Showing posts with label nursing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nursing. Show all posts

Friday, November 5, 2021

Recap - Board of Health hears of vaccine clinic for 5-11 youth scheduled among other business items

Quick Recap:
  • Board reorganizes with Chair remaining as Bridget Sweet and Jeff Harris approved as Vice-Chair both by 3-0 votes
  • Multiple items of business covered with reports from inspector and nurse providing 'on the street' insights; intern work on food recovery program about to be piloted at Parmenter
  • Vaccine clinic for the 5-11 youth group planned for Nov 10 and Dec 1, details being finalized on registration, flyer and media awareness about to begin
  • Discussion on restoring virtual option for public participation, accepted for next meeting

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live from the 3rd Floor Training Room

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh1103

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh1103&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda document -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_11032021.pdf 

 

  • Ready for #boh1103 meeting, located in 3rd floor training room, no remote option for this session.
  • Motion to accept meeting mins passes 3-0;
  • 27 Winter St - discussion underway for possible demo including appropriate permits, etc. #boh1103 best est 60-90 days for work estimate, permits, etc. Include assessment of possible rodent issue as part of the assessment
  • Motion to accept plan as outlined and follow up scheduled for Feb 2022, in case other progress/steps are delayed; passes 3-0  #boh1103
  • Restructuring due to election, new board member (re-elected) - Nominate B Sweet to be chair, second; passes 3-0; J Harris motion to be vice chair, seconded, passes 3-0 #boh1103
  • Update from inspector on recent actions, nursing update - flu clinic last week, home visits for those who missed due to the weather; 177 confirmed for Oct vs. 172 prior month #boh1103 contract tracking collaborative closing done after 11/29/21
  • One active TB case here, person doing well. COVID clinic scheduled for next Weds (11/10) 2-6 PM 300 doses available #boh1103 Target for 5-11 year olds only. Heart safe research underway for machine checks
  • Dean College has had only a few COVID cases and are dealing with them well. #boh1103 state pushing regionalization of health approach 
  • Foundation training, 2 of 27 sets of training in progress; looking to become instructor for CPR
  • 850 Summer st local upgrade of septic system which failed; motion to approve request based upon engineer req, second, passes 3-0
  • PFAS  what is our strategy? Communication, education, mitigation... Info for residents proactively #boh1103
  • Proposal for doc/info on PFAS to be prepared for next meeting for their review. Coordination of communication tools for incidents
  • #boh1103 intern progress on food recovery diversion, piloting at Parmenter with staff first then students, before expanding further
  • Granting funding for contact tracing, provided a work plan, etc. Still details to work out on implementation #boh1103 funding for 2 years - in citizen comment raised the accessibility issue and they will go hybrid for future
  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0
  • And by the way, that is all for tonight. The Town Council meeting was rescheduled to 11/10/21 and new agenda with updated remote link to be shared before Monday. #boh1103  catch you all next time!

Dfood ownload a copy of the flyer  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/youth_covid_vaccine_flyer.pdf

Recap - Board of Health
Recap - Board of Health

Thursday, September 9, 2021

FM #600 - Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 08/31/21 (audio)

FM #600 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 600 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on August 31, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We talk about the major topics of 

  • Protocol set for COVID-19 exposure

  • Public health nurse update

  • Metacomet Shared Service grant update

  • Tune it out program update

  • New podcast coming - “The Topic”


The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen


Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f09f57cc-916a-403b-9ba7-a04a3420c2bd


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


Health Dept. page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department


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


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!


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


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 Health Director Cathleen Liberty
Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty

Friday, September 3, 2021

FM #596 - Franklin, MA: Board of Health Mtg - 09/01/21 (audio)

FM #596 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 596 in the series.


This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2021. The meeting was conducted in hybrid mode, most of the Board and Health Dept members in person at the Municipal Bldg and others via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and reviewed the usual protocol for conduct of such remote meetings during this pandemic


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 


The meeting runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.


Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/30e18466-f7c9-40c4-a573-16c51b73946e



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


Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_09012021.pdf 


Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-franklin-ma-board-of-health.html 


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

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


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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"

 

Tune it out program at a meeting in July
Tune it out program at a meeting in July

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Recap: Franklin (MA) Board of Health Meeting - 09/01/21

Quick Recap:


  • Minutes for Aug meeting accepted by 3-0 vote 
  •  Update on Tune it Out program, open to all veterans who want to learn to play guitar
  • Update on shared services grant and new inspector to work part-time (funded by grant)
  • Update on new public health nurse to start in September (full time, funded by approved budget) 
  • Update via Chair Sweet on interaction with School District and their meetings preparing for the policy for masks for personnel in schools as they planned to open this week (superseded by DESE decision for now)
  • Intern to work on food rescue program 
  • Intro by Roger Trahan (Chair of Agriculture Committee) and desire to work together with Board of Health/Health Dept 
----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the 3rd floor training room.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh0901 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0901&src=typed_query 

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/agenda/boh-agenda-56 

 

  • Live reporting of Board of Health meeting underway. Minutes for Aug meeting accepted by 3-0 vote #boh0901
  • Update on Tune it Out program, veteran training with guitars. #boh0901 all veterans all eligible, mirrored program that started in 2007 for vets with PTSD, this differs in that all vets are welcome
  • Donations welcome via Veterans Services at the Senior Center #boh0901
  • Motion to accept local upgrade request for 14 Hunters Road. #boh0901 motion second and passes 3-0
  • Metacomet shared services grant allows for part time inspector, shared with Wrentham/Norfolk. Good step to regionalization of this service #boh0901
  • Hired full time public health nurse to start in Sept, #boh0901 heart safe community opportunity, research required, would the Board consider? Update provided by Chair Sweet. Board consensus is for this, no action/vote for board at this time.
  • Update via Chair Sweet on interaction with School District and their meetings preparing for masks for personnel in schools as it opened. #boh0901
  • #boh0901 new platform for COVID vaccines request and registrations. ToF ready for delivery of booster shot delivery. CDC updating guidelines about availability for all who have had 1 or 2, want to get others their first. Breakthrough cases are a small %
  • Intern to work on food rescue program to be developed for ToF. Food donations and food waste, misconception abounds, so gathering info and then the local area for opportunity #boh0901 EPA program '2 good to waste' and find ways to leverage for us, a la Elisha Project https://elishaproject.org/
  • Roger Trajan, from Agriculture Commission provides his intro Meeting adjourns #boh0901

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/franklintv-time-for-ice-cream-3.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/franklintv-time-for-ice-cream-3.html

 

Thursday, August 5, 2021

MA News: vaccine required for nursing home workers; contact tracing extended; ballot question proposals filed

 COVID-19 vaccine requirements

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER announced Wednesday that the state will require all nursing home and long-term care facility staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 10.  
The decision marks an evolution for the Republican governor, who has resisted imposing vaccine mandates on public employees. The decision is intended to protect the population most vulnerable to COVID-19 — the elderly. Some major area hospitals have issued similar mandates to protect vulnerable patients."
Continue reading the article online 

Contact tracing extended to 2021 year end

"THE STATE’S CONTACT tracing effort is ramping up again in the midst of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. 
The program was scheduled to shut down in September but instead the contract with the operator, the nonprofit Cambridge-based Partners in Health, is being extended through the end of the year. The number of contract tracers, currently at 130, is also being increased by as much as 300."
Continue reading the article online

Ballot question proposals filed
"PROPONENTS FILED 30 ballot questions with the attorney general’s office on Wednesday in an attempt to circumvent Beacon Hill and win approval directly from voters in 2022 for laws dealing with the gig economy, voting, hospital operations, newborn babies, the Transportation Climate Initiative, smoking, the sale of alcohol, and assorted other matters.

Most of the proposals are unlikely to make it on to the ballot because, even if they pass muster on constitutional grounds with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office, they would still require the gathering of more than 93,000 voter signatures, a time-consuming and expensive process. Several of the proposals were filed in multiple forms in an effort to increase their chances of gaining approval from Healey’s office."
Continue reading the article online

MA News
MA News


Friday, May 28, 2021

Recap: Town Council takes 4+ hours to review FY 2022 budget on Wednesday

Quick Recap:
  • Yup, over 4 hours for the Town Council to review, Q&A the budget; multiple questions, mostly answered, a couple carried over to Thursday's session
  • Carried over a possible move of $3,000 from Historical Commission to Historical Museum; update from School Dept on unfunded mandates, update on total school age population and where schooling (inside or out of Franklin)
  • Under the standard format, not sure the community gets the full picture of a department budget matter, they only get the phrasing of a particular councilor. To really understand a departmental budget, folks need to view the Finance Committee meetings; (it would also be good for more councilors to do so).
  • Why wouldn't the Town proceed with a pilot effort to provide a full time nurse (RN) for the community? It uses the same process (grant and collaboration with neighboring communities) that other departments (Fire and Police for example) have (and did explain also during this meeting). Yet some councilors 'don't get it'
  • Fire Dept hopeful for positive news on a SAFER grant that they submitted for which would enable the  addition of 4 more firefighter/paramedics. They would be funded by the grant for 3 years and then Town would need to pay
  • MECC received a grant to enable Mendon and Millville to join regional dispatch. The grant fund Franklin's portion for several years. Town is planning to put money aside to save for the day when the grant expires and the funding is required
  • Multiple questions around the school budget, how it continues to increase and yet the enrollment is decreasing. Chap 70 funding will provide some relief in transportation and special education circuit break costs. The Town faces a gradual increase in its own support of the schools. We (Town of Franklin) have historically underfunded the schools and are being forced by the State to eventually pay our fair share. The closing of Davis Thayer, and potentially other buildings to restructure will not provide the budget relief required to fix this structural deficit. Consider two numbers: the State calculates our per pupil expense at $14K per student; the average tax bill for a Franklin homeowner is $6-7,000. So if the homeowner/family has only one student, the Schools are already not recovering the cost for what educational benefit is provided to the family.
  • DPW losing 2 positions (previously unfilled to help manage expenses during the pandemic); have other open positions they are attempting to fulfill within the budget
  • Stormwater division created to help clearly identify all the costs associated with stormwater management. What is being done is less than that required by EPA MS4 permit. Stormwater utility fee had been on the discussion listing for this year but is is gone (for now). The Town needs to better manage the funding source for stormwater and the utility fee is a more more reasonable approach than using the current tax base. Too many don't pay their 'fair share'.
  • Back again Thursday night for the remainder of the discussion and eventual vote on the budget for FY 2022

----

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  #tc0526

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0526&src=typed_query

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fyhg4jjavLURjt92A


The agenda doc for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf 

Or https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-26-town-council-agenda 



  • Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, and 1st of two budget hearings for FY 2022. What is in the budget? What didn't make it? What questions will be asked tonight? Listen in to find out. Connection info and live stream available -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-26-town-council-agenda  tc0526
  • Based upon prior sessions, the Council clerk will read the budget line items, line by line. Councilors with a question in that area can place a 'hold' and when done reading through, they'll come back and get to each line, question by question #tc0526.
  • The voting doc copy you can follow along with is in the agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf  #tc0526
  • Meeting opens #tc0526
  • Memorial Day service at noon on Monday, no parade however. Honor guard will visit Dean College, St Mary's cemetery, etc. that day before the service on the town Common #tc0526  2 minute recess as public hearing is posted for 7:10 PM
  • Meeting resumes after recess  #tc0526
  • Budget Subcommittee chair Kelly leads with comments thanking all the staff for their work during the pandemic. Pleased to present the budget for discussion. TA Jamie Hellen opens with his remarks also thanking the staff for the work done without skipping a beat #tc0526
  • "Putting high quality affordable services forward" very fortunate, visit the Franklin page to visit the budget page with plenty of details. #tc0526 FinCom voted unanimously approved after 4 nights of deep dives into the details. "Towns look to emulate us"
  • Council holds placed on 192, 210, 220, 300, and 422. That is Facilities, police, fire, schools and DPW. The five largest items in the budget. #tc0526
  • Holds also placed on the following: 155, technology; 164, elections; #tc0526 225, regional dispatch; 390, tri-county; 395, Norfolk Aggie; 510, Board of Health; 690, historical museum; 691, historical commission;
  • Cyber security new hire is for security split between town and schools, to oversee security, best practices, testing, etc. #tc0526 explanation on split of technology between schools and town, schools have a greater percent of usage.
  • Elections #tc0526 actually just a decrease in budget from FY 2020, thanks
  • Facilities - does the budget include reductions for the Davis Thayer facility closing? Yes. Still need some maintenance portion to keep it safe and kept up.
  • $60k for DT building maintenance on town side; teachers etc and other expenses, are on the School side.
  • #tc0526 the UVGI units came from CARES act funding (federal funds) not operational town funds. Equipment came in for school campus, library and Senior Center ->
  • So those facilities will be operational in a couple of weeks. #tc0526 UV tubes will last a year, about $90 per (not thousands, just dollars) FHS was cheapest install due to the equipment already there. Presentation coming for MSBA on UVGI ->
  • The budget last year includes bonding for facility projects at Remington/Jefferson and eventually we'll need to get to the other schools. #tc0526 Franklin is first with the UVGI, couldn't really have done it pre-COVID. None of the part-time staff have health insurance
  • Now to Police, #tc0526 Q synopsis of Certification? Self initiated process audit, on all operations, training, etc. 159 standards to be met, evaluated and documented. 15 depts certified, 257 standards for accreditation. Q personal status, going from 52 to 53 ->
  • Combination of personnel moves, replacing backfill, etc .allowed for the additional officer, including a reduction in ammunition used in fire arm training. A savings in unscheduled OT also helped with the new person. #tc0526 will need more $ next year to get 4 more
  • Shortage of ammo is real, multiple factors playing but it should start easy up over time. #tc0526 things are going well with the changes to the force. Change can be fearful, haven't really had a baseline due to COVID yet but hopefully. Succession planning is underway ->
  • Likely 6-8 over next several years, planning is underway. Collective bargaining agreements define what can be done. A lot will happen this fall and then dominoes will fall next year and later. #tc0526 trying to do accreditation within the year. Then good for 3 years
  • Q on safety equipment line, also includes onboarding and hence the adjustments. Next year will likely increase due to changes but not this year. #tc0526 Jail diversion program is doing well, in year 3 of 10 year grant, looking to see how to expand with Advocates. Police exam ->
  • Every three years, or with lateral transfers #tc0526 it is not hard for folks from elsewhere to want to be here. Would more officers help with response time? Yes. Town is growing, there is more if everything. Police have 2 drones, one used at the fire this week
  • Next up Fire Dept. #tc0526 Q what is personnel status for this FY year, 56 firefighters and at full staff this time. Ambulance transport billing, we take the avg of top 50 to ensure our rates are competitive. Safer grant pending for more firefighters, very competitive
  • Firefighters were evacuated just before the floor collapsed, shows the efficiency of the battalion chiefs. #tc0526 "you are a gift to the Community" folks don't realize how close we were to losing some folks the other day. We need another station out to serve the north ->
  • We have 2 ambulances online, wouldn't make sense to bring a 3rd on now, using the reserve unit would help without relying on mutual aid. #tc0526 I think we are in a really good place right now, high training, good equipment, it has been a group effort and a team sport
  • If we get the grant, it would cover salary/benefits for 3 years. After that would be in our budget. #tc0526 Pellegri not seen morale as high as it is now in her time. Your commitment to training has shown effects so far, thanks. ISO update, class 2 last year, with ->
  • With so many changes in 12 months, we may ask them to come back. Left a spot on the side of the engine for the cert label when we get it #tc0526
  • Mendon and Millville joined regional dispatch MECC, got a grant to cover their participation. #tc0526 amount budgeted for setting aside money to enable the future payment after the grant expires. (Brief sound interruption on one system may have been on my side issue) ->
  • Switched to live stream from Zoom session to get audio #tc0526 Taking a 5 minutes break
  • Meeting resumes, thunder still rolling around outside #tc0526
  • Q on Board of Health increase? Working to bring in a public nurse along with a community grant. There is not a separate line item for enforcement, used CARES act funding for some of that. Qs on need for RN part-time. #tc0526 we are doing a regional effort ->
  • LPN is part-time at Senior Center. Other towns have full time nurses, we don't. #tc0526  Q on historical museum vs commission and switching funds, to be researched and decided on Thursday session
  • Next up Schools, Dr Ahern #tc0526 we're about 4800 this year, decreasing over next 10 years, slightly lower than forecasted, other districts lost more students due to the pandemic. Hot real estate is due to inventory, expecting a decrease and possible baby bust ->
  • Elementary school population stabile, middle school seeing more of the decrease, also making it to the high school. Eventually FHS would operate at capacity or less ( has been over since opened) #tc0526  Attempted at a # for unfunded mandates, does have a partial ->
  • Budget continues to rise, is related to special Ed costs? No, we are doing well there. The enrollment is well distributed so we don't see that economy of scale where it could help us. Rate increase is special Ed is out of our control, circuit breaker funding may help ->
  • We are obligated to service all the students in town. #tc0526 if we lose students to other schools, do we know why? Programs cut in prior years could be not competitive vs other schools. There are 300 folks I have sought out and you don't seem to be getting to them ->
  • 75% of districts spend more than Franklin does. How do we solve that? It is dollars. More teachers,  more programs, high school could use more teachers to improve offerings we can be creative but that doesn't solve the issue. #tc0526 approx 54% if the town budget
  • To keep and retain the people we have here will cost more money. All the reforms won't change the expense side of the budget. Digital learning integrationists DLI support teachers and students and skills on digital literacy. #tc0526
  • How do we tell, explain an increase in the budget when we are closing schools and loosing teachers. Health care and transportation are increasing. We are managing expenses elsewhere. Education is being more complicated, expanded nurses, all hands on deck, escalating ->
  • Mental health concerns, we are happy to do it, our responsibility and each has expanded. #tc0526 Multiple questions around school budget, clear lack of understanding by TC. It is complex but when per pupil expense is $14k and the average property tax is $6 or 7k ->
  • There is an issue with school funding. #tc0526 Plug for Tri-county by Kelly, less students going to Norfolk Aggie, should be trying to get more there Both also have changes in leadership for the schools
  • Creation of Stormwater division shows the cost of doing business. Moved funds and personnel from other depts to accommodate. #tc0526 did remove 2 people from budget as well as the curb weed spraying. New treatment plant now online, provides capacity to pump full amount ->
  • Permitted, and operates very efficiently. The 2 positions were open and not rehired during the past year. #tc0526 clarification on the cut positions are still in the budget.  There is a level of difference between what we are obligated to do and what we are doing
  • We have been doing stormwater since 2007, some of the numbers are shifting from wherever to stormwater to better reflect the total expense. #tc0526 street lights down due to change to LEDs.  $40m in backlog of roadwork that needs to be done. Covers existing roads
  • Chapter 90 has not seen increases to keep up. Ability to compost to save? It is expensive and we don't have a space for it, it is part of a plan going forward. #tc0526 water and sewer use going up, collections have increased. Retained earnings explained. Used to ->
  • Pay cash for some expenses within the water and sewer expenses. When we talk stormwater, that has nothing to do with water or sewer. Look at the stormwater division, street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, etc. #tc0526 we run a lean ship, loosing 2 people is a big deal
  • We will continue this hearing Thursday. #tc0526 council comments underway. Live stream cut out as the TV automation cut in at 11. The Council should (could) have not gone so long. Zoom session still working
  • Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time #tc0526 
Dr Sara Ahern answering a question
Dr Sara Ahern answering a question

DPW Director Cantoreggi answers a question
DPW Director Cantoreggi answers a question