Thread by @FranklinMatters

live reporting about to commence for the Town Council meeting #tc0216

Agenda doc and remote connection info ->
franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc0216

no one in Chamber for citizen comments; nor in Zoom land #tc0216

5. APPOINTMENTS - b. New Hire: Police Department - Tyler Brabham #tc0216

c. New Hire: Police Department - Joseph Burchill #tc0216

d. New Hire: Police Department - Michael Demers #tc0216

e. New Hire: Police Department - Conor Desmond #tc0216

photos to be added later, they were pinned and officially sworn in #tc0216

two minute recess #tc0216

resuming session #tc0216

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - a. Discussion: West Street Neighborhood Parking - Thomas J. Lynch, Chief of Police, Lt Riley joins for this #tc0216

Chief will provide background, Lt Riley will bring it up to date; "West St neighborhood" #tc0216 Dean increased programs, now more 4 yr students, etc. July 2018 parking amended to restrict in the neighborhood - signs installed and abundant, stripped parking lines painted

parking data recorded during Sep 2018 to reveal approx. 33 units parking overnight, split between Dean,
neighborhood residents, other residents #tc0216

Dean also moved personnel etc. parking to make available more spaces for the Dean residents #tc0216 parking enforcement done during specific periods; parking citations, 3 times, unpaid, then eligible for towing

need better clarity on signs, particularly with overnite and winter storm restrictions; multiple needs with parking requirements; businesses, residents and Dean students; #tc0216

parking fee only $15 so it doesn't amount to much, no rep from Dean tonight; #tc0216 consistent signage would be good, current highest fee is $25 (aside from handicap which is $125)

an increase in citations since Sep so they are watching; they can't devote a lot of time to this depending upon staffing, and they move the cars so that complicates things #tc0216

other consideration might be a residential parking pass; there is increased need to examine parking availability; the pass is a management process to issue etc. (meaning Police) #tc0216

"I think this is Dean's issue" we need to take care of our residents, they should take care of their students. #tc0216

maybe we have to go back to meters? #tc0216 recommend to discuss further at EDC level for further analysis and input before bringing back a solution or options

J Callaway-Tripp - comments on the issue; Dean has to care about this issue; #tc0216 lowering parking limits for business is going to increase the problem; Dean needs to be involved; East St resident - $15 isn't enough pain;

include the sidewalk clearing as part of this, after the storm it was ugly out there. This is a Dean problem, if $350/to park and the alternative is $15/ticket, it is easy math; Dean needs to help #tc0216 "find a way to get them to the right place"

b. Presentation: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools
franklinps.net/sites/g/files/… #tc0216

the full deck is shared in the prior Tweet. A shorter version of the deck an "Executive Summary" is being talked to tonight #tc0216

you can also find the almost two hour presentation and discussion from the school committee meeting either on Franklin TV (link later) or the recording here franklinmatters.org/2022/02/frankl… #tc0216

If I didn't mention, Asst Supt. Lucas Giguere is assisting in the presentation this evening #tc0216

The "window, mirror, and sliding door" analogy is a good one to grasp this concept. They do more details and examples at the School Committee meeting (recording shared earlier) #tc0216

Seal of Biliteracy as well as the inclusive classrooms for special education students are other key aspects of the program. #tc0216

4 phases to the "No Place for Hate" achievement, on the road working towards this at the high school #tc0216

acknowledgement of school culture work has been disrupted during the pandemic. The peer leader training in 19-20 didn't result in training for the 6th graders due to shutdown #tc0216; training didn't occur during 20-21 due to pandemic; training underway now

Equity audit, a third parry group to do an analysis on the district, results due later this school year. #tc0216 work on DEI continues, including mention of the DEI director position open now; the overall report is comprehensive in the approach (as shown in this short view)

"we have a lot of work to do" What can we do, what do you need from us? Ahern - kudos to TA Hellen for sharing and participating as we do what we need to do; the Franklin Freedom Team is making strides on this, developing relationships to support efforts #tc0216

when incidents happen, providing an opportunity to heal is needed; it is incredible to see the support when it does occur, #LoveFranklin support for example #tc0216

there is a resource component around people and time; everyone is out straight, that is a concern. #tc0216 continuing to have the dialog, not making assumptions is helpful

There is also a resource consultant helping FHS,; an increase to 91 English learners, an increase of interrupted or lack of formal education; 16% meeting free/reduced lunch; doubled over the recent past with student population going down #tc0216

If you missed it, the Intro to the Freedom Team recording is available franklinmatters.org/2022/01/introd… #tc0216

"I am overwhelmed with what you have done" - there is no place for hate - bringing students together concerned about bias based issues, to show that they are not alone; bring the info forward to others to spread the circle #tc0216

"we have work to do" The students are forcing us to move, so we need to create the safe space; we did take steps back during the pandemic #tc0216 I see the frosh/sophs struggling with that

we have a social media night coming up (March 24) to help inform parents to monitor what is happening in that arena; they are seeing it and emulating it; we need to address that #tc0216

how are the other world issues, pandemic, Ukraine/Russia, China, Olympics, etc. affecting them? It does affect them, they need to be processing it, they need trained folks to address this in a balanced manner #tc0216

SAFE Coalition hotline is doing business off the charts during this pandemic; good to hear that bullying is handled differently that it was back in the day; "the names I was called, I won't entertain any more" #tc0216

Jamie - I am happy with the presentation and for them to have watch this unfold for a long time; to see in a comprehensive way; if this doesn't help, what do we do? #tc0216 this a moment where there are changes

"Our staff has a culture of unity" even if in disagreement, we are still in the same boat rowing together. From my perch, the collaboration and support has been un-waivering - Schools have shown us the model, work through that individually #tc0216

Mercer - one key piece is having the School and Town offices together, there are not many communities that do that, we do and it makes a difference. #tc0216

- Capital budget met earlier (during SchCom meeting)
- next EDC meeting Mar 2
- Ad hoc committee on TA Review - previously unanimously moved a report to the full council for review; the written evaluation copy to the Council members; "exemplary performance" #tc0216

#tc0216 the time period during which these goals were accomplished, all during the COVID-19 pandemic, his team's ability to navigate to get as much done as we did. a real tough time - you can call him and he don't beat around the bush, he gets right on it

"you are doing a good job" Jamie always answers every question he gets back to us and he follows through #tc0216 motion to enter to the record, second, motion approved

a. Resolution 22-13: Adoption of Fiscal Policies (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-13 - Majority Vote) #tc0216 franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion, second, approved by FinCom 8-0 (1 absent) hotel occupancy down from 85 to 40+% - vote passes 9-0

b. Resolution 22-14: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-14 - Majority Vote)
#tc0216 motion, second, passes 9-0

thanks for the evaluation, this is the greatest job I have had and incredibly proud to be here and keep doing the work #tc0216
Councilor Comments - Ted - congrats to our new police hires, thanks to Sch Dept for the work they do

missing yield sign on 140 heading into to Franklin Village; State to address; #tc0216 if folks did attend South Meeting house for church, have a get together or something; Office Hours at Senior Center (8:30 AM) - good quality recruits, how are we able to see so many?

March 7 - Franklin For all - public forum for rezoning downtown, please join us; huge thank you for everyone who helped out with the snow storm, get job by the DPW! Jones - kudos to the SchCom for dealing with the masking issue and some individuals

shout out to the Police/Fire for handling the incident on Saturday as well as they did. #tc0216 motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0
thats all for tonight!

@threadreaderapp unroll #tc0216