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Monday, January 8, 2024
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail: 2024 Annual General Meeting - Jan 9 at 7 PM
Town Council approves King St Cafe all alcohol license and sets work plan for next 2 years (audio)
FM #1128 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1128 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. All 9 members of the Council participated in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
Approved a New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street
Reviewed, took community input, and discussed adjustments to the work plan for the next 2 years. These Council "goals" are a mix of projects not completed in prior years (Historical Museum cupola), place holders for work coming (Objectives TBD from the Master Plan), and wordsmithing to better provide opportunity to accomplish the "aggressive" plan put forward by Town Administration
Community input could be summarized in 3 areas: affordable housing, addressing climate change, and finding a workable solution even if a flag policy can't be found
Agreed to an increase for the ambulance rates. This is done annually to ensure the Town recovers appropriate costs as well as maintain competitive rates vis a vi neighboring communities. This was the first reading, the second reading will likely be the next Council meeting
The Council also approved Acceptance of Parcel A, Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street
The recording runs just about 2 hours. It was edited to remove the “Zoom bombing” incident. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Jan 3, 2024.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1128-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-03-24--------------
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSJhP-o9mKE
Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf
My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAyli8_q5IIawWv8HKWNHeOP8mrfaFwi/view?usp=drive_link
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024 |
The Senior Center is full of activities for this week: Jan 8 to Jan 12, 2024
Check out the Senior Center activities on the calendar ->
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| The Senior Center is full of activities for this week: Jan 8 to Jan 12, 2024 |
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1zYrcILSCh/
Panther News: Jan. 5, 2024 (video)
Video link for this newest episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNotObEgzDM
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C10hnSaOYiz/
MA Senate passes bill to address wheelchair repairs that can drag on for months
"Wheelchair users took a victory lap at the State House on Thursday after the state Senate passed legislation to address a national crisis, chronic delays of months or longer for even the most basic repairs to chairs.The bill, passed with a vote of 39-0, would extend warranties on new chairs from one year to two, a period during which chair owners could avoid cumbersome insurance authorization for fixes, advocates said. Chairs with expired warranties would not need insurance approval for repairs less than $1,000.“We’ve been fighting so hard just to get here,” said Pamela Daly, of Charlestown, after the Senate vote. “They’re simple mechanical problems or they’re simple parts that need to be ordered. This is not rocket science.”Daly noted she was late for Thursday’s vote because her wheelchair’s brakes, installed about a month ago, failed earlier that morning, and she fell while trying to get into her chair. Though uninjured, she had to call paramedics to help her get into her chair."
Continue reading this Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)
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| MA Senate passes bill to address wheelchair repairs that can drag on for months |
Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Dips in December 2023
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports that Norfolk County recordings in December 2023 show a decline in the total number of property sales and mortgages compared to December 2022 recordings. This decline can be attributed to a limited inventory of new and existing property for sale and a housing market that continues to struggle with mortgage interest rates that meet or exceed 7%.
“The limited inventory of properties for sale has created a highly competitive market with fewer opportunities for buyers,” remarked Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “Additionally, higher mortgage interest rates relative to what they were in 2020 and 2021 have made it more challenging for potential homeowners, especially first-time homebuyers, to secure affordable financing options, forcing some potential homeowners to put their dreams of purchasing a home on hold.”
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| Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Dips in December 2023 |
The Registry of Deeds recorded 8,015 documents in December 2023. This was 15% less than in December 2022 and a 7% decrease compared to November 2023.
“These declining numbers suggest a slowdown in the real estate market. A decrease in the number of deeds and mortgages, which make up a large portion of the total documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds, greatly impacts overall real estate activity,” noted Register O’Donnell.
The total number of deeds recorded for December 2023, which reflects both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,235, down 3% from December 2022 and down 2% from November of last month.
“Property prices dropped significantly in December compared to last year, and the number of property transactions was also down, which may suggest that the property price alone is not the sole factor contributing to the decrease in the number of deeds recorded at the Registry,” said Register O’Donnell.
The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for December 2023 fell to $871,249, a 7% decrease compared to December 2022 and a decrease of 9% from November 2023. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 15% from last year and 14% from last month.
“Seasoned homebuyers are doubly affected by current market conditions, as they not only face higher borrowing costs but also have limited options to choose from. Additionally, although home loan interest rates are coming down a little but in some cases rates still exceed 7%, so these same homeowners are also less likely to refinance, leading to a decrease in the number of mortgages being recorded,” said O’Donnell.
For the month of December, lending activity overall continued to decline from December of last year. A total of 1,124 mortgages were recorded, which is 19% less than last year and 4% less than last month.
“Those who took advantage of the lower interest rates in 2020 and 2021 are also less likely to refinance at current rates, and with property sales down, this results in a more pronounced decline in the number of mortgages recorded,” said O’Donnell. “For individuals who are struggling to keep up with payments, refinancing at a higher interest rate is not going to help.”
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to closely monitor the foreclosure market. In December 2023, there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in December 2022, there were 4 recorded. The total number of notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, decreased from last year, going from 40 notices in December 2022 to 26 in December 2023. This resulted in 35% decrees in the number of notices to foreclose.
“We all experience unforeseen events in our lives. Sometimes these events are beyond our control and can have a devastating impact on our finances. I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org,” said O'Donnell.
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 (617-770-2227) 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.
“The decrease in the number of documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds indicates a significant decline of 15% in real estate activity.” O’Donnell concluded, “This could be attributed to various factors such as rising interest rates, a lack of available inventory, or elevated property prices. It will be important to monitor these trends and see how they impact the overall real estate market in the coming months.”
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.
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Jan 8, 2024
- 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
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 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
8:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
9:00 am FPAC Holiday Production: The Nutcracker
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke
4:30 pm Winter Wonderland 2023
5:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November
5:30 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2
8:30 pm Frank's Musings: Israel
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 12-20-23
10:00 am Public School Event: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023
11:30 am Public School Concert: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2023
1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November
2:30 pm Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
4:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Taunton 01-05-24
8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Oliver Ames 12-12-23
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board: 12-18-23
2:00 pm Planning Board: 12-18-23
7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers 956 4824 6870
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Franklin TV: So – How’s It Going?
And, I Bet I Already Know the Answer
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/07/2024
Procrastination. It’s why the Christmas lights still hang from the eaves in March. If our New Year’s calendar is already littered with failed resolutions – it’s okay.
Redemption. It’s why we strive. Striving does not come with a guarantee or even a vague promise. However, consistent striving offers progress. Sold. I’ll take it.
There isn’t a New Year’s resolution that can’t be rebooted, rekindled, rededicated. Given that the perfect is the enemy of the good, then strive, but not for perfection. Strive for the moment – for the day. Tomorrow you can opt to strive for that day. Then perhaps the next day, you might go for more of the same optimistic striving. How much striving? Just enough to sense some progress. Along the way, take pleasure in small gains - small momentary celebrations; all part of your long game. (Yes, you have one. Don’t forget that.)
As for striving today; don’t sweat tomorrow or the next day or the next. Just be in today’s moment today. Striving is always a very ‘present tense’ state of being. The striver’s mindset is a subtle, sua sponte act of will.
If starting is the hard part, then that striver’s mindset is the thing within each of us that can make those hard starts – and restarts – possible. Always possible. If you accept that ‘possible’ is a constant, then you have the stuff of hope, and of striving.
For ‘always possible’ can become ‘eventual’, and eventual can become – actual.
There’s nothing sacrosanct – or magic – about the New Year – or it’s first day. The pragmatic reality – the practical magic (pragmagic?) is within us all to wake up on any morning of our choosing and quietly say to ourselves, “Today is my day.”
Although the glitter of The Season is done, the glow of hope and striving remains, resides, and abides – in the possibilities of every new day. Happy New Day!
May 2024 smile warmly, kindly upon us all. Now get back out there and make it happen.
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| Franklin TV: So – How’s It Going? |
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
Tom Mercer recaps the Council Meeting of Jan 3 in this "Quarterbacking" session to start 2024 (audio)
FM #1127 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1127 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, January 5, 2023.
• ok, what just happened?
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Topics for this session
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: 2024-2025 Town Council & Town Administration Work Plan
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._24-01_tc_and_ta_goals.pdf
b. Resolution 24-01: Adoption of 2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-01 - Majority Vote)
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading
c. Resolution 24-02: Acceptance of Parcel A , Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-02 - Majority Vote)
The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Friday, January 3, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1127-town-council-quarterbacking-01-05-24
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Town Council agenda for Jan 3, 2024 meeting ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf
Town Council recap & video link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/town-council-approves-all-alcohol.html
My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAyli8_q5IIawWv8HKWNHeOP8mrfaFwi/view?usp=drive_link
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| Tom Mercer recaps the Council Meeting of Jan 3 in this "Quarterbacking" session to start 2024 (audio) |
Meeting outlook for the week beginning Jan 8, 2024
Monday, January 8, 2024 - 6:00pm
- Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 5:30pm
- Franklin Public Schools Budget Sub Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 6:00pm
- School Committee MASC Workshop Agenda
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 7:00pm
- School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 5:15pm
- CSFC Subcommittee
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 6:30pm
- Master Plan Committee
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 7:00pm
- Finance Committee Meeting
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| Meeting outlook for the week beginning Jan 8, 2024 |
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