Register O'Donnell Reports Varied Results for 2nd Quarter 2017 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Varied Results for 2nd Quarter 2017 Real Estate Activity During the 2nd quarter of 2017 (April-June), Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported county real estate sales activity exhibited solid gains. However, this good news was somewhat tarnished by continuing declines in lending activity, possibly spurred by rising interest rates. Register O'Donnell noted, "The positive news for the 2nd quarter was a 4% increase in combined residential and commercial real estate sales compared to the same quarter from the previous year. In addition, the total dollar sales volume and average real estate sales price, again both residential and commercial, increased by a significant 20% and 13% respectively. The average real estate price, combining both residential and commercial sales, for the quarter was $778,122." Overall, the number of land documents recorded (such as deeds, mortgages, liens, foreclosures, mortgage discharges, homesteads, etc.) during the Registry's 2nd quarter was 39,645, a 6% decrease from the previous year. O'Donnell noted, "This decline can be attributed to a significant 16% reduction in lending activity during the quarter." Specifically, 7,255 mortgages were recorded at the Registry during the quarter compared to 8,622 for the same time period in 2016. Total mortgage borrowing was $3.7 billion for the second quarter compared to $5.2 billion during the 2nd quarter 2016. "Clearly," noted O'Donnell, "The increases seen in interest rates are causing consumers to be cautious when contemplating borrowing to pay for big ticket items such as home renovations." More Norfolk County homeowners continued to benefit from the Homestead Act. A total of 3,562 Homesteads were recorded during the 2nd quarter, a 5% increase year over year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. Foreclosure activity in Norfolk County was mixed during the quarter. The total number of foreclosure deeds recorded during the 2nd quarter 2017 was 78, a substantial 30% increase year over year. However, this sobering news was lessened by the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process. 160 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages were recorded during the 2nd quarter, a significant 25.9% reduction from the previous year. O'Donnell stated, "While the increase in foreclosure deed filings was disconcerting, I continue to be optimistic that the reduced numbers we are seeing with Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings bodes well for the future." The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs at 617-479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks SouthernMass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program at 617-573-3333. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Considering the continuing issues we are seeing with low real estate inventory, I was buoyed by the real estate sales activity figures for the quarter. Conversely, with the continuing uptick in interest rates, I do not see lending activity trend lines changing for the foreseeable future." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 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

Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 12, 2017

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 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
Conservation Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Richard Henken – The Schochet Company
Safe Coalition

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 17-48: Ratification of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Move
Resolution 17-48 – majority vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-49: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Fire Department (Motion to Move
Resolution 17-49 – majority vote (5))

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN


The agenda was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/agenda.pdf

Additional documents released for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-12-town-council-meeting-agenda

work continues on the Chestnut St sidewalk

Town Council recap for June 28, 2017

The Town Council approved the creation of a Cultural District, disapproves of a solar canopy for the Franklin/Dean MBTA station, and retained the current Library board of Directors structure as the proposal for changes to it was not approved.

The Council opened the meeting at 6:45 PM, went into executive session and then returned (approx 6:50) to re-open the meeting at the normal time of 7:00 PM. The Executive Session covered the real estate decisions that came up later in the meeting agenda. Two parcels of land Franklin had right of first refusal to purchase and passed on both.


Firefighter James Polito was introduced by Chief Gary McCarragher and then sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

Firefighter James Polito was introduced by Chief Gary McCarragher

Firefighter James Polito was sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

Lillian Gould was appointed to the Cultural Council, the election workers for the Town election in November were appointed. The Franklin Advisory Committee (formerly known as the Citizens Committee) was also reappointed. This action had been left out of the normal year end appointments approved in the prior Town Council meeting.

I was among several members of the community who spoke for the creation of the proposed Franklin Cultural District. Several Town Councilors spoke for the measure which was approved. The map of the proposed district is already submitted to the State for their review. The formal application for the District can now be submitted by Franklin. A committee will be appointed to oversee the coordination of activities to create awareness on the wealth of cultural assets within Franklin and to help use those assets to increase business.

The current Steering Committee will continue to organize the Annual Cultural Festival and likely form a 501(c)3 to help foster fund raising with tax deductions for the individual donors.

In the Legislation for Action portion: 

• the Council disapproves of the solar panel at the Franklin/Dean station not for the solar aspect, Franklin clearly has demonstrated desire and executed on solar. The process by which the MBTA is going about their solar installations is what caused the most issue for the Council. Over the past several years the Council have been trying to get the T to do something with the station with little or no success. Then to have the T come along with their work and not include the Town in the planning effectively was the 'last straw'. This letter and leveraging other networking elements hopefully will bring about a successful discussion.
• the Council passed on the two properties where Franklin has right of first refusal. Both properties can no be sold to other buyers. 
• the Council approved replacement of the stage at the Town Common. After the bid process, the stage would likely be ready for 2018.
• the proposed tasting room bylaw received final approval
• the proposal to bring the measure creating the Library Board of Directors up to current language was defeated by a 7-2 vote (2 for the change, 7 against). This leaves a desire to change the Board of Directors makeup on the table without a current proposal on how to do so. So no change for the moment. Stay tuned in for this one as it develops.

  



The action taken document can also be found on the Town of Franklin website
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/town-council-actions-taken-june-28-2017

My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting: to Closing
• Live reporting: Legislation for action
• Live reporting: Public Hearing - Cultural District...
• Live reporting: Town Council - June 28, 2017

"protect the environment, grow the economy and deliver a brighter future"

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

"In the wake of President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, local officials and environmental advocates remain committed to combating climate change. 

After all, that work is a win-win by saving money and helping the planet, they say. And, the growth of green energy creates jobs. 

“It’s our future and cities and states are stepping up,” said Ellen Tohn, co-chairwoman of Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee. “The responsibility falls to us and Wayland is embracing it. Whatever the federal government does or doesn’t do, we’re moving forward.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170708/locals-take-steps-to-slow-climate-change-despite-feds-pulling-out-of-paris-climate-agreement

new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin

For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html

The MDN article on the Santa Foundation receiving the free solar system (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system

Senate Passes Final FY 2018 Budget

The Massachusetts Senate voted today to approve a final $40.202B billion budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The budget makes reductions in spending from the originally proposed Senate budget due to revised revenue forecasts, but maintains a strong commitment to Chapter 70 education funding and preserving local aid to cities and towns.

"This budget was negotiated in a tough fiscal environment, as projected revenues fell short for a variety of complex reasons," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  "We have worked hard to balance fiscal responsibility with our longstanding commitment to the residents of our Commonwealth.  Our fiercest commitment is to our children, and so the final budget contains an overall increase in Chapter 70 education funding.  We also increased local aid to cities and towns, and fought to ensure that the Governor's late-proposed healthcare package was not adopted without the proper public process and transparency."

The FY 2018 budget includes $40.202B in total spending with investments in education, local aid, health care, substance addiction services, developmental services and children and families.  It also deposits $100M into the state's Stabilization Fund.

"This is the harshest state budget since the last recession. It would have been somewhat better had it contained the Senate's modest revenue proposals including those on Airbnb, internet hotel resellers, flavored cigars, film tax, and the CPA," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst).  "We can take some measure of pride in what we were able to do for local aid, children, and veterans, but too many were left behind."

"Despite difficult fiscal challenges, this year's budget still includes critical investments in many of our most valuable services and programs," said Senator Sal DiDomenico, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I was proud to work with my colleagues on the conference committee to create a comprehensive final budget that protects many of our communities' top priorities, while also remaining financially responsible. I am confident that the budget we have produced will address the needs of our residents and will continue moving our entire Commonwealth forward."

"This budget makes important strides toward recognizing a fiscal reality that demands both reform and spending restraint," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  "Difficult choices, maintaining priorities like education and local aid, and the absence of a host of new tax initiatives make it a workable document to move forward, yet there is still much to be done in the future."

In response to below benchmark FY2017 revenue, the conference committee took the following steps to close the budget gap:

·      $400M in spending reductions relative to the House and Senate budgets, including a $150M reduction to MassHealth because of efficiencies and enhanced program integrity and $250M in reductions in other areas of the budget

·      $205M in anticipated department efficiencies

·      $83M in additional revenue because the income tax rollback will not be triggered

·      $50M in non tax revenue increase from agencies, departments, trusts or federal resources

The conference committee reviewed and considered the package of proposals submitted by the Baker/Polito Administration regarding the employer assessment and MassHealth benefit and eligibility changes.  The final budget proposes:

·      Including the targeted two-tiered EMAC contribution to generate $200M in revenue

·      Modifying the unemployment insurance schedule that will allow employers to pay approximately $334M less over 2 years than they would have paid under the current schedule

·      Not including any of the new reforms at MassHealth requiring federal waiver changes, other changes to eligibility and benefits, or commercial market reforms

Significant final investments include:

·      $4.74B in Chapter 70 education funding, a $118.9M increase, which amounts to a $30 per pupil increase, 85% effort reduction, and a significant down payment on foundation budget health care rate increases

·      $1.061B for Unrestricted Local Aid to Cities and Towns – a $40M increase

·      $15M for Early Education and Care (EEC) rate reserve

·      $132.5M for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to continue to fund beds, treatment centers, life-saving medications and recovery options

·      $61.7M increase to developmental services, particularly in support of the growing Turning 22 population

·      $36M increase in overall DCF funding to continue important initiatives designed to ensure that every family has a healthy, supportive environment

Further recommendations preserved in the conference committee report include:

·      Expansion of the Housing Court, to stabilize housing and keep residents in their homes

·      Creation of a dedicated reserve for CPCS to ensure that these attorneys will be paid regularly for their crucial work moving forward

·      Maintenance of $2M in the budget for the cannabis commission so that the will of voters continues to move forward in a smooth and transparent manner

The FY 2018 conference committee report passed the Senate with a vote of 36 to 2.  The budget will now go to Governor Baker for his signature.

link to Senate Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

In the News: Bissanti arrested on gun charge, MA legislature passes budget

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

"Town Council member Andrew Bissanti is facing criminal charges after authorities said he fired a handgun in the air to drive away his daughter’s boyfriend who showed up at their home last Sunday. 

Dennis Lamoureaux, 36, of Woonsocket, R.I., told police he was dropping off a bathing suit belonging to his girlfriend, Francesca Bissanti, 30, around 7 p.m. at her 148 Brook St. home when he was confronted by her father, Bissanti, and her uncle, Vincent Lombardi, 48, of East Brookfield. They yelled at him and told him to leave the property, Lamoureaux said. 

Lombardi then hit Lamoureaux in the face with a soda can, according to reports. As Lamoureaux walked back to his Volvo, Bissanti fired a gun into the air, he said. That is when Lamoureaux said he called police. When they questioned Lamoureaux police said they saw a cut and bruise under his right eye. 

Bissanti told police he only fired his Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 semi-automatic pistol when Lamoureaux ignored his repeated requests to leave the property."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170707/town-council-member-andrew-bissanti-arrested-on-gun-charge

Town of Franklin photo of Town Councilor Andy Bissanti

"House and Senate leaders agreed to a $40.2 billion budget that avoids tax increases and mostly holds spending flat at state agencies for fiscal 2018, according to two sources close to the negotiations, including one of the legislators involved in the talks. 

The bill, filed Friday at 9:40 a.m., and scheduled for passage Friday afternoon reflects a new forecast of fiscal 2018 tax revenues that is roughly $700 million below the projection the House and Senate used to build their budget bills this spring, according to Sen. Vinny deMacedo, a Plymouth Republican. 

A separate source close the negotiations said the conference committee agreed to $733 million in budget fixes, including about $400 million in direct cuts from the bills the House and Senate approved this spring. Further explanations about the budget fixes and the327-page bill, which includes 153 outside sections and was crafted behind closed doors of the past month, were not available as lawmakers who crafted the spending plan were not available to discuss it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170707/house-and-senate-leaders-agree-on-budget

QinetiQ North America expands to Franklin

From the business radar, QinetiQ North America expands to Franklin.

"Transwestern Consulting Group (TCG) brokered the $6.4 million sale of 130 Constitution Blvd. in Franklin, Ma, on behalf of Novaya Real Estate Ventures. 

The 59,970-square-foot industrial building was purchased by Albert Milstein, Barry Kirschenbaum and Sanford Bokor. TCG Partners John Lashar and Chris Skeffington, along with Vice President Roy Sandeman, represented the seller and assisted in sourcing the buyer. 

Novaya purchased the building in 2013 as part of a two-building portfolio in a transaction also brokered by TCG and has since launched a significant capital improvement campaign. Novaya completed a full “vacancy preparation” repositioning of the building, which included painting the warehouse, a floor strip and seal, installing new lighting, and upgrading the dock doors with new levelers. In addition, a new roof and upgraded HVAC units were installed as part of the overall improvement campaign. 

“Novaya did an outstanding job repositioning 130 Constitution Blvd. into a first-class flex/manufacturing facility that really stands out in one of Greater Boston’s strongest submarkets,” said Skeffington. “The new ownership is purchasing a well-located asset that is 100 percent leased to a long-term, well-capitalized tenant.”

Continue reading the full article online
http://bostonrealestatetimes.com/transwestern-consulting-group-brokers-building-sale-on-behalf-of-novaya-real-estate-ventures/

The "well-capitalized tenant" is QinetiQ North America. From the company webpage:

"QinetiQ North America (QNA) shapes the future with innovative products, advanced engineering and research and development for government, civilian, utility and commercial customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on developing, delivering and supporting a portfolio of industry-leading products that have been used and tested for decades. 

We are the world leaders in unmanned systems with proven innovations in military protection technology including ground and aircraft armor, RPG protection, and soldier protection systems. We also offer innovative technologies and products for the maritime, utility and commercial safety market. Together, our products aid in situational awareness, protect customer assets, increase mission effectiveness, reduce operational costs and save lives."

Find out more about their products  https://www.qinetiq-na.com/products/

Visit their YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ZtYN59WSfHOPKCy5y1exg

https://twitter.com/QinetiQNorthAm

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/7/17 - THU 7/13/17

FRIDAY 7/7/17
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
8pm   The Black Box Jazz: Steven Kirby Illuminations Project

SATURDAY 7/8/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Jeannie Mack Concert @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 7/9/17
8-9am   Yoga on the Beach (free, all levels welcome) @ Chilson Beach, Beaver Pond
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 7/10/17
10:30am   Move Along on the Town Common
2:30pm   Maker Mondays @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 7/11/17
9am   Do Gooders DIYs @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Move Along on the Town Common
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 7/12/17
1pm   Bubble Show with Millie @ Franklin Public Library
6-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Leeds, Elain Kessler - children's program

THURSDAY 7/13/17
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Park it and Read @ various Franklin Parks - check with the Library
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Senator Spilka: Joint Statement on Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

"On behalf of our fellow conferee's we would like to announce that the Conference Committee working on the FY2018 Budget, has reached an agreement to resolve all differences between the House and Senate versions. The Conference Report will be filed tomorrow morning and the branches will act on the Conference Report in session tomorrow."

- Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D- Haverhill) Chair, House Committee on Ways and Means
- Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) Chair, Senate Committee on Ways and Means

Senator Spilka: Joint Statement on Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

Franklin Public Library: Jeannie Mack Concert!, Saturday, July 8

Jeannie Mack Concert!, Saturday, July 8, 10:30 AM

Jeannie Mack Concert!, Saturday, July 8, 10:30 AM

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/06/jeannie-mack-concert-saturday-july-8.html

Check out the Library newsletter for July to see all that is scheduled for the month
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/july2017librarynewsletter.pdf

Senator Ross: June 2017 State House News Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, June 2017 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, The summer is flying by. Throughout June, I have had the opportunity to testify on legislation to benefit my disabled constituents, discuss community safety for outdoor joggers and meet with many employers throughout my district. With a temporary budget in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year, the FY2018 budget will go to committee for final deliberations. I am looking forward to seeing what the conference committee presents and what Governor Baker recommends. Finally, I have been assigned to the committee to address legislation intended to clarify the language passed regarding the commercialization of marijuana in the commonwealth. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for a summer legislative session overview, as well as new state house and district updates. It is a pleasure to serve you. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555. Sincerely, Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grant Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Attleboro Mayor Kevin Dumas and I visited Thomas Willett Elementary School in Attleboro for the announcement of Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grants distributed to eight Attleboro Schools for FY 2017. Lt. Governor Polito announced the recipients of $847,059 in state grants that will support technology infrastructure in the Commonwealth's schools. The Digital Connections Initiative provides tools, assistance, and funding to bridge the digital divide that exists in some schools across the Commonwealth. This program aims to strengthen and promote twenty-first century teaching and learning. Technology has become, and will continue to be a big part of the education system in Massachusetts. Grant programs such as the Digital Connections Initiative make resources and tools for an ever-changing classroom environment accessible to schools in my district Below is a list of Digital Connections Partnership Grants distributed to Attleboro schools for FY 2017.   School Name DCP Grant Brennan School $10,474 Hill-Roberts School $6,137 Hyman Fine School $6,137 Thacher School $15,982 Coelho School $9,058 Willett School $10,135 Wamsutta School $10,474 Irvin Studley School $8,097 The Digital Connections Partnership Grants are administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Information Technology (MassIT). Note this newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full set of contents View this email in your browser

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DelCarte Ponds - Treatment Notification - Friday, July 7th

Treatment of the invasive plants at the DelCarte Ponds will be 7/7/17 subject to the weather. (It can't be a rainy day.) 

The pond will be closed for fishing, canoeing etc. for 24 hours, but the rest of the area for hiking etc. will be open.

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/132853

DelCarte pond recently in the rain with the surface covered with vegetation

Given the current forecast of 60% chance for rain tonight and 75% chance of rain on Friday, this is likely to be rescheduled   https://weather.com/weather/today/l/42.07,-71.39

Friendly reminder - trash pickup delayed

Reminder: Trash and Recycling Pickup will be delayed a day due to the July 4th Holiday

trash and recycling containers at curbside on a warmer day

Check out the curbside webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/curbside-pick

Check our the annual recycling flyer
http://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-trash/files/2016-annual-mailer-yard-waste-and-holiday-pickup-schedules