This Talk Franklin episode introduces Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti - 07/13/23 (audio)

FM #1021 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1021 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in person at the Municipal Building on Thursday, July 13, 2023. New Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti joins us for the first time.

Topics for this session

Introduce Amy Frigulietti, new Deputy Town Administrator

Recap of FY 23 close, FY 24 budget

Joint Budget Subcmte – Aug 2 the start of discussions around what is needed to be sustainable going forward. Head’s up, the Aug 16 Town Council meeting will feature update on campaign law requirements 

Town Council – July 19 

Legislative delegation visits to provide update (Rep Roy, Senator Rausch)

Accessory dwelling legislation up for second reading & vote

Farmers Market & Concerts on the Common - Friday’s the Common is busy 

The recording runs about 43 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, July 13, 2023

Audio file -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Introducing-Amy--FY-23-Budget-Recap-e2735qs/a-aa4ut23

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Town Council agenda for 07/19/23 meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf 

Brookline override & campaign violations -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/school-officials-likely-violated.html 

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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/ 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"

Amy M. Frigulietti

Board of Health hears guidance on tobacco regulation revisions, planning for next Health Fair, etc. (audio)

FM #952 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 952 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. All three board members participated, all 3 in the 3rd floor training room along with the Health Dept staff members.

Quick Recap:

• As reported in prior meeting, tobacco license holder checks mostly resulted in violations, primarily regarding paperwork and signage required. The first 40 or so minutes of this session was spent with Sarah McColgan who participated via remote to help walk through the checklist of what State regulations Franklin would change to increase (can’t go lower than the State but can go more restrictive). 

• The regulations will be drafted by the Health Dept based upon the discussion and brought to the Board for further review and discussion. Depending upon timing likely would need to schedule a public hearing before making the changes official. 

• Part of the regulations needs to make clear the role of the Police (assuming they continue to assist with enforcement) vs. the Health Dept

• Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major. Decline in COVID cases, clinics held at Central Park Terrace, Tri-County RVTHS, etc. 

• Chair Sweet took time to thank the individuals for the work they are doing, they are expanding the awareness and having a positive  impact on the community

• Next Health Fair is scheduled for May 24 at the Library. Given the May date, Dean students would be off campus for the session, to help with parking and space concerns, maybe see if it can be held there.

The meeting runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-952-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-01-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/3-1-23_agenda.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KpTDdk8OmzKvAMUdw7SoJIQkyOyapC7Y/view?usp=share_link 

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

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/ 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!

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

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

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM

DEA Announces Proposed Rules for Permanent Telemedicine Flexibilities

Today (02/24/23), the Drug Enforcement Administration announced proposed permanent rules for the prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine, expanding patient access to critical therapies beyond the scheduled end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The public will be able to comment for 30 days on the proposed rules.

The proposed rules – developed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – propose to extend many of the flexibilities adopted during the public health emergency with appropriate safeguards.

The proposed rules do not affect:

• Telemedicine consultations that do not involve the prescribing of controlled medications.

• Telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of a patient.

The proposed rules also would not affect:

• Telemedicine consultations and prescriptions by a medical practitioner to whom a patient has been referred, as long as the referring medical practitioner has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of the patient.

The proposed rules would provide safeguards for a narrow subset of telemedicine consultations—those telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has: never conducted an in-person evaluation of a patient; AND that result in the prescribing of a controlled medication. For these types of consultations, the proposed telemedicine rules would allow medical practitioners to prescribe:

• a 30-day supply of Schedule III-V non-narcotic controlled medications; 

• a 30-day supply of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder

without an in-person evaluation or referral from a medical practitioner that has conducted an in-person evaluation, as long as the prescription is otherwise consistent with any applicable Federal and State laws. The proposed rules are explained in further detail for patients and medical practitioners on DEA.gov.

“DEA is committed to ensuring that all Americans can access needed medications,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.  “The permanent expansion of telemedicine flexibilities would continue greater access to care for patients across the country, while ensuring the safety of patients. DEA is committed to the expansion of telemedicine with guardrails that prevent the online overprescribing of controlled medications that can cause harm.”

“Improved access to mental health and substance use disorder services through expanded telemedicine flexibilities will save lives,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We still have millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural communities, who face difficulties accessing a doctor or health care provider in-person. At HHS, we are committed to working with our federal partners and stakeholders to advance proven technologies and lifesaving care for the benefit of all Americans.”

The proposed telemedicine rules also further DEA’s goal of expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder to anyone in the country who needs it. “Medication for opioid use disorder helps those who are fighting to overcome substance use disorder by helping people achieve and sustain recovery, and also prevent drug poisonings,” said DEA Administrator Milgram. “The telemedicine regulations would continue to expand access to buprenorphine for patients with opioid use disorder.”

The full text of the proposals may be found here and here. The public has 30 days to review and comment on the proposals, which DEA will then consider before drafting final regulations. DEA is appreciative of the public’s feedback.

For more information on DEA’s continued efforts to expand access to medications used in treatment for those suffering from opioid use disorder, visit: DEA’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Additional resources for patients can be found here: 

• Is My Prescription a Controlled Medication? Controlled-Non Controlled List (dea.gov)

• Can My Medication be Prescribed through Telemedicine?  Controlled Substance Guidance (dea.gov)

Additional resources for practitioners can be found here:

• Proposed Rules Summary Telemedicine Rules Summary.pdf (dea.gov)

• Proposed Rules Highlights for Medical Practitioners Telehealth Highlights Medical Practitioners.pdf (dea.gov)

Drug Enforcement Administration

MA Senate Passes Comprehensive Rules Package

Today (2/09/23), the Massachusetts State Senate passed a comprehensive rules package updating the Senate and joint rules to incorporate the best practices learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This package reflects the societal shift toward hybrid operations while building on the Senate’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and equity.

To maintain accessibility to state government, the Senate voted to include language in both the Senate and joint rules codifying the use of hybrid hearings by joint and Senate committees. This change will allow increased public participation and ensure that those who cannot be present in the State House can still participate in the legislative process.

Keeping in line with the emergency remote voting procedures adopted during the pandemic, the Senate also voted to continue the option of remote participation, which will allow members to take part in Senate sessions even when they have extenuating circumstances. These changes build on the best practices that were developed during the pandemic, and they also promote greater inclusivity.

“I am proud of the Senate for its commitment to increased transparency, inclusivity, and equity as reflected in this rules package,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have learned the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this rules package ensures that operations in the Senate continue to reflect the reality of work and civic engagement in the digital age. I’d like to thank Senator Lovely for her leadership and all of my Senate colleagues for their contributions.”

“The rules package released today takes the lessons learned during this unprecedented time and incorporates them into the Senate’s practices and procedures,” said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Temporary Senate Committee on Rules. “By continuing remote participation options for hearings, publishing committee votes, and allowing public access to testimony, we can create better pathways for people across our Commonwealth to access and participate in state government. I would like to thank Senate President Spilka for her leadership, my fellow committee members, and all my Senate colleagues for putting forth a rules package that is reflective of the Senate’s shared goals to meet the needs of our constituents."

The Senate’s rules package also includes robust transparency and diversity measures related to committee proceedings. Under the Senate’s joint rules package, joint committee votes will be required to be posted on the Legislature’s website, as is currently the practice with Senate committee votes. In addition, joint committees will be required to make testimony publicly available upon request, while allowing for the redaction of sensitive information. In addition, committees soliciting expert testimony will be required to make every effort to ensure that such testimony comes from a diverse group of individuals.

The Senate rules adopted today are now in effect for the remainder of the 193rd legislative session. The joint rules passed by the Senate will be reconciled with a proposal by the House of Representatives.

MA Senate Passes Comprehensive Rules Package

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting - Jan 26, 2022

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet = January 26, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
3rd Floor, Training Room, Rm 326
355 East Central Street

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: All citizens are welcome to attend public board and committee
meetings in person.

Agenda

1. Review draft Rules of Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_rules_of_procedure_manual_review_mtg_agenda_-_jan_26_2022.pdf 

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting - Jan 26, 2022

Can companies require employees to take the vaccine?

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"As news of promising progress on coronavirus vaccines have filled the headlines in recent weeks, labor lawyers say employers have been pressing one question in particular: Once approved, can they require employees to take it?

“Until maybe about a month ago, we hadn’t had many clients asking about it,” said Brett Coburn, a labor and employment partner with Alston & Bird. “We’re starting to see a lot more momentum.”

The news that a coronavirus vaccine could start being distributed within the next few weeks has sent stocks soaring and government officials scrambling to develop plans for the herculean task of distributing it across the country.

For employers, many of which have kept workers home for months, it has opened a complex set of legal and practical issues: Can they require employees to take a vaccine? Should they offer incentives instead to encourage compliance? And what should they do if employees resist?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2020/12/02/workplace-mandated-coronavirus-vaccine/

MA Office of Campaign and Political Finance - local election reminder

Don't be the candidate who 'remembers' at 3:00 PM that a critical report is due at 5:00 PM. Yes, Franklin is one of the 300 communities with a local election in 2021. We'll be voting for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk and other elected boards and committees.
 

"There are nearly 300 towns in Massachusetts with municipal elections early next year. If you're thinking of running for town office, email us at OCPF@cpf.state.ma.us for educational materials. #mapoli "

 

Shared from The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance which administers the state's campaign finance law. https://t.co/lr6hJ9CZub

 
Video link = https://youtu.be/8ycnxkY4QMs

Senate Releases Bill to Lower Signature Threshold for Some Candidacies

The Massachusetts State Senate Committee on Rules has released a bill to address public health concerns surrounding the gathering of signatures for candidates for public office during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

"This is an unprecedented time, and we must consider all of our actions with an eye towards protecting the health and safety of our residents," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate is therefore taking steps to reduce the number of signatures for offices that require a large number during this public health crisis. With this legislation, we hope to find a way to ensure that those who decide to run for public office can demonstrate the necessary support they have in their communities without endangering their health or the health of others."

"We must prioritize the protection of public health during this pandemic," stated Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. "This bill appropriately halves the requirements for candidates who need one thousand or more signatures to get on the ballot, thereby protecting both civic-minded citizens and potential officeholders."

"We need to ensure that everyone who wants to participate in the political process can do so in a way that keeps themselves and their neighbors safe, which is why this legislation is so important," stated Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws.

The Senate plans to take up the bill on Monday, April 13, 2020.

The bill text is found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1irUIqz_4AHaCK4vZuiSmHYV5D-ebJ2vp/view?usp=sharing

or viewed here

In the News: Cantoreggi remains in Franklin; MA House debates rules and transparency

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

Cantoreggi decides to stay in Franklin

"Selectmen had planned to approve a contract for a new town administrator Tuesday, but learned that morning the winning candidate no longer wanted the job. 

Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, director of the department of public works in neighboring Franklin since 2005, informed town officials he had decided to remain in his present post. 

“It happens sometimes,” selectmen Chairman James Lehan said. “We were in the process of negotiating a contract. He was well established in Franklin, a longtime employee there and enjoyed his job. He said it was a family decision and he thought he wanted to stay in Franklin.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/norfolk-has-to-restart-search-for-top-administrator/article_67693d3d-d69d-56e9-a469-bb46ab10e993.html

DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi presenting to the Franklin Town Council Jan 30

MA House debates rules and transparency

"People come up to Somerville Rep. Denise Provost at parties, she says, asking her to explain what an informal session is. 

Rep. Jack Lewis of Framingham starts his week at a senior center, where he freezes up when he’s asked, “Jack, what do you think is coming up?” and doesn’t know what bill he’ll be voting on two days later. 

And freshman Rep. Maria Robinson, also of Framingham, says she gets questions during YMCA visits about how a bill becomes a law. 

House lawmakers shared these and other stories of constituent encounters as they made the case Wednesday for new rules they said would add transparency to state government, ultimately coming up short in most of their efforts during a session that stretched into the evening and featured spirited debate on House operations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190203/rules-trigger-house-debate-over-transparency

TOWN OF FRANKLIN RULES AND REGULATIONS (APPLIES TO ALL TOWN PROPERTY) Effective as of April 15, 2009

The book sale prohibition is explained in item #13 in the following list:

To ensure safety, fairness and for mutual protection of all patrons of the Town’s Facilities, the Town of Franklin maintains certain operating rules and regulations. The following rules and regulations have been developed to be in the best interests of the Town, its residents and the public who use the facilities. These rules and regulations are designed to assist the public in understanding their responsibilities and to ensure a safe environment for all persons using Town facilities. The rules and regulations are, as follows: 

1. Persons shall not enter or be upon town property under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Persons shall not consume or possess any alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana on Town property. 

2. Persons shall not use any tobacco product within any municipal building or upon the property on which any municipal building is located, except in designated areas. 

3. Persons shall not possess, use, or store any explosive, incendiary device or weapon on Town property. 

4. Persons shall not present a false or altered identification that may be required as part of using a facility. No person shall defraud the Town in any manner. 

5. Persons shall not assault, threaten, harass or abuse any employee or a member of the public, either physically or verbally. 

6. Persons shall not engage in any form of disruptive conduct while on Town property. 

7. Persons shall not use skateboards or operate dirt bikes, ATV’s, motorized bicycles, motorized scooters or other motorized vehicles on Town property. This prohibition shall not apply to a person who, as a result of a handicap or disability, requires the use of a motorized wheelchair or similar equipment. 

8. Persons shall comply with all posted safety rules and regulations.

9. Persons shall not misuse, abuse, damage or tamper with the property of the Town or property of any employee or member of the public. 

10. Persons shall not use Town property or enter Town offices without first obtaining proper authorization, except during normal business hours or when the property or offices are open to the general public. No person shall enter or remain in a Town building or facility outside of regular business hours without authority or permission to do so. No person shall enter or remain in any portion of a Town building or facility to which the general public does not have regular access without authority or permission to do so. 

11. No animals (except those needed by the physically handicapped are allowed within Town buildings. All persons with an animal on Town property must properly remove and dispose of any animal feces. 

12. The Town assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal property. 

13. No solicitation or sales of goods or services is permitted on Town property, except those fundraising activities that directly support the Town's facilities or programs. 

14. No person shall enter or remain in a Town building or facility unless properly clothed and shod: street clothes and footwear are required at all times; no bathing suits are allowed. 

15. No person shall enter or remain in a Town building or facility who emits an offensive odor because of poor personal hygiene. 

16. No person shall use any Town building or facility other than for its intended, authorized or permitted purpose or use. 

17. Persons shall promptly report all accidents or incidents which result in either personal injury or damage to the property of the Town, an employee, or member of the public, regardless of who is responsible for the damage 

18. Persons shall immediately report defective equipment or unsafe conditions of any equipment or facilities that may endanger anyone to the Town employee in charge of the facility or to the Town Administrator. 

Persons that fail to follow the rules and regulations of the Town or other rules or regulations established by each Department may be subject to a fine and/or loss of privilege to use the Town facilities. Depending on the severity of the offense or the frequency of other offenses the Town may initiate legal action.

This document can be found on the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Municipal%20Facilities%20Use/randrfor%20muniuse.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building (and yes, I'll need to update the photo to show no snow)

In the News: Open Meeting rules

Boards required to take note of new meeting rules

by Kendall Hatch/Daily News staff

Franklin Town Council discussion on the new rules

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/live-reporting-open-meeting-law.html

Franklin Attorney Mark Cerel's analysis of the new rules

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/mark-cerel-analysis-of-open-meeting-law.html

Franklin, MA

Brainstorming Rules

Rules for brainstorming? Are you sure?
Yes, most definitely. Every game has rules even if they are made up along the way.

Is brainstorming a game?
If we treat it as such, with rules, then the best ideas will win. Note: the ideas win! Not the people who play, the ideas!

The Rules

1. Generate as Many Ideas as Possible
2. Encourage Wild and Exaggerated Ideas, No Matter How Crazy, Ridiculous, or Farfetched the Idea Might Be
3. There will be No Detailed Discussions about an Idea, Except to Provide Clarification
4. Assign Someone as the Scribe. The Scribe Should Write Down Every Idea – No Screening
5. Keep a Copy of the Rules in Plain View (That's called transparency!)
6. The Brainstorming List Must Be Visible to Everyone (also transparency!)
7. Snowballing on Other Ideas is Encouraged
8. Postpone and Withhold Judgment of Any Idea (Yes, this will be a tough one)
9. Leave Your Titles at the Door (and likely the hardest!)
10. The Optimum Number of People is Between 8 And 12, with One-Third of the Group Being Outsiders

Would you like to play?


Note: the rules come from Mark L Fox and his book DaVinci and the 40 Answers

Franklin, MA