Town of Franklin gains AAA bond rating

"The Town of Franklin was awarded a AAA (Triple-A) Bond Rating today for the first time in the Town's history. AAA is the highest possible rating by the major credit rating agencies and depicts financial management and creditworthiness is at the most exceptional levels."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1524509099181887489 

Listen to my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022. One of the topics we discuss is the AAA bond rating. https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22

Town of Franklin gains AAA bond rating

Finance Committee hears update from Human Resources, and ARPA funds

Quick Recap:

• Senior tax abatement (work off) program update coming to Town Council session (Oct 20, 2021). Veterans update also scheduled for an increase.
• Human Resources Director Karen Bratt provided an update on the hiring, background checks, negotiations, etc. that her office participates in. Approx. one third of Town employees have been replaced since 2018 as the generational turnover take place. 
• The audio of this segment of the meeting will become a "must" listen as there are so many details on the cost drivers for the Town and School budgets. There is a separate School HR function but there is coordination between the two on health plans and negotiations.
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided and update on the current ARPA or COVID related Federal funding to date with an outlook on what is expected. These funds are limited in use and are spread over several years. Some of the reimbursements from FEMA (in particular) can really take time to be received.

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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  #fincom1013
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom1013&src=typed_query 
 
Agenda document -  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

 

• Getting ready to live tweet the Finance Committee meeting beginning at 6:30 PM today. Agenda and remote connection info here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf  #fincom1013
• Meeting host will let you in soon. #fincom1013
• It is nice to be in the room where a meeting happens, it is very convenient to be in the Zoom where it happens #fincom1013
• 6 yes, no notices, on motion to approve Dowd as chair, Conley as Vice chair, and Nicole as clerk via roll call some absent #fincom1013 Abatement programs to be expanded for Town Council, wage to minimum, and total increase of amount veterans/disabled amounts ...
• Details on the program expansions contained on the agenda doc shared earlier and again here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf #fincom1013
• Jamie explains the details behind the proposal, limited by statue at minimum wage and $1500/year, hence amount is within the statue. #fincom1013 limit on number of people to participate in work off (100), veteran status is required.
• Motion to recommend motions first on senior citizen piece then on veterans piece, both pass via 6-0 via roll call votes #fincom1013
• Presentation by Karen Bratt on Human Resources for Town, screen grabs shared here (didn't find doc) #fincom1013
• So many photos/pages will create album to share. Presentation done, now in the Q&A segment, good background info on GIC plan option for town but not used #fincom1013 some collaborative strategies are more work than worth it long term.
• Interesting discussion on turnover and reasons for, some due to demographics (aging work population) #fincom1013 not many if any leaving for another town, one that did had recently come back. Less interest in filling OT hours and shifts than prior, work life balance
• "can't believe you are still using paper employee files" we will see it later, working to get a grant to help fund it. #fincom1013 Harvard Pilgrim did a 'rebate' but it wasn't much and took time to process. Talk of issues hiring, in some spots like those with CDL license
• Did get confirmation that the pres doc will be posted to the HR page #fincom1013 policy procedures manual online as well as collective bargaining agreements https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf
• Next up an update from Jamie on ARPA funds overview (preview of what Town Council will see next week) Alicia has been the master tracking these details, coordination of reporting, etc. Kudos to her for this work! #fincom1013
• Pres doc will be posted to this page https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/pandemic-related-stimulus-funds #fincom1013
• School funds separate from Town funds #fincom1013 multiple pages in this update also, also to be posted to budget page. These funds are separate from town ops and capital budgeting. They can help fulfill requirements that would be funded by ops or capital funds
• Next up - future topics; contracts and grants can we get a view of these; MassWorks grant of $2.2m can distort analysis. What are you getting at? Maybe better to go at this by Dept. rather than overall. #fincom1013
• Budget overview and CPC update schedule for the meeting 11/10 #fincom1013 meeting adjourns

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21 from Franklin Matters

Finance Committee hears update from Human Resources, and ARPA funds

Recap: School Committee meeting hears of graffiti incident, DLI updates, ESSER III grant draft plans, and approves facial covering policy

Quick recap:

• Graffiti incident at FHS discussed, Superintendent Ahern updated on Principal Hanna's response and work still underway
• School topics (Davis Thayer, budget, etc.) scheduled for Town Council meeting Oct 6
• New communications person, Lily Rivera introduced
• Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) provided updates on their work supporting teachers and learning technology
• The draft plan was previewed for use of the ESSER III (Federal funding) to be made available
• MASC delegate approved, review of MASC resolutions conducted, vote on them scheduled for next meeting. Odd situation may occur, if Denise Spencer doesn't get re-elected Nov 2, with the MASC conference scheduled for Nov 3, the conference would not have a Franklin representative
• Facial covering policy approved, this wont be the last update, more are likely as the pandemic continues
• Minutes from Sep 14 split from Consent agenda and approved; the remaining items of the Consent agenda also approved; both votes via roll call

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live in the Council Chambers.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0928

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0928&src=typeahead_click

School Committee agenda:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-9-28-21 

School Committee packet folder (all the doc for the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/K2gPhcDTS3vYmPbG7

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• getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7:00 PM. In the Chamber for this one, live tweeting and recording audio #schcom0928
• meeting packet, including agenda doc and remote connection info -> https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet #schcom0928
• Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29 - you can also find the live stream on the Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream  #schcom0928

Citizens Comments

• I stepped up to share about the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) in an effort to reach out to the PCC organizations. The FANN vision "Franklin will be a community where nonprofit organizations work together for the greater good of its residents. " #schcom0928
• Citizen comment on disappointing curriculum night experience was paperwork instead of info sharing and teacher info sharing #schcom0928
• Citizen comment on when will get out of this? #schcom0928

FHS Student updates

• Superintendent introduces the new FHS representatives. MacKenzie Atwood a senior (returning this year) production of Mama Mia Nov 12-13; speaks to the recent act of hateful graffiti found on a back door of the school #schcom0928 she can't feel safe in the halls.
• "While we have made progress ... but more needs to be done, it has been met with more hatred" #schcom0928
• Shaw Downing with an update on PSAT's, needing proctors to conduct the testing. Back to school night Thursday, Home coming Oct 7, register before req'd #schcom0928

Superintendent's report

• Superintendent's report - key follow up to Kenzie's info; Principal Hanna sent note to FHS community today (copy to share later) #schcom0928, it was not a FPS student but they were found. "It puts a voice to the hurt" thank you for sharing and having the courage to do so
• Principal Hanna reaching to the appropriate clubs to respond to the FHS community. Half day on Friday, PDD for staff. #schcom0928 Supt report link to be posted Weds (while be shared after it is available)
• Supt Ahern and Business Admin Goodman to participate in the Town Council meeting next week to talk school topics among budget. School transport and buses an issue, late buses not available now. hence club and activities potentially hindered. #schcom0928
• curriculum night was a question to be in person or remote, hoped in person would be better; COVID protocols needed to be followed, to address # of folks in a room, shorter duration and smaller groups #schcom0928 middle/FHS coming later
• materials prepared for consistency in delivery, further opportunities? yes, all year long - teachers are responsive to requests; conferences coming in Nov #schcom0928
• "this highlights how important our diversity, equity and inclusion work is" different experience for a SchCom member at the curriculum night, it was informally organized and allowed for moving around. #schcom0928

Guests/Presentations

• Lily Rivera introduced by Supt Ahern, Lily tells of her early weeks working in this role (shared with the Town) for communications and marketing #schcom0928
• next update from the Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) team can provide insights on what they do #schcom0928
• Slide with DLI team members #schcom0928
• presentation copy can be found online (of course!) #schcom0928
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_digital_learning_presentation_2021.pdf 
• cooking with Google - info on Google tool suite basics (link in presentation doc shared earlier) #schcom0928
• They also have a page on the FPS website rich with links and resources -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/digital-learning  #schcom0928
• working on a single sign-on tool to make things easier to access appropriately #schcom0928
• maker spaces are all in some space in or near the Library in each of the schools #schcom0928

Discussion/Action Items

• Franklin TV Board Appointment - I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors. - motion seconded, passes via roll call 7-0 #schcom0928
• MASC Delegate - I recommend the Committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee's delegate to the annual MASC Annual Meeting of Delegates as discussed.  motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928 (risk of delegate due to conf and election timing)
• ** Policy - Waiving 1st reading - I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed. motion, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928
• ** D. Policy Adoption - I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed  #schcom0928 - minor changes, and inclusion of non-compliance section - motion, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call - (community) input included in the policy;
• policy discussion on masks not over yet, DESE guidance still incomplete and lacking; we can be stronger than DESE but not more lenient, hard to plan for policy changes in these circumstances #schcom0928
• MASC resolution discussion tonight, vote comes later: doc with resolution can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/resolutions21.pdf  #schcom0928

Discussion Only Items

• next up - ESSER III funding plan -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/esser_iii_funding_proposal.pdf  #schcom0928
• beginning slide 4, an accounting of the COVID funding received thus far #schcom0928 page 7 gets into the ESSER III funding to be spread over next couple of years; putting plan together in consideration of other funding sources
• page 10 highlighted items are an area of funding possible via ESSER funds; some although ranked high don't really qualify for this funding; #schcom0928 Air conditioning is a project beyond the scope of this funding
• page 11 also has two highlights for areas of possible funding #schcom0928 page 15 has the five priority areas broken out by the stakeholder groups - Page 17 has the start of the proposed ESSER funding requests
• page 18 closes out the proposal with two more line items - "Our Challenge - Develop a plan between FY 22 and FY 24 to sustain investments that are needed in the long-term"  #schcom0928
• The survey can also be used as input for other needs discussions. #schcom0928 a job description would come to committee for review before posting once needed
• next up - back to school status update -> doc located here https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_september_24_2021.pdf… #schcom0928 gradually approx. 80% across Franklin, how to determine which of these are FPS vs. elsewhere
• data collection currently focused on FHS, currently 75% with more clarification on the numbers being worked. Middle school problematic as not all of them are currently eligible; close contacts will get complicated as this goes forward without masks (i.e 3' to 6') #schcom0928
• test and stay up and running - no testing without consent, forms on website, top of page easy to find #schcom0928 MCAS scores coming out this week, more full evaluation forthcoming once received and understood. Math a standout area of concern
• what happens if we don't get to 80%, then the whole school stays masked until such time. #schcom0928 to check on testing form if submitted, contact the school nurse; out of school exposure does not qualify for test/stay

Information matters

• Info matters - budget handout prepared by budget subcommittee; booth at Harvest Festival (Zone 5 - Rockland Trust parking lot, near Emmons St) #schcom0928
• Policy next meeting, Oct 6; 6 to 7:30 PM likely in training room; next meeting Oct 21 
• Joint PCC did meet yesterday; no field trips for fall, maybe for spring; equitable funding and resources desired. Substance taskforce, looking for SAFE hosting #schcom0928
• SWAC first meeting next week; ad-hoc committee to schedule meeting; Hock Y still serving free food, daycare available; other support groups for specific illnesses; #schco0928
• moving to consent agenda - separate the minutes for Sep 14, motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 6-0-1 (1 abstain -Judy)
• motion to accept consent agenda, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928
• motion to adjourn, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call, that's all for tonight  #schcom0928

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) team

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - multiple positions open

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

Administrative Assistant - Senior Center  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/admin-assistant-seniorcenter-job-posting-may2021.pdf

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/payroll-administrator-job-posting-may2021.pdf

Executive Assistant - Town Administrator's Office  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/executive-assistant-posting-may2021.pdf

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-april222021.docx.pdf

Summer Jobs - Facilities and Department of Public Works - FACILITIES IS STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-draft-march2021.pdf

Part-Time Office Assistant and Passport Acceptance Agent - Department of Planning and Community Development  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/office-assistant-and-passport-agent-jobposting-april12021.docx.pdf

Substitute Custodian ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-april2021.docx.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities - multiple positions open

Panel event for job-seekers on Thursday May 27 - Financial Wellness

Folks, after the last year, many of you are hurting financially. You may be wondering how you recover. 

Even if you are not hurting financially, you may still have questions.

Do you even know your own financial wellness?  What is financial wellness?

Our director Susan D. Kelly has assembled a top-notch panel to assist you.

Please forward/share the flyer with anyone you feel could benefit.

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

Creating Financial Wellness during Stressful Times

Join us at this Special Panel Event
Thursday, May 27, 10-11:30am

Financial wellness isn't about wealth. And, it's not about the number
in your bank account. So, what is Financial Wellness?
How would you rate your Financial Literacy?
How would you describe your Financial Behavior?
What are your Internal Emotions toward money?

Join our Panelists to explore ways to achieve Financial Wellness during these challenging times of your job search journey during a pandemic:

•  Caitlin Peloquin, Ameriprise-Financial Advisor
•  Paula Harris, WH Cornerstone Investments, Co-Owner and Co-Author
•  Megan Scipione, Inkberry Financial-Financial Wellness Coach,
•  Susan Carp, MCOA, Director-Member Services

 

Download copy of flyer here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Rh7TdpIw5a7cnEq6obZnnEtDvKAC8q1/view?usp=sharing

Panel event for job-seekers on Thursday May 27 - Financial Wellness

MA State News: “The nature of the controversy could not be more public”

"A politically powerful Massachusetts couple is asking a judge to temporarily stop the state’s top campaign finance regulator from referring an investigation into them to state prosecutors, marking an extraordinary turn in what had been a private state probe.

The request from state Senator Ryan Fattman and Worcester County Register of Probate Stephanie Fattman, both Sutton Republicans, is an unusual one. The couple, as well as their family members and the Sutton Republican Town Committee, last week sued Michael Sullivan, the head of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, and sought an injunction against him. The move effectively pushed Sullivan’s probe — which would typically be kept under wraps at this stage — into public view."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/26/metro/state-officials-are-investigating-senator-wife-potential-campaign-finance-violations/

Commonwealth Magazine coverage   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/fattmans-challenge-ocpf-investigation-as-biased/

FM #488 - Finance Committee Meeting - 03/10/21 - P1 of 3 - capital budget (audio)

FM #488 = Welcome. This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 488 in the series. 

This session shares part 1 of the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 10, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Finance Committee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

• *** First *** covers the capital budget discussion and vote to approve (approx. 75 minutes)
• Second - covers the public safety presentations and discussion; the MECC, Fire Dept and Police Dept. (approx. 67 mins)
• Third - and last but not least a look at the estimate for revenues for the FY 2022 budget. More to come on this as the budget cycle begins in earnest now meeting (approx. 30 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Finance Committee meeting of Mar 10, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4e92b9c1-e766-4516-b458-c44837dd8c2d

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Agenda doc   
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/revised_fin_com_agenda_complete_1.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/finance-committee-meeting-recap-topics.html 
 

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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/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

Franklin uses 'free cash' for its capital budget