As the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee, respectively, we believe it's crucial we speak as ONE to the community regarding recent misinformation in various community dialogue circles about the Town’s budgetary and fiscal situation.
We want to assure every citizen in the Town of Franklin of our commitment to work through these challenging fiscal times as ONE. We expect significant setbacks to core services in both the School Department and the Municipal Departments over the coming year.
This is not new news. COVID-19 unquestionably expedited the already difficult financial picture the community has been facing for several years. The news this week regarding possible staff reductions at the School Department is just the beginning of what will be a very turbulent and fluid year.
Despite whatever challenges come our way, we remain steadfast in our commitment to stand by one another and support one another throughout. We can only succeed as a community if we work together; and we intend to! We believe in ONE Franklin and hope this week's news will encourage more citizens to become informed and participate in the financial decisions that will be made over the course of the next year for all of our municipal and school departments.
For those who wish to learn more facts about the Town’s fiscal situation, a next step is the Town Council budget hearings on June 17 and 18. Agendas will be posted soon on the Town Calendar at www.franklinma.gov
You may also read Town budget materials on the Town Budget website.
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget
Thank you for joining us in this fight to preserve our community!
Dr. Anne Bergen, Chair, Franklin School Committee
Tom Mercer, Chair, Franklin Town Council
You can also find a PDF version on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/unity_redacted_2.pdf
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign.
A few Franklin residents and media outlets have recently made inquires pertaining to the 8cantwait campaign found here: https://8cantwait.org/. As part of this campaign, citizens are asking that police departments across the country adopt 8 policies, as a way to "reduce killings by police and save lives." Massachusetts residents should be reminded that these issues are mostly nonstarters here in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts law enforcement agencies have long been in front of the curve when it comes to the advancement of police procedures designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens we protect.
In particular, our Massachusetts Police Officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people.
In response to the Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing (https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) and the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/files/massachusetts-chiefs-police-response-final-report-presidents-task-force-21st) drafted a response in September of 2015, addressing each of the pillars therein.
With respect to the 8 policies that departments should adopt, below is how each is addressed in Massachusetts and here at the Franklin Police Department:
For further information pertaining to this subject, please see The Franklin Police Department Use of Force Policy, Use of Force Data and the presentation by Chief Lynch to the Franklin Town Council on June 3, 2020, all located on the departments website at: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/use-force-data
Massachusetts law enforcement agencies have long been in front of the curve when it comes to the advancement of police procedures designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens we protect.
In particular, our Massachusetts Police Officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people.
In response to the Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing (https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) and the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/files/massachusetts-chiefs-police-response-final-report-presidents-task-force-21st) drafted a response in September of 2015, addressing each of the pillars therein.
With respect to the 8 policies that departments should adopt, below is how each is addressed in Massachusetts and here at the Franklin Police Department:
- Ban chokeholds & strangleholds - These techniques are not part of the defensive tactics curriculum as instructed by the MPTC.
- Require de-escalation - Officers are required to learn de-escalation during the MPTC recruit academy training program, and further, are required to undergo additional de-escalation training during the annual in-service training programs as required by the MPTC.
- Require warning before shooting - Consistent with the standards set forth in Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, officers may only use that level of force that is objectively reasonable based upon the totality of circumstances. Officers will always attempt to use the lowest level of force in order to effectuate the lawful objective and will attempt to warn individuals prior to using any level of force, provided that they have the time and opportunity to do so. There may be, however, some very limited instances, where it is impossible for officers to provide a warning prior to using force, such as when doing so is necessary in order to preserve human life.
- Requires exhaust all alternatives before shooting - Same as above.
- Duty to intervene - All officers are trained and required to intervene when they recognize that any other officer or supervisor, of any rank, is acting contrary to the law or policy. The MCOPA has recommended departments consider including the following language in their Use of Force policy and the Franklin Police Department is considering making this change: All officers of the Police Department should be aware of their personal responsibility during a use of force encounter. Officers shall have an affirmative duty to intervene should they observe a situation in which they perceive more than the necessary use of force is being deployed by a fellow officer.
- Ban shooting at moving vehicles - Officers are not permitted to shoot at a moving vehicle, except in the very limited circumstance where, consistent with the standard set forth in Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner, doing so is required to defend themselves or another when the occupants of the vehicle are employing deadly force, which the officer reasonably perceives as an immediate threat of death or serious physical injury to themselves or another (including situations where the vehicle itself is being used as a deadly weapon and the officer is unable to escape the path of travel), and the officer reasonably believes that they will not endanger innocent persons. It is imperative that officers not position themselves in such a way as to create a likelihood of being struck by an occupied vehicle.
- Require use of force continuum - Officers are all trained to use only that level of force objectively reasonable based upon the totality of the circumstances.
- Require comprehensive reporting - Offices are required to complete a use of force report for each instance where force is used.
For further information pertaining to this subject, please see The Franklin Police Department Use of Force Policy, Use of Force Data and the presentation by Chief Lynch to the Franklin Town Council on June 3, 2020, all located on the departments website at: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/use-force-data
 |
| Chief Lynch's response to inquires about the 8cantwait.org campaign |
FM #299 Dr Bergen - Passionate Recap of school budget cuts- 6/09/20 (audio)
FM #299 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 299 in the series.
This session shares Dr Anne Bergen’s comments on the history of the budget cuts during the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The full meeting recording and notes were previously posted. This segment was requested as worthy of sharing.
This segment runs about 8 minutes, so let’s listen to Dr Bergen recap what has been lost from the school budget over the years. This is not a new problem, it is just getting worse.
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcJ37kc7
--------------
The audio for the full meeting is posted (this segment begins 2:04:44)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-295-school-committee-mtg-60920-audio.html
My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-recap-june-9-2020.html
Town of Franklin budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget
School Committee budget workshop - Jan 14, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-192-school-committee-budget-workshop.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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?
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"
This session shares Dr Anne Bergen’s comments on the history of the budget cuts during the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The full meeting recording and notes were previously posted. This segment was requested as worthy of sharing.
This segment runs about 8 minutes, so let’s listen to Dr Bergen recap what has been lost from the school budget over the years. This is not a new problem, it is just getting worse.
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcJ37kc7
--------------
The audio for the full meeting is posted (this segment begins 2:04:44)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-295-school-committee-mtg-60920-audio.html
My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-recap-june-9-2020.html
Town of Franklin budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget
School Committee budget workshop - Jan 14, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-192-school-committee-budget-workshop.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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 #299 Dr Bergen - Passionate Recap of school budget cuts- 6/09/20 (audio) |
FM #298 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - 6/11/20 (audio)
FM #298 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 298 in the series.
This session shares the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Chair Elise Stokes opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.
The recording runs about 1 hour and 12 minutes, so settle in to listen to the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting of Thursday, June 11
Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-298-davis-thayer-facility-analysis-6-11-20
--------------
The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/economic-development-subcommittee-june.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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?
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"
This session shares the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Chair Elise Stokes opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.
The recording runs about 1 hour and 12 minutes, so settle in to listen to the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting of Thursday, June 11
Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-298-davis-thayer-facility-analysis-6-11-20
--------------
The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/economic-development-subcommittee-june.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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 #298 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis - 6/11/20 (audio) |
Davis Thayer virtual art show (YouTube)
From Christine Doherty
Found via Twitter https://twitter.com/MsDoherty_ART/status/1271155591768088577?s=09
"Sit back, relax & enjoy the DT Art Show from the comfort of your own home this year! I am so proud of my artists!"
Found via Twitter https://twitter.com/MsDoherty_ART/status/1271155591768088577?s=09
Dept of Public Health: Learn more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) (video)
"Learn more about Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from the threat of this mosquito-borne illness this summer."
Video link = https://youtu.be/jSE0TBY-CtU
Shared from = https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1271159473361555457?s=09
"called the new guidelines 'common sense suggestions'”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200612/cdc-posts-long-awaited-tips-for-minimizing-everyday-risk
CDC Frequently asked questions https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Events and gatherings guidance
https://context-cdn.washingtonpost.com/notes/prod/default/documents/171bfa3b-654e-4852-ab8b-697300cf89bd/note/62e57521-13e2-40cc-98de-de35c5bb9e21.#page=1
All guidance from the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/guidance-list.html?
Take the stairs, not the elevator, down from your hotel room. Encourage people to bring their own food and drinks to your cookout. Use hand sanitizer after banking at an ATM. Call ahead to restaurants and nail salons to make sure staff are wearing face coverings. And no high-fives — or even elbow bumps — at the gym.
These are some of the tips in long-awaited guidance from U.S. health officials about how to reduce risk of coronavirus infection for Americans who are attempting some semblance of normal life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidelines Friday, along with a second set for organizing and attending big gatherings such as concerts, sporting events, protests and political rallies.
But the guidelines are “not intended to endorse any particular type of event,” the CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler said in a Friday call with reporters.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200612/cdc-posts-long-awaited-tips-for-minimizing-everyday-risk
CDC Frequently asked questions https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Events and gatherings guidance
https://context-cdn.washingtonpost.com/notes/prod/default/documents/171bfa3b-654e-4852-ab8b-697300cf89bd/note/62e57521-13e2-40cc-98de-de35c5bb9e21.#page=1
All guidance from the CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/guidance-list.html?
 |
| All guidance from the CDC |
noted that in science “there are no guarantees”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200612/us-hhs-secretary-azar-joins-governor-on-tour-of-boston-hospital
Gov Baker update link = https://youtu.be/1RxGya8dYjM
"U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar joined Gov. Charlie Baker on a visit to Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on Friday to see how the state is responding to the coronavirus crisis.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Azar toured the hospital’s COVID-19 test kit assembly areas and visited the primary care practice to hear about work being done to care for patients during the pandemic as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to open the country for business.
Azar expressed concern about a dramatic drop in the number of noncritical procedures being done and a steep drop in the number of primary care visits during the pandemic and the impact that could have on Americans’ health."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200612/us-hhs-secretary-azar-joins-governor-on-tour-of-boston-hospital
Gov Baker update link = https://youtu.be/1RxGya8dYjM
Kohl’s must give records to identity theft victims
|
Friday, June 12, 2020
FM #297 Economic Dev SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio)
FM #297 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 297 in the series.
This session shares the Economic Development 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 Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.
The recording runs just over 2 hours, so settle in to listen to the Economic Development SubCommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 10
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hsj5q2Y7
--------------
The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/economic-development-subcommittee-june.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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?
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"
This session shares the Economic Development 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 Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting outlining the protocol for how the meeting will be conducted.
The recording runs just over 2 hours, so settle in to listen to the Economic Development SubCommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 10
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hsj5q2Y7
--------------
The agenda for the meeting is posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-10-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
My notes captured during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/economic-development-subcommittee-june.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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 #297 Economic Dev SubComm - 6/10/20 (audio) |
Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!
Looking for a unique opportunity to learn about substance use, recovery, and community development? Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!
Job Overview:
The PEERS Franklin High School Senior Intern will be granted this $5,000 scholarship at the end of the school year
Are you interested in applying?
Please send a letter of interested to:
SAFE Coalition
Attention: Jennifer Levine
PO Box 434
Franklin MA, 02038
Letter must include:
Letters due by: August 1, 2020
Job Overview:
In this role, the Senior Year intern will focus on SAFE Coalition program development, holding tours, collaborating with other high school substance use programs, aid in preparation for classroom based and evening support groups. The Senior Year Intern will also be asked to enter volunteer data, engage in substance use awareness training, and host Narcan trainings.Responsibilities and Duties:
- Attend and co-lead weekly Peer to Peer program
- Support office staff with daily tasks and needs
- Develop and maintain all training needs as designated by the SAFE Coalition
- Meet with Executive Director weekly for 30 minutes for supervision
- Develop a style of communication with community leaders and stakeholders
- Enhanced awareness around medical systems of care and state/federal benefits
- Establish a deep understanding of person centered recovery work and HIPPA regulations
- Develop relationships with other local high school substance use awareness programs
- Franklin High School Senior
- Desire to advance in psychology, social services, mental health, science field
- No experience needed, prior healthcare or volunteer experience preferred
- Must be able to pass Massachusetts CORI test
- If under 18 years old, legal guardian must agree to volunteer program
The PEERS Franklin High School Senior Intern will be granted this $5,000 scholarship at the end of the school year
Are you interested in applying?
Please send a letter of interested to:
SAFE Coalition
Attention: Jennifer Levine
PO Box 434
Franklin MA, 02038
Letter must include:
- Why this internship is important to you
- What you hope to learn during your internship
- How you feel like you can positively enhance your peer community with your experience
Letters due by: August 1, 2020
 |
| Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship! |
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.
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
--------------
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
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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?
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"
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
--------------
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
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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 #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
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
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| screen grab of meeting opening |
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| screen grab of plot line cleanup |
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| screen grab of sidewalk snow clearing map |
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| screen grab of key page for inclusionary zoning proposal |
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