Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Town Council hears about Dean College, views Fire promotions, gets updates on Tri-County & migrant status (audio)

FM #1060 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1060 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Frongillo participated remotely, hence all votes were via roll call. 


Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Design Review Commission - i. Andrew Pratt


b. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - i. Jayaprabha Vijayaraghavan 

Both appointments were approved via 9-0 votes 


c. Fire Department - New Employee - i. Jack Lennon: Firefighter/Paramedic

d. Fire Department - Promotions

Thomas Konieczny: Battalion Chief

Paul Molla: Captain

Laurie Kaye: EMS Captain

Matthew Kelly: Lieutenant

Michael Berthiaume: Lieutenant

Jonathan Chalk: Lieutenant 

The Fire Dept had a bunch of promotions and one new hire to swear in and recognize. The promotions are competitive and occurred over time as other members left or retired creating a domino effect, hence they were batched to be all done at once. Photo album of the ceremony can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/j98XmZmpzjsg5vGZ6 


Dean College Update - Ken Elmore, President of Dean College 

President Elmore provided a brief update with highlights from the past year, work underway, and still working on better integration of the college within the community and the community within the college. 


Tri-County Regional Vocational School Financing

The MSBA provided formal approval of the building project committing about $90M towards the $283M total cost, leaving approx. $200M to be funded by the 11 communities sending students. The 11 communities will vote as one entity n Oct 24 to approve the project. A 50+1 percent is required for approval. The funding for the Franklin portion of the project is likely to be $2.1M per year for 30 years, so it will likely be a separate vote for a debt exclusion, possibly as early as the November election. Stay tuned for additional info. The Tri-County School Committee will be sharing info on the project advocating for it's passage.


LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Second Reading 

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Second Reading 

Both the second readings of the above bylaws were approved with 9-0 votes 


c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-901: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map 

This measure was referred to the Planning Board and will come back to the Council for further action at a future meeting


d. Resolution 23-49: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Plymouth for County of Plymouth to Provide Parking Ticket Computerization and Processing Services to Franklin 

The intermunicipal agreement was approved by a 9-0 vote. An interesting way to combine services and save money in so doing. 


e. Resolution 23-50: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner-Developer of Prospect Hills Estates with Access Road Off Prospect Street 

The private road covenant was approved by a 9-0 vote. This means the Town of Franklin will not maintain the road. 


f. Resolution 23-51: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,525) 


TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT -  Migrant Housing Update 



The recording runs 2 hours and 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Sep  6, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1060-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-09-06-23



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Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update. This audio segment of the meeting was shared separately. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/lUOJJj5hec8?si=IUzMbo_9nNGYa59y&t=194


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Go0RhESjzP4F3KWutGqZ-kxO3-Fdn0l/view?usp=drive_link


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_9.6.23.pdf


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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/ or www.franklin.news/


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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Ken Elmore, President of Dean College
Ken Elmore, President of Dean College

La Cantina Winery entertainment schedule for week of Sep 14-17

The La Cantina Winery entertainment schedule for this week is available. It is also shared via the Cultural District calendar as well as the Community calendar.



La Cantina Winery entertainment schedule for week of Sep 14-17
La Cantina Winery entertainment schedule for week of Sep 14-17

DPW update on sewer line maintenance for week of Sep 11, 2023

"Phase 7 - Sewer Lining Project continues this week!

Green Mountain Pipeline Services are scheduled to be out working on the following streets this week:
  • Monday, Sept. 11: Garden St. and Ledge St.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 12: Hill Ave and Washington St.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 13: Cleveland Ave., Washington St. and Hill Ave.
  • Thursday, Sept. 14: Washington St. and Harmon Rd.
Residents will be notified if there will be any disruption to their service."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CxDVk1MMDgN/
DPW update on sewer line maintenance for week of Sep 11, 2023
DPW update on sewer line maintenance for week of Sep 11, 2023

New Project from Poet Laureate Ada Limón - poetry as public art in 7 national parks

U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to Publish Anthology, Bring Poetry to National Parks as part of Signature Project, “You Are Here”
"Ada Limón's signature project as the nation's 24th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, "You Are Here," will feature two major new initiatives: an anthology of commissioned nature poems and poetry installed as public art in seven national parks.

"I want to champion the ways reading and writing poetry can situate us in the natural world," Limón said. "Never has it been more urgent to feel a sense of reciprocity with our environment, and poetry's alchemical mix of attention, silence, and rhythm gives us a reciprocal way of experiencing nature — of communing with the natural world through breath and presence."
Participating national parks are:
  • Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts)
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
  • Everglades National Park (Florida)
  • Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
  • Redwood National and State Parks (California)
  • Saguaro National Park (Arizona) 

Find out more about the project -> https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/u.s.-poet-laureate-ada-lim-n-to-publish-anthology--bring-poetry-to-national-parks-as-part-of-signatu/s/daf3ca32-cdff-49e0-9109-c2d9ba66c3b1

poetry as public art in 7 national parks
poetry as public art in 7 national parks

The Guardian: "Doubts about whether heat pumps work well in subzero conditions shown to be unfounded, say researchers"

"Heat pumps are more than twice as efficient as fossil fuel heating systems in cold temperatures, research shows.

Even at temperatures approaching -30C, heat pumps outperform oil and gas heating systems, according to the research from Oxford University and the Regulatory Assistance Project thinktank.

Heat pump uptake is rising in many countries as fossil fuel energy prices have soared following the invasion of Ukraine and as governments seek to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

But the UK has lagged far behind. France, for instance, installs 10 times as many heat pumps as the UK, where many people are unfamiliar with them and doubts about their efficacy have been widely publicised. Reports have spread that they do not work well in low temperatures despite their increasing use in Scandinavia and other cold climates."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am     Franklin Library Association: Role of the Library in American Democracy
8:30 am     Physician Focus: Guns and Public Health
9:00 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce
10:00 am Frank Presents: Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo
11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
1:00 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3
5:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Steve Sherlock
6:30 pm     4th of July 2023: The Zajacs
8:00 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concerts: Oak Street Music 2019
9:00 am     Public School Event: Elementary Music Pt. 1 06-04-18
11:00 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Concord-Carlisle 10-06-22
1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce
3:00 pm Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
4:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Oliver Ames 09-06-23
8:00 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2020

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 08-22-23: 08-22-23
11:00 am Economic Development: 09-06-23
12:30 pm Police Station Building Committee: 08-23-23
2:00 pm School Committee 08-22-23: 08-22-23
7:00 pm     School Committee:  LIVE Chambers  811 9897 3946  Passcode 633162

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Monday, September 11, 2023

4th Annual Pumpkin Patch & Sale returns October 2-31, 2023 at St. John’s Church

The 4th Annual Pumpkin Sale will be open all month long from October 2 to 31 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin. 

A huge selection of pumpkins and gourds of all sizes, shapes and colors will fill the front lawn at St. John’s Church. Kids of all ages will have fun picking out their favorites. It’s a good photo opportunity for families. 

4th Annual Pumpkin Patch & Sale returns October 2-31, 2023
4th Annual Pumpkin Patch & Sale returns October 2-31, 2023
Family activities will be offered every weekend in the Patch:
  • Music Together for families on Saturday, Oct 7 at 11 AM FREE
  • Pet Blessings and outdoor worship on Sunday, Oct 8 at 10 AM FREE
  • Pony Rides on Saturday, Oct 14 from 1-2 PM - $5 per ride
  • Beaded bracelets craft on Saturday, Oct 21 from 11 AM – 2 PM FREE
  • Haunted House on Saturday, Oct 28 FREE
Watch the St. John’s Episcopal Church Facebook page for updates.

See you there:
Monday-Friday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sundays 12 noon - 4:00 PM
We can all benefit. The pumpkins are grown using sustainable agricultural practices that help benefit the environment. They are grown in a region of New Mexico with 42% unemployment, providing jobs for Navajo people.  In addition to supporting the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, your purchase also supports St. John’s Church and its work right here in our community. 

For more information on activities:  Call 508-528-2387
Email: Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Visit us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

4th Annual Pumpkin Patch & Sale
4th Annual Pumpkin Patch & Sale

Community Relations Subcommittee - Meeting - Sep 11 at 6:00 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Community Relations Subcommittee
September 11, 2023 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd floor Training Room

AGENDA
"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."
● Harvest Festival Planning




Community Relations Subcommittee - Meeting - Sep 11 at 6:00 PM
Community Relations Subcommittee - Meeting - Sep 11 at 6:00 PM

Chocolate Factory Tours for kids available at Wright Old School Chocolate

Chocolate Factory Tours for kids available
Chocolate Factory Tours for kids available
"Do your kids love chocolate? 

Show them how to make it first hand with Wright Old School Production Tours!

This fun 45 minute Factory Tour will take them through the process & they’ll even leave with a treat or two.

Tap the link in our bio to schedule yours today!"


"Keeping the bookstore here" status for August 2023!

Via Escape Into Fiction 

We made the month goals and a bit more!! Thank you #franklinma for ALL of your #shoplocal support and showing the love! 
We are grateful to be in a wonderful #community and hope to continue to see the goal met each month going forward!!

Visit Escape Into Fiction downtown at 12 Main St or online at   https://www.escapeintofiction.com/

"Keeping the bookstore here" status for August 2023!
"Keeping the bookstore here" status for August 2023!
     

Talking about the fun pathways at FSPA with Raye Lynn and Susana (audio)

FM #1058 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1058 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and Director of the Franklin School for Performing Arts, and special guest FSPA alum Susana Cordon. We recorded this in the Franklin Public Radio Studio on  Thursday, June 1, 2023.  

Yes, this sat in the archives for a while due to some unforeseen events that held up the publication. Aside from the future view, now in the past, the pathways talked of still apply.

Susana tells her amazing story following her path through FSPA to Carnegie-Mellon and is looking forward to an exciting year with a performance in Violet (with FPAC), an alumni show with the Electric Youth European tour this summer, fall semester in Wales, followed by final semester and graduation in 2024. Definitely a commencement of whatever her future holds for her. 

We cover a lot of ground in about 34 minutes with Raye Lynn and Susana. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1058-fspa-fun-pathways-06-01-23

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Tickets for Violet are available -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1597 


Susana was quoted in a article about Carnegie-Mellon https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/carnegie-mellon-university-school-of-drama-star-factory-patrick-wilson-susan-tsu-john-wells-myhala-herrold-purnell-center/


FPSA post about Susan’s acceptance at Carnegie-Mellon

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fspa-senior-accepted-to-prestigious.html


Original conversation with Raye Lynn as we spend 38 minutes talking about 38 Main St and the evolution of FSPA to FPAC, THE BLACK BOX, et al …

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html


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

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/ or www.franklin.news/


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"


Susana in the FPAC production of Tartuffe at THE BLACK BOX
Susana in the FPAC production of Tartuffe at THE BLACK BOX

Average Property Prices Reach Record Highs in August 2023

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings indicate average property sales prices rose to a record high for the month of August as compared to previous years. This increase can likely be attributed to a limited inventory of new housing up for sale and a lack of existing houses on the market.

 

“Average property prices in August are up significantly this year compared to the same month in previous years,” stated Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “Seasoned homebuyers and those looking to purchase their first home are faced with the challenge of property values that are 19% higher than 2022 prices, 34% higher than 2021 prices, and 37% higher than 2020 prices, in addition to a mortgage interest rate that for some exceeds 7%.”

 

Average August Property Prices Reach Record Highs
Average August Property Prices Reach Record Highs

The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for August 2023 was $1,212,694, a 19% increase compared to August 2022 but a decrease of 17% from July 2023. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is down, decreasing 6% from last year and 12% from last month.

 

“Looking at the numbers from August 2022, 2021, and 2020 shows that average property prices fell seasonally by 12% to 17% in August compared to July,” noted Register O'Donnell. “This means that while prices remain high, the seasonal fluctuations in the housing market month over month have remained constantly steady when you compare them to the ebbs and flows of previous years.”

 

Notwithstanding the increase in average property sales prices, the total number of deeds recorded for August 2023, which reflects both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,478, down 12% from August 2022 but up 16% from July.

 

“Overall real estate activity is on a downward trend compared to the previous year, driven by two likely factors: limited inventory and high interest rates, resulting in a reduction of the number of deeds and mortgages, which make up a large portion of the total document volume at the Registry.” Register O'Donnell continued. “A slight increase in the number of deeds from last July may suggest that some sellers are taking advantage of higher property values, increasing the number of existing homes on the market.”

 

The Registry of Deeds recorded 9,527 documents in August 2023. This was 18% less than in August 2022 but an 11% increase compared to July 2023.

 

Register O'Donnell noted, “Higher mortgage interest rates have an impact on the number of mortgages and deeds recorded at the Registry. Higher interest rates affect seasoned homebuyers' eagerness to refinance, which means fewer mortgages. It also affects a homeowner’s willingness to sell, which results in fewer homes on the market that can be bought. Higher interest rates also impact buyers.”

 

For the month of August, lending activity overall continued to decline from last year. A total of 1,328 mortgages were recorded, which is 33% less than last year but 6% more than last month.

 

“In addition to fewer people refinancing, the decline in lending activity can also be attributed to fewer first-time home loans,” said Register O'Donnell “High property prices and increased mortgage interest rates make it more challenging for first-time homebuyers to afford a mortgage and to keep up with payments.”

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to closely monitor the foreclosure market. In August 2023, there were 4 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in August 2022, there were 7 recorded. Additionally, this month, there were 25 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, less than the 33 recorded in August 2022.

 

“We hope to see this trend continue into the fall season, especially as the weather gets cooler. With that said, we cannot forget that foreclosure activity has a human face associated with it, and there are still a number of our neighbors who have lost their homes, and even more are dangerously close to losing their homes,” said Register O'Donnell. “I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “We have seen some increases in the number of property sales and in the total number of documents compared to last month, but with record property prices for this month and a limited housing inventory, we are seeing significant decreases in overall real estate activity compared to 2022.” 

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and 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 at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Cmte: Monthly Meeting = Sep 12 & Volunteer Fair = Sep 13


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Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Cmte: September Monthly Meeting and Volunteer Fair
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail: September Monthly Meeting and Volunteer Fair

September Monthly Meeting and Volunteer Fair


On Tuesday, September 12,  we have our monthly meeting at 67 Degrees Brewing, 158 Grove Street, Franklin, at 7 PM

For anyone that wants to get more involved we'd love to see you. Alternatively, Committee Members will in attendance at the Franklin Volunteer night on Wednesday, September 13 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central St in Franklin, 6-8 PM. Please stop by!

Warm regards,

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
 

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Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038

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