Invisible People: "‘American Dream’ Takes Final Blow"

"Our nation is on a trajectory to experience exponentially more homelessness. Yet this didn't occur overnight. 

Over the past 40 years, unequal income distribution has allowed the top 1% of earners to take roughly $50 trillion from the bottom 90%. "

Read more https://t.co/BAXtZvX55F

Invisible People: "‘American Dream’ Takes Final Blow"

Town Council Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Quick Recap:

• CPA promoted during Citizens Comments
• Two more sets of lot line clean ups approved by Council; sewer extension approved for single family residence
• Citizen comment via landline phone added later as broadcast of number did not allow time to dial and address a comment. Question was effectively following up on a study of the DPW workforce and why there were so much turnover (and recently acknowledged 5 openings being filled). Study is being worked not received yet.
• Presentation and discussion on Planning and Community Development Dept, which includes work by Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review, Technical Review and Conservation Commission (see agenda doc for link to presentation)
• Meeting broadcast was interrupted with loss of sound just as they moved into the Legislation for action section. Apparently, the laptop in the Chamber lost connection and no audio was broadcast either live stream or Zoom (it controlled the Zoom session). Did return approximately 20 minutes later with some disconnected audio, then it seemed to synch properly to close out the meeting
• Light for intersection of Grove and Washington coming (yah!), plans for rework all along Grove St talked of, timeline TBD.
• Study of South Meeting House received and to be posted to web site
• Drought status is worsening

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter cen be found in the album https://photos.app.goo.gl/4c91qnWNXfmPKigi8

 

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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  #tc1007

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1007&src=typed_query 

 

• Getting ready for the next meeting; Town Council up at 7 PM, agenda and connection info in doc here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/10-07-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf… #tc1007
• Multiple options to watch/listen to meeting; Comcast channel 11 or Verizon channel 29, also live streamed from town of Franklin page  https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream… as well as the Zoom info in doc linked earlier #tc1007  oh, and you can call in via phone as well!
• #tc1007 Meeting opens
• Citizen comments used by two Franklin folks to talk about the Community Preservation Act on the November ballot as ballot question #3. Webinar coming Oct 15 at 7 PM send email to cpa4franklin@gmail.com or visit http://cpaforfranklin.org for info #tc1007
• Opening 2 hearings for lot line changes more in the series of clean up. #tc1007 parcels were in multiple zones and being moved to a single zone. No material impact to current owners (had my own lot line cleaned up previously)
• Clarification questions on reading the map and which way the zone changes would go. One question was for a lot not part of this set of changes #tc1007 only changes the lots split, if lots weren't split not part of the change. Q on mixing changes, attorney approves this use case
• #tc1007 single family house with failing septic, had been here previously (Sep) looking for a private extension for the one house; hearings closed
• Reopening citizen comments for one who dialed via phone but couldn't do so fast enough to get into that section of the meeting. Comment on the study of the DPW mentioned previously: 5 open positions. Will the study be available?  #tc1007
• Bryan Taberner of Planning and Community development here to do  presentation on their work #tc1007
• Support conservation and planning issues, #tc1007 Planning Board elected positions
• Lots of variety in applications submitted #tc1007
• Q to clarify some of the categories
• Q on who does the inspection of these plans and approvals, contracted with Beta to do so. #tc1007 Beta's report comes back thru channels for decision. Q on bond holding process re: enforcement for subdivision yes, site plan no
• Attny Cerel comments on the covenant process for the subdivisions, various methods of surety (cash, etc) #tc1007 pros, cons and things change overtime with the market place
• There are a few problem areas that remain unresolved. #tc1007 Jen Delmore, conservation agent takes this part of the presentation
• #tc1007 clarification on types of work covered and required for ConCom
• ConCom has an open position, looking for a volunteer. Design review commission support provided by dept. Covers all sign requirements. #tc1007 makes recommendations to Planning Board
• #tc1007 Q when dealing with a franchise (Wendy's, etc) how do they handle them? Are their hands tied? Attny Cerel to weigh in on this in absence of others who may be out due to power outages around this evening
• Comprehensive planning, zoning bylaws, master plan review should be started in 2023 for approval in 2025 or so. Hazardous plan in review with MA before going to FEMA, will ultimately require Town Council endorsement #tc1007
• #tc1007 (just photos)
• SNETT trail tunnel almost complete, 'complete streets' project coming #tc1007  use of TIFs is great, three used so far Hamilton, Cold chain, and Tegra Medical... https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/a._planning_and_conservation_presentation_web.pdf
• Detail doc on master plan updates https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/masterplan_update_materials.pdf
• #tc1007
• Oops, just lost audio from meeting on both live stream and Zoom session #tc1007  (08:15 PM)
• Meeting continues so they are not aware of our no sound status #tc1007
• FYI the chamber lost connection and are working on it. #tc1007 (08:25 PM)
• 5 minutes recess called #tc1007
• They're back albeit with gaps in the audio more than a normal voice pause, phrases being missed. Oh well. We'll do what we can #tc1007  (08:33 PM)
• Picking up with the authorization for fixing the intersection at Grove/Washington Sts (yah!) #tc1007 revenue from the cannabis companies coming would help to pay for this work, check the details in memo https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/resolution_20-59_borrowing_authorization_-_washington_and_grove_streets_0.pdf
• Did apply for MassWorks grant for repaving of Grove St up to Kenwood Circle, need to get this and other pieces together to do the work in 2021. #tc1007
• Still in drought and additional measures coming to help conserve water supply. #tc1007 museum may open before election. Should get an update each meeting.
• We are in a drought, it could get really serious, forecast doesn't show help coming soon. #tc1007
• Could we talk with Nationalgrid again, power outages are becoming frequent? #tc1007
• Comments DPW study is being worked coming shortly, been worked. Flag policy reached tonight for 9/11 .
• Museum holiday Ornaments for sale this weekend, drive by purchase at museum. Fund raiser for museum #tc1007 3 families affected by the fire on Peck/Winter st a stubborn blaze to fight
• Compliments for fire department and response from local community
• FEF fund raising via many smaller events as the basketball game can't be played #tc1007 SAFE Coalition busy as addiction is increasing during covid-19
• Executive session to be entered and not return to open session #tc1007 motion passed 8-0, redo vote via roll call. Still 8-0

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with an update during the Town Council meeting

Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Bissanti was late for session so the first vote was 3 members, and remaining votes were 4. Room for improvement in knowing who is on when they are all in the room and no need to do the roll call they used to when remote.
• Two more groups of lotline changes to better align the zoning with lots lines were brought forward for discussion. Both sets moved forward to full Council
• Discussion on feedback from listening session.
• Discussion on a draft trifold doc those in the room were able to see and comment on. Potential for use to tout businesses locally, i.e with the #thinkfranklinfirst tag

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in this album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DK9KWgP9PYNj8gpN6

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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  #edc1007
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc1007&src=typed_query

• Getting ready for Real time reporting for the Economic Development meeting tonight 5:45 agenda and link info here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-07_edc_agenda_complete_web_version.pdf  #EDC1007 
• Multiple ways to participate: listen/watch only - Verizon 29 or Comcast 11 local cable channels ; via zoom at link in agenda doc, or via live stream via Town web page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream #EDC1007 or follow text notes here, your choice
• Meeting opening protocol message being read at start. #edc1007
• Lot line changes next package, #5 in series, last set on Oak St. #edc1007
• #edc1007 clarification questions on the changes and how the lines fell, circles vs ways handled differently by developers overtime motion to move to full council, second, passed (hard to see Committee members present, 3 known so far)
• Next up,  group #6 of lot line changes, #edc1007
• Bissanti now speaking and acknowledged that he arrived late, that makes 4 votes going forward and three for prior. #edc1007
• #edc1007 motion to move to full Council, second, passes 4-0
• Next up follow up on listening session, #1 last week. Sample brochure provided for those in chamber. Q raised on issues with college getting involved with jingle/social campaign
• Hoping for more business participation in coming sessions, #edc1007 Q no one using the parking spaces in municipal lot as well as only a few cars in train station lot. Use of space in municipal lot for art. Anne Marie talking of draft/mockup brochure
• Craft drink brochure to circulate with 67 Degrees, La Cantina, and Glen Pharma to help tell their story and activities. #edc1007 touts #thinkfranklinfirst series of videos on YouTube channel to update them; PPE and thermometers to help with local businesses reopening
• Motion to adjourn. Passed 4-0. That's all for this one. Back at it with Town Council session coming up at 7 PM. #edc1007

Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

A perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation

It's PRIME DAY this weekend! 

What a perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc. with the click of a button. During COVID-19, ensuring students have access to enriching quality music lessons and classes online is a priority for EMEF. This can be made possible through your generous donations! 

See below for instructions on how to help.

Amazon donates .5% of eligible purchases through Amazon Smile to charitable organizations. Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile, choose us as your organization, and start generating donations!

• Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
• Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
• Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

A perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation

Follow Encore on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/301316673235715/posts/3709982115702470/?extid=0&d=n

Encore Music Education Foundation

FBRTC News: Grove Street Parking Lot Closure - Oct 13-16

View this email in your browser Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PARKING ALERT!! No SNETT parking at Grove Street If you are planning to visit the SNETT in Franklin from 10/13-10/16 be advised, you will not be able to park at the Grove Street trailhead. For more information and alternative parking please visit our website. Copyright © 2020 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

What Is Pantherbook?

From Pantherbook we share the following: 

"Many of you may be wondering what is Pantherbook and how is it run. This article will explain everything Pantherbook does, how it operates, and how you can join if interested!

Pantherbook started many years ago at FHS but it was much different compared to the Pantherbook we know and love today. Pantherbook used to be a hard copy newspaper that was printed out weekly for students and teachers to read.

Believe it or not, Pantherbook is the way it is today because of Facebook! At the time Facebook was the new sensation, so the staff decided to move the school newspaper online to save paper but also make it easier for staff and teachers to view it as technology was on the rise. The play on words is “Panther” panther pride and then “Book” because of Facebook!"

Continue reading about Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/clubs-activities/2020/10/05/what-is-pantherbook-3/

 

 

Halle Goldsmith (right) and Elise Ravech (left) representing Pantherbook at Panther Pride Night!

In the News: Identity theft problem with unemployment;

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"John and Stephanie Jennings received quite a surprise during the coronavirus pandemic.

Early in the outbreak, Stephanie opened a letter from the state Department of Unemployment Assistance that said her unemployment benefits claim had been processed.

The problem is she never filed one, because she wasn’t out of work.

A few weeks later, John received a similar letter from the DUA. He was also employed, working remotely from home.

Someone — or some entity — stole the couple’s personal identification, and filed fraudulent claims with the DUA."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201010/a-horrible-situation-metrowest-residents-target-of-stolen-identity-during-coronavirus-pandemic?rssfeed=true

"Gov. Charlie Baker met with White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx on Friday after she met with a group of college presidents in Cambridge.

Birx became a familiar face earlier this year when she regularly appeared with President Donald Trump at White House briefings on the coronavirus. Now she is on a nationwide tour of college campuses.

Birx visited the Broad Institute on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Friday for a roundtable discussion with college and university presidents from Massachusetts.

Birx said Massachusetts and the rest of the Northeast are seeing what she called a “silent spread” with more and people catching the virus, but not showing symptoms."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201010/birx-warns-of-covid-19-silent-spread-during-meeting-with-baker?rssfeed=true