Beaver St connector, recycling and snow removal updates provided

It was a quieter and shorter meeting than the past two for the Town Council. The Emmons St building has been sold, the RFP for Pond St is being re-worked so the large public participation was not in attendence.

DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi assisted by Recycling Coordinator Chris White provides updates on three major topics.

This document was used last night.

Franklin (MA) Town Council: DPW Update 20150204 from Franklin Matters

Pictures of the Beaver St connector and the repairs performed at great savings in December were impressive. The repairs had been estimated to cost $400,000 and came in at $122,000.

The DEP is working with the trash and recycling vendors to start implementing an enforcement of the restrictions around mixing trash with recycling and recycling with trash.

There are cameras on the truck to record what comes out of the totters as they are picked up. If you do put something you are not supposed to in either the trash or recycling, it is recorded and could result in a warning. Multiple infractions could result in individual fines.

There was talk of someone trying to 'recycle' a small TV in with their recycling. This is not permitted.

WasteManagement will be implementing spot studies where for a week, all the recycling will be held until the collection is complete. It will be weighed, processed and that which shouldn't be part weighed to provide a net 'good' weight. Franklin will then pay based upon the amount of 'clean' recycling on a scale where the poorer the amount of 'clean' the more we'd need to pay.

This program is effective July 1, 2015. There will be adidtional communications and information to the community between now and then to help prepare for this.

King St at Wachusett St

On the snow front, Franklin has spent almost $800,000 with snow removal so far. Approximately $268,000 of that total is for the salt. The remainder is for labor and contract resources. 

The 43 inches of snow cleared in the last week is about what the DPW normally clears in a full season.

For the complete set of notes taken live during the meeting you can review these links:

Live reporting: Legislation through to closing
Live reporting: DPW update
Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 4, 2015

Delegate Ladybug about to Land in New Home

After a summer of touring and festivals, the ladybug sponsored by Franklin's State Legislative delegation has found a new home. And where better than the home of Franklin's government. 

On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) will be hosting a ceremony delivering the delegation's ladybug to town officials. They will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the class project that successfully traversed the legislative process and made the Ladybug the official bug of the Commonwealth. 

The "Proclamation Bug" as shown on the Town Common lawn in Aug 2014

In 1974 Ms. Pamela Johnson's second grade class from the Kennedy School in Franklin was learning about the Legislative process when they decided that they would like to make a difference and try their hand at legislating. Since Massachusetts already had an official state bird, tree and fish, they decided that the State needed an official bug. Ms. Johnson's class pooled its resources and with the direction of their State Representative worked through the committee process, visited legislators, lobbied on the bill's behalf and ultimately passed the bill that made the Ladybug the official Bug of the Commonwealth. 

"Forty years ago, that second grade class got the ultimate civics lesson and had a direct hand in legislating," said Representative Jeffrey Roy. "For one of the students in the class -- former Rep James Vallee -- it sowed the seeds for a 19 year run on Beacon Hill. I am thrilled to honor and recognize that class today, and hope that this ladybug will be a reminder to everyone who visits Town Hall that they can play a direct role in their government." 

"The ladybug story is a shining example of how an idea can be translated into law," said Senator Spilka. "I hope that the Franklin delegation's ladybug will be a constant symbol of the power of civic engagement, encouraging more people in our community to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard." 

"We truly live in a remarkable state when citizens, no matter what age, have the ability to impact the legislative process," said Senator Ross. "Forty years later, this testament remains true, and it is a privilege to recognize the success of the Kennedy School with this ladybug that will reside in Franklin Town Hall for generations to come."

The brief ceremony will take place on February 10 at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Municipal Building. 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038. Any questions can be directed to Christopher Yancich at 617-722-2400 or by email at Christopher.Yancich@MAhouse.gov

The collection of Ladybugs shown on the Town Common lawn in August 2014 can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645935226828

Economic Development Committee - meeting notes - Feb 3, 2015

Committee Present: Mr. Bissanti, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Vallee,
Committee Absent: Mr Padula

Town Representatives participating in meeting:  Mr. Nutting, Mr. Taberner, Mrs. Wierling

Also in attendance: Mr. Mercer, Mrs. Pfeffer

Notably missing: Anyone from the Planning Board

1. Mr. Nutting put together a package with information on the Pond Street background which was distributed to attendees

2. General protocol of EDC meeting was included in the packet

3. Mr. Nutting presented financial estimates based on 2014 proposal (same as presented at the Dec. 17th EDC meeting.) Estimates a hotel, business building and 50 condominiums would generate approximately $613,250 in tax revenue for the Town of Franklin

4. Comments were accepted in regards to the RFP. Comments or requests to include in RFP:

a. Limit on residential componentb. Why are we trying to sell?

•  Answer given: Economic reason only.

c. Can we put in buffers?

• 40 vs. 200 ft buffers
• Fuss and O’Neill report recommend 200-foot “no cut” buffer

d. Idea of solar panels was brought up again.

• Mr. Kelly suggested this be included as a possible use in the RFP

e. Can we include incentives for developers to build an attractive area that includes sustainable buildings, roof top gardens, open space for greater community.

5. Mr. Kelly called for a vote to table the discussion until the next ECD meeting. Meeting date TBD.


Thanks to Sandra Verhaegen for preparing these notes to share

Franklin Municipal Building

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: info session

Please save the date for the BFCCPS Information Morning to be held on Saturday February 7th from 10am to noon.

BFCCPS Info session Feb 7th

Please note that in the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday February 8th from 7-9pm.

Additional information on the Charter School can be found on their webpage  http://bfccps.org/

Live reporting: Legislation through to closing

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-06:Approval of Extension of Intermunicipal Agreement for Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

need a lease on the new building in Norfolk, to go along with the agreement
the lease is from the district not the Town of Franklin

2. Resolution 15-07:Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

3. Resolution 15-08:Appropriation – Zoning Board of Appeals
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

(amount of $2,000 to be added to the budget)
more requests for variances and special permits, need the money up front and then reimbursed


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
thanks to DPW for their work on the storms

vacancy for Board of Assessors

draft of the capital budget contingent upon the snow and ice budget

issue of RFP to find space for the Recreation Dept
will save money for the expenses on maintaining the Emmons building
probably Mar or Apr to come back to the Council

next week will ask to over extend the snow/ice budget

L. OLD BUSINESS
none


M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - letter on old church

Nutting - an engineering firm looking at the structural integrity
letter removes the dead restriction that might have been applicable
we'll deal with Historical Commission on potential use
this opens up an easy way to maintain the historical value of the building


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
none


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting: DPW update

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director
Chris White, Recycling coordinator

(presentation to be added later)

Franklin (MA) Town Council: DPW Update 20150204 from Franklin Matters

Beaver St connector

update on the Beaver St connector repair conducted in Dec 2014

68% of our sewerage goes through this point

Solid Waste

delay or cancel the trash pickup, first time it was ever canceled
no way to make it up
gave out ~600 bags, (300 residents); about 10% used the bags
opened the recycling center

delayed on top of the cancellation didn't help

contamination in the recycling
it is state law to not put trash in the recycling

covering on a cardboard box of water bottles, the plastic is not recyclable
recycling rate 33% for Franklin

random week selected; collect all the recycling, weigh it, sort the trash out, weigh the trash, the net trash as a percent of the total determines the rate of return

only one around that takes Styrofoam

there is a camera on the truck so the driver can see what is in the bin as he picks it up

new pricing in effect 7/1/15
additional communications and awareness before that implementation

end of the driveway is best place for the bins
if you don't have a driveway shovel a spot for the bin
don't put on top of the snow bank

Kelly - the warning is great but it can be upsetting
I think they get confused; there is typically a letter that references the Town website

Kelly - who is monitoring that?
White - we'll be there, the DEP is really monitoring but we'll be there

Brutus - we are tough  on them asking them the same questions
we were actually getting paid for our recycling, but the economy has changed and we are being charged. Our recycling is pretty good, it is more the cities that are having problems

Padula - I am not opposed to giving a warning the first time and stick them the second time
if we don't that affects what we all get in return

it is a law to not put recycling in the trash

Dellorco - what size TV's fit in that?
White - small ones, 13" ...

Dellorco - the truck we use are only used here
White - yes, our truck are labeled and unless there is a mechanical problem, we know

White - everyday we get a listing of who put their carts out or didn't, what in them (especially after the fact)

Snow Update

Doing really good, 43" one week challenge
pretty much what we get in a year, we got in a week

the size of the snow banks is becoming a challenge
58" spent 752K so far of that $268K for salt

joint bid via a consortium for the salt

5 truck route vs. treating the whole town
$30,000 for the whole town
8,000 for the 5 truck route; done that a few times this year

there is always a concern with the police and fire to ensure that their vehicles get around
no incidents thus far with this program

all public priorities
school facilities and buildings
sidewalks identified as walking routes

mailbox claims must be submitted by May 15th to get into this years budget

pushing snow into the roadway
about 50 warnings sent with last snow storms

good listing of top 10 complaints

Franklin has more cul-de-sacs per capita than any other location

There are hydrant without markers, so the DPW will be doing better with that coming up

29" for the blizzard
14" for the last one
Franklin DPW recording

no combined sewer and drain pipes in Franklin

all the water empties into Mine Brook

Kelly - plan for the summer to paint and replace markers?
Brutus - there was a policy of putting up and taking them down, somewhere along the line we stopped putting them on; when we do the flushing and painting, we should put them on
my goal is to put one on every hydrant
if you can find one, let us know we can find them, we have them plotted

Nutting - phosphorus issue, will save MA $180M
the ban of phosphorus in fertilizers came from Brutus, it was his idea

Bissanti - kudos to a great job on the storm
Carlos and Deacon and the guys do a tremendous job

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 4, 2015

Present: Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent: Feldman


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Town of Franklin Other Post-Employment Benefits (“OPEB”) Trust Trust Agreement - Pete Lounsbury; Gregory McMillen
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Meeting Agenda - Feb 5, 2015

Franklin Downtown Partnership GENERAL Meeting Agenda

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am

Golder Room

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Open Meeting
Adoption of Agenda
Introductions
Town Updates -- Jeff Nutting
Streetscape Update -- Jeff Nutting/Bryan Taberner

- Timeline
- Drawings
- Period Lighting and Planters

Report from Executive Director -- Lisa Piana

- FDP New Office -- Suite #1 in same building
- FDP FaceBook/Twitter
- 2015 Meeting Schedule
- Membership Survey
- Shop Local Campaign

New Business
Adjourn


Next General Meeting: April 2nd


This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page: http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/02/25-general-meeting-agenda.html#sthash.L8kFf6wh.dpuf

Franklin Blog: ECDC Principal Page

Kelty Kelly, the principal at ECDC, is writing a blog. 

Welcome to the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) Principal Page! Here families and community members will find updates, information and resources, as well as pictures and commentary from ECDC Principal, Kelty Kelley.

A new post highlights kindergarten registration information for ECDC families. Note that while this information is targeted for the ECDC families, those who may have children attending ECDC in a future school year could find this useful.

Kindergarten Registration:
This year we are working to simplify and streamline the Kindergarten Registration process for current ECDC families. Here at ECDC, we will be collecting and coordinating the required documentation, as well as scheduling Kindergarten Screenings (once the dates become available). By taking these new steps, we will expedite your child’s registration and eliminate the need for you to attend the district-wide registration. Within the next week all families with children entering Kindergarten will receive a packet of information with more details!

You can read Kelty's full posting here
http://ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-couple-of-updates.html

screen grab of ECDC principal page

Related post:
ECDC now accepting registration for 2015-2016 school year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/ecdc-is-now-accepting-applications-and.html

This page has been added to the Franklin Area blog listing found in the far right column of Franklin Matters. You can subscribe to the ECDC Principal Page to receive updates via RSS feed or email.

MassBudget: Mid-year solutions and long-term challenges

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Mid-year solutions and long-term challenges   Mid-year budget solutions announced today by the Baker Administration are a combination of temporary fixes and budget cuts. While these steps will help keep the budget balanced through the end of the year, our Commonwealth will continue to face hard choices in next year's budget and in the years ahead. Temporary solutions include using capital gains tax revenue that was supposed to go into the state stabilization fund, implementing a tax amnesty that will reduce tax revenue in future years, and employing cash management strategies at MassHealth that will likely include shifting costs into next year. The 9C cuts implemented by the administration include reducing funding for full-day kindergarten, for mental health services for children and adults, and for state parks (complete list available HERE). "The solutions announced today help balance the budget this year. Seeing 40 year-old trains break down in this week's storms, we are reminded that our biggest challenges are long term," said Noah Berger, President of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. "Without smart investments in our people and our communities we risk lasting harm to our economy and quality of life. In the long term, budget cuts could be balanced with tax reforms that ask our highest income taxpayers, who now pay less of their income in state and local taxes than most people, to pay their fair share."  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

screen grab of Mass Budget webpage

FHS basketball teams top Sharon, girls hockey ties Ursuline

Ryan Lanigan, editor of Hockomock Sports reports on the FHS vs.Sharon boys basketball game by writing:

It was cold outside, but Franklin was red hot on both ends of the floor, rolling to a 83-46 win over Sharon. 

Senior Markus Bohmiller scored a career-high 28 points, with 22 coming in the first half, as the Panthers built a 25-8 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. 

“First quarters have been tough for us to be honest,” Franklin head coach CJ Neely said. “It’s something we’ve talked about coming out and doing well. I thought we did a great job defensively, getting in their business and setting the tone right from the beginning. We’ve been playing well in the other quarters but we can’t wait around, we have to get it going early.”

Franklin senior Markus Bohmiller poured in a career-high 28 points on Tuesday night. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/bohmiller-boosts-franklin-to-blowout-win-over-sharon



Girls Basketball

Franklin, 62 @ Sharon 35 - Final - The Panthers held Sharon to only 15 points through the first three quarters. Eagles coach Cliff Tomassian credited his team for "sticking with it" to score 20 points in the fourth. Ashley Mukasa led the way for Sharon with 17 points, including five three-pointers. 

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 1 @ Ursuline, 1 - Final

These scores were shared from the Hockomock Sports page here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-020315

"We need to craft this in a proper way"

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting was reported on the Milford Daily News in part by writing:

A wild, wooded property on Pond Street is bare, save for remnants of a wastewater plant. 

Some town councilors hope years from now, the scene changes, perhaps to a bustling development with a hotel and an office. They also want the revenue that would follow. 

Members of the council's Economic Development Committee on Tuesday discussed details of a request for proposals (RFP) for the 33-acre parcel. The committee is considering placing stipulations in the RFP that would limit the kind of developments allowed there.

Continue reading the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150204/NEWS/150208919/1994/NEWS#sthash.CQAlqzxP.dpuf

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Open Wednesday at Regular Time

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

Classes will resume on Wednesday February 4th as scheduled. Emergency transportation will be available for students that typically walk to school (not students who are typically driven to school). 

Please contact your child's school to discuss your arrival/dismissal plan. We need to obtain written permission of a parent/guardian to let children ride the bus. Please contact the administration of each school to discuss your plan. As sidewalks are not plowed this service will be in place for the remainder of the week. 

School parking lots and walkways are plowed however; due to cold temperatures the surface is slippery so please take appropriate precautions. 

For FHS students who drive to school please allow extra time as roads are narrow and speeds should be reduced. There are massive snow piles at intersections so when making a turn use caution and reduce speed. We need to be vigilant as to avoid walkers, runners and other cars. 

Parking at FHS will be limited as the snow piles have reduced the available parking spaces. Carpooling is recommended. 

Thank you to the staff and administration of DPW and Facilities- these individuals worked 24/7 to maintain the roads and make sure the community was safe. Often their dedication and commitment goes unnoticed but their efforts are appreciated. 

As we anticipate more snow before we see the tulips we appreciate your collaboration and assistance as we negotiate this winter. 

For your information: With these two additional snow days the last day of school is now June 25th - this leaves 3 days for additional snow closures before looking at reducing vacation periods. If we need to use vacation time it will be the April vacation.

NH, Maine ski country? No, Franklin, MA....

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

Calling all teens! - Lion's Heart enrollment is now OPEN

Enroll with Lion's Heart

* Experience working with a team of your peers 

* Select your own charities to volunteer with 

* Connect with others to make a difference 

* Focus on serving the community; no fundraising 

* Gain leadership training and experience 

* Earn college resume credit 

* Qualify for scholarships and earn awards

screen grab of Lion's Heart webpage

For more information please visit www.lionsheartservice.org or email Allison at allison.bernhardt@lionsheartservice.org

Franklin Art Association: Scholarship Opportunity 2015

The Franklin Art Association is pleased to offer a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior who lives in Franklin, or attends high school in Franklin, or is a member of the Franklin Art Association, or the child or grandchild of a current member, and intends to continue his or her education in the field of art. 

Each applicant must submit a student portfolio, teacher's letter of recommendation, a transcript of high school grades and a completed application.  

More details will be provided on the application.  Applications are available in the guidance department at 

• Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street, Franklin MA 02038 

All submissions must be dropped off at the Franklin High School by Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 2:30 pm. 

Franklin Art Association

Questions may be directed to:

Tina Guarino - tinaguarinoart@gmail.com
Scholarship Committee Chairperson

"they hope their input doesn't fall on deaf ears"

The Economic Development committee meets to discuss and decide on revisions to the Pond St Request for Proposal (RFP).  The RFP would be revised and posted to allow proposals on how the for sewer bed property would be developed. If one of the proposals meet the desires of the Town Council the land could be sold.

The Pond St neighbors would like to get their say in what restrictions would be imposed on the developer to help preserve the area.

The meeting will be held in the 3rd Floor Training Room at the Municipal building on East Central St.  The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM.

Area residents voiced concern over the amount of condos or apartments that the town would allow a developer to build. 

Up to 14 units are permitted now, and Bissanti admitted he does not see that number changing. 

"I just don’t want the guts torn out of the RFP," he said. "That may happen if we play around too much with the density limits." 

He and other town officials hope this will be the last time they'll need to put out a Pond Street RFP. They are encouraging residents to attend Tuesday's meeting and upcoming meetings with the Planning Board and council to pitch possible traffic improvements to busy Pond Street, such as lights or islands.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150203/NEWS/150209365/1994/NEWS#sthash.i88hBBXX.dpuf

Franklin Municpal Building, site of the EDC meeting Tuesday evening

Live reported notes from the Jan 7th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/live-reporting-public-hearing-pond-st.html

The audio recording of the public hearing at the Town Council meeting on the 7th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fm-107-pond-st-zoning-bylaw-discussion.html

Live reported notes from the second Town Council meeting in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/live-reporting-legislation.html

Reminder: Montessori Open House - Feb 7 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Montessori Open House

Saturday, February 7 

from 11am to 1pm

31 Hayward St., Franklin

Free event.
The public is welcome to learn about our Montessori preschool and kindergarten programs.

Website: www.MySunriseMontessori.com

Contact: Karen Roeber, Director at 508-541-8010

screen grab of Sunrise Montessori webpage

Motor Vehicle Excise Exemptions for Veterans - Revised RMV Procedures

Motor Vehicle Excise Exemptions for Veterans - Revised RMV Procedures

The Division of Local Services has posted on its website Bulletin 2015-01B which advises Boards of Assessors about a recent change in Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) procedures regarding veterans who the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) determined have permanent service-connected disabilities and are eligible for a disabled veteran (DV) plate. Veterans who the MAB has determined to have a permanent service-connected disability are eligible for a motor vehicle excise exemption on one vehicle used for non-commercial purposes. The MAB is now issuing a letter advising the veteran it has made the required determination and gives the veteran the option to be issued a DV plate. Previously, the veteran was just issued a DV plate and therefore, had to have the plate in order to establish he or she qualified for the exemption. Due to this change in procedure, however, a veteran may now establish eligibility for the exemption by (1) providing the assessors with a copy of the MAB determination of permanent service-connected disability or (2) having a DV plate on the vehicle.

Hello Mac Deli

Mega Bites is gone and Mac Deli is having their grand opening on Tuesday, Feb 3rd at 11:00 AM.

Mac Deli Franklin

Where is Mac Deli?
Where Mega Bites used to be. Located on West Central St between the Up Town bar and THE BLACK BOX theater. 

goodbye MegaBites, hello Mac Deli!

Check out the Mac Deli menu online -->  http://www.themacdeli.com/

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed Tuesday 2/03/15

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

Due the continued snow and freezing temperatures schools are closed on Tuesday. 

School Offices and Administrative Offices at Town Hall are open at regular time. 

Thank you and please try stay off roads as they are very icy.

Parmenter School getting cleared on Monday evening

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

One Book One Community - you get to choose!

The Franklin Public Library has chosen a book for the past several years where the one book is read by the communty and a variety of programs are held centered on the book.

This year, the choice of the book is open to you input. There is a poll/survey being held on the Library page where you can make your choice.

Which books are there to select this year?

1. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel – Robin Sloan
2. Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
3. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates – Wes Moore
4. The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl – Timothy Egan

Once you have made your choice, you can do the poll here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/


Books summaries are contained in this PDF file:

I wonder which book Ben would choose?

Annual Report 2014: Board of Assessors

Continuing our reading of the 2014 Annual Report we come to the section on the Board of Assessors. This is the group responsible for the data gathering, property value calculations, and data validation that lead to setting the tax rate. The section provides a good overview of their entire process. At the end, I also include a link to my 'simpler' explanation of how the tax rate is calculated.   



REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS

Triennial Revaluation

The revaluation of all real and personal property in the Town of Franklin was completed Fall 2013 in preparation for Actual Fiscal Year 2014 3rd quarter tax bills.

Following is a brief review of that achievement.

Data Collection

Twelve years have now passed since we installed the 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 9 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-appraisal and abatement verifications.

Field Review

In addition to individual property on-site review, field reviews are required periodically to check for obvious 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 2014 valuations.

Sales Analysis

The majority of the sales analysis was completed by September 2013, 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 result in “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 concluded from the market were 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

Any on-site and statistical reviews by the DOR took place from April to September 2013. The appraisal staff provided files, generated property records, answered questions and addressed any concerns. At the conclusion of the DOR review, we were granted approval authorizing public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

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

Personal Property

Business assets and those of utilities are reviewed for valuation as taxable Personal Property. For thirteen 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 $14.45 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. 95 abatements applications were filed of 11,452 taxable accounts, representing less than 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 being arranged and thus the data having been “estimated”.

Technology Improvements

In addition to our state-of-the-art software for the valuation and administration of both real and personal property, Cartographic Associates, Inc. (CAI) of Littleton, NH has continued to maintain the digital/GIS-mapping program it first developed for us in 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. These new maps are continuously in our process of reconciliation with our property records for consistency in both parcel inventory and land area.

With the support of Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and the Town Council, we have capacity in our Patriot software to link and utilize the maps with our assessment file. In addition, for the past nine years we have provided our tax maps on the web to 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 staff to Board Secretary Anne Covell who is responsible for continuing to improve our service to the public at the counter and by phone. She focuses her efforts on providing and reviewing public records, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments and Abatements, Exemption Applications, the general and specific support to the Appraisal Staff and any other assignments as required. She continues to train in various administrative duties and computer applications. We thank Anne for her efforts in 34 years of service to the Board. 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 the DOR requirements.

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 thirteen fiscal years, five full revaluations and eight interim years of market adjustments. We are also pleased with the support work of Appraiser Peter Mooney since August 2004 and of Appraiser David Ruberti since July 2005. Our Director has been a Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA) since 1990. Within the past seven years both Appraisers completed their designation required education and experience, being granted their MAA designations and maintaining the periodic recertification required.

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 new MUNIS tax software installation. These excise taxes represent about 4 million dollars in locally raised annual revenue, or about 6% 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 automation improvements of the Environmental Police, this professional staff successfully developed a new annual revenue stream in the identification and assessment of
excise taxes on boats principally situated in the Town of Franklin.

On-site Periodic Property Reviews

Because we have initiated the cyclical property remeasurement and re-inspection program acceptable to 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 in 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. Massachusetts General Law has provided that because the DOR Commissioner of Revenue has regulatory oversight of 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. All three assessors have completed these and have been certified as such by the 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) and the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). 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 Franklin’s elder citizens. To that goal following meetings of the Town Senior Outreach Committee, last fall the Board, its Staff and the Office of the Council on Aging continued a broad-based effort to reach seniors. This resulted in successfully providing tax relief (exemption) information to additional seniors who owned and occupied their homes.

Also, with the valued assistance of Veterans Agent Bob Fahey, special efforts were made to identify veterans and their surviving spouses entitled to state exemptions, much of it reimbursable to the Town. 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.

At the Fall election of this fiscal year, two members of the Board of Assessors were reelected. As we write, the Board of Assessors and its Staff are preparing to finalize the Real and Personal Property Appraisal files for Interim Fiscal Year 2015 subject to DOR review and Final Certification.

Respectfully submitted,

W. Ken Norman, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Assessor
John H. Neas, Assessor
Franklin Board of Assessors

cover of 2014 Annual Report

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The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/



For the tax rate hearing to set the rate for FY 2012, I had prepared a presentation and audio podcast to follow along as I walked through the numbers. The numbers change from year to year but the calculation process does not and thereby the presentation is still insightful. Feel free tor ead and listen along here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/fm-101-tax-rate-info.html

Hold the date: July 25 - Aug 1 - Arts Festival in Franklin

Organizers putting together a summer arts festival in the downtown say the celebration will take place July 25 through Aug. 1. 

The festival, a first for the town, will mark the start of a volunteer-led effort to have the downtown named a state cultural district. 

Organizers, who met twice in January, have selected three main venues for the many music and theatrical performances slated during the week: the Franklin Performing Arts company 200-seat theater, The Black Box, 15 West Central St., the Franklin Town Common and Dean College.

Continue reading the article: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150201/NEWS/150209725#sthash.Vb2V7XJj.dpuf

Dean College in the snow