Recap: Town Council discusses Old South Meeting House, formalizes Joint Budget Committee among key items

Quick recap:

• The Council meeting began with a number of citizen comments about the student behavior and parking issues in the neighborhood around Dean College
• Recognition of Priscilla Cornetta, founder of Friends of Franklin, along with three promotions within the Franklin Police Dept
• Two alcohol license transactions were approved
• Discussion on the Old South Meeting House results in steps to be taken to put out an RFP to see if someone would buy it from the Town
• Approval of the Town Council procedures with some technical updates to bring into alignment with Mass general law and some to put into writing what actually had been the process, along with some minor modifications to bring enable better meeting management
• Formalization of the Joint Budget Committee composed of representatives from the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee with an "'advisory" role. This should help with sharing the details on cost drivers among the key groups and community in developing the budget

My Town Council meeting notes taken via Twitter and captured along with the photos shared from the meeting in one PDF document

The audio recording will be available in a day or so.

View the notes via the embedded document (below) or via this link ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MtKjMop-hOxx9-WcdZt9Lwy3bTmNl8I9/view?usp=sharing

Photos captured during the meetings (sone shared via Twitter, some not shared) can be found in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jWU9Ht8xtBRdFa2T8

 

Recognition of Priscilla Cornetta, founder of Friends of Franklin

Town Council Meeting - 01/19/22 - 3 parts audio - 1 part all you need to know about DPW

FM #704-705-706 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 704-705-706 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and five minutes ( 2:05 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, recognition of three Police Dept individuals (~29 mins)

audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-704-town-council-meeting-10-20-21-p1-of-3

• Second - covers the DPW budget overview and Q&A session (~ 1:07 minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-705-town-council-meeting-01-19-22-p2-of-3

• Third - covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close (~ 29 minutes) audio file ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-706-town-council-meeting-01-19-22-p3-of-3

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Jan 19, 2022

Part 1 ->

Part 2 ->

Part 3 ->

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Town Council Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf 

My notes for the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-town-council-gets-whole-lot-of.html 

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair_017189172.html

 

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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

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

 

For additional information, please visit www.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"

 

Town Council Meeting - 01/19/22 - 3 parts audio - 1 part all you need to know about DPW

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022

 
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 five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 15, 2021  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/december_15_2021_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf
b. January 5, 2022  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/january_5_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Sgt. Brian Johnson

b. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Patrol Officer Rick Grover

c. Recognition: Police Department: Moving On - Kallie Montagano, Clinical Social Worker

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. FY23 Department of Public Works Budget & Enterprise Fund Preview Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_dpw_budget_.pdf
 
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-04: Adoption of 2021-2022 Town Council Goals (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._22-04.pdf

b. Resolution 22-05: FY22 Transfer of MECC Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._22-05.pdf

c. Resolution 22-06: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center ($1,700)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._22-06.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

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

Full agenda doc from Town of Franklin page (including remote connection info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022

Recap: Town Council recognizes Library Assoc; starts setting goals (audio)

Quick Recap:

• The Franklin Library Association was recognized for their most recent donation to the Library and for their history of doing so
• The Town Council started their goals discussion. Some items were added to the drafted listing. Some clarification on the existing items and those added will be made and brought back for a vote
• The goals broadly will direct the focus of attention for the Council and the Town Administration for the next two years. Next January, there will be an opportunity to adjust as needed. The goal doc also becomes the guide against which the performance of the Town Administrator is marked to
• The meeting closed with the Council entering into Executive Session with Chair Mercer recusing himself for participation due to a potential conflict of interest with the Schmidt farm and a family members' residence. Chair Mercer explains this in our "quarterbacking" session

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conf bridge. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #tc0105 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478878744702070790

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QWUBS4wWochJ5pMH8

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-693-town-council-meeting-01-05-22

• Next up #tc0105 with Town council meeting agenda doc  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-5-town-council-meeting-agenda
• Meeting agenda doc has a broken Zoom link, need to manually enter the numbers to join #tc0105
• Meeting opens shortly after 7, #tc0105
• Chair Mercer reads normal protocol statement. DCR announcement read about the land transfer being swapped with the State (state forest goes, recycling center comes) #tc0105

Citizen Comments

• C Cass observing Jan 6 at Town Common at 5 PM DPW Director waste management delayed due to COVID-19 absences. 30% out due to close contacts, be safe due to storm, staff limited   #tc0105
• Motion to approve mins  both sets passed with unanimous votes, #tc0105 

Recognition

• Recognition of Franklin Library Assoc. FLA in existence for 150 years, from the Rays, and down the years. #tc0105 

Town Council goals

• Town council goals session, TA Hellen takes lead also reference not the capacity issue raised during CPC meeting Tuesday
• goals doc can be found #tc0105 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_and_2_ta_memo_2022-2023_goals.pdf
• Clerk reads the goals as drafted #tc0105
• Maybe an update on NuStyle in May/Jun time frame. Clarification on other items may be included, maybe others are not? SNETT extension? Composting? Add some language to complete streets line, mitigate our ToF carbon footprint? Inline with state goals #tc0105
• TA Hellen to investigate further and may in future add a goal #tc0105 consideration of additional charging stations, will need more than what we have now and the group just put in at Franklin Village. Quincy just got $100m consent order for storm water mitigation
• There is work moving toward electric vehicles, the pilot worked well, and town employees are willing to move forward. Beaver st interceptor should be #1 #tc0105 add the historical museum study  discussion on plan vs develop Washington and Beaver St sidewalks feasible …
• Could look to develop a list vs delivering, what is achievable? Esp when it is tied to funding. Consideration of improvement to Town Common? Good discussion for the capital budget. Consider Maple Hill trail plan? #tc0105

Subcommittee reports

• Subcommittee report, EDC met earlier this evening, to start work with the zoning project next meeting Feb 2, forum Mar 7 #tc0105

Legislation

• Resolution 22-01, moved, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc0105   - Resolution 22-02, moved, seconded, passes 9-0   - Resolution 22-03, moved, seconded, passes 9-0. Details contained in the agenda doc  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-5-town-council-meeting-agenda

Council Comments

• Nothing more from TA Hellen; Charter? Presentation being out together,. Birchwood open, Escape into Fiction moving to new location, #tc0105 thanks for helping with the Owen family.  Best wishes to former councilor Bissanti get well soon.
• Pellegri announces that the Food pantry will be moving to the former Edwin's; if any contribution available, Food pantry has been busy and appreciates donations. #tc0105 multiple comments on turn out for Owens family.

Executive session

• Motion to enter executive session, chair recuses himself, Dellorco assumes chair role, motion passes 8-0-1 1 abstain  not to resume to open session via roll 
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #tc0105

Town Council recognizes Library Assoc

Recap: School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update, plans for FHS masking; approved FHS business trips

Quick Recap:

• Citizen commenters returned after a brief hiatus; one told of a sad story of her student being punished for something the IEP was supposed to be addressing; another advocated for inclusion of Diwali on the list of recognized religious holidays
• Superintendent's report covered scenario if cases continued to rise, how they would revert to the face required process; communications late Wednesday did revert policy on masks back to being required as case counts rose about 4% positivity
• Recognition of former SchComm member MJ Scofield; she had not been recognized earlier as she was running again and was not successful. She has long been an advocate and volunteer for schools and sports with a long list of accomplishments
• Lifelong Learning presented an overview on their programs which are almost back to normal. They had been significantly affected by the pandemic. Even the summer programs had been adjusted for COVID precautions as opposed to the summer of 2020 when they were simply not held
• two trips were approved for FHS DECA students and National Business Honors students

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chamber. 

The Twitter hashtag #schcom1214  can be found online. The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1470906795317239811 

 

• switching to the Council Chamber for the regular School Committee meeting; #schcom1214 agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf
  
• meeting called to order at 7:02 PM; Executive Session at end of meeting, not to return to open session #schCom1214
  
• roll call attendance as Meghan Whitmore is participating remotely for this session #schcom1214 all 7 accounted for
  
• moment of silence in memory of the Sandy Hook students #schcom1214
  

Citizen Comments

• citizen comment; request for sex ed documentation but hadn't received response; request left with Chair; parent with student issue (speaking rapidly and hard to understand) #schcom1214 KP Sompally requests to have consideration to celebrate Diwali within the district
  
• citizen comment; M Benson speaking on mask policy at FHS; claiming contradiction among DESE and DPH statements; #schcom1214
  

FHS student updates

• FHS student update from R Chaudhury, provides multiple items - spirit week, theater auditions, middle sch auditions too; raffle calendar fund raiser; online open through Dec 31; sports news - FHS did beat KP on Thanksgiving; Unified Basketball going to FL; cheerleaders won D1;
• action today on basketball courts; masks so far going well; looking forward to break; #schcom1214
  

Superintendents Report

• superintendents report; PD last week (12/10) at building level; prof learning communities; elementary focused on assessment; middle multi-tier system of support; FHS worked on curriculum development; congrats to Unified Basketball team; traveling in Jun '22 #schcom1214
  
• Congrats to Paula Lupien, named MIAA D1 gymnastics coach of the year; #schcom1214; shifting to FHS mask policy implementation - 75% of students/40% of faculty were choosing to unmask; case numbers are climbing and keep watching; masks will busing (Federal mandate)
  
• changing definition of close contact to 6' (from 3'); no change to test/stay; can't test vaccinated students per DESE; #schcom1214 positivity 3.27% in Franklin (less than the 4 at benchmark); numbers updated Thursday; if over 4, would have a decision for the following Monday
  
• apprehensive around cases and numbers; chart shared with the updated numbers (weekly from DPH); 129 students in quarantine (largest in while); published on Monday; to be included in District newsletter on Weds #schcom1214
  
• if over 4 on Thursday, encouraged to mask on Fri but req'd for Monday; suggestion to reverse order of the info to put the newest on top; shoutout to music boosters, etc. in person concerts this month, nice way to celebrate the season; #schcom1214
  

Recognition of MJ Scofield

• recognition of MJ Scofield former member of #SchCom1214 multiple policy updated under her leadership of Policy subcom; Keller/Sullivan building project in prior period of terms; MJ speaking, acknowledges being awkward; appreciates the free time; overtime 5 superintendents …
  
• worked toward a common goal, could tell stories, but won't; negotiation sessions; pre-interest based bargaining did go long; #schcom1214 "kids always come first", keep advised of what Town Council and other board do; you're responsible for quality of ed for all students
  
• Chair Spencer acknowledges the hard work and making a world of difference; an amazing mentor; a well of historical knowledge #schcom1214
  

Lifelong Learning Presentation

• Lifelong Learning Presentation – Pattie Gay, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning Institute presentation #schcom1214 off rhythm due to the pandemic; stabilizing the dept and building back
  
• presentation copy to follow along as req'd -> https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/lli_presentation_december_2021.pdf… #schcom1214
  
• Solutions - for K through 5th grade, at each elementary school; Lifelong Community Learning - resource/programs for all ages; Kid's Corner - students K-8; music academy for all ages #schcom1214
  
• Summer programs were offered in limited capacity for 2021; high school experience offered in one day versions for incoming 9th and those in 10th who missed prior year; #schcom1214 anticipating return to full programing in summer of 2022; summer registration opens Feb 1, 2022
  
• programs aligned with district improvement plans; #schcom1214 thanks to all who helped support our program around the District/Town. Shout out to the Solutions ladies who helped raise my kids; there are great offerings in the brochure, check it out; you can meet other folks
  
• STEM and Math academy are complimentary to what is taught in school, particular during the summer, where usually regular teachers are the instructors; the college essay course is popular and helps to jump start the seniors; #schcom1214
  
• Lifelong Learning has been able to develop programs (i.e. essay and common app) to help address identified needs of the students and community #schcom1214
  
• great to be able to be back in person, enables real time opportunities to get feedback; courses do have an evaluation sheet at the end of each course; info reviewed and incorporated as needed; #schcom1214
  

Discussion Action Items

• next up -> Dissolve Transportation Sub Committee
• I recommend dissolving the Transportation Sub Committee as discussed - moved, seconded, passes 7-0  via roll call - details in doc  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dissolve_transportation_subcom.pdf…  #schcom1214
  
• DECA club request to travel to Boston; https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_deca_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  moved, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• National Business Honor Students trip to NYC - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_ny_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  #schcom1214 - date changed to Apr 2; motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  

Discussion only item

• Discussion only item - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23_scschedule-draft.pdf…  draft SchCom meeting calendar for planning/review #schcom1214 most normal 2 mtgs/month with minor exceptions
  
• Info matters - Budget meeting Thu - 12/16 at 7:30; community relations TBD; Joint PCC meeting today; COVID concerns discussed; pilot of Remington with Unlikely Story for book fair, next meeting Jan 10; SWAC next meeting Jan 4; #schcom1214 plng 4 another …
  
• critical conversations event in the Spring - informing parents on how to recognize drug packaging, etc. #schCom1214 DEI cmte met 12/08, visit FPS page (link to be added later) - appointing Elise to SEPAC as rep
  
• new business, Jan 11 - Special Ed update; action items related to the budget; re: $93,000 reduction for decision; FY 2022 capital request for SchCom to then go to the Town; #schcom1214
  

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  #schcom1214 motion to approve, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• motion to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, #schCom1214 motion, seconded, passes via roll call 7-0

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Citizen comment updates:

• KP Sompally statement advocating for Diwali was shared here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/request-to-add-diwali-as-observed.html
• Handout from parent on punishment for student for what he should be getting help for was shared here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/citizen-comment-about-punitive.html

School Committee meeting packet folder for Dec 14, 2021 includes the full Superintendent's report   packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Superintendent's report  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_december_14_2021.pdf
 

School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update