Senator Spilka Announces Funding for Franklin & Medway in Final FY 2018 Budget

The Massachusetts Senate on Friday 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.

Funding specific to Franklin & Medway includes:

- $25,000 for the Franklin, Medway, and Bellingham Army Corps of Engineers flood plain and wildlife habitat efforts

- $50,000 for the substance abuse coalition in Franklin 

- $5,000 for the Franklin Historical Commission for  equipment to preserve historical artifacts

- $15,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc

- $50,000 shall be expended for the T.H.R.I.V.E. Substance Abuse

Prevention Program

- $25,000 for a community garden at the Medway Community Farm

Chapter 70 Funding includes:

- $28,078,451 for Franklin Chapter 70 - $174,540 (0.6%) increase over FY17 GAA

- $10,368,909 for Medway Chapter 70 - $67,440 (0.7 %) increase over FY17 GAA

Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) includes:

- $2,468,462 for Franklin Unrestricted General Government Aid - $92,656 (3.9%) increase from FY17 GAA

-$1,218,791 for Medway Unrestricted General Government Aid - $45,749 (3.9%) increase from FY17 GAA

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

Franklin Public Library: The summer weekly programs begin today!

The Franklin Public Library has a series of weekly programs for kids of all ages that begin today and run through August 18.

Mondays

10:30 AM: Move Along on the Town Common! (all ages)
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, instruments, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

2:30 PM: Maker Mondays
Join us each week for an exciting new STEAM-related activity! From bath bombs, to magnets, to beginner coding, your Monday afternoons are about to get super creative!

Tuesdays

10:30 AM: Move Along on the Town Common! (all ages)
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, instruments, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

ALL DAY: Do-Gooder DIY Drop-in craft at the library!
Join us anytime on Tuesdays for a different service-oriented craft project each week, focused on building a better world!

Wednesdays

Performer Wednesdays!

• July 12 @ 1:00PM: Millie's Bubble Show!
• July 19 @ 10:30AM: Wild Cats 101 (AGES 6 AND UP)
• July 26 @ 10:30AM: Captain Haines Pirate Show!
• August 2 @ 5:00PM: Marvelous Marvin's Brain Circus!
• August 9 @ 10:00AM: Bryson Lang!
• August 16 @ 10:30AM: Minecraft Madness with Jungle Jim Murray

Thursdays

9:30AM: Baby Tummy Time
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort!

10:30AM Story and Craft! (ages 3-6)
Stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 3, 4, 5, and 6 who are able to attend "on their own." This program lasts around 45 minutes. No registration is required!

12:00PM: Park It and Read!
Join us for a picnic storytime at one of Franklin's Parks! We'll be meeting at a different park, and exploring a different theme each week!Bring your own picnic and blanket! See the schedule to the right!

Fridays

9:30AM: Family Yoga Fridays (All Ages)
Put on some comfy clothes, grab the whole family and your yoga mats and join us in the program room for a Family Yoga Adventure! We’ll follow along with a fabulous story, doing different moves to keep the story going!

3:30PM: Lemonade and GIANT Legos
Drop-in every Friday afternoon for some refreshing lemonade and the chance to play with our brand new GIANT Lego set... you read that right!

2:30 PM: Maker Mondays

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/06/summer-weekly-programs-for-kids-july-10.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

Check out the Summer Program Flyer  
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/childrens-summer-programs-2017

"it was our duty to be a part of keeping his memory alive"

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

"When Bob Vozzella first opened his winery, La Cantina, in 2013, part of his mission was to give back to local charities and causes. 

“Small local-run family businesses count on local support. I feel it’s important for business owners to find ways to return the favor and look for ways to support others in need,” Vozzella said. 

Over the July 4 weekend, Vozzella launched a new wine, a special edition Malbec to benefit the Matthew Pucino Foundation. 

Staff Sgt. Pucino was 34 on Nov. 23, 2009 when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in the vicinity of Pashay Kala, Afghanistan. Pucino was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha Intelligent Sergeant who grew up in Bourne and Plymouth."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170709/franklin-made-wine-to-benefit-matthew-pucino-foundation

For more information about the La Cantina Winery here in Franklin  http://www.lacantinawinery.com/.

For more information about the Matthew Pucino Foundation https://www.matthewpucinofoundation.org/

​​​​​​Franklin's First Winery

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