Economic Development Subcommittee Recap - 7/30/20

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 #edc0730
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0730&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Economic development subcommittee meeting, #edc0730
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides a recap of opening status mostly repeat of comments at the Town Council meeting; now on the market study and how to begin to work the doc and actions/recommendations #edc0730
• Way finding signs mentioned as something to be developed; listening sessions to be scheduled for area/retail specific business groups to help gather items for the pandemic recovery period, what can the town do? #edc0730
• Open, flowing discussion, ideas back and forth. The recording should be available soon to let you hear and get the mind grey matter generating more ideas. #edc0730 next meeting Aug 20, ideas welcome before then to the subcommittee members or Bryan Taberner
• Prior to next meeting, review the doc (or again) for ideas to discuss Aug 20 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf
• #edc0730 this closes out the reporting tonight, catch you next time!

Note: while I did not include it in the Twitter stream, I did comment on the plans for re-introducing the community calendar as the re-opening continues to make progress. There had been a community calendar of events but with all public events canceled, it was suspended. (The Cultural District page still shows a calendar with out dated events.)

The working agreement with the Cultural District is to produce three calendars. The Town of Franklin maintains their meeting and events calendar. We won't touch that but provide links to it from the Cultural District page and Franklin Matters. 

The Cultural District page will display the cultural events from FSPA, Circle of Friends, Dean College, etc.  They will also provide a link to both the Town meeting calendar and to Franklin Matters' community events. 

Franklin Matters will display the community events and provide links to both the Town page and to the Cultural District page.

In this way, each view of the calendar (Town meetings, cultural events, community events) will be simplified and relatively uncluttered. If we did try to have one calendar with all three sets of events combined it would be unworkable with current calendar tools.

Stay tuned for further developments on the calendar discussion. For reference, the Town calendar can be found   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The Cultural District calendar can be found   https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

The Franklin Matters calendar is currently 'unpublished' and will be shared when this new process has enough events to make it newsworthy.  A pre-coronavirus sample of the weekly outlook can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/upcoming-events-in-franklin-ma-fri-mar.html

Economic Development Subcommittee Recap - 7/30/20

FM #321 FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern on Reopening Status - 7/31/20 (audio)

FM #321 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 321 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Superintendent Sara Ahern regarding the school fall re-opening status. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Sara provides an overview on the task force and process to work on the preliminary plan. The preliminary plan is due to be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) by close of business on Friday, July 31. (It was submitted after we recorded this conversation with the preference to open with 'remote learning' in September).

The show notes contain links to the School Committee meeting agenda and reference documents as well as the audio from the meeting covering the preliminary plan and discussion.

Our conversation runs about 11 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara on the preliminary plan and process.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6nSl5dK



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School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda_26.html

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin Public Schools - Re-opening page
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-public-schools-re-opening-plan.html

Re-opening Plan presentation doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_school_presentation_for_sc_7_28_2020_updated_with_new_info.pdf

My real time reporting via Twitter summarized
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/school-committee-recap-re-opening-fully.html



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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"

FM #321 FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern on Reopening Status - 7/31/20 (audio)

FM #320 Town Council - PACE Program - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #320 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 320 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule. The agenda eventually gets to the second item for presentation, the PACE Program. Wendy Lee O’Malley, Vice-President of MassDevelopment provides the overview of this newly released program. This is an opportunity for business and nonprofit property owners to get advantageous financing for energy improvements.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the PACE Program.

Audio file:   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXv4XmdK





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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

PACE Program doc and presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.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 #320 Town Council - PACE Program - 7/29/20 (audio)

Talking the Blues: # 14. New England Blues

"Another fun show in the books for Talking The Blues. This week we took a look at a stellar group of New England blue musicians. Of course there’s not enough time to play them all! Enjoy, tell your friends, your family, your favorite bartender."

Find the podcast online, or subscribe via your favorite app
https://jderick50.podbean.com/e/14-new-england-blues/

Talking the Blues: # 14. New England Blues

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 319 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. After running through several appointments, the agenda gets to the item for the presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner leads the presentation after an introduction by Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the Market Study.

Audio file:  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study-7-29-20

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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.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 #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20  (audio)

Register O’Donnell Promotes On-Line Access to Registry Records During COVID-19 Pandemic

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded county residents that even though the Registry of Deeds building is closed to the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the Registry’s records are available for viewing online via the www.norfolkdeeds.org website.

Register O’Donnell stated, “Despite the constraints we continue to work under due to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information remains central to our work here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. We also have a customer service center staffed with professionals who have been trained to answer any of your land document related questions. They can be reached at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.”

Elaborating on the Registry’s research capabilities, O’Donnell noted, “By utilizing our website www.norfolkdeeds.org, users are able to research land record information online by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Members of the public can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors such as determining property ownership, reviewing land plans (only plans which are recorded at the Registry) and also determining that documents affecting an individual or family’s property, such as mortgage discharges, have been recorded. Users can also print non-certified copies of documents and plans free of charge.”

The Registry’s website also provides information on how to obtain certified copies of land documents. The Registry’s certified copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell noted, “During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has remained operational. Land documents have been recorded allowing buyers and sellers of Norfolk County real estate to complete their transactions, and users have been able to reap the benefits of historically low interest rates. The net result has been the Norfolk County real estate market remaining viable which has benefited users, real estate brokers and agents, lending institutions, legal firms, title companies and many others. None of this would have been possible here in Norfolk County without a state-of-the-art computer system that is available for use by individuals, businesses and real estate professionals alike. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does all that by bringing the Registry land document records into your homes and businesses.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell Promotes On-Line Access to Registry Records During COVID-19 Pandemic

NOAA info on Isaias

The NOAA map shows the path of Isaias as of Monday morning (8/3/20 5:30 AM). It is likely to be a tropical depression bringing some wind and much needed rain to us on Tuesday/Wednesday. Oddly, if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will.

Get additional updates from NOAA here
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/092753.shtml?cone

Hurricane preparedness info
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness

Stay tuned to your normal weather station for updates.

NOAA info on Isaias

if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 5

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting

August 5, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Zoom Login Information:

• Link to access meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84199134840
• Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 841 9913 4840--Then press #

 

Agenda 

• 1.Stormwater Implementation Discussion 

• a.Stormwater Town website  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

 

 

The Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/events/2020-08-05_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee_1.pdf

 

 

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 5

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Aug 5

AGENDA

1) Reading and Acceptance of March 4, 2020, March 17, 2020 and July 1, 2020 meeting minutes

3) OLD BUSINESS

• Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3) NEW BUSINESS

• Health and Safety School Task Force
• EDS Drive Through Task Force
• Arbovirus Report
• Viewpoint Update

4) HEALTH DIRECTOR’S REPORT

• Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

Google meet connection info contained in PDF of agenda
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7DQ_ppVX5t-EU25VkqvmYBG6TB4xOW9/view?usp=sharing

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Aug 5

Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio - Annual Meeting - Aug 3

Note that we at Franklin TV are holding our own Zoom remote open annual meeting on August 3rd at 7 PM. 

All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm. 

Our Zoom access code: 823 3600 6836

Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio - Annual Meeting - Aug 3

Tracy Novick explains MA school funding for Worcester

Tracy Novick works as a field director for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), and as a parent and resident of Worcester, MA, she was recently re-elected to the Worcester School Committee. She tries to explain the MA school funding formula/process in less than 10 minutes and comes close.

As you listen to this, substitute "Franklin" for "Worcester". We have one charter school, they have several. We have some Title 1 students, they have far more than we do. 

I'd share the school budget numbers to plug in to replace the Worcester numbers but those are influx this year given the circumstances of the pandemic.  You can find the 'current' and prior school budget info on the School Committee page: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

Video link = https://youtu.be/Vf_47iWxUZM

Tracy writes about the Worcester schools http://who-cester.blogspot.com/
For more about MASC  visit https://www.masc.org/

Zooming into the Future, Part 4

A small step forward – toward our new normal 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/02/2020

On Wednesday evening the Town Council conducted its first meeting in Chambers since- uhh- (??) Yes, it was that long ago. We’re on Covid time, and the days, weeks, months are a bit fuzzier without the cadence of the Mon-Fri work week. Working from home is absent the normal familiar boundaries of time and space, doing what we must when we must. However, I am deliberately grateful. I can work. Those who can’t work from home are exposed to the viral threat. Those who have no work are exposed to financial hardship and ruin. I’m exposed to longer hours. I’ll take it. Gratitude is a rare moment in these times. We all owe it to ourselves to seek it.

I found it in abundance among our Town Council members on Wednesday evening. They were grateful to experience some sense of normalcy. They were grateful just to be back doing the work of the Council – in Chambers. They were grateful simply to be socially distanced yet socially together, while also being socially connected to others via Zoom. What is also notable is that they work as volunteers, stepping up and giving of their time in gratitude.

Those of us who can master the art of grace and gratitude for the small things – the things we took for granted – will fare better in our new normal.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.

Find the full program guide for this week  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or this copy of the PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yljeA0mlTFbVBI-FRdtRwc-7EzqJvIJi/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 4

Let’s Laugh Today Laughter Club is Free EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 PM on ZOOM!

Let's Laugh Today Laughter Club is Free EVERY Wednesday at 7:30pm on ZOOM! 

As seen on WCVB Boston CHRONICLE, Let's Laugh Today Laughter Club is on ZOOM! In these challenging times, there is nothing like a good belly laugh to help release stress and anxiety. These laughter exercises and deep breathing help to bring more fresh oxygen into the body and brain helping you feel more energetic and healthy. It's a great way to connect with other people through eye contact while remaining socially distant and it is thoroughly up-lifting and immunity-boosting! 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for link to the free ZOOM Meeting EVERY Wednesday at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. You will laugh, clap, and breathe! You can sit or stand the entire time. It's a good time to try something new! Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers, Bill and Linda Hamaker.

Here is the BOSTON CHRONICLE TV clip in case you missed it. It is three minutes long. https://www.wcvb.com/article/laughter-yoga-is-an-emotional-boost/32972798

Let’s Laugh Today Laughter Club is Free EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 PM on ZOOM!

Veteran Employment And Housing Virtual Walk-In Clinic

Resources Available

• Employment Assistance
• Education & Training Resources
• Housing Programs
• Support Services

*** Visit from any Device***
Join Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/97525135152?pwd=VnpGRGE0Wmd6dmFEUDAxSnkwSWJyQT09

Meeting ID: 975 2513 5152
Password: 819142
Or Call: (929) 205 - 6099

Join Weekly:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 PM – 2 PM

Hosted by Volunteers of America

Download a copy of the flyer:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTojlNlDrwHRgg34HhtzbpwwvpTXVCnd/view?usp=sharing

Veteran Employment And Housing  Virtual Walk-In Clinic

In the News: Police chiefs want seat at table; teachers union expresses concerns

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

"Local police say their departments already have access to an accreditation system. Police chiefs have kept the formerly state-run Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission operating since 2004, when the Legislature cut its funding just eight years after its creation. 

Natick Police Chief James Hicks wishes more people understood that television police procedural dramas don’t accurately reflect his profession. 

″‘Chicago PD,’ you see police officers who are skirting the rules, and it’s OK because at the end of the day, they look like heroes, and they save the day,” he said. ”(Actual officers) have to have the highest of integrity ... and they have to understand they’re totally under the microscope, as we should be.” 

Moved by state and nationwide demands for reform following the deaths of people of color at the hands of police, Massachusetts lawmakers have proposed new legislation in recent weeks. Key to state reform is the idea of accreditation – creating a set of standards all police departments will have to follow."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200801/police-chiefs-reform-needed-but-we-should-be-included?rssfeed=true

"Saying school districts had expected state education aid could be cut by 10%, the Massachusetts Teachers Association late Friday called a new local aid level funding agreement a “major victory” and urged districts to recall about 2,000 educators and staff who had received layoff notices. 

“The first thing districts must do is recall teachers and other staff who were pink-slipped due to budget fears,” Mass. Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy said in a statement. “To operate schools under any model will require more staff members, not fewer.” 

The teachers union also expressed concerns about public higher education layoffs and revenue shortfalls and what it called a “hold” on the phase-in of an education funding law passed a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck and upended the state’s finances. 

“Although the schools’ budgets weren’t cut, they also did not receive the increases they would have received under the Student Opportunity Act,” MTA Vice President Max Page said. “That act addressed very real gaps in funding for low-income students and communities of color - gaps that are worse due to the pandemic.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200801/state-aid-accord-leaves-teachers-with-victory-but-also-concerns?rssfeed=true