Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

FM #735-736-737 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 735-736-737 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police new hires, 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 three hour and 10 minute meeting into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, the swearing in of four Police Dept new hires, the West St/Dean College neighborhood parking discussion (~55 minutes)  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-735-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p1-of-3
• Second - covers the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) presentation and discussion by Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere (~ 90 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-736-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p2-of-3
• Third - covers the Subcommittee reports, Legislation for Action, Council Comments, and meeting close (~ 41 minutes ) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-737-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p3-of-3

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 16, 2022

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

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Town Council Agenda document  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-16.html

Presentation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-town-council-views-4-police-new.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
• 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 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!

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

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 - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

This "Talk Franklin" episode covers Town Council goals, Franklin For All, and pop up shop successes

FM #722 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 722 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Our conversation covered current events

• Town Council goals => Town goals, Town Administrator review base

• Franklin For All -> EDC plus,  MAPC planning, Forum Mar 7

• Pop shop success stories

The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Council-Goals--Franklin-For-All-and-Pop-Shop-Program-Success-e1e3tr8/a-a7cagii

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Finance Committee agenda -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/finance-committee-gets-lesson-on.html 

Franklin For All web page -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/ 

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

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"

This Talk Franklin episode discusses the Town Council goals, Franklin For All, and pop up shop successes

Ad Hoc Committee for the Town Administrators Review - 01/26/22 (audio)

FM #712 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 712 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Town Administrators Review. The meeting was held on Wednesday, Jan 26, 2022 in the Council Chambers, live streamed and shared via cable and Zoom. We recorded this audio in the room. 

Subcommittee Chair Glenn Jones opens the meeting. Councilors Robert Dellorco and Tom Mercer participate. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, assistant Alecia Alleyne and HR Director Karen Bratt are also in the Chambers.

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators review meeting. Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-712-town-administrator-review-cmte-mtg-01-26-22

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/town-administrator-evaluation-ad-hoc.html 

My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-procedure-review-completed-town.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/ 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 Administrator Jamie Hellen gets a good review and has no plans to leave

Recap: Procedure review completed; Town Administrator review previewed

Quick Recap:

• In back to back meetings on Wednesday, two subcommittees of the Town Council completed discussion on their tasks
• First, the Procedural Review picked up from their Dec meeting to complete review of the current document and make mostly minor and/or technical revisions. One key component is to expand the remote participation up to "no more than 4". Pre-pandemic only one councilor was allowed to participate via phone remotely. Now, with Zoom in place, the limit can be raised to 4. Still need to maintain a physical quorum in the room
• This is also pending further review depending upon what the State House does with the Open Meeting Law requirements with the current pandemic exceptions expiring in April (or June?)
• The procedure doc changes as drafted by the subcommittee will be reviewed at a meeting Feb 2, before the full council session at 7, and scheduled for full discussion with the Council
• Second, the Ad Hoc Town Administrator Review subcommittee met to review the performance and accomplishments of Jamie Hellen
• Jamie insisted that his review is a reflection of the overall town personnel in providing service to the community. When pressed if he had any plans to leave, he said no. Paraphrasing - I don't take things for granted, it has been most rewarding here, we are rooted in MA, if I had my druthers, I'd stay here. I am still young. #tctar0126 I'd be more than honored to serve here at your discretion.
• The full review write up is currently planned to be brought to the Town Council for the Feb 16 meeting for their full discussion and approval

The combined Twitter thread for the two meetings is located here (below).  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MBd3ieaUnIBVv8rrJ9zV_Bo2e8FBhJK9/view?usp=sharing

The audio recording of the TA review meeting will be available in a couple of days.

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updating the Council at a recent meeting

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee - Jan 26, 2022

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION AD HOC COMMITTEE

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 26, 2022 = 6:30 PM

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

Agenda:

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION DISCUSSION

3. ADJOURN

Agenda doc also contains the remote connection information for this session
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-26_ta_evaluation_agenda.pdf 

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee - Jan 26, 2022

"Talk Franklin" covers current news with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 01/14/22 (audio)

FM #701 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 701 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around current events

• The passing of former Town Council Andy Bissanti

• The move of Superintendent Sara Ahern to a position in Barnstable effective July 1 

• New leadership at the Senior Center; Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose

COVID-19 – change to remote meetings? No

Finance Committee - budget timeline and lesson on revenue process 

Reminder on Municipal aggregation – direct mailer coming

Community Preservation Act - public hearing, priority list starting

Town Council - to hear from DPW on their budget overview

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/New-Year--New-Beginnings-e1d41ei/a-a78mor3

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Council on Aging meeting - introductions of Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose and ensuing discussion ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-senior-center-new-director-and.html 

Finance Committee recording -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/finance-committee-gets-lesson-on.html 

Municipal aggregation mailing update -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/attention-franklin-residents-dynegy.html 

Community Preservation Committee - Public Hearing ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-18_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_2.pdf 

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

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

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"

 

"Talk Franklin" covers current news with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 01/14/22 (audio)

Recap: Senior Center new Director and Deputy introduced to Council on Aging (audio)

Recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen introduced the new Senior Center Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose to Council on Aging
• First day was yesterday and they are back so that is good. Christina to primarily handle day to day, Danielle to focus on personnel, long term planning Lots to do
• Posted for chef and deputy chef, not likely to fulfill until late Feb/Mar so cafe will be down for a period. Looking to bring back and improve things when they do
• Assessment of programs which are working and should continue, which are not and maybe stop; survey to gather input on wants/needs
• Redefine the role of the Council, had not been part of the program process before, would like to be more than 'rubber stamp' approval; next COA meeting to look into the COA scope, mission, etc. Need to have full COA membership involved
• Friends of Franklin Elders would like accounting for what they have provided and look to help as things go forward
• "best meeting since I've been on the board"

Meeting agenda =>   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/untitled_document.pdf

Link to Council on Aging (including membership) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/council-aging

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-697-fsc-council-on-aging-01-11-22

• Ready for live reporting of the #coa0111 Council on Aging meeting about to begin
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen arrives and meeting commences. Introduces new Senior Center director Danielle Hopkins. Deputy director Christina LaRoche also introduced. They provide their background #coa0111
• Correction LaRose not LaRoche #coa0111
• Round of intros of attendees, only folks on Zoom had appeared to be nefarious folks and removed. #coa0111
• Deputy director added to senior center to bring alignment with other town Dept. Had been gradually building budget with part-time resources #coa0111
• Christina to primarily handle day to day, Danielle to focus on personnel, long term planning, etc #coa0111 Yesterday was first day on job, so getting a feel for it
• Job posted yesterday for chef and kitchen manager. Will take time to fulfill role. #coa0111 cleaning was done, broken furniture taken care of, additional inspection of equipment while 'down time' is here.
• Desire for better accounting on the ins/outs. Likely not reopening until later Feb/Mar. Kitchen folks had not been part of the tax work off program, looking for better volunteer structure. #coa0111 pandemic is major factor for cafe operations
• Tri-county maybe more formally helping to support the food service, how about the public schools? They already serve the students with 10 kitchens, this could be "1" more. At leverage where possible the ops program they have with weekend backpack for students ...
• Seniors have food needs on the weekend also. #coa0111 had been only 'rubber stamping' ops, would like to be more involved in programming, and then communications, and plans for execution. COA is rather loose.
• Some things work, some things not so well, there are a lot of opinions; need to survey and assess to plan accordingly. Statement on COA read, motion to redefine at next meeting, second, passes (not sure of #) #coa0111
• New office will work with COA to determine agenda, gets posted to Town page, and then shared via all channels. GATRA is only one of many topics that can use help in getting the word out. Some use phone, internet, computer, others don't #coa0111
• Printed copies made available at stores, etc. Where possible and made aware of. #coa0111 Friends needs feedback on gifts to Senior Center, provided gift cards at Christmas for distribution. Who got them? Tri-county did print work for COA, newsletter etc.
• Friends have more than $49k to help support operations. Annual fund raising generally gets $25k (+/-). Need to do labels for this year's mailing. #coa0111 "best meeting since I've been on the board"
• Need all members engaged in the scope discussion at the next meeting #coa0111 reinforce the sign in process to ensure better counts
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes #coa0111

Recap: Senior Center new Director and Deputy introduced to Council on Aging (audio)

Town of Franklin goal setting discussion scheduled for Town Council meeting Jan 5

"Attached is a draft of the proposed 2022-2023 biennial goals for the Town Council and Town Administration. These goals represent the high level projects from the organization. As you can see, the list is very long already and will need to be prioritized. We look forward to the discussion and are excited to continue the great work of the town staff! "

Goal memo with draft listing

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_and_2_ta_memo_2022-2023_goals.pdf  

Full agenda for Town Council meeting Jan 5

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_mtg_agenda_-_jan_5_2022_0.pdf

 

Town of Franklin goal setting discussion scheduled for Town Council meeting Jan 5

Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

There are multiple meetings this week. The Town calendar provides all the details. I will be reporting on the following:

• School Committee meets Tuesday (7 PM)
• A School Committee budget workshop before their Tuesday meeting (6 PM)
• Town Council meets Wednesday (7 PM)
• A Town Council subcommittee looking at reviewing their procedures manual also before their meeting Wednesday (6 PM)

The monthly Franklin Matters Q&A scheduled for Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM. The meeting is hybrid. I'll be in the Senior Center and also allow for participation virtually via Zoom. Send me an email for the Zoom info. 

The Town Officials and State Rep Jeff Roy will hold their monthly coffee hour at the Senior Center Thursday morning at 8:30 AM. Also a good chance to get some details on any questions you may have.

Town Calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday