Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Live reporting: Open meeting law overview

Attorney Mark Cerel provides an overview an update

J. Presentations/Discussions
J. Presentations/Discussions - Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Public Hearings, & Ethics Presentation - Attorney Mark Cerel


Open Meeting Law

Broad interpretation of discussion and deliberation and meeting
especially where a quorum is present

can not use serial communication, one talks to one, one to another and so forth until all effectively we involved.

provides examples of other bodies that have fallen afoul of the law

fines not significant but they can also nullify action

still lobbying for personal fines

person requesting remote participation needs to confirm with the Chair, all votes even procedural need to be by roll call

social occasions are permissible as long as town business is not discussed
need to be really aware of this as folks around can overhear your conversations

workshops are not required to comply with open meeting law

clearly permissable to attend but not participate

definition of deliberation is the grey area

quorum is defined as 5 for the Town Council

Public Records Law

separation of public records from private email is a concern, hence each councilor has their own Town of Franklin email
You can find the info here   http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

"Reply All" could be a violation of open meeting law

Ethics Law

extremely broad, complicated, overlap among scenarios

by statue Town Council can not be "special municipal employees"

statue applies to members of the immediate family

online training and certification is required and in your best interest

there are criminal penalties and hefty fines possible

recusal up front to avoid a conflict, if you do remain in the room you could still be subject to accusation of collusion or conflict

The MA Ethics Commission can be found here
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission

If a councilor recuses themselves, they should also not participate in discussion with Town personnel on that topic

Conducting Public Hearings

you are a legislative body, you can perform some functions that are administrative in nature, a different set of rules apply

important to abide by the role of jury in hearing the matter and then as a judge in making the determination, especially with regards to liquor licenses and license violations






Live reporting: Town Council - Nov 15, 2017

Swearing in ceremony by Town Clerk, Teresa Burr


Left to right: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, Kelly, Mercer, Padula, Earls
Left to right: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, Kelly, Mercer, Padula, Earls


Nomination for Chair,- Kelly, seconded, unanimous
Nomination for Vice Chair - Mercer, seconded, 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 abstain (Padula) )
Nomination for Clerk - Jones, seconded, 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 abstain (Padula) )



C. Approval of Minutes - September 27, 2017
C. Approval of Minutes - September 27, 2017
motion to approve, 9-0

not sure the 3 new members should have officially voted, should have abstained as they were not participating in the meeting at that time

D. Announcements
D. Announcements - This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
E. Proclamations/Recognitions
E. Proclamations/Recognitions
F. Citizen Comments
F. 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 raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

Teresa Burr - thanks to all the volunteers and contributions from town, school, Maplegate Country Club for golf carts

G. Appointments
G. Appointments - Finance Director/Comptroller
Christopher M Sandini Sr

search, multiple candidates, 4 selected for interview, one withdrew three interviewed, Chris selected as top candidate

Padula - recap of process

Pellegri - fortunate to have followed all the requirements

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

H. Hearings
H. Hearings
I. License Transactions
I. License Transactions



“We are committed to effective treatment for every individual"

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

"The police chief and district attorney were among officials who explored local effects of the opioid epidemic at a forum Tuesday night. 
Norfolk County DA Michael Morrissey, Police Chief Gerard Daigle, officials from Wrentham District Court, area substance-abuse activists and a recovering addict discussed the scope of the problem, ways it had been addressed in recent years and their personal experiences. 
Daigle said he had deep roots in the community, and had seen many changes. For most of his 32 years in the department, overdoses had been an occasional matter. 
“All of a sudden, it’s been brought to the forefront,” he said at the Bellingham Public Library. “I’ve seen kids and parents struggling with this crisis... it hits home a lot.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171114/da-bellingham-police-chief-discuss-opioids-at-forum


"The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the second significant package to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic, including legislation titled An act relative to Combating addiction, Accessing treatment, Reducing prescriptions and Enhancing prevention (CARE Act) and administrative actions. 
These proposals will:
  • Increase access to treatment and recovery services
  • Strengthen education and prevention efforts
  • Seek regulatory relief from the federal government to increase treatment access 
These initiatives build upon and expand the Commonwealth’s prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery strategies unveiled in June 2015 and the STEP Act, legislation authored by the Baker-Polito Administration in October 2015 and enacted in March 2016, which expanded treatment, created new education programs and instituted the nation’s first seven day limit on opioid prescriptions for adults."

Continue reading the press release online
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-more-reforms-to-combat-the-opioid-and-heroin-epidemic

Comprehensive plan includes combatting addiction, accessing treatment, reducing prescriptions and enhancing prevention
Comprehensive plan includes combating addiction, accessing treatment,
reducing prescriptions and enhancing prevention

Alice Wiggin gets a Grave Marker - Saturday, Nov 18 - 10 AM

"Alice Wiggin 1878-1966 - Alice Wiggin was a much beloved English Teacher at FHS for 42 years. A graduate of Radcliffe College, she dedicated her life to her passion of teaching, to her students, and to her friends. She was a strong and positive influence on all who knew her. The Rotary Club of Franklin voted her 'Citizen of the Year' in 1956. 
When she died, at the age of 88 in 1966, she was buried in the family plot of a close, life long friend. It was recently discovered that there was no proper marker on this amazing woman's grave. 
Next Saturday, November 18th at 10 AM there will be a small dedication ceremony for the placing of a grave marker for Alice Wiggin in the Union Street Cemetery. 
The Franklin HS Class of 1929 dedicated their yearbook to Ms. Wiggin. Their words. 'Scholar, Counselor, Teacher, Friend' have been inscribed on her marker. "
Alice Wiggin gets a Grave Marker - Saturday, Nov 18  - 10 AM
Alice Wiggin gets a Grave Marker - Saturday, Nov 18  - 10 AM

Franklin Police issue reminder on hunting

From the Franklin Police Dept:

"We have been seeing a lot of questions about hunting in Franklin over the last few days. Please be advised that hunting, including with a bow, is forbidden on any Town owned property. 
By Massachusetts law, hunters may hunt on any property, private or public, which is not posted or forbidden by local statue. If a hunter is notified by the landowner, or person in charge of said property that they are forbidden, they must leave or be subject to a trespassing complaint. 
No discharge of a firearm may occur within 500 feet of any dwelling, and hunters must have proper licensing and safety equipment. 
Hunting on STATE OWNED land is permissible provided it is not posted that it is forbidden."




Direct link to the Town of Franklin code on firearms
https://ecode360.com/10433857

Franklin Police issue reminder on hunting
Franklin Police issue reminder on hunting



Reminder: Help with the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets

Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul headquarters in Stoughton offers the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets ($10 each) for distribution throughout the community. If you are in need of assistance for Thanksgiving, please call the St. Vincent de Paul office at (508) 918-2291.

The St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society will be conducting its 9th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on the weekend of November 18 and 19, to enhance the baskets from HQ and to restock our food pantry shelves. 

Suggested items to donate include applesauce, cranberry juice, popcorn, peanut butter, jelly, jams, cookies, crackers, bread mix, pudding, candy corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cereal, fruit cocktail, coffee/tea/cocoa, boxes of chocolate, canned yams and vegetables, rice, chowder, and a Thanksgiving tablecloth or decoration.

Donations may also be dropped off any time between now and November 19 and may be placed in the boxes at the doors of the church. 

Please know that these donations will give many families in the community a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you for all your help and support!


Help with the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets
Help with the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul
Thanksgiving food baskets

Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio - Nov 17


Who: Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio
When: 7:30 pm, Fri., Nov. 17
Where: Original Congregational Church, 1 East St., Wrentham, MA 02093

Description: From New Orleans-style jazz and blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk narratives, the trio features Heather's virtuosity on piano, her bell-tone vocals, and her commanding yet playful stage presence while wielding a tenor banjo, melodica, ukulele, or acoustic guitar.

For more information and tickets, go to http://www.musicatocc.org

Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio - Nov 17
Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio - Nov 17
For more about Heather Pierson Trio visit their webpage  http://www.heatherpierson.com/

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Live Reporting: Information Matters


4. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Policy Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation) 

  • i. Budget Sub Committee – Dr. Bergen


b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC) 

  • i. Joint PCC – Dr. Bergen
  • ii. MASC Liaison – Ms. Schultz

brief overview of each of the sub-committee's focus and in some cases accomplishments. Creating awareness of the work being done 'behind the scenes' to help move the overall work of the committee and district forward.

if any interest in these arenas, let the chair know so that one the work can continue and those most interested can help to drive that forward.


5. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
items if not ready now, can be added up to 5 days prior to meeting, let Chair or Superintendent know of the details


6. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes – I recommend approval of the Minutes from the October 24, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
only four returning members voting on this, motion, seconded, passed 4-0 (2 abstained)

b. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $1,345.00 from various donors for FHS Scholarship.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Special Olympics for in-house enrichment at FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a ukulele lending library, sensory rocking chairs and other learning supplies with an approximate value of $1,680.00 for JF Kennedy.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $375.00 from the Remington PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend declaring the attached list of obsolete technology equipment as surplus. Hold requested - to help acknowledge the age of the equipment, needs to be declared surplus before releasing
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $925.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $490.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club as a districtwide gift.
j. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $200.00 from Mr. and Mrs. Venkataraman for a scholarship as detailed.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,896.09 from O’Connor Studios for supplemental supplies & supplemental curriculum materials for Keller Elementary School as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

proposal for one hour before next session (11/28) to have more of a workshop for the new members

7. Adjournment
motion, seconded, passed 6-0


http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/r20172018/SCAGENDA%2011-14-17.pdf

Live Reporting: Discussion - Action Items

2. Discussion / Action Items
a. New Coach Positions
I recommend approval of the new coach positions as discussed.

1 - girls varsity ice hockey position

2 - gymnastics assistant coach (required for spotting at meets)
positions would be supported via the athletic funds

motion to approval, seconded, passed 6-0 (Linden had disconnected just prior to vote)


New Student Activities
I recommend approval of the new FHS Student Activities as discussed.

4 new student clubs proposed


motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

b. Field Trip Request – Chorus (recurring field trip)
I recommend approval of the request of Renee Hersee to take 8th grade chorus students to New York City to see the play “School of Rock” as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

c. Field Trip Request – RMS Math at the Mall (recurring field trip) I recommend approval of the request of Catherine Gallo to take 8th grade Remington MS students to Providence Place Mall on April 13, 2018 as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0
3. Discussion Only Items

none

Live reporting: Picking up after 5 min recess

returning from 5 minute recess
(Town Clerk, collecting paperwork from committee members)

a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment 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” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
long list of updates to be added

d. Superintendent’s Report
Welcome to new and returning members, January school tour being planned
Thanks to the parents for attending the Parent Forums, listening
continuing with faculty forums and
Community member forum, Nov 30 - at Council Chambers

acknowledge communication for notification received from Historical Commission to honor Alice Wiggen, teacher for 42 years, grave marker to placed on her grave site Saturday, Nov 18

Had pleasure of attending the Library opening
children's area redone, Rep Ross, Sen Ross, Dr Paula Rooney
relevence on importance of libraries today

Harlem Wizards play Team FPS on Friday, at Tri-County


Live Reporting: School Committee - Nov 14, 2017

Present: Feeley, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Linden (via remote/phone), Schultz, Zub
Absent: none


Organizational Meeting:
  • Swearing in of Members
Photo to be added (Linden has been sworn in previously)

Live Reporting: School Committee - Nov 14, 2017
Live Reporting: School Committee - Nov 14, 2017

  • Election of Chair
nomination of Bergen, seconded, unanimous

  • Chair solicits nominations of Vice Chair
Nomination of Schultz, seconded, unanimous


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda

- 5 minute recess to handle some paperwork - 


Winter Decorating: Two opportunities to help downtown Franklin shine!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for volunteers for the holiday decoration activities this weekend.

Winter Decorating: Two opportunities to help downtown Franklin shine!
Winter Decorating: Two opportunities
to help downtown Franklin shine!
1. Saturday, 11/18, we are meeting at 1 PM at Hillside Nursery to sort the bundles of greens into smaller packages.

2.  Sunday,11/19, we will be meeting at 9 AM at the parking lot next to Ferrara's Market to do the decorating.  If you want to show up earlier to help unload the trucks, starting around 8 AM that is fine with me.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves if you have them.

Thanks for volunteering!
~ Eileen

Questions? Email Eileen at emason4234@gmail.com.


BLACK BOX Cabaret: Rising Stars - Nov 17 - 7:30 PM

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents a special cabaret revue spotlighting the talents of promising young singers! This third annual Rising Stars Cabaret is presented in an intimate, nightclub atmosphere with professional accompaniment.

November 17, 2017 - 7:30 PM

Tickets:Adults ~ $15
Students/Seniors ~ $12

Tickets available  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1041 

BLACK BOX Cabaret: Rising Stars -  Nov 17 - 7:30 PM
BLACK BOX Cabaret: Rising Stars -  Nov 17 - 7:30 PM

Exit Interview with Town Treasurer-Collector Jim Dacey (video)

"Jim Dacey served as the elected Town Treasurer-Collector for 18 years, as well as a member of the Finance Committee for 10 years. 
Upon his retirement, Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen sat down with Jim to discuss some old memories, how he became Treasurer-Collector and some of his fondest accomplishments over the past three decades being involved in town finance. 
Jamie and Jim also sat down with his successor, Kerri Bertone, about how she got involved in public service and come of the challenges moving forward. 
We hope you enjoy this special episode of "Our Franklin""




For more about the Treasurer/Collector visit the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector

Annual Report - 2017 (Page 133)
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2017_tr-web_copy_0.pdf

From the 2015 Annual Report
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/annual-report-2015-treasurer-collector.html

Shopping Extravaganza - Nov 15 - 6 to 9 PM

Join us at the Annie Sullivan Middle School on Lincoln Street. 

Wednesday, November 15 from 6 to 9 PM

Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping!


For more about the Annie Sullivan Parent Communication Council PCC
http://sullivanmiddle.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinSullivan_PCC/index