Franklin High School is where it is at on Wednesday, April 24: Art around the world & Joint Meeting on Possible Override

• 
  Art Around the World, a  fun family and free event is scheduled for the 5:30 to 7:30 PM
   

You can listen to the conversation about the kid friendly (and did we say, “Free”) Create Art Around the World scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1158-fhs-nahs-create-art-round-the-world-03-07-24

• Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg for an Operational Override Discussion April 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM until ??

The agenda was posted by the Town Council/Town Administration. The post from the School Committee/School District also adds a survey form to solicit questions and/or comments in advance of the meeting.

Meeting Agenda

1. Introduction from the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee

2. Presentation

a. Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and Superintendent of Schools, Lucas Giguere

3. Discussion & Public Hearing

a. To discuss the public opinion of an operational override

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote viewing info (No Zoom participation, only YouTube and cable viewing) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-04-24_town_council_school_committee_agenda_.pdf

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel is available via cable or YouTube

• Comcast 9
• Verizon 29
• YouTube ->  http://bit.ly/43lBwVE

Question and/or comment link ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqX7WYOkT2nuhXQbYaIEF8q_0_Lbz2PUIx9WSn8-xKd5Ynsw/viewform

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

Comcast subscribers in Franklin: Today, the Franklin TV Channels are changing their line up

From Franklin TV:

Our Public Access channel (on Comcast 6) offers full production support for local TV programs created by your Franklin friends and neighbors (or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel (on Comcast 8) covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel (on Comcast 9) covers Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

Again, our local P/E/G programming, normally on Comcast 8/96/11, will move to Comcast 6/8/9, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. 

Verizon channels 26/28/29 and our YouTube streams are not affected.

Comcast subscribers in Franklin: Today, the Franklin TV Channels are changing their line up

Comcast subscribers in Franklin: the Franklin TV Channels are changing on August 29, 2023

From Franklin TV:

Our Public Access channel (on Comcast 6) offers full production support for local TV programs created by your Franklin friends and neighbors (or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel (on Comcast 8) covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel (on Comcast 9) covers Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

Again, our local P/E/G programming, normally on Comcast 8/96/11, will move to Comcast 6/8/9, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. 

Verizon channels 26/28/29 and our YouTube streams are not affected.

Comcast subscribers in Franklin: the Franklin TV Channels are changing on August 29, 2023

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

The Comcast Franklin TV Channels are Changing - Aug 29, 2023

A new P/E/G channel lineup for Comcast viewers.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/27/2023

On Tuesday August 29 Comcast will change our P/E/G channels lineup. Only Comcast customers are affected. Verizon and YouTube streams are not affected. This is a technical change that Comcast is making. They are moving our programs to TV channels that are being vacated by other services.

P/E/G is a shorthand acronym for our three local cable TV channels:

Our Public Access channel (on Comcast 6) offers full production support for local TV programs created by your Franklin friends and neighbors (or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel (on Comcast 8) covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel (on Comcast 9) covers Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

Comcast Franklin TV Channels

Again, our local P/E/G programming, normally on Comcast 8/96/11, will move to Comcast 6/8/9, on Tuesday, August 29th. Verizon channels 26/28/29 and our YouTube streams are not affected.

While there may be a bit of confusion through September, the channel reassignments place our local channels squarely within the Boston area TV station lineup. These changes will likely prove to be beneficial for Comcast customers (and for us) in the long run.

As we so often say on TV – Stay tuned. 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin TV: Changing Comcast Channels

A new P/E/G channel lineup for Comcast viewers.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/13/2023

On August 29th Comcast will change our P/E/G channels lineup. Only Comcast customers will be affected. Verizon and YouTube streams are not affected.

This is a technical change that Comcast is making. They are moving two of our program services to lower channels that are being vacated by other services.

P/E/G is a shorthand acronym for our three local cable TV channels:

Our Public Access channel offers full production support for local cable TV programs produced by your Franklin neighbors and friends ( or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel covers several evening Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

While Comcast’s final channel assignments are still under consideration, we anticipate that our local P/E/G programming which appears on Comcast channels 8, 96, 11 will move to Comcast 6, 8, and 9, starting on August 29th.

Again, Verizon and our YouTube streams are not affected.

While there may be a bit of confusion through September, ultimately the channel reassignment do place all our local channels squarely within the Boston area TV station lineup. These changes will likely prove to be slightly beneficial for Comcast customers (and for us) over the long run.

More details about the 8/29 channel changes to come as they are made available. Stay tuned.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

"A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony" - Franklin TV schedule for week of 12/19/22

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony was held at the Temple Etz Chaim on Sunday, Dec 11, 2022. 

Hosted by Rabbi Tom Alpert, moderated by Rabbi Elise Winick, and instigated by jamele adams and less than 20 people participated in person. Due to technical difficulty it was not available via live stream as planned. The video was recorded by Franklin TV for future broadcast and replay.

The audio recording runs 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Conversation of Hope Dec 11, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-896-a-conversation-of-hope-12-11-22

The replay is available this week

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26)

TUESDAY = 7:00 am Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony WEDNESDAY = 6:00 pm Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony FRIDAY = 7:30 am Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony

L-R: jamele adams, Rabbi Elise Winick, Rabbi Tom Alpert

Watch the FHS Class of 2022 Graduation today

If you want to watch the Class of 2022 graduation at 7:00 PM today, there are several options to do so.

You can watch the live broadcast

• on the Franklin Pride EDU channel, via Comcast 96,  or via Verizon 28.
• on Franklin TV live stream  available at   https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/franklintv/video/61d5c56c98c2200008a35d58?page=HOME&type=live
• or with the Franklin TV YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of4NzEJWZj0&list=PLfmIkAj28lU8TpDLOIvu4NrlL-PdQoXu_&index=2

Watch the FHS Class of 2022 Graduation today

FHS girls basketball game scheduled for live stream/cable broadcast - 3:30 PM

FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) tweeted Fri, Mar 11, 2022:

For anyone who can't make it to the Girls BB game tomorrow in Springfield, you may watch it on Franklin.TV. 

Go to https://t.co/0XREXRHzrE and click the button for 'Pride TV'. 

If you have cable, tune in to either Comcast Ch 96 or Verizon Ch 28, depending on your cable provider.

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1502368470616449024

FHS girls basketball game scheduled for live stream/cable broadcast

FHS Panthers

Boston Globe: "What to do about your cable bill"

"Last year, I got tired of paying Comcast $14 a month to rent a modem and router, especially because the Wi-Fi service I got at home was so spotty. So I purchased my own modem and router for $290.

I now have better Wi-Fi and lower monthly cable bills. What I am saving monthly will soon exceed the cost of my new equipment. After that, it will be like getting a $14 discount every month.

I continued, however, to pay a very steep price to rent three digital adapters, which I need for the three “extra” TVs in my house. In December, Comcast hiked the fee for each adapter to $8.50. How can I justify paying $25.50 a month for adapters to TVs my wife and I only occasionally use?

I can’t. And so began my long-overdue quest to free myself of those infernal adapters, spurred on by Comcast’s latest round of price increases. I finally figured it out, and I will soon be rid of them. In the process, I realized cutting cable altogether isn’t such a scary prospect, even for a somewhat technophobic baby boomer like me."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/15/business/angry-that-your-cable-bill-went-up-again-heres-how-save/

A man holding a television remote.CHRIS RATCLIFFE/BLOOMBERG

“There isn’t anything more local than a public access studio"

"If you’re one of many people in the United States who has decided to do away with cable in the last few years — or never had it to begin with — you’re not alone. 

But the exodus is cutting in to the revenue that makes certain services possible. Specifically, Public, Education and Government channels, or PEG channels. 

What are PEG channels? 

Parents who have tuned in to school committee meetings to scope out reopening plans or residents who’ve watched city council meetings for updates on construction projects— or done so after the fact — likely have PEG channels to thank. 

“If you put on your local government channel, and you watch it, I call it the best reality on television,” said Scott Mercer, executive director of Access Framingham, the nonprofit that runs the PEG channels in Framingham. “We are the ones who maintain and produce and support the citizens of Framingham to have a television station.”

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2021/11/01/cutting-cord-cable-tv-has-bigger-implications-than-you-may-think/8539447002/

“There isn’t anything more local than a public access studio"

Candidates Night - Oct 14, 2021 - 7 PM

MEET THE CANDIDATES

DATE:   THURSDAY, October 14 

PLACE:           Municipal Building
  355 East Central St., 2nd Floor
  Council Chambers

TIME: 7:00  PM

Tune in via Franklin TV – Channel 29 (Verizon) or Channel 11 (Comcast) 

Download copy of flyer for reference or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TfqHaVeAJJjxULlxfiZLK5GnQBnaPDP/view?usp=sharing

The Franklin Observer has more details on this events format by sharing a letter sent to all the candidates:

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/45481/candidates-night-meet-candidates-thursday-night

Candidates Night - Oct 14, 2021 - 7 PM

Attention Senior Citizens - Comcast Discount Available

Senior Citizen Comcast Discount

Attention Franklin Seniors 65+!  You may be eligible for a monthly discount on your Comcast bill.  

"Comcast offers a $2.00 per month on off its monthly “Extra” Service Level or that Digital Level of Service"

Please find more information and the form to apply for the discount posted here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_senior_citizen_discount_form_for_comcast.pdf 

Attention Senior Citizens - Comcast Discount Available

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

More Open, More Engagement.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/07/2021

Per Massachusetts Open Meeting Laws, many communities have their government meetings televised on a dedicated cable channel. In Franklin, it’s Town Hall TV on Comcast 11 and Verizon 29.
 

Back in 2019 BP – (Before Pandemic) we covered the following meetings regularly: 

• M - Planning Board
• T -  School Committee
• W -  Town Council
• T - Conservation Commission – or – Zoning Board of Appeals Finance Committee

Recently, we’ve added:

• Economic Development Committee Town Administrator’s Review Budget Subcommittee
• Community Preservation Committee – Their inaugural meeting was last week.  
• Candidates’ Forum – Special meetings for Town Council Elections 
• Agriculture Commission – May begin soon with a limited series.
  

Check this week’s schedule of live and replay meetings on our last page.

Today we also stream the government channel meetings live on our website. Just click on the Town Hall TV logo. Past meetings are searchable on demand as well.

Adding our live Zoom connection has been a real game chan– um, a meeting changer. Our government meetings, whether originating in town Chambers or remotely, Zoom makes citizen participation possible and convenient. What you see over Zoom is very much like what you see at home on TV, but you can participate easily. Just remember your Zoom etiquette. Please keep your microphone muted until you are addressed by the meeting chairperson during the public portion of the meeting. Place your computer in a quiet location that is well lit. Note that because you can see everyone – everyone can also see you.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

or for archive purposes   https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XtEe_HZCYR-CVu4GYw6eqWIscn2jHu5/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

Boston Globe: MA "lawmakers oppose Comcast’s plan to charge home Internet users extra"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Dozens of Massachusetts lawmakers are calling on Comcast to rescind its plan to charge home Internet users extra fees for exceeding monthly “data caps.”

“We strongly urge Comcast to discontinue this plan, and to reconsider any future attempts at imposing a data cap,” 71 state senators and representatives said in a letter to Comcast this week.

Subscribers to Comcast’s Xfinity home broadband service will have to pay extra if they use more than 1.2 terabytes of data per month. While the new fees will technically take effect Jan. 1, Comcast is waiving them for several months to prepare customers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/31/business/mass-lawmakers-warn-comcast-new-data-caps/ 

FM #406 Town Council Mtg - P2 of 3 - 12/02/20 (audio)

FM #406 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 406 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full four hour plus meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the first public hearing on the tax rate and subsequent votes to approve 14.65% as the rate for FY 2021 (1 hour and 5 minutes)
• Second - covers two of the public hearings; the Comcast contract renewal for 10 years, and the bylaw fee adjustment to reduce the fees for next year only to help the local restaurants during this COVID-19 pandemic period (36 mins)
• Third - covers the presentation on the spear phishing incident through to the meeting close. There was a 4 minute recess during this segment, I did remove most of the silence to reduce the time for this segment (where I could) (2 hours and 17 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Dec 2, 2020. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8e5fe663-ef08-47af-8d56-36b299ea74c1 

--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/12-02-2020_town_council_agenda.pdf
 
Agenda details with individual documents  
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

Spear phishing update folder
https://franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-comcast-contract.html  

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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!

------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen address the Council on the Comcast contract and bylaw fee adjustment

Town Council Meeting: Comcast contract, Spear phishing update, tax rate set

Quick Recap:

• Acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello reminds folks of the election Dec 5 
• Discussion on election 'rules' raised during citizen comments - debunked in Council discussion later, there are MA MGL and US voting rights statues but not the '30 page or rules doc mentioned'
• tax rate hearing was held. rate set at 14.65, a .14 cent increase of last year. The rate is a calculation that allows only a decision on a single rate or dual. Franklin is not in a position to use a dual rate so the Council voted for a single rate. The rest is a math exercise. I'll simplify the analysis later.
• Comcast cable contract came up for renewal, new one has a ten year term (good for us) as it enables Franklin to chose between Verizon or Comcast (or 'cut the cord'). Almost 5,000 user for Comcast in Franklin. One of the cable fees on both the Verizon and Comcast bill is what funds the Franklin TV cable operations (and coincidently an item on the agenda Weds was the quarterly transfer of funds from Verizon through Town of Franklin to Franklin TV - purely a pass through for accounting purposes)
• The bylaw to provide a reduction in license renewals for restaurants was approved at this second reading. It costs the Town approx. $13K in 'lost revenue' but will help each of the business in this pandemic period.
• Insights on the cyber theft incident were provided (finally) as the investigation (still ongoing) had developed enough info to be able to share. It was a target attack to the Treasurer/Collector over two months of email that led to a change in the processing of a payment that resulted in the diversion of funds. It was discovered in Sept when the real legitimate vendor came looking for their promised payment that had not been received. 
• The individual was suspended, salary reduced and will maintain position as this (while a significant mistake) was the only blemish on her work
• At one point in the meeting she stood up to apologize publicly (well done) 
• The investigation continues. The Town has obtained $200K from insurance to cover the loss. 
• The balance will come from the emergency fund within the water enterprise account (already set aside for emergencies - usually for broken water mains)
• There is a possibility of recovery of the funds. 
• There is no need to raise rates to cover for the loss
• Procedures were in place for creation of a wire transfer. Procedures will be modified to cover a change in a payment process.
• Additional training on cyber awareness will be conducted. All Town side personnel and School department central office personnel are currently part of this regular training (oddly, teachers (the largest segment of Town employees are not yet covered))
• After the presentation, a combined effort from Technology Director Tim Raposa, Police Chief TJ Lynch, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the Council took a 3 minutes recess before getting into their Q&S and statements
• The presentation doc was posted to the Town page after the meeting. Future updates can be found on the same page  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing

Photos captured and shared via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gpptq8gBudNDT8dx6

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #TC1202
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1202&src=typed_query 

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc1202
• New tagline for those connecting via cable and wanting the Zoom info #tc1202 visible on screen
• Town clerk provides updates on election Dec 5 #tc1202 wheel chair available if necessary. All voting in FHS gym or via mail to the dropbox at municipal building before Saturday
• TC candidate Alan Earls in citizen comment about election law and practices. Is there really a set of rules around the election? Other than the state MGL #tc1202
• Moving to tax classification hearing #tc1202 house values increased 2.8% tax rate increase proposed for .14 cents. Doc with details https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68_0.pdf… TA Jamie Hellen introduces Assessor Kevin Doyle and Board of assessor present
• Annual tax rate setting formally closes out the budget year FY 2021. #tc1202 really only (1) an approval of what the tax calculation comes out as and (2) a decision on single rate. Runs 80/20 residential vs commercial/industrial properties. To move $1 from residents …
• As the pie grows (property values increase) the rate increase is less when the pie shrinks (property values decrease) the tax rate increases #tc1202 this slide shows the option if a dual rate was chosen
• The actual math to support the $1 vs $4 example mentioned earlier
• Council discussion adding clarification around the tax rate. This is an automatic calculation. Based upon the state law and prop 2 1/2 regulations there isn't much choice (aside from the dual tax rate). #tc1202 it is not an arbitrary number
• Motion to close tax classification hearing. Approved 8-0 moving to Legislation on tax rates to close out this portion of the topic. #tc1202 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf…. Motion to approve res 20-68, passes 8-0 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf… same vote to pass res 20-69
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption.pdf… motion passes by 8-0 vote; https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption.pdf…
• Motion passes by 8-0 vote #tc1202
• Next up public hearing on Comcast cable license, renewal for 10 year period, https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10e-legislation-action-28… 4219 customers, 5% allowed for cable access, quarterly payments to help support Franklin TV operations; senior discount available, #tc1202
• TA Jamie Hellen provides overview #tc1202 do we need to commit for 10 year contract? Yes, there are other developments, there are almost 5000 customers here to serve. It is a reflection of the marketplace. It is in our interest to get longest contract.
• Cable attorney provides insights and argument for the long term contract, it is a win-win for Franklin, this meeting and broadcast of it is funded by the contract. If folks aren't happy they can shift to Verizon or cut the service. Enforcing the license is the easy part #tc1202
• The hard part is getting terms that work with both sides. Comcast has committed to a side letter on providing an electric program guide for Community TV. #tc1202 we provide the options Verizon and Comcast are here, competition, and if you cut cable go internet
• Motion to close hearing on cable, 7-1 vote to close hearing (Bissanti?) (Hard to tell who voted no) #tc1202 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/summary_of_franklin_comcast_cable_license_renewal_draft_from_atty_wm_solomon_11.30.20_pdf_2.pdf… res 20-72 vote passes 7-1
• Moving to adjustment to service fees for restaurants, and alcohol license for season 2021 only https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees.pdf… to help the business survive the pandemic. Costs the town approx $13k, second reading. Listing of business impacted in doc link above
• Opened public hearing on bylaw, no comments other than Councilor Hamblen endorsing the move. Hearing closed, motion to approve #tc1202 via roll call 8-0
• Picking back to the agenda, cyber incident now up. #tc1202 there is still an active situation with investigation underway. Resist speculation. Don't make up your own stories of what happen. Personnel matters can not be disclosed
• Tim Raposa, technology director, starting with definitions. As much of what has been mentioned in social media is inaccurate. #tc1202
• #tc1202 slides on definitions
• #tc1202 segmented network with virtual lab areas, a key for security access. You can't get where you shouldn't. Anti-malware is not 100% perfect
• Cyber security training for all users regularly #tc1202 key definition page as we get to phishing and spear phishing
• #tc1202 funds were for the water treatment plant construction underway off Grove St. Town has taken several steps
• Implementation of recovery and prevention started simultaneously in September #tc1202
• #tc1202 we need to tell the agencies about what happened so that they can possibly solve this down the road. Insufficient evidence to pursue a case
• Bonds are not insurance #tc1202
• #tc1202 option to pursue the bond is too expensive. Need 'willful conduct' to pursue.
• Chief Lynch comes to update and give Jamie a water break #tc1202 FPD needs helps as their jurisdiction is Franklin bound. Subpoena and search warrants take time to execute  and hindered by court reduction due to COVID-19
• #tc1202 procedure changes and training (certificate based)
• #tc1202 impressive statement by treasurer collector apologizing for the incident.
• 3 minute recess before getting to council questions and continue the meeting #tc1202
• #tc1202 meeting resumes
• #tc1202 are there chances to get the money back? The investigation is ongoing, I don't want to give a false sense of confidence. Likely not to get it back. We should resist temptation until the case is fully resolved.
• #tc1202 we need to make these trainings stick like the way sexual harassment training sticks.
• #tc1202 new webpage off the Town Administrator page for presentation doc and docs related to this going forward.  https://franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing
• #tc1202 how will training change to accommodate the changes in outside and technology to avoid further phishing events? The training is such that it is part of normal business email.
• #tc1202 there was a lot of info and I'll go back and re-read, was there a comment on the water rate payers vs well water users? Yes, private well not part of enterprise funds. It could be approx. $30. There is no need to raise rates to cover.
• #tc1202 Mercer "I apologize that it took so long to get to the point where we could share what we have tonight"
• Good to see the lights out around town, would be good to get a list of the houses that are festively decorated. Motion to adjourn, passes 8-0. That is all for tonight catch you next time #tc1202 

 audio of the meeting is being prepared to share so you can listen.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Agenda
 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
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. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
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   
None Scheduled
 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled
 

5. APPOINTMENTS   
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
  1  Franklin Tax Classification Hearing
     -   Legislation for Action Items: 10a., 10b., 10c., 10d.
  2  Comcast of Massachusetts II, INC. Cable Television Renewal License 12/2/2020 - 12/1/2030
        Legislation for Action Item: 10e.
  3  Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season
        Legislation for Action Item: 10f.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
Cyber Fraud Spear Phishing Incident: Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen & IT Director, Tim Rapoza
 

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-68: Tax Classification Residential Factor (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf
 

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-69: Tax Classification - Open Space Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-69 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption_0.pdf
 

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-70: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-70 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_0.pdf
 

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-71: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-71 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_0.pdf
 

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-72: Comcast of Massachusetts II, Inc. Cable License Renewal (Motion to approve Resolution 20-72 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-72_cable_0.pdf
 

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-863 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees_0.pdf
 

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-73: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $2,025 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-73 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-73_gift_pd.pdf
 

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-74: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-74 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-74_peg.pdf
 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   
 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS   
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

 

ADJOURN   

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

 

Connection info for this meeting contained in the agenda doc

• Meeting folder  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

 

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020