Showing posts with label annual report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label annual report. Show all posts

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Senior Center

The Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM The Center provides programs, services and activities along with outreach, information and referral to serve the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their families. Social services assistance is available to all adult residents in Franklin.

The Senior Center offers health and wellness, nutrition, social service coordination, socialization, recreation, transportation, educational and cultural programs, a supportive day program, respite care and volunteer and intergenerational opportunities.

The Center’s mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by:
Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well-being.
Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and Federal resources for older adults.

Highlights
This proved to be the most challenging year we have weathered, given that the COVID-19 crisis forced the closure of our building to the public in March of 2020. Our focus quickly shifted to assuring that elders – those most at risk - were able to obtain food, supplies and other critical services. As we moved into April and May under the shutdown, we added several remote meetings and activities and teleconferencing groups. Staff also provided reassurance calls to our members and delivered masks and medical equipment. Our Coordinator created weekly email blasts with fun links to great ideas, performances and diversions. On June 1 we introduced the Curbside Café, offering curbside lunches to elders at a reduced rate. The following report chronicles the highlights of our year and our adjustment to the new reality of life after COVID.

The Center launched a 50+ Job Networking Program, with funding from the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging. The program offered biweekly, 2-
hour workshops with instruction from a certified Career Coach who reviewed networking strategies, interview role-playing, LinkedIn guidance and ongoing support. The program continued to be offered remotely after the COVID pandemic closed the Senior Center in March. The program saw 410 attendees, serving 140 unduplicated individuals with 18 sessions.

We continued our Dementia Friendly Franklin initiative, funded by the Metrowest Health Foundation and the Friends of Franklin Elders. This program offers training and support to learn how to interact sensitively and support those living with dementia so they can remain engaged in the community. It is offered to community organizations, businesses, houses of worship, schools and others. While COVID stalled progress in this program, we were able to train 13 community organizations and 445 individuals last year.

We launched the Curbside Café in June thanks to a generous grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation. The program provides freshly prepared lunches for curbside pickup for elders 60 and over at the Senior Center, at a reduced rate of $2 each.

As the shutdown continued, we shifted several programs to a Zoom format. Staff also created programs to accommodate the “new normal”, including weekly email blasts, a Quarantini Hour and a ‘Be Well’ Coffee Hour, via Zoom.

Continue reading about the Senior Center in the PDF version of the Annual Report (page 113) or the print version (#107)  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Visit the Senior Center on the Town of Franklin page to subscribe to the newsletter or find additional information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Senior Center
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Senior Center

Friday, August 13, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Recreation Department

275 Beaver Street
Franklin, MA 02038 

The Recreation Department is located at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin MA 02038. The Recreation Department offers Franklin residents a variety of programs and activities for youth and adults, as well as coordination of youth sports organizations field use. The department operates and schedules activities for Beaver Pond (beach and turf field), Fletcher Field, Dennis Pisani Softball Field, Henry “Ski” Faenza Tot Lot (Nason Street Tot Lot), King Street Memorial Field, Dacey Community Field, and the Meadowlark Lane fields. The department is also responsible for scheduling the use of all school athletic fields. Our department works closely with the various town youth sports organizations and Athletic Director Tom Angelo to schedule all youth sports activities around the high school team practices and games.

Chilson Beach
Chilson Beach was open from June 20-August 21, 2020 with a swim at your own risk policy. No lifeguards were on duty. However, we staffed the beach with gate guards to check for residency as the beach remains Franklin residents only. The pond was home to canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking. 

For information on Chilson Beach and our water testing results, visit:

At the above website, residents can check the water quality and E-coli levels as we run a water quality check every week to make sure it is safe for swimming.
On the turf field at Beaver Pond, we continue to permit soccer, field hockey, flag football, and boy’s lacrosse. The turf field was used for the Franklin Recreation Department’s NFL Flag football, Franklin Youth Soccer, and Franklin youth boys lacrosse, as well as yoga for senior citizens, tai chi, boot camp, and many other recreational activities. A portable recycled plastic walkway is on site for handicap accessibility to the water edge and playground area. The Franklin High School soccer, lacrosse and field hockey programs play all of their home games on the turf field as well. The turf field was recently resurfaced in 2017.

The Recreation Dept does so much, their full report doesn't fit here. Please continue reading with either the PDF version (page 109) or the print version (#103) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Recreation Department
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Recreation Department

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

The Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust fund was established on May 18, 2015. The Trust Fund has capabilities to receive, hold, invest or expend funds for the rehabilitation, renovation, construction, financing or refinancing of property within the Town of Franklin making these residential properties available to low and moderate income families looking for an affordable home.

This year interest rates have been at historic lows and we have had numerous homeowners choosing to refinance their mortgages. The Department of Housing and Community Development provided an Agent to resell an over 55+ Townhouse in the Hidden Acres development. These units are purchased by income and asset qualified households, therefore keeping them in the affordable housing inventory. The Town has over the 10% target of its housing inventory as affordable units. We are currently at 11.89%. This number allows the Town leeway to support only those developments that it feels benefit the community.

Even though it is still several years away, Franklin Ridge, the much needed senior housing project, is proceeding as planned. Franklin Ridge will be located off of Veteran’s Memorial Drive and have 60 new senior apartments. The Trust has earmarked $500,000 and the land in support of this project. It will sit behind Eaton Place, our current senior housing development.

This year, as always, we look forward to pursuing innovative ways to produce affordable housing in the Town of Franklin.

It is our pleasure to submit this annual report for your review.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Anne Bertone 
Christopher Feeley 
Jamie Hellen 
Robert Keras 
Maxine Kinhart 
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Christopher Vericker, Chair 

For additional info about the Housing Trust, visit their page

For the full Annual Report for 2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Municipal Affordable Housing Trust
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: OPEB Board of Trustees

The OPEB Trust was established to help meet the town’s obligation of funding current and future retiree’s health Insurance. The town provides health Insurance for both active and retired employees by generally paying 68 percent of the active and retiree health insurance plan while the employee pays 32 percent of the cost. There are a few employees and retirees that share the cost of a 50/50 split and some retired teachers that are “grandfathered” that the town pays 85 or 90 percent of the cost.

When a retiree reaches age 65 they enroll in Medicare and town provides a supplement plan at the same ratio as mentioned above.

Every two years we have an actuarial study to determine our unfunded obligation
As of 6/30/19 the unfunded liability was $68.55 million dollars. As of 6/30/19 the amount of funds set aside in the trust is $5,706,986. Currently the town appropriates approximately 10% of its annual Free Cash plus as an annual appropriation in the budget of $600,000. We have asked the Town Council to increase the annual appropriation by $50,000 per year.

These efforts are a good faith attempt to meet our obligations without compromising all the other services provided to the citizens of Franklin. Once our unfunded pension obligation is paid off in 2032 we should be able to commit several million dollars a year to meet our underfunded OPEB obligation.

Respectfully submitted, 

Jamie Hellen
Chair OPEB trust 

OPEB = Other Post Employment Benefits

For additional information on OPEB visit the Trustees page on the ToF web

For the full Annual Report for 2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  OPEB Board of Trustees
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  OPEB Board of Trustees

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Human Resources

Fiscal year 2020 was a busy and challenging year, which included contract negotiations, reorganizations, hiring, benefits administration and of course, dealing with a pandemic!

I worked closely with the Town Administrator and our department heads and managers to wrap up collective bargaining agreements for seven (7) different groups. We started meeting with union leadership back in March of 2019 and were able to reach agreements with all unions by the end of June 2020. It was a long year of countless meetings and conversations, but I believe we came to fair agreements for both sides for all our groups. Once the agreements were signed and both sides moved forward, the Human Resources and Payroll Departments worked tirelessly to make sure that all the data was updated in the payroll system correctly and appropriate changes were made.

This year, we helped recruit, interview and onboard 4 new members of the Fire Department, including Chief McLaughlin. It’s hard to believe that the Chief just joined us at the start of the fiscal year in July 2019! He had some pretty unbelievable accomplishments in one year. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to read the Fire Department report for more information. Fiscal Year 2020 was a year of planning and change as the Department left the Civil Service system and prepared for a major reorganization, which officially took place in July 2020, or the start of fiscal year 2021.

In what could be deemed as a “slow” year, the Human Resources Department was involved in hiring 22 new full-time employees as well as a number of part-time employees and seasonal staff members. The new hires beyond the Fire Department included Public Health Director Cathy Liberty, who was just getting used to her new job when the pandemic hit, and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey, who helped communicate the every changing state of the Town and Schools in times of COVID! We also hired new staff for the Senior Center (1), Assessors Office (1), Department of Public Works (7), Building/Health/Planning Suite (2), Police Patrol Officers (3), and Custodians (2). We got used to a new way of interviewing this year, which included interview panels spread out across a full conference room with masks on. HR Administrator Sandy Golebiewski was a regular at the picnic tables outside of the Municipal Building as she met employees outside to walk them through their new hire packets and paperwork!

We also managed to work closely with the Insurance Advisory Committee to negotiate additional changes to our health insurance in the midst of the stay at home orders in March and April. The IAC met virtually to discuss the ever-changing landscape of health insurance. When we started talking to Harvard Pilgrim back in February 2020, we were facing an almost 20% increase in
 
Health Insurance, which would have had a crippling effect on the Town’s budget. We were able to make some small design changes, including increasing the deductible to bring this increase down to just about 9%. Of course, we wish that this increase did not have to happen, but it seems as if an increase of 5-10% each plan year is almost inevitable at this point. We were able to work together to ensure that the increase was somewhat manageable for both the Town and our employees.

Our Department worked very closely with the Town Administrator, Public Health Director, and the Emergency Management team to help ensure that our employees and residents stayed safe through COVID. This included tracking all COVID related absences and coaching employees through the relevant quarantine guidelines to ensure that they did not come to work and potentially infect other employees. Fortunately, for the period of March to July, we had very few employees test positive for COVID. The positive cases were not transmitted through work and could be traced to employees’ private lives.

In spite of working from home for a good portion of the year, I had some great opportunities to meet and get to know more employees. It was great to sit with so many of you through contract negotiations, on hiring committees/interview teams, and even have an opportunity to chat to some of you on the phone more as we worked out COVID exposure issues and quarantine timelines! It was a challenging year, but I continue to love my job and this Town and continue to learn something new every day. I look forward to another year, hopefully one where COVID becomes a distant memory!

Respectfully submitted, 

Karen M. Bratt
Human Resources Director 

For more about the Human Resources Dept, visit them at the ToF page

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online

Monday, August 9, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Housing Authority

Board Members
The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on June 18, 2020.
  • George A. Danello, Chairman 
  • Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson 
  • Diane Padula, Treasurer
  • Peter L. Brunelli, Assistant Treasurer 
  • Andrew M. Kepple, Commissioner

FHA Staff
  • Lisa Audette, Executive Director 
  • Candice Day, Administrative Assistant 
  • Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant
  • Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor 
  • Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer 
  • James Brunelli, Groundskeeper/Laborer 
  • Julia Schneiderman, Service Coordinator

Former Commissioner Teehan
Mark A. Teehan was placed on the Franklin Housing Authority Board in 2007 by the Governor as the State Appointee. Mr. Teehan attended nearly every single Board meeting since his appointment, completed the MassNAHRO Board Training and Certification and served on the RCAT Committee. Not only did he become a great advocate for public housing and for the population we serve, he also became a friend. We greatly appreciate his expertise and guidance during his13 years of service.

New State Appointee
Governor Charlie Baker appointed Attorney Andrew M. Kepple to the Franklin Housing Authority Board. Mr. Kepple not only lives in Franklin but also works in our town at the highly regarded office of Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C. Attorney Kepple has concentrated his practice in the area of landlord-tenant law, civil litigation and employment law. We welcome Attorney Kepple to the Board and look forward to working with him for the betterment of our residents and properties.

Dealing with COVID -19
As the pandemic reared its’ ugly head in the spring of 2020, Franklin Housing Authority aggressively began cleaning and sterilizing all public areas within our developments for the protection of our residents. While many businesses shut down, we remained in place to support our residents and maintain as much stability as possible during the very frightening and uncharted months of unusual turmoil. While we are not out of danger yet, we see light at the end of the tunnel with hopes of vaccines and the decline of positive cases. Much appreciation to Representative Jeff Roy for providing us with ‘impossible to find’ face coverings for our residents during this time. He played a very crucial part in keeping our resident from contracting or spreading this virus. Thanks to our residents for listening to the Governors’ warnings and guidance during this time. It brought many months of loneliness to many of our seniors but the stamina of their compliance kept us safe. Much thanks to our maintenance department for continuing to respond to emergency work orders throughout the pandemic and maintain the buildings and property in a safe manner. Also, office staff adjusted their schedules and work environment to maintain as much continuity as possible. It has not been easy for any them or their families. Their service is highly commendable. Lastly, the unwavering support of Chairman Danello and the FHA Board Members cannot go unnoticed. Board Members were readily available for any need of the agency and always looking out for the best interest of our staff and residents. Their remarkable awareness and action throughout has demonstrated their commitment to the agency. We are very fortunate.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A Contract for Financial Assistance from the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for the purpose of repairing components of the aged agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 was awarded to the FHA. Several projects were completed using this very timely and important funding including support beam repairs, fire alarm system and sewer line replacement. Completed projects for this fiscal year exceeded $250, 000.

High Leverage Asset Preservation Program (HILAPP) 
The Department of Housing and Community Development offered a modernization program for Housing Authorities that are able to acquire funding through another source other than DHCD. In collaboration with the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT), whose mission is to foster the availability of low income homes within the Town of Franklin and National Grid, FHA was able to obtain a grant through this program with funds pledged by MAHT and National Grid. This project renovated 40 units of senior/disabled housing. The project included window and flooring replacement, bathroom & kitchen upgrades, exterior and storm door replacement, site lighting and painting. The HILAPP project is now complete. Many, many thanks to Chairman, Christopher Vericker and all the Members of Franklin’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust for their generous contribution that qualified Franklin Housing Authority for this project grant.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low income Family Housing and two, 8-unit Group Homes. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four-bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited additional support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to live in a residential neighborhood for an affordable rent.

Managing Agent for Norfolk Housing Authority
Franklin Housing Authority has been contracted to manage the Norfolk Housing Authority. By taking on this agreement, we increase the FHA/NHA housing stock by an additional 84 units of public housing. Norfolk is very close logistically and has been the ‘little brother’ to Franklin for many years. We see this opportunity as a benefit to our new Norfolk residents and financially beneficial to both agencies. We look forward to working at the Norfolk Housing Authority and with the NHA Board Members to maintain the beautiful, safe and affordable housing in the Town of Norfolk.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
Franklin Rotarians planned the third annual Valentine’s Breakfast in February for our senior residents and for seniors throughout the town. This is a rare opportunity for our residents to enjoy a wonderful homemade breakfast with pancakes, eggs and all the delicious breakfast meats, pastries and fruits. Rotarians made this enjoyable Valentine’s breakfast even more special by giving each senior a Valentine gift. Fun was had by all. We hope to enjoy future Valentine breakfast feasts with the generous Franklin Rotarians.

Rotary Club members planned their annual pasta dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Unfortunately, this dinner was not able to take place due to the COVID-19. Rotary members continue to brainstorm ways they can provide meals to our residents during the difficult time. Rotarians always are welcome by the residents and the smiles and the kind words of appreciation linger for many months. Much thanks to the Rotarians.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
The Clergy, for continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
Chairman Tom Mercer and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and their staff for their continued support and assistance. Best wishes to former Administrator Jeff Nutting for a healthy and prosperous retirement.
Chairman Christopher Vericker and all Franklin’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust members for their generous donation in support of our senior housing units. Also, thanks for having a similar goal as FHA in providing affordable housing to people of lower income.
Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.
Franklin Police Department, Police Chief Lynch and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief James McLaughlin, Deputy Chief James Glich and Deputy Chief Joseph BarBieri and their Department are always professional and respectful when assisting our residents during a medical time of need.
Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffery Roy for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our town and residents at heart. Also, a huge thank you to Representative Roy for providing our resident with a supply of face covering masks during the pandemic. At the time of need when masks were no where to be found, Rep. Roy came to the rescue.
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for support of Massachusetts public housing.
Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Jerome McDermott for including FHA in their inmate community service program, their professionalism during evictions and their support of the Franklin Housing Authority.
Franklin Food Pantry and Executive Director Lynn Calling for the support of the residents of Franklin Housing Authority. Also, much appreciation for locating pickups in the most convenient places for our residents to manage.
Saint Mary’s Church, Friends of Franklin and Saint Vincent de Paul for supporting our residents during exceptional times of need.

Through the years, the Franklin community and the housing authority find ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors, disabled persons and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community, the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a wonderful, safe and affordable community housing opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, 
Executive Director, PHM, MCPPO 


The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Franklin Housing Authority
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Franklin Housing Authority

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021


School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

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. Summer Curriculum Projects and Summer Learning Programs

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. FY 21 Annual Report - DRAFT
B. Back to School Status Update
C. School Committee Meeting Tentative Presentation Schedule 2021-2022

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, 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 the July 27, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Declare Surplus
I recommend declaring the attached lists of materials as surplus.
C. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $325.50 from Campus Box Media for Supplemental supplies for the athletics department as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Adjournment


Agenda doc and connection info ->

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021



Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Historical Museum

Overview
It’s been a great year at the Franklin Historical Museum! And, while we have missed the public these last few months while our doors have been closed due to COVID- 19, we have been using these unprecedented times to plan ahead. We have had many successes and look forward to many more to come in the future. These include a new collections policy, successful application for a SHRAB grant, organization of dozens of collections up to professional standards, increased outreach through social media engagement, and the creation of a COVID-19 Archive Project.

Our Mission
The Franklin Historical Museum collects, preserves, and provides access to materials connected to the vibrant history of the Town of Franklin. Through its archives and various collection materials, the FHM seeks to create a greater appreciation for the people and events that came before it and cultivate an understanding that knowledge of the past brings about a better tomorrow.

Collections Policy
The new collections policy for the Museum is complete with forms and procedures that adhere to professional standards in the museum and archives world. These include a collections policy, a deaccession policy, mission and vision statements, a disaster management plan, donation procedures, a new deed of gift form, processing plan and finding aid templates, and details about the cataloging system which is being employed at the Museum.

SHRAB Preservation Grant
This year the Museum successfully applied for a preservation grant through the Massachusetts State Historic Records Advisory Board which enabled us to purchase proper storage materials for the Museum’s subject file collection. Thus far, ten linear feet of materials have been placed in archival quality folders and boxes thanks to the funds provided by the grant.

Museum Collections
This year has mostly been focused on processing the collections materials housed in the Museum and transforming the piles of collections and archives materials into various collections which can be used by researchers and staff and writing user-friendly finding aids so that they can find what they are looking for. This means working one box, one cabinet at a time, opening it up, seeing what is in there and figuring out what it needs and where it belongs. Thus far, over one hundred and fifty linear feet of materials have been fully processed and catalogued including books, postcards, sheet music, photographs, scrapbooks, letters, pamphlets, and various documents.
 
Social Media
Our social media accounts are dedicated to sharing vibrant stories from Franklin’s past as well as promoting virtual learning opportunities for all ages. To learn more about the history of the Town and how it relates to the world around you, follow us on Facebook and Instagram today!

Facebook: Franklin Historical Museum 
Instagram: @franklinhistoricalmuseum

COVID-19 Archive Project
The Franklin Historical Museum has been hard at work finding ways to preserve the historic event we are currently living through and we need your help! What has quarantine been like? What have you done to stay connected to friends and family during these times? Have you learned any new skills? What do you most want future generations to take away from this moment in history? Future researchers will appreciate the time you took to answer these questions as they study what happened and how humanity bonded together to survive the unthinkable.

To share your stories with the Franklin Historical Museum COVID-19 Archive Project, follow the link on our Instagram page (@franklinhistoricalmuseum) or email rfinnigan@franklinma.gov and we will send you a link to our survey. Thank you for your stories!

In Conclusion
I would like to thank everyone who has helped further the mission of the Museum, from donors to volunteers to visitors coming in off the street. We are here to serve you and, with your continued support, hope to continue to bolster community engagement as we work to create a safe space for learning and research.

Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Finnigan, Archivist 


The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Franklin Historical Museum

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Fire Department

The Department
The Franklin Fire Department administration is led by a Fire Chief who is assisted by an Executive Assistant. The department is divided into two divisions, operations and administration, which are each under the direction of the two Deputy Chiefs. The operations division is responsible for dispatch, emergency medical services, fire suppression and hazardous materials response. The administration division is responsible for personnel, budget, training, code compliance and coordinating the Town’s emergency preparedness.

Our Mission
The Franklin Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services for our community. We safely protect lives and property through fire suppression, training, emergency medical and transportation services, disaster and crisis management, fire prevention and public education.

Operational Objectives
Initiating advanced life support to patients within 10 minutes of receiving the telephone call at our communications center.
To access, extricate, treat and transport trauma patients to a level one trauma medical facility within one hour of the occurrence of the injury.
Interrupt the progression of fires in structures within 10 minutes of open flame ignition.
To insure response readiness remains greater than 70%.
Provide safety and survival skills for all school students in grade K through 5 consistent with the Student Awareness Fire Education (SAFE) initiative of the Commonwealth.
Provide continued valuable services to the senior population with home safety inspections and smoke/carbon monoxide battery replacement.
Develop a partnership with the Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC).
Provide educational opportunities for department members to insure optimal performance and safety.
To develop and maintain “best practice” to insure personnel and citizen safety.
Insure fire safety through timely, consistent code compliance services to all external customers.
Provide all department services in a manner that satisfies the needs of our customers.

Message from the Fire Chief
The creation of the rank of Battalion Chief, on each group, will provide a supervisory position responsible for all operations of on-duty personnel, in addition to administrative duties and individually assigned collateral duties. Operationally, the Battalion Chief will allow us to achieve a proper span of control on each group, meeting industry-wide consensus standards and ensuring for the safety of all on-scene personnel.

We have also implemented an EMS Captain position that is responsible for the emergency medical services and transportation mission. A critical role for this position is to provide efficient and consistent QA/QI of EMS incident reports, in order to maximize our transport reimbursements back to the Town. For fiscal year 2020, the Department received its largest reimbursement from rescue billing, which was over $1.5 million.

In January 2021, the Department will be adding four additional Firefighters/Paramedics to the organization to provide greater safety to the community as well as the members of the department. This additional staffing will also create more company cohesiveness and efficiency in daily operations.

Overall, the Department responded to 4,466 calls for service this past fiscal year. Emergency medical service calls accounted for 64% of those calls. While during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for calls for service decreased by approximately 15-20%, the overall annual call volume only decreased by 20 calls total.

Thankfully, the community did not suffer any fire related deaths this year. Department members suffered five loss time work related injuries during the fiscal year which is reduced from last year.

Continue reading the report on page 93 of the printed version or page 99 of the PDF version

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Fire Department
Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Fire Department

Friday, August 6, 2021

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

The purpose of the Design Review Commission (DRC) is to promote safe, functional, and attractive development of business and commercial areas to unify commercial properties, both visually and physically, with surrounding land uses and to protect and preserve the unique and cultural features within the Town. The Commission uses the Town codes and bylaws to ensure new developments and sign installations enhance the New England character of the Town’s commercial centers and thoroughfares. The DRC has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors, and materials.

The DRC is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. Currently there are vacancies on the Commission: one full time regular member and two associate members. All members are resident volunteers who are appointed by the Town Council. Current Commission members are Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Vice Chair, Samuel Williams, and James Bartro.

During FY20 the DRC reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors, and materials. Reviews included projects such as the apartments at Dean Avenue Downtown. In addition, sign applications were received, hearings held, and decisions issued for over 50 signs during the past fiscal year.

Due to concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, Design Review Commission Meetings are held remotely via Zoom. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting may do so by clicking on the Zoom link or by calling the phone number provided.

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on two Tuesdays a month. Meeting times, dates, and agendas are posted on the Town’s website:  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission

Respectfully submitted, 
Mark Fitzgerald, Chair 


The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission
Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Town Clerk do?

From the Town Clerk's page:

"Welcome to the Franklin Town Clerk’s webpage.  It is a pleasure and honor to serve the Town of Franklin.

Our office handles many critical municipal functions, including all local, state and federal elections, dog licensing, vitals (birth, marriage death records), business certificates, and we host all of the permanent records for the Town of Franklin dating back 200 years.  The Town Clerk’s office also is a central repository for all agendas and minutes of boards and committees."

For more about the Town Clerk, visit their page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

The Town Clerk position is elected for a four year term. Our current Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, was appointed Temporary Town Clerk after Teresa Burr resigned last fall. 

Appointment announcement links:
One of the visible outputs of the Town Clerk is the production of the Franklin Annual Report for 2020 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 2, 2021 in the "election collection"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Town Clerk do?
Franklin Election 2021: What does the Town Clerk do?


Sunday, August 1, 2021

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Town Council do?

The Town Council approves the budget and authorizes all spending. One exception is that the School Committee is responsible for managing the school budget after the Town Council approves the total amount as part of the overall Town budget. Hence, you'll often hear of the town side and the school side as the two groups provide separate oversight for their area.

The Town Council hires and reviews the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator (Jamie Hellen) is responsible for the daily operations of the Town departments (except as noted for the schools, which are overseen by Superintendent Sara Ahern (hired by the School Committee)).

The Town Council is the legislative body to approve changes to the Town bylaws. Usually there is some controversy when the Town Council 'forgets' their legislative role and attempts to intervene in the day to day operations.

There are nine members of the Town Council all elected 'at large' (they represent all the voters of Franklin as opposed to the individual precincts). The Council chooses their Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk in the first session after each election.

All nine positions are up for election on November 2, 2021. Each position has a two year term.

Additional information on the Council, their process and procedures, fiscal policies, meeting agendas, minutes and a host of other information can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

"Welcome to the webpage of the Franklin Town Council. By the Town Charter, the 9-member Town Council serves as the legislative body who sets policy for the community. The Council serves as the Local Licensing Authority for Alcoholic Beverages Licenses. The Council also has several subcommittees, including Budget, Capital Budget and Economic Development. The Council also has two liaisons, one to the S.A.F.E Coalition and for Communications.

The Franklin Town Council has established high standards for customer service for the Town staff. If you have a question, concern, or need assistance, please feel free to email us directly using the email forms below, or you can email all nine members of the Council by using that option to the left of this message."


Additional information on accomplishments of the Town Council can be found in the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2020
 
My notes and audio recordings of prior Town Council meetings can be found in the Meeting Notes page (scroll down to find the "Town Council" section).