Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Franklin Election Collection - 2019

This will collect all the posts with information on the Franklin Town Election scheduled for Nov 5, 2019. The most recent items will be on the top of the list with the older items below.

While are called the "Town of Franklin", we operate as a city form of government with a Council, an Administrator hired by the Council to manage the town operations, and a School Committee which hires a Superintendent to manage the school district operations.

Every two years, the entire Town Council (9 positions) and School Committee (7 positions) are up for election. There are other elected positions that have staggered terms so some of them are available every two years.

The Town Clerk is elected every four years and this time the position is up for vote.

All precincts vote in one location, Franklin High School. The precincts are used to balance the voter numbers across the town and are set at the State level. Our State Senate representation is split between two districts while we have a Representative in the House that covers the town and a few precincts in Medway.

All precincts vote on Nov 5, 2019 in one location, Franklin High School

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-denise.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Joanne Lussier

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-joanne.html

Milford Daily News - Town Council candidates

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/in-news-get-to-know-town-council.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Matt Kelly

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-matt-kelly.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Ernest S Carruthers, Jr

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-ernest-s.html

Milford Daily News - Town Council candidates on finances

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-town-council-candidates-weigh.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Jennifer D'Angelo

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-jennifer.html

Milford Daily News - School Committee candidates

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/in-news-school-committee-candidates.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Tim Keenan

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-timothy.html

Franklin Candidate Interview: Judith Pond Pfeffer

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/franklin-candidate-interview-judith.html

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

2019 BIENNIAL TOWN ELECTION - Nov 5, 2019

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019

Franklin High School 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

www.registertovotema.com

NOMINATION PAPERS available in the Town Clerk’s Office starting August 1.

Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk for all open positions and important dates or call (508)520-4900

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Town Clerk’s Office till 8:00 PM or online www.registertovotema.com
Teresa M. Burr, CMC Town Clerk

The listing of positions for this election
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KFT_8YwRNVC5yNRVL8j0PqC7pkUvmemQ/view?usp=sharing

3rd Annual Franklin Rotary Car Show - Sep 15

3rd Annual Car Show
Franklin Rotary Club & Dean College

The show is scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2019, 10 AM to 3 PM, at the Dean College main parking lot in downtown Franklin, on Route 140 just west of the intersection with Emmons St (traffic light).

Parking is available adjacent in Rockland Trust Bank lot 1/2 block east on Rt.140 or by the elementary school just west of the show on Union or School Streets.

For Sponsorship info and to Register please contact Terry Katsoros at Rockland Trust at theodosioskatsaros@rocklandtrust.com
or Gary Convertino at gconvertino@cox.net

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd0EycjJqZVVjVEtDRXRhN2VtZmQ4OHFOY3hZ/view?usp=sharing

3rd Annual Franklin Rotary Car Show - Sep 15

Pineapple pizza? Yes or No?

How divisive have we become online? Very.

"What does pineapple pizza have to do with interference by Russia and other trolls in U.S. elections?

Everything, the head of an American cybersecurity agencies says. Because foreign governments, trying to create divisiveness, want Americans to argue and will go after low hanging fruit, like pizza toppings.

From a little-known conference put on by Fordham University and the FBI this week, DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Christopher Krebs tweeted his own hot take on pineapple pizza: Thumbs down.

....

CISA breaks down the playbook of foreign influencers into five steps: targeting divisive issues (see: pineapple pizza), moving accounts into place, amplifying and distorting the conversation, making the mainstream (see: NBC News story about pineapple pizza), and taking the conversation into the real world.

Krebs said his agency is trying to strengthen the national immune system for disinformation. "How do you take the tactics, techniques, and procedures of the bad guys, and educate the American people? How do you explain, 'This is how you’re being manipulated, this is how they’re hacking your brain?'"

Continue reading the article online:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-cybersecurity-agency-uses-pineapple-pizza-demonstrate-vulnerability-foreign-n1035296

Pineapple pizza? Yes or No?

Who’s reporting robocalls?

Who's reporting robocalls?

by Paul Witt, Lead Data Analyst, Division of Consumer Response & Operations

Have you ever reported an unwanted call to the FTC, whether it's a robocall (where you hear a recorded message) or call from a live person? If so, thank you.

Reporting, I'm sorry to say, won't end these annoying calls, but it helps the FTC and other law enforcement agencies investigate and bring cases against scammers and businesses that aren't following the law. In fact, the FTC's recent actions against robocallers show what your report can do.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/whos-reporting-robocalls?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Monday, July 29, 2019

MA Walking Tour Concert (video)

We shared the Massachusetts Walking Tour schedule here in June. This video shares some highlights of the walk as well as the concert that took place in Norfolk.

"The Massachusetts Walking Tour -- this year highlighting the local area’s Ten Mile River Watershed -- runs June 17 through 29. All on foot, the traveling musicians give a free concert in each community they stop at and host daily community hikes to bring awareness to local natural resources. In each town, they invite local performers to share the stage with them, promoting local arts and culture in the process.

Like traveling minstrels of old, songwriters Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards are getting ready to pack up their instruments and other gear and take their show on the road.

The pair is marking the 10th year of their Massachusetts Walking Tour - this year highlighting the region’s Ten Mile River Watershed."

From June 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/in-news-massachusetts-walking-tour.html

Visit the Mass Walking Tour page for details on the route and concert schedule
http://masswalkingtour.org/2019-tour/

Massachusetts Walking Tour - 2019

FM #168 - Joint Budget Subcommittee Mtg 7/24/19 (audio)

FM #168

This internet radio show or podcast is number 168 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. The joint budget subcommittee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee and is supported by members of the Town Administration as well as the School District Central Office.

Plans started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget at the meeting held in June meeting. This meeting picks up and provides some updates on events since the prior meeting. (Audio recording of the June meeting is linked below)

The Legislative Conference Committee has submitted their budget to the Governor who has 10 days to review, modify and approve the whole, or parts thereof. What went to the Governor is looking good for Franklin’s budget situation given the word from Senate President Spilka and Representative Roy. (Both their letters were share here earlier, links also provided below)

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern jointly authored a memo to the Governor regarding Franklin’s interest in the FY 2020 budget. (Copy attached)

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen also walked through an abridged version of the Five Year Fiscal Forecast for Franklin. (Copy attached)

There will be an open planning session on Sep 11 at the Senior Center at 6:30 PM. Additional details will be included as that announcement comes out.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 45 minutes).

-------------

Additional References:
The Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of June 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html

Senate President Spilka letter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/legislature-passes-balanced-budget-with.html

Representative Roy letter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/this-consensus-fiscal-year-2020-budget.html

The joint memo to the Governor
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lNwBM3PwuDbx7D03ys_DPZouGOoVHqVZ/view?usp=sharing

The abridged 5 Year Fiscal Forecast
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FZiTDKj0sOVFi9tdcYLObOayEq8id8kN/view?usp=sharing

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

1950's Car Show - August 10

A car show featuring vehicles from the 1950's is scheduled for the Benchmark Senior Living Center on Forge Hill Aug 10. Additional details in the flyer image.

1950's Car Show - August 10

Register O'Donnell Answers the Question - Where is My Deed?

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Answers the Question - Where is My Deed?

When interacting with the general public, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell and the staff of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds are asked many questions relative to land documents. One of the most common questions asked is where is my deed?

Register O'Donnell noted, "When a property transaction in Norfolk County takes place, a new deed is recorded here at the Registry of Deeds. This deed is a legal document affirming that a piece of property has been transferred from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). The filing fee for recording a deed, set by state statute, is $126.00."

After a deed is recorded, Registry of Deeds personnel enter and scan the document into the Registry's computer system. The deed is then available for viewing via the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. In addition to viewing the deed, anyone can print a non-certified copy of the deed, free of charge, from the website. A certified copy of the deed will cost $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage if the request is made by regular mail. Further information about obtaining a copy of a certified deed can be had by calling the Registry's Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, at 781-461-6101.

Register O'Donnell pointed out that while the recording, online storing, viewing and printing a copy of a deed is pretty straight forward, there are some private companies that take advantage of a property owner's desire for a copy of their deed. "Norfolk County residents," stated O'Donnell, "are receiving solicitations from private companies stating they can obtain a copy of their deed for an outrageous fee of $86.00. Under no circumstances should someone fall for this deed scam. As stated above, viewing of all land documents, including deeds, recorded in Norfolk County are available online via www.norfolkdeeds.org. A non-certified copy of a deed can be printed free while a certified copy can be obtained for a nominal fee. If someone gets one of these deed scam solicitations, throw it away or if you have a question, contact our Customer Service Center at the 781-461-6101 number."

In conclusion, Register O'Donnell noted, "For most individuals, a home is the most important economic possession they have. They want to make sure their deed is recorded accurately and is easily accessible if needed. In Norfolk County, we achieve these goals each and every day. While many people want a certified copy of their deed for peace of mind, the important thing to note is that it is available online via our website www.norfolkdeeds.org."

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

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

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Register O'Donnell Answers the Question - Where is My Deed?

“The way that the pills came to New England wasn’t from the local prescription pad”

Following up on the database released by the Washington Post with the opioid pills by manufacturer and distributor, the Boston Globe has an article on the single pharmacy in MA doing the most volume. The story within the data has many factors. The article also quotes Dr Ruth Potee who has been featured by the SAFE Coalition.

"Little about the appearance of the only CVS store in this picturesque old mill city of 17,000 suggests anything remarkable.

The cream-colored 24-hour pharmacy occupies a plaza wedged between a brick public elementary school and a storefront business that prepares tax returns.

But this CVS in the northern part of the state’s Pioneer Valley bears a dubious distinction: From 2006 to 2012, the pharmacy received the largest number of opioid painkillers of any neighborhood drugstore in Massachusetts, taking in 5.3 million hydrocodone and oxycodone pills from pharmaceutical distributors, according to recently released federal data.

The data, which The Washington Post and other media outlets recently obtained from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has stirred concerns about the painkillers that poured into this Western Massachusetts city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/07/28/one-drugstore-dispensed-lot-painkillers-but-that-not-whole-story/knyhZsDzpA8gbHL8WggXEM/story.html

The post from last week

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/how-much-hydrocodone-and-oxycodone-went.html

Dr. Ruth Potee noted that many pills arrive in New England from places other than local pharmacies.(Steven G. Smith for The Boston Globe)

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Town Council - Recap - July 24, 2019

With a full Town Council membership present for the only meeting in July, the Council took care of business in just under an hour.

Three new fire fighters were sworn in and made the congratulatory rounds

Benjamin Connell, Dana Kent, and Mathew LaFleur being sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

It was no surprise that one of the public hearings scheduled was moved to a future meeting. The matter concerning the West Central Street Zoning was moved to September 18, 2019 at 7:10 PM. This is the matter currently in the courts concerning the D'Errico proposal for the property that the Planning Board denied a resubmittal of.

Clearview Drive was formally accepted as a road by the Town continuing their efforts to reduce the number of roads in this 'unaccepted' cagtegory.

The water ban was mentioned during the Town Administrators update. The root cause has not been finalized but it seems to have been caused by lightning. The machinery is operational and the DPW is waiting for the holding tanks to return to acceptable levels before releasing the ban. There was no timeline indicated for this but hopefully it will be soon. Due to the quick response by DPW and Fire Dept the damage was limited and may amount to a couple of hundred thousand dollars instead of being significantly more.

The official Actions Taken document for this meeting was published
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_july_24_2019.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting can be found below

Live reporting: from Town Administrator report to ...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-from-town-administrator.html

Live reporting: Public Hearings - Legislation for ...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-public-hearings.html

Live Reporting: Town Council - July 24, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-town-council-july-24-2019.html

The agenda and documents released for the meeting can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-24-town-council-agenda

Franklin School Committee - Recap - July 23, 2019

With short attendance (five of seven members participating), and a light agenda, the School Committee meeting on Tuesday July 23, 2019 conducted its business efficiently in about 40 minutes.

The major item of discussion was the Committee evaluation of Superintendent Sara Ahern. The documentation referred to by the Chair and members of the committee during the discussion is not yet available on the School Committee page. It should not be a surprise that the Superintendent was well reviewed. Her performance in my view has been very good in trying circumstances.

One of the key items for the next meeting is the review of updates to the school handbooks. The link to the current version is shared here. The meeting version for the Committee will show potential changes inline with current text. There will also be a summary of the changes for each handbook school by school. The handbooks changes are in legal review now and will be made available to the Committee before the next meeting. Whether the public also gets to review the changes before hand was not discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-handbooks

The text of the Superintendent's update can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_july_23_2019.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here

Live reporting: Consent agenda to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to-closing.html

Live reporting: Policy First Readings

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-policy-first-readings.html

Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - July 23...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-school-committee-meeting.html

The meeting packet and documents released for the meeting can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-23-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin School Committee - Recap - July 23, 2019