Kids Cooking Classes - Super Suppers - Register Now

Wednesdays March 23 to May 4 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM    REGISTER   Location Franklin High School KIDS COOKING CLASS Six Fun-Filled Sessions with Sandhya Jain  Super Suppers:  Grades 5 - 8 Each class will be approximately 45 minutes long.  Students will learn measuring math, mixing, and basic food science and will work directly with the chef instructor. The instructor will demonstrate basic knife skills and discuss safety rules for the kitchen. It's a great opportunity for young minds to expand their palate by cooking a wide range of food. Each week students will prepare one of the following: Menu:Wheat Pizza, Chicken nuggets, Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese, Pesto Pasta, Chocolate Mousse, Roasted Garlicky Salad with Honey Mustard dressing.   Fee: $120 plus $18 fee for ingredients    About the Instructor  Sandhya Jain, owner of Sandhya's Kitchen and currently appearing on Franklin TV cable television, shares her passion for making cooking easy, effortless, healthy, and delicious. Says Jain, "Cooking has been my passion for over 20 years."  Forward this email

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

"We thought we should give a reasonable amount of time"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Town Council debated the terms of a bylaw that would require anyone serving liquor in town receive alcohol awareness training. 

The council heard from several business officials Wednesday night and discussed several concerns with the proposal, which was originally put forward by councilor Andrew Bissanti. The proposal would require managers, bartenders and all employees who sell or serve alcohol undergo "safe service of alcohol" training.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160309/franklin-town-council-ponders-alcohol-training-requirement

Reminder: Family Science Night at Franklin High School

Family Science Night - Franklin High School 

From 6:00 to 8:00 PM

A community service project by the FHS Science National Honor Society

Live reporting: to Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
moving in right directions, could be out at end of April to make repairs
the contractor will bear all expenses

did open bids for Pleasant and Chestnut St
will bring to capital committee in future

working on capital budget and annual budget

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
Bissanti - Conservation Commission enforcement practices
would like to see a lighter gentler message
some one apparently put some lawn clippings in his yard in what is a wetland (also on his land)


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - looking forward to the lottery on March 30 for the Beaver Ct building
(apparently an open house was held recently)

Dellorco - condolences to the 'Franklin mayor' Peter's family

Bissanti - thanks for pushing along the alcohol awareness program
if this saves one life, then it is all worth it

Pfeffer - there were 2 open houses on Sunday
can't please everyone



O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Pending or threatened litigation
1. Proposed Excelon expansion of Medway electric generating facility pending before Energy Facilities Siting Board.
2. Proposed Spectra gas transmission line through Franklin.

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
no reports, EDC wants to set a meeting

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• Resolution 16-11: Declaration of Town-Owned Land on Grove Street (Portion of Former Nu-Style Property) as Surplus and Available for Disposition

Motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

• Resolution 16-12: Authorization for Municipal Aggregation of Electricity

Bernie Lynch, Mark Capadona

Franklin Community Choice Aggregation Program from Franklin Matters
• this provides opt in and opt out choices
• aggregation provides choice, stability and savings
• designed to protect customer rights
• no penalties for customers
• largest aggregation company, also a MA company
• local oversight and control with program
• approximate Dec of 2016 for electricity to flow
• possible savings 100-250 mentioned on typical household
• we are enrolled initially, can opt in

• Resolution 16-13: Appropriation: Town Administrator: Insurance Recovery Account – 28123490

motion, seconded, passed 8-0

any insurance claim over $20K needs to be authorized by the Council

Pfeffer - problem with the $5K deductible as it was a problem from the beginning

Mercer - the deductible is a topic of discussion with the principles involved, this allows us to get moving and to recoup the funds

• Resolution 16-14: Appropriation: Records Management – Assessors

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Kevin Doyle, Director Assessors office

• need most recent 40 years of records for processing
• need to reduce the volume and reorganize the space available for the records
• info does grow annually
• little time to work on the backlog of records to get them organized
• some digital records are allowed but they can not be the 'official' record

• Bylaw Amendment 16-755: Chapter 179, Water – 1st Reading

motion to amend from 21 to 30 days, seconded, passed 7-1 (Pfeffer no)

move as amended to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

looking for a different process to get access to replace the water meter

• Bylaw Amendment 16-756: Chapter 170 Vehicles and Traffic Article X Winter Storm Overnight Parking – 1st Reading

adjusting the bylaw to cover all public parking during the storm periods to allow DPW to plow

move as amended to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

parking at Depot St, or at the Library, Fletcher Field, and sometimes the school

notification via website, reverse 911, police called in to get owners to move cars

Live reporting: alcohol training bylaw discussion

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• Mandatory Alcohol Awareness Training for Licensees

draft for review and comment 

"If you're going to serve liquor, you should be trained before serving."

most establishments are okay with it as they are mostly doing it today

change time for new hires from 14 to 30 days

don't understand the requirement for the waiting period

a 2.5 hour course good for 3 years, costs only $40, can be done online

will hinder the one day sales in that this will apply to them as well

would prefer to have one on one training rather than online

The ABCC is already watching for any overserving instances as reported by police incidents

There should be a transition period per Cerel

Recommend a 9/1 date and reached consensus on that date

Live reporting: Town Council - Mar 9, 2016

Present: Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: Pellegri 


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

2015 Audit – Melanson Heath, Auditors

The documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/03092016.pdf

Independent Auditors Report

P 14
enterprise funds (water, sewer, solid waste) in the second column
118M high school building to be depreciated
118M other fixed assets being depreciated

42M - OPEB listed, this is the GAAP amount for reporting purposes, not the total outstanding liability.
net pension liability, 39M

1.5M in OPEB trust fund to help fund the liability

deficit equity due to the unfunded liability previously not reported

P 16
9M is a good number, one the bond agencies look for (stabilization accounts and free cash)
at 9% indicates a very strong financial  position

P 20
amount revenues beat the budget, in far column $864K, a good number

$3M
use of free cash and stabilization, appropriately used for one time funds, i.e. snow and ice

very strong financial balances for enterprise funds

Management Letter

no material issues or weaknesses noted

The Risk assessment process mentioned has been for past couple of years and it being worked, still work needs to be done. Looking for Franklin to be more proactive in identifying risks for the town

single audit completed, no findings this year. Thresholds are being raised and more documented policies and procedures are being required. If not completed by next year's report, there could be 'findings' next year.

the audit runs very smoothly

Emily Waite, FHS senior wins Samsung Mobile App Scholarship

Emily Waite, a senior at FHS has received the Samsung Mobile App Scholarship for $20,000. Emily finished on the top in the 2015 contest. She will be receiving her award at a press conference at the end of April. 

----

"A 12th grader at Franklin High School in Franklin, MA. Emily's idea, Med Kid, aims to make frequent medicine-taking fun for children with serious illnesses; Med Kid gives in-app rewards each time a medicine is taken."

Emily Waite (photo from Samsung webpage)

"Six Samsung Mobile App Academies were held during the summer of 2015 in Miami; Houston; Boston; San Francisco; New Brunswick, NJ; and Washington, DC/ Baltimore, MD, with the goal of igniting top-performing 11th and 12th graders' interest in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and the related careers. Students learned about mobile app concept development and coding basics, plus the research, logic, design, and marketing that developers use when conceptualizing and creating mobile apps. Afterward, students had the opportunity to submit their own app concepts for a chance to win scholarships!"

For additional info on this program and the other awards, check out the Samsung site  http://www.scholastic.com/samsungacademy/winners.aspx

Franklin Art Association - Apr 6 - Marla Greenfield

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, April 6. from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. 

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30 

The program will feature a demo, from guest artist Marla Greenfield who will do a water color. 

Meetings are free and opened to the public. 

For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

Screen grab of Marla Greenfield webpage

Marla Greenfield became a full time watercolor artist in 1998 after retiring from a 15 year career in the investment business. She was drawn to watercolors because of their transparency and luminosity. Painting things she finds beautiful, peaceful and calming, she strives primarily to depict the beauty of light in her art with all of its variations in value and hue, using glazing and other techniques. 

Marla is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, and a past president and signature member of the New England Watercolor Society where she has also served on its board. She has won numerous awards, both on a national and regional level. Marla teaches watercolor classes and has conducted numerous workshops throughout New England.

Electronics Recycling Day - March 19th

Please join the Grade 8 students at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for an Electronics Recycling Day on March 19th. 

Clean out your house or place of business and pay no more than $50! TV's Computer Monitors, Gaming Systems, Wii, XBox, VCR's, DVD Players, Laptops, Computers, kitchen electrics, appliances, old stereo equipment, pretty much anything with a plug!

The event is open to the public so please invite your friends and neighbors. This is a fundraiser to benefit the upcoming Washington DC Trip.

BFCCPS event image on Facebook

Don't Make Us Pay for Pipelines -- Round Two!

Dear friends, Governor Charlie Baker doesn't just want to build massive new gas pipelines through our state. He wants all of us to pay for them through a charge added to our monthly electricity bills. For Massachusetts to have any hope of meeting its climate targets, we need to stop the pipelines -- and Charlie's plan to make us pay for them. The Department of Public Utilities held a hearing about Charlie's pipeline proposal last week, and we stunned DPU officials by turning out in huge numbers, filling the hearing room, the overflow room, and even the hallways. There's another hearing coming up on Thursday -- and we need to be there even louder, bigger and bolder than before! We'll have a street action outside (complete with a giant Charlie Baker puppet) and then deliver creative testimony at the hearing itself. Join us! WHEN: 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 10 WHERE TO MEET US: Join us for a street action starting at 1:00 pm right outside South Station. At 2:00, we'll go to the Department of Public Utilities for the hearing. RSVP and get the full details here!We're determined to keep fighting Gov. Baker's pipeline rate hike in any way we can. In addition to these hearings, we've been bird-dogging Governor Baker, asking legislators and other elected officials to speak out, collecting petitions, and more. We need all the help we can get -- if you're interested in getting more involved, just let us know! In solidarity, Emily Kirkland Director of Organizing for 350 Mass

Reminder: Dean Children’s Center - Exploration Open House - Mar 21

Dean Children’s Center will host an Exploration Open House on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Parents of children 2 years old to 6 years are encouraged to bring their child to explore the school and learn about our program. Applications are being accepted for 5-day morning, 2-day morning, 3-day morning preschool programs or 4-day Pre-K program. 

Dean Children's Center

Innovative and progressive, the school is NAEYC accredited and well known in the community for an inspiring preschool experience. Dean Children’s Center is a lab school for ECE majors, with teachers-in-training alongside credentialed teachers. The center has a very professional and caring environment for children to learn through exploration. 

The school uses a developmental approach to education which reflects current research in child development and peer conflict resolution. Director Faith Nickolas states “We are a regional resource to parents and educators on peer conflict resolution in young children and our lab school is a demonstration site for best practices in early education of children.” 

Dean College Children’s Center is located at 144 School Street in Franklin. For more information, call 508-541-1598.

FHS Hockey heads to D1 South Final with 3-0 win

Boys Hockey
D1 South Semifinal

• #4 Franklin, 3 vs. #8 Newton North, 0 

– Final – Junior Joey Blasie scored a pair of goals and sophomore Luke Downie had an assist and an empty net goal to lead the Panthers. Franklin will play the winner of Marshfield and Natick on Sunday in the Div. 1 South final at Gallo Arena at 6:30 p.m.

http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-030816/

FHS Panthers

And from the Twitterverse"

What a time to be alive. Panthers reach D1 South final for first time in school history; will face winner of Marshfield/Natick Sunday 6:30PM

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) March 9, 2016

Impressive run for Franklin hockey, lost 21 seniors from last year’s historic Super 8 team & still reached first D1 South final #hockomock

— Josh Perry (@Josh_Perry10) March 9, 2016

Students led the way at Franklin School Committee meeting

The Storify summary of the tweets and Instagram photos from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.


(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)

screen capture of the ASMS teachers introducing their students

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 3/08/16

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 23, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Annie Sullivan Middle School Update
b. Remington Middle School Update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/rms-and-asms-presentations-for-school.html

3. Discussion Only Items
a. Policy – Second Reading
1. IGB – Student Services Programs

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $685.12 from Target for in-house enrichment at FHS.
b. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $255.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment. 
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $864.75 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of donated items valued at approximately $1,957.00 from individuals/businesses as detailed for FHS Class of 2017 Calendar Raffle.
e. I recommend adoption of Policy IGB – Student Services Program as discussed.
f. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $4,244.75 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Girls Track team to travel to NY City on March 11-12, 2016 for the New Balance National Championship as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Negotiations Update

8. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

RMS and ASMS presentations for School Committee meeting - 3/08/16

The middle school presentations scheduled for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mar 8, 2016

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

Remington Middle School

Remington Middle School - Technology Presentation - 3/08/16 from Franklin Matters

Annie Sullivan Middle School

Annie Sullivan MIddle School - Science Presentation 3-08-16 from Franklin Matters

Franklin Police and Fire - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

The Franklin Police Patrolman Association and The Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association Local 2637 are teaming up to bring a 5K road race to Franklin. 

The race is scheduled for the Saturday after St Patrick's Day, March 19, 2016. It is a fundraising event for the two Associations with proceeds going back in to the Community. 

In the past we have donated to charities such as, Franklin Youth Sports, the Random Smiles Project, Special Olympics and many other great organizations. 

Please show your IRISH on race day!

Event details and schedule

Parking at the EMC parking lots Constitution Blvd, Franklin

• Elite runners check in will be 9:00am
• Elite runners start time - 10:00am

• Non Elite check in 9:30
• Non Elite runners- 10:30am

There will be a 50/50 Raffle.

Come join us post race with friends and family at Coles Tavern. They have generously donated the downstairs function hall. We will draw the 50/50 raffle here. There will be a cash bar and chips and salsa will also be provided.

Franklin Fire and Police - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

Register online

http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/franklin-police-and-fire-st-patrick-s-day-5k-2016

Facebook event page

https://www.facebook.com/events/977580025634012/

Celebrate 10 years of the Random Smile Project!

Random Smile Project (RSP)  is celebrating 10 years of community service with our Gala on March 12th at the Providence Convention Center there will be 

• Live and Silent auction
• Dinner and Dancing with the Grab Brothers Band 

Discounted room rates available at the Omni Hotel in Providence. 

Complete information available at www.randomsmile.org/gala/

Random Smile Project Gala - March 12

The Grab Brothers Band will play for your entertainment and dancing

Tri-County in the News: working with NASA, receives state grant, schedules home buying boot camp

Tri-County is featured prominently in three articles with today's edition of the Milford Daily News

Space travel is fraught with complications that one normally wouldn't consider - components are damaged in the violent shaking of a space launch, astronauts are exposed to additional radiation, parts break with their replacements stuck back on Earth. 

A group of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students is working to help NASA solve these problems. For the past five years, the school has been part of the "High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware" - or HUNCH - initiative. 

Tri-County engineering technology teacher Kristen Magas said the school learned about the program through one of its instructors, who knew someone with MIT's Space Systems Laboratory. The school was initially associated with the "extreme science" portion of the initiative, in which students designed science experiments to take place in zero gravity.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/franklin-tri-county-partners-with-nasa-to-prototype-designs

image from Tri-County webpage

“Today, too many good-paying jobs are going unfilled, because employers are struggling to find skilled employees,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said in a prepared statement. “This investment in training equipment will enable high schools and community colleges across the Commonwealth to equip students with the skills they need to secure a bright future.” 

Another grant recipient, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School in Franklin, will receive $242,627 to train students in three-dimensional printing and robotics. The school will also expand adult manufacturing programs through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology, according to the state’s announcements.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/marlborough-franklin-upton-voc-tech-schools-receive-state-grants

Michael Shain, senior loan originator with Village Mortgage in Milford, will present a “Home Buying Boot Camp” in conjunction with the Tri-County Adult Education Program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St. 

Attendees will learn about the mortgage process so they can get a better understanding of how a loan is approved. Additionally, they will learn about the roles the Realtor, lender, attorney and home inspector play in the home buying process. Shain will also discuss the importance of credit. 

The cost is a $29 per person; $40 for two people, which will benefit Tri-County Adult Education Programs. To reserve a seat, register by calling 508-528-5400, ext. 126 or visit tri-county.tc. Click on the “Adult Education” link; select “Spring Registration”; and scroll to "Personal Finance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/tri-county-to-host-home-buying-boot-camp

In the News: Dean students recognized for theater work, FPAC presents Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Dean College theater majors Patrick Surillo and Sean Kaiser were honored during the Kennedy Center American College Theater Region I Festival held Jan. 26-29 in Danbury, Connecticut. 

In January and February of each year, regional festivals showcase the finest of each region’s entered productions and offer a variety of activities, including workshops, symposia and regional-level award programs. 

Dean College

Surillo presented his Stage Manager Book from the recent Dean College production of “Hot L Baltimore.” After several interviews with stage management professionals, he was named the Region Stage Manager Finalist and will represent Dean College at the Kennedy Center American College Theater National Festival in Washington, D.C., taking place April 11-16."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/dean-college-theater-students-honored-at-kennedy-center-american-college-theater-festival

Franklin Performing Arts Company will present the under-the-sea spectacular “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” on March 12, 13, 19 and 20 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St., in downtown Franklin. 

Be a VIP Under the Sea following the March 13 matinee performance with a package experience that includes an exclusive reception featuring a photo opportunity with Ariel and her friends.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/fpac-to-present-disneys-little-mermaid

"We want our website to be much more friendly"

"The town is looking at ways to improve its website, including making services available to those using mobile phones and tablets. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, who started in his position earlier this year, said the town has been in the midst of evaluating its communication with local residents. 

"Since I've been here, I've been talking a lot with town departments, folks in the community and the Town Council, and there's at least some interest in a recharged effort to expand some services we offer online," he said. The exact nature of the expanded services has yet to be determined."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160307/franklin-may-improve-website

I applaud the efforts Franklin is taking in this arena. Jamie 'gets it' and in a short time has made good progress with more underway.

online bill pay

Sarah Mabardy to talk #ShopFranklin at the Newcomers and Friends meeting Mar 9

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is pleased to invite you to our March Meeting. We gather monthly to make new friends and connections while learning about our community.

On Wednesday, March 9th we are happy to have Sarah Mabardy join us. Sarah will be representing #ShopFranklin, an organization that aims to promote and support local businesses. By supporting local businesses and organizations, we in turn are supporting friends and neighbors. 

You can learn more about #ShopFranklin on their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/ 

We will be meeting at the "3" Restaurant in Franklin at 7:30pm. Come join us upstairs for complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. We always begin our events with ample time to socialize  . . .  we welcome all residents; whether you are new to town or if you have lived here for years. We look forward to meeting you!

#ShopFranklin

"now is the time to promote economic development in the downtown"

"With the downtown streetscape project set to end this summer, members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership looked at the needs of the area. 

The partnership discussed the matter at its meeting last week, noting that the project is scheduled to finish in July. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen told the membership that the town has already started the planning process. A recent review of capital needs, he said, included an item for downtown decorations, lights and banners. 

Planning Department members said the downtown streetlights would have banners attached to them, and that discussions as to their designs would begin shortly."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160306/future-of-downtown-franklin-considered

A walk around the building at 150 Emmons St

green screen and fencing added to the site

construction vehicles ready to work on the demolition

the entrance

future site of the Horace Mann statue and green space

long view of the building

the other entrance

While we shared the story that the road work will resume in April, the downtown will change significantly in a couple of ways before then. 

• The building at 150 Emmons St will be coming down. 
• The new marquee at THE BLACK BOX is scheduled to be installed this week.

the new light poles have holders for banners

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb 2016 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb 2016 Real Estate Activity Improved weather from a year ago and a one-day leap year bonus helped propel the Norfolk County real estate market to solid gains in February 2016. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "The month of February saw a 12% increase in the number of land documents recorded compared to the same time period in 2015. Most significantly, the total number of deeds recorded increased by 20% from 870 to 1,042 compared to the previous February. While the weather and leap year were significant factors, I would also argue that this data reflects the vibrancy of Norfolk County's real estate market." In addition to the increased deed transactions, the total volume of commercial and residential sales also increased by a significant 55% coming in at $519 million. Also, the average sales price of Norfolk County commercial and residential property rose by 23% to $907,950. "These numbers clearly say it all, that Norfolk County remains a destination location to live and work," noted the Register. The mortgage market was mixed for the month of February, showing a very slight dip in mortgages recorded, but a significant increase in overall mortgage financing. "The total number of mortgages recorded fell by 3% to 1,911 compared to the same time period in 2015. While this number is hard to assess given all the other positive data, the reduction may be the result of a slight uptick in mortgage rates and also the continuing impact that the new disclosure rules are having on the length of real estate closings. "However, February 2016 also saw a 63% increase in total mortgage financing, coming in at $1.3 billion. This increase was partly attributable to a $479 million mortgage recorded against a property in Norwood," noted the Register. In February, Homestead recordings increased by 19%. O'Donnell reiterated the importance of the Homestead Act. "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Details on the Homestead Act can be found on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. I urge homeowners to consider this vital consumer protection. February data wasn't all sunshine according to Register O'Donnell. A total of 30 foreclosure deeds were recorded last month compared to 25 filings in the previous year, resulting in a 20% increase. This increase was partly attributable to lending institutions that are continuing to work through delinquent mortgages, dating back in some cases to the 2008 recession. More troubling was the continuing increases seen in Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process. At total of 55 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages were filed in February compared to 41 in February 2015. "These filings are a clear indication that while the eastern Massachusetts economy remains strong, many of our neighbors continue to face economic hardship," stated O'Donnell. The Registry of Deeds continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs and Neighbor Works Southern Mass to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option for homeowners facing challenges meeting their monthly mortgage payments is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program. Register O'Donnell concluded, "While there were unique variables that impacted the February real estate market in Norfolk County, it is my contention that these figures provide unmistakable evidence that the economy remains strong and there is a decent pool of buyers and sellers in the housing market. With that said, one thing we need to continue to do is keep a close eye on real estate inventory. Any reduction could result in a slowdown. Overall, I am pleased the Norfolk County real estate market came through the long days of winter in good shape. I am cautiously looking forward to a strong spring season." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, 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, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Kingsbury Ponds makes the Boston Globe, Franklin residents start their own petition

The Kingsbury Pond issue has reached the Boston Globe:

"Mark Gilmore’s patio once overlooked a soothing expanse of spring-fed water in a state-protected “great pond.” These days, Gilmore looks out at a lengthening stretch of rock-strewn dirt. 

Kingsbury Pond, once 26 acres, is now closer to a 9-acre puddle. And angry residents who live on its wooded shores are quick to name a culprit: the neighboring town of Franklin, which operates a nearby well that sucks up hundreds of thousands of gallons of groundwater every day.

“It’s starting to get scary. You can’t just suck a pond dry,” said Gilmore, who like many neighbors thinks Franklin is siphoning water from an aquifer that should be filling Kingsbury Pond. “This is the lowest that anybody has seen it — ever.” 

But where the pond’s admirers see a water-guzzling goliath next door, Franklin officials and some environmentalists see something more benign: a dry 2015 that lowered water levels across Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/03/05/towns-square-off-great-pond-turns-into-puddle/NeswM5a5gLi9XA4SzoKzNM/story.html

Kingsbury Pond, Norfolk

• It was reported earlier about the Kingsbury Pond area residents starting a petition online.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/save-kingsbury-pond-petition-underway.html

• Franklin residents have started their own petition in support of finding a solution

https://www.change.org/p/franklin-dpw-director-robert-brutus-cantoreggi-franklin-ma-residents-wanting-to-save-kingsbury-pond?recruiter=436433650&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink