FM #301 "Talk Franklin" - PreGame Live 6/17/20

FM #301 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 301 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen live on the FHS football field, Pisini Stadium. This was a special ‘pre-game’ edition to the Town Budget hearing on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. We did converse adhering to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The live broadcast ran 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio File = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hr64jB27



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FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Voting doc as referenced
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/06-18-2020_town_council_budget_agenda.pdf

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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
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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!
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Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opening the meeting

Real time reporting: Town Council - Budget hearing #1 - June 17, 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 #tcbh0617
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tcbh0617?src=hashtag_click

• Live reporting for Town Council budget hearing live on radio http://wfpr.fm.or 102.9
• Chair Mercer explains choice of location due to the seriousness of the proposed cuts so the Council could "face the public" #tcbh0617
• Reading the voting doc and recording holds from one or more council for further discussion #tcbh0617
• Town admin budget held primarily to take the time to introduce the staff #tcbh0617 Cerel, Whelton, Alleyne, and Tracey. Marketing and Communications is a joint position with Schools and Town.
• Q on human resources, could there be a payment for those who have a spouse on a health plan that could be on another plan? #tcbh0617 possible, has been discussed but not implemented
• Rough head count of audience aside from town staff and Council seems to be about 75-80 in attendance. #tcbh0617
• Q for facilities on what was cut, some of the facilities, like Senior Center and library are closed and not likely re-opening soon so they were 'easy' #Tcbh0617 no further cuts should be considered at this point given the cleaning required for safety
• Q on expenses for two contractors in electrical and HVAC, it was reduced by $23K for this budget. What was expense for last year? A million? No, we'll have the specific answers Thursday night #tcbh0617
• Q on police budget, new contract allowed for add of 5 officers to bring to 52. Hard to say how effective it has been as pandemic has also hit and we've adjusted to handle things safely. #tcbh0617
• Q on Police meeting/conf line item, it really should be renamed as it covers the training. #tcbh0617
• Fire chief up next, Q on the reforms and changes made recently and how they have set up for service to the community. #tcbh0617 removed from civil service, removed stipends, increased rescue billing amount, achieved an ISO rating of 2, only 7 others have a 1 and we're going to
• Chief - we were able to get ahead of covid, bring in PPE and along with cooperation with police, facilities and other depts, we have been instrumental in keeping our impact low for the town #tcbh0617
• Chief also wants to reclassify the meeting/conf line item, good quick answer to the penny as to what amount is there and what it is for #tcbh0617
• Next up MECC the regional dispatch center of which are part. Town administrator Jamie Hellen explains how it works, and how two more communities will be added. By doing the add, Franklin will be able to save money via the assessment #tcbh0617
• With the two new Communities, Mendon and Millville, we'll be combining two regional centers and gain some state funding incentives to do so #tcbh0617 approx $700K savings coming, will need to create new stabilization fund to prepare for 4 years out
• Sunset is nice here on the field for this budget hearing. #tcbh0617
• Next up school budget, Council sets a bottom line number and them the school Committee does all the rest. Dr Ahern up. Facilities Analysis is underway, looking at all facilities K-8, #tcbh0617 it is not complete, still info gathering
• 1100 student enrollment decline since peak of 2008, enrollment projections revised this spring and will be re-looked at in Sep with the consultant. #tcbh0617 architect report looking at all of K-8 capacity as well as enrollment to be able to make decisions
• Q what will school look like in September? Not sure, awaiting guidance from DESE this month, have started planning with a multiple function group to see what it could look like to do safely. #tcbh0617
• May have to do this hearing again in Sep and maybe even in Jan 2021, there are so many answers we don't know. #tcbh0617 we made decision to make the nonrenewals for non-professional staff due to the uncertainty. We are still looking at what else could be done
• Dr Ahern expands on the answer of the notifications and programs, it may seem disproportionate but it is what it is under the circumstances. #tcbh0617 no specific answer yet on the total $s of unfunded mandates
• Q if we could close DT and cut the 14 curriculum coaches, that could have about $2.5m per some folks analysis. Sara responds we haven't calculated the DT amount as the study as mentioned is incomplete. the coaches are likely needed in Sep due to the remote learning #tcbh0617
• Kelly presses Sara on the facilities report and when it will arrive, is it late? As she has seen the drafts does it support a closure? Sara will only say the draft does "support consolidation of facilities" #tcbh0617 she wants a complete and accurate report not 1 rushed
• Kelly also asks about the 'late' start for a principal search for DT. The interim search was announced in early in May, given all the uncertainty, it was a wise choice, she is confident to be able to find someone. #tcbh0617
• Given the COVID impact on music that was a factor in reduction planning, 1.5 staff at Central office were reduced in this budget. Given the disruptive nature of redistricting, waiting to see what the report says to continue the planning process #tcbh0617
• Per Sara, first round of bring back likely to happening next week or so, #tcbh0617 Bissanti, I don't know what we're waiting for on DT, it is out of code, it can not house children, we need answers
• Mercer adds that the preliminary from DESE calls for the school district to provide PPE for students for each of the 180 days, now it is preliminary but an example of an unfunded mandate; clarification, student should provide, District would have spares #tcbh0617
• Den Ryan providing insights from music students over the years and all the benefits from music. #tcbh0617 Heather speaks for group grown in past week who are concerned with the school budget. What happened, why now? Points out lack of knowledge about schools
• School Committee member Keenan speaking about his learning process, the schools do need more money and a lot more, #tcbh0617 75% of other school districts spend more than we do. DT is a short term issue. We need to solve the longer term issue, funding
• Keenan - Most of the talk tonight is about cuts, if we don't address the funding issue, it will be sports next #tcbh0617 Dr Bergen speaks, Norwood had an override and had 70% turnout, unity, not one group against another
• Good break point given the time it is (10:15ish) to continue the meeting Thursday, motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 #tcbh0617
• So this concludes the reporting for this evening, catch you all Thursday #tcbh0617

Budget hearing documents can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Chair Mercer explains choice of location due to the seriousness of the proposed cuts so the Council could "face the public" #tcbh0617

Sunset is nice here on the field for this budget hearing. #tcbh0617

Options for watching the Town Council budget hearing - Thursday, June 18

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight  1/2 = use your web browser to listen to wfpr.fm or tune to the radio dial at 102.9 in the Franklin area  #tcbh0618

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight  2/2 = Come to the FHS football field (Pisini Stadium) on Oak St (bring chair, blanket, face covering, etc.) #tcbh0618

The budget hearing materials can be found online at
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing_17.html

or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

On the FHS field as the budget hearing Wednesday took place

 
Note: video of the meeting is being recorded for playback later. There is no video broadcast of the meeting as the field does not have an internet connection.

FSPA Announces Reopening Plan with Virtual Option

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will open at 38 Main Street on June 29 with a virtual option for Summer 2020. The school will employ safety measures for enhanced cleaning, hygiene, screening, and distancing as detailed in their Four Pillar Plan. Families who are not completely comfortable returning for classes in person may elect the virtual option for the Summer Session. 

“Our staff has prepared the building and adapted programs to meet the most current guidelines for a summer reopening,” comments Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “Our camps and intensives will have stable student groupings and limited class sizes, with break time and some classes held outdoors.”

FSPA provides an exciting summer session of theater programs, ballet intensives and one-week creative camps, along with music and dance classes. The 2020 summer session runs from June 29 to August 21. The summer months are a wonderful time for families new to the school, as well as beginner students, to get involved at FSPA. Summer productions provide fun performance opportunities while weekly classes and intensives give all students the chance to focus on skill building, improving technique, or trying a brand new discipline. “This summer’s shows are specifically written and planned in a creative, socially distanced format,” says Mercer.

FSPA’s Summer Ballet Intensives feature training in classical ballet technique, pre-pointe and pointe, with contemporary and jazz master classes. The four-week Intermediate/Advanced Intensive runs June 29-July 23 and the three-week Young Dancer Intensive is slated July 6-23, both under the direction of Cheryl Madeux.

FSPA Summer Theater provides the opportunity for immersion in a Broadway Boot Camp, cabaret show, play, or musical theater production, with enrollment for one to five weeks. The Cabaret week focuses on repertoire choices, song interpretation, and solo presentation, and concludes with a cabaret style revue at THE BLACK BOX theater’s outdoor stage in downtown Franklin. The three-day Broadway Boot Camp brings Broadway headliners to FSPA for song and dance master classes and coaching on individual performance skills. A weeklong drama program presents a straight play, while a two-week musical theater program stages a customized book musical at THE BLACK BOX.

A variety of weeklong performing arts camps are offered throughout the summer in addition to weekly classes for all ages and levels. Children ages 3-5, are invited to learn about FSPA’s Little Music School program in individual sessions with LMS Director Kim Rezendes.

Mercer concludes, “We are very excited to reopen at 38 Main Street, but remain prepared to make changes and adjust our plans as required by the Mass.gov reopening Massachusetts guidelines.” For more information on Summer offerings as well as details on FSPA’s Four Pillar plan for reopening, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668. Specific questions can also be directed to reception@FSPAonline.com. FSPA is located at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

 

FSPA Announces Reopening Plan with Virtual Option

In the News: "As a result of those savings, Hellen said, the town is avoiding municipal layoffs"

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

"Anticipated bumps in the town’s financial road are giving way to potholes as the town enters a new fiscal year on July 1.

In the face of significant economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 global pandemic, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the town is bracing to travel “a turbulent road” - but how turbulent will depend on the level of cuts that may trickle down in local aid from the state, and the total fallout from loss of local receipts during the economic shutdown.

“The bottom line is FY21 will be a very turbulent road, if not a devastating one that will likely have far reaching effects on the service delivery to the community,” Hellen wrote in his executive summary as part of the town’s initial $131.8 million budget plan.

He also said the situation will “require every department to develop new protocols, question spending, rethink service delivery and prepare for unchartered territory. The situation will also require significant engagement from all stakeholders and citizens in the community.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200617/for-franklin-turbulent-financial-road-ahead

Links to FY 2021 budget materials

a. Voting Document for the FY21 Franklin Town Budget
i. FY21 Budget Message from the Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
ii. FY21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/updated-budget-councile
iii. Appendix A

iv. Appendix B1 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget Executive Summary (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf), Appendix B2 Franklin School Committee Recommended FY21 Budget (https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf)

• Appendix C1 Historic Data: Budget Breakdown  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c1-historic-data-budget-breakdown
• Appendix C2 Historic Data: Operating Revenue https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c2-historic-data-operating-revenue
• Appendix C3 Historic Data: Fixed Cost  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c3-historic-data-fixed-costs
• Appendix C4 Historic Data: Local Aid  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c4-historic-data-local-aid
• Appendix C5 Historic Data: Local Receipts  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c5-historic-data-local-receipts
• Appendix C6 Historic Data: Assessments  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c6-historic-data-assessments
• Appendix C7 Historic Data: New Growth  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c7-historic-data-new-growth
• Appendix C8 Historic Data: Free Cash Balances   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c8-historic-data-free-cash-balances
• Appendix C9 Historic Data: FC & RE  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/appendix-c9-historic-data-fc-re

vi. Appendix D - Storm Water  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1272968359953522688?s=09

The budget hearing underway at FHS on Wednesday night

 

In the News: "a licensing process every three years"

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

"Massachusetts would start a wide-ranging effort to crack down on police violence and improve transparency by implementing a certification system and stripping licensure from officers who commit egregious violations under a new bill Gov. Charlie Baker detailed Wednesday, following a wave of demonstrations where protesters have demanded immediate reforms.

Baker described the legislation as a “first step” toward creating a more just system, acknowledging that legislative leaders will likely attempt to build on his proposal to address other priorities beyond accountability.

Lawmakers who joined the governor at a Wednesday press conference said the legislation had been in the works for months, and Baker said the protests against police violence and systemic racism that have swept across the country in recent weeks have given the issue a new sense of urgency."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200617/gov-charlie-baker-rolls-out-first-step-of-police-reform-that-would-create-licensing-system-for-police-and-creating-statewide-database-tracking-system

Video link = https://youtu.be/zeleIb1GHTo

FHS "Keeping Music Alive" #13

Good Morning,

Today, we have a very special posting of FHS Music Alive. In support of our Elementary and Middle School Chorus programs, we have three performances by students from that program. Included, is a beautiful, original composition and performance by Franklin High School Junior, Amanda Melmed. I have printed the lyrics written by Amanda below. She wrote about the power of music and chorus to a young student. Additionally, we have a recording by the Franklin Middle Schools Honors Chorus, recorded while home during the quarantine. Dyuthi Papineni made a video recording of herself singing "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars and dedicated it to Mrs. Hersee, her chorus teacher.

Don't forget to keep informed by following the School Committee and Town Council meetings. The next Town Council meetings are tonight and tomorrow at 7:00 PM and it will be held at Pisini Stadium at Franklin High School.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE SUMMER!!!

• Horace Mann Middle School Honors Chorus - "Blackbird"

Black Bird https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PuPFY7TEB573VsNlRUOfCp03CkJHWz_C/view

• Dyuthi Papineni - 8th Grader at Horace Mann Middle School (Soon to be a freshman at FHS!!!)

Count on Me  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkU_cYF3x63a5yknAaSQoDC2U-T12vyK/view?usp=sharing

• Amanda Melmed - FHS Junior

"The Start"  https://youtu.be/6sYyIQMnGh0



Verse 1:
When I was a little girl, I sang with my whole heart
Knew it was my calling, yeah I knew it from the start
Need something to build me up, couldn't do it on my own
Thank god you were there for me, cause I never would've grown

Pre chorus:
I need a time to free my mind from struggles everyday,
And without choir I wouldn't be just who I am today
Trapped inside the darkness feeling crushed and all alone
Music is the only place that's given me a home

Chorus:
The time I spent in choir filled my heart with a desire, 
you could say it lit a fire that took me higher and higher and higher and higher
To where I'm standing now
Thanks to you I've figured out...

Bridge:
Music is the therapy that's keepin me alive
And when I wake up feeling grey you always paint my sky
When anxiety gets the best of me, I know I can always count on you
To see me through

Verse 3:
The friendships i have made forever touched my life
The memories that I've saved lift me up when things ain't right
I didn't know how much it would end up affecting me
But I can say for certain there's no way I'd still be me

Chorus:
Without the
Time I spent in choir filling my heart with a desire, 
you could say it lit a fire that took me higher and higher and higher and higher
To where I'm standing now
I'm just one out of a thou, sand

Last verse:
Hundred thousand little girls who sing with their whole heart
Know that it's their calling, but they need a place to start


--

Diane M. Plouffe
Director of Music
Franklin Public Schools
Franklin High School

Franklin Cultural District Newsletter

Welcome from The Chair...Nancy Schoen

On behalf of the Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) I would like to welcome you to the inaugural edition of our Franklin Cultural District (FCD) Newsletter. The COVID-19 outbreak has affected our lives in ways that we could not have imagined. During this time the FCDC has been amazed by the many creative events and performances the Cultural District Partners have offered for the community. 

While quarantining, the arts have provided comfort, inspiration, and opportunities for self-expression. As we are adjusting to the "new normal" the FCDC would like to help strengthen the cultural connections within the Franklin community. In order to keep all informed of what is happening in the Franklin Cultural District we will be publishing a newsletter each month with the exception of July and December.

In each issue we would like to share with all what events are happening in the district as well as anything new that will be happening during the next month. In each edition we will also highlight one of the Cultural District Partners.

We hope that by sharing the Cultural District news and information about the District Partners, the community will become more aware of all the wonderful cultural opportunities we have right here in Franklin. 

Check out the newsletter online = https://conta.cc/2zzaiD3

Visit the Cultural District web page  = https://www.franklinculture.org/
 

Franklin Cultural District Newsletter

 

Empty Bowls raises more then $9,000 for Franklin Food Pantry

"A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this years Empty Bowls fundraiser possible💜Together, we raised $9,000 total between the fundraiser and sponsorships. On behalf of the Empty Bowls club, we would like to say thank you to the Franklin community and to everyone who has helped."

A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this years Empty Bowls fundraiser possible💜Together, we raised $9,000 total between the fundraiser and sponsorships. On behalf of the Empty Bowls club, we would like to say thank you to the Franklin community and to everyone who has helped. pic.twitter.com/UCn8wR9nW1

— FHS Empty Bowls (@FHS_EmptyBowls) June 15, 2020

Found via Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHS_EmptyBowls/status/1272589091381678081?s=09

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

In the News: What is Juneteenth?

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

"What is Juneteenth?

On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed a reluctant community in Galveston, Texas, that President Abraham Lincoln had freed enslaved people in rebel states two and a half years earlier. He pressed locals to comply with the directive.

Although Lincoln proclaimed the emancipation of enslaved people, effective Jan. 1, 1863, enslavers were responsible for telling them that they were free, and some ignored the order until Union troops arrived to enforce it, according to Cliff Robinson, founder of Juneteenth.com. Texas was the last Confederate state to have the proclamation announced.

Though the story of Texas’ emancipation is the most widely known, Williams said, other significant events in the history of emancipation took place on and around that date. He said the first known Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866 and spread across the country as African Americans migrated to new cities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200617/what-is-juneteenth-holiday-marking-emancipation-proclamation-takes-on-extra-importance-in-2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Budget Hearing #2 - June 18

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet  = June 18, 2020

Franklin High School 

Football Field - Pisini Stadium 

Oak Street, Franklin MA, 02038

7:00 PM

The Franklin Town Council will be holding its annual budget hearing on the Franklin High School Football Field. The purpose of this location is to have a place that allows for proper implementation of the guidelines produced by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding Town Meetings for Municipal Legislative Bodies. Executive Order 38 (below) promulgated by Governor Baker. If attending in person, see DPH guidelines (below). All budget materials are online https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget or the links below.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. 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.

3. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. 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.

4. HEARINGS - FY 2021 Budget Hearing 7:10pm

• a. Final Recommendation Voting Document
• i. F Y21 Budget Message
• ii. F Y21 Town Administrator Proposed Budget

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Resolution 20-31: Adoption of FY21 Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-31 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._resolution_20-31_adoption_of_fy21_budget.pdf
• b. Resolution 20-36: Community Preservation Act, G.L. Chapter 44B, Sections 3-7 Authorization for Ballot Vote (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-36, CPA Ballot- Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._resolution_20-36_cpa_ballot_vote.pdf
• c. Resolution 20-37: Authorize the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Various Capital Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-37 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._resolution_20-37_borrowing_authorization.pdf

6. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

7. COUNCIL COMMENTS

8. ADJOURN

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


Executive Order 38
https://www.mass.gov/doc/june-6-2020-regulating-gatherings-throughout-the-commonwealth/download?_ga=2.247015046.320592393.1592235776-1919234641.1588012608

DPH Guidelines
https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidance-for-town-meetings-to-address-covid-19/download

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1272966385845571584?s=09

The PDF version of the agenda can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/06-18-2020_town_council_budget_agenda.pdf

Franklin Police Statement in Response to President's Order on Police Reform

On Tuesday June 16. President Trump signed an Executive Order dealing with Law Enforcement reforms. There were many parts of this order, but we wanted to highlight an area where the Franklin Police Department is already involved.

His order reads in part:

Sec. 4. Mental Health, Homelessness, and Addiction. (a) Since the mid-twentieth century, America has witnessed a reduction in targeted mental health treatment. Ineffective policies have left more individuals with mental health needs on our Nation's streets, which has expanded the responsibilities of law enforcement officers. As a society, we must take steps to safely and humanely care for those who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse in a manner that addresses such individuals' needs and the needs of their communities. It is the policy of the United States to promote the use of appropriate social services as the primary response to individuals who suffer from impaired mental health, homelessness, and addiction, recognizing that, because law enforcement officers often encounter such individuals suffering from these conditions in the course of their duties, all officers should be properly trained for such encounters.

(b) The Attorney General shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services as appropriate, identify and develop opportunities to train law enforcement officers with respect to encounters with individuals suffering from impaired mental health, homelessness, and addiction; to increase the capacity of social workers working directly with law enforcement agencies; and to provide guidance regarding the development and implementation of co-responder programs, which involve social workers or other mental health professionals working alongside law enforcement officers so that they arrive and address situations together. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prioritize resources, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to support such opportunities.

(c) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall survey community-support models addressing mental health, homelessness, and addiction. Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall summarize the results of this survey in a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, which shall include specific recommendations regarding how appropriated funds can be reallocated to support widespread adoption of successful models and recommendations for additional funding, if needed.

(d) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, prioritize resources, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to implement community-support models as recommended in the report described in subsection (c) of this section.
---------------------------

The Franklin Police Department is already actively engaged in this process on many levels. For mental health calls for service and follow up we already have in place our Jail Diversion Program (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/jail-diversion-program). Our clinician responds with officers to calls where citizens may be involved in a mental health crisis. The work done there helps determine if the person in crisis is best served by remaining in the community, or needs immediate treatment and transport to the hospital. 

There are advantages to every diversion that happens. First, there is the cost. Not transporting and finding community based support is much less expensive than an emergency room visit. Secondly, and most importantly, having our clinician available results in better outcomes for patients. Our clinician is also skilled in deescalation, and connecting with people in crisis to come to a mutually agreeable plan forward. Each time this happens, it lessens the need for officers to become involved, or end up having to use some degree of force to compel the person for treatment.

Our clinical also works with Franklin Police Detectives' to follow up on drug overdose cases through the Norfolk County Outreach program. This program tracks individuals who have overdosed in Franklin, or another community, but live here. With the clinician and Detective, Franklin has been able to achieve over an 80% contact rate, the highest in the county, to offer these individuals treatment services.

The Jail Diversion Program is extensive, and one of the greatest programs we have added in recent years. It is also very notable that this program is free to the Town of Franklin, and the Town of Medway, who we share our clinician with. This is the result of a grant written by both agencies which is funded by the Department of Mental Health. A full report is available online on our Jail Diversion Page (https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/jail-diversion-program).

The Franklin Police take seriously the needs of our citizens. In addition to the JDP program we are also part of the IACP One Mind Campaign (https://www.theiacp.org/projects/one-mind-campaign). Participation in this program required the Franklin Police to train every officer in Mental Health First Aid (https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/training-courses/mental-health-first-aid/), and 20% of our officers in Crisis Intervention Training (https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Crisis-Intervention/Crisis-Intervention-Team-(CIT)-Programs). We have successfully completed this program. 

 

Franklin Police Statement in Response to President's Order on Police Reform

Dyuthi Papineni dedicates song recording to Ms. Hersee

"@HMMSLightning Dyuthi Papineni recorded a song and wants to dedicate it to Ms. Hersee. She will miss her and wishes that the Franklin middle school chorus program continues next year. Good luck and see you next year!"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkU_cYF3x63a5yknAaSQoDC2U-T12vyK/view?usp=sharing



shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/selenacousin1/status/1272982050509918208?s=09

Franklin Youth Baseball - registration now open

Franklin Youth Baseball has opened registration for baseball this summer. 

Visit visit franklinyouthbaseball.com to register or send questions to franklinyouthbaseball@yahoo.com. 

More information can be found here http://franklin.sportssignup.com/site/ClientSite/article/3468521

Franklin Youth Baseball - registration now open

Senate President Spilka's Message, June 15, 2020

Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka offers and updates on the Senate's efforts to address racial justice, as well as an upcoming debate on vote-by-mail legislation. She also reviews the passage of funding for transportation infrastructure and EEE protections.

Video link = https://youtu.be/wMhxoC5Xc1k