Thursday, June 13, 2019

Economic Development Meeting: recap - June 12, 2019

The Economic Development Subcommittee of the Town Council met on Wednesday evening, June 12. There were two items on the agenda (see link below).

Updates on three grants in progress. One already mentioned during the recent water/sewer proposal will save Franklin a half percentage point on the loan interest for work on the pump station repairs.

Another grant (valued about $48,000) is a joint effort with Bellingham on vulnerability planning.

The discussion moved to the plastic bag ban proposal brought forward by a group of FHS students (mostly sophomores and juniors).



The students will come back with their formal presentation and a revision to the bylaw language as proposed last time with modifications as outlined (see link for proposal). Timeline was not fully resolved it could be later this summer or in September.

The audio recording was captured and should be ready in day or so.


Meeting agenda and links to prior discussions on bag ban: 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/economic-development-subcommittee-jun.html

Economic Development Meeting: recap  - June 12, 2019
Economic Development Meeting: recap  - June 12, 2019


FHS has top winning percentage of all high schools in MA

Regular readers know that when I share the HockomockSports.com results of the Franklin High School sports teams, they are usually wining. The Boston Globe published the listing of all the wins/losses for all the schools for all three seasons (fall, winter and spring). Franklin is #1 with a winning percentage of 74.79.

That says something about the FHS program, the students, and the community they represent.

Way to go Franklin!

The full Globe listing  (subscription may be required)
https://www3.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/standings/globescholastic?event=event25&arc404=true

FHS has top winning percentage of all high schools in MA
FHS has top winning percentage of all high schools in MA



In the News: gas service restored; motorcycle fatality; millionaires tax amendment withdrawn

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

"Gas service was restored to 32 homes in a local neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, after Columbia Gas cut service at about 3 p.m. Tuesday during construction on a leak. 
As of midnight Wednesday, only two customers remained without service, as they were not home while crews went door-to-door with a Franklin police officer, representative from Columbia Gas and a locksmith to enter homes and disable service at the meter, according to Columbia Gas. 
Crews finished working at about 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, fully restoring service to all affected homes, according to the utility company, with no further interruption of gas service."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190612/gas-service-restored-to-32-franklin-homes



"A Franklin man died Tuesday after a motorcycle crash at the intersection of Beaver and Second streets, authorities said. 
Evan Maillet, 21, died after the 4 p.m. crash, according to a statement from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Framingham Police Chief Steven Trask. 
On Tuesday, Maillet was riding his motorcycle when he crashed into a Ford Ranger."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190612/franklin-man-identfied-as-victim-of-fatal-framingham-crash


"Democrats from Andover, Wellesley and Gloucester have dropped their bid to pass a constitutional amendment that authorizes the Legislature to establish a graduated income tax structure. 
State Sen. Barry Finegold of Andover and state Reps. Alice Peisch of Wellesley and Ann-Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester had proposed a constitutional amendment that adds a 4 percent income surtax on household income above $1 million per year. 
The amendment was listed as withdrawn in the hours before the Constitutional Convention resumed at 1 p.m. Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190612/millionaires-tax-proposal-withdrawn

MBTA schedule: Update (re: Amtrak switch replacement)

Friday June 21, due to Amtrak switch replacement near Readville, outbound trains 741, 703, 729 & 731 as well as inbound trains 718, 720, 722, 746, 730 & 732 will not stop at Back Bay and Ruggles. They will board on the upper platform at Readville.

Affected trips:
741 (6:40 am from South Station)
703 (8:04 am from South Station)
703 (8:04 am from South Station)
718 (2:57 pm from Forge Park/495)
718 (2:57 pm from Forge Park/495)
720 (4:01 pm from Forge Park/495)
720 (4:01 pm from Forge Park/495)
720 (4:01 pm from Forge Park/495)
722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495)
722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495)
722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495)
746 (6:37 pm from Walpole)
746 (6:37 pm from Walpole)
746 (6:37 pm from Walpole)
730 (10:25 pm from Forge Park/495)
730 (10:25 pm from Forge Park/495)
730 (10:25 pm from Forge Park/495)
729 (10:30 pm from South Station)
729 (10:30 pm from South Station)
729 (10:30 pm from South Station)
732 (11:46 pm from Forge Park/495)
732 (11:46 pm from Forge Park/495)
732 (11:46 pm from Forge Park/495)
731 (11:50 pm from South Station)
731 (11:50 pm from South Station)
731 (11:50 pm from South Station)

Last Updated: Jun 12 2019 05:10 PM

MBTA schedule: Update (re: Amtrak switch replacement)
MBTA schedule: Update (re: Amtrak switch replacement)

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee: Jun 12 - Agenda

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, 
3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA
June 12, 2018 - 6:00 PM


REVISED

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.


1. Grants Update
  • a. DLTA Economic Profile analysis
  • b. Municipal Vulnerability Grant w/ Bellingham
  • c. Housing Choice Designation
2. Plastic Bag Ban Proposal


The Agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/edc_agenda_-_revised_6-12-19.pdf

The summary of the FHS student proposal for the plastic bag ban
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTzdEaHFyZWdaYUEtYmRuMWwxR2xIS29pNnRB/view?usp=sharing





From the archives:

  • online petition in May 2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/petition-to-franklin-town-council.html


  • FHS Student presentation to Town Council Sep 2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/in-news-plastic-bag-ban-proposed-sen.html

and
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/town-council-recognizes-helen-huang-and.html


  • FHS students present to Economic Development Committee in Dec 2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/this-thing-got-to-us-as-council-when-it.html

some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council
some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council in 2016

FHS girls lacrosse end playoff run vs. Concord-Carlisle again

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports playoff action on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.


Girls Lacrosse = D1 East = #3 Concord-Carlisle, 11 vs. #2 Franklin, 10 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com. provides the game recap:
"It was a game that could have gone either way. Neither team led by more than two goals at any point in the game. There were four lead changes (all in the second half) and eight ties. In games that are that close, every play gets magnified and the smallest margins can be decisive. 
Concord-Carlisle took its largest lead of the game, 11-9, with 4:39 remaining in Tuesday night’s Div. 1 East semifinal at Walpole High’s Turco Field, but with 1:15 to play a turnover gave the Panthers a chance to get back within one. Stella Regan scored her second goal of the game to give Franklin (20-3) hope. 
Despite losing the ensuing draw, an issue all night, and being down a player after a yellow card to senior Annie Walsh, the Panthers managed to force another turnover and regain possession inside the final minute. A foul stopped play right in front of the Franklin bench. As the players prepared to restart, one of the officials ran up and brandished a yellow card to the bench, which not only forced Franklin to remove another player, but also give up the ball."
Continue reading about the game
https://hockomocksports.com/patriots-deal-franklin-girls-lacrosse-second-straight-semifinal-heartbreak/

For a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Spring-2019/Franklin-Concord-Carlisle-Girls-Lacrosse-6-11-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-11-19/

Franklin senior Annie Walsh was held to two goals in the Div. 1 East semifinal against Concord-Carlisle, which beat the Panthers at the same stage for the second straight season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Annie Walsh was held to two goals in the Div. 1 East semifinal against Concord-Carlisle, which beat the Panthers at the same stage for the second straight season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Demonstration planned for Saturday

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee has organized a public demonstration to protest the Trump administration’s disregard of Congressional subpoenas.

Demonstrators will gather across from the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street, Franklin, between 10:00 AM and noon on Saturday, June 15.

Participants from neighboring towns are expected. People can make signs or just show up.

Demonstration planned for Saturday
Demonstration planned for Saturday


Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Live reporting: Information Matters through to Closing (Executive Session)

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 

Budget
meeting with joint budget committee
need to keep focus on awareness
keep finding the money; yet things are lost
languages at elementary levels, aides for K
fees now for parking at High school

Community Relations
Friday is Strawberry Stroll, School Committee will be there
4 -8 PM on Friday, right near Acapulcos
newsletter coming

Policy
meeting next week to continue reviewing policies
homework guidelines reviewed last time

Public Schools Advocacy, MASC
education forum by Sen Rausch coming next week

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation
reminder about evals due to Chair by Friday

b. School Committee Liaison Reports 

Joint PCC
met on Monday, ideas on parent workshops
like idea of a symposium
gardens at Davis Thayer, plants growing



6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
calendar adjustments
outcomes of Wellness and SWAC

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes of your May 28, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Districtwide Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $330.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for inhouse enrichment districtwide as detailed.
c. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.13 from O’Connor Studios for inhouse enrichment at Keller Elementary School as detailed.
d. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $165.93 from O’Connor Studios for inhouse enrichment at Davis Thayer Elementary School as detailed.
e. Remington Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $98.50 from Lifetouch National School Studios for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed.
f. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from Peter Baglioni for the Fernando P. Baglioni scholarship at FHS.

motion to approve consent agenda, seconded, passed 5-0

8. Payment of Bills - Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll - Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence 
– Budget To Actual – Miriam Goodman

12. Adjournment
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 5-0


The PDF version of this agenda can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_6-11-19.pdf

Live reporting: Discussion / Action items

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. BICO Collaborative Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Dr. Sara Ahern to the BICO Board for the 2019-
2020 school year.

motion to recommend, seconded, passed 5-0


b. ACCEPT Collaborative Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Dr. Sara Ahern to the ACCEPT Board for the
2019-2020 school year.

motion to recommend, seconded, passed 5-0

c. Policy – First Reading
I recommend Policy BGC – Policy Review and Revision return for second
reading at the next meeting.

motion to recommend to second reading, seconded, passed 5-0


4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

Live reporting: Presentations - FEF, SEPAC, and Student Services

School Committee returns to open meeting (after Executive Session)
7:15 PM

motion to approve collective bargaining agreement with FEA and RN's in MOU as signed on June 7; seconded, passed 5-0

Superintendent Ahern thanks the participants for their work in the process to reach this agreement


2. Guests / Presentations
a. Franklin Education Foundation
Kit Brady, Pandora Carlucci






founded in 1996 to support schools 
will fund for up to three years
empty bowls for example started with a grant
over $400,000 to date
Harlem Wizards is the primary fund raiser for FEF
are a 501(c)3 so all donations are tax deductible

FEF funds the R&D (research and development for education enhancements) for the District

$29,500 last year

Kit recapped the grants and what has happened

Pandora takes over the presentation to talk about the future

looking to partner with the Frances Eddy King Foundation
a teacher in Franklin for 40 years, the first Oskey was dedicated to her

engage FPS alumni

host education symposium

Pandora co-President with Roberta Trahan

meeting schedule to be shared (shortly) subcommittee meet in between
new members looked for


b. SEPAC Update
Sara Mulcahy; Erin Porier





"The only way we can take care of our children is to take care of ourselves"

funded two $2K scholarships for FHS grads this year

Kerry Magro, spoke to FHS 9th grade in April

Sensory Friendly Santa visit

SEPAC and Franklin Fire as well as Police hosted a special community day

Sunshine Fund available to help families with difficult times



c. Student Services Update 
– Paula Marano





we are were other people are striving to be where we are

using SEL efforts which are district wide to also develop student services delivery as well

develop a district wide practice
need to focus on tier 1 and tier 2 support; beginning to address this
currently 4 times as many 504 plans as the national average (interesting thing to look at, why? so high?)

support staff and counselors spending only 30% of their time with students, more time with paperwork and meetings (should be less time)

might have a higher rate of out of district placements; 72 students currently which is less than prior; 2 did return during the year, 1 also graduated

Tiered Focus Review by DESE





need to revise training for staff on bullying 
use of physical restraint policy not updated; now being revised
institutional self-evaluation

(presentation copies likely to be posted to Schools page on Wednesday and to be shared here later this week).

Live reporting: School Committee - June 11, 2019

Present: Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: Feeley, Linden, Douglas

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

none
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
graduated last week

d. Superintendent’s Report
graduation on Fri, Jun 7 424 diplomas
musical department did wonderful
link in Superintendent's report to be shared

JF Kennedy was recognized at State House for MCAS achievements
certificates to be framed and displayed in school lobby

Annie Sullivan student won JF Kennedy award
recognized at JF Kennedy Library and Museum

schools are busy with end of year celebrations, weather has been challenging

thanks to PCC's for supporting the students and at this point in time it is quite noticeable


11. Executive Session


a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

motion to go to Executive Session, to return to open meeting
motion made, seconded, passed 5-0


Franklin Residents: Gas service disruption - Schofield Drive/Richard Lane

"Attention residents of Schofield Drive and Richard Lane. Due to a problem encountered during construction by Columbia Gas, gas service to these areas will be shut down for the evening. Crews are working around the clock to restore service.

Crews from Columbia Gas will be going door to door with a Franklin Police Officer, representative from Columbia Gas, and a locksmith as they need to enter each residence because they need to shut down service at the meter.

If service is restored sooner, we will advise."


To Improve the Back to School Season, the Hockomock Area YMCA Is Inviting All Our Neighbors to Support the Y’s 4th Annual Backpack Drive

Operation Backpack is now underway and needs support from businesses as well as individuals in order to secure 1,000 fully stuffed backpacks, which is the goal that the YMCA aims for—so that area families who cannot afford supplies can send their children confidently back to school this fall.

A dedicated association of staff, volunteers, donors, partners and community members, the Hockomock Area YMCA commits itself to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities. Convening donors and volunteers to improve the back to school season for local families reflects what the Hockomock Area YMCA stands for. 

“The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners and neighbors to provide kids the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared,” says Mary Clermont, Chair of the Board of Directors.

From June 1 through July 31, 2019, supplies and backpacks are requested. Our goal this year is to provide 1,000 fully stocked backpacks to families within each of the 15 towns served by the Hockomock Area YMCA. Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to please contact Katie Moore, Director of Philanthropy for the Hockomock Area YMCA, at 508-643-5265 or katiem@hockymca.org
Operation Backpack is now underway
Operation Backpack is
now underway

Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 – which will provide 20 fully stocked backpacks to students in need – through Presenting Sponsor, which is a $25,000 sponsorship level significant in that it allows Operation Backpack to provide 200 fully stocked backpacks to students in need. There are three intermediate sponsorship levels, as well, and each offers recognition in promotional materials and more.

YMCA members and community participants will have the chance to celebrate Christmas in July, which will run in our lobbies July 1-July 31. Trees will be decorated with ornaments specifying supplies that are needed and how to make donations right at the Y.

“At the Y, we believe everyone deserves opportunities, and I cannot think of a greater initiative at this time of year. The return on your investment is unquestionably great,” says Clermont. In addition to backpacks and monetary donations, supplies that you can donate include: colored pencils, crayons, folders, glue sticks, highlighters, loose leaf paper, pencils, pens, rulers, scissors, spiral notebooks, and washable markers. There is an Amazon wish list in place as an option (hhttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/24XPQ0V0PTU30?ref=cm_sw_em_r_wl_dp_2toGKelysPE9Y). 

Questions, please contact your local YMCA: Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough 508-543-2523; Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin 508-528-8708; North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro 508-695-7001 or email Brandi Jacobs at brandij@hockymca.org.

Do you need a backpack, or does somebody you know need one? Please contact Brandi Jacobs at 774-235-2753 or brandij@hockymca.org to request one using the form available at hockymca.org/backpack-drive/.


About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

Reminder: LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin - June 12

Bring more laughter into your life by attending Let’s Laugh Today on Wednesday, June 12th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! They do not meet in Franklin in July and August, so get your laughs in this month! 

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. 

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.


LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, June 12
LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin
is on Wednesday, June 12

FHS baseball, softball, and boys lacrosse playoff runs end in close games

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS sports playoff action on Monday, June 10, 2019.


Boys Lacrosse = D1 South = #6 Duxbury, 8 vs. #2 Franklin, 7 – Final
– Franklin held the Dragons without a goal for nearly the entire fourth quarter but Duxbury scored its lone tally of the frame with 16.9 seconds left, finishing off a lengthy offensive possession for the game-winner. Franklin trailed 7-5 after three quarters but Jake Davis (three goals) scored twice in a two-minute span to knot the score 7-7 with three minutes to play. Duxbury scored on a close shot with 16.9 left for the winner. Ben Greco also had three goals for Franklin while Nitin Chaudhury scored once.

Softball = D1 South = #11 Franklin, 0 @ #3 Bishop Feehan, 1 – Final
– A strong pitching performance from Jackie Cherry and an outstanding defensive effort behind her kept the Panthers in contention for the entire game but the Shamrocks earned a walk-off win with a pair of hits in the bottom of the seventh inning. Tara Hartnett had the lone hit of the game for the Panthers.

Baseball = Super 8 = #2 St. John’s Prep, 4 vs. #1 Franklin, 1 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-06-10-19/

















FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers