Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. 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.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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

a. November 2, 2022

b. November 16, 2022 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_licenses.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-86: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($70,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-86 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._gift_acceptance_fla.pdf

b. Resolution 22-87: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($565)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-87 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._gift.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-888 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-888_stop_signs.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7. Part VI, Use Regulations Schedule: Residential Uses

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d_1.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 51.  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-890.pdf

f. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-88 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-88.pdf

g. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-89 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._1_-_resolution_22-89_-_town_council_creation_of_the_opiod_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

h. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-90 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h.pdf

i. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-91 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/91._22-91.pdf

j. Resolution 22-92: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-92 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-92.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator

b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: Police Patrol, Police Sergeants and Fire Department unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action:

1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-93 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-94 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Franklin.TV: Franklin Food Elves - Raising Money for the Food Pantry

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/11/2022

The Franklin Food Elves is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year and it wraps up our holiday giving season. Every December high school and middle school students earn community service hours and raise money for The Pantry. Each student works in their elementary school district and is assigned streets by District where they drop off our signature purple envelopes and a flyer explaining the program. 

Franklin Food Pantry

People can make donations via an online page or leave a check in the envelope that the student returns to pick up on a specific date. The Pantry provides all the materials each Elf needs. It’s a great program that makes a large impact on The Pantry. Elves can earn community service hours (12 hours for in-person canvassing of neighborhoods and 10 hours for online fundraising only). If you have any questions please contact Marsha Tait at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Food prices increased by 13.1% nationally and 10.9% locally this year and have not only impacted Franklin families but have increased The Pantry’s operating costs as well. Fundraisers like Food Elves are critical to the organization – especially now amid rising food prices and increasing need.

use this QR code to find your elf 

Last year the Elves raised over $95,000! These funds help to provide services and food, including fresh produce, proteins and dairy to neighbors in need. Food Elves is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest annual fundraiser, and we can’t wait to see what the Food Elves accomplish this year!

Look for your purple envelope and consider making the holidays brighter for your neighbors by placing a donation in the purple envelope for pickup by your local Food Elf. If you have not been visited by a Food Elf you can donate via this QR code!

Questions? Call us. 508-541-4118. 

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

 

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting - Dec 14 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers

Agenda:

1. Presentation: Mark Bobrowski

a. Chapter 40R - Smart Growth Zoning & Housing Production

i. 40R Article  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nsr3AZscWA6m61C941Z7dHJBtzNjOVJ6/view?usp=share_link

ii. 40R PowerPoint  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZArDb0LoUWh0aW5MTuIjliZNqGkrai/view?usp=share_link

 

The agenda doc includes remote connection info ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_edc_agenda.pdf 

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting

FHS boys hockey hold successful scrimmage with Braintree, Wrestling has a "great day"

Via HockomockSports.com & Twitter, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, December 11, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Wrestling = Ashland Tournament (Franklin), 10:00AM

Great day of wrestling, Winiker 5th ,Carlucci 3rd, Foley 2nd, Bramson 6th, O’Connell 2nd, Large 5th https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1601674819086348288

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-10-22/ 

The FHS boys hockey team had a game situation scrimmage with Braintree with the results as follows:

Scrimmage Results: Franklin 4 Braintree 2

1st Period Recap:

Off the drop of the puck the boys came out firing, up tempo and pushing the puck. Ben Jarosz, Sicchio & Dylan McEvoy had lots of chances to put one home, but the first goal of the game comes at 13:27 into the 1st off low blocker high slot shot by Logan Marchand that's then tipped by Ben Paterson to Anthony Lampasona who buries it. Second goal comes at 9:45 after Braintree dumps it into the zone and Aidan Kuykendall immediately snaps it up the boards past a Braintree defender to Ben Paterson who slides it to Dan Daley who's streaking down the right side of the ice for a 2 on 1, Dan Daley slides the puck over to Anthony Lampasona who punches the ticket to make it 2-0 Franklin. With 4:24 to go in the first Colby Wagner fends of a big breakaway but Braintree would find the net a minute later off a turn over inside the defensive zone. The boys finished off the period on the penalty kill allowing 2 shots and blocking 4. Strong first period by first year defenseman Vinnie Pasquarosa, returner Tommy Balducci who was a forecheck machine and Colby Wagner who was solid in net seeing 13 shots.

2nd Period Recap:

Quiet 2nd period until about 7:38 left in the period when Ben Paterson wins an offensive zone faceoff to Anthony Lampasona who slides it to the weakside defenseman Aidan Kuykendall. Aidan snaps a low wrister off the goalie's pad that finds its way to Dan Daley's stick who snipes it putting Franklin up 3-1. Period would end at 3-1 Franklin; Colby Wagner stops another 13 shots for the donut on the period and that will end his night. Returner Liam O'Rielly has another solid period and newcomers Mike Gates, Zach Langevin, Carter Balducci, Jack Wernig & Rhys Greenwood all working hard & playing strong. Couple in some good shifts from Carmine Iannuzzi and Lucas Sheehan that rounds out the period. Solid overall performance for the period but not as good as the first.

3rd Period Recap:

Starting the 3" Jake Torraco gets the call in the pipes to take the boy's home. The period is uneventful lots of back and forth until 6:08 left in the game Franklin takes a tough penalty and in the same transition Braintree puts one home to make it 3-2. Franklin will spend 5 of the last 6 minutes serving the major. Jake Torraco does a great job weathering the storm while Logan Marchand, Liam O'Rielly, Ben Jarosz and Ryan Sicchio go into lockdown mode. With 2:05 to go in the game and off a relentless forecheck by Dylan McEvoy and Tommy Balducci, they cause a turnover at mid ice and Tommy Balducci is off to the races putting it away making it 4-2 Franklin - FINAL!!! 

 

Solid night by the team! Great to see lots of puck distribution, team play & chemistry. Tons of hustle and of course some things to workon but we are onterra forma and no question season will be exciting!!

Home opener Wednesday night vs Newburyport - LET's GOOOOO pack the house!

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1601769586084532224

Boys line up card for Braintree scrimmage ->

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/a84b1f31-4af0-4bc7-bebb-d8fc69f0b707/downloads/12.10%20LineUp%20vs%20Braintree.pdf?ver=1670763455823

FHS Panthers

Enjoy the February School Break with one or more Franklin Recreation Programs - Registration opens Dec 12, 2022

Check out our upcoming February Break Programs. Registration for all February Break Programs will open on Monday (Dec 12, 2022)! 

Register online at franklinma.myrec.com

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9Fc-Pu61t/

Enjoy the February School Break with one or more Franklin Recreation Programs - Registration opens Dec 12, 2022

DPW Curbside & Recycling Ctr schedule for holiday weeks Dec 26-30, 2022 & Jan 2-3, 2023

DPW Notice: 

Curbside trash/recycling pickup will operate on a regular schedule during holiday weeks  

(Dec. 26- 30, 2022 and Jan. 2-3, 2023).

Recycling Center Holiday hours are as follows:

• Sat., Dec. 24: 8AM-1PM
• Sun., Dec. 25: CLOSED
• Sat., Dec. 31: 8AM-1PM
• Sun., Jan. 1: CLOSED 

Shared from -> https://t.co/H5UMHaHGEa

If you misplaced the Curbside flyer, you can download a copy

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2022-2023_0.pdf

CommonWealth Magazine: "Old laws, like Prop 2 1/2, need to adapt to times"

"I’VE BEEN STRUGGLING to find the right metaphor for our current economic situation. After the great recession of 2007-2009, my go-to was a staircase: the recession had knocked us down a flight of stairs and it took us a decade to climb back up.

But that won’t do today. If COVID knocked us down the stairs, our response was to leap–like some superhero–up and out of the building. Only afterwards did we realize we don’t know how to land.

Or how’s this analogy…to avoid a dangerous tangle on the highway, we successfully accelerated around it–only to discover that our brakes aren’t working well.

You get the point. For the first time in decades, the problem with the US economy is that it’s running too hot, with plentiful job opportunities driving unsustainable wage growth and consumer demand keeping inflation above healthy levels.

Fixing all this is mostly a job for the feds. But lawmakers here in Massachusetts have an important role to play: they need to adapt."

Continue reading the article at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/old-laws-like-prop-2-1-2-need-to-be-adapted-for-times/ 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Old laws, like Prop 2 1/2, need to adapt to times"

What proposed FTC updates to the Eyeglass Rule mean for you (video)

What proposed FTC updates to the Eyeglass Rule mean for you By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education The FTC enforces the Eyeglass Rule, which gives you the right to get your eyeglass prescription — whether you ask for it or not — and at no extra charge once your eye exam has been completed.  Having a copy of your prescription lets you shop around and get the best deal. But based on public comments and consumer reports we've gotten, it's clear that some eye doctors aren't following the Rule. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/12/what-proposed-ftc-updates-eyeglass-rule-mean-you

Video link -> https://youtu.be/S_iJJHaQpVk

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda

Franklin School Committee 

December 13, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. McNeil

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills

C. Payroll

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Lifelong Learning Presentation - Patricia Gay, Director LLI

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend Adoption of the following policies as discussed:

● KF-E3 - Facilities Fee Schedule

● JLCCD - Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in the Education Setting

● JLCCD-E - Protocol & Guidelines for Management of Life-Threatening Food Allergies in FPS

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Annual Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the Minutes from you November 22, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Scholarships

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,250.00 for FHS Scholarships as follows:

a. $1,000.00 Roberta Trahan

b. $250.00  Sean Jobin

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $1,170.85 as follows:

a. $1,000.00 for Student Activity Account - In house Enrichment from FEF & General Dynamics

b. $170.85 - Supplemental Supplies - from Ohiopyle

D. Executive Session Minutes

I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from the November 22, 2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

E. New Club: National Art Honor Society

I recommend approval of the request of Amy Edson to create the new club: National Art Honor Society as detailed.

 

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

The agenda doc and remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder with docs released for this meeting (although not always available before the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-13-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda

Reminder: A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

Seating in the Temple is limited so Franklin.TV will broadcast and live stream the event. 

• You should be able to find it on your "All Access" channel either Comcast 8 or Verizon 26
• You can also find it on All Access YouTube Channel as "Live"  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA

Via Temple Etz Chaim: 

"December 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Come attend a special presentation at 900 Washington St in Franklin. 

Rabbi Alpert will be among those presenting."

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkUpqvoKBf/

A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

FHS girls and boys indoor track teams top North Attleboro in opening meet on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, December 8, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 

Boys Indoor Track = North Attleboro, 36 @ Franklin, 64 – Final 

– Franklin’s depth proved to be key as the Panthers took two of the top three spots in eight individual events, including sweeps in the 2 Mile and the 600M, to take down North Attleboro. Jonathan Pink clocked in at 11:13.06 to win the 2 Mile, followed by Luke Paragona and Sean Giuliano, while Jake Vaccarezza won the 600M in 1:33.84 with Fraser Baird and Jake Lorenzo rounding out the top three. Franklin also got wins from Harry Gurney (55M hurdles, 9.24), Luke Sidwell (300M, 37.74), and Will Boozang (1 Mile, 5:01.03). North Attleboro’s Nathan Shultz continued his dominance in the winter, taking first in a pair of events: the high jump in a league-best 6-06.00 and the 55M dash in 6.76. The Rocketeers also got wins from Kyle Conroy (long jump, 18-04.75), Mark Etienvre (shot put, 50-04.00), and Connor Peterson (1000M, 2:48.29).

Girls Indoor Track = North Attleboro, 22 @ Franklin, 77 – Final 

– Franklin opened the season with a dominant showing, winning eight events, sweeping two of them and scoring in all of them, while taking both relays to beat North Attleboro. Lily DeForge, who set the school record in the shot put, won the event in 35-01.50 followed by Elizabeth Hopkins and Darby Nicholson while Sarah Dumas (9.01, Barra Pfluke, and Cailyn Bruno swept the 55M hurdles. Dumas also won the 55M hurdles (9.01) and other winners for the Panthers were Abigail Griffith (high jump, 5-00.00), Mackenzie Mann (2 Mile, 14:04.79), Sophia Cuneo (55M dash, 7.94 and 300M, 45.50), and Ella McLaughlin (600M, 1:54.14). North’s Julia Simpson (1000M, 3:34.51) and Katie Galcoczy (1 Mile, 6:07.87) each won for the Rocketeers.

For other results around the Hockomock League  -> 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-08-22/

FHS Panthers

Franklin School Committee - Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee - Stipend Committee

December 13, 2022 - 4:00 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Conference Room

A G E N D A

"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."

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to

collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may

have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School

Committee and the chair so declares.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining

sessions with the FEA/RN unit.

The agenda doc can be found on the FPS page ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/stipend_agenda_-_12-13-22.pdf

Stipend Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13

Davis Thayer Collection (audio)

From June 2020 when the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis started in earnest through to current meetings, this is the collection of meeting notes and audio recordings including key interviews with Superintendent Ahern, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer over this period.

Why have this collection? The discussions and information gathered during this period are available for the current discussion on redistricting. The Kaestle Boos Assessment report and McKibben demographics study still have valid date for this aspect of the important discussion.

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

Franklin Public Schools Page on the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis

https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

• Kaestle Boos Assessment Report  https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis/files/facilities-assessment-report
• McKibben Demographics study   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2-25-20_demographics_presetation_0.pdf

Current Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee

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

Nov 2022 - Talk Franklin & Town Council Quarterbacking cover Davis Thayer among other items https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/town-council-meeting-recapped-more-as.html

Nov 2022 - Town Council discussion on how to handle Davis Thayer, decides on representative stakeholder approach https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/town-council-recognizes-carloni_22.html

Nov 2022 - Redistricting Advisory Committee kick off meeting 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/redistricting-advisory-committee-holds.html

Sep 2022 - Space Subcommittee recommends to School Committee

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/space-needs-subcmte-to-recommend-vendor.html

July 2022 - Talk Franklin discussion on Davis Thayer, deed processing underway, decision expected in Fall on how to approach the future of the building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/from-heat-to-proposed-friendly-40b.html

July 2022 - Town Council Quarterbacking discussion on the Town taking ownership of building from School Committee https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/town-council-quarterbacking-072022-ok.html

June 2022 - Recap: School Committee hears Davis Thayer highlights

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-school-committee-hears-davis.html 

May 2022 - Council impatient with progress on Davis Thayer

• TC Quarterbacking  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom.html
• Council meeting audio https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/town-council-hears-from-congressman.html 

Jan 2022 - Snow discussion with Supt Ahern includes Davis Thayer discussion

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/snow-day-conversation-with-franklin.html

Oct 2021 - School Dept update to Town Council includes discussion on Davis Thayer

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-hears-about-school.html

Feb 2021 - FM #461 SchComm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Meeting - 02/03/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-461-schcomm-davis-thayer-facility.html

Feb 2021 - FM #459 - School Committee Meeting (P2 of 3): Davis Thayer segment (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-459-school-committee-meeting-p2-of-3.html 

Jan 2021 - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee to recommend closure of building to full School Committee (1/30/21)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html 

Jan 2021 - FM #448 School Comm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Mtg - 01/28/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-448-school-comm-davis-thayer.html

Jan 2021 - FM #442 Davis Thayer FA Subcomm - 01/20/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-442-davis-thayer-fa-subcomm-012021.html 

Jan 2021 - FM #438 SchComm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 01/14/21 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-438-schcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg.html

Dec 2020 - FM #412 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - Mtg - 12/09/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/fm-412-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html

Nov 2020 - FM #398 Davis Thayer FA Insights- 11/19/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-398-davis-thayer-fa-insights-111920.html

Oct 2020 - FM #379 School Comm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 10/29/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-379-schoolcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg.html

Jun 2020 - FM #307 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Statement - 6/23/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-307-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html

Jun 2020 - FM #298 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - 6/11/20 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-298-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html

Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019

Pantherbook: FHS boys hockey preview (audio)

Pantherbook - 2022 Winter Sports Preview: @FHSPantherHocke
Ft. SR captains @SicchioRyan and @JaroszBen. W/ @_Ryan_Martin

Audio link ->  https://youtu.be/mYfAiR6wPiE

Shared from -> https://t.co/PPSnuQt6L4 

Pantherbook: FHS boys hockey preview (audio)

What did you consent to do? Use of social media tools getting riskier - links to 3 articles

Lensa is not a good thing, but if you submitted photos, it's too late now

"This week, millions came face to face with AI-generated versions of themselves thanks to the app Lensa, which uses machine learning to spit out illustrations based on photos you provide. People took to social media to reflect on how the portraits made them feel — and who stands to lose when AI art goes mainstream.

“I think I have a fairly decent self-image, but I looked at the images and I was like, ‘Why do I look so good?’” said James, a Twitch streamer who declined to give his last name to keep his social media presence separate from his day job. “I think it shaved off a lot of my rough edges.”

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/12/08/lensa-ai-portraits/

Lensa - article 2

"Sure, that drunk selfie you posted on Instagram might be personally embarrassing. Now imagine that selfie is also training fuel for an artificial intelligence system that helps put an innocent person in jail.

Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence. What you do with your face, your home security videos, your words and the photos from your friend’s art show are not just about you. Almost entirely without your true consent, information that you post online or that is posted about you is being used to coach AI software. These technologies could let a stranger identify you on sight or generate custom art at your command."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/12/09/chatgpt-lensa-ai-ethics/

If you didn't know how you were being tracked, this lends some insight to the systems involved:

"Tens of thousands of websites belonging to government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and other organizations host Twitter computer code that sends visitor information to the social media giant, according to research first reported by The Cybersecurity 202. 

And virtually none of them have used a Twitter feature to put restrictions on what the company can do with that data, said digital ad analysis firm Adalytics, which conducted the study.

The presence of Twitter’s code — known as the Twitter advertising pixel — has grown more troublesome since Elon Musk purchased the platform."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/08/twitter-data-tracker-inhabits-tens-thousands-websites/

So how can you protect your privacy in this new social media world? Two quick easy steps:

• Don't fall to any one of the meme's (What Game of Thrones character are you?) or tools like Lensa
• Install DuckDuckGo (https://duckduckgo.com) on your browser to prevent the tracking cookies from doing their thing

Lensa interpretations of reporter Tatum Hunter. These images were
created by AI. They were not taken by a camera.

   

Armenian Weekly: "Camp Haiastan planning expansion for Under the Trees project"

"Since last spring, Camp Haiastan has been working on designing an expanded Under the Trees. Anyone who has attended Camp Haiastan knows this area as the place where the entire Camp gathers for daily announcements and the Lord’s Prayer before meals. This area is also the Camp’s primary vantage point of Uncas Pond, Hye Hope Pavilion, the basketball courts and the lower Camp entrance. 

Anyone sitting Under the Trees can see nearly everything that is happening at Camp Haiastan. It is also a place many campers use to just relax, gather in small groups, play board games, read or observe their natural surroundings. “The Camp has grown significantly since the original Under the Trees area was constructed, and the area needs expansion and renovation,” notes executive director Kenar Charchaflian.

With the help of Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (KZLA) of Boston, a series of designs was developed and reviewed by the Camp’s Infrastructure Committee led by Board member Michael Bahtiarian. The Committee chose a design that fits the needs and character of Camp Haiastan and presented the selection at the 70th anniversary gala in July.  

The new design will double the size of the Under the Trees area. In addition, it will not only save and secure the existing trees, but also plan for the future by planting new ones. Much like the current Under the Trees, the stone patio will include a new Armenian eternity symbol. The area closer to the Summer Office will have rounded benches, while the section closer to the Rec Hall will be square and have two new platforms and multiple benches. 

KZLA has designed the new Under the Trees to seat as many as 150 campers and counselors. The area will be surrounded by new plants and vegetation as well as walking paths. Lighting will be added below benches to allow the space to be used at night. Other infrastructure improvements will be made as this project necessitates them, including rainwater drainage, irrigation and burying utilities."

Continue reading the article online ->  https://armenianweekly.com/2022/12/05/camp-haiastan-planning-expansion-for-under-the-trees-project/

 

Expanded Under the Trees 3D image by KZLA