Special School Committee Meeting - May 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Special School Committee Meeting

May 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Municipal Building - Council Chambers

Agenda

Call to Order            Ms. Spencer 

I. Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator Interview 

II. Deliberation on Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator 

Adjournment

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/may_16_2023_sc_special_mtg_agenda.pdf

Note: It has been quite a while since this circumstance has arisen but in addition to hiring the Superintendent, the School Committee is also responsible for hiring the School Business Administrator. Hence as previewed in the School Committee meeting Tuesday, May 9, this set is set up for the discussion and candidate review for the interim position.

How long has it been? Actually since 2008. In March of 2008, Miriam Goodman, who is setting to retire was interviewed and hired. 

The 14 questions (2 per school committee member, 7 members) asked of the candidates at that time are still in the top 10 search results ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/03/school-business-administrator-interview.html

 

good message on Parmenter Elementary school sign

FUSF is looking for qualified candidates for their part-time Office Administrator

Job Title: First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) Office Administrator

Status: Non-exempt, Part time, Mon.-Fri. $20-23/hr  20-25 hrs./week, Sept.-mid-June, 10-15 hrs./week, mid-June-Aug.

Job Reports to: Minister

Job Summary: Working independently and collaboratively, the Office Administrator will support the Minister, Staff, Board of Trustees, and various committees. Primary responsibilities will focus on: Church Office Management and general administrative support; Internal Communications; limited Bookkeeping and Building and Facilities Management.

Additional details for this position can be found online _>

https://fusf.org/who-we-are/join-us/job-opening/

or in this PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1udLhIpbu_LIhdMndRz3PpYx2fsz6_sQy/view?usp=share_link

For more about First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) visit their web page ->  https://fusf.org/

A recent podcast episode with the Interim Minister "Rev Bev" Reverend Beverly Waring is also worth listening to ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/introduction-to-fusfs-rev-bev-012523.html

School Committee welcomes new school administrators and hears of digital learning initiatives (audio)

FM #844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 844 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Sep 13, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-844-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-13-22

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Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9cVoByG4IOWk4V6K6YvLXs6ahdxGHeT/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNainhZLLUeoL5DL7

YouTube video replay for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/eiLlFrwTX_U

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (audio)

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - multiple positions open

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.  

Administrative Assistant - Senior Center  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/admin-assistant-seniorcenter-job-posting-may2021.pdf

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/payroll-administrator-job-posting-may2021.pdf

Executive Assistant - Town Administrator's Office  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/executive-assistant-posting-may2021.pdf

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-april222021.docx.pdf

Summer Jobs - Facilities and Department of Public Works - FACILITIES IS STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-draft-march2021.pdf

Part-Time Office Assistant and Passport Acceptance Agent - Department of Planning and Community Development  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/office-assistant-and-passport-agent-jobposting-april12021.docx.pdf

Substitute Custodian ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-april2021.docx.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - multiple positions open

Franklin: Job Opportunities in various Office positions as well as Summer (part-time)

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.  

• Executive Assistant - Town Administrator's Office https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/executive-assistant-posting-may2021.pdf
• Administrative Assistant - Treasurer/Collector's Office  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/admin-assistant-treasurer-jobposting-april222021.docx.pdf
  
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-april222021.docx.pdf
  
• Summer Jobs - Facilities and Department of Public Works  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-draft-march2021.pdf
  
• Part-Time Office Assistant and Passport Acceptance Agent - Department of Planning and Community Development   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/office-assistant-and-passport-agent-jobposting-april12021.docx.pdf
  
• Substitute Custodian  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-april2021.docx.pdf
  

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

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

Franklin: Job Opportunities in various Office positions as well as Summer (part-time)

Get into Government Contracting! MEET THE PTACs on 8/6!

Massachusetts District Office - July 2020 The federal government contracts with small businesses to buy products and services.  The SBA works with federal agencies in order to award 23 percent of prime government contract dollars to eligible small businesses. It also offers counseling and help to small business contractors.  >learn more New updates were announced recently for the Woman Owned Small Business and HUBZone certification programs - and we want you to know the Massachusetts District Office and resource partners are available to answer any of your questions and support you in seeking government contracts.   We're inviting you to join us for a series of events to help you find out if government contracting is a viable business development activity for your small business.  Thursday, August 6th at 4 pm   SBA MA Deputy District Director Peter Kontakos and Lead Business Opportunity Specialist Nadine Boone will be joined by representatives from the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers to help you get connected with FREE one-on-one government contracting counseling.  REGISTER https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-procurement-technical-assistance-centers-ptac-tickets-115343258792? Friday, August 7th at 10 am Join Sandra Ledbetter, Government Sales Advisor at MA Small Business Development Center and Nadine Boone, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist for an overview on how to do business with the federal government. SBA Certifications to be discussed: Women–Owned Small Business Service Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business 8(a) Business Development Program/Small Disadvantaged Business HUB Zone Program REGISTER https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-doors-to-federal-government-contracting-tickets-114473934620? SBA Massachusetts District Office 10 Causeway Street, RM265 Boston, MA, 02222  Phone: (617) 565-5590 www.sba.gov/ma

All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance

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Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 2019

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6:15 PM

Franklin Town Hall, 3rd Floor Training Room 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Departmental Capital Budget Presentation:

• a. Schools

3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. FY20 Town Administrator Capital Plan and Free Cash Overview
6. Departmental Capital Budget Presentations:

• a. Facilities
• b. Recreation
• c. Technology
• d. Administration
• e. Fire
• f. Police

7. Adjournment (Next meeting December 17, 2019 6:30@ Senior Center) 


Balance Update
• General Stabilization $6,137,866
• Recreation Fields $304,951
• Open Space Acquisition $1,121,867
• Budget Stabilization $396,332
• Free Cash $3,482,875
• OPEB $5,852,978
• Property Acquisition $269,781
• Fire Truck Stabilization $209,595

OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO): $68,554,870


The full agenda doc including supporting capital budget materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

King St and Washington Sts intersection before the snows covered the ground

Town Administrator's Statement on the old turf and water quality issue (audio)

FM #175

This internet radio show or podcast is number 175 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Town Administrator Jamie Hellen’s statement on the ‘hot topic’ around the old turf carpet stored at the Beaver St field since the new turf was replaced in 2017.

This is one of the shorter podcasts I have shared recently but as Jamie mentions in his statement 

“as we've been advised by the town attorney, will not be making too many more public statements other than what I'm am able to say tonight” 

I thought it important to share his audio as extracted from the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019.  The statement runs approx 6 minutes.

The show notes summarize what we know and what we do not know as well as provide the link to the text document with the transcription of Jamie’s statement.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNppT7dX



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bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017

new turf carpet being installed at Beaver St field in August 2017

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is not with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacts in the conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin in 2018 and is not mandated by Fed/State for testing now, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now?
• What will the State and/or Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Live reporting: Town Administrator's report to Closing of meeting

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
condolences to JP's family

article on Boston Globe
will not be making too many public statements upon advice of our attorney
water quality in particular, heavily regulated by EPA and DEP
will be following through with any remediation required
we follow regulations, we have excellent water quality
the report is posted annually and mailed 

the water supply is safe tested for PFAS study last fall
new water treatment plant contract is being designed to accommodate
have results, will publish at the right time

there are no PFAS in our water supply
our staff does an amazing job on our water supply
we test all the time, as mandated
there is no State or Federal requirement to test for PFAS
we had been ahead of it

once we get an item from DEP
we'll respond at that time

Tues Oct 22, visioning exercise for Franklin
funded by a grant

Beaver St will be closed at the Railroad tracks will be marked and detours posted


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS


recognition of Casey on his 1st term and not returning next term

recognition of Padula for his 3 terms of service on the Town Council

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Hamblen - wishing parents a happy 69th anniversary
thank the Franklin community for serving

Dellorco - thanks for the explanation on the water
thanks to Casey and Padula for your service
thanks for letting me serve, and hopefully all be back

Earls - thanks to Chris White for his work at the recycling
thanks to Casey and Padula for your service
thanks for helping me, hopefully we'll be back

Pellegri - my condolences to the JP family, he will be missed
it has been a pleasure to serve on this committee
I hope that we'll have a chance to work together again

Padula - what a great group of people to work with
they care, they work hard, it is a really good group
one of the things I've learned is that our administration is second to none
it has been my privilege to represent the people for the last six years

Jones - thanks for all the years you put into this job (Padula), one of the most articulate and well spoken people I have met, I hope we get you back in some capacity
To Councilor Casey, thanks for stepping up and tackling this position
reminder, an election coming Nov 5, get out to vote

Kelly - thanks for the explanation on the turf, where did it go? we can't talk too much about it, but would like to know
Harvest Festival, record numbers, it was amazing
Casey congratulations on wedding and future
Padula happy birthday, yesterday, he had my back when I wanted to be Chair
wish all my fellow councilors the best of luck
the reality of it is that is our job, we are representing all the people
we are making sure folks get the best for the buck

Mercer - condolences to JP's family
Harvest Festival, tremendous success, thanks to the Downtown Partnership and all involved in getting it together, couldn't have been better weather, it felt great to see so many enjoying what we have worked to put in, like closing off downtown so we could enjoy it

Casey, thanks, I agree with Kelly on your best dressed award
Padula, really appreciated your professionalism
wish all you luck in the coming election, hopefully we'll be back to take the steps for Franklin's future

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

FM #172 - How Your Town Government Works (audio)

FM #172

This internet radio show or podcast is number 172 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the “How Your Town Government Works” event. This was a non-partisan event sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee at THE BLACK BOX. It was held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

Current members of Franklin’s town government spoke about their areas of expertise:

• Tom Mercer, chair of the Town Council, provided an overview of the town government — its parts, their interrelationships, their purposes and personalities. He also moderated the forum.
• Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator, explained how his office oversees the day-to-day implementation of town government and works together with the School Dept on matters of mutual interest
• Anne Bergen, chair of Franklin’s School Committee, and Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, will discuss education, the largest single part of the town budget.
• Joe Halligan and Tony Padula, sit on the Planning Board. They spoke on the Board's role in the town's development and administering the zoning bylaws.
• Melanie Hamblen, a member of the Town Council, spoke from her point of view completing her first two year term. She shared stories highlighting citizen initiatives that brought changes to Franklin.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording including the Q&A session following the presentations (approx 1hour and 45 minutes).

Note: there was no presentation document used. Several members of the panel did highlight sections of the Town of Franklin web pages which was shown on the large screen and viewed by the audience. Questions were repeated to ensure all could hear. The event was recorded via microphones but the microphones did not serve as PA’s for the session. You shouldn’t have trouble hearing the recording.





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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The full " How Your Town Government Works" panel being introduced

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

 

Post announcing the event 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/reminder-how-your-town-government-works.html

Reminder: How Your Town Government Works - Sep 25

How timely!

• Who determines the school start times being reviewed for a possible change?
• How do we address the systemic budget issues?
• Who makes the decision on a study to evaluate closing Davis Thayer?
• How do we maintain our roads?
• How do we control growth? 

With the local election coming in November, get some insights into the process on all these questions and more ...

Contact the Organizer

Reservations for the town government forum are recommended.
Sign up at https://FranklinGovt.eventbrite.com

"we are encouraged to think that we will have identified a real interest"

From Wicked Local Franklin, an article of interest:

With a big town election looming, local civically minded residents are gearing up to host a program aimed at giving people an insider’s look at town government.

The “How Your Town Government Works” program is set for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7-8:30 p.m., at THE BLACK BOX, 15. W. Central St., Franklin.

While sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee (FDTC), the organizers are quick to point out the program is completely non-partisan and non-political; rather, they describe it as a public service program.

Members of the committee include Chairman Karen Landers, Herb and Paula Gross, and Colin and Sue Cass.

“We were one of several subcommittees set up by the FDTC to plan activities for the year. The idea for this forum came from Paula, who has lived in Franklin for a few years and realized that she knew very little about Franklin’s government,” said committee member Sue Cass. “We agreed that this lack of information was probably shared by many residents and, since this is an election year, we thought an educational forum about the government would be timely.”

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190911/franklin-forum-to-explore-how-town-government-works


Reservations for the town government forum are recommended.
Sign up at https://FranklinGovt.eventbrite.com

 

“How Your Town Government Works” program is set for Weds, Sep. 25