Friday, November 12, 2021

Event Invitation: UNO Bellingham FBRTC Fundraiser - Nov 18

Please consider ordering out or dining in at the UNO Pizzeria & Grill Bellingham on November 18th to support the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

You need to print out the flyer/ticket.

Here is some additional information:
  • UNO will donate up to 25% of ticketed sales – includes alcohol sales! (fine print – excludes any coupons, tax and gratuity)
  • Tickets are valid ALL DAY, from 11:30 AM to close!
  • If you can’t print the ticket or forget yours, please let the host or the server know asap, they will provide you with one. You MUST ASK for the ticket.
  • Tickets are valid for dine-in or takeout
Event Invitation: UNO Bellingham FBRTC Fundraiser - Nov 18
Event Invitation: UNO Bellingham FBRTC Fundraiser - Nov 18 (Print this)

Or go to https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/uno-bellingham-fundraiser-november-18/ to print this flyer to bring for the fund raiser

Opioid deaths: "1,613 people have died in opioid overdoses in Mass. this year"

"Opioid overdoses continued to claim the lives of hundreds of Massachusetts residents in 2021. In the first nine months of this year 1,613 residents have died, a 1 percent increase over the same period in 2020, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Health.

The semiannual report suggests the crisis may be stabilizing after a 5 percent spike in deaths in 2020, when the effects of the pandemic erased the state’s progress in combating illicit opioid use. The annual number of opioid-related deaths peaked at 2,110 in 2016, declined slightly over the next three years, and rose to 2,106 in 2020.

Information gathered from emergency medical services providers around the state also point to a leveling-off. The percentage of EMS trips that were related to opioid use, including nonfatal overdoses, changed little from June 2019 to June 2021, hovering at just over 2 percent."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/10/metro/1613-have-died-opioid-overdoses-massachusetts-this-year/

Critical Conversations, an event on mental health and substance abuse co-sponsored by Franklin Public Schools and the SAFE Coalition, is scheduled for Nov 18  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-public-schools-ma-announces.html


Opioid deaths: "1,613 people have died in opioid overdoses in Mass. this year"

It was 2104 for the 2020 calendar year.

It was 2104 for the 2020 calendar year
It was 2104 for the 2020 calendar year


‘The pandemic is not over’

"Massachusetts coronavirus case numbers have lurched upward in recent days, in a worrisome development that experts say underlines the need for people to get vaccinated and to take precautions such as wearing masks in indoor public spaces.

Case numbers began rising from rock-bottom levels in early July, hit a peak in mid-September, and then declined until early this month. But in the past week or so, they began to rise again. The seven-day average of reported cases was 1,182 on Nov. 3. A week later, as of Nov. 10, it had jumped to 1,481. "

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/11/nation/mass-covid-19-cases-rise-sending-worrisome-signal/


 
‘The pandemic is not over’
‘The pandemic is not over’

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes ARPA spending bill"

 

AFTER WADING THROUGH ours of debate and considering hundreds of amendments, the Senate late Wednesday night unanimously approved a $3.82 billion package to steer special federal relief funds and surplus state budget revenues into virtually every corner of the state.

All three Senate Republicans, who unsuccessfully sought to double the amount of unemployment relief for businesses and implement a two-week state sales tax holiday in the bill, joined Democrats to vote 38-0 in favor of the massive spending proposal (S 2564) that carves up about half of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act relief funding.

Now the arguably harder part — negotiating a final bill between the two branches after the House and Senate versions diverged on many specifics — begins. The one caveat is that there are billions more dollars still in reserve, which could make reaching agreement easier.

Continue reading the article online

MA Senate press releases

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Senate Prioritizes Veterans’ Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Senate Prioritizes Veterans' Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Financial support for veterans' services expanded during Senate debate

 The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday (11/10/2021) passed a $3.82 billion blueprint to invest funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to meet the urgent needs of the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery. The bill includes increased investments for veteran services and supports that target housing security, transportation, and mental and behavioral health care, among other areas.

"For too many veterans, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented physical, mental and financial challenges," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Reaffirming our commitment to veterans is an important piece of this legislation's broader goal of ensuring an equitable COVID-19 recovery and reimagining our future. I am truly grateful to the many veterans who have given so much for the security of our nation, including Senators Velis, Rush, and Cronin, and I am proud to live in a state where so many of us have worked to build the best veterans' services in the nation, including with these investments. I'd like to thank Senator Rodrigues for his leadership of the ARPA process, as well as Senators Velis, Rush, and Moore for their contributions to this legislation and their steadfast commitment to serving veterans in our Commonwealth." 

"As we continue to build our post-pandemic future, we must recognize our veterans who made sure that future was possible," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I am proud that our Senate ARPA spending plan includes measures to strengthen housing security, transportation services, and food distribution for veterans, while also ensuring proper recognition for Massachusetts service men and women who died in the line of duty. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senators Moore, Rush, and Velis for their diligent work to support our cherished veterans."

Many of the provisions strengthening veterans' services were passed as amendments on An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs (S. 2564). The Senate's ARPA plan would invest $150 million in supportive housing, including $75 million for the chronically homeless population. Priority for permanent supportive housing would be given to veterans, along with individuals and families who are chronically homeless, experiencing behavioral health or substance misuse needs, survivors of domestic violence, involved in the foster care system, or seniors. An amendment proposed by Senator Rush and adopted directs $20 million be invested in supportive housing for veterans located across the state in areas not primarily served by either the Chelsea or Holyoke Soldiers' Homes.

"Veterans who have served this nation and have been willing to give their life for our freedom deserve a place to call home," said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Thank you to the Senate President and Ways and Means Chair for their leadership to ensure all our Veterans have that home."

Senator Velis, Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, contributed two additional amendments relevant to veterans. The first of these allocates $500,000 to newly created transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts in order to reduce regional inequities and provide services to veterans across the state. The second explicitly ensures that the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty can be awarded to service men and women who have died as a result of training accidents while in the line of duty. 

"As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Veterans throughout our communities and the importance of recognizing those who have served our nation," said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Extending the Medal of Liberty to those who died as a result of a training accident will ensure that we are properly honoring the sacrifices that those service members and their families have endured. Additionally, the critical funding allocated to our Commonwealth's Veteran Treatment Courts will resolve the transportation barriers that keep Veterans from participating in this valuable program and getting the help they need. I am grateful to the Senate President and the Chairman of Ways and Means for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts is the premiere state for our Veterans and their families. These important amendments are a continued step in that direction."

An amendment offered by Senator Michael O. Moore extends $1 million of state financial support to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for 'empowerment centers' which distribute food services to veterans in need in Worcester County.

"The brave men and women who have served in our armed forces are true heroes, and we should be doing everything in our power to make their transition back to civilian life as easy as possible," said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). "Through their programs, events and other resources the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation has become a leader when it comes to providing services for our veterans. Because of this I am both grateful and proud that we were able to allocate funding for them so that they can continue to provide exceptional service for our service members." 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor's desk.

MA Senate Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Bill

             Senate Passes American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Bill

Investments focus on those hardest hits by COVID-19 and supporting the ongoing economic recovery

Today (11/10/2021), the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed a $3.82 billion bill that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to assist the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery, with a particular focus on making equitable investments and ensuring that communities disproportionately impact by the COVID-19 pandemic are prioritized. Using this framework, the bill delivers targeted, transformational supports to critical sectors such as health care, mental and behavioral health, housing security, environment, and workforce development.

"The Massachusetts State Senate has acted decisively to support our state's recovery and ensure we do not go back to normal but 'back to better'," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate's proposal provides a path towards an equitable recovery that benefits residents, businesses, and communities through transformational investments in public health, housing, and climate change. I once again thank President Biden and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation for their work to pass the American Rescue Plan Act at the federal level.  I am also grateful to my colleagues in the Senate, the members and staff of the Committee on Ways and Means, and the many members of the public who provided input to help us chart our future."

"Over the course of today's long and productive debate, the Senate demonstrated its commitment to using the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the American Rescue Plan Act funds represent to fuel an equitable recovery and support the communities most impacted by the pandemic," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Under the continued leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has risen to the challenge of making meaningful investments in mental health, public health, workforce development, affordable housing, and so much more, ensuring those hit the hardest by COVID-19—families, essential workers and small businesses—are being helped the most. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate, whose advocacy and dedication helped to shape the overall direction of this bill to ensure our residents will benefit equitably as we continue to chart a path forward to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic." 

"The Senate has produced an important bill to respond to the powerful impacts that COVID-10 has had in every community and sector of our Commonwealth. Our American Rescue Plan Act bill directs federal and state surplus dollars towards our highest priorities including; public health and wellness, economic and environmental protection and stewardship, infrastructure improvements, supports for the services people and businesses need to recover and prosper," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester). "The release of these funds won't cure all our ills, but it will fuel our state's recovery from a devastating pandemic, and build strength and resilience for the future."

Investments included in the bill are as follows:

Mental and Behavioral Health, Public Health and Health Care

The Senate's ARPA spending plan helps families, vulnerable populations, and historically underserved communities by investing more than $1 billion to support the state's healthcare system and confront the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate's bill invests $400 million in mental and behavioral health supports, including over $122 million to expand loan repayment programs for behavioral health professionals, including substance use disorder professionals. This investment is expected to help recruit and retain nearly 2,000 mental health professionals across the continuum of care.  During debate, $5 million was added by amendment to support grants to higher education institutions to address student behavioral and mental health needs.

The Senate's plan also revolutionizes the state's local and regional public health infrastructure and makes a historic investment of $250.9 million to ensure the Commonwealth can protect the public health of residents, workers, and businesses for years to come. This funding includes $118.4 million for public health infrastructure and data sharing upgrades, and $95 million for direct grants to local boards of health to be prepared to respond to future public health threats. To complement this landmark investment, the Senate adopted an amendment that encourages greater collaboration between regional public health systems on workforce standards and policies, while sustaining the Public Health Excellence program established under the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) program. Other health care investments include: 

  • $300 million for the Home and Community-Based Services Federal Investment Fund to address workforce needs for those caring for vulnerable populations, 
  • $200 million for acute hospitals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
  • $60 million for food security infrastructure with complementary amendments investing $17 million for the Greater Boston Food Bank for regional food security network improvements across the Commonwealth, $5 million for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $2 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program to provide loans, grants and technical assistance in a regionally equitable manner to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, $1.92 million for Project Bread to better connect eligible unenrolled residents with federal nutrition programs statewide and $1 million for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for the operation of empowerment centers and to support the distribution of food to veterans in need,
  • $55 million to support a robust and diverse home health care and human service workforce through recruitment, retention, and loan forgiveness programming,
  • $50 million for nursing facilities, including $25 million for capital support, to increase the quality of patient care and $25 million for workforce initiatives,
  • $25 million for a grant program for community violence prevention and re-entry organizations, focused on communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
  • $5 million added by an amendment for Health Care For All to conduct a community-based MassHealth redetermination and vaccination outreach, education, and access campaign targeted in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic,
  • $5 million added by an amendment for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to study and review the interrelationship between service-providing agencies for individuals with disabilities within the Commonwealth and to design and implement a system for an interconnected network that will provide a continuum of care for those individuals,
  • $2 million added by an amendment for unreimbursed COVID-19 costs for Early Intervention providers, and
  • $500,000, added through amendment, to establish transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts.

Economic Recovery and Workforce Development

The Senate's ARPA spending plan invests $1.7 billion to robustly support an equitable economic recovery for all by supporting workers, businesses and communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill dedicates $500 million towards premium pay bonuses for essential workers, up to $2,000 per worker, providing much needed relief to the workforce who served on the front lines during the pandemic.  

The bill also provides nearly $200 million in tax relief for small-business owners who otherwise would be required to pay personal income taxes on state or federal relief money. During debate, the Senate adopted an amendment to codify into statute an existing safe harbor provision related to the calculation of the advanced sales tax payment law. This time sensitive issue is meant to ease compliance and provide many businesses peace of mind, given that the current rule was set to expire on December 31, 2021.  

Other economic recovery and workforce development investments include: 

  • $500 million for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, providing necessary relief to small business,
  • $100 million for vocational school infrastructure and capacity building needs,
  • $75 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support organizations working with people displaced from jobs during the pandemic, historically underserved populations, and individuals reentering their communities from the corrections system,
  • $75 million for equitable and affordable broadband access and infrastructure improvements to close the digital divide,
  • $75 million for Mass Cultural Council grants to support the cultural sector, 
  • $50 million for direct grants to minority-owned small businesses,
  • $30 million for regional high-demand workforce training at community colleges, 
  • $25 million for the expansion of Career Technical Institutes,
  • $24.5 for workforce development and capital assistance grants to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, as well $4.5 million added through an amendment for the YWCAs,
  • $15 million to enhance and diversify the cybersecurity sector with partnerships between public higher education institutions and private businesses, 
  • $12 million for the resettlement of Afghani evacuees and $8M added on the floor for Haitian evacuees,
  • $10 million added by amendment for regional tourism councils, and
  • $14 million for agricultural economy supports.

Housing

The spending plan acknowledges the critical role that housing plays in economic recovery. Over a year and a half into the pandemic, access to stable and affordable housing remains at the forefront of the state's strategy to ensure economic security for those who call the Commonwealth home. Reflecting the Senate's long-standing commitment, the ARPA spending bill allocates $600 million for investments in affordable, accessible housing, as well as supportive housing. 

Housing investments include: 

  • $150 million for supportive housing, including $75 million for the chronically homeless population, and $20 million, added by amendment, to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for veterans not primarily served by the Soldiers' Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke,
  • $150 million for public housing authorities to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure, 
  • $125 million for the Commonwealth Builders Program to support housing production and promote homeownership among residents of disproportionately impacted communities,
  • $125 million for affordable rental housing production and preservation for the workforce and low- and moderate-income individuals,  
  • $50 million for homeownership assistance tools, including down payment assistance, and mortgage interest subsidy supports.

Climate Preparedness

The Senate bill prioritizes building a more resilient Commonwealth and ensuring a healthier environment for all. To that end, the bill invests $450 million to combat climate change through mitigation initiatives, strengthen environmental infrastructure, fix aging water infrastructure, and modernize marine port infrastructure to support the state's emerging offshore wind industry. 

Environment and climate investments include: 

  • $175 million for water and sewer infrastructure investments through the Clean Water Trust,  
  • $125 million for environmental infrastructure grants, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, 
  • $100 million for marine port infrastructure investments focused on the promotion of offshore wind development, 
  • $25 million for Greening the Gateway Cities program to support tree planting, after adding $5 million through an amendment,
  • $15 million for parks and recreational assets, 
  • $10 million for clean energy retrofitting in affordable housing units, 
  • $7.5 million, added by amendment, for community colleges to help train underserved populations for green jobs, and
  • $5 million for the advancement of geothermal technologies. 

Transparency and Oversight

To support communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and prioritize historically underserved or marginalized populations, the Senate's bill establishes an equity and accountability review panel for federal funds to track in near real-time the amount and percentage of ARPA funds spent in these communities and awarded to minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises. The bill also takes steps to ensure minority-owned and women-owned business have fair participation on procurements issued under the act. 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor's desk.

Strong Towns Conversation - Nov 15

RSVP for Town Hall featuring special guests Charles Marohn of Strong Towns, State Representative Jeff Roy, and Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

Congressman Auchincloss is looking forward to bringing together local elected leaders, municipal administrators/managers, planners and economic development professionals, and grassroots advocates to discuss how to make our communities financially strong and resilient.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to staff or any other interested stakeholders in your cities and towns.

Event Details for Congressman Jake Auchincloss’s Municipal Leaders Town Hall featuring Special Guests Charles Marohn of Strong Towns, State Representative Jeff Roy, and Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

When: Monday, November 15 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Where: THE BLACK BOX theater (Home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company) at 15 West Central St, Franklin MA 02038

• Free parking is available next to and behind the theater, and on Main Street.
• We request that participants wear face coverings at this indoor event. We will have masks and hand sanitizer available at the entrance to the event.
• Questions? Please contact Dana Hanson at dana.hanson@mail.house.gov.

Recap: Finance Committee hears of FY 2022 overall budget reduction of $454K

Quick Recap:
  • New growth had been forecasted to be $1,199,593 and is being revised down to be $1,105,000; the $94,593 less revenue is one piece of several moving parts of the budget

  • The State numbers (Chapter 70, etc.) were finalized in August and now those numbers become real and update what had been expected when the budget was put together in Mar/Apr. The total net change to the bottom line is a decrease of over $400K. The Town side will absorb about $300K and the school budget will be reduced by $93K. The summary of how the decrease is absorbed can be found on page 12

  • Host community agreements are not considered 'general revenue', they are targeted to be mitigations for the impact of the sale of such cannabis products that generate the agreements. They are forecast for a five year revenue period, currently the max allowed under MA general law. The host community agreement funds are therefore allocated to DPW, SAFE Coalition, and Police Department as outlined in the memo/draft resolution on page 13


----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter. I participated in the meeting in the Council Chambers. 
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom1110
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom1110&src=typeahead_click 
 
Agenda document -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html
 
  • #fincom1110 meeting about to start agenda and connection info -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html
  • Chair calls meeting to order with 7 members present #fincom1110
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen speaks to the adjustments for FY 2022 as part of the annual budget process. Usually done about this time before the tax rate is set in late Nov/early Dec  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_nov_10_2021.pdf…  #finCom1110
  • new growth amount to be reduced, use 10 year average, and things have changed since it was forecasted earlier this year #fincom1110 main item of note from memo, packet on page 2, see totals of new growth over last 10 years preparation of savings in good times, paves way
  • "baring any unforeseen circumstances", everyone is seeing disruptions in supply chains; State revenues finalized after our budget was done, so the numbers are finalized at this time - page 7 in the packet show offsets on Charter school revenue vs. assessments #fincom1110
  • pause for Qs on revenue sheet; none at this time -  narrative of memo that intros the doc explains these line item changes #fincom1110 Fire/Police changes due to unforeseen retirements and resulting new hire training/staffing items
  • decrease to Schools also due to the lower revenue growth; Health Dept adjustment due to Health nurse starting later than anticipated, hence salary savings #fincom1110 health ins categories decreases reflect enrollment numbers vs. projections
  • host community agreements are not 'general revenue', they are targeted to be mitigations for the impact of the sale of such; #fincom1110 memo on 13 outlines where the incoming funds would be used
  • page 12 - outlines the total general operating budget adjustments #fincom1110 host agreements currently for a 5 year term;
  • motion to approve general fund adjustments #fincom1110 seconded, passes 7-0 (Corbosiero and Keophanga absent)
  • motion to approve resolution on host agreements, seconded, passes 7-0
  • late receipt of bills from printing (performed during prior fiscal year) #fincom1110 (possible pandemic related problem, hoping it a one time problem) motion to approve, seconded, passes 7-0
  • motion to adjourn, seconded, passes 7-0 #fincom1110
  • stay tuned for Town Council meeting coming up at 7 #tc1110  #fincom1110
 
 Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

summary of how the decrease is absorbed
summary of how the decrease is absorbed


Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Wed, Nov 10, 2021:
"Some conversations are better to have sooner rather than later.
Start and continue the talk on Mental Health and Substance Use during our Critical Conversations panel on 11/18 at 6 PM. 
Learn more here: https://t.co/yhf1nlYD3s"

 

Critical Conversations: Identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community. Is a collaboration between the SAFE Coalition and Franklin Public Schools. This event will be held in the FHS auditorium and live via Zoom.

Mental Health and Substance Use are two critical issues that have a wide range of impacts among our families and within our community. We invite the Franklin community to join us for an evening of learning, listening, and engaging with local panelists of diverse perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience.  
 
The evening will include: 
  • Opening remarks from Jen Knight, Executive Director of the SAFE Coalition
  • Panelist Discussion 
  • Audience General Questions
  • Breakout Sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight display facilitated by our SATF Student Representatives

Panelists
  • Detective Mike Colecchi, SAFE Coalition Board Member, Franklin Police Dept.
  • Dr. Wendy Cohen, SAFE Medical Director and family practitioner
  • Dan Lagarce, Person in Recovery
  • Jeff Roy, State Representative
  • Jim Derick, SAFE Board of Director President, co-founder and Parent
  • Jen Knight-Levine, SAFE Executive Director, co-founder
  • Josh Hanna, Franklin High School Principal
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/ypItJfHT3s
Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:
Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18
Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

School Committee Meeting - 11/09/21 (audio)

FM #654 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 654 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


The recording of the public meeting runs about 55 minutes. The School Committee entered Executive Session not to return to the public meeting. 

 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Nov 9, 2021

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c6dad69a-3101-46c8-96b8-bc3f735ca442 


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School Committee Meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-9-21_org.pdf   


Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 


My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-newly-elected-school-committee.html 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

School Committee Meeting - 11/09/21 (audio)
School Committee Meeting - 11/09/21 (audio)