Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Jun 1

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation Sub Committee

Tuesday, Tuesday June 1, 20213:00 P.M

 

The agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/adhocsuptevalsub_com_agenda_-_6-1-21.pdf

 

 

GoFundMe: Gaspar Family fund raiser

"On Friday May 14, Nick Gaspar, 14 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Yesterday (5/18) he underwent a successful surgery to biopsy the tumor. The family could be waiting 2-4 weeks for a full report on Nick’s diagnosis and treatment plan. This Go-Fund Me was designed to help alleviate some of the financial burden on the family in the months to come. "

Contribute to the cause -> 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/nick-gaspars-recovery

GoFundMe: Gaspar Family fund raiser

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 28 - Jun 3, 2021

Memorial Day, traditional start to the summer time and this time also the relaxation  of the COVID-19 protocols for MA. Just because the protocols are being relaxed doesn't mean the virus is not here. It is still around, it can have deadly or long lasting health effects. If you are not vaccinated (yet) please do so. 

Whether you are or not, please be careful. Good health enables a whole lot of good things to happen. A slim choice but a careful one to begin the re-opening. Electronics recycling, food truck and performances at THE BLACK BOX and of course, while no parade, the services at noon on the Town Common to recognize Memorial Day.

Friday, May 28
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Saturday, May 29
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021
9:00am -  Electronics Recycling Event
5:00pm -  Food Truck and Live Music Festival
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Sunday, May 30
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021
5:00pm -  Food Truck and Live Music Festival
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Monday, May 31   Memorial Day
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021
12:00pm -  Memorial Day Service
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Tuesday, June 1
9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Wednesday, June 2
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm -  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
 

Thursday, June 3
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

Saint Mary Parish: Phase One of the Transition to begin May 29-30

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

With the major changes in the State Directives for the Pandemic, we recognize that our devoted parishioners will be returning slowly over time as they feel it is best for them. We respect these faith filled and sincere decisions on Mass participation and welcome everyone when they are able to return. There is no correct time to return. We will be here when you return. We all miss participating in Sunday Mass and know that people will return when they are able to when they feel safe.
 
During this time (starting this weekend of May 29-30, 2021 Memorial Day Weekend) we will be transitioning our Parish Religious Services and Masses using the principle of caution for health safety for everyone. This is Phase One of the Transitional Phases to occur over the next nine months. We wish to remind people that part of our Pandemic values has been to remember to respect the health safety of others, besides ones’ self. You can find the Protocols on our website: stmarysfranklin.org  

Your cooperation is invited to allow our beginning transition to help make our Sunday Masses spiritual and uplifting religious experiences for everyone. We anticipate additional phase changes after Labor Day Weekend.

Our Saturday-Sunday Mass Schedule is: 

• Saturday 4 PM with music
• Sunday: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM with music

Just a reminder: All three Sunday Masses continue to be Live-Streamed which is best accessed at: stmarysfranklin.org and then the Live-Stream Button.

God bless,
     Father Brian

PS: Just a reminder: On Monday, Memorial Day we will celebrate the Holy Mass at our Cemetery on Beaver Street at 9 AM for our deceased Veterans and those who are rest in peace in our Cemetery.
 

Saint Mary Parish:  Phase One of the Transition to begin May 29-30

 

Strategies for Affordable Housing Production ** 2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft **

Strategies for Affordable Housing Production
 

Section 3 of this Housing Production Plan (HPP) includes a substantial number of Implementation Strategies, which for the most part are ways to incentivize the creation of affordable housing. The Implementation Strategies section provides an explanation of the specific strategies the Town will achieve its housing production goals. In addition, Section 3 provides a description of Regulatory and Funding Incentives that can be used to stimulate affordable housing or other desired development projects.
 

Strategies include, but are not limited to the following:

• Amendment of zoning regulations in order to increase the likelihood of creating Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) eligible housing developments
• Use an incentivized Inclusive Zoning bylaw to attract SHI unit developments.
• Utilize Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments (WH-STA’s), multi-year property tax exemption, as incentive to create middle-income housing.
• Perform an extensive assessment of the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 185 of Franklin Town Code. Specific attention will be shown to housing density, creating zoning related development incentives, assessing parking requirements, and other Zoning best practices.
• Advance projects under the Local Initiative Program to create the type and level of affordable housing best for the community.
• Consider creating a density bonus incentive program that allow more units of housing to be built than would be allowed under current zoning regulations, in exchange for a developer’s provision of affordable housing units or other public good.
• Actively engage with developers to further incentivize SHI development.

Plan Implementation
The HPP’s implementation will require the commitment of a variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards, commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned above the Town will implement the goals outlined in Section over a five-year implementation period. Department of Planning and Community Development  (DPCD) will provide an update the HPP implementation on a biennial basis, or as requested by the Town Administrator.

 

Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Info on the public comment period

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/2021-draft-housing-production-plan-open.html

Plan Development and Public Participation

 

 

Panther TV: Panther News for May 28 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Thu, May 27, 2021:

Check it out! We've got school news, community news, our senior exam schedule, and an update on the Celtics on this week's Panther News!  @pantherbook @FranklinPSNews  @franklinmatters

Video link - > https://t.co/zYnl7XZ42o via @YouTube

Shared From Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1397924043475456006

FHS boys tennis top Sharon 1st time in almost 50 years

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS spring sports results:

 

Baseball = Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin erased an early one-run deficit, scoring once in each the second and third with two big insurance runs coming in the fourth inning. Ethan Voellmicke tossed 4.1 innings of shutout ball with just two hits allowed, striking out nine to get the win. James Kuczmiec came in to get the save with 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with a pair of strikeouts. Offensively, CJ Jette had a pair of hits including a double, and drove in one run, Marcus Baker slapped a pair of hits, Jake Fitzgibbons drove in a run, and Jack Marino had a hit, a walk, and scored a run. 

 

Softball = Franklin, 13 @ Sharon, 2 – Final 

– Franklin found its offense late in the game, pulling away to pick up its fourth win of the season. The Eagles kept it close early, trailing by just four after four full. Sophomore pitcher Ally Foulsham had four strikeouts for Sharon.

 

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 2 – Final 

– Franklin’s Vayshnav Malhotra emerged from a three-hour marathon match at second singles with a three-set victory to give the Panthers a 3-2 decision over Sharon. Malhotra won the first set in a tiebreaker, dropped the second set, and then prevailed in a back-and-forth third set, the score finishing 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-5. Liam Marr (6-2, 6-2) added a win at first singles while the team of Thomas Broyles and Jay Gorgas (7-5, 6-4) battled to a tight win at second doubles. 

Almost 50 years of history.  We still here. The panthers take down the undefeated first seed Sharon, after the drought of the century 3-2. The panthers advance to a 10-0 season. Man of the match to Vayshnav Malhotra winning a thrilling 3 set match in the face of adversity.  https://twitter.com/_fhsboystennis/status/1398066303487840256

 

Girls Tennis = Sharon, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

 

Boys Outdoor Track = Franklin @ Milford, 5:00   FHS wins, score not available

Girls Outdoor Track = Franklin @ Milford, 5:00   FHS wins, score not available

 

• Congrats to both boys and girls teams for defeating Milford!  @FHSPanthersTF @FHS_girlsXC

• PRs today-  @emilyreilly783  @sofiechouinard  @darby317  @AlexisHalet  @kenzie_peters2  (also- Happy Birthday Kenzie!), @sburnsy9   @ConnorVeilleux  @zacharyaddii  , & Derrick Halet.  Great job!

• In girls discus- @Kate22Taylor  takes another win and @lilydeforge11  takes second and 3 PRs.

• In Girls shot put.  Congrats to @Kate22Taylor  for another win and @sofiechouinard  for a huge PR and taking second.  7 PRs for the girls!

• In girls javelin congrats to @lilydeforge11  for taking second in her first meet throwing the javelin!

• In boys Javelin.  Congrats to Colman Flynn for taking second and @AndrewJ52949175 for taking third

• Boys also Broom Broom Broom the discus!  Congrats to @ConnorVeilleux  for taking first, @AndrewJ52949175  for coming in second and @declanwalmsley0  for taking third.  2 PRs for the boys

• In boys shot put-  FHS Broom Broom Broom!! Congratulations to @JacobBowser7  for winning @karl_gruseck  for coming in second and @zacharyaddii  for taking 3rd.  Also 3 PRs!

Thanks for the Track updates via the FHS Throwers Twitter account

https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers

 

For all the results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-27-21/

 

 

FHS Throwers Twitter account

Memorial Day Ceremony - May 31, noon

Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 31, 2021 at Noon on the Town Common

All are welcome to join us as we honor our departed veterans.

Please note: There will not be a Memorial Day Breakfast or Parade

this year due to COVID-19.

 

Memorial Day Ceremony - May 31, noon

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

THE BLACK BOX supports the return of live music and enthusiastically welcomes food trucks to Downtown Franklin!

When not attending this special event, please support our local restaurants!

Saturday, May 29th and and Sunday, May 30th from 5-10 PM, General Admission tickets are $20 per day.

Saturday, May 29

• 5:00 Racky Thomas
• 6:00 Kaye Kelly
• 7:00 Ken DoRosario
• 8:30 Diane Blue
  

Sunday, May 30

• 5:00 Britt Connors Duo
• 6:00 David Thorne Scott
• 7:00 Honest Mechanik
• 8:30 The Gravel Project
  

Food trucks include Caribbean Press, Pangea Cuisines and Larry Joes' New England Fire Pit  

Tickets = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458

 

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes spending plan unanimously"

 

"THE SENATE UNANIMOUSLY passed a $47.7 billion budget for next year after three days of debate over how best to invest state resources as Massachusetts looks to recover from the hardships of the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate President Karen Spilka said the budget that passed 40-0 would put Massachusetts on “stable fiscal footing” and begin to restitch the fabric of society that had frayed over the last year, while Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues said the bill would help get the state “back to better.”

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/senate-passes-spending-plan-unanimously

MA Budget page (not completely updated with the Senate action yesterday)

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes spending plan unanimously"

 

Open Studio Fund raiser for Gaspar Family - Sat, Jun 12

Franklin Culture (@franklinculture) tweeted on Thu, May 27, 2021:
 

Open Studio Fund raiser for Gaspar Family - Sat, Jun 12

 

https://t.co/YOoD6ZrmwV

 
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklinculture/status/1397979219431469056

"COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life"

While COVID-19 restrictions are easing, the disease and lasting effects remain to be reckoned with. 

Via Nature.com:  "Count the cost of disability caused by COVID-19

"The COVID-19 pandemic is well into its second year, but countries are only beginning to grapple with the lasting health crisis. In March, a UK consortium reported that 1 in 5 people who were hospitalized with the disease had a new disability after discharge1. A large US study found similar effects for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized people2. Among adults who were not hospitalized, 1 in 10 have ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after a positive test3. Treatment services for the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are already having to be absorbed into health and care systems urgently. Tackling this requires a much clearer picture of the burden of the disease than currently exists.

Tracking disease cases and deaths has advantages in a health emergency — they are easily collated, and, to some extent, trends can be compared across countries. But continuing the use of such simplified metrics heightens the risks of underestimating the true health impact on a population. It focuses policy and public discourse on the immediate prevention of deaths and on the economic impact of lockdown policies, ignoring the long-term disease-related disabilities that will also affect well-being and productivity."

Continue reading the article online 

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01392-2 

Via Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA): "Assessment of the Frequency and Variety of Persistent Symptoms Among Patients With COVID-19"

Question  What are the frequency and variety of persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection?

Findings  In this systematic review of 45 studies including 9751 participants with COVID-19, the median proportion of individuals who experienced at least 1 persistent symptom was 73%; symptoms occurring most frequently included shortness of breath or dyspnea, fatigue or exhaustion, and sleep disorders or insomnia. However, the studies were highly heterogeneous and needed longer follow-up and more standardized designs.

Meaning  This systematic review found that COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life; however, methodological improvements are needed to reliably quantify these risks.

Continue reading the article online 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2780376

FYI - Zoom update that users will notice

Recorded and livestreamed meetings

"In the latest product update, users will be notified when a meeting they are in is being recorded or livestreamed, along with information about who can see and share the recording and livestream. The user can consent to stay in the meeting or to leave the meeting if they wish.

In addition, users joining a recorded meeting in progress will have their audio and video automatically muted until they click “continue” in the dialog box. These notices will be displayed to all guests joining a meeting or livestream outside the account’s organization, regardless of the account owner’s settings."

There are additional updates but from a user joining a Town meeting, this is the most common. For the full listing visit the Zoom page  https://blog.zoom.us/zoom-expands-in-product-privacy-notifications/

 

Recorded and livestreamed meetings

 

Recap: Town Council takes 4+ hours to review FY 2022 budget on Wednesday

Quick Recap:

• Yup, over 4 hours for the Town Council to review, Q&A the budget; multiple questions, mostly answered, a couple carried over to Thursday's session
• Carried over a possible move of $3,000 from Historical Commission to Historical Museum; update from School Dept on unfunded mandates, update on total school age population and where schooling (inside or out of Franklin)
• Under the standard format, not sure the community gets the full picture of a department budget matter, they only get the phrasing of a particular councilor. To really understand a departmental budget, folks need to view the Finance Committee meetings; (it would also be good for more councilors to do so).
• Why wouldn't the Town proceed with a pilot effort to provide a full time nurse (RN) for the community? It uses the same process (grant and collaboration with neighboring communities) that other departments (Fire and Police for example) have (and did explain also during this meeting). Yet some councilors 'don't get it'
• Fire Dept hopeful for positive news on a SAFER grant that they submitted for which would enable the  addition of 4 more firefighter/paramedics. They would be funded by the grant for 3 years and then Town would need to pay
• MECC received a grant to enable Mendon and Millville to join regional dispatch. The grant fund Franklin's portion for several years. Town is planning to put money aside to save for the day when the grant expires and the funding is required
• Multiple questions around the school budget, how it continues to increase and yet the enrollment is decreasing. Chap 70 funding will provide some relief in transportation and special education circuit break costs. The Town faces a gradual increase in its own support of the schools. We (Town of Franklin) have historically underfunded the schools and are being forced by the State to eventually pay our fair share. The closing of Davis Thayer, and potentially other buildings to restructure will not provide the budget relief required to fix this structural deficit. Consider two numbers: the State calculates our per pupil expense at $14K per student; the average tax bill for a Franklin homeowner is $6-7,000. So if the homeowner/family has only one student, the Schools are already not recovering the cost for what educational benefit is provided to the family.
• DPW losing 2 positions (previously unfilled to help manage expenses during the pandemic); have other open positions they are attempting to fulfill within the budget
• Stormwater division created to help clearly identify all the costs associated with stormwater management. What is being done is less than that required by EPA MS4 permit. Stormwater utility fee had been on the discussion listing for this year but is is gone (for now). The Town needs to better manage the funding source for stormwater and the utility fee is a more more reasonable approach than using the current tax base. Too many don't pay their 'fair share'.
  
• Back again Thursday night for the remainder of the discussion and eventual vote on the budget for FY 2022

----

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  #tc0526

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0526&src=typed_query

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fyhg4jjavLURjt92A

The agenda doc for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf 

Or https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-26-town-council-agenda 

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, and 1st of two budget hearings for FY 2022. What is in the budget? What didn't make it? What questions will be asked tonight? Listen in to find out. Connection info and live stream available -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-26-town-council-agenda  tc0526
• Based upon prior sessions, the Council clerk will read the budget line items, line by line. Councilors with a question in that area can place a 'hold' and when done reading through, they'll come back and get to each line, question by question #tc0526.
• The voting doc copy you can follow along with is in the agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf  #tc0526
• Meeting opens #tc0526
• Memorial Day service at noon on Monday, no parade however. Honor guard will visit Dean College, St Mary's cemetery, etc. that day before the service on the town Common #tc0526  2 minute recess as public hearing is posted for 7:10 PM
• Meeting resumes after recess  #tc0526
• Budget Subcommittee chair Kelly leads with comments thanking all the staff for their work during the pandemic. Pleased to present the budget for discussion. TA Jamie Hellen opens with his remarks also thanking the staff for the work done without skipping a beat #tc0526
• "Putting high quality affordable services forward" very fortunate, visit the Franklin page to visit the budget page with plenty of details. #tc0526 FinCom voted unanimously approved after 4 nights of deep dives into the details. "Towns look to emulate us"
• Council holds placed on 192, 210, 220, 300, and 422. That is Facilities, police, fire, schools and DPW. The five largest items in the budget. #tc0526
• Holds also placed on the following: 155, technology; 164, elections; #tc0526 225, regional dispatch; 390, tri-county; 395, Norfolk Aggie; 510, Board of Health; 690, historical museum; 691, historical commission;
• Cyber security new hire is for security split between town and schools, to oversee security, best practices, testing, etc. #tc0526 explanation on split of technology between schools and town, schools have a greater percent of usage.
• Elections #tc0526 actually just a decrease in budget from FY 2020, thanks
• Facilities - does the budget include reductions for the Davis Thayer facility closing? Yes. Still need some maintenance portion to keep it safe and kept up.
• $60k for DT building maintenance on town side; teachers etc and other expenses, are on the School side.
• #tc0526 the UVGI units came from CARES act funding (federal funds) not operational town funds. Equipment came in for school campus, library and Senior Center ->
• So those facilities will be operational in a couple of weeks. #tc0526 UV tubes will last a year, about $90 per (not thousands, just dollars) FHS was cheapest install due to the equipment already there. Presentation coming for MSBA on UVGI ->
• The budget last year includes bonding for facility projects at Remington/Jefferson and eventually we'll need to get to the other schools. #tc0526 Franklin is first with the UVGI, couldn't really have done it pre-COVID. None of the part-time staff have health insurance
• Now to Police, #tc0526 Q synopsis of Certification? Self initiated process audit, on all operations, training, etc. 159 standards to be met, evaluated and documented. 15 depts certified, 257 standards for accreditation. Q personal status, going from 52 to 53 ->
• Combination of personnel moves, replacing backfill, etc .allowed for the additional officer, including a reduction in ammunition used in fire arm training. A savings in unscheduled OT also helped with the new person. #tc0526 will need more $ next year to get 4 more
• Shortage of ammo is real, multiple factors playing but it should start easy up over time. #tc0526 things are going well with the changes to the force. Change can be fearful, haven't really had a baseline due to COVID yet but hopefully. Succession planning is underway ->
• Likely 6-8 over next several years, planning is underway. Collective bargaining agreements define what can be done. A lot will happen this fall and then dominoes will fall next year and later. #tc0526 trying to do accreditation within the year. Then good for 3 years
• Q on safety equipment line, also includes onboarding and hence the adjustments. Next year will likely increase due to changes but not this year. #tc0526 Jail diversion program is doing well, in year 3 of 10 year grant, looking to see how to expand with Advocates. Police exam ->
• Every three years, or with lateral transfers #tc0526 it is not hard for folks from elsewhere to want to be here. Would more officers help with response time? Yes. Town is growing, there is more if everything. Police have 2 drones, one used at the fire this week
• Next up Fire Dept. #tc0526 Q what is personnel status for this FY year, 56 firefighters and at full staff this time. Ambulance transport billing, we take the avg of top 50 to ensure our rates are competitive. Safer grant pending for more firefighters, very competitive
• Firefighters were evacuated just before the floor collapsed, shows the efficiency of the battalion chiefs. #tc0526 "you are a gift to the Community" folks don't realize how close we were to losing some folks the other day. We need another station out to serve the north ->
• We have 2 ambulances online, wouldn't make sense to bring a 3rd on now, using the reserve unit would help without relying on mutual aid. #tc0526 I think we are in a really good place right now, high training, good equipment, it has been a group effort and a team sport
• If we get the grant, it would cover salary/benefits for 3 years. After that would be in our budget. #tc0526 Pellegri not seen morale as high as it is now in her time. Your commitment to training has shown effects so far, thanks. ISO update, class 2 last year, with ->
• With so many changes in 12 months, we may ask them to come back. Left a spot on the side of the engine for the cert label when we get it #tc0526
• Mendon and Millville joined regional dispatch MECC, got a grant to cover their participation. #tc0526 amount budgeted for setting aside money to enable the future payment after the grant expires. (Brief sound interruption on one system may have been on my side issue) ->
• Switched to live stream from Zoom session to get audio #tc0526 Taking a 5 minutes break
• Meeting resumes, thunder still rolling around outside #tc0526
• Q on Board of Health increase? Working to bring in a public nurse along with a community grant. There is not a separate line item for enforcement, used CARES act funding for some of that. Qs on need for RN part-time. #tc0526 we are doing a regional effort ->
• LPN is part-time at Senior Center. Other towns have full time nurses, we don't. #tc0526  Q on historical museum vs commission and switching funds, to be researched and decided on Thursday session
• Next up Schools, Dr Ahern #tc0526 we're about 4800 this year, decreasing over next 10 years, slightly lower than forecasted, other districts lost more students due to the pandemic. Hot real estate is due to inventory, expecting a decrease and possible baby bust ->
• Elementary school population stabile, middle school seeing more of the decrease, also making it to the high school. Eventually FHS would operate at capacity or less ( has been over since opened) #tc0526  Attempted at a # for unfunded mandates, does have a partial ->
• Budget continues to rise, is related to special Ed costs? No, we are doing well there. The enrollment is well distributed so we don't see that economy of scale where it could help us. Rate increase is special Ed is out of our control, circuit breaker funding may help ->
• We are obligated to service all the students in town. #tc0526 if we lose students to other schools, do we know why? Programs cut in prior years could be not competitive vs other schools. There are 300 folks I have sought out and you don't seem to be getting to them ->
• 75% of districts spend more than Franklin does. How do we solve that? It is dollars. More teachers,  more programs, high school could use more teachers to improve offerings we can be creative but that doesn't solve the issue. #tc0526 approx 54% if the town budget
• To keep and retain the people we have here will cost more money. All the reforms won't change the expense side of the budget. Digital learning integrationists DLI support teachers and students and skills on digital literacy. #tc0526
• How do we tell, explain an increase in the budget when we are closing schools and loosing teachers. Health care and transportation are increasing. We are managing expenses elsewhere. Education is being more complicated, expanded nurses, all hands on deck, escalating ->
• Mental health concerns, we are happy to do it, our responsibility and each has expanded. #tc0526 Multiple questions around school budget, clear lack of understanding by TC. It is complex but when per pupil expense is $14k and the average property tax is $6 or 7k ->
• There is an issue with school funding. #tc0526 Plug for Tri-county by Kelly, less students going to Norfolk Aggie, should be trying to get more there Both also have changes in leadership for the schools
• Creation of Stormwater division shows the cost of doing business. Moved funds and personnel from other depts to accommodate. #tc0526 did remove 2 people from budget as well as the curb weed spraying. New treatment plant now online, provides capacity to pump full amount ->
• Permitted, and operates very efficiently. The 2 positions were open and not rehired during the past year. #tc0526 clarification on the cut positions are still in the budget.  There is a level of difference between what we are obligated to do and what we are doing
• We have been doing stormwater since 2007, some of the numbers are shifting from wherever to stormwater to better reflect the total expense. #tc0526 street lights down due to change to LEDs.  $40m in backlog of roadwork that needs to be done. Covers existing roads
• Chapter 90 has not seen increases to keep up. Ability to compost to save? It is expensive and we don't have a space for it, it is part of a plan going forward. #tc0526 water and sewer use going up, collections have increased. Retained earnings explained. Used to ->
• Pay cash for some expenses within the water and sewer expenses. When we talk stormwater, that has nothing to do with water or sewer. Look at the stormwater division, street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, etc. #tc0526 we run a lean ship, loosing 2 people is a big deal
• We will continue this hearing Thursday. #tc0526 council comments underway. Live stream cut out as the TV automation cut in at 11. The Council should (could) have not gone so long. Zoom session still working
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time #tc0526 

Dr Sara Ahern answering a question

DPW Director Cantoreggi answers a question