Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/21/21 (audio)

FM #644 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 644 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of October 20, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• APPOINTMENTS - David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire

• 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

• 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

 

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a92a0c07-06e6-419f-8329-308d8b2576f3

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Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

ARPA Funding Status ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_arpa_overview_fin_com_town_council.pdf 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf

Town budget info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

School budget info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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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"

 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation

Town Council candidate Glenn Jones (audio)

FM #645 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 645 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with candidate for Town Council Glenn Jones. 

This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.

We cover the candidate questions as previously developed with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Town Council.

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Glenn Jones.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f687f13-16c0-4a5b-906b-32698d4a9adf

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Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 

Contact info:

• Phone -> (508) 520-0069

• Email address -> gjones@franklinma.gov  

Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/GlennJones.FranklinTownCouncil 

Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.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"

 

Town Council candidate Glenn Jones (audio)

"The world’s largest carbon capture plant is seizing the imaginations"

"A half-hour’s drive from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, one happens upon a scene straight out of a science fiction movie: Plumes of white steam billow above the Hellisheiði volcanic region. The air is suffused with the unmistakable stench of sulfur — several thermal springs, their mineral-rich waters a favorite of local bathers, are nearby. The rays of a waning sun are no match for the thick cloud cover that hangs over the rough terrain on a crisp early autumn day.

It is here that the future and the present collide in a structure about two stories high. This is the Orca Plant, the world’s largest facility for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air and storing it deep underground. The steam we see is being released into the sky from geothermal drilling sites. The captured CO2 is mixed with water and injected into those holes in the ground.

The Orca Plant, built, owned, and operated by the Swiss company Climeworks, kicked into whirring, carbon-sucking life last month, fueled by geothermal energy from Iceland’s ON Power. While Orca is not the first of its kind in the world, its size and potential have sparked expectations for a revolution in CO2 capture and storage, as well as hope for our rapidly warming planet."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/22/opinion/machines-that-could-save-world/

The Hellisheiðe geothermal power plant, located in the middle of a volcanic field in Iceland. The region is a hub of innovation in realms ranging from climate to food science and is home, most notably, to the Orca Plant, the world's largest carbon capture facility, which began operating last month.MATJAŽ KRIVIC

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases

This Flourish view of COVID-19 data for the CommonWealth of MA is interactive so you can select and compare one or more communities to the State or each other. I set up a comparison of Franklin to the State level shown in the photo capture shown here.

Thanks to Nathan Ahlgren for this tool.  https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/?s=03

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases 

Register O'Donnell Delivers Donated Clothing to InnerCity Weightlifting

Due to the generosity of countless Norfolk County residents, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently delivered a clothing donation, through its Suits for Success program, to InnerCity Weightlifting.
 
Register O'Donnell stated, "On behalf of the many kind and generous Norfolk County citizens, Registry staff and real estate professionals who contributed clothing, it was my pleasure to deliver these critically needed items to InnerCity Weightlifting." The clothing donations included men's clothing, shoes and ties.
 
InnerCity Weightlifting, founded in 2010, is a program designed to keep young people off the streets by using its weightlifting and gym facilities to create a community and network of support that encompasses education, job training and employment in the field of personal training.
 
On October 7, 2021 Reginald Talbert, Khyzhaun Peete and Nolisha Greer from InnerCity Weightlifting accepted a donation of men's clothing and accessories to help individuals pursue their career opportunities from the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Nolisha Greer, InnerCity Weightlifting Student Engagement Manager noted, "Today in society, we only get to see kindness on a rare occasion. Today I met two people who made a bunch of young men smile. Young men they have never met."  
 
The goal of the Suits for Success program is to help men and women reach economic independence and personal self-fulfillment. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the program at the Registry of Deeds. During that period Register O'Donnell has delivered more than 7,500 pieces of clothing. Besides InnerCity Weightlifting, other non-profits who have benefited from this program include Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & Mainspring of Quincy and Brockton and the Boston Veterans Administration Healthcare System Service program.
 
Those interested in making a clothing donation can schedule a drop off of new or gently used business appropriate clothing, professionally cleaned, Monday through Friday between 9:00AM-4:00PM at the Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.
 
Register O'Donnell concluded by stating, "I again want to thank everyone for their continuing generosity in supporting the Suits for Success program. Having something in your closet that you no longer wear can make a world of difference in the life of someone else. It may just be the item that helps them get ahead in life."
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 

Register O'Donnell Delivers Donated Clothing to InnerCity Weightlifting

Citizen Planner Training Collaborative's schedule announced

The Citizen Planner Training Collaborative’s Webinar Series 2021, designed for citizen and professional planners in Massachusetts, will run from Nov. 10 through Dec. 16.

Registration is open for the 10 workshops, which range from “Roles and Responsibilities of Planning Boards and Boards of Appeals” to more specialized information such as fair housing laws. Each workshop is sponsored by a regional planning agency, and anyone may attend.

The workshop schedule is as follows:
• Fair Housing Laws: Nov. 10
• Fair, Defensible Land Use Decisions: Nov. 15
• Adopting and Revising Rules and Regulations: Nov. 17
• Drafting Zoning Amendments: Nov. 18
• Adopting and Revising Rules and Regulations: Nov. 23
• Introduction to Subdivision Control Law/ANR: Nov. 29
• Fair, Defensible Land Use Decisions: Dec. 2
• Roles and Responsibilities of Planning and Zoning Boards: Dec. 7
• Special Permits and Variances: Dec. 15
• Use of Design Review: Dec. 16

Via MMA - for more info including how to register, https://www.mma.org/citizen-planner-training-collaborative-to-hold-webinar-series/  or go directly to the CPTC page to register -> https://masscptc.org/training/webinar-2021/webinar-series-21.html

https://masscptc.org/training/webinar-2021/webinar-series-21.html

Candidate Forum - Audio - Oct 21, 2021

FM #643 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 643 in the series. 

This session shares the Candidate Forum held in the Senior Center on Thursday, Oct 21, 2021.   

I served as ‘master of ceremonies’ providing the intro and welcome for the event. 25 of the 30 candidates for the contested election participated in person. The five unable to attend sent along a statement to be read for the record.

The Forum recording runs about 1 hour and 52 minutes. Let’s listen to the Candidate Forum. 

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c7d7e75f-a839-4e52-a7eb-d5b2931e2c2e

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Candidate Forum format -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/candidate-forum-oct-21-2021-forum.html  

Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html 

Candidate statements ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/candidate-forum-statements-oct-21-2021.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"

 

Candidate Forum - Audio - Oct 21, 2021 

Recap: Town Council approves creation of 9th precinct, hears about ARPA funding, and closes out the current term with thanks

Quick Recap:

• Swearing in of Firefighter/Paramedic David Ogilvie
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding schedule and plans for initial funds outlined, presentation link with details included
• Some of the Census 2020 population data has been received which leads to a reprecincting process which was explained in detail, bottom line, we go from 8 to 9 precincts, little other impact to Town operations; House representation likely to remain with all of Franklin covered by 10th Legislative district; on the State Senate side where we were split between Senator Spilka and Senator Rausch, Senator Rausch would have all of Franklin. The MA House and Senate districting is still in decision/approval process at the State House. The Franklin precinct plan now goes to the State for review and acceptance
• Three separate measures were approved to increase the minimum wage for the senior workoff program and to increase benefits for veterans as well as disabled veterans
• As this was the last meeting of this Council term, there was a round of remarks and thanks for the past term during Council Comments. The Councilors were cautioned by Town Attorney Mark Cerel about the nature of their comments, attempting to limit them to simply encourage a general get out the vote.
• Also raised during this segment was the issue being made by some residents around the problem with the 2020 September primary. Best quote came from Attny Cerel to summarize the matter "The issues arose under the term of the prior town clerk who resigned"

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live from the Council Chambers

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1020

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1020&src=recent_search_click

Agenda 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 

• Ready for Town Council meeting to begin, by sight of folks in room, might be a little late starting but won't be too long, lots of side discussions going #tc1020
• Agenda doc for tonight's session -> https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda…  #tc1020
• meeting opens, Chair Mercer with gavel #tc1020

Citizens Comment

• I stepped up to give brief on the Candidate Forum scheduled for Tu 10/21/21 at 6:30 - live streamed via Franklin TV, Comcast and Verizon -  https://franklinmatters.org/2021/10/candidate-forum-oct-21-2021-forum.html
• Nancy Danello - acting Town Clerk reminds of early voting option this weekend, Sat and Sunday 10/23 - 10/24 from 10 AM to 1:00 PM. #tc1020 (subsequent;y changed to begin at 9 AM both days)
• J Maciel quoting and playing lyrics from country song by Lee Greenwood lots of folks have heard #tc1020

Appointment

• Appointment - David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire introduced by Chief McLaughlin #tc1020

ARPA Funding update

• next 2 presentations, not yet posted to ToF webpage -> https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/8-presentationsdiscussions-59…  #tc1020
• was previewed by FinCom last week #tc1020 only town in MA with UV lighting to clean the virus in our air filtration systems FEMA est almost $600K expected but some time in the future.
• big thank you for congressional and state representatives for the State and Federal funds, without them, we'd have been hurting budget wise...  #tc1020
• Norfolk County will doll out the 'county funds' time line and details TBD, they will also take a % to 'process' the funding. #tc1020
• ARPA funds being treated as grants, to be applied for in order to verify the need and justification for the requests. #tc1020 Town well positioned to do clinics now with nurse on staff, and paramedics certified to give the doses.
• Overview slide of projects to utilize the ARPA funds #tc1020 succeeding slides go into more detail (as also shown in FinCom meeting last week)
• the wireless tower will save money (we'd have had to spend anyway) and enable better comms for the Police and Fire folks, they can use backchannel to communicate with each other but in so doing, the MECC is cut out #tc1020
• possible cost sharing with Medway on additional clinician, full amount in our accounting to ensure we get the funding and the service, we can figure out the other details later. #tc1020

Census 2020 data and reprecincting

• next up, Town Clerk and GIS Coordinator update on 2020 census data - re-precinct status #tc1020 also to be posted to this page https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/8-presentationsdiscussions-59
• difference between the decennial census and the data collected by the American Community Survey (ACS) - the ACS provides on-going data rather than waiting 10 years. #tc1020
• This slide has the numbers likely to drive the 40b percents #tc1020 the number of housing units increased in the last 10 years
• Difference between redistricting and reprecincting shown in these slides #tc1020
• House representation seems not to change, State district may solidify into one representative vs. split between 2. We go from 8 to 9 precincts but other than that, a minor change overall. #tc1020
• doesn't change anything for this Nov election, would only be effective for Jan 2022 and beyond. The process of voting, precinct finding details can be easily done at the polling place #tc1020
• a mailing to those in precinct 9 will be planned for future; as we are 'at large' there is no effect on the precinct alignment. For those raising Q on potential change to precinct election for Council that would need to be done by charter change and (for me) we aren't ready …
• are ready to operate that way. It is hard enough to gain 'community' with the at large approach, going by precinct would only further divide us. to what end? I see that we are not ready for that yet (my 2 cents) #tc1020 maybe later down the road
• moving on to subcommittee reports; EDC met tonight, info on wayfinding signs and branding #tc1020

Legislation for Action

• legislation for action -> Resolution 21-59: Update of Town’s Voting Precincts (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-59 - Majority Vote) https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10a-legislation-action-54… #tc1020 motion to approve, second, passes 8-0
• Resolution 21-60: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-60 - Majority Vote)  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-54… #tc1020 motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0   Q on minimum wage, by law per rebate process can't be
• Resolution 21-61: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-61 - Majority Vote) https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-46…  #tc1020 motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0
• 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://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10d-legislation-action-44…  #tc1020 motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0
• 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) #tc1020 standard quarterly transaction motion, seconded, passes 8-0
• 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) #tc1020 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10f-legislation-action-30… motion, seconded, passes 8-0

Town Administrators Report

• Town Administrators report: Garelick all penalties and interest all fully collected for water service, now from Dairy Farmers America - Maple open space has finally closed on docs - #tc1020
• Council comments - Frongillo speaking on Danello situation - Jamie reprises what happened then, coordination with Sec of Commonwealth for the acting appointment - "The issues arose under the term of the prior town clerk who resigned"
• councilor comments encouraging voting on Nov 2; cautioned by Attny Cerel to be cautious on comments regarding the election #tc1020
• Chair, thanks fellow councilors, it has been trying but we have accomplished a lot. #tc1020 thanks to the Town administration etc.  motion to adjourn, passes 8-0  that's all folks!

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

2020 census data - re-precinct status

FHS football and boys soccer posts wins on Friday

Via @HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Oct 22, 2021  

Football = Franklin, 21 @ Attleboro, 19 – Final
1st Quarter: (A) Anthony Salviati 25-yard field goal; (F) Jared Arone 31-yard pass to Will Tracey, Garrett Portesi XP good.
2nd Quarter: (A) A. Salviati 35-yard field goal; (F) Mack Gulla 3-yard rush, G Portesi XP good; (A) Matt Harvie 11-yard pass to A. Salviati, Josue Salguero XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) J. Arone 57-yard pass to W. Tracey, G Portesi XP good; (A) Adrian Rivera 3-yard rush, 2pt pass failed.
4th Quarter: No scoring.

Boys Soccer = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin scored twice inside a five-minute span in the first half and tacked an important insurance goal just minutes into the second half to get a win over Mansfield, pushing their unbeaten streak to five games. Senior Jack Moran opened the scoring in the 15th minute on a pass from sophomore Sean O’Leary and then junior Ben Costa doubled the advantage in the 20th minute on an assist from classmate Max Tobin. O’Leary extended the lead to 3-0 in the 44th minute, finishing off a chance created by junior Will Krysak.


For other results around the league ->
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-22-21/

FHS football and boys soccer posts wins on Friday