GOOD DEEDS: Spring is here – The Community Preservation Act

Dear Friends of the Registry, Registry Stakeholders, and Norfolk County Residents, Spring is here, and as many of us take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful public spaces that the communities in Norfolk County have to offer, I wanted to take a moment and share with you some history and information about the Community Preservation Act that I think you might find interesting.

GOOD DEEDS: Spring is here – The Community Preservation Act

...... The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is the result of more than two decades of work to create legislation that would provide all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns with a tool to preserve their most unique natural, community, and physical infrastructures in the face of rapid expansion and development.

...... The CPA allows cities and towns to establish a Community Preservation Fund to preserve open space, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. Additionally, the CPA establishes a statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, which the Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees and which contributes annually to municipalities that have ratified the CPA.

...... The Community Preservation Act was signed into law on September 14, 2000. Today, with the addition of Amesbury, MA and Shirley, MA in 2023 there are 196 Massachusetts communities that have adopted this act. Of the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County, 19 communities have adopted the law since it was signed back in 2000. As of December 31, 2019, fees collected for the Community Preservation Act were increased to $50.00 for most land documents recorded and $25.00 for municipal lien certificates. The Registry of Deeds, at no additional cost to the Commonwealth or local communities, collects these revenues once a land document is recorded and forwards the monies to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. The funds forwarded to the Commonwealth are then redistributed back to the communities that have adopted the Community Preservation Act. 

...... The fees for the CPA are set by the State Legislature on land documents recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The following chart provides an illustration of the funds generated by the CPA in your community based on recorded real estate filings for that community during the 2023 calendar year. Click here to view funds generated by the CPA by each Norfolk County community in 2023. https://files.norfolkdeeds.org/file/COMMUNITY-PRESERVATION-ACT-2023.pdf

...... I hope you find this data informative and helpful in understanding the impact the Community Preservation Act has in allowing cities and towns to ensure that their unique characteristics and assets are preserved for years to come. In the meantime, if I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781-461-6116 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org

...... To all enjoy your Spring.

Ribbon cutting at Schmidt's Farm recognizes CPA funding for purchase of 200 acres of open space (photos & audio)

The ribbon cutting Friday at Schmidt's Farm acknowledged the purchase of over 200 acres of open space with Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. A significant accomplishment for Franklin! 

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opened the brief ceremony with a few remarks. (Most were caught on the audio recording):

"Good morning. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful day to recognize the Town of Franklin’s recently acquired land at Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm for the purpose of preserving open space!

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize John Schmidt of Schmidt’s Farm, who worked with the Town during the acquisition of the approximately 115 acres we are standing on today. 

I would also like to acknowledge Kathy Dalzell who is here representing the Dalzell family. The Dalzell family generously provided the Town with 15 acres of land connecting these two parcels - a gift we were extremely grateful for. Please express our gratitude to your family, Kathy. 

We are very excited to celebrate this marked occasion of the purchase of over 200 acres of public natural resources through the recently adopted Community Preservation Act."

a view from partway into the large open field

the ribbon cutting

the barn has hopes of being restored with CPA funds

(L-R) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Councilor Melanie Hamblen, Council Chair Tom Mercer, State Rep Jeff Roy (minding Rosie Melanie's dog)

Photo album of the ceremony and of a brief walk across the open field

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wz79C3HCF4ZYXxsX7

Town of Franklin recognizes the 3 ribbon cuttings this year: https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/171799700345026190

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1090-schmidts-farm-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-10-27-23

Red Brick Schoolhouse Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13 at 10 AM

On Friday, October 13 beginning at 10:00 AM all are welcome to attend a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Franklin's Red Brick Schoolhouse located at 2 Lincoln Street, to celebrate the restoration of the building's exterior.

Built in 1833, the Red Brick Schoolhouse is one of the oldest one-room schoolhouses in the United States, and a cornerstone of Franklin's history. 

Red Brick Schoolhouse Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13 at 10 AM

The reconstruction is underway at the Nason St tot lot, a project of CPA funding

Construction of the New and improved Nason Street Tot Lot funded by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds is underway! 

Additional photos were posted to the Recreation Instagram page -> 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvhgxaroOw/

The reconstruction is underway at the Nason St tot lot, a project of CPA funding

How should the CPA funds be used? You have the chance to provide input!

What will be the major topic(s) requested for CPA funds for this year?

Last year, in the hearings, there was a chorus of requests for more pickleball courts. The plans are being developed for adding some additional courts to the King St Memorial fields as well as other improvements to this recreation area.

The Community Preservation Committee is holding their annual public hearing on Tuesday, Feb 7 at 7:00 PM. The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit ideas on how to use the CPA funds for the next fiscal year. 

Use the online form, or participate in the meeting to make your request or idea known.

CPA funding applications -> https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/pages/2022-cpa-funding-application

Current CPA funding approved by the Town Council for FY 2023 ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/town-council-to-review-and-vote-on.html

The current CPA plan ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_cpa_plan_v.2_4.pdf

CPA funds were allocated to renovate the exterior of the Red Brick School

On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)

FM #878 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 878 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

• FinCom recap; Minor adjustments $542k on $128m is only .004

• Budget cycle

• SNETT work completed by MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation  

• Town Council teasers

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/On-the-Horizon---Budget--SNETT-Upgrades-and-Town-Council-Teasers-e1qoo24/a-a8s5r8o

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Finance Committee notes and links ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/finance-committee-gets-update-on-fy.html 

Nov 16, 2022 agenda -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-16.html

Economic Development Subcommittee ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/economic-development-subcommittee.html 

121 Grove St info ->

• Application => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_application.pdf

• Site plan => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_schematic_plan_set.pdf 

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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!

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

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

On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)

Town Council authorizes purchase of Schmidt's Farm, witness 2 firefighter swear in's, and visit with State delegation (video)

In the regular meeting, Wednesday, Oct 19 the Town Council witnessed the swearing in of two firefighter/paramedics, spent time with the Franklin State delegation: Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeff Roy, before getting into the legislation portion of the meeting. 

The Council made two unanimous votes to approve and authorize CPA funding for the purchase of Schmidt's Farm via the first right of approval. The Community Preservation Committee had recommended the purchase in their meeting (10/4) and the Finance Committee had also unanimously approved in their meeting on Tuesday (10/18).

Additional funds ($50K) for the exterior renovation of the Red Brick school were also approved during the session. $200K had been initially budgeted for the repairs but the actual work has shown to be increased due to inflation hence, the additional funds required. $250,000 is the total for the exterior.

With the recent 2020 census results, the resulting redistricting has shifted the Senate districts so Senator Rausch's district covers all of Franklin where previously 3 precincts had been covered by Spilka. The session was the 'final' official visit of all three and the Council recognized Spilka with a proclamation for her service over the years. Both Rausch and Roy have contested elections this November.

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay -> https://youtu.be/2vd8NUH0kt0

Agenda doc ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_19_town_council_agenda.pdf

Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic

Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic

Both photos courtesy of the Franklin Fire Dept Twitter account:

https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1582875690231566336

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for Oct 19, 2022 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 19, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Municipal Aggregation

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. September 28, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._september_28_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. October 5, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._october_5_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

b. Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_transaction_-_shaws_change_of_officers.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Legislative Delegation: Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-64: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Land Acquisition: Land of Schmidt’s Farm, Inc. off Prospect Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-64 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._schmidts_farm.pdf

b. Resolution 22-65: Town of Franklin’s Exercise of Town’s Chapter 61A, Section 14 First Refusal Option, Re: Land of Schmidt’s Farm, Inc. off Prospect Street, Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Title Reference: Book 11712, Page 405 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-65 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-65_schmidts.pdf

c. Resolution 22-66: FY23 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Red Brick School House (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-66 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-66_-_red_brick_school_appropriation.pdf

d. Resolution 22-67: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,   §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-67 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-67_-_franklin_tv_appropriation.pdf

e. Resolution 22-68: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($1,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($100)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-68_gift_acceptance_-_pd_1000_vets_100_1.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_19_town_council_agenda.pdf

exterior renovation of the Red Brick School is in process

Town Council holds hearing on purchase of Schmidt Farm using CPA funds, moves parking bylaws to 2nd reading; hears from Norfolk County, and more in 3 hour plus session (video)

The Town Council meeting went over 3 hours long on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022 in the process of reviewing multiple topics. 

Norfolk County Commissioners provided some updates on what they do and how they do it. Some councilors appear stuck on the Federal decision to award the ARPA funds to the county and not directly to the Town but that is neither in control of the Town nor the County. The 3% management fee the County collects they are working for in managing the funds and they clearly stated the case during the evening. 

The best Council move was to approve The Town Council held a pubic hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding. There was no vote on the purchase. Several Councilors acknowledged they approved but the vote will come at a future meeting.  A number of residents in person and via Zoom spoke in favor of this move as it is perfectly was the CPA funds were meant to be used for.  The presentation doc (shared at the CPC meeting on Tuesday is now on the Town page)   (updated 10/13/22)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/schmidt_farm_61a_presentation.pdf

A passionate discussion raised issues that are mostly still to be resolved on parking. The set of 4 bylaws did all move forward to a second reading; one only by a 5-4 vote, the others by 9-0. Open question on should the Council allow the Town Administrator to set the rate. On what the rate should be? (It should be at least equal to the MBTA parking rate, otherwise the MBTA commuters albeit less of them, will park in these spaces and save money - which won't provide the spaces for what they were provided for - to enable shoppers downtown).

A 6-3 vote approved a request to obtain the 'authority' to issue an all liquor license to replace a beer/wine license already held which would put two all liquor license establishments within .3 mile of each other and near the Keller Sullivan schools. The legislation if approved by the State would still require a formal hearing and vote by the Council to actually approve the license. Tonight is only a step in the process.

The full agenda and links can be found here ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

Franklin TV - YouTube Video link -> https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8 

My notes taken during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing

The best Council move was to approve the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding

Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video)

The Community Preservation Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, Oct 4, 2022. The meeting recording is now available for replay and review from Franklin TV.  Video link -> https://youtu.be/htBcHT9SCp8

The full agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found:  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.04.22_cpc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTK3-U4PeOUqI2qn-KDNUn49s72eh5jg/view?usp=sharing

Note: The Schmidt's Farm presentation document will be posted to the Town pages in advance of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday at 7 PM.  Photos of almost all of the slides shared were captured and can be found in one album.  ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/At7CqqHSEMYzG3Ah8

Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video)

Franklin TV: Finance Committee meeting available for replay - 09/28/22 (video)

The Finance Committee met and did their business in about thirty minutes before the Town Council came into the Council Chambers for their meeting to start at 7 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

The Finance meeting did start a little after 6, so you get to listen to the intro of my radio show interview with Health Director Cathleen Liberty before the live stream of the meeting jumps into YouTube. If you want to continue listening to the health episode follow this link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/conversation-with-town-of-franklin-ma.html   or find Franklin Matters on your favorite podcast app.

Finance Committee link to YouTube -> https://youtu.be/9ANddS7JyAA

Meeting agenda and documents released for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html

Franklin TV: Finance Committee meeting available for replay - 09/28/22 (video)

Town Council Quarterbacking - with Tom Mercer; the insights and brief recap of the Town Council meeting June 22 (audio)

FM #821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 821 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, June 23, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, June 22.

·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

4.     PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a.     Proclamation and Performance: Electric Youth

b.     Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Recognition

 

5.     APPOINTMENTS

a.     Richard Salve - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

b.     Timothy Sweeney - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

 

c.     Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees  

  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c_appointments.pdf

 

d.     Tri-County School Committee Appointment – Jennifer D’Angelo

  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5d.pdf

 

9.     LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.     Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdf

b.     Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdf

c.     Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf

 

d.     Resolution 22-40: Appropriation Transfers FY22 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-40 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d.pdf

 

e.     Resolution 22-41: Authority for Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-41 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e.pdf

 

f.      Resolution 22-42: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,960) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-42 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f.pdf

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-821-town-council-quarterbacking-06-23-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_june_22_2022.pdf

My notes taken via Twitter are captured in this PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfMfgMowj-Vh04MroSUgrEwK1qzVTLWm/view?usp=sharing

My photos taken during the meeting are in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/h52SdtFSfb6gxofZA 

YouTube video of meeting ->  https://youtu.be/J0rn18f6aiM   

Keep up with events in Franklin vai the Community Calendar

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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"

cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum, an approved project for CPA funds