Real-Time Reporting - DT Facility Analysis Meeting - Jun 11, 2020

We'll try this out and see how it works. First meeting that it seems to have caught all the tweets properly.

If you are on the Franklin Matters webpage to read this you should be able to scroll within the Thread Reader to view the individual updates I made.

Real-Time Reporting - DT Facility Anlysis Meeting - Jun 11, 2020

FM #296 Capital Budget SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

FM #296 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 296 in the series.

This session shares the Capital Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Debbie Pellegri opened the meeting and member Matt Kelly did the honors outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.

The recording runs about 45 minutes, let’s listen to the Capital Budget SubCommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 10

Audio file - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1xF88Y7



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My notes captured during this meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-recap-june.html

The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

The budget for FY 2021 is available
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Additional info on the Finance Committee meeting where these items were discussed can be found   Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html

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FM #296 Capital Budget SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)

Economic Development SubCommittee - June 10, 2020 - Recap

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #edc0610
https://twitter.com/hashtag/edc0610?src=hashtag_click

• Real time reporting underway for Economic Development subcommittee #edc0610 Chair Hamblen opens meeting and reads protocol for conduct of meeting. Hamblen, Bissanti, Jones present, Earls not present at start
• Hazard mitigation plan still being worked, will require a public hearing likely later this fall. Market analysis draft coming in couple of weeks, likely to be queued for Council meeting in Jul/Aug #edc0610 CDBG Community development block Grant application in process
• Moving on to Phase II re-opening update, Chrissy did great work putting the paperwork together for outdoor dining, bunch of applications in, some in process, some need supplies to open, likely to gradually come on. Those already approved for outdoor don't need this #edc0610
• Application for outdoor dining is meant to be a one stop item, fees waived for inspection but tent permit is required #edc0610 safety is key for enjoying the outdoor atmosphere
• 25% current capacity, hence reservation to control, maybe in Phase 3 will get to 50%, can't drink inside so not sure why that is today, maybe it will change. stay tuned. Local case count trending down, which is good. #edc0610 no more questions on re-opening
• Moving on to lot line adjustments, along Oak St this time, map being shared via screen #edc0610 there will be more of these coming, let me know how quickly you want these. This one easier than others
• Motion to move to Council, passed 4-0 via roll call (Earls did arrive in time to vote) #edc0610 next up snow shoveling bylaw had been on the books, had been rescinded due to lack of enforcement, this has now been reworked (map shown) for discussion
• 38 miles of sidewalk to be plowed after the roads are cleaned after the snow storm ends. Map would be referred to as part of the bylaw. #edc0610 snow discussion getting complicated, so many opportunities, can't be resolved by one rule
• Snow is different depending upon the nature of the storm itself, timing to get to clear it, maybe create a snow crew to clear the downtown area. May not be able to do one deal, may need to divvy it up. To at least foster the discussion to a resolution #edc0610
• Motion to move item to Council for a full discussion, passed 4-0 via roll call, moving on to inclusionary bylaw #edc0610 market analysis as mentioned due in July, an amount of data on housing coming in that report. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
• View the current goals for inclusionary zoning (IZ) in the doc (last memo of the set in the PDF) https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf #edc0610 Taberner reviews the key items in the memo, 40b is state and takes precedent when under 10%, consider IZ as our local version of 40b
• Multiple options available for IZ, could add TIF financing, Planning Board would approve IZ, ZBA does the 40b approvals. #edc0610 look at density incentives, may need to adjust other areas of bylaws today. Consider 'middle income' housing as well
• Good idea to bring in the affordable municipal housing trust to this. There are a lot of views on this and it has to work for the Town, for the developers, or if we did put it in, it wouldn't be used. #edc0610 what is affordable (for Franklin)? If the figure exists
• Are Sec 8 housing counted for the affordable housing numbers? Are they included in the 10%? Why restriction to multiple units, why not include smaller single family homes? #edc0610 questions needing answers but not expecting answers tonight - Halligan
• Per Cerel, Sec 8 doesn't qualify as it needs to be a deed restriction. Bigger issue is that the standard is set by Boston and may not apply here. #edc0610 Padula look at the reason why IZ was brought in, to bring low income to the suburbs in appts and multiple units 
• Padula - meant for low income, is it possible for folks to put on ballot? Per Cerel previously, no. #edc0610 motion to adjourn, second, 4-0 via roll call. 
• That completes the reporting for today (yahoo!) Catch you all next time #edc0610
  

screen grab of meeting opening

screen grab of plot line cleanup

screen grab of sidewalk snow clearing map

screen grab of key page for inclusionary zoning proposal

Capital Budget SubCommittee - Recap - June 10, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #cbsc0610
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cbsc0610&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the capital budget Subcommittee meeting today. Chair Pellegri has Kelly read the protocol statement as she was connected via phone only. #cbsc0610
• First up, a van for the electrician to use, purchased from Franklin Ford, passed via roll call as 4-0 (Kelly, Chandler, Dellorco, Pellegri) 2nd item the additional funds for the server replacement missed the first time around. Also passes 4-0 #cbsc0610
• Next item to close out some road/sidewalk work already started and underway. Will leave $300k in 'free cash' unencumbered for something needed down the road. Can be used in July/Aug per recent Legislation #cbsc0610 vote to approve passed 4-0 normal road money is chap 90
• Good piece of info, to add sidewalk where not already cost about $100/foot. Beaver St up next, followed by Washington St. #cbsc0610
• Next up another ambulance, $350k, would give us 2 in reserve, can only put 2 on road at a time. To fund a third is major personnel requirements. #cbsc0610
• Next up debt authorization, rationale for some other capital improvement to be done with less than a debt exclusion (which is used for complete new or refurbed schools). This method did the Library, Senior Center, fire station, etc. Previously. #cbsc0610
• Combined great credit score and low interest rates, as well as likely obtain favorable pricing just sets us up for doing needed for very cost effectively. Recommend for Council next week, actual authorization would be later. #cbsc0610
• That completes the agenda, the FinCom had voted 8-0 on all of these last week. Worried about the windows in the municipal building, not sure what's behind the walls. #cbsc0610
• Motion to adjourn, that completes reporting for this meeting. Stay tuned, Economic Development Subcommittee up at 6:30 #cbsc0610 #edc0610 and we'll roll along!

 

screen grab of virtual meeting

screen grab of capital funding project list

 

School Committee - Recap - June 9, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0609
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0609&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway, National anthem performance via video was connected and superb #schcom0609 over 300 participants via this virtual meeting tonight!!!
• Role call and meeting protocol laid out by Chair Bergen. Superintendent report tonight : congratulations to class of 2020, the events did come off well, facilities, Franklin TV, police, fire all coming together to make it happen #schcom0609
• The 10 students who were missed in the first video had their individual video played during the meeting, the full video is re-edited to include them and will be made available later #schcom0609
• The DESE guidance released on PPE supplies was meant to facilitate the order process not to give info on what school is meant to look like. More guidance coming in midJune. Re-opening Committee has 50 or so folks participating locally to figure out what's needed #schcom0609

 DECA 

• Next up: FHS DECA Students and Advisor Mr. Carmo - 140 students participated this year, business focused, platform to make a project and express yourself creatively. 1 in 15 part of DECA. Teacher adviser are key to success, grown by 100 in 3 years #schcom0609
• Rohit lead group project using a shoelace, over 5,000 ideas submitted, this one was the winner. The mask made from shoelaces was a dual purpose pollution and cold weather. The video idea was shared here earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2020/01/a-franklin-high-school-team-sompally.html?m=1. #schcom0609
• Several of the DECA students on the winning project presented. Another bunch of students using goats to mow public lawns that won a national trip (unfortunately they didn't get to go). Movable fences would herd the goats to cut the grass "goats, goats, goats" #schcom0609
• Next DECA project created a business plan for Middlesex Savings Bank to improve their online banking presence, addressed diversity through online portal #schcom0609 another one addresses JP Morgan; MA DECA first state officer from FHS Anish #schcom0609

Discussion/Action items

• Moving on to discussion/Action items #schcom0609 1- motion to approve Ahern as BICO rep, passed via roll call 7-0; 2 - motion to approve Ahern to Accept collaborative, passes 6-0-1 (Stokes abstained) ; 3- motion on SOA funding, motion to table for future analysis 7-0
• Next up; budget update, no vote scheduled for tonight, #schcom0609 will discuss tonight, after SchComm then public will have time for input, it is a challenge (an understatement) this budget year. Reluctant recommendations. Town won't support what had been previously voted

Budget update

• $3.4m shortfall is what we are working on, Sen Spilka said last week not to use the Gov's numbers, which is what had been the basis for the planning for Franklin FY21 budget. Circuit breaker and transportation had been hoped for but not likely #schcom0609
• Reluctant recommendations not a complete list, did want to get something for discussion, #schcom0609 mitigation efforts go back several years, looking to keep goals, vision, etc. Looked at data and enrollment, looked at pandemic in lieu of other guidance
• Good to see that the 'watch list' for 2020 published in Jan has been partially achieved with over 380 folks participating tonight's meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_8.html #schcom0609 one time funds create structural deficits
• While acknowledging that use of one time funds creates structural deficits, failed to mention that this use of such funds balanced the last three budgets helping to create (actually worsen) the problem faced now #schcom0609
• Notifications went to the non-professional staff, they are within the three year cycle, more flexible option is notify many and then bring back those to fill in as the details are further defined over the next couple of months ##schcom0609 (notification never good!)
• Acknowledged reaching out of Community around chorus, given pandemic not likely to be allowed right away, can be added later as allowed and additional funding permits, scaling back, not cutting music, need to revisit. #schcom0609
• Reluctant recommendations not a complete list, did want to get something for discussion, #schcom0609 mitigation efforts go back several years, looking to keep goals, vision, etc. Looked at data and enrollment, looked at pandemic in lieu of other guidance
• Not elimination of middle school clubs and activities, but scaling back, some not with good volume #schcom0609 looking for less clubs but more engagement with those (within guidelines), temp move to combine position of fine arts coordination, not long term solution
• FHS expecting decreasing enrollment in FY22 and there after as it moves to 'normal' capacity of the building (1600; currently over 1700) #schcom0609 CHA = Community host agreement (i.e. cannabis company mitigations with Franklin)
• Opening for SchComm member questions: Spencer - difficult funding, not adequate for what we need. #schcom0609 Pfeffer - time to think outside the box, luxury items, instructional coaches, cut to 1 per elementary school, each school has 1 principal and an assistant
• Pfeffer we don't need assistant principals, that would save classroom teachers. Bergen - would these go to budget subcomm for review? Yes, there are other conversations that we had which did not make this reluctant list, we can take it back to bring the data/argument #schcom0609
• Lisa Fries speaking for a part of a cares act feature that helped Providence close a $2m gap there. #schcom0609 Bergen apparently not aware of the participants list where they raise their hand (oops)
• For some music is something, for some music is everything. There seems to be a clear bias towards music being cut #schcom0609
• None of us know what bussing looks like for next year, awaiting guidance, there is no notice from DESE yet, no one has missed anything; may need to spend a lot more on bussing #schcom0609
• Q what was the criteria for clubs/activities at high school vs. elem and middle cuts. Very few elementary clubs, middle school has more and declining enrollment, FHS has clubs with volunteer teachers, hence no stipend and then nothing to cut. #schcom0609
• Chorus runs separate from other specials in elementary, used for common planning time among teachers, because of the schedule mostly. #schcom0609 D'Angelo - now looking at new data? Why now? K number enrollment down, bump anticipated not yet seen.
• Do have an elementary position they were trying to keep two separate classes for SEL reasons, but due to budget need to get to one; not in a budget situation for nice to have, in a need to have #schcom0609 folks don't understand the 25, 50 and then the 103 where it came from
• Part of it timing, non-professional need to be notified by June 15; budget will continue to be developed over the summer, did so with heavy hearts to bring in talented folks, mentor, train, etc. Takes time for the 25 or 50 positions to be determined #schcom0609
• 3 out of every 4 districts spend more than Franklin. 70% on security, 75% on instructional materials and devices, 60% more for teachers, this is not a sustainable level. What I hope (Keenan) is we get community agreement on more funding, how do we get more #schcom0609
• Bergen raising the Davis Thayer question for discussion. #schcom0609 fiscal crisis coming for last several years. Have Held Legislative forums, coffee hours, etc to help share info. Facility meeting scheduled for 6/11 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_6.11.2020.pdf
• Much harder to maintain the excellence we have achieved, need to correct the misconception that we have enough funding (we don't) #schcom0609 Bergen relates the history. ECDC is vulnerable not so much on the expense side but on revenue with families not comfortable to return
• Bergen understands DT is an issue, not for discussion tonight just wanted added to what's on the table. D'Angelo it is irresponsible to bring up now and to the subcomm. Pfeffer it is premature. #schcom0609 Stokes - subcomm summary later will bring update
• Student voices for chorus making multiple points (aside from incorrect tax rate understanding but that is missunderstood by many adults too) #schcom0609
• Andrew Falanga eloquently speaking and making multiple points #schcom0609 Nancy Schoen speaking for music, the students spoke more eloquently on this. Important to have all the way thru the years
• Donna Grady, FEA President, not a protest, just trying to call attention to what that # looks like. The teachers spread from Beaver St to Stop n Shop. On the resolution, they both say the same thing. One written by teachers, one by sch admin #schcom0609
• Evaluation process is cumbersome at best, was developed by Franklin with DESE for the other communities. Not a priority for teachers but willing to talk about it #schcom0609
• Abigail George eloquently speaking to self improvement available from choir, coming together in vulnerability and teaching strength #schcom0609 studying to be a rights advocate (and will be a good one!)
• Shannon - Some of these teachers would be so hard to replace. #schcom0609 Denise asked where we were with budget as some town Councilors were asking (note some Councilors want to do more than they are permitted on schcom)
• 1 of 10 FHS seniors are going to continue in arts #schcom0609
• Parent quotes "it takes a village" (does she know Chair Bergen has Franklin TV show with that title?) #schcom0609 Franklin strong, we need to find a way to come up with a solution, that's why we live here.
• Delaney finally gets her connection and says her piece. Carly Fisher didn't go to school for academics, shop has been priceless. It makes me nauseous to see the district stripped, how can we help? We can't do more with less. #schcom0609
• "It is not a coincidence that music and high performing students go together" it is a sad day that you don't listen to music. #schcom0609 music is not only for musicians
• Couple of points music is an equalizer, diversity, inclusion, unity, these are the values we need #schcom0609
• Steve Heldt moved here in 2017, what has produced to give the students the voices they shared tonight, don't lose that. This needs to be a community decision. #schcom0609 we are the bottom quarter in per pupil spending, we need to fix the hole in the boat
• Betsy wants to know why we are not talking about raising taxes with an override #schcom0609 vera Cooper, music does build a lasting bond, shameless plug filmed a movie "the clockmaker"
• Kate Roberts, parents are willing to help, let us know what to do. #schcom0609 Virginia, her HMMS student in reach program and connects with her peers thru music, chorus is where she can shine
• Amy Danahy, we really need to think about an override. What about early retirement? #schcom0609 Stacy why are we focusing on music if COVID, why not football which is more expensive.

Subcommittee updates

• Facility update, they are in no rush to make a decision on DT, final report due this week, won't rush to compromise results. All info gathered so far on facility page, no recommendation at this time, next meeting Thursday #schcom0609
• First SchComm newsletter came out today, wants subcom chairs to send info to be included in next one #schcom0609 joint PCC met yesterday. Policy were to meet 6/17 reschedule to 6/24
• How does the district address diversity race, etc.? For a future update to schcom (new members don't know) #schcom0609

Consent Agenda - Closing

• Motion to approve consent agenda, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Payment of bills in order. Going into executive session not to return to public forum. Passed 7-0 via roll. #schcom0609
• This concludes the real time reporting for tonight, catch you next time #schcom0609

Audio file for this 4 hour meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-295-school-committee-mtg-60920-audio.html

School Committee meeting packet folder (doc for meeting)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-9-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

https://assets.adobe.com/public/21b0361d-ad28-4471-5c88-77006f34a936

“The biggest thing is that they’re cost-effective”

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

“Cutter #2” - the 81-year-old die-cutter inside the Contollo Mass Manufacturing factory in Franklin - has been churning out roughly 2,500 medical gowns a week less than a month after previously collecting dust for four years. The new operators of the previously-vacant facility, which reopened in the middle of May, said there are 40-50 institutions in Massachusetts alone that are interested in placing orders for the gowns, with the smallest order received requesting 500,000 of them.

The largest order requested – by the Defense Logistics Agency – was 110 million.

The factory, housed in the building once operated by the Clark-Cutler-McDermott company at 5 Fisher St., has bid on about 14.2 million of those gowns, said Contollo Mass Manufacturing CEO Peter Berzin.

“Our phones have been ringing off the hook,” said the Pennsylvania resident, who joined forces with Chief Engineer Norb Jankowski, a former Michigan resident, and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Bob Vozzella, a Franklin resident and business owner, to run the operation. They’ve received constant calls for gowns from institutions across the state, including from the Seven Hills Pediatric Center in Groton, Boston EMS, the Boston Medical Center, local Veteran Affairs (VA) hospitals, and intuitions in New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Maine and California.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200611/franklin-factory-churning-out-2500-medical-gowns-week-plans-to-expand-operation

 

“The biggest thing is that they’re cost-effective”

"Without baseball, PawSox turn McCoy Stadium into a field of eats"

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

“Take me out to the ballgame!” ... Well, that won’t be happening for awhile, if at all this summer, but the next best thing might be taking yourself out to the ballpark for some Diamond Dining. The Pawtucket Red Sox are turning McCoy Stadium into a giant outdoor restaurant starting June 5. The team is slated to move to Worcester next year, where it will become the WooSox (groan).

The PawSox season is on hold, like every other sports team in America right now, but with Rhode Island easing its quarantine restrictions, the Red Sox’ triple-A affiliate is offering fans a unique opportunity. All your favorite ballpark foods and beverages are available for curbside pickup with online ordering and for designated weekend nights fans can dine in the stadium on the infield.

The Pawtucket infield will be dotted with 20 tables, seating up to five people each and safely distanced 14 feet apart from each other. A long lineup of ballpark food is available, from the quintessential hot dog, to hamburgers and cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and veggie tenders for the more health-conscious.

Most of the items are priced in the $5 to $6 range with a few special delicacies like eggplant Parmesan or the BBQ Platter or the bacon-wrapped hot dogs priced at $10.The full menu of McCoy Stadium beverage options is available, from soft drinks to beers, including Wormtown Hoppy IPA, from the future home city of the WooSox. There are even three varieties of wines, available by the bottle for $15."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20200611/digging-into-home-plate-without-baseball-pawsox-turn-mccoy-stadium-into-field-of-eats

To reserve your table at McCoy  https://www.milb.com/pawtucket
  

"Without baseball, PawSox turn McCoy Stadium into a field of eats"