Zipline for kids at King St Memorial Park (video)

A new zipline for kids 5 to 12 years old was installed recently at the King St Memorial Park. On one of my visits to my plot at the Community Garden I captured this video.

Oh to be 11 again! (at least to try this out!)

zipline chair at end of line - more mulch seems to be going to be added at the end of the line

yes, it is restricted to 5-12 year olds with parent supervision

a new climbing rope pyramid was also installed recently

the slide combo was already at the same playground at the King St Memorial Fields

MBTA Commuter Rail notice - Franklin Line not stopping at Ruggles

Due to downed catenary wires all Needham, Franklin, Providence, and Stoughton trains will not stop at Ruggles. Passengers may use the Orange Line at Back Bay to connect to Ruggles.


Last Updated: Aug 12 2019 05:36 AM
https://mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts?alerts_timeframe=current

MBTA Commuter Rail notice - Franklin Line not stopping at Ruggles

Franklin Election 2019: What does the Planning Board do?

From the Town of Franklin Planning Board webpage we can share:

"The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term and one appointed associate member.

The Planning Board’s primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town. State and local laws and regulations governing procedures for these approvals are MGL Chapter 40A (the Zoning Act); MGL Chapter 41, Sections 81K - 81GG (the Subdivision Control Law); Chapter 300 of the Franklin Town Code Subdivision Regulations; and the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaws Chapter 185.

The Board conducts meetings and public hearings in compliance with Town of Franklin General Laws to review and consider preliminary and definitive subdivision plans, Site plans and Special Permits, Approval Not Required (Form A) plans, and Certificate of completion applications.

The Planning Board also considers and prepares amendments to the Town of Franklin Zoning By-laws and the Town of Franklin Subdivision Regulations. The Board conducts public hearings on amendments created by the Board and on zoning amendments that are submitted to the Board by way of citizen petition or by landowners or other town boards through the proper procedures for submitting to Town Council.

All material received by the Planning Board in connection with applications is considered public information and can be seen during posted office hours."

The Planning Board Project project page on the Town of Franklin site lists the approved projects and the projects currently in the approval process.
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Franklin Election 2019:What does the Planning Board do?

Register O'Donnell Highlights Increased Lending Activity in Norfolk County

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights Increased Lending Activity in Norfolk County A small decrease in Norfolk County real estate transactions was more than offset by an impressive spike in mortgage lending activity during the recently concluded month of July 2019. Register O'Donnell noted, "During July, a total of 1,761 residential and commercial properties were sold in Norfolk County, representing a modest 2% decrease year over year. Inventory issues, particularly the lack of starter homes, are continuing to stifle growth in the Norfolk County real estate market." Total real estate sales volume, both residential and commercial, for the month of July was $893 million, a 16% decrease year over year. This figure was impacted by two commercial real estate sales of $64 million and $96.5 million recorded in July 2018. In addition, the average sales price, again for both residential and commercial properties, was $718,518, a 14% decrease compared to the previous year. "Time will tell," stated O'Donnell, "whether or not these figures portend a thaw in the Norfolk County real estate market." The encouraging news that came out of July's numbers was seen in lending activity. The number of mortgages recorded during the month was 2,950, a significant 28% increase year over year. For the month, total mortgage borrowing jumped by 119% to $2.1 billion. The total borrowing figure was impacted by 2 large residential multi-family mortgages, one in Quincy totaling $426 million and the other recorded against a Franklin property totaling $384 million. O'Donnell noted, "A reduction in mortgage interest rates is having a positive effect on the Norfolk County lending market." Another bright spot was the continuing decline in foreclosure activity, a trend seen for the past few months. A total of 8 foreclosure deeds were processed during July compared to 20 recorded in July 2018, resulting in a 60% decline. In addition, 29 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, were filed during the month versus 38 recorded in July of 2018, a decline of 24%. "We severely underestimate the effect of foreclosures if we simply look at them as just a bunch of numbers. Foreclosure activity has a human face. Some of our neighbors struggle to pay their monthly mortgage and sometimes fall short through no fault of their own. Families face economic hardships as a result of a sudden job loss or a catastrophic medical event. This is why the Registry of Deeds directs homeowners to the Quincy Community Action Programs at (617)479-8181 x376 and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (617)770-2227 x-346 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lending institution. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617)727-8400," noted O'Donnell. On the consumer front, Homestead recordings were slightly up during the month of July. A total of 1,300 Homesteads were recorded, a 3% increase compared to the previous year. "It is important to remember," noted Register O'Donnell, "that a Homestead is an important tool that provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to 500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Available real estate inventory continues to be a constant source of concern in Norfolk County. It's especially been a problem for first time home buyers attempting to crack the market. However, there is a silver lining in the July real estate statistics and that is based on the optimistic lending numbers we've seen. These figures are very encouraging and tell us reduced interest rates and a robust eastern Massachusetts economy are having a positive effect on the Norfolk County region." 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: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Highlights Increased Lending Activity in Norfolk County

“Would some kids be ready to vote at 16? Maybe”

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

"When Concord-Carlisle High School senior Una Oljaca visited the Statehouse last spring, she and fellow senior Gretchen Carr had a chance to see where legislators voted, the hearing room where several bills are brought up each day and some of the offices where representatives work.

But the day was about much more than simply taking a tour.

Oljaca and Carr were there to testify alongside state Rep. Tami Gouveia, D-Acton, in support of a bill to allow 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections in Concord.

The issue is complicated, with engaged teens on one side wanting a place at the table when it comes to electing local and national leaders and adults on the other side not so sure a 16-year-old is experienced enough to make such an important decision."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190811/would-you-trust-your-16-year-old-in-voting-booth

Voting age varies around the world with most at 18. wikipedia has the listing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_age

voting age chart showing the majority at 18

Call for Sponsors of the Harlem Wizards vs. Team FPS basketball fund raising event - Nov 22

Harlem Wizards Vs. Franklin Public Schools 

(“Team FPS”)

a Community Basketball Event & Fundraiser

to Benefit Franklin Education Foundation

Opportunity for Sponsorships

WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

WHERE: Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium, Franklin, MA

WHAT: The Harlem Wizards will bring their team to Franklin to compete against “Team FPS” for a 2-hour tournament. The Harlem Wizards brand of “Trick Hoops & Alley Oops” entertainment basketball has been packing gyms across the globe for over 50 years! Their show includes amazing slams, world-class tricks, precision teamwork and humor.

WHO: “Team FPS” will include teachers and staff from Franklin Public Schools. We sell out every year with a crowd of 1,200 students, parents and children!

WHY: FEF fundraisers have raised over $350,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF has funded over the years, visit http://www.franklined.org/grants.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SPONSORSHIPS: This is FEF’s largest and most visible fundraiser of the year. Your sponsorship will highlight that your business supports Franklin Public Schools and the larger Franklin community. We have numerous opportunities at various levels to support the fundraiser and promote your business to the Franklin community. The attached flyer provides more details about the event and sponsorship levels. Thank you for considering supporting FEF and FPS!

Sincerely,
Franklin Education Foundation

Down your copy of the Sponsor Letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczX1pza2xkY3UxcVVfekVHeFRFVXBsWmVnR2lz/view?usp=sharing

Call for Sponsors of the Harlem Wizards vs. Team FPS  - Nov 22

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 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. School Handbooks
I recommend approval of the Franklin Public Schools Student/Family Handbooks as discussed.
b. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

i. BEC – Executive Sessions
ii. BEDG – Minutes
iii. JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

c. Budget Discussion and Revised Budget
I recommend that the School Committee adopt a revised FY 20 budget of
$64,702,500.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Summer Professional Development and Curriculum Update

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 July 23, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. End of Year Transfers
I recommend approval of the end-of-year budget transfers as detailed.
c. Surplus Technology Equipment
I recommend declaring the detailed list of technology equipment as surplus.
d. Athletics Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for participation fees for students who otherwise could not afford for sports, clubs, events, etc.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
10. Correspondence
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


Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-8-13-19

Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-13-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 2019