Budget Subcommittee Notes - May 4, 2020

My notes taken with Twitter for the Budget Subcommittee meeting on Monday, May 4. In addition to that shared below, FY 2021 is going to be a tough budget. It was going to be even before the pandemic. Post pandemic, with revenues forecast to drop by about $3M, just from the March 4 expectation, the revenues will pose some tough questions for how we will choose to operate.

The School Committee for example, has approved a budget $3.5M more than they got for the FY 2020 budget. They did so knowing they were not going to get it all, it at least was a priority listing for themselves to work through. When the schools do re-open, what will their process look like? 

How will they maintain social distancing (assuming it is still required, and per current info, it is likely to be the 'new normal'). What will social distancing do to bus routes, to class sizes? To the budget? I don’t want to speculate, there are too many unknowns.

The only thing that is certain, is that, if ever, there was a time to be informed about the budget and town operations, that time is NOW.

Committee members present: 
Matt Kelly (Chair), Melanie Hamblen, Tom Mercer, Debbie Pellegri

Other participants:
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Finance Director Chris Sandini, Treasurer Kerri Bertone, Asst TA Chrissy Whelton, Admin Asst Alecia Alleyne, Brian Chandler, Denise Spencer, George Conley, Sussan Deswnap, Roberta Trahan, (unidentified phone#) (I had 2 connections, one for me to take notes, one for the audio recording)

• Real-time reporting underway for Budget Subcommittee meeting #bsc0504
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides overview re: memos released before meeting
• Budget will be really tight, the draft as issued is what it is, revenue is not likely to go higher, quite possibly could go lower
• Likely a Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting to be scheduled for next week to enable an update and turn around in time for FinCom budget hearings during the Memorial Day week
• Joint meeting targeted for May 11 at 4:30 PM, meeting ends today after 30+ mins.

The meeting agenda and associated documents released for the meeting can be found  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

My tweets can be found with this search result (#bsc0504)
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BSC0504&src=typed_query

Meeting audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hy13Qr77

screen grab of Budget Subcommittee meeting May 4, 2020

Beaver St. Recycling Center Open Regular Hours - Yard Waste Only

Beaver St. Recycling Center Open Regular Hours 

Now With the Addition of Thursday -> Noon to 3 PM for This Week -- 

Brush and Yard Waste Drop-Off Only

In order to meet the needs of our residents and still follow the Governor's directive, as well as provide the appropriate level of safety to our residents and public works employees, we are going to re-open the Beaver Street Recycling Center with the following guidelines.

• The Recycling Center opens for the drop-off of yard waste and brush only
• No other recycling products will be accepted
• The Recycling Center will be staffed with only one worker just to check that folks have a Recycling Center Sticker and are only dropping off yard waste or brush
• The Employees will practice established personal space guidelines and "Social Distancing" and will not assist residents in any way with the unloading of their vehicles
• Only five vehicles will be allowed in the Recycling Center at one time
• There will be no credit card or check transactions
• If a resident needs a recycling sticker, they will need to contact and arrange to get one from the Public Works Administration Office (508 520-4910) prior to going to the Recycling Center

Recycling Center Hours This Week:

• Tuesday, May 5, Noon-3PM
• Thursday, May 7, Noon-3PM
• Friday, May 8, 8AM-3PM
• Saturday, May 9, 8AM-3PM
• Sunday, May 10, 9AM-1PM

Beaver St. Recycling Center Open Regular Hours - Yard Waste Only

FM #260 Talk Franklin with Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey 5/01/20 (audio)

FM #260= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 260 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talked about the extension of the closure by the State until May 18 and the re-opening advisory work underway at the State level, as well as within the Town departments. The Board of Health had issued the facial covering order effective Apr 29. During our conversation, Jamie updated that Gov Baker had just issued one statewide effective May 6.

The combined Department Spotlight on the Finance and Treasurer/Collector operations. The move to virtual work including the internal processing of the online payments via UniPay.

Other topics covered include

• Pink bag, clothing recycling returned
• Budget subcommittee
• School Committee approved their initial budget
• Scavenger hunt – photo contest
• Friday night lights to recognize the FHS graduates

The recording runs almost about 59 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie

Audio file =
https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin-Community-Update-edjibh





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The Town of Franklin COVID-19 Portal page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

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 #260 Talk Franklin with Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey 5/01/20 (audio)

“will continue to be with us for a very long time”

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

"After spending the last few days hearing from groups representing more than a million workers, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on Monday cautioned against viewing May 18 as a “magical date” on which the state’s businesses will fully bounce back into operation following weeks of mandated closures.

Instead, she said, that’s the day the advisory board she co-chairs with Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy is set to issue plans for a “phased-in reopening” designed to safely build up to full capacity.

“It doesn’t mean that the economy across our commonwealth will just reopen,” she said. “It’s just not possible. As everybody knows, safety’s first, employers are engaged, and it’s of paramount importance that we make sure that that the workforce is safer, that people who do business with these employers are safe in their transactions, and that we continue to move forward and not have a reverse effect as we reopen in that safe manner throughout our commonwealth.”

The Baker administration’s original stay-at-home advisory and business closure order were set to expire on Monday, but last week Baker pushed back the end date another two weeks until May 18, at the same time announcing the formation of the advisory board and giving it a May 18 deadline to put forward recommendations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200504/polito-full-reopening-of-businesses-on-may-18-just-not-possible

Watch the full update from Gov Baker and Lt Gov Politio's on Monday May 4 - https://youtu.be/FbwSV7eA258

Veteran's Coffee Social - Weds - May 6

The Veterans Service Department is holding a Virtual Coffee Social. 

Find all the details on how to attend via Zoom here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/tof_may_veterans_news_0.pdf

Veteran's Virtual Coffee Social - Weds - May 6

This was shared from the Town of Franklin tweet
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1257294642648887297?s=09

Tri-County Regional Student Awarded Scholarship to Dean College

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is proud to announce Taylor Tremblay, a senior in the Graphic Communications career program from Franklin, has been awarded a $35,000 tuition scholarship to Dean College for the 2020-2021 academic year. Updated: "Our apologies. The scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years/8 semesters of attendance at Dean College, providing maintaining at least a 2.7 grade point average."

This is the twenty-second year that Dean College is awarding the scholarship to a Tri-County student.

Consideration for the scholarship is based on a completed admissions application, a Tri-County senior in good standing, superior academic record, teacher recommendations, interviews with a Dean College Admissions representative and Tri-County School Counselors, and extra-curricular activities including employment.

Taylor was awarded the scholarship based upon her professionalism and composure along with many of her accolades. Taylor has been a member of the Green Club, Yearbook Club, softball team and Girl Scouts during her time at Tri-County. She is also a member of the Peter H. Rickard Chapter of the National Honor Society and was named to the honor roll her freshman, sophomore and junior year.

Taylor was well prepared for the interview process. Tri-County students are groomed to present themselves in a professional manner. They are taught to research an organization so they are ready to answer any questions posed to them prior to going to an interview.

Tri-County RVTHS

“Taylor Trembley is a student who excelled both in the classroom and in various activities inside and outside the school. She had almost a perfect 4.0. GPA and was a member of Tri-County’s varsity softball team, active in the Girl Scouts of America from an early age on and did a fine job representing the school in the Skills USA competition in her concentration area of Graphic Communications. She also had stellar recommendations from her teachers and staff at Tri-County HS,” said Larry Thode, Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions, Dean College.

“We are once again grateful of the generosity that Dean College has granted to one of our students and we are proud of the relationships we have built to benefit our communities," said Stephen Dockray, Superintendent. “The scholarship program will allow another Tri-County student to pursue a college education. Congratulations to Taylor from all of us at Tri-County.”

Good flowchart to explain MA unemployment benefits

Via the Dept of Unemployment Assistance

"The Department of Unemployment Assistance is moving swiftly to implement three new public benefit programs that will expand unemployment eligibility; temporarily increase weekly benefits for all claimants; and allow additional categories of people to claim unemployment benefits.

The move, the largest expansion of assistance for the Commonwealth’s workforce since the Great Depression, follows new guidance from the federal government regarding the CARES Act."

For additional info visit their MA.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-announces-guidance-on-cares

Good flowchart to explain MA unemployment benefits

SNETT Trail Advisory - section by Prospect St closed

View this email in your browser Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee SNETT Trail Closure Advisory May 11 – August 31, 2020!   Due to the Prospect Street Tunnel project, the trail will be closed between Lake Street in the Town of Bellingham and Spring Street in the Town of Franklin. Trail users should plan to use other parts of the SNETT during this period of time. For more information or to keep updated, please visit our website or Facebook Page. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Yard Waste Pickup Curbside Week of May 11, 2020

Yard waste is picked up on your normal trash and recycling day during the collection week of May 11, 2020

Yard waste can consist of leaves, brush and small limbs. Leaves must be in open barrels or in compostable paper leaf bags.

• Brush must be tied with non-plastic twine no larger than 12 inches by 4 feet long
• No yard waste will be picked up in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or other containers
• Contaminated yard waste will not be picked up

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/yard-waste-pickup-curbside-week-may-11-2020

Yard Waste Pickup Curbside Week of May 11, 2020

It's TuNesDay: Wake Up with Jamie Barrett at 8:00 AM

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/ghNHL_bSsyU

Jamie



Please subscribe to Jamie's YouTube channel. He needs to get over 1000 to provide better quality music via the channel.

Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

We have reached a 72.7% response rate for Franklin, there is still time to get beyond 80% (Franklin actually did 79.9% in the 2010 Census).

"The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing 56.6% of all households in America. Make sure that you and your friends and family are included in this once-a-decade count.

Help us spread the word: Everyone can respond to the 2020 Census online in one of 13 languages, with assistance available in many more.

Please note: About 64 million households across the nation will receive a paper questionnaire in the coming days. If you receive mail after you have responded, you should disregard it. It was sent before we received your response."

https://2020census.gov/en.html

Visit the 2020 Census response rate map  
https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

The current results for Franklin (as of Sunday, May 3, 2020):

Please Respond Today to the 2020 Census

FPD: May the 4th be with you!

Even if you are not celebrating, Franklin Police Dept. would like to wish you a very happy Star Wars Day. 

We’re lucky enough to have our very own Han Solo and Chewbacca ...

Officer Mucciarone and FPD therapy dog Ben Franklin!

FPD: May the 4th be with you! (Photo from FPD)

Podcast Recommendation: Brene Brown's "Unlocking Us"

In these challenging times, akin to the safety warning when flying, we need to put our oxygen mask on first before helping the child next to us. Taking care of ourselves, will help provide the resilience to deal with the changes each day brings.

A good nights sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet can address the physical aspects. For the mental aspects, taking only a few doses of main stream media is one step. Choosing good reading or listening also helps. 

When I walk along the side roads, I can listen to one of several podcasts. One of the new entries to my regular list is appropriate for this time. Brene Brown has introduced a new podcast "Unlocking Us". It was supposed to get a big splash entry in March at the South by Southwest Conf (SXSW) but alas the pandemic shut that down. 

Splash entry or not, Brene is a worthy listen. In this episode she talks with Dr Marc Brackett about emotional literacy. 

"Dr. Marc Brackett has dedicated his life to studying emotions and to teaching us what he’s learning. In this episode, we talk about how emotional literacy – being able to recognize, name, and understand our feelings – affects everything from learning, decision making, and creativity, to relationships, health, and performance."

Listen to the podcast here (or subscribe via one of the several podcast apps where you can find it):
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/dr-marc-brackett-and-brene-on-permission-to-feel/

Podcast Recommendation: Brene Brown's "Unlocking Us"

Brene Brown is an accomplished author and speaker. She has a couple of TED Talks among several good videos to view and get the gist of what she talks about  https://brenebrown.com/videos/

Shareworthy: A Message from President George W. Bush

Share worthy!

A Message from President George W. Bush @TheCalltoUnite pic.twitter.com/FIn9wuOPTF

— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) May 2, 2020

If the embedded Tweet doesn't display properly follow this link:
https://twitter.com/TheBushCenter/status/1256607729151619073?s=09

The Announcer: "Gymnastics in the House: Paula and Lexi Lupien Score a Perfect 10 Together"

From The Announcer, we find this good write up on the Lupien's

"On January 31, 2003, Paula Lupien brought her daughter Lexi into the world.

Paula Lupien is now the gymnastics coach at Franklin High, while Lexi Lupien is one of the gymnasts on the team.

“Never in my wildest imagination did I think she was destined for gymnastics. Her dad is 6′ 7″ and she grew very fast and even when we started out in the gym when she was two, I thought maybe we would stay in recreational gymnastics for just a few years,” Paula Lupien said. “I was impressed with her drive at such a young age. No one could tell her she couldn’t do something. Even though her fast growing height was a challenge to her throughout the sport of gymnastics, she always worked hard to overcome whatever challenge came her way. She’s been a fighter her whole life.”

Continue reading the article online
https://announcerreport.com/2020/05/03/gymnastics-in-the-house-paula-and-lexi-lupien-score-a-perfect-10-together/

Paula and Lexi Lupien