FM #172 - How Your Town Government Works (audio)

FM #172

This internet radio show or podcast is number 172 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the “How Your Town Government Works” event. This was a non-partisan event sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee at THE BLACK BOX. It was held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

Current members of Franklin’s town government spoke about their areas of expertise:

• Tom Mercer, chair of the Town Council, provided an overview of the town government — its parts, their interrelationships, their purposes and personalities. He also moderated the forum.
• Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator, explained how his office oversees the day-to-day implementation of town government and works together with the School Dept on matters of mutual interest
• Anne Bergen, chair of Franklin’s School Committee, and Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, will discuss education, the largest single part of the town budget.
• Joe Halligan and Tony Padula, sit on the Planning Board. They spoke on the Board's role in the town's development and administering the zoning bylaws.
• Melanie Hamblen, a member of the Town Council, spoke from her point of view completing her first two year term. She shared stories highlighting citizen initiatives that brought changes to Franklin.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording including the Q&A session following the presentations (approx 1hour and 45 minutes).

Note: there was no presentation document used. Several members of the panel did highlight sections of the Town of Franklin web pages which was shown on the large screen and viewed by the audience. Questions were repeated to ensure all could hear. The event was recorded via microphones but the microphones did not serve as PA’s for the session. You shouldn’t have trouble hearing the recording.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-172-how-your-town-government-works/

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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?

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"

The full " How Your Town Government Works" panel being introduced

Post announcing the event 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/reminder-how-your-town-government-works.html

Meet the Franklin Candidates - Election 2019 - Oct 3

Via Facebook, hosted by Glenn Jones:

"Wondering who the candidates are running for all of the elected positions in the Town of Franklin?

You are invited to a meet and greet at La Cantina Winery this Thursday, October 3 from 7 PM till 8:30 PM,  357 Union St

This event is open to the public!

All Candidates are welcome to attend and meet the constituency of the Great Town of Franklin.

As part of the Meet and Greet, La Cantina Winery is donating a portion of all sales to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Come on down!
Thank you to the Vozzella Family for hosting this event!"

Meet the Franklin Candidates - Election 2019 - Oct 3

Follow the Facebook event for updates
https://www.facebook.com/events/2144615552507974/

Understanding the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs (4 part series)

Via the Mass Consumers Affairs blog:

"If you are a home improvement contractor or homeowner in Massachusetts, we’ve got you covered with our introductory guide to understanding the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs – from both perspectives, the homeowner’s and contractor’s.

This introduction to HIC programs is the first of our four part “HIC—Easy as 1-2-3!” blog series dedicated to providing resources and information concerning HIC law, contractors, homeowners, complaints and enforcement hearings, arbitration, and the Guaranty Fund. Keep reading to educate yourself or brush up on your knowledge about HIC programs in Massachusetts."

Continue reading Part 1
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-introduction/

Part 2
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-hic-easy-as-1-2-3-part-2-arbitration/

Part 3
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-part-3-guaranty-fund/
 
Part 4
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hic-easy-as-1-2-3-part-4-homeowners/

Understanding the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs (4 part series)

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Discusses How to Record a Land Document

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Discusses How to Record a Land Document Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded residents that the Registry process to record land documents is designed to make it easy and as convenient as possible. "Whether the document being recorded is a deed, mortgage, homestead, mortgage discharge or any other type of land document, we are here to make the experience a positive and productive one for the customer," noted O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell further noted, "As the depository of over 8 million land documents, there are certain basic steps that need to be followed when submitting a land document for recording. First and foremost, the document needs to be associated with one of the twenty-eight communities comprising Norfolk County. In addition, the document must be an original; we will not record photo copies or documents submitted via fax. Please note in many cases, land documents require signatures be notarized before they are recorded. "It should also be noted that the Registry does not draft land documents. The Registry of Deeds is in the business of recording land documents only. If an individual is unsure if a drafted land document is in proper order, it may be prudent to have a lawyer familiar with real estate law review the document for its accuracy. For example, a simple mistake on a deed could lead to a major problem." Another important point to note is that there are various fees set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts associated with the recording of land documents at the Registry. Recording fees vary depending on the specific land document type. The Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org has a fee schedule that can be consulted for specific recording fee amount. The Registry accepts checks made out to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds as well as cash payment. "Once you have a land document ready for recording and know the fee and type of payment," stated O'Donnell, "you can then choose how to actually get the document delivered to the Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026. These options include submittal via regular mail, Federal Express or UPS. In addition, residents and institutional users can have their land documents recorded in person at the Registry of Deeds. Our recording hours are from 9:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday." O'Donnell concluded by saying, "Our trained recording staff is glad to take your land documents for recording, as well as answer any basic questions you may have on the subject. The document is recorded on the same day it arrives here at the Registry. It should also be noted that institutional users such as lending institutions and law firms have the additional option to submit documents electronically via our two e-file vendors, Simplifile and ePN. Finally, if you have any questions about land documents in general, please call our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101." 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 Discusses How to Record a Land Document

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 2, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2019.

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/tc_agenda_10-2-19_redacted.pdf

 

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

This was shared from the Town of Franklin pagehttps://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-2-town-council-agenda

Agenda Item	Summary
Agenda Meeting Date October 2, 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. 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	- None
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	a. VFW Check Presentation
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Town Clerk, Election Worker Appointments: Dawn Sprague and Gail Potter b. Franklin Cultural Council: Jon C. Mitchell
6. HEARINGS	- None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	- None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	- None Scheduled
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	a. Resolution 19-64: Appropriation of Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-64: Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-65: Ratification of AFSCME Local 1298 Custodians Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-65: Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-66: Salary Schedule Full-Time Elected Official (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-66: Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	a. Collective Bargaining i. I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
ADJOURN

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm studio

Walpole tops FHS field hockey 2-1

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Saturday, Sep 28, 2019

Field Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Walpole, 2 – Final
– In a battle of two of the top teams in the state, Walpole scored the lone goal of the second half to earn the win. The Rebels opened the scoring just over seven minutes into the game but Hanna Richardson, on an assist from Kaitlyn Carney, scored in the 11th minute to make it 1-1. The Panthers’ defense played strong, limiting Walpole to one goal on 19 corners while Neilee Hess made 13 saves in goal.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-28-19/

Walpole tops FHS field hockey 2-1

MassBudget: FY 2020 budget provides education funding increase, includes some revenue

Read our report of the final FY 2020 budget

September 27, 2019 FY 2020 budget provides education funding increase, includes some revenue As lawmakers finalize the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget, here is a look at the key stories from this budget cycle. Throughout the FY 2020 budget debate, two questions rose to the top: Will the FY 2020 budget adequately fix the state's outdated school funding formula? Will the FY 2020 budget include adequate revenue to pay for important investments? For K-12 school funding, the FY 2020 budget gets closer to what it actually takes to provide a high quality education to all Massachusetts students. However, it does not include a multi-year plan to update the education funding formula. In the coming weeks, the Legislature will debate a recently released multi-year plan to update the formula for our K-12 schools starting in FY 2021, which could increase state funding for schools by $1.5 billion in 7 years when fully implemented. (For a detailed look at just the FY 2020 budget for school funding, see the K-12 Education section of the analysis.) The FY 2020 budget does include some anticipated revenue from recently enacted policy changes and from expected growth of existing revenue sources. These tax and non-tax revenue sources are expected to deliver $504.4 million in additional revenue in FY 2020. A number of already-scheduled tax cuts and other revenue losses, however, will eliminate most of this half billion in anticipated and proposed gains (see the Revenue section of the report for details). The big revenue story in the FY 2020 budget, however, came not from the revenue proposals in the budget itself, but from the surprisingly strong tax collections through FY 2019 and how these affected the FY 2020 budget. Collections in FY 2019 exceeded earlier projections by more than a billion dollars, which allowed lawmakers to boost the funding for many programs and services, while also adding to the state's Stabilization Fund. Yet there is a real question of whether these strong tax collections will continue into FY 2020 and beyond. Read the full analysis here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Analyzing-the-Final-Budget-FY-2020.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 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today! Funding for early education and care in the FY 2020 budget