Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 8, 2020

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. Winter Athletics Update - Tom Angelo  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/winter-athletics

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
1. JJEA-Crowdfunding Policy
2. GE-Telework Policy

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. FY 21 Budget Updates  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-update-0
B. Kindergarten and Grade 1 Full and In-person update
C. Reopening of Schools Status Report 12/4/2020  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update
D. Updated School Committee Presentation Schedule  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/presentation-schdl-0

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, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

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

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 24, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $29.69 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo
X. Executive Session

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

XI. Adjournment

Document released for this meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 8, 2020

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

"Residents should consider downloading the ⁦@nationalgridus⁩ app on their phones where you can report power outages, monitor restoration and much more. ⁦@FranklinMAFire⁩ "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VgQcVSQ9pb

Apple App Store =  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/national-grid/id632161989

Google App Store =  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifactor.ngrid&hl=en&gl=US

nationalgrid web page = https://login.nationalgridus.com/

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

CommonWealth Magazine: "Elderly challenges go well beyond COVID; "Don’t place too many restrictions on telehealth"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin: 

Elderly challenges go well beyond COVID

"THE EMERGENCE of promising vaccines to fight COVID-19 is certainly good news, but those older adults on fixed or limited incomes will continue to face serious issues in daily living in a variety of areas.  Many of these issues existed before the pandemic, and some have been made worse as a consequence of the deadly virus.  Older adults, especially those in nursing homes, suffered the highest rates of infection and death from the virus, and those rates were even more disastrous for older adults of color.  The pandemic caused a serious look at the deficiencies in our long-term care system, both institutional and community-based, and most of these deficiencies will remain even after a large portion of Americans have been vaccinated.

In skilled nursing facilities, we’ve learned that older adults should not be forced to live with three or more unrelated elderly in the same room.  We know that nursing home staff are underpaid and often need to work in two or more nursing homes to make a living.  Many staff are also unvaccinated for influenza, and may have the same low rates of vaccination when COVID-19 vaccines are made available.  We’ve also learned that infection prevention and control is an especially weak process in most nursing homes.  These are all factors that made such facilities ripe for attack by COVID-19."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/elderly-challenges-go-well-beyond-covid/

Don’t place too many restrictions on telehealth

"FOR DECADES, Massachusetts has been known for having the best health care in the world. As doctors who’ve practiced medicine for a combined 40 years in the Commonwealth, we have seen firsthand how our state has enjoyed the best hospitals and best doctors and providers to deliver the highest standard of care. Our biggest challenge? How to ensure those exceptional services can be accessed by every patient who needs them.

Then came COVID-19 – which threatened our nation’s health care system like no time in modern history. Instead of collapsing, our health care system reinvented itself. The rapid and effective use of virtual care (telehealth and other services) allowed us to continue to provide care to patients while the threat of coronavirus kept them at a distance. Patients with behavioral health needs, many of which were exacerbated by the pandemic, were able to still see their mental health providers. Patients with acute stroke could get rapid evaluations in a local emergency department but be transferred for advanced care if necessary. Unlike in-person visits to shops, restaurants, and bars which were abruptly cancelled, much needed virtual visits to medical specialists could continue unimpeded. Regular medical care is like car maintenance, when it is postponed or ignored conditions deteriorate rapidly."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/dont-place-too-many-restrictions-on-telehealth/

Cold Chain Technologies in the news

 

"Cold Chain Technologies ("CCT"), a leading global provider of reusable and single-use passive thermal packaging solutions for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products for the life sciences industry, has announced the opening of a new facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, a critical site to support the needs for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

As part of this nationwide expansion to meet the growing demands of global vaccine distribution, the new 255,000+ square feet cold chain facility, complete with Koolit refrigerant manufacturing and work cells for CCT's KoolTemp EcoFlex (CCT's market-leading reusable thermal packaging solution), is fully equipped to support the temperature-sensitive supply chain requirements of the COVID-19 vaccine with the industry's broadest portfolio of single-use and reusable systems for parcel and pallet shipments scalable to vaccine temperature needs."

Read more of the press release
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-opens-facility-dedicated-to-the-distribution-of-the-covid-19-vaccine-301179360.html

"Cold Chain Technologies ("CCT" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of advanced reusable and single-use passive thermal packaging solutions for the shipment of temperature-sensitive products for the life sciences industry, announced today that Anthony (TJ) Rizzo has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, and Amardeep (Amar) Chahal has joined the Company as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development.

While serving in several roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Senior Vice President, TJ has made significant contributions to the growth of CCT over the last 15 years—both in the United States and through international expansion in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. He has been instrumental in leading the development and deployment of CCT's global reusable and sustainable strategy as well as an active collaborator with our channel partners to deliver the cold chain capabilities needed to safely and efficiently deploy the COVID-19 vaccine. As a founding member, and current Chairman, of the ISTA Pharma Committee, TJ is well respected in the cold chain industry and is extensively involved in industry collaboration and the best practice development groups PDA, ISTA, and others. "

Read more of the press release

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-welcomes-new-leadership-in-alignment-with-its-global-growth-strategy-301183269.html

They were also named one of the Manufacturing Award winners for 2020 by Senator Becca Rausch. The full listing of companies can be found in the commemorative magazine.

https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1303531-2020-massachusetts-manufacturing-awards/7?

Contollo Mass Manufacturing, also based in Franklin, was one of the recipients as well.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/manufacturing-caucus-hosts-fifth-annual.html

one of the Manufacturing Award winners for 2020 by Senator Becca Rausch

"This is the third consecutive year that the CPA match has increased"

 From the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

On Nov. 12, the Department of Revenue released the fiscal 2021 distribution from the Community Preservation Act Trust Fund for each participating community, with a minimum match rate of 28.6% for all municipalities.

Municipalities that adopted the CPA with a full 3% local property tax surcharge received a higher percentage.

The Division of Local Services has posted a full list of CPA distribution amounts by municipality.

The fiscal 2020 budget increased the recording fees at registries of deeds in order to provide additional revenue for the statewide CPA Trust Fund. The increase went into effect on Dec. 31, 2019, and was projected to double the amount of matching funds available to participating CPA communities. Advocates said the change would halt the trend of dropping match rates, which were headed toward a single-digit percentage.

Continue reading the article online

https://www.mma.org/increase-for-cpa-trust-fund-pays-off-with-higher-distributions-for-fy21/

Franklin is in the process of setting up the Community Preservation Committee. The first reading of the bylaw to create the group came to the Council it is being revised and will return for approval. Assuming the timeline continues, Franklin should receive its first funds in the distribution in Nov 2022.

New youth athletic training program at the YMCA

From Chris Raymond:

I’m reaching out from the YMCA in Franklin. I’m the new fitness director here and was hoping to share information on a new youth athletic training program at the YMCA. 

Student athletes can benefit by:

• Gaining more confidence with strength training
• Exercising in a safe and effective way
• Be more active during their off season or periods of school program shut downs
• Preparing for their season

Full Athletic Development Program - A program designed to give the student athlete or expected student athlete the foundational training for their sport. The individual will gain more confidence in their ability to strength train safety, improve overall work capacity, and stay healthy during periods of inactivity.

8 Weeks (skipping week of Christmas)
Small group training  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday  from 3:30 pm to 4:15 PM

Descriptions of each day:
Day 1 – Metabolic Conditioning – Cardiovascular training for all sports. General aerobic and anaerobic conditioning will benefit all sports with an emphasis on building good technique in running, jumping, and moving laterally. A well-conditioned athlete is able to perform at higher levels with sustained effort and without fatigue.
Day 2 – Foundations of strength - Building foundational strength transcends all sports. Using basic strength building exercises, an athlete can build the right mindset with exercise, self-esteem on and off the field, and reduce the risk of injury.
Day 3 – Core and functional training - Core training that improves posture and health movement. Improve the connection gap between strength and all of it’s body segments. Not just abs but movement that helps the body move better and more efficiently.
 
To register for the program https://bit.ly/AccelerateYourAthlete
 

New youth athletic training program at the YMCA

50+ Job-seekers Session - Tuesday, Dec 8

Fall Workshop Series - Session #7

CREATE A MARKETING PLAN/JOB SEARCH TOOLBOX

Tuesday, December 8th from 10:00 am – 12 pm

*Virtual Doors open at 9:45 am*

The session will start promptly at 10 am

Bring your 5 Top Marketable Points

 

Presenter: Deborah Hope, Hope Associates, LLC

Co-host: Melody L. Beach, Melody L. Beach Consulting Group

Host: Susan Drevitch Kelly-Program Director/Founder

 

In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to create a personal marketing plan for your tool box, including how to identify target companies and your core competencies. We'll start with a review of the SWOT method.

The webinar will also cover:

·        Job search portfolio

·        Job search techniques

·        Job search resources

 

This is our 7th interactive workshop in the Fall Series. This session isn't just a presentation; we will pose questions, present real-time exercises, and challenge your mindset.

Download a copy of the flyer   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NUx0TJ0dvpKRnF7WGi7J_EHMD0IkQ9a9/view?usp=sharing

_._,_._,_

50+ Job-seekers Session - Tuesday, Dec 8

Unofficial election results - Dec 5 =Town Council open seat won by Frongillo

Unofficial election results
Chiklis	802
Earls	723
Frongillo	2500
Sompally	229
Blanks	4
Write ins	9
Total	4267

Spreadsheet (PDF) with precinct totals coming soon

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11JottwkukXXDR0Dqq4wYQ8UrVgNncUN_/view?usp=sharing

 

   

Unofficial election results - Dec 5

Town Council Meeting: Comcast contract, Spear phishing update, tax rate set

Quick Recap:

• Acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello reminds folks of the election Dec 5 
• Discussion on election 'rules' raised during citizen comments - debunked in Council discussion later, there are MA MGL and US voting rights statues but not the '30 page or rules doc mentioned'
• tax rate hearing was held. rate set at 14.65, a .14 cent increase of last year. The rate is a calculation that allows only a decision on a single rate or dual. Franklin is not in a position to use a dual rate so the Council voted for a single rate. The rest is a math exercise. I'll simplify the analysis later.
• Comcast cable contract came up for renewal, new one has a ten year term (good for us) as it enables Franklin to chose between Verizon or Comcast (or 'cut the cord'). Almost 5,000 user for Comcast in Franklin. One of the cable fees on both the Verizon and Comcast bill is what funds the Franklin TV cable operations (and coincidently an item on the agenda Weds was the quarterly transfer of funds from Verizon through Town of Franklin to Franklin TV - purely a pass through for accounting purposes)
• The bylaw to provide a reduction in license renewals for restaurants was approved at this second reading. It costs the Town approx. $13K in 'lost revenue' but will help each of the business in this pandemic period.
• Insights on the cyber theft incident were provided (finally) as the investigation (still ongoing) had developed enough info to be able to share. It was a target attack to the Treasurer/Collector over two months of email that led to a change in the processing of a payment that resulted in the diversion of funds. It was discovered in Sept when the real legitimate vendor came looking for their promised payment that had not been received. 
• The individual was suspended, salary reduced and will maintain position as this (while a significant mistake) was the only blemish on her work
• At one point in the meeting she stood up to apologize publicly (well done) 
• The investigation continues. The Town has obtained $200K from insurance to cover the loss. 
• The balance will come from the emergency fund within the water enterprise account (already set aside for emergencies - usually for broken water mains)
• There is a possibility of recovery of the funds. 
• There is no need to raise rates to cover for the loss
• Procedures were in place for creation of a wire transfer. Procedures will be modified to cover a change in a payment process.
• Additional training on cyber awareness will be conducted. All Town side personnel and School department central office personnel are currently part of this regular training (oddly, teachers (the largest segment of Town employees are not yet covered))
• After the presentation, a combined effort from Technology Director Tim Raposa, Police Chief TJ Lynch, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the Council took a 3 minutes recess before getting into their Q&A and statements
• The presentation doc was posted to the Town page after the meeting. Future updates can be found on the same page  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing

Photos captured and shared via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gpptq8gBudNDT8dx6

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #TC1202
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1202&src=typed_query 

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc1202
• New tagline for those connecting via cable and wanting the Zoom info #tc1202 visible on screen
• Town clerk provides updates on election Dec 5 #tc1202 wheel chair available if necessary. All voting in FHS gym or via mail to the dropbox at municipal building before Saturday
• TC candidate Alan Earls in citizen comment about election law and practices. Is there really a set of rules around the election? Other than the state MGL #tc1202
• Moving to tax classification hearing #tc1202 house values increased 2.8% tax rate increase proposed for .14 cents. Doc with details https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68_0.pdf… TA Jamie Hellen introduces Assessor Kevin Doyle and Board of assessor present
• Annual tax rate setting formally closes out the budget year FY 2021. #tc1202 really only (1) an approval of what the tax calculation comes out as and (2) a decision on single rate. Runs 80/20 residential vs commercial/industrial properties. To move $1 from residents …
• As the pie grows (property values increase) the rate increase is less when the pie shrinks (property values decrease) the tax rate increases #tc1202 this slide shows the option if a dual rate was chosen
• The actual math to support the $1 vs $4 example mentioned earlier
• Council discussion adding clarification around the tax rate. This is an automatic calculation. Based upon the state law and prop 2 1/2 regulations there isn't much choice (aside from the dual tax rate). #tc1202 it is not an arbitrary number
• Motion to close tax classification hearing. Approved 8-0 moving to Legislation on tax rates to close out this portion of the topic. #tc1202 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf…. Motion to approve res 20-68, passes 8-0 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf… same vote to pass res 20-69
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption.pdf… motion passes by 8-0 vote; https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption.pdf…
• Motion passes by 8-0 vote #tc1202
• Next up public hearing on Comcast cable license, renewal for 10 year period, https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10e-legislation-action-28… 4219 customers, 5% allowed for cable access, quarterly payments to help support Franklin TV operations; senior discount available, #tc1202
• TA Jamie Hellen provides overview #tc1202 do we need to commit for 10 year contract? Yes, there are other developments, there are almost 5000 customers here to serve. It is a reflection of the marketplace. It is in our interest to get longest contract.
• Cable attorney provides insights and argument for the long term contract, it is a win-win for Franklin, this meeting and broadcast of it is funded by the contract. If folks aren't happy they can shift to Verizon or cut the service. Enforcing the license is the easy part #tc1202
• The hard part is getting terms that work with both sides. Comcast has committed to a side letter on providing an electric program guide for Community TV. #tc1202 we provide the options Verizon and Comcast are here, competition, and if you cut cable go internet
• Motion to close hearing on cable, 7-1 vote to close hearing (Bissanti?) (Hard to tell who voted no) #tc1202 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/summary_of_franklin_comcast_cable_license_renewal_draft_from_atty_wm_solomon_11.30.20_pdf_2.pdf… res 20-72 vote passes 7-1
• Moving to adjustment to service fees for restaurants, and alcohol license for season 2021 only https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees.pdf… to help the business survive the pandemic. Costs the town approx $13k, second reading. Listing of business impacted in doc link above
• Opened public hearing on bylaw, no comments other than Councilor Hamblen endorsing the move. Hearing closed, motion to approve #tc1202 via roll call 8-0
• Picking back to the agenda, cyber incident now up. #tc1202 there is still an active situation with investigation underway. Resist speculation. Don't make up your own stories of what happen. Personnel matters can not be disclosed
• Tim Raposa, technology director, starting with definitions. As much of what has been mentioned in social media is inaccurate. #tc1202
• #tc1202 slides on definitions
• #tc1202 segmented network with virtual lab areas, a key for security access. You can't get where you shouldn't. Anti-malware is not 100% perfect
• Cyber security training for all users regularly #tc1202 key definition page as we get to phishing and spear phishing
• #tc1202 funds were for the water treatment plant construction underway off Grove St. Town has taken several steps
• Implementation of recovery and prevention started simultaneously in September #tc1202
• #tc1202 we need to tell the agencies about what happened so that they can possibly solve this down the road. Insufficient evidence to pursue a case
• Bonds are not insurance #tc1202
• #tc1202 option to pursue the bond is too expensive. Need 'willful conduct' to pursue.
• Chief Lynch comes to update and give Jamie a water break #tc1202 FPD needs helps as their jurisdiction is Franklin bound. Subpoena and search warrants take time to execute  and hindered by court reduction due to COVID-19
• #tc1202 procedure changes and training (certificate based)
• #tc1202 impressive statement by treasurer collector apologizing for the incident.
• 3 minute recess before getting to council questions and continue the meeting #tc1202
• #tc1202 meeting resumes
• #tc1202 are there chances to get the money back? The investigation is ongoing, I don't want to give a false sense of confidence. Likely not to get it back. We should resist temptation until the case is fully resolved.
• #tc1202 we need to make these trainings stick like the way sexual harassment training sticks.
• #tc1202 new webpage off the Town Administrator page for presentation doc and docs related to this going forward.  https://franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing
• #tc1202 how will training change to accommodate the changes in outside and technology to avoid further phishing events? The training is such that it is part of normal business email.
• #tc1202 there was a lot of info and I'll go back and re-read, was there a comment on the water rate payers vs well water users? Yes, private well not part of enterprise funds. It could be approx. $30. There is no need to raise rates to cover.
• #tc1202 Mercer "I apologize that it took so long to get to the point where we could share what we have tonight"
• Good to see the lights out around town, would be good to get a list of the houses that are festively decorated. Motion to adjourn, passes 8-0. That is all for tonight catch you next time #tc1202 

 audio of the meeting is being prepared to share so you can listen.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

Governor Baker (@MassGovernor): submitted initial vaccine order to CDC

From Governor Baker:

"Today (12/04/20), our administration submitted the Commonwealth's initial vaccine order to @CDCgov.

For months, we have been actively preparing for the speedy and equitable distribution of a vaccine upon final authorization."

For more information:

• Preparing for a COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/preparing-for-a-covid-19-vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccination Plan (DRAFT):https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-interim-draft-plan/download 
  

 Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1334996081785114628?s=03

Governor Baker (@MassGovernor): initial vaccine order to CDC submitted

Franklin Public Schools:: Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting - Dec 9

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)

 DATE: 12/9/2020 TIME: 5:30

Approval of past minutes (10/29/20)

Discussion:
○    Discuss updates on McKibben and KBA data
○    Review community survey results
○    Outline timeframe for district (phase 2) data share

 

Read more  =  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_12.9.2020.docx.pdf 

 

DT facility analysis timeline