Thursday, July 30, 2020

Town Council Recap: reluctantly approves water rate increase

  • The Town Council heard a presentation on the Market Study performed by MAPC. Details of the study will be picked up for action by the Economic Development Subcommittee (beginning July 30 6:00 PM).
  • The Town Council heard a presentation on the PACE Program and voted to enroll in it so businesses (for profit or non-profit) can take advantage of this opportunity.
  • The Town Council 'reluctantly' voted for the final time to approve the water rate increase which has been planned for years and most recently (March 2020) was also cause of much discussion around the 'poor timing.' Poor timing because we are in the middle of a pandemic, folks are economically stressed or hurting, and we are also in the middle of construction to fix the water treatment for wells 3 & 6 which if we didn't would result in a default on contracts and likely larger legal fees that the water rate increase will raise. Oh, and by fixing the wells we get access to over 700,000 gallons of water which we need.
  • The meeting was the first conducted with Zoom installed in the Council Chambers for the Council to be physically together in person. The meeting technically was a success broadcast via Zoom, the cable channels, and live streamed via Franklin TV.


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 #tc0729
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0729?src=hashtag_click

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

  • Real time reporting underway for #tc0729 meeting
  • Motion for approval mins may 6 meeting passed with 1 abstain; motion for may 20 passed, Jun 3 passed, June 17 passed #tc0729
  • Appt for Ag comm, motion made, passed ; conservation comm, motion made, passed https://franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html? cultural council 2 individuals, motion made separately for each, both passed #tc0729
Market Study
  • Next up MAPC market analysis #tc0729 good starting point to help recover from whatever is needed post COVID. EDC will pick up the details to be worked going forward.
  • Data gathering all done before COVID-19, some things may change but the info should be good. Slides to be posted later #tc0729
  • Full market analysis doc is posted to ToF page good reading / study material https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf #tc0729
  • BTW this meeting is hosted on Zoom in the Council chambers, live streamed via Franklin TV (via Town of franklin page) as well as broadcast to the two cable channels. A first !!! #tc0729 currently about 18 via Zoom but that includes the council etc in Chambers
  • Chandler comment/question on how to get workers to turn right into town rather than taking the left from the industrial parks and head home #tc0729 Kelly, affordability of Franklin is an issue, commuter housing is needed
  • #tc0729 Jones, thanks for the work putting the report together, push to EDC for further review (it is scheduled to do so) Hamblen, looking to complete streets and extend the rail trail downtown, how to recruit minority businesses to here?
  • Bissanti, thanks, read just about all of it, not all doom and gloom on housing, need to explore the banking avenues, it is a great investment for a home owner #tc0729 Dellorco, thanks, what scares me is the COVID issue. No one wants to ride mass transit today
  • Mercer, COVID has changed what the future will look like. Is there any funding to relook at the study for a COVID recap? #tc0729 Raul will look to see if there are any options
  • Will go to the EDC for further action, next meeting 7/30 6 PM agenda and virtual link posted
PACE Program
  • Next up PACE program up for discussion and vote later. Council does need to approve of the community entry to this program. #tc0729 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf
  • An important economic development tool to reduce energy costs
  • Property Assess Clean Energy (PACE) finance for energy improvement. #tc0729 betterment assessment aligned with the property, 22 states offer this program. Wendy is the program director
  • Municipal opt in a one time requirement, hence the vote by TC tonight #tc0729 energy cost savings must be cost positive, 3rd party capital provider. Property placed on a lien if approved.
  • #tc0729 Hamblen, is there a downside? Financing facilitated between parties, should work out.
  • Pellegri, no fee to participate in program. Because of payment via betterment assessment need the municipal approval, just launched this week
  • #tc0729 Bissanti, property owner gets energy audit or Mass development? Property owner does and then comes to us to help facilitate the financing agreement. Advantage is long term, 20 years. Assessment secured by a lien
Subcommittee reports
  • Next up subcommittee reports: capital no meeting, EDC Thursday as noted, budget, nothing from the state yet. #tc0729
Legislation for Action Water Rate
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf #tc0729 water rate increase up for second approval, already heard once, required to fund the water treatment plant under construction, not seeking sewer rate increase this or next year.
  • #tc0729 question on water ban, would like to lift but given the weather is a consideration each week; Beaver St interceptor up for presentation Sep/Oct, difference between ban and conservation measures, wells regulations by State, Kelly concerned about the timing of this.
  • #tc0729 drought condition a cause of ban, wells 3 & 6 need to be fixed to give us more water and water quality, hence the rate now is needed, 726000 gallons of capacity for water and fire safety, about half built, if we can't pay it with this increase how?
  • #tc0729 is there any place we could take for this? $500,000 a year. About 40/unit. Water conservation is the annual useage with limit of once per week allowance; the water ban eliminates the once a week allowance due to drought this year and in 2016? And last year's fire
  • #tc0729 it is a utility and a use, this fixes and pays for our infrastructure. Yes it is an expense. Gallon costs less than a tenth of a cent from Franklin (not the Poland spring rate) where would we find a half million to finish the projects, if we don't find it, we default
  • #tc0729 people can regulate the water being used to a sense, if we don't approve we're in trouble. We're pigeon holed, for funding this. What have we done with the usage year over year, how much is there a change? What about the dual water meter option? Bring someone in
  • #tc0729 Kelly, I guess I need to be a yes as our lawsuit will cost us more. Jones, a lot of families will struggle with this, this is painful. It is a far greater cost if we don't. Where can we roll back some rates down the line? Bissanti, This all came out in March
  • #tc0729 we have to think of the greater good for Franklin. Chandler, this is the hardest thing we need to do. Vote on the motion (finally) 9-0 reluctantly by a few!
Town Administrator's report through to closing
  • #tc0729 3 active cases of Covid in Community currently, editorial slightly, phase 3, this Community has done very well, the rest of the country is scary. Keep it up.
  • Re-opening, inspections resuming! Assessor inspections resumed, recreation bball started one of few
  • #tc0729 concerts on the common started last week, good to see, check the schedule, food trucks coming, do the right thing, we can continue to expand, coordination with Farmers market; about $100k through a grant process for businesses locally details coming by end of month
  • #tc0729 FY 2020 revenue came in at 102% so we did cover all our bills. Thanks to fire dept for the pinning date; thanks for Pete and Franklin TV to be back here in Chambers, feels good to be here
  • #tc0729 question on accept of private roads; people are happy with the nets at the high school; thanks to Franklin TV; thanks to chief McLaughlin for the ceremony last week, hybrid meeting tonight, almost normal; first class event last week, made a good decision last year
  • #tc0729 masks are important, we can't fall back per Pellegri, just wear it, trying to help you. Etc. etc. Thanks to the SchComm and department for handling things in this trying time. Apologies to the town for last week's non-meeting, was a technical challenge and we did it now
  • #tc0729 thanks to Pete and his crew for their work to bring this to fruition, we should be able to continue this, allows citizens to speak from their homes via the Zoom call. Being under 10 is great, thanks to the community for masks, social distance, etc
  • motion to adjourn, catch you next time folks #tc0729
Chair Tom Mercer opens meeting
Chair Tom Mercer opens meeting

Raul (on left) Bryan (on right) on the Market Study
Raul (on left) Bryan (on right) on the Market Study

Wendy leads the PACE Program
Wendy leads the PACE Program

summary work flow of PACE Program
summary work flow of PACE Program

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen caution the Council on default of contract if water rate isn't passed
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautions the Council on default of contract if water rate isn't passed

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Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Survey

We want to know what you think! GATRA is updating their Regional Transit Plan in order to create a vision for the next five years and prioritize service improvements. As a valued GATRA customer, your feedback is essential to our service and is a key ingredient in our recipe for success.

 The safety and well-being of GATRA passengers and employees remains our foremost consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are taking every precaution to protect the public today, we must also continue to plan for the future when the ever-increasing demand for service improvements return. With this in mind, we ask you to take a few minutes to provide us with your feedback on how service was meeting your demands in the months leading up to the pandemic. Funding for service improvements often takes years to secure and your feedback today is vital to ensuring that we have the resources necessary for robust service improvements in the future.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/gatra2020survey

If you did not know that Franklin has the Franklin Area Bus (FAB) check out the route information  http://www.gatra.org/

Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Survey
Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) Survey
 
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Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening plan web page

Here is the link for the Reopen Plan for the schools
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home


Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening plan web page
Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening plan web page
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Franklin.TV - Our Annual Open Meeting via Zoom - Aug 3

Every year per our nonprofit charter, Franklin.TV must conduct an annual board meeting that is open to the public. This year our meeting will be held online via Zoom on Monday, August 3rd at 7:00 PM and is open to all Franklin businesses and residents. During this brief event we'll review our activities of the past year, including new services. We'll also discuss plans for our future.

 At our open meeting you may also vote for new and/or renewing board positions. This year we will vote to extend Wes Rea's and Pandora Carlucci's board positions for an additional term of three years. Thanks go to our board members who contribute their time and energy to help make Franklin.TV and wfpr.fm all that a public access media facility can be.

 Questions? Just call. 508-541-4118.

 If you plan to join our Zoom session - please RSVP.

 Topic: Annual Open Meeting
Time: Aug 3, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82336006836
Meeting ID: 823 3600 6836

 I do hope you can join us.

 Thanks,

 Pete Fasciano,
Executive Director,
Franklin.TV and wfpr.fm
Franklin.TV and wfpr.fm
Franklin.TV and wfpr.fm
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In the News: “The buildings in Franklin are not the school"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
School officials are considering either a hybrid or full remote model of learning for the reopening of school this fall.

 But while school officials considered how students could return under a hybrid model, some teachers said they were more comfortable with full remote learning, and that instruction will be dramatically different if students return in the fall.

 Four instructional learning models were discussed during Tuesday’s School Committee meeting - returning without restrictions, in-person learning with new safety requirements, a hybrid model and remote learning. Superintendent Sara Ahern said officials are leaning toward either the hybrid or remote models.

 “In-person (learning), I think, we’re ruling out,” she said.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200729/hybrid-or-remote-learning-being-considered-for-fall-by-franklin-school-officials?rssfeed=true

My notes from the meeting:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/school-committee-recap-re-opening-fully.html

Here is the link for the Reopen Plan for the schools
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home
 

In the News: “The buildings in Franklin are not the school"
In the News: “The buildings in Franklin are not the school"

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Massachusetts Legislature Passes Breakfast After the Bell Legislation

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Breakfast After the Bell Legislation

The Massachusetts Legislature on Tuesday passed legislation to fight childhood hunger and boost participation rates in school breakfast programs in schools with high percentages of students from low-income families in the Commonwealth. The bill, An Act regarding breakfast after the bell, would require all public K‑12 schools with 60 percent or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the federal National School Lunch Program to offer breakfast after the instructional day begins.

"Research shows that students who eat a healthy breakfast get better grades, go to the nurse less frequently, and miss fewer days of school," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Yet, too often, missed meals equal missed opportunities for our children. As a state, we simply cannot accept hungry students as part of our reality. Students who don't eat breakfast start every single day at a very real disadvantage to their peers; passing this bill into law ensures that students across the Commonwealth have equitable access to nutrition to ensure that they start every day right, ready to learn. I'd like to extend my deepest thanks to Senator DiDomenico for his tireless advocacy on this issue, and to Senate Education Chair Jason Lewis, Speaker DeLeo and our partners in the House for their work on this bill as well."

"We know that a hungry student cannot learn," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). "Children who have access to breakfast at school are healthier, happier, and perform better in the classroom. This bill also removes any potential stigma for students by making free breakfast a shared classroom activity. In keeping with the House's ongoing commitment to prioritize children's health and wellness, I'm proud to support this innovative school breakfast program. My thanks to House Education Chair Peisch, Representatives Vega and Vargas, stakeholders, Senate President Spilka and our colleagues in the Legislature for their advocacy on behalf of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable children."

"Studies show that something as simple as eating a healthy breakfast significantly improves student performance throughout the school day. This bill will bolster participation in school breakfast programs across the Commonwealth by allowing students to access this critical meal after the day begins, breaking down barriers associated with traditional breakfast programs such as lack of early transportation to school and associated social stigma," said Representative Alice Peisch, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education (D-Wellesley). "I'd like to thank the parents, students, and advocates for their tireless efforts to get this bill done, as well as Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Michlewitz for their unwavering support of our students."

"We all understand that a hungry student is not ready to be a successful student, and Breakfast After the Bell is a proven strategy to close the hunger gap and ensure that all kids can start their school day on a level playing field," said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education and a longtime advocate for the legislation. "As the Commonwealth continues to strive for an excellent and equitable educational experience for every child, regardless of their ZIP code or family income, this is an important step along the road to closing opportunity and achievement gaps in our schools."

"As childhood hunger rates continue to spike due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important to increase our school breakfast participation rates and provide our students with the nutrition they need to start their day ready to learn," said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), the Senate sponsor of the bill. "I have seen the success of Breakfast After the Bell in my own community, and I am confident that this policy will help to ensure every child in the Commonwealth has access to a stigma-free and nutritious breakfast. Thank you to Senate President Spilka and Speaker DeLeo for making Breakfast After the Bell a legislative priority, as well as my partners Representative Vega, Representative Vargas, and the Rise and Shine Coalition for their tireless advocacy on this legislation."

"My deepest thanks to all who advocated for and never lost sight of this bill. Ensuring breakfast access to all children who need it in our public schools was a priority pre-COVID-19 and is now more important than ever," said Representative Aaron Vega, the Vice Chair of the Committee on Technology and Intergovernmental Affairs (D-Holyoke). "Many districts have already implemented Breakfast After the Bell, including Holyoke, and are seeing the positive impact on school attendance, classroom engagement and a reduction in nurse visits. It's been a long road but, thanks to the leadership of Chairwoman Peisch, Speaker DeLeo, Senator DiDomenico, the Rise and Shine Coalition, and my friend and co-lead sponsor Rep Vargas we can be certain our hard work and diligence will help feed so many children in our Commonwealth." 

"Pre-pandemic, this bill made a lot of sense. In many ways, Breakfast After the Bell makes even more sense now. There are more families and students in need. School districts must limit cafeteria use to prevent the virus from spreading. Districts are also short on funding," said Representative Andres Vargas (D-Haverhill). "Breakfast After the Bell speaks to all of these concerns by feeding more kids, limiting cafeteria exposure, and maximizing federal funding. I'm grateful for the anti-hunger advocates and for Speaker DeLeo prioritizing the passage of this bill, which 150,000 kids will now stand to benefit from."

"Access to healthy food is a vital need for all children. Under the agreed-upon provisions of this bill such access establishes healthier habits, allows for more consistent focus, and enables more fruitful growth and development," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester).

"Food insecurity remains a serious issue for many students in Massachusetts, and the COVID-19 global pandemic has only added to this problem," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). "By implementing Breakfast After the Bell, we are taking proactive steps to make sure no student goes hungry and every student comes to school prepared to learn."

Massachusetts currently requires all schools with high percentages of students from low-income families to provide breakfast to every eligible student. However, because breakfast is typically offered before the bell and in the cafeteria, participation levels are low—less than 40 percent—compared to 80‑90 percent participation for free and reduced lunch. Moving breakfast from before the bell to after the bell is a proven strategy to boost breakfast participation and ensure that all students have the nutrition they need to start their day ready to learn.

This legislation would require schools across Massachusetts serving low-income students to offer breakfast after the start of the instructional day through a variety of delivery models, including breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go, and second-chance breakfast. This flexibility allows school districts to select the model that best fits their students' needs.

As a federally reimbursed program, Breakfast After the Bell has the potential to provide up to $25 million statewide to Massachusetts school districts that increase participation rates to 80 percent and above. These payments are made directly to school nutrition departments, helping to support jobs, update kitchen equipment, and provide healthier menu options. 

This bill now moves to the governor for his consideration.

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Breakfast After the Bell Legislation
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Breakfast After the Bell Legislation

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Senate Passes ENDURE Act to Provide Relief and to Small Businesses, Support for Workers, and Investments in Infrastructure

 Bill authorizes $455 million to provide relief to communities and stimulate economic development in an effort to combat devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

The Massachusetts State Senate passed a sweeping economic recovery and development bill on Wednesday that provides much-needed support to businesses, invests in infrastructure, and creates new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

An Act to encourage new development and usher in a recovering economy (ENDURE Act) includes provisions for small business competitive grant programs, housing production, local economic development projects, capital funding for vocational schools and community colleges, and investments in infrastructure. It also provides support for the tourism and cultural sectors and restaurant industry. Further, to promote equity and protect borrowers and workers across the Commonwealth, the ENDURE Act establishes a Future of Work Commission and creates a Student Loan Bill of Rights.

"The ENDURE Act will provide a much-needed boost to our economy as it recovers from the dire effects of COVID-19," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "In crafting this bill, the Senate recognized the need to be bold when addressing the challenges facing restaurant and small business owners, the clean energy sector, cultural attractions and other key sectors that keep our economy humming. I am particularly pleased this bill includes the long sought-after housing production reforms that the Senate has supported for years. I want to thank Senators Lesser, Rodrigues and my colleagues for their attention to this critical bill and for acting with urgency to move it forward in the legislative process."

"Since this crisis started, more than 1 million people have applied for unemployment assistance and our economy was put into a coma to stop the coronavirus," said Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. "Half of low-income workers at our small businesses have lost their jobs and the challenges we have faced have been even more pronounced in our Gateway Cities and for our immigrant communities. This legislation gives us the opportunity to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and from the middle out. It provides relief for small businesses, restaurants, tourism and cultural organizations; supports workforce development, vocational education, and community colleges; and invests in community and housing development. This moment calls for bold solutions that chart a path for a brighter, more inclusive future that works to benefit the entire Commonwealth and the passage of the ENDURE Act marks one modest step toward that new future."

The legislation also includes new protections for entrepreneurs by enforcing a ban on making bad faith assertions of patent infringement, a practice known as 'patent trolling.' Such claims often entangle new small businesses in costly lawsuits that hamper the companies' productivity and sap their early seed-stage funds.

To invest in the Commonwealth's infrastructure and stimulate economic activity, the ENDURE Act authorizes bonding for the following:
  • $15M for the site readiness program;
  • $35M for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation matching grant program to community development financial institutions for small business loans and grants;
  • $5M for the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund;
  • $10M for the expansion of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)
  • $50M for the Technology Research and Development and Innovation Fund;
  • $20M for rural community development and infrastructure grants;
  • $20M for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation small business grant program;
  • $20M for financial and capital assistance grants to restaurants impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus;
  • $10M for grants to promote marketing and advertising for in-state cultural and tourist activities during the 2019 novel coronavirus reopening process;
  • $40M for a program to redevelop blighted buildings;
  • $10M for regional and community assistance planning grants;
  • $28M for an Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program;
  • $50M for local economic development projects;
  • $2M for an urban agriculture grant program;
  • $20M for grants to support the reopening of cultural facilities impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus;
  • $25M for transit-oriented housing developments;
  • $10M for climate-resilient affordable housing developments;
  • $50M for the neighborhood stabilization program;
  • $5M for Gateway Cities market rate housing pilot program;
  • $15M for vocational technical school expansion grants; and
  • $15M for community college high-demand workforce grants.
 "As we confront a dramatically different economic landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate's passage of the ENDURE Act will help bolster and shape our Commonwealth's ongoing economic recovery efforts and support our workforce as we adjust to the new normal," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D – Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership, Senator Lesser for his close collaboration and my Senate colleagues for taking action to address and respond to the challenges individuals, small businesses, and our communities are facing during this time of great uncertainty."

"Our Massachusetts economy, that just a few months ago had strength and low unemployment, is now faced with the challenge of recovering from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill responds to this situation in such a way as to leverage our strengths, increase opportunities for many to gather a stronger economic footing, and invest tax dollars efficiently to yield positive results for every corner of the Commonwealth," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester).

The ENDURE Act creates a robust commission to look at the 'Future of Work' and examine ways to ensure sustainable jobs, fair benefits and workplace safety standards for all workers in all industries.

It also gives greater protections to student loan borrowers in disputes with companies servicing their loans, requiring servicers to apply for licenses from the state, which the Commissioner of Banks could revoke if the servicer is engaged in abusive practices such as overcharging students or steering them into costlier repayment plans to make higher profits. Student loan servicers that break state licensing requirements or take advantage of students could be fined and forced to repay student borrowers under the bill.

Further, the ENDURE Act:

  • Addresses the critical need for housing by enabling municipalities through a simple majority to address building opportunities through zoning reform;
  • Authorizes an additional 2800 megawatts of offshore wind development;
  • Extends the state and local permits held by a real estate developer unable to proceed with the project due to COVID-19 disruptions for one year;
  • Allows farmer brewers and farmer distillers to sell, and provide samples of, their alcoholic beverages at agricultural events and farmers markets;
  • Extends protections for cranberry growers under c.61A out to 2023;
  • Mandates equitable opportunities in state contracts by expanding an affirmative marketing program that elevates hiring firms owned by women and people of color;
  • Reduces onerous and unnecessary regulations for hair braiders;
  • Excludes forgiven PPP loans from Massachusetts taxable income for the purposes of personal income taxes; and
  • Enables MassDevelopment to better deploy its resources and tools under the TDI program.
The final version of this bill will now be negotiated by the House and Senate before going to the governor's desk for his consideration.

Senate Passes ENDURE Act to Provide Relief
Senate Passes ENDURE Act to Provide Relief




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"More Than 6,300 Coronavirus Cases Have Been Linked to U.S. Colleges"

From the New York Times, an article of interest for Franklin:
"As college students and professors decide whether to head back to class, and as universities weigh how and whether to reopen, the coronavirus is already on campus.

 A New York Times survey of every public four-year college in the country, as well as every private institution that competes in Division I sports or is a member of an elite group of research universities, revealed at least 6,300 cases tied to about 270 colleges over the course of the pandemic. And the new academic year has not even begun at most schools."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/28/us/covid-19-colleges-universities.html

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Wednesday, July 29, 2020

School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration

There are lots of notes as the work to develop 3 plans (in person, hybrid and remote learning) and the whole planning process is very complex but the quick summary for me is: 
"In person likely ruling out for feasibility, leaving hybrid or remote? Need survey results from Community to help make decision #schcom0728 then flesh out the comprehensive plan for final submission. Afraid to lose staff"
The preliminary plan reviewed tonight will be submitted Friday to DESE with one of the three options as being 'leaned towards' without committing to. The survey results will inform which of the two options (hybrid or full remote) will be the 'leaned towards' choice. Then the work to flesh out this plan will continue. Assuming there is a waiver from DESE granted, then the School Committee will meet as scheduled Aug 11, and vote on the recommendation. If waiver not granted by DESE (as plan is due Aug 10), then another School Committee meeting will be scheduled for the vote.
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 #schcom0718
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom0728?src=hashtag_click

Twitter stream of notes

  • Real time reporting underway for #schcom0728. Chair can't see anything so this could be interesting as she (Anne Bergen) tries to conduct the meeting
  • Superintendent reports on 2 new grants received. Details in report posted to webpage on Weds. #schcom0728 next up preliminary opening plan
preliminary opening plan
  • Slide deck used with faculty and two parent chats being used again tonight, updated with additional info as it is available. #schcom0728
  • Slide doesn't talk to faculty risk but superintendent did note to add it #schcom0728
  • Will review 3 models, no vote by #schcom0728 tonight, will be a vote at next meeting
  • Universal health and safety practices expected to be in place and followed #schcom0728 will have mask breaks during the day when appropriate. Deviates from DESE guidance in the ALL students will wear masks, not just 2-12 grades
  • Health data doesn't support a return without restrictions, return includes with modifications to most if not all activities, #schcom0728 feasibility studies being done
  • Direction not traffic signage needed, may need some plexiglass to be placed (but not all places) #schcom0728 full remote option to be offered, survey data in process to help determine how to do this
  • Photo of Oak St classrooms here, the prior one was of FHS #schcom0728
  • Hybrid model slides #schcom0728
  • Hybrid model requires time between cohorts for cleaning #schcom0728 anticipate adjustments to the calendar to ensure equity for cohorts, this is way no new schedule is up for review today. Transportation guidance under review
  • Bus monitors would be required to be covered by COVID money from State #schcom0728 families should consider alternatives to bus where practical. ** Full remote learning planned for; additional hours and expectations if in person can't be done
  • Each of the 3 models have merits and challenges; feasibility of 6 and 3 a concern at some schools, esp FHS. #schcom0728 remote could provide more consistency, would miss the socializing altho could be provided with small groups
  • Classrooms at FHS smaller generally as well as students bigger physically, capacity of 1750 in building for 1600 is a challenge when trying to implement distancing #schcom0728
  • Additional considerations, bus capacity reduced by 1/3. Survey data will be important to help determine, staggered start times may be required #schcom0728
  • Anticipated to have lunch in classrooms, #schcom0728 survey closing tomorrow at 8AM. Preliminary view of the overall numbers, after closing survey will do additional slice/dice on #s
  • Facilities considerations #schcom0728 (this not just preparing for school, this is doing so three times with permutations and combinations considered)
  • #schcom0728 (four photos)
  • Faculty response similar to family on a number of points #schcom0728
  • Slides to be posted to schools page Weds, will share when it is available. #schcom0728 the remote learning coming would be graded work can last year wasn't under the emergency basis. Not all teachers were not Google classroom proficient (and didn't need to be) previously
  • Hybrid model requires time between cohorts for cleaning #schcom0728 anticipate adjustments to the calendar to ensure equity for cohorts, this is way no new schedule is up for review today. Transportation guidance under review
  • Bus monitors would be required to be covered by COVID money from State #schcom0728 families should consider alternatives to bus where practical. ** Full remote learning planned for; additional hours and expectations if in person can't be done
  • Classrooms at FHS smaller generally as well as students bigger physically, capacity of 1750 in building for 1600 is a challenge when trying to implement distancing #schcom0728
  • Additional considerations, bus capacity reduced by 1/3. Survey data will be important to help determine, staggered start times may be required #schcom0728
  • Remote learning is different from home schooling, remote is still part of the district funded supported, etc. Home schooling is separately governed and is where the family takes responsibility of the curriculum, needs to be reviewed and approved. #schcom0728
  • Is home schooling a trend? Yes, overall slightly but not really known of now. don't have #s handy. Folks may not be realizing what is required. Q have we used Fed funding for nursing/counseling? Not yet under eval #schcom0728
  • Next steps, conversation tonight, working group meeting T-W-Th, submit draft Fri to State, looking for vote on Aug 11 meeting and submit with an extension to state. If no extension, would need meeting/vote earlier #schcom0728
  • Additional considerations for #schcom0728 including a COVID addendum for the school handbook usually reviewed in August.
  • Do all students have the technology? FHS always had, some of the redeploy units are less than satisfactory, did purchase new ones, also looking to id the network side #schcom0728
  • Q if vaccine becomes available, if parents choose not to, would it be ok for them (kids without COVID-19 vaccine) to come back? Would need guidance to answer the question now #schcom0728
  • Testing is one of the universal practices but not mentioned earlier. Would also need to review policy implications for this. Screening procedure to be in handbook, staff observation on entry, buses, etc. #schcom0728 temp screening not recommended, too variable
  • Would need staff for remote teaching in the hybrid model, don't have the info to calculate yet. #schcom0728 (yes, this is a multiple variable model with not all the #s available yet) stay close the the development
  • Q if family choice is remote, what happens if sometime down the road they change their mind, how do we integrate them back into the process, room, etc. #schcom0728 what about ECDC? Group working on that separately with building based team
  • Thanks for portrait of calm, definitely needed now. #schcom0728 "grappling" very descriptive of the monumental task. It would be good to walk through the entire process as it is totally new and not what we have done before
  • Protocol for students or staff developing symptoms during the day, contact tracing upon positive cases. Will depend upon facts of each case. Quarantine period TBD #schcom0728 how long is our test results turn around? Will be a consideration
  • Q what about subs? Will be talking more about as a budget item would need the resources. #schcom0728 complexity of hybrid is amazing, would we be better off spending time on the other options? Narrow the options before the 11th? Yes, leaning is required
  • In person likely ruling out for feasibility, leaving hybrid or remote? Need survey results from Community to help make decision #schcom0728 then flesh out the comprehensive plan for final submission. Afraid to lose staff
  • #schcom0728 FEA has been well represented in this. Walk through a day in the new life at Davis Thayer, with 3 and 6 foot separation. Schools do not have air conditioning, CDC guidance says no fans due to spread of COVID-19. We want to get in, but we know there are issues
  • Looking for a video of the walk through for staff and students to help set expectations. #schcom0728 lack of predictably as issue. Want to take time to start remote first and then phase in hybrid
  • Language education requires watching the mouth for proper pronunciation, it will hinder the education delivery. #schcom0728 the building is not the school, the people are the school, kids need the educational experience, need to address Maslow, understand the reality
  • We're doing this via Zoom, my company isn't planning to do in person until next year, we should consider doing remote only. #schcom0728 let's spend the remaining time to prepare for remote learning
Discussion/Action Items Information Updates
  • Budget Subcommittee meeting Thursday for next issues, not yet allowed at Farmers Market. Not allowed to hang out at the tables #schcom0728 facilities Analysis not appropriate right now, given uncertainty around fall period. Will resume work in the fall. And set timeline!
  • No final copy of the report or date for it yet, #schcom0728 may be in email but not watching that while in meeting.
  • Next meeting update on plan, revised school calendar for review, likely budget and policy updates #schcom0728 motion to accept consent agenda, via roll call passed 7-0.
Executive Session
  • Will go to executive session, will return to open meeting. How folks will know to rejoin is open. #schcom0728 let's consider this the end of the night. If I get anything else, I'll share. Otherwise catch you next time!


The agenda doc in PDF format can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-7-28-20

Documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration
School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration

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Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - July 30

Franklin Public Schools 
Franklin School Committee
Budget Sub Committee 
Thursday, July 30, 2020
5:00 PM

Per Governor Baker’s Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

 Municipal Building – outside picnic tables And Via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95346337873?pwd=WW80aUFpNW1XZC95MzU0ZUhxUHdIZz09

 Meeting ID: 953 4633 7873
Passcode: FSCBS 

 Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 953 4633 7873
Passcode: 460911


A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Update of FY21 Budget
The agenda doc can be found online:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda-bsc_7-30-20.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - July 30
Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - July 30

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MassDevelopment Announces Financing Program

MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources announced that financing is now available through PACE Massachusetts to fund energy improvements on commercial and industrial buildings, multifamily properties, and buildings owned by nonprofits. 

 Find out details on the attached press release:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/launch_of_pace_massachusetts_-_07282020_press_release.pdf


Note: The Town Council is required to approve the entry of Franklin into this program. This item is one of the agenda items for the Council meeting rescheduled from last week to today.
  • Town Council Agenda for July 29
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html



MassDevelopment Announces Financing Program
MassDevelopment Announces Financing Program

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