FM #227 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - COVID-19 updates

FM #227 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 227 in the series.

This session of the radio show was recorded virtually. The three of us connected via conference bridge, and aside from a couple of brief bits of background noise, the conversation recording went very well at this new ‘social distance’.

As you’ll hear, I was joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracey.

Anne Marie provided updates from Superintendent Sara Ahern. Among the updates:

• Distance learning underway
• School grounds closing
• Food service (breakfast and lunch) available for children in Franklin who are not FPS students; pick up at the high school
• More details on school closing and what it means will be coming from the Superintendent
• All communications translated into multiple languages and posted on web page

Jamie was scheduled to get out for a walk later Friday (we recorded at noon time) because he had been so busy this week, he had not been able to do so. He provided multiple updates on:

• Town of Franklin business still being conducted
• Pointing to the portal for updates and details, please check at least daily
• Please follow recommendations to maintain social distancing, washing hands, etc.
• Town Council, School Committee and board/committee meetings going forward - how to conduct them remotely is being worked out
• The budget timeline has been rescheduled; Finance Committee meetings after Memorial Day, Town Council budget hearings in June

There were other topics along the way in this conversation but this should be enough of a teaser to have you spend a few minutes to listen. The audio segment runs about 40 minutes, so please listen in to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWHSsjcX



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

The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Link to the Superintendents’ messages in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

The link to the main Franklin Public schools (FPS) page https://www.franklinps.net/

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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!

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

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

FM #227 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - COVID-19 updates

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Construction on the building continues. We anticipate dispatching our first call in early 2019. Once complete the MECC will operate state of the art systems and equipment to handle the dispatching of police, fire and EMS calls for service for the four communities; Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. We will serve a combined population of just under 66,000 residents (2015 census data) covering 76.7 square miles.

The State 911 Department will begin “text to 911” service of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system later this year. This will enable our call takers to assist with emergency calls with the deaf and hard of hearing population or those who cannot verbally communicate. Remember, “Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t”.

The MECC will staff highly skilled, trained, professional telecommunicators ready to assist, day or night. Rest assured we stand ready to help you in your time of need.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary M Premo
Executive Director



You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports


In the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 16, 2018, we learned that Norfolk construction delays for regional dispatch center will affect Franklin and the budget for an additional three months. It was supposed to begin operation in Jan 2019, and is now scheduled for operation in March (Apr 1 for budgeting purposes). The discussion was to fund an $28K for Police and $70K for Fire to cover the delay.

The Franklin Matters notes from the FinCom meeting Oct 16
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/live-reporting-finance-committee-oct-16.html

Facebook photo for MECC  https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/?nr

"parents are also dealing with some of the same stresses"

"On Wednesday evening, November 14th, a group of 85 students and parents gathered to enjoy a meal together at Medway High School, after which The Well-Balanced Student, a Stanford University Challenge-Success film, was screened. The event, aimed at student mental health among the middle school crowd, was the first of a two-part collaboration of Medway Schools’ Director of Wellness, Ryan Sherman, and Franklin Schools’ Director of Health and Education, Kristin Letendre. The second film event, geared toward educating high school families, will take place at Franklin High School on January 8th. 

“Communities in general, especially here in the Metrowest region, are seeing great increases in student mental health concerns and overall stress,” says Sherman. Schools, he says, address the issue in many different ways, including educating about it in health class and incorporating social emotional learning, which teaches students techniques to cope with mental health concerns and self-management from Kindergarten through 12th grade. "

"Medway, says Sherman, has invested a lot in streamlining the process for students who need mental health counseling. Now, he says, in addition to responding to students who present with mental health concerns, “We’re looking for a next layer, of prevention, working with families and looking at what they can do to support what we do in school – how they can create a balanced life for students. How do we focus on prevention, lifestyle that hopefully will prevent students from exhaustion, high levels of stress or mental health concerns?
That was the impetus what got Franklin and Medway thinking about this.”

Continue reading the article about the first part of this program
https://www.localtownpages.com/content/medway-partners-franklin-parentchild-wellness-event-0

The January 8th event at Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street in Franklin, will include a dinner, from 5:30-6 p.m., followed by the film for families of students in grades 9-12 at 6-7:30 p.m. 

Daycare for younger siblings will be provided by members of Franklin High’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). 

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held the following evening.

Register for the second part of the program here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdArpFhHmHJEpNUVLmaNpkSuVSQ6735AfLy46HHQkh6_v2Ajg/viewform

Register for January 8 event at Franklin High School

For more information on the Challenge Success program, visit http://www.challengesuccess.org.


Shared via reminder of event 

Please join us for this important event @FranklinPSNews https://t.co/5dxc47BNNU

— jedwards40 (@jedwards40) December 31, 2018

LEAP, Where Kids Develop Communication Skills - Program this Fall

Your kids will thrive at MindsetGo!

"To 'find your voice' you must first have the courage to open your mouth."  - Josh Shipp L.E.A.P. Laugh • Experience Accomplish • Participate L.E.A.P. (Laugh, Experience, Accomplish, Participate) offers kids fun opportunities to be creative, develop their passions, grow leadership skills, and take initiative. By collaborating with peers of different ages in a judgment-free zone, kids contribute in multiple ways through teamwork, activities and engaging discussions on topics they love. Most important, children have a blast while becoming more confident and effective communicators. To be notified of upcoming program details or to learn how your school can host these classes, click "Take the LEAP" Take the LEAP Watch LEAP kids in action as they narrate this video. Parents, do you wish your kids were more skilled at? Speaking up for what they want and need Resolving conflict Dealing with their emotions Asserting themselves Forming better relationships/connections Kids get excited too: Demonstrate and share your hobbies/passions on camera Act out random ideas and situations through improv activities Debate fun topics so you can win arguments with parents/teacher Be a Critic: TV shows, Movies, Music and YouTube channel Compete in activities such as game shows, Shark Tank, and theater New Program coming this Fall Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm.  *Each week is unique so missing classes will not put your child behind. Ages: Grades 4-10  Cost: $99 one time registration and $60 per month  Location: MindsetGo  Lyman Street Plaza 18 Lyman Street, Suite 250 Westboro, MA  or Bring a LEAP Enrichment program to your school To be notified of upcoming program details or to learn how your school can host these classes, click "Take the LEAP" Take the LEAP MindsetGo | 978-793-1159 | maltman@mindsetgo.com | www.mindsetgo.com STAY CONNECTED

MindsetGo | 18 Lyman Street, Suite 250, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by maltman@mindsetgo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Fire fighters sworn in, communications improvements touted, Summer St development for 34 units turned down

The Town Council recap of the Jan 18, 2017 meeting has a few key takeways: 

1 - Three new fire fighters were sworn in: Becky Caroline, AJ Morris, Katherine Forest

Chief McCarragher, Becky Caroline, AJ Morris, Katherine Forest

2 - The Finance Committee added a new member: David Wiech

3 - Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Councilor Glen Jones presented on the series of accomplishments in improving the communications and information availability with more to come in 2017.

Communications and Civic Engagement Update from Franklin Matters

4 - The residents of Summer St came out in force again to speak against the proposed addition of 34 houses on an 11 acre property that could be developed with 7-8 under the current zoning. The vote to make the map change was 5-3 but was insufficient to pass the measure. 6 votes were required. The council vote was by roll call. 

• Dellorco - No
• Jones - No
• Vallee - Yes
• Pfeffer - Yes
• Mercer - Yes
• Padula - Yes
• Pellegri - No
• Kelly - yes

The video replay for the meeting is available on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=427

The Town Council "Actions Taken" document can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_january_18_2017_0.pdf

Additional details can be found in the reporting I recorded live during the meeting:

• Live reporting: closing
• Live reporting: Legislation for action
• Live reporting: Communications and Civic Engagemen...
• Live reporting: Appointments, License Change of Ma...
• Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 18, 2017

The Special Report: Residential VII zoning

Franklin School Committee - Newsletter #2

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser

"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