Wednesday, July 24, 2019

“This consensus Fiscal Year 2020 budget strikes a balance"

Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed its Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $43.1 billion, the budget makes major investments in education, housing, substance use disorder services, health care, and other areas while projecting a more than $476 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund – bringing the fund’s balance to more than $3 billion to safeguard the future of vital programs and services.

“I am proud of this fiscally responsible budget that supports the needs of individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth through thoughtful investments that increase local aid, strengthen our health care system and protect the environment,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “This budget bolsters our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, invest in high-quality early education and care and makes another significant deposit into the state’s Stabilization Fund. These investments will have a long and lasting positive effect on the residents of Massachusetts. I want to thank Chair Michlewitz for his leadership and my colleagues in the House, especially those on the conference committee, who worked to put this package together.”

“This budget reaffirms our commitment to local aid and our communities and includes funds for important projects in Franklin and Medway,” said Representative Roy. “The House and Senate were successful at including significant local and regional money throughout the Commonwealth in this coming fiscal year’s budget. Additionally, Massachusetts is dealing with several important societal issues, like the opioid epidemic, public safety, aging infrastructure, and an aging population. The Legislature has struck a balance that takes on these challenges and maintains our commitment to our communities, our children, our seasoned citizens, and the disabled as well as advancing economic development and the arts.”

“Education is a top Senate priority, and I am therefore proud of the significant investments we make in K-12 education in the final FY2020 budget,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Not only have we voted to advance the largest year-over-year increase in Chapter 70 education funding in the last two decades, we have also made a substantial down payment towards funding the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC). In addition, we fund health and wellness in schools, and provide considerable increases in reimbursement for special education, charter schools, and regional school transportation. Finally, I am very pleased that the conference budget includes $10 million in new funding for mental and behavioral health. These funds will allow the Commonwealth to address the root causes of many of the challenges facing our residents, including substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment and school bullying, among other things. I commend all of the members of the conference committee for their very fine work on this budget.”

Continue reading Representative Jeff Roy's press release in the full text:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YwGHEVtd4C_iqVdeSvMRoa4GJHinXWAw/view?usp=sharing
 
The web page has been updated with the Conference Report.
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
 

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

FDA announce first youth e-cigarette prevention (YouTube)


announced their first youth e-cigarette prevention TV ads & new posters w/ e-cigarette prevention messaging for high schoolers. Learn more about the ways
is working to stop the youth e-cigarette epidemic. #NoEcigs4Kids"
Found via Twitter

https://youtu.be/xw1vffiNyVM



SOAR LIVE at Mickey Cassidy's - Jul 26

"Come see us at our last public show of the season! You'll get to hear some awesome classic rock and party with us as we rock the house. This will be our final show of Summer 2019. Friday, June 26th at 8 PM. Don't miss it!"

Additional details can be found at the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/2448350135224406/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2448350135224406/
https://www.facebook.com/events/2448350135224406/

“They go where the money is”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Places such as Baltimore and Atlanta have been hit with massive cyber-attacks in recent years, but it’s not just major cities that are at risk of losing data or having their systems hacked. Smaller municipalities are also targets.

According to a 2019 report from the International City Management Association, approximately one in three local governments do not know how frequently their information system is subject to attacks, incidents and breaches. Of those that do, 60 percent report they are subject to daily cyber-attacks, often hourly or more.

Tiffany Schoenike, chief operating officer for the National Cyber Security Alliance, warns smaller municipalities are just as likely as larger cities to be the target of an attack. This could include anything from sensitive data being lost or stolen to systems being locked with the only recourse paying the hacker to regain access.

“Sometimes funding levels make things worse,” Schoenike said. “This could be from not being able to afford the right kinds of technology, or not being able to hire the best people for the job.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190723/as-new-threats-arise-is-your-local-government-safe-from-cyber-attacks

One of the keys to successful online processing is to ensure the site you are dealing with uses https. The Town of Franklin site does use this feature:  https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

One of the keys to successful online processing is to ensure the site you are dealing with uses https
One of the keys to successful online processing is to ensure the site you are dealing with uses https

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Live reporting: Consent agenda to Closing

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
school handbooks coming Aug 13 for review
available online, changes to be noted in advance of meeting
discussion on trying to get the handbooks earlier for review if possible, it seems like to be able to do so

summer projects update
 

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 25, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 25, 2019 Executive Session of the School Committee meeting as detailed to be released.
c. ECDC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $920.00 from Bridgewater State University for in-house enrichment at ECDC as detailed.
d. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $348.00 from the Jefferson PCC for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
e. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $727.65 as follows:
• Alliance Energy, LLC $500.00 supplemental curriculum materials
• Scholastic, Inc. $199.65 in-house enrichment
• Coca Cola Give $ 28.00 in-house enrichment
f. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,401.20 from the JF Kennedy PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
g. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,229.54 from the Oak Street PCC as follows:
$1835.00 Library books
$2394.54 Supplemental Curriculum Materials

motion to accept the consent agenda, seconded, passed 5-0
 


8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
b. Student Activity Accounts Report – Miriam Goodman

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.
motion to enter executive session, seconded, passed 5-0  via roll call

12. Adjournment


The documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-23-2019-school-committee-packet

Live reporting: Policy First Readings

b. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: BEC – Executive Sessions
BEDG – Minutes
JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

motion to approve, seconded, pass 5-0



4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

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

Budget - joint subcommittee meeting Weds at 6:00 PM, what is current status and start to plan next steps

Committee Relations - at Farmers Market; 12-3 on Friday 
great time to come and meet, talk, provide feedback


Policy - Aug 20 at 7 PM
did meet and policies tonight came from last meeting

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

Public School Advocacy - meet after the budget is settled


Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - July 23, 2019

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


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no changes
 
b. Citizen’s Comments
none tonight
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
d. Superintendent’s Report
Executive Institute attended by Superintendent
equity not just a buzzword, a meaningful opportunity for change
have a courageous conversation



Dr Brown, very motivational speaker
a foot in two worlds, trama background and talent potential
how educators influenced him along way

Commissioner Riley unvealed "Our way forward"
pathways to success, improvment plan
four themes of focus, link to plan coming
holistic support on needs
innovation and evidence based practices
prmoting educator workforce diversity
crowdsouring curriculum
vision of the stare as a partner
incentives and rewards, rather than requirements and punishments

budgetary front - received a special grant for Safer Schools
$60K awarded - part of supplemental State vudget
supports efforts underway as part of capital plan

FY 2020 State budget update
preliminary word from Legislators is good (as published)
awaits the Governor's signature so it still could change
also 2 earmarks for FPS
possible revisions to budget in August after Governor settles on final budget





2. Guests / Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Superintendent’s Evaluation
I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2018-2019 school year as discussed.

motion seconded, passed 5-0

Thanks to Dr Ahern for her input
thanks to the full committee for their attention and comments
to present tonight the summary of the review
"Exemplary" is reserved for about 1% of all the superintendents
Proficient is the general or overall rating with some specific areas as "exemplary"; highlighting just the commendations and opportunities for consideration tonight

1 - social emotional learning
2 - staff wellbeing
3 - (to be added)

monitor homework policy across all levels

ensure all school council members understand their responsibilities

continue to promote wide range of career options for students

Scofield - you are out there, approachable and do follow up, people like that
thank you, we are fortunate to have you here

Zub - I'd like to echo that, it is an important part of the job and it is important to balance all of that. You are really passionate and engaged in this communities education. We recognize that

Dr Ahern - it really comes down to a team, among the central ofice leadership, the leadership in the buildings, so much of the evidence comes forward from the collective work in the district



The documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-23-2019-school-committee-packet 


THE BLACK BOX presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 26

On Friday, July 26 at 8 PM, THE BLACK BOX Jazz in July series closes with The Kenny Hadley Big Band. The critically-acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Kenny Hadley is a resident musician at THE BLACK BOX and teaches Percussion at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Additionally he tours with Electric Youth and The Boston Show Band.

Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. The venue features a full bar. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin

 
THE BLACK BOX presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 26
THE BLACK BOX presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 26

Free Your Recyclables - Importance of Paying Attention

Free Your Recyclables - Importance of Paying Attention

From the Town of Franklin page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/recycling_news_bulletin_q3_volume_viii_final.pdf




keep plastic bags out of the Franklin recycle bins
please keep plastic bags out of the Franklin recycle bins

Legislature Passes Balanced Budget with Targeted Investments in Education, Housing, Environment

Per Senate President Karen E. Spilka:
"Today (Monday) the Massachusetts Legislature passed its Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $43.1 billion, the budget makes major investments in education, housing, substance use disorder services, health care, and other areas while projecting a more than $476 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund – bringing the fund’s balance to more than $3 billion to safeguard the future of vital programs and services.

“I am proud of this fiscally responsible budget that supports the needs of individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth through thoughtful investments that increase local aid, strengthen our health care system and protect the environment,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “This budget bolsters our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, invest in high-quality early education and care and makes another significant deposit into the state’s Stabilization Fund. These investments will have a long and lasting positive effect on the residents of Massachusetts. I want to thank Chair Michlewitz for his leadership and my colleagues in the House, especially those on the conference committee, who worked to put this package together.”

“Education is a top Senate priority, and I am therefore proud of the significant investments we make in K-12 education in the final FY2020 budget,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Not only have we voted to advance the largest year-over-year increase in Chapter 70 education funding in the last two decades, we have also made a substantial down payment towards funding the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC). In addition, we fund health and wellness in schools, and provide considerable increases in reimbursement for special education, charter schools, and regional school transportation. Finally, I am very pleased that the conference budget includes $10 million in new funding for mental and behavioral health. These funds will allow the Commonwealth to address the root causes of many of the challenges facing our residents, including substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment and schoolbullying, among other things. I commend all of the members of the conference committee for their very fine work on this budget.”
Continue reading the full copy of the press release on the Joint Budget for FY 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNnNMbzZDNFBwX1k4OVR0dktMQlFHVEFVR3Fr/view?usp=sharing

 While the bill was filed Sunday per the article the web page had not yet been updated as of Monday evening. The budget should find its way here eventually
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
 

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

FTC Consumer Alerts: Equifax Data Breach Settlement - What You Should Know




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

In September of 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. Under a settlement filed today, Equifax agreed to spend up to $425 million to help people affected by the data breach. If you were affected by the Equifax breach, here's what you need to know about the settlement. If you were affected by the breach, you may be eligible for benefits.

FTC Consumer Alerts: Equifax Data Breach Settlement = What You Should Know

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/equifax-data-breach-settlement-what-you-should-know?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


"I think people are realizing the value of water”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"It’s the season of outdoor water restrictions in Massachusetts.

But are you really going to get slapped with a fine – or even have your water shut off – if you set up a sprinkler on the wrong day of the week, as many local bylaws threaten?

According to Department of Public Works directors and data from about a dozen cities and towns in the Milford area and MetroWest, maybe, but it doesn’t happen often.

“Do you really think I want to be the water police? Absolutely not,” Franklin Director of Public Works Robert Cantoreggi said. “I look at it more as a public education type of thing.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190722/do-you-really-need-to-heed-local-water-restrictions

 
"I think people are realizing the value of water”
"I think people are realizing the value of water”

Monday, July 22, 2019

"how much hydrocodone and oxycodone went to individual states and counties"

From the Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:
"For the first time, a database maintained by the Drug Enforcement Administration that tracks the path of every single pain pill sold in the United States — by manufacturers and distributors to pharmacies in every town and city — has been made public.

The Washington Post sifted through nearly 380 million transactions from 2006 through 2012 that are detailed in the DEA’s database and analyzed shipments of oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, which account for three-quarters of the total opioid pill shipments to pharmacies. The Post is making this data available at the county and state levels in order to help the public understand the impact of years of prescription pill shipments on their communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd 

Check out the interactive database for numbers state and county
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd

In the News: FY 2020 state budget deal reached

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Three weeks after the start of the new fiscal year, Democratic leaders finalized a fiscal 2020 budget agreement over the weekend to end a weeks-long stalemate and authorize $43.1 billion in state government spending over the next year.

The deal, which is expected to be voted on Monday by both the House and Senate, puts the state in position to potentially have a budget in place in time for the Legislature to avoid having to approve another stopgap spending measure. If Gov. Charlie Baker signs it within 10 days, Massachusetts may also avert being the last state in the country without a signed full-year budget, as it was last year.

After negotiations that began in early June, House and Senate leaders chose not to include new taxes on opioid manufacturers or e-cigarettes and vaping products. Both tax plans were initially proposed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and backed by the Senate, but the House felt they should go through the committee process.

The budget also dropped the Senate’s proposed freeze on tuition at the University of Massachusetts next year, and did not increase funding for the five-campus system beyond the $558 million recommended by the governor and both branches, making a tuition hike for students next year likely."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190721/mass-budget-deal-to-be-voted-on-monday

While the bill was filed Sunday per the article the web page had not yet been updated as of Monday morning. The budget should find its way here eventually
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

In the News: college students not aware of SNAP benefits available

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

"Hunger is a problem for some college students in MetroWest, and there’s a federal program that could help them.

However, a recent study shows millions of students are potentially missing out on the program, because they either don’t know about it or the eligibility rules are too complicated to understand.

The program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Nearly two million college students didn’t receive SNAP benefits in 2016, even though they were potentially eligible, according to a December 2018 study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. The report recommended the U.S. Department of Agriculture improve its efforts to clarify SNAP eligibility requirements, and make them more accessible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190721/college-students-going-hungry-many-miss-out-on-snap-benefits

Visit the SNAP web page for additional info on benefits
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program

Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results


Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that 2nd quarter (April-June 2019) real estate statistics showed a slight decrease in residential and commercial sales, while mortgage lending numbers experienced a small uptick and foreclosures were way down.

Register O'Donnell noted, "The 2nd quarter figures showed an overall 1% reduction in the number of properties sold countywide from 4,971 to 4,918 for the same quarter of 2018. The flat real estate sales tell us there are still challenges when it comes to real estate inventory. It has been an ongoing issue and one that certainly needs to be watched closely."
Register O'Donnell further stated, "The recently concluded 2nd quarter also saw the average Norfolk County real estate sales price, for both residential and commercial properties, decrease 11% to $776,889. Total dollar real estate volume, again for both residential and commercial, was $2.4 billion, a 16% decline year over year. These figures were impacted by the $177 million sale of Steward Norwood Hospital that took place on 6/28/18."

For the 2nd quarter 2019, the number of land documents recorded, (such as deeds, mortgages, Homesteads, mortgage discharges, etc.) was 37,019, a slight 1% drop-off from the previous year. Register O'Donnell noted, "This relatively flat figure tells us we have a ways to go before we see robust growth in the real estate market."

One good piece of positive news was the 7,108 mortgages recorded at the Registry in the 2nd quarter compared to 6,826 for the same time period in 2018. Additionally, total mortgage borrowing was $3.8 billion for the second quarter compared to $4 billion during the 2nd quarter 2018. "With the reduction in interest rates, consumers seem to be more comfortable when it comes to borrowing money," stated the Register.

Norfolk County homeowners continued to benefit from the Homestead Act. A total of 3,396 Homesteads were recorded during the 2nd quarter, a 1% increase year over year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this important consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell.

Foreclosure activity in Norfolk County continued to show signs of improvement. A total of 27 foreclosure deeds were recorded versus 48 filed during the 2nd quarter of 2018. In addition, there was a significant 38% drop in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process.

O'Donnell stated, "One foreclosure is one too many, and while the eastern Massachusetts economy remains on a solid footing, there are still those in Norfolk County experiencing economic hardships. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, (617-479-8181 x376), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, (508-587-0950) to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "While real estate sales were mostly flat during the recently concluded quarter, a cause for optimism was the uptick in lending numbers. A continuing strong economy in eastern Massachusetts, and the possibility of further interest rate cuts as signaled by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to congressional committees, should bode well for the overall real estate market going forward."

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/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in 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 www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone 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
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Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results
Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results


Sunday, July 21, 2019

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 23, 2019

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.

A G E N D A
“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.”


1. Routine Business
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
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Superintendent’s Evaluation
I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2018-2019 school year as discussed.

b. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: BEC – Executive Sessions
BEDG – Minutes
JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

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

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

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 25, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 25, 2019 Executive Session of the School Committee meeting as detailed to be released.
c. ECDC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $920.00 from Bridgewater State University for in-house enrichment at ECDC as detailed.
d. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $348.00 from the Jefferson PCC for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
e. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $727.65 as follows:
• Alliance Energy, LLC $500.00 supplemental curriculum materials
• Scholastic, Inc. $199.65 in-house enrichment
• Coca Cola Give $ 28.00 in-house enrichment
f. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,401.20 from the JF Kennedy PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
g. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,229.54 from the Oak Street PCC as follows:
$1835.00 Library books
$2394.54 Supplemental Curriculum Materials

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
b. Student Activity Accounts Report – Miriam Goodman

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

12. Adjournment


The documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-23-2019-school-committee-packet
  
raised garden beds at Davis Thayer in June
raised garden beds at Davis Thayer in June
 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 24, 2019


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and show on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. June 5, 2019
b. June 12, 2019
c. June 26, 2019

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
- None

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Swearing in of 3 Firefighters
b. Board of Registrars, Richard Kerr

6. HEARINGS
a. West Central Street Zoning
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to Chapter 185 section 40.D(3)(a)
c. Acceptance of Clearview Drive as Public Way

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- None

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 19-49: Authority For Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute Tax Agreement with Owner Of Ground-Mounted Solar Facility Located Off Upper Union Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-49 - Majority Vote (5))

b. Resolution 19-50: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Clearview Drive and Drainage Lot Parcel A (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-50 - Two -Thirds Majority Vote (6))

c. Resolution 19-51: Acceptance of Gift-Franklin Public Library (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-51 - Majority Vote (5))

d. Resolution 19-52: Appropriation of Funds Received from the Franklin Community Cable Access Inc. to the Town for the Public Safety Communications Infrastructure. (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-52 - Majority Vote (5))

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to Chapter 185 section 40.D(3)(a) -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Pending Litigation: 290 Beaver St LLC v. Town of Franklin, Norfolk Superior Court Docket NO. 1932CV00593 - Challenging Validity of West Central Street Zoning District.

15. ADJOURN

Notes:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-07-24_town_council_agenda_2.pdf

The meeting packet (all documents released for this meeting)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/july_24_town_council_meeting_packet_7.19.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 24, 2019
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 24, 2019

"Advocates said ranked choice voting increases voter engagement and increases diversity in elections"

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

"Activists met last week at the State House to celebrate progress on ranked choice voting efforts and highlight bills that would allow municipalities to enact the voting reform at the local level, and legalize the process statewide.

“We’re all here in this shared effort to ensure that every voter in Massachusetts has a greater voice when they go to the polls,” said Mac D’Alessandro, state director for Voter Choice Massachusetts, which organized the event.

The group gathered activists from across the state for a lobby day featuring meetings with legislators to discuss the issue.

“We need to do everything we can to expand voting enfranchisement and expand access to voting rights and democracy,” said state Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester. “Ranked choice voting is an important strategy to move us in that direction.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190720/ranked-choice-pitched-as-inclusive-election-reform

Other Ranked Choice Voting or RCV references
Sample ballot of ranked voting using written numbers
Sample ballot of ranked voting using written numbers



Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019

Joint Budget Subcommittee
 
July 24, 2018 - 6:00 PM

3rd Floor Training Room
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street


Agenda
1. FY 2020 and Beyond Budget Overview


Who is the "Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting"? 
The committee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee supported by members of the Town and School Administration.

July 24 meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_7-24-19.pdf

June 19 meeting agenda and supporting materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_6-19-19.pdf


Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019
Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019

Cool thoughts for another hot day

From the archives, a winter walk in February of 2014 can help bring about some cool thoughts for another hot day. 

What has changed since Feb 2014? or not?


Winter Walk in Franklin


and a current photo that was shared Saturday afternoon via Instagram to the Facebook page. Thanks to the folks at NerdsToGo for this!

Cool thoughts for another hot day
Cool thoughts for another hot day