FM #547 - Finance Committee Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

 FM #547 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 547 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the Finance Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with the Town Administrator and other town personnel; the public participated via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, May 19. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/283f0265-082d-43a9-b960-80d825899321

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Meeting agenda -> 

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-19-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-finance-committee-further.html 

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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

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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!

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FM #547 - Finance Committee Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

Friendly reminder: What not to flush

What Not To Flush

The Franklin Sewer Division has experienced increased issues with sewer backups due to non-flushable items in the sewer system.  When flushed down the toilet, items such as baby wipes, hand wipes, floor wipes, rags, etc. often get stuck in our sewage pumps, which can damage the pumps and potentially cause sewer backups.  In addition to the costly pump repairs, sewer backups can result in damage to nearby homes and businesses and can have environmental impacts if the sewage is discharged into the environment.

Please DO NOT FLUSH:

• Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags
• Synthetic materials such as plastic, which do not decompose or dissolve
• Feminine products
• Cotton balls
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Unused Medications
• Syringes
• Fats, Oil and Grease 

We thank you for your help in keeping our sewer system running smoothly!!

Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags are becoming more and more of a problem for sewer systems with the increase in "disposable" wipes.  These wipes may be disposable but that does not make them flushable!  Please do not flush swiffer wipes, baby wipes, diapers, disposable toilet bowl cleaners or any other non-toilet paper product.  These items cause major problems in our sewer pumps and we are not alone.  As discussed in a USA Today article tilted "Wipes in the Pipes Snarling Sewers" (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/16/wipes-pollution/2522919/) , this issue is is affecting sewer systems across the country.  So please do your part and don't flush wipes!

Fats, Oil and Grease are some of the primary causes of blockages in sanitary sewer collection systems. Too often grease is washed into the plumbing system usually through the kitchen sink. When grease cools it lines the pipes, decreasing the opening until the pipe blocks up completely and sewage backs up into homes, businesses or manholes.  Do not pour grease down the drain. Instead, pour it into a disposable container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash.  The City of London was recently in the news for a 15 ton grease ball stuck in their sewer system - to learn  more check out this article from the Water Environment Federation magazine.

Unused Medications are often disposed of in the toilet, but it is important to remember that treated wastewater eventually ends up in our rivers and streams.  A 2002 USGS study found that 80% of streams in the U.S. have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs.  To help reduce our impact on the environment, please dispose of unused prescription medications properly.  Ask your pharmacy if they have a take-back program, or dispose of unused medications in the Take-Back Container at the Franklin Police Department located at 911 Panther Way.

Syringes can be safely disposed of at the Franklin Police Department, 911 Panther Way. Syringes will not be accepted unless they are in an approved sharps container.  

If you own a business here in Franklin, please print and post our What Not to Flush Flyer https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/files/what-not-flush-flyer.

Want to learn more about how sewage is treated?  Franklin's sewage is treated at the Charles River Pollution Control District in Medway.  Click here for a general overview of how the treatment system works.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/help-us-keep-our-sewer-system-running-smoothly-learn-what-not-flush

Download the "What not to Flush" flyer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing

 

Waltham is looking for donated Prom Dresses

Via Lisa Buccella <lisabill5@comcast.net>

Sharing this post from a friend who is a teacher in Waltham:

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Prom is happening in Waltham this year, but because it was so uncertain, all of the school's usual donation events didn't happen this year so it's a bit of a scramble. But as always there are some awesome teachers looking to make things happen!

So if you have a recently worn prom dress (under 5 years old and no bridesmaid dresses) that you could donate to Waltham High we definitely have some girls who could use them.

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She told me the "boutique" will be set up at school on Tuesday so the girls can "shop". They are looking for floor length dresses only -

If you have any dresses, let me know and I can make sure they get to her by Tuesday morning so they can set it all up.

My heart to all the students and especially the ones from the Class of 2020 and 2021! They can all add perseverance to their resumes!

Ticks, in abundance

"A late-summer drought virtually eliminated ticks in parts of New England but they’re back with a vengeance this spring.

Dog ticks, which do not carry Lyme disease like deer ticks do, have been especially active since early spring in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

And people who've been getting outdoors because of the pandemic are discovering the arachnids on themselves and on pets.

“People are outdoors a lot more because of COVID so we’ve all discovered this newfound love relationship with nature, which is really cool and I’m really happy about. So there’s just a lot more chances for ... human interactions with ticks,” said Patti Casey, environmental surveillance program manager for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture."

Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/22/metro/after-an-absence-ticks-are-back-new-england-theyre-hungry/

Nick Gaspar fund raising apparel

"Nick Gaspar is an 8th grade student at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin who is passionate about sports, especially basketball and lacrosse. Nick was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and he and his family need all of the support that we can give right now.

We've launched an online store in support of Nick - all of the profits of which will go supporting Nick and his family. We ask that you consider making a purchase and sharing this post to help support Nick's fight! #1NickStrong18 "

The Custom Apparel link for #1NickStrong18 apparel

https://www.customapparelcai.com/nickstrong

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4069043063217071&id=795325087255568

Similar update from Franklin Police Twitter:   https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1395395250995318785

Nick Gaspar fund raising apparel

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Franklin School Committee

May 25, 2021 - 7:00 PM

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. Retiree Recognition

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

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. IJNDB - Acceptable Use Policy

2. IJNDB-E1 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades 6-12

3. IJNDB-E2 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades K-5

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2nd_reads.pdf

B. Policy Elimination

I recommend elimination of Policy GBAC - Policy for Conditions for Employment as discussed.

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

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Reopening School Status Update – May 21, 2020-2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_may_21_2020-2021.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, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes for your May 11, 2021 meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from Sheila Lima for a scholarship as detailed.

D. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $3,590.44 from the JFK PCC as detailed:

$1070,.80 - Supplemental Supplies

$2,519.64 - Supplemental Supplies

E. Districtwide Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Norfolk County District Attorney for in-house enrichment as detailed.

F. JFK Donation

I recommend acceptance of the donation of Table Talk Pies, valued at $63.00 for the JFK 4th graders 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)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

B. 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.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-25-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Pantherbook Student Profiles: Sydney Hawkins, Emma Myers

 

"Sydney Hawkins can be described in one word: dedicated. 

Sydney is a senior at FHS and has recently committed to MIT. She will be studying biological engineering and playing lacrosse. 

Pantherbook reached out to Sydney to learn more about this impressive commitment. "

Continue reading about Sydney

https://franklinpanthers.us/uncategorized/2021/05/14/student-spotlight-sydney-hawkins/

"When Emma Myers was 7, she told her mom she wanted to be an artist. Ten years later, she’s stuck to that, having recently committed to Lesley University to major in Fine Arts and minor in Art Therapy.

Emma is excited to explore the career opportunities an art degree will offer her. “I want to be an art teacher, I want to be an art therapist, I want to be a tattoo artist on the side…” she says. “And of course I want to freelance so I can continue creating my art.”

Emma works in most art forms excluding clay, but her favorite mediums are charcoal or pen and ink drawings. "

Continue reading about Emma

https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2021/05/19/student-spotlight-emma-myers/