Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

The purpose of the Design Review Commission (DRC) is to promote safe, functional, and attractive development of business and commercial areas to unify commercial properties, both visually and physically, with surrounding land uses and to protect and preserve the unique and cultural features within the Town. The Commission uses the Town codes and bylaws to ensure new developments and sign installations enhance the New England character of the Town’s commercial centers and thoroughfares. The DRC has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors, and materials.

The DRC is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. Currently there are vacancies on the Commission: one full time regular member and two associate members. All members are resident volunteers who are appointed by the Town Council. Current Commission members are Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Vice Chair, Samuel Williams, and James Bartro.

During FY20 the DRC reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors, and materials. Reviews included projects such as the apartments at Dean Avenue Downtown. In addition, sign applications were received, hearings held, and decisions issued for over 50 signs during the past fiscal year.

Due to concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, Design Review Commission Meetings are held remotely via Zoom. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting may do so by clicking on the Zoom link or by calling the phone number provided.

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on two Tuesdays a month. Meeting times, dates, and agendas are posted on the Town’s website:  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Fitzgerald, Chair 

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Jun 1

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation Sub Committee

Tuesday, Tuesday June 1, 20213:00 P.M

 

The agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/adhocsuptevalsub_com_agenda_-_6-1-21.pdf

 

 

FM #467 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P2 of 4 (audio)

FM #467 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 467 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour fifty minute meeting into four logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Community Preservation Committee appointments and a two minute recess (51 minutes)
• *** Second segment *** returns from the recess to cover the Complete Streets presentation/discussion as well as the Town Administrator review and discussion (58 minutes)
• Third - opens with the Legislation for Action and covers the items through the authorization of the fire trucks (40 minutes) 
• Fourth - covers the technical adjustments to the three Storm Water Articles I, II, and III with the discussion running off course (again - with confusion around the proposed storm water utility fee - not in these three articles) through to the close of the meeting (approx. 1 hour and 13 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 17, 2021. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/66056b80-08cb-4098-b742-bcd557d22746

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf

Community Preservation Committee appointments
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf 

Complete Streets presentation
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf 

Town Administrator review/discussion
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/town-council-recap-of-feb-17-2021.html

Town Council ‘quarterbacking session’ with Chair Tom Mercer
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/couldnt-spend-hours-with-town-council.html 

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

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/ 

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 #467 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P2 of 4 (audio)

Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting

Quick Recap:

• Special alcohol license approved for Dacey's Market. Not part of the Town pool of such licenses.
• Community Preservation Committee appointments approved. 30 candidates for the four at large residents spots. Thanks to all for stepping up. A good team to go forward
• Complete Streets approach presented to Council, will return for a formal approval as a 'policy' not a bylaw. Will also provide some bonus points for applications to State for grants for work on roads, sidewalks and the like
• Annual review of Town Administrator presented and report approved by 8-1 vote (Bissanti no). Will come to Council again for formal approval and there will also be a 'goals setting session' and discussion on how to better improve the overall review process
• Fire Dept found a good deal on two pumper trucks saving a bunch of money, purchase authorized. They will arrive later this year, replace two front line units, which will then move to reserve and the two current reserve units (2000 and 2007 vintage) will be marked surplus and sold.
• Storm water bylaw articles I, II, and III returned for their second reading. Elongated and misplaced discussion again ensued as folks were getting wrapped around these are setting up for the possible utility fee coming up later this year. They were all passed by 8-1 vote (Bissanti no on all)
• Sad to hear that 38 Franklinites have lost their lives during this COVID-19 pandemic. 85% of them were over 75 years old

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album    https://photos.app.goo.gl/D5ZBXuVmqXWBKwv68

------- 

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  #tc0217
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0217&src=typeahead_click 

• Are you getting ready for the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting? Coming up at 7 PM. Agenda doc and connection info here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf  #tc0217
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0217
• #tc0217 approval of minutes for Jan 20 , passes via roll call 9-0 

Public Hearing - Dacey's Market

• Moving to public hearing on MADD Deli/ Dacey's Market 
• Special home rule legislation passed by state house. This is unique to the site, can't be moved or reused without special legislation, Bissanti recuses
• #tc0217 "feels good to be help a neighborhood business" hearing closes via roll call 8-0-1 (8 yes, 1 recused). License transaction, motion to approve. Passes via roll call same vote as above 8-0-1

Community Preservation Committee appointments

• Community preservation Committee nominations, 30 at large applied for 4  seats, selected 4 which we see tonight #tc0217 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf 
• Nice diverse group, have work to do! 4 chosen deliberate to have Community knowledge ... All have shown support/interest
• FYI approx 26 via Zoom, another 7 on live stream, and some unknown # via Comcast/Verizon #tc0217 all also committed to approach it is this an open mind, management of open space, willing to build a program from scratch for the community and preservation/development efforts
• #tc0217 TA Jamie Hellen thanks the 5 Committees for their public discussion and selection. Nominated individuals contained in the doc linked here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf
• These appointments would come back in June for the annual renewal on the 1 or 2 year appointment to enable the staggering terms per the bylaw #tc0217 something for everyone, many new folks just starting to get involved, affordable housing a trend item
• #tc0217 why only released on Tuesday? Just timing with holiday and 30 folks to contact. Many thanks for the number of volunteers to come forward. CPC in Hyde Park has a project on the Dedham line, good story, like to see something like that hear.
• #tc0217 there will be nine individual votes, one per nominee, all will be via roll call (assuming the votes are the same, I'll be concise) if there is a difference it will be noted; first 9-0 for Livingstone, second 9-0 Malcolm, third 9-0 Feeley, fourth 9-0 Halligan …
• #tc0217 fifth 9-0 Simarian, sixth 9-0 Giardino, seventh 9-0 Oxford, eighth 9-0 McNeill, ninth 9-0 Doyle. 
• That completes the community preservation Committee approvals! 
• A good team to take on some challenges. Thank you!

2 minute recess 

• Two minutes recess #tc0217
• #tc0217 resuming meeting.

Complete Streets presentation

• Presentation on Complete Streets https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf …. Five straight appearances for DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, engineer Mike Maglio also presenting #tc0217
• #tc0217  doesn't have to be everything done on the right side of the slide, major piece is the approach of transportation as a whole not just cars first
• #tc0217 signage and markings are an easy less expensive approach to integrate. State grant applications can be helped with this designation, also a housing Community. An opportunity loss rather than a money loss. Was part of Master Plan (but not prioritized)
• Part of overall planning for downtown development, ease of access, sidewalks, etc. #tc0217 
• Sidewalk on Beaver St from RT 140 to the parks already funded, had this been available it could have applied. Washington St survey of the sidewalk planning is being done
• #tc0217 battle with impervious coverage and we are talking about adding sidewalks. It is connectivity where there are none, not like taking or reducing them in the cul-de-sac. 
• Where are the gaps? Input from Planning dept, and Police where accidents occur.
• General consensus thumbs up to develop a policy to bring back to Council in April for one vote (not a bylaw) #tc0217 

Town Administrator review

• Annual review of Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf asking council for approval to go to review file.
• #tc0217 subcommittee section usually is empty, this time it contains the TA evaluation report https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf 
• There will be a goal session in future to include the evaluation process adjustments. Looking for TC to accept report as presented.
• #tc0217 "it is easy to be critical of everybody but yourself" he works hard, settling into role, good for the community. Need to figure out a better eval process for future.
• #tc0217 Mercer has worked closely with Jamie over the past 2 years, talking regularly, his admin team has worked well together, look at how much we have done during this challenge! The evaluation is not the TA, it is the entire staff, it is true, you are going to find this …
• Anywhere else. #tc0217 an incredible team here with a service level like no other. 
• Motion and second to accept the report, via roll call 8-1 (Bissanti no)

Legislation for Action

• Moving to legislation for action. #tc0217  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._lib_gift_web.pdf 
• Gift to the library, motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Appropriation for fire trucks #tc0217  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._fire_borrowing_web.pdf 
• Using $300k from funds set aside, and financing $800k. Motion and second; Chief McLaughlin speaking for, good timing for purchase. Order price for 2019 but completing now, good opportunity
• Engine 4 since 2000 has served us well, has been in reserve. Local vendor. Corroded frame rail to replace $105k for engine 3 from 2007. Could save $ now, avoid maintenance in next several years. #tc0217 Engine 1 would go into reserve at King St Station. Stars aligned
• #tc0217 could save some free cash for a few years instead of putting aside the fire truck fund. A choice, let's continue to put it aside per Kelly. "It is a great deal" these are stock trucks, all the hose and stuff from the existing trucks will go to these.
• Came up during a regular discussion with vendors and found these as an opportunity via one of the vendors. Cab space, length of the truck, all considerations for us and our environment, given space on the streets how used etc. 30' long #tc0217 disposition of surplus …
• State process defined for surplus, funds do come back to general funds. #tc0217 motion and second, vote passes 9-0 via roll call. Chief thanks council for support on behalf of the department.
• Stop sign listing updated #tc0217 Chief Lynch here to answer questions on the proposed amended street listing https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._stop_signs_web_0.pdf 
• Kelly advocates for stop sign at Main St, Eamons St. Missing one there is a problem
• If someone calls for a stop sign, where does the process start? It can start at Police,  DPW will coordinate with Police and engineering before placement. #tc0217 motion, second to move to second reading passes via roll call 9-0

Stormwater extended discussion

• Storm water bylaw article I, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._stormwater_art_1_web.pdf for second reading #tc0217 (Kelly ranted on this the first time around misunderstanding these as financial) mostly verbiage changes per compliance with MS4 permit - next 3 resolutions
• #tc0217 original bylaws were passed approx 15 years ago, simple housekeeping to the memo verbiage per Town Attny Cerel. Nothing additional permitting, just cleaning up what is already been done. Bissanti doesn't understand the changes and fears it is slipping in the storm …
• ... Water utility fee (which is what he is against). Recall Cerel's statement that these were passed 15 years ago. #tc0217 long discussion (catch recording for details)
• Finally get to vote on the change, article I, passes via roll call 8-1 (Bissanti no) #tc0217 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._stormwater_art_1_web.pdf 
• Vote on article II, 8-1 (Bissanti no, "doesn't want to be any part of this")  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._stormh2o_art_2_web.pdf vote on Article III same  8-1 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._storm_h20_web_art_3.pdf 

Town Administrator report through to closing

• #tc0217 grants applied for Museum, COVID update, cases down, status yellow again, capacity increases for business, 38 have died in Franklin from COVID-19. 85% of the deaths were over 75. 65+ can start on 2/18 for appts for vaccine. Teachers next after 65+
• Our local clinic is not likely to be active as we are so close to Gillette. #tc0217 
• Pre-budget what have we given for raises town and school
• Reminder Senior Center coffee hour via Microsoft Teams in the morning (2/18).
• How is the snow budget doing? About $900K to date, about $200K per storm so we'll be over after this weekend. Not just snow, the salting events. #tc0217 Chair Mercer apologizes for late hour, motion to adjourn, passes 9-0
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

For all the documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-17-town-council-agenda

Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting

FM #417 Town Administrator Review - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #417 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 417 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Administrator Review. A subcommittee of the Town Council conducts this, the second session of the review (I missed the first one) on Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• Since I missed the first of these review sessions, it was interesting to try and make sense of what was being done. The Town Council goals and objectives (set in a working session at the beginning of the year) become Jamie's goals. This review was to mark and discuss progress on them. More of the discussion seemed to be on the next steps or what's left to be done than, this is what you did and how well you (we) did. (my two cents)
• The document (linked to)  picked up on the Recreation/Open space section and was completed during this session. The report from the subcommittee will come before the Council sometime in the near future.
• No surprise and I think most folks would agree, the work done by the Town executed by Jamie (and overseen by the Council) has done quite well during this challenging pandemic year.
• "Your performance has been commendable"

The recording runs almost about an hour and 15 minutes, so let’s listen to the SubCommittee meeting discussing the Town Administrator Review

Audio file => https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrXHsXrS

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/12-16-20_ta_review_agenda_1.pdf 

My notes:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-administrator-review-session-dec.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"

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen talking with the subcommittee on the details of his review

Town Administrator Review session Dec 16, 2020 - recap

Quick Recap:

• Since I missed the first of these review sessions, it was interesting to try and make sense of what was being done. The Town Council goals and objectives (set in a working session at the beginning of the year) become Jamie's goals. This review was to mark and discuss progress on them. More of the discussion seemed to be on the next steps or what's left to be done than, this is what you did and how well you (we) did. (my two cents)
• The document (linked to)  picked up on the Recreation/Open space section and was completed during this session. The report from the subcommittee will come before the Council sometime in the near future.
• No surprise and I think most folks would agree, the work done by the Town executed by Jamie (and overseen by the Council) has done quite well during this challenging pandemic year.
• "Your performance has been commendable"

Photos captured during the remote/hybrid session and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/eWz9heepLMZcgmWUA

 

----

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  #tarjh1216 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tarjh1216&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Administrator Review, a continuation from the Dec 2 meeting (I missed that one) #tarjh1216
•  Picked up on the Recreation/Open space section which straddles pages 6-7 of the doc linked #tarjh1216 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/12-16-20_ta_review_agenda_1.pdf
• Question on the remediation of the invasive plants floating at DelCarte (actually a meeting for me in queue to talk with Conservation agent on this item) concern about keeping this in the radar as it will take time #tarjh1216
• The SNETT section between Grove and Union is owned by CSX. Until it is available, can do much planning for it. #tarjh1216 shouldn't it be part of the open space or rec or master plan?
• If we at least layout the desire and plan for the trail section. It is something to refer to. #tarjh1216 how do you get from Grove St to DelCarte? The map could at least provide some options. (Aside: since I didn't get 2 the first one, this seems like an odd approach 2 a review)
• ( aside: cont'd - There seems to be more discussion on what should be for futures rather then an evaluation of what was done);  adding the netting to the high school fields. #tarjh1216 next set - Community
• Acceptance of public ways, funded for take over but that doesn't include the road rebuild if required. #tarjh1216 a map of where to find the electric charging stations. Maybe future subdivisions get set for private ways so owners would maintain
• Finalizing the three year collective bargaining cycle is a great goal accomplished. Makes sense to have them together. Municipal aggregation in place, less than 5% opted out. Substantial amount of Community still don't understand it #tarjh1216 look at ways to improve comms
• #tarjh1216 question on the 5G bylaw, requires additional equipment, smaller range but better signal. Have Verizon in to present an overview of what it is and how it works. There is not a lot we can do, the bylaw is to protect private property from the installation of equipment
• In the research to avoid ending up in court, it needs to be simple. Protects public property and so we know what is around the Community. #tarjh1216 moving to civic engagement. Civic academy on hold, survey possible (sometime)
• #ThinkFranklinFirst has been a success in the early days. Investing in cloud based technology has positioned us to do business online, which saved us during COVID. Unipay does allow for online payment of water, sewer, trash, etc. #tarjh1216
• #tarjh1216 what is a citizens academy? Seen elsewhere, structured differently to get into more of the municipal process and workings of town government. BTW subcommittee is Jones (chair), Mercer, Kelly, and Pellegri. Next up presentations and discussions list completed
• Except for master plan update and charter review which is likely up for 1Q. #tarjh1216 next up thoughts, etc. Added to the prior listing during the year. EPA still cleaning up 300 Fisher st, it will take another 3-5 years. National Grid has made improvements already
• Clearly not the items scheduled to start in April. #tarjh1216 we are as far along as we could be in these circumstances. What is vision or priority not historical homes? List provided by the Assessors. Try to get a priority listing from historical commission.
• #tarjh1216 let's talk COVID, there is a lot into addressing the goals this past year. Everyone was flexible and continues to be so. The COVID section was added as it was not planned for but was a key workload during the recent months. $4.5m in Federal aid, it expires 12/31/20
• Not likely to get additional with the rumored help from Congress possible before year end. UV project being worked this week. Three campus schools possible to be completed by 12/31 micro grants processed should have some participation locally. #tarjh1216
• Thanks to the Council for supporting the fee reduction. This chamber is upgraded with tech to support the meetings, other Communities come here to see how we do it. #tarjh1216 it is an incredibly difficult environment but we have come together and be successful
• Kudos to Chrissy for work on the micro grants. Feel bad we couldn't help some of our small businesses but that was set by others. Folks may have a hard time understanding the coordinating to get things accomplished during COVID #tarjh1216
• Concern over expense of the PPE required for 1Q, where will the money come from for that? #tarjh1216 everybody has stepped up to make it through 2020. "Your performance has been commendable" motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 

 

Town Administrator Review subcommittee Chair Glenn Jones

Inside the "district comprehensive review"

Ok, so my last name is Sherlock, and with a title like "The dog that didn't bark in Brockton", I'll admit that the article caught my eye. 

 

That it was also about the DESE district review process got to me read it. 

 

That it steps through a serious argument that highlights the dysfunction among the various agencies of MA government  responsible for "education", makes this a worthy read.

"So it was that I was interested to read an article that the Brockton Public Schools District Review Report was out (three weeks ago: I am behind!) from the Department's pre-pandemic visit in early March. 

Brockton, of course, is the fourth largest school district in Massachusetts and home of the plaintiffs of both the McDuffy and the Hancock legal decisions. When it comes to gaps in school funding, thus, Brockton is a kind of ground zero. Brockton also was the nationally lauded district for closing the achievement gap without becoming a "drill and kill" sort of school system. What happens when those two things are true of the same system, decades or so on?"

Continue reading Tracy's article online

http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-dog-that-didnt-bark-in-brockton.html

 

Franklin is not listed as having a recent DESE review published (Franklin County is but we all know that is not us).   https://www.doe.mass.edu/accountability/district-review/

 

I do have in the archives a "Coordinated Program Review" being announced in Oct 2015. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/department-of-education-review-to-be.html

 

I also have in the archives note of a DESE visit in Dec 2009 for a 'fiscal review' https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/fm-68-week-ending-51610.html  and here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/01/fm-54-week-ending-11710.html

 

From the 2018 "Tale of Four Cities" presentation
You are reading correctly that it is a 414 teacher gap.

School Committee - Policy Subcommittee - Agenda - August 6 at 4 PM

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.”

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

1. ECAF - Security Cameras in Schools
2. EEA - Student Transportation Policy and Eligibility
3. EEA-R - Transportation Policy Responsibilities
4. EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles
5. Policy Distribution Folder

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

• 1. Second Readings (8/11/20):

• a) FA - Facilities Development Goals

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

1. Creation of a General (Interim) Policy on COVID-Related Issues EBC Supplemental
2. Continued Review of Policies

Shared from the agenda document (meeting connection info in doc)
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/8.6.20_policy_posting_agenda_.pdf

School Committee - Policy Subcommittee - Agenda - August 6 at 4 PM

Interested in Volunteering in the Community? The Design Review Commission has an opening

Interested in Volunteering in the Community? The Design Review Commission is seeking an Associate Member!

Please visit http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php to fill out a volunteer application.

What is the Design Review Commission?

"The purpose of Design Review is to promote safe, functional and attractive development of business and commercial areas; to preserve and enhance the New England character of the Town’s commercial centers and thoroughfares as a valid general welfare concern; to unify commercial properties, both visually and physically, with surrounding land uses; to facilitate a more healthful urban atmosphere; to protect and preserve the unique and cultural features within the Town; and to protect commercial property values by enhancing the Town’s appearance. 

The Design Review Commission (DRC) is a committee of Citizen Volunteers that has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors and materials."

Want to know more about the Design Review Commission please visit their page here http://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission

The Design Review Commission has an opening

Review of Town Council Procedures - Apr 18 - 6:00 PM

The Town Council subcommittee looking to update the procedures that govern a Town Council meeting are scheduled to meet Wednesday, April 18 at 6:00 PM

The current procedure document marked up with the proposed changes can be found online and copied here for convenience

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/review_of_town_council_procedures_committee_meeting_4-18-18.pdf

or  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N_eoieiXhFWPiaSSLtWo_01VDTXmLRA0

Review of Town Council Procedures - Apr 18 - 6:00 PM

FM #77 - Franklin, MA: Mid-term Review

Next year, as you well know, will be a tough operational budget year with a possible high school renovation project on the horizon with a debt exclusion for a sum total uncertain at this time.


The operational and capital needs of the Town are not well understood by the general population.
You can not accept that. If you do, you give into the CAVE people What are the CAVE people? An acronym for Citizens Against Virtually Everything. This a great term that Bill Glynn took back from a conference he attended with other members of the School Committee and School Dept Administration


If we assume perception is reality, and your attendance indicates your level of effort, then there is room for improvement for some of you.

Details for the chart can be found at the following Google document




I understand that there may be very good reasons for missing meetings
You do this because Franklin matters to you for a variety of reasons


Let's assume perception is reality, I recommend you take a series of actions to really help improve the outreach to our community


1) Member of the Council meet at the Senior Center regularly; Bill Glynn held a sit/chat during the summer; need to do something for the remainder of the residents on a regular basis


2) plan for another budget workshop or series of workshops


What of the Long Term Planning Committee?
This group sort of disappeared after the override, it is good to see the group on the agenda for the meeting Wednesday. Maybe we'll find out what is going on


The Finance Committee is getting reduced from 11 members to 9 per the one question that passed on the Charter Changes. They are scheduled to meet in December. How is the change going to be handled?


3) Get out in front of the big issues, be proactive, don't let the void be filled in by others with hearsay, determine the conversation


For the School Committee in particular, I believe your normal year end meeting is scheduled to be held in the training room on the 3rd floor. It is your own review session, I would heartily recommend that you change the location, bring the meeting out into the open, broadcast it, foster the engagement with your community.


I could have done some ratings in a variety of ways. I chose not to do so. It was deliberate. I think you have been able to observe my own actions, you know I don't create screaming headlines. I am not out to sell anything. I am working to share information to create an informed voter. You can help in that effort.


Consider yourself a crew team. The crew team needs all the oars in the water swinging in synch with one another to succeed.


I think you for your service to the community.
I thank you for your time tonight.


As I close this session this week, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

Thank you for listening!

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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to listen to the audio podcast.

FM #74 Week Ending 10/17/10

Let's take about 10 minutes to catch up on what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends Oct 17th, 2010.

Time: 10 minutes, 49 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

Let's take less than 10 minutes to review the week ending Oct 17 here in Franklin, MA. So what should you know from the past week?

The School Committee met on Tuesday Most of the night was spent on the high school

• The school improvement plan was reviewed http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=HW0UW7w25OKFIuztz4K2Eg%3d%3d
• The senior project was reviewed http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=Z6iurs7XvBmQeuYTQ5aJIA%3d%3d
• The school discipline process and statistics showing the improvements were reviewed http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=M2eDWWFyvuaKUWPh8tPJnw%3d%3d

Copies of the presentations are posted to Franklin Matters.

Of special interest is this segment of dialog between chair Jeff Roy and Principal Peter Light discussing the effects of the Rachel's challenge event recently held at the high school.

(here is the audio clip from the meeting)

What do we have coming up this week?

The Town Council meeting is Weds. The continuation of the public hearing on the underground utilities will be held. You may recall the initial hearing 9/29. The notice was incorrect in that it left out the section of Main St hence, part 2 this week. While the council did a straw vote last time indicating that they would likely not vote to proceed with putting the utilities underground, the official vote should be this week. The council did vote last time to endorse the change from 1-way to 2-way traffic, there will be additional votes required as there is a by-law change needed before that changes. Oh and the construction downtown will begin during 2011 and complete sometime 2012.

Of most interest this weds will be a series of updates from the DPW

• Winter Road Treatments & Snow Removal
• Franklin Town Common Tree Report
• Report on the new Solid Waste and Single Stream Recycling System
• Sewer System Discussion

A series of posts covering the state wide and two local questions that the Franklin voters will see on the Nov 2 ballot will be found this week on FM. The link to the Sec of the Commonwealth page where you can put in your home address and obtain a view of the full set of ballot questions. There is not a one ballot for all of Franklin as the MA legislative districts split Franklin. You may recall for example that the “Scott Brown seat' only covers precincts 2, 3 and 4 in Franklin, Karen Spilka covers the remainder of the Franklin precincts.

 As I close this session this week, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

Thank you for listening!

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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to listen to the audio podcast.

FM #53 Week Ending 1/10/2010

This is what matters as the week ends Jan 10, 2010 in Franklin, MA. The session covers the Town Council and two items of importance from it's meeting on January 6th.

 

Time: 7 minutes, 56 seconds



MP3 File

Session notes:

This internet radio show or podcast is number 53 in the series for Franklin Matters.

Take about ten minutes to keep current with what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends January 10, 2010

In this session I’ll cover the Town Council meeting of January 6, 2010

Two items of importance occurred during the meeting.

First, Brian Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development, came before the Council to preview some bylaw changes that will be coming up at the next meeting. The bylaw changes have to do with the welcome mat that Franklin is creating for biotechnology firms to consider relocating here to conduct their business. There were bylaw changes made last year that have helped put Franklin near the top of the pile of MA communities. In an analysis of what it would take to move up the listing, one item sticks out. Franklin currently requires a potential biotech company to obtain a special permit from the Town Council. This is over and over all the normal planing board, health dept, fire dept, etc reviews required. He is proposing that this requirement be removed. He is also making some minor modifications to the zoning map itself. The changes would add about 11 parcels in the industrial park and remove one parcel that recently was obtained by State to add to the Town Forest. The formal discussion to approve these changes will come before the council in future meetings. As these are bylaw changes, they require two readings before final approval.

Second, the big snow storm that hit Franklin the weekend of Dec 19/20 dropping 14-18 inches created problems for students walking to school as the sidewalks were not cleared. Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi reviewed the snow storm planning details and what the Town is currently capable of providing. With the current priority listing as follows:

1. the roads
2. town buildings and schools
3. sidewalks and downtown

With storms delivering under six inches of snow, the DPW can clear the sidewalks within a day after the plowing stops.

With storms delivery more than six inches of snow, the DPW will take two-three days after the plowing stops to clear the sidewalks.

This is due to resource constraints. One, equipment to clear the sidewalk. Even if we had money to purchase additional (approx. 120,000 per unit) would that be an effective use of our funds since we would only use them once or twice a year? Consider that this amount would effectively fund two teachers and some supplies or books.

Two, even with the equipment and additional manpower available, you can't start the sidewalks until the roads are complete. Otherwise, you'd end up messing up the sidewalk when the plows went by on the road. Don't believe this? What happens at the end of your driveway? How do you keep that clear with the plows going by multiple times on the roads?

Finally, Franklin has this issue due to the overall budget problems we face. Should we plow the roads less well? Should we accept the way it is? All good questions that should lead to a good discussion.

There is a quick poll set up on this question this week. You can see and respond to the poll on the front page of Franklin Matters.

Looking ahead this week, the School Committee meets on Tuesday, Jan 12th.

As I close this session this week, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing, please tell your neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

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!

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the website to listen to the audio version.

live update - superintendent review process

Cafasso - like last year's overall process, just would like them sooner

Ogden - would also like them sooner than January as last year.

consensus to proceed