Franklin DPW update & reminder on water conservation measures in effect due to drought conditions

Hey friends,

Just a reminder we are still in a Level 3 drought here in Franklin. We know your lawns are going into "Dormancy" (i.e. brown) right now, as they should, but please follow the Town's Water Conservation Plan and water only on your Trash and Recycling day during outlined hours.

Remember even though our Water Conservation Plan is required by Mass DEP, it is also important to be a good environmental steward and neighbor and conserve water for all. Franklin draws all drinking water from the ground, not reservoirs or rivers and it is a very limited supply.

FYI, last week as required by DEP, we patrolled the Town looking for violators of the Water Conservation Plan and we had to send out over a 100 letters of warning with possible fines. This is an action we do not like to do, but have to. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE US BE THE WATER POLICE!

If you have a private well, remember you have to put a sign out in front of your property that is clearly visible from the road. This helps the Town and your fellow neighbors know you have a private well. If you have a private well, we recommend you follow the one day a week water plan as your fellow neighbors do because we all draw from the same aquifer.

Helpful links:

https://www.franklinma.gov/water.../pages/water-conservation

https://www.franklinma.gov/.../water-conservation-rebates...

https://www.franklinma.gov/.../welcome-watersmart-program

https://www.mass.gov/.../docu.../2019/10/03/drought-plan.pdf

From the Drought Monitor map archives (PDF) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vzD-ivkPrM9nCnOZhFEiLJgUsjMi7jq5/view?usp=sharing

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/png/current/current_ma_trd.png

Remote meeting extension approved by Legislature, signed by Gov Baker

"On July 14, the House and Senate passed legislation (S. 3007) extending key pandemic-era accommodations, including remote meeting authorizations, to March 31, 2023. Once the governor signs the bill, cities and towns will retain the option to hold public meetings remotely, following the same guidelines that have been in place since the COVID public health emergency was first declared in March of 2020.

Back in May, a remote meeting extension was included in the final FY23 Senate Budget as an outside section, but this language was advanced by the Senate as a standalone bill last week with the July 15 expiration approaching and the final budget still tied up in negotiations. The House later passed its own version of the bill, including language that would have created a permanent mandate for remote access to all public meetings aside from those in executive session, with a provision requiring remote participation by the public if public participation is allowed or required at the meeting. This would have gone into effect on April 1, 2023."

Continue reading the article online from Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA)

https://www.mma.org/legislature-passes-pandemic-extensions-through-march-31-2023/

Updated via email from MA AG's Division of Open Government

"On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law An Act Relative to Extending Certain State of Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.  Specifically, this extension allows public bodies to continue holding meetings remotely without a quorum of the public body physically present at a meeting location, and to provide "adequate, alternative" access to remote meetings.  The Act does not make any new changes to the Open Meeting Law other than extending the expiration date of the temporary provisions regarding remote meetings.

In partnership,

 

The Attorney General’s Division of Open Government"

PDF of the email -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9ujM7vNCcKF-RQiJ0cIWUKuXuc98FB-/view?usp=sharing 

S.3985 is on the Governor's Desk per the Executive office queue on the Mass.gov page ->  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/on-the-governors-desk

The text of the legislation just approved can be found ->    https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2985

The Franklin Town Council holds a hybrid meeting. (Photo courtesy town of Franklin)

Say "NO" to exempt from "a slew of environmental requirements" for a stadium

"The Massachusetts House passed legislation late Thursday that could clear the way for Robert Kraft to build a long-sought soccer stadium for the New England Revolution on a waterfront property steps from the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett.

Without floor debate or public input, lawmakers added language to a wide-ranging, multibillion-dollar economic development bill Thursday evening that would exempt the 43-acre industrial property straddling the Everett and Boston line from a slew of environmental requirements so it could be developed as a “sports, recreation or events center.”

Two people briefed on the legislation said the amendment is designed to aid Kraft’s pursuit of a soccer stadium after more than a decade of searching, but repeatedly failing to secure a new home for the Revolution in or around Boston."

Continue reading the article online at the Boston Globe (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/15/metro/house-measure-could-help-open-door-professional-soccer-stadium-everett/ 

Seth Godin in his podcast "Akimbo" addresses Stadium subsidies

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5hY2FzdC5jb20vcHVibGljL3Nob3dzLzA3MDU4YjIwLWU1MzctNDIyNS05YzU2LTNhZGYwZTJhNjY5YQ/episode/NjJhODljNWMyNjEwMDQwMDEyZjI1YmNl

And while there is economic value to such a proposed exemption, the worth of government subsidies for such stadiums was debunked by the Brookings Institute

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/sports-jobs-taxes-are-new-stadiums-worth-the-cost/

Disclosure: yes, I happen to follow the Revolution as a season subscriber but that doesn't change my opinion on the "one" earth we have that is already challenged by climate change. We shouldn't be creating exemptions for this kind of building.

construction on new lighthouse tower at Gillette in June 2022

MassCEC Seeks Participants for Decarbonization Pathways Pilot - converting from fossil fuels to green energy

Apply by July 31st!

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking around 30 homes to participate in the first cohort of the Decarbonization Pathways Pilot. This new pilot will offer technical support, generous financial incentives, and performance monitoring to implement high-efficiency decarbonization measures. This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your home into the 21st century!   Please consider applying and share this opportunity with your network. If you have any questions, please contact us at buildings@masscec.com.   MassCEC is accepting application between July 15, 2022 and July 31, 2022.  MassCEC is specifically looking for participants who intend to install whole-home heat pump systems within the coming year and are interested in completely eliminating fossil fuels from their homes during the pilot. We will also be looking for geographic, income, and building type diversity within the cohort.   Learn More & Apply Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 294 Washington St. Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02108

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

July 19, 2022 -7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

C. Payroll Ms. Stokes

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Franklin Education Foundation Update - Mrs. Carlucci & Mrs. Trahan

III. Discussion/Action Items - None

IV. Discussion Only Items - None

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

(i) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2022 School

Committee Meeting as detailed.

(ii) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 14,

2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

(iii) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 27, 2022 School

Committee Meeting as detailed.

(iv) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 27,

2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Declare Surplus

I recommend approval to declare the list of Jefferson Elementary School books as

surplus as detailed.

C. Jefferson Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $2,217.14 as follows:

Jefferson PCC - Field Trips $1,813.14

Jefferson 5th Grade Celebration Committee - Supplemental Supplies $404

D. Music Gifts

I recommend acceptance for two checks totaling $3,239.48 as follows:

$ 846.48 Students Field Trip

$2,393.00 Gate MS Spring Concerts In-house enrichment

E. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,015.00 from the Class of 1972 for a

scholarship as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22docx_2.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-19-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room

AGENDA

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

I. School Committee Goal Setting Workshop

Adjournment

Agenda doc on the Schools page ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22_workshop.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM

035 - Frank Presents - Caron Grupposo - a discussion on diabetes (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey is joined by Caron Grupposo, a registered nurse at Milford Regional Physician Group teaching diabetes education, to help support patients with diabetes. The two discuss what is diabetes, warning signs, treatment and how Caron educates and cares for patients.

Audio file -> https://frank-falvey.captivate.fm/episode/035-frank-presents-caron-grupposo

035 - Frank Presents - Caron Grupposo - a discussion on diabetes (audio)

"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering"

"The lack of rainfall over the past four months is being felt across Massachusetts, as 90 percent of the state is now experiencing drought conditions, officials said.

On July 12 Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card declared that there was a “significant” drought in the Connecticut River Valley, central, northeast and southeast parts of the state, and a mild drought in western Massachusetts, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.

According to the latest map from the US Drought Monitor, the northeast part of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions. That level of dryness means specialty crops can be impacted in both yield and fruit size; trees become brittle and susceptible to insects; fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms to find food; water quality becomes poor; groundwater declines; and irrigation ponds dry up."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/14/metro/90-percent-massachusetts-is-experiencing-drought-conditions/

The State of Mass drought status page -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status 

 

US view of the MASS info -> https://www.drought.gov/states/Massachusetts

"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering"

Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022

"The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline activates their new Mental Health Emergency Line tomorrow. If you or someone you know is suicidal or struggling with a mental health crisis, you can dial 988 to be connected to immediate support. There is Hope.

Just call or text 988"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1548091265941614597

Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022

Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training

"This week each group went through emergency vehicle driver training through

@MIIAsocial

. The training included a classroom presentation followed by each member of the department operating a simulator."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1547953456190595073 

Franklin Fire Dept takes emergency vehicle driver training

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice - FY2021 Tax Taking

Legal Notice FY2021 Tax Taking

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/legal_notice_tax_taking.pdf

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice - FY2021 Tax Taking

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 15, 2022 to July 21, 2022

On the Town Common, the Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common come together with food, vendors, music and movie night ("Luca"). There is also food and music at La Cantina & 67 Degrees. 

Get out and enjoy the local offerings!

Friday, July 15

Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing - check open hours)  

1:00pm - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)

3:30pm - Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac  (Town Common)

4:00pm - Food truck: Yai's Thai Truck (Town Common)

4:30pm - Raina’s Plate Food Truck (67 Degrees Brewing)

6:00pm - Anna Freitas Trio (67 Degrees Brewing)

6:00pm - Sioo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: NorthEast Groove (Town Common)

8:30pm - Movie Night: "Luca"  (Town Common)

Saturday, July 16

Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing - check open hours)  

9:00am - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Supa Dupa food truck (67 Degrees Brewing)

4:00pm - Zach & Robin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, July 17

Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing - check open hours)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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 calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division

The Town of Franklin has been approved for an award of $150,902 by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division. The funding will support the following projects proposed in the Town of Franklin’s Green Communities Competitive grant application.

• $15,000: Town — Electric vehicles (2)
• $49,514: Horace Mann School — Smart LED lighting
• $24,895: Horace Mann School — Transformer
• $12,194: Remington Jefferson School — Transformer
• $49,299: Keller Sullivan School — Transformer

All of these projects are currently underway and the Town hopes to have all projects completed by December of 2022. 

For more information on our Green Communities status and previous grant awards, please view our green communities page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community

Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) 

Franklin Harvest Festival Sponsorships available for those wanting to make a difference

Put the Spotlight on Your Business

Bring Attention to your Business While Supporting the Community Be a sponsor of this year's Harvest Festival! Your sponsorship will include: Logo listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters & Signage - (Platinum, Gold and Silver levels) Smaller size logo listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters, & Signage - (Bronze Level) Name listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters & and Signage- (Friends Level) Listed in all related Press Releases  Highlighted on Website: franklindowntownpartnership.org  Advertised on local radio Promoted on social media Sponsors get booth at event located on Exclusive Sponsorship Row area of event; Platinum sponsor get two booths On-going announcement of Sponsors by DJ and Band during the Harvest Festival   Just email us the sponsorship form and the level you would like to be listed as (see the levels here) and we'll get you on the sponsorship list!  Please email the FDP office to let us know you'll be a sponsor! Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Library Book Sale weekend - July 15 & July 16

Book sale

• Friday, July 15 ,  1:00-5:00 PM 
• Saturday, July 16th , 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
• All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale 

• Saturday, July 16, from 1:00-4:00 PM
• Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
• $5 A Bag

Library Book Sale weekend

FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26, 2022

Calling all golfers.  Book your foursome to support Franklin’s boys’ and girls’ basketball programs. 

When: Monday, September 26, 2022

About this event

Come join us Monday, September 26 for the FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament.

• SHOTGUN start at 8:30 am, REGISTRATION starts at 8:00 AM
• GREAT FUN AND GREAT FRIENDS
• WIN PRIZES!- WINNING TEAM, LONGEST DRIVE, CLOSEST TO THE PIN, RAFFLES, & AUCTION
• LUNCH INCLUDED ON THE COURSE

Individual & group tickets available.  Register via Eventbrite:    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-franklin-high-school-boys-girls-basketball-golf-tournament-registration-352954304827

 

FHS Boys' & Girls' Basketball Annual Golf Tournament - Sep 26, 2022

50+: "Discrimination During the Job Search" - Wednesday Aug 17 at 6:30 PM

Southwick Public Library

Presents

 Discrimination During

the Job Search

With

Career Coach Ed Lawrence

Wednesday August 17: 6:30 pm

 

Have you encountered discrimination during your job search?

Would you recognize subtle discrimination against you?

 

Join us as we discuss the many forms of discrimination you may encounter
during your job search.

 

We will define common terms such as prejudice, discrimination, and stereotype. We'll discuss protected groups and self-fulfilling prophecies.

 

You'll hear the cost to society.

 

And most importantly, we'll tell you what can do when you encounter discriminatory practices.

 

Topic: Discrimination During the Job Search
Time: Aug 17, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

To Register:  Send an email to southwicklibrary@comcast.net and say you would like to attend. They will send you the Zoom link.

Yes, it is a Zoom event. Anticipated wrap-up time is between 7:30 and 8 pm.

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

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee; NCOPE

._,_._,_

50+: "Discrimination During  the Job Search" - Wednesday Aug 17 at 6:30 PM