FM #408 Talk Franklin - 12/04/20 (audio) - #thinkfirstfranklin gift cards, tax rate, spear phishing, etc.

FM #408 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 408 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• December closing the year out
• #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards
• Tax rate hearing
• Comcast contract
• Spear phishing update

We’ll record a session of Talk Franklin each week leading to Christmas and take the holiday week off to begin again in 2021

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. 

Audio file = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/December-2020-in-Franklin-Tax-Rate--Spear-Phishing--Comcast-and-Franklin-Gift-Cards-enhdje

 

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#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards  https://franklingiftcard.com/ 

Town Council meeting agenda and docs
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing 

Town Council meeting summary
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-comcast-contract.html

Spear phishing presentation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-of-franklin-spear-phishing.html

Business Listening Session - Dec 9
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/business-listening-session-3-dec-9-2020.html

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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/

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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updates the Town Council during the 12/02/20 meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Agenda
 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
None Scheduled
 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled
 

5. APPOINTMENTS   
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
  1  Franklin Tax Classification Hearing
     -   Legislation for Action Items: 10a., 10b., 10c., 10d.
  2  Comcast of Massachusetts II, INC. Cable Television Renewal License 12/2/2020 - 12/1/2030
        Legislation for Action Item: 10e.
  3  Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season
        Legislation for Action Item: 10f.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
Cyber Fraud Spear Phishing Incident: Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen & IT Director, Tim Rapoza
 

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-68: Tax Classification Residential Factor (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf
 

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-69: Tax Classification - Open Space Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-69 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption_0.pdf
 

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-70: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-70 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_0.pdf
 

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-71: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-71 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_0.pdf
 

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-72: Comcast of Massachusetts II, Inc. Cable License Renewal (Motion to approve Resolution 20-72 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-72_cable_0.pdf
 

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-863 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees_0.pdf
 

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-73: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $2,025 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-73 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-73_gift_pd.pdf
 

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-74: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-74 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-74_peg.pdf
 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   
 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS   
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

 

ADJOURN   

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

 

Connection info for this meeting contained in the agenda doc

• Meeting folder  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

 

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

The four candidates for the open Town Council seat will meet in a live broadcast for a candidates night moderated by former police chief Larry Benedetto.

 

The candidates (ballot order)

• Alan R. Earls
  
• Cobi Frongillo
  
• Gregory R. Chiklis 
• KP Sompally 

How to watch

• Three options for watching the candidates night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29  #SECN1123  1/3
• Three options for watching the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream   #SECN1123 2/3 
• Three options for watching/participating in the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = Connect via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83643671854 )  #SECN1123   3/3 

Why a special election?

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of September to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Audio interviews available

• Town Council candidate - Gregory R Chiklis (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg.html
• Town Council candidate - KP Sompally (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-382-town-council-candidate-kp.html
• Town Council candidate - Alan R Earls (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-369-town-council-candidate-alan.html
• Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo (audio interview) =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-359-town-council-candidate-cobi.html

 

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

Live Events – Online

We are – LIVE! Online!  by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/18/2020

 

Our Franklin●TV channels are all streaming live in HD – online, anytime. Finding the channel you want is also easy. In a Google search we are always the first listing – Numero Uno!

You can watch our live sports on our Franklin Pride school channel, on Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. We are now streaming our three channels online in high definition.

How can you find our live streams? Visit our Franklin●TV website.

Click on the channel you want. Easy-peasy!

We will also post our games for Video-on-Demand replays.   Click on “Past Shows”. Video on Demand postings may take a week or so after a live event.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching. 

 

Program guide - http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

For historical purposes, the program guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/194ObpSxF4s5to0peqBK5r5AIW1_zj53p/view?usp=sharing

 

http://franklin.tv/

Zooming into the Future, Part 4

A small step forward – toward our new normal 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/02/2020

On Wednesday evening the Town Council conducted its first meeting in Chambers since- uhh- (??) Yes, it was that long ago. We’re on Covid time, and the days, weeks, months are a bit fuzzier without the cadence of the Mon-Fri work week. Working from home is absent the normal familiar boundaries of time and space, doing what we must when we must. However, I am deliberately grateful. I can work. Those who can’t work from home are exposed to the viral threat. Those who have no work are exposed to financial hardship and ruin. I’m exposed to longer hours. I’ll take it. Gratitude is a rare moment in these times. We all owe it to ourselves to seek it.

I found it in abundance among our Town Council members on Wednesday evening. They were grateful to experience some sense of normalcy. They were grateful just to be back doing the work of the Council – in Chambers. They were grateful simply to be socially distanced yet socially together, while also being socially connected to others via Zoom. What is also notable is that they work as volunteers, stepping up and giving of their time in gratitude.

Those of us who can master the art of grace and gratitude for the small things – the things we took for granted – will fare better in our new normal.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.

Find the full program guide for this week  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or this copy of the PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yljeA0mlTFbVBI-FRdtRwc-7EzqJvIJi/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 4

Town Council Recap: reluctantly approves water rate increase

• The Town Council heard a presentation on the Market Study performed by MAPC. Details of the study will be picked up for action by the Economic Development Subcommittee (beginning July 30 6:00 PM).

• The Town Council heard a presentation on the PACE Program and voted to enroll in it so businesses (for profit or non-profit) can take advantage of this opportunity.

• The Town Council 'reluctantly' voted for the final time to approve the water rate increase which has been planned for years and most recently (March 2020) was also cause of much discussion around the 'poor timing.' Poor timing because we are in the middle of a pandemic, folks are economically stressed or hurting, and we are also in the middle of construction to fix the water treatment for wells 3 & 6 which if we didn't would result in a default on contracts and likely larger legal fees that the water rate increase will raise. Oh, and by fixing the wells we get access to over 700,000 gallons of water which we need.

• The meeting was the first conducted with Zoom installed in the Council Chambers for the Council to be physically together in person. The meeting technically was a success broadcast via Zoom, the cable channels, and live streamed via Franklin TV.

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 #tc0729
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0729?src=hashtag_click

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

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

• Real time reporting underway for #tc0729 meeting
• Motion for approval mins may 6 meeting passed with 1 abstain; motion for may 20 passed, Jun 3 passed, June 17 passed #tc0729
• Appt for Ag comm, motion made, passed ; conservation comm, motion made, passed https://franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html? cultural council 2 individuals, motion made separately for each, both passed #tc0729

Market Study

• Next up MAPC market analysis #tc0729 good starting point to help recover from whatever is needed post COVID. EDC will pick up the details to be worked going forward.
• Data gathering all done before COVID-19, some things may change but the info should be good. Slides to be posted later #tc0729
• Full market analysis doc is posted to ToF page good reading / study material https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf #tc0729
• BTW this meeting is hosted on Zoom in the Council chambers, live streamed via Franklin TV (via Town of franklin page) as well as broadcast to the two cable channels. A first !!! #tc0729 currently about 18 via Zoom but that includes the council etc in Chambers
• Chandler comment/question on how to get workers to turn right into town rather than taking the left from the industrial parks and head home #tc0729 Kelly, affordability of Franklin is an issue, commuter housing is needed
• #tc0729 Jones, thanks for the work putting the report together, push to EDC for further review (it is scheduled to do so) Hamblen, looking to complete streets and extend the rail trail downtown, how to recruit minority businesses to here?
• Bissanti, thanks, read just about all of it, not all doom and gloom on housing, need to explore the banking avenues, it is a great investment for a home owner #tc0729 Dellorco, thanks, what scares me is the COVID issue. No one wants to ride mass transit today
• Mercer, COVID has changed what the future will look like. Is there any funding to relook at the study for a COVID recap? #tc0729 Raul will look to see if there are any options
• Will go to the EDC for further action, next meeting 7/30 6 PM agenda and virtual link posted

PACE Program

• Next up PACE program up for discussion and vote later. Council does need to approve of the community entry to this program. #tc0729 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf
• An important economic development tool to reduce energy costs
• Property Assess Clean Energy (PACE) finance for energy improvement. #tc0729 betterment assessment aligned with the property, 22 states offer this program. Wendy is the program director
• Municipal opt in a one time requirement, hence the vote by TC tonight #tc0729 energy cost savings must be cost positive, 3rd party capital provider. Property placed on a lien if approved.
• #tc0729 Hamblen, is there a downside? Financing facilitated between parties, should work out.
• Pellegri, no fee to participate in program. Because of payment via betterment assessment need the municipal approval, just launched this week
• #tc0729 Bissanti, property owner gets energy audit or Mass development? Property owner does and then comes to us to help facilitate the financing agreement. Advantage is long term, 20 years. Assessment secured by a lien

Subcommittee reports

• Next up subcommittee reports: capital no meeting, EDC Thursday as noted, budget, nothing from the state yet. #tc0729

Legislation for Action

• https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf  #tc0729 PACE approval vote (note all 9 councilors present, confirmed via video and voice) (prior approval Committee appts were 9-0) Vote on this item passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf  #tc0729 motion to accept donations, passed 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf #tc0729 motion to accept donations, passed 9-0 Pellegri talks of the changes to the museum to handle/display the storage and security of the items
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-45_easement_overhead_system_-_final.pdf #tc0729 grant of easement to electric company/Verizon, motion to approve, passed 9-0; related to water treatment plant in construction on Grove st next item is same
• Franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_underground_electric_system_-_final.pdf #tc0729 easement related to earlier motion to support water treatment plant construction on Grove St, motion to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call.
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf #tc0729 motion for payment of prior year bill, passed 9-0 closes out FY 2020 for solid waste enterprise account, 2/3 need but not roll call needed,
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/resolution_20-48_gift_acceptance_-_fire_department.pdf #tc0729 motion to accept donation passes 9-0 thanks for their support
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf #tc0729 zoning bylaw changes for lot line clean up for area along Beaver and Oak sts. Motion to waive reading, passed 9-0; motion to refer to Planning Board, passed 9-0

Water Rate

• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf #tc0729 water rate increase up for second approval, already heard once, required to fund the water treatment plant under construction, not seeking sewer rate increase this or next year.
• #tc0729 question on water ban, would like to lift but given the weather is a consideration each week; Beaver St interceptor up for presentation Sep/Oct, difference between ban and conservation measures, wells regulations by State, Kelly concerned about the timing of this.
• #tc0729 drought condition a cause of ban, wells 3 & 6 need to be fixed to give us more water and water quality, hence the rate now is needed, 726000 gallons of capacity for water and fire safety, about half built, if we can't pay it with this increase how?
• #tc0729 is there any place we could take for this? $500,000 a year. About 40/unit. Water conservation is the annual useage with limit of once per week allowance; the water ban eliminates the once a week allowance due to drought this year and in 2016? And last year's fire
• #tc0729 it is a utility and a use, this fixes and pays for our infrastructure. Yes it is an expense. Gallon costs less than a tenth of a cent from Franklin (not the Poland spring rate) where would we find a half million to finish the projects, if we don't find it, we default
• #tc0729 people can regulate the water being used to a sense, if we don't approve we're in trouble. We're pigeon holed, for funding this. What have we done with the usage year over year, how much is there a change? What about the dual water meter option? Bring someone in
• #tc0729 Kelly, I guess I need to be a yes as our lawsuit will cost us more. Jones, a lot of families will struggle with this, this is painful. It is a far greater cost if we don't. Where can we roll back some rates down the line? Bissanti, This all came out in March
• #tc0729 we have to think of the greater good for Franklin. Chandler, this is the hardest thing we need to do. Vote on the motion (finally) 9-0 reluctantly by a few!

Town Administrator's report through to closing

• #tc0729 3 active cases of Covid in Community currently, editorial slightly, phase 3, this Community has done very well, the rest of the country is scary. Keep it up.
• Re-opening, inspections resuming! Assessor inspections resumed, recreation bball started one of few
• #tc0729 concerts on the common started last week, good to see, check the schedule, food trucks coming, do the right thing, we can continue to expand, coordination with Farmers market; about $100k through a grant process for businesses locally details coming by end of month
• #tc0729 FY 2020 revenue came in at 102% so we did cover all our bills. Thanks to fire dept for the pinning date; thanks for Pete and Franklin TV to be back here in Chambers, feels good to be here
• #tc0729 question on accept of private roads; people are happy with the nets at the high school; thanks to Franklin TV; thanks to chief McLaughlin for the ceremony last week, hybrid meeting tonight, almost normal; first class event last week, made a good decision last year
• #tc0729 masks are important, we can't fall back per Pellegri, just wear it, trying to help you. Etc. etc. Thanks to the SchComm and department for handling things in this trying time. Apologies to the town for last week's non-meeting, was a technical challenge and we did it now
• #tc0729 thanks to Pete and his crew for their work to bring this to fruition, we should be able to continue this, allows citizens to speak from their homes via the Zoom call. Being under 10 is great, thanks to the community for masks, social distance, etc
• motion to adjourn, catch you next time folks #tc0729

Chair Tom Mercer opens meeting

Raul (on left) Bryan (on right) on the Market Study

Wendy leads the PACE Program

summary work flow of PACE Program

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautions the Council on default of contract if water rate isn't passed

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, Jan 27, 2020

All Access

Monday
08:00 AM Cooking Thyme: Fish
08:30 AM SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
09:30 AM Commons Concert: Sharon Band
12:00 PM Brook'n'Cookin: Pork
12:30 PM Sandhya: Macaroons

Franklin TV schedule for Monday - All Access

01:30 PM Pizzapalooza: Pizzetta
02:00 PM N. E. Candlepins Fall '18 Pt 2
03:00 PM Candlepin New Gen Spring '19 8
03:30 PM Physician Focus: Kids' Health
04:00 PM Franklin Garden Club 05/23/15
04:30 PM Extended Play Season 10 Show 10
05:30 PM Senior Connection: Scams
06:00 PM Veterans' Call: Social Security
07:00 PM Frank Presents: Jeff Roy
08:30 PM Circle of Friends: Freebo

Franklin Pride

Monday
07:00 AM Horace Mann Winter Music
08:30 AM Sullivan Winter Music

Franklin TV schedule for Monday - Franklin Pride

10:00 AM Girls Hockey v King Philip
12:00 PM Parmenter Talent Show 2019
02:00 PM Franklin Garden Club 05/23/15
02:30 PM SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
03:30 PM FHS Winter Music Pt. 1
05:00 PM Lifelong Music 05/15/17
06:30 PM Culture Fest: One-Act Plays
09:00 PM History of Baseball

Franklin TV schedule for Monday - Town Hall

Town Hall

Monday
08:00 AM Planning Board 01/06/2020
02:00 PM Planning Board 01/06/2020
06:55 PM Planning Board LIVE


For the full week's schedule check the Programing Guide
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting - Agenda - Sep 18

Hello Franklin Cultural District Partners,

The September Franklin Cultural District Partners meeting will be next Wednesday, September 18th at the studio of Franklin Cable TV and Radio. 

Meeting details are as follows:

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 = 7:00 PM
Franklin Cable TV and Radio Station, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin


There is on site parking and the building has universal access.
Below you will find the agenda for this meeting.

We hope to see all Franklin Cultural District Partners at the meeting next week.

Best regards,
Nancy Schoen

____________________

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com
https://www.franklinculture.org/


Download your copy of the agenda here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbWRuVE9nV3A1S3QwOUFNRXBXTm9nejVJN193/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting Agenda - Sep 18

“This vote represents a serious misinterpretation of FCC authority"

From the Mass Municipal Association we find the news about the recent FCC order. Exactly how this plays out and what it means for Franklin TV and to the Town of Franklin budget process remains to be seen.

"On Aug. 1, the Federal Communications Commission ruled, by a 3-2 vote, that cable-related, in-kind contributions required by local franchising authorities from cable operators are in fact franchise fees subject to the statutory 5% cap.

The FCC ruled that the definition of “in-kind, cable-related contributions” includes “any non-monetary contributions … including but not limited to free or discounted cable service to public buildings, costs in support of PEG [Public, Educational and Governmental] access other than capital costs, and costs attributable to the construction of I-Nets. It does not include the costs of complying with build-out and customer service requirements.”

The FCC’s Third Report and Order on Cable Franchising Fees largely adopts the tentative conclusions of the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, issued last September. The decision runs counter to the flood of concerns the FCC received during the public comment period about its tentative conclusions.

The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors said the Aug. 1 ruling “provides a windfall to largely monopoly cable companies on the backs of local communities,” adding that the commission “decided to drastically rewrite federal law and wipe out 35 years of cable franchise agreements that had been negotiated based on mutual understanding of what the law meant.”

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/fcc-order-preempts-terms-in-existing-cable-franchise-agreements/

“This vote represents a serious misinterpretation of FCC authority"

Video replay of April 9 School Committee meeting available

The School Committee meeting of April 9, 2019 is available for replay at your leisure. Thanks to Franklin TV for their work in recording and sharing.

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=638

screen grab of broadcast while reporting remotely

My notes of the meeting and associated links to documents released for this session.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/04/school-committee-recap-23m-in-school.html

In the News: State can't keep covering Federal cuts; FCC rule change threatens local cable access; Culinary Cabaret - Apr 5

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

State can't keep covering Federal cuts

"The Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker last week appropriated $38 million to offset federal spending cuts, but House Speaker Robert DeLeo says the state can’t keep replacing federal money. 

“We can’t continue to pick up all of the slack,” DeLeo told CBS-Boston’s Jon Keller during a TV interview Sunday morning. “So when we’re talking about funding, that’s something we have to keep in the back of our mind.” 

In the interview, DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat who led the push in 2009 to raise the sales tax to 6.25 percent, seemed to show openness to further tax increases. 

“Looking at the needs of transportation, we’re going to probably have to take up, when I say everything and anything, I mean everything and anything,” he said. “I’m not ruling anything out.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190401/deleo-warns-of-further-tax-hikes-amid-federal-spending-cuts

FCC rule change threatens local cable access

"Blasting a proposed rule change as an “existential threat” to community television, Sen. Ed Markey on Monday urged other states to follow Massachusetts’ lead and push back against the Federal Communications Commission. 

“We’re the revolutionary state and this is where the revolution begins against the Federal Communications Commission,” Markey said after holding a public discussion in his Boston office with nearly 100 representatives of cable access channels across the state. 

The FCC, Markey said, is considering a plan allowing cable operators to assign a value to public, educational and governmental access channels, and then subtract that value and the value of other in-kind contributions from the franchise fees they pay cities and towns. 

Markey said local governments would be forced to decide between supporting cable access channels and schools and public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190401/markey-rips-fcc-rule-seen-as-threat-to-community-access-tv

http://www.franklin.tv/

Culinary Cabaret - Apr 5

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present Culinary Cabaret 2019 from 7-10 p.m. on Friday at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

The 8th annual food and wine event will showcase the culinary and performing arts, featuring creative dishes and gourmet specialties. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by FPAC special guest artists and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth. 

Partners for this year’s event will include 3 Restaurant (Franklin), Tavolino (Foxborough), Intermission (Franklin), Alumni Restaurant (Franklin), JP Fuji Group (Quincy), The Curry House (Franklin), DAVIDs Tea (Wrentham), J & L Catering (Medway), The Gavel (Wrentham) and more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190401/franklin-culinary-cabaret-features-food-music-auction

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 12, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2018.  

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_agenda_for_december_12_2018.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of December 12, 2018 - 7:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.  The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	a. November 14, 2018
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS
5a. APPOINTMENTS	Board of Health - Ciera Maffei
5b. APPOINTMENTS	Zoning Board of Appeals - Philip Brunelli
5c. APPOINTMENTS	Zoning Board of Appeals - Christopher Stickney
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	Shaws Supermarkets- Change of Manager
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
8a. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School
8b. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Risk Assessment
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee  b. Budget Subcommittee  c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-70: Appropriation Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-70 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-71: Town Council Meeting Schedule for 2019 (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-71 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-826: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 18-827 Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-827: Amendment to the Water System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 18-827 Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	Purpose #2: to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations and/or to conduct contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: new Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, on compensation and other terms and conditions of his employment agreement.
15. RECONVENE	Reconvene in Open Session if necessary, re: vote to offer employment agreement, specifying compensation and other employment terms and conditions to the new Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
16. ADJOURN

Franklin TV and Franklin radio are funded via cable access fees

The Financial Risk Assessment Report

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._franklin_finl_risk_assessment_report_final_1_1.pdf