Monday, May 6, 2019

Two key MBTA projects delayed with commuter rail impact

On the MBTA front, there are two reports with delays in projects
"The MBTA’s $700 million effort to convert to all-electronic fare collection is behind schedule, a blow to a high-profile project that the agency has cast as a near silver-bullet solution to many of its service problems and pricing limitations. 
Officials declined to specify how long it will now take to implement the fare system, originally scheduled for completion in 2021, nor are they saying exactly what has gone wrong. But the delays apparently involve technology issues with the T’s vendor, as well as difficult policy decisions, such as how to conduct random fare checks that the new system will require."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/05/03/key-mbta-fare-system-delayed/MLo5h5jRYQROLxyhhPypFP/story.html

And earlier last week, there was also a delay announced with the implementation of the new PTC system.
"Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials are worried the agency will miss a key deadline to install a federally required safety system on the commuter rail, with testing of the long-planned system delayed by an equipment issue. 
The new positive train control system, known as PTC, uses a high-tech network to ensure trains don’t collide. The $459 million project was supposed to be fully installed and operational by the end of next year, but hardware and software problems could threaten that timeline, officials told the MBTA’s governing board Monday. 
The key problem is faulty equipment, built by the international conglomerate Siemens, a subcontractor on the project, that is designed to relay information about train locations and speeds."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/04/29/equipment-problems-hampering-key-safety-project-mbta-commuter-rail/kVFOmAsBpODDQosSiLZ6mL/story.html


How does the automated fare collection system work for commuter rail?
"on the commuter rail, passengers would tap into the system before they board trains and tap out when they reach their destination, so the T can calculate the distance-based fares."
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/19/the-mbta-has-million-plan-change-way-you-pay-for-rides/f1QQZDfPHnozcyBGyHSWPI/story.html?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link

Two key MBTA projects delayed
Two key MBTA projects delayed

What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?

Inquiring minds might ask "How do we avoid letting so many teachers go and raise school fees?" The town budget is balanced to meet expected revenue. The only way to increase the expected revenue is for the majority of the voters to agree to do so. 


"PLACING QUESTIONS BEFORE VOTERS
Proposition 2½ questions are placed on an election ballot by vote of the "local
appropriating body," which is defined in towns as the selectboard, not town meeting. In
towns without selectboards, a vote of the town council is required to present a question to
the electorate. In cities, a vote of the city council, with the mayor's approval where
required by law, is needed. G.L. c. 59, § 21C(a).

This is the only way an override or exclusion question may be placed on the ballot. They
may not be placed on the ballot by a town meeting vote or any local initiative procedure
authorized by law. A local initiative procedure, however, may be used as an alternative
method of placing an underride question on the ballot.

The board or council must vote the question exactly as it will appear on the ballot.


ELECTION PROCEDURE
Proposition 2½ questions may be placed on a regular or special municipal election ballot.

Questions may also be placed on the state biennial election ballot. However, those
questions must be submitted to the Secretary of State for certification by the first
Wednesday in August preceding the election. G.L. c. 59, § 21C(i).

The usual laws and procedures relating to municipal elections apply. The municipal clerk
must receive written notice of the question being placed on the ballot at least 35 days
before the date of the election. G.L. c. 54, § 42C. The vote to place a question on the
ballot must take place in sufficient time to meet this advance notice requirement.

A city or town may present Proposition 2½ questions to the voters as many times during
the year as it chooses. The only constraint on the interval between these elections is the
time needed to call and hold each election.

The Office of the Secretary of State is responsible for administering and enforcing
election laws. Specific questions about the application of these laws to Proposition 2½
elections should be directed to the Elections Division of that office at 617-727-2828."



Additional info on the process can be found in the Division of Local Services (DLS) bulletin which is part of the MA Dept of Revenue (DOR). 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/07/31/prop2.pdf?_ga=2.5588468.630711474.1557137379-1789922467.1514424883

DOR also has a series of short videos to explain the process
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/proposition-2-12-and-tax-rate-process

What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?
What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 8, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2019

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_may_8_2019_1.pdf

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of May 8, 2019

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 24, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Franklin Cultural District, Roberta DeBaggis Trahan
6. HEARINGS
None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer Winery, Farmers Market
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, State Representative Jeffrey Roy
b. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Proposal
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-31: Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-31- Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 19-838: Amendment to the Franklin Town Code at Ch.153 Stormwater Management- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-838- Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 19-841: Municipal Service Fees- Ten Day Recycling Sticker- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-841- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Executive Session


None scheduled
15. ADJOURN
Water/sewer line work underway on Dean Ave
Water/sewer line work underway on Dean Ave

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019

Sunday, May 5

9:00 -12:00: FPAC 5K and 1 mile Fun Run at THE BLACK BOX ($10/$25)
The first annual Franklin Performing Arts Company Road Race will begin and end at THE BLACK BOX. Along the route, runners will be entertained and encouraged by sidewalk art created by student artists. THE BLACK BOX theater will feature face painting, finish line sign- making for children, and a celebration with live music in the theater lobby. 
Race start time is 10:00 a.m. Race fees: 5K: $25 advance, $35 day-of; Fun Run: $10 advance, $15 day-of.
Runner check-in 9:00. Free activities begin 10:00. 
Register: www.fpaconline.com

10:00 - 2:00: Throwing Seeds mural painting at Franklin Agway (FREE) Come watch farmer and artist Tyler Harris create a mural on Agway's fence as he interprets the phrase “Throwing Seeds”. Tyler grew up in Franklin and is now the manager of a farm in Dartmouth Mass.

12:00 - 2:00: The Art of Canning Pickles at Franklin Agway (FREE)
You can enjoy the taste of summer year round by learning how to preserve vegetables at their peak ripeness. Learn where and when to get your fresh produce at Franklin's local farms as well as how to make your own pickles! Stir & chop, or just watch. Learn the lost culinary art of canning. It's fun and yummy! Outdoor event; weather permitting.

1:30 - 2:15: NoteAble Blend concert at the Franklin Public Library (FREE) NoteAble Blend, an energetic women's barbershop chorus, will perform an a cappella performance, including a fun and lively description of the four parts of barbershop.

1:30 - 5:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

3:00 - 3:45: NoteAble Blend concert at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) NoteAble Blend, an energetic women's barbershop chorus, will perform an a cappella performance, including a fun and lively description of the four parts of barbershop.

Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019
Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019

"when you’re picking a school you have to be picking it for more than just sports"

Elizabeth Clark, student and writer for Pantherbook, recently published an interview with Kristi Kirshe.

"Every athlete imagines having successes in high school, college, and eventually the big stage of either professional sports or Olympic sports. For one Panther alumna, she had successes in high school, collegiately, and is now taking the Olympic stage, in a way many wouldn’t expect. 
Kristi Kirshe, FHS Class of 2013, will play for the USA Rugby team. In high school, she was a Gatorade Player of the Year for soccer, and a standout in basketball and lacrosse as well. She went on to play soccer at Williams College, where she was the all-time leading scorer of goals in a season (18), career goals (43), and career points (114). After college, she missed being a competitive athlete and got involved in rugby. I recently got a chance to talk to her about her successes in high school, college, and now her involvement in rugby."
Continue reading the interview with Kristi
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2019/05/03/fhs-alumni-kristi-kirshe-to-the-olympics/

Kristi Kirshe
Kristi Kirshe (US Rugby photo)

Panther TV: Interview with Paul Peri

If you have ever wanted to know a little more about Paul Peri, the principal at Franklin High School, this video will either answer some of your questions, or raise other for you to ask Paul when you see him next.

Thanks Panther TV!




For additional Panther TV videos, check out their page on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC97g5EtUvUnrmRU50srGOew


Franklin Cultural District: Dedication Celebration - May 10

Dear Cultural District Partners,

The Town of Franklin and the Franklin Cultural District Committee are honored to announce the Dedication Celebration of Franklin’s Cultural District. The festivities will begin with a formal Dedication Ceremony at the Franklin Historical Museum on Friday, May 10, at 3:30 PM. The Dedication Ceremony will be followed by a celebration at THE BLACK BOX, which will include light refreshments and entertainment. All are welcome to attend.

We would also like to remind you of our upcoming Partners' Meeting on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 PM. This meeting will be held in the Franklin Public Library community room.

We hope to see you all at these upcoming events.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee

Franklin Cultural District: Dedication Celebration - May 10
Franklin Cultural District: Dedication Celebration - May 10