Saturday, April 5, 2014

Bocce Club Meeting - Apr 22

The Senior Center Bocce Club will be meeting on Apr 22 at 10:00 AM

Bocce Club meeting - Apr 22, 10:00 AM
Bocce Club meeting - Apr 22, 10:00 AM

For information about additional activities at the Senior Center visit their webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

or review their monthly newsletter
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/newsletter%20archive/


Citizen Committee Annual Report


Steve - attached is the annual report on the Citizens Committee which was delivered to all town council members as well as to Town Administrator - this was done in January - thought you may want to see what the Citizens Committee has been involved with this past year - jppfeffer




Chairman Vallee:
Pursuant to your request for a report from the Citizen's Committee for topics and issues addressed this past year, please be advised:

AGENDA/DISCUSSIONS:
1. Improvement to recycling site on Beaver Street (ongoing).
2. Acquisition of land adjacent to recycling site (ongoing).
3. Improvements at train station (ongoing).
4. Cook's Farm/Country Club/Gateway initiative (ongoing)
5. Davis Thayer/temp classrooms/Gateway initiative (ongoing).
6. RFPs for Pond Street , old town hall, other potential town-owned properties (ongoing)
7. Enhancing the cbd (central business district) aesthetically and commercially.  PRIORITY
8. Seeking a developer to consider a public/private venture for a major cbd redevelopment.  PRIORITY
9. Consideration of an "unkempt property" by-law for both commercial and certain residential properties (bank-owned, foreclosed, abandoned, etc.).
10. Maintaining/Improving/enhancing the town's properties, roadways and facilities; (ongoing and PRIORITY).
11. Review and reconsider adoption of R6 zoning as initially written by the town prior to changes made to restrict/discourage development.
12. Inclusion of Dean College as a potential partner in certain town initiatives.
Those items above identified as "ongoing" indicate Council action, monitoring or participation as necessary, as shall the Committee. 

GENERAL AND RANDOM COMMENTS:
The Committee, with regular attendance and input from the Planning Board and ZBA chairs, is supportive of rezoning on many (if not all) our arterial roadways, and particularly #140 in its entirety.  Rezoning major roadways to accommodate certain commercial and retail development in residential areas, consistent with the Master Plan, and cognizant of the town's history in which neighborhoods frequently had mixed uses, and  "mom and pop" stores to serve their needs,  would reduce extensive travel for small purchases (milk, bread, etc.) and decrease traffic congestion.  This is particularly true for North and South Franklin residents. (note: the issue of rezoning, too often an emotional issue,  impacting property values does not appear, in most cases, to be accurate.  We could not identify any properties devalued as a result of rezoning. In reality, the opposite resulted with properties on #140 that were residential, particularly in the area of 3 Restaurant, greatly increased in value once designated commercial/retail).  
It was offered at one of our meetings that Franklin was comprised of 80% residential property and 20% comprising all other classifications.  If so, it is obvious that our financial position is not likely to improve if our revenue stream is driven, primarily, by residential taxation. 
The Committee is supportive of expanding regional services and efforts whenever possible or beneficial.  It also believes the permitting process in Franklin, although somewhat improved, needs further improving if we are to compete with our neighbors.   
Housing, almost always in demand, should seek creative and alternative development as suggested in the Master Plan.  Allowing market forces to determine housing is preferred and there appears to be a large inventory of existing affordable housing in the community (as well proposed); a small percentage of luxury housing; senior housing appears to be a likely issue in the near future and will require consideration.  A review of R6 to allow for certain condominium development, eliminating the restrictions imposed to curtail development, is recommended.   The recent R7 zoning requires "stand alone" units and precludes duplex or quads as constructed in desirable developments as Chestnut Ridge, Spruce Pond, etc.  The fear of multiple condo development proposals, as alluded to in the R7 debate, has not materialized and is unlikely to materialize as history tells us development is market driven. 
Those items above identified as "ongoing" indicate Council action, monitoring or participation as necessary. 
The use of sub-committees, and a more aggressive agenda by the Economic Development Committee, are encouraged and necessary to complete the issues/topics noted above.  Simply, Council participation enhances projects and proposals toward completion.  Topics identified as PRIORITY, most of which are relative to the aesthetics of the community, cannot be too strongly emphasized.  Characterizing Franklin 's cbd as "seedy" (Boston Globe) is a negative difficult to overcome.  Every major developer or investor inspects our downtown before considering Franklin as a potential site; there has been some improvement, and the blending of the downtown reconstruction along with the depot site is encouraging, but more needs to be done and should be a priority of the Council.    
As suggested by the Town Administrator, there needs to be a "Team Franklin" approach to conducting the town's business.  Workshops for all those, elected, appointed and/or volunteering should be ongoing to educate and encourage for a unified response to the town's problems and initiatives.   Historically, Franklin has been most productive and successful when the Council actively participates in moving the agenda and issues forward.  Assuming the town administrator, well qualified and energetic, can accomplish all these objectives alone is unrealistic.  The use of sub- committees is both recommended and essential and, in the past, served the community well in meeting its' needs.  
Lastly, there needs to be an enhancement of the relationship between Dean College , one of the town's largest landowners, and the community at large, particularly in the greater cbd development.  Dean is the elephant in the room; we need to recognize and appreciate the symbiotic potential and aggressively move to enhance it; it is in our mutual interest to do so.  
These are mostly the issues, subjects and topics we discussed in 2013 and shall continue to monitor in 2014, along with new or emerging proposals. 
On behalf of the Committee, Robert Avakian, Andrew Bissanti, Paul Cheli, Matt Kelly, Judith Pfeffer and Robert Ficco, Esq., 
I am, yours truly, 
L.P. Benedetto, 
January 19, 2014.
Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building



Note: The Citizens Committee did get their own reference page set up on the Franklin website. 
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Citizen%20Committee

While there has not been a published meeting schedule, or meeting agendas, or meeting notes, it is anticipated that these deficiencies will be corrected.


Affordable Housing

Condominium units in Franklin Heights off Lincoln St are available for purchase as affordable housing.

A realtor page shows this information
http://homesalesmetrowest.com/post/4176738/franklin-heights-new-construction-condos-in-franklin-ma

The following notice was posted to the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01D0E1D0-000F8513




Franklin Heights
Franklin Heights
Additional information on affordable housing in Franklin can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Department%20Home%20Page

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

Friday, April 4, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/4/14 - THU 4/10/14

FRI 4/4  6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 4/5   2-5pm   Black, Brown and Beige - Fundraiser for FPAC at Pour Richards, featuring a talented jazz trio.
SAT 4/5   8pm   Concert: Garnet Rogers & Archie Fisher, First Universalist Society

SUN 4/6   2-5pm   Best Buddies Fundraiser at Pour Richards
SUN 4/6   3pm   Student Show at Franklin Art Center
SUN 4/6   2 - 4pm  Cultural Council Open House at Franklin Historical Museum
SUN 4/6   1 - 4pm  Putting for Patients - Franklin High School Field House

MON 4/7   4-8pm   Kindergarten Registration in Franklin, Horace Mann MS.
MON 4/7   6:45pm   Community Garden Committee Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg., Rm 106
MON 4/7   7pm   Planning Board Meeting, Franklin Municipal Bldg.

TUE 4/8   7pm   School Committee Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg.
TUE 4/8   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting at Whole Foods Bellingham. Open to public.

WED 4/9   6pm   Zentangle Class at Jane’s Frames in Franklin.
WED 4/9   6:30pm   Cooking Matters - Free classes, Franklin YMCA. Call to sign up.

THU 4/10   4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration in Franklin, Horace Mann MS


For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

I bought my book at Ginley's Funeral Home

Ted Reinstein, author and reporter for New England Chronicle, spoke to an enthusiastic group at the Franklin Public Library on Thursday evening. Some had already brought a copy of Ted's book "New England Notebook" to have him sign.

New England Notebook
New England Notebook

Others waited patiently for him to finish his delightful stories,

Ted Reinstein during his presentation at the Library
Ted Reinstein during his presentation at the Library

sign a few copies of the book,
pack his bag, get into his Jeep,
drive across the street to the Ginley Funeral Home parking lot
where he was able to sell copies of his book.

Ginley Funeral Home at night
Ginley Funeral Home at night
Yes, one of the unique things about Franklin, authors can NOT sell their books at the Library. Go figure!

Ted in the center of the Franklin book buyers!
Ted in the center of the Franklin book buyers!

Fortunately, Ted was a good sport and having as much fun as the book buyers. We all posed for a picture on the front steps to mark the occasion.

Ted prepares for the 'selfie'
Ted prepares for the 'selfie'
His selfie may not compete with Ellen's or that of David Ortiz but it was memorable.

my signed copy of New England Notebook
my signed copy of New England Notebook

I did get my copy signed. Thank you Ted. You shared some great stories. I am sure the book will be worth it. Even if not, the evening was memorable. I can say I am part of the select group that bought Ted's book at Ginley's.


More about Ted can be found on his webpage http://tedreinstein.com/


Black, Brown, and Beige: A Spirited Afternoon




Basic store logo
Connecting good friends with great wine!
            
Never Drink Ordinary!

Pour Richard's Ultimate Cocktail Challenge
Saturday, April 5th 2-5 PM


Fabulous Music courtesy of the 
Acme Trio
otherwise known as Mark White, Mark Poniatowski, and Kenny Hadley.

Fine, rare, and antique spirits presented by the experts.
Scotch: Springbank 10, Kilkerran WIP #5, a selection of Cadenhead's bottlings, Glenlossie 19, Fettercairn 16, Cragganmore 16, Bunnahahain 10, Tobermory 18, and many, many more.

Bourbon, Rye, Etc: Town Branch, OYO, Cyrus Noble, 1512 Spirits, Pearse Lyons Reserve, Cu Chulainn, Most Righteous, Gunpowder Rye, and more.

Armagnac: 12, 20, and 40-yr-old Darroze, plus vintage selections.

This is a great opportunity for early Father's Day shopping! (Or, expand your own collection.)

The $10 admission is a 100% donation to the Franklin Performing Arts Company's 

Electric Youth

, and will contribute to their July 4th concert for US troops stationed at Aviano Air Force Base in Italy.

21+only. Please RSVP by replying to this email. (All are welcome, but we want to have a handle on numbers.)






Never Drink Ordinary! -Ann and John
Please share this email with friends who are enthusiastic about great wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)

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Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin High sports results

Baseball 
Franklin, 6 @ Stoughton, 5 - Final - Pat O'Reilly was 1-3 at the plate with 2 RBIs for the Panthers. Kyle Skidmore picked up the win in relief, pitching 2.2 innings and knocked in the game-winning run in the top of the seventh inning. Stoughton's Jovani Pires was 2-4 with 2 RBIs for the Black Knights. 
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Softball 
Franklin, 13 @ Stoughton, 1 - Final - Franklin's Sabrina LoMonaco picked up with win with 13 strikeouts and helped herself at the plate, going 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Brie Flaherty was 3-5 with two doubles and 2 RBIs, Maddie Connelly was 3-4 at the plate and Erin Hanley was 3-5 with 2 RBIs.
Boys Tennis 
Franklin, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 - Final 


As reported by HockomockSports.com
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/04/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040314.html

MassBudget: New Reports from MassBudget and KIDS COUNT



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.

Shelter and Housing for Homeless Families: Historical Funding and the Governor's FY 2015 Budget Proposal 

It is important to every family to have the basic security of a place to live. When children become homeless, their opportunity to succeed in school and in life is significantly reduced. Our new Budget Brief examines the Governor's funding proposals for affordable housing and shelter for families, and it puts those proposals in historical context.

In the 1990s Massachusetts dramatically reduced funding for affordable housing for low-income households. Before 1993 the state paid for almost 20,000 rental vouchers to help families pay for housing. By 2013, the state was funding only 5,600 such vouchers. As funding for housing vouchers has been cut, spending on family shelters has risen considerably. In our current difficult economic times, growing numbers of families have been unable to afford market rate housing and this has led to increased state costs to provide shelter.
Shelter and Housing for Homeless Families: Historical Funding and the Governor's FY 2015 Budget Proposal explains the Governor's proposals to increase funding for family shelters to allow families now living in hotels and motels to move into shelter. The Governor's budget also proposes level funding long-term housing programs, such as MRVP and state support for public housing. Funding shelters is an important way the state can make sure that families are not living in unhealthy and unsafe conditions -- and shelters provide important supports to help families get back on their feet that hotels and motels do not. But without adequate funding for long-term affordable housing -- or much more aggressive policies to help people escape poverty -- it will be difficult to find a lasting solution to the problem of family homelessness. 

Read the Budget Brief.

Race for Results: Building a Pathway to Opportunity for All Children

The Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT project this week released Race for Results: Building a Pathway to Opportunity for All Children. The report explores the intersection of kids, race, and opportunity. The report features the new Race for Results index, which compares how children are progressing on key milestones across racial and ethnic groups at the national and state level. Read the full report.

MassBudget is the KIDS COUNT group for Massachusetts. You can learn more about our KIDS COUNT project here.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Dylan Hayre for State Senate at Rick's, Apr 10


Meet the Candidate Coffee Chats! 
Dylan Hayre for State Senate at Rick's! 
Rick's, 28 W Central St, Franklin, MA 02038
4/10/2014, Thursday, 9am - 10am
 
Come join us for coffee and chat in person with Dylan Hayre about the issues that matter most to you! 
Dylan is running to serve as State Senator for the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district (Precincts 1-4,7). He is a former Chair of Natick's Council on Aging board & founder of "A Lawyer for Soldiers." 
Connect with Dylan anytime at www.DylanHayre.com

Thursday, April 3, 2014

"This is just a discussion"

The Council Chamber was full Wednesday evening. Many folks attended the Economic Development Committee meeting at 5:30 and moved to the Chamber for the Council meeting at 7:00.
Councilor Matt Kelly add his comment just as the discussion was getting underway on Wednesday evening.
"This is just a discussion, just so everyone understands that. It is not on our agenda to be voted on."
An hour later, after more than a dozen speakers raised points primarily to slow down and take some time to discuss the project pros and cons for what to do with 150 Emmons St, Councilor Kelly did make a motion to add a resolution to the next Town Council meeting agenda. The resolution was voted on and passed unanimously (via roll call as Councilor Mercer was participating remotely).

The resolution would be authorize the administration to issue an "Expression of Interest" where for 90 days it would be open to received proposals. At the end of the 90 day period, the Economic Development Committee would review the proposals and make a final report to the Town Council scheduled for the first meeting in Sep 2014.

The intent of this request for proposals is to gather interest and ideas in order to better focus and craft the proposal to sell the building (more likely). How it would be used remains open at this time. The consensus of the Council seems to be revenue generation (which Franklin needs), something to recognize Horace Mann, and some portion of the lot for 'greenspace'.

All those looking to do something special whether for non-profits or cultural purposes will have 90 days to put the proposal together and submit it.

Some of the folks walking away from the meeting last night would be upset that after being heard, the Council went ahead and did what they apparently had planned to do. The vote on this by the way was unanimous, 9-0 via roll call.

There is time to further the discussion, combine or re-do ideas, make the ideas more real than a few words. It will also take time for the next steps to happen. In Sep, the Council (and all of Franklin) will find out what the Economic Development Committee recommendation will be. The RFP would still require another Council vote. Once that is decided, the bid process would result in a decision to be made by the Council.

The bid winner then would work through the normal planning process with hearings before the Planning Board and other bodies as needed. Whatever happens will certainly not happen overnight.

What should happen as this goes forward is for the Town Council to be transparent in their words and deeds. They have been less than transparent thus far, hence the concern on the citizens part is justly placed.

150 Emmons St - the building under discussion
150 Emmons St - the building under discussion

The full set of notes reported live during the meeting Wednesday evening can be found here

Franklin Library: author Ted Reinstein speaks at 7:00 PM

Ted Reinstein, author of the New England Notebook will speak Thursday evening Apr 3, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Public Library.

Ted Reinstein, author of New England Notebook
Ted Reinstein, author of New England Notebook

For additional information on Ted you can visit his website http://tedreinstein.com/ or view this brief video as he tells one of the stories from the New England Notebook



"Citizens Committee" statement

As read by Judith Pfeffer, Town Councilor and one of three councilors on the Citizens Committee (half the total committee membership).

As an appointed member of the Citizens Committee, I have a statement on behalf of the Citizens Committee as regards the 150 Emmons Street property. The Citizens committee was formed basically to "encourage quality, visually pleasing, financially enhancing economic development for the benefit of our community. Projects that the Citizens Committee, to date, have impacted include:

  • Dump (recycling center) improvements
  • Acquisition efforts in land purchase from state, property next to dump
  • Dean College train station building improvements
  • Cooks Farm building project
  • Cleaning/maintenance of down town central business district 

The Citizen's Committee's position relative to the disposition of the old town hall are as follows: 
1. The site, bordered by two main arterial roadways, is better suited for commercial development, as part of an enhanced central business district and a revenue producing property than another town-owned, marginally/poorly maintained, economic drain on town resources 
2. The curb cuts should be done for the property while the road project is being done, so the openings will not have to be redone after the new road has been completed. 
3. Revenue from the sale of the site, could be used to construct a first class facility for the Recreation Department, and would allow for expansion of its' many programs, particularly those which have been downsized by the schools (arts, music, etc.) For years the Recreation Department has been moved from one site to another and is deserving of a facility that will serve Franklin, and its children, for years to come ... Rec dept. served 5700 kids in 2013, over 4000 in sports programs. 
4. The estimated cost alluded to in a prior meeting of one million dollars for retaining, re-constructing, and developing the old town hall site into a Cultural Center, not to mention the annual cost of maintaining said cultural center, in view of the anticipated costs of the new school, road improvement program and questionable economy makes no economic
sense. 
5. Suggestions that the site is appropriate for a park, although well intentioned, is not practical for the following reasons: (1) the town owns, and maintains an underutilized site less than a mile away (Town Common); (2) the loss of revenue from both the sale and future taxes is economically unsound; (3) the town's history of property maintenance is abysmal, at best, and unlikely to improve under this proposal; (4) it is likely that the use of any park at that site would serve, primarily, the students of the college that surround it.  
Economic Development at this site: (1) will provide revenue for a building for Recreation Dept.; (2) The town, through the permitting process, will have input into any proposed development at the site, assuring the development is aesthetically appropriate and contributes to the "gateway"
initiatives under discussion; (3) As alluded to above, the town's recent history of owning and maintaining property, does not lead one to think adding to the current burden is either logical or prudent; this is one of sites referred to as "seedy" in the Globe's description of Franklin! 
6. There needs to be an ongoing blending of public-private development. The reconstruction of the central business district roadways will be a huge contribution to any revitalizing effort; the private sector needs to be encouraged to participate.
7. The Citizens Committee strongly recommends that a "REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST" be initiated. Responses to this Request will be reviewed, discussed with and between the Council and brought before the Public. This will insure that this site will continue to
be on the forefront. The Request for Expression process will take months, and the follow-up RFP will take additional months. Waiting for the next few years to make a decision is not in the Town's best economic interest.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Citizen%20Committee

Mass Governor Declares Public Health Emergency



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Executive Update   
Massachusetts Governor declares

Public Health Emergency

60-Day Action Plan to address Opioid Epidemic
April 2, 2014

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Dear Steve, 

We have an epidemic of opiate abuse in Massachusetts...,"
March 27, 2014

Deval Patrick
Governor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

 How Bad is the Epidemic?  

  • More than two people die from opioid overdoses every day in Massachusetts.
  • It is estimated that for every person who dies from an overdose, over 50 are saved.
  • In the last few months alone, 140 people have died from overdose.  

Despite Massachusetts taking this extraordinary action, many other states are experiencing the same trends or worse.  According to Kentucky Executive Office of Drug Control Policy, heroin overdose deaths exploded 550% (2011 to 2012).  In Vermont, heroin deaths rose over 88% from 2012 to 2013.


 What is the 60-Day Action Plan?

The 60-day plan grants EMERGENCY POWERS to the Public Health Commissioner to begin the following actions:
  1. Universally permit first responders to carry and administer Naloxone (Narcan)...an opioid antagonist to reverse an overdose.
  2. Immediately prohibit the prescribing and dispensing of the hydrocodone-only drug formulation (commonly known as Zohydro).
  3. Mandate the use of the previous voluntary program Prescription Dispensing Monitoring Program (PDMP).
  4. Re-task state government with better coordinated services and divert non-violent criminal defendants to addiction programs.

An "ACT TO BAN ZOHYDRO"
Both the United States Senate (S.2134) and the House of Representatives (HR 4241) have introduced bills to withdrawal approval of Zohydro(R) and prohibit the FDA from approving such drugs in the future unless reformulated to prevent abuse.



 Your WorkersComp Plan of Action

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Typically, insurance operations can identify upwards of 15% of non-CAT high risk claims between the 90 and 120 day mark.  As we are seeing from the epidemic statistics, this is ID is far too late. Models should identify between Day 1 and Day 30 with significantly higher accuracy rates.

Utilize a data warehouse to capture data and help understand patterns of potential abuse.  Key Performance Indicators (KPI) can be deployed for continuous alerts.

Measure - Monitor - Act


Call us now to help implement your Action Plan to Positively Impact Claim Outcomes. 

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Jim Paugh
President
WorkersComp Analytics LLC
(  617-410-6561  

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