Monday, September 11, 2017

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 12

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 Open Session of the August 22, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. Special Statement to the Franklin Community

2. Guests/Presentations
a. 2017-2018 School Improvement Plans
1. Horace Mann Middle School – Rebecca Motte
2. Remington Middle School – Brian Wildeman
3. Annie Sullivan Middle School – Beth Wittcoff
4. Franklin High School – Paul Peri

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading
o CBI – Evaluation of Superintendent
Policy – Second Reading
o BEDB – Order of Business

Approval of 2017-18 Student Activity Fund Accounts – Miriam Goodman

New Sub Committees
o Public Schools Advocacy
o Ad Hoc – Superintendent Evaluation
o Liaison to MASC

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Horace Mann Middle School Improvement Plan as presented.
b. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Remington Middle School Improvement Plan as presented.
c. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Annie Sullivan Middle School Improvement Plan as presented.
d. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 Franklin High School Improvement Plan as presented.
e. I recommend moving Policy CBI – Evaluation of the Superintendent to a second reading.
f. I recommend adoption of Policy BEDB – Order of Business as discussed.
g. I recommend approval of the 2017-18 Student Activity Fund Accounts as discussed.
h. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $1,438.57 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Field Hockey Booster Club for supplemental supplies at FHS.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Linda Sawyer for a FHS Scholarship.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Policy Sub Committee – MaryJane Scofield
School Committee Liaison Reports

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

7. Executive Session
a. Collective Bargaining

8. Return to Open Session

9. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley



FPAC Announces Open Auditions for The Nutcracker

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet, The Nutcracker, on Sunday, September 24. Auditions will take place at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. 

Audition times are 9:30-10:00 a.m. for ages 6 and 7, 10:00-10:45 for ages 8 and 9, 11:00-11:45 for ages 10 and 11, 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13, 1:00-2:00 for ages 14+ (off pointe), and 2:45-3:45 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must have at least one year of pointe experience). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 2:00-2:30 p.m., with pointe callbacks from 3:45-4:45. Ballet attire is required.
FPAC Announces Open Auditions for The Nutcracker
FPAC Announces Open Auditions for The Nutcracker

Presented with live professional orchestra, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists from such prestigious companies as American Ballet Theatre and Boston Ballet. The production remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season, a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on December 2 and 3 at the Franklin High School auditorium as part of the Company’s 27th season.

For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

Attention Community Gardeners: Build Day Coming

The build day scheduled for October 22 is approaching. The beds from the water hoses to the fence away from the entrance are scheduled to be rebuilt first. The beds from the entrance to the water hoses will be built in the second phase. To help with the build please clear out the bed by October 1.

Attention Community Gardeners: Build Day Coming
Attention Community Gardeners: Build Day Coming

The wood frame around the bed will be removed and rebuilt.
The wood frame around the bed will be removed and rebuilt.



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Announces August '17 Real Estate Results



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Announces August '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Results

With reduced sales and mortgage activity, the Norfolk County real estate market faced challenges in August of 2017.

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "There are challenges taking place within the Norfolk County real estate market. The total number of real estate sales, both residential and commercial, was 1,851, a 5% reduction from August of 2016. The average sales price for the month was $684,661, a 22% drop-off from the previous year.

"In addition, the total volume of real estate activity, for residential and commercial, was $872,258,838, a 26% decrease from the same time period in 2016. This percentage decrease, however, can be attributable in part to one transaction: the $205 million sale of Westwood Station that took place in August 2016."

Lending activity also showed reduced volume during August. Register O'Donnell noted, "The total number of mortgages recorded during the month was 2,631 compared to 3,511 recorded in August 2016. The total volume of mortgage financing for the month was $1.1 billion, a 31% reduction year over year. Clearly, consumers are being very cautious when it comes to incurring debt."

One piece of optimistic news for the month was the reduced number of foreclosure deed filings. A total of 20 foreclosure deeds were recorded in August compared to 32 recordings in August 2016, a reduction of 37%. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process as 32 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage documents were recorded compared to 96 the previous August, amounting to a 66% decrease.

O'Donnell noted, "While one foreclosure deed filing is one too many, I am encouraged that the trend lines continue to point in the right direction. I want to remind those who are struggling with paying their mortgage payment that the Registry continues to have a partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950. These agencies can help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option for those struggling with their mortgage payment is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400."

On another consumer front, Homestead recordings showed a small decrease from the previous year. A total of 1,326 Homesteads were filed in August 2017, resulting in a 3% decrease compared to the same period last year. "A Homestead is an important consumer benefit which provides limited protection against the forced sale of your primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000," noted the Register.

In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "While I was disappointed with Norfolk County real estate numbers for August, I believe the numbers are explainable. Low levels of inventory continue to hamper real estate sales and mortgage activity financing is dampened by the slight increases in mortgage rates."

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


Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service
Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

VA Home Loan Home Buyer Seminar - Sep 19

Sadly, 5% of Massachusetts Veteran's use their VA home loan benefits, the lowest in the country. Most Veteran's are unaware they have these well deserved benefits. 

Please come and learn the significant financial rewards of the Veteran's Home Loan Guarantee Program and how you can become a homeowner today.

http://www.burbsofboston.com/va-home-loan-home-buyer-seminar/

When:  Tuesday, Sep 19, 2017  6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: VFW, 1034 Pond St., Franklin, MA

VA Home Loan Home Buyer Seminar - Sep 19
VA Home Loan Home Buyer Seminar - Sep 19

"all very positive things about the district”

Devyn Forcina, Editor of Pantherbook, interviews Dr Sara Ahern, the Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools.

“I want everyone to know that I want to know about their experience at, and about, Franklin public schools”, says Dr. Sara Ahern, the new superintendent of Franklin Public Schools. Dr. Ahern is a passionate, caring, and enthusiastic educator who I had the pleasure of interviewing last week. In this article, you can learn more about our new superintendent.
Continue reading the article online
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2017/09/08/dr-ahern-putting-the-super-in-superintendent/


Dr Ahern answers questions during the community forum earlier this year
Dr Ahern answers questions during the community forum earlier this year

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 13, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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


You can also download and review the 166 pages of documents released for this agenda
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/september_13_2017_town_council_agenda.pdf


Agenda ItemSummary


A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes - August 9, 2017 - (Motion to Approve August 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes - Majority vote - (5))
B. Announcements
B. Announcements -
1. 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 - Swearing in of Firefighters
D. Citizen Comments
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 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 reivew the matter.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
F. Hearings
F. Hearings - Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 7:10 pm
G. License Transactions
G. License Transactions:
1. Ashadeep, Inc. d/b/a Union Street Wine & Liquors - Change in Officer/Director, Transfer of Stock - 7:10 pm
2. 99 Restaurant - Change in Officer/Director - 7:10 pm
H. Presentations/Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin 4th of July Committee
I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action:
1. Resolution 17-52: Transfer of Two Town-Owned Parcels of Vacant Land to Care, Etc of the Conservation Commision (Motion to Move Resolution 17-52 - 2/3 Majority vote (6)
2. Resolution 17-53: Disolution of Horace Mann Statue Committee (Motion to Move Resolution 17-53 - Majority vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-54: Franklin Green Community Designation (Motion to Move Resolution 17-54 - Majority vote (5))
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-796: Chapter 63, Buildings, Numbering of - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-796 to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5))
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, In an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5))
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797: Setbacks for Accessory Building and Structures - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797 to the Planning Board - Majority vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report - Update on Town Council Goals
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn

the Library renovation is nearing completion. The temporary location will close  on Sep 16 to begin the move back to 118 Main St
the Library renovation is nearing completion. The temporary location will close
on Sep 16 to begin the move back to 118 Main St