In the News: town common concrete repairs, 1776 Financial shredding event, FDP Progressive Dinner

"Workers hope to have improvements on the town common veterans memorial complete before Memorial Day. 

The project aims to replace and re-grade the areas around the monument stones themselves. 

Dale Kurtz, the town veterans agent, said the intent is to beautify the area."The memorial is a great place," he said. "Lots of people stop by, and it's well-kept by the garden club."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160425/franklin-work-on-veterans-memorial-should-be-done-by-parade

concrete sections removed from around some of the memorials to be repaired and improved

"1776 Financial, 443 E. Central St., Franklin, will hold a shredding event from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 14 in its parking lot. 

Participants can shred tax returns, bank statements, receipts and other paper documents. Those attending are asked to bring one nonperishable food item for Franklin Food Pantry."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160425/1776-financial-to-host-shredding-event

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership will hold a progressive dinner at staggered times beginning at 5 p.m. May 15. 

Organizers will offer options at several downtown restaurants. Attendees can also take chances to win raffle items donated by FDP-member businesses. 

“Our progressive dinner is one way we are reminding our community to visit Franklin’s downtown eateries during the road construction process. What better way than to have people walking through downtown, enjoying local restaurants and entertainment with friends?” said event organizer Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s Frames and FDP board member."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160425/franklin-downtown-partnership-progressive-dinner-to-be-held-may-15

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 4th

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 4th !

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, May 4th (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Smile

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! 

New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. 

Laughter Yoga

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com. 

Franklin Library reopens May 2 at 25 Kenwood Circle

A reminder to all Franklin residents that the Public Library will be reopening in its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle this coming Monday May 2nd.

Please note the temporary location is in an industrial park with other businesses in the same building. We ask the residents to please make sure you are walking into the correct building. The town will install three signs to help guide everyone, but please be cognizant of where you are going.

The library hours will remain the same.

The phone will remain the same at 508-520-4940.

For more information about the Franklin Public Library Move and Renovation please click here

temporary location for the Franklin Library at 25 Kenwood Circle

until the sign gets placed on the building, look for the blue library book return containers

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Positive Trends for 1st Quarter 2016 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Sees Positive Trends for 1st Quarter 2016 Real Estate Activity After a careful review of 1st quarter numbers, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reports that there is generally overall good news when it comes to Norfolk County real estate activity with a few exceptions. "The 1st quarter of 2016 saw a robust market with total volume of commercial and residential real estate sales coming in at $1.48 billion, a solid 12% increase from the same time period in 2015. In addition, the number of real estate sales transactions increased a healthy 18% for the quarter. "However, average sale price of commercial and residential real estate fell 9% to $721,660. It is too early to know whether a market correction is underway relative to real estate sales price or this figure represents a onetime aberration," noted Register O'Donnell. "Regarding the mortgage market," stated O'Donnell, "the total number of mortgages recorded was 6,504, a 3% reduction from 1st quarter 2015. We will need to watch this number closely to see if a trend is occurring." The Register further stated, "with that said, total mortgage financing increased a whopping 39% to $4.0 billion. Some of this increase can be largely attributed to a commercial mortgage that was recorded in February." One area of concern was the continued increase in foreclosure activity. The Register noted, "the number of foreclosure deeds recorded for Norfolk County was 76, an increase of 4% from the same quarter last year. More disconcerting was the increase in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process. A total of 214 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings took place during the 1st quarter compared to 136 during the same timeframe in 2015. "I agree with the prevailing feeling that the increased foreclosure filings are attributable to lending institutions working through past delinquent mortgage loans, some going back to the 2008 economic downturn. While we sometimes get caught up in looking at these numbers as statistics, it should be noted that foreclosures have a very human face." To help those facing a foreclosure, the Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 ext-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 for those who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. On the consumer front, the number of Homesteads recorded increased 15% year over year. "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County homeowner's to consider this important consumer protection tool," said Register O'Donnell. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "I am encouraged by the 1st quarter results of real estate activity in Norfolk County. I believe the favorable weather we experienced compared to the past winter spurred activity. It's pretty clear that Norfolk County remains an attractive location for individuals, families and businesses to live and work. As long as the eastern Massachusetts economy remains vibrant and real estate inventory does not take a significant dip, we should be able to maintain this market momentum. Overall, Norfolk County appears to be moving towards a robust spring real estate 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

FY 2017-2018 School Calendar options for consideration

The Calendar Subcommittee has two options for consideration for the 2017-2018 school year. These options are scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 26.

• Both start before Labor Day
• Neither provide the Wednesday before Thanksgiving
• One has both Feb and Apr vacation weeks (Option 1)
• One has a 'long' weekend in Feb and the April week (Option 2)

Option 1

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzI40-pPFDXhYTZkd1pOVlBRZ0U/view?usp=sharing

Option 2

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzI40-pPFDXhQjV5Qm05MWhzbjA/view?usp=sharing

Parmenter School at sunrise

For more about the School Committee visit their page on the Town of Franklin website
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/index

In the News: Mac City showcases its offering, Spectra pipeline activity picking up

"As Paul Sullivan serves up a golden, gooey helping of his gourmet mac and cheese, he cannot stress enough the freshness of his recipe. When tasters wrap the four-cheese blend of white and sharp cheddar, Swiss and Monterrey jack around their forks, they tell him they couldn't agree more. 

Sullivan's new restaurant, Mac City, was one of 20 local eateries represented at this year's Taste of Holliston, a food-tasting event for local restaurants to show off their finest menu items and meet residents who will hopefully go on to become loyal customers. 

After opening Mac City in Franklin earlier this month, taking over the former Mac Deli space and completely revamping the menu, this is Sullivan's first Taste of Holliston. With his classic mac and cheese recipe and a chicken-broccoli mix, he gained a lot of new fans around town. 

"It's important to be seen and to get your name out there," he said. "We're not your average sub and pizza place and we pride ourselves on being as fresh as possible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160424/taste-of-holliston-event-introduces-new-restaurants

Mac City, on West Central St in downtown Franklin

"The proposed Kinder Morgan natural gas pipeline along the state’s northern border died as an idea last week, but the Spectra pipeline slated to run through the Milford area shows no signs of succumbing to the same fate. 

In fact, activity around Spectra’s Algonquin Gas pipeline is starting to pick up.
Town halls in all the communities affected (Medway, Bellingham, Franklin, Millis, Milford and Upton) were slapped with legal notices late last week detailing some upcoming hearings. The public hearings, held by the Massachusetts Energy Facility Siting Board, provide an opportunity for concerned residents, property abutters and local officials to make a case for or against the pipeline. The hearings are one piece in a complex puzzle of hearings and document filings that Spectra must go through to get state and federal approval."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160424/milford-as-kinder-morgan-pipeline-proposal-falls-spectra-picks-up

lawn sign in Franklin 

Blood drive - Apr 30 - Charter School

"Please join us for a very special blood drive on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, 201 Main Street, Franklin.

In memory of his father, Mike Pepin, Boy Scout Matt Pepin has chosen, as his Eagle Project, to honor his dad's memory by helping patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital by hosting a blood drive.

For your comfort and convenience, Matt has arranged coffee and donuts to be served during morning hours and pizza for lunch.

Thank you for helping to make "Mike's Drive" a success."

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School

Follow the link to check out the blood donation guidelines and to sign up. There are only a few spots left   https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/30e0d48a8aa2fa7f85-mikes

Resolution Calling for Full Funding of the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s Recommendations

School Committee to consider endorsing this resolution on the funding of Chapter 70.



The calculation is probably due to being re-done. In doing so, one needs to be mindful that while Franklin has benefited from the calculation based upon population growth, now that there is no significant growth we need to be careful to not lose what we do have. Franklin can not afford to replace any significant percent of the approx. $27 million it gets yearly.

All the information you might want on Chapter 70 can be found here
http://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/

ma.gov

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 27, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– April 6, 2016

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 –

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
- Chief of Police

F. HEARINGS
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential IV to General Residential V in an Area on or Near West Central Street - Public Hearing – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Facilities Department

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-27: To Authorize the Issuance of Refunding Bonds – 2/3 Vote
2. Resolution 16-28: Appropriation Downtown Improvements Project – simple majority
3. Resolution 16-29: Acceptance of Gift to Franklin Public Library- simple majority
4. Resolution 16-30: Appropriation DPW Equipment – Skid Steer – simple majority
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential IV to General Residential V in an Area on or Near West Central Street - 1st Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-753 to a 2nd Reading – simple majority)
6. Bylaw Amendment 16-754: Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 2nd Reading (Motion to approve Bylaw Amendment 16-754 – majority vote of full Council (5) - Roll Call)
7. Bylaw Amendment 16-757:To Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by adding a New Chapter to Require that Property Owners Provide Notification to Public Safety Officials of the Existence of Certain Structures and/or Uses – 2nd Reading (Motion to approve Bylaw Amendment 16-757 – majority vote full Council (5) - Roll Call)

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION - To discuss strategy with respect to litigation relative to the Plain Street Tax Title Land

P. ADJOURN


The associated documents released for this agenda can be viewed in the embedded document

the chains around the monuments were coming loose so are being repaired

FHS softball and boys lacrosse post wins on Saturday

Softball

• Franklin, 6 @ Abington, 3 – Final 

– Alexx Niss had four hits to help pace the Panthers’ offense. Niss was 4-4 with a single, double and a pair of home runs, driving in four runs. Alyssa DaSilva was 2-3 with a double and an RBI and Olivia DiGiacomo was 2-3 with a pair of runs scored. Maddie Connelly had six putouts at second base and head coach Kate Fallon-Comeau noted Olivia Haba’s strong defense in the outfield.

Boys Lacrosse

• Franklin, 11 vs. St. John’s Prep, 2 – Final 

– Austin Kent scored six goals to lead the Panthers to the win in the consolation game of the Creator’s Crosse Tournament at Lincoln Fields in Lexington. Nitin Chaudhury, Sam Arsenault, Chase Tanner, and Eric Civetti added goals for Franklin, while goalie Connor O’Rourke made 12 saves. Mike Keane also made a save in the first quarter after a penalty to O’Rourke.The Panthers led 7-1 by halftime and 10-1 after three quarters.

Photos from the lacrosse match are posted by Hockomock Sports
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Spring-2016/Franklin-St-Johns-Prep-Boys/

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-042316/

L to R: Eric Civetti, Nitin Chaudhury and Austin Kent (hockomock Sports photo)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Apr 26, 2016

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 April 12, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Hockey Team
b. Science Update
c. Technology/ Digital Learning

3. Discussion Only Items
a. Chapter 70 Resolution
b. Calendar Committee

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the Chapter 70 Resolution as proposed by the MASC.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.00 from the Norfolk District Attorney’s office for FHS supplemental supplies.
c. I recommend approval of the field trip request for HMMS students to travel to Save the Bay, Providence, RI on May 24-27, 2016 as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip request for ASMS students to travel to Pawtucket, RI on June 9, 2016 for a Pawtucket Red Sox game as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling 3,500.00 for FHS Scholarships as listed:

1. $1,500.00 – Whitsons Food Service Scholarship
2. $1,000.00 – Friends of Franklin Library for Wilma Winters Memorial Scholarship
3. $1,000.00 – Peter Baglioni

f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $138.00 from an anonymous donor for the Adult Ed and Community Learning Scholarship Fund.
g. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $107.50 from various donors for Mental Health Awareness week at FHS.

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

• Community Relations Sub Committee

School Committee Liaison Reports

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

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 - Apr 21, 2016 (audio)

My notes via Twitter from the Finance Committee meeting held on Thursday April 21, 2016. This was the second of the four planned budget hearings.

The next two scheduled budget hearings 

• Thursday April 28
• Tuesday May 3

Kevin Doyle, Assessor, ready to discuss the FY 2017 budget requirements for his department

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

The audio recording of the 2nd budget hearing of the Franklin Finance Committee. This is one of the series preparing the budget for the Fiscal Year 2017.

FM #121

This internet radio show or podcast is number 121 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the 2nd budget hearing for the Fiscal Year 2017 held by the Franklin Finance Committee. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal Building and hence not available for regular broadcast by Franklin TV.

My notes from the meeting have been posted to the Franklin Matters webpage. The meeting agenda is also available. The budget book itself is not available. A limited number of copies were made. We’ll get budget summary as the Town Council opens their budget hearing either later in May or in June.

For those not familiar with the budget cycle. Each department makes a proposal to the Town Administrator. He reviews and potentially makes adjustments. This is what is reviewed by the Finance Committee. This group will approve a budget and it will be reviewed by the Town COuncil before being voted on to become effective July 2016.

For Franklin, the fiscal year runs July 1 2016  to June 30 2017. The FY is referred to be the ending period so this is the FY 2017 budget for next year, we are already operating on and close to finishing the FY 2016 budget.

Without further ado, here is the recording of the meeting

-------------

This brings to the program to a close.

----    ----    ----

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.

If you don't like this, please let me know.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

"we use the trail often, and it's nice to give back"

"The town held a volunteer cleanup of its DelCarte Conservation Property on Saturday in what officials hope will become an annual tradition. 

The event - which ran from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Street property - had people picking up trash, planting and raking. 

Conservation Commission member Tara Henrichon, who helped organize the cleanup, said the event was going "amazingly well." 

"We have about 20 to 25 people so far," she said. "There are a bunch of projects - we're adding natural plants to the rain garden and about 10 to 12 people are out on the trails... We're also clearing out invasive plants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160423/franklin-being-kind-to-mother-nature

Folks out and about cleaning up at DelCarte

The ladies from Starbucks with full trash bags

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen helped to knock down and spread out a pile of mulch

It was good to see more than 30 people come out for this event. Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and several members of the Conservation Commission participated.

Thanks to Soren, a student from BFCCPS, who helped me work on spreading the pile of mulch.

Franklin Awards Two Affordable Homes to New Families

On April 6, 2016 the Town of Franklin conducted an affordable housing lottery for two homes at 15 Beaver Court and 48 Arlington Street. The homes were awarded as part of the Town of Franklin’s commitment to maintain a diverse housing stock for families of all incomes and to provide improvements to neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of properties. The homes within this program are managed by the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

The Trust Fund was established on May 18, 2015. The Trust has capabilities to receive, hold, invest or expend funds for the rehabilitation, renovation, construction, financing or refinancing of property within the Town of Franklin. The Fund has an open request for proposals every month for individuals looking to sell their property in Town. In some cases, homes may need small or larger renovations, in which the Town may purchase a home, make the renovations, and bring the home up to building code and resale through a public lottery. 

The Fund makes these residential properties available to low and moderate income families looking for a home. The homes are deed restricted and must maintain a level of affordability according to state guidelines. Monies put into the Trust Fund are mostly from mitigation of other development projects in the community. 

For the April 6th lottery, the Town had nine applicants in all for both properties. Held in the Town Council Chamber, the public lottery selected each applicant to provide an order or priority. Two families were awarded the opportunity to obtain a mortgage from a bank to purchase the home. 

Both families have thirty (30) days to secure their mortgage. Please stay in touch with the Town website, Facebook page and Twitter account for any further announcements, application deadlines and other opportunities. Residents may also call Maxine Kinhart in the Town Administrator’s Office with any questions at 508-553-4887. 

one of the homes in the lottery was this one on Beaver Court built by Tri-County students

6 Meaningful Gifts for Mom & Coupon!

Mother's Day is May 8! View this email in your browser Use coupon code MOM2016 for $5 off! Beautiful, meaningful gifts for every Mom. Confidence Beads and Beads for a Cause make perfect gifts with a message for Mom. Whether you want to inspire her, honor her with a gift that gives back and show your appreciation for her, Confidence Beads and Beads for a Cause have great options for everyone this Mother's Day. Shop Now Copyright © 2016 Confidence Beads, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 246 Franklin, MA 02038

In the News: Historical Museum events, Dean Dash 5K

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., will host the following events. 

Horace Mann’s 220th Birthday: The community is invited to the museum on May 1 for coffee and cake in the museum library. A slideshow presentation on the life of Horace Mann and his accomplishments will be running throughout the afternoon."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160423/franklin-historical-museum-lists-upcoming-events

"More than 200 runners showed up for a Dean College road race midday Saturday, despite the lingering threat of rain. 

That participation made the third annual Dean Dash 5K the most successful yet, officials said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160423/franklin-dean-5k-keeps-pace

The complete set of results for the 168 runners who finished the race can be found online
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Apr23_DeanDa_set1.shtml

setting up for the Dean Dash 5K