Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Dec 20, 2023. This was their last meeting of the calendar year. Several key items of business were closed out, recognition was given to Ken Norman for his service on Board of Assessors and other committees, and many wishes for happy holidays, new year, etc. were extended.

The Council will begin work on January 3, 2024 with a session that includes setting goals and objectives for the next two years.

Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman

Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Quick recap:

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.
• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion
• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000
• Police Dept - $559,000
• Sewer projects - $500,000
• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000
• SAFE Coalition - $100,000
• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000
• ARPA Direct funds announced for
• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road
• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field
• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)
• Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 
• Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
• Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete
• Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you
• Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0

Town Council agenda and supporting documents ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_link

Additional photos of the recognition ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/kRuMhZWFWMazjjfG6

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting Oct 11, 2022 (audio recording)

FM #862 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 862 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 11, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with one member remote so a roll call vote was recorded every time where needed. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

Key items on the agenda

Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch

Improvement plan presentations and discussion for 

• Middle schools (Horace Mann, Remington, & Annie Sullivan)

• Franklin High School

MASC resolutions reviewed & voted on as amended

Creation of a Redistricting Advisory Council approved

The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting. 

The recording runs about three hours, thirty minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Oct 11, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-862-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-11-22

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-11-22.pdf

 

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

My notes captured via Twitter and compiled into one PDF doc ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DF-bRWLpEwNeNeWGFvngIjQYWtSnn8Ov/view?usp=sharing

Photos from the meeting (mostly screen shots of the presentations not yet posted to the packet folder)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/SMsQcCJmzJFKzqwNA 

YouTube video replay for this meeting ->   https://youtu.be/Aj7BugMBAQg

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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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

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

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch

Change the Mass Flag informational meeting scheduled for Jun 21 - 7 PM

Join us at a Change the Mass Flag informational meeting being led by David Detmold at 7 PM on June 21, 2022 at the Franklin Public Library.  

Steve Derdiarian and I, both Franklin residents, will be joining David as we work toward adoption of a Resolution Supporting changes to the commonwealth of Massachusetts Flag, Seal, and Motto, by the Franklin Town Council.

We are currently preparing to present this Resolution in Support of Changing the MA Flag to Franklin Town Council by providing education about the history of the development of the current Flag, Seal, and Motto, and of the efforts to create a flag and seal that stands for peace, justice, equality, and inclusion.    We are also acquiring Franklin resident signatures on a petition in support of the changes.  

Below are websites that provide more background information:

https://vimeo.com/715680582         

changethemassflag.com

 

Thank you, 

Kathy Trefethen  781-789-9974

Stephen Derdiarian 

Download a copy of the flyer for the event at the Library:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Yn1C3OK4z-c4zhlVbEgMmKZJJJWvpVm/view?usp=sharing

Note: there is a Special Commission chartered at the state level to do this. they have a virtual hearing June 7th  https://malegislature.gov/Commissions/Detail/565/Hearings

Commonwealth of MA state seal

Franklin, MA School Committee hears District Improvement Plan updates, recognizes 19 retirees (audio)

FM #803 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 803 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting conducted on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2022. All seven members of the committee were present. After the set of retiree recognitions, the meeting took a break and then resumed. 

The recording runs about 2 hours and 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.

 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-803-school-committee-mtg-05-24-22

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Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

 

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV YouTube video ->    https://youtu.be/gP5hyu8WZ3I

My notes via Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pO0ZkELeiMwFcz4sZg_NGLfujYDkmuo-/view?usp=sharing 

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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

• 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"

MASC-School Committee Resolutions all passed at the conference

The 9 MASC resolutions discussed at the last School Committee meeting were all approved at the MASC conference held recently.

Via Denise Spencer, Franklin School Committee, and MASC representative tweeted on Saturday, Nov 6, 2021:

Nothing I would rather be doing today than representing @FranklinPSNews at the annual MASC Delegate Conference. Thank you @MASCSchoolComm for the hybrid method this year!  #MASCMASS21   https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1456975802990354437 

D Spencer remotely participating in MASC Conference

The MASC twitter account posted the following updates on the resolutions:

Resolution 9, supporting Senate bill 294, which calls for regulations prohibiting the use of Native American mascots, passes the Delegate Assembly (note following:)

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456997554537775105 

Resolution 9, supporting Senate bill 294

Resolution 8 supporting petitioning Congress for $30B to improve the electrical supply infrastructure and providing electric school buses and charging stations passes the Delegate Assembly https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456994055905218565 

Resolution 5 supporting legislation encouraging “the use of restorative, therapeutic and educational approaches to incidents whenever possible over the use of zero-tolerance policies” passes the Delegate Assembly  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456989004126117888 

Resolution 4 supporting 20 minutes of recess which cannot be excluded from the structured learning time and cannot increase the total number of hours required in the school year passes the Delegate Assembly

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456985996575260673 

Resolution 2 supporting legislation for free broadband for preK (amended from K)-12 students and further support federal initiatives and legislation expanding such access passes the Delegate Assembly

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456984455499898883

Resolution 1 calling for dedicated funding for school-based health clinics passes the MASC Delegate Assembly  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456984032370171905 

Passed without further deliberation by the 2021 MASC Delegate Assembly:

• Resolution 3, calling for full funding of IDEA

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456981114321522693 

• Resolution 6, calling for a commission to research and analyze for an alternative to MCAS 

• Resolution 7, calling for restoration of school committee oversight in receivership districts

https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456981115550457857 

FM #314 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution Discussion 7/14/20 (audio)

FM #314 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 314 in the series.

This session shares the discussion around the anti-racism resolution on the agenda of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and reference documents.

The statement runs just about 33 minutes, so let’s listen to discussion from the School Committee meeting on July 14.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrB6lq3K



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School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-14-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Resolution link
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-c-resolution-anti-racism

My real time reporting via Twitter summarized
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/school-committee-recap-anti-racism.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"

FM #314 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution Discussion 7/14/20 (audio)

In the News: Firefighters serve seniors traditional Irish meal; some residents don't like the civil discourse pledge

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"St. Patrick’s Day came early to the Franklin Senior Center on Friday, as members of the Fire Department spent lunchtime serving plates of corned beef and cabbage, with potatoes and carrots, to a few dozen seniors.

Although the Lenten season has begun, Catholics in the group had no need to worry about enjoying the classic St. Patty’s day meal instead of sticking with fish and vegetables.

Firefighters had that covered.

“Maybe next year we’ll try not to plan it on a Friday during Lent,” said firefighter/paramedic Doug Perro, going on to quip, “However, we talked to Father Brian (Manning, of the Parish of St. Mary), so you get a special dispensation ... if you’re over 59.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200307/franklin-firefighters-dish-up-new-tradition/1

"That’s what the Franklin Fire Department is all about."

"A civil discourse pledge has upset dozens of residents who say the Town Council is targeting free speech rights when it comes to their – and certain councilors’ – online activity. One resident has even suggested it’s a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

While the proposed pledge originally stated that a councilor’s participation on certain social media channels could violate the Massachusetts’ Open Meeting Law statute, a crowded meeting room applauded as council Chairman Tom Mercer suggested a slight amendment to the pledge toward the end of Wednesday’s meeting.

On Wednesday, councilors approved the Civil Discourse Pledge, Resolution 20-14, which was originally drafted by Town Administrator Jaime Hellen and the Town Council. The resolution follows a series of related administrative actions, starting in 2018 with harassment training for all municipal employees, said Hellen in a memorandum dated Feb. 7.

Designed as an aspiration for the town to make everyone in the community feel welcome, the amended resolution was approved, 6-2-1. Councilors Andrew Bissanti and Eamon McCarthy Earls were opposed, and Matt Kelly abstained."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200307/civil-discourse-resolution-riles-some-franklin-residents

The audio file for the citizen comments and the civil discourse discussion can be found here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-218-town-council-citizen-comments.html

School Committee recap for Oct 29, 2019

Catching up to the 'last' set of school committee meeting notes that I had not yet posted. This set covers the Oct 29, 2019 session.

The Superintendent's report
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/superintendents-report-10-29-19
 
There was recognition of the five committee members who were not running for re-election as this would be their last meeting. The two incumbents running for election were successfully re-elected so their 'recognition' event is postponed to some future date.

Kelty Kelly, Principal of the ECDC, previewed the "developmental summary" for the children at the center. This is an age and developmentally appropriate 'report card' for this age group.  The Developmental Summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/_preschool_developmental_summary_final_10-18-19.pdf 

There was a long discussion over the multiple resolutions before the MASC conference where the committee also voted to appoint Chair Anne Bergen as their representative. This listing and details for the text for the resoluteness can be found in the packet   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-d-resolutions

The October 1 Enrollment Report was made available. This is a key piece of info as the Oct 1 report is the 'control' number for all schools for the year. Clearly, there are some minor move in and adjustments as the school year progresses but this the 'stake in the ground' for reporting purposes.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/enrollment_statistics_-_10-29-19_sc.pdf

With this meeting, the School Committee has also implemented for the first time, a practice that the Town Council has been using for some time: Actions Taken: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/news/october-29-2019-school-committee-actions-taken

 
Additional details can be found in my notes reported live during the meeting:

• Live reporting: Discussion Only Items through to Closing.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-discussion-only-items_29.html

• Live Reporting: ECDC Developmental Summary and Discussion.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-ecdc-developmental.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 29, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-school-committee-oct-29.html

a photo from walking around the grey day that Oct 29 was in Franklin

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 23, 2018

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.

A G E N D A

“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.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion / Action Items

a. Policy – Second Readings
I recommend adoption of the following policies:
i. JFABE – Education Opportunities for Military Children
ii. JFABF – Education Opportunities for Children in Foster Care
iii. BCA – School Committee Member Ethics

b. MASC Resolutions
I recommend adoption of the following MASC Resolutions as discussed:

1. Rejecting the Arming of Educators
2. On Small and Rural Districts
3. Elimination of the Federal Department of Education
4. Regional School Transportation
5. Regarding Reporting and Accountability Standards
6. Regarding Reproductive Health Education
7. On Gender Identity Inclusive Athletic Participation Policy
8. Relative to Sports Wagering
9. Relative to Access to Information for Parents and Students Who Are Clients of Special Education
10. Proposal to Amend the MASC By-Laws

View the MASC resolutions here
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionb_-_masc_resolutions.pdf


4. Discussion Only Items
a. BICO Quarterly Information Update
b. Enrollment Data Update

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 25, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from your September 25, 2018 meeting to be released.
c. NYC Field Trip Request
I recommend approval of the recurring request of Diane Plouffe to take approximately 50 Middle School Chorus students to New York City to see “Once On This Island” on May 11, 2018 as detailed.
d. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,755.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
e. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of the donation of $1,230.00 from various music parents for in-house enrichments as detailed.
f. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $725.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips
as detailed.
8. Payment of Bills - Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll - Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Adjournment

The documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-23-2018-school-committee-packet-documents

MASC resolutions

In the News: LED lighting proposal; review of foundation budget urged

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Town Council may give its approval this week to a plan that would convert local streetlights to LED, improving energy efficiency and possibly saving the town money. 

A measure, which would authorize $650,000 in borrowing for the project, is on the council’s agenda Wednesday. 

The move, said Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, is being brought forth after the state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) began offering a 30-percent grant on labor and materials costs for such a project. 

If approved, Hellen said, the $650,000 amount would start several processes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170523/led-streetlights-possible-for-franklin

"The School Committee passed a resolution urging the state to change the way it calculates the foundation budget for school districts. 

The committee voted unanimously Tuesday night in favor of the resolution. 

The foundation budget is set by the state based on a formula, and determines the minimum amount a school district can spend on education. 

Committee member Denise Schultz brought the resolution to the committee’s attention."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170523/franklin-school-committee-urges-budget-review

The link to the resolution text can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbVpCVVNxc3lxUk9OTGNWcFNUSGtWY2NENmJ3/view?usp=sharing

flowers added to the downtown areas from the weekend effort to beautify
Franklin by the Downtown Partnership and dozens of volunteers