Airbnb taxes

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Should Hotel Taxes Cover Short-Term Rentals Through Services Like Airbnb? A new factsheet from MassBudget examines how several states across the country have changed their rules to extend room-occupancy taxes levied at hotels to include short-term rentals made through Airbnb and similar companies. Airbnb and Taxes: What Other States are Doing and How Much Revenue Might Be Raised in Massachusetts examines how 11 other states apply short-term rental taxes to bookings made through platforms like Airbnb. The factsheet explains the current exemption for short-term residential rentals and how taxing these bookings would work. It explains recent research on how rentals booked through companies such as Airbnb can compete with traditional short-term accommodations like hotels. It also presents data on people and businesses renting out through Airbnb full-time and with multiple units. It examines how much revenue the room occupancy tax currently generates and Massachusetts Department of Revenue estimates of the additional revenue that would be raised with new rules extending the tax to short-term residential rentals. You can read the new fact sheet (HERE). The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

MassBudget - Airbnb taxes

Senator Ross: Summer 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, Summer 2016 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, The summer is in full swing, yet the legislature is still at work on the FY17 budget. These are uncertain times, but please know that I am working hard to make sure we craft a budget that addresses our most important needs, while protecting your hard earned tax dollars. Please read my newsletter for recent pertinent updates and what to expect in the coming months. Sincerely, FY 17 STATE BUDGET A big portion of the summer involved working to finalize the fiscal year 2017 state budget. In the midst of annual budget debate, Governor Baker filed a precautionary budget to cover July spending. The governor signed the $5.3 billion, one-month spending bill in order to allow the state to maintain its services as the annual budget was not expected to be on time. Throughout the finalization of the budget, the conference committee was aiming to address the issue that revenues next fiscal year could be below estimates. At the end of June, the Legislature enacted a $39.146 billion state budget for FY 17 that invested in areas related to local aid, education, children's health and safety, housing, health and human services, workforce training and economic development. The budget also included $139.2M in total funding to fight the opioid epidemic in support of substance abuse education, prevention and treatment programs. With tax revenues down sharply, serious decreases in funding were necessary. On July 8th, Governor Baker signed a $38.92 billion annual budget which cut $256 million in spending from the plan approved originally by the Legislature. The budget signed by Governor Baker only increases spending over the current fiscal year by 1.3 percent. In the newly signed budget, the governor hopes to allocate money towards local aid, education, Medicaid and pensions. As your senator, I have worked to maintain the programs and services you hold dear while being certain to balance our state budget and maintain long term fiscal responsibility.

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, view the full newsletter here

Next Meeting of Charles River Meadowlands initiative, Tuesday, July 26

We have made significant progress since we began meeting in January and now we want to engage key stakeholders and decision makers who can help us move this forward.

Specifically, we are planning a workshop for the evening of Sept. 27. This will be "all invited" but we are targeting members of various town boards, selectman, town council members and town managers, as well as representatives of federal and state agencies.

The evening will kick off with an overview and slide show about the Charles River Meadowlands and then move into a panel discussion/presentation from various experts who have helped to create and manage resources such as the Charles River Meadowlands and this type of public access and shared use effort. The concluding portion of the evening will be the workshop where we will field and propose questions such as:

• What are the legal and regulatory barriers and enablers?
• What do towns, and federal/state agencies need to do to move ahead?
• What are the likely up-front and ongoing costs?
• What are the benefits to various stakeholders?

Please come this coming Tuesday evening to help us shape and refine this plan and get Charles River Meadowlands truly "on the map" with local decision makers.

TIME AND LOCATION: The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands group will be on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 6:30 - 8 at the first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic Street, Bellingham, MA

--
Alan R. Earls

Charles River Meadowlands

For additional info visit http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Traffic Study updated for Madalene Village Proposal

"OK a couple things to update everyone on.

TRAFFIC: We got a traffic update based on our request that the original traffic study, which was done in December of 2015, be done again to reflect traffic based on activity on sports fields.

What we learned was that while there's significantly more traffic (!), it's still considered acceptable. It changes the "level of service" in the area from a grade of A to a grade of B. I've attached it in case you're interested.

THURSDAY: The developer intends to ask for a continuance, so we've learned. That's not official yet, per the Woislaws. If they ask for a continuance, the Woislaws would like to organize a meeting for anyone who's interested in establishing next steps and staying organized. We'll keep you posted. But as of now, the next meeting is still tentatively scheduled for July 28 at 7:35 p.m.

Thanks, everyone!"

Christopher Parish

Stop Madalene Village sign found along Wachusett, Cottage and Peck Sts

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNkdLRlRqMmJGU0E/view?usp=sharing

Related posts:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/madalene-village-proposal-revised.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/madalene-village-zba-hearing-continues.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/the-need-for-housing-outweighs-local.html

Franklin Cultural Festival July 27th - July 30th

The Franklin Cultural District Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival.  Scheduled for July 27 through July 30, 2016, the Festival will celebrate many of the cultural arts found throughout Franklin. All the performances and events will be free thanks to the sponsorship of many donors large and small.  The festival is a key step toward the Town of Franklin's initiative to create a state-designated cultural district in Franklin.

The four day festival begins at 5 pm, Wednesday, July 27th on the Franklin Town Common with children's activities including face painting, sidewalk chalk painting and block printing.  Members of the Franklin Art Association will facilitate all art-related activities.  The opening ceremony will begin at 5:45 PM followed by Concerts on the Common with Electric Youth performing at the Town Common gazebo.

Events continue Thursday through Saturday, including theater, music, art and food.  Check the website at www.franklinsculturalfestival.org and Facebook at www.facebook.com/franklinculturalfestival for more information.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, July 27, Franklin Town Common

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Art Activities – Sidewalk Chalk, Face Painting, Block Painting and Plein air Painting

5:45 PM – Opening Ceremony - the Franklin Cultural Festival Committee

6:00 PM – Electric Youth 

Wednesday, July 27, at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, Franklin

8:30 PM: One-Acts, Franklin Performing Arts Company

Thursday, July 28, at the Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM – The Fiddling Thomsons

Thursday, July 28, at the Franklin Town Common

6:30 PM to 7:30 PM – Laughter Yoga, by the statue

8:00 PM - Shakespeare on the Common, Franklin Performing Arts Company, at the gazebo

Friday, July 29, at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street, Franklin

11:00 AM – Performances by Chorus Camp, Summer Glee, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Elementary Strings and Summer Orchestra, FHS Auditorium

Friday, July 29, at the Sculpture Park, Panther Way, Franklin

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Kevin Wolfe, Classical Soft Rock

Friday, July 29, at the Franklin Town Common

8:00 PM - Shakespeare on the Common, Franklin Performing Arts Company, at the gazebo

Saturday, July 30

THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, Franklin

Under the Festival tent

Culinary Arts – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM - The "Taste of Franklin" … featuring many local restaurants 

Visual Arts – Afternoon and evening – featuring Franklin Art Association exhibit and Robot Designs

Performing Arts – 12:45 PM to 10:00 PM

Inside THE BLACK BOX

12:45 PM Emma Newton, Voice and Harp

2:00 PM     Brent Selby, Cello and Keun Young Sun, Piano

3:15 PM         LiveARTS - Don Krishnaswami, viola and Ann Sears, piano

4:30 PM      Heath Nisbett, Flamenco guitar

6:00 PM    Kaye Kelly, Guitar

6:30 PM    One Acts

Outside THE BLACK BOX

Hosted by Circle of Friends 

1:15 PM         Stefilia's Stone 

2:30 PM  Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli

3:45 PM Jamie Barrett

5:00 PM  Jim Henry with Stephanie Marshall & Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies

7:30 PM Victims of Gravity

9:00 PM Soiree

10:00 PM Closing Ceremony

Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27 to 30, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/22/16 - THU 7/28/16

FRIDAY 7/22/16
10:30am   Sparky’s Puppets @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
8pm   Ken Hadley Big Band @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 7/23/16
1-4pm   Pokemon Go - PokeStop Meetup @ Franklin Federated Church (rain date July 24)

SUNDAY 7/24/16
8am   Hockomock YMCA Triathlon @ Lake Pearl Luciano’s

MONDAY 7/25/16
8am   Franklin Police 1st Annual Golf Tournament @ Franklin Country Club

TUESDAY 7/26/16
***ALL DAY - Downtown Traffic Goes 2-Way. Drive safe!***
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 7/27/16
5pm   2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Opening
5pm   Art Activities @ Franklin Town Common
6:30-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park, Medway. Free admission, every Wednesday through summer.
8:30pm   One Acts at The Black Box

THURSDAY 7/28/16
2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Day 2
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street, Franklin)
5pm   Fiddling Thomsons @ Franklin Historical Museum
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
6:30pm   Laughter Yoga @ Franklin Town Common
8pm   Shakespeare on the Common

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Support the Outreach Programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition

Registration is now open at safecoalitionma.com for the Inaugural Golf Tournament at the Franklin Country Club to support the Outreach Programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition in Franklin, Medway, Milford and surrounding communities in Norfolk and Worcester Counties. 

The Tournament takes place on Monday, August 22, 8 AM-1 PM and includes a BBQ Lunch and Awards.

Ongoing S.A.F.E. programs include education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by Substance Use Disorders. Our goals are to empower those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. 

Our Drop-In Centers provide a gateway to professional resources including medical and psychological needs, referrals to outpatient counseling, medical detoxification, in/outpatient rehabilitation programs and other treatment modalities including Healing Hearts, Learn to Cope and Community of Hope. 

The Chiefs Roundtable provides a forum for interaction and support of our first responders while SOAR supports court-involved males afflicted with substance abuse disorders.

SAFE Coalition

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM at Franklin Federated!

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM!

The Franklin Federated Church is hosting a "Pokéstop Meetup" on the front lawn of the church Saturday, July 23, from 1 to 4 PM. The Meetup is for anyone in the community interested in coming together to play Pokémon Go. 

The church, located at 171 Main Street across from the Franklin Town Common, is one of several Pokéstops in the neighborhood - places where players can download items to help them in the game. The Meetup will feature:

• Lures to attract rare Pokémon for the entire 3 hours
• Charging stations for players to charge their phones
• Cold drinks and other refreshments
• Access to restrooms

From the church lawn, players can compete at the  gym on the corner of Crescent St., and they will be right across the street from the Town Common, where there are lots of PokéSpots, Pokémon and another gym.

Everyone is invited - come and bring a friend!

Find out who else is going via our Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1061345627282139/

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM at Franklin Federated!

Franklin TV schedule for 7/22 - 7/23

A bunch of local shows available for viewing on the local cable channel Franklin TV. Check out #ShopFranklin!  Or if you missed the 4th of July parade...

Franklin TV schedule for 7/22 - 2/23

For the weekly schedule, check out Franklin TV  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

In the News: workshop to address college stress, salary data research request struggles

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Citing a desire to lower stress among soon-to-be college students, several local organizations are collaborating on new college transition workshops. 

The sessions - set to take place Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 - will be free to the public, and are the product of a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA, Dean College, Franklin public schools, the SAFE Coalition, Community Impact, New Hope and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, among others. Both workshops will take place in the Franklin High School lecture hall, and will run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

School Committee member Anne Bergen, who also sits on the YMCA's Board of Managers, said the workshops were designed to meet a perceived need in the about-to-go-to-college group."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160721/franklin-groups-hope-to-ease-stress-for-new-college-students

"Only two school districts in the area have complied with a researcher's statewide records request for the salaries of teachers and administrators broken down by gender. 

The request, filed by Brigham Young University researcher Joseph Price, is the subject of a recent statewide order from Shawn Williams, supervisor of records. Every district that did not respond, according to the July 13 order, must do so and undergo training in Public Record Law. 

Most area districts didn't respond. Some which did respond requested anywhere from $100 to almost $3,000 to provide the data. 

Price's request was for salary data from 1995 to 2016, divided by gender, job title, education and experience. The data was intended to bolster a national study of the gender pay gap among educators."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160721/local-school-districts-struggle-to-produce-salary-data

DPW road maintenance work

"this surface treatment method is an extremely cost effective way to seal the roadway and improve traction."

DPW photo of the chip and seal program in process

Additional photos from the DPW can be found on their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/1099406303477172

The finished look of the 'chip and seal' can be seen here

chip and seal on Delta Dr in 2014

For more about the DPW visit their Town of Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Publicworks/index

Dr Sabolinski announces retirement as School Superintendent

Dear Faculty Members, FPS Support Staff, Parents/Guardians and Community Members: 

As Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools since 2009, I have had the honor to work with an exceptional group of people dedicated to providing the highest quality of education to Franklin students. It has always been my privilege to have enjoyed the support and friendship of a committed, knowledgeable School Committee; an exemplary, student focused administration; a dedicated, conscientious support team; and a committed, talented group of educators. 

After much thoughtful consideration, I have decided to close my 32 year career in education at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. I believe that making this decision now will allow the School Committee time to recruit an exceptional superintendent with the vision, talent, and leadership skills to take FPS into the future. It is my hope we can establish a thoughtful, seamless transition for the 2017-2018 school year. 

My experiences in Franklin have been extraordinary. Collaborative relationships with the Town Council, Police, Fire, Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Town Officials have facilitated many significant changes in our schools and community that have made Franklin a desirable, sought after place to live and for families to raise their children. Our strong sense of community defines Franklin as a special town. 

I will always be grateful to the Franklin community for allowing me to serve as their school leader for the last eight years, and as Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Student Services before then. Thank you for these opportunities. As I retire as Superintendent, I will continue to support our students, faculty, administration and School Committee as a neighbor, community member, and friend. 

With appreciation and respect,

Dr. Maureen A. Sabolinski 

Superintendent of Schools

Dr Maureen Sabolinski acknowledges Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow as she retires earlier this year with School Committee Chair Kevin O'Malley observing. 

"if I say out loud to someone that I'm going to do a triathlon, then I'll have to do it"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"When the Hockomock YMCA's 10th annual triathlon kicks off this Sunday, it will count several cancer survivors - some of them first-time triathletes - among its competitors. 

The survivors - who will be working their way through a course that travels from Wrentham's Lake Pearl through Franklin and Norfolk - are members of the LIVESTRONG class at the Y's Foxborough branch. A total of 10 course participants, including some trainers and support staff, will be taking part. 

The idea came out of a discussion at one of the classes, which encourages physical well-being for cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivor Mary Waltuck, 68, had mentioned that she had participated in numerous triathlons, and other class members wanted to learn about her experiences."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160720/franklin-cancer-survivors-to-compete-in-triathlon

Sparky's Puppets - Friday, July 22

Sparky's Puppets will perform at the Franklin Public Library on Friday, July 22 at 10:30 AM.

Sparky's Puppets - Friday, July 22

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/998859663537294/photos/a.1001220149967912.1073741829.998859663537294/1043964192360174/?type=3&theater

In the News: school lunch prices remain same, traffic change rescheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The price of lunch at Franklin Public Schools will not be changing in the coming school year, officials announced Tuesday. 

District business administrator Miriam Goodman gave a presentation about the lunch program at the School Committee meeting and said a federal law - the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act - required the district's lunch program to charge enough to be sustainable. 

"As such, we need to go through a complex formula every year to see where our lunch prices fall, and how that compares to what the government says we should be charging," she said. 

This year's calculations, said Goodman, worked out in a way that does not require an increase. Currently, the price is $3 at the high school and middle school levels and $2.50 for elementary students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160719/no-change-on-franklin-school-lunch-prices

"The changeover to two-way traffic in downtown, originally set to take place Wednesday, has been pushed back a week. 

The switch - now scheduled for next Tuesday - was to be the culmination of two years of roadwork and many more years of planning. The state Department of Transportation, though, decided there were some tasks it wanted done before the move. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said signs were a major concern on the part of the state. He gave several examples of one-way signs that must be removed and new signs to be installed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160719/franklin-traffic-switch-pushed-back

an earlier downtown construction photo from the archives

"Our Franklin" - Veteran's Agent Dale Kurtz (video)

"In this latest edition of "Our Franklin", Veteran's Agent Dale Kurtz is interviewed showcasing the excellent customer service based Veteran's Services the Town of Franklin has."

Dale's contact information

Email --> dkurtz@franklin.ma.us
Webpage --> http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Veteran's%20Services

the Franklin Veterans Agent operates from the Senior Center

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

• $146,200
• 2 Bedroom, 1 ½ Bath, Electric Heat

Maximum Income Guidelines:

1. Person Household: $51,150
2. Person Household: $58,450
3. Person Household: $65,750
4. Person Household: $73,050

Maximum Household Asset Limit is $75,000.

You Must Be a 1st Time Home Buyer. 

Administrator/Municipal Affordable Housing Trust or Contact Maxine at 508-520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us

• Additional information including the application can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Affordable%20Housing/2%20Benjamins%20Landing/

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA