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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
FTC Consumer Alerts: Scammers demand gift cards
Today is the last day to register to vote for Nov 6 election
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181016/wednesday-is-last-day-to-register-to-vote
Election info from the Franklin Town Clerk
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/fm-149-2018-election-info-franklin-ma.html
Info on the ballot questions
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele18/ballot_questions_18/ballot_questions18.htm
"The deadline for registering to vote in the Nov. 6 state election is 8 PM Wednesday.
Any citizen who will turn 18 by election day is eligible. City and town clerks will stay open until 8 PM on Wednesday.
Voters can also register online, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at a local city or town hall."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181016/wednesday-is-last-day-to-register-to-vote
Election info from the Franklin Town Clerk
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/fm-149-2018-election-info-franklin-ma.html
Info on the ballot questions
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele18/ballot_questions_18/ballot_questions18.htm
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ |
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Live reporting: Finance Committee - Oct 16, 2018
Present: Smith, Fleming, Conley, Dowd, Dufour, Dewsnap, Moss, Weich
Absent: none (one open slot)
1. Call to Order
2. Vote for Officers
motion for M Dufour for chair, seconded, passed 8-0
motion for B Dowd for Vice Chair, seconded, passed 8-0
motion for G Conley for Secretary, seconded, passed 8-0
3. Approval of Minutes
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
4. Citizen’s Comments
noe
5. Memo: New format for Finance Committee Recommendations
trying to synchronize the processes so the Finance Committee will see what the Town Council sees
6. FY19 Budget Adjustments and Transfers; Town Administrator, Community Development,
Police, Fire, MECC and Roads
revenue came in higher than forecast
consolidation among departments operationally
move Maxine downstairs to make it easier for passport processing, some funding moving to accommodate the move
Norfolk construction delays for regional center
affects us for 3 additional months
need 28K additional for Police, 70K for Fire
Tri-County approached with offer for half time resource officer
to hire someone in January for the spot, 46K will be clothing, training, etc.
half an officer for half the pay
lots of retirements within Fire Dept
soon to be five vacancies
OT costs ups, due to some overlap on training and backfills for vacancies
may not be back to staff until March or so
also two folks on long term disability
would like to put 600K for streets, drainage, etc.
we're going to ask for 39M but decided to start with 600k
referenced the DPW road report just released
looking to put more in General Stabilization account to get close to the percent target
still leaves about 400K in the debt stabilization account
siding and paint for the museum, except for the cupola on the top it will look good
trying to get some professional guidance to outline what needs to be done
decreasing the use of reserves
Council would need to approve a home rule change to move the Fire Dept out of Civil Service
it is a flexibility issue, existing folks would get grandfathered and new folks coming in would be; opens up who can be brought in; no difference in benefits, all under the collective agreement
word of mouth got 16 candidates to line up for Franklin to choose from
Franklin will hire five additional officers with no increase in budget
pay schedule is the same for all, some may be on different steps
we had some one retire and we found out when the retirement board called us
road work integrated with water program
more proactive with the sealing, chip sealing, overlay
the street report will be published soon
surprising to find 2600 parking spaces on the lots we own, not street spots
town unaccepted vs. accepted roads
some old subdivisions that never completed going through the process to turn over from the developer to the Town
title work required
if it is unaccepted, we can't rebuild the road, the town doesn't own the street. they can fix the water, sewer and some potholes
trying to get the ownership resolved 30-40 years later is a problem, legal issues
trying to knock of 5, 6 or ten a year
we can fix water as we own that, we can do potholes as it is de minimis
motion to approve 18-59, seconded, passed 8-0
motion to approve 18-60, seconded, passed 8-0
motion to approve 16-61, seconded, passed 8-0
7. Stabilization Fund Appropriation and Transfer
8. Capital Appropriation of Roads: Earmarking of Hotel Excise Tax
9. Risk Management Study Update
anticipate report coming back in November
few issues, most of documentation missing, work being done
will present to you and to Council
10. School Van Update
buy a new van instead of spending 225/day, bill coming due in November, should use 'free cash' to allocate for this once certified
possible to be north of 3M for 'free cash' number this time around, right in the range where we have been
11. FY19 Capital Update
Nov 9 capital plans due from Depts, aiming to have done by Thanksgiving
trying to get ahead of it so it doesn't get in the way of the operating budget and then it is a negotiation year with all the union contracts
12. FY20 Budget Update
budget due at end of calendar year from Dept, spend Jan/Feb crunching numbers
pension number from County with assessment number already in hand
health plan hardest to get a solid number, should be middle of March to be ready
13. Water Infrastructure Update
will need some money to close out this 5 year plan, also working on the next 5 year plan; looking for the Council to adopt a plan so we'll have a plan across the board for water and roads with capital requirements
14. Adjournment
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qmHnqAbn7Jh6yi24WN9IOrN8IHmzNAMo/view?usp=sharing
Absent: none (one open slot)
1. Call to Order
2. Vote for Officers
motion for M Dufour for chair, seconded, passed 8-0
motion for B Dowd for Vice Chair, seconded, passed 8-0
motion for G Conley for Secretary, seconded, passed 8-0
3. Approval of Minutes
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
4. Citizen’s Comments
noe
5. Memo: New format for Finance Committee Recommendations
trying to synchronize the processes so the Finance Committee will see what the Town Council sees
6. FY19 Budget Adjustments and Transfers; Town Administrator, Community Development,
Police, Fire, MECC and Roads
revenue came in higher than forecast
consolidation among departments operationally
move Maxine downstairs to make it easier for passport processing, some funding moving to accommodate the move
Norfolk construction delays for regional center
affects us for 3 additional months
need 28K additional for Police, 70K for Fire
Tri-County approached with offer for half time resource officer
to hire someone in January for the spot, 46K will be clothing, training, etc.
half an officer for half the pay
lots of retirements within Fire Dept
soon to be five vacancies
OT costs ups, due to some overlap on training and backfills for vacancies
may not be back to staff until March or so
also two folks on long term disability
would like to put 600K for streets, drainage, etc.
we're going to ask for 39M but decided to start with 600k
referenced the DPW road report just released
looking to put more in General Stabilization account to get close to the percent target
still leaves about 400K in the debt stabilization account
siding and paint for the museum, except for the cupola on the top it will look good
trying to get some professional guidance to outline what needs to be done
decreasing the use of reserves
Council would need to approve a home rule change to move the Fire Dept out of Civil Service
it is a flexibility issue, existing folks would get grandfathered and new folks coming in would be; opens up who can be brought in; no difference in benefits, all under the collective agreement
word of mouth got 16 candidates to line up for Franklin to choose from
Franklin will hire five additional officers with no increase in budget
pay schedule is the same for all, some may be on different steps
we had some one retire and we found out when the retirement board called us
road work integrated with water program
more proactive with the sealing, chip sealing, overlay
the street report will be published soon
surprising to find 2600 parking spaces on the lots we own, not street spots
town unaccepted vs. accepted roads
some old subdivisions that never completed going through the process to turn over from the developer to the Town
title work required
if it is unaccepted, we can't rebuild the road, the town doesn't own the street. they can fix the water, sewer and some potholes
trying to get the ownership resolved 30-40 years later is a problem, legal issues
trying to knock of 5, 6 or ten a year
we can fix water as we own that, we can do potholes as it is de minimis
motion to approve 18-59, seconded, passed 8-0
motion to approve 18-60, seconded, passed 8-0
motion to approve 16-61, seconded, passed 8-0
9. Risk Management Study Update
anticipate report coming back in November
few issues, most of documentation missing, work being done
will present to you and to Council
10. School Van Update
buy a new van instead of spending 225/day, bill coming due in November, should use 'free cash' to allocate for this once certified
possible to be north of 3M for 'free cash' number this time around, right in the range where we have been
11. FY19 Capital Update
Nov 9 capital plans due from Depts, aiming to have done by Thanksgiving
trying to get ahead of it so it doesn't get in the way of the operating budget and then it is a negotiation year with all the union contracts
12. FY20 Budget Update
budget due at end of calendar year from Dept, spend Jan/Feb crunching numbers
pension number from County with assessment number already in hand
health plan hardest to get a solid number, should be middle of March to be ready
13. Water Infrastructure Update
will need some money to close out this 5 year plan, also working on the next 5 year plan; looking for the Council to adopt a plan so we'll have a plan across the board for water and roads with capital requirements
14. Adjournment
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qmHnqAbn7Jh6yi24WN9IOrN8IHmzNAMo/view?usp=sharing
FM #149 - 2018 Election Info - Franklin, MA Town Clerk (audio)
FM #149
This internet radio show or podcast is number 149 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording is the second of three segments from the Election Information Event hosted by Franklin in Focus held at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, October 13, 2018.
This segment covers the information session with Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr and Assistant Clerk, Nancy Danello.
Links to the Town Clerks page and the information referenced during their talk are included below.
The session recording runs about 13 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.
-------------
Election Info 2018
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2018_elections_0.pdf
Early Voting Hours
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/early-voting-hours
Ballot Questions
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/2018-ballot-questions
Specimen Ballots
Precincts 1,2, 3, 4, 7
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/sample-ballot-state-election-precincts-147
Precincts 5, 6, 8
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/sample-ballot-state-election-precincts-568
-------------
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?
In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.
Overall; if you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters”
This internet radio show or podcast is number 149 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording is the second of three segments from the Election Information Event hosted by Franklin in Focus held at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, October 13, 2018.
This segment covers the information session with Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr and Assistant Clerk, Nancy Danello.
Links to the Town Clerks page and the information referenced during their talk are included below.
The session recording runs about 13 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.
-------------
Election Info 2018
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2018_elections_0.pdf
Early Voting Hours
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/early-voting-hours
Ballot Questions
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/2018-ballot-questions
Specimen Ballots
Precincts 1,2, 3, 4, 7
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/sample-ballot-state-election-precincts-147
Precincts 5, 6, 8
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/sample-ballot-state-election-precincts-568
-------------
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?
In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.
Overall; if you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters”
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes |
Franklin Downtown Partnership: Thanks for a Great Harvest Festival!!!
A Wonderful Day in Downtown Franklin
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FHS volleyball, field hockey, and golf teams post wins on Monday
Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Oct 15, 2018
Field Hockey = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– Franklin set the tone early, scoring twice in the opening five minutes, in a big 5-0 win over Mansfield. Victoria Quinn had both of the first two goals, the first assisted by Amanda Lewandowski just 86 seconds into the contest. Quinn made it 2-0 on assists from Ashley Reutlinger and Regan Paterson just before the five minute mark. Lewandowski (from Reutlinger) made it 3-0 at the midway point of the first half. Paterson (from Lewandowski) made it 4-0 in the 36th minute and Quinn completed the hat trick with an unassisted tally in the 39th minute. Christina Luccini made nine saves for the shutout and FHS head coach Michelle Hess said Maeve Ledwith had a fantastic game defensively and Cassi Ronan had a great game controlling the field from the center mid position.
Volleyball = Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– Mansfield became just the third team to take a set against the Panthers this year, winning the second set to make it 1-1 but Franklin notched convincing wins in the next two sets to get the win (25-19, 23-25, 25-14, 25-13). For the Hornets, Greenly Kelly had nine kills and eight service points, Sam Sternberg had eight digs and eight service points, and Ashley Santos chipped in with five kills.
Golf = Franklin, 162 @ Stoughton, 187 – Final
– Franklin was led by medalist Quentin Faro, who carded a low-round of 37. Matt D’Errico added a 39 for Franklin, and Gerard Collins and Jake Peterson each shot a 43. Stoughton
was led by Josh Hough win a 42.
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-10-15-18/
Field Hockey = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– Franklin set the tone early, scoring twice in the opening five minutes, in a big 5-0 win over Mansfield. Victoria Quinn had both of the first two goals, the first assisted by Amanda Lewandowski just 86 seconds into the contest. Quinn made it 2-0 on assists from Ashley Reutlinger and Regan Paterson just before the five minute mark. Lewandowski (from Reutlinger) made it 3-0 at the midway point of the first half. Paterson (from Lewandowski) made it 4-0 in the 36th minute and Quinn completed the hat trick with an unassisted tally in the 39th minute. Christina Luccini made nine saves for the shutout and FHS head coach Michelle Hess said Maeve Ledwith had a fantastic game defensively and Cassi Ronan had a great game controlling the field from the center mid position.
Volleyball = Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– Mansfield became just the third team to take a set against the Panthers this year, winning the second set to make it 1-1 but Franklin notched convincing wins in the next two sets to get the win (25-19, 23-25, 25-14, 25-13). For the Hornets, Greenly Kelly had nine kills and eight service points, Sam Sternberg had eight digs and eight service points, and Ashley Santos chipped in with five kills.
Golf = Franklin, 162 @ Stoughton, 187 – Final
– Franklin was led by medalist Quentin Faro, who carded a low-round of 37. Matt D’Errico added a 39 for Franklin, and Gerard Collins and Jake Peterson each shot a 43. Stoughton
was led by Josh Hough win a 42.
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-10-15-18/
FHS Panthers |
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: Tiered Focused Monitoring Review
Heather Zolnowski, Executive Director of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of an upcoming Tiered Focused Monitoring (TFM) Review that will be taking place this school year. As part of this TFM Review, Department staff will visit the charter school during the week of November 12, 2018.
Such visits are routinely conducted by the Department to satisfy federal and state requirements for the periodic review of specific education programs and services in schools throughout the Commonwealth. The Department is reviewing several programs during a single visit in order to use Department and school staff's time most efficiently and to encourage strong connections among the programs.
The Department's TFM Review will involve reviewing charter school procedures and individual student records, interviewing administrators and a Special Education Parent Advisory Council member, and surveying parents of students with IEPs. After the onsite visit, a report will be prepared for the Executive Director and Board of Directors, with detailed findings.
Using a scale of ratings ranging from "Commendable" to "Not Implemented," the report will rate the implementation of each requirement reviewed by the Department. Where requirements are found not implemented or only partially implemented, the district [or charter school] must propose to the Department corrective action to bring those areas into compliance with statutes and regulations. Districts and schools are encouraged to incorporate the corrective action into their district and school improvement plans and professional development plan.
The school district [or charter school] will be provided with technical assistance from the Department in developing a corrective action plan. Both the Department's report and the corrective action plan are public information and will be available to the public upon request. TFM Review Final Reports are also available on the Department's Internet website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/.
Any member of the public may request to be interviewed by telephone by a member of the Department's visiting team. Those wishing to be interviewed should call the charter school leader's office at (508) 541-3434 no later than 11/9/2018 to leave their name and phone number, or they may call the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at (781) 338-3704.
A member of the visiting team will contact each person desiring an interview within two weeks after the completion of the onsite visit. If an individual is not comfortable communicating in English or requires some other accommodation, the Department will make arrangements to communicate appropriately with the individual.
Such visits are routinely conducted by the Department to satisfy federal and state requirements for the periodic review of specific education programs and services in schools throughout the Commonwealth. The Department is reviewing several programs during a single visit in order to use Department and school staff's time most efficiently and to encourage strong connections among the programs.
The Department's TFM Review will involve reviewing charter school procedures and individual student records, interviewing administrators and a Special Education Parent Advisory Council member, and surveying parents of students with IEPs. After the onsite visit, a report will be prepared for the Executive Director and Board of Directors, with detailed findings.
Using a scale of ratings ranging from "Commendable" to "Not Implemented," the report will rate the implementation of each requirement reviewed by the Department. Where requirements are found not implemented or only partially implemented, the district [or charter school] must propose to the Department corrective action to bring those areas into compliance with statutes and regulations. Districts and schools are encouraged to incorporate the corrective action into their district and school improvement plans and professional development plan.
The school district [or charter school] will be provided with technical assistance from the Department in developing a corrective action plan. Both the Department's report and the corrective action plan are public information and will be available to the public upon request. TFM Review Final Reports are also available on the Department's Internet website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/.
Any member of the public may request to be interviewed by telephone by a member of the Department's visiting team. Those wishing to be interviewed should call the charter school leader's office at (508) 541-3434 no later than 11/9/2018 to leave their name and phone number, or they may call the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at (781) 338-3704.
A member of the visiting team will contact each person desiring an interview within two weeks after the completion of the onsite visit. If an individual is not comfortable communicating in English or requires some other accommodation, the Department will make arrangements to communicate appropriately with the individual.
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: Tiered Focused Monitoring Review |
MBTA Commuter Alert: Franklin Line shuttle bus for Friday night, and weekend; fall/winter schedule Oct 29
Multiple alerts for the MBTA Commuter Rail for Franklin
Shuttle buses Friday night
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Shuttle buses for Weekend
Affected stops: Dedham Corp Center Islington Norwood Depot Norwood Central Windsor Gardens Walpole Norfolk Franklin Forge Park/495 Affected trips: 1702 (6:35 am from Forge Park/495) 1703 (7:20 am from South Station) 1704 (8:35 am from Forge Park/495) 1705 (9:20 am from South Station) 1706 (10:40 am from Forge Park/495) 2706 (10:40 am from Forge Park/495) 1707 (11:20 am from South Station) 2707 (11:20 am from South Station) 2708 (12:40 pm from Forge Park/495) 1708 (12:40 pm from Forge Park/495) 2709 (1:20 pm from South Station) 1709 (1:20 pm from South Station) 1710 (2:35 pm from Forge Park/495) 2710 (2:35 pm from Forge Park/495) 1711 (3:20 pm from South Station) 2711 (3:20 pm from South Station) 2712 (4:35 pm from Forge Park/495) 1712 (4:35 pm from Forge Park/495) 2713 (5:20 pm from South Station) 1713 (5:20 pm from South Station) 2714 (6:35 pm from Forge Park/495) 1714 (6:35 pm from Forge Park/495) 1715 (7:20 pm from South Station) 2715 (7:20 pm from
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Fall/Winter schedules take effect on October 29
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MBTA Commuter Alert: Franklin Line shuttle bus for Friday night, and weekend; fall/winter schedule Oct 29 |
In the News: FHS preparing for Rolling Stones tribute concert; self-serve gas coming to Milford
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181015/franklin-high-to-roll-with-stones
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181015/milford-gas-stations-now-allowed-self-serve
"The golden age of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well at the Franklin High School as the band, orchestra, and chorus rehearse for the upcoming Rolling Stones tribute concert.
Last year, the school hired a Beatles cover band to rock the class out to the new year, but now they’re shifting the rock spectrum to their 60s competitors, The Rolling Stones. On Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Franklin High School, a Rolling Stones cover band will be rocking out for the school’s benefit. A few of their songs will also be accompanied by the Franklin high school, band, chorus, and orchestra.
Last year’s BeatleMania concert raised about $5,000 from the community, and they’re hoping to attract the same attention this year.
Music director at the Franklin High School, Diane Plouffe, said money from the show will be put towards their major trip, which occurs every four years. Plouffe said that BeatleMania was such a big success last year, and they were hoping for a similar outcome through their efforts."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181015/franklin-high-to-roll-with-stones
Classic Stones Live |
Tickets at Shaw's Markets or online via Purplepass
When using purplepass, go direct to
"Drivers stopping in Milford will soon be able to pump their own gas, thanks to overwhelming approval from Town Meeting members Monday night.
“In 2018, we live in an automatic world,” resident R.J. Sheedy said. “I don’t know why, in an automatic world, we would not accept self-service gas stations in town.”
The town has been the longtime home of full-serve-only gas stations, meaning an attendant pumps your gas."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181015/milford-gas-stations-now-allowed-self-serve
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