Franklin Library: Hamilton Throwdown! Feb 13

Join the library and the Franklin High School Library as we celebrate one of our favorite fandoms with an epic night of trivia, lyric challenges, and General Hamilton appreciation! 

Grab your team (or come meet new friends!) and join us for tea and scones, then battle it out to prove your Hamilton-love, followed by an epic sing-along with the High School Chamber Chorus!

When: from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Wednesday Feb 13

Franklin Library: Hamilton Throwdown! Feb 13

This was shared from the Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/hamilton-throwdown

10th Annual Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Spelling Bee

Last week the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School held our 10th Annual Spelling Bee.

The purpose of the National Spelling Bee program is "to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives." In offering this opportunity to BFCCPS students, we aim to provide an educational and fun opportunity for students looking for an academic challenge.

Fifty four students participated in the first round of the competition on Tuesday, February 6th.  That round of competition resulted in sixteen students in Grades Four through Eight qualifying for the finals.

10th Annual Spelling Bee

On Wednesday, February 7th sixteen students in grades four through eight participated in the Spelling Bee finals in front of an audience of 250 students.  After four rounds of competition two finalists emerged: Lily E Grade 8 and Saipragnesh K from Grade Six.  Throughout the competition, BFCCPS students' instruction of both French and Latin benefited the participants in the proper spelling of words such as "galette," "flambeau" and "auf wiedersehen"

Lily E Grade 8 and Saipragnesh K from Grade Six

"I was so impressed with the poise, grace, and confidence these young men and women showed. They were focused, patient, and even said thank you after they finished spelling their words. Our champion showed amazing fortitude and perseverance when she waited and took the time she needed to be confident she had spelled the word correctly!" – Executive Director, Heather Zolnowski

Congratulations to Lily E this year's BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion. Lily has participated in the BFCCPS Spelling Bee since Grade Four and qualified for the finals in Grades Five, Seven and Eight.

Lily and all other school winners in our region will take a written test on March 1. The top 50 students from the written test will then participate in a regional bee in Lynn, MA. Congratulations and best wishes to Lily! 

BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion

In the News: Boston area among worst traffic; Inside the 40B rules

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

When the MBTA has trouble, it doesn't help to know traffic is worse

"If you spend a lot of time in bumper-to-bumper traffic you’re not alone. A new report says Boston has the worst rush-hour traffic in the country. 

The study from transportation data firm Inrix said gridlock during morning and evening commutes around Boston was worse than any other U.S. metro area in 2018. INRIX, Inc., the world leader in mobility analytics and connected car services. 

Boston was the only U.S. city included in the top 10 most congested cities worldwide. It ranked eighth, behind Moscow, Istanbul, Bogota, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, London and Rio De Janerio. Washington, D.C., which ranked second in the United States, come in 19th in the world, according to the report."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/boston-area-drivers-have-worst-commutes-in-united-states


Inside the 40B rules

"Want to ruffle some feathers? Bring up the subject of 40B in Massachusetts. 

The affordable-housing program, known technically as Chapter 40B, has existed for five decades and is the subject of endless debate across the Bay State. 

The subject, however, is often clouded with confusion surrounding the program, how it exists and why it creates so much friction in a state where affordable housing is so tough to find."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190212/breakdown-of-40b-affordable-housing

280 units coming to West Central St via 40b

Franklin currently sits above the critical 40B threshold

FM #159 - DPW Water Works (audio)

FM #159

This internet radio show or podcast is number 159 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the DPW Water Works presentation and discussion section of the Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi and Water Superintendent Laurie Ruszala join in the presentation and Q&A.

My notes from the session can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/live-reporting-dpw-water-presentation.html

One key question was asked by Councilor Deborah Pellegri about water supply capacity and new growth. The question begins at about 24 minutes.

The total meeting recording runs just about 47 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.





Follow along with the presentation copy:

Water Presentation - Jan 30, 2019 from Franklin Matters

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

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

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 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/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_february_13_2019.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of February 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	None
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Franklin Cultural District- Pandora Carlucci
6. HEARINGS
6a. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
6b. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
6c. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations
6d. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
6e. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets
6f. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Police Department
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-20: Adoption of Fiscal Policies (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-20 Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10f. 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 -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-836: Amendment to the Town Code to Add New Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-836 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

public hearing for the Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District scheduled for this meeting

“This is just an awesome feeling for all of us”

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

"What a day it was for the Tri-County wrestling team. 

The Cougars, who from year-to-year are often right in the mix at the Division 3 Central sectional meet, finally made their first significant piece of program history. 

And they did it with depth, which is always the most important factor when it comes to the sectional meets. 

T-C only had one champion, but had a whopping 11 wrestlers place in the top-six, all of whom earned points for their team in the process. When it was all said and done, the Cougars earned their first ever sectional title, conquering the meet with a total of 198 points on Saturday at Wayland High."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20190209/tri-county-wrestling-wins-their-first-ever-sectional-title

Tri-County wrestling wins their first ever sectional title

MassBudget: Why Top-Income Households Receive Most Tax Benefits from Charitable Deduction

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. February 11, 2019 Why Top-Income Households Receive Most Tax Benefits from Charitable Deduction BOSTON - Our Commonwealth does best when all people experience rising prosperity. But for several decades, the wealth and income of the top 1 percent of households has grown briskly while others have been left behind. While there are many reasons for this trend, one contributing factor is the way the federal tax deduction for charitable giving disproportionately rewards the giving of those with incomes over $1 million compared with donations made by moderate- and low-income tax filers. While higher-income households have more money to give away - and therefore give larger dollar amounts to charity than households with less income - the benefits of charitable tax deductions remain heavily skewed towards top-income households, according to a new Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) report. The top incomes average 160 times more than those earning incomes below $50,000, but their average charitable deduction is about 1,320 times larger. "In Massachusetts, taxpayers who have incomes over $1 million claim almost half of all charitable deductions, though they make up less than 0.5 percent of tax filers. Meanwhile, tax filers with incomes of $200,000 or less claim only 29 percent of charitable tax deductions," said Phineas Baxandall, Senior Policy Analyst at MassBudget and author of the report. Research shows high-income households do not necessarily give a larger portion of their incomes to charity than lower-income households. Some studies find that, in fact, low- and middle-income givers actually contribute a larger percentage of their incomes. A key reason the tax benefits for charitable giving are skewed toward high-income households is: charitable giving can only be deducted from federal taxes if they are itemized (listed in detail).  Most low- and moderate-income taxpayers don't tend to itemize their deductions, instead they usually opt for the larger (and simpler) standard deduction. For most top-income households, the standard deduction is too small compared to the deductions they can claim, so the vast majority choose to itemize deductions and avoid taxation on a larger portion of their incomes. Massachusetts does not currently have a charitable deduction for state income taxes but, if the state's income tax rate drops to 5.0 percent in January 2020 - as anticipated by the Department of Revenue and following policy triggers enacted in 2002 - then a state charitable deduction would kick in the following year.  Adding a state charitable deduction would reduce revenues by about $300 million per year, leaving less money for education, public health, transportation, affordable housing, and other programs funded by the state budget. "In Massachusetts' upside-down tax system, people with lower incomes pay a larger percentage of their incomes in taxes than top-income households. Adding a state charitable deduction on top of the federal one would make this system even more imbalanced," said Marie-Frances Rivera, Interim President of MassBudget. Read the full report here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Why-Highest-Incomes-in-Massachusetts-Receive-Most-Tax-Benefits-from-Charitable-Deduction.html. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today