Friday, February 19, 2021

"the system did not scale fast enough to accommodate the increased volume."

 

"Massachusetts is a global leader in heavy-duty technology fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, yet the state government continues to have a nightmarish time running a simple website to let residents easily book COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

The latest and most spectacular failure occurred Thursday morning, when the state’s main vaccine scheduling site repeatedly crashed under heavy traffic from thousands of newly eligible residents chasing the few available appointments. It resumed service later in the day.

The state issued a statement Thursday evening from PrepMod, one of its vendors for the online appointments, in which the company took responsibility for the site crash. “As public health servants and your partner, we are sorry for not meeting expectations,’' the PrepMod statement said. “We accept full responsibility for the problem today."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

"THE STATE WEBSITE for finding an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine crashed Thursday morning as a torrent of people 65 and above rushed to sign up, the latest chapter in the Baker administration’s ongoing difficulty responding to the pandemic.

Many people who logged on to the website at 8 a.m. were met with a message saying “this application crashed” and to try again later. By about 8:25 a.m. it was possible to get into the website, but it appeared all the appointments had been booked at major mass vaccination sites and other locations. Later in the morning the website was accessible but no appointments were available except in Greenfield."
Continue reading the article online

Tweet from MIAA - Updated Communications on Fall II Season

MIAA (@MIAA033) tweeted on Thu, Feb 18, 2021:
Read #MIAA updated communication regarding general & sport modifications for Fall II Season. #patience #OneTeamOneMIAA #maskupMIAA😷

MIAA web page = https://t.co/7BHpt3Q2lf 
Shared from Twitter = https://t.co/kh17FId6A4

Note: The FAQ doc linked to is updated. The doc shown in the Twitter image I could not find.

Tweet from MIAA - Updated Communications on Fall II Season
Tweet from MIAA - Updated Communications on Fall II Season


Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting

Quick Recap:
  • Special alcohol license approved for Dacey's Market. Not part of the Town pool of such licenses.
  • Community Preservation Committee appointments approved. 30 candidates for the four at large residents spots. Thanks to all for stepping up. A good team to go forward
  • Complete Streets approach presented to Council, will return for a formal approval as a 'policy' not a bylaw. Will also provide some bonus points for applications to State for grants for work on roads, sidewalks and the like
  • Annual review of Town Administrator presented and report approved by 8-1 vote (Bissanti no). Will come to Council again for formal approval and there will also be a 'goals setting session' and discussion on how to better improve the overall review process
  • Fire Dept found a good deal on two pumper trucks saving a bunch of money, purchase authorized. They will arrive later this year, replace two front line units, which will then move to reserve and the two current reserve units (2000 and 2007 vintage) will be marked surplus and sold.
  • Storm water bylaw articles I, II, and III returned for their second reading. Elongated and misplaced discussion again ensued as folks were getting wrapped around these are setting up for the possible utility fee coming up later this year. They were all passed by 8-1 vote (Bissanti no on all)
  • Sad to hear that 38 Franklinites have lost their lives during this COVID-19 pandemic. 85% of them were over 75 years old

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album    https://photos.app.goo.gl/D5ZBXuVmqXWBKwv68

------- 

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  #tc0217
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0217&src=typeahead_click 


Public Hearing - Dacey's Market
  • Moving to public hearing on MADD Deli/ Dacey's Market 
  • Special home rule legislation passed by state house. This is unique to the site, can't be moved or reused without special legislation, Bissanti recuses
  • #tc0217 "feels good to be help a neighborhood business" hearing closes via roll call 8-0-1 (8 yes, 1 recused). License transaction, motion to approve. Passes via roll call same vote as above 8-0-1
Community Preservation Committee appointments
  • Community preservation Committee nominations, 30 at large applied for 4  seats, selected 4 which we see tonight #tc0217 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf 
  • Nice diverse group, have work to do! 4 chosen deliberate to have Community knowledge ... All have shown support/interest
  • FYI approx 26 via Zoom, another 7 on live stream, and some unknown # via Comcast/Verizon #tc0217 all also committed to approach it is this an open mind, management of open space, willing to build a program from scratch for the community and preservation/development efforts
  • #tc0217 TA Jamie Hellen thanks the 5 Committees for their public discussion and selection. Nominated individuals contained in the doc linked here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf
  • These appointments would come back in June for the annual renewal on the 1 or 2 year appointment to enable the staggering terms per the bylaw #tc0217 something for everyone, many new folks just starting to get involved, affordable housing a trend item
  • #tc0217 why only released on Tuesday? Just timing with holiday and 30 folks to contact. Many thanks for the number of volunteers to come forward. CPC in Hyde Park has a project on the Dedham line, good story, like to see something like that hear.
  • #tc0217 there will be nine individual votes, one per nominee, all will be via roll call (assuming the votes are the same, I'll be concise) if there is a difference it will be noted; first 9-0 for Livingstone, second 9-0 Malcolm, third 9-0 Feeley, fourth 9-0 Halligan …
  • #tc0217 fifth 9-0 Simarian, sixth 9-0 Giardino, seventh 9-0 Oxford, eighth 9-0 McNeill, ninth 9-0 Doyle. 
  • That completes the community preservation Committee approvals! 
  • A good team to take on some challenges. Thank you!
2 minute recess 
  • Two minutes recess #tc0217
  • #tc0217 resuming meeting.
Complete Streets presentation
  • Presentation on Complete Streets https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf …. Five straight appearances for DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, engineer Mike Maglio also presenting #tc0217
  • #tc0217  doesn't have to be everything done on the right side of the slide, major piece is the approach of transportation as a whole not just cars first
  • #tc0217 signage and markings are an easy less expensive approach to integrate. State grant applications can be helped with this designation, also a housing Community. An opportunity loss rather than a money loss. Was part of Master Plan (but not prioritized)
  • Part of overall planning for downtown development, ease of access, sidewalks, etc. #tc0217 
  • Sidewalk on Beaver St from RT 140 to the parks already funded, had this been available it could have applied. Washington St survey of the sidewalk planning is being done
  • #tc0217 battle with impervious coverage and we are talking about adding sidewalks. It is connectivity where there are none, not like taking or reducing them in the cul-de-sac. 
  • Where are the gaps? Input from Planning dept, and Police where accidents occur.
  • General consensus thumbs up to develop a policy to bring back to Council in April for one vote (not a bylaw) #tc0217 
Town Administrator review
  • Annual review of Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf asking council for approval to go to review file.
  • #tc0217 subcommittee section usually is empty, this time it contains the TA evaluation report https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf 
  • There will be a goal session in future to include the evaluation process adjustments. Looking for TC to accept report as presented.
  • #tc0217 "it is easy to be critical of everybody but yourself" he works hard, settling into role, good for the community. Need to figure out a better eval process for future.
  • #tc0217 Mercer has worked closely with Jamie over the past 2 years, talking regularly, his admin team has worked well together, look at how much we have done during this challenge! The evaluation is not the TA, it is the entire staff, it is true, you are going to find this …
  • Anywhere else. #tc0217 an incredible team here with a service level like no other. 
  • Motion and second to accept the report, via roll call 8-1 (Bissanti no)
Legislation for Action
  • Moving to legislation for action. #tc0217  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._lib_gift_web.pdf 
  • Gift to the library, motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 via roll call
  • Appropriation for fire trucks #tc0217  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._fire_borrowing_web.pdf 
  • Using $300k from funds set aside, and financing $800k. Motion and second; Chief McLaughlin speaking for, good timing for purchase. Order price for 2019 but completing now, good opportunity
  • Engine 4 since 2000 has served us well, has been in reserve. Local vendor. Corroded frame rail to replace $105k for engine 3 from 2007. Could save $ now, avoid maintenance in next several years. #tc0217 Engine 1 would go into reserve at King St Station. Stars aligned
  • #tc0217 could save some free cash for a few years instead of putting aside the fire truck fund. A choice, let's continue to put it aside per Kelly. "It is a great deal" these are stock trucks, all the hose and stuff from the existing trucks will go to these.
  • Came up during a regular discussion with vendors and found these as an opportunity via one of the vendors. Cab space, length of the truck, all considerations for us and our environment, given space on the streets how used etc. 30' long #tc0217 disposition of surplus …
  • State process defined for surplus, funds do come back to general funds. #tc0217 motion and second, vote passes 9-0 via roll call. Chief thanks council for support on behalf of the department.
  • Stop sign listing updated #tc0217 Chief Lynch here to answer questions on the proposed amended street listing https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._stop_signs_web_0.pdf 
  • Kelly advocates for stop sign at Main St, Eamons St. Missing one there is a problem
  • If someone calls for a stop sign, where does the process start? It can start at Police,  DPW will coordinate with Police and engineering before placement. #tc0217 motion, second to move to second reading passes via roll call 9-0
Stormwater extended discussion
Town Administrator report through to closing
  • #tc0217 grants applied for Museum, COVID update, cases down, status yellow again, capacity increases for business, 38 have died in Franklin from COVID-19. 85% of the deaths were over 75. 65+ can start on 2/18 for appts for vaccine. Teachers next after 65+
  • Our local clinic is not likely to be active as we are so close to Gillette. #tc0217 
  • Pre-budget what have we given for raises town and school
  • Reminder Senior Center coffee hour via Microsoft Teams in the morning (2/18).
  • How is the snow budget doing? About $900K to date, about $200K per storm so we'll be over after this weekend. Not just snow, the salting events. #tc0217 Chair Mercer apologizes for late hour, motion to adjourn, passes 9-0
  • That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

For all the documents released for this meeting

Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting
Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting


Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka - Feb 18, 2021

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka

"I am deeply disappointed that today (2/18/21) so many Massachusetts residents are feeling frustration and anger on a day when we should be experiencing hope. I hear it and I feel it too. The Senate and House are holding a public, livestreamed oversight hearing on Thursday, February 25 and we expect answers from those responsible for this failure. The Administration must deliver a better experience for our residents, who have already dealt with so much anxiety and disruption."


Mass.gov -> Update on vaccine scheduling website

Mass.gov (@MassGov) tweeted at 9:27 PM on Thu, Feb 18, 2021:

"The state's website to find and book vaccine appointments experienced delays and technical difficulties and the administration sincerely apologizes for the frustration and inconvenience residents experienced over the course of the day. (1/6) 

Despite these difficulties, 60,000 mass vaccination appointments for the week were booked. At this time, there are no availabilities for Fenway, Foxboro, Danvers, Natick, Dartmouth and Springfield. (2/6)

After the web vendor Prep Mod addressed the issues, the state’s website is currently operating. The Administration is now pressure testing the site to ensure the vendor’s adjustments are adequate. (3/6)

While the mass vaccination sites are booked for the week, a small number of appointments for other locations will be posted over the next several days. This includes pharmacies and regional collaboratives. (4/6)

Currently, approximately one million residents are now eligible and because supply is still severely limited by the federal government, it is expected to take at least a month for residents to book appointments. (5/6)

The Command Center will continue to work on website improvements to streamline and improve this process.” -Command Spokesperson (6/6)"

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1362589531040608262

Note: "at least a month" ???  in my day, one million divided by 100,000 per week came out to something closer to 2.5 months (at 4 weeks/month)


Mass.gov ->  Update on vaccine scheduling website
Mass.gov ->  Update on vaccine scheduling website

Thursday, February 18, 2021

CommonWealth Magazine: Vaccine eligibility expands; Oversight panel begins next week


"THE BAKER ADMINISTRATION accelerated its vaccine rollout, announcing that starting Thursday individuals over 65 and those with two or more underlying health conditions can start booking appointments for initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Last week, the administration had indicated it would be “several weeks” before it would move on from vaccinating those 75 and older. But Marylou Sudders, the secretary of health and human services, said in a briefing with reporters on Wednesday that the uptake by the over-75 group went better than expected, resulting in more than 50 percent of the group receiving at least a first dose."

 Continue reading the article online
 
 
"THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE intends to put Gov. Charlie Baker on the hot seat over the vaccine rollout, calling an oversight hearing that has been used sparingly in the past.

Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano said Wednesday morning that they will convene a joint committee for a series of oversight hearings to get answers from the administration on its vaccine efforts."
Continue reading the article online
 
Gov Baker's press conf on Feb 17   https://youtu.be/Zw49_Ro0KgA
 
Schedule  Vaccine appointments online

 

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility Update

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Dear friends,  

Some good news - starting tomorrow, Thursday, February 18, 2021, individuals in Phase Two, Group B will be eligible for COVID vaccination. Group B includes Massachusetts residents falling into at least one of these categories: (1) age 65 and over; (2) residents and staff of low-income housing or affordable senior housing; and (3) those with at least two higher risk medical conditions will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. People in Phase Two, Group A and Phase One remain eligible for the vaccine. 

If you're eligible, you can get a COVID vaccine regardless of your ability to pay, insurance coverage, or immigration status. 
To schedule a vaccine appointment, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov or mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap and search for open appointments using your zip code or click through the various vaccination sites closest to you. Individuals who are unable to schedule an appointment online can call the Baker Administration's scheduling center at 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance. (The call center doesn't have any access to additional appointments, so if you can use the website but are not finding any appointments, don't bother calling. The call center is strictly for people having difficulty with the online sign-up process.) Appointments for Group B should be available online starting at 8:00 AM tomorrow. 
 
Please noteappointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. (Massachusetts currently receives roughly 100,000 first doses per week.) If you have no luck getting an appointment tomorrow, check back periodically to see if appointments have opened upMore information about COVID-19 vaccinations is available on my website at www.beccarauschma.com/covidvaccine.  
 
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health considers these 13 conditions as higher risk of severe illness from COVID, warranting vaccine eligibility: 
  • Cancer 
  • Chronic kidney disease 
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) 
  • Down Syndrome 
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies 
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant 
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy 
  • Sickle cell disease 
  • Smoking 
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus 
  • Moderate to severe asthma 
I am glad that we are moving to the next group and more people will be eligible to get the vaccineI also remain seriously concerned about the overall COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Massachusetts, particularly the perpetual lack of detail in implementation protocols and the grave inequities in access and outreach. I continue to push our COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Act and urge the Governor to course-correct this rollout. In addition, the Legislature will hold our first COVID vaccine oversight hearing next week, on Thursday, February 25. 
 
Questions and comments about the COVID vaccine distribution plan and implementation can be emailed directly to the Baker administration at COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov. I welcome constituents to copy me on those emails as well. 
 
As always, if you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this pandemic, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help. You can also find robust resources to help you navigate through COVID-19 on my website.  


Yours in service,  


Senator Becca Rausch  

Our mailing address is:
The Office of Senator Becca Rausch
Massachusetts State House, Room 218
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 

  Senator Rausch · State House, Room 218 · 24 Beacon Street · Boston, MA 02133-1099 · USA

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