Town Council - Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020 - Health Dept Presentation

 Recap:

• The Town Council approved the following appointments
• a. Library Board of Directors (Associate): Barbara Steele
• b. Franklin Cultural Council: Jamele Adams
• c. Franklin Cultural District: Amy Adams 
• d. Design Review: Gerald Wood
• e. Design Review (Associate): Venkata KP Sompally
• Cathleen Liberty, Health Director, presented an overview of her department and the work being done aside from managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Discussion on a possible beer/wine license for Dacey’s Market, to be brought back to the Council at a future meeting for a vote and home rule legislation to be filed to get an exception to allow.
• Karena Alves is retiring from Senior Center Director effective Sep 18; Erin Rogers to take her place.
• Municipal Aggregation is coming soon, communications start Sep 23

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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  #tc0916
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0916&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0916
• Meeting being broadcast via Verizon 11 and Comcast 29 on cable, via Zoom as well as live streamed via the town page http://Franklinma.gov #tc0916
• No citizen comments. Motion to approve mins passes 8-0 for Aug 12 and then as well for Sep 2 #tc0916
• Moving to appointments: first up - Barbara Steele actually a correction, had been appointed to the wrong seat previously https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/barbara_steele.pdf #tc0916 Passes 8-0-1 (8 yes, 0 no, 1 unfilled position)
• Motion on appt https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/jamele_adams.pdf passed same vote 8-0-1 #tc0916
• Motion to appt to cultural district https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/amy_adams.pdf #tc0916 passes via same vote 8-0-1
• Motion to appt to design review committee #tc0916 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gerald_wood.pdf Passes via same vote 8-0-1
• Motion to appt to design review as an associate https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5f._appointments_design_review_commission_venkata_kp_sompally.pdf #tc0916 passes via the same vote 8-0-1
• License transaction for new manager for 3 Restaurant. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/lets_eat_franklin_llc_dba_3_restaurant.pdf #tc0916 Corcoran thanks town for the approval process on the outdoor platform, making by with this. Applied Mon, had permit Weds and opened shortly after. Passes 8-0-1
• Moving to presentation from Health Dept, Cathleen Liberty, Director. Jamie, she needs no intro after COVID; Bridget Sweet, Chair of Board of Health. Happy birthday Bridget! #tc0916
• Presentation doc can be found online https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._board_of_health_presentation_1.pdf #tc0916 required by State law, coordinates with Dept of Public Health
• Enforce state sanitary code. Photo depicts a empty building in Franklin that had been used by unknown persons #tc0916
• Do inspections of food establishments regularly, findings get a 24 hour order and follow-up. If it persists we can execute a cease and desist order #tc0916
• Licensing group for Beaver trappers, inspect septic systems - Title 5, funeral directors, tanning facilities, test Beaver Pond for E coli, tobacco control #tc0916
• Provided mandatory training for business, on re-opening task force for schools. #tc0916
• Q on businesses not wearing face covering, multiple from certain place, it is beyond education so there is a fine/penalty process added to give it some bite to get it done properly. #tc0916 Q four houses in the queue on the abandoned process with the attorney general
• Q on funding, any unfunded? Budget is funded properly. State will inspect the flavored tobacco products for enforcements. Budget did increase in FY21 for more food inspections and title 5 processing. We do plan on review in October (along with other depts) #tc0916
• Should be a renewed focus on public health with the recognition of Covid-19, there is a whole lot of work being done and required to maintain health. #tc0916 Q and clarification on abandoned property what is covered or not
• Masks are the best thing to do beside physical distance, very important #tc0916 decision was not to be more restrictive than governor's executive order. Better for local level law (for enforcement) rather than use the governor declaration. Bridget covers the update
• The fine was effective 9/08/20 and revised tonight to be effective Thursday. #tc0916 clarification on nuisances.
• Bissanti recuses himself before this item, Attorney Doherty present to speak to it. Exception when reaching limit of licenses, can ask Legislation for approval, applicant for former Dacey's market. Recommended for preliminary discussion for home rule petition for future #tc0916
• Other site has a full liquor license, Dacey's would only have the beer/wine license not for on premise #tc0916 Jones not keen on having 2 so close together; Chandler the 2 markers are different enough. It will help him economically. Not over saturated in that part of town
• Kelly speaks to the 140 side where Big Y, Franklin Liquors, and DaVita's and maybe missing some. Good confirmation. Discuss this evening, will come back in future on legislation for action, no one against this for future action. Once passes it gets filed with Legislation #tc0916
• Capital no meeting; budget met earlier this evening, CARES act funding reviewed, looking for another meeting in Oct. Economic dev meet before last meeting, listening sessions scheduled first one Sep 30, #tc0916
• Legislation for action. Gift acceptances https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-56.pdf #tc0916. Vote to approve, passes 8-0-1 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-57.pdf Vote to approve, passes 8-0-1
• Town administrator report, active total 16 low but highest since Memorial day. Stay safe. Municipal aggregation, Sep 23 mailing for opt out of, auto enrolled already, national grid rate is 12.5, we get 10.5 without sweat Savings for everyone Colonial Power is our vendor #tc0916
• Folks at Colonial Power are helpful. Karen Alves officially retired this Friday Sep 18. Erin Rogers will take her place, some small events socially distanced, some day we will do something worthy #tc0916
• Chandler should we have a policy for flag half staff on Sep 11, not just that day but for all major days. #tc0916 maybe a small group? Or get together with Jamie and DPW to being something back for us.
• Thanks to Downtown Partnership for decorating today! #tc0916 ordered 2 new ornaments for sale at the museum, will plan for sale outside at the beginning of October. Meetings on Community Preservation Act, look to Franklin Matters for dates, on November ballot
• #tc0916 Jones read email on first day success for 4th grade for one of his kids, will be joining campaign for building at the Food Pantry. FEF fund raiser at La Cantina, Sep 30. Mercer and Dellorco comments on Alves retirement. Contollo Mfg awarded 2 large contracts for PPE
• Motion to adjourn, that is all for tonight folks. Catch you all next time #tc0916

Additional photos captured of the virtual meeting and shared via Twitter can be found  https://photos.app.goo.gl/odoG5prUP8d43qu29

Town Council - Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020 - Health Dept PresentationAdd caption

Don't miss Guitarist William Riley in a Live Concert

LiveARTS presents classical guitarist WILLIAM RILEY in a streaming live concert on Zoom!   This Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m. William Riley is an active educator and performer, appearing in both solo and ensemble concerts. His repertoire includes the standard works of classical guitar literature as well as many new works for the instrument. Mr. Riley is on the faculty of Longy School of Music of Bard College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is also a Lecturer and the Director of Classical Guitar studies at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Please visit his website at https://www.willrileyguitar.com to learn more. To reserve a space at the concert, you must order a free ticket on our website,  liveartsma.org. This involves supplying only your email address. No credit card numbers or other personal information is required. We will use your email address to send you the Zoom link for the concert about 24 hours before the concert begins. While donations are always appreciated, they are not required. You can download Zoom using this link:  Download Zoom Copyright © 2020, LiveARTS.org.  All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS P.O. Box 678 Franklin, MA 02038

FM #348 Board of Health Mtg - 9/16/20 (audio)

FM #348 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 348 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and reviewed the usual protocol for conduct of such remote meetings. 

Recap: 

• The Board of Health met to review and revise the penalty order they had approved at their Sep 2 meeting. Feedback from Town Attorney Mark Cerel led to the revision. The revision was approved by a 3-0 vote. As soon as the order is available, the link will be shared. 

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gzkqvK

 

 

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-sep.html 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/board-of-health-meeting-recap-sep-16.html 

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) 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"

 

 

FM #348 Board of Health Mtg - 9/16/20 (audio)

FM #349 Budget SubComm Mtg- 9/16/20 (audio)

FM #349 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 349 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Budget Subcommittee meeting held at 5:45 PM on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020.  The meeting was conducted via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Recap:

• Current local receipts coming in per FY 2021 budget, that is good. Will look to another meeting in October to see if anything is happening with the Federal and/or State funding before making a decision in November.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explained the accounting for the CARES Act funding, how it is being allocated (review the details in the memo linked as part of the meeting agenda)

• This subcommittee would benefit from having someone from the School District participate to help answer the school side questions when they arise.

• Buildings getting UV filter upgrades/additions to their ventilation systems. Some will be easier (i.e. less expensive) than other older buildings (which will cost more). Specific building breakout to be gathered as they go with hope to get all work done by the end of Dec 2020.

The full show notes also include my notes taken via Twitter during the meeting as well as the agenda and associated budget documents released for this meeting.

The meeting runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HstXDG9K

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

Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-ma-town-council-budget.html 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/budget-subcommittee-meeting-recap-sep.html 

Town of Franklin Budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

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

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/

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"

 

FM #349 Budget SubComm Mtg- 9/16/20 (audio)

Franklin Public Schools, MA Updated the Reopening Site

Hello FPS! 

 

We have updated our Reopening Site with a new FAQs section, Virtual Learning Academy info, student & staff flow charts for specific scenarios, and more. 

 

Find the website here.  https://t.co/av14MmSQep

 

Enjoy the weekend!!!  

 

Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1307053747617529858?s=03

Franklin Public Schools, MA Updated the Reopening Site

9 Communities Will Vote on CPA Adoption in November 2020 Election

"Wow! CPA advocates in the town of Lee pull off the incredible task of collecting enough signatures to add #CommunityPreservationAct adoption to their November ballot.

This means a grand total of 9 communities will vote on CPA adoption later this year."

Communities voting on CPA this November: https://t.co/jrAPw5kQ4N 

 

Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter:  https://t.co/Gujzvu8NEt

 

Ballot Question #3 on the Franklin ballot will be to decide on the Community Preservation Act. This was voted on in the November 2007 election and failed at that time (Yes - 1528; No - 2174) . Additional info on how the Community Preservation Act can help Franklin will be available as the election approaches.

 

Upcoming CPA Elections for Nov 2020

 

MBTA Commuter Rail: Shuttle bus for Franklin through Walpole weekends Sep 12-Oct 11

On weekends Sept 12 - Oct 11, buses replace service on the Franklin Line at Forge Park through Walpole to allow for double-track extension work. They will operate on a weekend train schedule. However, trains will operate between Walpole and South Station.

The shuttle buses will operate on the normal weekend train schedule and will be ADA accessible, though bikes will not be allowed on board. Trains may experience delays of up to 20 minutes due to the shuttle busing, please allow for additional travel time.

Visit mbta.com/FRKwork and mbta.com/FRKdoubletrack for more details.

For more information: https://mbta.com/FRKwork

Last Updated: Sep 19 2020 07:16 AM 

 

CDC: COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook

From Poynter, we share the following article of interest for Franklin:

"President Donald Trump said Tuesday we will have a vaccine in three to four weeks.

Dr. Robert Redfield, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday that even when we get a vaccine, it will not likely be available to the general public until next summer. Redfield also rolled out a playbook for how a national vaccine program might look.

The playbook is loaded with details you have not seen or heard before and it is really important for journalists to start to learn how a vaccination program might unfold. You will be vitally important to its success.

“Early in (the) COVID-19 vaccination program there may be a limited supply of vaccine and vaccine efforts may focus on those critical to the response, providing direct care and maintaining societal functions, as well as those at highest risk for developing severe illness,” Redfield told the Senate Appropriations Committee."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2020/the-first-look-at-the-u-s-governments-covid-19-vaccine-playbook/

 

Get your copy of the playbook from the CDC or below:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/downloads/COVID-19-Vaccination-Program-Interim_Playbook.pdf

 

Picked up by Franklin radar via Twitter: https://twitter.com/Poynter/status/1306590227809566722?s=03

 

CDC: COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook

Danello appointed "Temporary Town Clerk"

 September 18, 2020

Thomas D. Mercer, Chair 
Town Council
355 East Central Street 
Franklin, MA 02038

Dear Chairman Mercer:

Due to the resignation of Teresa M . Burr as the Town Clerk effective today, I have been advised by the Town Attorney that I am the appointing authority for any temporary appointment to the position of Town Clerk. Town Charter Article 3 Section 3-2 defaults to general law regarding the replacement of the Town Clerk position. Thus, state law governs both the temporary and permanent replacement of this position.

Therefore, pursuant to MGL chapter 44 section 14, MGL chapter 4 section 7, and MGL chapter 41 section 19E, I hereby appoint Nancy Danello to the position of "Temporary Town Clerk" until the next regularly scheduled town election, which falls on November 2, 2021. Additionally, pursuant to general law, an election to fill the position of Town Clerk must be held at a regularly scheduled election. There is no statutory provision to allow for a special election to fill the position.

Ms. Danello has my full confidence to lead the Town Clerk's Office through the upcoming elections. At this critical juncture, it is essential to have someone lead the upcoming elections who is familiar with the Town and has the local experience of our elections system, staff and town geography. In meetings with her this week to debrief and evaluate the most recent state primary, I am confident the appropriate measures will be taken to ensure there will not be a repeat of that event and that every ballot will be processed and counted on time and within the parameters set out by state statute governing elections.

Warm regards

Jamie Hellen
Town Administrator

Karen Bratt , Human Resources Director 
Mark Cerel, Town Attorney

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Statement on Nancy Danello Temporary Appointment

“On behalf of the Town Council, I share our Town Administrator's confidence in the ability of Ms. Danello to lead the Franklin Town Clerk’s office through the upcoming elections. I believe it is crucial at this time that the Town has someone lead that office who is familiar with Franklin’s local election footprint. I am also not surprised to hear many of our current municipal staff will be temporarily reassigned to assist the Clerk’s Office through the November election. This is welcome news and I thank all of them for their incredible team spirit.

This will be one of the most important elections in our country’s history and expect record-breaking voter turnout. The Town must do whatever it takes to ensure flawless elections in November and December.”

Thomas D. Mercer, Chair 

Franklin Town Council

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“I am honored to serve in this temporary capacity to help lead our community in this historic election. I pledge to every voter in town that we will do whatever it takes to ensure confidence in our elections. Over the past week, I have already made many adjustments and investments in staff recruitment and equipment in order to be fully prepared. I will also be working closely with the staff at Secretary Galvin’s Office throughout the November election. I encourage any resident who may have any questions to contact the Town Clerk’s Office in

order to provide the best customer service possible.”

Nancy Danello

Temporary Town Clerk

Teresa Burr and newly appointed Temporary Town Clerk Nancy Danello as they provided an update to the Town Council Mtg, Aug 12, 2020

Both All three announcements shared from Twitter

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1307005488907911172?s=20

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1307009173369090051?s=20

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1307026815576354818?s=20

Franklin's weekend - Sep 18-19-20

Friday, Sep 18 

Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM

Sunday, September 20 

LiveArts virtual concert at at 3 PM  

WILLIAM RILEY, classical guitar = Music of Granados, de Falla, and more

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/join-us-for-our-2020-2021-donation.html

Franklin's weekend - Sep 18-19-20

Budget Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020

Recap:

• Current local receipts coming in per FY 2021 budget, that is good. Will look to another meeting in October to see if anything is happening with the Federal and/or State funding before making a decision in November.
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explained the accounting for the CARES Act funding, how it is being allocated (review the details in the memo linked as part of the meeting agenda)
• This subcommittee would benefit from having someone from the School District participate to help answer the school side questions when they arise.
• Buildings getting UV filter upgrades/additions to their ventilation systems. Some will be easier (i.e. less expensive) than other older buildings (which will cost more). Specific building breakout to be gathered as they go with hope to get all work done by end of Dec 2020.
  

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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 #bsc0916
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bsc0916&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for Budget Subcommittee meeting #bsc0916
• Initial update from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on budget, agenda doc for tonight can be found here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/09-16-2020_budget_sub_agenda.pdf #bsc0916 on target for meeting the FY21 budget with local receipts
• Meeting via Zoom but also via Verizon and Comcast as well as live stream via http://Franklinma.gov webpage #bsc0916
• Building a/c units being updated with UV all buildings should be done before end of this year 2020. Using CARES act funds for this and other COVID-19 related expenses #bsc0916 all PPE covered this far, what happens in Jan 2021 is open at this point
• Look at memo, FinCom meeting coming Oct 8?, chromebooks purchased with CARES act. Look for pages 8-9 with the recap Jamie provides https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/09-16-2020_budget_sub_agenda.pdf #bsc0916
• Businesses with five or fewer employees eligible for grants, info on town page. Q from Pellegri on why the need for the chromebooks. Q on receipt of chromebooks? Not arrived yet, order in early. #bsc0916 current ETA possible in November to be confirmed.
• Would benefit from participation of SchComm member or Central Office to answer chromebooks question. Per my info; middle through FHS were 1-1 with systems. Middle schools had been kept in the building, FHS took them home. K-5 had units in school not 1-1 #bsc0916
• The 4,000 purchased were to bring elementary students to 1-1 ratio for remote learning #bsc0916 Q on local receipts, so far so good. Cases are the highest since Memorial Day. More at Council meeting Mercer adds to chromebooks story with background from FHS project start
• Q on PPE supply and split of #s from the UV costs. It is a fluid situation, approx 40k for municipal bldg for UV, still getting estimates and start making orders to confirm pricing, so bunched together for now, will be split later. Library will be low cost, FHS also #bsc0916
• Older buildings like Parmenter, Museum, etc. They will cost more and exactly how much remains to be seen #bsc0916 folks will need to know each building cost. CARES act may not cover it all, may need free cash to do so. Q on what about families without internet
• Jamie doesn't have answer but will get one. Jones present but can't speak as only 4 Councilors can in a subcommittee meeting #bsc0916 33 businesses have applied for the micro loans. Kelly thinks excise tax will come in ahead as dealers don't have used cars available
• We can't forget the business with more than five employees and yet aren't 'big' business. The food pantry line is not what you would think, the meals tax needs to be watched. #bsc0915 16 cases as of yesterday Motion to adjourn

 

Additional photos from the meeting can be found in this album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XV25Sa38esSyovXAA

 

Town Adminisatrator Jamie Hellen explaining at the Budget Subcommittee meeting

"Like son, like father: Alan Earls eyes the Franklin Town Council seat vacated by son"

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

“Like father, like son” is a familiar phrase that in the Earls family these days is more accurately expressed the other way around: “Like son, like father.”

It is equally as valid to turn around another familiar phrase -- the one about the apple not falling far from the tree -- and say that the tree, in this case, doesn’t stand far from the apple.

On Tuesday, Alan Earls officially announced he is seeking election to the Franklin Town Council, hoping to fill the seat vacated by his son, Eamon McCarthy Earls. The declaration comes a month after the younger Earls, 26, announced his exit from the town’s top governing board in order to pursue a law degree at Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in Virginia. Eamon Earls’ resignation was effective on Sept. 6. He was on the Council for nearly three years.

A special town election has been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, to fill the newly empty seat."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200916/like-son-like-father-alan-earls-eyes-franklin-town-council-seat-vacated-by-son?rssfeed=true