FM #600 - Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 08/31/21 (audio)

FM #600 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 600 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on August 31, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• Protocol set for COVID-19 exposure

• Public health nurse update

• Metacomet Shared Service grant update

• Tune it out program update

• New podcast coming - “The Topic”

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f09f57cc-916a-403b-9ba7-a04a3420c2bd

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Health Dept. page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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/  or www.franklin.news/

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

 

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty

GATRA Launches Innovative On-Demand Share Service - Dec 15

Passengers Can Book Same Day Trips Through Smartphone App 

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Agency (GATRA) is excited to announce the launch of GATRA GO United a flexible and dynamic on-demand microtransit service to operate within the towns of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham. 

Similar to ride-hailing services, GATRA GO United uses a smartphone app for riders to schedule customized curb-to-curb microtransit trips. A vehicle will pick up riders and drop them off wherever they wish to travel within the service boundaries. Along the way the shuttle may pick up other passengers who also request a ride (With COVID-19 social distancing protocols in place). This service is wheelchair accessible and all drivers are trained and certified using state and federal guidelines. 

This pilot program will operate within the towns of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham as well as portions of the towns of Bellingham and Plainville connecting employment locations, medical facilities and recreational locales. 

The service will start on December 15, 2020 and will be operated on a pilot basis. It will be free through the month of January. The service area map can be found on the GATRA GO United app or on our website, www.gatra.org/gatra-go 

GATRA is partnering with National Express, one of the largest private transportation contractors in the United States and the current operator of GATRA's services in the Franklin and Norfolk Areas. The new service is powered by Next Connect, a new mobility platform developed by National Express in cooperation with Spare, a leading on-demand Transit software provider. 

The new on-demand microtransit service will replace the fixed route bus service in these four towns with a solution that will enhance transportation options for all. To use the new ride share program passengers first need to download the free GATRA GO United app on their smart phone and then request a ride. 

Following a GATRA GO request, the microtransit app will provide passengers with an estimated pick up time, track the bus in real time and alert the person when their ride is about to arrive. GATRA GO United customers do not have to download the app, same day rides can also be requested by calling 800-698-7676. 

Wait time for service pick up will be subject to vehicle availability. GATRA realizes the importance of greater accessibility and mobility in this region and strives to work with their communities to fill public transportation gaps.

https://www.gatra.org/gatra-go-united/ starts Dec 15, 2020

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Re-opening

• Election

• Recap/set up

• Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting; 

• #thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23

• EDC/ MAPC 

• Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled

• MECC grant

• Senior center office hours 8/20

• Councilor Earls leaves for law school

The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h

 

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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"

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)

My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 5/20/20 #tc0520 Dellorco absent, other 8 Councilors present
• Motion to approve Apr 15 meeting minutes, passed via roll call. 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent) #tc0520
• Memorial Day parade and breakfast cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Film being edited for broadcast on Franklin TV. #tc0520
• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
• Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
• Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf

Animal Control

• Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
• Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers

Franklin Food Pantry

• Next up, Franklin Food Pantry, Lynn Calling and Tina Powderly talking about the new building and updates due to the pandemic requirements #tc0520 intro by TA Jamie Hellen
• Presentation copy per agenda from Franklin Food Pantry https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._franklin_food_pantry.pdf. #tc0520 in a normal BCE before coronavirus era there were about 9 new folks, last month 80. Changed from shopping experience to drive through pickup during this time
• Lynn Calling says seeing a familiar face (albeit masked) is important to the pantry clients, approx 60-80 per day drive through to get 5000 lbs/week. Hopefully to be in new building by summer of 2021 #tc0520 a capital campaign to be launched soon to help fund the building
• Empty Bowls would have celebrated the dinner May 7, they will go virtual during a week in June, approx 200 bowls made by students for this fund raising effort. #tc0520 listen to the students talk about empty bowls https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html
• The father daughter group mentioned during the meeting building garden beds, VFJ renovations was interviewed recently and you can listen to their story https://franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-261-vfj-renovations-empowering.html?m=1. #tc0520
• The Food Pantry current needs list can be found online at https://franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/. #tc0520
• Tina Powderly takes time to recognize Amy Cataldo as one of the 3 keys to the operation (Lynn, and Sue Kilcoyne) #tc0520

SAFE Coalition

• Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
• SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
• 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
• SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

• Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
• Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
• Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
• Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520

Legislation for Action

• Moving to Legislation for action, first up https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-27_cell_tower_easement.pdf. #tc0520 more of a house cleaning item, "this is an exercise for lawyers" moved, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)
• Next legislation, 2nd reading on plot line changes for Pleasant, Chestnut, Brook Sts. #tc0520 https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._20-853_cestnut_pleasnt_brooke_streets.pdf moved, 2nd, passed 7-0-2 (7 for, 1 absent, 1 recused (Bissanti))
• Next legislation, Water resource district adjustment. Up for 2nd and final approval, https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10c._20-854_water_resource_district.pdf #tc0520 map needed to be updated, moved, 2nd, approved 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)

Town Administrator Update

• Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
• FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
• Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
• Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520

Closing

• Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520

The Twitter treads can be found online  https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click

FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7

screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 20, 2020

Agenda Meeting Date May 20, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.



Link to access meeting: May 20, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE -- Then click “Open Zoom”
Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83267080506
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 832 6708 0506 --Then press #

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

April 15, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Designating the Town of Franklin as a Purple Heart Community
b. American Legion
c. Larry Bederian

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Animal Control Department

b. Franklin Food Pantry

c. SAFE Coalition

d. Metacomet Emergency Communication Center (MECC)

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-27: Cell Tower Easement (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-27 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - Second reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-28: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Franklin Police Sergeants Union employees and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 20-28 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update
b. FY21 Budget Update

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

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-20-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

The agenda packet can also be found in this PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-20-2020_town_council_meeting_packet.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 20, 2020

Regional Dispatch operational this week

"The Franklin Fire Department communications dispatchers have moved to a regional dispatch center. They have moved to the Metacomet Emegency Communications Center located in Norfolk. This now combines police/fire dispatchers from Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, and Franklin.

When calling 911 the call will now be answered at the regional dispatch center in Norfolk. When calling our business line (508-528-2323) you will be routed through a phone tree. Please select the option that best fits.

When visiting either of our Station’s (40 West Central St. & 600 King St.) you will notice an intercom call box inside our main entrance. The call box will be answered at the regional dispatch center. Please note that personnel may be away from the station on a call.

For permits, plan review, and business matters you can stop by our Headquarters (40 West Central St.) during our normal business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you wish to speak with someone regarding a fire prevention related issue then please call our main number (508-528-2323)."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department/urgent-alerts/franklin-fire-department-communications-center-has-moved-regional

Confirmation via Twitter from the Police Dept

Effective at 10am this morning, 911 and dispatch operations for the Franklin Police and Franklin Fire department will switch to the MECC. While this is a monumental change, residents of the Community should not see tremendous impact.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

Residents will still call the same telephone numbers, and if they visit the Police Station during most hours will be greeted by a police officer.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

In the event the Station has to be left unattended, there is an intercom system in the lobby of the building that will connect directly to the MECC where a dispatcher will be able to talk to them, and help.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

As with any change, there may be bumps in the road. The Franklin Police Department is committed to continue to provide the highest level of service to the community. We appreciate your patience if you experience any disruption during the learning phase of this ambitious plan.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

This has been a long time coming and is finally here. How long? The archives can help.

• In 2012, the Town Council voted to approve the process to begin the regionalization efforts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/save-town-money-and-improve-efficiency.html

• In 2013, legislation was passed to allow for the regional center to be organized

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/whats-happening-in-10th-norfolk-district.html

• In 2014, the regional dispatch center received a community challenge grant to help with the organization and planning process

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html

• In 2017, the ground was finally broken for the dispatch center building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/this-is-long-overdue.html

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (Facebook photo)

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Construction on the building continues. We anticipate dispatching our first call in early 2019. Once complete the MECC will operate state of the art systems and equipment to handle the dispatching of police, fire and EMS calls for service for the four communities; Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. We will serve a combined population of just under 66,000 residents (2015 census data) covering 76.7 square miles.

The State 911 Department will begin “text to 911” service of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system later this year. This will enable our call takers to assist with emergency calls with the deaf and hard of hearing population or those who cannot verbally communicate. Remember, “Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t”.

The MECC will staff highly skilled, trained, professional telecommunicators ready to assist, day or night. Rest assured we stand ready to help you in your time of need.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary M Premo
Executive Director



You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports


In the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 16, 2018, we learned that Norfolk construction delays for regional dispatch center will affect Franklin and the budget for an additional three months. It was supposed to begin operation in Jan 2019, and is now scheduled for operation in March (Apr 1 for budgeting purposes). The discussion was to fund an $28K for Police and $70K for Fire to cover the delay.

The Franklin Matters notes from the FinCom meeting Oct 16
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/live-reporting-finance-committee-oct-16.html

Facebook photo for MECC  https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/?nr

Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council

Live reporting from #FinComm0424 meeting: Conley, Dowd, Heumpher, Dugout, Weich, Fleming present. Schools budget up first

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

Questions on use of revolving funds for school budget, enrollment down K-8 up at HS, school choice funds continue to decline as that is not open. #fincomm0424

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

Several questions were asked on the use of the revolving funds by the schools to balance the school budget. As you listen to the questions and answers, sometimes it appears that the answer was to another point or to one of the points in the question not to another.

The revolving funds used by the school budget are similar in that to the enterprise funds used by the Town. Fees are collected for a specific purpose (busing, or lunch, on the school side vs. water and sewer on the Town side). Expenses are paid out of the fees to enable the service to be self sustaining.

The questions get at how the revolving funds had accumulated such a balance as to be used last year, and this year for the budget. If the questions were not completely answered to your satisfaction, you may have another chance during the Town Council budget hearings on May 16 and May 17.

The School Committee budget page provides a summary of the various revolving funds.

"The following pages provide an explanation and financial status of the revolving funds
maintained by the District. All balances are as of June 30th in each fiscal year with a year-to-date amount for the current year."

http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/23.%20Revolving%20Accounts.pdf

Details on the school budget can be found on their budget page
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/index

Technology next up, simpler as it covers licenses and maintenance for the hardware and software used, consolidation of printing within one budget rather than an increase for this Dept. #fincomm0424

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

Police Dept up next, most congested traffic is Saturday is when everyone is here, approx 45/folks daily come to station, 25 on weekends. #fincomm0424

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

The discussion on the walk in traffic to the Police Station comes in the context of the new regional dispatch center coming online later this year. The dispatchers would move from the station to the regional center. However, someone will still need to remain staffing the Police station to monitor the folks held in custody as well as this walk in traffic. Discussion is still underway on how to resolve this issue. It will be simpler at the Fire Station as visitors will interact with a kiosk and talk with someone at the regional dispatch center.

Vote on budget leaves $1.4m short of balance with revenue for the TC to take from the budget stabilization fund. #fincomm0424 budget passes 6-0, 3 members absent tonight. Budget hearing at TC scheduled 5/16-17

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 24, 2018

The full FY 2019 budget document including the summary letter and several great supporting pieces can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fy19_complete_budget_fincom_with_page_numbers_0.pdf

or here:

Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council

"It has come a long way since 50 years ago”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Fifty years ago today, the first 9-1-1 call was made, and the emergency system became the foundation for first-responders. 

Since that first call made on Feb. 16, 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama, the 9-1-1 system has evolved and has become much more than just a centralized number for emergency calls. 

“Telecommunicators, 9-1-1 dispatchers, are essentially the first first-responders,” said Chris Campbell, president of the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association and director of communications in Seekonk. 

“They handle the calls from the inception until first responders arrive, and in some instances they stay on the line throughout the whole incident,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180216/who-do-you-call-9-1-1-emergency-number-turns-50


The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center is the regional dispatch operations serving the towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. They will dispatch police, fire and EMS. Construction is underway with plans to be operational in the Fall of 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

Request for Proposal - Computer Aided Dispatch Software

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) invites qualified vendors that manufacture and provide direct training, maintenance and support of their own Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software to submit responses at their own expense to this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/149333

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

You can find the full RFP here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/cad_rfp_final_11-26-17.pdf

Facebook photo for MECC

“This is long overdue”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With shovels in hand, representatives from Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville officially broke ground on the Metacomet Regional Dispatch Center Tuesday morning in Norfolk, the host community. 

“This regional center means politics were put aside and this was done because it’s what’s best for our communities,” said Norfolk Selectmen Vice Chairman Jim Lehan. “It was recognizing it’s the right thing to do ... we’re all going to be in a better position for it.” 

The state is contributing nearly $5 million in grant money to establish the dispatch operation, which will combine services for the four towns out of the new building, said Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. 

“We’re excited,” Nutting said. “It’s in a great location and will offer better services to the citizens and better response times for the safety folks.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170627/ground-broken-on-metacomet-regional-dispatch-center

Franklin signs Community Compact

The Town of Franklin signed onto the Baker-Polito administration Community Compact program today in a ceremony at the Franklin Municipal Building. Franklin hosted today’s signing ceremony, which also include the Towns of Blackstone, Hopedale and Northbridge.

The Town of Franklin has signed on to embark on two projects:

EMS Pilot Initiative

The Town received a $25,000 grant to conduct an EMS Pilot initiative to study ways to improve public safety response systems for ambulance calls. The study will look to the town’s call volume and analyze alternative response methods to maximize ambulance availability for emergencies. 

The study will be conducted by the Collins Center for Public Management at the John W. McCormack School for Policy and Global Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.

Civic Engagement Partnership

The Town Administration and other departments will be partnering with various state agencies to enhance customer service through a series of civic engagement best management practices from state agencies. This Partnership is augmenting the commitment from the Town of Franklin to enhance customer service through innovative technology and mobile features. 

The program will be a 12-month cohort designed at building capacity in town operations on a variety of topics such as crisis communications, innovative social media techniques, e-permitting and much more. While there is no direct money associated with this phase of the compact, the town will be eligible for future rounds of technology state grant funding after completing the program.

Lt. Governor Polito signing Compact with Town Administrator Jeff Nutting

(from Left): Greg Casey, Chief of Staff Senator Richard Ross; Town Administrator Jeff Nutting; Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe; Town Councilor Bob Dellorco; Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Town Councilor  Deb Pellegri; Town Councilor Peter Padula; Town Councilor Matt Kelly; Dennis Giombetti, Office Senator Karen Spilka.

Local and Elected Officials from Franklin, Blackstone, Hopedale and Northbridge

Some additional info can be found in the Milford Daily News

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160612/franklin-to-study-ambulance-practices

In the News: Pond St condos?, SAFE creating drop-in service, regionalization takes a step, voter registration deadline

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Town Council members at their meeting Wednesday night voiced support for a condominium development on a town-owned 33-acre piece of property on Pond Street. 

The council, in a nonbinding straw poll, voted seven to one in favor of the development, which would likely involve about 85 units. A formal resolution will now be drafted and officially voted upon in a future meeting. 

The project would involve the developer purchasing the land for approximately $1.65 million. The development is estimated to bring in about $300,000 a year in tax revenue and result in a 600-car-a-day increase in traffic.

rendering of Pond St condo proposal from Town Council meeting in January 2016

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/franklin-council-to-explore-pond-st-condos

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition announced this week that it would be looking to create "drop-in" treatment events - in which a number of services for addicts and their families would be brought under one roof. 

James Derick, SAFE's president, announced the initiative before a Tuesday night talk by Harvard Professor Robert Putnam. The events would feature mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, support groups for parents, lawyers, treatment centers and Narcan training - all in one accessible place. 

"A key component to this would be engaging people in long-term recovery, or 'Recovery Angels,'" Derick said Wednesday. "They would shepherd people through detox, in-patient treatment and beyond."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/franklin-treatment-events-eyed-by-safe

When a small police department makes an arrest, it can put a stress on manpower and financial resources. 

The answer to those problems, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said, is the creation of regional lockup facilities run by the sheriff’s offices. 

Last week, the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security moved a bill that would allow regional lockup facilities to be opened by sheriffs to the state Senate’s Ways and Means committee.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/regional-lockup-facility-bill-passes-hurdle

The deadline to register to vote to participate in the Massachusetts Presidential Primary on March 1 is Wednesday, Feb. 10. 

This is also the deadline for registered voters who wish to change their party enrollment to another party or to unenrolled, commonly referred to as independent. This should not be confused with the United Independent Party (UIP), a party that will have ballots available but with no candidates printed on them. Voters registered in UIP will not be eligible to take a Democratic, Republican, or Green-Rainbow ballot. 

To vote for a candidate in a different party from the one in which you are now registered, the voter must switch to the other party or to unenrolled status by 8 p.m. on Feb. 10. 

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160203/deadline-next-week-to-register-to-vote-in-presidential-primary