FM #209 - Housing and Transitional Assistance Discussion

FM #209

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 209 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

At the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Feb 12, 2020, there was an extended discussion on housing and social services related to it.

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Housing Authority - Lisa Audette, Executive Director, Franklin Housing Authority

b. Transitional Assistance Discussion - Franklin Senior Center
Karen Alves, Senior Center Director
Erin Rogers, Social Services Coordinator

Several others stepped up to comment during the course of the two presentations. They introduced themselves as they began talking (per Town Council public meeting protocol)

The show notes include the link to the Senior Center document so you can follow along. The Housing Authority portion did not include a public document.

Social service presentation
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/transitional-assistance

My Live Reporting notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html

The recording runs about an hour and 20 minutes. So without further ado, here is the recording of the discussion on housing and social services from the Town Council meeting of Feb 12


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcdPW36X




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

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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!

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Some of the units managed by the Franklin Housing Authority

More of the units managed by the Franklin Housing Authority

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - February 25, 2020

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.”

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

"In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters 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…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Demographic Presentation 
– Jerome McKibben, McKibben Associates
B. FY21 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – First Reading
I recommend moving Policy BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee meetings to a second reading as detailed.
B. Establish New Student Activities Club
I recommend approval of the establishment of new student activities as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items 
- none

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 11, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the February 11, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed to be released.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $30.00 from music parents for in-house enrichment for the music department as detailed.
D. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $851.00 from Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

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

XI. Adjournment


"Please note that the Superintendent's Reports or any Presentations will not be posted prior to the meeting"
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-25-2020-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - February 25, 2020

Register O’Donnell Provides Update on Mortgage Transparency Legislation

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell announced today (Friday, Feb 21, 2020) that legislation, House Bill 1413 accompanied by Senate Bill 960, that would promote mortgage transparency for consumers, has been referred to the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading for review.

“The impact of this legislation,” noted the Register, “guarantees that a homeowner would know when a third party has been assigned their residential mortgage (usually sold by one financial institution to another), since the legislation requires the mortgage assignment to be recorded at the appropriate Registry of Deeds office within 30 days of the transaction.”

Additionally, consumers looking to record a mortgage discharge and those facing foreclosure would benefit as the legislation provides a permanent source of reference for the homeowner. They could even view the transaction online via the relevant Registry of Deeds website. Register O’Donnell has been a strong supporter of the legislation and has twice testified on its merits before the legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

“This legislation levels the playing field as it requires the larger lending institutions who in the past have not recorded assignments to do so just as the smaller local community banks have been doing all along,” noted O’Donnell.

“I am hopeful the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading will report the legislation favorably to the floor of the House of Representatives for consideration. This legislation benefits homeowners across Massachusetts, since it will eliminate uncertainty as to which lending institution is the mortgage holder of record,” concluded Register O’Donnell.

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

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street 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 O’Donnell Provides Update on Mortgage Transparency Legislation

"a really creative solution to a longstanding environmental problem”

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin

"About 19 miles east of Boston Harbor, beside a national marine sanctuary that’s home to one of the world’s richest fishing grounds, lies one of the nation’s largest offshore dumping sites of radioactive waste. 

In less than 300 feet of water, thousands of barrels litter the seafloor, a mile-wide toxic junkyard that fishermen call “The Foul Area.” 

It’s called that because many have tangled — or fouled — their gear in the barrel field, at times even pulling up containers filled with toxic chemicals. Government reports and congressional testimony over the years have suggested the dumping ground may include plutonium and other highly dangerous materials discarded after the completion of the Manhattan Project during World War II. 

Now, the federal government is trying to bury the barrels at least three feet deep with roughly 10 million tons of sediment dredged from a $340 million project to widen shipping channels in Boston Harbor. Capping the toxic material — which includes unexploded munitions — was seen as a safer way of minimizing risks, rather than trying to bring the rusting barrels to the surface."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/22/metro/mile-wide-toxic-waste-site-sits-ocean-floor-near-stellwagen-bank/

Location of the industrial waste site in Massachusetts Bay Source: New England District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

"I’m in the people business serving detailing"

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

"Medway resident Grant Darst has detailed more than 1,000 cars since he was 16 years old. Now 24, Darst, whose clientele includes New England Patriots football players, has recently opened his first detailing studio in Franklin.

Showroom One opened on Jan. 14 at 837 Upper Union St., Unit 5, offering detailing, paint correction and ceramic coating. He shares the space with North Smithfield, Rhode Island, resident Brad Walling, who owns In-Side Out Detailing. After teaming up for a few gigs, they opened a shop together; Darst had being working out of a white van, adorned with the business’ logo, for the past six years.

The 2013 Medway High School graduate said he detailed more than 500 cars last year and about 75% of his clients return within a year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200223/car-detailer-whos-done-work-for-high-profile-and-local-clients-opens-studio-in-franklin

Showroom One opened on Jan. 14 at 837 Upper Union St

Early Voting for the March 3rd Primary begins today (Feb 24)

Early voting for the March 3rd Primary election will be held Monday, February 24th - Friday, February 28th in the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. 

• Monday 8 AM - 4 PM

• Tuesday  8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday 8 AM - 6 PM
• Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday 8 AM - 1 PM

Specimen ballot for the March 3 Presidential Primary for Town of Franklin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT2O5dnk16Y7zaF6IDGqj_r9CCYVTf33/view?usp=sharing

Election Information for Early voting Feb 24 - Feb 28

Early Voting for the March 3rd Primary begins Feb 24

Early Voting for the March 3rd Primary begins Feb 24

Early voting for the March 3rd Primary election will be held Monday, February 24th - Friday, February 28th in the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. 

• Monday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Tuesday  8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday 8 AM - 6 PM
• Thursday 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday 8 AM - 1 PM

Election Information for Early voting Feb 24 - Feb 28

Veterans Memorial Walkway: Fourth Brick Installation Planned

The next installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common is scheduled for May 2020. The cut-off date for purchasing bricks for this installation is April 1, 2020.

Engraved bricks are $100 each and include the U.S. veteran’s or current service member’s first, middle and last name and branch of service. Those being honored with a brick do not have to be Franklin residents. 

For more information or to purchase a brick, contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders

 

Veterans Memorial Walkway: A brick for my father is located here. Do you have a relative to honor?

FHS boys indoor team finishes 7th at D1 State meet

"HUGE day for the boys at All-States!!
Brogan: Mile - 2nd in the state and breaks own School Record with a 4:17.76🔥🔥
Calitri: 1000 - 3rd in the state and breaks own School Record with a 2:31.48‼️
4x800 (Harrington, Hanley, Calitri, Brogan) - 4th in the state with an 8:04"

HUGE day for the boys at All-States!!

Brogan: Mile - 2nd in the state and breaks own School Record with a 4:17.76🔥🔥

Calitri: 1000 - 3rd in the state and breaks own School Record with a 2:31.48‼️

4x8 (Harrington, Hanley, Calitri, Brogan) - 4th in the state with an 8:04

— FHS Boys XC+TF (@FHSPanthersTF) February 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/FHSPanthersTF/status/1231317018839855104?

Hockomock league takes 1-2 in the mile. Brogan runs an indoor PR and a new school record of 4:17.76 with his 2nd place finish in the MIAA All-State Meet pic.twitter.com/JUHMVATSNP

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1231260571019939851?

Nick Calitri takes third and sets a new school record in the 1000m race with a 2:31.48 which qualifies him for the National meet pic.twitter.com/0F1URvpoht

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1231268454717587462?

Great race by the 4x800. pic.twitter.com/tFkOherZkw

— Jeannine Calitri (@calitrij) February 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/calitrij/status/1231300975081721862?

4x8 (Harrington, Hanley, Calitri, Brogan) - 4th in the state with an 8:04 (photo via @calitrij)

The full results from the MIAA D1 State meet can be found in this file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tZW8SN8XZGFS9rNCa7vdnD259bcZGuz4/view?usp=sharing

35th  Annual MIAA Indoor Track & Field     = All-State Championship - 2/22/2020                     

Reggie Lewis Track - Boston, MA                       

Meet Results: http://miaa.ezstream.com/index.cfm?ChnID=314&SubID=-1&chncd=314,-1&itemid=8395&parid=-1&Org=MIAA&CFID=55965363&CFTOKEN=82834395

FHS Girls results

Girls 300 Meter Dash

=======================================================================

       MEET: # 39.04  2/22/2014 Sierra Irvin, Hingham                      

   Name                    Year School     Finals H# Points

=======================================================================

 1 India Ingemi              12 Beverly 39.49   4 10  

18 Jillian Fenerty           10 Franklin                 42.62 1

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay

=======================================================================

       MEET: # 3:55.89  2/26/2011 Newton North, Newton North               

                        M Nadeau, M Gillis, M. Bellerose, C Forbes       

   School                                               Finals H# Points

=======================================================================

 1 Newton North                                        4:00.51 4 10  

    1) Lorna Arcese 10                 2) Olivia Doherty 10             

    3) Tessa Bostwick 12               4) Charlotte Kouroriez 10        

19 Franklin                                            4:12.46   1

    1) Samantha Powderly 12            2) Jillian Fenerty 10            

    3) Lauren Jackson 12               4) Riley Fitzpatrick 10          

Girls High Jump

=======================================================================

       MEET: #  5-11 1995        Heather Francis, Dartmouth                 

   Name                    Year School     Finals Points

=======================================================================

 1 Sophie Albright           11 Framingham 5-08.00   10  

    5-00 5-02 5-04 5-06 5-08 5-09

       P    O O   XO XXO XXX

11 Lindsey Morse             11 Franklin              J5-04.00 

    5-00 5-02 5-04 5-06

      XO   XO XXO  XXX

19 Ava Fraulo                10 Franklin               5-00.00 

    5-00 5-02

       O  XXX

FHS Boys results

Boys 1000 Meter Run

=======================================================================

       MEET: # 2:25.45  2/22/2014 Gabe Montague, Newton North              

   Name                    Year School     Finals H# Points

=======================================================================

 1 Shane Grant               12 Walpole 2:30.05   2 10  

 3 Nicholas Calitri          11 Franklin           2:31.48   1 6  

Boys 1 Mile Run

=======================================================================

       MEET: # 4:06.92  2/20/2016 Thomas Ratcliffe, Concord-Carlisle       

   Name                    Year School     Finals H# Points

=======================================================================

 1 Michael Griffin           12 King Philip 4:13.55   2 10  

 2 Tyler Brogan              12 Franklin               4:17.76 2 8  

Boys 4x800 Meter Relay

=======================================================================

       MEET: # 7:53.16  2/23/2019 Wellesley, Wellesley                     

                        C Zarle, J Norris, B MacDougall, J O'Toole       

   School                                               Finals H# Points

=======================================================================

 1 Wellesley                                           7:58.34 2 10  

    1) Zachary Barry 12                2) Jason Norris 12               

    3) George Luzaitis 12              4) Jackson O'Toole 12            

 4 Franklin                                            8:04.97   2 5  

    1) Tyler Brogan 12                 2) Nicholas Calitri 11           

    3) Camden Harrington 12            4) Alec Hanley 11                

Men - Team Rankings - 13 Events Scored

=========================================================================

   1) Lowell                      46.50 2) Wellesley         42  

   3) Newton North                35 4) Lexington         27  

   5) Acton-Boxborough            21.50 6) Stoughton         21  

   7) Franklin                    19 

FHS wrestling take 4th in D1 State meet

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS wrestling results from the state wide D1 meet on Saturday

"Franklin had the best finish as a team, scoring 93.5 points at the D1 meet despite not sending a wrestler to the finals. Mansfield finished 12th overall (68.5 points) and Taunton took 33rd with eight points; Springfield Central won the meet with 173 points. In Division 2, King Philip had the top finish with 62 points at 10th overall, North Attleboro was right behind with 53 points in 12th place, and Milford recorded 50 points for 14th overall. Stoughton (36.5 points), Sharon (35 points), and Canton (30 points) all finished in the top 30. Foxboro, the lone Hock school to compete in D3, finished in 19th with 39 points."

** Division 1 **

Teams
1. Springfield Central – 173
4. Franklin – 93.5


Placements

120 = 8th – Drew DiFilippo, Franklin
132 = 6th – Jake Carlucci, Franklin
145 = 6th – Alex Fracassa, Franklin
152 = 5th – Ken Sauer, Franklin
160 = 4th – Dom Sackley, Franklin
182 = 3rd – Dylan Nawn, Franklin
195 = 8th – Ben Jacoby, Franklin
220 = 6th – Matt Walker, Franklin

For other wrestling results from the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/five-hock-wrestlers-win-individual-state-titles/

Via Twitter

@FHSWrestle
 
https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1231315966992273408?s=20
https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1231313521750794246?s=20

Congratulations to Dominic Sackley on his 100th win!

 

FHS gymnastics finish 6th

"This team impresses me like crazy! Came into sectionals seeded 8th finished 6th!! It was UNBELIEVABLE to watch this group rise up and throw the skills they did tonight!!"

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1231390015776841728?s=20

FHS gymnastics team (FHS gymnastics photo via Twitter)

THIS!! WOW!! First time competing her backhand spring Full twisting dismount way to stick it!! Way to go @CarolineWoelfel @FHSSports @FHSPantherbook @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports pic.twitter.com/ixwoGBWbWs

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) February 23, 2020

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1231377668656029696?

@FHSSports sophomore Kathryn Rudolph takes to the vault and uses the yurechenko pike vault to score a 8.800 @MetroWestSports @fhs_gymnastics pic.twitter.com/aFOYu0HTpr

— Liam Gambon (@GambonLiam) February 22, 2020

https://twitter.com/GambonLiam/status/1231339055536799744?

THIS!! WOW!! First time competing her double back and way to stick it!! Way to go @katerudolph17_ @FHSSports @FHSPantherbook @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports pic.twitter.com/Lh7IMjZqlG

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) February 23, 2020

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1231373520661352449?

Go time! #letsgo @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/ITKspS3OHy

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) February 23, 2020

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1231371390596632577?

"Jug of Punch" to perform at Memory Cafe - Feb 24

One of the regular offerings within the Dementia Friendly Franklin program at the Senior Center, is the monthly Memory Cafe. This month's session features some Irish folks songs performed by the "Jug of Punch" duo.

Please call the Senior Center at 508-520-4945 to let them know you are coming. This ensure they have sufficient seating for the event.
 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/events/250633

2020 Census Student Activities Mailed to Every School Across the Nation

"The U.S. Census Bureau recently mailed 2020 Census Statistics in Schools (SIS) kits to every school in the nation. Mailed to every public, private, and charter school administrator, the kits include information for teachers to get access to free activities and materials to use in classrooms during the 2020 Census. 

The SIS kits include an administrator booklet which contains a printable flyer for teachers as well as a take-home flyer for students, information on how to access downloadable material on census.gov/schools, and large colorful wall maps for classrooms containing student friendly statistics.

SIS is a nationwide initiative designed to engage educators in helping their communities achieve a complete count in the 2020 Census. Educators across the nation are encouraged to use free census classroom resources and activities to teach students about the importance of the census in determining political representation and how billions of dollars are distributed every year back to local communities based on census counts."

Continue reading the article on Census.gov
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/statistics-in-schools-week.html?

2020 Census Statistics in Schools (SIS) kits
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/2020census/get-involved/administrator-guide.html?

https://youtu.be/GWCySrYxov0

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Teach Your Children (Official Music Video)

"You, who are on the road
Must have a code that you can live by
And so, become yourself
Because the past is just a goodbye 

Teach your children well
Their father's hell did slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick, the one you'll know by"

Video link:  https://youtu.be/dQOaUnSmJr8

Massachusetts Republican State Committeewoman, Patricia Saint Aubin, Endorsed for Reelection by Taunton’s First Female Mayor

Patricia Saint Aubin of Norfolk, the incumbent Massachusetts Republican State Committeewoman for the Norfolk, Bristol, & Middlesex Senate District, which includes Attleboro, North Attleboro, Plainville, Wrentham, Norfolk, Franklin, Millis, Sherborn, Natick, Wellesley, Needham and Wayland, has been endorsed by Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell.

Saint Aubin, who is looking to extend her term of service to the district on March 3, when party elections coincide with the Super Tuesday primary day, is a life-long Republican and I regularly attends nearly all of the Republican Town Committee meetings in her 11-town and one city district. She is also a member of the Republican Town Committee in Norfolk. “In addition, I have missed only one State Committee meeting since I was elected in 2012,” she says.

“As MassGOP Budget Chair, Patricia has streamlined expenses to provide candidates like me more donation monies,” said O’Connell. In addition, O’Connell noted, Saint Aubin has worked tirelessly for all Republican candidates as` boots on the ground,’ including when “she came to Taunton to door knock for my recent mayoral race.” I urge you to re-elect a hard-working campaigner like Patricia Saint Aubin to a third term as your Republican State Committeewoman,” O’Connell added.

Saint Aubin has worked for the campaigns of numerous Republican presidential, senatorial, and congressional candidates and many, many campaigns for state Representative and Senate within the Bay State. Saint Aubin herself was a candidate for the office of State Auditor in 2014 and was endorsed by the Boston Globe.

The Massachusetts Republican State Committee is the governing body of the Republican Party in Massachusetts. Members of the State Committee play a key role in building the Republican Party in their districts: they recruit candidates, help with fundraising, register new voters, and grow the local Republican City and Town Committees in the district. One state committeeman and one state committeewoman are elected from each state senate district every four years. This year’s State Committee election will be held in conjunction with the Presidential Primary on March 3, 2020.

Patricia Saint Aubin Left and Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell