of arguments in the embedded document:



The 40B resources on the MA.gov site can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/40b-plan/

The Zoning Board of Appeals page on the official Town of Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBA/index

FHS girls lacrosse tops Medfield 17-6

Girls Lacrosse

• Franklin, 17 vs. Medfield, 6 – Final 

– Franklin raced out to a 9-0 lead in the first half and never looked back against D2 powerhouse Medfield. Kendall Reardon led Franklin with three goals and two assists while Kenzie Pleshaw and Diana Griffin had three goals apiece. Julia Jette and Halle Atkinson each had two goals for the Panthers. Head coach Kristin Igoe said Dana Lewandowski played well on defense, causing three turnovers.

For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-042216/

FHS Panthers

LiveARTS: Jan Müller-Szeraws, cello and Sally Pinkas, piano - Apr 24

"Continuing in a tradition of “spotlighting” the members of the LiveARTS String Quartet as solo artists as well as ensemble players, LiveARTS is pleased to shine the spotlight on the LiveARTS String Quartet’s cellist, Jan Müller-Szeraws, in a recital all his own. 

When our new friend Jan joined the Quartet last year, we were deeply impressed by the ease with which he slid into the cellist’s chair and the immediate seamlessness of his collegial participation in the ensemble’s work. In actuality, that he was able to do so should have come as no surprise, given the depth and breadth of his career. 

Now as soloist--with the support of his collaborator, pianist Sally Pinkas, a highly acclaimed musician widely known in New England and returning to LiveARTS for a third appearance--the spotlight will fall upon Jan and his cello, lighting the way into an exploration of works especially for that instrument whose musical voice is universally loved, a voice that has inspired an enormously satisfying and broad musical literature. "

Jan Müller-Szeraws and Sally Pinkas

All Concerts on Sundays, 3:30 pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street 

Doors open at 3 pm. Open Seating. Handicapped accessible

• Adults $20
• Seniors (60+) $15
• Students $10
• Children 6-12 Free

What better note on which to close this lovely season of LiveARTS friends?

Rotary Soap Drive for the Franklin Food Pantry

The Rotary Soap Drive will take place April 25th - May 15th and is aimed at collecting specific soap products that are not available on public assistance.

Did you know? Assistance is available for food purchases but does not cover every day, basic essentials like hand soap, dish soap and laundry detergent. Together we can help our food pantry offer support to friends and neighbors in need.

• NEEDED: HAND SOAP, DISH SOAP, LAUNDRY DETERGENT

The bins will be located at the 

Rotary International

• YMCA lobby
• Rockland Trust Bank 
• Bristol County Bank 
• Dr Jeff Morrill's office
• Attorney Julie Rogeau's office
• Honeydew Donuts

and at several other Rotarian's businesses in Franklin.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/22/16 - THU 4/28/16

SATURDAY 4/23/16
8-11am   1st Annual Clean Up at Del Carte (Pleasant Street)
12pm   3rd Annual Dean Dash 5K at Dean College
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Forever Young (Neil Young Tribute Band) at the FUSF

SUNDAY 4/24/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club
3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: Jan Müller-Szeraws, cello and Adam Golka, piano at the FUSF

MONDAY 4/25/16
7:00 PM   Speaker Series: Fixing the MBTA, Senator Jamie Eldridge; Alumni Bar and Grill, Hosted by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee

WEDNESDAY 4/27/16
6-8pm   1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner Fundraiser at the Franklin HS

For additional April Break kid's activities in Franklin area go HERE.

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

Tired of poor service and increasing fares?

Learn about the push for action. Senator Jamie Eldridge, Chair of the Legislative MBTA Caucus will be the guest speaker at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 25 at Alumni Bar and Grill. 

Hosted by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, the monthly business meeting will follow the speaker.

For additional info, check out the event page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1592212457736802/

Keep it simple on Sat-Sun --- Use Franklin Dean Station, don't go to Forge Park

Due to railroad tie replacement, service will be suspended between Franklin and Forge Park/495 Stations in both directions on the following dates:

• Saturday, April 23, 2016
• Sunday, April 24, 2016

Outbound Franklin Line service will terminate at Franklin Station where passengers can connect with a shuttle bus to Forge Park/495 Station. Passengers desiring Inbound Franklin Line service from Forge Park/495 Station must board a shuttle bus to Franklin Station for Commuter Rail connection. Passengers are urged to park at Franklin Station if possible. Passengers should also allow additional travel time anticipating delays of approximately ten minutes.

Trains affected:

• Saturday, April 23, 2016 - All
• Sunday, April 24, 2016 - All

Affected stops:

• Franklin
• Forge Park / 495

From an alert posted on the MBTA.com

http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=cr&route=Franklin+Line

Franklin train heading to Forge Park,which is what it won't do this Sat-Sun due to track work

American Legion 5 Miler Scholarship Fund Road Race - June 25

Jointly organized between the Franklin and Medway American Legion Posts for the benefit of students at Medway H.S., Franklin H.S and Tri-County Regional Vocational H.S. The 5 mile and 5k Road Race helps us raise money for our scholarship funds. 

Page 1 of the attachment is the flyer and page 2 is the registration information. 

The Road Race is on June 25th at 8:00 AM and is at Medway H.S.

The registration website is:
https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=32237654

Flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeWJ2enByZXJyeUhOSldaS1VnTFZGcHVrWDc0/view?usp=sharing

Event details and schedule

• Course is a 5 mile loop on paved roads. Post race refreshments. Prizes awarded by category. T-shirts for entrants. Raffle prizes. Help support our effort to give scholarships to high school students looking at the high cost of secondary education. All profits from this event will go to the Scholarship Funds for Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75.

• Start time is 8am. Course start in parking lot to Summer Street to Highland Street to Oak Street, to and thru Choate Park to Winthrop Street to Levering Street and back to Summer Street. for the last mile back to the high School entrance and the finish line in the parking lot.

American Legion 5 Miler Scholarship Fund Road Race - June 25

FHS baseball and boys lacrosse results from Thursday

Baseball

• Franklin, 5 vs. Catholic Memorial, 12 – Final 

– Josh Macchi drove in three runs with a double but the Panthers were unable to limit the Knights’ offense. Jake Lyons had a pair of hits and two runs scored, Nick Santucci scored twice and had one hit and Tyler Gomes drove in a pair of runs and scored once himself.

Boys Lacrosse

• Franklin, 5 vs. Beverly, 9 – Final 

– Sophomore Eric Civetti scored a hat trick and had one assist but the Panthers fell in a hole by halftime and couldn’t climb out. Freshman Jacob Alexander dominated at the faceoff X, winning 15/19 draws. Packie Watson and Sam Arsenault each added a goal and an assist for Franklin.

For all the other results around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-042116/

FHS Panthers

Tech Help for Seniors - Apr 28

Horace Mann Middle School Community Service Club will be hosting a Tech Help for Seniors session on Thursday April 28th from 2:15-3:15 pm. 

Students and teachers will be offering help with cell phones, IPads, tablets and laptops. 

Please join us at our school (Horace Mann Middle School 224 Oak St.). Park in the lot and go to the front entrance on the right. Students will be there to greet you at the door. 

If you have questions please email Colleen Donahue (donahuec@franklin.k12.ma.us) or Anthony Vizakis(vizakisa@franklin.k12.ma.us)

Horace Mann MIddle School, 224 Oak St

FHS baseball and girls lacrosse post wins on Wednesday

Baseball

• Franklin, 12 vs. Framingham, 4 – Final 

– Senior Nick Santucci made a splash in his first game of the season, knocking in five runs behind a three hit day. Santucci had a double, triple and a home run for the Panthers. Jake Lyons was 2-2 (and two walks) with three runs scored, Josh Macchi had three hits with an RBI and a run scored and Alex Bissanti had a pair of hits and a pair of RBI with a run scored. Sophomore Jake Noviello got the win on the mound, tossing six innings with eight strikeouts and just two walks, allowing two earned runs.

Softball

• Franklin, 0 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 2 – Final

Girls Lacrosse

• Franklin, 11 @ Andover, 10 – Final 

– Andover scored to get within one late and won the ensuing draw but Grace McDermott forced a turnover and the Panthers were able to run out the remaining 90 seconds to get the win. Kenzie Pleshaw led the way offensively with six goals, Julia Jette had two goals and two assists and Dani Lonati made seven saves in net.

For all of the Hockomock League results on Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-042016/

FHS Panthers

Should You Have To Pay To Build A New Gas Pipeline?

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Massachusetts. It oversees and regulates public utility companies that distribute electric power, natural gas, and water to Massachusetts citizens. 

Utility companies submit petitions (also called dockets) to the DPU regarding rates and operational contracts. The current dockets include a provision that ratepayers pay for the cost of new pipeline construction ($8 to $9 billion) through a surcharge on our electric utility bill. This is an unprecedented financial model, one that many claim is illegal. 

There are is currently two one new gas pipeline system under consideration —Kinder Morgan Northeast Energy Direct in the west, and Spectra Energy Access Northeast in the east. The pipeline company justifies these new systems with “peak demand” (at most, 30 days per year). 

In November 2015 the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office published findings from a thorough study and stated that other measures, such as energy efficiency, demand response through distributed grid, and renewables, would be more cost effective and far more environmentally responsible than new gas pipeline 

The DPU weighs citizen input through written comments and public hearings. If you don’t want to pay to construct dangerous, unnecessary, and environmentally irresponsible new gas pipelines, now is your opportunity to voice your opinion.

The hearings listed below are Final Public Hearings, so this will be your last chance to speak out.

TO PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENTS:

You can write multiple e-mails/letters, choosing and expanding a topic for each one. You can send the same e-mail/letter for all three dockets. 

For each docket, 

a. Submit written comments to the Hearing Officer identified in the respective notice

b. Copy dpu.efiling@state.ma.us on the Hearing Officer e-mail

c. Put the docket identification as underlined in the subject line of the e-mail

d. Mail a hard copy to: 

Mark D. Marini, Secretary
Department of Public Utilities
One South Station
Boston, MA 02110

THE DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS THE DATE OF THE FINAL PUBLIC HEARING

1. National Grid: DPU Docket 16-05 Access Northeast - May 3, Stoughton High School, 7 p.m. Hearing Officer, David Gold, david.j.gold@state.ma.us
2. National Grid: DPU Docket 16-07 Northeast Energy Direct - May 11, Timony Grammar School, Methuen, 7 p.m. Hearing Officer, Jeffrey Leupold, Jeffrey.Leupold@state.ma.us
3. Eversource: DPU Docket #15-181 Access Northeast - May 23, Walpole High School, 7 p.m.  Hearing Officer, Laura Koepnick, Laura.Koepnick@state.ma.us

The DPU weighs citizen input through written comments and public hearings. If you don’t want to pay to construct dangerous, unnecessary, and environmentally irresponsible new gas pipelines, now is your opportunity to voice your opinion. 

The hearings listed below are Final Public Hearings, so this will be your last chance to speak out.

lawn sign in Franklin

First Annual 5k Race for Hope - May 21

Join Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) in Norfolk as we put on our First Annual 5k Race for Hope!! Our goal is to create an environment where the church and community can join together in raising awareness and hope for those in our midst who suffer from human trafficking, drug addiction and other areas of injustice.

5K Run/Walk (rain or shine)

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2016

Time: Registration opens at 8:30am; Race begins at 9:30am

Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church (63 Rockwood Rd., Norfolk, MA) - Additional parking is a short walk away at the Freeman-Kennedy school located on 70 Boardman St. in Norfolk

Donations: Money raised will go towards supporting the Amirah House, a faith-based nonprofit organization located in the Boston area that strives “to provide a refuge for those seeking to break free from exploitation and heal in community on their journey toward lasting hope.” The Amirah House provides safe homes for those that want to break free from sexual exploitation. They believe each human life is sacred, created in God’s image, and therefore, worthy of love, mercy and justice. It’s their goal that each woman served at Amirah will be restored and empowered with a sense of her inherent value and God-given strengths.

We are asking all race participants to raise/donate a minimum of $25.00* to help cover the event costs.

How to participate:

1. Click "Join the Team" on the website https://www.crowdrise.com/5k-for-hope
2. Ask people to sponsor you. All of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Amirah House in Boston (www.amirahboston.org). Spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, everyone! Help us bring hope to victims of injustice.
3. Show up on race day! Come to run, walk or just spend your morning with us as we gather together as a church and a community.

Race for Hope

Art Exhibit - April 29 - Jay Gluck

Come by and see some work by Jay Gluck , father of local resident Stephanie Ries 

Check out his work at artworksbyJay.com He has some great pieces of Boston

Art Exhibit - April 29 - Jay Gluck

Where: Franklin Art Center, 391 East Central St
When: Friday, April 29, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

For additional updates, check out the event page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/188158584904824/

“the evidence is insufficient"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The National Labor Relations Board has sided with Dean College after campus police claimed that they were wrongfully terminated and replaced with security guards after organizing and forming a union. 

The April 19 ruling from the NLRB dismisses the Dean College Campus Police Association’s charge that the college violated labor laws by terminating the force in December, just days after a union was organized. 

The ruling finds that there was “insufficient evidence” that the college violated labor laws. 

“Rather, the investigation established that the Employer actively began seeking an outside contractor in March 2015 prior to any union activity; the Employer was in communication with the contractor it chose, TeamOps, in June 2015, also prior to any union activity; and the employer officially agreed to hire TeamOps on November 4, 2015,” the ruling states."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160420/franklin-nlrb-sides-with-dean-college

Dean College

Oh. My. God. Kinder Morgan has indefinitely suspended the Northeast Direct pipeline!

Everyone,

UNBELIEVABLY WONDERFUL NEWS!  
Kinder Morgan has indefinitely suspended the Northeast Direct pipeline!  That doesn't mean it couldn't come back, it could, but I'll take it for now!

http://www.wcvb.com/news/kinder-morgan-suspends-pipeline-project/39130214

Absolutely awesome!

We can do the same.  We need to have lots and lots of abutters deny/rescind their surveying permissions in case Spectra wants to change the route or decides, now that Kinder Morgan is at least temporarily out, to get greedy and add more bells and whistles and new routes.  We can kill this pipeline as well!

Carolyn

sign on Franklin lawn