Wednesday, November 11, 2020

“Easy walks are for anyone who for whatever reason can’t just hit the Appalachian Mountain Club trails"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Bellingham writer Marjorie Turner Hollman’s first two books, “Easy Walks in Massachusetts” and “More Easy Walks in Massachusetts,” were essentially guidebooks, providing readers with information on where to find walking routes.

But her most recent book, “Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are,” which she self-published this summer, takes a more holistic view. Instead of listing locations of walks Hollman has taken and liked, it instructs readers on how to discover favorite walking routes of their own.

Hollman initially became an expert on local walks through her column in the Bellingham Bulletin and later her website, www.MarjorieTurner.com, encouraging residents who live within the Blackstone Valley region to discover the many options for outdoor exploration.

Hollman’s particular area of interest is what she designates “easy walks.” Thirty years ago, she suffered partial paralysis as a result of surgery for a brain tumor, and walking has been a critical part of the healing process — “physically and mentally,” she said — in the decades since. But her mobility remains somewhat limited, and as she honed her skills at finding walks appropriate for her abilities, she realized they would appeal to others as well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
 
In September, we shared a conversation with Marjorie that you can listen to here
 
Marjorie Turner  Hollman
Marjorie Turner  Hollman

FHS boys soccer close out season with Loss to Oliver Ames

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Nov 10.

Boys Soccer - Hockomock Cup = #KR4 Franklin, 0 @ #D1 Oliver Ames, 5 – Final 
– The Tigers blitzed the Panthers, exploding for three goals in the opening quarter to register a 5-0 win over Franklin in the opening round of Hockomock Cup action. Colin Milliken opened the scoring in the seventh minute, taking a pass from Mathias Taylor and sliding a low shot far post for a 1-0 lead. Just minutes later, Milliken’s corner from Kevin Louhis open in the area for an easy finish, and just before the end of the quarter, Michael Haikal forced a turnover before dropping a through ball for Taylor to make it 3-0. Matthew Nikiciuk (from Ben Cohen) and Anthony DaCosta (from Nikiciuk) added goals in OA’s win. Oliver Ames will host Mansfield, the second seed in the Kelley-Rex, later this week. 
 
 
For other scores around the Hockomock League
 

 

FHS boys soccer close out season with Loss to Oliver Ames
FHS boys soccer close out season with Loss to Oliver Ames


Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 12

Franklin School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 11/12/2020    
TIME: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
“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.”


I.    Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies (pending SC approval 11/10/20)
1.    AC - Nondiscrimination
2.    ACAB - Harassment
3.    ACAB-R1 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harrassment and Discrimination
4.    ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
5.    JQA - Financial Assistance
6.     Policy Distribution Folder
II.    Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
1.    None
III.    Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
1.    Continued Review of Policies 
 
Connection information in Agenda doc
 
Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 12
Franklin School Committee: Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 12


Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"

The CPA for Franklin Committee is both grateful and inspired by the vote to adopt the Community Preservation Act. Franklin is one of nine communities to pass the ballot issue, which will bring opportunities for historical preservation, set aside open space, enhance and build recreational areas, and create affordable housing.
 
Several steps will be taken in the coming year to implement Franklin’s CPA. The Town Council will enact a local bylaw and a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will be formed. The state mandates that a designated representative must come from five town boards: the Historical Commission, the Planning Board, the Housing Authority, the Conservation Commission, and the Board of Park Commissioners or other town recreation committee. 
 
In addition, four more members may be appointed from the public, local government, or other municipal boards or committees. The CPC will accept applications for review and recommendation. At least 10% of each year's fund must be set aside for historical preservation, open space/recreation and affordable housing. The remaining 70% can be designated for any eligible category under CPA.
 
We are confident that many in Franklin have the foresight and energy to propose projects that can be submitted to the CPC. Next year will be the beginning of welcome changes to Franklin.
 
Monique B. Doyle
Chair, CPA for Franklin
 

 

Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"
Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you"

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

FM #386 Finance Committee Mtg - 11/09/20 (audio)

FM #386 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 386 in the series.

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Monday, Nov 9, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

  • No major cuts for FY 2021 budget given the level funding plus provided by State
  • Adding $75K to each of the Town Clerk and Recreation budgets (to cover for TC - election expenses and Rec for summer camps)
  • Increasing New Growth by $1M in light of performance on revenues to date during COVID-19
  • Next meetings Nov 17 (Beaver St interceptor) and Dec 15 (topic TBD)
  • With new member participating there is some good Q&A to provide insights on process and dollar flows

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and my notes. 

The meeting runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting for Nov 9, 2020.  Audio file  = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6KzTwlS


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen answers a question
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen answers a question


Finance Committee - Meeting Recap - Nov 9. 2020

Quick Recap:

  • No major cuts for FY 2021 budget given the level funding plus provided by State
  • Adding $75K to each of the Town Clerk and Recreation budgets (to cover for TC - election expenses and Rec for summer camps)
  • Increasing New Growth by $1M in light of performance on revenues to date during COVID-19
  • Next meetings Nov 17 (Beaver St interceptor) and Dec 15 (topic TBD)
  • With new member participating there is some good Q&A to provide insights on process and dollar flows

Photos captured during the meeting and mostly shared via Twitter can be also found online   https://photos.app.goo.gl/hF8csGHAzu1j1JfD8


----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom1109

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom1109&src=typeahead_click


  • Real time reporting underway for the Finance Committee meeting #fincom1109
  • Minutes for two meetings approved 7-0 (two members missing) (maybe we'll figure out who in this new zoom world) #fincom1109
  • Budget update tonight as some adjustments need to be made before the Nov 18 Town Council meeting as the tax rate will be set at the Dec 2 meeting. #fincom1109 with maintenance of local aid (Chap 70) and unrestricted aid were carried forward with inflation adjustment
  • Hence no major adjustments for the Town budget for FY 2021 and aside from Town Clerk budget (due to election costs for COVID) the town budget is in good shape, no deep cuts anticipated as opposed to what was expected earlier this year. #fincom1109
  • Adjusting the new growth number up by $1M #fincom1109
  • #fincom1109 additional revenue after all the plus/minus with assumptions of the Gov's House 2 budget. Proposing extra growth to go to stabilization fund to help cover for change in circumstances down the road.
  • $2.7M in free cash certified is a good number (currently would be used for capital planning). Generally and by fiscal policy this free cash is one time funding, shouldn't be used for operations expense #fincom1109 encumbrance partially explained by POs cut for some budgets
  • Encumbrance also used to carry forward expenses from year to year, it is a good business practice to do so. #fincom1109 shows good management of the budget Q on charter school funding, all based upon state formula, student opportunity act would have made changes
  • Discussion on charter school funding, really just an in and out of the town flow, not really the charter school 'budget' #fincom1109 line 820 is not currently set as it is set by the State not the Council. Will be set with final cherry sheet numbers before the tax rate is set
  • Savings anticipated by closures were realized, aside from DT funding in good stead, anything excess will flow to free cash at year end. #fincom1109 reduction in health care premium due to shut down as they weren't serving in the period
  • With new member on #fincom1109 some good Q&A to provide insights on process and dollar flows. (She is not the new member) here she helps to explain charter school funding
  • Recommendations of $75K for Town Clerk and Recreation as the reopening was doing more than what was initially forecast due to the COVID-19 changes. Did run 6 weeks of summer camp, and run concerts on the common during summer. #fincom1109
  • What elections will look like in the future is unknown but it will not be like the normal past; mail ballots likely to be standard, we'll need to relook at election staffing, and materials etc. #fincom1109 police detail for transport of ballots from municipal bldg to FHS
  • Resolution on adding supplemental appropriations , motion made, second, passes 7-0 #fincom1109 $853K to budget stabilization fund, motion made, second, passes 7-0
  • Nov 17 and Dec 15 next meetings, Beaver St interceptor on topic for Nov 17; open for topic on the 15th #fincom1109 leasing and bonding vs free cash, etc. Q on next 5 year forecast and even given the uncertainty, it is needed; there will be surprises
  • Maybe after Jan 20, and with a state budget, we should have something falling into some clarity, certainly by the regular budget time in May June we should, we all want to get back to something of a regular schedule. #fincom1109 should have school dept here for discussion
  • Level service is one thing as it tends to cost more, level funding is a different issue. #fincom1109 motion to adjourn, passes 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!
George Conley, FinComm Vice Chair
George Conley, FinComm Vice Chair


 

December 5, 2020 - Town Election Information

The Town of Franklin is holding a special election on December 5th to fill a vacant Town Council seat. Mail-in ballots will be sent out on or around November 16th. 

Please find the information below and on our website at https://t.co/6vZoiF1KQe

https://t.co/tShIlZt5ah

December 5, 2020
Town Election Information
 
The Town of Franklin is holding a special town election on Saturday, December 5, 2020, to fill a vacant Town Council seat. Voting will be held at Franklin High School from 7 am- 8 pm.

 -   There will NOT be early voting hours held for the Town Election.
 -  Mail-in Ballots will be sent out on or around November 9th.
 -   If you requested a mail-in ballot for ALL ELECTIONS, you will receive a ballot for the Town Election in the mail.  
 -   If you requested a mail-in ballot for the Primary or the State Election only, you will NOT receive a ballot in the mail for the Town Election.
 -   You can request an absentee ballot for the Town Election by filling out the Absentee Ballot Form.
 -   Mail-in ballots for the Town Election can be returned via the drive-thru window, the designated white mailbox at the Municipal Building, or by mail. 
 
December 5, 2020 - Town Election Information
December 5, 2020 - Town Election Information