Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities for Finance, DPW, and Police

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

Purchasing Agent - Finance Department   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/purchasing-agent-job-posting-nov242020.pdf

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw-hmeo-posting-nov242020.pdf

Executive Assistant - Police Department   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/executive-assistant-police-jobposting-nov2020.pdf

Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/recycling-center-laborer-posting-august172020.pdf

Substitute Custodian   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

Franklin, MA:: Job Opportunities for Finance, DPW, and Police

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 22, 2020

 □ Vision Statement □

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

 

Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

 

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.    Personnel Update - Lisa Trainor

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/personnel_update_memo_new_hires_sep_2020_.pdf
 

B.    District Improvement Goals Preview
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_and_preview_2020-2021.pdf

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    Policy - First Readings
I recommend moving the following Policies to a second reading as detailed:

A.    EEAEC - Student Conduct on School Buses
B.    EEAJ - Motor Vehicles Idling on School Grounds

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_1st_readings.pdf

B.    MASC Delegate
I recommend the Committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee's delegate to the annual MASC Annual Meeting of Delegates.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_masc_delegate.pdf

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    None

V.    Information Matters

A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, 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)

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 September 8, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B.    Approval of Executive Session Minutes for release
I recommend approval of the Executive Session minutes from your September 8, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
 

IX.    Payroll    Ms. D’Angelo
 

X.    Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN Unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI.    Adjournment 

 

Documents for this meeting can be found in the Town of Franklin folder for the meeting https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-22-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 22, 2020

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities in Facilities and DPW

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Junior Custodian - Franklin Public Schools Facilities Department

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/jr-custodian-posting-august312020.pdf

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

• Water Operations Person (L4) - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/l4-water-operations-externalposting-august2020.pdf

• Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

• Substitute Custodian

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf) instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here (https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe).

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities in Facilities and DPW

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities, Fire and Police

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

• Substitute Custodian

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

• Police Patrol Officer 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/academy-trained-patrol-officer-posting-july2020.pdf

• Firefighter/Paramedic - 2 vacancies 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/ff-paramedic-job-posting-july132020_1.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf) instead.

Town of Franklin:  Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities, Fire and Police

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Human Resources Department

From the Franklin Annual Report 2019:

Fiscal Year 2019 was a very busy year for the Human Resources Department. The Town continued to experience our “retirement boom” with the departure of Fire Chief Gary McCarraher, former Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe, and of course, the retirement of our fearless leader, Jeff Nutting, after 18 years as our Town Administrator! The show must go on, even without these valued employees, and we are lucky to have Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and new Fire Chief James McLaughlin and Deputy Chiefs Joseph Barbieri and James Klich stepping up to lead us for the foreseeable future.

The Police Department kept us very busy this year with a few retirements as well as the implementation of a new schedule in the Patrol Division. We are now one of a handful of communities in Massachusetts that offer a (“4&4” schedule. The schedule allows our officers to work four (4) ten (10) hour days and then take four (4) consecutive days off. Although the schedule officially started in FY20, we spent a significant portion of FY19 preparing for this adjustment, including adding additional Patrol Officers to the Police Department. As a result of the new schedule and a few other personnel changes, we hired 7 new Patrol Officers and promoted 2 Officers to Sergeant in just one fiscal year.

As a result of the retirements and other movement within the Fire Department, we appointed a new Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 3 Captains, 2 Lieutenants and 5 new Firefighter/Paramedics in FY19 (and the first week of FY20 since Chief McLaughlin started on July 8, 2019).

Between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, the Town also hired a Conservation Agent, an Archivist, an Administrative Assistant in the Town Administrator’s Office, a Clerk the Treasurer’s Office, a Clerk in the DPW, 2 Assistant Youth Services Librarians, 2 Library Assistants, a Town Electrician, 3 Custodians, and 2 Heavy Motor Equipment Operators at the Department of Public Works, and part-time employees in Recreation and the Senior Center. Like in years past, we hired about 30 students to work full-time at the DPW and in Facilities for the summer. These employees were instrumental in getting our schools and school grounds ready for the 2019-2020 school year.

As in years past, Jeff Nutting, Jamie Hellen and I worked closely with the Finance and HR teams from the Franklin

Public Schools and the Insurance Advisory Committee to try to contain the cost of health insurance. We currently provide health insurance to approximately 1200 employees and retirees from both the Town and Schools on our plan. Even a small increase in health insurance premiums can have a huge impact on the total budget.

For the second year in a row, the Town offered a qualified high deductible health insurance plan through Harvard Pilgrim Health Care to our active employees. If an employee moved from the traditional HMO to the high deductible HMO plan, they could save money on the monthly premium in exchange for a slightly higher deductible. This plan change saved the Town money, so we shared some of the savings with the employees by depositing money into each employee’s Health Savings Accounts (HSA). During the open enrollment period, we had 21 additional employees join the High Deductible Plan, bringing our numbers up to about 40 Town employees. These employees saved the Town an additional $19,000. This figure does not include the savings realized by people who joined the plan in FY18 or the additional savings achieved by the School Department. We have received very positive feedback from employees who have joined the high deductible plan and hope that we can continue to experience these savings in future years.

We worked closely with the Human Resources Department for Franklin Public Schools to offer a “Benefits Fair” during our open enrollment period in April. We invited representatives from Harvard Pilgrim and our other insurance vendors to set up tables to provide benefit information to our employees. We had a great turnout and employees were very pleased to have the opportunity to gather additional information and ask questions.

It was a very busy and challenging year, but HR Administrator Sandy Golebiewski and I both enjoyed it. It is very exciting to be part of the hiring team and it has been a pleasure getting to know our new employees and welcoming them to the Town. We look forward to another year of serving the employees and retirees of the Town of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen M. Bratt
Human Resources Director


Download your copy of the Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019

Visit the Human Resources Dept online  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources

Franklin Annual Report 2019: Human Resources Department

Workshop: Are Your Small business Policies and Practices in Compliance?

Greetings!

Are you an entrepreneur just starting with a dream of becoming a small business owner or already a seasoned owner? Join us to learn about the recent changes to existing small business regulations as well as a few new ones. Please help us get the word out to all small business owners by forwarding this email and/or posting a flyer.

Thank you for your help and hope to see you on February 26th,
Anne

Anne Fenton
Client Services Coordinator
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
508.673.9783


Download a copy of the flyer (PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dObl7gEgu78h1d1QwIK260ix_qCtTxri/view?usp=sharing


For an updated listing of the MSBDC seminars and workshops, please visit the MSBDC Southeast Regional Office Event Calendar periodically at www.msbdc.org/semass. For a statewide listing of MSBDC events, please visit www.msbdc.org/training. All seminars are held in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required for all seminars.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development under Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-18-B-0001 through the University of Massachusetts Amherst. SBDCs are a program supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. The SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities or who need translation services if possible and if requested at least two weeks in advance. The MSBDC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a workshop or clinic due to insufficient enrollment. For further information, contact the Southeast MA SBDC office at 508.673.9783.

Workshop: Are Your Small business Policies and Practices in Compliance?

Live reporting: Return from Exec Session to Closing

15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)

historic day for Franklin, not used lightly
proposal to get home rule to address this item for Franklin current members would be exempt, future members would not be applicable to civil service

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

ambulance fee discount added
rate increased
change in mileage amount

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-852_web.pdf

question on false alarm fee, usually for extremely egregious behavior
bring this forward to clarify in a future meeting

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0


15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)

historic day, paradigm shift, call volume has been increasing
everybody excited to implement the contract
this contract sets up for success for the future

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-07_web_0.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

Note:
Two - Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf

Did you know that Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page?

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page. The group has been providing a valuable service for the Franklin community since 2012. It helps those in need with a volunteer network that springs to action for each need.

What do they do?

"Welcome to the Franklin chapter of Neighbor Brigade! Our chapter was formed in April 2012. Whether you are seeking assistance or looking to provide help to another, you’ve come to the right place.

Our volunteer chapter leaders donate time to coordinate the needs of families in crisis with the volunteers who want to help. Read on to learn more about their passion for Neighbor Brigade, and help us spread the word! We are always looking to expand our presence here in Franklin among volunteers and potential recipients alike.

Neighbor Brigade establishes community-specific networks of volunteers that can be mobilized to help residents facing sudden crisis manage day-to-day tasks such as meal preparation, rides, and basic household chores.

Our chapter is just one of 29 chapters helping their neighbors in crisis! To learn more about us and our other chapters, please visit our home page."

The Franklin's Neighbor Brigade web page
https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/d344e590-7541-488a-8594-34b5f451db96/1

The Franklin's Neighbor Brigade Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pg/FranklinNeighborBrigade/

Did you know that Franklin's Neighbor Brigade has a Facebook page?

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - Apply now

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Fire Chief

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/fire-chief-posting-march2019.pdf 

• Part-Time Conservation Agent

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/conservation-agent-posting-feb2019.pdf

• Summer Jobs - DPW and Facilities

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-feb2019.pdf

• Summer Engineering Intern - DPW 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/engineeringintern-posting-feb2019.pdf

• Junior Building Custodian

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/jr-custodian-updated-feb262019.pdf

• Town Electrician 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin-electrician-jobposting-updated-jan2019.pdf

• Part-Time Custodian 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.custodian-posting-october2018_0.pdf

• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - Apply now

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Human Resources

I just finished my first year as Human Resources Director for the Town of Franklin and it was a very busy, but rewarding year. It has been a wonderful experience so far and I look forward to serving as your HR Director for many years to come!

Fiscal Year 2018 was a big transition year for the Town. We had turnover in three key managerial roles, the Human Resources Director, Comptroller, and Treasurer/Collector. Stephanie Lutz, Susan Gagner, and Jim Dacey had almost 50 years of combined service and institutional knowledge with the Town. Finance Director Chris Sandini, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, and I have tough shoes to fill, but are catching on quickly and operations have continued without a hitch. Jeff Nutting and Jamie Hellen should be commended for their hard work in making sure that there was a smooth transition in leadership.

In addition to these three key managers, several other employees chose to retire or pursue other opportunities this year. We had a very busy year backfilling positions and even adding a few new positions. There were 16 new full time employees including 4 Police Officers, 3 Firefighters, 6 DPW Laborers, the Finance Director, and 2 Civilians at the Police Department. We also hired 3 new part-time Library Assistants at the Franklin Public Library, several part-time and substitute Custodians for the Facilities Department, part-time dispatchers for Police and Fire, part-time administrative positions and over 40 Referees, Camp/Program Counselors, Gate Guards, and Program Coordinators at the Recreation Department. In addition to local students working summer jobs in the Recreation Department, the Town also hired about 30 Franklin students to work in the Department of Public Works and Facilities Department. These students were instrumental in helping landscape our community and get the schools ready for the 2018-2019 school year.

In Fiscal Year 2018, we continued to struggle with the rising cost of healthcare. Other than wages and salaries, the health insurance budget represents one of the largest single costs to the Town. The Town offers health insurance to all active employees working more than 20 hours per week as well as retirees and their families. We currently have approximately 1200 employees and retirees from both the Town and Schools on our plan. Even a small increase in health insurance premiums can have a huge impact on the total budget.

When we started reviewing health insurance for FY19, we were faced with a potential increase of 10.9% on the HMO plan. Town and School management came together with the Insurance Advisory Committee to try to come up with creative solutions to keep costs down, for both employees and the Town. We enlisted our benefits broker, NFP Inc, to prepare a RFP and went out to bid on health insurance. The Insurance Advisory Committee ultimately decided to save costs in several different ways. We went through the arduous process of switching Health Insurance companies from Tufts Health Plan to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and added a small prescription deductible to our plans.

We also, for the first time, offered employees the option to enroll in a Qualified High Deductible Health Plan coupled with a Health Savings Account. A High Deductible Health Plan offers a lower monthly premium, but the employee may have a higher out of pocket cost, since the deductible would increase from $400 to $1500 for an individual and from $1000 to $3000 for a family. Since the decrease in monthly premiums would save the Town a significant amount of money, we were able to share the savings with the employees by depositing money into the employee’s Health Savings Account ($750 for employees on an individual plan and $1500 for those on a family plan). This money could then be used to pay for any health related expenses and reduce out of pocket costs. Even with this arrangement, the cost to the Town for the High Deductible plan was still lower than the standard HMO plan.

Through the changes listed above, our overall Health and Life Insurance budget for the Town increased by just 5.42%, which is slightly lower than last year and below the national average.

The Town continues to offer a very competitive benefits package, which, in addition to health insurance, offers employees the option to sign up for Life insurance, Dental insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and/or Health Savings Accounts, Short and Long Term Disability, and two different vendors for deferred compensation retirement plans. In FY19, we plan to review all the benefit plans to make sure that we stay competitive and offer our employees robust, cost-effective benefits.

This year, we worked with MIIA (the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association) to offer Harassment Training to all our employees. A professional trainer came in and offered 12 different classroom sessions. The training focused on the federal and state laws around discrimination and harassment and our responsibilities as employees in preventing harassment and responding appropriately if it does happen. Employees generally had positive feedback about the training and felt that they learned a great deal.

2018 was a very demanding, but fulfilling year. I, along with Sandy Golebiewski, look forward to another great year of serving our employees and our retirees in 2019.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Bratt
Human Resources Director



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

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

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Human Resources

Annual Report 2017: Human Resources Department

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. 

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 93-94 (actually 100-101 of 264)

Human Resources Department

The primary function of all departments of the Town of Franklin is Customer Service. To support this, we work to hire and retain the best employees possible. The Human Resources Department provides Customer Service primarily to applicants, active and former employees and retirees.

During this fiscal year turn-over of staff has been high as we continued to see a transition in staff. Baby boomers retired and some employees have moved on to new positions outside Franklin.

Three (3) Clerical staff, two (2) Custodians, four (4) Dispatchers, two (2) DPW workers, two Patrol Officers, four (4) Firefighters, and three (3) members of the professional staff resigned or retired. We were very sad to have one of our Full-Time Fire Dispatchers pass on unexpectedly.

We were fortunate to be able to hire well qualified individuals as clerks (2), custodians (3), DPW workers (2), Dispatchers (4), Firefighters (5), experienced Patrol Officers (3), professional and support staff for various departments (4) as well as a new Youth Services Librarian. Hiring includes a transition of management in the Human Resources Department. As the fiscal year ends we are also finalized the hiring over thirty (30) high school and college students to work in temporary jobs or the summer in DPW or Public Facilities, working with full time staff to cut grass, pick up trash, move furniture, and clean classrooms. They learn a bit about what it takes to care for the Town schools, public buildings, and grounds, and provide a valuable service.

There are many conversations about benefits with new hires, and questions continue throughout an employee’s time with the Town, as their lives change, and contact continues into retirement.

In addition to the mandatory participation in Norfolk Retirement System, the Town offers:

• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short and Long Term Disability plans
• Section 457 Savings Plans

Health Insurance continues to be a major focus of planning, budgeting and communication. Federal Health Care Reform, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a significant impact on our health insurance program and premiums as it includes per capita fees for a national study commissions. Uncertainties about what will happen on the Federal level causes many to ask what they can expect for coverage in the future, but that is not something we can predict. Other than wages and salaries, it represents one of the largest single costs to the Town. The reporting requirements for this new mandate are extensive and complex. We work closely with the Comptroller’s Office to be sure records for each individual are correct, as they become a part of reporting to the IRS.

All employees, other than Police and Fire, are covered by Workers’ Compensation, a federally mandated program. Our goal is to prevent accidents and lost time from work, and to protect individuals from financial loss when there is an incident. This “no fault” insurance is designed to provide income security and medical coverage for individuals injured on the job. Since July 2011, the program has been insured with MIIA. Human Resources continues to ensure that incident reports are filed timely with Worker’s Compensation. We are now able to file claims “on line” to get them set up quickly so employees are treated and claims processed quickly. Employees who have needed to use the services report a strong and positive experience working with claims managers. We also work with managers and employees across the Town to support safe work practices, so that the frequency and length of workers’ compensation and 111F absences are held to a minimum. The number and severity of incidents has been reduced significantly and we appreciate the work of all employees who practice safe work habits. Our goal is to get each employee back to their job as quickly as they can perform their tasks safely. There is no benefit to anyone who needs to be out for a work related injury.

The Town of Franklin Safety Committee monitors practices and policies, with an eye to reducing hazards at the worksite. In the future, this committee will be under the arm of the Deputy Town Administrator.

We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. We review all benefit programs on a regular basis to be sure they comply with Federal and State laws. We continue to work to comply with all new reports and regulations. Over the coming year this will continue to add complexity as we coordinate changes at the Federal level with state regulations, or locally negotiated agreements.

We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. In addition to active employees we are responsible for over 550 retirees and spouses of retirees of the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools who have health and/or life insurance as a result of their long-term employment with the Town.

All retirees from the Town and School Department are cared for in the Human Resources Department. Retirees contact our office with changes to their health insurance programs as they move around the country and become eligible for Medicare. We enjoy hearing about their activities after they have left employ with the town. As retirees are a very mobile population, it is our goal and mission to assist all retirees and their covered spouses with any questions they might have which includes the processing of all of their enrollment, coverage and address changes on a daily basis. They receive mailings each year as health insurance plans and rates changes.

As we begin the next year our goals include:

• Complete the successful transition for the new Human Resources Manager. A new perspective will bring new opportunities to deliver services.
• Seek opportunities to streamline processes and reduce paper processes while remaining in compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Work with all departments to maintain a safe work environment, to reduce lost time from on the job injuries.
• Review return to work options for employees who have been out on Workers’ Compensation or 111F.
• Review best practices in the public sector and find opportunities for skill development to offer to municipal employees.
• Continue to monitor changes arising from National Health Care Reform.
• Identify the various workload activities, and ensure proper documentation and training.
• Partner with School HR activities to find service improvements and cost-efficiencies.
• Deliver high quality customer service to employees, retirees, and citizens.
• Constantly monitor full range of benefit options.

Focus on the Health Insurance Program.

• Identify information which can be best communicated electronically and keep web site current.
• Provide excellent service to and resolve administrative issues arising from municipal health insurance program.
• Facilitate managers using job descriptions and performance evaluations to strengthen organizational and employee performance.
• Support managers and employees in employee relations activities.

We appreciate our employees and retirees and look forward to another year of providing timely and useful service to them.

It has been my pleasure to serve the Town as Human Resources Director, and wish all well in the coming years.

Respectfully submitted

Stephanie Lutz
Human Resources Director.

Annual Report 2017: Human Resources Department

This was the last report by Stephanie, Karen Bratt is now handling Human Resources  http://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources

You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

Annual Report - 2015: Insurance Advisory Committee

Each of the municipal and school unions, as well as retired employees has a seat on the Town of Franklin Insurance Advisory Committee. It provides recommendations to the Town Administrator on health and dental plans. Meetings are an opportunity for employees from the unions to learn about insurance products, industry trends, and to help identify ways to meet employee needs within the framework of the Affordable Care Act, Massachusetts General Law, and available financial resources.

With the further portions of the Affordable Care Act from the Federal Government on the horizon, we anticipate changes, administrative challenges, and premium increases in the coming years. The original quote for a renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield was in the double digits – an increase unacceptable to the Committee and the Town.

With the assistance of a consultant we requested quotes from other carriers, and received a very competitive quote for nearly an identical plan from Tufts Health Plan. The Committee verified that the match with current providers was very high and elected to make the change. We sponsored informational sessions at six locations so that all employees and retirees had an opportunity to talk with Tufts representatives in person.

The Town continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. We are happy to report that few of our employees required in patient care. The Town provides dental benefits on a totally employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan no increase to premiums. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.

The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediately payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards. The plan runs on a September 1 through August 31 calendar to more closely coordinate with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs. Since this program exists on a tax exempt basis, changes at the federal level may cause plan changes. We will monitor any activity about Sec. 125 of the Tax Code to ensure we remain in compliance.

Participants on the IAC brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. The IAC plans to continue its work gaining knowledge about the full insurance program. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through this committee to other employees so that there is greater understanding of benefit plans.

Respectfully Submitted

Stephanie Lutz
Human Resource Director

Franklin Municipal Building

Additional information can be found on the Town of Franklin - Human Resources page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Human/index

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

http://ecode360.com/10432729?highlight=annual%20report,reports,annual,report#10432729

Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2015report.pdf

MAB Community Services' Annual Meeting 2015: Realizing the Vision of Deinstitutionalization

You're invited to join us on Wednesday, October 21st for MAB's Annual Meeting 2015, featuring a panel discussion and awards presentation!!

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** YOU'RE INVITED ** MAB Community Services Annual Meeting 2015: "Realizing the Vision of Deinstitutionalization" Wednesday, October 21, 2015  5:30 Registration  6:00 Program MassHousing  1 Beacon St.  Boston, MA 02108 RSVP to Andrea Croak at acroak@mabcommunity.org or 617.732.0279 by October 16. Panel discussion: "Realizing the Vision of Deinstitutionalization: What Needs to be Done" Over the past four decades, there has been a tremendous change in how people with disabilities are cared for in Massachusetts and throughout the country, as individuals have moved from poorly funded, overcrowded institutions to living full and satisfying lives in the community. Despite this progress, however, more work still needs to be done to truly realize the vision of deinstitutionalization. Our panel of experts will talk about the changes they would like to see to help bring this vision to fruition. Panelists: Susan Senator, Author, Making Peace with Autism and Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life Barbara Salisbury, CEO, MAB Community Services Gary Blumenthal, President and CEO, Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers Moderator: Jeff Keilson, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning at Advocates   And honoring our community partners: Lisa DiBonaventura, M.A., COMS, Statewide Director for Vision and Vision Loss Services, DDS Wesley Finnemore, owner, Matilda's Sandwich Shoppe Linda Glenn, former Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services The MAB Community   Experience. Innovation. MAB Community Services has been creating opportunities for people with disabilities since 1903. Our experience allows us to forge strong community partnerships to meet the pressing need for high quality services and transform lives.

Forward email MAB Community Services | 200 Ivy Street | Brookline | MA | 02446