Monday, May 8, 2017

We the People - May 10 - 7:00 PM

"Hear Ye Hear Ye" skit and multi media presentation

You might be surprised to learn that over time the Supreme Court has given constitutional protection to "non-people". 

Sponsored by Corruption of our democracy-UU Social Justice


When: Wednesday, May 10, 7:00 PM
Where: First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA

We the People - May 10 - 7:00 PM
We the People - May 10 - 7:00 PM



CANCELED - Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18


Jessica M. Vaughan a Franklin resident, is the Director of Policy Studies for the Center for Immigration Studies and is frequently seen on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and NBC Boston

When: Thursday, May 18 @7:00 PM
Where: Franklin VFW, Pond St


Updated 4:00 PM 5/18/17  The event has been canceled by the hosts (the Franklin Republican Town Committee) with a statement to be available later 



Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18
Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18


Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

A mixed bag of results is the best way to describe real estate activity in Norfolk County for the month of April, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

April's real estate sales fell by 8% year over year. A total of 1,248 properties were sold in April compared to 1,358 in April 2016. However, total dollar volume of real estate sales, both residential and commercial, came in at $774 million for the month, a whopping 56% increase from the same time period in 2016. "This increase was significantly impacted by a $199 million sale of the Windsor Gardens apartment complex in Norwood," noted O'Donnell.

Lending activity decreased during April , in line with expectations. O'Donnell noted, "Just 1,907 mortgages were recorded in April compared to 2,636 in April 2016, a significant decrease of 28%. In addition, the total amount of borrowing for April was $999 million, a 3% reduction from the same time period in 2016. Clearly, consumers are taking into account the recent rise in interest rates when making a decision to purchase a home. Also, the lack of inventory to sell has impacted the numbers."

There were also mixed results when it came to April's foreclosure activity. The bad news: the number of foreclosure deeds doubled last month to 32 compared to 16 during the same time period in 2016. Conversely, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, was 48 in contrast to 68 filings in April 2016. This drop off in filings represented a 29% decrease from the previous year.

Register O'Donnell stated, "While I am concerned about the number of foreclosure deed recordings, I was heartened by the significant reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings. It is my hope that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is behind us."

The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program at 617-573-3333.

Norfolk County homeowners continued to take advantage of the consumer protections offered through the Homestead Act. A total of 855 Homesteads were recorded during April. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I strongly urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell.

In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "While the economy remains on a solid footing in eastern Massachusetts, the continued low housing inventory levels are having a negative effect on Norfolk County's real estate market. Prospective homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers, are bidding on a limited number of properties. This results in higher sale prices. With regards to the lending market, I see a continued drop-off in lending activity, based on expected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve through the 2017 calendar year."

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 instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, 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 at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity
Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity


"I wanted to be an example of hard work and perseverance for my daughters.

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

"Karen Laven felt stuck in her job and as a mother of two. 
She wanted to be a role model for her two daughters and pursue the dreams she had once set aside to raise a family. 
She wanted to make it up “the mountain,” she said. 
And on Saturday, standing before hundreds of her fellow Dean College graduates and a rain-enduring crowd, the business management student was surely, finally, at the top."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170507/franklin-dean-college-grads-urged-to-seek-truth-dreams

the sun shone on the Dean campus on Friday  and the rains came for graduation on Saturday
the sun shone on the Dean campus on Friday
and the rains came for graduation on Saturday


Sunday, May 7, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 10, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item column, it will take you to the associated document. The full 147 page PDF can be found at the end.)

Town Council Agenda
May 10, 2017
A. Approval of Minutes
Approval of April 12, 2017 Minutes
B. Announcements
B. Announcements - This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others..
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
D. Citizen Comments
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter
E. Appointments
1. Conservation Commission
2. Cultural Council
F. Hearings
F. Hearings
G. License Transactions
1. BJ's Wholesale Club - Change of Location
2. Liquor World - Transfer of License
3. LaCantina Winery - Farmer's Market License
H. Presentations and Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions:
1. Franklin Food Pantry
2. Safe Coalition
I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action
Memo - 17-23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
1. Resolution 17-23: Appropriation: FY 2017 Operating Budget Transfers (Motion to Move REsolution 17-23 - Majority Vote (5))
1. Resolution 17-23: Appropriation: FY 2017 Operating Budget Transfers (Motion to Move Resolution 17-23 - Majority Vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-24: Appropriation: Library Historical Records (Motion to Move Resolution 17-24 - Majority Vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-24: Appropriation: Library Historical Records (Motion to Move Resolution 17-24 - Majority Vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-25: Appropriation: Snow & Ice Salaries (Motion to Move Resolution 17-25 - Majority Vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-25: Appropriation: Snow & Ice Salaries (Motion to Move Resolution 17-25 - Majority Vote (5))
4. Resolution 17-26: Appropriation: Roads/sidewalks/drainage/stormwater and infrastructure and all costs incidental and related thereto (Motion to Move Resolution 17-26 - Majority Vote (5))
4. Resolution 17-26: Appropriation: Roads/sidewalks/drainage/stormwater and infrastructure and all costs incidental and related thereto (Motion to Move Resolution 17-26 - Majority Vote (5))
5. Resolution 17-27: Appropriation: Turf Field Replacement (Motion to Move REsolution 17-27 - Majority 2/3 vote (6))
5. Resolution 17-27: Appropriation: Turf Field Replacement (Motion to Move Resolution 17-27 - Majority 2/3 vote (6))
6. Resolution 17-28: Appropriation: OPEB Trust Fund (Motion to Move Resolution 17-28 - Majority vote (5))
6. Resolution 17-28: Appropriation: OPEB Trust Fund (Motion to Move Resolution 17-28 - Majority vote (5))
7. Resolution 17-29: Ratification of the Memoranda of Agreements between the Town of Franklin and Nine Municipal Unions (Motion to Move Resolution 17-29 - Majority Vote (5))
7. Resolution 17-29: Ratification of the Memoranda of Agreements between the Town of Franklin and Nine Municipal Unions (Motion to Move Resolution 17-29 - Majority Vote (5))
8. Resolution 17-30: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53D, Authorizing a Municipal Revolving Fund for Self-Supporting Recreational and Park Services (Motion to Move Resolution 17-30 - Majority vote (5))
8. Resolution 17-30: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53D, Authorizing a Municipal Revolving Fund for Self-Supporting Recreational and Park Services (Motion to Move Resolution 17-30 - Majority vote (5))
9. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
9. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
10. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
10. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment  17-790 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
11. Bylaw Amendment 17-791: New Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-791 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote - (5))
11. Bylaw Amendment 17-791: New Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-791 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote - (5))
12: Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
12: Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn



Full PDF of agenda removed for security reasons 


on Friday morning, the assembly looked complete. The mulch needed to be spread around again
on Friday morning, the assembly looked complete. The mulch needed to be spread around again

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 9, 2017

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.

AGENDA
"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."
the key to learning
the key to learning


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 25, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
 Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. STEM Update – Science Team
b. Digital Learning – Digital Learning Team

3. Discussion Only Items


4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for a scholarship for a former ASMS student.
b. I recommend acceptance of donations totaling $1200.00 for scholarships as follows:

  1. $1,150.00 Robert Lima
  2. $50.00 K. Kitanosono

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $285.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for district wide in-house enrichment.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $312.00 from Franklin Music Parents for district wide in-house enrichment.
e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for Middle School Music students to travel to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 9,
2017 as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

a. Policy – Ms. Scofield

b. Community Relations – Ms. Schultz
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

Stress Relief Workshop for kids scheduled for July 10 -14

Stress is inevitable in life, but managing it is possible.

Help your kids face life's challenges! We can teach them how to prevent and manage stress through meditation and mindfulness activities. Targeted for kids 8-13 years old.

Workshop runs from 10-14 July, 3-5 p.m. 

See flyer for more details: http://bit.ly/JCmeditationworkshop