Friday, February 11, 2022

Recap: Finance Committee approves Capital Plan for FY 22 and revisions to fiscal policy

Quick Recap:
  • Finance Committee, 8 members participating (1 absent; 1 remote, hence roll call votes req'd)
  • heard proposed revisions to fiscal policy doc, as marked up, minor change suggested to include the enterprise accounts specifically under the heading, rather than listed separately; approved to send to Town Council
  • Heard proposal for capital plan, clarification questions asked along the way before approving $2+M to send to Town Council
  • Joint budget subcommittee scheduled to meet March 10, next meeting of FinCom scheduled for March 9, canceling the April meeting as they will be meeting over four nights in May for the budget hearings
The Twitter thread for my notes missed the first two but the others can be found in one PDF  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZDbo-UYyinDJtMyjX8GAHd7EK9EFZ8Ay/view?usp=sharing

You can also find the Twitter thread looking for the hashtag -> #fincom0209

Audio recording should be available in couple of days

  • live reporting about to commence for the #FinCom0209 meeting, one member remote, one absent so a total of 8 participating tonight
  • Agenda doc can be found -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-09_fincom_agenda.pdf  #fincom0209
  • policy review (policy on page 2) proposing to remove the open space accounts as CPA is available. Req to adjust the enterprise accounts indented under the Enterprise account header (water, sewer, trash) #fincom0209
  • Q on host community agreement - what it is and how long it lasts, $300K / year (not to exceed 3% of gross sales) - currently set at 5 years for Franklin #fincom0209 this completes the review of the policy, motion to approve, via roll call 8-0
  • FY 22 capital plan (see agenda doc) total free cash $4.4M a high amount, maybe a record, won't likely be repeated. proceeding section by section or the separate capital plan doc here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZGJ1f4Z8FiEpvZTVFUbRRZgkujzwxD/view?usp=sharing #fincom0209
  • with $4.4M as starting point, set aside for snow/ice, and to debt stabilization, leaves us with $2+M for the capital plan, first pass now, after snow/ice confirmed, to come back for a second pass #fincom0209
  • Dept level: School Department, School Technology, School Facilities - $701,000 multiple items covered in the details in agenda doc #fincom0209 Q - to clarify on text books, yes it is both materials and Chromebook licenses
  • one of the Senior Center requests is for a pavilion outside to provide some shade. If you have ever seen it, it is exposed, the bocci court is covered (at either end) but the chairs/tables are totally exposed. #FINCOM0209 hopefully to have Tri-County students build
  • fire alarm system upgrade, the vehicles were in the plan for several years and have risen to the top this year; grant to assist for the clothing request #fincom0209
  • 5 replacement vehicles for police, vehicles were hybrid but not available so they would go gas; NationalGrid doing a fleet analysis to help determine the economics would take approx. a year #fincom0209
  • on to enterprise accounts: water treatment plant analysis; tank replacement analysis for the hill behind Dean. #fincom0209 sewer enterprise, general improvements to whole system; Federal ARPA fund guidance being changed, may now qualify for ARPA, want to get it done either way
  • did apply for SRF funding for the Beaver St connector, set to bid in late August and then 2 year construction; loan will be paid out of sewer enterprise fund; can tell how much it could be now, too early. #fincom0209 will need to get the bids, SRF gets a 0% loan
  • check out the listing of all the other items that are on the wish list for future consideration #fincom0209 approve what has been submitted for, via roll call 8-0
  • approval of Jan 12 minutes, motion, second, passes 8-0 via roll call #fincom0209
  • stabilization account update, listed at the end of the capital and capital memo #fincom0209
  • future agenda items, DPW deep dive, next month (March 9); may cancel the April meeting - they will be meeting multiple times in May 2022 (budget hearing)
  • Joint Budget subcommittee meeting March 10, approx. 6:30 or 6 #fincom0209 motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0 via roll call
Finance Committee Meeting - Feb 9, 2022 - agenda to review the FY 2022 Capital Plan
Finance Committee Meeting - Feb 9, 2022 - agenda to review the FY 2022 Capital Plan

67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris

"67 Degrees Brewing is pleased to welcome our new Resident Artist 
Dobritte Norris @wesley_the_minifrenchie 
Mrs Norris is a local to Franklin and her work is displayed in our taproom. 
She specializes in canvas pours and her work is delightful and vibrant.
Link to her page -> https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlowbyDobritte  
An Art Reception is planned for the first week of March. Please stay tuned for details."

Visit 67 Degrees online at https://67degreesbrewing.com/  or in person on Grove St

67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris
67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris


Franklin based Thermo Fisher Scientific announces test for indoor air sampling to detect COVID-19

"Thermo Fisher Scientific, today announced the launch of a new rapid environmental test to help in the fight against COVID-19. The Thermo Scientific Renvo Rapid PCR Test is the latest solution in the company’s in-air pathogen surveillance product portfolio. The Renvo Rapid PCR Test is performed on air samples collected using the company’s Thermo Scientific AerosolSense Sampler.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220207005115/en/

The Renvo Rapid PCR Test is designed for environmental surveillance only, rather than diagnostic purposes, in communal locations such as schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, government buildings and other public areas. This easy-to-use solution provides fast, highly accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens through indoor air sampling, enabling users to perform SARS-CoV-2 testing of air samples on-site, without the need for specialized training or sending samples to a lab for analysis."


Thermo Fisher is based in Franklin. For more information, visit www.thermofisher.com/renvo
 
Franklin based Thermo Fisher Scientific announces test for indoor air sampling to detect COVID-19
Franklin based Thermo Fisher Scientific announces test for indoor air sampling to detect COVID-19

February Veterans' Council Meeting - Feb 17

February Veterans' Council Meeting

All members of the community are invited!

The next Veterans' Council meeting will be held

Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

All members of the community who are interested in veterans' activities are invited!

Our guest speaker will be Dave Campisano, Founder and President of 22Mohawks, a non-profit based in Westwood, MA that brings awareness to veteran suicide.

To learn more about 22Mohawks, go to: https://22mohawks.com

Per Town policy, please bring proof of full COVID vaccination or wear a mask to the meeting.

Please call the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Shared from the Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/february-veterans-council-meeting

February Veterans' Council Meeting - Feb 17
February Veterans' Council Meeting - Feb 17

Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? webinar just for you!

"Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? Join @MA_NonprofitNet and the MA Community Foundation Partnership for a webinar on March 9.  
Learn more and register: https://t.co/f7Q5kn0zuM"  or here ->

  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudeuppzwrH9dl11ryF4fDMpU3rYtWM8vw 

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/dz9jE59VZj


MA Nonprofit Network -> http://massnonprofitnet.org/

Boston Foundation ->  https://www.tbf.org/

Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? webinar just for you!
Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? webinar just for you!


Did you get your tickets yet?


Did you get your tickets yet?
Did you get your ticket yet? Don't miss out on a night of giggles for a good cause! Our hilarious, family-friendly comedians will have you laughing out loud!
February 26, 2022
7:00 - 8:30 PM
8:00 PM Raffle Winners Announced
(You do not need to be present to win)

CLICK HERE to invite your friends and family through our Facebook event.
Made possible thanks to our generous presenting sponsor
Want to join Cardi's as a Giggles for Good sponsor? CLICK HERE
HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038

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Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Feb 11, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: L. E. A. P.
8:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
9:00:00 am Frank Presents: State House Pt. 2
10:00 am Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records
11:00 am Senior Connection: Hearing Loss
11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: L. E. A. P.
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2
3:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Dave Kaphammer
7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
8:00 pm Senior Connection: Hearing Loss
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Windborne

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 1 01-28-19
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Dementia
9:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 12-22-21
11:30 am FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Sharon 02-01-22
1:30 pm Public School Event: FHS Winter Jazz Night '22
5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Weymouth 01-31-22
8:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Winter Music 2018

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-27-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-27-22

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, February 10, 2022

School Committee hears options for hiring their next superintendent - 02/08/22 (audio)

FM #725 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 725 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee superintendent search workshop held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.


The meeting was conducted in person in the 3rd floor training room: all of the committee members were in the 3rd floor training room.


MASC Field Director Tracy Novick provides the insights on the superintendent replacement  options and answers questions along the way. Lisa Trainor, FPS Human Resources Director also participates along with the full School Committee.


The recording of the public meeting runs about 56 minutes 


The link to the meeting agenda is included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to the workshop of Feb 8, 2022


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-725-school-cmte-superintendent-search-workshop-02-08-22


--------------


Meeting agenda doc ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-8-22_workshop.pdf  


My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-school-committee-hears-options.html 


--------------


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!

------------------


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 hears options for hiring their next superintendent
School Committee hears options for hiring their next superintendent

Franklin Housing Authority Mtg - 02/07/22 (audio)

FM #724 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 724 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Monday, Feb 7, 2022 in the Common Room at Central Park Terrace. 


Participating were:

  • GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR 

  • CHRIS FEELEY

  • PETER BRUNELLI

  • DIANE PADULA

  • ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE

  • Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent


The recording of the meeting runs 40 minutes.  (note - as the meeting was held in the common room, there is a TV in the room that a couple of residents were watching. You can hear it in the background from time to time.)


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-724-franklin-housing-authority-mtg-02-07-22



--------------


Meeting agenda doc -> (opens a Word doc)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fha_2-7-22.pdf 


Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority 


My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-franklin-housing-authority.html


--------------


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!

------------------


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

 

Franklin Housing Authority
Franklin Housing Authority

School Committee hears of the diversity, equity and inclusion work underway

Quick recap:
  • School Committee hears multiple citizen comments on their masking options and about their endorsement of Senator Becca Rausch's re-election campaign; some positive encouragement comments also came from the audience (many of these remained for the full meeting while most of the negative commentors left)
  • The key portion of the meeting was the update on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work the district has had underway. "We don't pretend to have all the answers we are working together with humility to strive to be open"

Neither the Superintendent's Report, nor the DEI presentation were available on the FPS page as this was prepared for publication Wednesday evening. When they are, the links will be shared.

Audio recording should be available in a couple of days

Photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/1Vgd7ttTG3fTfQc28

Thread Reader produces a PDF of my notes shared via Twitter including the photos inline with the thread. You can read the thread here or in the embedded doc below https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-X_5wIMwOddS_k3_dVNWB57dzoxxeM9/view?usp=sharing


 

School Committee hears of the diversity, equity and inclusion work underway
School Committee hears of the diversity, equity and inclusion work underway


Both FHS girls basketball and boys hockey teams post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Wednesday:

Girls Basketball = North Attleboro, 39 @ Franklin, 60 – Final 
– Franklin jumped out to a 35-16 lead by halftime and never looked back, picking up its fourth win in four days and clinching the outright Kelley-Rex title in the process. Stefany Padula led the way for the Panthers, burying four three-pointers and scoring a game-high 20 points, including eight points in the first as Franklin led 17-8. Padula added another seven points in the second, helping the Panthers score another 18 points in the quarter. Olivia Quinn hit a pair of threes and scored 12 points and Katie Peterson added 11. Brigid Earley and Julia White each scored six points in the win. North’s offense got going in the second half, as the Rocketeers scored 23 points (including a 13-6 fourth quarter), but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Sam Faria was North’s top scorer with eight points, including a pair from downtown, while Abby Camelio added seven. Summer Doherty scored six and Ava McKeon scored five in the loss.

Boys Hockey = Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 9 – Final 
– Eight different Panthers found the back of the net as Franklin celebrated senior night with a win over visiting Attleboro. Dan Daley scored a pair of third period goals for the Panthers while Ryan Sicchio, Ben Jarosz, Aiden Linehan, Aiden Kuykendall, Ben Paterson, Tommy Balducci, and Domenic Lampasona each found the back of the net once. Nate Parker scored an unassisted second period goal for Attleboro while Nick Piazza turned away 45 shots in net.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Longmeadow, 4 – Final
"HAD THE BEST DAY EVER! Thankyouuu to our amazing boosters for getting us a fancy bus, Elizabeth’s bagels AND jersey mikes. These memories will last forever"   https://www.instagram.com/p/CZx0JlJLk3O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
4-2 loss to Longmeadow. The 4th goal -  This team has grit!! Keep it up girls. Goals =  Hurley from Greco;  Ava from Julia https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1491574317380997120
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-09-22/ 

FHS Asst Coach Jeff Ambrosini named as MBCA Asst Coach of the Year

"Congrats FHS Asst ⚾️Coach Jeff Ambrosini(@jeff_ambrosini) on being named the MBCA(@MassBCA) Asst Coach of the Year! Its been a privilege to share the dugout w/Jeff. His knowledge, character & work ethic are inspiring. His impact on our program has been immeasurable!" 
#PantherPride https://t.co/pvqM0XIyi4

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1490993627593687040

FHS Asst Coach Jeff Ambrosini named as MBCA Asst Coach of the Year
FHS Asst Coach Jeff Ambrosini named as MBCA Asst Coach of the Year


The Little Shop of Olive Oils: now opening on Monday!


"Things will be great when you're --- Downtown!  
No finer place for sure --- Downtown.  
Everything's waiting for you!" --- Tony Hatch 
NOW OPEN **MONDAYS** IN FRANKLIN! 
We are now open from 11 AM to 4 PM in beautiful Downtown Franklin.  We are open in marvelous Mashpee Commons. https://t.co/0GvecwNpsz"
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopevoo/status/1491412201948733443

The Little Shop of Olive Oils: now opening on Monday!
The Little Shop of Olive Oils: now opening on Monday!


MyFM Media Agrees To Three Year Broadcast Extension With New England Patriot’s

MyFM 101.3 has just completed negotiations with Beasley Media Group & the New England Patriot’s, and has finalized an agreement that will ensure that New England Patriot’s Football will be broadcast right here “In the Heart of It All” through the 2024/25 season.
 
After signing with MyFM eight years ago the New England Patriot’s went on to win their fourth, fifth, and sixth Superbowl Championships.
 
Returning voices of Bob Socci and Scott Zolak will anchor the broadcasts.
 
MyFM Media President Tom McAuliffe says “We’re thrilled to continue the proud partnership we have with the Pat’s, and believe with Mac Jones at the helm this team has positioned themselves beautifully to win several more Superbowl Titles!”  “It’s the perfect win-win for My FM, our listeners and our loyal Patriot’s sponsors.”

MyFM Media President Tom McAuliffe
MyFM Media President Tom McAuliffe


Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten registration now open

Registration for kindergarten is now open! Learn more and register today: buff.ly/3LmodMU  or ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/prek-grade-12-student-registration-change-address-forms 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1491467446334672900

 

Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten registration now open
Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten registration now open