FM #334 Economic Development Comm Meeting Not 8/20/20 (Audio)

FM #334 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 334 in the series. 
This session shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Due to lack of quorum, the meeting never officially opened, all discussion was relevant but not official. The Chair, Melanie Hamblen, was present from the beginning along with multiple Town Administration staff. One other member of the committee (Jones) joined about 26 minutes into the recording but they still lacked one of the other two members (Earls, Bissanti) to make an official meeting.

The recording runs just about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to the discussion from the unofficial meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee.

The agenda for the meeting can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

The next meeting is targeted for Sep 2 starting approx 5:00 or 5:30 PM effectively before the Town Council meeting, the same night.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H63FkD7K

 

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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?

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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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screen grab of proposed schedule for listening sessions

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2020

 Monday, August 24, 2020

7:00 PM

Virtual Meeting

AGENDA

Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Cultural District Committee Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required).

Please click on the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82896306355 or call on your phone at 929-205- 6099, meeting # 82896306355.

Welcome

• Porch Fest & Other Ideas
• Brainstorming

Next Cultural District Meeting Dates

• Monday, August 31, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. with Anne Marie Tracey Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. FCD & FDP Business Listening Session

Next Cultural District Partner Meeting Date

• Monday, September 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn

The listings 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.

For Additional information, contact: 

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP, Director
Department of Planning and Community Development 

508-520-4907; btaberner@franklinma.gov

The agenda doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/cultural_district_committee_agenda_august_24_2020.pdf

The Cultural District web page is https://www.franklinculture.org/

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2020

Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Remote Public Hearing on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Joseph Halligan of Franklin, MA for the construction of a residential condo building and retail building with associated parking lot, storm water structures, and grading within the 100 ft. buffer zone to vegetated wetlands and impacting bylaw jurisdictional ditch and isolated wetlands.

The project is located at 340 East Central Street, Map 285 Lot 09.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

To access the records and files for this project, please email jdelmore@franklinma.gov

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929 or emailing jdelmore@franklinma.gov

Bill Batchelor 

Chairman

From the Town of Franklin page  
https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/events/244703

Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27

Register O’Donnell Promotes Homestead Act

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, where the focus is understandably on the health and safety of our families, friends and neighbors, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell is reminding Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of filing for Homestead protection.  

O’Donnell noted, “As your elected Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I am pleased to inform county homeowners about a valuable consumer protection tool. Indeed, for most of us our home is the most important financial asset we have. If you own a home, and it is your primary residence, one way to protect it is to file a Homestead. The Homestead law provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.” 

Another feature of the Homestead law is the allowance for a filing of an Elderly Homestead application, which defines an elder as a person who is 62 years of age or older. This protection can be increased if the elderly couple are each 62 years of age or older and file jointly.

The Register further noted, “Back in March of 2011, the Homestead law was updated by an act of the Massachusetts Legislature. Current law states a valid Homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Other enhancements that took place back in 2011 state that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home even if it is kept in trust. The definition of a primary residence was also further expanded to include a manufactured or mobile home.”

While a Homestead provides important protections for homeowners, it is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act. These include federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead protection statute.

Homestead documents are recorded at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. To find out more about the Homestead law, or to get a free application, please go online to the Registry’s website at www.norfolkdeeds.org or contact the Registry’s Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101. 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “My office stands ready to answer any questions you may have relative to the Homestead law. I want to reiterate that a Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that with a Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts.” 

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/or 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 Homestead Act

“The days just sort of would go by”

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

"From the beginning of the pandemic, most were aware of the disease’s devastating mortality rate among older people.

As of Aug. 11, Massachusetts residents over age 70 accounted for 86% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths, according to data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. About 65% of the total deaths reported in the state have occurred at skilled-nursing facilities, nursing homes and rest homes.

Still, as COVID-19 tore across the state and new cases surged from March through late June, skilled-nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and many independent living facilities became hot spots for the infectious disease.

Joining first responders, doctors and nurses — familiar heroes in times of crisis — residents, caregivers and staff at these facilities found themselves on the front lines of the pandemic. Too often, they found themselves alone in the fight."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200824/senior-living-facilities-bore-brunt-of-covid-19-in-massachusetts-now-hear-from-staff-and-resident-about-life-on-front-lines?rssfeed=true 

Franklin Community 2020 Voting Guide - Primary - Sept 1

A worthy set of material to prepare for the Primary election. Get your copy here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pJTTTmSxr5JwjJVzdBl-ra2_KEAMd0pq/view?usp=sharing 

or here

 

For additional information on voting visit the Town Clerk page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

For the Franklin voters "election collection" visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

the Franklin voters "election collection"

Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Tom Angelo, FHS Athletic Director Josh Hanna, FHS Principal

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Athletics at Franklin High School
I recommend the approval of Franklin High School sports teams participating in MIAA seasons although school is opening in a predominantly remote environment as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics.pdf

B. Policy - First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
● EBC (SUPPLEMENTAL) - Creation Of A General (Interim) Policy On Covid-related Issues
● EBCFA - Masks/Face Coverings (New)
● COVID Policy Addendums
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_reads.pdf

C. 2020-21 Revised Calendar
I recommend approval of the revised 2020-2021 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_revised_20-21_calendar.pdf

D. Digital Learning Integrationist
I recommend the approval of three Digital Learning Integrationist positions in Franklin Public Schools as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_digital_learning_integrationist.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. School Committee Presentation Schedule
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_presentation_schedules_2019-present_-_2020-2021.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 11, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session minutes from your August 11, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc, including connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-82520

The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-25-2020-school-committee-meeting

Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20