Register O'Donnell Reports Stagnant February Real Estate Sales

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Stagnant February Real Estate Sales Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reported Norfolk County continues on a sluggish pace, as it experiences both stagnant real estate sales and a decline in mortgage lending activity. O'Donnell noted, "During the month of February, 1,022 residential and commercial properties were sold in Norfolk County, resulting in no statistical change from the previous February. "On the other hand, total dollar volume of real estate sales, again for both residential and commercial real estate sales, was $506 million, a 9% increase from February 2018, with the average sales price increasing by 5% to $911,986. This increase in sales price can be largely attributed to a sustained lack of inventory available on the market." Continuing a trend seen for the past several months, the total number of land documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds declined 9% to 8,584. This number was impacted by the 12% decrease in the number of mortgages recorded during the month. On the lending side, the total amount of borrowing also declined 85%, but this number was somewhat skewed by a $2 billion mortgage that was taken out against the Calpine Fore River Energy Center in Quincy and Weymouth in February 2018. One bright consumer spot was Norfolk County homeowners continuing to avail themselves of the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 661 Homesteads were recorded in February, a 6% increase compared to February 2018. "A Homestead," noted O'Donnell, "is an important shield that provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Foreclosure statistics also showed positive trends in February. A total of 15 foreclosure deeds were recorded during the month, a 12% decrease from the previous year. Also, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, fell 27% over the same period. Register O'Donnell noted, "Foreclosure activity has been trending in the right direction for the past few months. With that said, some of our neighbors still face adversity and are having difficulty paying their mortgages. When it comes to a family potentially losing their home, one foreclosure is one too many." The Registry is proud of its partnerships with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. These organizations are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs are staffed by knowledgeable professionals. I urge anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue to avail themselves of these excellent programs." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Like other counties across the country, Norfolk County is experiencing limited real estate inventory. This condition has adversely impacted the dynamics of the industry, especially for potential first-time home buyers. What would help spur the real estate sector is to see a greater number of sales as a result of more properties hitting the market." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, 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 via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Register O'Donnell Reports Stagnant February Real Estate Sales

In the News: Franklin resident graduates from firefighting program; Stop & Shop unions vote to authorize strike

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

Franklin resident graduates from firefighting recruit program

"Two local firefighters are among 36 who graduated last Friday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program. 

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. To graduate, they must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. 

“This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190310/franklin-medway-residents-graduate-from-firefighting-recruit-program


Stop & Shop unions vote to authorize strike

"Continuing their fight for a fair new contract, members of three more local Stop & Shop unions voted Sunday to authorize a strike against the Quincy-based company including a group at Ambrosia’s Wedding & Events. 

More than 1,000 members of Local Union 328, the largest Stop & Shop union group, met two weeks after the first store union voted to authorize the strike. Richard Wright, a meat cutter at Stop and Shop and a member of the Local 328 executive board, said workers want to be fairly compensated. 

“We’re not asking for the world,” he said. “We just want to keep our fair share in what goes on. We are the people that run their stores. We are the face of Stop & Shop. We do all their work for them. We’ve been doing it for years, and it’s a slap in the face to us what their proposals are and just to cast us aside.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190310/stop-amp-shop-unions-vote-to-authorize-strike

Stop & Shop unions vote to authorize strike

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 13

Laugh "for the health of it" and celebrate Bill and Linda's birthdays at Let's Laugh Today on Wednesday, March 13 from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin! 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY

There will be special treats! Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Weds, Mar 13

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! They laugh together on every second Wednesday of each month. 

There is a $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 12, 2019

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Elementary School Improvement Plan Updates
b. District Improvement Update – Curriculum & Instruction

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Salary Budget Vote
I recommend adoption of the FY2020 Salary Budget of $57,129,259.00 as part of the total FY2020 Budget of $66,826,115.00 as discussed.
b. Expenditure Budget Vote
I recommend adoption of the FY2020 Expenditure Budget of $9,696,856.00 as part of the total FY2020 Budget of $66,826,115.00 as discussed.
c. Policy First Reading
IJOAB – Extended Field Trips
Administrative Procedures for Student Travel
i. I recommend moving Policy IJOAB – Extended Field Trips to a second reading.
d. Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Mrs. Paula Marano as Director of Student Services for Franklin Public Schools.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Budget discussion at Town Council - preview 3/13/19

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations;
Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s
Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task
Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory
Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes of the February 26, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. FHS Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $8,115.00 for scholarships as follows:
$7,500.00 from the Digital Federal Credit Union
$615.00 from Sheila Lima
c. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $1,750.00 from Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1.44 from K12 for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
b. Student Activity Accounts Report – Miriam Goodman
c. Franklin Hall of Achievement – (Erin Miller) Dr. Anne Bergen

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

12. Adjournment


School Committee meeting agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_3-12-19.pdf

Document folder for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-12-2019-school-committee-packet-documents

Budget discussion memo
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-discussion-memo

Town budget discussion memo
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/town-budget-discussion-memo

Parmenter School in the sun and snow

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 13, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2019

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/march_13_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of March 13, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	January 30,2019
3b. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	February 13, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	Swearing in of five new Police Officers
5. APPOINTMENTS
5a. APPOINTMENTS	Conservation Commission, Alan Wallach
5b. APPOINTMENTS	Conservation Commission, Braden Rosenberg
5c. APPOINTMENTS	Historical Commission, Brock Leiendecker
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	FY20 Budget Fiscal Forecast
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-21: Acceptance of Gift to the Franklin Fire Department from the Singleton Family Foundation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-21 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-22: Appropriation of Cable Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-22 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-23: Authority for Town Administrator to Settle Pending Litigation Against Town and Payment Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-23 - Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-24: Norfolk Aggie Supplemental Appropriation FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-24 - Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to a 2nd Reading- Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to a 2nd Reading- Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets -2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-836: Amendment to the Town Code to Add New Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-836 - Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
10l. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes from General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV, an area on or near West Central Street- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
15. ADJOURN

School Business Administrator Miriam Goodman and Superintendent Sara Ahern
presenting the School Budget proposal for FY 2020

FY 2020 public hearings scheduled for State budget

In the Legislative Forum conducted by the School Committee in February, it was announced that a series of public hearings would be conducted around the sate in preparation for the FY 2020 budget. These hearings are the opportunity to raise the systemic issues on the education funding formula, Chapter 70 aid, Chapter 90 (roads), special education reimbursements, charter schools, etc.

"The House and Senate Ways and Means committees this week began their series of eight hearings around the state on the various parts of the state budget for fiscal 2020. 

The first hearing was held on March 5 at the State House. Additional hearings will be held through April 2 in locations including Needham, Worcester, Springfield and Arlington. 

The key date for local officials is March 18, when the committees will convene in Fall River to receive testimony on education and local aid. MMA leadership will be among those testifying in support of local government priorities."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/house-senate-committees-to-hold-joint-hearing-march-18-on-education-and-local-aid/

The schedule for public hearings:
https://www.mma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fy20_WaysAndMeans_budgetHearingSchedule.pdf

or the Franklin Matters hosted copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c_VGJYwZCGpoFGx_yqMTx4-WBHWQebdj/view?usp=sharing

FY 2020 public hearings on State budget

Tri-County RVTHS Grand Opening of the Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Center - Mar 1, 2019

The Grand Opening of the Newly Renovated Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Center was recently celebrated on Friday, March 1, 2019.

The newly renovated Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Center at Tri-County includes a state-of-the-art hands-on learning environment with advanced manufacturing technology including machinery for cutting, fabricating and designing of metal parts with extremely high precision, down to the thousandths of an inch. 

Grand Opening

There are 3-D printers that some students have used to make plastic chain mail that may also be used for NASA purposes on the inside of spacesuits, along with robotics equipment. Students engage in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of products and devices providing them with opportunities to solve real world design problems, engage with industry standard technology, and transform concepts into reality. All aspects of the innovative training environment prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce or pursue a college education in Engineering.

Tri-County RVTHS Grand Opening

Partial funding for the Engineering Lab’s Advanced Manufacturing equipment, which mimics the workflow of a real commercial manufacturing operation, was provided by a portion of a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant.

Congressman Joe Kennedy III, Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, State Rep. Betty Poirier, R-Bristol, State Rep. Brian Murray, D-Milford, and Senator Paul Feeney, D-Bristol and Norfolk, along with many area employers spent the afternoon walking through the new facility amazed of the progress being made. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kennedy, holding a small metal plate made by students to commemorate the occasion, said this is what the future looks like.

Official Citation

“To see the technology that is now here, to see the cooperation and collaboration of local businesses, to understand the skills that are being transferred to folks that are as young as freshmen, to build robots that have a better free-throw percentage than I have is amazing,” Kennedy said, pointing to the latest robot made with parts from the new lab. “I took a wood-shop class and I couldn’t figure out how to use a saw, and to be able to do this kind of work, it’s pretty incredible.”

During the ceremony, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate presented Tri-County’s Superintendent-Director, Stephen Dockray, with an Official Citation in recognition of the school’s Grand Opening event.

The newly renovated Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Center will expose students with access to a more real-world advanced curriculum with better computers and programming resulting in being skilled in a multitude of engineering and manufacturing fields.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting - March 13

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 13th at 7:30.

Tony DaSilva, Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee member will join us. The FBRTC is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. The SNETT is a mixed use recreational trail that runs 23 miles from Franklin to Douglas, MA.

We are NOT just for Newcomers and there is no need to RSVP, just join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends
Club monthly Meeting - March 13

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

St Mary's: Women's Faith Formation Group - Mar 16

All women are invited to join the St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group on Saturday, March 16 from 9 – 10 AM in the lower church hall at St. Mary Church in Franklin (One Church Square). 

We continue our viewing of Bishop Barron’s “Catholicism” series, with small group discussion to follow. Since segments are on independent topics, we encourage you to attend even if you missed previous sessions. 

Light refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring a friend - all are welcome!

St Mary's: Women's Faith Formation Group - Mar 16

"Of the 62 public requests filed, only about half were successful"

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

"Sunshine Week: These are the highest-paid employees in the Milford area"

"How much do municipal workers make? 

Across the globe, governments are publishing more of their records online, putting information in the hands of citizens who could help improve the public sector. 

But in the era of big data, when any piece of information seems a Google search away, try finding the salary of your local police chief. 

With more limited resources, cities and towns often lag behind in making their records available to the public. To help narrow the gap, the Daily News will launch an effort today to provide readers more insight into spending in their own backyards."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190310/sunshine-week-these-are-highest-paid-employees-in-milford-area

Editor note: I hesitated to post this as more information is needed for a worthwhile comparison. While the article and payroll tool provides salary and compensation data, it does not provide the context on the size of the community and budget or work load to help make the comparison fair. Simply using the data provided is comparing apples to oranges. As a result of multiple discussions over the years on making the case to position Franklin appropriately with communities of its size and operational scope, this is not an easy task. So while the real picture is not available, be aware, that at least some data is.

I would rather have had the focus on the fact that 55% of the information requests were actually fulfilled. For a Sunshine week impact, there is not a lot of sun shining.