Town Council Recap: Charter School provides update; contract reached with Hellen for Town Administrator role

The Town Council meeting held Wednesday, Dec 12, 2018 can be summarized as follows:

Appointments

Appointments to the Board of Health (BOH) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) were made. Phillip Brunelli had recently resigned from the Board of Health to take a spot on the ZBA. Fulfilling the open BOH spot required a joint session of the Council and BOH to appoint Ciera Maffei. She will fill the role until the next election (Nov 2019). Philip was successfully appointed to the ZBA and Christopher Stickney was appointed to an associate position.

Section 3 Vacancies

3-3-1 Unless recalled in accordance with Article Five, Section 4 of this Charter, vacancies in boards established under this Article shall be filled by the Town Council jointly with the remaining members of the respective board until the next regular Town election.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf

Charter School Update

Charter School Presentation to Town Council from Franklin Matters

Risk Assessment

The Town administration has had an open action item for several years to perform a financial risk assessment. This was accomplished this summer and the summary document was presented and review at the meeting.

This was good to see performed. It had been required in the annual audit reports. The actions required to complete the assessment are relatively minor in nature and currently scheduled for completion  by the end of March 2019. A copy of the risk assessment report is linked to below

Executive Session

The Town Council entered into executive session to discuss and come to an agreement on the contract for the new Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen. They were to  return to open session and either vote (assuming they reached an agreement) or return and then close the meeting (if they hadn't)/

After approx 45 minutes they did return to open session and vote to agree on the contract which they signed and then Jamie signed.

new TA Jamie Hellen waits for Councilor Earls to be
the last to sign the contract before signing it himself

The Town Council Actions Taken doc can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_december_12_2018.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting

• Live reporting: return to open meeting
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-return-to-open-meeting.html
• Live reporting: to Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-to-closing.html
• Live Reporting: Subcommittee reports through to Le...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-subcommittee-reports.html
• Live Reporting: Risk Assessment
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-risk-assessment.html
• Live reporting: Presentation / Discussion
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-presentation-discussion.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - Meeting - Dec 12, 2...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-town-council-meeting-dec.html
• 
  

after signing the contract, Jamie shook hands with the Councilors

In the News: condo development proposal for West Central St returns

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

"Developers are proposing to construct a 24-unit condominium development on West Central Street. 

There will be a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 7 at 7:05 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. 

The project - submitted by Joel D’Errico of Franklin and named Highland Village - is made up of three parcels in separate ownership, totaling about 2.85 acres from 278 to 300 West Central St. The site plan was prepared for the three clients by Guerriere & Halnon engineers and land surveyors. 

Town Planner Amy Love said that the same owners sought approval for a similar project last year and were denied by the Planning Board. This time, they came back with six fewer condos on the table."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181217/franklin-braces-for-another-condo-development

One of four lots for sale on Pleasant St near the DelCarte Open Space

January 2019 at THE BLACK BOX features Electric Youth, Mark White Octet and "You Can’t Take It With You"

THE BLACK BOX will present a month full of concerts, plays, and more this January. Kicking off a new year of entertainment for the local venue on Saturday, January 5 is Electric Youth with their 2019 debut. With two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. 

Electric Youth

Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 at noon for a jazz brunch. The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. 

Mark White

Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Closing out the month at THE BLACK BOX is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s staging of the classic comedy You Can’t Take It With You. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For tickets and more information visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Brogan, Gordon, and McGrath named to the 2018-19 Boston Globe All-Scholastics

The Boston Sunday Globe published the All-Scholastics selection for the Fall 2018 season. We share the Franklin High School student athletes named.

All photos via the Boston Globe

Boys Cross Country

Tyler Brogan

Tyler Brogan

FRANKLIN | JUNIOR

Brogan took second at the Hockomock championships in 15:55. The junior also won the CMI Varsity 1 race by one second over teammate Michael Hagen (16:16) and placed 13th at the Division 1 All-State meet (16:50.77).





For the other Boys cross country selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/boys-cross-country

For the Girls cross country selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/girls-cross-country


Football

Nick Gordon

Nick Gordon

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The 6-foot, 165-pound senior quarterback tossed a program record 24 touchdowns and his 32 total touchdowns is also a single-season record. Named MVP of the Hockomock League Kelley-Rex Division, Gordon finishes his career with more than 2,000 passing and 400 rushing yards.




For the other Football selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/football


Volleyball

Lauren McGrath

Lauren McGrath

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The shrewd senior setter tallied 547 assists and 31 aces in pacing the Panthers (20-1) to an undefeated regular season and a D1 South finals appearance, earning her Hockomock MVP honors. A three-time league All-Star, she hopes to play in college.




For the other Volleyball selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/girls-volleyball

The complete All-Scholastics page
https://www.bostonglobe.com/Sports/HighSchools/specials/all-scholastics/allscholastics

Register O'Donnell Reports on November Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on November Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Mirroring trends seen across eastern Massachusetts, Norfolk County real estate is continuing to experience sluggish sales due to limited inventory of available properties, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell noted, "During the month of November, real estate sales, for both residential and commercial activity, fell 2% from the previous year. A total of 1,476 property transactions were recorded versus 1,512 in November 2017. The bottom line is you can't sell more of what you don't have." According to last month's statistics, the average combined sale price of residential and commercial property for the month was $936,750, a 47% increase year over year. In addition, total dollar sales volume, again for both residential and commercial properties, was $911 million, also a 47% increase from November 2017. These numbers were greatly spiked by a $153 million commercial sale recorded in Brookline. On the financial side, Norfolk County lending numbers were mixed during the month of November. The Register noted, "The number of mortgages recorded during the month decreased by 16%. However, the total volume of mortgage financing, for both residential and commercial properties, came in at $1.2 billion, a 3% increase year over year. There can be no doubt consumers are being prudent when considering big ticket expenses due to increases in the interest rates." While the figures were mixed, there are some definite reasons for optimism when it comes to foreclosure activity. "First the bad news," noted the Register, "there were 17 foreclosure deeds filed in November compared to 13 during the same time period in 2017. The good news; during the same time period there was a 68% reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process." "The Notice to Foreclose Mortgage numbers were really encouraging," stated Register O'Donnell. "With that said, we need to remember that foreclosure activity has a human face. I want to remind Norfolk County residents that my office continues to partner with the Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. These organizations can help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400." On the consumer front, the number of Homestead recordings showed a small increase. A total of 1,022 Homesteads were filed compared to 1,004 in November 2017. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Once again, we are seeing some troubling concerns in the real estate market brought on by low inventory numbers. The only way we will see a more robust real estate market is through greater inventory and the stabilizing of interest rates." 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 Register O'Donnell Reports on November Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

"You know you’re going to like it when you leave here”

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

"It starts with the distinct flavor of Italian basil, freshly plucked from the garden -- summer distilled down into a teaspoon, washing pleasantly over every taste bud. 

And then it transforms and there are strawberries, warmed by the sun, lingering like a late June twilight, a luxurious afterthought. 

The taster’s face blooms with pleasure: The pairing of basil-infused olive oil and strawberry balsamic vinegar is a pure delight. The connoisseur grins, pleased to have elicited such a response. He pokes a finger into the air in a “just wait” gesture, his expression speaking volumes. He has another palatable creation to share. 

“This!” he says, taking up a small sampling cup from atop a thick cutting board, “This is a sweet pepper stuffed with mascarpone and drizzled with Saba, which is a traditional dark balsamic vinegar.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181216/at-franklins-little-shop-of-olive-oils-taste-is-what-its-all-about

The Butter infused olive oil is great for making popcorn

focused “on the big picture on the what and the why” and was “less specific on the how”

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

"A regional market-based program to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and a goal that all new cars, light trucks and buses sold in Massachusetts be electric by 2040 are among the recommendations in a two-volume, 237-page state report rolled out Friday afternoon. 

The report, released by the Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state should prepare for potential changes in transportation over the next two decades. 

Many of the ideas, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said, respond to “the twin transportation challenges of the 21st century” - climate change and congestion. 

“Whether today or in the future, we simply must move more people in fewer vehicles if we are serious about reducing congestion and greenhouse gas pollution from the transportation sector,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181216/state-unveils-carbon-emissions-reduction-plan

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation