Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Live reporting: School Committee - August 8, 2017

Present:  Scofield, Douglas, Bergen, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell

Absent:  Bilello

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda
no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 18, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

Payment of Bills - Dr. O’Malley
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

O'Malley makes statement on the presence of "signs" that may or may not have resulted from an incident at a school. The School Committee did not act to place the signs. They do want to create and conduct an inclusive environment.


2. Guests/Presentations

a. Middle/High Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17

Annie Sullivan update by Peter Light, Beth Witcoff could not attend tonight

  • 6th teachers incorporated the responsive classroom into their curriculum
  • recommitted to process of incorporating core values into the program with whole school efforts; revised mission statement; will next work on vision and core value updates
  • 7th grade teachers working this summer on a program for their students this year
  • SEL and mindfulness approaches had effects on the teachers as well as the students
  • approx. 300 Tweets from the school Twitter account between Oct and end of school year





Rebecca Motte, principal of Horace Mann Middle School

  • 6th grade teacher training
  • school wide mental health awareness day held
  • established school based committees on 
  • explore science program
  • teacher cluster based website for parents to get info

Brian Wildeman, principal of Remington

  • brought back advisory program
  • School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC), piloted the full day mental health awareness in May; one parent taught Zumba for 6 hours as the day incorporated all aspects
  • science standards, implemented units across all three grades
  • all 3 middle school will participate in the Anti-Defamation lead course this year

Q - what are the measures to show success of the approach?
When you go and observe the classrooms, you can see the common language and approach in the rooms as the students participate

Paul Peri, principal of Franklin High School

  • 10 year process came to an end with the NEASC visit
  • week of mental health awareness held with multiple
  • completed all observations of new staff, being in the classrooms and seeing what is going on 
  • biweekly newsletter to parents successful
  • the response of the Central Office and the community to the school family when loss was realized
  • recognized as an AP Honor Roll school, while FHS received it, it really reflects on the school district as a whole
  • regular meetings with the School Council were beneficial for the new administration
  • Club fair showcased the 70+ opportunities, student generated and run
  • did make Boston Magazines Top 50 listing
  • learned quite a bit on underage drinking/substance abuse and look forward to continue to work the issue, did not have any issues during Senior Week
  • focus on building relationships between students and adults (whether faculty or otherwise)
  • the 1% tardies while a small group drives the numbers and more work to address this needs to be done
  • looking at the grading practices to provide professional development and research to enable a good discussion among the staff

Comment - thanks for addressing the grading consistency as that was something we had heard from the community as a need of focus



Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 8, 2017

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

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."


the key to learning
the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 18, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Dr. O’Malley
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle/High Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17
b. Elementary Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17
c. District Improvement Plan Preview 17-18

3. Discussion Only Items
None

4. Action Items
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from IBM Corp. for in-house enrichment at Keller Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $24.00 from the Red Robin/The Kula Foundation for in-house enrichment at Franklin High School.
d. I recommend acceptance of the Parmenter 5th grade class gift of a buddy bench for the Parmenter Playground ($400.00 value).
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3.51 from Red Robin/The Kula Foundation for in-house enrichment at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,805.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Program.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley


Files associated with this agenda:


The District Improvement Plan
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/fps-district-improvement-plan-20172018

Elementary End of Year Improvement Plan Updates
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/elementary-end-of-year-201617-school-improvement-plan-updates

Middle - High School End of Year Improvement Plan Updates
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/middle-and-high-school-end-of-year-school-improvement-plan-updates

Franklin Library: Bryson Lang - Wednesday, Aug 9

Bryson Lang, will appear at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, August 9, 10:00 AM.

Franklin Library: Bryson Lang - Wednesday, Aug 9
Franklin Library: Bryson Lang - Wednesday, Aug 9

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/bryson-lang-wednesday-august-9-1000-am.html

Concerts on the Common - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 9

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the Town Common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.

August 9  - Mike Rutkowski


In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM


Concerts on the Common - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 9
Concerts on the Common - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 9
Note: The Leeds concert originally scheduled for July 12 has been rescheduled for Aug 23

In the News: Mixed messages on potential Federal interference with MA laws

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"THE ISSUE: A proposal in Congress would prohibit states from taxing or regulating out-of-state businesses. 
THE IMPACT: Some analysts say the bill could affect parts of an approved 2016 Massachusetts ballot question, which bans the sale of pork, veal and eggs produced from animals that were confined in certain ways. 
While the 2016 Massachusetts law on farm animal confinement isn’t due to take effect for several more years, some industry analysts say a new federal bill could impact its rollout. 
“Generally speaking, our position is that regulation without representation should not be allowed,” said Jim Monroe, a spokesman for the Iowa-based National Pork Producers Council, which contributed funding to oppose the Massachusetts ballot initiative last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/federal-bill-could-put-pitchfork-in-massachusetts-farm-animal-welfare-law



"One big question marijuana entrepreneurs will face in states like Massachusetts is whether federal agents will crack down on the state-sanctioned business, which is still illegal under federal law. 
At a gathering of policymakers from around the country on Monday, a lawmaker from Washington state, a Vanderbilt University law professor and a Brookings Institute fellow all suggested pot proprietors can breathe easy. 
The three experts, who spoke on a panel held by the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston, each said tight funding and other pressures should keep federal law enforcement at bay. 
“Trying to roll it back and trying to go back to the old War on Drugs - the terribly failed system - they will do it at their own peril,” Rep. Roger Goodman, a Democrat who lives outside Seattle, told the gathering at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/little-chance-seen-of-federal-crackdown-on-legal-pot

Franklin Election 2017 - Candidate Status as of Aug 4

As of Friday August 4, 2017, the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017

Town Council

Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
Eamon McCarthy-Earls
Melanie Hamblen
Patrick Casey


School Committee

Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
Dr. Monica Linden
Virginia (Gigi) Zub

Planning Board

Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election

Board of Health

Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election


Via email from Franklin Town Clerk, Teresa Burr

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

Monday, August 7, 2017

Economic Development Committee - Agenda - Aug 9

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9 at 6:15 PM. There are two items on the published agenda. (1) review accessory building set back bylaws (2) review Nu-Style RFP.





Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings
Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings,
Rm 205 is the site of the EDC meeting Aug 9

#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26

The #shopFranklin business community will hold its 2nd Family Movie Night Saturday, August 26 at 7 PM on the Franklin Town Common.

#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26
#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26

For additional details stay tuned in here, or visit the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1891457511174249/

“It was supposed to be temporary, but it became permanent”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After eight years of a 6.25 percent sales tax, some retailers are calling for a change. 
The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is looking to put a lower tax rate on the ballot, placing the rate in the hands of voters in the November 2018 election. 
Bill Rennie, the association’s vice-president, said retailers had been concerned about the government’s failure to pass a sales tax holiday. Beyond that, he said, the state’s store-owners must compete with tax-free New Hampshire and untaxed Internet sales. 
“The Internet is never going away, and we’re not under the impression that it will,” he said. “What smart tax policy can do is make sure we’re operating on a level playing field.”


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/voters-could-decide-on-lower-tax-rates

https://www.simonfurniture.com/
https://www.simonfurniture.com/

Register O'Donnell Announces July '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Report



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Announces July '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Report

Continuing low real estate inventory, higher interest rates and reduced mortgage lending were three major factors which led to a flat real estate market for the month of July, according to Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

Register O'Donnell stated, "Empirical evidence shows there is little doubt that certain housing and lending dynamics are having a sluggish effect on real estate activity in Norfolk County." He noted that for the month of July a total of 1,757 properties, both residential and commercial, were sold in Norfolk County representing a minimal 1% increase from the previous year. Other economic indicators were even less impressive for July, such as the 3% drop in the average sales price for the same time period in 2016 and a 3% year over year reduction in total sales volume.

Furthermore, lending activity also showed decreases for the month of July. A total of 2,407 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 14% decrease compared to July 2016. "Higher interest rates," noted O'Donnell, "and the prospect of rate increases through the end of the 2017 calendar year are making consumers think twice before borrowing money to pay for high ticket expenses such as home improvements."

An aberration seen during the month was the total amount of residential and commercial borrowing increased by 267% to $4.6 billion. However, this is mainly explained by a large $1.6 billion mortgage taken out against a commercial property bordering Weymouth and Quincy.

Foreclosure activity was a mixed bag. A total of 18 foreclosure deeds were recorded in July compared to 17 in July 2016. Where the foreclosure story gets more promising was the total number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, closing at 34, a sharp reduction from the 43 recordings for the same time last year. "While one foreclosure recording is one too many, the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings is a positive trend," stated the Register.

For those who are facing challenges paying their mortgage, the Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

On the consumer front, the number of Homesteads recorded in Norfolk County was 1,230 for the month of July, a 2% reduction from the same time period in 2016. While the reduced number of Homesteads can be explained in part by the sluggish real estate sales seen in the County, Register O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead is an important consumer protection tool that I urge property owners to consider. By recording a Homestead, a property owner receives limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "July 2017 was admittedly an unremarkable month for real estate in Norfolk County. The trend lines - flat real estate sales and reduced lending activity - are the same trend lines seen beyond the county. Until we see increased levels of real estate inventory, particularly for first time home buyers, the market will remain flat. In regards to lending activity, all signs indicate the Fed will increase interest rates causing consumers to pause further before borrowing money."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service
Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 9, 2017

The published agenda and documents released for the only Town Council scheduled for August can be found here. The Council meets once in July and August and resumes the twice a month schedule in September.


A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes
June 28
July 2

B. Announcements
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
1. Swearing in of Police Officer - Leeanne Baker
2. Recognition of Gary Premo 
D. Citizen Comments
D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment 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 theTown Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
1. Design Review Commission
F. Hearings
F. Hearings
G. License Transactions
G. License Transactions -
1. New Farmer-Winery Pouring License - La Cantina Winery - 7:10 PM
H. Presentations/Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions - School Superintendent - Dr Sara Ahern
I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action

1. Resolution 17-50: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin Police Dept. (Motion to Move Resolution 17-50 - majority vote (5))

2. Resolution 17-51: Town Clerk Prior Year Bills (Motion to Move Resolution 17-51 - 2/3 majority vote (6))

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-795 to the Planning Board - majority vote (5))

K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session - Non-scheduled
N. Executive Session - Non-scheduled
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn
You can also view the documents released for this agenda in one PDF file on the Town of Franklin webpage

  turf fields are being replaced with new surface and a different infill both at the High School and Beaver St
turf fields are being replaced with new surface and a different infill both at the High School and Beaver St

"first responders are unknowingly succumbing to an overdose from airborne opioid"

How dangerous are the drugs that are prevalent in the opioid epidemic? 

This Facebook posting from the SAFE Coalition highlights a recent news article where first responders needed to be treated after they arrived to deal with three overdose victims.




For more about the SAFE Coalition and what they are doing to help the substance abuse problem we have visit their webpage  http://safecoalitionma.com/

http://safecoalitionma.com/
http://safecoalitionma.com/

Proposed change to the MA Open Meeting Law

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The comment period on proposed changes to the state’s Open Meeting Law closed Thursday at 5 p.m., after a public hearing that afternoon hosted by the Division of Open Government. 
In late July, Attorney General Maura Healey proposed a handful of changes to the law that dictates how public boards of committees should behave. Here’s a breakdown of some of the changes, should they remain as currently proposed. 
- If a board chooses to post meeting notices to the town’s website, and the websites crashes, the board has four hours to fix the problem during business hours. If that doesn’t happen, the meeting must be canceled and the notice re-posted for a new date."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/changes-to-open-meeting-law-proposed


Additional information on the proposed changes and request for comments can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/open-meeting-law/request-for-comment-open-meeting-law-amendments.html

Explanation of Proposed Changes
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/proposed-regulations-statement-v2.pdf

Proposed regulations (Clean version)
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/dog-regs-2017-review-v2-clean.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings
Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings


Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Announce Revised 2017-18 Grant Award Program

A recent Facebook post by the Franklin Education Foundation announces that the grant applications are due Oct 27, 2017. While this targeted to the school district teachers and staff, there is also a reminder that you can help contribute to the FEF via one of their fund raising events or directly online.

"The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) is pleased to announce the revised 2017-18 grant award program. 
This is an exciting opportunity for faculty, administration and staff to obtain funds that will support stimulating and innovative projects. 
Founded in 1997, FEF consists of a diverse group of individuals from many segments of the Franklin community. Members include community leaders, local organizations, educational institutions, business and industry, and families.
Each member of FEF supports the Foundation’s fundamental goal of providing a forum and means of achieving academic excellence for the school students of Franklin, MA. 
 
We made changes to the grant program for next year in response to our surveying Franklin Public Schools (FPS) teachers and administration. These changes will provide applicants more time to construct a innovative proposal and allow for a more rapid project funding/implementation schedule. Next year, grant proposals will be reviewed and funded within the school year. This is a change from previous years when proposals were submitted for projects to start the following school year."





You can donate directly via PayPal  http://www.franklined.org/donate

For additional information on the FEF and the grant process, visit their webpage
http://www.franklined.org/grants


Planning Board : Public Hearing Notice - Aug 21

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 7:10 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Site Plan Modification application titled "Franklin Innovation Center, Site Plan Modification, Franklin, MA 02038" prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc. and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development on July 25, 2017 by Moseley Realty, LLC, Franklin, MA 02038.

The site is located at 31 Hayward Street in the Industrial Zoning District (Assessors Map 278, Lots 024 and 24.1). The applicant is proposing to construct 22 additional parking spaces and modification to their existing storm water management system.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board's website under Agendas.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning and Community Development during regular office hours .

Please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Anthony Padula, Chairman

Franklin Innovation Center, Site Plan Modification
Franklin Innovation Center, Site Plan Modification


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/franklin_innovation_center_public_hearing_notice.pdf

or http://www.franklinma.gov/node/134853