Town Council Last Week: A Momentary Return to a Public Presence

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/21/2020

"Last Week when I laid out the plan to meet in the gym? Didn’t happen. That’s okay. Many of you expressed deep concern about holding an indoor meeting in a large venue, even with carefully planned social distancing. That careful planning and responsiveness to the concerns of all – by all – is why Franklin has maintained the second lowest infection rate statewide.

So, on Monday – new plan. This is what very large-scale social distancing looks like. We moved out to the football field. The weather gods cooperated, and we were able to accommodate all who wished to attend on site. The stats indicate that well over a thousand residents were listening to the important proceedings on both nights through 102.9 wfpr.fm, Franklin Public Radio.

As we all navigate our temporary new normal, we will continue to refine our plans for citizen access, participation – and above all, safety"

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.


The full schedule can be found in the TV guide for this week
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or for historical record
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KMG9O5MPDqDtTs5Mc6-i20g-MRm-PWpK/view?usp=sharing 
 

Town Council Last Week: A Momentary Return to a Public Presence (photo by Pete Fasciano)

School Committee scheduled to approve budget cuts for FY 2021

In the meeting packet for the June 23, 2020 Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting, they are scheduled to approve $3.4M worth of cuts covering 19.5 personnel (full time equivalent = FTE).

"The School Committee adopted a budget of ​$68,767,873​ on April 28, 2020, which represents a6.03% increase over FY 20. The Town Council approved an appropriation of ​$65,658,500.$300,000​ of this appropriation is from Community Host Agreement revenue and is to be earmarked towards substance abuse prevention. The increase to the operational budget is$500,000; ​this leaves a shortfall of ​$3,409,373​ that we have been working to reduce over the past several weeks.

Your packet contains an updated spreadsheet of reluctantly submitted recommendations of areas to reduce in order to meet the Town appropriation, which are based on the Governor’s Budget of January. We have used input from the School Committee and feedback from the community in developing this iteration.

I recommend that the School Committee vote to adopt a budget of ​$65,658,500

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Uncertainty continues in the budget development process and we expect to have to further reduce the budget when state aid figures are better known. An estimate many districts are using is a 10% cut to state aid.

We do anticipate further cuts to state aid and a need to examine additional items for reduction.We have listed areas for discussion and exploration at the bottom of the spreadsheet. Specific areas are highlighted due to anticipated DESE guidance about opening school in the fall and health risks/impacts. This guidance will be helpful in shaping our review of these areas.

These are not all inclusive and we will work to be as creative as possible should additional reductions be required."

Document links

• Additional docs for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-23-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

• Town of Franklin page:

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fy21_revised_budget_0.pdf

• Franklin Matter's copy:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Wij4MJo1rdGVGZHa63yfh0QxORyufQ6/view?usp=sharing

screen capture of School Budget Subcommittee meeting 6/17/20

Norfolk County Real Estate Market Remains Viable During COVID-19 Pandemic

It is not an exaggeration to say we live in extraordinary times. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a personal and economic impact to all citizens in our country including Norfolk County. However, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports during the ongoing pandemic, one aspect of the Norfolk County economy has remained viable, the real estate market.

Register O’Donnell stated, “Since Governor Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10th, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has remained open for the recording of land documents. While the Registry building itself has been closed to the general public, Registry staff have been able to record land documents. This has been done by Registry staff utilizing social distancing, split work shifts, remote access, and using our disaster recovery office as an additional location to record land documents. We have also utilized electronic recording for our institutional users. In addition to electronic recording, users have also had the option to submit land documents via regular mail and Federal Express. Another option available has been users dropping off land documents at our drop-off box located outside the main entrance to the Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.”

For the period of March 10th when the state of emergency was declared through June 12th, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 40,007 land documents, a 13% increase from the same time period in 2019. 3,854 of these land documents were real estate sales transactions compared to 4,527 sales transactions recorded during the same time period in 2019. Interestingly, the average real estate sales transaction, both residential and commercial sales, actually increased 12% to $819,725. While the number of real estate sales dropped 15%, the number of mortgages recorded increased a significant 69%. A total of 11,145 mortgages were recorded between March 10th and June 12th compared to 6,605 during the same time frame in 2019.

“The decrease in the number of real estate sales,” noted the Register, “is not surprising considering the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact. Also, real estate brokers and agents have been unable to hold open houses. The spike in mortgage activity is explained by consumers taking advantage of low interest rates to refinance existing mortgages. Based on the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, interest rates will not be rising anytime soon.”

A total of 29 foreclosure deeds were recorded from March 10th through June 12th. Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, have been curtailed due to a moratorium placed on foreclosures and evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Register O’Donnell stated, “The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with two non-profit organizations that counsel and assist those struggling with foreclosure. The groups are Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950. These organizations are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender or is struggling to make mortgage payments. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs are staffed by knowledgeable professionals. Anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue is urged to avail themselves of these excellent programs.”

Homestead activity fell 16% during the March 10th through June 12th timeframe. 2,579 Homesteads were recorded versus 3,067 in 2019. “A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County homeowners to consider this important consumer protection tool,” noted O’Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of our efforts to remain open for the recording of land documents. We could not have done this without the cooperation and patience of the general public and our users in the real estate and lending communities. Our state of the art computer system has allowed us to remain operationally viable. The utilization of electronic recording has been critical to our ability to serve institutional users.

“Looking forward, we are hopeful the phased reopening of our local economy in Massachusetts will result in an uptick in real estate sales activity. We anticipate consumers will continue to take advantage of low interest rates to not only buy property but refinance existing mortgages. One important point to make is the Norfolk County real estate market remaining viable during the pandemic has benefited not only those individuals, families and businesses directly impacted, but all citizens of the county and Massachusetts as a whole. Recording fees and deeds excise tax monies collected during the COVID-19 pandemic have been utilized by state, county, and local governments to pay for critical services including education, social services needed by many of our neighbors and those less fortunate, and police & fire. We are truly appreciative of all Norfolk County residents for their patience and understanding during this pandemic. Be healthy. Be safe.”

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, 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.

Norfolk County Real Estate Market Remains Viable During COVID-19 Pandemic

In the News: "RMV waives REAL ID upgrade fees next year for those who renew licenses this summer"

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

For the more than half-a-million people with a Massachusetts driver’s license or identification card expiring this summer, the Registry of Motor Vehicles is offering to waive the fees for upgrading to a REAL ID next year if people renew their standard licenses online by Aug. 12.

Those who qualify for the deal and choose to participate will have to wait until at least February 2021 to visit an RMV Service Center for the upgrade to REAL ID for free. The federal government has delayed requiring REAL ID cards for the purposes of boarding domestic flights until October 2021.

“We hope they will all take advantage of this one-time offer for a free, future upgrade to allow the RMV to prioritize ‘social-distancing’ and other essential transactions that may only be completed in-person,” said RMV Registrar Jamey Tesler.

 ....

“This one-time, time limited offer is available to most customers who have an expired or expiring license or ID card dated between March 2020 and August 2021, as renewals are allowed up to two years after expiration, or up to a year in advance of the expiration date printed on their license or ID,” officials wrote.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200621/rmv-waives-real-id-upgrade-fees-next-year-for-those-who-renew-licenses-this-summer/1

Renew your license online
https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/

 

RMV waives REAL ID upgrade fees next year for those who renew licenses this summer

MBTA: Commuter Rail schedule changes June 22

Summer Commuter Rail schedules go into effect today, Monday, June 22. Paper schedules are available at North Station, South Station, and Back Bay. PDF copies can be found on the MBTA website at mbta.com/cr.

For those who utilize the MBTA Commuter Rail application, please make sure to update the schedule in your application prior to travel on June 22.

Last Updated: Jun 22 2020 05:21 AM 

MBTA: Commuter Rail schedule changes June 22

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 23, 2020

Franklin School Committee 

June 23, 2020 - 7:00 PM

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29

□ 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.

LOCATION: Remote participation via:
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95630404218?pwd=cjdpMU5DdVFXYlp6Y2svUVhJYzg3Zz09 
Meeting ID: 956 3040 4218
Password: FSC

One tap mobile  +13017158592,,95630404218#,,,,0#,,036551# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 956 3040 4218
Password: 036551

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.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Budget Discussion and Revised FY 21 Budget
I recommend the School Committee adopt a revised budget of $65, 658,500 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fy21_revised_budget_0.pdf

B. School Committee Resolution: “COVID-19 State Funding”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “COVID-19 State Funding” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_resolution.pdf

C. School Committee Resolution: “Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_resolution.pdf

D. School Committee Resolution: “Anti-Racism Resolution”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “Anti-Racism Resolution” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolution.pdf

E. Franklin High School Class of 2020 Student Activity Account
I recommend that the Franklin High School Class of 2020 be permitted to carry over $20,000 from student activity funds instead of the customary $10,000 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_fhs_activity_accounts.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Questionnaire
B. 2020-21 School Committee Schedule

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 9, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. American Heart Association Gift
I recommend acceptance of the gift of $2,800.00 from the American Heart Association for the Kid’s Heart Challenge to be disbursed as detailed.
D. Approval of Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from your June 9, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed to be released.
E. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries, FEA/Van Drivers as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment


The meeting packet and related documents released for this session
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-23-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee  - Agenda - June 23, 2020

FM #303 Talk Franklin - 6/19/20 (audio)

FM #303 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 303 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

Re-opening

• Part 2, Phase 2 just announced
• BoH numbers for Franklin, only 4 active cases

FY 2021 Budget recap, Town Council meeting next week (6/24)

Spotlight on Technology

• Internet on FHS field?

Cultural closing

• NPR streaming of 9:30 Club concerts

The recording runs about 53 minutes. Listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie

https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-latest-on-Franklin-budget--reopening-and-current-events-efmd3o




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FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

9:30 Club Concert queue on NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2020/05/29/864470936/stream-over-100-shows-from-the-9-30-club

Background info on 9:30 club
https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2020/05/29/863722379/the-9-30-club-is-40-years-old-its-closed-it-matters-more-than-ever

Jamie and Steve live on the ‘pre-game’ for the Budget hearing on Wednesday, June 17
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-301-talk-franklin-pregame-live-61720.html

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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/
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"

Jamie Hellen on the FHS field during the budget hearing Thursday, June 18