In the News: Mixed messages on potential Federal interference with MA laws

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

"THE ISSUE: A proposal in Congress would prohibit states from taxing or regulating out-of-state businesses. 

THE IMPACT: Some analysts say the bill could affect parts of an approved 2016 Massachusetts ballot question, which bans the sale of pork, veal and eggs produced from animals that were confined in certain ways. 

While the 2016 Massachusetts law on farm animal confinement isn’t due to take effect for several more years, some industry analysts say a new federal bill could impact its rollout. 

“Generally speaking, our position is that regulation without representation should not be allowed,” said Jim Monroe, a spokesman for the Iowa-based National Pork Producers Council, which contributed funding to oppose the Massachusetts ballot initiative last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/federal-bill-could-put-pitchfork-in-massachusetts-farm-animal-welfare-law

"One big question marijuana entrepreneurs will face in states like Massachusetts is whether federal agents will crack down on the state-sanctioned business, which is still illegal under federal law. 

At a gathering of policymakers from around the country on Monday, a lawmaker from Washington state, a Vanderbilt University law professor and a Brookings Institute fellow all suggested pot proprietors can breathe easy. 

The three experts, who spoke on a panel held by the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston, each said tight funding and other pressures should keep federal law enforcement at bay. 

“Trying to roll it back and trying to go back to the old War on Drugs - the terribly failed system - they will do it at their own peril,” Rep. Roger Goodman, a Democrat who lives outside Seattle, told the gathering at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/little-chance-seen-of-federal-crackdown-on-legal-pot

Franklin Election 2017 - Candidate Status as of Aug 4

As of Friday August 4, 2017, the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017

Town Council

Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
Eamon McCarthy-Earls
Melanie Hamblen
Patrick Casey

School Committee

Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
Dr. Monica Linden
Virginia (Gigi) Zub

Planning Board

Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election

Board of Health

Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election


Via email from Franklin Town Clerk, Teresa Burr

Franklin Municipal Building

Economic Development Committee - Agenda - Aug 9

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9 at 6:15 PM. There are two items on the published agenda. (1) review accessory building set back bylaws (2) review Nu-Style RFP.

Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings,
Rm 205 is the site of the EDC meeting Aug 9

#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26

The #shopFranklin business community will hold its 2nd Family Movie Night Saturday, August 26 at 7 PM on the Franklin Town Common.

#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26

For additional details stay tuned in here, or visit the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1891457511174249/

“It was supposed to be temporary, but it became permanent”

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

"After eight years of a 6.25 percent sales tax, some retailers are calling for a change. 

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is looking to put a lower tax rate on the ballot, placing the rate in the hands of voters in the November 2018 election. 

Bill Rennie, the association’s vice-president, said retailers had been concerned about the government’s failure to pass a sales tax holiday. Beyond that, he said, the state’s store-owners must compete with tax-free New Hampshire and untaxed Internet sales. 

“The Internet is never going away, and we’re not under the impression that it will,” he said. “What smart tax policy can do is make sure we’re operating on a level playing field.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/voters-could-decide-on-lower-tax-rates

https://www.simonfurniture.com/

Register O'Donnell Announces July '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Report

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Announces July '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Report Continuing low real estate inventory, higher interest rates and reduced mortgage lending were three major factors which led to a flat real estate market for the month of July, according to Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell stated, "Empirical evidence shows there is little doubt that certain housing and lending dynamics are having a sluggish effect on real estate activity in Norfolk County." He noted that for the month of July a total of 1,757 properties, both residential and commercial, were sold in Norfolk County representing a minimal 1% increase from the previous year. Other economic indicators were even less impressive for July, such as the 3% drop in the average sales price for the same time period in 2016 and a 3% year over year reduction in total sales volume. Furthermore, lending activity also showed decreases for the month of July. A total of 2,407 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 14% decrease compared to July 2016. "Higher interest rates," noted O'Donnell, "and the prospect of rate increases through the end of the 2017 calendar year are making consumers think twice before borrowing money to pay for high ticket expenses such as home improvements." An aberration seen during the month was the total amount of residential and commercial borrowing increased by 267% to $4.6 billion. However, this is mainly explained by a large $1.6 billion mortgage taken out against a commercial property bordering Weymouth and Quincy. Foreclosure activity was a mixed bag. A total of 18 foreclosure deeds were recorded in July compared to 17 in July 2016. Where the foreclosure story gets more promising was the total number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, closing at 34, a sharp reduction from the 43 recordings for the same time last year. "While one foreclosure recording is one too many, the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings is a positive trend," stated the Register. For those who are facing challenges paying their mortgage, the Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. On the consumer front, the number of Homesteads recorded in Norfolk County was 1,230 for the month of July, a 2% reduction from the same time period in 2016. While the reduced number of Homesteads can be explained in part by the sluggish real estate sales seen in the County, Register O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead is an important consumer protection tool that I urge property owners to consider. By recording a Homestead, a property owner receives limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "July 2017 was admittedly an unremarkable month for real estate in Norfolk County. The trend lines - flat real estate sales and reduced lending activity - are the same trend lines seen beyond the county. Until we see increased levels of real estate inventory, particularly for first time home buyers, the market will remain flat. In regards to lending activity, all signs indicate the Fed will increase interest rates causing consumers to pause further before borrowing money." 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 - Aug 9, 2017

The published agenda and documents released for the only Town Council scheduled for August can be found here. The Council meets once in July and August and resumes the twice a month schedule in September.

A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes June 28 July 2
B. Announcements
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions 1. Swearing in of Police Officer - Leeanne Baker 2. Recognition of Gary Premo
D. Citizen Comments	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 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 theTown Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments	E. Appointments 1. Design Review Commission
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions - 1. New Farmer-Winery Pouring License - La Cantina Winery - 7:10 PM
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - School Superintendent - Dr Sara Ahern
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 17-50: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin Police Dept. (Motion to Move Resolution 17-50 - majority vote (5)) 2. Resolution 17-51: Town Clerk Prior Year Bills (Motion to Move Resolution 17-51 - 2/3 majority vote (6)) 3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-795 to the Planning Board - majority vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session - Non-scheduled	N. Executive Session - Non-scheduled
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

You can also view the documents released for this agenda in one PDF file on the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/august_9_2017.pdf

turf fields are being replaced with new surface and a different infill both at the High School and Beaver St

"first responders are unknowingly succumbing to an overdose from airborne opioid"

How dangerous are the drugs that are prevalent in the opioid epidemic? 

This Facebook posting from the SAFE Coalition highlights a recent news article where first responders needed to be treated after they arrived to deal with three overdose victims.




For more about the SAFE Coalition and what they are doing to help the substance abuse problem we have visit their webpage  http://safecoalitionma.com/

http://safecoalitionma.com/

Proposed change to the MA Open Meeting Law

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

"The comment period on proposed changes to the state’s Open Meeting Law closed Thursday at 5 p.m., after a public hearing that afternoon hosted by the Division of Open Government. 

In late July, Attorney General Maura Healey proposed a handful of changes to the law that dictates how public boards of committees should behave. Here’s a breakdown of some of the changes, should they remain as currently proposed. 

- If a board chooses to post meeting notices to the town’s website, and the websites crashes, the board has four hours to fix the problem during business hours. If that doesn’t happen, the meeting must be canceled and the notice re-posted for a new date."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/changes-to-open-meeting-law-proposed


Additional information on the proposed changes and request for comments can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/open-meeting-law/request-for-comment-open-meeting-law-amendments.html

Explanation of Proposed Changes
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/proposed-regulations-statement-v2.pdf

Proposed regulations (Clean version)
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/dog-regs-2017-review-v2-clean.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Announce Revised 2017-18 Grant Award Program

A recent Facebook post by the Franklin Education Foundation announces that the grant applications are due Oct 27, 2017. While this targeted to the school district teachers and staff, there is also a reminder that you can help contribute to the FEF via one of their fund raising events or directly online.

"The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) is pleased to announce the revised 2017-18 grant award program. 

This is an exciting opportunity for faculty, administration and staff to obtain funds that will support stimulating and innovative projects. 

Founded in 1997, FEF consists of a diverse group of individuals from many segments of the Franklin community. Members include community leaders, local organizations, educational institutions, business and industry, and families.
Each member of FEF supports the Foundation’s fundamental goal of providing a forum and means of achieving academic excellence for the school students of Franklin, MA.  

We made changes to the grant program for next year in response to our surveying Franklin Public Schools (FPS) teachers and administration. These changes will provide applicants more time to construct a innovative proposal and allow for a more rapid project funding/implementation schedule. Next year, grant proposals will be reviewed and funded within the school year. This is a change from previous years when proposals were submitted for projects to start the following school year."

You can donate directly via PayPal  http://www.franklined.org/donate

For additional information on the FEF and the grant process, visit their webpage
http://www.franklined.org/grants

Planning Board : Public Hearing Notice - Aug 21

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 21, 2017 at 7:10 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Site Plan Modification application titled "Franklin Innovation Center, Site Plan Modification, Franklin, MA 02038" prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc. and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development on July 25, 2017 by Moseley Realty, LLC, Franklin, MA 02038.

The site is located at 31 Hayward Street in the Industrial Zoning District (Assessors Map 278, Lots 024 and 24.1). The applicant is proposing to construct 22 additional parking spaces and modification to their existing storm water management system.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board's website under Agendas.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning and Community Development during regular office hours .

Please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Anthony Padula, Chairman

Franklin Innovation Center, Site Plan Modification

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/franklin_innovation_center_public_hearing_notice.pdf

or http://www.franklinma.gov/node/134853

“She learned a lot from it. Just to see how the process goes”

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

"With an eye on the 2018 and 2020 ballots, 17 groups filed more than two dozen initiative petitions for proposed laws and constitutional amendments in time to be considered for certification by Attorney General Maura Healey. 

Wednesday’s 5 p.m. petition deadline is the first step in the process to get a question on the statewide ballot. Petitioners filed 26 proposed laws that could show up on the 2018 ballot and two constitutional amendments that would appear on the 2020 ballot if successful, the attorney general’s office said. 

Lawmakers largely departed the State House late last week for summer recess, and August marks a time for citizens to try their hands at crafting policy."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170803/26-questions-propsed-for-2018-2020-ballots


On MA.GOV, you can find information on the Initiatives and Other Types of Ballot Questions
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/initiatives-and-other-ballot-questions/

You can find info on the Voting Process
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elevotingprocess/votingprocessidx.htm

screen grab of MA.GOV home page

Blackstone Valley: Our Volunteers are Going Places!

Paddle, Pedal, Recycle and Volunteer!

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Volunteer-led Events August 4 - August 13 Saturday, August 6th - Go Green at the Daniels Farmstead Farmers Market.  Electronics Recycling and More!  Tuesday, August 8th - Join the Paddle Club in the Slatersville Reservoir.  Tuesday, August 8th - Imagine the Possibilities as a Volunteer for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor! Wednesday, August 9th - Pedal from the Blackstone River State Park Visitor Center to Pratt Dam during this week's Ride of Discovery. Don't Forget! - The deadline for submissions to the 2018 Calendar Contest is coming up!  Monday, August 14th, 2017 will be the last day to submit your photo entries. For a complete list of our volunteer-led events and other events  throughout the Blackstone Heritage Corridor,  Visit the events page on our website. BHC's online events calendar is updated faster than we can say  "Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor"  so check back often to see what's happening. * Afraid that weather is a factor? Check out BHC's Facebook Page for any updates!

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: Exelon gets State approval; Governor appoints pot board

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

"A state board eliminated roadblocks for the construction of an expansion to the Medway Exelon plant. 

At a hearing Friday, the Energy Facilities Siting Board approved two decisions - one granting a certificate of environmental impact and public interest, and the other approving a revised water supply - in favor of the 200-megawatt expansion project. It had earlier issued tentative decisions to allow for public comment. 

Board counsel Joan Evans said her draft decision grants the certificate to Exelon. Though the company had requested the board grant 11 state and local permits, this decision requires it go through the regular permitting process. Evans said the state fire marshal’s office, for example, wanted more information on chemicals that would be stored at the plant. 

The company can seek those permits during construction, Evans said. With a favorable decision, she told the board, Exelon could begin construction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/state-oks-medway-exelon-plans

Governor Charlie Baker on Friday appointed five members to the Massachusetts’ Cannabis Advisory Board, which will make recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission on the regulation and taxation of marijuana. 

The board was established by the ballot initiative approved by voters last November and in legislation signed by Baker last week, consisting of 25 members: five appointees each from the governor, treasurer and attorney general and 10 others. 

The law requires Baker’s appointees to represent experts in minority business development, economic development strategies for under-resourced communities, farming or farming interests, employers and municipal law enforcement. 

The new members are Walpole Police Chief John Carimichael Jr.; Roxbury attorney Kimberly Napoli, co-founder of the Hempest retail clothing shop in Harvard Square; Mary Ann Pesce of Weston, an independent consultant who spent most of her career in business management for The Gillette Company in Boston; Lydia Sisson, founder and co-director of Mill City Grows, an urban food producer in Lowell; and Henry M. Thomas III, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/governor-baker-names-five-to-pot-panel

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Harvest Festival registration press release & form; new members

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com FDP Harvest Festival Registration press release, form Don't delay - booth spaces are first-come first-served and we expect to sell out spaces! Franklin Harvest Festival Registration Opens to Vendors in August Registration will begin in August for crafters, vendors, artists and community groups who want to participate in the Franklin Downtown Partnership's 15th annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fall's Harvest Festival is expected to draw more than 8,000 visitors to downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Sunday, October 15. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event. Booths are free to 2017 business members, $125 for non-members, and $185 for food vendors. The registration deadline for participants is September 20. Downtown business owners need to send in a registration to secure store-front space. A late charge of $35 will be added to registration forms received after September 20, and no registrations will be accepted after October 1. Event details and registration forms will be posted in early August on www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, on the FDP's Facebook event page and on Twitter. Questions can be directed to Harvest Festival Chair Scott Martin at fdpharvestfest@gmail.com. Sponsors are needed to help support the FDP's largest and most popular festival. As a non-profit organization, the Downtown Partnership depends on sponsors to fund this and other efforts including Beautification, the Strawberry Stroll and the Holiday Stroll. Sponsorship forms can be found on the FDP website under the Sponsors tab. Currently, Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Silver sponsors. Chestnut Dental Associates, DCU, the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Ford and Real Living Realty are Bronze sponsors. The Franklin Historical Museum and Franklin Cultural District, LeafFilter, Rescom Exteriors, and Tom Fricker Heating & AC, Inc. are Friends sponsors. Download the press release here. Please tell us what you need: Networking lunches Over the past year we've been holding our monthly Networking Luncheons on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m., and many of you have joined us.  Does that day and time work for you? Do you prefer a different day or time?  What other suggestions do you have for our committee? Please email the FDP office with your comments and suggestions and we'll pass those along to Matt Lechter and Gary Donelan. They'll take your suggestions and create a luncheon schedule for the fall.

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Try it free today

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