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The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of content, follow this link
Thursday, January 18, 2018
The TC Insider
The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of content, follow this link
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Game Night - Feb 7
Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, February 7 at 7:30. Take a break from the cold and warm up at our Game Night. It’s one of our favorite and more social events.
We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.
For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.
We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.
For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.
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| Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Game Night - Feb 7 |
Annual Report 2017: Insurance Advisory Committee
The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading.
The following is a text representation of the printed pages 94-95 (actually 101-102 of 264)
With the Affordable Care Act continuing to evolve or be replaced, we anticipate changes, administrative challenges, and premium increases in the coming years. After several meetings to discuss claims trend and customer service questions, the various plans were modified modestly and renewed with Tufts with less than a 1% increase to HMO premium, the plan that covers 95% of our non-Medicare eligible employees. This saved employees and the Town significantly. We will monitor claims and medical trends to share with the IAC in the coming year and continue to work to provide the best benefit possible at the best rate available.
The Town continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. We are happy to report that few of our employees required an overnight stay in the hospital.
The Town provides dental benefits on an employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan with no increase to premiums. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.
The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediately payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards. The plan runs on a September 1 through August 31 calendar to more closely coordinate with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs. Since this program exists on a pre-tax basis, changes at the federal level may cause plan changes. We will monitor any activity about Sec. 125 of the Tax Code to ensure we remain in compliance.
Participants on the IAC consistently brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. We appreciate their willingness to do what it takes to manage the benefits and costs. The insurance environment continues to evolve and it seems inevitable that costs will continue to rise. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through the IAC committee to other employees so that there is wider understanding of benefit plans.
Respectfully submitted
Stephanie Lutz
Human Resource Director
You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports
and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised
The following is a text representation of the printed pages 94-95 (actually 101-102 of 264)
INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Each of the municipal and school unions, as well as retired employees has a seat on the Town of Franklin Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC). It provides recommendations to the Town Administrator on health and dental plans. Meetings are an opportunity for employees from the unions to learn about insurance products, industry trends, and to help identify ways to meet employee needs within the framework of the Affordable Care Act, Massachusetts General Law, a changing health care environment, and available financial resources.With the Affordable Care Act continuing to evolve or be replaced, we anticipate changes, administrative challenges, and premium increases in the coming years. After several meetings to discuss claims trend and customer service questions, the various plans were modified modestly and renewed with Tufts with less than a 1% increase to HMO premium, the plan that covers 95% of our non-Medicare eligible employees. This saved employees and the Town significantly. We will monitor claims and medical trends to share with the IAC in the coming year and continue to work to provide the best benefit possible at the best rate available.
The Town continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. We are happy to report that few of our employees required an overnight stay in the hospital.
The Town provides dental benefits on an employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan with no increase to premiums. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.
The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediately payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards. The plan runs on a September 1 through August 31 calendar to more closely coordinate with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs. Since this program exists on a pre-tax basis, changes at the federal level may cause plan changes. We will monitor any activity about Sec. 125 of the Tax Code to ensure we remain in compliance.
Participants on the IAC consistently brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. We appreciate their willingness to do what it takes to manage the benefits and costs. The insurance environment continues to evolve and it seems inevitable that costs will continue to rise. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through the IAC committee to other employees so that there is wider understanding of benefit plans.
Respectfully submitted
Stephanie Lutz
Human Resource Director
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| Annual Report 2017: Insurance Advisory Committee |
You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports
and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised
FHS boys and girls basketball teams top Attleboro
Boys Basketball = Franklin, 76 @ Attleboro, 72 – Final (OT)
– Franklin erased a five-point deficit over the final 90 seconds to send the game into overtime and then outscored the Bombardiers 8-4 in the final period to earn the win. Paul Mahon hit the tying three with less than a minute to play and then hit another triple early in overtime to put Franklin up 73-68. Jalen Samuels poured in a career-high 28 points along with 15 rebounds to lead the Panthers. Samuels scored eight of his points between the fourth and overtime. Sophomore Chris Edgehill added 20 points for Franklin. For Attleboro, sophomore Bryant Ciccio had a career-high 19 points, including 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Bombardiers build a lead. Kevin Velazquez added a career-best 17 points while sophomore Qualeem Charles had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-16-18/
Girls Basketball = Attleboro, 51 @ Franklin, 63 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor for HockomockSports provides the game recap
"During the first half, the Bombardiers had little answer for the dynamic inside-outside combination of Franklin sophomore center Ali Brigham and junior guard Bea Bondhus. The duo combined for 30 points before the break to push the Panthers to a 21-point halftime lead.
Although Attleboro turned up the energy in the second half, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, the lead proved too great to overcome and Franklin stayed within one game of the Kelley-Rex division leaders with a 63-51 victory.
Bondhus opened the paint by knocking down a pair of threes in the opening half and spreading the Attleboro defense out with 14 of her 18 points coming before the break. With the outside threat giving Brigham a little space with which to work, the sophomore showed off an array of offensive moves on the post and stepping away to face the basket.
She scored 16 of her 22 points in the first half and also added 12 of her game-high 20 rebounds. Brigham was also a force on the defensive side with four blocks."Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-pull-away-in-first-half-to-beat-bombardiers/
For the HockomockSports photo gallery
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-Attleboro-Girls-Basketball-1-16-18/
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| Franklin sophomore center Ali Brigham scored 22 points (16 in the first half) and pulled down 20 rebounds to lift the Panthers to a 63-51 victory over Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
Exciting night in Attleboro. 2 games ended with buzzer beaters, JV on top 66-65 & Freshmen lost 55-53. Varsity... https://t.co/PiW5I5AK9Y— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) January 17, 2018
Great team effort over a well coached Attleboro team tonight 62-51. Game ball goes to @ali_brigham with 22pts and 10+ rebs. #Banja— Franklin Girls Bball (@fhsgvbasketball) January 17, 2018
Great win!! @fhsgvbasketball https://t.co/RrHmaqa8oj— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) January 17, 2018
Stop by Chipotle Sunday January 21st between 4 and 8 pm and show the cashier this flyer to make sure 50% of the proceeds are donated to best buddies!! Great opportunity to go out with your buddy group! pic.twitter.com/xRaKBSy8KC— FHS Best Buddies (@BestFHSBuddies) January 16, 2018
Representative Roy: What's happening in the district - January 2018
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Franklin Public Schools: Schools opening on time on Wednesday, Jan 17
Dear Franklin Public Schools Faculty, Staff, and Families,
The Franklin Public Schools will be opening ON TIME on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. If parents/guardians feel the conditions are unsafe, please exercise your discretion and keep your child home.
Emergency busing will be in effect. Bus drivers will pick up students who are walking along a bus route on the way to school.
Please allow for extra time and care this morning to arrive safely.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
The Franklin Public Schools will be opening ON TIME on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. If parents/guardians feel the conditions are unsafe, please exercise your discretion and keep your child home.
Emergency busing will be in effect. Bus drivers will pick up students who are walking along a bus route on the way to school.
Please allow for extra time and care this morning to arrive safely.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
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| Franklin Public Schools: Schools opening on time on Wednesday, Jan 17 |
In the News: STEM learning at the YMCA; snow/ice budget status; candidates for new DESE commissioner
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/franklin-ymca-branch-debuts-stem-program
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/snow-ice-budgets-melting-away
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/state-three-finalists-for-education-commissioner
"STEM learning doesn’t usually come to mind when thinking about the YMCA, but in Franklin, they’re changing the rules.
The Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA is taking a stab at STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with a new technology lab, club and after-school program.
“We saw an opportunity to take a lead,” said Executive Director Scott Martin. “We found a way to offer this to kids who did not have access to it before.”
With programming to 3D print design, the YMCA’s tech lab is a vibrant place to keep the mind engaged, but still have fun."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/franklin-ymca-branch-debuts-stem-program
"With two months remaining in the winter season, snow and ice budgets from nearby municipalities are being chipped away because of the persistent cold.
Though all towns have access to emergency funds in the events of the budget runs dry, the monetary concern is still there.
Franklin
Total: $950,000
Spent: $500,000
Remaining: About $400,000
“It’s New England, we’ve come to expect this,” said Deputy Town Administrator Jaime Hellen. “Our team is prepared and we’re ready to tackle any challenge. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/snow-ice-budgets-melting-away
"The superintendent and receiver of the Lawrence school system and educators from New York and Texas are the finalists to become the next education commissioner in Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Monday.
Lawrence receiver Jeff Riley, Penny Schwinn, chief deputy commissioner of academics for the Texas Education Agency, and Angélica Infante-Green, deputy commissioner of the Office of Instructional Support P-12 in New York State Education Department, will be interviewed next week by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The board hopes to recommend a candidate to Education Secretary James Peyser later this month.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180116/state-three-finalists-for-education-commissioner
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
"my tagline at the time was: 'this is math, not politics'.”
In the Franklin Matters series of posts about local government, the Freakonomics Podcast has a great interview with Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo that is shareworthy:
The Freakonomics Podcast page also has a transcript of the interview and other supporting info http://freakonomics.com/podcast/modern-democrat-win/
What can we do now to help prepare for 2028 when Franklin will be (hopefully) celebrating its 250 anniversary? I think we can start by talking to one another. To borrow the line from Gina, "this is math, not politics."
What should our priorities be? What can we do to fund them?
Events to find out info and join the conversation:
#Franklin2028
"Our latest Freakonomics Radio episode is called “How to Be a Modern Democrat — and Win.” (You can subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts or elsewhere, get the RSS feed, or listen via the media player above.)
Gina Raimondo, the governor of tiny Rhode Island, has taken on unions, boosted big business, and made friends with Republicans. She is also one of just 15 Democratic governors in the country. Would there be more of them if there were more like her?"
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| subscribe to Freakonomics Radio |
The Freakonomics Podcast page also has a transcript of the interview and other supporting info http://freakonomics.com/podcast/modern-democrat-win/
Editorial Note:
Central Falls, RI made news when it went bankrupt largely due to unfunded pension liabilities. Franklin also has significant pension liabilities (OPEB). We are taking steps to fund these but we also have other funding requirements for roads and schools to name just two that are top of mind.What can we do now to help prepare for 2028 when Franklin will be (hopefully) celebrating its 250 anniversary? I think we can start by talking to one another. To borrow the line from Gina, "this is math, not politics."
What should our priorities be? What can we do to fund them?
Events to find out info and join the conversation:
- Jan 27 - Franklin Town Government 101
- Feb 13 - Legislative Forum on School Funding
#Franklin2028
Enjoy a day on the slopes - Mar 3 (round trip bus and lift tickets)
Enjoy a day on the slopes!
SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2018
Depart FHS Parking Lot on a Coach Bus – 5:30 AM
Depart Bretton Woods to return home – 4:30 PM
Special Ticket Price: $109*
*Includes Transportation and Lift Tickets
*Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent / guardian
Interested? For more information and to REGISTER go to: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2018
Depart FHS Parking Lot on a Coach Bus – 5:30 AM
Depart Bretton Woods to return home – 4:30 PM
Special Ticket Price: $109*
*Includes Transportation and Lift Tickets
*Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent / guardian
Interested? For more information and to REGISTER go to: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com
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| Enjoy a day on the slopes - Mar 3 (round trip bus and lift tickets) |
FPAC presents Noises Off - Jan 19, 20, 21
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hysterical farce, Noises Off, at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.
Directed by Nick Paone, the comedy hit runs this weekend only, with performances on Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, January 21 at 2 p.m.
Michael Frayn’s Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening show, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run.
Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and – of course – flying sardines.
Tickets are $26, with general seating. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Noises Off is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Directed by Nick Paone, the comedy hit runs this weekend only, with performances on Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, January 21 at 2 p.m.
Michael Frayn’s Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening show, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run.
Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and – of course – flying sardines.
Tickets are $26, with general seating. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Noises Off is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
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| FPAC presents Noises Off - Jan 19, 20, 21 |
FHS girls hockey and gymnastics teams both post wins on Monday
Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Monday, Jan 15, 2018.
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Brookline/Newton South, 0 – Final
– Franklin senior Jackie Connelly scored the only goal of the game to help the Panthers earn a win on the road.
Gymnastics = Franklin, 130.65 @ Canton, 105.50 – Final
– Franklin senior Liz Traphagen won the All Around with a score of 34.7 while junior Sadie Rondeau was second, scoring an 8.5 on beam and 8.0 on floor. Mia Lizotte scored an 8.90 on vault and a 9.1 on floor, senior Molly Stanton’s score on beam, junior Rachel Cyr’s vault score, freshman Katelyn Guidi score on bars, and freshman Lexi Lupien’s scores on vault, beam and, floor all counted towards the Panthers’ win.
For the other Hockomock League results on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-15-18/
Via the Twitterverse
If anyone knows where the results of the Davey meet can be found please let me know. I have looked in all the usual places and can't find any Franklin results for Monday.
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Brookline/Newton South, 0 – Final
– Franklin senior Jackie Connelly scored the only goal of the game to help the Panthers earn a win on the road.
Gymnastics = Franklin, 130.65 @ Canton, 105.50 – Final
– Franklin senior Liz Traphagen won the All Around with a score of 34.7 while junior Sadie Rondeau was second, scoring an 8.5 on beam and 8.0 on floor. Mia Lizotte scored an 8.90 on vault and a 9.1 on floor, senior Molly Stanton’s score on beam, junior Rachel Cyr’s vault score, freshman Katelyn Guidi score on bars, and freshman Lexi Lupien’s scores on vault, beam and, floor all counted towards the Panthers’ win.
For the other Hockomock League results on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-15-18/
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| FHS Panthers |
Via the Twitterverse
[Girls Winter Varsity Ice Hockey] Franklin HS defeats Brookline HS, 1 to 0.— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 16, 2018
Heres the recap! Great meet today girls I am so proud of you all! Keep working hard you are improving every meet! pic.twitter.com/Q7mGAkC6vL— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 15, 2018
Another successful meet by FHS Panthers. Full recap to follow stay tuned! Franklin 130.65 Canton 105.50 @FHSSports— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 15, 2018
Paul Davey Track Meet underway at Wheaton College. pic.twitter.com/AIFXMn9Swa— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 15, 2018
If anyone knows where the results of the Davey meet can be found please let me know. I have looked in all the usual places and can't find any Franklin results for Monday.
"It's all about the money"
"How are drug trafficking organizations getting record amounts of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil into Manchester, New Hampshire, the epicenter of the opioid crisis in New England? Two journalists—equipped with two DSLR cameras, 8 GoPros and a laptop—embark on a 1,700-mile journey to find out.
"Beyond the Border: The Opioid Pipeline" takes you on an exclusive, eye-opening, front lines ride through the pipeline that runs from the shores of the Dominican Republic, through Puerto Rico, up the East Coast and into New Hampshire. With the United States focused on securing its southern border, more traffickers are going through America’s “back door” to get their drugs on the streets where demand is the highest.
Celine McArthur and Freddy Wheeler find out why the Caribbean Corridor is appealing for traffickers. They also show you some of the methods traffickers use to pump their drugs through the pipeline without getting caught—at least, not often.
Watch and learn from the people who know what’s really going on: A Dominican drug smuggler, a Puerto Rican woman smoking crack on an inner-city street overrun by drugs, an addicted mother who deals out of her New Hampshire home, a 21-year-old Manchester dealer sitting behind bars for a fourth time, admitting he has no idea what he’s selling.
"Beyond the Border: The Opioid Pipeline" also gives you an inside look at how first responders and local, state, federal and international law enforcement are taking action against the multibillion-dollar narco-industry on land, by sea and in the air.
The story behind the story: Celine McArthur and Freddy Wheeler were mapping out the special when their television station in Boston unexpectedly shut down. Because the issue is so important to the region, they decided to produce the special on their own time, using their own equipment."
Beyond the Border: The Opioid Pipeline from Freddy Wheeler on Vimeo.
Hat tip to the SAFE Coalition and Patrick Casey for letting us know about this video https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/1193272637469607
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| http://safecoalitionma.com/ |
Annual Report 2017: Human Resources Department
The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading.
The following is a text representation of the printed pages 93-94 (actually 100-101 of 264)
The primary function of all departments of the Town of Franklin is Customer Service. To support this, we work to hire and retain the best employees possible. The Human Resources Department provides Customer Service primarily to applicants, active and former employees and retirees.
During this fiscal year turn-over of staff has been high as we continued to see a transition in staff. Baby boomers retired and some employees have moved on to new positions outside Franklin.
Three (3) Clerical staff, two (2) Custodians, four (4) Dispatchers, two (2) DPW workers, two Patrol Officers, four (4) Firefighters, and three (3) members of the professional staff resigned or retired. We were very sad to have one of our Full-Time Fire Dispatchers pass on unexpectedly.
We were fortunate to be able to hire well qualified individuals as clerks (2), custodians (3), DPW workers (2), Dispatchers (4), Firefighters (5), experienced Patrol Officers (3), professional and support staff for various departments (4) as well as a new Youth Services Librarian. Hiring includes a transition of management in the Human Resources Department. As the fiscal year ends we are also finalized the hiring over thirty (30) high school and college students to work in temporary jobs or the summer in DPW or Public Facilities, working with full time staff to cut grass, pick up trash, move furniture, and clean classrooms. They learn a bit about what it takes to care for the Town schools, public buildings, and grounds, and provide a valuable service.
There are many conversations about benefits with new hires, and questions continue throughout an employee’s time with the Town, as their lives change, and contact continues into retirement.
In addition to the mandatory participation in Norfolk Retirement System, the Town offers:
Health Insurance continues to be a major focus of planning, budgeting and communication. Federal Health Care Reform, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a significant impact on our health insurance program and premiums as it includes per capita fees for a national study commissions. Uncertainties about what will happen on the Federal level causes many to ask what they can expect for coverage in the future, but that is not something we can predict. Other than wages and salaries, it represents one of the largest single costs to the Town. The reporting requirements for this new mandate are extensive and complex. We work closely with the Comptroller’s Office to be sure records for each individual are correct, as they become a part of reporting to the IRS.
All employees, other than Police and Fire, are covered by Workers’ Compensation, a federally mandated program. Our goal is to prevent accidents and lost time from work, and to protect individuals from financial loss when there is an incident. This “no fault” insurance is designed to provide income security and medical coverage for individuals injured on the job. Since July 2011, the program has been insured with MIIA. Human Resources continues to ensure that incident reports are filed timely with Worker’s Compensation. We are now able to file claims “on line” to get them set up quickly so employees are treated and claims processed quickly. Employees who have needed to use the services report a strong and positive experience working with claims managers. We also work with managers and employees across the Town to support safe work practices, so that the frequency and length of workers’ compensation and 111F absences are held to a minimum. The number and severity of incidents has been reduced significantly and we appreciate the work of all employees who practice safe work habits. Our goal is to get each employee back to their job as quickly as they can perform their tasks safely. There is no benefit to anyone who needs to be out for a work related injury.
The Town of Franklin Safety Committee monitors practices and policies, with an eye to reducing hazards at the worksite. In the future, this committee will be under the arm of the Deputy Town Administrator.
We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. We review all benefit programs on a regular basis to be sure they comply with Federal and State laws. We continue to work to comply with all new reports and regulations. Over the coming year this will continue to add complexity as we coordinate changes at the Federal level with state regulations, or locally negotiated agreements.
We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. In addition to active employees we are responsible for over 550 retirees and spouses of retirees of the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools who have health and/or life insurance as a result of their long-term employment with the Town.
All retirees from the Town and School Department are cared for in the Human Resources Department. Retirees contact our office with changes to their health insurance programs as they move around the country and become eligible for Medicare. We enjoy hearing about their activities after they have left employ with the town. As retirees are a very mobile population, it is our goal and mission to assist all retirees and their covered spouses with any questions they might have which includes the processing of all of their enrollment, coverage and address changes on a daily basis. They receive mailings each year as health insurance plans and rates changes.
As we begin the next year our goals include:
Focus on the Health Insurance Program.
We appreciate our employees and retirees and look forward to another year of providing timely and useful service to them.
It has been my pleasure to serve the Town as Human Resources Director, and wish all well in the coming years.
Respectfully submitted
Stephanie Lutz
Human Resources Director.
This was the last report by Stephanie, Karen Bratt is now handling Human Resources http://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources
You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports
and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised
The following is a text representation of the printed pages 93-94 (actually 100-101 of 264)
Human Resources Department
The primary function of all departments of the Town of Franklin is Customer Service. To support this, we work to hire and retain the best employees possible. The Human Resources Department provides Customer Service primarily to applicants, active and former employees and retirees.
During this fiscal year turn-over of staff has been high as we continued to see a transition in staff. Baby boomers retired and some employees have moved on to new positions outside Franklin.
Three (3) Clerical staff, two (2) Custodians, four (4) Dispatchers, two (2) DPW workers, two Patrol Officers, four (4) Firefighters, and three (3) members of the professional staff resigned or retired. We were very sad to have one of our Full-Time Fire Dispatchers pass on unexpectedly.
We were fortunate to be able to hire well qualified individuals as clerks (2), custodians (3), DPW workers (2), Dispatchers (4), Firefighters (5), experienced Patrol Officers (3), professional and support staff for various departments (4) as well as a new Youth Services Librarian. Hiring includes a transition of management in the Human Resources Department. As the fiscal year ends we are also finalized the hiring over thirty (30) high school and college students to work in temporary jobs or the summer in DPW or Public Facilities, working with full time staff to cut grass, pick up trash, move furniture, and clean classrooms. They learn a bit about what it takes to care for the Town schools, public buildings, and grounds, and provide a valuable service.
There are many conversations about benefits with new hires, and questions continue throughout an employee’s time with the Town, as their lives change, and contact continues into retirement.
In addition to the mandatory participation in Norfolk Retirement System, the Town offers:
- Life Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
- Short and Long Term Disability plans
- Section 457 Savings Plans
Health Insurance continues to be a major focus of planning, budgeting and communication. Federal Health Care Reform, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had a significant impact on our health insurance program and premiums as it includes per capita fees for a national study commissions. Uncertainties about what will happen on the Federal level causes many to ask what they can expect for coverage in the future, but that is not something we can predict. Other than wages and salaries, it represents one of the largest single costs to the Town. The reporting requirements for this new mandate are extensive and complex. We work closely with the Comptroller’s Office to be sure records for each individual are correct, as they become a part of reporting to the IRS.
All employees, other than Police and Fire, are covered by Workers’ Compensation, a federally mandated program. Our goal is to prevent accidents and lost time from work, and to protect individuals from financial loss when there is an incident. This “no fault” insurance is designed to provide income security and medical coverage for individuals injured on the job. Since July 2011, the program has been insured with MIIA. Human Resources continues to ensure that incident reports are filed timely with Worker’s Compensation. We are now able to file claims “on line” to get them set up quickly so employees are treated and claims processed quickly. Employees who have needed to use the services report a strong and positive experience working with claims managers. We also work with managers and employees across the Town to support safe work practices, so that the frequency and length of workers’ compensation and 111F absences are held to a minimum. The number and severity of incidents has been reduced significantly and we appreciate the work of all employees who practice safe work habits. Our goal is to get each employee back to their job as quickly as they can perform their tasks safely. There is no benefit to anyone who needs to be out for a work related injury.
The Town of Franklin Safety Committee monitors practices and policies, with an eye to reducing hazards at the worksite. In the future, this committee will be under the arm of the Deputy Town Administrator.
We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. We review all benefit programs on a regular basis to be sure they comply with Federal and State laws. We continue to work to comply with all new reports and regulations. Over the coming year this will continue to add complexity as we coordinate changes at the Federal level with state regulations, or locally negotiated agreements.
We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. In addition to active employees we are responsible for over 550 retirees and spouses of retirees of the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools who have health and/or life insurance as a result of their long-term employment with the Town.
All retirees from the Town and School Department are cared for in the Human Resources Department. Retirees contact our office with changes to their health insurance programs as they move around the country and become eligible for Medicare. We enjoy hearing about their activities after they have left employ with the town. As retirees are a very mobile population, it is our goal and mission to assist all retirees and their covered spouses with any questions they might have which includes the processing of all of their enrollment, coverage and address changes on a daily basis. They receive mailings each year as health insurance plans and rates changes.
As we begin the next year our goals include:
- Complete the successful transition for the new Human Resources Manager. A new perspective will bring new opportunities to deliver services.
- Seek opportunities to streamline processes and reduce paper processes while remaining in compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Work with all departments to maintain a safe work environment, to reduce lost time from on the job injuries.
- Review return to work options for employees who have been out on Workers’ Compensation or 111F.
- Review best practices in the public sector and find opportunities for skill development to offer to municipal employees.
- Continue to monitor changes arising from National Health Care Reform.
- Identify the various workload activities, and ensure proper documentation and training.
- Partner with School HR activities to find service improvements and cost-efficiencies.
- Deliver high quality customer service to employees, retirees, and citizens.
- Constantly monitor full range of benefit options.
Focus on the Health Insurance Program.
- Identify information which can be best communicated electronically and keep web site current.
- Provide excellent service to and resolve administrative issues arising from municipal health insurance program.
- Facilitate managers using job descriptions and performance evaluations to strengthen organizational and employee performance.
- Support managers and employees in employee relations activities.
We appreciate our employees and retirees and look forward to another year of providing timely and useful service to them.
It has been my pleasure to serve the Town as Human Resources Director, and wish all well in the coming years.
Respectfully submitted
Stephanie Lutz
Human Resources Director.
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| Annual Report 2017: Human Resources Department |
This was the last report by Stephanie, Karen Bratt is now handling Human Resources http://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources
You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports
and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised
In the News: Franklin readathon at Library; Relay for Life planning underway
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180115/readathon-features-reading-of-ben-franklins-autobiography
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180114/franklin-relay-for-life-merges-with-medway
"For the first time, the library will host a public reading of the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the town’s namesake.
The reading will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and features multiple guest readers from the area, including State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, and local inventor and engineer John Berg.
“I’m really excited about, I think it’s a really cool thing,” Berg said.
Lured by Franklin’s work with electricity and engineering, Berg said he’s delighted to help in the reading."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180115/readathon-features-reading-of-ben-franklins-autobiography
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| public reading of the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin |
"For anyone looking to make a difference this year, and have a good time doing it, the Relay for Life is coming up fast.
Merging with Medway this year, Franklin’s Relay for Life will hold its annual kickoff event at Cole’s Tavern in Franklin on Jan. 30.
Volunteer Tamra Waslewski said that with so many other fundraisers available, the Relay for Life has lost some of the steam it has had in years past.
“Relay for Life used to be so important to all of the communities, and very well-attended. It was a blast,” she said. “Over the years it’s sort of dwindled down, and I think it’s because everyone’s fundraising and it’s just saturated.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180114/franklin-relay-for-life-merges-with-medway
Monday, January 15, 2018
"And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true"
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. (My Lord, No, no, no, no) [applause] We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. (My Lord) Again and again (No, no), we must rise to the majestic heights (Yes) of meeting physical force with soul force."The full text of Dr Martin Luther King's speech can be found here
https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/i-have-dream
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