Congressman Auchincloss: An Update For the past 2 weeks (03/05/24)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Standing with our allies 30th anniversary of the Brady Bill Attorneys General share support for my drug-pricing efforts Protecting kids online with the Dads Caucus Talking transportation with Radio Boston           — The state of Massachusetts manufacturing Medically tailored meals in Mansfield Virtual Roundtables with constituents across the district On the Hill Standing with our allies: I joined CNN to discuss funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Putin's murder of Alexei Navalny is emblematic of his drive towards autocratic governance – a repressive vision shared by dictators like Xi Jinping. Ukraine is fighting on the front lines against this assault on democracy. Navalny's murder underscores why it is so critical to fund Ukraine and all our democratic allies abroad.  Next, we turned to the Israel-Hamas war. I stressed the immediate need to secure the return of the hostages, surge aid, and deny Hamas, which has immiserated the Palestinian people and vowed to repeat the atrocities of October 7th, any role in postwar governance of Gaza.  Right now, there is a deal on the table that would enable a temporary ceasefire, unlock aid, and return many of the hostages. Israel has agreed to it. For the sake of the hostages and the Palestinian people, Hamas must accept it. Then, I followed up with WBUR, where I explained why Speaker Mike Johnson won't bring the Senate's national security bill to the House floor: he's afraid of Trump. The House has the votes to pass funding for our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza; it has the support of a bipartisan majority. But the MAGA flank is vociferous, and Speaker Johnson fears they'll move to oust him for standing up to what a former Bush 41 foreign policy advisor has called the GOP's "bizarre romance with Russian authoritarianism."  Speaker Johnson does not have control of his conference and is on the way out, regardless. His legacy will be defined by whether he stands with Ukraine. Recognizing 30 years of the Brady Bill: I shared my thoughts with you last week on the enduring legacy of the Brady Bill, which has blocked almost 4.9 million illegal gun transactions since its enactment in 1994. Last Congress, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the first major piece of gun safety legislation since Brady's passage. 90 percent of Americans – Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike – want to expand Brady to include universal background checks and strengthen extreme risk protection orders, or "red flag" laws, to prevent criminals from purchasing guns. I am committed to going beyond thoughts and prayers and to working with members of good conscience across the aisle to enact bipartisan, common-sense gun safety legislation that will end the scourge of gun violence in America.  Attorneys General share support for my drug-pricing efforts: I was happy to see Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and a coalition of attorneys general from across the country send a letter to Congressional Leadership last week in support of drug-pricing legislation that I helped introduce in the House. The letter states that "the DRUG Act, Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act, and The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act…would be an important step toward reforming this industry." Among other things, these bills would de-link PBM compensation from the cost of medications, prohibit spread pricing and patient steering, and prohibit PBMs from paying affiliated pharmacies more than independent community pharmacies. In plain English: they would help lower drug prices for patients! I have been encouraged to see the efforts of state regulators and law enforcement to stop PBMs from evading state law and regulations. Now, Congress must pass legislation so that state and federal regulators have the necessary tools to work together to finally hold drug-pricing middlemen accountable. Talking transportation with Radio Boston: I spoke with WBUR about my ideas for replacing the federal gas tax with state and local funding mechanisms as we look toward a transportation system unencumbered by automobile dominance. The federal government induces states and cities to choose highways over transit by offering better deals on funding for these projects. Owning two cars shouldn't be a precondition to participate in civil society. In a 2022 op-ed, I explained why the federal gas tax would be better used to subsidize locally-sponsored projects that promote walkability, micromobility, and transit:  "The benefits of reforming federal highway funding and changing the way we spend the federal gas tax would be swift and tangible. First, giving states and cities more latitude will encourage local innovation, helping us find better transportation solutions and root out failed practices. Second, it will compel honest accounting of the cost of car-centric infrastructure. Right now, federal gas tax revenue incentivizes states to build and build without thinking about the compounded costs of maintaining an ever-expanding roadway, which are paid for by our children in the form of federal debt. Eliminating that revenue stream eliminates that unsustainable incentive.  Third, a transparent account of the costs of maintenance will make it more likely that states implement strategies like congestion pricing and improved alternative mobility options, like cycling lanes, rail, and on-demand transit. The transition will be disruptive to politicians and bureaucrats, but the net effect will be a lower carbon footprint, better mobility, and more walkable downtowns."  Protecting kids online: I was appointed Chair of a new Congressional Dads Caucus working group focused on children's mental health and online safety. The Technology, Media, and the Family Working Group will convene subject matter experts to educate members on issues related to modern technology and media and their impact on families, particularly children.  As a millennial parent in Congress, I know parents shouldn't have to wrestle with trillion-dollar social media corporations over what's best for their children. Meta, TikTok, and the rest are attention-fracking America's youth, but they are so big and profitable that they have knocked down objectors. As Chair of this working group, I am intent on taking on their corporate greed to protect our children's mental health, cognitive development, and sense of self. Are you concerned about the impact of social media on children's mental health? Around the Fourth The state of manufacturing in MA: I joined State Senator Paul Feeney and MassMEP at CPS Technologies in Norton to discuss how I am working to help equip Bay Staters to pursue the roughly 150,000 manufacturing jobs that require moderate on-the-job training, but no experience or degree. We also discussed the current landscape of manufacturing in Massachusetts. The Voice of the Manufacturer Survey in Massachusetts quantified my own impression from dozens of conversations with manufacturers across our district: access to talent is the most significant concern right now. According to the survey, 'availability of skilled labor' was the most commonly cited impediment to growth. To build a skilled workforce for the 21st century, there are two steps Congress should take that would secure our border and our economic future: Pass the bipartisan DIGNITY Act, which would help secure the border and provide documentation & dignity for immigrants, while also creating a skills fund, open to all, for apprenticeships and earn-and-learn programs financed by fees and back-taxes from naturalization; and Encourage the federal government to set a better example in its own hiring practices by not defaulting to degree requirements that screen out qualified applicants without degrees. Medically tailored meals in Mansfield: I also joined Community Servings, a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals for patients and their families, at their Mansfield ribbon-cutting ceremony. The thought leaders and volunteers at Community Servings are not only helping people in a moment of illness and insecurity; studies indicate that they are also taking costs out of the health care system by treating the whole person, including their daily nutrition needs. I hope Community Servings' approach to food as medicine can help inspire a broader societal reckoning with our appetite for the high-sugar, ultra-processed foods that are ultimately making us sicker. Virtual roundtables with constituents across the district: Over the past two weeks, I held a series of virtual roundtables with constituents in Brookline, North Attleborough, Mansfield, Sharon, Dover, Sherborn, Needham, Blackstone, Millville, Medfield, and Taunton. We discussed a wide range of topics from immigration, the Israel-Hamas war, and aid to Ukraine and our allies abroad to funding for complex disease research and access to multimodal transportation. I am encouraged by my neighbors' eagerness to engage in conversations about how federal policy impacts them at home. I value these virtual roundtable conversations with constituents and, along with phone calls, online opinion submissions, and informal conversations across the district with residents, it helps me to better serve as your voice and vote in Congress.  In addition to these community-centered conversations, I invited students from across MA-04 to join me for a virtual roundtable during the February school break. These bright students came prepared with great questions about the House, improving access to diabetes medications, what I did for fun at their age (read American history), and my favorite part of being a Member of Congress (calling high school seniors who have been accepted into military service academies). Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Register O'Donnell reveals Norfolk County’s top 20 real estate sales from 2023

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that during 2023, twenty properties, a mix of commercial and residential, sold for more than $18,000,000, with an average price of $50,868,490.

The prices on the properties listed in this article relate to real estate sales during the period of January 1st, 2023, through December 31st, 2023 that occurred in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County.

The twenty real estate properties were:

20. 2121 Central Street & Henry Street, Stoughton, a 91-unit, 277-room assisted living facility, sold in April for $18,713,000;

 

19. 210 Grove Street, Franklin, a 167,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, sold in July for $19,500,000;

 

18. 85 John Road, Canton, a 435,600-square-foot research and development facility on 10 acres, sold in August for $22,750,000;

 

17. 102–104 Revere Street, Canton, a 3-story apartment building known as “Millside at Heritage Park,” housing 60 units built on 2.24 acres, sold in February for $26,625,000;

 

16. 206 Grove Street, Franklin, a 150,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, sold in July for $28,000,000;

 

15. Wheeler Circle, Stoughton, the 280-unit apartment complex, known as Stone Ends Apartments, sold in July for $28,972,000;

 

14. 176 Grove Street, Franklin, a 171,000-square-foot freight transportation center and warehouse, was sold in May for $29,500,000;

 

13. 25 & 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin, A multi-building storage and distribution center with a combined 200,000 square feet of space was sold in July to Boston Infill LLC for $37,500,000;

12. 40 Allied Drive, Dedham/Westwood, The Hilton hotel on the Dedham Westwood border sold in June for $41,900,000;

 

11. 57 Littlefield, Avon, multiple portions of land known as the "Avon Business Center" sold in July for $47,250,000;

 

10. 23.07 acres of land from the former U.S. Naval Air Station in Weymouth, sold in September for $50,000,000;

 

9. Finnell Drive Industrial Park, the 5-building, 246,625-square-foot industrial park located in Weymouth, sold on the last day of August for $51,000,000;

 

8. 45 Maple Street, Stoughton, a 49.98-acre asphalt and pavement quarry, sold on the first day of December for $62,000,000;

 

7. 135 Will Drive, Canton, a 417,014-square-foot warehouse and logistics facility on 26.3 acres of land, sold in December for $68,000,000;

 

6. 1284 Beacon Street, Brookline, the 8-story, 148-unit apartment building known as Pelham Hall, sold in December for $70,000,000;

 

5. Walpole Mall, which sits on 31 acres of land along the Boston Providence Highway, sold in July for $71,950,000 to LCR Walpole LLC;

 

4. 175-185 Campanelli Drive, Braintree, the 494,520-square-foot former United Liquors warehouse and distribution facility, sold in December for $77,500,000;

 

3. 51 Trotter Road, Weymouth, known as the MIO Apartments, an upscale residential studio apartment complex, sold in July for $94,600,000;

 

2. 8 Upland Woods Circle, Norwood, the 262-unit apartments complex known as One Upland, sold in December for $114,300,000;

 

1. The 472-unit apartment complex on the border of Canton and Randolph, known as Prynne Hills, sold in October for $143,500,000.

The top sales appear to have been a combination of apartment complexes, retail, industrial and warehouse space, and distribution facilities.

Register O'Donnell reveals Norfolk County’s top 20 real estate sales from 2023

"The industrial and commercial nature of these developments bodes well for the Norfolk County economy, both in terms of employment and revenue," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. "This also indicates that Norfolk County is not only a desirable place to both live and work but is also a magnet for business, industry, and trade."

Excise taxes mandated by state law from these 20 real estate sales totaled more than $4,639,206 for the state and county.

"Despite a slowdown in overall real estate activity throughout Norfolk County in 2023, there were still pockets of the market that saw significant growth and development, particularly in commercial real estate and rental property," noted Register O’Donnell.

In 2023, there were 8,192 property sales recorded in Norfolk County, down 20% compared to 2022. The average real estate sales price, which include commercial and residential property, was $1,083,609, down 8% from last year.

"With many observers of the market predicting mortgage interest rates to decrease in the first half of the upcoming year in 2024, we hope to see more robust real estate activity in 2024, with continued growth in commercial real estate, rental, and residential properties," said Register O’Donnell.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and 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 at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Kevin Martin of NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass recognized with Sales Achievement & President's Award

NerdsToGo®, a leading IT solutions and technology services franchise, recently held its 2024 NerdsToGo Franchise Convention in Orlando, Florida. Themed "Secure Your Future," the four-day event celebrated franchisee achievements and the growth initiatives of the network.

With an unprecedented number of franchisees in attendance, the conference was a reflection of the managed services industry's robust growth and the brand's growing U.S. presence. The event included networking opportunities for franchisees, roundtable discussions, and a comprehensive vendor show. Recognized leaders in the MSP industry, including Sean Lardo, a ConnectWise evangelist, and Rob Rae, CVP of Community and Ecosystems at Pax8, shared their expertise on growing a successful MSP business.

"Our 2024 convention brought our franchise network together to celebrate and recognize their many achievements, as well as to engage in both networking and educational opportunities," said Jim Howe, President of NerdsToGo. "The excitement from the convention is contagious, and it was the perfect way to begin a successful 2024, especially against the backdrop of significant industry growth. This growth not only highlights the achievements of our franchisees but also opens up a wealth of opportunities for owners to grow revenue and reach new heights in the managed IT services sector."

Highlights from the 2024 Awards Dinner at the Convention include:

• The award recognizing the Highest Volume locations in Sales Achievement were presented to Regis DeVeaux: NerdsToGo of Alexandria, Va.; Kevin Martin: NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass.; and NerdsToGo of Bellevue, Wash. team led by Michael Santiago.
• The President's Award, which recognizes the top NerdsToGo locations with the highest total sales, was given to Regis DeVeaux: NerdsToGo of Alexandria, Va.; Kevin Martin: NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass.; Gina and Michael Santiago: NerdsToGo of Bellevue, Wash.; David Alcorn: NerdsToGo of Kemah, Texas; Rory Dunnaback: NerdsToGo of Milwaukie, Ore.; and Erik Nelson: NerdsToGo of Swarthmore, Pa.
• Susan and Don Dally of NerdsToGo of Knoxville, Tenn., were recognized with the Rookie of the Year Award, which honors the franchisee with the highest sales for the first full 12 months of operation.

"NerdsToGo is at the forefront of providing franchisees the support they need to be successful in the growing IT solutions industry," said Regis DeVeaux, franchise owner of the Alexandria, Va. location. "I'm proud to be part of a network that is not only thriving but also embracing new strategies for revenue growth and operational efficiency."

About NerdsToGo®:

NerdsToGo® is a growing IT services franchise brand that provides a simple path to overcoming the pain points and complexities of technology. Friendly and approachable Nerds offer solutions for efficiency and security for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as the individual who needs help with personal computers, devices and home networks. NerdsToGo is a service-oriented brand in the Propelled Brands® family. Providing Managed IT Services for business, the Nerds can assess, design and support IT networks while providing remote support and vendor management.

For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit NerdsToGo.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679)

Visit the webpage for Franklin to find out more info or schedule service   https://www.nerdstogo.com/franklin-ma/

Kevin Martin of NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass recognized with Sales Achievement & President's Award

Franklin's Three Middle Schools Receive Grant to Support STEM Career Learning

 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to announce that the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Annie Sullivan Middle School recently received grant funds from the One8 Foundation to offer an expanded curricular program from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to support STEM career learning.

The One8 Foundation collaborates with partners to identify, support and scale high impact programs, like PLTW, to help schools and teachers prepare students for success.

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through coursework in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Franklin's three middle schools join more than 12,000 schools across the country offering PLTW programs to millions of students.

“Receiving these grants gives us the opportunity to realize what we imagine for our students," said Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark. "By expanding our partnership with the One8 Foundation, our computer science and STEM teachers will join a nationwide community of educators, and our students will gain access to an engaging and rigorous curriculum and high-quality instructional materials."

The grant funds will be used to implement three PLTW Gateway units for the first time in Franklin Public Schools. In the first unit offered, Design and Modeling, students will discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will be challenged to use and apply what they have learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

"We are so excited to be a part of this partnership with Project Lead the Way for the first time,” Superintendent Giguere said. "We are looking forward to seeing our students participate in these programs and how they can apply their skills across the computer sciences, shaping them for real-world experiences."

The second unit that will be offered is Computer Science for Innovators and Makers. Students will discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.

The third unit that will be offered is called App Creators. This unit will expose students to computer science by computationally analyzing and developing solutions to authentic problems through mobile app development, and will convey the positive impact of the application of computer science to other disciplines and to society. Students will customize their experience by choosing a problem that interests them in the areas of health, environment, emergency preparedness, education, community service and school culture.

Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in PLTW courses. In addition, as a school with PLTW programming in Massachusetts, each school will have access to a regular set of teacher professional learning opportunities, student project showcases, and connections to industry professionals offered by the Mass Learning Project and the One8 Applied Learning Hub.

“Students are hungry for experiences that allow them to apply what they are learning to solve real-world, meaningful problems," said One8 Foundation President Joanna Jacobson. "Providing equitable access to hands-on applied learning programs that deliver academic gains while building critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills ensures students are engaged and interested in school and prepared for success in this ever-changing world."

About Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the country. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW's teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning.

Annual Report Of The Board Of Assessors: FY 2023 Report

Revaluation

The revaluation of all real and personal property in the Town of Franklin was completed Autumn 2022 in preparation for Actual Fiscal Year 2023 3rd quarter tax bills. Following is a brief review of that achievement.

Data Collection

Twenty-one years have now passed since we installed the Assesspro real estate valuation and assessment administration software developed by Patriot Properties, Inc. Because our start-up data was from a different form of valuation system and most of our data had not been refreshed in nearly ten years, it was necessary to complete a town-wide data recollection program prior to finalizing the FY 2005 valuations. Patriot Properties was hired for this task. Over the past 18 years, our appraisal staff has performed the on-going property exterior measuring and interior inspecting for all real estate classes.

Such reviews are done for the Department of Revenue (DOR) required cyclical program, as well as for building permitted changes, pre- appraisals, abatements and sales verifications.

Field Review

In addition to individual property on-site review, field reviews are required periodically to check for observed data accuracy and consistency.

This drive-by review provides another level of assurance that when valuation schedules are applied, the results will be "Fair and Equitable".

Commercial/Industrial/Apartment Valuations Annually there are analyses of sales data as well as income & expense market data. The Board contracted Patriot to work with our Director to establish an income approach to value for each property. All requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue were met through final approval of the FY 2023 valuations.

Sales Analysis

The majority of the sales analysis was completed by September 2022, and the interpretation of sales continued through the next two stages of valuation. The town-wide program resulted in a valuation system that was applied uniformly throughout the town, while reflecting all the adjustments warranted individually and by neighborhood, to arrive at "Full and Fair Cash Values" as per Massachusetts General Law.

Value Generation

A system of valuation was established based on valid property sales and where applicable the income approach to value. These schedules were developed from the market and then uniformly applied to all taxable and exempt real property.

Final Value Review

Final reviews were completed in preparation for the DOR review. These include studies of various computer-generated reports to check for value consistency, final field checks required, and for DOR documentation and its analyses.

DOR Review & Final Approval

The on-site and statistical reviews by the DOR took place from April to October 2022. The appraisal staff provided files, generated property records, answered questions and addressed any concerns. At the conclusion of the DOR review, we were granted Preliminary Certification authorizing public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

The DOR approved valuations were available for disclosure to the property owners. While all staff provided property record cards and general data reviews, the Director and the appraisers conducted informal hearings on valuations.

Personal Property Business assets and those of utilities are reviewed for valuation as taxable Personal Property. For twenty-two fiscal years we have engaged the specialized services of Real Estate Research Consultants (RRC) in the discovery and valuation of these accounts. These services have served us well, resulting in DOR approval and consistently defendable valuations. Also, considerable new growth has been certified annually. Additionally, the RRC Personal Property Software installed in our office has benefited us. The personal property valuation formulas are very straightforward, and the administrative capabilities have met our needs.

Classification Hearing & Tax Commitment Following some discussion and a few presentations relative to single versus split tax rates, the Council approved a single tax rate at $12.58 per $1,000 of taxable value as calculated by the Board for all property classes. The tax commitment and mailing were timely for an Actual 3rd Quarter tax bill.

Abatement Reviews

Upon mailing of the tax bills and on or before the due date of the first Actual bill, property owners have an opportunity to file an Abatement Application on the basis of overvaluation or misclassification. 49 abatements applications were filed of 11,753 taxable accounts, or just over 215th of 1%. Generally those with merit were resolved through our conducting a complete on-site exterior measuring and interior inspection. Usually a valuation discrepancy is the result of a data error or as a result of an inspection appointment not arranged and thus the property data used was estimated vs. actual.

Technology Improvements

In addition to our state-of-the-art software for the valuation and administration of both real and personal property, Cartographic Associates, now CAI Technologies of Littleton, NH has continued to maintain the digital1GIS-mapping program it first completed for us for FY 2005.

Following aerial photography and planimetric (physical features) mapping, CAI constructed cadastral tax maps (depicting parcels) through the use of over 5,000 plans and over 15,000 deeds. This new mapping program is annually updated and reconciled with our property records for consistency in both parcel inventory and land area. With the support of the Town Administrator, the Finance Director and the Town Council, we have capacity in our Patriot software to link and utilize the maps with our assessment data file and any other available location-based data. In addition, for the past eighteen years we have provided our parcels and more on the web as AxisGIS for the benefit of both the Town staff and the general public.

Appraisal & Administrative Staffing

The use of automation has minimized the former heavy burden of traditional data processing. Due to this and numerous other office improvements, the Town approved our Staff Restructuring Plan. We have adjusted our administrative support to be shared among the Appraisers who are responsible for continuing to improve our service to the public at the counter and by phone. They have focused these efforts on providing and reviewing public records, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments and Abatements, Exemption Applications, posting Building Permits and Sales and any other assignments as required. They have continued to train in rotation in various administrative duties and computer applications. The Appraisers have made special efforts in the development and implementation of usable written instructions for the assessing office procedures and for MUNIS financial software applications. These instructions were developed consistent with all Mass. General Law and DOR requirements and are subject to frequent change due to legal changes and software enhancements.

 

Appraisers

We thank Kevin W. Doyle, Director of Assessing for his diligence especially as Director beginning following his first two years here. He has overseen the completion of all our work these past twenty-two fiscal years, seven full revaluations and fifteen interim years of market adjustments. We also acknowledge the support work of Appraiser David Ruberti since July 2005, Appraiser Peter Mooney since August 2004, and Appraiser Susan Reagan since September 2019. Our Director received his Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA) in 1990 and the MAAO Wilson Award in June 2013. Within the past sixteen years all three Appraisers completed their designation required education and experience, being granted their MAA designations and maintaining their periodic recertification.

Town Revenue Enhancements

In addition to meeting all state requirements as well as daily office oversight, the Director and Appraisers have achieved many additional improvements to benefit the Town taxpayers. One such is the efficiencies built into the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment and Abatement processes in conjunction with the newest MUNIS tax software installation. These excise taxes represent about 5.28 million dollars in locally raised annual revenue, or about 5.5 % of locally raised tax revenue. We assure the citizens that like real and personal property, taxes on these are assessed and abated appropriately and uniformly for the maximum benefit of all. Registry of Motor Vehicles' automation aided the Director and Appraisers to further enhance revenue in assessing dealer and repair plate registrations. As well, with the ongoing automation improvements of the Environmental Police, this professional staff successfully developed a new potential annual revenue stream in the identification and assessment of excise taxes on boats principally situated in Franklin.

On-site Periodic Property Reviews Because we have initiated the cyclical property re-measurement and re-inspection program as prescribed by the Massachusetts DOR, we continue to make various public information efforts to assure property owners have advance information about this on-going program.

Briefly, please note that the purpose of these property visits is to verify that the correct data is being used in the determination of valuations to achieve "full and fair cash value" in accordance with Mass. General Law Chapter 59. The Board appreciates the general public's cooperation in its efforts to serve all property owners of all property types to assure fair and uniform values.

Your Elected Board of Assessors Before entering the performance of his/her duties, each Assessor upon election has taken the oath of office specific to assessors and assistant assessors. Massachusetts General Law has provided that because the DOR Commissioner of Revenue has regulatory oversight over assessing in every city and town, the Commissioner likewise determines the training requirements for the assessors and any assistants. At this time, the Commissioner has determined Course 101, including the Classification Training Workshop, meets the minimum requirements. The full Board of Assessors and all four staff have completed these and have been certified as such by the Mass. Commissioner of Revenue.

The Board looks forward to continuing education opportunities offered by the MA DOR and the professional associations, the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO), the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), the Mass. Chapter of the IAAO, the Northeast Regional Association of Assessing Officers and the Norfolk & Suffolk Counties Assessors Association. The assessors have attended seminars and workshops to broaden and reinforce their understanding of property tax law.

In particular, the Board has focused on current and possible future tax relief and deferral options for our disabled and elder citizens. To that goal, following meetings of the Town Senior Outreach Committee, the Board, its Staff and the Office of the Council on Aging continued its broad-based efforts to reach seniors. This has resulted in successfully providing tax relief (exemption) information to additional seniors who owned and occupied their homes.

Also, with the valued assistance of the Town's Veterans' Agent Shannon Nisbett, special efforts are continuously made to identify veterans and their surviving spouses entitled to exemptions, much of it State reimbursable to the Town. We look forward to continuing to work with Shannon and all the Senior Center staff.

All these efforts are consistent with the Board of Assessors commitment to meet its challenges as key Town Financial Team members to the benefit of all the citizens of the Town of Franklin. The Assessing Department is officially a part of the Franklin Finance Division headed by Finance Director Christopher Sandini who also serves as Comptroller. We and especially our staff have been successfully coordinating efforts with Treasurer-Collector Kerri Bertone and look forward to continuing this cooperative and productive work with Chris and Kerri into the Town of Franklin's future.

The close of Fiscal Year 2023 coincided with the first year anniversary of hiring of Council on Aging Director Danielle Hopkins who has been very helpful in this Board's efforts to reach out to Franklin's Seniors assisting in preparing Property Tax Exemption Applications. The Board and the Staff express appreciation for Danielle's contributions and efforts throughout the fiscal year.

Considering the unexpected pandemic, important and valuable office restructuring was done. The three Appraisers are meeting the challenges of our industry, the restructuring and the needs of all the Town of Franklin's citizens, property owners, their agents, Town Officials and Employees, and the Public at large.

As we write, the Board of Assessors and its Staff are preparing to finalize the Real and Personal Property Appraisal files for the Fiscal Year 2024 Interim Year subject to DOR review and final approval. The FY 2022 Revaluation was Franklin's first since the State modified the cycle from three to five years, thus it followed four Interim Year Updates. These next three years will be Interim Year Updates and FY 2027 will be the next Revaluation. Meanwhile, with the cooperation of property owners, the property descriptive information on file will be continuously improved and maintained and we will achieve market-based valuation adjustments that are both Fair & Equitable.

Assessor Ken Norman has announced he is not seeking reelection to the Board in November. We are very grateful for the years of service he has provided to this Board and in many other Town areas both during and previously.

Respectfully submitted, 

Christopher K. Feeley, Chairman 

Daniel Ballinger, Clerk, Assessor

W. Ken Norman, Member, Assessor 

Franklin Board of Assessors

Visit the Board of Assessors page on the Town website ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/board-assessors

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf'

Annual Report Of The Board Of Assessors: FY 2023 Report

Franklin Agricultural Commission 2023 Annual Report: FY 2023 Report

The Town Council established the Franklin Agricultural Commission in 2018, per Special Legislation to promote, develop, and foster agricultural resources in the Town of Franklin. The Committee consists of 5 Members with 3 Year terms. All members are residents of Franklin and most members are active farmers or have experience in agriculture-related fields.

The Mission of the Franklin Agricultural Commission is to preserve, revitalize and sustain the Franklin Agricultural Industry and its lands, to encourage the pursuit of agriculture, to promote agricultural-based economic opportunities, and to protect all existing farmland in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts.

The current Officers of the Franklin Agricultural Commission are: Roger Trahan: Chair, Charles J. Koshivas: Vice Chair, Marian E. Szymanski: Clerk, Nick Capoccia: Member, and Dan Morse: Associate Member.

In 2023, The Franklin Agricultural Commission revisited our Mission Statement and asked ourselves how the Commission can be more visible in the town and how we can better fulfill our Mission. As a result, we initiated and accomplished the following:

1. The Franklin Agricultural Commission provided informational booths and an assortment of agriculturally themed children's activities at town events such as the Summer and Winter Farmer's Markets, the annual "Strawberry Stroll", the annual "Harvest Festival", "DelCarte Day".) The Franklin Agricultural Commission also provided tractors for the town's "Touch-a-Truck" event, organized and ran the "Zucchini Race", and the annual "Pumpkin Weigh-In" event.

2. The Franklin Agricultural Commission conducted another Chapter 61 "Enrollment Drive". Members of the Commission sent information packets to all of the property owners who own a piece of property that is 5 acres or more. The packets educated residents about the benefits of placing a piece of land into Chapter 61, and how to know if a piece of land would better be covered by Chapter 61A or Chapter 61B. We also provided the directions for the process.

3. The Franklin Agricultural Commission reached- out to all farmers in the town and invited them to one of our meetings. We asked each of the farmers what the Commission could do to help them promote their farm products and assist them in operating a successful farming business. As a result of these conversations, the Franklin Agricultural Commission is considering working on the following actions: Changing the existing laws that require 5 acres of land in order to be considered a "farm" as the town of Franklin no longer has many large parcels of land available for agriculture; Promote the local farms - especially their agrotourism events and children's programs via social media and posters: Installing signs that feature the names of each farm and their products on: highways, in front of each farm, and on the roads that lead to each farm; The possibility of hosting an annual "Farm Hop"; and the possibility of making the town of Franklin a "Right To Farm" town.

4. The Agricultural Commission met with the members of the town of Medway's Agricultural Commission to share their goals, their current and past actions, and their plans for the future.

5. The Town of Franklin has purchased over 200 acres of open space in the past few years .Meeting were held to discuss how the town will use, manage, and care for each of these properties. Members of the Franklin Agricultural Commission attended and participated in the majority of these meetings. The Commission is suggesting that the properties be utilized to create: small farms, event spaces, incubator farms, community gardens, a cross-country course, walking paths with trees and shrubs that will feed birds and pollinators, pollinator gardens, and outdoor classrooms for adults and for children.

Respectfully submitted,

Marian Szymanski

Clerk for the Franklin Agricultural Commission

Visit the Agriculture Commission on the Town website ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Franklin Agricultural Commission 2023 Annual Report: FY 2023 Report

Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 256: A Podcast With BlockBar's Jamie Ritchie

 Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode Kim and Mark interview Jamie Ritchie COO from BlockBar.

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) explores the Wild World of NFTs: A Podcast With BlockBar's Jamie Ritchie

This episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) takes a thrilling turn as hosts Kim and Mark welcomes Jamie Ritchie, COO of BlockBar, the innovative NFT marketplace for luxury wines and spirits. We dive into a conversation brimming with intrigue as Jamie sheds light on the timeless elegance of fine wine/spirits and the cutting-edge technology of blockchain.

Topics Discussed:

Demystifying Wine & Spirits NFTs: Jamie breaks down the concept of NFTs for non-techies, explaining how they revolutionize ownership, traceability, and even investment in the world of premium beverages.

Explore the potential (and challenges) of NFTs in the wine and spirits industry. How can technology enhance authenticity, combat fraud, and open up exciting new avenues for collectors and connoisseurs alike?

A Glimpse into the Future: Get Jamie's expert insights on the trajectory of NFTs and their likely impact on the future of wine and spirits. Will they become the norm, or remain a niche phenomenon?

Hear captivating anecdotes from Jamie's illustrious career at Sotheby's, 

Get Jamie's top tips for navigating the world of wine and spirits NFTs, whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that redefines the boundaries of the wine and spirits landscape. Prepare to have your palate (and your mind) tantalized by the possibilities of NFTs!

Find Jamie on www.blockbar.com

Direct link to this episode -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-256-exploring-nfts-with-jamie-ritchie-from-blockbar

#wine #nft #spirits #thewonderfulworldofwine #podcast #blockbar #blockchain #investing #franklinma #wfpr 

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy across Massachusetts

                   Recognition provides $50,000 in unrestricted funding and volunteer support from Citizens

 

The Franklin Food Pantry, a nonprofit whose mission is to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower their community through resources and collaboration, has been named a Citizens' 2024 Champion in Action® for their efforts advancing renewable energy.

Announced jointly by Citizens and NECN, the Franklin Food Pantry will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding and promotional and volunteer support to propel their work to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Massachusetts.

"The Franklin Food Pantry is extremely honored to receive the highly competitive Champions in Action Award, which will help fund solar panel installation and allow clients to access supplemental food assistance and programs in an energy-efficient, sustainable building," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry.  "Investing in green energy is a priority for our organization and energy generated by solar panels will strengthen The Pantry's financial profile by offsetting future operating costs."

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The organization recently moved to a larger facility with a loading dock and warehouse which allows them to easily distribute and ensure equitable access to food and other goods. The Pantry will use the Champion in Action grant to purchase solar panels for the new facility to help reduce operating costs and improve its environmental footprint.

As a Champion in Action, Franklin Food Pantry will benefit from:

• A $50,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens
• Media coverage and public service announcements from NECN
• Complimentary membership to the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
• Volunteer support from Citizens colleagues
• Public relations and promotional support

"Citizens is committed to driving positive climate impact by reducing our operational emissions, supporting our clients' sustainability journeys, and partnering with community organizations to drive change," said Lisa Murray, President of Citizens Massachusetts. "As one of our 2024 Champions in Action grantees, we are honored to support Franklin Food Pantry's work to create sustainable energy solutions within their organization and across Massachusetts."

 "The Boston stations of NBC and Telemundo are proud to support the work of Champions in Action, which directly elevates the impact of nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth," said Maggie Baxter, VP of Programming and Community for NBC10 Boston, NECN, and Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra.

Citizens' Champions in Action program celebrates and supports local nonprofits with operating budgets under $5 million who are creating lasting change in the communities they serve. Twice a year, a nonprofit in one of seven Citizens' markets is selected to receive funding, promotional and volunteer support to advance programming and services focused on a relevant topic that changes bi-annually.

Since the program's launch 21 years ago, Citizens has awarded more than $10 million in unrestricted grants and promotional and volunteer support to more than 375 Champion in Action nonprofit winners across the bank's footprint. In Massachusetts alone, 62 nonprofits have been honored, receiving more than $1.7 million in funding.

For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit Champions in Action | Be Inspired | Citizens (citizensbank.com). To learn more about Citizens' work driving positive climate impact, visit Driving Positive Climate Impact | Sustainable Banking (citizensbank.com).  

 

About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation's oldest and largest financial institutions, with $222.0 billion in assets as of December 31, 2023. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,200 ATMs and approximately 1,100 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on  X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn or Facebook. 

About NBC10 Boston  

Owned by NBCUniversal, NBC10 Boston delivers viewers in the Greater Boston area, Southern New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts NBC's award-winning daytime, primetime and late-night signature programs and local breaking news and information. The station features the most accurate weather in the region with "First Alert Weather" and an exclusive 10-day forecast. Additionally, NBC10 Boston features the market's only daily live lifestyle program, "The Hub Today." The station's investigative units, "NBC10 Boston Responds" and "The Investigators" answer local consumer inquiries and shines a light on questionable practices. NBC10Boston's news coverage and content is also delivered to viewers on-the-go through its dedicated website NBC10Boston.com, a customized mobile app and via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. The station has been awarded eleven Edward R. Murrow awards since its launch, including for "Overall Excellence" and "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion." 

 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Lovin' Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids' Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, Community Gardens, and the Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four- Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar's Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

 

About NECN  

Owned by NBCUniversal, NECN serves as the largest 24-hour regional news network in the U.S.  Since its launch in 1992, NECN has grown to include 3.6 million subscribers in more than 1,050 cities and towns throughout all six New England states. NECN has established itself as an industry leader as the only cable television news station to earn a George Foster Peabody Award and the Alfred I Dupont- Columbia University Broadcast Journalism Award, among many other accolades. On January 19, 2020, NECN relaunched its entire network targeting a new audience – millennial Women 25-54. As a digital-first network, NECN has changed the way it delivers news, entertainment, and lifestyle content across all platforms.

 

About Telemundo Boston 

Owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo Boston, WNEU, is a local Telemundo owned station that serves viewers in the Greater Boston area. Telemundo Boston produces 10 hours of local news programming each week. The station's newscast, "Noticiero Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra" (Telemundo New England News) is the #1 Spanish- language newscast in New England airing every weeknight at 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM and delivers live, local breaking news, weather forecasts and special reports, as well as sports and entertainment information to Spanish-speaking audiences in Boston and in Hartford, Connecticut through a simulcast via WRDM. Audiences can also receive the most-up-to-date news and information across the station's digital and mobile platforms at TelemundoNuevaInglaterra.com, via the "Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra" mobile app, and its social media channels @TelemundoNI. 

 

About NBC Sports Boston 

NBC Sports Boston reaches more than 4 million households in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Programming includes the Boston Celtics, Arbella Early Edition, Boston Sports Tonight, Celtics Post Up, Monday Night Patriots, Quick Slants, Football Day in New England including pre and post-game programs surrounding all Patriots games, CAA football, basketball and more. NBCSportsBoston.com and all of the network's social media channels (@NBCSBoston) provide continuous news, video and in-depth, up-to-the-minute coverage of New England sports. Visit NBCSportsBoston.com for more information. Check local listings for the specific channel location for your area.