{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fc1af5354-90f8-40b9-ac8b-db7a91a051d6","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"FM #210 - civil discourse pledge discussion","description":"At the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Feb 12, 2020 the discussion started on a proposal to pledge to conduct a civil discourse. Some of the Councilors objected to this \u201caspirational\u201d proposal and the measure was ultimately tabled to the March 4 meeting to allow Councilor Hamblen to participate. Councilor Melanie Hamblen had been the one initiating this and she was not participating in this meeting due to her mother\u2019s passing. \n\nFrom my notes reported live during the meeting:\n\n10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION\nResolution 20-14: The Town of Franklin Civil Discourse Pledge (Motion to approve Resolution 20-14 - Majority Vote)\nhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-14_franklin_web.pdf\n\nmotion to table to March 4, seconded, passed 8-0\n\nYes, my notes are sparse as I was on the edge of my seat, following the conversation, ready to jump in. It didn\u2019t get opened to the public. It was tabled for next session.\n\nI have a unique position in that I have been participating regularly for the past 14 years in many meetings each year. I get to watch and observe the behavior and conduct of many of our Town appointed officials (and by that I mean all the board and committee person volunteers) as well as the municipal employees. As a general rule, the behavior is above board, as it should be. Unfortunately, there have been times when I squirmed in my seat due to what was happening. For those times, this measure could help to guide and prevent further occurrences.\n\nA couple of Councilors questioned whether what they have already sworn to or agreed to is changed by this. As Attorney Mark Cerel answered \u201cThis is aspirational\u201d. For the few squirmy occasions that come to mind, the referenced oaths and guidelines were not adhered to. Maybe this aspirational item will. While admittedly, this measure has no \u2018teeth\u2019 to it, it may not. One can hold out hope that it does!\n\nFor reference, I have included links in the show notes for:\nThe Role of the Town Council document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/role.pdf\nThe Procedures manual of the Town Council (which includes \u201cThe Role of the Town Council\u201d doc) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/procedures_manual_.pdf\nFranklin Town Charter document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_charter_2010.pdf\n\nThe link to the proposal text and associated supporting material that Town Administrator Jamie Hellen mentions is also provided.\nhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-14_franklin_web.pdf\n\nI would encourage you to review and prepare for the continued conversation March 4. If you can\u2019t be in attendance, please reach out to one or more of the Councilors to let them know where you stand on this matter.\n\nThe recording runs approx. 22 minutes (which included the full reading of the proposal text).","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://shersteve.hipcast.com/albumart/1036_itunes_1612724907.jpg"}