Friday, November 19, 2021

Holiday Gift Dilemma? Check out the ornaments on sale at the Historical Museum gift shop

Historical Museum gift shop
Historical Museum gift shop

Stop by the Historical Museum gift shop for fun Franklin inspired gifts. From the beautiful ornaments of the Franklin Library and the Watering Trough, to mugs, pillows, note cards, and more. Looking for stocking stuffers? 

Visit the Gift Shop’s Lady Bug Corner and discover the Lady Bug’s connection to Franklin. 

Lady Bug Corner
Lady Bug Corner

Hosted by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, the gift shop is open museum hours Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1 PM - 4 PM. 

Shop local! #thinkFranklinFirst #ShopFranklin

 

Recap: Town Council hears about the waiting list and process for housing; approves FY 2022 budget reduction

Quick Recap:

  • Housing Authority, funded at State level, is limited in what they can do by funding and regulations. The list for access is long. A key part of our overall housing issue. The 60 unit senior housing at Franklin Ridge is awaiting funding. These units only make a dip into the wait list. Advocating for housing at State and Federal levels is best and only option
  • Elks Riders present their donation to veterans and recognized for such at same time
  • FY 2022 budget reduced by $454K to recognize the revenue expected won't be met. Outline of where the adjustments come from provided; on Town side some savings already recognized, Schools asked to reduce by $93K, how that will affect their $70M budget is 'minor' but would need to come from School Dept/School Committee.
  • Host Community agreement funding outlined as distributed among DPW, SAFE Coalition and Police Dept as mitigation for expected sales of cannabis products
  • Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to hold two hearings in Jan 2022 (Jan 4, and Jan 18) to solicit ideas for how the expected funds could be utilized. This listing would then be further developed by CPC and ultimately approved by Town Council before the first CPA funding is received in 4Q 2022.


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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1117 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461118335224008712


Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NoqWaRJWAjg2R8qb7 

getting ready for the Town Council meeting #tc1117 Full agenda doc (with remote connection info)  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_nov_17_2021.pdf


  • Chair Mercer opens meeting with gavel and then the 'normal' statement about access via Zoom, etc. #tc1117
Citizen comments
Minutes approved
  • motion to approve minutes of Oct 20, second, passes 9-0 #tc1117
Housing authority presentation/discussion
  • next up Housing Authority presentation #tc1117 George Danelo Chair of Housing Authority; introduces Lisa Audette, Executive Director, also a couple of other board members present
  • emergency applications take priority, needs to be validated; #tc1117 listing of 7 levels of priorities, 1 other levels of preference; over 6,000 on waiting listing; time consuming to process application to validate
  • average 20 units for senior housing per year; family units don't turn frequently; lists being reviewed by State to audit process; #tc1117 process time consuming on both Authority and applicant;
  • State maintains waiting list not the local housing authority - thousands of residents on the multiple lists; local 114 for disabled, 200 families for low income housing; local hands tied - app process through http://ma.gov site, preference and requirements set #tc1117
  • Pellegri concerned with out of town folks on list and the interjection of the State in the process; list process changes daily; #tc1117 if individual doesn't respond back to the list verification process, they lose their place in the line
  • petition legislators to change public housing regulations; #tc1117 could go via home rule petition, (which everyone would want); could check to see if general legislation has been filed - state funds source this, not Franklin funds
  • transfer within type of unit is an administrative transfer, if changing size, then the list comes into play; #tc1117 simple solution - need more housing, period. TA Hellen updates on Franklin Ridge project, permitted for 60 units, remains waiting for funding.
  • Hellen - we did identify a 3.5 acre piece of town owned land that could go for about 8 units of housing, can use the CPA funds to spec out further; #tc1117 at the end of the day, this comes down to money, takes the will of a lots of folks to get to fund it
  • Hellen - working with Habitant 4 Humanity on 2 other separate lots; #tc1117 we are doing this locally, we can't do it alone; the listing is applicants who have identified Franklin as a place to live - hence a happy problem (yet unfulfilled)
  • congregate housing while it can work, doesn't work for some and creates some problems when that comes up for someone on a list; #tc1117 6000 applicants on list for 2000 units state wide
  • How long will it take? No good answer for that Q. It depends. #tc1117 copy of 2 page memo used in this discussion will be shared later (have paper will convert post meeting)
  • Jones: what are logical viable next steps to solve this problem? #tc1117 218 units total; 165 seniors, 4 bedroom congregate, 33 family units
  • pull a listing for every vacancy; could pull 50-100 for 4 vacancies - work the list to validate status and eligibility for preference and priority; need to fill unit within 30 days; may close the list within 10 days depending upon circumstances #tc1117
  • Frongillo - how can we help? it is about land and money; age of buildings a concern, sidewalks are getting broken, (Town could help with), they apply for every grant we can get; #tc1117 average rent in a unit $450/unit, not much to work with
  • funding not enough to keep with the caring annually. #tc1117 folks can paint but must use Housing paint; Housing Authority is a state agency; CPA funds maybe the best option; need to be state or Federal sources to provide the funding
  • TA Hellen - Jan 4 and 18 Community Preservation Committee to hold hearings; Foxboro voucher process could use CPA funds but it won't increase # of units, would help with individual funding of units #tc1117

Legislation For Action

  • LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - a. Resolution 21-68: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Dept ($1,000), Historical Commission ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-68 - Majority Vote) - moved, seconded, passes 9-0 
  • Elks Riders present to talk about their donation #tc1117
  • Resolution 21-69: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY22
  • (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-69 - Majority Vote) #tc1117 motioned, second, passes 9-0 - this was previewed and approved by FinCom last week (7-0)
  • Resolution 21-70: Appropriation of Cannabis Fees
  • (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-70 - Majority Vote) motion, second, passes 8-0 TA Hellen spoke to parts of this during prior discussion, 2 active host community agreements $300K each; light project designed, hopeful to do spring
  • On last vote 8-0-1 recusal by Dellorco #tc1117
  • Details on FinCom vote in their meeting last week can be found https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/fm-655-finance-committee-mtg-111021.html… #tc1117
  • Interesting that Dellorco remained in conversation (and commented) and only before vote recused himself. #tc1117 hope that doesn't cause a problem - also raised by Councilor Cormier-Leger in the discussion before the vote
  • Resolution 21-71: Appropriation to Pay Prior Years’ Bills
  • (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-71 - ⅔ Majority Vote) motion, second, passes 9-0 - Finance Dept did talk to vendors on timing of receipt for invoices #tc1117
  • Resolution 21-72: Order of Taking Approximately Seventy (70) Acres of Unimproved Land Off
  • Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-72 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  motion, second, passes 9-0 - formal process to ensure clear title to the Maple Hill land
  • Resolution 21-73: Acceptance of Open Space, Access and Parking Easements at Brookview Condominium Located Off Pond Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-73 - Majority Vote) easements for Pond St to gain access to waterfront on Mine Brook; motion, second, passes 9-0
Councilor Comments
  • TA report - nothing at this time
  • Future agenda items - all questions on FHS issues, need to be addressed via the School channels; housing items to be considered for future #tc1117 Councilor Comments - veterans lunch last week was wonderful; atta boy to Rep Roy for …
  • passage of the genocide bill; snow and ice presentation coming next meeting; kudos to all for the luncheon last week; #tc1117 Strong Towns event well attended on Monday; monthly senior office hours at Center at 8:30 AM - volunteers needed to decorate downtown Sat
  • Fairmount Farm has first Winters Farmers Market on Saturday; nice to see other communities at the Strong Towns event; it was an honor to serve the veterans last week; #tc1117 congrats to FHS performances of Mamma Mia this past weekend - 65 students in the cast
  • good luck to FHS, only public school left in D1 for football; salt price up, let Brutus know; #tc1117 happy Thanksgiving to all, we'll be back in Dec - motion to adjourn, passes 9-0


Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett and members of the Elks Riders
Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett and members of the Elks Riders

FHS Swim Team fund raiser sells candles

"FRANKLIN VARSITY SWIM is, once again, partnering with Boston Wick, a Franklin owned company, for their candle fundraiser.  
Candles are $20 and FHS Varsity Swim earns 50% of the sales.  Sale ends November 29th and candles will be delivered BEFORE Xmas.  
Please consider supporting the team!  PM Jill Gabel Simms (https://www.facebook.com/jill.simms.750) with questions or to place an order.  Payment is collected in advance and can be made with cash or Venmo."
Shared from Facebook: 

FTC Consumer Alerts: Before you join that crowdfunding campaign, read this


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Emily Wu
Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

If it takes a village to raise a child, crowdfunding may be what it takes to make that invention a reality. But scammers could be behind those crowdfunding efforts and take your money without delivering what they promise.

Crowdfunding can help raise money to develop a new product or invention. To get investors, the organizer may promise something in exchange for contributions. Investors might get a payout once the invention is profitable, be the first to get the new product, or get the new product at a discount later on.

When you give money to a crowdfunding campaign, it goes directly to the campaign organizer. But a dishonest businessperson might lie about the project, product, and timeline. And they might lie about the rewards you’ll get once the product is finished.

Continue reading the article ->   https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/11/you-join-crowdfunding-campaign-read?utm_source=govdelivery




FTC Consumer Alerts: Before you join that crowdfunding campaign, read this
FTC Consumer Alerts: Before you join that crowdfunding campaign, read this


Thursday, November 18, 2021

Did you vote Nov 2? Please respond to this quick survey on what you thought of the candidate information available

To help prepare for the next local or biennial election, let's capture what you think about the information available for this one while it is still 'fresh' at hand. The original sources of information covered via this survey are the Franklin Voters Guide, Milford Daily News/Wicked Local, Frank Falvey's interviews for Franklin TV, the series by Franklin Matters, and the two candidate nights. "

Survey closes this weekend. We have more than 80 responses but there were more than 5,000 voters so there is an opportunity!

There are only four questions and the survey should take less than a couple of minutes to respond to. Thanks you!


Did you vote Nov 2? Please respond to this quick survey on what you thought of the candidate information available
Did you vote Nov 2? Please respond to this quick survey on what you thought of the candidate information available


Citizen Comment - Maxwell Morrongiello

"I’m here today, because at the next meeting the Council will have an opportunity…an opportunity to lower the property tax burden faced by middle- and low-income families. According to the Massachusetts Budget Policy Center, property taxes are a regressive tax. They explain on their website that households with the highest 1 percent of incomes pay less than 3 percent of their income in property taxes on average, while those with the lowest incomes tend to pay over 5 percent. This simply isn’t fair and is a burden on those who can least afford it. 

Towns like Brookline, however, have found a solution! They have a blanket residential exemption, that exempts a fixed amount of the property values of all single-family homes. If Franklin were to do the same thing, say, exempt the first $100,000 dollars of property value, and then raise the total tax rate, they can make the tax code more progressive while keeping a balanced budget. Under such a plan, modest homeowners will see a tax cut, while wealthier households will contribute a more equitable share. 

My understanding is that this is allowed by Prop 2 ½ which affects the only amount of total revenue a town can raise, not the tax rate itself. In addition, Franklin already does this with the community preservation act, and more narrow exemptions.

I ask not that the council adopt such a tax rate at the tax hearing next month. It is simply too soon and needs buy-in from the community. In addition, it would need to be assessed how this would affect people in apartment buildings who rent, as well as businesses who would be ineligible for an exemption. 

I ask instead that the council adds a motion to the agenda of the tax hearing to assign a committee to study this proposal, with the intention of it being implemented the following year. I urge the council to act to foster a community discussion around this issue, promote equity and fairness, and most importantly support a tax cut to Franklin Residents who need it."

Maxwell Morrongiello
Franklin Resident

Spoken at the Town Council meeting of Nov 17, 2021. Copy of text received via email


Housing Authority Presentation doc - Nov 17, 2021

The Franklin Housing Authority presentation to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021 used this document and shared a copy of it during the meeting.

Download a copy of the doc here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19CuH_vihW0FbxZs-faUzNk1RAz7zDYUu/view?usp=sharing 



Housing Authority Presentation doc - Nov 17, 2021
Housing Authority Presentation doc - Nov 17, 2021


FHS volleyball ends playoff run falling 2-3 to Needham in well played semifinal

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports playoff action on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021   

I managed to catch the second set via Franklin TV's live stream before going to the Town Council meeting. The set was action packed long rallies, lead changes were frequent. If a team got a run going, the other took a time out and the momentum shifted. 

Given what I heard and saw during the second set, it was like that in the first and apparently remained that way for the entire 5 set game.


Volleyball = Division 1 State Semifinal
#5 Needham, 3 vs. #1 Franklin, 2 – Final

Hate to see the girls lose but they should be darn proud!  Incredible effort and match. As good a sporting event as it comes at the HS level!!

Incredible game tonight! Hold your heads high @Franklin_VBall We are all so proud of you!

Great match and great season. A lot to be proud of.

If I’m being honest (which my athletes know I always am) that was some AMAZING volleyball tonight!!@Franklin_VBall I love watching you all play a game you love so much! Be proud of yourselves! Your accomplishments this season were incredible.  Congrats on a fantastic season.

25-23 Franklin takes game 4 over Needham. The series is tied 2-2

FHS volleyball comes back to take second set 27-25 and ties Needham, 1-1. Watching via live stream from http://Franklin.TV

screen capture between 2nd and 3rd sets of the FHS vs. Needham match
screen capture between 2nd and 3rd sets of the FHS vs. Needham match


Webinar Nov. 22 on MA DEP Solid Waste Master Plan

Via the Mass Municipal Association:

"The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is inviting local officials to a webinar on Nov. 22 on the newly published Solid Waste Master Plan.

The 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan: Working Together Toward Zero Waste guides how Massachusetts will strive to manage our trash between now and 2030 — and beyond. The plan sets a waste reduction target of 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050."

Read the remainder of the announcement by MMA and register for the webinar

 

Webinar Nov. 22 on MA DEP Solid Waste Master Plan
Webinar Nov. 22 on MA DEP Solid Waste Master Plan

Pantherbook: Articles worth reading - Downtown Franklin, mask mandate, climate change

"History of Franklin: Downtown Franklin"
Nihara Lijan, Writer

"Many of us have either been to or driven through downtown Franklin, but do we really know the significance or history behind each building located there? There are seven main sections of downtown Franklin that are important to the history of how Franklin developed. Let’s look at each one of them in depth!"

Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2021/11/12/history-of-franklin-downtown-franklin/ 

 

"Mask Mandate at Franklin High School"
Anna Hoffmann, Writer

"The 2021 to 2022 school year is well underway. Public schools in the United States are chock-full of students, bustling hallways, and swarming cafeterias. Students and staff alike are no longer separated by six feet. However, unfortunately, the Covid-19 virus is as well underway as the current school year is. Of course, vaccinations have become readily available, treatment for Covid-19 has improved, and cases are falling. Google Meets have become a practically nonexistent area of academic lives. Progress has been made. Still, the virus remains a threat. There is no cure, it can still spread, and we need to be cautious of the new strains and variants. This means mask mandates have become typical for most public schools. Franklin High School students, and public school students in general, have become somewhat fed up with required mask-wearing. As a result, it has become a political, contentious issue in the United States. Overall, the Franklin High School community, school communities in general, have been left to wonder: when will it end? "

Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/school-news/2021/11/15/mask-mandate-at-franklin-high-school/ 


"Climate Change: How it is Misunderstood"
Lucia Perkins, Writer

"We have all heard of climate change, but we as world citizens have not heard enough of it. Climate change is happening everywhere. Fluctuations of temperatures in the environment have been and continue to be a worldwide issue. Global issues come with misunderstandings and climate change is no exception. It is never too late to learn them because the more we educate ourselves and the FHS community, the more we can help the world in small, but powerful ways."

Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/11/16/climate-change-how-it-is-misunderstood/

Pantherbook: Articles worth reading
Pantherbook: Articles worth reading