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

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, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 2020

Agenda: Meeting Date  - May 6, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns. 

Link to access meeting: May 6, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE -- Then click “Open Zoom”

Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86173909783

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 861 7390 9783 --Then press #

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 
March 25, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/7a._dean_college_license_application_web.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Coronavirus Update
b. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-20_community_preservation_act_cpa_web_0.pdf

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-20: Community Preservation Act, G.L. Chapter 44B, Sections 3-7 Authorization for Ballot Question (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-20, CPA Ballot Initiative - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-20_community_preservation_act_cpa_web.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-21: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department - $75,000 from the Boston Bruins Foundation (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-21 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-857 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-22: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between Department of Public Works, AFSCME Council 93, Local 1298 Employees and the Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-22 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-23: Amendment - Library Union Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-23 - Majority Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-24: Amendment - Facilities/Trades Union Contact (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-24 - Majority Vote)

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-25: Amendment - Custodians Union Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-25 - Majority Vote)

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-26: Amendment - Firefighters Union Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-26 - Majority Vote)

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-6-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 2020

Live reporting: Return from Exec Session to Closing

15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)

historic day for Franklin, not used lightly
proposal to get home rule to address this item for Franklin current members would be exempt, future members would not be applicable to civil service

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

ambulance fee discount added
rate increased
change in mileage amount

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-852_web.pdf

question on false alarm fee, usually for extremely egregious behavior
bring this forward to clarify in a future meeting

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0


15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)

historic day, paradigm shift, call volume has been increasing
everybody excited to implement the contract
this contract sets up for success for the future

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-07_web_0.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

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

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

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf

Snow Plow Contractors Wanted for Franklin, MA

The Franklin DPW is seeking contractors with vehicles and equipment to perform snow removal operations during the 2019-2020 winter season.

Equipment needed: 10-wheelers, 6-wheelers, backhoes, loaders, 1-tons and skidsteers. All equipment must have plows.

Competitive rates

Snow removal packets are available at the DPW Administration Building, 257 Fisher St, Franklin, MA or online at https://www.franklinma.gov/snow-ice-removal

Snow Plow Contractors Wanted for Franklin, MA

Understanding the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs (4 part series)

Via the Mass Consumers Affairs blog:

"If you are a home improvement contractor or homeowner in Massachusetts, we’ve got you covered with our introductory guide to understanding the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs – from both perspectives, the homeowner’s and contractor’s.

This introduction to HIC programs is the first of our four part “HIC—Easy as 1-2-3!” blog series dedicated to providing resources and information concerning HIC law, contractors, homeowners, complaints and enforcement hearings, arbitration, and the Guaranty Fund. Keep reading to educate yourself or brush up on your knowledge about HIC programs in Massachusetts."

Continue reading Part 1
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-introduction/

Part 2
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-hic-easy-as-1-2-3-part-2-arbitration/

Part 3
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-part-3-guaranty-fund/
 
Part 4
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-part-4-homeowners/

Understanding the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs (4 part series)

School Committee Recap - August 27, 2019

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 27 brought updates on the opening of school (everyone is excited to be back), a brief interruption for an executive session to approve another of the contracts with a bargaining unit (cafeteria unit) and a review of the revised District Improvement Plan (see link below).


Superintendent's report
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_august_27_2019.pdf

The new hire listing
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/new_hires_august_2019.pdf

The District Improvement Plan as presented and discussed during the meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actiona_-_dip_goals.pdf


For additional details, here are my notes recorded live during the meeting

• Live reporting: Consent agenda to closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to-closing.html

• Live reporting: Discussion / Action Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

• live reporting; school committee - executive sessi...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reporting-school-committee.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Aug 27, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reporting-school-committee-aug-27.html

Superintendent Sara Ahern reviewing the update District Improvement Plan

The school committee agenda was previously posted
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-aug_25.html

Town Council Recap: Charter School provides update; contract reached with Hellen for Town Administrator role

The Town Council meeting held Wednesday, Dec 12, 2018 can be summarized as follows:

Appointments

Appointments to the Board of Health (BOH) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) were made. Phillip Brunelli had recently resigned from the Board of Health to take a spot on the ZBA. Fulfilling the open BOH spot required a joint session of the Council and BOH to appoint Ciera Maffei. She will fill the role until the next election (Nov 2019). Philip was successfully appointed to the ZBA and Christopher Stickney was appointed to an associate position.

Section 3 Vacancies

3-3-1 Unless recalled in accordance with Article Five, Section 4 of this Charter, vacancies in boards established under this Article shall be filled by the Town Council jointly with the remaining members of the respective board until the next regular Town election.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf

Charter School Update

Charter School Presentation to Town Council from Franklin Matters

Risk Assessment

The Town administration has had an open action item for several years to perform a financial risk assessment. This was accomplished this summer and the summary document was presented and review at the meeting.

This was good to see performed. It had been required in the annual audit reports. The actions required to complete the assessment are relatively minor in nature and currently scheduled for completion  by the end of March 2019. A copy of the risk assessment report is linked to below

Executive Session

The Town Council entered into executive session to discuss and come to an agreement on the contract for the new Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen. They were to  return to open session and either vote (assuming they reached an agreement) or return and then close the meeting (if they hadn't)/

After approx 45 minutes they did return to open session and vote to agree on the contract which they signed and then Jamie signed.

new TA Jamie Hellen waits for Councilor Earls to be
the last to sign the contract before signing it himself

The Town Council Actions Taken doc can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_december_12_2018.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting

• Live reporting: return to open meeting
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-return-to-open-meeting.html
• Live reporting: to Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-to-closing.html
• Live Reporting: Subcommittee reports through to Le...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-subcommittee-reports.html
• Live Reporting: Risk Assessment
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-risk-assessment.html
• Live reporting: Presentation / Discussion
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-presentation-discussion.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - Meeting - Dec 12, 2...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-town-council-meeting-dec.html
• 
  

after signing the contract, Jamie shook hands with the Councilors

In the News: Franklin looking for snow contractors; cause of house fire not found yet

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

"Snow and ice is on the way and Franklin needs help getting rid of it. 

During the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, members will be discussing the lack of contractors available to help plow streets during winter storms. 

Without proper help, according to Deputy Town Administrator Jaime Hellen, there could be more school delays, unplowed sidewalks and icier roads.
“The impacts that people need to know about the expectation of the roads is going to be really important to know,” Hellen said. 

The town had 71 signed contractors to plow snow last winter. So far this year, only 32 have signed up. Hellen said that with more than a 50-percent decline in helping hands, there could be trouble."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181126/franklin-seeks-snow-plow-contractors-for-winter

You can find the full set of documents for the Town Council meeting agenda in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_november_28_2018.pdf

Municipal Building, 355 East Central St, Franklin, MA

"The fire chief said smoke detectors likely limited a Saturday-morning blaze on Hawthorne Drive to the basement, allowing the occupants to escape unharmed. 

The fire started about 11:44 a.m. at 19 Hawthorne Drive and was fought by outfits in Wrentham, Plainville, Norfolk, Bellingham and Milford. There were two adults in the house at the time, both of which made it out safely. 

“We arrived and we found smoke coming from the front door,” Franklin Police Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said. “We searched the building and the fire ended up being a sort of sub-basement area.” 

Though the house did suffer smoke damage, the fire was contained to the basement. McCarraher emphasized that due to working smoke detectors, the fire was contained before anyone was harmed.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181126/no-cause-found-for-franklin-fire

Live reporting: School Committee - Apr 11, 2017

Present: Douglas, Bergen, Bilello, Scofield, O'Malley,Schultz, Jewell
Absent: none

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 23, 2017 Special Meeting March 28, 2017 Regular School Committee Meeting and the Executive Session Minutes from March 23, 2017.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: Budget to Actual 

2. Executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy as it relates to contract negotiations over the incoming Superintendent’s contract.

Roll call vote to enter into Executive Session

to return to public meeting

Returned to open session at 7:15 PM

Motion to move action item regarding approval of incoming superintendent’s contract to an early vote.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


Early Action Item:
L. I recommend approval of the incoming Superintendent’s contract.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Welcome Dr Sara Ahern

contract being signed

Dr Sara Ahern signs the contract as new Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools #schcom0411 pic.twitter.com/wuzGNWaTiO

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) April 11, 2017

Dr Sara Ahern signs the contract as new Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools

"I think we got to a really good outcome"

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

"The school district has reached agreements with its secretaries, van drivers and cafeteria workers, putting those employees under contract for the next three years. 

The School Committee signed those contracts at its meeting last week. Each of the pacts will run until June 2019. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley briefly discussed the negotiation process. 

"We met with people who are indispensable to who we are as a district," he said. "We have, after negotiation, come to some agreements that we are now prepared to sign."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160724/franklin-schools-sign-worker-contracts

summer wishes on the Parmenter School sign

"consequences that could have deep financial costs"

From the Franklin, MA radar comes the news about the bankruptcy filing by Clark-Cutler-McDermott:

"General Motors Co. resolved a dispute with financially troubled auto-parts supplier Clark-Cutler-McDermott Co. in a deal that averts a potential production shut down of some of GM North American operations. 

The agreement, approved by a federal bankruptcy court judge in Massachusetts on Wednesday, allowed GM to purchase equipment and inventory that the auto maker said it must have to avoid any production interruptions. 

CCM, which produced 175 parts for GM and is the Detroit auto maker’s only supplier of certain interior and acoustic insulation parts, also received court approval to terminate its contract with GM, clearing the path for CCM to sell its closed operations. 

The 115-year-old company has been a General Motors “Supplier of the Year” four times in the last seven years, but said the relationship soured as it absorbed losses of $12 million since 2013. The Franklin, Mass., company filed for bankruptcy protection on July 7, saying it was losing $30,000 a day as a result of its contract with GM."

Continue reading the full article online
http://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-reaches-deal-with-bankrupt-supplier-clark-cutler-mcdermott-1468440356

http://www.clarkcutlermcdermott.com/