Showing posts with label metacomet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label metacomet. Show all posts

Monday, March 3, 2025

MECC stats for February 2025

MECC stats for February 2025
MECC stats for February 2025

 

"Incident statistics for all communities serviced by the MECC in the month of February"

 

Member communities = Franklin, Mendon, Millville, Norfolk , Plainville, & Wrentham 


Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQf6DpZTa/




Thursday, February 6, 2025

Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health (audio)

FM #1372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1372 the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 


Quick Recap:

  • Discussion on designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll call

  • Discussion on the new MEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0

  • Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display which can be walked through. Simulation dementia experience via hospital. Training possible for wait staff to assist with making that restaurant ordering process a less stressful experience 

  • Health agent report, monthly training completed 

  • COVID tests still available via the Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 80% of the cases occurred during January (folks actually getting tested, so still likely an undercount)

  • Steve chimed in that he had a contact for the brain program will send info to Cathleen. Also the agenda doc link for the meeting was not clickable, it could be copied but wasn’t clickable


Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)


The meeting runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 5, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1372-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-02-05-25/



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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543  


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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 

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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!

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


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


Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)
Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)

Friday, January 24, 2025

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife

PUBLIC INFORMATION

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife

January 23, 2025

Massachusetts State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, has already affected up to five counties in Massachusetts and resulted in the deaths of geese and swans in the Plymouth area. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
(DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.

  • Reporting wild birds: The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
  • Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR's Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.
  • Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer. 
  • Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
  • Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife
avian influenza update 1/23/25
The recent outbreak in Plymouth has impacted over 60 Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Smaller outbreaks of suspected HPAI impacting fewer than 15 geese at each location have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state.

Officials responded quickly and are collecting, testing, and safely disposing of dead birds. Prompt reporting of sick and dead birds by the public will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds such as foxes, can also become infected.

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected.

People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-flu, call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800, or visit https: www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-influenza.




Monday, November 18, 2024

Town Council conducts business in shortest meeting of this year, to allow for executive session (audio)

FM #1317  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1317 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024.  8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was remote. 


Quick recap:

  • The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms

  • In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting

  • The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under and MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority Vote) 

  • Entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to public meeting


Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs over an hour.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1317-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-11-13-24/



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


Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149


The Town Council full agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf


My set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/view?usp=drive_link 


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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!

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


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


Town Council conducts business in shortest meeting of this year, to allow for executive session (audio)
Town Council conducts business in shortest meeting of this year, to allow for executive session (audio)

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Board of Health approves new agreement, hears of coat drive, supports Norwood Hospital (audio)

FM #1309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1309 the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the Board and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 


Quick Recap:

  • Vote on IMA for the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant, discussion that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously used is being replaced State documentation (IMA) with an advisory board, C Liberty is asking board to approve, confident of it being good to go, Town Administrator and others have concurred in changes. So moved, pass 3-0 via roll

  • Blood pressure kits being set up for Library of Things as part of American Heart Assoc program, coordinating support, including an Ask the Nurse evening monthly for folks to confirm the basics. First library in MA to do this, coordinate with Senior Ctr nurse also

  • Community coat drive, homelessness advertorial for Nov. Milford has been doing a drive the past 20 years. Partnering with FUMC, drop off at Y, Church, or fire station. Coat giveaway on Dec 14th, From 10 AM to 2 PM 

  • Inspector out doing one at this time so not participating in this session Nurse update: did get more COVID test kits at Senior Ctr. Only 2 flu cases this far, it hits differently every season. Central Park terrace part of regular activities. Exhibit at Senior Expo. Kids flu clinic held, left over vaccines used via house visits 

  • Norwood hospital support memo discussed, to be drafted and then signed by Board members individually


Motion to adjourn, second passes via 3-0


The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 6, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1310-chalkboard-chat-11-04-24/


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


The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11-6-24.pdf 


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-45Dt7pUp8ebdcsV5UUopzVxEgOTiPkk/view?usp=drive_link 


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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 

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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!

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


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


Town of Franklin Board of Health meeting agenda for scheduled session Nov 6 at 5 PM (virtual)
Town of Franklin Board of Health meeting agenda for scheduled session Nov 6 at 5 PM (virtual)

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 12, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. 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.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest, Change of Manager: Jai Ho Group, Inc. d/b/a The Curry House, Located at 418 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._curry_house_application_for_packet_redacted.pdf
i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6b._public_hearing_23-889.pdf
i. Legislation for Action Item #9a

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6c._public_hearing_23-890.pdf
i. Legislation for Action Item #9b
 
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest, Change of Manager: Jai Ho Group, Inc. d/b/a The Curry House, Located at 418 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_the_curry_house_multiple_amendments.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Presentation: Metacomet Public Health Alliance - Cathleen Liberty, Health Director  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_metacomet_2.pptx.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-889 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-889.pdf
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-890 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_23-890.pdf
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887): Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. and Lincolnwood Drive - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887) - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._bylaw_amendment_23-887_w_all_backup.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_23-891_w_all_backup.pdf
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin: Accessory Dwelling Unit Definition - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-894 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._23-894.pdf
f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-895 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_23-895.pdf
g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin: Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-896 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_23-896.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

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

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_12_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting

Friday, May 22, 2020

Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)

My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520
Animal Control
  • Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
  • Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers
Franklin Food Pantry
SAFE Coalition
  • Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
  • SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
  • 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
  • SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520
Metacomet Emergency Communications Center
  • Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
  • Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
  • Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
  • Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520
Legislation for Action
Town Administrator Update
  • Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
  • FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
  • Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
  • Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520
Closing
  • Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520

The Twitter treads can be found online  https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click

FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7



screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation
screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation