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
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