Tri-County 8th Grade Open House - Saturday, Oct 30, 2021

8th grade students and their families are invited to tour the school and find out all about the programs offered. Sign up at tri-county.us

Tri-County 8th Grade Open House - Saturday, Oct 30, 2021

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/1ekrrTZB5q

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 20, 2021

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 - 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR 
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. 
Chair to Identify Members Participating Remotely.

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
None Scheduled 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Residence Inn Boston Franklin, License Modification, Change of LLC Officers & Managing Directors, 4 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
American Rescue Plan Act: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
2020 Federal Census & Reprecincting Update: Nancy Danello, Acting Town Clerk and Kate Sjoberg, GIS Coordinator

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf   and  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._reprecincting_maps.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Budget Subcommittee
Budget Subcommittee
Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-59: Update of Town’s Voting Precincts (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-59 - Majority Vote)
 
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-60: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-60 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_21-60_senior_tax.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-61: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-61 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_21-61_vets.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-62: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C ½ and Increase in Certain Property Tax Exemptions Pursuant Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-62 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_21-62_property_tax_exemption_vets_0.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-63: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 - $28,000 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-63 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_21-63_peg_28k_-_verizon_1_1.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-64: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 - $28,000 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-64 - Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_21-64_peg_28k_-_verizon_2.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None Scheduled

ADJOURN

One PDF document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_20_2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

proposed Update of Town’s Voting Precincts

016 - Frank Presents - Nancy Danello (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Nancy Danello, Franklin's current acting Town Clerk running for election, to discuss her background, the work she does for the town, and changes she's that are taking place. 

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a24e17a7-a6d5-4ed3-8957-c117b148d0c4

016 - Frank Presents - Nancy Danello (audio)

015 - Frank Presents - Melanie Hamblen (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Melanie Hamblen, current Town Councilor running for reelection, to discuss her background, the work she's done so far on the Town Council, and the changes she'd still like to see in Franklin.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/420f00fe-af8e-445c-ab97-14ee370c9809

015 - Frank Presents - Melanie Hamblen (audio)

School Committee Meeting Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021 audio in two parts

FM #635 & 636 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 635 & 636 in the series. 

These two sessions of the radio show share the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about two hour and twenty minutes (2 hour 20 minutes), so I split the meeting into two segments:

• Part 1 - covers the opening, the citizens comments and FHS student update, Superintendent’s Report and the safety presentation (~1 hour 4 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6660aa60-d1e6-429b-b4d2-0a911b7cf31e

• Part 2 - covers the Discussion Action items, the Discussion Only items, the consent agenda, through to the entry to Executive Session, from which they did not return to open meeting (~ 48 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3614b04a-ae13-4051-80ae-2d342da57bab

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Oct 12, 2021

 

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

School Committee Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/school-committee-meeting-27 

 

Meeting packet folder - 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-12-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet  

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-school-committee-approves.html 

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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

School Committee Meeting Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021 audio in two parts

FHS: School News: Important Information and Dates - Oct/Nov 2021

School News: Important Information and Dates

October-November 2021

• School Photo Days (Oct 18th & 20th) schedule & other information-Click HERE
• AP Exam Payment Portal -open until November 1st
• Can't access your Aspen account? First, try using the Forgot my Password link on the Aspen log in page. An email will be sent to you with a link to get back into your account. If that does not resolve your issue, use THIS FORM to request a password reset.

Upcoming events:

Oct 18        School Photo Day - Grynn and Barrett photographers; view packages HERE; Click HERE for schedule

Oct 20        School Photo Day - Grynn and Barrett photographers; view packages HERE; Click HERE for schedule

Nov 2         No School-Election Day

Nov 9         Last Day of Q1

Nov 10       Half Day of School; parent-teacher conferences; dismissal at 10:55 AM

Nov 11       No School-Veteran's Day

Nov 12       Half Day of School; parent-teacher conferences; dismissal at 10:55 AM

Nov 24,25,26  No School-Thanksgiving Break  

Nov 29      School Photo retakes day

 

• New Student Registration-click HERE
• Moved? Complete a Change of Address form HERE
• Getting a driver's license or permit? Click HERE for information on obtaining the necessary documents from FHS
• Need a work permit for a new job? Click HERE for information on obtaining one

Click here for 2021-2022 Franklin Public Schools calendar

Shared from FHS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/news/school-news-important-information-and-dates

FHS: School News: Important Information and Dates - Oct/Nov 2021

Finance Committee hears the Human Resources update, a must listen for Franklin residents (audio)

FM #637 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 637 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on October 13, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, Town Administration personnel, and some members of the public were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote via the Zoom conference bridge.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda and to my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting recording runs just over 2 hours so let’s listen to the Finance Committee of October 13, 2021.

** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d302bc54-9245-4e7e-bd42-f3843296f23f

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

Meeting agenda  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Human Resources presentation doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf

My meeting notes  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/finance-committee-hears-update-from.html 

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

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 www.Franklinmatters.org/     or www.franklin.news/ 

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"

 

Finance Committee hears the Human Resources update

2020-21 Globe Scholastic Awards: Franklin again earns Dalton Award

Franklin High Scholl earned the Dalton Award for 2021 by recording a 77.23% winning percentage across all the varsity sports across all the seasons in the school year 2020-2021

Dalton Division 1 is for schools with enrollments of 1,400 and up

ERNEST DALTON: Dalton was the Globe’s high school editor from 1938 to 1970. He died in 1971.

• 2021 - Franklin
• 2020 - Franklin
• 2019 - Franklin
• 2015 - Franklin
• 2012 - Franklin

Boston Globe article on awards for 2020-2021

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/16/sports/2020-21-globe-scholastic-awards-hard-work-hands-off-approach-help-shawsheen-markham-division-1-title/

Table with percentages across all the Divisions

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/202021/globe-scholastic-standings/?refresh=true

2020-21 Globe Scholastic Awards: Franklin again earns Dalton Award

Boston Globe: mask and schools; inappropriate behavior changes rule for KP football games

"Mass. communities are reluctant to let students remove masks in school — even when they can"

"Scores of Massachusetts communities have been so effective at getting students and school staff vaccinated that they may no longer have to abide by the state’s mask mandates for their middle and high schools right now — if they chose to.

But while more than 60 communities have met the Baker administration’s threshold of 80 percent or higher vaccination rates among teens, only two — Hopkinton and Ashland — have sought and received permission to stop requiring inoculated students and staff to wear masks in their high school.

And Hopkinton officials are having second thoughts.

The Hopkinton School Committee opted to delay any action to lift the state mask mandate in its high school even though the state gave the town permission on Oct. 7."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/15/nation/mass-communities-reluctant-let-students-remove-masks-school-even-when-they-can/

"‘Inappropriate’ behavior prompts new rule for some students at King Philip Regional High football games"

"Middle and elementary school students will now have to bring a parent or guardian with them to attend varsity football games in Wrentham following unruly behavior at home matchups this season, according to a letter sent to King Philip Regional School District families last week.

The new requirement was put in place after young students were caught “exhibiting unruly, inappropriate, disrespectful, and unsportsmanlike behavior during games” at King Philip Regional High School several times over the last few weeks, Superintendent Paul Zinni said in the Tuesday letter.

Zinni said the incidents are “unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

“At King Philip, we pride ourselves on our sportsmanship and integrity for all student-athletes and the student body,” Zinni wrote. “We have all been enjoying cheering on our team this season and wish for their continued success.”

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/16/metro/inappropriate-behavior-prompts-new-rule-some-students-king-philip-regional-high-football-games/

Finance Committee hears update from Human Resources, and ARPA funds

Quick Recap:

• Senior tax abatement (work off) program update coming to Town Council session (Oct 20, 2021). Veterans update also scheduled for an increase.
• Human Resources Director Karen Bratt provided an update on the hiring, background checks, negotiations, etc. that her office participates in. Approx. one third of Town employees have been replaced since 2018 as the generational turnover take place. 
• The audio of this segment of the meeting will become a "must" listen as there are so many details on the cost drivers for the Town and School budgets. There is a separate School HR function but there is coordination between the two on health plans and negotiations.
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided and update on the current ARPA or COVID related Federal funding to date with an outlook on what is expected. These funds are limited in use and are spread over several years. Some of the reimbursements from FEMA (in particular) can really take time to be received.

----

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  #fincom1013
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom1013&src=typed_query 
 
Agenda document -  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

 

• Getting ready to live tweet the Finance Committee meeting beginning at 6:30 PM today. Agenda and remote connection info here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf  #fincom1013
• Meeting host will let you in soon. #fincom1013
• It is nice to be in the room where a meeting happens, it is very convenient to be in the Zoom where it happens #fincom1013
• 6 yes, no notices, on motion to approve Dowd as chair, Conley as Vice chair, and Nicole as clerk via roll call some absent #fincom1013 Abatement programs to be expanded for Town Council, wage to minimum, and total increase of amount veterans/disabled amounts ...
• Details on the program expansions contained on the agenda doc shared earlier and again here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf #fincom1013
• Jamie explains the details behind the proposal, limited by statue at minimum wage and $1500/year, hence amount is within the statue. #fincom1013 limit on number of people to participate in work off (100), veteran status is required.
• Motion to recommend motions first on senior citizen piece then on veterans piece, both pass via 6-0 via roll call votes #fincom1013
• Presentation by Karen Bratt on Human Resources for Town, screen grabs shared here (didn't find doc) #fincom1013
• So many photos/pages will create album to share. Presentation done, now in the Q&A segment, good background info on GIC plan option for town but not used #fincom1013 some collaborative strategies are more work than worth it long term.
• Interesting discussion on turnover and reasons for, some due to demographics (aging work population) #fincom1013 not many if any leaving for another town, one that did had recently come back. Less interest in filling OT hours and shifts than prior, work life balance
• "can't believe you are still using paper employee files" we will see it later, working to get a grant to help fund it. #fincom1013 Harvard Pilgrim did a 'rebate' but it wasn't much and took time to process. Talk of issues hiring, in some spots like those with CDL license
• Did get confirmation that the pres doc will be posted to the HR page #fincom1013 policy procedures manual online as well as collective bargaining agreements https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf
• Next up an update from Jamie on ARPA funds overview (preview of what Town Council will see next week) Alicia has been the master tracking these details, coordination of reporting, etc. Kudos to her for this work! #fincom1013
• Pres doc will be posted to this page https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/pandemic-related-stimulus-funds #fincom1013
• School funds separate from Town funds #fincom1013 multiple pages in this update also, also to be posted to budget page. These funds are separate from town ops and capital budgeting. They can help fulfill requirements that would be funded by ops or capital funds
• Next up - future topics; contracts and grants can we get a view of these; MassWorks grant of $2.2m can distort analysis. What are you getting at? Maybe better to go at this by Dept. rather than overall. #fincom1013
• Budget overview and CPC update schedule for the meeting 11/10 #fincom1013 meeting adjourns

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21 from Franklin Matters

Finance Committee hears update from Human Resources, and ARPA funds

014 - Frank Presents - Meghan Whitmore (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Meghan Whitmore, candidate for the Franklin School Committee, to talk about her background, why she's running and the changes she'd like to see come to the Franklin schools.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2b9c05d4-d82a-4973-bec2-0d1eb7149038

 

.

014 - Frank Presents - Meghan Whitmore (audio)

013 - Frank Presents - Camille Bernstein (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Camille Bernstein, a candidate for Franklin School Committee, to discuss her background, why she's running,  and the changes she'd like to see come to the Franklin schools.

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/089f1d6f-5987-4fe3-8c9a-8d97057c1307

013 - Frank Presents - Camille Bernstein (audio)