Recap: Town Council approves Dean alcohol license and executes right of first refusal for Maple Hill open space

Quick Recap:

• The Town Council recognized two retirees Patti Wyllie, Treasurer-Collector's Department and Tommy Grundstrom, DPW and Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School, Commonwealth Heroines Award
• Reconsideration of the alcohol license for Dean College per their ABCC appeal resulted in approval by a 7-2 vote
• The right of first refusal for the Maple Hill property was funded and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote (via roll call). This is the first time the time has accepted its right of first refusal as it was in position to do so with the funds from the Pond St sale ($1.6M) and use of the Community Preservation Act funds now available. It will take time to complete the purchase, then the planning for trails, access parking, etc. can begin. Funding for this improvement work remains to be determined.
• Town Administrator contract approved with minor revisions to extend for 5 years (from 3), increase aligned with that of other town employee commitments, and formalized the annual review with an ad-hoc subcommittee to provide a report to the full Town Council.

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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  #tc0721
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0721?src=hashtag_click 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z1PGypSXJfKJSZuK9

 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf
 
Agenda folder -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda 

 

• Getting ready for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf #tc0721
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, connection info in image #tc0721

Citizens comments

• Citizens comments, Dale Kurtz announcement of purple heart day, Aug 7, recognition of 18 recipients. Contact veterans office to confirm participation. Monument repair project starting.
• Kerri Bertone treasurer collector announcing paperless billing option, also waiving ACH charge for electronic payments. #tc0721

Approval of minutes

• Motion to approve mins of 5/26 meeting; 5/27 minutes approved also by voice vote; June 9 meeting mins, Jun 23 minutes, approved also via voice vote - 2 abstentions for last vote #tc0721

Recognitions

• Patti Wyllie recognized at retirement after 33 years of service to Town of Franklin #tc0721
• Tommy Grundstrom, DPW sewer dept now retiring after 26 years, #tc0721
• Ndumbe Ndoye, recognition for her selection as a commonwealth heroine. #tc0721
• Public hearing opened for bylaw amendment on tasting rooms, no Public step to comment, EDC subcommittee chair Hamblen speaks for, hearing closes ... up for vote later in meeting #tc0721

Dean College all alcohol license

• Next up, dean college alcohol license up for approval after denial last year by council. ABCC determined no legal reason for denial. Back for approval... #tc0721 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._dean_college.pdf 
• If TC does deny again, the applicant could appeal, would be heard by superior court which would review the hearing by the Council. Not a public hearing, applicants can respond to questions clarification on points. Students would not be tending bar, only Sodexo employees #tc0721
• Councilor Chandler pulled records of last 4 years of police incidents. College may not notify of all incidents, can be handled internally, major ones or per student request do get reported. Alcohol events are well managed by college personnel and Sodexo tip certified #tc0721
• Chandler concerned with 'capricious' comment by ABCC. Council does have broad authority, the applicant does have broad authority. "It is not that simple" #tc0721
• Bissanti Council should not be bullied by ABCC or threat of lawsuit. Dellorco how much have we spent? Just over $2k to defend the community for the prior decision. Jones adds that this is a simplification of the 30 one day licenses with this they did have no incidents #tc0721
• Mercer important to clarify the license for events, no a pub open in the campus center, faculty, college business. #tc0721 Cerel "do you want to take their advice or not?" Hellen State ABCC acts to provide guidance and oversight on the legality of the process.
• Events only license not a liquor license? Kelly - Dean needs to do better community outreach on any number of the other issues, parking etc. #tc0721 a further amendment to add a condition of req 21+ to serve at the events. Bissanti calls this a recipe for disaster
• Exception made for citizen comment which is not part of the public hearing. Another citizen complaining about the student behavior as neighbors. #tc0721
• Confusion between what is allowed per license for the special events vs. general alcohol already on campus from other Franklin establishments. This license doesn't allow for those type purchases. #tc0721
• Roll call vote: Chandler, Bissanti no, all other 7 Councilors voted to approve. 7-2 vote, it passes. #tc0721

Legislation for Action

• Next up, gift resolution. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-40_library_gift.pdf #tc0721 vote passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._vets_gift.pdf Vote to approve, 9-0 passes #tc0721 Gift acceptance, police dept https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._pd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance, fire dept #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-43_fd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0 Bylaw amendment, stop signs https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-870_stop_signs.pdf vote to pass after second reading, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Zoning bylaw amendment, tasting room #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-872_tasting_room_0.pdf removes the 25% required per feedback via EDC listening sessions After second reading, vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call

Maple Hill right of first refusal

• Appropriate funds for Maple Hill right of first refusal #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill.pdf FinCom and CPC gave prior approval, CPC specifically for the use of CPA funds for this vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call (for purpose of record)
• Approval of acceptance of first refusal option https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill_0.pdf. #tc0721 While the prior provides the fund, this applies the funds to the purchase the land as outlined with CPA funds (inspite of what bond counsel reqmts called for) passes 9-0 via roll call

Town Administrator report

• Many happy people out there voted for this historic vote. #tc0721 TA Hellen report, grant for $20k for complete streets for chairs, lighting, barriers for outdoor dining downtown. Thanks to the 4th of July committee for their work. Quiet zone study money rec'd.
• Thanks to Chrissy Welton for her work, she is moving to FL, best wishes. #tc0721 Dean Ave parking for future agenda. Thanks to those who voted for CPA, put us position to make the purchase of Maple Hill. Last word "awesome" for Chrissy. Dean relationship does need to improve
• #tc0721 thanks to prior Councils for identifying the Maple Hill space and helping to work towards the purchase today. Executive session, will return to open session, subject to what happens for final adjournment. Negotiate with TA, motion and 2nd passes via roll 9-0

Executive session

Return to open session

• Council returns to open session, contract for Jamie, FY 22 same salary (2% COLA) no new financial commitments, removes auto increases, replaced by increase inline with other municipal employees, also reqs ad hoc sub comm to do review and bring to full council. #tc0721
• No comments on new contract, motion to approve, passes 9-0 Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 #tc0721

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days 

Dean College officials answering questions during the alcohol license discussion

"Classroom Giving is best described as a gift registry for educators"

From the NY Times, an article with a good story about a web page to help teachers get supplies for their classrooms.

"After an elementary schoolteacher in Phoenix posted her salary on Facebook in March last year amid a statewide protest for more education funding, she got a lot of calls from the news media, and a lot of hate mail, too. 

But a few months later, the teacher, Elisabeth Milich, said she received what seemed to be an unbelievable offer from a stranger in New York City: He would pay for the snacks and supplies she and her husband had been buying for her students with their own money. 

“I thought it was a one-time thing,” Ms. Milich said on Thursday. 

Instead, the man, Ben Adam, has since supplied her classroom at Whispering Wind Academy with colored pencils, paper clips, books, crackers and big bags of Hershey’s Kisses for two semesters. He has also bought a butterfly farm for another teacher in Phoenix, and supplies for four other classrooms in the Phoenix area. 

He started a website last month called Classroom Giving, which allows other people the chance to give necessities to teachers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/03/education/arizona-teacher-salary-facebook-post.html?

Go directly to the web page  https://sites.google.com/site/classroomgiving/home

"Classroom Giving is best described as a gift registry for educators"

Friends of Franklin Library Receives $15,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank

The Friends of Franklin Library announces the receipt of a $15,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank. The donation will allow the organization to continue its work aiding programs at the Franklin Public Library.

“We would like to extend our thanks to Middlesex Savings Bank for their generous donation,” said Joseph L. Mullen, president of Friends of Franklin Library. Mullen noted that the donation is one of the largest made to the organization in recent years.

The Friends is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that has supported library programs in Franklin for more than 20 years. Most recently, the group spearheaded the installation of 750 engraved bricks in the new patio outside the library’s School Street entrance, oversaw the addition of several benches and planters on the library grounds, and paid for new tables and chairs in the main reading room.

The recently renovated and expanded library on Main Street is home to a collection of books donated to the town by Benjamin Franklin. When town leaders decided in 1790 that those books should be made available for any resident to borrow, the collection became the first public lending library in America.

“Local libraries play a major role in making our communities the special places that they are,” said Mike McAuliffe, president and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank. “They provide important resources that residents of all ages can utilize and enjoy. We are pleased to be making this gift to help support all that they do.”

The $15,000 gift to Friends of Franklin Library is part of a cumulative gift of $1.4 million that Middlesex Savings Bank distributed to 84 non-profit organizations including libraries, food pantries and senior centers. Natick-based Middlesex Savings Bank, founded in 1835, is one of the largest independent banks in Massachusetts. It has 30 branch offices located in 25 area communities.

Michael McAuliffe, CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank, with Friends of Franklin Library board members Kathie Nosek (center) and Maria Lucier (right) (Middlesex Bank photo)

St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Mother’s Day Outreach

The St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society will once again be sponsoring a Mother’s Day Gift Bag Drive. The SVdP will be reaching out to make Mother’s Day a special day for some mothers who presently are having a difficult time. Community members are invited to put together Mother’s Day gift bags containing three cheerful items.

St. Mary’s St. Vincent
de Paul Mother’s Day Outreach

Suggested inexpensive items to place in the bag include a scarf, a Mom’s key chain, gift cards for a doughnut shop or a local store, socks, hand cream, soaps, a gas gift card, towels, and stamps. A Mother’s Day card is a nice touch, too. It is always fun to see the creative items that our donors place in the bags.

Members of the Society will distribute the gift bags to mothers in town and mothers living in area shelters.

The gift bags may be dropped off any time between now and May 6 and may be placed in the boxes at the doors of the church.

Thank you for your generosity and for continually helping us reach out to our neighbors in need.

Franklin Public Schools: Memorial Policy documents

On the agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 10th (due to the blizzard, the meeting on Jan 29th was canceled) are revisions to the policy on memorial gifts. 

You may recall the discussion around the Graci family memorial proposed for the new high school. During the two years in which the family had been preparing the gift, the policy had been changed restricting the gift that the family had been planning.

The old policy and the proposed policies are provided here for review and comparison. 

The changes to the policy require two readings. Assuming they move successfully from one reading to the next, even with modifications, they can be approved at the second reading.

'Old'/current policy

File: KCDA

MEMORIAL COMMEMORATIONS

The Franklin Public Schools recognize that all life has equal value. In keeping with the mission of the school department and in recognition of the contribution of deceased faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, donations may be made to Franklin scholarship funds.

The Franklin Public Schools do not commemorate deceased individuals in the form of assemblies, memorials, dedications, plaques, gardens, plantings, walkways or other permanent physical structures.

In the event of the death of an actively employed staff member or an enrolled student, the School Crisis Team will follow the protocol delineated in the district’s Emergency Response Manual and will determine a course of action that is appropriate to the situation and is consistent with district policy.

the proposed Kristin Graci Class of 2007 Memorial

Cross References: KCD, FF Emergency Response Manual

Proposed policy revision:

File: KCDA

Memorial Commemorations

The Franklin Public Schools recognize that all life has equal value. In keeping with the mission of the school department and in recognition of the contribution of deceased family, staff, students, alumni, and community members, donations to the Franklin scholarships are encouraged.

If an individual or group would like to make a memorial donation other than a scholarship, the person/group, must contact the Principal at the school where the donation is to be located. The Principal, in consultation with the Superintendent and the School Committee will determine the appropriateness of the gift. Franklin Public Schools do not commemorate deceased individuals in the form of assemblies, dedications, gardens, plantings or walkways.

In the event of the death of an actively employed staff member or an enrolled student, the School Crisis Team will follow the protocol delineated in the district’s Emergency Response Manual and will determined a course of action that is appropriate to the situation and is consistent with district policy

Cross References: KCD, KCD-E1, KCD-E2, FF, Emergency Response Manual


PDF Copies of the policy revisions and associated documents can be downloaded here:

Proposed policy revision
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdXV3bTM1M0lQQTQ/view?usp=sharing

Policy donation form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczLTZXb0dzUFRlS0U/view?usp=sharing

Policy guidelines
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczalpfSnpCaGQ1RkU/view?usp=sharing




The full agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Feb 10, 2015 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-feb.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 27, 2015

Note: the meeting is scheduled to be held at Franklin Hgih School in the Lecture Hall. (Given the weather forecast for Tuesday, stay tuned for updates.)

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools - the key to learning

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments 

Review of Agenda 

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 13, 2015 School Committee Meeting. 

Payment of Bills Mr. Clement 

Payroll Mrs. Douglas 

FHS Student Representatives 

Correspondence

2. Guests/Presentations

a. FHS Update – Peter Light 

b. Blended Learning – Middle Schools

The presentation documents for a and b can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/documents-scheduled-for-presentation-to.html


3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading – For Elimination

• GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedule

Policy – First Readings

• KCDA – Memorial Commemorations 
• KCD-E1 – Non-Budgeted Funds Donation Form 
• KCD-E2 – Guidelines for Donations of Gifts/Memorials Non-Budgeted Funds to the Franklin Public Schools

The policy documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-public-schools-memorial-policy.html


4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the 2015-2016 School Calendar as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend elimination of Policy GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedule as discussed.
d. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

1. KCDA – Memorial Commemorations
2. KCD-E1 – Non-Budgeted Funds Donation Form
3. KCD-E2 – Guidelines for Donations of Gifts/Memorials Non-Budgeted Funds to the Franklin Public Schools

e. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph to take Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 1, 2015 as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of student activities as detailed.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report 

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Personnel update

8. Adjourn

Franklin Public Schools: Memorial Policy documents

On the agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 29th Feb 10th (due to the blizzard, the meeting on Jan 29th was canceled) are revisions to the policy on memorial gifts. You may recall the discussion around the Graci family memorial proposed for the new high school. During the two years in which the family had been preparing the gift, the policy had been changed restricting the gift that the family had been planning.

The old policy and the proposed policies are here for review and comparison. 

The changes to the policy require two readings and assuming they move successfully from one reading to the next, even with modifications, they can be approved at the second reading.

'Old'/current policy

File: KCDA

MEMORIAL COMMEMORATIONS

The Franklin Public Schools recognize that all life has equal value. In keeping with the mission of the school department and in recognition of the contribution of deceased faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, donations may be made to Franklin scholarship funds.

The Franklin Public Schools do not commemorate deceased individuals in the form of assemblies, memorials, dedications, plaques, gardens, plantings, walkways or other permanent physical structures.

In the event of the death of an actively employed staff member or an enrolled student, the School Crisis Team will follow the protocol delineated in the district’s Emergency Response Manual and will determine a course of action that is appropriate to the situation and is consistent with district policy.

the proposed Kristin Graci Class of 2007 Memorial

Cross References: KCD, FF Emergency Response Manual

Proposed policy revision:

File: KCDA

Memorial Commemorations

The Franklin Public Schools recognize that all life has equal value. In keeping with the mission of the school department and in recognition of the contribution of deceased family, staff, students, alumni, and community members, donations to the Franklin scholarships are encouraged.

If an individual or group would like to make a memorial donation other than a scholarship, the person/group, must contact the Principal at the school where the donation is to be located. The Principal, in consultation with the Superintendent and the School Committee will determine the appropriateness of the gift. Franklin Public Schools do not commemorate deceased individuals in the form of assemblies, dedications, gardens, plantings or walkways.

In the event of the death of an actively employed staff member or an enrolled student, the School Crisis Team will follow the protocol delineated in the district’s Emergency Response Manual and will determined a course of action that is appropriate to the situation and is consistent with district policy

Cross References: KCD, KCD-E1, KCD-E2, FF, Emergency Response Manual


PDF Copies of the policy revisions and associated documents can be downloaded here:

Proposed policy revision
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdXV3bTM1M0lQQTQ/view?usp=sharing

Policy donation form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczLTZXb0dzUFRlS0U/view?usp=sharing

Policy guidelines
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczalpfSnpCaGQ1RkU/view?usp=sharing




The full agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Jan 27, 2015 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_25.html

Gifts can no longer indicate who they were donated by

Sharing this via a couple of requests. This is another instance of something happening at a meeting and folks find out about it or understand the implications of it after the fact.

What is the gist of the issue?

"Gifts may not have any endorsement, advertising or any placards/nameplates from the donor/organization"

Post by Franklin Athletes Never Quit gifted by Kristin Graci Class of 2007.

(Note: for those receiving this via email, the posting embedded from Facebook will likely not render properly. You'll need to click through to the Franklin Matters webpage to view it fully)

screen capture of the Facebook page for the Graci gift

There may be room for a compromise. As it is a 'policy' and recently changed, there is a chance it could be changed again. The policy does get vetted through legal so I wouldn't want to speculate on the likelihood of a change.

There may also be an alternative. Franklin does have a new Sculpture Park. Would the piece be good for an outdoor setting? I don't believe there are such restrictions that would apply at the Sculpture Park.

Note: I do want to take some time to dig through the prior meetings to provide the specific agenda and meeting video links to see what was discussed at the time of the policy change.

Regular readers should be aware that the meeting agendas for Town Council and School Committee are shared here in advance of each meeting. I report from as many of the meetings as I can make. There is also a video replay of the meetings posted to the Franklin webpage.

The School Department has a subcommittee reviewing all their policies to ensure they are current and appropriate. There are two readings of a policy document before it is voted on. Public comment is open. For most meetings that I attend, it is rare to find someone else in the audience.

The archive of meeting notes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html

"It's as clear as mud, as it always has been"

As public employees, teachers fall under the state's ethics reform law that was created in July 2009. That law prohibits public workers from accepting gifts valued at more than $50, and requires written notification of any gift that might lend an appearance of impropriety, according to the Ethics Commission.

"Most of the gifts that the teachers receive wouldn't fall into the category where they need a disclosure form," said David Giannotti, an Ethics Commission spokesman. "They're baked goods, or they're homemade holiday cards, or something small like that. You have to look all the facts, and whether a reasonable person would think the teacher could be influenced by the gift. Nobody is going to conclude that a teacher is going to go into the tank for someone for less than $10."

Earlier this month, the Ethics Commission revised the regulations to allow teachers to receive a gift from the entire class up to $150, so long as the gift amounts of each student or parent remained anonymous.

Ethics law means teachers must disclose gifts over $10

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ian B. Murphy/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

In the Globe - gift policy

School superintendents across the region are penning letters this holiday season to parents, cautioning them against going overboard with gift-giving to teachers, principals, and other staff members.

That means no pricey gift certificates to spas or fancy restaurants, no hard-to-get tickets to the theater or sporting events, no fine wine, or anything else valued at more than $50.

While acknowledging that parents’ gift-giving gestures may be well-intentioned, the superintendents say that the state’s new ethics law forbids public servants, including teachers on public payrolls, from receiving gifts with value in excess of $50. Violations are subject to civil penalties, the superintendents warn.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

Gift policy passes 6-1

The School Committee passed the KCD policy (otherwise known as the "gift policy") by a 6-1 vote.

This could eliminate the Brick classroom from operation next year by restricting gifts for targeted educational purposes. The budget is not final but the writing appears on the wall.

Additional info can be found here and here.

Sch Com invites public comment on the policy (audio)

Part 2 of the discussion: the Franklin School Committee - invited public comment on the proposed policy for gifts.

The policy will come up for a vote by the Committee likely at their next meeting.

Time: 14 minutes, 12 seconds



MP3 File

Sch Com discusses policy on gifts (audio)

Franklin School Committee has their 2nd reading of a proposed policy on gifts and how the gifts would be used to supplement not supplant the educational budget process.

Part 1 - The school committee members discuss the policy.

Part 2 - Public comment on the policy.

Time: 12 minutes, 16 seconds



MP3 File