Urgent: Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast - February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources

Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast  

February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources

Massachusetts is predicted to experience potential record breaking cold temperatures and gusty winds Friday, February 3rd through Sunday February 5th, 2023.

Residents are reminded that the Franklin Public Library will be available as a warming center during regular business hours on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

At this time, the Town of Franklin does not anticipate opening an emergency shelter, UNLESS there are widespread power outages in town from the wind. Any updates will be communicated via the official Town of Franklin Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram social media accounts and website. Residents can dial 2-1-1 to find warming centers and emergency shelters near you. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Residents are encouraged to review emergency resources by visiting the Emergency information toolkit located here. 

Below are some tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for staying safe in extreme cold.

What to do during extreme cold weather:

• Reduce outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
• Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your arms, legs, hands and feet. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated.
• If you lose heating, move into a single room. At night, cover windows and external doors with extra blankets or sheets.
• Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered in plastic to prevent them from freezing. Let a trickle of warm water run from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes.
• If your pipes freeze, open all faucets all the way, remove any insulation, and heat the frozen pipe with a hair dryer or wrap with towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.
• In the event of a power outage, you may need to take extra precautions or go to an emergency shelter to stay warm.
• Know the symptoms of and watch out for cold-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need extra help.

 

Shared from Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/extreme-cold-temperature-forecast-february-3rd-february-5th-2023-resident

Urgent: Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast - February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources

Franklin Police Media Release - Accidental Death - 12/16/22

On December 16, 2022, at approximately 6:32 AM, Franklin Police and Fire Department units were dispatched to 176 Grove Street, XPO Logistics, for a report of a person down and not breathing. Emergency crews provided medical treatment and the individual was transported to the Milford Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Initial indications at the scene are that the male was struck by a truck delivering a dumpster. There are no charges or citations in place at this time but the incident remains under investigation by the Franklin Police Detective Unit, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts State Police.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time.

Accidental Death - 12/16/22

Shared from Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department

Urgent: NO EMERGENCY - Franklin Public Schools Follow Up

NO EMERGENCY - FPS Follow Up

You received an email notification at 7:59AM on Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022 entitled "EMERGENCY INFORMATION". This email was sent to individuals subscribed to the Horace Mann Middle School Urgent Alerts via the official Franklin Public Schools Civic Plus website. To clarify, there is NO EMERGENCY at the Horace Mann Middle School or at any Franklin Public Schools campus location. Please disregard the previous message, as it was a result of user error, which will be readdressed during internal website training. If you would like to unsubscribe from these alerts, you may do so by clicking the "You can unsubscribe here." button on this email.

We apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding this may have caused.

Thank you,

Franklin Public Schools

Urgent: NO EMERGENCY - Franklin Public Schools Follow Up

Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training

"This week each group went through emergency vehicle driver training through

@MIIAsocial

. The training included a classroom presentation followed by each member of the department operating a simulator."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1547953456190595073 

Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training

Franklin Police: Media Release for Pleasant St Situation - The incident has resolved. Another release will be available shortly.

This morning, on February 12, 2022, at approximately 10:52 am, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) received a 911 call for a report of a male making suicidal statements at a residence on Pleasant Street in Franklin. Officers determined the male made suicidal statements to his family and threatened to harm himself with a firearm. The man did have access to firearms. There were no threats made to the man’s family. 

The man’s family was evacuated from the residence and officers established a perimeter outside the residence and attempted to contact the man. Alongside the Franklin Police Department, the Franklin Fire Department, and assets from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (MetroLEC), quickly responded to assist the incident. Assets from MetroLec include the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and MetroSwat. MetroLec units established their perimeter and continue to try and contact the man. This is an isolated and contained incident and there is no threat to the public at this time. Please continue to avoid the area. Further information will be released when available. 

Update: The situation was peacefully resolved with no force used. The male involved was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. He did not have any apparent injuries.

Franklin Police: Media Release for Pleasant St Situation

Bernheart family thank Franklin Police/Franklin Fire for emergency response

"On 12/31/2021 around 10 pm, Officer Kal Koblick, Officer Jon Giron, and Sergeant Mike Colecchi responded to a residential address for an unresponsive man who was not breathing. The man was David Bernheart. While responding to the call, dispatchers from the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center provided CPR instructions via the phone to David’s family.

Once on scene, Sergeant Colecchi began chest compressions while Officer Koblick set up the AED. David was administered a successful shock with the AED and the team of Sgt. Colecchi, Officer Koblick, and Officer Giron continued chest compressions and rescue breaths. The Franklin Fire Department arrived and began their advanced life-saving skills and transported David to the hospital. Later at the hospital, David began breathing on his own and made a recovery weeks later. He was able to return home to his family.

Yesterday, the Bernheart family met with each of the officers from that night and expressed their gratitude. Medical calls like this involve a great deal of privacy and are not often publicized but the Bernhearts were insistent on sharing their story and the amazing life-saving work done by the FPD and the FFD. This is just one example of the GREAT work performed by the FPD and the FFD. Great work that is performed 24/7 365.

Pictured below are Officer Kal Koblick, the Bernheart family, Officer Jon Giron, and Sgt. Mike Colecchi. Great job guys and thank you to the Bernheart family for letting us share their story."

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ1jGtWrxyg/

Officer Kal Koblick, the Bernheart family, Officer Jon Giron, and Sgt. Mike Colecchi

Wirecutter: DIY emergency kit for the auto

Don't buy a prepackaged emergency kit. The ones we've looked at either leave out important items, include things you may never use, seem poorly made, or cost too much.

You're much better off creating your own emergency kit. Here's how: https://t.co/GCYaUETEYT

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/wirecutter/status/1435298104287322114?s=03

Wirecutter: DIY emergency kit for the auto

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up 2/1/21

Due to the impending snow storm, there will be a full parking ban from 4 pm today through tomorrow morning.

If your trash is not picked up today, it will be picked up tomorrow.

Stay safe!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/parking-ban-curbside-trashrecycling-pick-2121

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Hello Franklin,

The forecast over the next few days includes extremely cold temperatures and the potential for snow early next week.  Please take the necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared.  Emergency Management Information is available on our website, as well as this informational flyer with tips on how to prepare for a storm.  

 

Emergency Management Information

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

 

How to prepare for a snow storm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/snow_storm_-_larger_1.pdf 

 

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

 

Interesting bits from the "Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020 Update"

To help your reading of the hazard mitigation plan, I have in my own reading captured some interesting tidbits. What do you find?

Other interesting bits (and where found):

• "Notably, 25% of Franklin’s population lives alone, and 50% of those living alone are over 65 years old." (p13)
• "Franklin relies on local groundwater sources for all of its public water supply" (p13)
• "Although Franklin is not a coastal community, information on sea level rise is included as an important trend that has implications for the regional economy, and considering that Franklin is on the MBTA Commuter Rail line, and a number of local residents commute to jobs in Boston." (p25)
• "Flooding was the most prevalent natural hazard identified by local officials in Franklin" (p30)

------

 

Did you know 46% of the land in Franklin is forest?

• that 27.2% is residential?
• that 10.6% is wetland?
• that only 5.3% is classified as industrial/commercial
  

Check out the land use table on page 55 (Table #26)

------

The Hazard Mitigation Plan  2020 Update can be found online:  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_hazard_mitigation_plan_2020_update_-_pending_adoption.pdf

 

Interesting bits from the "Hazard Mitigation Plan  2020 Update"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 6, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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

None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Hazard Mitigation Plan: Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development

Staff Memo’s & Materials

Proposed Hazard Mitigation Plan = (122 pages) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_hazard_mitigation_plan_2020_update_-_pending_adoption.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-01: To Adopt The Town of Franklin Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020 Update (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-01 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._hazard_mitigation_0.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-02: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of the Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-02 - Two Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._21-02_beaver_street_interceptor.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-03: Gift acceptance - Fire Department, $85 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-03 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._gift_fd.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-04: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $5025 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-04 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._gift_pd.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-05: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department, $49,806.69 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-05 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._gift_rec.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

COVID-19 Update

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

The agenda and released documents (except Hazard Mitigation Plan) can be found in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-06-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

The individual files can be found in the meeting folder:

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-6-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA: Town Council  - Agenda - Jan 6, 2021

Friendly reminder from Franklin Fire Dept.

Help us find you.  In an emergency seconds count.

https://t.co/kjvBFojacy

 

Friendly reminder from Franklin Fire Dept.

 Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1339910797963747328?s=03

Franklin Residents: Winter Storm Update

Winter Storm Update Hello Franklin, Please make note of the following alerts and information:  A full parking ban is in effect until noon today No Trash/Recycling Collection today, Thursday, Dec 17th. Trash/Recycling will be delayed by one day for 12/17 and 12/18 pick-ups only. The Municipal Building and all town buildings (Recreation, Museum, Senior Center, Library, and DPW Administration) will remain closed today, Thursday, December 17th. All staff will be working remotely today and are available via email and phone during regular business hours. Please do not hesitate to reach out!  Town offices and buildings will reopen tomorrow, Friday, Dec 18th at 8:00 for normal business hours.  Based on this morning's report from the state MEMA office and Governor Baker's directives, it's in the best interest of the community to stay off the roads and allow our incredible local DPW workers and state highway officials the chance to clear snow from all roads, sidewalks and parking lots.  Visit our website for information and links. Stay safe!  www.franklinma.gov https://www.franklinma.gov/

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by traceya@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Urgent: Winter Storm Alerts

Winter Storm Alerts

A winter storm is approaching this evening and will be with us until tomorrow. Please make note of the following alerts: 

• A full parking ban is in effect from 12 pm tonight until noon tomorrow
• No Trash Collection tomorrow, Thursday, Dec 16th.  Trash will be delayed by one day.
• The Municipal Building will be closed from 8 am-noon tomorrow.  Employees will be working remotely until noon and are available via email or voicemail.  

Stay safe! 

 

Read more about Emergency information https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

Urgent: Winter Storm Alerts

Views on the Supreme Judicial Court decision; they got it wrong, right, and 'following the money'

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin and then 'follow the money': 

SJC decision on Baker’s powers is poorly reasoned

"THE MASSACHUSETTS Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruled on Thursday that Gov. Charlie Baker’s various COVID-19 orders were authorized by the Massachusetts Civil Defense Act of 1950, and did not violate the plaintiffs’ due process rights or right to assemble under either the state or federal constitutions. The court’s opinion is superficial and poorly reasoned at best, and intellectually dishonest at worst, and is hardly the end of the matter.

The outcome of the opinion could readily be predicted from its first words, which identified the justice who authored it. Stunningly, that justice during the argument of the case had asked the plaintiffs’ counsel whether he didn’t agree that the governor was doing a good job with his COVID-19 measures. Any first-year law student, and indeed most sentient citizens, would know that the job of a justice ruling on a legal or constitutional challenge to a government measure is not to agree or disagree with any policy underlying the measure, or the results achieved by it, but rather to rule on whether it is indeed legally or constitutionally valid."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/sjc-decision-on-bakers-powers-is-poorly-reasoned/

SJC got Baker emergency orders case right

THERE ARE AT least two important takeaways from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Desrosiers v. Governor, in which the court upheld Gov. Charlie Baker’s authority to issue emergency orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, the court’s conclusion was undoubtedly correct. The plaintiffs argued that the governor had “usurped” the role of the Legislature and violated the state constitution’s commitment to separation of powers, as well as the plaintiffs’ rights to due process and free assembly. At bottom, the plaintiffs maintained that the governor lacked the authority to issue emergency orders under the Civil Defense Act. That law, enacted in 1950, gave the governor the power to issue emergency orders in the event of, among other things, “fire, flood, earthquake or other natural causes.”

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/sjc-got-baker-emergency-orders-case-right/

 

To 'follow the money' we share this article from MassPoliticsProfs

Desrosiers v. The Governor: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Body Slams Charles Koch

"Today the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled for Governor Charlie Baker in a lawsuit underwritten by Charles Koch and sponsored by Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance/Fiscal Alliance Foundation in which MFA sought to undo the governor’s emergency public health powers—just as Covid-19 is raging across the land.  It wasn’t close.

This was really a case about conflicting ideologies. On one side is the view that government should be empowered to help people to do needed things the people cannot do for themselves (the view of Abraham Lincoln, by the way) versus Koch’s ideology, which is that government should do nothing except to protect private property."

Continue reading the article online

http://www.masspoliticsprofs.org/2020/12/10/desrosiers-v-the-governor-massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court-body-slams-charles-koch/

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

"Residents should consider downloading the ⁦@nationalgridus⁩ app on their phones where you can report power outages, monitor restoration and much more. ⁦@FranklinMAFire⁩ "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VgQcVSQ9pb

Apple App Store =  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/national-grid/id632161989

Google App Store =  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifactor.ngrid&hl=en&gl=US

nationalgrid web page = https://login.nationalgridus.com/

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

Hurricane Preparedness Week is Here

1 - Hurricane Risk

• Peak of hurricane season is August and September
• NOAA predicts above normal hurricane season; but regardless of seasonal forecast, it only takes one storm to severely impact an area
• Entire state is at risk; storm surge threat in coastal areas and high winds, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding possible across entire state, as we saw in Irene in 2011
• While the last hurricane in Massachusetts was Bob in 1991, the Commonwealth has a history of destructive hurricanes
• Threat of tropical cyclones and other natural hazards continue during COVID-19 pandemic

2 - How Residents Can Prepare

• Know Your Evacuation Zone

• Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone: www.mass.gov/knowyourzone

• Make an Emergency Plan

• Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do in a tropical cyclone including making an evacuation plan, planning for individuals with access and functional needs, and any extra considerations during COVID-19 pandemic including how you might evacuate and where you might evacuate to. If you are in a high risk population, the safest option may be to evacuate to a location without the general public such as a hotel, relatives' home or other destination. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan

• Build an Emergency Kit

• Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store and customize for your family's needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, include face coverings, masks, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit.

3 - Stay Informed

Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts

Gov Baker's proclamation on Hurricane Preparedness Week
https://www.mass.gov/news/hurricane-preparedness-week-reminds-residents-to-prepare-take-precautions
 

as part of staying informed sign up for hurricane alerts from NOAA

Sign up for alerts from NOAA https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc

Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign.

A few Franklin residents and media outlets have recently made inquires pertaining to the 8cantwait campaign found here: https://8cantwait.org/. As part of this campaign, citizens are asking that police departments across the country adopt 8 policies, as a way to "reduce killings by police and save lives." Massachusetts residents should be reminded that these issues are mostly nonstarters here in Massachusetts. 

Massachusetts law enforcement agencies have long been in front of the curve when it comes to the advancement of police procedures designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens we protect. 

In particular, our Massachusetts Police Officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people. 

In response to the Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing (https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) and the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/files/massachusetts-chiefs-police-response-final-report-presidents-task-force-21st) drafted a response in September of 2015, addressing each of the pillars therein.

With respect to the 8 policies that departments should adopt, below is how each is addressed in Massachusetts and here at the Franklin Police Department:

• Ban chokeholds & strangleholds - These techniques are not part of the defensive tactics curriculum as instructed by the MPTC.
• Require de-escalation - Officers are required to learn de-escalation during the MPTC recruit academy training program, and further, are required to undergo additional de-escalation training during the annual in-service training programs as required by the MPTC.
• Require warning before shooting - Consistent with the standards set forth in Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, officers may only use that level of force that is objectively reasonable based upon the totality of circumstances. Officers will always attempt to use the lowest level of force in order to effectuate the lawful objective and will attempt to warn individuals prior to using any level of force, provided that they have the time and opportunity to do so. There may be, however, some very limited instances, where it is impossible for officers to provide a warning prior to using force, such as when doing so is necessary in order to preserve human life.
• Requires exhaust all alternatives before shooting - Same as above.
• Duty to intervene - All officers are trained and required to intervene when they recognize that any other officer or supervisor, of any rank, is acting contrary to the law or policy. The MCOPA has recommended departments consider including the following language in their Use of Force policy and the Franklin Police Department is considering making this change: All officers of the Police Department should be aware of their personal responsibility during a use of force encounter. Officers shall have an affirmative duty to intervene should they observe a situation in which they perceive more than the necessary use of force is being deployed by a fellow officer.
• Ban shooting at moving vehicles - Officers are not permitted to shoot at a moving vehicle, except in the very limited circumstance where, consistent with the standard set forth in Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, doing so is required to defend themselves or another when the occupants of the vehicle are employing deadly force, which the officer reasonably perceives as an immediate threat of death or serious physical injury to themselves or another (including situations where the vehicle itself is being used as a deadly weapon and the officer is unable to escape the path of travel), and the officer reasonably believes that they will not endanger innocent persons. It is imperative that officers not position themselves in such a way as to create a likelihood of being struck by an occupied vehicle.
• Require use of force continuum - Officers are all trained to use only that level of force objectively reasonable based upon the totality of the circumstances.
• Require comprehensive reporting - Offices are required to complete a use of force report for each instance where force is used.

For further information pertaining to this subject, please see The Franklin Police Department Use of Force Policy, Use of Force Data and the presentation by Chief Lynch to the Franklin Town Council on June 3, 2020, all located on the departments website at: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/use-force-data

Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign

EMERGENCY ORDER - "face covering over their mouth and nose"

Town of Franklin 

Board of Health

355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY - EMERGENCY ORDER

Pursuant to the declaration of a public health emergency on March 17, 2020, and all other authorizing statutes and regulations, acting by and through its agent authorized under MGL c. 111, §31 and we, the Board of Health of the Town of Franklin Massachusetts, hereby order the following:

1) All employees of all essential businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when interacting with the public and when the staff cannot maintain a safe social distance of six feet from any other co-worker. Nothing in this order shall require the use of a face covering by anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition.

2) All essential businesses shall post on their main entrance doors that the board of health is strongly advising people to wear face coverings upon entrance of an essential business.

This emergency order shall be effective beginning Wednesday, APRIL 29, 2020 AT 12:01AM and remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Board of Health’s judgement that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists. To the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by Board of Health officials.
ORDERED at the Virtual Board of Health meeting this 27th day of April 2020. 

Cathleen Liberty, Director of Public Health, Franklin Board of Health


PDF of this can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/emergency_face_covering_order_2.pdf

Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1255215435148075010?s=09

Meeting notes for the April 27, 2020 session
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/board-of-health-approves-mandate-for.html

screengrab of Board of Health meeting April 27, 2020

In the News: Franklin man's marathon; credit rating agency has praised the flexibility bill; municipalities can order residents to wear face coverings

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

"Adam Calvert knows a lot about going the distance.

Recently, the Franklin resident tied on his running shoes and hit the pavement for his very own marathon - a 26.2-mile route of his own design that took more than four hours to complete cheered on along the way by many supporters and joined for part of the distance by three fellow runners.

But the long run really began last March, when his wife, Emma, was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was just a few months into her fourth pregnancy. As Calvert supported her through the cancer treatments and pregnancy, while helping to care for their three other children, he made a decision: He’d join the Dana-Farber Marathon team and finally take on the Boston Marathon — an undertaking that had already been at the back of his mind — with her as his inspiration and Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund as his cause.

He was understandably disappointed when talk of calling off the iconic April event began late in March amid concerns about the coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200426/inspired-by-wife-franklin-man-runs-his-own-marathon

credit rating agency has praised the flexibility bill

"A major credit rating agency has praised the municipal government flexibility bill Gov. Charlie Baker signed earlier this month as an advantage for cities and towns, and detailed how it will help local leaders.

In last week’s credit outlook for public finance, Moody’s Investor Service said the legislation that Baker signed into law April 3 “is credit positive for local governments because it will increase their ability to operate effectively during a period when they are managing a health emergency while also planning for the 2021 fiscal year starting in July.”

The bill got more attention for allowing restaurants to sell beer and wine with to-go orders and postponing the tax filing deadline until July, but it also provided the state’s 351 municipalities with deadline and scheduling flexibility on town meetings, tax payments and permits. Crucially, it also allowed cities and towns to tap into free cash, or remaining fiscal 2020 reserves, for fiscal 2021 budgets without having to go through the usual state approval process."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200427/rating-agency-takes-measure-of-coronavirus-law


municipalities can order residents to wear face coverings

"Attorney General Maura Healey’s office now says municipalities can order residents to wear face coverings in public.

On Monday, Healey’s office issued revised guidance on local authority when it comes to protecting public health amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the new guidance, a municipality can, through its Board of Health, require people to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of infection, per General Law Chapter 111, §§ 26-26C, 31, 104."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200428/mass-ags-office-revises-guidance-says-municipalities-can-order-face-coverings