Community Preservation Act: Frequently Asked Questions - answered by CPAForFranklin

Question of the Day: 

"Is there really any open space left to save in Franklin?"

 https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-is-there-really-any.html

 

Question of the Day: 

 “I don’t mind paying more on my taxes for saving open space, but I don’t want to pay more for the other uses. If money raised gets split up, will it really ever be enough to do anything with?”

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-will-there-be-enough.html

 

Question of the day:

"Does adopting the CPA mean there will be an additional tax when I sell my home?"

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-does-adopting-cpa-mean.html

 

Question of the day: 

"How is the CPA amount calculated? Will the CPA surcharge be figured as 2% of my property value under the CPA?"

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-how-is-cpa-amount.html

 

Question of the Day: 

"Doesn’t the Town have enough affordable housing for those who need it?"

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-doesnt-town-have-enough.html

 

Question of the Day: 

“How many communities have adopted the CPA? And have any revoked it?” 

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-how-many-communities.html

 

Question of the Day:  

How is the allocation of local funds prioritized? 

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-how-is-allocation-of.html

 

Questions of the Day:  

1 - Who decides how Franklin’s CPA funds would be spent? 

2 - How will Franklin decide which projects will be funded? https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/question-of-day-two-questions.html

 

If you have a question about how the Community Preservation Act (CPA) works, please email CPA4Franklin@gmail.com.  

 

As additional questions are asked and answered they will be posted to the page here https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/p/frequently-asked-questions.html

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Franklin, MA: Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election

Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election can be found on the Town Clerk's website here 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sample_ballots_nov_2020.pdf

 

 

For additional info from the Town Clerk visit

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

 

For the Election Collection for Franklin residents during this election season of 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

 

Town of Franklin, MA: Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election

 

FHS field hockey "Holds Off Late Charge To Beat King Philip"

Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provide the write up of the FHS vs KP field hockey actions on Tuesday.

It was nearly the perfect start for King Philip in its heavyweight battle against division rival Franklin.

Instead, a pair of great chances were turned aside by Franklin, one by goalie Neilee Hess and another by the stick of midfielder Sara Carney, and the Panthers took control from there.

Behind goals in the first and third quarters, Franklin field hockey secured a 2-1 win over the Warriors in the first of two meetings between the teams this week in a rain-filled contest on the slick turf of Macktaz Field.

“We didn’t show enough energy,” said King Philip head coach Lisa Cropper. “We didn’t believe that we could win the game…they didn’t say that but I could see it in their body language. We had chances right off the bat and I think if we popped one in, it would have been a different story. But we didn’t, they did and they relaxed played their game, and we had to struggle the whole way.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-holds-off-late-charge-to-beat-king-philip/

For game photos visit  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Fall-2020/King-Philip-Franklin-Field-Hockey-10-13-20/

 

For the other results around the Hockomock League (mostly rescheduled due to the weather)

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-13-20/

 

King Philip’s Kelly Holmes pokes the ball by Franklin’s Kate O’Rourke. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

In the News: “What we need from you is continued vigilance"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"With daily COVID-19 counts, average positivity rates and hospitalizations higher than they were during a summer lull, Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday outlined progress the state has made over the past several months “to prevent silent spread” of the highly contagious coronavirus and to prepare for a fall uptick in virus activity.

“Over the past few weeks we started to see an increase in the number of COVID cases here and across the country and in many other countries,” Baker said Wednesday during a State House press conference. “For months, public health experts have forecast this increase.”

Massachusetts has built a “massive infrastructure to respond to this pandemic,” Baker said, leaving the state “in a strong position to be prepared for what comes next.”

Baker said the state will be able to rapidly expand hospital capacity if necessary, and that there are sufficient personal protective equipment supplies to meet the needs of health care and human service providers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201013/baker-state-in-strong-position-for-next-phase-of-virus?rssfeed=true

 

Gov Baker's press conference on Tuesday:  https://youtu.be/XMvjf3cKofw

 

 

Franklin Public Schools: Meals Pick Up Correction

October 13, 2020

Good morning,

This message is a correction to the meals pick up message from Friday's communication. As noted, pickup at Parmenter is being closed due to low participation.

Free breakfast and free lunch is available for pickup near the cafeteria at the rear of Franklin High School from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (NOT 3-4 PM). All meals are free between now and December 31, 2020.

Thank you,
Franklin Public Schools
 
 
For additional information on the school meals during this pandemic period, visit
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/school-operations/food-services 

Franklin Public Schools: Meals Pick Up Correction

Social Security Benefits Increase 1.3 % in 2021

From the Social Security Administration we share:

"Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

Continue reading   https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-increase-in-2021/

 

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2021

Spirit Medium at SAFE this SATURDAY!

Spirit, psychic, intuition - OH MY! LOOKING FOR THAT HALLOWEEN FEELING? Meet with LOCAL Spirit Medium Caitlin THIS SATURDAY Born and raised in Franklin, Caitlin has been intuitive and emphatic to those around her. Since childhood, Caitlin has been obsessed with anything that had to do with hauntings, psychics, mediums, and of course Halloween! She did not realize she had these gifts until adulthood when she met a fellow medium at a Bachelorette party. What is a psychic reading? When you sit with Caitlin she will be using Oracle cards to assist in the reading. You may choose to ask a question, or not. She will be reading your personal energy (soul to soul) and delivering information to you based on what your soul is telling her and her guides. You are welcome to take notes and she encourages it! Even though this is a mini reading and may be your introduction to psychics and mediums, there is always a chance a loved one who has passed will come by and also deliver a message for you. If this occurs, this is a mediumship reading. Disclaimer Psychic and mediumship readings are for education and spiritual guidance and is not considered to be a substitute to conventional medicine or treatment from a medical doctor or licensed professional such as an attorney, psychiatrist, or financial advisor. The reader shall not be liable for any decisions made by the sitter after the reading occurs. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-with-spirit-and-safe-tickets-123381119249 Start my reading! NEWSROOM Cape Cod Paranormal Consortium Crystal Lotus Cape Cod Copyright © 2020 SAFE Coalition, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: SAFE Coalition PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038-0434

FM #364 School Committee Meeting - 10/13/20 (audio)

FM #364 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 364 in the series.

This shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The meeting was broadcast via Verizon and Comcast as well as the live steam via the Franklinma.gov page. All three channels had an audio problem with no sound. The Zoom meeting audio was fine (the Zoom where it happened). Zoom originated the broadcast from the Council Chambers and apparently the audio got lost getting elsewhere.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HctqB8FK

-----------

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html

The Superintendent's Report  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_otober_13_2020.pdf

The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-13-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet
 
My notes taken via Twitter and captured here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-recap-oct.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YLnwAqyAkAFBHQvA7

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Recap - Oct 13, 2020

Quick Recap:

• The meeting was broadcast via Verizon and Comcast as well as the live steam via the Franklinma.gov page. All three channels had an audio problem with no sound. The Zoom meeting audio was fine (the Zoom where it happened). Zoom originated the broadcast from the Council Chambers and apparently the audio got lost getting elsewhere
• Hiring staff is still a concern, bandwidth not an issue (version of Chromebook is), awaiting delivery of new Chromebooks so swaps can be made; teacher and student SEL a concern; communication issues acknowledged (Where was the Community Relations committee?)
• Three MASC resolutions passed 7-0, one by 4-3 vote as some were fearing that reducing voting age for municipal elections would add student votes to a potential override situation; two other resolutions were already adopted by this committee earlier in 2020
• District Improvement plan outlined and voted to adopt
• Superintendent Ahern presented the ‘evidence’ to support her accomplishments versus the goals set out; some discussion on what was the period of evaluation, as 5 of the committee are new and had not participated in the goal setting, although they did partially participate in the period of evaluation
• Approval to reduce the pay to ride bus fee to account for the hybrid schedule (versus full time in person) which had been anticipated when set
• The full Davis Thayer and facility report analysis is coming up next meeting, read the report to prepare
  

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom1013
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom1013?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the next School Committee meeting - have you checked out the agenda? https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-10-13-20 #schcomm1013 it has the connection info for this session
• The meeting available via Verizon and Comcast local channels as well as via lice stream from the Town of Franklin page #schcomm1013 https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream all brought to you by Franklin TV
• FHS representatives here for first time in school year. Akash Shetty, class president, Katie Garrigan & Nipun Goel also present and intro themselves; also spoke of mixed bag on remote learning, not easy, teachers doing well, reqs independence #schcom1013
• #schcom1013 now for Superintendent's report. Review of health data metrics and moving to hybrid as announced last week. Trending under 1% positivity rate and steady. Moving forward as scheduled. FHS model changed to 33% (instead of 1/4) A,B,C cohorts
• #schcom1013 UV upgrade has begun, currently filters and maintenance complete, and dampers open to increase air flow. 2 types of units large and small, Keller-Sullivan being done, FHS contracted, full schedule in report posted Weds
• Chromebook arrival anticipated, video bandwidth is fine, issue is with browser and unit software. Swaps being prepared once new units arrive. #schcom1013 contracted for remote service for families with unit problems
• Staffing continues to be a concern Report of no sound via the live stream, Zoom is fine. Verizon/Comcast also with no volume #schcom1013
• Folks working the sound issue #schcom1013
• #schcom1013 large size class VLA for K and 2nd grade a priority for additional help, as noted earlier with the staffing issues
• Could look at schedule as an interim step for lower level grades #schcom1013 wouldn't want to walk back the overall time as it took so long to get to full day K
• Superintendent is responsible for the health and safety of the students and staff daily, thanks to all for stepping up, the employers are also stepping up. #schcom1013 Moving along to Superintendent eval
• https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-eval-presentation presentation doc for eval. #schcom1013 Rubrics for eval with focus indicators
• #schcom1013 student goal will need to be revised as it was based upon 3 years of MCAS results and that was skipped last year. "When requested" holds exit interview with departing staff.
• Portrait of a graduate coming in next couple of meetings #schcom1013 (Zoom participation up to 60+)
• Seal of biliteracy coming for FHS, #schcom1013 one if the key policy matters is the closing study for Davis Thayer and that is underway. Report coming to meeting 10/27 https://franklinps.net/district/davis
• Portrait of a graduate (PoG) unites us all together. For Superintendents one of the most important work is to hire principals #schcom1013 to share background material on PoG, should also incorporate pandemic related items as they weren't planned for
• #schcom1013 how to address pandemic as it straddles 2 school years, last year is part of this eval. Next eval will cover this year and the summer prep etc. Including meetings via Zoom as business changed. Didn't want to go back
• Judy objects to use of 'evidence' results would be better, otherwise sounds like their picking apart the work. #schcom1013 Q on timing of eval period vs. SchCom term what they could see/observe. Q on staff wellbeing
• Superintendent eval publicly on Nov 10 #schcom1013 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/dip-goals-presentation doc contains the updated goals for approval, school goals cascade down from these
• Essential skills for portrait of a graduate (PoG) shown in these 5 areas #schcom1013 part of the overall district plan, more to come on the PoG as it comes forward as mentioned
• Key quote #schcom1013 work being done by Community group to be synched with the schools work in this area
• Still no sound on livestream (only Zoom) #schcom1013 I'll make sure to turn my audio recording around quickly so you can listen to this while Franklin TV queues the replay for cable
• What is the meaning of 'homework' when all school work is done at home? #schcom1013 use of digital tools for safety and privacy for users.
• PoG creates a structure for building on the skills across the grades to prepare for walking out the door as an adult #schcom1013 difference between school values and skill competency
• Q on goals vs this year what is it going to bring? Are we taking on too much? What is the rationale? #schcom1013 anything new is tailored narrowly to this environment, assessment is strategic, could allow us to assess less could do both remote and hybrid, adaptive as well
• Someone unmutted went full screen to yawn. Thanks, needed that. You know it's contagious #schcom1013 no new curriculum lifts this year, explanation helped to settle what was new vs New
• Recommend adoption of district goals https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-dip #schcom1013 motion seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call
• Motion on policy approval https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-policy #schcom1013 motion seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call
• Motion on bus ride pay fee reduction seconded https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-c-ptr #schcom1013 seconded passed 7-0 via roll call for this school year only due to pandemic.
• MASC resolutions up for approval https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-d-masc-resolutions 4 resolutions chosen, 2 already acted upon previously. #schcom1013 motion and second amended to hear a summary of the resolution passed 7-0 via roll call
• Res 1 calls for moratorium for testing for 2020-2021 sch year, motion seconded passes 7-0 via roll call Res 4 lowers voting age for municipal election via empower act, motion and seconded, passes 4-3 via roll call
• Res 5 advocates for progressive tax regulations, motion seconded passes 7-0 #schcom1013 Res 6 allocation of medicade funding motion seconded passes 6-1 (what % actually goes to schools) Judy no
• #schcom1013 recap of res 2 and 3 Info matters Budget met last week, scheduled future session; comm relations Tues at 3, newsletter items needed chap 70 presentation last week, FEF fund raiser well attended (approx 40) Policy meeting coming
• Facilities report reviewed 9/30, coming up 10/27 for full discussion https://franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis/pages/comprehensive-facilities-assessment-report #schcom1013 Joint PCC met, updates confirming what Supt said, concerned about fund raising this year due to pandemic
• "Caste" by isabel Wilkerson, currently #1 recommended by Rev Eric Cherry #schcom1013 Facilities report next meeting Consent agenda motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 via roll call Judy obtains on minutes for meeting she missed
• Motion to adjourn regular session, go to executive session to discuss strategy, will reconvene to return Motion to go, second, passes 7-0 #schcom1013
• While they will return, that is all for me tonight, catch you next time #schcom1013

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Recap - Oct 13, 2020

 

Virtual Franklin Turkey Trot - Nov 26 or anytime

Get ready to burn off those Thanksgiving calories before dinner AND give to the Franklin Food Pantry.

This year the Franklin Food Pantry is holding its 9th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot 5K as a virtual race. The turkey trot will still officially run on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, but you can run or walk your own personal 5K when it is most convenient for you. Once you have finished the race, you can post a picture on social media sharing that you completed your run and use the hashtag #turkeytrot2020. 

To register, go to http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org! Free shirts will be given to the first 100 to register.

All proceeds from this event go directly to the Franklin Food Pantry to provide quality healthy food to hungry families in our local community. In 2019, the over 1000 entrants, donors and sponsors raised almost $21,000! 

We hope you will still join us and register to support this great cause!

-- 
Krystal Whitmore
Race Director
www.franklinturkeytrot.org 

Note: Franklin Matters is proud to sponsor this fund raising effort for the Franklin Food Pantry.

2019 Turkey Trot Runners

LiveARTS: Pianist Victor Rosenbaum Plays Schubert - Oct 18 at 3 PM

LiveARTS welcomes the return of pianist VICTOR ROSENBAUM in a live streaming concert on Zoom!   Sunday, October 18  at 3 p.m. PROGRAM Franz Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 18 in G Major, D. 894 There will be a question and answer session following the performance. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity! During this time of uncertainty, LiveARTS is committed to bringing great music to you at no charge. To take advantage of this opportunity, go to our website, liveartsma.org, and order a free ticket. The Zoom link will be emailed to you 24 hours before the concert. Watch your email for more information.  You can download Zoom using this link:  Download Zoom Pianist Victor Rosenbaum has concertized widely as soloist and chamber music performer in the United States, Europe, Asia, Israel, and Russia. A long-time member of the faculty of New England Conservatory in Boston, he chaired the piano department for more than a decade. He has been Visiting Professor of Piano at the Eastman School of Music and a guest teacher at The Juilliard School. His highly praised recording of Schubert is on Bridge Records and the release of the last three Beethoven sonatas on the same label was named by American Record Guide as one of the top ten classical recordings of 2005. Mr. Rosenbaum is Music Director of the Music for Peace concert series. Copyright © 2020, LiveARTS.org.  All rights reserved.

Reminder: subscribe to the Franklin Reverse 911 notification system

"Reminder: The Franklin Reverse 911 notification system is an "OPT IN" system. You must sign up for notifications. We do not have everyone's home and mobile phone numbers. 

Free and easy to sign up": https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup

Shared from Twitter  https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1315469221418143744?s=03

https://twitter.com/franklinpolice

Pantherbook: "DECA Engages Future Business Leaders from Home"

From Pantherbook we share the following:  

"Are you interested in business? Want to be an entrepreneur? Do you just want to try something new? Then DECA is just right for you! 

What is DECA? 

DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. It’s an organization that helps students enter the world of business and get to know more about it. Franklin’s DECA organization appeals to anybody who is interested in any field of business. In DECA, students either create a written project or compete in a role play. Both events require persistence and hard work. The topics for these projects vary from Finance to Entrepreneurship to Sports and Entertainment and more.

“It is not an easy club, but if you put in the effort, then you will succeed and have fun as well!” said Mr. Carmo. Mr. Carmo teaches business and other subjects at FHS and runs DECA as well. "

Continue reading the article on Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/clubs-activities/2020/10/11/deca-engages-future-business-leaders-from-home/

DECA States 2020 (pantherbook image)

Town of Franklin, MA: When you spend locally, the money stays locally

"For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.* 

That is a GREAT reason to #ThinkFranklinFirst"

*Source https://t.co/HDBCQktNef (top link to page) 

Detailed link http://www.civiceconomics.com/indie-impact.html

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/P6d4BVXfvw

Town of Franklin, MA:  When you spend locally, the money stays locally

"Why does keeping it local matter so much? There are PLENTY of benefits to spending money on goods and services in your hometown! 

Stay tuned every Monday for our Top 10 Reasons to #ThinkFranklinFirst! 

#topten #keepitlocal #staylocal #benefits #shoplocal #localbusiness #localgoods "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/vHrAFEaouY

495/MetroWest Partnership: New PFAS Drinking Water Standard: Presentation and Q&A with MassDEP

The 495/MetroWest Partnership will host representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a presentation regarding the Commonwealth's new PFAS drinking water standard, to be followed by a Question & Answer period.

Presenters will include:

• Kathleen M. Baskin, P.E., Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Water Resources
• Damon Guterman, Senior Analyst, Drinking Water Program

This event will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21st, at 8:30 AM.  Click here to register:   https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ViP3UiofT4KWbJONfsmp4w

Background

In January 2019, DEP announced its intention to initiate the process to develop a drinking water standard, known as a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), for a group of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). 

On December 27th, 2019, proposed revisions to the drinking water regulations were published in the Massachusetts Register, marking the start of the formal public comment period.  

The revised PFAS regulation was published on October 2nd, 2020:

Click here to access the new regulation, 310 CMR 22.00
https://www.mass.gov/doc/pfas-mcl-revisions-to-310-cmr-2200-clean-version-9-16-2020/download

Click here to access a redlined version, highlighting changes implemented since the draft regulations were released in 2019

https://www.mass.gov/doc/pfas-mcl-revisions-to-310-cmr-2200-redline-version-9-16-2020/download

For more background information regarding DEP's development of a PFAS drinking water standard, click here  https://www.mass.gov/lists/development-of-a-pfas-drinking-water-standard-mcl

495/MetroWest Partnership: New PFAS Drinking Water Standard: Presentation and Q&A with MassDEP