Franklin Food Pantry busy this season serving our neighbors and getting ready for the new building

We hope you are having a happy and healthy holiday season! The Pantry is very busy with Holiday Distributions, Turkey Trot, Food Elves and getting our new home ready for our neighbors!

While Franklin is considered an idyllic residential setting, it is not immune from food insecurity. Almost 10 percent of Franklin's residents aren't sure where their next meal will come from. This isn't happening to someone else in Franklin, 

it is happening to us. 

rendering of the New Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry distributed 26,292 bags of groceries last year to more than 1,100 people in more than 500 households. Many of our neighbors shopped more than twice per month in order to make ends meet. Demand for our services has grown from 150 households per week to more than 180 households per week in the last few months. Franklin Food Pantry's FY2022 statistics show just how much work there is to do and how prevalent food insecurity is in our area.

The Pantry has been fortunate to enjoy our current space for the last 13 years, thanks to the generosity of Rockland Trust. However, we have outgrown our space and cannot expand our programs and services to accommodate the increasing need. The Pantry purchased the Edwin's building at 341 West Central St. and you may be wondering exactly why we need this building.  

It's not about the building, 

it's about what we will do in the building! 

In our new space, we will: 

• Preserve human dignity with private client meeting rooms. 
• Expand programs and services through partnership and collaboration. 
• Create a warm and welcoming space that honors local history. 
• Increase the client shopping area offering more food and product choices. 
• Increase community engagement through workshops and trainings. 
• Ensure safety and ADA compliance with accessible walkways and interior lift 
• Grow our weekend backpack program and increase mobile pantry sites. 
• Save time and money with thoughtful and cost-effective design. 

We can't do this without support from YOU – please look for information about how you can contribute to The Pantry's Campaign in the coming months or contact Marsha Tait at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

YOU have the power to create a better 

community for everyone by contributing to 

The Pantry's campaign: 

The New Franklin Food Pantry: 

Nourishing Neighbors, Building Community 

Updates for the new Franklin Food Pantry Building  can be found online ->

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/

Annual Report Of The Building Inspection Department - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Building Inspection Department is a multi- functional office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR 

Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185 

Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR

Mass. Plumbing & Gas Code – 248 CMR 

National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002 

Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98 

Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation

The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m.

For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklinma.gov this site contains a series of online forms and applications easily accessible and available to download and apply online. The website has sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals, shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff

Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown

Inspectors:

Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney 

Asst Wiring Inspector: James Loughlin 

Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta

Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: John “Jack” Giancola 

Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill 

Sealer of Weights & Measurers - Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants

Judy Demers

Melissa Kiriacopoulos 

Tyler Paslaski

Casey Thayer

 

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.

FY 2021 saw an upward rise in the amount of building permits issued. No doubt a result of more folks staying home and taking less vacations. We appreciate the patience of all residents, town council members and fellow employees, without everyone’s help and understanding FY21 would have been challenging. To our commercial customer’s, we thanks you as well. We saw the passing of our longtime Assistant Plumbing and Gas Inspector, Richard McCormick. Mac was solid inspector and a great friend, he is missed. As always for the past several decades our town is growing and changing every day. New buildings replace older structures and remodeling keeps the older building up to code. A convenient permit process helps to apply for all of our permits with any electronic online device. It’s a pleasure to serve you all!

Building Permits

This year the Building Department issued a total of 1732 building permits and the revenues collected totaled $810.557.20

There is a whole lot more to the Building Inspection Department section of this annual report but the tables and other info were not easily copied for this format. 

Find the remainder of the Building Inspection Department report on page  116

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Boston Globe: "Should the state ban the use of fossil fuel systems in new commercial and residential construction?" (poll)

Via the Boston Globe: "Should the state ban the use of fossil fuel systems in new commercial and residential construction?"

Read the opposing views online and take the poll at the end of the article ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/07/metro/should-state-ban-use-fossil-fuel-systems-new-commercial-residential-construction/

The 'Yes' view comes from Lisa Cunningham, Architect; Director and co-founder, ZeroCarbonMA; Brookline resident. Lisa joined Ted and I for episode #10 in the Making Sense of Climate series. You can listen to her expand on her 'yes' view ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/in-this-making-sense-of-climate-episode.html

"Should the state ban the use of fossil fuel systems in new commercial and residential construction?"

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee - May 10 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Subcommittee

May 10, 2022 = 6:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room

Agenda

Call to Order

● Discussion of Data

o Current residential building projects in town

o Home and condo sales, year to date

o Specialized program space needs (current)

o Updated space utilization (K-8)

o Franklin district map layers

o Other

● Update on Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and

Davis Thayer Elementary School

● Adjourn

The agenda doc includes remote connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-5_10_22.pdf

classroom at FHS when it opened

When are you moving into the new building?

The Franklin Food Pantry gets a frequently asked question these days: 

Q    When are you moving into the new building?

A   The short answer is "not yet." While the former Edwins is a beautiful building, we still have lots of work to do so make it afunctional Pantry to best serve our neighbors. Please watch our social media and website for updates about the building project. In the meantime, we are grateful to still be able to operate out of current location.

For more about the Edwins building visit the Food Pantry page ->
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/edwins-building-to-be-new-site-of-the-franklin-food-pantry/

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CcBFZJAryG5/

When are you moving into the new building?

DOER stretch building codes get comments from Attorney General Healey

The comment period on the proposed stretch goals for building codes closed on Friday, Mar 18, 2022. There had been news articles reporting that Attorney General Maura Healey's office had turned down some local legislation for Brookline because the State rules did not allow them to go that far. Her office issued comments on Friday that confirmed DOER had the right to continue with the stretch goals to allow a community to go all electric.

Reporter David Abel's article in Feb on the stretch goals

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/08/science/significant-step-reducing-emissions-state-proposes-new-building-codes-promote-energy-efficiency/

Reporter David Abel's tweet on the comments by Healey's office:

"Attorney General Maura Healey told state officials today they have the authority to create an energy code that allows municipalities to ban the use of oil and gas in future construction projects"

AG's office comments on stretch building code goals

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davabel/status/1504990705973972998

Article on the rejection of Brookline's local control 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/healey-again-rejects-brookline-anti-fossil-fuel-bylaws/

For more on climate issues, check out the Globe's new section (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/science/environment/climate/

Ted McIntyre helps me with Marking Sense of Climate - Part 5 - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #753 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 753 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

This is part 5 of a series on Marking Sense of Climate. Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session 

The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.”

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-754-making-sense-of-climate-5-03-15-22

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Links that are our talking points for this episode

Transit system electrification
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/state-news-roundup-health-care-costs.html

NY Times article on induction cookers -> https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/ 

DOER Stretch goals (deadline extended to March 18 to submit input)

• Link to read the details ->  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022 
• Email to provide feedback  stretchcode@mass.gov 
• WBUR’s explainer ->  https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/03/17/massachusetts-energy-environmental-building-code-proposal-explainer

Good first step wind bill, but Baker objects over fees…
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/?event=event12
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/regional/2022/03/04/mass-house-offshore-wind-bill-faces-headwinds-baker/9373537002/
 
Municipal Light Plants (MLP) and the Peabody Peaker
New studies find cheaper to 'buy from market'
Hunger strikers oppose construction


Ukraine…
Debate No-fly zone etc….
Hundreds of millions to Russia every day for gas.
daily payment to Russia for EU gas
https://www.voanews.com/a/despite-sanctions-europe-continues-to-bankroll-russia-for-gas-oil/6465223.html

McKibben’s piece on “heat pumps for peace”   https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/heat-pumps-for-peace-and-freedom?s=r 

If you have a question to raise, you can use this form -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html
 
Original Climate link = The 13 point article we talk to -> From WBUR -> “What you need to know about the new MASS Climate law” https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/26/new-mass-climate-law-faq
 
Mass Climate Action Network -> https://www.massclimateaction.org/recs 
 
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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!

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

NY Times - Wirecutter - induction cook tops (Photo: Michael Murtaugh)

DOER has scheduled seminars to obtain feedback on stretch code proposal

 DOER Announces Public Hearings on New Stretch Code Proposal

Dear Building Energy Code Stakeholder,

DOER will hold five virtual public hearings to receive comment on its Straw Proposal for Stretch Code update and New Specialized Stretch Code released on February 8th. The following information can be reviewed in advance of the hearings at DOER's new Stretch Code Development webpage:

1.      The Straw Proposal     

2.      Recording of February 8 Webinar       (registration required to view)

3.      Summary of stretch code analysis informing straw proposal

 

Interpretation services will be provided at all hearings in Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

 

Hearing Focus	Date
Western Region	March 2, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Metro Boston and Northeastern Region	March 3, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Environmental Justice Communities	March 4, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Central Region	March 7, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Southeastern Region	March 8, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

DOER will provide a brief presentation to respond to clarifying questions received in advance of the public hearing, however the majority of the time is reserved to hear public comments. Public comments will be limited to 3 minutes per person to ensure all participants have a chance to provide comment.

To submit questions or to sign up to give public comment at a hearing please send an email to stretchcode@mass.gov with the title ‘Comment for Public Hearing’ and include your name, organizational affiliation and municipality where you work or reside, as applicable. There will be four regional hearings and one additional hearing dedicated to Environmental Justice communities statewide. At each regional hearing, comments and questions from participants representing communities in the designated region will be prioritized. Visit the Green Communities webpage to find out which region your community is in.

REMINDER: DOER highly encourages written comments on the Straw Proposal for Stretch Code update and New Specialized Stretch Code to be submitted electronically to stretchcode@mass.gov with the subject line “Stretch Code Straw Proposal Comments”. Written comments will be accepted until 5 pm EST on March 9th, 2022

Thank you,

Maggie McCarey, Director - Energy Efficiency Division

Straw Proposal => https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-straw-proposal-updated-stretch-code-specialized-opt-in-code-feb-2022/download

Summary of Stretch Code Guidance =>  https://www.mass.gov/doc/summary-of-stretch-code-study-energy-efficiency-analysis-feb-2022/download

DOER has scheduled seminars to obtain feedback on stretch code proposal

2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck

"BAKER ADMINISTRATION officials unveiled a slide deck on Tuesday that outlines in broad strokes how they intend to use updates to two existing state building codes and the development of a third more restrictive code to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions coming from newly constructed commercial and residential buildings.

The new building codes are scheduled to take effect next year after a public comment period and regulatory hearings. It’s expected new construction regulated by the building codes over the next 27 years will account for 27 percent of all building space by 2050, when state law requires Massachusetts to reach net zero emissions."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/baker-administration-unveils-building-code-slide-deck/ 

View the slide deck on the proposed building codes here or embedded below

https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-straw-proposal-updated-stretch-code-specialized-opt-in-code-feb-2022/download

2022 DOER Proposed Code Updates from Franklin Matters

2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck

Recap on Energy/Climate front: one step forward, two steps back

Something to watch for as a key component of the MA net zero goals: 

"Administration officials did not respond to requests for comment, but the Department of Energy Resources notified stakeholders it was releasing on Tuesday a “straw proposal” containing updates to the existing stretch code and a framework for an “opt-in specialized stretch code.” 

Sources said the revisions to the state building code would deal primarily with windows, insulation, and other measures to reduce energy usage. The opt-in specialized stretch code would allow communities to voluntarily take additional measures that would accelerate energy conservation, including requiring all new construction to include rooftop solar where practicable. 

The stretch code would also require new construction to be equipped for full electrification and to meet at least some passive house standards, the goal of which is to dramatically limit energy usage."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/baker-seeking-major-changes-in-building-code/

Baker seeking major changes in building code

While the building codes may move forward, a move by the ISO-New England group apparently moves the State efforts backward.

"At a time when New England should be racing to bring as much clean energy online as possible to green its electricity supply, the grid moved this past week to effectively discourage major wind and solar projects for at least another two years.

Like other regional power suppliers, New England’s grid operator has been asked by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to remove or change a mechanism that makes it harder for clean energy projects to enter the competitive market. But after months of saying it supported such a measure, ISO-New England reversed its stance last week and aligned with a proposal from the natural gas industry that would slow-walk any such change.

“It’s another example of not meeting the moment to usher in the clean energy transition,” said Jeremy McDiarmid, of the Northeast Clean Energy Council. “It is an example of the system not being equipped to change as fast as we need it to.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/05/science/decision-made-behind-closed-doors-may-set-clean-energy-back-by-two-years/ 

Franklin Food Pantry re-evaluates and changes plans for 138 East Central St

The Board of Directors, at the recommendation of Franklin Food Pantry leadership, Franklin Food Pantry Building Committee, and the team of professionals hired to build out 138 East Central Street, has decided to put 138 East Central Street on the market for sale, effective immediately.

We are extremely disappointed that this property no longer meets the operational needs of the Franklin Food Pantry (FFP). We are appreciative of the hundreds of hours of work spent exploring every possible avenue to successfully open the building as the Pantry’s new location. Not only have staff and our team of architects, builders, engineers, traffic consultant, legal services, and site planning experts worked tirelessly to vet potential solutions, the public also has been incredibly supportive of this endeavor.

After almost 18 months of work, we concluded that while 138 East Central was a viable option for FFP pre-pandemic, COVID-19 so drastically changed our operations and programming that the property no longer allowed us to fully meet the needs of our neighbors.

Some of the new programs that this property was challenged to support include:

• Curbside Distribution – shown to be incredibly important for our neighbors with health issues, mobility concerns, young children, constrained schedules etc.
• Home Delivery – critical for our most vulnerable neighbors facing chronic disease, cancer treatments, transportation limitations, and other situations that restrict travel
• Holiday Distributions – this program grew under COVID, adding a permanent Summer Distribution to augment the two winter distributions

We also faced logistical challenges on the site that would have limited the ability of our community to contribute through the food drives or our community donation bin – both of which are key aspects of our success. Finally, a number of discretionary site planning requirements became evident. Meeting these would have drastically and negatively impacted our services.

We are actively pursuing other options for a new Franklin Food Pantry site. The limitations of our current site remain, and our reach has expanded beyond what our current site can do. We are grateful to Rockland Trust for allowing us to continue to operate under their roof – our neighbors rely on us, and them, to access support during difficult times. What we learned through this process is valuable and will be applied to the next site. While this pivot is a temporary change in direction, the strategic decision to move to a new location has not wavered and the project has not lost steam.

For all of those who financially supported our new building campaign, rest assured that it is happening. For all of those who provided your expertise, letters of support, time on our various Committees and continue to be Ambassadors to what we do every day – thank you. We take that commitment to our mission very seriously and will achieve our goal of a new space.

In the meantime, we continue to serve those who need us. Food insecurity isn’t merely a physical struggle, but a social, mental and emotional burden that FFP tries to meet with kindness, grace and humility. We will continue serving, every day, without waver, while we work to secure our new home.

 

Franklin Food Pantry re-evaluates and changes plans for 138 East Central St

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Building Inspection Department

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT

The Building Inspection Department is a multi-functional office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. 

The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

• Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR 
• Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185 
• Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR
• Mass. Plumbing & Gas Code – 248 CMR 
• National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002 
• Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98 
• Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation

The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m.
For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklinma.gov this site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals, shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown
Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney 

Asst Wiring Inspector: James Loughlin 

Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick 

Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill 

Sealer of Weights & Measurers: Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants
Judy Demers
Melissa Kiriacopoulos/Zoning Tyler Paslaski

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.
 
FY 2020 started off with the promise of moving into online permitting and it didn’t disappoint. In short, our permit module Viewpoint was as smooth a transition as you could ask for. Our ZBA clerk Leeanne Kerwin worked with Chrissy Welton and IT to bring a much anticipated tool to the table. Leeanne moved onto a Job in the Town of Dighton and is sorely missed, as she was an outstanding employee.

Barbara Curran also a long time ZBA clerk for us retired at the beginning of the year. Barbara was as good as they get with over 20 years of service to the town. Melissa Kiriacopoulos was hired in January as ZBA clerk and has excelled as permit clerk as has Tyler Paslaski our latest hire.

Continue reading about the Building Inspection Department

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Building Inspection Department

 

Franklin Food Pantry: New Building update page

"Recently, we have fielded many questions regarding the progress of our new building and we wanted to give the community an update. "

Find the new building update page => https://t.co/cFx2LXUjxH   or  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-update/

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/oMxdxubXQ2

Franklin Food Pantry: Building Update page

Spring Update From Franklin Food Pantry - Tina Powderly

Letter From Tina

As I wrap up my first month as the new Executive Director for The Pantry, I want to say hello and share some updates with you. First, I’m overwhelmed with the generosity and spirit of this community. As a Board member, I was of course aware of Franklin’s magnanimity but now having the opportunity to see it daily, I’m in awe by all you do for our neighbors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The Pantry is busier than ever as we enter our second year of the “new normal.” In 2020, we saw almost 20% more households than in 2019; 34% of those new faces were children.  We met this need in a variety of ways:  

Tina Powderly

• Twice weekly drive- up distribution, providing shelf stable foods, fresh produce and protein options.  
• Choice Tables, set up on nice weather days (yes they are coming!) where neighbors select additional hard to come by items.   
• Weekly Weekend Backpack Program for all Franklin elementary and middle schools, helping students who face food insecurity over the weekend.   
• New home delivery program for neighbors who weren’t able to visit us due to Covid-19.

We are hard at work planning our reimagined spring and summer events like the annual Empty Bowls and Party for the Pantry. Both events will happen – please see below for details!

As a largely volunteer-based organization, we continue to look for creative ways to engage our volunteers safely. We are grateful to our current bag assemblers, distributers, home delivery and mobile pantry drivers and truck unloaders. If you are a volunteer and haven’t been back yet, please know that we can’t wait to have you back and will be in touch as capacity restrictions loosen.  And to the many new folks who are interested in volunteering – we hope to open up new opportunities soon as well.  

Finally, we continue working on opening our new building at 138 East Central Street. Our architect and engineer are in the midst of designing a Pantry that will positively impact the Franklin community for many years.   New building updates are on our website.  

If you have any questions or just want to say hi, please do not hesitate to contact me (tpowderly@franklinfoodpantry.org). 

 
With so much thanks and appreciation,

Tina Powderly
Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry  

 

New building updates can be found https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/

 

 

Recap of the Board of Health meeting - Mar 3, 2021

Quick Recap:

• Partnered with Housing Authority to schedule vaccine clinic for 3/5/21. Last clinic of this type anticipated due to DPH and supply restrictions
• COVID message covered by State/Federal funding
• House on Jordan Rd condemn to provide for legal recuse due to owner inaction since fire

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh0303 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0303&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21_revised_0.pdf #boh0303
• #boh0303 Chair runs through the COVID protocol for the meeting.
• #boh0303 approval of minutes for Feb meeting, motion to approve, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
• #boh0303 partnering with Housing Authority to conduct vaccines for residents, delivered yesterday, scheduled for Friday 3/5 distribution. Last clinic (currently authorized) per DPH.
• Housing authority is handling the scheduling for the residents, using a roster template for MIIS entry. #boh0303 still a question on the 2nd dose possible for Apr 2. Do have backup lists to use the allocation. Staffing covered.
• Messaging covered by funding, billboard and signage, also social media piece on Town page with Cathleen http://bit.ly/BOHVac #boh0303
• #boh0303 mosquito update, yes, it is that time again targeting for Apr 5 aerial spray (weather dependent). House on Jordan Rd, no demo permit yet, State also involved. Looking to move forward with condemnation of building, wd set up for next step in due diligence, safety issue
• Propose to condemn property at 76 Jordan Road, so moved and seconded, passes 3-0 via roll call, Winter St property coming to market via foreclosure. #boh0303 reminder to members to complete the conflict of interest form.
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. #boh0303 that's all for this one. Economic development coming up at 5:45 PM Stay tuned. Town Council follows at 7 PM. Yup, a busy night!

Recap of the Board of Health meeting - Mar 3, 2021

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Safe Buildings Initiatives (from SchComm Mtg 2/23/21)

"Learn more about the Safe Buildings Initiative and UVGI technology from the Director of Public Facilities, Mike D'Angelo "

The presentation deck  https://t.co/x4jEKdDprS  

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1366433696505544706

 

Listen to the audio from the School Committee meeting on Feb 23, 2021 while you follow along with the presentation deck  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-473-school-committee-meeting-022321.html

Safe Buildings Initiatives (from SchComm Mtg 2/23/21)

Superintendent Sara Ahern and Director of Public Facilities, Mike D'Angelo

FM #461 SchComm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Meeting - 02/03/21 (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 3, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a remote format; all the subcommittee, Central Office personnel and the public participants were remote via conference bridge, to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Catching up to this, after the fact, yes, but sharing this as a matter of public record. I was unable to participate fully in this meeting on Feb 3 due to the multiple meetings scheduled in competing time slots. You may recall that I chose to cover the Board of Health meeting (5:00 to 5:25 PM - it was short and ended then), the beginning of this meeting (5:30 to 5:43 PM) and left to cover the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting (from 5:45 to 6:50 PM) followed by the Town Council meeting at 7 PM.

I did listen to the recording provided by the Franklin Public Schools to prepare this for sharing. Unfortunately, there is not much to add to what was already reviewed and discussed during the School Committee meeting of Feb 9. In case you did not hear, the School Committee did accept the report and did vote to close the school by a 5-2 vote.

Due to the recording I viewed to make this audio copy, I could not tell how many participants there were. The three members of the committee, Supt Ahern, and Business Manager Miriam Goodman are the voices acknowledged that we hear. At the end of the meeting, Subcommittee Chair Stokes states that they will not take comments as this is their last meeting. So I feel bad for anyone in the public who did participate hoping to get to say something. My two cents would also have been silenced. 

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. 

The recording runs just about 51 minutes. Let’s listen to this segment of the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis meeting of Feb 3, 2021. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ef72fb33-5539-40e0-baf7-3d4eb9b3c6d0

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.28.21.docx.pdf

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

Davis Thayer Closing Options memo
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/davis_thayer_closing_options.pdf

The draft of the final report from the subcommittee was what was reviewed during the meeting. The final version of the report and action item for the School Committee discussion on Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_retirement_of_dt.pdf

Feb 3 meeting choices
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/too-many-meeting-choices-for-wednesday.html  

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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.

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FM #461 SchComm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Meeting - 02/03/21 (audio)