Town Council observes Police new hires, hears of SAFE Coalition updates & migrant housing updates (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 in the Council Chambers. All 9 participated, one was remote (Frongillo) hence all votes were via roll call.

The key items from the evening 

(1) Town Clerk provided updates on the upcoming Oct 24 election for the new Tri-County school building and the Biennial Town election on Nov 7. Both votes will take place at the High School. Folks can vote early in the Town Clerks office during business hours

(2) the swearing in of the new round of hires (backfill replacements) for the Police Dept. along with the introduction of Kallie Montagano who returns to the Dept in a new role as the Co-Response Program continues to grow. And last but not least, the introduction of Frankie, the departments new therapy dog

(3) approval of the license changes to enable Bob Vozzella to expand into his new space and operate with his farmers licenses for wine and beer

(4) impactful and moving update from Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO and cofounder of the SAFE Coalition on their work. The audio segment of her presentation along with the Q&A with the Council is shared separately. Her update includes the expansion of their work in meeting the needs of our community into handling the migrant housing needs  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/jen-knight-levine-updates-council-on.html

(5) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's update on the migrant status will also be shared separately as an audio segment

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officers

i. Officer Parker Luther

ii. Officer Joseph Medina

iii. Officer Robert Young

iv. Officer Martin Zimei

b. Police Department - Introductions

i. Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager

ii. Frankie, Therapy Dog

Photo album of the police introductions and swearing in ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qanQvXdNFAvbQQN76

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-7D1fTJLhY

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_10.18.23.pdf

The expansion of La Cantina Winery is progressing & the license transfers were approved at this session