Help HMEA with Jukebox Virtual Bingo - June 24

There's one more chance for you to support HMEA's incredABLE 5k and raise more money for your favorite HMEA program!

Rob Peters Entertainment and Game Show Parties of Boston will be hosting Jukebox Bingo featuring song clips in a format similar to “Name That Tune”. With a variety of music from the 1940's to today’s top hits.

With 4 bingo cards, you’ll have 4 chances to win one of these great prizes: Bluetooth Music Ball Light Bulb Speaker with Remote, a Selfie Stick Tripod with Wireless Remote Shutter, Smart WiFi Outlet with Remote, or Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds.

All proceeds will benefit the programs at HMEA that serve children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. You can choose an HMEA program to benefit from your ticket purchase.


For more info and to register
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Last-chance-to-do-something-incredABLE-.html?soid=1114254466392&aid=oEffDEgYnN0

 Help HMEA with Jukebox Virtual Bingo - June 24

School Committee - Budget SubCommittee meeting recap - 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 #sbsc0617
https://twitter.com/hashtag/sbsc0617?src=hashtag_click

• Ready to report on school budget Subcommittee meeting when it starts #sbsc0617
• Still waiting #sbsc0617
• Finally starting at 10:09 #sbsc0617
• Still working on closing $3.4M gap in budget, no additional proposed reductions shared with subcommittee. More discussion remains within the team to work towards the FY21 budget. SchComm meeting 6/23 likely to have items to review #sbsc0617
• DESE guidance expected soon, would like to incorporate that before sharing. #sbsc0617 very aware of 100+ notifications made, having discussion to reappoint as needed to maintain certain certifications.
• Guidance expected on social distance, etc. Hybrid or in person, not in regards to budget info from State. Q on cost impact for guidance is considered per conf calls with DESE's Riley and other superintendents. All guidance goes through the Governors office #sbsc0617
• Est $490/per pupil for PPE costs could be added for September. #sbsc0617 what is comm strategy in the short term costs vs. the long term costs that would need to be addressed even without COVID-19? Community needs to understand the difference.
• Yes, we need to be creative to solve the short term item. Dr Bergen attempts to clarify her comments re: not having Davis Thayer discussion without DT parents involved. #sbsc0617 do we have an efficiency study to refer to? No. More quantitative than qualitative
• Did some program specific studies (Spec Ed, counciling, etc.) But not overall. #sbsc0617 How much time do we spend optimizing? How do you expect to have a top district if you are spending below 75%, how would we be if were average. Per pupil costs is a state calc on total
• Could some of the lower per pupil costs be part of our efficiency? Yes, for sure. #sbsc0617 technology might be an area more easily understood as an efficiency, might be small (i.e. noise rather than impact)
• Student opportunity act revised the funding formula and Franklin was 'held' at their level, we can benefit from circuit breaker relief and transportation relief but otherwise get an increase of approx $30/pupil per year. #sbsc0617 such a complicated topic, this point is missed
• Heather endorses signing up for alerts and news from the town and schools. #sbsc0617 need vote via roll call to adjourn, approved 2-0, other had to drop at 10.
• So that concludes reporting on this session, nice discussion, nothing new or major to add to overall budget discussion. Will resume reporting at budget hearing tonight. Catch you then. #sbsc0617

Ready to report on school budget Subcommittee meeting when it starts #sbsc0617

Finally starting at 10:09 #sbsc0617

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
• 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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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