Franklin Panthers recognized, Historic Districts info shared, goals update provided and 4 committees authorized (audio)

FM #913 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 913 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Franklin Panthers 4th grade football team recognized for winning the State Championship

• Video and info shared on the 2 National Register Historic Districts in Franklin that was prepared by Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library

• Town Council Goals Update in the middle of this two year term was provided by Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

• Renewal of Municipal agreement with Tri-County for school resource officer

• Ratification of 3 contract adjustments with Police (2) and Fire (1)

• Authorize formation of four committees

• Arts & Culture

• Master Plan

• Police Station

• Davis Thayer reuse

The recording runs just over 2 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on January 4, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-913-town-council-mtg-01-04-23

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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

The National Register Historic Districts presentation ->   https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/N-WomocGBlc

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIH7JAlnlgN69HDkUYIS-3U44pUSUW15/view?usp=share_link 

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

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"

Historic Districts info shared

Insights to the Special Education Program for Franklin Schools on tap at School Cmte Mtg 1/10/23

Among the items on the Franklin School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 10 is a presentation on the Special Education program. View the slides here:   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/special_education_school_committee_presentation_january_10_2023-1.pdf

"Special Education is…

❏ Specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of an eligible student, and/or

❏ Related services necessary to access and make progress within the general curriculum

❏ Special education services are a significant modification of content, instructional approach, instructional level or performance criteria"

Approx. 18% of the  total students within the school district receive special education. The presentation covers the legal background authorizing this program. 

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder-> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-10-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Insights to the Special Education Program for Franklin Schools on tap at School Cmte Mtg 1/10/23

Franklin HS indoor track - MCTSA frosh/soph meet results for Jan 7, 2023: Chandaria - 1st in 55H

Congrats to the 4x200 relay team of Cassidy Carmignani, Ella Chandaria. Vera Hansen and Maddie Damon. The team took home medals by finishing 8th overall in the 4x200 at the Frosh-Soph Championship yesterday.

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1612104359369646081

At MSTCA MA D1 Fresh/Soph meet.  shot put - Freshman @Morgan_Lovell7  places 10th and has the 2nd furthest throw for a 9th grader. FHS sophomore  @ChandariaElla places 5th overall… by the way Ella also won the hurdles!  Great job ladies! @FHSSports @FHSGirlsSports @FHS_girlsXC

https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1611772306635751424

Congrats to Ella Chandaria for placing first overall in the 55 H with a time of 9.20. I would have gotten a picture of her on the stand but she was busy throwing shot put so here’s her medal instead

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1611757340411285507

Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) tweeted on Sat, Jan 07, 2023:

Freshman-Sophomore Large School Championships - Live Results 

| MSTCA https://t.co/gM9q0sLnPn

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1611741278504468481

FHS Panthers

Register O’Donnell Reports on December 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for the month of December 2022 indicate a continued decrease in overall real estate activity, with significant drops in mortgage activity and the average property sale price as compared to the December 2021 numbers.

 

In December, there were 9,429 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 37% decrease from December 2021 and a slight increase of 5% from November 2022.

 

"The real estate market is feeling the effects of inflation and steadily rising interest rates, which is limiting how much money customers can save," said O’Donnell. "The total number of documents is much lower in December 2022 than it was in December 2021, but the change from last month is less pronounced. The number of recorded deeds, which is one measure of document volume, shows a drop in real estate sales from the previous year."

 

The number of deeds for December 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential was 1,273, a decrease of 31% from December 2021 and an increase of 5% from the previous month of November 2022.

 

Sale prices for December appear to have dropped significantly compared to December 2021. The average sale price in December was 936,804, a 38% decrease from December 2021 and a 4% decrease from November 2022. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 59% from one year ago and decreasing 2% from last month.

 

"With interest rates approaching and exceeding 7%, consumers appear to be less inclined to borrow, and the decline in average sales prices suggests sellers are lowering pricing to compensate," noted O’Donnell. "According to the data we have at the Registry, we are recording significantly fewer mortgages than in December 2021."

 

Overall lending activity showed a continued downward trend for the month of December. A total of 1,383 mortgages were recorded this month, 53% less than a year ago at the same time, but up 2% from last month.

December 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County - Foreclosures & Notice to Foreclose

 

"The increasing cost of living and rising interest rates that the country is currently experiencing have an effect on the local real estate market," noted O’Donnell. "The number of pending foreclosures in Norfolk County is a continuing source of concern."

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In December 2022, there were 4 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in December of 2021 there were 7 recorded. However, in December of 2022, there were 40 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, significantly more than the 19 recorded in December of 2021.

 

"The substantial increase in the number of these notices is troubling. It suggests that more of our neighbors may have financial difficulties in the future," said O'Donnell. "We will continue to monitor these figures."

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

 

"If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance," said Register O’Donnell.

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, "Property sales prices appear to be declining as a result of consumers' unwillingness to purchase property with mortgage rates above 7%. This is also discouraging homeowners from refinancing their mortgage."

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Reminder: Interfaith Teen Climate Change group scheduled to meet St John’s Episcopal Church - Jan 22

We had a small initial gathering with great discussion about how youth can make a difference in the fight against climate change. We watched a video of teen Swedish Climate Activist Greta Thunberg. The group is interested in learning more about Climate Justice - how climate change affects the poorest peoples disproportionately. 

Join us for the next meeting on Sunday, January 22 at 7 PM at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

St John's Episcopal Church

"significantly fewer people support requirements that children be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella than did just two years ago"

"Vaccine disinformationists have cherry-picked data to support their claims, failing to note that genetic connective tissue disorders are important risk factors for ascending aortic aneurysms (and in my husband’s case the most likely risk factor, as early genetic test results suggest).

When disinformation profiteers leverage tragedies like Grant’s and Mr. Hamlin’s for their personal gain, they re-traumatize families, compromising our ability to interpret information and distinguish truth from lies and putting all of us at risk. The results of allowing this to continue will be disastrous. Merchants of disinformation argue that vaccines killed my husband, but they’re also at least in part responsible for the return of polio to the United States and the fact that so many children in Ohio are suffering from measles right now. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that while most of the public still supports routine childhood vaccinations, significantly fewer people support requirements that children be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella than did just two years ago. In December, Congress repealed a Covid vaccine mandate for troops even though doing so threatens military readiness and puts our nation’s security at risk."

Continue reading the article online - (gifted article hence long URL)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/opinion/grant-wahl-celine-gounder-vaccine.html?unlocked_article_code=m2-kre8YItxU0muS6_jLsN-NNQqZ8ozQdQKP0IDPtam6WwTGfNzKAjkQn7_E7zIZ_1XruxpG7LghYON1oeYx3RqzJq02SpQwTEPUI-PEDxc7In7363SFTNpG4vI9jf2RQfQvNL7M0gx844SGh8Pul_sbljZw1Cp2cjsLOZbV-0fsYUwId34fLPtzYrOsNW5EjOwXJEfgP7s2cyCr2_tbMEeIM1FQsJv0A8f88hSIvjYnEfJzzuKVTMQu5AwzkDei7aGzWxganIwjxUj7rhPEMWV3lzbA6IN_M18GDBkBdlsoXqflP7iU5w86ZytvejhNCQcfPlMWyYAEea0xo2MOyup0-4yK4F3Xl-kh&smid=tw-share

Céline  Gounder & Grant Wahl (via Céline Gounder)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Overcoming the restrictions on multi-family housing"

"CITIES AND TOWNS of Greater Boston have a long history of using zoning to restrict development of multi-family housing that might accommodate families with children. The systematic restrictions have disadvantaged multi-generational households seeking homes in condo or apartment buildings. The restrictions have also undermined the housing market’s dynamism and its ability to meet the region’s housing needs.

In response to these problems, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring cities and towns served by the MBTA to zone for transit-oriented multi-family housing “without age restrictions” and “suitable for families with children.” Once implemented, the reform should enable the market to meet the needs of diverse households.

For decades, municipalities have been limiting development of family-suitable apartments and condos through a few zoning mechanisms, including age-restrictions for occupants (typically for residents who are at least 55 years old), bedroom restrictions, and discretionary approval processes. I studied these practices in a 2018 survey of zoning bylaws and ordinances in 100 cities and towns across Greater Boston."

Last of the 5 part series

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/overcoming-the-restrictions-on-multi-family-housing/

 

Part 4 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/where-should-new-multi-family-housing-go/

Part 3   

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/seeking-predictable-permitting-for-new-housing/

Part 2 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/solving-the-mbta-communities-zoning-puzzle/

Part 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/commonwealth-magazine-understanding-new.html

New multi-family housing in Sudbury, Mass. (Photo by Amy Dain)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Jan 9, 2023

•   wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Jeff Roy

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00 pm         Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

1:30 pm         Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

5:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

7:30 pm         Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

9:00 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:30 am         SAFE Coalition: Critical Conversations

10:30 am Lifelong Music: Band & Chorus: Band

12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Taunton 01-06-23

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

3:00 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

4:30 pm         FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Wachusett 01-04-23

6:30 pm         Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 6

9:30 pm         FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Mansfield-OA-Foxboro 01-04-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 12-19-22

12:00 pm Economic Development 01-04-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 12-19-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 824 4314 2971

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - January 11, 2023

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Approval of Minutes: None

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

5. FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf

6. 2023 Finance Committee Member Committee Assignments -    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_finance_committee_roster_fy_2022_website_0.pdf

7. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Funds -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/stabilization_fund_balances_11-30-2022.pdf

b. FY23 Year To Date -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/ytd_budget_report.pdf

c. MMA Letter to incoming Governor Healey  -   https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-letter-to-incoming-governor-outlines-key-municipal-priorities-for-fy24-local-aid-and-ch-90-funding/

8. Future Agenda Items

9. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking gets inside the meeting of Jan 4, the recognition, legislation, and creation of 4 committees (audio)

FM #912 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 912 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Jan 4, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Franklin Panthers 4th Grade Football Team

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

National Register Historic Districts in Franklin - Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E 

Town Council Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._goals.pdf 

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Renewal of Municipal agreement with Tri-County for school resource officer

Ratification of 3 contract adjustments with Police (2) and Fire (1)

Authorize formation of four committees

• Arts & Culture

• Master Plan

• Police Station

• Davis Thayer reuse

Our conversation runs about 41 minutes

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Jan 5, 2023

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-912-town-council-quarterbacking-01-05-23

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

The National Register Historic Districts presentation ->   https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/N-WomocGBlc

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIH7JAlnlgN69HDkUYIS-3U44pUSUW15/view?usp=share_link 

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Councilor Cormier-Leger reading the proclamation for the Panthers 4th grade team

FHS boys hockey team tops Canton 2-0 on Saturday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 7, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Hockey = Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"On paper, it’s just one of eight league games on the schedule, but there’s no hiding the significance of when Canton and Franklin meet on the ice.

The Bulldogs have won the Davenport every single year since the league split into two divisions and the Panthers have had a hand in all but one — a combined 23 division titles over the past 12 seasons.

Both squads are the favorites to win their respective division again this year and are the top two ranked teams in the league, meaning bragging rights were on the line at Pirelli Veteran’s Arena on Saturday night in front of a packed crowd.

Franklin junior goalie Colby Wagner was terrific in net from the opening puck drop, turning in a 38-save shutout performance to lead the Panthers to a 2-0 win."

Continue reading the game recap -> https://hockomocksports.com/colby-wagner-franklin-boys-hockey-blank-canton-in-hockomock-showdown/

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Winter-2022-2023/Franklin-Canton-Boys-Hockey-01-07-23/

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Dedham, 3 – Final

1-1 after one Nina with a great tip in !  https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1611852596968554496 

Empty netter ends it. Franklin losses 3-1 to Dedham.  https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1611891229666549761

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-07-23/

Franklin junior Dylan McEvoy takes a shot in the second period against Canton. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)