Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87066659039
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 870 6665 9039--Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• a. May 6, 2020
• b. May 20, 2020
• c. June 3, 2020
• d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments

• i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
• ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
• iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
• iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

• COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Agenda

“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.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Public Schools Preliminary Reopening Plan 2020-2021

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. School Calendar 2020-2021

• I recommend adoption of the revised School Calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

B. Policy - 1st Reading

• I recommend moving Policy FA - Facilities Development Goals to a second reading as discussed.

C. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption

• I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. EEA - Student Transportation Policy
2. EEA-R - Transportation Policy and Responsibilities
3. EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. None

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 14, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. FHS Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $10,633.22 for FHS scholarships as follows:
$10,000.00 from Stella Wilk’s estate
$633.22 from Ahold Delhaize USA

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries, FEA/Van Drivers as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Return to Open Session

XII. Adjournment

The agenda doc in PDF format can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-7-28-20

Documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020

Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure. (Sigh!)

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/26/2020

Take two –

Live! On Wednesday July 29th – It’s our first Zoom meeting from Town Chambers.

We didn’t get there last week.

After a 3-hour power failure on Friday 7/17, most of our TV control room had stopped working. Disaster. We spent a few days rebuilding – resetting, replacing digital devices that failed. Last Wednesday evening we discovered more hidden failures. When tested earlier, some systems indicated that they were operating properly, but in fact were not. The meeting couldn’t proceed.

We have been in Chambers since last Wednesday – reinstalling, retesting, refining and improving the control room’s many functions. We will continue upgrading and testing – and retesting everything for our planned meeting this Wednesday.

Remote meeting apps – Zoom, Google, Skype or Webex – all introduce complexity. Their use must be easy for participants in Chambers or via the Internet. It must also be easy for the meeting managers and our TV control operators. It poses design issues that we must address for everyone. We will add improvements as we move forward.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

Note that we at Franklin TV are holding our own Zoom remote open annual meeting on August 3rd at 7PM. All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm.

The full Program Guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or the Franklin Matters copy of this issue
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cz1JtNurXA3zICyQok5IuF4K899Tjp4f/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure.  (Sigh!)

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast July 24, 2020

Hello Everyone!

Next week we have 2 special events along with all of our regular programming! 

Please join us for:

*We are excited to host Molly Rabuffo A Sound Renewal event, sponsored by Benchmark at Forge Hill, on July 27th at 10 AM. Molly Rabuffo is a singer, sound healing artist, and arts administrator. 

Molly Rabuffo

In this session, Molly will guide listeners through a 30-minute sound journey designed for deep relaxation and energetic clarity. By using various instruments like Biosonic tuning forks, a Shruti box, crystal singing bowls, chimes, and voice, Molly will provide a safe and supportive space for emotional, physical, and mental relief. Find a comfortable place to sit or lay down, plug in your headphones, close your eyes, and enjoy a moment of meditative stillness. 

Following the sound journey, Molly will be available for 15 minutes to answer questions and listen to any reflections you may have about your experience. You may also reach out to her and learn more about her work at mrabuffo.com. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend.

MEMORY CAFE - July 27th at 3 PM.  Join us for the top tapping music of Ray Valente! Ray plays  everything from Big Band to your favorites, get ready to sing along.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov  for the link to attend. You don't want to miss this!

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Tips

Tai chi for beginners

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCnCSOWgIUU

Senior Gold - Aerobic workout with GREAT toe tapping music with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn1r39YHfrE&t=183s

Music

Doo Wop - 50 top hits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0MvPkv-HTs

Boogie Woogie Piano Tommy Johnson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHmmid1pLi8

Classic Rock - Greatest Hits from the 60's and 70's - An hour and a half of your favorite music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19woJVdMgxE

Just for Fun

Virtual tours of some of the world's most stunning libraries

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/take-virtual-tours-these-stunning-libraries

15 incredible abandoned homes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pPrLGY82Q8

The Badlands National Park - Twenty minute film about the diverse resources and histories associated with Badlands National Park.

https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=8D87C0DB-9F9E-7BC4-FEA190987383A1B4 

People who are at a whole other level of amazing with these skills and tricks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tizKtYxlap8

Have you ever wanted to be hugged by a lion?  Taigan Lion Park in Russia this happens!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGA-UiYU-OU

Humor

Tony Dayo - Being a parent is harder than being a Navy Seal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K70uOevfp5o

Keeping Up Appearances Bloopers and outtakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w37YjGJhMI&t=92s

Guilty animals - funny videos of animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W31DluxnQR0

Kindness Matters

102 year old dancer sees herself on film for the first time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bktozJWbLQg

Therapy dog saves a boys life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=221Rm7Cp4kw

Attached you will find:

1. Donna's fun packed activity sheets - Nursery Rhymes https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lgwi8mDaFOYpe-W9U-f4AmvoMIMqbiXR/view?usp=sharing
2. Hummingbird coloring page https://drive.google.com/file/d/10KmRmoWR5I8PrtZg-mD6IyOnTT-AkXLA/view?usp=sharing

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel and Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast July 24, 2020

"Unfortunately, the need is likely to be still greater"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin.

"WITH COVID-19 DEATHS and infections remaining low here, enhanced federal unemployment benefits continuing through July, and the state’s emergency freeze on evictions still in effect, it’s possible to believe that Massachusetts is rebounding better than the rest of the country. 

But this is only the eye of the hurricane. The second half of 2020 risks becoming an unfolding catastrophe unless state leaders take decisive action before the end of July. 

The key is to stabilize housing, now. 

So far, the 30,000 undocumented workers in the state who were laid off during the pandemic have borne the brunt of the crisis. Without access to federal assistance, their families have been in dire circumstances. They are scraping by through the heroic efforts of friends, families, neighbors, charitable groups, and churches. 

But on August 1, the problem escalates exponentially, when enhanced federal unemployment benefits end for hundreds of thousands of workers. Even with most employees returning to work, perhaps 120,000 households in the state will have trouble making their housing payments. A survey from the MassINC Polling Group revealed that 29 percent of all renters surveyed had already missed a full or partial payment by the end of May. Young people, communities of color, service workers, and part-time employees have been hit particularly hard."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/the-eye-of-a-housing-hurricane/?

"Everybody had to give up something here to get to a common good, right"

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

"And on the third day, after sessions that ran for a collective 35 hours, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a sweeping police reform and accountability bill that seeks to certify all law enforcement officers in the state and curb the use of force tactics by police. 

The bill, representing the House’s attempt at addressing calls to counter systemic racism and force changes within law enforcement, largely stayed true to core principals the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus put forward early last month.
Republicans and a significant number of Democrats opposed the bill, but Democrats who control the House were able to pass it on Friday at 10 p.m. on a 93-66 vote. 

The legislation will likely head next to six-member House-Senate conference committee for resolution, but the bill’s negotiators have a short window - seven days - to try to get a consensus bill to Gov. Charlie Baker, who had proposed his own police accountability bill. The Senate approved its bill on a 30-7 vote. 

Formal legislative sessions, where controversial matters are settled, are set to end for 2020 on Friday, July 31."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200725/house-approves-sweeping-police-reform-bill-in-93-66-vote-after-35-hours-of-debate?rssfeed=true

The text of the legislation and amendments can be found online
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4860

DESE released guidance on 'Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations' and 'Remote Learning'

July 24 - DESE Releases Guidance on:

• Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations https://t.co/2uxffPxv0K
• Remote Learning - https://t.co/7FvkM0WLm3 

pic.twitter.com/M1FH8HTlWB  — M.A.S.S. (@massupt) July 24, 2020

DESE released guidance on 'Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations' and 'Remote Learning'

You can get a copy of Remote Learning



Courses Requiring Additional Safety Considerations:

Talk Franklin: "Mid-summer in Franklin: What's going on and what's coming up!

FM #317 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 317 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen 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 talk about: Current Town News

• Solar info sessions for NexAmp (Aug 25, Aug 26)
• Cannabis info session (Aug 6)
• Hazard mitigation plan (Jul 28)
• #Think Blue Franklin
• Spotlight on Senior Center
• Fire promotions event (Jul 22)

Meetings

• School committee Jul 28
• Town Council meeting rescheduled Jul 29

Re-opening

• Travel executive order just issued
• Plastic bag prohibition scheduled for Aug 1/ waiver for Nov 1
• Concerts on the Common tonight

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.


Audio file link: https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Mid-summer-in-Franklin-Whats-going-on-and-whats-coming-up-eh6o27




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

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"

Talk Franklin: "Mid-summer in Franklin: What's going on and what's coming up!

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 3:53 PM on Fri, Jul 24, 2020:

Listen to "Mid-summer in Franklin: What's going on and what's coming up! " Tune in to stay updated! Thanks, @FranklinMatters #FranklinMA #ThePlacetoBe #StayConnected #news #events⚓ https://t.co/XFN0qCvpwY https://t.co/lY65wHbFpr

(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1286751442947252225?s=03)

State Budget for FY 2021 not likely until September

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

"Massachusetts tax collections in the fiscal year that ended June 30 are about $3 billion lower than what budget managers were expecting when they crafted the $43.3 billion state budget a year ago, according to preliminary data released Friday by the Department of Revenue. 

Revenue officials said incomplete revenue collections for fiscal year 2020 so far total $27.276 billion, which is $2.417 billion or 8.1 percent less than fiscal year 2019 and $3.014 billion or 9.9 percent below the year-to-date benchmark. 

But because the tax filing deadline was moved from April 15 to July 15 and DOR is still collecting fiscal 2020 taxes, the agency said the fiscal 2020 revenue total is expected to be updated over the next several weeks." 

“Approximately 81 percent of the year-to-date shortfall is in non-withheld income tax, which is due in large part to the deferral of the deadlines for personal income tax returns and payments and the first two estimated payment installments to July 15, 2020,” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “DOR will be releasing a full FY2020 revenue report in September because recently enacted legislation requires the Comptroller to record income tax payments received between July 1 and August 31 as FY20 revenue. We will continue to closely monitor these delayed FY20 revenue collections.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200724/interim-report-flags-3b-gap-in-last-years-budget?rssfeed=true

August funding bill submitted by Gov Baker https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4869
The message for Gov Baker on H-4869  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/HD5195

Weekly video update from FHS Principal Josh Hanna

Franklin High School Principal Josh Hanna writes:

Here is a link to a video update I plan on sharing on a weekly basis. Please click the link under the video and submit questions / concerns around our return to school. I hope you all are able to have a peaceful weekend.

https://youtu.be/YTx2cca8NRg




Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/formrestricted

(Note the link to the form is currently restricted to those with an FPS email address. I expect this will change to enable parents and community to provide input.)

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1286803738041163777?s=09

State Rep Roy, Ted McIntyre on climate change

From the Guest Speakers section of Wicked Local

"The predictions of science are bleak based on our current approach to the problem of carbon pollution. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is nothing inevitable about the predictions. We still have the option to construct a good future. We have the power to build a world that does more than simply avoid catastrophe. And we can create a thriving, sustainable future that our children’s children will thank us for. 

Franklin had a very warm winter. According to The Globe it is “likely to end up being among the top five or six warmest since records have been kept.” 

While it is easy to say we have been lucky, last winter’s warmth is not some fluke of good fortune. If we just keep on doing what we are doing, U.S. Government scientists say that for Massachusetts, by the year by 2100, the number of days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit will increase from the usual five to 20 days to an uncomfortable 30 to 60 days. 

Imagine summertime in Franklin with all of July and August above 90 degrees! If last summer’s heat wave was uncomfortable, summers in the future will be awful."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200721/guest-speakers-climate-change-issues-call-for-us-to-be-good-ancestors

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1286637296893272064?s=09

Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Travel Order Effective August 1st

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

"Massachusetts will impose new restrictions on travelers from most of the United States next week, threatening fines of $500 per day for those who do not quarantine or prove they tested negative for COVID-19, the Baker administration announced Friday. 

Under Gov. Charlie Baker’s new executive order, anyone entering Massachusetts will need to fill out a form summarizing their travel, then either self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival or submit negative test results for the highly infectious virus no more than 72 hours old. 

The new policy that takes effect Aug. 1 is an escalation of a travel advisory that has been in place for months, adding enforcement mechanisms as new infections continue to surge in states outside the northeast. Individuals who do not follow the mandatory quarantine order could be fined $500 per day, according to a press release from Baker’s office. 

Travel from states considered low-risk -- defined as having a daily case rate of less than six people per 100,000 and a positive test rate below 5 percent -- will be exempt from the quarantine or test policies. As of Friday, eight states are on that list: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200724/baker-orders-fines-for-travelers-who-dont-quarantine/1?rssfeed=true

Link to text of the Press Release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-issues-new-travel-order-effective-august-1st

Link to the new MA Traveler page https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
To go direct to the new travel form https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travel-form

YouTube link for Press Conference = https://youtu.be/o1bWAauaWoU

Gov Baker signs funding bill and Juneteenth holiday legislation

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

Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday morning signed the $1.1 billion COVID-19 spending bill sent to his desk last week, though he vetoed sections dealing with past MassHealth payments and a program spending floor. 

The bill (H 4808) included hundreds of millions of dollars for some of the more obvious COVID-19 costs, like $350 million for personal protective equipment, $85 million spent on field hospitals and shelters, $44 million for the contact tracing collaborative, and more than $111 million in supplemental payments to hospitals and providers. 

The Baker administration has said that many of the pandemic-related appropriations will be mostly reimbursed by the federal government, and the governor urged the Legislature to act quickly, saying that Massachusetts is in a race with other states to access a limited pool of resources available for reimbursement. 

“Now that this authorization is in place, state agencies can finalize the documentation needed to secure federal reimbursement where available, in particular from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),” Baker wrote in his signing letter. “Federal reimbursement will be supplemented with other federal funding sources, including but not limited to money from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. As such, the net state cost is expected to be $0.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200724/baker-signs-11b-covid-19-spending-bill?rssfeed=true


Gov Baker's letter to the Legislators with his approval and disagreement on two points of funding  https://www.mass.gov/doc/h4808-signing-package/download


Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted at 0:21 PM on Fri, Jul 24, 2020:

Today I signed a supplemental budget bill that authorizes #COVID19MA spending and also establishes #Juneteenth Independence Day as an annual state holiday on June 19 in order to recognize the continued need to ensure racial freedom and equality.

➡️READ: https://t.co/xg3iTJbjlu https://t.co/ZqIQBULeRo
(https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1286698008625676289?s=03)

Gov Baker signs funding bill and Juneteenth holiday legislation

“A cyberattack on one or more motor vehicles has enormous potential safety consequences"

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

"For months, an automobile manufacturer-backed opposition campaign has argued that a proposal to increase access to vehicle telematic data would expose drivers and the public to both safety and privacy risks. Now, they have a new ally in their effort to get a Massachusetts ballot question shot down: the federal government. 

At the request of state lawmakers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) waded into debate on a potential update to Massachusetts law this week, writing that the initiative petition as written would require remote access to vehicle functions “that may potentially pose an unreasonable risk to safety.” 

“Two of the most important (cybersecurity) techniques -- logical and physical isolation of vehicle control systems from external connections, and controlling access to firmware that executes vehicle functions -- may be rendered impossible by the provisions of this ballot initiative,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens wrote to state legislators. “The ballot initiative requires vehicle manufacturers to redesign their vehicles in a manner that necessarily introduces cybersecurity risks, and to do so in a timeframe that makes design, proof, and implementation of any meaningful countermeasure effectively impossible.” 

The chairs of the Legislature’s Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Rep. Tackey Chan and Sen. Paul Feeney, asked the NHTSA to weigh in on the impacts of the ballot question. The question is headed to the Nov. 3 ballot in part because lawmakers opted against stepping in and passing an alternative bill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200724/vehicle-repair-proposal-carries-safety-risks-fed-agency-says?rssfeed=true

Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System

Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2020, unanimously passed legislation that will help lead to better care and treatment for individuals suffering from stroke.

"The Senate made it a priority this session to ensure our residents have adequate and equitable access to health care options, and this bill builds upon the hard work we have accomplished," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Time is a critical factor when seeking treatment for stroke patients and this potentially live-saving bill would better prepare our health care system so that we are doing it safely and efficiently."

"In Massachusetts, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, claiming 2,370 lives per year, according to the most recent data from the Department of Public Health (DPH), stated Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. "Getting patients with strokes quickly to the appropriate hospital is critical to giving patients the best chance to survive. This bill will give DPH the tools to help EMS crews and hospitals work together to create a system where patients are given the highest opportunity to get the lifesaving care they need.  This bill received the strong support of the Public Health Committee, and I hope it can get to the Governor and be signed into law before the end of this session."

"Stroke is a chronic, deadly, and destructive disease that demands action from policymakers," said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).  "What is particularly troubling is that in many cases the death and disability is largely preventable.  We must act now to implement necessary reforms so that our loved ones can receive the very best care and treatment.  The things we can do now through this bill are pretty simple and reflect what many medical professionals agree are necessary to modernize our system of care.  Lives are simply more important than the bottom line of any business or desire to maintain the status quo."

"Stroke continues to take a terrible toll on its victims and their loved ones across the state and the nation; it continues to be a leading cause of death," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R -Gloucester).  "Combating the impacts of stroke depends significantly on a timely response with effective measures, and this legislation creates a framework for that to happen."

The bill, An Act to Prevent Death and Disability from Stroke, would:

• Direct the Department of Public Health (DPH) and regional EMS councils to annually review protocols to ensure stroke patients are transported to care facilities best equipped to treat them;
• Directs DPH to publicize regulations that create statewide standard pre-hospital care protocols and statewide criteria for designating hospitals in a tiered system;
• Requires DPH to publicly post, and annually update, a designated list of stroke facilities on its website; and
• Establishes a Stroke Advisory Task Force to assist with data oversight, program management and advice regarding the stroke system of care in the Commonwealth

 A stroke is caused by a disruption of blood supply to the brain. While stroke can cause disability or death, identifying the signs and getting immediate treatment can help reduce the long-term effects. Signs and symptoms may include face drooping, arm weakness and difficulty speaking.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 140,000 Americans die each year of stroke. A 2017 survey of Massachusetts adults 35 and older, 3.5 percent of reported suffering from stroke.

The legislation now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Bill allows amending of alcohol licenses for outdoor services

On Monday, July 20, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to further allow communities and restaurants flexibility during the public health crisis.

The bill, An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Restaurants and other Establishments due to COVID-19, ensures local municipalities maintain flexibility in authorizing restaurants to provide food and alcohol service in expanded outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 emergency through November 1, 2020. This flexibility is currently provided through an executive order issued by the Governor and passage of this law will ensure this practice continues.

"The Senate will remain focused on helping our restaurants and small businesses by lifting barriers as we move forward in this unprecedented public health crisis," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This bill will help give our restaurant industry another option as they safely welcome their customers back and recuperate from challenges posed by COVID-19."

"This bill will allow restaurants to promote social distancing practices, safely serve more customers and maximize their revenue during perhaps the most challenging economic time in memory for the industry," said Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud Senator Feeney for his leadership in advocating Senate passage of this bill and for his ongoing efforts to urgently address challenges faced by restaurants during this public health crisis."

"The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting mitigation efforts have dramatically affected many industries throughout the Commonwealth. The restaurant industry has been particularly hard hit, said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "From local entrepreneurs and chefs, to wait staff, bartenders and other employees, the effect on working people has been significant. We have tried to identify ways in the Senate, working with our local restaurant owners, to mitigate some of the hardships that this industry is facing. It was clear to me that we could take this simple step to cut the bureaucracy involved in serving alcohol on a patio or sidewalk outside the restaurant and offer diners a safer experience as they return to dining out. This is a simple, effective and common-sense move that has been embraced by restaurant owners and municipalities, while keeping workers and diners as safe as possible."

"Massachusetts has more than 16,000 restaurants that employ thousands of people and serve millions of meals, and their survival is threatened by the measures necessary to protect public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With projections that as many as 1 in 5 of these businesses may not ever reopen, we must find and provide practical measures that help them through this difficult time," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R -Gloucester). "This legislation will help them capitalize on a desperately needed revenue opportunity with a simple but powerful change in regulatory requirements."

  

The legislation is the latest in a series of bills supported by the Senate during the Coronavirus Pandemic which aim to support businesses while social distancing remains encouraged. The bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19