Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

FM #646-647-648 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 646-647-648 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and forty minutes ( 2:40 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• Part 1 -> covers the opening, citizen comments, appointment/swearing in of new firefighter/paramedic and the update on ARPA funding (~54 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/58eae587-351d-46ca-9e11-8f6c5e6523a4
• Part 2 -> covers the Census 2020 data and the reprecincting presentation and Q&A session (~ 40 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7e79c518-913e-4002-99b9-1ccce36d5b3e
• Part 3 -> covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 52 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c578b0eb-36c0-4d2e-bb40-6ea793864b56

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 20, 2021

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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 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-approves-creation-of.html

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair.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"

 

Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

Did you get your tickets to Mamma Mia!?

WHY WAIT UNTIL OPENING NIGHT? Purchase tickets online today—it's quick and easy! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Register O'Donnell Delivers Third Quarter of Year 2021 Real Estate Activity Report

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that third quarter (July-September 2021) real estate stats showed an increase in residential and commercial sales, while mortgage lending numbers experienced a decline.

Register O'Donnell noted, "The recently concluded third quarter of the calendar year, the average Norfolk County real estate sales price, both residential and commercial, increased 16% to $1,001,738. Total real estate volume, again both residential and commercial, was $3.7 billion, a 23% increase year over year."

Register O'Donnell further stated, "The third quarter of the calendar year figures also show an overall 10% increase in the number of properties sold countywide from 5,893 to 5,342 for the same quarter of 2020."

For the third quarter of 2021, the number of land documents recorded, (such as deeds, mortgages, Homesteads, mortgage discharges, etc.) was 48,341, a 3% drop from the previous year. Register O'Donnell noted, "These figures are pointing that things are starting to slow down.  We will continue to watch these numbers."

Q3 Year 2021 Real Estate Activity Report

Another area that is slowing down was the 10,869 mortgages recorded at the Registry during the third quarter of the calendar year 2021 compared to 12,900 for the same time period in 2020.  This is a sixteen percent (16%) decrease in the third quarter of 2021 over the same period in 2020. Total mortgage borrowing was $8.9 billion for the third quarter of the year compared to $5.3 billion during the third quarter of 2020. "With the relatively low interest rates, consumers seem to be more comfortable borrowing money, however it appears most consumers who were going to refinance have done so." stated the Register.

Norfolk County homeowners continued to benefit from the Homestead Act. A total of 3,840 Homesteads were recorded during the third quarter of the calendar year, which is comparable to last year's 3,822 Homestead recordings. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this important consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell.

Another sobering indicator was the uptick in foreclosure activity in Norfolk County. A total of 18 foreclosure deeds were recorded versus 9 filed during the third quarter of 2020. In addition, there was a significant increase in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process.

O'Donnell stated, "While the eastern Massachusetts economy remains on a solid footing, there are still those in Norfolk County experiencing economic hardship, in many cases through no fault of their own. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, (617-479-8181 x376), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, (508-587-0950) to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "While the numbers were a bit contradictory, I am confident that Norfolk County real estate remains a very strong commodity. The Registry will continue to monitor the housing inventory levels and future real estate indicators closely."

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.

Art Wall at FUSF: Schedules reception with Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - Nov 14

"My work is about technology's effect on us and our ability to work with Future technology," says Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau.

Please note the time change: reception moved up to 11:30 AM. Join us to meet the artist on November 14 at FUSF. Masks required, 50-person limit indoors. Refreshments outdoors.

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheArtWallatFUSF/permalink/2996457457284495/

Art Wall at FUSF: Schedules reception with Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - Nov 14

DPW confirms no leaf/yard waste pickup this November 2021 - Alternative to drop off at Beaver St Recycling Center

Important Message:  Waste Management is unable to carry out the Fall Curbside Leaf Pickup

What does this mean?

This means you should not bag and place your yard-waste at the curb. Waste Management will not be retrieving any curbside yard-waste this fall. 

What can I do with my leaves?

During the week of November 15th only, residents of Franklin can utilize the ‘leaf drop off’ areas at the Recycle Center (located at 455 Beaver Street) WITHOUT purchasing an annual pass. The specific dates and times you can bring your yard waste (without a sticker) to the Recycle Center are as follows: 

• Tuesday  - November 16th from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

• Friday  - November 19th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Saturday  - November 20th from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Sunday  - November 21st from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/4628818367202597/

This was recently announced during the citizen comments section of the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Oct 20, 2021

DPW confirms no leaf/yard waste pickup this November 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 26, 2021

Franklin School Committee

October 26, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

remote connection info in agenda doc

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. Recognition of Departing School Committee Members
B. Science National Honor Society Students - Rachael Yuan, Nipun Goel with Joe Chung, Advisor & Jenn Curley, Advisor  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sci-nhs

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. MASC Resolutions
I recommend adoption of the MASC Resolutions as follows:

1. Resolution 1: Dedicated Funding For Schoolbased Clinics And Services

2. Resolution 2: Homework Gap And Wifi/Internet Access

3. Resolution 3: IDEA Full Funding Act

4. Resolution 4: Recess

5. Resolution 5: Zero-Tolerance Policies

6. Resolution 6: Alternative To MCAS

7. Resolution 7: School Committees And Receivership

8. Resolution 8: Electric School Buses

9. Resolution 9: Prohibiting The Use Of Native American Mascots

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_resolutions.pdf

B. Policy - Second Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy GCF - Professional Staff Hiring as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2nd_read-adoption_0.pdf

C. Policy First Reading
I recommend moving policy GCRD - Tutoring for Pay to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting as discussed

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_policy_1st_read_0.pdf

D. Policy - Waive first Reading
I recommend waiving a first reading and adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_policy_waive_1st_reading.pdf
E. Policy Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_policy_adoption.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update – October 22, 2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_october_22_2021.pdf

B. October 1 Enrollment Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/october_1_enrollment_report_2021.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)
 
VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 12, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $480.00 from Franklin Music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

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

XI. Adjournment 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-26-21_0.pdf

Meeting packet folder - >  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 26, 2021

The Halloween Decoration Contest Map is ready

via the Franklin Cultural Council

"It's been a mad rush to get this all ready to share! Kudos again to ALLEGRA PRINT & MARKETING in Franklin for helping us push this through quickly!
Judges will be out tonight and tomorrow night picking the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners!

You can pick up a HARDCOPY of this map at the library this weekend. Pick up at the ramp entrance of the library on Saturday from 9-5pm or Sunday from 1:30-5pm. Thank you, Allegra Print and Marketing!

— at Allegra Design Print Mail."

Shared from Facebook:

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=205728321673283&id=100067083505968

The Halloween Decoration Contest Map is ready

Franklin TV - candidate interviews and Candidate Night broadcast schedule - week beginning Oct 24, 2021

There’s a large field of hopefuls this year.  Meet them all.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 10/24/2021

Who is running for which office? Here’s a link:

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/local-election-11-2-2021-official-list-candidates

 
From this week’s All-Access channel schedule, here’s when you can see
the candidates on Comcast 8 or Verizon 26.

 

Sunday
12:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21
9:00 pm Town Candidates Forum 10-21-21

Monday

9:00 am Candidates Night 10-14-21 

5:00 pm Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

5:30 pm Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

6:00 pm Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

6:30 pm Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams

Tuesday

10:00 am  Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

10:30 am  Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

11:00 am  Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

11:30 am  Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

12:00 pm  Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

12:30 pm  Frank  Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

1:00 pm    Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams

 

Wednesday

6:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21

Thursday

5:30 pm Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

6:00 pm Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

6:30 pm Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

7:00 pm Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

8:30 pm Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams 

9:30 pm Town Candidates Forum 10-21-21

Friday

8:30 am Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 

9:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 

9:30 am Frank Presents: Mark Bisson 

10:00 am  Frank Presents: David Callaghan 

10:30 am  Frank Presents: Tom Mercer 

11:00 am  Frank Presents: Cobi Frongillo 

11:30 am  Frank Presents: Jennifer Williams

Saturday
5:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21

This is the last full week before the big Franklin Vote on Nov. 2nd. It’s a big field of hopefuls. Tune in to their comments on Franklin●TV & 102.9 wfpr●fm. Also visit FranklinMatters.org any time for all the latest. Then cast your vote on November 2nd.

Want to know who most folks are considering? Click on ‘Past Shows’ on
our Home Page. Look at the number of views for each candidate.

https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod

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

For the full TV and radio schedule -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or go to http://franklin.tv/, Select "Past Shows" and then "Live", then "Play" and you'll view what is on the cable channel at that time.

Franklin TV:  view "Frank Presents" candidate interviews

FPS participates in MA State Seal of Biliteracy Program

Dear Franklin Families,

We are pleased to inform you of Franklin Public School District’s participation in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy for the 2021-2022 School Year. The Seal of Biliteracy is for any student who demonstrates proficiency in English and any other language, whether they speak the non-English language at home or learned it at school or in the community. 

The State Seal of Biliteracy aims to:

(a) Encourage students to study and master languages;

(b) Certify attainment of biliteracy skills;

(c) Recognize the value of language diversity;

(d) Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;

(e) Provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages;

(f) Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and

(g) Strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.*

In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must:

(a) Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English by satisfying one of the following:

● Earn a score of 472 or higher on Next-Gen MCAS or

● Earn a score of 455 or higher on Next-Gen MCAS and complete an Educational Proficiency Plan 

(b) Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a foreign language through one of the following:

● Attaining a minimum score equivalent to Intermediate-High on a state approved assessment or

● For languages that do not have readily available assessments, completing a portfolio demonstrating Intermediate-High proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening

MA State Seal of Biliteracy

We will be administering the ELA MCAS for 12th graders who have not taken the MCAS yet on March 9 and 10 and for 10th graders on March 22 and 23. We will be administering a proficiency assessment in a language other than English on a date to be determined. Students seeking to earn the Seal through portfolio assessment must have portfolio scores submitted to the district prior to their graduation date.

We look forward to honoring the language expertise and diversity in our district through this initiative. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Linda Ashley, Interim Curriculum Director (ELA/SS) at ashleyl@franklinps.net or Ms. Laura Evans, Director of World Languages at evansl@franklinps.net.

Sincerely,

Linda Ashley, Ed.D.

*Taken from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.  - https://www.doe.mass.edu/scholarships/biliteracy/  

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3017312371872102/

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 

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

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