FM #281 "Talk Franklin" 5/29/20 (audio)

FM #281 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 281 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

• Re-opening making progress without major issues
• Finance Committee budget hearings continue
• Town Council meeting Wednesday with State delegation present (Senator Spilka, Senator Rausch, and Rep Roy)
• Franklin Downtown Partnership general meeting
• Next Department Spotlight in process
• Graduation details being finalized, will happen on June 5

And close with some cultural comments about Dave Matthews and other bands/groups doing live streaming events in this pandemic period. The DropKick Murphys were “Streaming Outta Fenway” Friday night with a special appearance by Bruce Springsteen.

The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie

Audio link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Reopening-steps--budget-information-and-other-news-in-Franklin-eerm75/a-a2bs4ca



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

The Town of Franklin COVID-19 Portal page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

Dave Matthews Band Drive-in https://www.davematthewsband.com/drivein/

Streaming Outta Fenway https://www.dropkickmurphys.com/

Pawsox outdoor dining https://www.milb.com/pawtucket/ballpark/mccoy-dining

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 #281 "Talk Franklin" 5/29/20 (audio)

FM #282 HMEA President Michael Moloney- 5/27/20 (audio)

FM #282 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 282 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with HMEA President Michael Moloney. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

• How HMEA is adapting their service delivery to the pandemic
• What services they provide to more than 4,000 people in over 100 communities
• How Cloud 4 Causes is helping non-profits with their technology needs
• How well the Virtual IncredABLE Day 5K did fundraising

Links to the key web page references we make are included in the show notes

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Mike and learn more about what HMEA does for over 4,000 people across more than 100 communities in MA

Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6F4zk67



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

HMEA home page https://www.hmea.org/

Cloud 4 Causes https://cloud4causes.com/

Autism Resource Central https://www.autismresourcecentral.org/

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 #282 HMEA President Michael Moloney-  5/27/20 (audio)

In the News: Gov Baker's "COVID-19 Update"; bottle returns resume this month

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

"The redemption of bottles will resume this month in a two-stage process.

Retailers using reverse vending machines can begin collecting on Friday, with retailers accepting containers over the counter starting June 19.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Attorney General’s Office on March 18 temporarily suspended enforcement of beverage container redemption requirements.

Bottle redemption services will need to adhere to the protocols set forth in the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development’s guidance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200601/bottle-redemption-to-start-again-on-friday

Business listing with schedule of re-opening per phases
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-when-can-my-business-reopen

Outdoor and recreation guidelines
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/executive-office-of-energy-and-environmental-affairs-eea-covid-19-guidance-documents

Child care and summer camps guidelines
https://eeclead.force.com/apex/EEC_ChildCareEmergencyReopenInfo


Gov Baker update link = https://youtu.be/TQKcaZXmpRk

5th Annual Empty Bowls Event to Move to Virtual Week of Giving to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

5^th Annual Empty Bowls Event to Move to

Virtual Week of Giving

to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club will host an online Week of Giving spanning Monday, June 8th – Friday, June 12, 2020. In the past, the club has partnered with the Franklin Food Pantry to deliver a simple meal of soup and bread served "soup-kitchen" style as a reminder of the many "empty bowls" that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger.

This year, there will be an online auction featuring advanced clay pieces that have been created by current and recently graduated FHS Empty Bowls Club members along with Claymark Studio based in Franklin, MA. The auction will open June 8 at 8:00 am and will run through June 12 8am. Then, any person making a direct donation made to the pantry during the Week of Giving will receive a handmade ceramic bowl.

According to Lynn Calling, the Pantry's Executive Director, "When the Pandemic began, we were in the midst of planning the 5th annual fundraiser. It became clear we needed to rethink the in-person event, but we still wanted to hold the fundraiser as an opportunity for our community to unite and to support our neighbors in need. The number of families counting on the Pantry is the highest it has been in five years, and we see new neighbors weekly. The need is very real."

Calling said the event would not be possible without the partnership of the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and FHS Art Teacher Brenna Johnson. Johnson said, "the club worked so hard this year and we were all looking forward to the 5th annual fundraiser so when FHS closed in March we wanted to find a way to still make this event happen." Since early April, club members have been making one-of-a-kind clay objects at home for the online auction and several club members and their families have glazed boxes of bowls at home as well; it's truly been a community effort the make the Week of Giving happen.

Special thanks to our Empty Bowls Sponsors: Grove Street Auto Repair, Keefe Insurance, QRGA, Time's Up and Vet Med. Thank you also to Whole Foods and Three Restaurant for donating the soup to our past events.

The auction will run from June 8 through June 12. Visit the website to bid on beautiful handmade ceramic items. All proceeds will go to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information about the event, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

# # #

About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club

Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hunger initiatives in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their local community. Club members, their families, coupled with the Franklin community spend the year making ceramic bowls by hand. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry co-host a community meal and fundraiser at FHS. All funds raised at this event are donated directly to the Franklin Food Pantry. This year, The Empty Bowls Club has received grant support from the Franklin Cultural Council and the Walmart Foundation.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,100 individuals. Clients have access to bread and fresh produce daily during Pantry hours. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin elementary and middle school children in need, Carts for Clients to help clients transport groceries home, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Auction link opens June 8:
https://sites.google.com/view/emptybowls5/live-auction

5th Annual Empty Bowls Event to Move to Virtual Week of Giving to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Business Survey - Act Now - Response Due June 9

Franklin Business Survey

Deadline for responses is June 9th

The Town of Franklin is conducting a survey to better understand how it can help local businesses impacted by the coronavirus.

Individual responses are confidential and will be used to provide data in support of the Town's CARES ACT grant application to DHCD for funding to assist local businesses. As the grant application is due on June 12, 2020, responses to this survey must be received by June 9. 

This data may also be used in support of future municipal grant applications for economic development assistance. Please skip questions that do not apply to your organization or that you are not comfortable answering.

We appreciate your help during this time and are doing everything we can to provide relief as soon as possible.

FIND THE SURVEY HERE https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Franklinbiz

Franklin Business Survey - Act Now - Response Due June 9

Hurricane season 2020 and COVID-19

Hurricane season 2020 and COVID-19 by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, and now is a great time to make a plan to deal with weather emergencies. Especially because this year, we have the added concern of the COVID-19 pandemic, including what you need know if you have to go to a shelter. (Hint: it involves packing hand sanitizer and masks.) Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/hurricane-season-2020-and-covid-19   This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

Today (June 1) marks the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season, which will run until November 30. Long-term averages for the number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes are 12, 6, and 3, respectively. The list of names for 2020 is as follows: Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation ------------------------------------------------------------- Arthur AR-thur Laura LOOR-ruh Bertha BUR-thuh Marco MAR-koe Cristobal krees-TOH-bahl Nana NA-na Dolly DAH-lee Omar OH-mar Edouard ed-DWARD Paulette pawl-LET Fay fay Rene re-NAY Gonzalo gohn-SAH-loh Sally SAL-ee Hanna HAN-uh Teddy TEHD-ee Isaias ees-ah-EE-ahs Vicky VIH-kee Josephine JOH-seh-feen Wilfred WILL-fred Kyle KY-ull Two tropical storms, Arthur and Bertha, already formed this year in May. The next named storm that develops this season will be Cristobal. This product, the Tropical Weather Outlook, briefly describes  significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for tropical cyclone formation during the next five days. The issuance times of this product are 2 AM, 8 AM, 2 AM, and 8 PM EDT. After the change to standard time in November, the issuance times are 1 AM, 7 AM, 1 PM, and 7 PM EST. Shared from the Tropical Weather Outlook https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&202006010550

Are you ready to re-open under Phase 1?

Good Afternoon All,

We are excited to start the Governor's re-opening phase one and the United Regional Chamber is here to help.

Are you ready?

If so, we would like to feature you on our "United Regional's Back to Business" page, where we will be celebrating your grand re-opening.

As a local business this promotion is easy and free. All you need to do is take a photo of you and your team at your place of business and send it to jack@unitedregionalchamber.org

If you are running any type of special sale or promotion, have limited hours, etc. please include that information when you send it.

Let us know if there is anything we can do to help!

Thank you,
Jack


Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

Are you ready to re-open under Phase 1?

Town of Franklin e-Newsletter for June 2020

Check out the latest in the Town of Franklin e-Newsletter:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-2020-E-Newsletter.html?soid=1134219428814&aid=xiI44ZweDbc

Town of Franklin e-Newsletter for June 2020

Subscribe to receive your own copy of the e-Newsletter
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/zVaN7el/News?


Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1267536522988990467?s=09

Franklin's Memorial Day Ceremony - TV Program Schedule

Franklin's Memorial Day Ceremony 

TV Program Schedule

Tune in on Comcast CH 8 or Verizon CH 26

Franklin's Memorial Day breakfast and parade were cancelled this year due to Covid-19. The Veterans Office, along with State and Town officials, members of American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402, recently held a Memorial Day ceremony on the Common which was filmed by Franklin TV.  Many thanks to Chris Flynn, Franklin TV Producer, for helping us honor Franklin veterans and all U.S. service members who lost their lives in service to our country.

The Franklin Memorial Day program will be shown on Franklin TV (Comcast CH 8, Verizon CH 26) at these times:

• Wednesday      June 3   3:30pm
• Thursday          June 4   8:00am
• Saturday           June 6   8:00am

 

Franklin's Memorial Day Ceremony - TV Program Schedule

Kneel for Nine - June 2 - 6:30 PM

On the Town Common Tuesday, June 2

Kneel for Nine - June 2 - 6:30 PM

Follow the Facebook event here: (Note the time originally posted in a graphic was 5:30 Central - really 6:30 Eastern)  https://www.facebook.com/events/2365708187055221/

FHS: Awards Night, Senior Parade, Commencement Broadcast Schedule

Dear Class of 2020, families, and friends-

Thank you to all students and families who participated in today's Day 1 diploma distribution.  The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, families and students were excellent at adhering to all safety guidelines, and we are looking forward to even more smiles, cheers, and celebrations in the coming week!

We are excited to share additional details for this week's upcoming events. 

Thursday, June 4th - Awards Night: 5:30 PM

Our annual Awards Ceremony is scheduled to broadcast at 5:30 on Thursday night on both Access and Educational channels.

If you have Comcast, then the Access channel is Channel 8, and the Educational Channel is 96. For Verizon, the Access Channel is 26, and Educational is 28.  It will also be live-streamed on Franklin Panther TV's YouTube channel.

Please tune in to see over $150,000 in scholarships awarded to some incredibly deserving graduates!

Friday, June 5th - Graduation Parade:

On Friday afternoon, graduates are invited to participate in the 1st ever, townwide graduation parade! Under police escort, graduates will parade through town from each of their respective middle schools, and drive towards FHS.  At FHS, graduates will be greeted by Franklin Public Schools' faculty and staff. Franklin Police ask that graduates have a family member drive so they can fully enjoy the parade.

Each graduate will report to their middle school between 1:30 and 2:10 PM on Friday, June 5th.  FPS staff will assist in lining up vehicles at the middle schools.  The parades will depart each school on a staggered schedule to keep events moving on time:

• Depart from HMMS - 2:00 PM  (1:30 arrival at HMMS)
• Depart from ASMS - 2:20 PM  (1:50 arrival at ASMS)
• Depart from RMS - 2:40 PM (2:10 arrival at RMS)

BFCCS*  students are welcome to parade with RMS if there is a meet up at the new charter school, OR, they can parade from any of the three middle schools.  Students who did not attend an FPS middle school are welcome to join a parade of their choosing. 

Each parade route is different; however, all three routes will circle the Town Common and then head down Oak Street towards FHS. (See below). We anticipate the parade taking approximately 90 minutes, with the three parades eventually forming into one parade as they approach FHS. 

We hope to see the entire town out along the parade routes supporting this amazing group of Seniors! The Town Common and Senior center will be ideal for viewing locations. 

Graduates are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and wear their caps and gowns.  Maps of each route are attached below.  Please follow all town parking regulations and please follow all social distancing guidelines during this event.  

Any graduate who has concerns about securing a vehicle for this special event should complete this google form no later Tuesday, 6/2.

Friday, June 5th - Commencement Broadcast 6 PM

The student procession will be airing at 6 PM Friday on both our Access and Educational channels.  FranklinTV will be broadcasting the car parade live on Franklin Radio, which you can find at 102.9 FM.  It will also be streamed on the High School's YouTube page at the same time on Friday!

If you have Comcast, then the Access channel is Channel 8 and the Educational Channel is 96. For Verizon, the Access Channel is 26 and Educational is 28.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday afternoon!

Thank you.

FHS Graduation Committee

Horace Mann Parade Route:

Horace Mann Parade Route:

Annie Sullivan Parade Route:

Annie Sullivan Parade Route:

Remington Middle School Parade Route

Remington Middle School Parade Route

Civil Obedience & Heroism!

Are You a Hero? You Could be. And it’s Not Difficult.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/31/2020


How many times have you seen that restaurant sign: “No shoes, no shirt, no service’? Have you ever been to an upscale club or venue where , ‘Jacket &; Tie’ was required? Golfers at many courses and clubs are expected to wear a collared shirt.

Some places of worship expect men or women to wear a hat or head covering.

These are merely norms of accepted decorum in more formal, polite social settings. No one takes issue. No one protests. There are no acts of civil disobedience. Rather, everyone chooses to be civil, obedient, even polite, and part of something better.

Then there’s, ‘No Smoking’. ‘Buckle Up for Safety’. These were public campaigns waged to benefit the public health. They eventually became accepted behavior. They saved lives. What worked? Shaming. Smokers and scofflaws were subtly excluded – isolated, embarrassed. We live in a society where the bad personal choices that each of us makes has a negative impact on society as a whole.

I am speaking to those folks who insist on venturing out in public without a mask. If we really are all in this together, then consider others; that it isn’t all about you. Yes, you have your rights. What we need from you is social courage – and empathy. Wearing a mask in public is one small thing that all of us can do for the public good.

We thank and praise our front line and infrastructure workers who keep society together by providing essential services. We call them heroes. Oprah Winfrey challenged this year’s graduates – and all of us – with one simple, riveting question.

“What is your essential service?”

A mask dramatically reduces your risk of infecting others by ninety-five percent. It also protects you from being infected by others. Will you please wear a mask? There’s a time and cause for civil disobedience. Not now, and certainly not for this.

Consider a mask as a true badge of honor. Wear it with pride of purpose; doing good. In the eyes of others – it makes you a hero.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching Franklin TV

Get a copy of the program guide from the Franklin TV page  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1itJnXDAWREOIIaww6behIolHLCRrVG9y/view?usp=sharing

Franklin TV and WFPR.fm studio

Franklin Board Of Health - Agenda - June 3, 2020

Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - 5:00 PM

Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Board of Health Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Link: Join with Google Meet meet.google.com/mih-xiid-wrw
Join by phone+1 971-800-0597  Pin 199 069 905#

1) READING OF MINUTES 
- MAY 5, 2020 and MAY 21, 2020

2) OLD BUSINESS
A. None
Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3) NEW BUSINESS
• Discussion of Local Beach Regulations
• Discussion of Mold and Legionnaires Guidance
• Recreational Camp Guidance
• Restaurant Safety Standards/COVID-19 Checklist Discussion
• Outdoor Restaurant Seating Discussion

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

5) ADJOURNMENT


https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda-6-3-20_revised.pdf

Franklin Board Of Health - Agenda  - June 3, 2020

Franklin Department Spotlight: Historical Museum

Find out more about the Franklin Historical museum and how to participate in their current archive project!

"Rebecca Finnigan is the Archivist at the Franklin Historical Museum. She started her position in Franklin in 2019. After studying both Classics and math at Holy Cross, Rebecca discovered a love of history! Her coursework introduced her to researching manuscripts, archaeology, and brought her into the archives world.

She took the next step in her education to study archives management at Simmons College. Rebecca worked in multiple facilities as an intern, such as the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Nantucket Historical Association. She is now the Archivist for the Town of Franklin and loves what she is doing here!

Rebecca views her role as not only educating the community today, but to preserve information, facts and historical pieces for the future. When she first stared, the catalog of items and information at the Historical Museum was very backlogged. It was managed by a very dedicated, volunteer staff only, all of whom had other jobs and commitments.

Franklin has a very large collection of books, maps, historical pieces, etc... the volunteers could only do so much. Adding the position of Archivist to the Town of Franklin ensured that the history of our town will be preserved and cataloged for visitors to enjoy!"

Read more about the Historical Museum:
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/franklin-historical-museum/home

Find all the Department Spotlights in one place:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/department-spotlights

Franklin Department Spotlight: Historical Museum

VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - June 3

June 3rd VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social

Join Us via Zoom!
We had a nice turnout for our first VIRTUAL Coffee Social in May.
Please join us again via Zoom on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m.


Link to Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85828103252
Call in #: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 858 2810 3252 #


We hope to "see" you June 3!

VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - June 3

"everyone be patient and respect that we are all doing the best we can"

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

"Many farmers markets across the MetroWest and Milford region are set to open in the coming weeks, but they will have a different look this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The state Department of Public Health in late April released guidelines for farmers markets to safely open and operate during the crisis, including limiting the number of customers allowed to enter the market at one time, implementing social distancing measures, having customers and vendors wear masks and gloves at all times and minimizing cash transactions, among other measures.

...
The situation is similar in Franklin, which will open its market June 5.

“The market is going to be very different this year as it has historically been a great gathering space on the town common” said Cynthia Garboski, Franklin Farmers Market manager. “This year, the message will be to come in, but local, support your farmers and continue on with your day elsewhere.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200531/area-farmers-markets-will-open-with-different-look-this-year-amid-ongoing-coronavirus-pandemic

"everyone be patient and respect that we are all doing the best we can"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Remote Meeting - June 3, 2020

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

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. April 22, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Franklin's State Legislative Delegation - Senate President Karen Spilka, Representative Jeff Roy, Senator Rebecca Rausch
b. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
c. Annual Financial Audit Presentation

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 20-29: Appropriation of Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-29 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
b. Resolution 20-30: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Fire Department (Motion to approve Resolution 20-30- Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update
b. FY21 Budget Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

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

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-03-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda page for June 3
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-3-2020-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Remote Meeting - June 3, 2020

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #3 - DPW - 6/2/20

Town Of Franklin

Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Link to access meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89499275801
Call in Number: 1-929-205-6099 enter Meeting ID: 894 9927 5801 then press #


To view or download the FY21 Budget Message, Budget Proposal and all materials, please visit the Town’s Budget Website
 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials


AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. DPW Stormwater MS4 Permit Presentation
5. FY21 Budget Presentations: Dept. Tab

• DPW 422 Public Works
• Street Lights 424 Public Works
• Refuse Enterprise 434 Enterprise
• Sewer Enterprise 440 Enterprise
• Water Enterprise 450 Enterprise

6. Enterprise Fund Capital Program Update
7. Adjournment


Trust Fund Balances Update as of 4/30/20
● General Stabilization $ 6,137,832
● Recreation Field 455,151
● Open Space Acquisition 2,349,513
● Budget Stabilization 6,583
● Free Cash 834,296
● Fire Truck Stabilization 309,733
● OPEB 5,833,461
● Property Acquisition 269,958 
OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/19 (PAYGO): 68,554,870


FinComm agenda for June 2
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-02_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

screen grab of virtual session for Budget Hearing #1

 

Re-opening Guidelines for Restaurants and Hotels/lodging

As announced on Friday, Gov Baker has released the guidelines for restaurants and hotels for their review in preparation for opening in Phase 2. Note: the date for Phase 2 has not yet been determined. It could be as early as June 8 but in my reading between the lines is not likely. The data from June 1 to June 6 has been acknowledged to determine the date.

As residents and users of these services, perhaps more frequently to the restaurants than lodging, it would be good to be aware so we'll know what to expect as we venture forth.
 
Links to the guidelines are provided below.

Audio file for the Friday, May 29 COVID-19 update by Gov Baker - https://youtu.be/SYu8dLOpe0c




Restaurant Standards
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants

Restaurant Summary
https://www.mass.gov/doc/restaurants-protocol-summary/download

Restaurant Checklist
https://www.mass.gov/doc/restaurants-checklist/download

Lodging Standards
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-operators-of-lodgings#downloads-

Lodging Summary
https://www.mass.gov/doc/operators-of-lodgings-protocol-summary/download

Lodging Checklist
https://www.mass.gov/doc/operators-of-lodgings-checklist/download

The Curbside Cafe at Franklin Senior Center - June 1

The Curbside Cafe at Franklin Senior Center

Starting Monday, June 1st, the Curbside Cafe will be providing freshly prepared meals for curbside pickup, Monday through Friday, at the Franklin Senior Center from 11 am -1 pm, for elders, 60 years and older and disabled residents.  This program is funded by a grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation and generous support from the Franklin Council on Aging. 

Find out more details on our website here: https://www.franklinma.gov/curb

The Curbside Cafe at Franklin Senior Center - June 1

Everyone has a role to play in doing that, especially as the weather gets better”

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

"The dual public health and economic crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have consumed virtually all of Beacon Hill’s attention, shifting many of the Baker administration’s pre-pandemic priorities to the back burner or off the stove altogether, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said.

For more than two months, state officials have been focused almost exclusively on responding to the highly infectious virus that has killed nearly 6,500 Massachusetts residents and blunting the major economic fallout that has pushed unemployment to record levels.

During an interview with Boston Magazine Editor Chris Vogel for the “Power Talks” series, Polito said the greatest challenge she has experienced amid the disruption is the “relentless focus” on COVID-19 response.

“It is our 100% focus - there isn’t anything else,” the Shrewsbury resident said. “I have a pile on my desk of the things I was working on before this hit, and it’s just there, and it is so secondary to what we need to focus on. I think that that’s in a way important, but really, all the things that we dream and hope for for the commonwealth are just kind of on hold. And that’s hard.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200531/polito-puts-hopes-and-dreams-on-hold

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito spoke at FHS a year ago

 

"this is common ground that we found and we think the right way to go"

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

"Every registered voter in Massachusetts would receive an application by mid-July to request a ballot to vote by mail in the 2020 elections under a plan released Friday by House and Senate Democrats intended to create more options for voters to safely participate in the electoral process during the coronavirus pandemic.

The proposal for expanded voting-by-mail would be coupled with in-person early voting before both the primary and general elections in September and November, and traditional voting at a local polling station during both elections.

With the bill, state lawmakers are inserting themselves directly into a fiery national debate over the integrity of mail-in voting, with President Donald Trump at the center of the conflagration. Trump has suggested that mailboxes would be robbed and ballots would be forged or fraudulently signed as states moved to vote-by-mail, despite five states already using this system without trouble before the pandemic.

The co-chairs of the Election Laws Committee, Rep. John Lawn, D-Watertown, and Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, released a bill on Friday night, giving members of their committee 48 hours to review and vote on whether to recommend the bill to the full House and Senate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200530/lawmakers-offer-vast-expansion-of-voting-options

Quick summary:

• an application would be mailed to registered voters to choose ballot by mail
• early election time for both Sept primary and Nov election
• allow for only check in desk at poll to reduce poll worker staffing

voting booths and check in for Franklin voters at FHS