"Our goal is to be a reliable source for people"

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

"The town has worked through social media and its website to improve communication with residents over the past year, and officials hope progress will continue in 2017. 

The Town Council heard a report on the efforts, given by Councilor Glenn Jones, at its most recent meeting. 

Jones said he had requested, upon rejoining the council in late 2015, to be appointed as the council's community relations liaison. He said he reached out to others, including the cable access channel Franklin TV and Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, to help inform local residents of town activities. 

Hellen spoke of the town's internet-based initiatives, noting that the audience for town news is more splintered than ever."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170122/franklin-considering-ways-to-inform-residents

The Franklin Matters live reporting from the Town Council meeting can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/communications-and-civic-engagement_18.html

Communications and Civic Engagement Update from Franklin Matters

Sign up for email notifications
http://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Official Town and School social media accounts
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center

the new Town of Franklin website works on mobile phones

Live reporting: Communications and Civic Engagement

presentation at the Town Council, Jan 18, 2017.

Communications and Civic Engagement Update from Franklin Matters

overview of the challenges of the information world today

more news sources today presents a challenge

the "Google" problem, how do you get answers right away

staff have time constraints, do not have the budget of an Amazon to meet the needs of the Town

March 2016 drafted a communications "master plan" and worked to make it happen to "tell the story"

expanded Twitter and Facebook followers, from 600 to 2200
still a long way to go
set up a YouTube account to share video
may not use LinkedIn, too expensive for what it provides
developed social media policy

council agendas, meeting notes, actions taken
shared via Franklin Matters

new webpage, franklinma.gov

new monthly news magazine "Almanac"

town webpage can't post 3rd party info so the Community Bulletin Board fills that need

e-permitting online for dog licences

all call system for emergency alerts

2017 goals

Town Council welcome letter

on the ground outreach via Police, Fire and Library

continue to work on the website, use analytics to help refine the page

transition to Google, a 12-18 month process of learning to optimize

demo of licensing center for Town Clerk's office
create an online account, need a permit, add to your cart

census mailing coming out this week

try out the suggestion box!

Meet me in Franklin - check out the link

Peter Facsiano - Franklin TV
new radio station coming

Sarah Mabardy - representing local business interests, #shopFranklin
Jim Schultz - representing the local non-profits

Polixsani Manxhari, new producers

WFPR  102.9

Q - what are you doing to reach the seniors?
A - working through the print media as well as social media still works

The radio station will provide an opportunity to broadcast 24x7
they are looking for content producers, have an 8 mile radius

no plans yet for live broadcasting but can broadcast via cable
the quality of the application and details to support it help

Mercer
Yes, there will be a TV for the Senior Center being added for the 2nd floor
there already is one
there are 20 computers available
there are monitors available, could be able to run the signal through them

Padula
this is good work the stuff they do is incredibly good

Dellorco
you are doing good work, I did a show on the SAFE Coalition and it was great

Peter
looking to deepening the bench with free lancers

Jones
we are doing our best but it does take a 2-way communication
we can provide, if no one uses it, doesn't do much good
if any idea, let us know

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 18, 2017

Note the left column with the agenda item heading (E. Appointments for example) are hot links to the supporting individual documents

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	December 7, 2016 Meeting Minutes  December 21, 2016 Meeting Minutes  January 4, 2017 Meeting Minutes
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	Swearing in of Fire Fighters
D. 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.
E. APPOINTMENTS	Finance Committee - David Wiech
F. HEARINGS	(no scheduled for this agenda)
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	99 Restaurant Change of Manager Transition - 7:10 PM
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Communications and Civic Engagement
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	(provided during meeting)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	1. Resolution 17-01: Acceptance of Gift to the Library (majority) 2. Resolution 17-02: Acceptance of Gift to the Council on Aging (majority) 3. Resolution 17-02: Appropriation, Administration: GASB 4575 Actuary Study (majority) 4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-775: Zoning Map Changes fro Rural Residential I to Residential VII an Area on Summer Street - 2nd Reading (2/3 majority Roll Call Vote)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT	(provided during meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS	(provided during meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS	(provided during meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION	(if required)
O. ADJOURN

The full 92 page PDF with the agenda and supporting documents is also found on the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/01-18-2017_agenda.pdf

sunrise at DelCarte 

Communications and Civic Engagement - update to the Town Council

The presentation document scheduled for discussion at the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Jan 18, 2017

Communications and Civic Engagement Update from Franklin Matters

Town of Franklin webpage for dog license renewals that can be processed online

You can also find this document on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/h-presentationsdiscussions-4

"We'll likely never get to a point where the project is 'done.'"

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

"The town hopes to launch a new version of its website later this fall, with a focus on mobile accessibility and a smoother flow of information. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the change, set for late October or early November, represents a reorganization and rebranding of the site. 

"We're looking to make it mobile-friendly," he said. "When you look at the site on a smart phone, we want town forms and applications to be available." 

Hellen said the new site will feature a lot of interactive mapping and land-use data, allowing easier access to town information.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/franklin-town-website-relaunch-coming

The look and feel of the Town of Franklin webpage will change in Oct or November

Response to your email from the Franklin Town Council Chairman, Matt Kelly

Thank you for your email and facebook comments. The Town Council actively monitors all town websites, facebook pages and other media sources to insure that we have utilized every avenue to keep our citizens informed. In 2015 when my fellow councils voted me as Chairman of the Franklin Town Council my fellow councilors and I asked Councilor Glenn Jones to act as communications liaison of the council. Councilor Jones along with Assistant Town Administrator Jamie Hellen have been instrumental in more than tripling the amount of communication that is done with the Franklin residents than in any past councils. With that said, we as a council would be the first to seek more ways to communicate with the residents of our community on a regular basis, as well as encourage all citizens to attend our meetings.

Franklin's water supply is made up of multiple shallow wells around our community that have the consistency to pump more than 6 million gallons of water each day to our citizens. Each drop of water is tested, treated if need be and treated prior to reaching our faucet. In doing so Franklin has always been known to have some of the best water in our state. As we all know, water is also a precious resource that must be monitored and carefully protected. Each year our DPW director along with the Town Administrator applies to the state for permitting and expected usage quantities, this is done to insure we never over use our water supply and continue to have wells for years to come. Often along with the permitting comes a standard that Franklin agrees to adhere to. For example our average daily consumption of water during a year is approximately 2.6 million gallons, however in one Sunday during the month of June 2016 Franklin consumed over 4 million gallons of water! When spike such as this happens our DPW Director will immediately issue a water ban to get usage back inline and keep people from abusing our valuable resource.

As summer months and hot days arrive its important that we continue our water ban so that people will again not abuse the system by filling pools, water lawns endlessly, etc. At no time during my 10 years as an elected official have I ever been part of a meeting that Franklin officials or staff were concerned about running out of water. As a side note for many years we also owned the permitting rights to a well in Millis in case of such emergency, we have also never used another communities water for as long as I can recall.

Franklin has approximately / estimated 2,500 lots left to build on before we hit what the planning department would consider us as built-out status. Franklin's water plan and infrastructure has been built to assume these now lots as the come online. As a town, Franklin has also been very lucky to have many of these developers build parks, concession stands, sidewalks, and even donate hundreds of acres back to the town so that it can not be built on in the future.

Growth in any community is tough and the Town Council and Planning Board have continued to toughen the permitting process and standards that are required to build in Franklin. One example is our requirement that all subdivisions have concrete sidewalks and straight granite curbing, this adds hundreds or thousands of dollars to a builders cost and we have seen multiple developers leave Franklin because the cost to build didn't warrant the price of the land or sale of the home.

However, the developments that were mentioned on the Facebook post are most commonly known as 40B developments. The developments are not planned, promoted or approved by the town of Franklin. The developers for these sites can skip the town and go right to the state for approval. Once approved the town can try and stop the development, however due to the state regulations and after these court battles we end up costing our tax payers tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and the developer is allowed to build anyways. As a side not, if we do say no the state will pull funding from the town leaving us without valuable money for our schools, police and fire. The only way out of this is to achieve 10% or more 40B units in the town of Franklin. As a community we have hit this number before, however the calculations reset at each census. To put is bluntly is is a losing battle for Franklin and many other communities across the commonwealth.

As a council we agree that built in thousand of new homes in our community is not an answer, nor is it what we want. The Franklin Town Council has taken a stance to look at smart growth which will not only promote new homes in areas that can absorb them into our schools suffering from smaller class sizes, but also growth within our industrial and commercial areas that will allow our residents to work and live in the community that they love. As the economy improves as residents we will see more development in our community, I urge you and other members of our community to keep in mind that this is less of a Town Council and Planning Board who are anxious to build on our available lots, however more a result of our growing economy and a community that people are flocking to because of its geographical location, family friendly atmosphere and economic opportunities.

Please feel free to reach out at anytime and as always your welcome attend any of our meetings. I want to personally thank you for emailing me with your concerns as well.

Matt Kelly
Chairman
Franklin Town Council

The full Facebook thread can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1747750368828315/

Yes, Franklin - the Town is improving its communications

In case you haven't noticed, there have been some significant changes to the Town of Franklin webpage. The page itself looks and functions much the same but the information placed there and the timeliness of the info there is what I think is worthy.

• On the Town Council page, instead of grabbing all nine emails to send them something, you can now do so with one click.

screen grab of Franklin Town Council webpage

• Franklin TV has enabled an RSS feed for the videos that get posted for the town meetings that are recorded. Yes, now you can get notified via RSS that the Town Council meeting video is available! (If you don't already have an RSS reader, you can find more about that here or here or here (video)).

top part of video webpage

bottom page of webpage with RSS subscription button

• But the best yet is that the Town is now using their "Town News" section to post meeting agenda and actions. The recent Town Council agenda and actions are seen here. Hopefully, the School Committee and others will appear there too!. (yes, one can hope!)

Town News is showing real highlights

To make it easy for you, here is are the actions from last Wednesday's Town Council meeting.



Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen asked me when we got together to compare notes recently, "if as the Town did improve their communications, would I be worried about not having something to do?" No, not at all I said. I would much rather have Franklin provide the timely and accessible information so all the citizens can get what they need easily. If that times does come around, I am sure I can find something else to do. Until then, I'll do what I think is needed to share the information.

How will the pilot work out?

In a pilot program announced Friday, Boston's MBTA is going to start tracking public-transit rider movements using beacons--stationary devices that measure the movements of people carrying smartphones, usually using bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 

It's similar to technology used by retailers to track customer movements in store. In another example, a Boston startup, Cuseum, uses beacons to track people's movements through museums, providing data designed to help museum operators engage with visitors.

An important item on a number of front is provided  by the following statement by the MBTA in their press release:

No personally identifiable information will be collected through this pilot program. Operating in a transmit mode similar to GPS, beacons cannot see, collect or store any personal data or consumer information. Beacons are transmit-only Bluetooth low energy devices that send out a signal that can only be used by user-enabled apps running on mobile devices to trigger location-specific content. In order for a mobile device to detect a beacon, a user must download an app that utilizes the technology and opt-in to allow the app to receive the beacon's signal.

While one of the objectives is to
"How beacon technology can be used to help the MBTA better communicate with riders"

another is to
"How brands can increase engagement and interaction with commuters based on proximity"

Will the communications really improve alerting riders to the schedule changes, or simply that someone has something to sell around the corner remains to be seen?

MBTA logo

You can read the Boston Innovation article here
http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/09/25/mbta-beacons-t-pilot-rider-tracking-tech-advertisers-others/

Note: the pilot supposedly started on Friday but what app is required to take part in this was not specified.

Reminder: Voice of Franklin Toastmasters Open House - May 19

The Voice of Franklin Toastmasters invite residents and the local community to its Open House taking place during its May 19, 2015 meeting, 7:30 PM, at the Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill, Four Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA. 

“Voice of Franklin Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” says Fred Elliott, Club President for Toastmasters Voice of Franklin. 

Toastmasters International

Members and guests will enjoy a regular Toastmasters meeting that will include prepared speeches, Table Topics™ (impromptu speeches) and evaluations. 

Club VP of Education, Brian Hilfrank, who has served in various club positions, will be the Table Topics master. “Table Topics are one of my favorite parts of the meeting,” says Hilfrank. “This is where guests and members are randomly selected to speak for one to two minutes. It helps you think and speak clearly on your feet.” 

The Open House is open to guests, new members, past members, current members, and anyone curious about how Toastmasters can benefit them.

Voice of Franklin Toastmasters Open House 

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 

Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Benchmark Senior Living at
Forge Hill, Four Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA

For more information, visit website http://voiceoffranklin.toastmastersclubs.org/ 

Voice of Franklin Toastmasters meets the first and third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill in Franklin. For more information about this event and the club, please visit website at http://voiceoffranklin.toastmastersclubs.org/

About Toastmasters InternationalToastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Note: this is not to be confused with the "Voices of Franklin" series that runs periodically here on Franklin Matters.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voice of Franklin Toastmasters Open House - May 19

The Voice of Franklin Toastmasters invite residents and the local community to its Open House taking place during its May 19, 2015 meeting, 7:30 PM, at the Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill, Four Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA. 

“Voice of Franklin Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills,” says Fred Elliott, Club President for Toastmasters Voice of Franklin. 

Toastmasters International

Members and guests will enjoy a regular Toastmasters meeting that will include prepared speeches, Table Topics™ (impromptu speeches) and evaluations. 

Club VP of Education, Brian Hilfrank, who has served in various club positions, will be the Table Topics master. “Table Topics are one of my favorite parts of the meeting,” says Hilfrank. “This is where guests and members are randomly selected to speak for one to two minutes. It helps you think and speak clearly on your feet.” 

The Open House is open to guests, new members, past members, current members, and anyone curious about how Toastmasters can benefit them.

Voice of Franklin Toastmasters Open House 

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 

Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Benchmark Senior Living at
Forge Hill, Four Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA

For more information, visit website http://voiceoffranklin.toastmastersclubs.org/ 

Voice of Franklin Toastmasters meets the first and third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill in Franklin. For more information about this event and the club, please visit website at http://voiceoffranklin.toastmastersclubs.org/

About Toastmasters InternationalToastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 313,000 in more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Note: this is not to be confused with the "Voices of Franklin" series that runs periodically here on Franklin Matters.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Franklin Public Schools: Connect Ed update - Text Messaging being added to Phone Calls

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 31, 2015

Parents, Faculty, Staff and Students,

As part of our review of safety protocols we are planning some upgrades to our communication protocols. Our Connect Ed/Blackboard Connect message system which uses email and phone calls to convey information, can take some time to make sure all 6,800 contacts are reached. This is an effective system for inclement weather notification or sharing other forms of non-urgent communication. To enable us to get emergency notifications out faster we have subscribed to the SMS text message service from Connect Ed/Blackboard. We will only use this feature to make you aware of an urgent emergency situation such as a lockdown or evacuation of a school.

As part of the implementation of Franklin Public School District text messaging alert system, you will be receiving a text message from Blackboard Connect inviting you to subscribe to any text announcements sent by the school.

We will use Blackboard Connect phone call/email to communicate information such as weather closings, closing for gas or water leaks, sporting events, and any type of general outreach or notifications.  We will use the SMS text message service to let you know about a lockdown or evacuation of a school. You will have the option of declining a subscription if you wish to do so. Please note that the messaging subscription will be included in the cost of your existing data plan; you will not incur any additional charge to receive Blackboard Connect messages.

Below is an example of the Confirmation Message that is sent automatically:

Franklin Pub Schools: You are now subscribed to receive text alerts. Reply HELP for help, STOP 4819 to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply.

If you reply with HELP, you will receive this message:

BbConnect Notify Alerts: 2msgs/mo. Msg and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. Info: www.blackboardconnect.com/sms/terms.asp, 888-599-2720

Coming Attractions: #FPSNEWS Twitter account

If you opt out but then later decide you would like to opt back in, text SUBSCRIBE 4819 to 23177 or 63079.

Please watch for the invitation to subscribe to Blackboard Connect on your mobile phone. We hope that you will take advantage of this important communication tool. You can opt out at any time. Please remember that if you cell phone number changes you need to report the change to your child's school.

community entrance to FHS

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Updated Presentation: Lessons Learned

The updated copy of the presentation document I will use Wednesday evening on my 'lessons learned' from sharing 'Franklin Matters' for 6 years.

Lessons Learned from Franklin Matters from Franklin Matters

Connect CTY Data Drive - Update Your Information

Blackboard Connect Helps the Town of Franklin Provide Faster, More Targeted Information to Residents

Residents are urged to verify and add current contact information with the new

Connect Access Portal to stay informed of important messages

The Town of Franklin has updated its Blackboard Connect-CTY™ service to provide enhanced communications options to residents and enable community leaders to reach their audiences more quickly and effectively, helping to keep them safer and better informed.   This is the primary method of keeping residents informed of emergencies, weather issues, road closures, and other pertinent information we believe is important for residents to know.

As the town's longstanding, trusted notification platform, Blackboard Connect enables officials to quickly deliver critical messages, including emergency alerts and important city announcements, via phone, text and email. The Town of Franklin is holding a community-wide data drive, encouraging residents to verify and register their contact information in the system's secure Connect Access Portal, where they can also manage their message settings, including their preferred language, mode of contact and specific message topics they wish to receive.  You may enter up to 10 phone numbers (including cellular phones), and four email addresses.

The Town of Franklin uses Blackboard Connect to notify residents of urgent and routine communications, and used the system to keep residents up to date after Tropical Storm Irene and the October 2011 snow storm.

"Blackboard Connect allows us to stay connected by quickly distributing timely, relevant messages to our community," said Gary Premo, Communications Director of the Franklin Police Department. "Now that residents have the power to customize their message settings, we can make sure they receive the messages that matter most to them. Plus, with the system's instant reporting we can better track who received a message, and strategically plan for follow-up communications."

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in the Town of Franklin are already included in the system. However, residents are encouraged to explore the new Connect Access Portal and make sure the town has the most up-to-date contact information by visiting the Franklin website, http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/index, and clicking on the link that says "Connect CTY." Users should also manage their message preferences by indicating their preferred mode of contact, language and message topics. Residents with call blocking services should add (508) 520-4938 to their approved number list to ensure they receive important notifications from the town. 

"Direct communication is the best way to keep residents informed and therefore safe, and the Blackboard Connect service makes it easier than ever for individuals to stay connected and engaged," said Ed Miller, President of Blackboard Connect. "Blackboard Connect provides leaders with the most efficient, reliable way to send relevant, targeted information to the right people at the right time."

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Creation of a Citizen Committee

On the Town Council agenda for Weds Jan 18, 2012 is this RESOLUTION 12-04:


WHEREAS, the Town Council continues to explore ways of making improvements to our community; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council would like participation by the citizens to provide valuable input.

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Franklin Town Council that a Citizen Committee is established. Said committee shall consist of 5 to 9 members to be appointed by the Town Council. Said committee shall make recommendations to the Town council on how to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Franklin in areas including but not limited to enhancing citizen participation, aesthetics of the community, and business development, and other recommendations that the Council deems appropriate. Said committee shall make its recommendations by December, 2012. This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

Would you be interested?

Sounds like it would be a short-term commitment (complete the work by Dec 2012).

Amy Lockwood: Selling condoms in the Congo

Amy Lockwood in this TED Talk discusses selling condoms in the Congo. Yes, really.

Caution, this video is probably the riskiest shown here. Only four minutes long.



Why? What does this have to do with Franklin?

"And so the lesson is this: it doesn't really matter what you're selling; you just have to think about who is your customer, and what are the messages that are going to get them to change their behavior."

2005 Parent Communications Survey

The survey on communication preferences for the school community was last conducted in 2005. The results are summarized in this presentation document.

SchCom_2005_SurveyFinal_20050809

Assuming they will be updating this survey, I will be curious to see if and where Franklin Matters places. This site was born in Nov 2007.

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.


Franklin, MA

A warm welcome for the Franklin Town News!

The arrival this week of the new Franklin Town News is a good development for Franklin. You should already be aware that while at one time many years ago Franklin did have its own newspaper (The Sentinel), we get coverage by the Milford Daily News and the occasionally from the Boston Globe West edition.

The current reporter for the Milford Daily News, Brian Benson, I think is doing very well. He is covering a lot of Franklin and covering it well. He is also publishing information in advance of a meeting which prior reporters had not done.

Franklin also is covered by the Wicked Local or Franklin Gazette. Covered is an appropriate term as this is the paper tossed in the driveway weekly. As I walk around town, I find a lot of them simply left there. The news contained inside is all re-purposed from what has been published in the Milford Daily News.

Hence, the need for Franklin MAtters. I publish here all the information from the town meetings (Town Council, School Committee, etc.) that I can participate in. This information is meant to be accurate and timely. You help me if you find I make a mistake so the accuracy is good. I provide links to documents and the documents themselves to make the information that may be on the Franklin website, easier to get at and use.

Now, the Franklin Town News comes along and will provide a new communication channel to the residents of Franklin. Supported by ad revenue and mailed directly to residents, this ensures a better chance of getting to everyone than the news or websites can do today. I welcome the Franklin Town News.

• Any Franklin business can benefit from advertising in this publication. The target market is what you are always looking for. If you are doing business in Franklin, the target market is provided for you.
• Any Franklin organization can benefit from publishing an information article. The monthly timing is the only hindrance but with proper planning, the mailing at the beginning of the month can announce your event during the coming month or set the stage for a future month. There is also a website where you can read the paper online, as well as a calendar which can be updated more frequently than monthly. As the awareness grows, these should be more useful in getting the word out.

Why?
An informed community will make good decisions on election day.


Note:
I have no formal business relationship with Franklin Town News. I have and anticipate continuing to submit an article or two for each issue on behalf of Franklin MAtters or the Franklin Food Pantry.

If your business or non-profit would like advice on how to leverage Franklin Town News (or other communication channels) to spread your information, please reach out and contact me. I am open to sharing what I know and have learned.  


Franklin, MA

Charter revisions - lessons learned

We seem to be close enough to finding out what the final charter revisions will look like to reflect on what we can and should learn from this process to improve it for next time. I won't get into the nature of the changes themselves but stick to the process as observed over the past couple of years.

1 - Situation: Not everyone knows of the two methods to change the charter.

One method is with a elected Charter Commission and one is with a citizens committee appointed by the Town Council. 

Both groups effectively do a study, solicit opinions, do some fact finding, and make a recommendation on what should be changed.

The prior charter changes were performed under the elected Charter Commission process. Hence, a number of folks remember this as "the way it was done last time."

The current charter revisions were made under the appointed citizens committee process and complicated by the Town Council using a subcommittee of members to fine tune the results. 

In both cases, the voters of Franklin have the final say.

Is either process better than the other? There are pros and cons to each.

The major similarities are a group does a study, makes some recommendations, and bottom line the voters still have to accept the changes by voting in a general election.

Lesson Learned: In the beginning, the Town Administrator/Town Council should make a clear explanation of the process chosen and why, and provide periodic reminders on what is being done and why. Or at least ensure that the committee (or committees) involved have a detailed communication plan as part of their objectives.

 

2 - Situation: Different level of understanding of what was done and being done in the committee and subcommittee work process.

Given the length of time taken by the first committee and lack of periodic updates back to the Town Council to ensure that all were kept abreast of what was going on. The folks coming recently to the issue were unaware of all that had gone before. There was a stack of documents, meeting notes, research, etc. produced or obtained by the Citizens committee. The final report of recommendations from the citizens committee could have done more to bring the level of effort to the table.

The second subcommittee also could have done better with their report. Given that the first had produced such output, they chose not to go that route and should have more clearly stated their rationale for doing so in their recommendation drafts.

Lesson Learned: The detailed communication plan (referenced above) should address this.

3 - Situation: The level of detail in the report needs to be understandable by the average citizen. 

For example, the technical changes need to be spelled out why they are "technical" so that the common folk can understand. Those heavily involved in the day to day operations already know, as this is what they are dealing with, while the rest of us have no clue. It does come down to determining whose line of argument we agree with. One where we can see and fully understand the logic or one where the money line sounds great but in reality means nothing. Emotions need to be kept of out business discussions. They only create problems by clouding or distracting from the issue at hand. 

Lesson Learned:  The detailed communication plan (referenced above) should address this in two ways; one by making periodic updates and two by addressing the level of detail in the final report itself.

4 - Situation: The Citizens Committee and the Council subcommittee addressed different items. 

The citizens committee did acknowledge that technical changes were needed to be made but left that work for someone else to do. The subcommittee did get into those details. The recommendations on the Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector were heavily debated within the Citizens committee and also within the subcommittee. The subcommittee added the Board of Assessors, Board of Health and constables into the mix where the prior committee left them alone. There should have been a better explanation of what each did and why.

Lesson Learned:  The scope and objectives of the committee should be clear to the committee and to everyone else as to what they should be addressing and why. If there are changes to the scope, the change should be acknowledged in one of the periodic reviews and either approved as an accepted change or not.

5 - Situation: The final report discussion ended up being this convoluted mess, with emotions and sides drawn, arguments made by tossing about sound bites without substance. It becomes really hard to make sense of the issue because of the claim that 'voters are being left out'. Wrong! As mentioned above, when all is said and done, whatever the recommendations turn out to be, the voters will get their say at the ballot box.

Lesson Learned: With a better starting point, a clear explanation of the process chosen and why, periodic updates on what is being done and why, scope changes reviewed and approved or denied before the final report, the final report should have a better reception enabling a fair and open discussion on its details. 

Franklin, MA