Monday, July 22, 2019

In the News: college students not aware of SNAP benefits available

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

"Hunger is a problem for some college students in MetroWest, and there’s a federal program that could help them.

However, a recent study shows millions of students are potentially missing out on the program, because they either don’t know about it or the eligibility rules are too complicated to understand.

The program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Nearly two million college students didn’t receive SNAP benefits in 2016, even though they were potentially eligible, according to a December 2018 study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. The report recommended the U.S. Department of Agriculture improve its efforts to clarify SNAP eligibility requirements, and make them more accessible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190721/college-students-going-hungry-many-miss-out-on-snap-benefits

Visit the SNAP web page for additional info on benefits
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program

Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results


Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that 2nd quarter (April-June 2019) real estate statistics showed a slight decrease in residential and commercial sales, while mortgage lending numbers experienced a small uptick and foreclosures were way down.

Register O'Donnell noted, "The 2nd quarter figures showed an overall 1% reduction in the number of properties sold countywide from 4,971 to 4,918 for the same quarter of 2018. The flat real estate sales tell us there are still challenges when it comes to real estate inventory. It has been an ongoing issue and one that certainly needs to be watched closely."
Register O'Donnell further stated, "The recently concluded 2nd quarter also saw the average Norfolk County real estate sales price, for both residential and commercial properties, decrease 11% to $776,889. Total dollar real estate volume, again for both residential and commercial, was $2.4 billion, a 16% decline year over year. These figures were impacted by the $177 million sale of Steward Norwood Hospital that took place on 6/28/18."

For the 2nd quarter 2019, the number of land documents recorded, (such as deeds, mortgages, Homesteads, mortgage discharges, etc.) was 37,019, a slight 1% drop-off from the previous year. Register O'Donnell noted, "This relatively flat figure tells us we have a ways to go before we see robust growth in the real estate market."

One good piece of positive news was the 7,108 mortgages recorded at the Registry in the 2nd quarter compared to 6,826 for the same time period in 2018. Additionally, total mortgage borrowing was $3.8 billion for the second quarter compared to $4 billion during the 2nd quarter 2018. "With the reduction in interest rates, consumers seem to be more comfortable when it comes to borrowing money," stated the Register.

Norfolk County homeowners continued to benefit from the Homestead Act. A total of 3,396 Homesteads were recorded during the 2nd quarter, a 1% 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 important consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell.

Foreclosure activity in Norfolk County continued to show signs of improvement. A total of 27 foreclosure deeds were recorded versus 48 filed during the 2nd quarter of 2018. In addition, there was a significant 38% drop in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process.

O'Donnell stated, "One foreclosure is one too many, and while the eastern Massachusetts economy remains on a solid footing, there are still those in Norfolk County experiencing economic hardships. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, (617-479-8181 x376), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, (508-587-0950) to 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."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "While real estate sales were mostly flat during the recently concluded quarter, a cause for optimism was the uptick in lending numbers. A continuing strong economy in eastern Massachusetts, and the possibility of further interest rate cuts as signaled by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to congressional committees, should bode well for the overall real estate market going forward."

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/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in 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 www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone 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
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831


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Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results
Norfolk County 2nd Quarter 2019 Real Estates Activity Shows Mixed Results


Sunday, July 21, 2019

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 23, 2019

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.

A G E N D A
“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.”


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Superintendent’s Evaluation
I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2018-2019 school year as discussed.

b. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: BEC – Executive Sessions
BEDG – Minutes
JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 25, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 25, 2019 Executive Session of the School Committee meeting as detailed to be released.
c. ECDC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $920.00 from Bridgewater State University for in-house enrichment at ECDC as detailed.
d. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $348.00 from the Jefferson PCC for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
e. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $727.65 as follows:
• Alliance Energy, LLC $500.00 supplemental curriculum materials
• Scholastic, Inc. $199.65 in-house enrichment
• Coca Cola Give $ 28.00 in-house enrichment
f. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,401.20 from the JF Kennedy PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
g. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,229.54 from the Oak Street PCC as follows:
$1835.00 Library books
$2394.54 Supplemental Curriculum Materials

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
b. Student Activity Accounts Report – Miriam Goodman

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

12. Adjournment


The documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-23-2019-school-committee-packet
  
raised garden beds at Davis Thayer in June
raised garden beds at Davis Thayer in June
 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 24, 2019


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and show on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. June 5, 2019
b. June 12, 2019
c. June 26, 2019

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
- None

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Swearing in of 3 Firefighters
b. Board of Registrars, Richard Kerr

6. HEARINGS
a. West Central Street Zoning
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to Chapter 185 section 40.D(3)(a)
c. Acceptance of Clearview Drive as Public Way

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- None

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 19-49: Authority For Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute Tax Agreement with Owner Of Ground-Mounted Solar Facility Located Off Upper Union Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-49 - Majority Vote (5))

b. Resolution 19-50: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Clearview Drive and Drainage Lot Parcel A (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-50 - Two -Thirds Majority Vote (6))

c. Resolution 19-51: Acceptance of Gift-Franklin Public Library (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-51 - Majority Vote (5))

d. Resolution 19-52: Appropriation of Funds Received from the Franklin Community Cable Access Inc. to the Town for the Public Safety Communications Infrastructure. (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-52 - Majority Vote (5))

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to Chapter 185 section 40.D(3)(a) -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Pending Litigation: 290 Beaver St LLC v. Town of Franklin, Norfolk Superior Court Docket NO. 1932CV00593 - Challenging Validity of West Central Street Zoning District.

15. ADJOURN

Notes:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-07-24_town_council_agenda_2.pdf

The meeting packet (all documents released for this meeting)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/july_24_town_council_meeting_packet_7.19.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 24, 2019
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 24, 2019

"Advocates said ranked choice voting increases voter engagement and increases diversity in elections"

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

"Activists met last week at the State House to celebrate progress on ranked choice voting efforts and highlight bills that would allow municipalities to enact the voting reform at the local level, and legalize the process statewide.

“We’re all here in this shared effort to ensure that every voter in Massachusetts has a greater voice when they go to the polls,” said Mac D’Alessandro, state director for Voter Choice Massachusetts, which organized the event.

The group gathered activists from across the state for a lobby day featuring meetings with legislators to discuss the issue.

“We need to do everything we can to expand voting enfranchisement and expand access to voting rights and democracy,” said state Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester. “Ranked choice voting is an important strategy to move us in that direction.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190720/ranked-choice-pitched-as-inclusive-election-reform

Other Ranked Choice Voting or RCV references
Sample ballot of ranked voting using written numbers
Sample ballot of ranked voting using written numbers



Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019

Joint Budget Subcommittee
 
July 24, 2018 - 6:00 PM

3rd Floor Training Room
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street


Agenda
1. FY 2020 and Beyond Budget Overview


Who is the "Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting"? 
The committee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee supported by members of the Town and School Administration.

July 24 meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_7-24-19.pdf

June 19 meeting agenda and supporting materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_6-19-19.pdf


Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019
Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019

Cool thoughts for another hot day

From the archives, a winter walk in February of 2014 can help bring about some cool thoughts for another hot day. 

What has changed since Feb 2014? or not?


Winter Walk in Franklin


and a current photo that was shared Saturday afternoon via Instagram to the Facebook page. Thanks to the folks at NerdsToGo for this!

Cool thoughts for another hot day
Cool thoughts for another hot day