Register O'Donnell Highlights Increased Lending Activity in Norfolk County

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights Increased Lending Activity in Norfolk County A small decrease in Norfolk County real estate transactions was more than offset by an impressive spike in mortgage lending activity during the recently concluded month of July 2019. Register O'Donnell noted, "During July, a total of 1,761 residential and commercial properties were sold in Norfolk County, representing a modest 2% decrease year over year. Inventory issues, particularly the lack of starter homes, are continuing to stifle growth in the Norfolk County real estate market." Total real estate sales volume, both residential and commercial, for the month of July was $893 million, a 16% decrease year over year. This figure was impacted by two commercial real estate sales of $64 million and $96.5 million recorded in July 2018. In addition, the average sales price, again for both residential and commercial properties, was $718,518, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year. "Time will tell," stated O'Donnell, "whether or not these figures portend a thaw in the Norfolk County real estate market." The encouraging news that came out of July's numbers was seen in lending activity. The number of mortgages recorded during the month was 2,950, a significant 28% increase year over year. For the month, total mortgage borrowing jumped by 119% to $2.1 billion. The total borrowing figure was impacted by 2 large residential multi-family mortgages, one in Quincy totaling $426 million and the other recorded against a Franklin property totaling $384 million. O'Donnell noted, "A reduction in mortgage interest rates is having a positive effect on the Norfolk County lending market." Another bright spot was the continuing decline in foreclosure activity, a trend seen for the past few months. A total of 8 foreclosure deeds were processed during July compared to 20 recorded in July 2018, resulting in a 60% decline. In addition, 29 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, were filed during the month versus 38 recorded in July of 2018, a decline of 24%. "We severely underestimate the effect of foreclosures if we simply look at them as just a bunch of numbers. Foreclosure activity has a human face. Some of our neighbors struggle to pay their monthly mortgage and sometimes fall short through no fault of their own. Families face economic hardships as a result of a sudden job loss or a catastrophic medical event. This is why the Registry of Deeds directs homeowners to the Quincy Community Action Programs at (617)479-8181 x376 and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (617)770-2227 x-346 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lending institution. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617)727-8400," noted O'Donnell. On the consumer front, Homestead recordings were slightly up during the month of July. A total of 1,300 Homesteads were recorded, a 3% increase compared to the previous year. "It is important to remember," noted Register O'Donnell, "that a Homestead is an important tool that provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to 500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Available real estate inventory continues to be a constant source of concern in Norfolk County. It's especially been a problem for first time home buyers attempting to crack the market. However, there is a silver lining in the July real estate statistics and that is based on the optimistic lending numbers we've seen. These figures are very encouraging and tell us reduced interest rates and a robust eastern Massachusetts economy are having a positive effect on the Norfolk County region." 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 email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Highlights Increased Lending Activity in Norfolk County

“Would some kids be ready to vote at 16? Maybe”

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

"When Concord-Carlisle High School senior Una Oljaca visited the Statehouse last spring, she and fellow senior Gretchen Carr had a chance to see where legislators voted, the hearing room where several bills are brought up each day and some of the offices where representatives work.

But the day was about much more than simply taking a tour.

Oljaca and Carr were there to testify alongside state Rep. Tami Gouveia, D-Acton, in support of a bill to allow 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections in Concord.

The issue is complicated, with engaged teens on one side wanting a place at the table when it comes to electing local and national leaders and adults on the other side not so sure a 16-year-old is experienced enough to make such an important decision."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190811/would-you-trust-your-16-year-old-in-voting-booth

Voting age varies around the world with most at 18. wikipedia has the listing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_age

voting age chart showing the majority at 18

Call for Sponsors of the Harlem Wizards vs. Team FPS basketball fund raising event - Nov 22

Harlem Wizards Vs. Franklin Public Schools 

(“Team FPS”)

a Community Basketball Event & Fundraiser

to Benefit Franklin Education Foundation

Opportunity for Sponsorships

WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

WHERE: Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium, Franklin, MA

WHAT: The Harlem Wizards will bring their team to Franklin to compete against “Team FPS” for a 2-hour tournament. The Harlem Wizards brand of “Trick Hoops & Alley Oops” entertainment basketball has been packing gyms across the globe for over 50 years! Their show includes amazing slams, world-class tricks, precision teamwork and humor.

WHO: “Team FPS” will include teachers and staff from Franklin Public Schools. We sell out every year with a crowd of 1,200 students, parents and children!

WHY: FEF fundraisers have raised over $350,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF has funded over the years, visit http://www.franklined.org/grants.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SPONSORSHIPS: This is FEF’s largest and most visible fundraiser of the year. Your sponsorship will highlight that your business supports Franklin Public Schools and the larger Franklin community. We have numerous opportunities at various levels to support the fundraiser and promote your business to the Franklin community. The attached flyer provides more details about the event and sponsorship levels. Thank you for considering supporting FEF and FPS!

Sincerely,
Franklin Education Foundation

Down your copy of the Sponsor Letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczX1pza2xkY3UxcVVfekVHeFRFVXBsWmVnR2lz/view?usp=sharing

Call for Sponsors of the Harlem Wizards vs. Team FPS  - Nov 22

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 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. None

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. School Handbooks
I recommend approval of the Franklin Public Schools Student/Family Handbooks as discussed.
b. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

i. BEC – Executive Sessions
ii. BEDG – Minutes
iii. JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

c. Budget Discussion and Revised Budget
I recommend that the School Committee adopt a revised FY 20 budget of
$64,702,500.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Summer Professional Development and Curriculum Update

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]; MASC)

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 23, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. End of Year Transfers
I recommend approval of the end-of-year budget transfers as detailed.
c. Surplus Technology Equipment
I recommend declaring the detailed list of technology equipment as surplus.
d. Athletics Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for participation fees for students who otherwise could not afford for sports, clubs, events, etc.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
10. Correspondence
11. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

12. Adjournment


Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-8-13-19

Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-13-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 2019

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 14, 2019

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a.This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and show on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN 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
a. July 24, 2019

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
​- None

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Fire Chief Pinning Ceremony
b. Finance Committee, Michael Kasberg

6. HEARINGS ​- None

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. New All-Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, 466King Street

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- ​None

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10 .LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a.Resolution 19-53: Rescind Outdated Bonds ​(Motion to Approve Resolution 19-53 - Majority Vote (5))
• b.Resolution 19-54: Amendment to FY2020 Budget​ (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-54 -Majority Vote (5))
• c.Resolution 19-55: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging (​Motion to Approve Resolution 19-55- Majority Vote (5))
• d.Resolution 19-56: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Senior Center​ (Motion to Approve Resolution19-56 - Majority Vote (5))
• e.Resolution 19-57: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Fire Department ​(Motion to approve Resolution 19-57 - Majority Vote (5))
• f.Resolution 19-58: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Police Department ​(Motion to approve Resolution 19-58 - Majority Vote (5))
• g.Sewer Map Amendment 19-844: 225 Plain Street - Sewer System Extension - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Sewer Map Amendment 19-844: 225 Plain Street - Sewer Extension to a Second Reading - Majority Vote (5))

11.TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- ​None Scheduled

15.ADJOURN

Notes: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-08-14_town_council_agenda.pdf

Full agenda (includes files released for this meeting)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/august_12_2019_tc_full_agenda_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 14, 2019

In the News: Red Cross stops mobile blood drives; right to repair proposal coming to ballot in 2020

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

"The Red Cross is tentatively stopping its mobile blood drive operations in central and western Massachusetts, potentially affecting 68 jobs.

“As challenging economic conditions continue in the blood industry, the American Red Cross has made the difficult, tentative decision to discontinue its mobile blood drive operations in central and western Massachusetts,” Kelly Isenor, spokesperson of Red Cross Blood Services Region in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “To ensure long-term sustainability, the Red Cross needs to consolidate its operations in this market to generate greater efficiencies that will deliver cost-effective and reliable products and services for patients in need.”

The Red Cross will continue to collect blood and platelet donations at donation centers in Springfield and Worcester, according to the statement. The organization will also continue to collect blood at donation centers, as well as at community blood drives in the eastern part of the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190810/red-cross-suspends-mobile-blood-drives-in-region-68-jobs-may-be-affected

Red Cross stops mobile blood drives

"Standing in an open bay of his auto repair shop off Beaver Street on Wednesday, Nice Car Care co-owner Jim Norris pointed to just some of the technology necessary to stay afloat in his industry.

There’s the $3,000 “brick” – a tablet-like scanner with a cord that plugs into the beige sedan on which he needed to run diagnostics that morning. The device will look for general problems, but needs a $1,500 upgrade every year.

And if he wants to get more in-depth, Norris turns to vehicle maker-specific software that he subscribes to for about $200 per month.

“We lay out a lot of money just to stay in business,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190810/right-to-repair-group-wants-to-give-mass-drivers-access-to-their-cars-real-time-data

https://nicecarcare.com/

Reminder: Fashions of Downton Abbey - Aug 11

We're excited to bring you The Fashions of Downton Abby as our August Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation. Our guest is Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion. Karen returns to the museum with one of her most popular presentations. 

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Would you love to know more about the fashions of the period? If so, join us for an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. Travel with us through time while we explore the styles of 1912, represented in Season 1 of Downton Abbey, through the 1920s, when major changes occurred both in fashion and in society. 

Immerse yourself in Downton Abbey, where we will explore all of the changing fashions of this intriguing period. Karen received her Masters Degree in textiles, fashion merchandising and design. With a concentration in historic costumes from RISD. Karen pours her passion for fashion to this presentation which includes a slide show, clips from the show, costumes and accessories from the Edwardian Era through the 1920s. 

This special presentation is on Sunday, August 11th at 1:10 PM. Arrive on time, seating is limited. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. We are ADA compliant and admission is always free. Hours of operation are Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM, Sundays 1 PM-4 PM and Thursday evenings 5 PM-8 PM. Come in and discover your history.

Reminder: Fashions of Downton Abbey - Aug 11

What should Franklin look like in 2028?

Why 2028? 

That would be the 250 year anniversary of the creation of Franklin separating from Wrentham. You likely recall the story that it was originally to be called Exeter but on the way to Boston, they changed the name to Franklin to honor the work of Benjamin Franklin. When the founding fathers asked Ben for a bell to toll in his name, he responded with a bunch of books and hence our library, the first public library in the nation was formed.

We have this legacy to live with and keep up. 

2028 is only 9 years away. It will be here before we know it. Hence, there is no time like the present to start thinking about what the town should look like. How it should operate?

School Superintendent Sara Ahern is working on "A Portrait of a Graduate". What should a graduate of FHS be prepared with to enter the working world? What skills and qualifications will they need that we need to develop during their educational years here. Input has been sought for this across many stakeholders and community members. I know because I was able to participate in a workshop earlier this year. 

The school start times planning has moved from the Advisory Committee to the Schools Central Office to continue to work out the details of a proposal. This will have a domino affect through out the community if the proposal is approved.

We also have significant budget challenges. The schools cut positions while raising and introducing fees to balance their side of the budget for this year (FY 2020). The town side cut road money (among other items) to bring the budget into balance for this year. 

Next year's budget (FY 2021) will be more challenging. There will need to be significant cuts on both sides unless the voters/residents step up to provide additional funding.

• How are we going to repair our roads? 
• How are we going to maintain or advance our fire, police, and DPW services?
• How are we going to provide services to our growing community? 
• And of course, how are we going to fund the schools to give our children the best they can get to prepare them for the world of 2028 and beyond?

We can do something now. The biennial Town Election is coming up November 5, we should make sure to select those with the vision and the willingness to work on where we need to be in 2028.

We need good people to help lead us forward. Who are they? Who will we select to lead us through the budget maze? Will they foster honest, and civil discussions on hard topics?

Talk to the candidates. 
They are your neighbors. Find out what they want to do. Find out how they are going to get us to 2028.

And then vote on November 5. 




Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

This is an updated version of what was originally published in 2017
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/what-will-franklin-be-like-in-2028.html

What should Franklin look like in 2028?

Candidates taking papers, room for more on the Franklin Biennial ballot

The listing of the 17 candidates who have taken out papers to run for the open positions on the Franklin Biennial Election is provided via Town Clerk, Teresa Burr. There are 28 seats open so there is plenty of room for additional candidates. The listing will be updated weekly to provide the 'scorecard' of who's taken papers, who's turned them in, etc.

It is good to see new candidates appearing. I met one at the Farmers Market on Friday where he was gathering signatures. He had acquired over 50 by the time I met him so if other candidates are looking for signatures, the Market on the Town Common on Friday afternoons is a good place!

Download your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1815QtLDoEKjeaACekubo667H8I4Yg3dv/view?usp=sharing

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Farmers Market at the Town Common on a nice summer Friday afternoon

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin Line Weekend Shuttle Service Sep 7 through Nov 24, 2019

Weekends, Sept 7- Nov 24, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Visit MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel.

There will be no Franklin line service at Back Bay and Ruggles stations on weekends. Please travel to South Station to reach a Franklin Line station. If you are travelling inbound, please board a Worcester/Framingham line Train for direct connection to Back Bay or a Providence/Stoughton line Train for a direct connection to Back Bay or Ruggles.

We also recommend the subway: board the Red Line at South Station and transfer to the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing to reach Back Bay or Ruggles.

Due to proximity of adjacent stations, bus shuttles will not serve Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot stations:

• Endicott station customers, please use Readville or Dedham Corp stations.
• Islington station customers, please use Dedham Corp station.
• Norwood Depot customers, please use Norwood Central or Dedham Corp station.

8:40 PM and 10:40 PM departures from Forge Park as well as 11:20 PM departure from South Station will be accommodated by a bus for the entire trip between South Station and Forge Park (including the portion between South Station and Readville).

Additional weekends may be added to the train service suspension between Forge Park/495 and Readville as work progresses on the Franklin line.

Thank you for your patience while we improve the signal system on your Commuter Rail line.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork


Last Updated: Aug 09 2019 01:57 PM
https://mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin Line Weekend Shuttle Service Sep 7 through November 24, 2019

"would ban virtually all hand-held electronic device use by drivers"

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

"Conference committee leaders remained tight-lipped about their private negotiations on distracted-driving legislation a week after an apparent deal fell apart.

In separate interviews with the News Service, both state Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett, and state Sen. Joseph Boncore, D-Winthrop, who together chair the six-member conference committee, said they are still discussing the long-sought bill but declined to put a timeline on when their work may be complete.

“We’re going to continue to discuss it between the chairs,” Boncore said. He described himself as “confident” that a deal would be reached soon, but noted talks would last “as long as it takes.”

Straus said the conferees “have never stopped being in communication with each other,” despite the collapse of an apparent consensus last week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190809/no-timeline-for-distracted-driving-deal

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Aug 9 to THU - Aug 15

Fri Aug 9, 2019

7:30pm	"Footloose"
10am	Knitting Group
10:30am	SUMMER HAPPY FEET!
10:30am	SUMMER PROGRAM: Happy Feet!
12pm	Farmers Market
1pm	SUMMER PROGRAM: Farmer's Market Fun!
7:30pm	"Footloose"

Sat Aug 10, 2019

10am	Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am	SUMMER PERFORMER: Greg and Axel
8pm	The Delta Generators

Sun Aug 11, 2019

1pm	Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:10pm	The Fashions of Downton Abbey

Mon Aug 12, 2019

10:30am	SUMMER MOVE ALONG (outside if permitting, otherwise in Community Room)
1pm	SUMMER PROGRAM: Picnic Storytime (CALEIGH) Lorelai and Grace!

Tue Aug 13, 2019

9:30am	Cool Cruisers
4pm	TEEN SUMMER Code It!
6:30pm	Documentary Film Series
7pm	Debi Graham-Leard Author Talk & Book Signing
7pm	School Committee meeting
7:30pm	Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting

Wed Aug 14, 2019

10:30am	SUMMER PERFORMER: Journey to the Moon Puppet Show (Community Room)
4pm	SUMMER Crafternoon!
6pm	Concerts on the Common: Mike Rutkowski
6pm	Zentangle 101
6:30pm	Concerts on the Common: Southbound Train
6:30pm	Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
6:30pm	Teen Advisory Board
7pm	Town Council Meeting

Thu Aug 15, 2019

9:30am	Baby Tummy Time
3:30pm	TEEN SUMMER Board Game Cafe!
5pm	Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
5pm	SUMMER Thursday Movie Night
6:30pm	Canning, Freezing, and Dehydrating with Blackstone Valley Veggies Gardens

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Aug 9 to THU - Aug 15

Franklin Election 2019: What does the Board of Health do?

From the Annual Report of 2018 is this brief section on the Board of Health:

"The three-member elected Board of Health is the policy making arm for the Health Department. The board members assist in the drafting of public health bylaws and regulations, and review all site plans for compliance with local and state public health regulations. The board presides over administrative hearings in all matters concerning Health Department licensed and permitted activities. Board members are available for consultation on issues relative to the public health as well."

Two positions are up for election on November 5 for a 4 year term. The other position will be up for election in 2 years. This staggers the membership to maintain institutional knowledge.

What does the Health Department do?

"The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well-being of the community, in accordance with federal, state and local public health laws and regulations. 

The Franklin Health Department's responsibilities include inspecting and permitting new and repaired/upgraded individual septic systems, witnessing percolation testing, biannual inspections of all food service and retail food establishments, investigating complaints of public health nuisances, enforcement of the state sanitary code relative to housing, licensing of children's recreational camps, inspection of semi-public swimming pools and spas, tanning salon and manicure/pedicure establishment inspections. The Health Department also issues permits for individual private drinking water and irrigation wells."

State Required Duties of the Board of Health can be found here 
http://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/state-required-duties-board-health

The Board of Health can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department


Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Franklin Election 2019: What does the Board of Health do?

“This vote represents a serious misinterpretation of FCC authority"

From the Mass Municipal Association we find the news about the recent FCC order. Exactly how this plays out and what it means for Franklin TV and to the Town of Franklin budget process remains to be seen.

"On Aug. 1, the Federal Communications Commission ruled, by a 3-2 vote, that cable-related, in-kind contributions required by local franchising authorities from cable operators are in fact franchise fees subject to the statutory 5% cap.

The FCC ruled that the definition of “in-kind, cable-related contributions” includes “any non-monetary contributions … including but not limited to free or discounted cable service to public buildings, costs in support of PEG [Public, Educational and Governmental] access other than capital costs, and costs attributable to the construction of I-Nets. It does not include the costs of complying with build-out and customer service requirements.”

The FCC’s Third Report and Order on Cable Franchising Fees largely adopts the tentative conclusions of the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, issued last September. The decision runs counter to the flood of concerns the FCC received during the public comment period about its tentative conclusions.

The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors said the Aug. 1 ruling “provides a windfall to largely monopoly cable companies on the backs of local communities,” adding that the commission “decided to drastically rewrite federal law and wipe out 35 years of cable franchise agreements that had been negotiated based on mutual understanding of what the law meant.”

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/fcc-order-preempts-terms-in-existing-cable-franchise-agreements/

“This vote represents a serious misinterpretation of FCC authority"