Saturday, April 10, 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - April 13, 2021

Franklin School Committee 
April 13, 2021 = 7:00 P.M.

Call to Order 
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Parmenter Elementary School Highlights
B. District Improvement Plan Update #2 and #3 Curriculum and Instruction

III. Discussion/Action Items A. FY22 Budget Vote
I recommend approval of the FY22 Budget in the amount of $67,914,184 as discussed.
B. Policy 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy GBEA – Conflict of Interest as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Reopening Schools Status Update (April 9, 2021)

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 23, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Declare Surplus
I recommend approval of the request of Horace Mann Middle School to declare the following items as surplus:
a. RISO Machine
b. Books
C. RMS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $923.60 from Lifetouch for in-house enrichment as detailed.
D. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $293.00 from Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
E. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of the following donations totaling $1,096.86 for FHS as detailed:
a. $76.86 Campus Box Media for supplemental supplies
b. $600.00 Franklin Cultural Council for in-house enrichment
c. $330.00 Sager Sports Corp. for in-house enrichment
d. $90.00 Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA and Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining sessions with the FEA unit. as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
XI. Adjournment

The meeting packet for April 13 can be found

The agenda doc with connection info

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - April 13, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - April 13, 2021


Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast Apr 9, 2021

Hello Everyone!


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day 

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ and www.franklin.news 

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 


Change of date! The spring Fling date has been moved to May 16th.  Please call the Senior Center to sign up for this event. 508-520-4945


Tips

Calm Gong meditation music - Tam Tam gong and crystal bowls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw708zdRXuw 


Balance Exercises for Seniors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHMgkTC9UAc 


Music

The oldest known song of all time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KElPnD-dbkk 


Evolution of Music - Pentatonix 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lExW80sXsHs 


Just for Fun

Webcams from National Parks - choose which you want to view

https://blog.cheapism.com/national-park-webcams/#close 


Abstract landscapes painting demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1F7KgBdog8 


What happens if you put your head into a particle accelerator?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD4J5VUwiAs 


Humor

Jeff Allen - 5 months of shutdown created these jokes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soW8Tqp5acQ 



Kindness Matters


Upcoming Events next week

email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday at 1pm - Tele-Bingo call the Senior Center to sign up

*Monday at 2pm - Memory Cafe - a virtual, social music event for those with memory loss and their caregivers. 

*Tuesday at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. 11am - Mindful Movements - via zoom call to register

*Wed. 1pm - Tommaso Juglis - The World Class Artist who created the Ray Memorial Library murals -- and so much more. Alan Earls will present a short talk and slide show.

*Thursday at 10am - SUPERFOODS  Learn the tools of nutritional success for enhancing your brain power, increasing your energy, and improving your mood. Offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. To register: https://well-b.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XtzrDHcpR8uknF07WMCoSw 

*Thursday at 12:30 IN PERSON - Painting and Creative Space

*Thursday  at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Thursday at 6:30 - NAME THAT TUNE! Whether you know your music or just enjoy listening to it you are sure to have fun at this lively, fun filled event! Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to play

*Friday at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of socialization,

 games and activities.

 

Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/139yab6vr7tb1lxHVCZognQWeUXUv5jkW/view?usp=sharing


Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

Ariel


Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 


REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

FM #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)

FM #506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 506 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with several others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about 58 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/de5abca6-def8-46ef-a57a-d778d91c618a


-----------


My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-economic-development-subcomm-mtg.html 

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

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!

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

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

FM #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)
FM #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)


Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - Apr 22

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials

The next Senior Coffee Hour with our local and state officials is scheduled for April 22  at 8:30 AM. 

Please pre-register via this link!  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpduuhrTouHNJ6vuunKSDfG5CDExxpgnZi

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Shared from :  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/senior-coffee-hour-local-state-officials

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - Apr 22
Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - Apr 22



Recap: Town Council meeting - Apr 7, 2021 - capital budget approved, streets accepted, DPW presentation, complete streets policy

Quick Recap:

  • Public hearing on street acceptances for four streets, two of which were in the 'normal' process timing and were approved. Two were part of the backlog, coming through on a revised process and not approved as they lacked Planning Board approval. The full process will be needed for these two so they'll come back for approval some time TBD
  • Enlightening and fact filled presentation by DPW on their operations.
  • Lengthy set of legislation for action. The capital budget (previously approved by FinComm and Capital Budget subcommittees) a set of separate actions all passed
  • The stormwater bylaw technical adjustments were finally approved after once again being challenged as something nefarious to force the stormwater fee into operation (no, this item has nothing to do with the fee itself. That is scheduled for discussion during the budget hearings and likely will be a long and challenging discussion.)
  • The food truck permit for private property was approved (yahoo!)

----
 
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.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9A7nKejgy9p44DuUA

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0407
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0407&src=typeahead_click 


  • Town Council meeting coming up, real time reporting for this about to begin. Follow along with the agenda here #tc0407  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-04-07_town_council_agenda.pdf  Connection info in doc
  • Meeting opens, #tc0407 20+ on Zoom to open with.
  • 2 councilors not present (Pellegri and Kelly), Hamblen remote via Zoom. #tc0407 citizen comments, none tonight Approval of minutes of Mar 17, second, passes 7-0 via roll call 
  • A little early for public hearing to start. Subcommittee reports: capital budget did meet …
  • Budget meeting april 12, 5:30 Joint budget Subcommittee EDC just met earlier tonight, talked about the ladybug trail, discussed the business guide as developed, #edc0407 Community planning grant and other items to be covered in next meeting
Public hearing
  • Public hearing on street acceptance opens: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-03-24_web_street_acceptances_2_-_milford_daily_news_legal_notice.pdf… #tc0407 next set of non-accepted streets (over 100 to be done) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides overview
  • Bissanti questioning why these 'newer' ones are coming in where others could be here and aren't. These are in the regular process and currently being done - others lack plans and/or data and require more work. #tc0407 general process assumes acceptance unless a special item
  • #tc0407 street acceptance does chap 90 funding, pavement management plan, $40m backlog of those to bring up to quality. If we did not accept, legally we wouldn't need to clear snow etc. That is a safety issue and a systemic issue on overall funding and priority
  • #tc0407 laws are written in favor of developers and also Municipal entities are not able to add fees for road acceptance to recover funds. Chap 90 is the only revenue we gain on roads. We have a legal obligation to accept (assuming I special items)
  • Q on gas tax funding roads, it goes to the Commonwealth, the allotment we get is Chap 90. Hotel tax is a local option revenue collected through the State then to us, mostly appropriated to roads, this year due to pandemic and decline in hotel occupancy #tc0407
  • Moving to Brandywine and Charles Drive for the acceptance process. #tc0407 Attny Cerel provides some background on the acceptance process for subdivisions which weren't covered in the original legislation. Planning Board didn't recommend to accept hence can't proceed tonight
  • #tc0407 Brandywine et al had not been originally thru planning board so they did not want to recommend. Public hearing closes. Moving to DPW presentation, doc to be added later.
DPW presentation
  • Slides on overview #tc0407
  • 60 acres of playing fields to manage and take care of #tc0407 35 flags maintained; 102 trash, recycling barrel sets;
  • 1813 signs in town, street line striping along with parking lots, 30 traffic lights, 328 crosswalks in Town; central motors for all town vehicles 167 road vehicles with registration #tc0407
  • #tc0407 grew from 1200 customers to over 3,000 at the recycling center, Beaver St.
  • #tc0407 with 23 lift stations, some refuse gets lifted 7 times before it gets to where it needs to, would have been nice to have a master plan for sewer; elevated tanks to provide water pressure dropped from 3.1 to 2.6 million gallons due to water conservation measures
  • #tc0407 second water treatment plant (off Grove St) coming online later this year.
  • #tc0407 it is cost efficient to do much of the vehicle maintenance inhouse some stuff does make sense to send out, however we are 1st responders and would need to get a truck or police car turned around quickly
  • DPW "the work they do touches everyone in Town". They are short staffed and doing more with what they have. #tc0407 you give us the money, we get to spend it. Could add fencing to create a small dog zone at the dog park.
  • Trash vs recycling mix is bad if over a 10% mix (bad in with the good), audit just done and we came in low at 7% #tc0407
Legislation for Action
Town Administrator report
  • That is the end of the Legislation for tonight, first aggregation report posted to Town page, we are saving money. #tc407 
  • May 5th passport renewals will resume at municipal bldg.  Verizon is exercising option to remain in Franklin. $200k grant for affordable senior housing
  • Continue the TA report: fire dept grant - $188k popup store grant for downtown for this summer partner with Wrentham, citizen discount one page guide posted to Town page (and shared) #tc0407  Town opening more likely after Memorial Day. Still under capacity limits ..
  • Likely to look at some reservation system. #tc0407  Comments: Dean returned request to pay for vehicle as a "pilot" payment. Disappointed. Police reform had great conversation, girl up at high school also had good conversation. Scam attempt today. Stay vigilant.
  • ... homeless feedback/info coming from Bissanti (from webinar he attended)
  • #tc0407 thanks to Franklin fire for their burn session, quite informative. Thanks to the staff for the beginning of the capital program. A grueling task. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
  • That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #tc0407


 


one page of the DPW overview on Central Motors
one page of the DPW overview on Central Motors


Town of Franklin, MA: Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Weekly TOF COVID-19 Dashboard Update   https://t.co/HsotbG3nsp 
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/V9akpefj8a

Town of Franklin, MA: Weekly ToF COVID-19 Dashboard
Town of Franklin, MA: Weekly ToF COVID-19 Dashboard


MA state news: "Want a cleaner, more prosperous, more equitable region? Upgrading commuter rail would unlock all those benefits.

"We’re fortunate in Greater Boston to have the foundation for a strong regional transit system — a subway system in the city, well-established bus lines, and an extensive commuter rail network covering everything from diverse midsize cities to tony suburbs.

The system yearns for a range of improvements, however, like more regular service outside rush hour so that it better serves residents who don’t work traditional 9 to 5 schedules. Here we’ll focus on one exciting model for change: the promise of transforming our commuter rail system into a “regional rail” system. That is to say, a more equitable, modern, fast, zero-emissions rail network that responds to how people live today and will live in the future."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/09/opinion/key-better-boston-hiding-plain-sight/


This map, created by the advocacy group TransitMatters, envisions the first phase of improvements that could turn our existing commuter rail network into a “regional rail” system. It expands on a plan for upgrading commuter rail that the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board approved in 2019. TransitMatters’ executive director, Jarred Johnson, says regional rail would function more like a subway system does, with shorter trains that run more frequently and at higher speeds. Some stations and tracks would need to be added.TRANSITMATTERS
This map, created by the advocacy group TransitMatters, envisions the first phase of improvements that could turn our existing commuter rail network into a “regional rail” system. It expands on a plan for upgrading commuter rail that the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board approved in 2019. TransitMatters’ executive director, Jarred Johnson, says regional rail would function more like a subway system does, with shorter trains that run more frequently and at higher speeds. Some stations and tracks would need to be added.TRANSITMATTERS


FTC Consumer Alerts: Give yourself some credit (reports)


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Emily Wu, Attorney, Federal Trade Commission

One important back-to-basics step you can take this Financial Literacy Month (or anytime) is checking your credit report. 

Financial Literacy Month: Checking your Credit

Read more > https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/04/give-yourself-some-credit-reports?utm_source=govdelivery

Friday, April 9, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2021

A Winter Farmers Market weekend, another Master Class on Monday and virtual events to fund raise for the Walk of Tears or to enjoy some of the performing arts sprinkle the calendar for this outlook

 

Friday, April 9
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Saturday, April 10
10:00am -  Winter Farmers Market
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Sunday, April 11
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Monday, April 12
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm -  MasterClass: Creativity Curator
 
Tuesday, April 13
9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 
Wednesday, April 14
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm -  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
 
Thursday, April 15
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
3:00pm -  Electric Youth 2021 (Video Stream on Demand)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd 
 

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar

 

Town of Franklin, MA: Joint Budget SubCommittee Mtg - Apr 12, 2021

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting
(Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee)
April 12, 2021 = 5:30 PM
 
Agenda
1.FY22 Budget Discussion 
- The Joint Budget Subcommittee is made up of members of the Town Council,School Committee and Finance Committee.

 
 
Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting posted here  https://t.co/79NJ4026zD  
 
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/DmQvi5Y4nW
 
 
Town of Franklin, MA: Joint Budget SubCommittee Mtg - Apr 12, 2021
 Joint Budget SubCommittee Mtg - Apr 12, 2021



FHS volleyball tops Attleboro 3-0 on Thursday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Volleyball = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Franklin shined from the service line and went on to sweep the visiting Bombardiers, 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-8). The Panthers recorded 23 aces as a team with junior Cailyn Mackintosh leading the way with eight aces. Meghan Linkkila and Taylor Lacerda each added six aces and Ally Bonnet-Eymard added three aces to go along with nine kills. Lindsey Tarantola (four kills) and Emma Chase (three kills) both played well at the net for the hosts. 
 
For other results around the Hockomock League
 
FHS volleyball tops Attleboro 3-0 on Thursday
FHS volleyball tops Attleboro 3-0 on Thursday