Showing posts with label Hellen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hellen. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3 - Not just for Newcomers . . .

Join us at our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Please join us as we host Franklin’s Town Administrator Jamie Helen, and Franklin’s School District Superintendent Lucas Giguere. They’ll be updating us on what’s going on in our town and in our schools. Take advantage of this great opportunity to get answers firsthand … bring your questions!

We’re meeting a week earlier than usual to accommodate our speakers. This is one of our favorite events of the year … join us to learn new things, meet new friends and have fun in our community.

We meet at Escape Into Fiction from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The bookstore is in downtown Franklin, 12 Main Street. Arrive early to take advantage of their wonderful selection of books, puzzles, games and gifts for all ages. Light refreshments will be served.

Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3  - Not just for Newcomers . . .
Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3  - Not just for Newcomers . . .

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

Look for us on social media for more information: https://www.meetup.com/franklin-newcomers-friends/ https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Monday, February 12, 2024

Town of Franklin, MA: DPW's Cantoreggi suspended indefinitely

Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator's statement:

"Effective immediately, Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, indefinitely, and until further notice. This leave is related to a personnel matter.

In Mr. Cantoreggi's absence, I have appointed Town Engineer, Mike Maglio, as Acting Director of Public Works for the Town of Franklin until further notice. Mike has served the Town for 13 years at the highest level of professionalism, skill and expertise. I have the utmost faith and confidence in Mike and the entire DPW staff to provide the leadership and direction necessary to manage DPW operations while Mr. Cantoreggi is on leave. There will be no disruptions in service or any projects in town.

I will not have any further comment on this matter until all information has been collected. I fully recognize everyone wants to know what occurred and what led to this decision, however I cannot answer those questions at this time. But rest assured that, when appropriate, all information that led to this decision will be made available to the public in full view. I do not have any timeline. In the meantime, your patience is greatly appreciated."

Shared from the Town of Franklin, MA Twitter account, @TOFranklinMA posted at 9:33 PM on Sat, Feb 10, 2024:

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Franklin Ridge gets additional $8.5M funding from MA subsidies

via Town Administrator Jamie Hellen:
"The Town was awarded $8.5 million in grant funding this morning for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project, which will be funded by $2.5 million from the Low Income Federal Tax Credit (LIFTC) and $6 million from other state Executive Office of Housing and Livable communities subsidies.

Today, the Governor announced that 26 projects in 19 communities will receive federal-state grant funding for affordable housing construction. I attended today’s ceremony ⁦at Hyde Square Task Force in Boston. Only 19 cities and towns were given money, which speaks to the Town's consistent and collective advocacy, as well as the shovel ready nature of the project.

We cannot underestimate the consistent advocacy of all Town Councils, past and present, and also our entire delegation including Congressman Auchincloss, Jeff Roy and Becca Rausch, and even our former Senator Karen Spilka. This is exactly how federal-state-local partnerships are supposed to work. It is a true team effort!

We will have more details as they become available. I suspect when we have a Franklin Ridge presentation update later this spring we will get a better understanding of how this all works and the timeline.

BTW, this now brings the total allocated local, state and federal money to approximately $13 million (not including the municipal land, staff or permitting efforts). "

Full press release from Gov Healey's office

Less than a week after her State of the Commonwealth address in which she vowed to tackle rising housing costs, Governor Maura Healey today committed resources to support the production and preservation of more than 1,900 housing units in 19 communities across the state. 

Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus joined state Sen. Liz Miranda and state Representative Samantha MontaƱo in Jamaica Plain to celebrate the Blessed Sacrament Church historic adaptive reuse project and to announce subsidies and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) support for several affordable housing projects across the state. 

“These housing projects are a great example of why we expanded the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit in our tax cuts bill,” said Governor Healey. “From a church transformed into mixed-use mixed-income housing in Boston to the re-use of a vacant nursing home as affordable rental housing in Northampton, these funds will make it possible for thousands of Massachusetts residents to afford a home. We look forward to continuing to work to pass the Affordable Homes Act this year to create much-needed housing across all income levels in the state.” 

Last fall, as part of a $1 billion tax relief signed by the governor, the Administration raised the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to $60 million annually – a $20 million increase over the previous year.  

“We are expanding housing opportunities so more people can live, work and stay in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This is just one piece of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategy to increase our housing supply and lower costs for hard-working Massachusetts residents.”  

The projects include:  
  • Residences at the Park – Athol 
  • 135 Dudley Street – Boston 
  • 775 Huntington – Boston 
  • Blessed Sacrament – Boston 
  • Mildred Hailey 3 – Boston 
  • NUBA Apartments – Boston 
  • Thatcher Apartments – Brockton 
  • Clifton Place – Cambridge 
  • Jackson Place – Cambridge 
  • Sacred Heart – Cambridge 
  • 4th at Broadway – Chelsea  
  • 25 Garvey Street – Everett 
  • Franklin Ridge Senior Housing – Franklin 
  • Library Commons 2 – Holyoke 
  • Prospect Place – Northampton 
  • Southern Tier – Oak Bluffs  
  • Schoolhouse Apartments – Rockland 
  • The Exchange 4%/9% - Salem 
  • 24 Webster Avenue – Somerville 
  • Plaza Apartments – South Hadley 
  • Residences at the Vault – Springfield 
  • Baldwinville School – Templeton 
  • Residences at Lawrence Hill – Wellfleet 
  • WCG Homes – Worcester 

“These projects, which will now be built as a result of the increase to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, are a direct result of the governor’s tax relief bill,” said Secretary Augustus. “The funding of these projects is proof that housing production for all of our communities is a top priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration. The governor's Affordable Homes Act will soon fund even more, much needed, affordable housing in the commonwealth.”  

Included in today’s announcement are two projects that will serve highly vulnerable populations.  

Located in Lynn, Solimine House will provide 150 affordable senior housing units with a strong health care link. 

Located in Boston, 900 Morrissey Boulevard will provide 99 single-room occupancy units, with extensive support services, to chronically homeless individuals in a now-vacant hotel.  

“Pennrose is honored to be entrusted by the Hyde Square Task Force to preserve this incredible historic asset with them and to create performance space for the community that fulfills their mission.  We are incredible grateful to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston for their commitment, dedication and resources to make this restoration and transformation a reality and to complete the work on this campus that has been done so well by the Jamaica Plain NDC and others,” said Charles Adam, Regional Vice President, Pennrose. 

"We are fortunate to partner with Pennrose to preserve this community gem. This project will add much-needed affordable housing to Boston's Latin Quarter and include a performance space to help Hyde Square Task Force further our mission. We are grateful to the Commonwealth and the City of Boston for helping us complete the vision for this amazing building and campus,” said Celina Miranda, Executive Director of the Hyde Square Task Force. 

Statements of Support: 

Amy Schectman, CEO, 2Life Communities: 

“Today’s awards illustrate the depth of Governor Healey’s commitment to producing truly affordable housing throughout Massachusetts. 2Life is so proud to partner with the Healey/Driscoll Administration to make sure all older adults have a path to aging in community—a full life of connection and purpose.  Solimine House in Lynn, funded today, will bring 150 all-affordable apartments AND be a demonstration of the efficacy of integrating housing and healthcare on a single site.” 

Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO, Preservation of Affordable Housing: 

“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for tackling the housing crisis head-on by expanding affordable housing production and preservation across the state. This vital funding, along with strong local support, will provide new rental homes for nearly 100 low- and moderate-income families in Cambridge and Wellfleet while advancing the Governor’s goals of addressing climate change and creating new jobs.” 

Mathieu Zahler, Principal of MPZ Development and Jason Korb, Principal of Capstone Communities: 

“Access to high-quality, affordable multi-family housing is an acute need not just in urban areas but across every community in Massachusetts. We are incredibly grateful to the Healey administration, including Secretary Augustus and his team at EOHLC, for providing critical funding that will allow us to reimagine the future of the historic Baldwinville Elementary school and break ground on first multifamily residential building to be permitted in Templeton in the last 25 years.” 

Clark L. Ziegler, Executive Director, Massachusetts Housing Partnership: 

“Today’s funding awards represent another major step forward by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to expand housing opportunities and reduce pressure on rents through the development and preservation of affordable housing. The Massachusetts Housing Partnership is pleased to support that effort by making long-term fixed rate mortgage financing available to many of these developments at below-market interest rates.” 

William H. Grogan, President, Planning Office for Urban Affairs: 

“We are extremely grateful to the Healey Administration’s commitment to addressing the Commonwealth’s housing crisis and ensuring that every person has the right to a safe and secure place to call home. Our communities need high quality housing options that are affordable to residents at different income levels, and the Administration’s support will make this type of housing a reality.  With today’s award of housing resources from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, coupled with support from the City of Brockton, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs will be able to proceed with our Thatcher Street Housing development in Brockton, which will provide 121 units of much-needed affordable and mixed-income housing in a sustainable, vibrant and diverse community that is located near residential and educational uses and incorporates public transportation access.” 

Alexis Breiteneicher, Executive Director, Valley Community Development: 

“We are thrilled that, with the Commonwealth’s support, this property will convert from existing fossil fuel systems to all-electric systems powered by alternative energy sources, including geothermal and photovoltaics." 

Chrystal Kornegay, CEO, MassHousing: 

“I applaud Governor Healey’s investment in the people of Massachusetts, by expanding affordable housing options across the state. Affordable homes support working families and stabilize households in need. MassHousing is proud to partner with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, to help move the Commonwealth’s housing agenda forward.” 

Roger Herzog, Executive Director, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation:  

"The projects announced today in EOHLC’s latest funding round represent the continued successes we are able to achieve through close collaboration with our non-profit partners and the Commonwealth. We remain committed to helping to create new, quality affordable housing at a time of dire need and look forward to continuing to work with Governor Healey and her administration as she makes this issue a top priority in her agenda.” 

Andy Waxman, Vice President of Development, The Community Builders New England: 

“We are immensely grateful to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for recognizing the significance of the 900 Morrissey development, which will provide safe, stable, service-enriched housing to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents. TCB is committed to providing stable housing and supportive services that make neighborhoods stronger. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Pine Street Inn for their invaluable partnership in making this development possible.” 

Gilbert Winn, CEO, WinnCompanies: 

“Today’s affordable housing tax credit awards smartly address the needs of neighborhoods, towns and Gateway Cities in fast-growing areas where working individuals and families hope to settle in and contribute to the local economy. These awards represent another important facet of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s thoughtful and comprehensive strategy to tackle the Commonwealth’s housing crisis.” 

Benjie Moll, Principal, Arx Urban:  

“Arx Urban is grateful for the crucial support provided by the State of Massachusetts. This partnership will make it possible for us to build a 62-unit mixed-income, deeply sustainable, transit-oriented community for the Chelsea community.” 

Phil Cohen, Principal, Boston Communities:  

The funding announced today will have a huge impact for families across the state. We are extremely grateful for everything this administration is doing to expand affordable housing options, keep families in their communities, promote transit-oriented developments, mix incomes, and promote diverse communities and diverse development teams.” 

Marc Dohan, Executive Director, NewVue Communities: 

“NewVue Communities is very grateful for support from the Healey-Driscoll Administration that will fund the conversion of two vacant but historic schools into 53 new affordable and intergenerational apartments in the Town of Athol.   The Town of Athol has been a great partner with NewVue as we have worked together to convert the former Ellen Bigelow and Riverbend schools into the Residences at the Park and help meet the growing demand for housing.” 

Keith Fairey, President and CEO, Way Finders: 

“Way Finders is grateful to the Healey – Driscoll Administration for their willingness to comprehensively solve the Commonwealth’s housing crisis.  The awards provided to our Western Massachusetts projects demonstrate the administration’s understanding of our challenges and exemplify the type of investments needed to create more housing affordability, choice, and opportunity in our region.” 

Michael Johnston, Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority: 

“The Cambridge Housing Authority is grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities' support for the Revitalization of Jefferson Park. Conditions were so poor at Jefferson Park that a third of the families onsite were relocated and units boarded up five years ago. The funding being provided by the administration is the final critical piece to start construction on the new Jefferson Park, which will replace 175 obsolete units and add over 100 new deeply affordable homes onsite with 130 units or nearly 47% serving families needing three-bedroom homes or larger. CHA is thankful to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for supporting a healthy and sustainable future for public housing communities.” 

Gordon Pulsifer, President, First Resource Development Company: 

“The First Resource Development team would like to thank Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus, Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox and the entire team at EOHLC for today’s funding award announcement for Residences at the Vault located at 310 State Street Springfield , Ma. Residences at the Vault was built in 1924 and was the home of a Federal Land Bank one of the first in the country. The building will be converted into 60 apartments (1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments). While maintaining all historic aspects such as the open banking lobby and the original vaults. Residences at the Vault will provide on site management and 24 hour security. New housing is badly needed in the Springfield area. Our Management Co First Resource Management Co. has extensive wait lists for families waiting for housing. Last year we opened 96 new apartments in downtown Springfield and the housing lottery produced several thousand applications demonstrating this demand.” 

Yvette Dyson, Executive Director, Worcester Common Ground: 

“The widening gap between the privileged and the underprivileged underscores the significance of the funding allocated to preserve 73 units at Worcester Common Ground. Through this initiative, Worcester Common Ground aims to implement energy conservation measures, including both energy retrofits and solar installations. The profound impact of this funding round is immeasurable, particularly as the aging buildings are in dire need of upgrades to improve the lives of residents. The focus on energy savings and the incorporation of healthy mechanisms within the units directly correlates with the well-being of our community's backbone – the vulnerable populations. We express our gratitude to the Healey Administration for their understanding of the ongoing necessity for affordable and healthy housing, providing everyday conveniences to those who need it most” 

Emilio Dorcely, CEO, Urban Edge: 

“We thank the Healey-Driscoll administration for their continued leadership and sense of urgency in responding to the unprecedented housing crisis in Boston and throughout the Commonwealth. This award will support the ongoing redevelopment of Mildred Hailey, an affordable multi-family rental project in Jamaica Plain, and will add much needed affordable housing units into the Boston market. In the fifty years since Urban Edge was founded, the role of public-private partnerships has been critical to bringing transformative investments to housing initiatives that will help make Boston a more equitable and vibrant City.” 

John B. Cruz III, President and CEO, Cruz Companies: 

“Our team is so excited to help rejuvenate this area where I grew up and attended school and church, right here on Dudley Street, but later witnessed years of redlining and disinvestment causing the steep decline of what was a diverse, bustling neighborhood and Boston’s second largest commercial node. We applaud our leaders in Boston and the Commonwealth for their investment in this effort to revive and reimagine Roxbury, and to bring back its vibrancy under the banner of Nubian Square, with our buildings named for notable Black figures from Roxbury like my father and Boston NAACP leader Leonard Alkins. I am both humbled and grateful to have our company help shepherd this historic rejuvenation, as we’ve done in Mattapan and Dorchester, bringing new housing and mixed uses for a successful future. It truly has special meaning for me.” 

Rafael Mares, Executive Director, The Neighborhood Developers: 

“Impact Residential Development and The Neighborhood Developers are grateful to EOHLC and the City of Everett for their support and funding for 25 Garvey Street. This will help with a critical need for affordable homes for Everett families to have stability and thrive.” 


Franklin Ridge senior housing expansion proposal
Franklin Ridge senior housing expansion proposal

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Town of Franklin, MA: Jamie Hellen selected as MMA Association Vice-President

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted Sat, Jan 20, 2024:
"Congratulations to our Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, on being selected and elected by municipal colleagues as the 2024 @massmunicipal Association Vice-President! #MassMuni24"
@CityofWaltham Councillor John McLaughlin @JMcLaughlin94 (far left) & @TOFranklinMA Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (2nd from left) have been elected to serve as the next MMA President & Vice President, respectfully
@CityofWaltham Councillor John McLaughlin @JMcLaughlin94 (far left) & @TOFranklinMA Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (2nd from left) have been elected to serve as the next MMA President & Vice President, respectfully


Note: Jamie is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Jeff Nutting. Jeff was elected President of MMA in 2009.

 

"Team Franklin at the ⁦⁩ Annual Conference. Day 1 in the books, Day 2 begins now! Our largest group ever at the conference!"
Team Franklin at the ⁦ @massmunicipal ⁩ Annual Conference
Team Franklin at the ⁦
@massmunicipal
⁩ Annual Conference


Friday, December 1, 2023

This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)

FM #1107 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1107 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  


Topics for this session

  • Budget cycle starting new with tax rate hearing pinning FY 2024

  • Tough decisions face in FY2025 and beyond

  • Migrant housing situation stabilized


The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1107-talk-franklin-11-28-23



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


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


Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 


Agenda for Tax rate hearing Nov 21, 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf 


Budget cycle and financial terms audio with Chris Sandini & Kerry Bertone

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/the-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle.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"


This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)
This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)

Friday, July 7, 2023

Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)

FM #1020 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1020 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer. 


We had our conversation at the Municipal Building on Tuesday June 27,2023. Tom Mercer joined via Zoom.  


Now that the major FY 2024 budget decisions are behind us, how we will go forward becomes the topic. The next steps start with the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Aug 2. 


Over the next several months, lots of conversations, and planning discussion should result in a plan to go forward that the ad-hoc residents committee can then spread the word on for a potential override decision by the Town.


The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to the recording of the way forward discussion on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1020-fy2024-going-forward-06-27-23



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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 


School FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 



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

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"


Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)
Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

From the May audio archives - If you missed it then, you can catch up to it now (audio)

FM #993 -  Spend a few minutes with this "must listen" summary from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on FY 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/franklinites-spend-few-minutes-with.html

FM #1001 - The audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 29, 2023. -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-of-franklin-memorial-day-ceremony.html

FM #1002 - The audio of the Favorite Poem Project Reading held in the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, April 29, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/the-favorite-poem-project-reading-for.html


You can find more in the Franklin Matters Radio podcast page here ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/

Franklin Matters Radio podcast page
Franklin Matters Radio podcast page

Sunday, July 2, 2023

From the March audio archives - If you missed it then, you can catch up to it now

FM #959 - Superintendent Lucas Giguere and I sat for this in the 3rd of the series with him  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/superintendent-giguere-discusses.html

FM #961 - I am fortunate to get to "Talk Franklin" with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen almost twice a monthly. Town Council Chair Tom Mercer and I also about twice a month conduct our "Town Council Quarterbacking" session condensing the prior Council meeting. For this session, the calendars aligned and I got both Jamie & Tom together.   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/quarterbacking-crossover-with-talk.html


You can find more in the Franklin Matters Radio podcast page here ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/

Franklin Matters Radio podcast page
Franklin Matters Radio podcast page

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Roy & Hellen testify on H.2108 to enable Town of Franklin to publish legal notices by alternative means to save money

On Tuesday, June 20, State Rep Jeff Roy and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen testified on a local home rule petition to save the Town of Franklin approx. $40-50K per year by not sending legal notices to the newspaper. Legal notices are posted to the Town website, residents (and others) can subscribe to receive them. Newspapers have been declining in publication. The savings will not significant are substantial.

The testimony submitted by Rep Roy

"Representative Carol A. Fiola, Chair
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Room 236
Boston, MA 01233

Senator Jacob R. Oliveira, Chair
Chair Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Room 416-B
Boston, MA 01233

RE: H. 2108, “An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings”.

Dear Chair Fiola and Chair Oliveira:

I respectively request that H. 2108 - “An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings” be released favorably from committee.

The proposed unanimous home rule petition would authorize Franklin to post statutorily required legal notices through means other than print newspaper. The language is modeled after Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2022 which authorized the town of Acton to use similar alternative methods of notice for public hearings.

Franklin is well known for its robust community engagement. Citizens are active and regularly consume many forms of media connected to the current events of the town. For instance, the town has over 5,000 email subscribers, multiple sources of social media, cable access through Franklin TV, civic news services such as Franklin Matters and the Franklin Observer as well as the town’s official website. In addition, notices would be posted by the Town Clerk on the bulletin board as well and over time would be expanded to other bulletin boards in heavily frequented areas around town. Since 2017 the town has spent $200,000 publishing meeting notices in print newspapers despite fewer and fewer people reading or subscribing to local print media. With so many readily available alternatives a savings of $40,000-50,000 a year would mean a great deal to the town budget.

As State Representative for Franklin, I can attest to the commitment of Town’s officials to ensuring that town business is conducted in an upfront and transparent way. Franklin has been recognized by the Massachusetts Municipal Association for its transparent approach to public meeting accessibility, especially during the pandemic. The town takes its responsibility to promote civic engagement very seriously and is always looking for new and better ways to inform its citizenry. I have no doubt that as technology continues to expand, Franklin will continue to innovate and expand their notice capabilities. For these reasons, I believe the request to eliminate one small facet of the notice requirement can be accommodated without negative impact.

Thus, I urge your favorable action on H. 2108 and thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns."

Full text in PDF form ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XeFmQk1DWeTcSPOta_SrvsauZAlbp30N/view?usp=drive_link

Testimony submitted by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

Re: Testimony on House 2108, An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings

Dear Chair Fiola and Chair Oliveiro:

On behalf of the Franklin Town Council, I am submitting testimony on behalf of the House 2108, An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings. I request a favorable report from the Joint Committee and passage of this home rule legislation. The legislation approved and submitted by the Franklin Town Council was modeled after Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2022.

In a unanimous decision, 9-0, the Franklin Town Council petitions the General Court with this home rule legislation to allow the Town to post statutory required legal advertisements through means other than through a print newspaper. As you know, cities and towns are required by statute to file (certain) public hearing and legal notices via a print newspaper publication of general circulation. A few examples of required hearing notifications in print newspapers include conservation, certain financial or property hearings, certain licensing hearings, land use permitting, and tree hearings, among many more. As technology and accessibility to government officials has evolved, advanced, and expanded significantly, the Town believes we can communicate in greater effectiveness to our citizens through electronic and in-person methods, while saving taxpayers significant resources each year from publishing legal advertisements in print newspapers.

Since 2017, the Town of Franklin has cumulatively spent over $200,000 to publish legal ads in print newspapers. That total would have been higher if not due to the two COVID years of 2020 and 2021. The Town is not convinced it’s seeing a significant return on that financial investment with greater attendance, participation or awareness of public hearings through print newspapers. It’s an exceptionally rare situation to have a citizen arrive at any public meeting and suggest they saw the public notification in the print newspaper. Occasionally, this may be the case, and I fully understand this will affect a small portion of the citizens in town. But learning about public hearings via a print newspaper is far from the norm and further fades each year.

The overwhelming number of citizens, including most senior citizens, receive their town news, legal notifications and updates from the Town’s various electronic and in-person sources. The Town has over 5,000 subscribers to various email lists on how citizens stay in touch with local news, hearings, meetings, announcements and public hearing notifications. That content is also published on town authorized social media channels. Specifically for legal public hearing advertisements, the town has nearly 855 subscribers on the “Legal Ads” email subscription list and is a free service for everyone.

Notifications of hearings can also be found on local cable access, the town website, and are often published by local, third party civic news sources in Franklin Matters and the Franklin Observer.

If this legislation is approved, the Town would use this email subscription service as the predominant legal notification method for all state required public hearing notifications. We would facilitate a policy for the entire organization. The Town would also dedicate a bulletin board in the Town Clerk’s Office to post hearing notices. As time evolves, I could even envision numerous posting areas of high visibility or foot traffic. And of course the notices would all be posted on the town website as we currently do.

Furthermore, the Town would also work closely with our local cable access station, Franklin TV, to post legal ads throughout regular programming. They reserve a fair amount of air space for local town news, hearings, meeting notices and also have an archive of all town meetings on YouTube called “Franklin Town Hall TV.” The methods the town has used to inform citizens of hearings have been effective and we would like to continue them without having the additional cost or responsibility to post those same notices in a print newspaper of general circulation. In tightening budget times, saving $40-$50,000 a year on legal ads would be beneficial to the town budget to either reinvest in other civic engagement projects, or in other areas in need of investment.

Franklin is well respected for its transparent publication of information, meetings, hearings, outreach, and communication. The Town has been recognized by the MMA and many other communities for our comprehensive approach to transparency and public meeting accessibility, notably during the pandemic, by meeting citizens where they are consuming content rather than asking them to find antiquated locations for notifications. I rarely hear complaints about the public not knowing about an issue, meeting or a hearing. As Representative Roy and Senator Rausch know well, citizens in Franklin are extremely well informed of when critical meetings, hearings or events are being held in the community.

At the end of the day, with print newspapers in a slow decline and public attention turning into purely electronic and in person forms of communication, it may not be that far off in the future when many other municipalities will be looking for a similar exemption from being required to post certain legal ads in a local print newspaper. Similar to Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2022, many communities will be facing a reality that there is no print newspaper option to suffice this legal requirement, or other communities will simply this legal requirement not the most cost effective use of public spending. This legislation could serve as an additional test case of how to develop better policy on this future trend.

On behalf of the Town Council, I greatly appreciate the time of the Joint Committee to hear this bill. We thank you for your attention to this legislation and urge a favorable report from the committee. I am happy to discuss the legislation with any member of the committee or the legislative committee staff.

Full text in PDF form ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KsMK4jewlbsuK2cmGgnl6TPCdY0h9jkd/view?usp=drive_link 

The H.2108 legislation text can be found -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H2108

Link to the hearing testimony -> https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4561 Rep Roy and Hellen appear approximately 10 minutes into the hearing video