Annual Report Of The Finance Committee: FY 2023 Report

I hereby submit the Annual Report of the Franklin Finance Committee for FY2023.

During the year we had some turnover in the membership of the committee. We lost Mike Kasberg, Dave Weich and Tyrel Hansen. On behalf of the Town of Franklin I thank them for their service and wish them well in their next chapter. We subsequently welcomed Mike Hamilton, William Batchelor, and Lauren Nagel. We look forward to having these new inquiring minds on the committee.

Over the last few years, we have worked to change the focus of the committee from basically a very informed approval body to a more proactive approach to understanding the information at a much deeper level. My predecessor as Chairman started what has become a series of "Deep Dives" into each department. This year we reviewed the Assessing Department, the Franklin Public Schools, the compensation plan for the town and the planning and building departments. Each gave us and those watching a much better understanding of what happens every day in those important departments.

In the coming year we will again perform "Deep Dives" on the larger departments with an eye toward determining what they need to properly serve the town for the next several years. It is important that we let them articulate what they need to provide the high-quality service we have come to enjoy and expect.

Perhaps our most important function occurs each May when the annual budget is presented to the committee. Each and every line of the budget is subjected to review with the appropriate department head present to answer questions. We are the only committee to perform this level of review for the public so it is important that we ask the questions that the public may have. All of our meetings and agendas are posted on the town's website and can be viewed both in person and are available on the Zoom platform as well as viewable on Franklin TV and YouTube.

As we approach the challenges of FY25 it is very important that we fully understand what will be needed to support the services that each department provides.

It is important that I acknowledge the quality of the information we receive from the Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and the Finance Director Chris Sandini. The data is always in the most readable and understandable format that we could ever ask for. Also thank you to the department heads for putting up with some questions from "out of left field" but that's how we and the residents learn.

It is very important that I acknowledge and thank my fellow committee members for their participation and focus during our meetings.

Respectfully submitted,

George Conley, Chairman 

Natalie Riley, Vice Chairman 

Nicole Corbosiero, Clerk 

John Grace

Chuna Keophannga 

Stephanie Koke 

William Batchelor 

Michael Hamilton 

Lauren Nagel

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Report Of The Finance Committee: FY 2023 Report

Annual Report Of The Board Of Assessors: FY 2023 Report

Revaluation

The revaluation of all real and personal property in the Town of Franklin was completed Autumn 2022 in preparation for Actual Fiscal Year 2023 3rd quarter tax bills. Following is a brief review of that achievement.

Data Collection

Twenty-one years have now passed since we installed the Assesspro real estate valuation and assessment administration software developed by Patriot Properties, Inc. Because our start-up data was from a different form of valuation system and most of our data had not been refreshed in nearly ten years, it was necessary to complete a town-wide data recollection program prior to finalizing the FY 2005 valuations. Patriot Properties was hired for this task. Over the past 18 years, our appraisal staff has performed the on-going property exterior measuring and interior inspecting for all real estate classes.

Such reviews are done for the Department of Revenue (DOR) required cyclical program, as well as for building permitted changes, pre- appraisals, abatements and sales verifications.

Field Review

In addition to individual property on-site review, field reviews are required periodically to check for observed data accuracy and consistency.

This drive-by review provides another level of assurance that when valuation schedules are applied, the results will be "Fair and Equitable".

Commercial/Industrial/Apartment Valuations Annually there are analyses of sales data as well as income & expense market data. The Board contracted Patriot to work with our Director to establish an income approach to value for each property. All requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue were met through final approval of the FY 2023 valuations.

Sales Analysis

The majority of the sales analysis was completed by September 2022, and the interpretation of sales continued through the next two stages of valuation. The town-wide program resulted in a valuation system that was applied uniformly throughout the town, while reflecting all the adjustments warranted individually and by neighborhood, to arrive at "Full and Fair Cash Values" as per Massachusetts General Law.

Value Generation

A system of valuation was established based on valid property sales and where applicable the income approach to value. These schedules were developed from the market and then uniformly applied to all taxable and exempt real property.

Final Value Review

Final reviews were completed in preparation for the DOR review. These include studies of various computer-generated reports to check for value consistency, final field checks required, and for DOR documentation and its analyses.

DOR Review & Final Approval

The on-site and statistical reviews by the DOR took place from April to October 2022. The appraisal staff provided files, generated property records, answered questions and addressed any concerns. At the conclusion of the DOR review, we were granted Preliminary Certification authorizing public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

The DOR approved valuations were available for disclosure to the property owners. While all staff provided property record cards and general data reviews, the Director and the appraisers conducted informal hearings on valuations.

Personal Property Business assets and those of utilities are reviewed for valuation as taxable Personal Property. For twenty-two fiscal years we have engaged the specialized services of Real Estate Research Consultants (RRC) in the discovery and valuation of these accounts. These services have served us well, resulting in DOR approval and consistently defendable valuations. Also, considerable new growth has been certified annually. Additionally, the RRC Personal Property Software installed in our office has benefited us. The personal property valuation formulas are very straightforward, and the administrative capabilities have met our needs.

Classification Hearing & Tax Commitment Following some discussion and a few presentations relative to single versus split tax rates, the Council approved a single tax rate at $12.58 per $1,000 of taxable value as calculated by the Board for all property classes. The tax commitment and mailing were timely for an Actual 3rd Quarter tax bill.

Abatement Reviews

Upon mailing of the tax bills and on or before the due date of the first Actual bill, property owners have an opportunity to file an Abatement Application on the basis of overvaluation or misclassification. 49 abatements applications were filed of 11,753 taxable accounts, or just over 215th of 1%. Generally those with merit were resolved through our conducting a complete on-site exterior measuring and interior inspection. Usually a valuation discrepancy is the result of a data error or as a result of an inspection appointment not arranged and thus the property data used was estimated vs. actual.

Technology Improvements

In addition to our state-of-the-art software for the valuation and administration of both real and personal property, Cartographic Associates, now CAI Technologies of Littleton, NH has continued to maintain the digital1GIS-mapping program it first completed for us for FY 2005.

Following aerial photography and planimetric (physical features) mapping, CAI constructed cadastral tax maps (depicting parcels) through the use of over 5,000 plans and over 15,000 deeds. This new mapping program is annually updated and reconciled with our property records for consistency in both parcel inventory and land area. With the support of the Town Administrator, the Finance Director and the Town Council, we have capacity in our Patriot software to link and utilize the maps with our assessment data file and any other available location-based data. In addition, for the past eighteen years we have provided our parcels and more on the web as AxisGIS for the benefit of both the Town staff and the general public.

Appraisal & Administrative Staffing

The use of automation has minimized the former heavy burden of traditional data processing. Due to this and numerous other office improvements, the Town approved our Staff Restructuring Plan. We have adjusted our administrative support to be shared among the Appraisers who are responsible for continuing to improve our service to the public at the counter and by phone. They have focused these efforts on providing and reviewing public records, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments and Abatements, Exemption Applications, posting Building Permits and Sales and any other assignments as required. They have continued to train in rotation in various administrative duties and computer applications. The Appraisers have made special efforts in the development and implementation of usable written instructions for the assessing office procedures and for MUNIS financial software applications. These instructions were developed consistent with all Mass. General Law and DOR requirements and are subject to frequent change due to legal changes and software enhancements.

 

Appraisers

We thank Kevin W. Doyle, Director of Assessing for his diligence especially as Director beginning following his first two years here. He has overseen the completion of all our work these past twenty-two fiscal years, seven full revaluations and fifteen interim years of market adjustments. We also acknowledge the support work of Appraiser David Ruberti since July 2005, Appraiser Peter Mooney since August 2004, and Appraiser Susan Reagan since September 2019. Our Director received his Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA) in 1990 and the MAAO Wilson Award in June 2013. Within the past sixteen years all three Appraisers completed their designation required education and experience, being granted their MAA designations and maintaining their periodic recertification.

Town Revenue Enhancements

In addition to meeting all state requirements as well as daily office oversight, the Director and Appraisers have achieved many additional improvements to benefit the Town taxpayers. One such is the efficiencies built into the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment and Abatement processes in conjunction with the newest MUNIS tax software installation. These excise taxes represent about 5.28 million dollars in locally raised annual revenue, or about 5.5 % of locally raised tax revenue. We assure the citizens that like real and personal property, taxes on these are assessed and abated appropriately and uniformly for the maximum benefit of all. Registry of Motor Vehicles' automation aided the Director and Appraisers to further enhance revenue in assessing dealer and repair plate registrations. As well, with the ongoing automation improvements of the Environmental Police, this professional staff successfully developed a new potential annual revenue stream in the identification and assessment of excise taxes on boats principally situated in Franklin.

On-site Periodic Property Reviews Because we have initiated the cyclical property re-measurement and re-inspection program as prescribed by the Massachusetts DOR, we continue to make various public information efforts to assure property owners have advance information about this on-going program.

Briefly, please note that the purpose of these property visits is to verify that the correct data is being used in the determination of valuations to achieve "full and fair cash value" in accordance with Mass. General Law Chapter 59. The Board appreciates the general public's cooperation in its efforts to serve all property owners of all property types to assure fair and uniform values.

Your Elected Board of Assessors Before entering the performance of his/her duties, each Assessor upon election has taken the oath of office specific to assessors and assistant assessors. Massachusetts General Law has provided that because the DOR Commissioner of Revenue has regulatory oversight over assessing in every city and town, the Commissioner likewise determines the training requirements for the assessors and any assistants. At this time, the Commissioner has determined Course 101, including the Classification Training Workshop, meets the minimum requirements. The full Board of Assessors and all four staff have completed these and have been certified as such by the Mass. Commissioner of Revenue.

The Board looks forward to continuing education opportunities offered by the MA DOR and the professional associations, the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO), the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), the Mass. Chapter of the IAAO, the Northeast Regional Association of Assessing Officers and the Norfolk & Suffolk Counties Assessors Association. The assessors have attended seminars and workshops to broaden and reinforce their understanding of property tax law.

In particular, the Board has focused on current and possible future tax relief and deferral options for our disabled and elder citizens. To that goal, following meetings of the Town Senior Outreach Committee, the Board, its Staff and the Office of the Council on Aging continued its broad-based efforts to reach seniors. This has resulted in successfully providing tax relief (exemption) information to additional seniors who owned and occupied their homes.

Also, with the valued assistance of the Town's Veterans' Agent Shannon Nisbett, special efforts are continuously made to identify veterans and their surviving spouses entitled to exemptions, much of it State reimbursable to the Town. We look forward to continuing to work with Shannon and all the Senior Center staff.

All these efforts are consistent with the Board of Assessors commitment to meet its challenges as key Town Financial Team members to the benefit of all the citizens of the Town of Franklin. The Assessing Department is officially a part of the Franklin Finance Division headed by Finance Director Christopher Sandini who also serves as Comptroller. We and especially our staff have been successfully coordinating efforts with Treasurer-Collector Kerri Bertone and look forward to continuing this cooperative and productive work with Chris and Kerri into the Town of Franklin's future.

The close of Fiscal Year 2023 coincided with the first year anniversary of hiring of Council on Aging Director Danielle Hopkins who has been very helpful in this Board's efforts to reach out to Franklin's Seniors assisting in preparing Property Tax Exemption Applications. The Board and the Staff express appreciation for Danielle's contributions and efforts throughout the fiscal year.

Considering the unexpected pandemic, important and valuable office restructuring was done. The three Appraisers are meeting the challenges of our industry, the restructuring and the needs of all the Town of Franklin's citizens, property owners, their agents, Town Officials and Employees, and the Public at large.

As we write, the Board of Assessors and its Staff are preparing to finalize the Real and Personal Property Appraisal files for the Fiscal Year 2024 Interim Year subject to DOR review and final approval. The FY 2022 Revaluation was Franklin's first since the State modified the cycle from three to five years, thus it followed four Interim Year Updates. These next three years will be Interim Year Updates and FY 2027 will be the next Revaluation. Meanwhile, with the cooperation of property owners, the property descriptive information on file will be continuously improved and maintained and we will achieve market-based valuation adjustments that are both Fair & Equitable.

Assessor Ken Norman has announced he is not seeking reelection to the Board in November. We are very grateful for the years of service he has provided to this Board and in many other Town areas both during and previously.

Respectfully submitted, 

Christopher K. Feeley, Chairman 

Daniel Ballinger, Clerk, Assessor

W. Ken Norman, Member, Assessor 

Franklin Board of Assessors

Visit the Board of Assessors page on the Town website ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/board-assessors

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf'

Annual Report Of The Board Of Assessors: FY 2023 Report

Annual Report Of The Veterans' Services Office: FY 2023 Report

The Veterans' Services Office (VSO) serves Veterans and their dependents in recognition of their service to our country. Our mission is to ensure Franklin Veterans can access the local, state, and federal benefits available to them. We also strive to foster camaraderie and community engagement among our Veterans. Responsibilities of the VSO include, but are not limited to, dispensing benefits under MGL Chapter ll5, assistance with filing VA claims and applying for VA Health Care, administering the Franklin Municipal Veterans' Assistance Fund and Veterans' Gift Fund, managing the Veterans' Property Tax Work-Off Program, providing information about property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans, and making referrals to community agencies for housing, employment, mental health, eldercare, and transportation services. We work with our Veterans' Council, Town departments, and community partners to host numerous patriotic and social events throughout the year.

As our Veterans and their dependents age, there are more demands for benefits provided by the Commonwealth's Department of Veterans' Services and the U. S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. It is important that Veterans and surviving spouses identify themselves on the town census. This information enables the VSO to identify the number of Veterans living in Franklin and the services available to them. We encourage all Veterans and their surviving spouses to contact the VSO.

The VSO is always willing to attend school events and other community events to speak about Veterans, Veterans' benefits, the military experience or to support a patriotic event. We invite other Veterans to attend such events as well. We also work with Boy and Girl Scout groups and students who are interested in community service projects when Veteran-related projects are available.

Franklin Veterans' Council

Established in 20l5, the Franklin Veterans' Council meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, at the Franklin Senior Center. Dates, times and meeting locations are posted on the Veterans' Services web page. All Veterans and any Franklin resident or organization interested in Veterans' activities are welcome to attend. This group serves as a communications outlet for Veteran and military- related events and activities in the community as well as an opportunity for Veterans to obtain information about state and federal benefits and changes. The Council is chaired by the VSO.

Veterans Memorial Walkway

Families continue to honor their U.S. Veterans and active duty family members by purchasing engraved bricks for the Memorial Walkway on the Town Common. Bricks are installed on the Walkway prior to Memorial Day and Veterans' Day each year. The administrative processing of the brick orders and installation is handled by the Veterans' Services Office. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies and on the Veterans' Services page on the Town website. Thank you to all who have supported this project by honoring their Veteran with an engraved brick. To date, l849 engraved bricks have been purchased and installed on the Veterans Memorial Walkway. Bricks will be sold until all blank bricks on the Walkway have been engraved.

Monument Restoration

Four War Monuments were cleaned and restored this year, including the World War I Monument, the Civil War Statue, the Spanish-American War Monument, and the Persian Gulf War Monument.

Veterans Coffee Socials

Attendance at the monthly Veterans coffee socials continues to grow as an opportunity for Veterans to have a cup of coffee (tea, water, pastries) together and to socialize with other Veterans. The socials are held the first Wednesday of the month at l0:00 a.m. at the Senior Center. The VSO provides updates on benefits and activities and invites guest speakers to discuss Veteran-related topics several times a year. Franklin Veteran Bob Crowley gave a brief discussion about his Honor Flight experience in November. In April, we celebrated the fourth anniversary of our monthly coffee socials. We presented Starbucks' associates with a certificate of appreciation for their ongoing support of Veterans and for catering our coffee socials for the last four years at no charge.

Purple Heart Community

Franklin is a Purple Heart Community. This designation demonstrates that our Town recognizes and honors Franklin service members who received the Purple Heart award for being wounded or killed in enemy combat. Our office has created a registry of Franklin residents who are Purple Heart recipients. We will recognize those recipients each year. In August 2022, l4 Franklin Purple Heart recipients and their families were recognized at the Veterans Coffee Social. Signs have been installed at the Town's entry points, designating Franklin as a Purple Heart Community. If you or a family member from Franklin are a Purple Heart recipient, please contact our office.

Quilt of Valor Awards

Since its inception in 2003, the mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to "cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor." To date, over 300,000 quilts have been awarded to Service Members and Veterans nationwide. This past year, Quilts of Valor were awarded to Franklin Veterans living at the Enclave of Franklin Assisted Living Community, Magnolia Heights Independent Living Community, Cedarwood Gardens Health and Rehabilitation Center, and at Veterans' private homes. Thus far, Quilts of Valor have been awarded to 48 Franklin Veterans by the Massachusetts Quilts of Valor State Coordinator Theresa Perreault and her assistants.

Veterans' Day Program

On November 11, 2022, Franklin Elks Lodge #2l36 hosted the annual Veterans' Day Luncheon. With l20 guests in attendance, the featured speaker was Army Veteran and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient Robert Gardner. American Legion Post 75 Chaplain Robert Markunis offered the invocation. The FHS chorus provided musical interludes during the luncheon and members of the American Legion provided an Honor Guard and posted the colors. VSO Shannon Nisbett made remarks about why we celebrate Veterans' Day and thanked all Veterans in attendance for their service and sacrifices. She highlighted activities and programs supported by American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and encouraged attendees to consider joining these organizations to continue the great work they do on behalf of Veterans. Navy Veteran Richard Hynes explained that the POW-MIA table, which was on exhibit, is meant to remind us about those U.S. service members still not accounted for. The luncheon was attended by state and local officials including State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and members of the Franklin Town Council. Chris Flynn, of Franklin TV, videotaped the luncheon which later aired on Franklin's All Access Community TV. Special thanks to the Franklin Elks for the delicious luncheon and for their continued support of Veterans' activities and programs throughout the year.

Memorial Day Breakfast

Sponsored by the Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE), the annual Memorial Day Breakfast was held on May 26, 2023 at the Senior Center. Students from Tri- County Regional Vocational Technical School's culinary department, under the direction of instructor Nancy Haney, prepared and served the breakfast. Chaplain Bob Markunis of American Legion Post 75 offered the invocation. VSO Shannon Nisbett emceed the event and Veteran Advocate and Community Educator Rose Turco was the featured speaker. Remarks were given by State Rep. Jeff Roy and State Senator Rebecca Rausch. Ernest Carruthers, Quartermaster at the VFW Post 3402, recognized Larry Bederian, the outgoing VFW Commander, and thanked him for his many years of service in that position. The FHS chorus, under the direction of Mary Kate Pezzillo, provided musical interludes and FHS student Brady Devlin performed "Taps" on the bugle. Members of the American Legion Post 75 provided an Honor Guard and posted the colors. Navy Veteran and Memorial Day Parade Co- Chairman Richard Hynes explained the significance of the POW-MIA table, which was on display. Parade Co-Chairman and Navy Veteran Ernest Carruthers provided details about the upcoming parade. Thank you to Kathy and Joe Lesica for making the beautiful table centerpieces and to Chris Flynn of Franklin TV for videotaping the event, the Starbucks East Central Street Team for providing coffee, and all the guest speakers and volunteers who made this event possible.

Parade and Ceremony

The Memorial Day parade was held on May 29, 2023. Franklin resident and Veteran advocate Mark Ellis was selected as the Grand Marshal of this year's parade and made remarks at the ceremony that followed the parade. Along the parade route, local Boy and Girl Scouts placed memorial wreaths (made by the Girl Scouts) at Dean College, Union Street, and St. Mary's cemeteries and at the war memorials on the Plaza. Bands from Franklin High School, Remington, Annie Sullivan and Horace Mann middle schools and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School marched and played patriotic songs in the parade. American Legion Post 75 provided an Honor Guard and Rifle Team, VFW Post 3402 and Knights of Columbus Council l847 provided Honor Guards, the Franklin Fire Department provided an Honor Guard and fire engines for the parade, and the Franklin Police Department provided a police detail along the parade route. The Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School ROTC, along with instructor Major Travis Bowser of Franklin, marched in the parade as well as local Scout groups. Rev. Dr. Jacob Juncker, Brother Phil Bennallack and Father Brian Manning participated in the presentation of honors at Dean College, Union Street Cemetery and St. Mary's Cemetery along the parade route.

Reverend Doreen Oughton offered the invocation and benediction and Marine Veteran Joe Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Memorial Day ceremony. American Legion Commander John Milot read the names of Franklin Veterans who had passed since last Memorial Day. Outgoing VFW Post 3402 Commander Larry Bederian and incoming Commander Ernest Carruthers, along with Marine Veteran Dawn Anderson, also participated in the Honor Roll presentation at the ceremony. The FHS band, under the direction of Leighann Rudsit, performed the National Anthem, and FHS buglers Brady Devlin and Peter Bryan played "Taps."

Many thanks to Chris Flynn and Chris Leverone of Franklin TV for providing media coverage of our Memorial Day events. Thank you to Allegra Printing for donating the Grand Marshal parade banner again this year.

Special thanks to parade committee members, Lt. Eric Zimmerman of the Franklin Police department, Battalion Chief Tom Carlucci of the Franklin Fire Department, Richard Hynes and Ernest Carruthers, Parade Co-Chairs, Camille Napier Bernstein, Gerry Bradie, Frank Coughlin, John Hefele, Chaplain Bob Markunis, John Milot, Debra Martin, Shannon Nisbett, Rose Turco, Lester Quan and the many volunteers who provided support on Memorial Day. Thank you to our parade drivers, the Franklin Public Works and Facilities departments and the Franklin Garden Club members for their assistance, support and beautification of the Town Common.

Veterans Call

"Veterans Call" is a TV program for and about Veterans hosted by the VSO and airs on Franklin's All Access Community TV station. This year's programs have featured National Service Officers from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services, Matt Ching and Tom Ryan, MA Veterans' Bonus Manager, Steve Croteau, American Legion Post 75 Commander John Milot, and VFW Post 3402 Quartermaster Ernest Carruthers.  

Find Veterans Call -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0wytXIB_AExm_qUn2WyA2nW

Chair of Honor

The Chair of Honor, which commemorates those who served in the U.S. military but have not returned home, resides at the Franklin Senior Center. The empty chair is displayed at the Memorial Day Breakfast and other Veterans' events as a reminder of the service and sacrifices made by prisoners of war or those still missing in action. As of May 2023, there are more than 8l,000 American troops still unaccounted for.

Display Case at the Town Hall

Our office maintains the Veterans' display case in the Town Hall lobby. The displays focus on Veterans' Day, Memorial Day and other Veteran-centric historical events, as well as feature Veterans and Veterans-related projects in our community. The current display highlights the War Monuments Restoration Project on the Town Common.

Other Events and Activities

In August 2022, Elks Lodge #2l36 sponsored a Dinner-Dance fundraiser with all proceeds from ticket sales and raffles going to the War Monuments Restoration Project. Thank you to Mark Ellis and the Elks Lodge #2l36 membership for their ongoing support of Franklin Veterans' activities and events.

On December 9, 2022, our office hosted a resume building workshop with New England Center and Home for Veterans at the Senior Center.

Also in December, our office, along with the help of Franklin Veterans and families, decorated a Veterans' Holiday Tree for the Senior Center's first annual Winter Wonderland event. Our beautiful live tree was raffled off and was won by a Franklin Veteran.

On February 8, 2023, we hosted a Greater Franklin Virtual Career Fair for Veterans with the MassHire Department of Career Services.

A new Veterans Tax Work-Off program was established in 2022. Like the Senior Tax Work-Off program, Franklin military Veterans (or their surviving spouse) can "work-off" up to $l,500 of their annual real estate tax bill by volunteering their services in a Town department in exchange for an abatement on their property taxes.

"Tune It Out," our learn-to-play-guitar program for Veterans, began in July 202l. Research suggests that active music engagement reduces anxiety, increases relaxation levels and improves overall well-being.

There are currently 15 learners and four volunteer instructors who meet at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. In September 2022, we hosted an Open House to introduce Veterans to the guitar program and in June 2023, we hosted a guitar class pizza party to show our appreciation for the volunteer instructors. We are grateful for the generous donations of guitars and funds we have received from members of the community in support of this program. Veterans may call the VSO to sign up for classes.

We are continuing our Buddy Check program with the help of a Veteran volunteer. With their permission, we call Veterans and Veterans' widows or widowers either weekly or monthly to check in on them and ask if we can be of any help. Many of our Veterans live alone and appreciate hearing a friendly voice on the phone. Please contact our office if you are a Veteran who would like to be included in our Buddy Check program

 

Community Support

Veterans' Services thanks these faithful supporters:

The Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE) for their sponsorship and support of Veterans' events.

The Franklin Senior Center staff for their daily support of the Veterans' Services Office.

The many departments in the Town of Franklin that support our Veterans' programs. It takes a team effort to accomplish all that we do.

Franklin Elks Lodge #2l36 for their continued support of Franklin Veterans including the sponsorship of the Veterans' Day Luncheon and the Veterans' fuel assistance program. In addition to fundraisers, Elks Lodge #2l36 conducts activities during the year that support Veterans in local VA medical centers and other facilities.

American Legion Edward L. Grant Post 75 Commander John Milot and Legion members for their support of local Veterans, their leadership in our Veterans' Day and Memorial Day events, and for volunteering their time to spruce up Veterans' gravesites at St. Mary's cemetery, led by John Hefele.

VFW Post 3402 and newly appointed Post Commander Ernest Carruthers for co-chairing the 2023 Memorial Day Parade, hosting the parade committee luncheon following the Memorial Day Parade, and their ongoing support and commitment to Franklin's Veterans and Veterans-related events.

Starbucks, East Central Street, for generously catering our monthly Coffee Socials and other Veterans' events.

Franklin Matters, Franklin Observer and Franklin Local Town News for their coverage of Franklin Veterans' events and activities.

The Franklin Garden Club for the beautification, care and maintenance of the Veterans' Memorial on the Town Common.

Community volunteers, including Boy and Girl Scouts, who assist our office with activities and events throughout the year.

Franklin Public Schools' Music department for their talent and support at various Veterans' events.

The citizens of Franklin for their support of our Veterans and active duty service members.

If you are a Veteran or a family member of a Veteran and have a question or need any assistance, please contact our office.

Although, federal and state definitions of Veterans are very specific as to time and component served for qualification for benefits, I hold to this definition of a Veteran:

A Veteran is someone - whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve, served one day or twenty years - who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the Government of the United States of America for an amount of "up to and including my life."

Thank you for your service.

I am honored to serve Franklin's Veterans and their families.

Respectfully submitted, 

Shannon Nisbett 

Veterans' Service Officer

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Report Of The Veterans' Services Office: FY 2023 Report

Franklin Agricultural Commission 2023 Annual Report: FY 2023 Report

The Town Council established the Franklin Agricultural Commission in 2018, per Special Legislation to promote, develop, and foster agricultural resources in the Town of Franklin. The Committee consists of 5 Members with 3 Year terms. All members are residents of Franklin and most members are active farmers or have experience in agriculture-related fields.

The Mission of the Franklin Agricultural Commission is to preserve, revitalize and sustain the Franklin Agricultural Industry and its lands, to encourage the pursuit of agriculture, to promote agricultural-based economic opportunities, and to protect all existing farmland in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts.

The current Officers of the Franklin Agricultural Commission are: Roger Trahan: Chair, Charles J. Koshivas: Vice Chair, Marian E. Szymanski: Clerk, Nick Capoccia: Member, and Dan Morse: Associate Member.

In 2023, The Franklin Agricultural Commission revisited our Mission Statement and asked ourselves how the Commission can be more visible in the town and how we can better fulfill our Mission. As a result, we initiated and accomplished the following:

1. The Franklin Agricultural Commission provided informational booths and an assortment of agriculturally themed children's activities at town events such as the Summer and Winter Farmer's Markets, the annual "Strawberry Stroll", the annual "Harvest Festival", "DelCarte Day".) The Franklin Agricultural Commission also provided tractors for the town's "Touch-a-Truck" event, organized and ran the "Zucchini Race", and the annual "Pumpkin Weigh-In" event.

2. The Franklin Agricultural Commission conducted another Chapter 61 "Enrollment Drive". Members of the Commission sent information packets to all of the property owners who own a piece of property that is 5 acres or more. The packets educated residents about the benefits of placing a piece of land into Chapter 61, and how to know if a piece of land would better be covered by Chapter 61A or Chapter 61B. We also provided the directions for the process.

3. The Franklin Agricultural Commission reached- out to all farmers in the town and invited them to one of our meetings. We asked each of the farmers what the Commission could do to help them promote their farm products and assist them in operating a successful farming business. As a result of these conversations, the Franklin Agricultural Commission is considering working on the following actions: Changing the existing laws that require 5 acres of land in order to be considered a "farm" as the town of Franklin no longer has many large parcels of land available for agriculture; Promote the local farms - especially their agrotourism events and children's programs via social media and posters: Installing signs that feature the names of each farm and their products on: highways, in front of each farm, and on the roads that lead to each farm; The possibility of hosting an annual "Farm Hop"; and the possibility of making the town of Franklin a "Right To Farm" town.

4. The Agricultural Commission met with the members of the town of Medway's Agricultural Commission to share their goals, their current and past actions, and their plans for the future.

5. The Town of Franklin has purchased over 200 acres of open space in the past few years .Meeting were held to discuss how the town will use, manage, and care for each of these properties. Members of the Franklin Agricultural Commission attended and participated in the majority of these meetings. The Commission is suggesting that the properties be utilized to create: small farms, event spaces, incubator farms, community gardens, a cross-country course, walking paths with trees and shrubs that will feed birds and pollinators, pollinator gardens, and outdoor classrooms for adults and for children.

Respectfully submitted,

Marian Szymanski

Clerk for the Franklin Agricultural Commission

Visit the Agriculture Commission on the Town website ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Franklin Agricultural Commission 2023 Annual Report: FY 2023 Report

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk's Office: FY 2023 Report

The obligations of the Town Clerk's Office have changed dramatically over the last few years. I am very proud of the ability of my staff to adjust to the ever-changing requirements and needs of the public and their continuing ability to provide superior service to the residents of the Town of Franklin. I am blessed to have two tremendous team members without whom my job would be impossible. Deputy Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald, and Administrative Assistant Melissa Kiriacopoulos, play critical roles in the success of this office and our ability to meet the needs of our constituents. Dyan is my right hand and provides me with critical input on a daily basis. She always excels in her role and works hard to improve the office and keep it moving forward. Melissa has made great impact in her first year and excels in the area of customer service and all aspects of the Town Clerk's Office. She has been a huge asset to the department.

The work of the office in 2022 was dominated by election activity. In June, the State Legislature made several changes to the election laws which were designed to cement into the Massachusetts election landscape many of the changes made during the 2020 pandemic. The highlight of these changes was early voting, both by mail and in person. The addition of early voting, especially the additional by-mail obligations, provides clerks across the state with new challenges as they try to plan for the needs of a large number of in-person voters on election day while also processing thousands of by-mail ballots. The ability of this office to successfully implement these new election changes while also to provide for the needs of our constituents is a testament to the professional abilities of my office.

HISTORY TOWN CLERK OFFICE

"The office of town clerk is probably one of the oldest in municipal government. It appears in the Bible in the Book of Acts, Chapter 19, and verse 35 written in A.D. 58. A search of other early written records would no doubt reveal other instances in which mention of this office appears. In Massachusetts, town clerk was one of the earliest offices established in colonial towns although the title itself may not appear in the earliest records. The settlers were well aware of the importance of keeping accurate written records of their agreements and actions including grants of land, regulations governing animals, the collection of taxes and the expenditure of town funds. If your town records date back to the first half of the 17th century, you will probably find that a person was given the specific duty of writing down town orders and will see many entries in the record which include the words "It is ordered by the inhabitants," or some similar words. Indeed, in Massachusetts, the town clerk was one of the earliest offices established in colonial towns."

 

ONLINE SERVICE

Our online service continues to be a success!! This has been a convenient way for the public to request and purchase birth, death and marriage certificates. This improvement has also been a great success for our dog owners who need to license a new dog or renew their yearly dog license. These document requests and payment options are available online anytime of the day, 7 days a week. To use this service, visit the town website at franklinma.gov/townclerk.

NOTARY SERVICE

The Town Clerk's office provides Notary services as a courtesy. Residents seeking Notary Services should call the Town Clerk's office prior to their visit to ensure that the Notary is available. The following guidelines will be followed in the provision of Notary Service: - Notary Services are available during the normal business hours. Notary Service is provided on a first-come, first service basis. Please be sure to have valid government-issued photo ID if you are seeking this service. Remember, the document must be signed in the presence of the Notary. Notary Service is not available for deeds, mortgages, wills, living wills, living trusts, power of attorneys, or depositions. Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized. For more information please visit our website. The Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, and Deputy Town Clerk, Dyan Fitzgerald are also Commissioners to qualify, which means if you are a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace and need to be given the "Oath of Office" we can perform this service for you free of charge.

POPULATION

The total population for FY2023 Census is now 32,832.

The following are some past population figures that have been reported over the past years:

population figures that have been reported over the past years

WELCOME TO OUR NEW RESIDENTS

We continue with our welcome packet to all new residents. Included in this packet is a census form, Voter Registration card and a dog registration form. We invite all new residents to stop by the Clerk's office. it's a nice way to meet their Town Officials and be introduced to the Municipal Building and the many services that are offered here in Town. If you choose not to complete the voter registration card you can also register to vote at www.registertovotema.com.

BUSINESSES

A total of 245 businesses were opened or renewed in Franklin during 2022. We wish them the best of luck. All non- incorporated/DBA businesses, according to MGL, shall register with the Town Clerk prior to commencing business. This certificate is valid for four years at a charge of $40.00. Banks will send their customers to us before allowing them to open a business account. This helps us to keep our records updated.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

Total number of underground gasoline permits are 14 and there are 9 hazardous materials permits. No new certificates have been filed with this office by the Fire Department during 2022.

PLANNING IAPPEAL BOARD APPLICATIONS

All applications and decisions are permanent records and may be researched at any time through the Town Clerk's office. Elsewhere in this report you will find our index of applicants/decisions during the year 2022.

CODE OF FRANKLIN

The Town of Franklin Code Book is maintained and updated through this office, both in hard copy, and on the web at www.franklinma.gov. This book contains all the rules, regulations, by-laws and acts of the Town.

TOWN CLERK DIRECTORY

Our Directory of Town, State and County Officials is available here in the Clerk's office and on the Town Clerks webpage. This booklet has been a very useful tool to employers, committees, managers and residents. Other publications available in the Clerk's office are Subdivision and Zoning Regulations, Maps as well as Resident Street Listing Books.

 

RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE

I have continued to keep our records in the best possible order as mandated through the Secretary of State's office. All of our books are bound and stored in the Town Clerk's vault each year. This is the history of Franklin and its' residents and I take pride in maintaining a filing system that continues the safety of each volume.

VITAL RECORDS

Certified records of birth, deaths and marriages are available through the Clerk's office. They are copied on bonded vital paper affixed with the Town Seal. The fee for a vital record is $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 per additional copy.

As a note, when you need a copy of your birth record, remember that it is always filed in the town where your mother was living at the time of your birth and in the hospital community. Marriage Certificates are retained in the Town where you filed your Marriage Intention. All records are also safe guarded at the Office of Vital Records in Boston, MA. You can order online on the town clerks web page through our online portal.

DOG LICENSING

We have over 3,300 registered dogs in Franklin. Dog registration is a State Law requirement. Dogs are required to be licensed to be sure that they are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Dogs should be licensed at 6 months and older. Licenses are $20.00 (altered) $30.00 (non- altered) due by April 1st of each year with a late fee of $30.00 added after April 1st. Residents with (4) or more dogs need to acquire a kennel license through the Zoning Board of Appeals.

CONCLUSION

I would like to thank the residents of Franklin for your continued support shown to us this year.

The Town Clerk's office is also very grateful for the funding provided by the Community Preservation Committee for the restoration and preservation of the Town Clerk's vault. A very special thank you to all the members and Chairman Mr. Chris Feeley. The funds have allowed me to complete the project of preserving the history and important vital records dating back to the 1800's that are stored in the Town Clerk's vault.

It is my pleasure to serve the Community as "Your Town Clerk"

Respectfully submitted, 

Nancy Danello, CMC

Town Clerk / Chief Election Administrator 

Notary Public / Justice of the Peace

Note: not all the sections of Nancy's report were shared here but the complete Town Clerk report is available as a separate PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wsC1mT2KHxY9Dr35RRzGSf0IWYmCm9sn/view?usp=drive_link

or you can get the full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report PDF online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk's Office: FY 2023 Report

Annual Report of Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. dba Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio - FY 2023 Report

2023 Report for Our Operating Year 2022 FRANKLIN COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS,

INC. dba Franklin•TV (www.franklin.tv) and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr•fm

Franklin•TV is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We operate the local access TV studios for Franklin. We produce local TV programs on three channels:

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26).
• Franklin Pride TV - Our Schools Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28).
• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29).

FRANKLIN COMMUNITY CABLE ACCESS,

INC. 

We are Franklin's local TV channels on Comcast and Verizon. We are not owned by Comcast or Verizon.

Background

The Town of Franklin is the Local Franchise Authority (LFA) that maintains agreements with Comcast and Verizon. Franklin•TV's funding comes from a local access fee that cable subscribers pay per the LFA agreements. Thus, as an independent nonprofit group, F•TV is not funded by taxes. We operate at no cost to the town. F•TV also pays a PILOT fee (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to the Town of Franklin by agreement. We are the first nonprofit group that contributes to town services. As an IRS 501(c)(3) charity we also may receive grants and donations.

Our Charter Operations

We support requests from town agencies and civic organizations for coverage of community events. We cover events that are cultural or institutional in nature and of general interest to the public.

Community Bulletin Board Service

In addition to programming, Franklin•TV offers free community announcements on our Bulletin Board for all three P/E/G channels. Nonprofit organizations who wish to promote their meetings, special events and activities are welcome to contact us.

Community Bulletin Board Service

Our Studios and Offices

We have five thousand square feet that houses two video studios (a large drive-in access studio and an interview studio), a live television control room, two audio recording and production rooms, six digital video editing/effects systems, and our multi-channel audio record/playback systems and business offices.

Our Studios and Offices

We also have general purpose Community Meeting Space available - free to qualified nonprofit groups and service organizations for occasional meetings. Our facility can accommodate up to 30 people.

Community Meeting Space

A Broadcasting Opportunity, wfpr•fm

WFPR is the public broadcasting extension of F•TV's media services to Franklin and surrounding towns. Franklin Public Radio went on the air at 10:29 AM on February 2nd 2017.

Like F•TV's Community Bulletin Board, our wfpr•fm public service announcements inform listeners about local civic groups and events. We promote the good works of civic and pro bono groups. Our mission is to Amplify the Public Good. wfpr•fm broadcasts more than 30,000 pro bono messages, each 20 to 30 seconds long. If your group wishes to expand its outreach on community radio, call 508-528-9377 to learn more. There is no cost.

WFPR also provides opportunities for local citizens to have a voice by producing their own radio programs or participating as volunteers to make our radio station successful as a local community resource. Volunteers currently produce several regular weekly programs for broadcast over wfpr. These programs also can be heard online at wfpr•fm and as podcasts on their respective websites. In 2022 our volunteers produced over 400 original weekly radio programs.

Franklin Public Radio

wfpr•fm's FCC License Renewal

Our wfpr•fm license to broadcast on 102.9FM was renewed by the FCC for 8 more years, commencing April 2022. All New England broadcast facilities in good technical and operational compliance are renewed customarily on a regional basis by the FCC.

Franklin Matters

Steve Sherlock and Franklin Matters continued to provide extensive coverage of government meetings, civic issues and timely recurring discussions with Franklin officials on wfpr•fm, Franklin Public Radio. Our collaboration also extends F•TV and wfpr•fm to the social media world. Our program guide is now part of Franklin Matters' daily email newsletter, and will soon be shared via Twitter and other social media platforms to promote greater awareness.

Citizen Access

Residents who produce their own access programs are the owners of these programs. As such, these producers hold their own copyright and may copy and distribute these programs freely, provided that the programs are cablecast on the Franklin system. Per our Public Access charter, we do not provide free equipment for covering private or personal events or for purposes other than generating access programs to be shown over the Franklin cable system. We are always interested in training volunteers who would like to learn the craft of video production. Trained volunteers and interns work alongside our roster of free-lance and staff professionals to shoot and edit the institutional programs that we cover.

While visiting our website, also read our informative F.A.Q. on P/E/G TV studios, their operation, history and charter. We also recommend browsing our past newsletter archive to learn more about Franklin•TV, our growth and development, and the civic events that we cover throughout the year. You can also watch past programs via YouTube video on demand, at www.Franklin•TV, or listen to Franklin Public Radio on 102.9 FM. You can also listen live online or find podcasts of past programs at www.wfpr•fm.

Franklin•TV is not a cable carrier, but we do provide local cable programs via both Comcast and Verizon. Our local programming service agreement with the Town of Franklin was renewed in 2022 for another 10 years.

Scholarships

In June 2022, as part of our continuing commitment to students at Franklin and Tri-County High Schools, Franklin•TV awarded two $1,500 scholarships to FHS students Nipun Goel and Samuel Reis, and another to Tri-County student Josh Mariotti. For 2023 we awarded a scholarship to FHS's Ryan Martin. Our best wishes to all in their academic endeavors.

Cord-Cutting Continues

Our operations funding is derived solely through cable subscriber fees. From our start as Franklin•TV in 2012 we saw overall budget increases of 25% over 5 years to 2017. Since that time we have seen a like reduction in funding as cable customers reduce or cancel their cable TV services. Currently, we are down by 15% from our 2017 funding, and quarterly revenues continue to erode while our operating expenses continue to rise. We continue to trim expense wherever possible while also expanding our live coverage of school and community events. Increased live streaming of our programming is more costly as part of our new post-pandemic normal.

The Massachusetts legislature is currently working on two versions of a bill (Bill H 74 and S34) that would help to stem the P/E/G studio revenue losses by levying a 5% tax on streaming video services.

Comcast Channel Assignments

As of this writing, Comcast is rearranging their channels line-up. They are relocating our P/E/G programming to new channels. The change is scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, August 29.

Verizon customers are unaffected.

Our new Comcast channels will be

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26).
• Franklin Pride TV - Our Schools Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28).
• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29).

 

New Board Members

We're pleased to report that Steve Sherlock and Jim Derick are recent additions to our F•TV board of directors. Dr. Anne Bergen takes on Ken Norman's duties as our President. Jay Horrigan is our Vice- President. Steve Sherlock assumes Secretary/Clerk John Milot's recording duties, and Ken continues on our board as Treasurer.

Finally, in closing, "Thanks for Watching!" Thanks for listening to wfpr•fm on 102.9 and following online at Franklin Matters.

Submitted by Franklin•TV's Board of Directors:

Dr. Anne Bergen, Jay Horrigan, Ken Norman, Steve Sherlock, John Milot, Dr. Pandora Carlucci, Rose Turco, and Jim Derick

Peter Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin•TV & wfpr•fm

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

The Franklin TV section can be found directly here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x8TwEiwrdQm5WEvyNgikLDew4hDtt6ic/view?usp=drive_link

Annual Report Of The Town Council - FY 2023 Report

Franklin Town Council

The Town Council is the holder of all general, corporate, legislative, and appropriation powers of the Town of Franklin. 2n behalf of the Town Council, I submit our annual report for Fiscal Year 2023.

Tom Mercer, Chair

Robert Dellorco, Vice Chair 

Glenn Jones, Clerk 

Deborah Pellegri, Melanie Hamblen, Brian Chandler, Cobi Frongillo, Patrick Sheridan, and Ted Cormier-Leger

Budget Subcommittee & Joint Budget Subcommittee

The Budget Subcommittee is composed of four members of the Town Council; Tom Mercer, Chair, Brian Chandler, Vice Chair, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. 

The Joint Budget Subcommittee, composed of members from the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee, had one meeting in FY23 during which they reviewed their committee charge and discussed the preliminary FY24 budget.

Capital Budget Subcommittee

The Capital Budget Subcommittee is composed of four members of the Town Council; Debbie Pellegri,

 

Chair, Robert Dellorco, Vice Chair, Brian Chandler and Ted Cormier-Leger.

The Capital Budget Subcommittee met three times in FY23 to review department requests and capital plans. They recommended that the full Town Council appropriate:

Capital Round 1:

Free Cash Appropriations: $1,928,487

• School Department: Curriculum, Equipment & Technology - $480,000

• Facilities Department: Vehicles - $139,000

• Technology: Equipment & Technology - $20,500

• Town Administration & Building Commissioner: Equipment & Infrastructure

- $120,000

• Fire Department: Vehicles & Equipment - $379,199

• Police Department: Vehicles, Equipment & Technology - $399,788

• Department of Public Works: Vehicles - $390,000

Water Retained Earnings: $1,237,750

• Water Enterprise Fund: Infrastructure, Vehicles & Equipment - $1,237,750

Sewer Retained Earning: $935,000

• Sewer Enterprise Fund: Equipment - $935,000

Capital Round 2:

• Department of Public Works: Snow & Ice , Roads, Sidewalks & Parking Lots -

$581,782

• Town Administration: Marketing & Branding - $50,000

• School Department: SPED Van - $77,000

• Town Clerk: Vests and Gear for Election Wardens - $3,000

Economic Development Subcommittee

 

The Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) is composed of four members of the Town Council; Melanie Hamblen, Chair, Cobi Frongillo, Vice Chair, Glenn Jones and Patrick Sheridan.

EDC + Steering Committee

In FY23 the members of the EDC were joined by two members of the Planning Board; Greg Rondeau and Beth Wierling, and one member of the ZBA; Bruce Hunchard, to form the Steering Committee. The primary mission of the Steering Committee was to review and analyze the findings of the "Franklin For All" Downtown Franklin and Franklin Crossing zoning diagnostics study which concluded in June of 2022, prioritize zoning recommendations, and plan the timeline and implementation for the three highest determined priority recommendations.

The EDC and the EDC + Steering Committee collectively met a total of 15 times in FY23. With the help of the Department of Planning and Community Development and Building Commissioner, they identified their priority zoning recommendations and voted to move several bylaw amendments to the Town Council for approval. Among the most notable were amendments made to inclusionary zoning, accessory dwelling units, and parking, all of which involved months of deliberation and compromise on extremely complicated subject matter, bringing a successful conclusion to the first phase of the Franklin For All zoning changes.

The EDC also voted on and moved two bylaw amendments to the Town Council to amend the Town's existing Zoning Map. These amendments are part of an ongoing effort led by the Department of Planning and Community Development to better define zoning districts townwide.

 

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House (“Old South Church”)

The EDC also played a critical role in the sale of the Old South Church to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. The Town had owned the Old South Church located at 762 Washington Street since 1972 and had not used the property since 2007. In FY22 The Town put out a request for Expressions of Interest for the purchase of the property and received two viable proposals. After discussing the proposals the EDC recommended to the Town Council that the Request for Proposals (RFP) should include a condition that the property would only be used for affordable housing. At the start of FY23, the Town Council voted to accept the recommendation of the EDC and in September 2022 they authorized the Town Administration to release an RFP which would include provisions for both permanent affordable housing and historic preservation restrictions. The Town received a formal proposal from Old Colony Habitat for Humanity to construct a single family residence which met the restriction requirements for both affordable housing and historic preservation. In November of 2022 the Town Council voted unanimously to sell the property to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, and we are eagerly anticipating the restoration of this beautiful and historic building as it transitions into a home for a family in Franklin.

New Committees

In FY23 the Town Council voted to create 4 new Town committees.

The Master Plan Update Committee is composed of three members of the Town Council; Glenn Jones, Chair, Cobi Frongillo, Vice Chair, and Melanie Hamblen, Clerk; two members of the Planning

 

Board; Rick Power and Jen Williams; one member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Bruce Hunchard; one member of the Conservation Commission, Meghann Hagen, and six members-at-large, Gino Carlucci, Ken Elmore, Erin Gallagher, Joe Halligan, Ginelle Lang and Eric Steltzer.

The mission of the Master Plan Update Committee is to update the 2013 town wide Master Plan. The Committee aims to accomplish the following:

• Review the current Master Plan and existing planning documents, data and achievements;

• Identify the key issues facing the community in the next ten years;

• Assist in the identification of existing conditions and conduct trends analysis;

• Recommend goals and objectives related to Franklin's future;

• Develop a clear action plan for the Town of Franklin; and

• Make a final report to the Planning Board within 18 months from the date of ratification of the Committee members, January 4, 2023

In FY23 the Master Plan Update Committee met twice and established five subcommittees consisting of its members:

• Land Use & Zoning

• Housing & Economics

• Community Services, Facilities & Circulation

• Sustainability

• Open Space & Recreation and Natural, Cultural & Historic Resources

The full committee and subcommittees will continue to meet regularly in FY24 and anticipate presenting a complete report to the Planning Board by the conclusion of FY24.

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee is composed of three members of the Town Council; Debbie Pellegri, Chair, Patrick Sheridan, Vice Chair and Ted Cormier-Leger, Clerk; one member of the Planning Board, Greg Rondeau; and five members-at-large, Megan McCarthy, Gwyneth Morss, Chris Stickney, Roberta Trahan and Sam Williams.

This committee was created after a resolution was approved by the Town Council at the start of FY23 to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the property containing the Davis Thayer Elementary School from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for municipal purposes. The mission of the Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee is to evaluate potential strategies and future uses for the building and parcel of land the building is located on. The Committee aims to accomplish the following:

• Conduct an assessment of current conditions and possible uses;

• Conduct a market appraisal of the property;

• Engage community stakeholders and citizen input through a public listening series; and

• Evaluate potential future uses and make a final report to the Town Council by December 23, 2023

The Davis-Thayer Committee will be meeting regularly in the first half of FY24 and anticipate presenting a final report to the Town Council in December of 2023.

The Police Station Building Committee is composed of three members of the Town Council; Tom Mercer, Chair, Brian Chandler, Vice Chair, and Robert Dellorco, Clerk; Chief of Police, Thomas Lynch; Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen; Director of Facilities, Mike D'Angelo; Executive Director of Metacomet Emergency Communications Center, Gary Premo; two members of the Police Department staff, Andressa Rosa and James West; and two members-at-large, Kelsey Alexander and David Pellegri.

The mission of the Police Station Building Committee is to oversee a potential expansion and/or renovation of the current Station located at 911 Panther Way. The Committee aims to accomplish the following:

• Select a designer for the needs analysis and design;

• Evaluate all potential expansion and renovation options for the current and future needs of the Police Department;

• Present the proposals to the Town Council for approval; and

• Once approved, oversee the project until substantial completion

The Police Station Building Committee will be meeting on a regular basis beginning in FY24 until a project proposal has been approved by the Town Council and the project has achieved substantial completion.

The Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives is composed of three members of the Town Council; Cobi Frongillo, Chair, Ted Cormier-Leger, Vice Chair; and Melanie Hamblen, Clerk.

The Subcommittee for Arts and Culture Initiatives was created in tandem with the Master Plan Update Committee as a way to create space for conversation regarding the future of Arts and Culture in Franklin.

In the Spring of 2023 the Subcommittee hosted an Arts and Culture Listening Tour which was a three- part series of listening sessions to engage the community in a discussion of ideas, thoughts and strategies to grow the economic footprint of arts and culture in Franklin. They also released an Arts and Culture Feedback Survey to ensure all voices in the community had an opportunity to be heard.

The Subcommittee will produce a report of ideas to the Master Plan Update Committee for their consideration in the Summer of 2023.

Open Space

In October of 2022 the Town Council voted to exercise its Chapter 61A, Section 14 first refusal option to purchase 113 acres of land located off of Prospect Street, owned by Schmidt's Farm, Inc.. At approximately 115 acres, Schmidt's Farm represents one of the last and largest contiguous parcels of open space in Franklin. Approximately 2 acres of this land were retained by the Seller for personal use, and the Town acquired 113 acres at a purchase price of

$3,800,000.

 

Later, in December of 2022, the Town Council voted to purchase another three parcels of land totaling approximately 18 acres from David and Kathleen Dalzell, who generously and in spite of other options, sold to the Town so that the land could remain as open space. These parcels are located on Bald Hill (16 acres +/-), off Grove St. (1 acre +/-) and off Pond St. (1 acre +/-) and the purchase price was $250,000.

These 131 acres acquired in FY23, combined with the 68 acres acquired in FY22 with the purchase of the land known as Maple Hill, bring the Town to an impressive total of nearly 200 acres purchased in under two years. Potential uses for all of this land will reinforce the Town's goal of protecting and providing for open space.

Red Brick School House

The Red Brick School House, located at 2 Lincoln St., is a Town owned building on the National Registry of Historic Places. In FY22 and FY23, the Town Council approved the appropriation of CPA funds to restore the exterior of the building. The restoration project, which includes lead paint remediation, brick restoration, and various cosmetic improvements to the exterior and surrounding landscaping, is due for completion in the Fall of 2023 with a ribbon cutting expected to occur in October.

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

Other FY23 Town Council Accomplishments

 

Town Administrator's Contract: The Council approved the Town Administrator's Contract for the period of July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2027

CPA Funded Capital Projects: The Council voted on the Community Preservation Act appropriations and their FY24 Capital Plan. In doing so they approved the use of CPA funds for the following capital projects:

• Open Space & Recreation Reserve

o      Fletcher St. Playground - ADA Accessibility - $150,00

o Beaver St. Challenge Course - $150,000

Tax Work-off Abatement Programs: The Council voted to increase both the Senior Citizens' and the Veterans' Property Tax Work-off Abatement Programs by increasing the annual individual benefit of each to $1,500.

Street Acceptances: The Council voted to accept Maple Tree Lane and Oak Tree Lane as public ways.

ARPA Spending: To date, the Council has awarded more than $6.5 million toward roads, water main and stormwater infrastructure improvements, employee compensation, and hired a second mental health clinician for the Police Department. Federal government has extended usage of these funds to December 31, 2026.

FY23 was an extraordinarily busy and successful year. In addition to what has been described above, the Council approved a balanced budget and passed a significant amount of legislation, including but not limited to license transactions for local businesses, appointment ratifications to our Town boards and committees, an exceptional amount of gift acceptances totaling more than $200,000, various appropriations, and much more. Each action by the Town Council is taken with the best interest of all Franklin stakeholders in mind, with an unwavering commitment to upholding Franklin as the wonderful community that we share.

Finally, on behalf of the entire Town Council, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the employees of the Town of Franklin for their dedication, innovation and work during Fiscal Year 2023. We are continually impressed with this incredible staff working diligently together to keep the organization moving forward on all of the Town's goals. Thank you!

It is a pleasure to serve my fellow citizens and to submit this annual report on behalf of the Franklin Town Council for your review.

Thomas Mercer

Chairman, Franklin Town Council

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Report Of The Town Council - FY 2023 Report