This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 06/07/23 meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1008 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1008 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town 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 June 7, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

Recognition: Electric Youth

APPOINTMENTS

• Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees - a few positions still open
• Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee - recommendations by year end

Public hearings

• License corporate formalities
• Zoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling units

FY 2024 Budget - Additional $736K for school budget

• Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustments
• Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24 

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

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded June 8, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1008-town-council-quarterbacking-06-08-23

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

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf 

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

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hc2egjV3zKOqJmIziMKApdR4z24gNMya/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?feature=share

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

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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 06/07/23 meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Wonderful World of Wine: Episode 239 - Natalie MacLean Wine Witch On Fire interview (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 239

Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode Kim and Mark talk with Natalie MacLean about her new book "Wine Witch on Fire"  Natalie's passion for wine and writing was evident throughout the interview, as she shared her experiences and perspective on her powerful new book.

We asked questions that allowed MacLean to delve deep into the themes and ideas explored in her book. Maclean's responses were thoughtful and offered unique insights into the world of wine, as well as her own personal journey in writing the book.

We hope you find Natalie MacLean's interview about her new book "Wine Witch on Fire" enjoyable and informative.  This will be of interest to those passionate about wine and wine writing, and how to overcome life experiences.

Natalie has a special offer for our listeners:

Some juicy bonuses if you buy the book at:  www.WineWitchonFire.com

You can also get the free companion reader guide (Talked about in show) with tips on for book club discussion questions as well as organizing an informal wine tasting with friends here:    www.WineWitchonFire.com/Guide

Those who want to find out more about her free online food and wine pairing class and Unreserved Wine Talk podcast are welcome to visit her at www.nataliemaclean.com. 

Cheers 

Kim and Mark

Podcast: The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-239-natalie-maclean-wine-witch-on-fire-interview

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 239-Natalie MacLean Wine Witch On Fire interview

First edition of FHS Graduation Class of 2023 (video)

The FHS Graduation 2023 video replay from Franklin TV is available.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/hKXep8k6flA

Register O’Donnell Reports on May 2023 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for the month of May 2023 indicate a continued decrease in overall real estate activity, with significant drops in average property sale prices and the total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales as compared to May 2022.

“As compared to last year, we are still seeing a decrease in overall real estate activity, however, this month the decrease in document volume was less pronounced than in previous months,” noted Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “Despite the overall decline in activity throughout the county, there are still pockets of the market here in Norfolk County that are seeing growth and stability, particularly in certain neighborhoods and property types. Additionally, while overall real estate activity is down compared to 2022, the market continues to show steady seasonal fluctuations month over month.”

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 9,172 documents in May 2023. This was 21% less than in May 2022 but 20% more than in April 2023.

Register O'Donnell explained, “The decline in overall real estate activity can be attributed to a number of likely factors, including rising interest rates, a slowdown in new construction projects, and a lack of existing inventory. The housing market has become increasingly competitive and difficult for consumers, especially first-time homebuyers, who may struggle to find affordable options in desirable areas.”

Overall lending activity showed a continued downward trend for the month of May. A total of 1,435 mortgages were recorded this month, 37% less than a year ago at the same time, but up 30% from last month.

“May saw the largest monthly volume of mortgages and the smallest decrease from the previous year so far in 2023,” noted Register O’Donnell. “This may suggest that while some homeowners are hesitant to make moves with average mortgage interest rates above 6%, others are not dissuaded by current interest rates, but time will tell if this trend continues.”

 The number of deeds for May 2023, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, was 1,353, a decrease of 16% from May 2022 but an increase of 21% from the previous month of April.

“The decrease in the number of deeds is likely due to a lack of inventory of new and existing homes, which means fewer homes are listed, keeping costs above pre-pandemic prices,” noted Register O’Donnell. “Higher prices also mean that some buyers may be struggling to find affordable homes within their budget, leading to a decrease in the number of potential buyers and further decreasing the number of home sales.”

Sale prices for May appear to have dropped compared to May 2022. The average sale price in May was $987,932, a 22% decrease from May 2022, but a 7% increase from April 2023. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 43% from one year ago and increasing 40% from last month.

“While prices have come down from a year ago, the demand to live and own a home in the communities that make up Norfolk County remains high,” said O’Donnell. “This may suggest that the decrease in dollar volume may be due to a shortage of available properties and a decline in the number of individuals with the ability to buy.”

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In May 2023, there were 7 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in May 2022, there were 5 recorded. Additionally, this month, there were 28 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, more than the 21 recorded in May 2022.

“The 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, “It is still early into the home buying season, the period where we typically see the most home sales, and despite recent declines in the market, there are still areas in Norfolk County that are seeing growth and stability.”

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.

Register O’Donnell Reports on May 2023 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, June 12, 2023

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
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, and Nick Remissong hold 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

9:00 am     SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm     Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10

3:30 pm     Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau

4:00 pm Drink Responsibly: Craft Roots

4:30 pm     Eat Around The World: Peru

5:00 pm Frank's Musings: Joe Biden

8:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 3 - Hipnotics

9:00 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2023

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Wellesley 06-09-23

10:00 am FHS Graduation 2023

12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Needham 06-08-23

2:00 pm FHS Pops Night 2023

3:30 pm     FHS Senior Awards Night 2023

6:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

9:30 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 06-05-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 06-05-23

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)

Efforts to Develop Skilled Manufacturing Employees Earns Tegra Medical a Community Partnership Award

Tegra Medical received the Community Partnership Award from the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School in Franklin, Massachusetts on May 31, 2023. Employees Ken Nadeau, Ronan McDermott and Brian Yanofsky attended the ceremony and accepted the award.

“We are very pleased to receive this award. Tegra Medical is taking the steps towards building a more sustainable workforce for the future,” said Benjamin Stolzel, Tegra Medical General Manager. “Manufacturing in the US is not possible without developing a highly skilled workforce. Co-ops and apprenticeships are the best path to get there. That’s why we have made it such an important goal to have at least five percent of our staff in secondary education programs such as the career paths we have developed with the state of Massachusetts.”

L-R: Ken Nadeau, Ronan McDermott, Brian Yanofsky

The relationship between Tegra Medical and Tri-County began in 2018 with two engineering students employed as co-ops. These students made a great impression, leading to Tegra Medical employing sixteen more co-op students over the following several school years, and even hiring one upon graduation.

Not even COVID 19 could put a damper on the co-ops’ work at the company. As a manufacturer of medical devices, Tegra Medical was designated as an essential business in 2020, which meant that the company was allowed to continue operations – and the students were able to continue their valuable on-the-job education.

Tegra Medical looks forward to many more years of working with Tri-County students, as well as students at other schools and colleges who are interested in a career in the medical device industry.

About Tegra Medical

Tegra Medical

Known as the company that brings medical devices to life, Tegra Medical is focused exclusively on the medical device industry, providing true end-to-end solutions from prototyping to full production, and from complex components to finished medical devices. Offering a wide range of manufacturing technologies, the company creates devices used in cutting-edge procedures for leading medical device companies. Tegra Medical has ISO 13485 manufacturing locations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Costa Rica. The company is ISO 14001 certified for effective environmental management. Tegra Medical is a member of SFS.  

https://www.tegramedical.com/

Agenda for the initial Master Plan Committee meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 6:30 PM

Master Plan Committee 

Agenda for June 14, 2023 6:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building Town Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. Swearing in of Master Plan Committee Members 

- by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

2. Introductions

a. Town Council

b. Planning Board

c. Zoning Board

d. Conservation Commission

e. Members At-Large

f. BETA & Barrett

3. Rules, Policies, and Procedures

a. In-House Communications, Town Emails, and Data Collection storage

i. Google Town Emails, use of.

ii. Google Drive for DATA/Information Storage (Amy Love)

b. Robert's Rules of Order

c. State Open Meeting Law

i. Open Meeting Law Guide and Educational Materials | Mass.gov

d. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General Law on Master Plans

i. MGL Section 81D: Master plan; economic development supplement

4. Current 2013 Master Plan Document

a. 2013 Master Plan Document

b. Goals & Policies

c. Land Use

d. Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources

e. Open Space and Recreation

f. Circulation

g. Housing

h. Economic Development

i. Community Services and Facilities

j. Implementation Plan

5. Committee Charge:

a. Master Plan Charge

b. Five Sub-Committees

i. Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee (6 Members)

ii. Housing & Economic Development (3 Members)

iii. Community Services, Facilities, & Circulation (3 Members)

iv. Sustainability (3 Members)

v. Open Space & Recreation and Natural, Cultural, & Historic Resources (4 Members)

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_14_2023_mp_agenda_0.pdf

 The Master Plan update Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Agenda for the initial Master Plan Committee meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 6:30 PM

Town Council recognizes Electric Youth, approves annual appointments, authorizes additional funds for School budget (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 7 and in a session lasting just over 3 hours, they covered and accomplished a bunch.

Quick recap:

Recognition

• Electric Youth 2023 were recognized with a proclamation and provided  song for the Council (and audience). They have a pair of 'Bob Voyage' concerts June 16 & 17 at THE BLACK BOX and then leave on their European tour the week after

Appointments

• The Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees was approved, there are a few positions still open, some are in process of being filled, some are still looking for candidates
• Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee recommendations by year end

Public hearings

License corporate formalities
Zoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling units

• The set of zoning bylaws was moved to a second reading with modification to one of the three measures in the set of three. There are three as one covers the bylaw language, one covers the definition, and one covers the use table. The use table received the modification to revert the language to what originated from the EDC Plus committee. 

  The Town Council in their actions during the April 12, 2023 meeting modified the use table to expand coverage for 'by right' for additional residential zones. The Planning Board did not like the expansion and in turn recommended the 'original' language over the modified. The Town Council after some discussion agreed to the original language and moved that to second reading

Pair of resolutions to adjust the FY 2024 Budget to provide an additional $736K to the schools

Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustment 

Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24 

Folks may recall that at the end of the Finance Committee budget hearings and repeated at the end of the Town Council budget hearings, Town Administrator laid out the plan for providing additional funding for the school budget. The MA Senate passed their version of the State FY 2024 which set into play this "plan b" earlier than Jamie had outlined. The two resolutions passed unanimously. The additional funds restore 8 of the 30 positions targeted to balance the budget. Of the 22 that remain to be cut, some number (I recall it was 16) were going to be cut anyway as the result of declining enrollment. Stay tuned for the School Committee meeting scheduled for June 13 where they will approve the 'final' budget and confirm the number affected

Interesting to note that while most if not all of the Town departments that gave up the funds to enable this transfer were present, only Dave McNeill, the School Committee Budget Subcmte Chair spoke to acknowledge the transfer to increase the school budget and express appreciation for this action. If other members of the School Committee were present virtually, they remained quiet. (They at least were not in the Council Chambers.) 

Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?feature=share

Council agenda and documents released for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hc2egjV3zKOqJmIziMKApdR4z24gNMya/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for June 7, 2023 

FHS baseball top Bridgewater-Raynham to advance to Final Four, FHS boys lacrosse end playoff run vs. Hingham

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, June 10, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

** Baseball = Division 1 = #9 Bridgewater-Raynham, 1 @ #1 Franklin, 2 – Final

Franklin 2, Bridgewater-Raynham 1. WP- Alfred Mucciarone (Fredo w/ the complete game 7inn, 4H, R, 2BB & 11Ks)! Offensively, Gerety (1-2,SH), Lyons (1-3,R) Chin (1-2,BB) DiGiorgio (1-3,RBI) Sidwell (1-2,BB) T. Bellan (1-3) Cinelli (1-2,R) Next up: MIAA Final Four:  TBD date & time

https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1667701433137786881

In his final home start, Alfred Mucciarone pitched one for the ages as Franklin returned to the Division 1 state semifinals

https://twitter.com/GlobeSchools/status/1667700337363304452

** Boys Lacrosse = Division 1 = #5 Hingham, 9 @ #4 Franklin, 6 – Final

Davis: 4G

Consigli: 2G

O'Brien: 1A

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1667650388818894850

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-10-23/

FHS Panthers

Franklin TV: Strawberry Stroll?

The weather gods continue to taunt us.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/11/2023

It’s 6 AM, Saturday, 6/10. Yesterday’s Strawberry Stroll is not history, because as of this writing it hasn’t happened yet.

Franklin TV: Strawberry Stroll?

There were other rainy days in the past that dampened the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s outdoor events. And, given last week’s F.H.S. Graduation deluge –

we fully understand the caution.

Normally, I would be reporting how, “a fun time was had by all”. describing the fun and frolic of the event – the booths, the great food, the local music and activities. There would be pix of happy crowds with cute kiddies in tow, meandering (strolling) among the many exhibit tents. (You had to be there.)

However, it all happens today, Saturday 6/11, 4 to 8 PM. We will be there.

We will bring our own bit of fun. As you meander (stroll) along Main Street, stop by our tent – Smile! – and have your own Official Strawberry Stroll Souvenir Pix taken in our photobooth.

However, if you happen to read this during the week, that leaves us with a timing conundrum. So, just assume that everything I said in the boxed paragraph above was/is absolutely the case. (You had to be there.) The Stroll will be/was fabulous.

It takes a lot of planning and work to make these community events happen – and make Franklin as a community – and us – all the better for them. Thanks to FDP, and watch for our look back on Strawberry Stroll ’23 – next week on Franklin.TV.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

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

Town of Franklin - June E-Newsletter

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content ->  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Town-of-Franklin-June-E-Newsletter.html?soid=1134219428814&aid=y2uOjYdnoso

If you haven't subscribed to receive the Town newsletter you can do so here ->     https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/zVaN7el/News

Stormwater Credit, Nason Street Playground Updates, Family Friendly Fun and more!

Subscribe for News June 2023 Edition Stormwater Utility Fee - July 1st Franklin Property owners will see the Stormwater Utility Fee on their quarterly Utility bills after July 1st, 2023. For those interested in learning more, please watch our Stormwater Utility Fee video for a brief 4 minute breakdown of the fee and what you need to know. Are you Eligible for a Credit on your Stormwater Utility? The stormwater credit application is now available! If you would like to apply for a credit on your stormwater utility fee, please fill out the Impervious Area Credit Application via Viewpoint, the Town's online permitting and licensing program. You may access the full credit manual created by DPW here. Below is a brief overview of eligible credits. Residential Credits Rain Barrel Porous Pavement/Pavers* Gravel Driveways* Rain Garden Dry Well French Drain Other Subsurface Recharge *porous pavers and gravel driveway qualify for an abatement Commercial and large Residential Credits Rain Garden Bioretention Area Detention/Retention Basins Sediment Forebays Deep Sump or Leaching Catch Basin Tree Well Subsurface Structures

 

Town of Franklin - June E-Newsletter