Friday, February 7, 2020

FM #201 - Franklin (MA) School Committee 3rd Annual Legislative Forum - 2/4/20

FM #201

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 201 in the series, that we are now producing in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

The School Committee held their third annual Legislative Forum on Tuesday, Feb 4, 2020. In the Lecture Hall at Franklin High School, School Committee Chair Anne Bergen opened the session. Superintendent Sara Ahern provided some opening remarks before handing the microphone over to Denise Spencer who facilitated the remainder of the forum.

She introduced Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, and Representative Jeff Roy. Each had a few minutes for opening remarks before answering questions prepared by the School Committee and then questions from the audience. About 60 people participated for this Forum, more than each of the prior two Forums.

Without further ado, here is the recording for the meeting approx. 80 minutes

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-201-school-committee-legislative-forum-feb-4-2020

-------------


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like this, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Denise Spencer moderating the discussion
Denise Spencer moderating the discussion

Register Now for Kids' Corner February Vacation Events

Special February Vacation Events
REGISTER TODAY

All classes are at Franklin High School

February Vacation Painting Class Grades 4-7
What a great way to spend an afternoon and have some creative fun! Students will paint and take home their own piece of art.

  • Thursday, February 20


Kids' February Vacation Cooking Camp Grades 4-7
It's February vacation and it's a great time for cooking camp! For 3 hours each day - over 3 days, students will enhance their kitchen skills and learn complex techniques like searing, sautéing, folding and more.

  • Tuesday - Thursday, Feb. 18, 19, 20


For more information visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Register Now for Kids' Corner February Vacation Events
Register Now for Kids' Corner February Vacation Events


In the News: homeless shelters up for Franklin discussion; autonomous vehicle safety standards evolving

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"When Town Councilor Andrew Bissanti heard that two men in Franklin were sleeping outside after a house fire back in October, he was “shocked.” 
Upon a deeper look, he discovered that at least 30 others are sleeping in similar conditions in town. 
“I suspected it, and I’ve seen it in other cities, but I really never knew it to be the extent that I recently found out,” said Bissanti, who is seeking to increase resources for those without places to stay in Franklin with other town officials. 
The Town Council is set to take the issue up at its meeting on Wednesday."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200206/franklin-officials-to-discuss-increasing-homeless-resources-in-town



"For the first time, the U.S. government’s highway safety agency has approved a company’s request to deploy a self-driving vehicle that doesn’t meet federal safety standards that apply to cars and trucks driven by humans. 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted temporary approval for Silicon Valley robotics company Nuro to run low-speed autonomous delivery vehicles that were designed so they can’t carry humans. 
Nuro’s vehicles won’t be required to have side and rear-view mirrors and other safety provisions. Also not on the safety feature list; windshield wipers, steering wheels or brake pedals. 
The vehicles previously were subject to federal standards for low-speed vehicles that travel under 25 miles per hour. Those didn’t need steering wheels or brake pedals and didn’t have to have human backup drivers. Nuro’s battery-powered vehicles can be monitored and controlled remotely by a human operator, if needed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200206/us-lets-autonomous-vehicle-bypass-human-driver-safety-rules

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Matt Kelly announces campaign for State Senate Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district seat

Feb 5, 2020

Dear Friends Across the District,

For the last 12 years, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as an elected official for the Town of Franklin, including a period as Chairman of the Town Council. Public service at a municipal level gives one a deep appreciation for the complexity involved in government and a rare chance to get to know thousands of fellow citizens. Their concerns have become my concerns.

Today, I am formally announcing my next step in public service, where I look forward to representing all the people of the sprawling and diverse Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex senatorial district—which includes Attleboro, North Attleboro, Plainville, Wrentham, Norfolk, Franklin, Millis, Sherborn, Natick, Wellesley, Needham and Wayland—as its State Senator.

When I originally decided to run for Town Council, Franklin faced an unclear path for the future, plagued with issues such as uncontrolled growth, sewage and water challenges and a skyrocketing budget. During my time on the Council, I've had the chance to help make changes for the better by listening, applying commonsense and a willingness to work across political divisions.

Now the district and the state face a similarly daunting list of challenges that include crumbling transportation infrastructure, broken state-funding formulas and a lack of reliable services for the many among us struggling with opioid addiction and mental health issues.

In this election year, there is tremendous focus on national politics. Here in Massachusetts, under the leadership of our Governor, we are proving that bipartisanship is possible. But more needs to be done. A legislature that is dominated by only one party is not a legislature that reflects the population of the state as a whole. Nor is it one that can produce the balanced government we need to thrive. There are simply too many insider deals decided only along party lines rather than with open debate and accountability.

I know the majority of voters in this district are fed up with narrow agendas and a lack of concern for the bread-and-butter issues that each of our community's face. As Senator for the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district, I will make sure I represent everyone – from Attleboro to Wayland – and fight to make sure our voice is heard on Beacon Hill. My experience in Town Government has made me deeply aware of these issues and of the important role the state can play in solving them. So, I ask for the support of all the voters to give me the opportunity to truly make a difference on Beacon Hill for our district.

I hope for your support in the months to come and at the polls in November.

Matt Kelly

MattKellyForSenate.com/

Download your copy of the announcement document
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZkJtWncwRXF5WWNnN0VLZ3V2ZUdNVnN0UnJj/view?usp=sharing

Matt Kelly announces campaign for State Senate Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district seat
Matt Kelly announces campaign for State Senate Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex district seat

FM #200 - Pellegri and Bissanti on PO Box issue

FM #200

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 200 in the series, that we are now producing in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

Town Councilors Debbie Pellegri and Andy Bissanti joined me in the Franklin studio to talk about the drive through postal mailboxes at the Post Office in downtown Franklin.

After we sat to record this, the Boston Globe published an article on the Post Office and law enforcement agency efforts to address fishing for mail. As you hear in the interview, this is one of the two reason for the Post Office moving the mailboxes in the drive up.
"A task force of investigators from multiple police departments are working with the US Postal Service to crack down on thieves who are stealing mail from blue mailboxes in the Greater Boston area and communities in Eastern Massachusetts, authorities said.

“It’s out of control,” said Wellesley Detective Mark D’Innocenzo. “It’s very widespread.”

There are currently 15 to 20 open investigations in Wellesley alone, he said.

The thieves go “mailbox fishing,” typically using string attached to a glue mouse trap or a plastic bottle covered with sticky glue to pull envelopes out of mailboxes. They then “wash” (i.e. erase the writing) on personal checks, rewrite them and cash them, and use the victim’s bank account information to forge even more checks, he said."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/04/metro/police-departments-mass-targeting-thieves-stealing-mail-out-mailboxes/

Without further ado, here is the recording for the meeting approx 17 minutes

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-200-pellegri-bissanti-on-po-box-issue



-------------

Contact information for the individual Town Councilors https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

Send a single message to ALL the Town Councilors
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/webforms/send-message-entire-council


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #200 - Pellegri and Bissanti on PO Box issue
FM #200 - Pellegri and Bissanti on PO Box issue


FHS boys hockey skates to tie and wrestling posts win at St John's Shrewbury

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Wednesday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 3 – Final
Goals by O'Neil, Marchand, and unidentified per Twitter stream

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Algonquin, 2 – Final

Wrestling = Franklin, 39 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 30 – Final
"Pins by DiFilippo, Sauer, and Sackley" per Twitter


For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-05-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports



Congrats to Kenny Sauer on his 100th win! (@FHSWrestling photo)
Congrats to Kenny Sauer on his 100th win! (@FHSWrestling photo)










An Evening With Kristi Kirshe = Feb 12, 7 PM

"Excited to announce an Evening With Kristi Kirshe @FranklinHS alum & member of @USARugby"

When: Feb 12, 2020 7 PM at FHS Auditorium

An Evening With Kristi Kirshe = Feb 12, 7 PM
An Evening With Kristi Kirshe = Feb 12, 7 PM




Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates

Important Dates for February-March 2020

Contact Information Changes-If you need to change an email address or phone number in your student's Aspen contact information, click here to send us those changes
_______________________________

Thursday, February 6 - "Frankly Hysterical" presented by Drama III  7:30 PM in the FHS Auditorium

Friday, February 7 - 1/2 day of school; Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Friday, February 7 - Jazz Cafe @7PM in the FHS Cafeteria-tickets $10 adults/$5 students, seniors

Saturday, February 8th - 8th grade Orientation - for all Franklin 8th graders 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the FHS Auditorium

Monday, February 17 - Friday February 21 - Winter Break - no school

Wednesday, February 26 - Prom Tickets go on sale for Class of 2021; click HERE to purchase Prom Tickets

Friday, February 28 - "Six Rounds of Vengeance" presented by FHS Theater Company  @7 PM in the FHS Auditorium;  Click  to purchase tickets in advance beginning week of 1/27/2020:  Adults $10 / Students $5 (plus cc processing fee) 
At the door, tickets will cost:  Adults$12 / Students $7

Friday, March 6 - Senior Banquet at Lake Pearl; Tickets cost $80  Click HERE to purchase tickets

Friday, March 20 - Best Buddies Prom at the Elks Club on Pond Street

Friday, March 27 - Sophomore Banquet 7-10 PM in the FHS Cafeteria
No School and Half days of school 2020
DateEvent
02/07/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
02/17/20 through 2/21/20Winter Break, No School
03/03/20No School PDD Day
04/03/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
04/10/20No School- Good Friday
04/20/20 through
04/24/20
Spring Break-No School
05/08/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
05/25/20No School- Memorial Day
06/18/20Last day of School-Reflects one snow day
Snow Days:

  • Snow Day #1 Tuesday, December 3, 2019

MCAS (draft) Testing Calendar

  • ELA - 10th graders: March 24th and 25th
  • Math - 10th graders: May 19th & 20th
  • Biology - 9th graders: June 2nd and 3rd
Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates
Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates

“no different shape than any other community”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"In an effort to reduce the number of staff cuts while adding new positions to areas of increased need, the School Committee voted Tuesday in favor of a $1.5 million override to its proposed fiscal 2021 budget.

A major factor, according to Superintendent Peter Marano, is a “staggering” decrease in the amount of money reimbursed by the state for what the district pays toward charter school education at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School in Franklin.

“The reason why this year is different (than the last five years) is because we’ve basically taken a $2 million hit from the increase in the charter school, and that steep decrease in funding ... is basically just the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said committee member Mark Flannery.

As part of a $29.8 million proposed budget, the School Committee unanimously approved the $1.5 million override, which would cost the average homeowner about $160 a year, said Marano. That equals to $40 per quarter, said committee Chairman Michael J. Reed Jr., based on the average home value of about $325,000."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200205/bellingham-school-committee-oks-15m-override-for-budget

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report to Closing

introduction of FHS students

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
they came to a relevant meeting

if they notice on the wall, there is a plaque recognizes the Town as a Green Community
solar farm is a unique project provides the electricity for 90% of our town buildings
it is performing at over 11 megawatts

plastic bag ban, Feb 12 will be approved (hopefully)
what is next? 
community gardens are around, coming to these meetings the future is all of you
if you can't vote today, you will and you can still advocate for things

FHS solar panels were built to hold it, but didn't make it
we have had proposals for Horace Mann and FHS
maybe get a future solar car port for the parking lot
you can see a difference being made

don't be shy about letting us know

flyer coming out Mar, 6, 11 and 21st
info forums on storm water

March 4 preliminary fiscal forecast for Council meeting
watch, listen and read memo for FY 2021
then to FinComm in April before coming back to Town Council

FHS is a green high school, because we went green, we got an additional $2M
they weren't giving the solar panels in those days, it would have required for purchase, we did make sure that the facility was capable to get it

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
committee for CPA
equipment surplus process
concerns about personnel issues with certain town departments
refrain from comments on Town personnel, could expose us on legal issues
follow the process, direction to proper channels, i.e. through management and Jamie
we need to use good judgment

13 - Old Business
Bissanti - issue with stray dogs, lost dogs
there is a fine after a certain amount of time, along as fine is paid, the dog can stay
until we get animal control to present, don't post to social media

13a. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Kelly - condolences to the passing of Pellegri's brother in law

Chandler - condolences

Hamblen - thanks for coming out, condolences as well

Pellegri - Bob Simler, worked on many committees
Boston Post cane delivered the day before the resident passed
was the oldest citizen at 103

Jones - condolences, echo to Hamblen's point great to see every one here


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

  • motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0


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

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-5-town-council-agenda

The full agenda packet can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-02-05_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

Live reporting: Legislation for Action


10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-03: Capital FY20 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-03 - Majority Vote)

Capital budget subcommittee vote 4-0 to recommend (Finance Committee has also approved)

the next three votes reflect the capital plan for FY 2020
the Finance Committee voted 7-0

the next two needed to be separate as legally they are stabilization funding


  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-04: OPEB Trust Funds Transfer (Motion to approve Resolution 20-04 - Majority Vote)

as noted above, separate for legal requirements, also approved by Capital Subcommittee and Finance Committee
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-05: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers (Motion to approve Resolution 20-05 - Majority Vote)

as noted above, separate for legal requirements, also approved by Capital Subcommittee and Finance Committee
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-09: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services, $350 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-09 - Majority Vote)
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-10: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center, $1000 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-10 - Majority Vote)
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-11: Gift Acceptance - Police Department, $300 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-11 - Majority Vote)


  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Live reporting: License transaction - Norfolk County Sheriff - CPA


7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 pm
Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast, Inc., New Wine and Malt License, Located at 451 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Richard Cornetta, attny for applicant
own and operate the business
general restaurant, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
glass of wine or beer to compliment the meal
not a bar operation, only sit down restaurant
would also use outdoor patio in warmer months
owned elsewhere for about 15 years (Revere) (Bellingham)


  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Office and House of Corrections Update with Sheriff McDermott Community

appointed by Gov Baker to replace Bellotti
female inmates were not being treated equitably
would encourage taking a tour of the facility
Q&A session with the inmates available
will also travel to middle/high school with program

team building program, anti-bullying
ropes challenge course
in talks with Dean College to replicate program (along with others)
Leadership academy

working to meet the needs for kids mental health, leading to experimentation with drugs
stigma on mental health
looking to produce report within 6 months across Norfolk County

inmate work crews available, municipalities and non-profits
vast majority in due to drugs and mental health
44 US Marshal inmates also inhouse now, drug gang members
an uptick in drug activity in MA

Bissanti - had visited, left knowing that you care, supporter of Gilly's House

Kelly - Franklin is not along, we are facing the same or similar situation as others are

Jones - great to have you here, good for our citizens hear about the programs you do

Chandler - are you able to help with some of the weekend folks Franklin houses? 

A - we had some internal debates about that, we are able to see an uptick in increases
limited cell space can fill up quick, we can hold them and put the police back on the streets

Hamblen - distracted driver program

A - show them before prom season, with simulator, googles to simulate driving when under the influence; putting green empty pizza box, hard to walk across the room with the googles

MCI Framingham - not a nice place to spend your time, men had a better time at county level were not getting the same choice; six week program with NE wildlife coming
equine therapy and canine therapy being explored as well


b. Preservation Act Discussion.

  • i. Town Administrator Memo & Backup Material

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/cpa_town_admin_memo_backup_material_-_web.pdf

Jamie had been in the 2001 Town Council to present the CPA as part of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs



Pellegri - I had pushed for this in 2007, this presentation is far superior than what we did back then. We need to see what money we have given in and lost (over 20 years). We could be using for historical buildings, open space, etc.  We have got to work hard, to set up coffee, teas, so we can explain

Hamblen - the match percentage changes throughout the years, back up to 24%, does it change every year/
A - it has ebbed and flowed. if you were an early adopter, it was more of a dollar for dollar match, put in two million, get two million aback, that is a good ROI. The match did slide slowly to 11% an all time low, it was adjusted to currently to the 24%, it could continue to ebb and flow

it is all in how you play it, if we can get some of the match, we can free up some money for other things within the capital budget
Boston did it for affordable housing

Chandler - it almost something for everybody,every one pays in but there is something for everybody veterans, affordable housing, open space

Bissanti - I had an opportunity to participate in another community meeting, it is a great program, the funds dwindled unfortunately. Is this an opportunity we could loose if we don't act?

A - if you look at the list of priorities, something is on the priority listing up and down where this could be used; renewed optimism to look at 

Earls - sense of long term trends on where this is going? any other local options

A - no idea where the long term trend is... our own imaginations could go wild with how to do this

Community Preservation Committee - appointments to committee with a representation from several other board/depts

database of every project done

Kelly - 5th most contribution in Norfolk County, with how close we came in 2007, it might be worthwhile to put it back, it would be good to see a veterans exemption, we'd need to lobby hard for that; this is our next step towards avoiding suburban sprawl

Jones - I am for this, anything we can do to help support open space and historical, I am for

Lisa Audette Franklin Housing Authority
renovating 40 units $2.5 million at Central Park Terrace
could have been a $650K project with CPA funding available

Jim Schultz - question on historical building criteria
Mark - national register or local historical commission, great flexibility

there may be restrictions on re-habbing an older building but not on the use restrictions

Ed Symansky
what would be the process to get it from here to the ballot

Mercer - process would start in the not to distant future, at least 60 days prior to an election

there is a lot of interest in the town to see this happen


Roberta Trahan
how did we loose all that money, we do need to educate the public
what do we need to do, we should get it on the next election

Susan Speers
we moved to Franklin 32 years ago for the schools and the Library
active with a group that does open space and environmental 
because of what they can do with their capacity
I was involved in 2007, we have to a lot of time to tell the word out and get the community a chance to get behind it this time

Mary Olsson
representative of the Historic Commission
Canton told the story of what they were able to do with their amount
it is about educating the Town, we need to campaign as if it was a candidate on the ballot
it is possible, we can get it done

Mercer - this is something from what I have heard and seen, I think I would ask the Town Administrator to begin the process, sooner rather than later is the right thing
the education piece is the biggest piece, help us to spread the word
there will be more here at Council meetings, and elsewhere
the most people who would be out to an election would be in November for the Presidential election

set up an ad-hoc committee to work on this
we need your help to let the taxpayers know why we need this


9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

  • a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
  • b. Budget Subcommittee
  • c. Economic Development Subcommittee
set priorities for near term
another lot change coming to Council
next meeting March 4