FM #215 Doug McPherson HMEA IncredABLE Day - May 17 (audio)

FM #215 This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 215 in the series.

Doug McPherson, Vice-President of Development and Public Relations for Horace Mann Education Association (HMEA), headquartered here in Franklin, sat with me at the studio recently to talk about the IncredABLE Day coming up May 17.

Did you know HMEA provides services to over 5,000 individuals in more than 110 communities in MA? The IncredABLE Day is their major fundraising event and a great family day. A 5K run, a walk, and plenty of food and activities are scheduled for Sunday, May 17.

In a future session, Doug will spend some time reviewing some programs that HMEA provides.

In the meantime, a link to the HMEA page to learn more about the services they offer is included in the show notes https://www.hmea.org/

A link to the registration page for the IncredABLE day is also included. You can volunteer, sign up to run the race, or take part in the walk all in one place.
https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/

Without further ado, let’s listen in to my conversation with Doug. The conversation runs about 20 minutes. https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBRCJxBX





We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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!

 

FM #215 Doug McPherson HMEA IncredABLE Day - May 17

MassBudget: How the state budget and state revenues can improve health equity

MassBudget: How the state budget and state revenues can improve health equity

How the state budget, state revenues 
can improve health equity

The state budget and the revenues that support it are key tools in helping to improve the health of people in Massachusetts. It also can help improve health equity, in which every person - regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, zip code, age, or other factor - has an equal chance to thrive. To this effect, the state budget funds public schools, housing, transportation, and other supports that are essential to our well-being. 

In our latest report, Going Upstream: How our State Budget, Revenue, and Policies can Improve Health, we use the analogy that "upstream" conditions affect health outcomes "downstream." Lawmakers can create laws that address some of these social needs and social conditions. Recent examples of this include passage of the Student Opportunity Act - the state's landmark law to overhaul its school funding formula - and recent increases to the state's minimum wage. 

Education, socioeconomic status, and well-being are cyclically linked. Education tends to pave the way to better jobs, higher wages, and higher socioeconomic status. Those tend to give people better access to healthy foods, green space, and other resources that foster health. Healthier children, in turn, are better able to focus at school.

But meaningful investment in public programs requires a healthy stream of revenue. Lawmakers can do this by raising revenues that ask people with higher incomes to contribute taxes at levels that are closer to what other households pay. 

Read the full Going Upstream report 

http://www.massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Going-Upstream.html

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

Looking Forward to 2020 Strawberry Stroll

"Enjoy strawberry shortcake, great vendors, activities and lots of family fun at the Strawberry Stroll on June 12 (rain date June 13) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Vendor registration will open in April. Thank you to this year's events coordinator - Chris Peterson!"

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/



Consider joining as a business or resident (only $25/yr)
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/membership-info.html

Looking Forward to 2020 Strawberry Stroll

Purim Carnival - March 8

Purim Carnival is scheduled for March 8 from 10 - 11:30 AM.  Please RSVP to directorofeducation@temple-etzchaim.org for location information for the Purim Carnival

Purim Carnival - March 8

For more information about Temple Etz Chaim visit their page
https://temple-etzchaim.org/

FYI - Purim commemorates the day Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king

Live reporting: Town Administrators Report to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 

helpful portal on coronavirus

storm water live in the Chamber 8-10 on Friday

add PSA for coronavirus and stormwater to cable


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
question on what is a violation that constitutes an appropriate response for the Police


Kelly - frustrates me that we are not working on some issues, housing subcommittee needed


13. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Earls - thanks for everyone who came out

Kelly - great conversation tonight, we are all adults, you have the right to walk away

Chandler - since we received our bills, we want to remember the seniors and those on fixed incomes

Hamblen - thanks for the condolences for my mother's passing; thanks to all who came
think about the storm water meeting on Friday

Jones - 97 year old step father passed away, shares birthday with, will be missed

Dellorco - shout out to the FHS boys and girls basketball playing in DI finals on Friday night
Bruins donated $75K for the street hockey court on Fletcher Field, new logo

Mercer - birthday was March 2, 224 years young



14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining

I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.

motion to executive session, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call to return




15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED

a. Resolution 20-16: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the AFSCME Local 1298, Council 93, Public Facilities Maintenance Employees and the Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-16 - Majority Vote)

commensurate with all other COLA for FY 2020

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 
 

ADJOURN 

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0 
 



The agenda and associated documents can be found at the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-4-town-council-meeting

The agenda can also be found in a single PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-03-04_town_council_meeting_packet_final_0.pdf

Live reporting: Legislation for action

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-15: Appropriation of Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-15 - Majority Vote)

motion to approve, seconded,  9-0

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

Dellorco, BIssanti recuses himself
motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 7-0-2 (2 recuse)

Kelly question on changing one neighborhood to a single zone at the same time
A - not part of this process, could be done but as part of another effort

motion to refer to planning board, seconded, 7-0-2


10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates- Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call


10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

motion to waive the rest of the reading, seconded, passed 9-0
 
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call
 

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

motion to waive the rest of the reading, seconded, passed 9-0

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call
 

Live reporting: Civil Discourse Discussion

resuming from recess at 8:21

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Capital Budget Subcommittee
no meeting

B. Budget Subcommittee
met earlier, meeting recording to be made available in couple of days

C. Economic Development Subcommittee
March 18 meeting scheduled


10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-14: The Town of Franklin Civil Discourse Pledge (Motion to approve Resolution 20-14 - Majority Vote)

motion, after long delay seconded by Chair (for purposes of discussion)
(if there had not been a second, then the item would have stop there)

this resolution follows a series of actions as outlined in the memo and supported documents
training session set for March 10 for all department heads
later this year for all employees
mirroring the ethics laws with re-upping every 2 years

was part of the Council's goal list from January

Hamblen - misunderstanding
a statememt for the council as a whole
does not take away anyone's rights
does not attack anyone
is asks for respect for all opinions
it is a statement to the community that we serve
if you think of life in Franklin as perfect, then you are missing the point
these are things that happen in Franklin, they are not made up
that folks are afraid is not okay
this pledge can help people feel at ease
I could bow to pressure and go back to the community
but I can not, I will stand with them

Dellorco - if I want to talk with someone at the DPW does this change that?
Cerel - no, this does nothing to that, those are already cover by what is and has been in place
for years

Pellegri - read through this so many times
we are all brought up with these things
I think we have been welcoming
What did we possibly do? Come to me and tell me what I haven't done

Bissanti - thank you Melanie for your statements, you clarified things
I don't need to be told how to behave
I consulted with my own attorney
"I appreciate the world according to Melanie"
I got on the Council to help people

Earls - thank all my fellow councilors for some excellent remarks
while many view it as a nice thing, it suggests there is a line in the sand

Kelly - between SchCom and TC for last 11 years, I am upset at the way this played out
social media lite up when it 'was pushed down the road'
I want to remind everyone of the oath of office we took in November
"to serve with respect and integrity"
this is how I live and serve
we have a 3.5M budget gap. the CPA will cost us more
potential increase on water/sewer rates, storm water fee coming
there are employees here concerned about their jobs, and the $3.5M gap
at the end of the day, I always do my best, it doesn't add up to what I believe in
I don't think the need for the pledge is here and yet, I have been bullied more getting me to vote for or against this

Jones - I am not, nor will I label myself as a victim, it is a restraint that I don't want
story of kickback when he was young, best decision was to stay quite until the boss signed off on the hours required for his license; if had known some of us had reported him, he was irate, I was held at gunpoint in Haiti
honor, dignity, respect - three key words
I don't have to make because they are core parts 
last thing anyone should do is look for an excuse to be divisive

Chandler - I'll be quick, some many have made good points
who would be against it?
this is all redundant, I follow this every day

Mercer - I guess the only one who hasn't spoken is me
there is nothing that I don't live by
I have not slept for the past 48 hours trying to think about how to run this meeting
everybody lives by these
this was drafted  by own Town Administrator, town counsel and administrative help
it is disappointing to me and my fellow councilors that it has come to this
we are doing the best we can do, we do respect each other
there has been so much misinformation about this legislation since day one
Section 3 - everybody had a problem with "possible"
Section 4 - I would add if 5 councilors commented, then it is a violation of open meeting law
I did meet with every councilor one at a time, to go through this
without fail, only one councilor needed to review it more
I looked at this as a global statement of global issues facing society todfay
times have changed since I grew up as a kid
what are we doing with this, we are re-emphasizing statements we live by
I find it disheartening that there was so much disinformation out there about this
nothing in here is not already in Charter, rules, etc
I did meet with the interfaith council per previously scheduled coincidentally
a lot of the help (homeless, shelters, etc.) and for sure this resolution came up
there are tough times, tough votes to make but it is important

I think it was drafted well, it is misunderstood a lot
please come to every meeting
we want you to have the facts, not fiction

Pellegri - that is for all of us to consider, my note said vote no, but after all that was said I get to change my vote

Dale Kurtz Bald Hill Drive
I am conflicted by what I was hearing
everyone said they live by this, this is asperational
are you going to be here 5 years from now, our community is changing
it should be tweaked, but is should be how we lead our departments, how we lead our community
one of our clients moved from here to another town, she moved because she could not get along with her neighbors due to her accent
this is for us, to set the example aspirationally
I would be willing to assist with this
I am disappointed Councilors did not second this for discussion

Lisa Camuso, Forge Hill Road
I have see your social media and if this passes you'd have trouble
your fearing a mute point, it is called the Constitution
I am not here to complain about it, I am here because it made me a beast
yes, I will come to meetings



John Currier, Elm St
recently employeed with DPW, it blows me away that we are spending so much time on this
you can spend your time so much better on other things

Maura Fields, Pine St
Troop 126 leader
part of the Eagle requirement had scouts this evening
this has been the best meeting ever to talk with them about

Ted Cormier-Ledger, Ashbury Dr
thanks for all the remarks tonight
it was very reassuring that we want to protect all our citizens
we saw the no place for hate signs, the cultural district
many people have brought forth problem and nothing is being done about it
we want to set this standard so it will not be tolerated any longer
about decency and civility

Kaye Kelly, Conestoga Way
I appreciate all the training that Jamie is bringing forward
I am happy that folks want to live this day to day
some of the disconnect is online, Facebook is an ugly place to be in Franklin
it is welcoming for our town
Franklin has garnered a lot of interest

Carol O'Neil, Coles Road
there is something else that we need share tonight
Ted's 9 year old was crying and worry that his father would be hurt coming tonight, he came anyway, but not without some security
his son is doing better now

Teresa Shea
sorry to use the phrase 'snowflakes'
don't say I am not accepting, we have the no place for hate meetings
we have people in this town who are hurting
So I was offended that you would be expected to sign something that you are doing already

amendment to the motion offered by Mercer
Sec 3 add "if 5 councilors were to comment on a post, it would be a violation"
Sec 4, city boards, committee, departments ...
motion and second, vote 8-0-1 (1 abstention)

vote on motion as amended, 6-2-1
earls, bissant no, kelly abstain

thanks to all for coming tonight