Let's spend less than ten minutes to find out what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends April 25, 2010.
Time: 6 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 65 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday April 25th.
In this session I'll cover Earth Day activities on Saturday April 17th , Saturday April 24th and look ahead to both the School Committee meeting on April 27th and the Town Council meeting on April 28th
Earth Day on April 17th was not good weather and also the first day of some folks school vacation week so both those factors may have contributed to only about 100 or so folks helping clean up around Franklin. I also was out of town for a wedding on that weekend and unable to participate myself.
The raised garden beds were set up. I did manage to get pictures of those at the Senior Center, ECDC and Charter School on Monday. A link to that posting will be in the show notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html
The Charles River Watershed Cleanup was held on Saturday the 24th. I stopped by Whole Foods Market in Bellingham to see how David Dobrzynski was doing as the local coordinator. He had over 300 folks scattered amongst his area and many good stories to tell. He suggested I head off to the VFW Post 3402 on Pond St where I could see the BSA Venture Crew 22 which had retrieved 125 tires from along Mine Brook.
The details and photos of their great work will be included in the show notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/there-be-tires.html
In preparation for the budget discussion at both the School Committee and Town Council meetings this week, I have a number of items to share:
You may recall that I recorded the budget workshop conducted back in January. The audio recordings and worksheets from each of the budget sections are available here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
The Financial Planning Committee is updating the Long term or 5 Year Plan for presentation at the Council meeting on the 28th. You can review their prior plan here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
I have worked with the Franklin Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri, to compile a comprehensive listing of all the debt exclusion and operational override votes that Franklin has had the opportunity to vote on over the years. The listing is available for your review.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdHp1bjBJSF9sOVY1ZXlERmFPNHkxZnc&hl=en
The School Committee agenda references a discussion on the budget but there are no documents to indicate what options to balance the budget are up for discussion. So if you recall from their meeting on the 13th that everything would be on the table, it still sounds like everything is on the table.
The Town Council agenda includes the update from the Financial Planning Committee and an action item for an override question. The amount itself is open and remains to be determined by the discussion.
These two meetings will be critical to understanding what choice we will have, if we are provided the choice to vote on an override. Word is already on the street that there may not be enough votes for that.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-role-of-town-council.html
If you think you should have an opportunity to vote on an override, then I would suggest that you let the Town Council know or show up to the meeting in person on the 28th.
Whether you are in favor of an override passing or not, having the opportunity to vote on one I think is key!
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
FM #64 - Week ending 4/11/10
This is #64 in the series on what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends April 11, 2010.
Time: 8 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 64 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 11th.
In this session I'll cover the Town Council meeting on April 7th and look ahead to the School Committee meeting on April 13th.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th was interesting on a number of fronts.
1 – Before the Council got into the money items, the Community Health Council provided an update on the teenangels and other activities that the group has been working on since it was created in 2008.
Live reporting - Community Health Council
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=3%2bGOvPeeUt7st8YYQ%2bAj7A%3d%3d
2 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka were scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin. Due to key work at the State House, they were unable to attend. Due to their schedules they may not be able to participate until some time in May.
Jeff Nutting did take the opportunity to provide an update on current Town Budget. Effectively, with $1.8 million expected as a revenue increase within the Prop 2 ½ limits, State Aid dropping about $1.2 million, the net available ($600,000) is just about wiped out by the increase in Franklin's portion of the Tri-Country Regional assessment ($550,000).
After some discussion, the override word was broached. It will be a topic for the April 28th meeting agenda.
Live reporting - budget update
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=acp9hQto1Evo3UgpBvTlEA%3d%3d
Budget workshop
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
Long term or 5 Year Plan
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
3 – Several items on the Legislation for action created conversations. One item in particular had minimal discussion (had they already talked it out in the prior two meetings?) the Council voted 6-2 to approve the Charter Changes. Vallee was absent and Jones and Zollo voted no.
In the grand scheme of things, the real vote will come in November. Hopefully, the documentation that will be provided to the voters will be more detailed and clear about what the changes are and why the changes should be made so we can all make an informed vote.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=KNpCzsOI59gV07XYPOcaAg%3d%3d
$2 m from 'free cash” from FY 2009 was approved to spend on capital requirements. The Council also approved setting aside $100,000 to start a fund for a fire engine replacement. This is a small step towards a “real” capital budget.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=uka1H3JJJ8DSkcg1NVdVJQ%3d%3d
Then the sewer extension request for 148 Washington St got real interesting. In my reading of the prepared materials, the situation seemed simple enough. A property currently in tax/title hold would be purchased and then split into two single family residences. As the location is up on the high side just before i495, they were requesting to extend the sewer line 258' to provide service. Unfortunately the Town Engineer had not received some key information, this would be adding service at the wrong point in the sewer system and potentially cause a backup to the system for those residents down stream. The attorney accused the Council of extortion, then retracted the comment. The whole thing should really have been worked out better before hand. Hopefully they will have time to work out the details before it gets to the second reading on April 28th.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=S9FKcnM4ylrouWnQZmQqrg%3d%3d
Thanks to Ken Norman alerting me to a meeting on the raised garden beds being constructed around Franklin on Saturday the 17th. I was able to create the report that has been a big hit this past weekend. Thanks also to Lauren Marciszyn and Amy Cornwall for their contributions to the report.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
There are quite a few healthy activities this week.
What's on your plate is shown Tuesday night.
The Rail Trail committee also meets Tuesday night.
So instead of the watching or attending School Committee meeting you now have some choices.
Walk to School on Weds, Earth Day on Saturday,
You can check the calendar on Franklin Matters for details on these meetings and events. For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
On the food front, Gerry's Place at Tri-County is open to the public from 10:45 AM to 12:30 and offers discounts Tue-Fri through May 28th.
If you haven't stopped by Cafe Dolce yet, congratulate BJ, Dave, and the whole gang there. This week marks the one year anniversary of their grand opening! My how time flies!
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visitFranklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Time: 8 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 64 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 11th.
In this session I'll cover the Town Council meeting on April 7th and look ahead to the School Committee meeting on April 13th.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th was interesting on a number of fronts.
1 – Before the Council got into the money items, the Community Health Council provided an update on the teenangels and other activities that the group has been working on since it was created in 2008.
Live reporting - Community Health Council
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=3%2bGOvPeeUt7st8YYQ%2bAj7A%3d%3d
2 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka were scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin. Due to key work at the State House, they were unable to attend. Due to their schedules they may not be able to participate until some time in May.
Jeff Nutting did take the opportunity to provide an update on current Town Budget. Effectively, with $1.8 million expected as a revenue increase within the Prop 2 ½ limits, State Aid dropping about $1.2 million, the net available ($600,000) is just about wiped out by the increase in Franklin's portion of the Tri-Country Regional assessment ($550,000).
After some discussion, the override word was broached. It will be a topic for the April 28th meeting agenda.
Live reporting - budget update
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=acp9hQto1Evo3UgpBvTlEA%3d%3d
Budget workshop
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
Long term or 5 Year Plan
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
3 – Several items on the Legislation for action created conversations. One item in particular had minimal discussion (had they already talked it out in the prior two meetings?) the Council voted 6-2 to approve the Charter Changes. Vallee was absent and Jones and Zollo voted no.
In the grand scheme of things, the real vote will come in November. Hopefully, the documentation that will be provided to the voters will be more detailed and clear about what the changes are and why the changes should be made so we can all make an informed vote.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=KNpCzsOI59gV07XYPOcaAg%3d%3d
$2 m from 'free cash” from FY 2009 was approved to spend on capital requirements. The Council also approved setting aside $100,000 to start a fund for a fire engine replacement. This is a small step towards a “real” capital budget.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=uka1H3JJJ8DSkcg1NVdVJQ%3d%3d
- The Town share for the Parmenter Solar Project was approved. \
- Two transactions to fund assistance for the Board of Assessors annual real estate property evaluation were approved.
- The by-law amendment to simplify the process for wetlands approvals passed.
Then the sewer extension request for 148 Washington St got real interesting. In my reading of the prepared materials, the situation seemed simple enough. A property currently in tax/title hold would be purchased and then split into two single family residences. As the location is up on the high side just before i495, they were requesting to extend the sewer line 258' to provide service. Unfortunately the Town Engineer had not received some key information, this would be adding service at the wrong point in the sewer system and potentially cause a backup to the system for those residents down stream. The attorney accused the Council of extortion, then retracted the comment. The whole thing should really have been worked out better before hand. Hopefully they will have time to work out the details before it gets to the second reading on April 28th.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=S9FKcnM4ylrouWnQZmQqrg%3d%3d
Thanks to Ken Norman alerting me to a meeting on the raised garden beds being constructed around Franklin on Saturday the 17th. I was able to create the report that has been a big hit this past weekend. Thanks also to Lauren Marciszyn and Amy Cornwall for their contributions to the report.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
There are quite a few healthy activities this week.
What's on your plate is shown Tuesday night.
The Rail Trail committee also meets Tuesday night.
So instead of the watching or attending School Committee meeting you now have some choices.
Walk to School on Weds, Earth Day on Saturday,
You can check the calendar on Franklin Matters for details on these meetings and events. For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
On the food front, Gerry's Place at Tri-County is open to the public from 10:45 AM to 12:30 and offers discounts Tue-Fri through May 28th.
If you haven't stopped by Cafe Dolce yet, congratulate BJ, Dave, and the whole gang there. This week marks the one year anniversary of their grand opening! My how time flies!
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visitFranklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
FM #63 - Week Ending 4/4/10
This is #63 in the series. Let's take less than 10 minutes to find out what matters in Franklin, MA as the week comes to a close on April 4th, 2010.
Time: 4 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 63 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 4th.
In this session I cover the Financial Planning Committee meeting that occurred March 31 and look ahead to the Town Council meeting on April 7th.
You should recall that the Financial Planning Committee is the one chartered as a subcommittee of the Town Council to put together the long term or five year financial plan for Franklin. The committee prepared their first report last year.
You can view that here.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
The group is focused on updating the report with current numbers. They are concerned about showing where the numbers have changed, and why, against the baseline forecast. The forecast for this year is remarkably close to where we were predicted to be overall.
They also need to review the proposed action items and show what progress has been made on them. While much progress has been made (I'll leave it to the report to provide the details), the financial situation still requires action. The choice is to continue to cut services or raise taxes to maintain the level of service we have reached.
I know the “o” word is very sensitive but there should be a discussion about our priorities. There should also be a choice provided to the voters.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th will be a good one on a number of fronts.
1 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka are scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin.
2 – Jeff Nutting should have the opportunity to provide an update on what this means for the overall Town Budget. As you may recall, the School budget proposed to increase 2.2 M. Technically, they can't call it a “level service” budget as they are adding back the late bus. Word has it that they should be looking more at a level funded budget at best.
3 – Wording on the Charter changes has been finalized so now the Council will get to discuss it again before deciding to send it forward or not. If it does go to the legislature, the charter changes still will come back to Franklin for the registered voters to have a vote and accept or reject.
For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Time: 4 minutes, 53 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 63 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Sunday April 4th.
In this session I cover the Financial Planning Committee meeting that occurred March 31 and look ahead to the Town Council meeting on April 7th.
You should recall that the Financial Planning Committee is the one chartered as a subcommittee of the Town Council to put together the long term or five year financial plan for Franklin. The committee prepared their first report last year.
You can view that here.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
The group is focused on updating the report with current numbers. They are concerned about showing where the numbers have changed, and why, against the baseline forecast. The forecast for this year is remarkably close to where we were predicted to be overall.
They also need to review the proposed action items and show what progress has been made on them. While much progress has been made (I'll leave it to the report to provide the details), the financial situation still requires action. The choice is to continue to cut services or raise taxes to maintain the level of service we have reached.
I know the “o” word is very sensitive but there should be a discussion about our priorities. There should also be a choice provided to the voters.
The Town Council meeting on April 7th will be a good one on a number of fronts.
1 – Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka are scheduled to provide a legislative update on the Chapter 70 and other state aid coming to Franklin.
2 – Jeff Nutting should have the opportunity to provide an update on what this means for the overall Town Budget. As you may recall, the School budget proposed to increase 2.2 M. Technically, they can't call it a “level service” budget as they are adding back the late bus. Word has it that they should be looking more at a level funded budget at best.
3 – Wording on the Charter changes has been finalized so now the Council will get to discuss it again before deciding to send it forward or not. If it does go to the legislature, the charter changes still will come back to Franklin for the registered voters to have a vote and accept or reject.
For the full schedule of Franklin Meetings, check out the town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_MeetingsCal/?formid=158
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
- If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
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