Franklin Matters: Town Council hears of Chief McLaughlin retirement, Electric Youth performance, and approves union contracts (video)

Friday, June 20, 2025

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in the Council Chambers with 8 present initially and the 9 joined in progress.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188

Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number

Quick recap:

Fire Chief McLaughlin reads statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. He lists the accomplishments of his time here including that the Department has multiple qualified candidates to replace him. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen confirms later in the meeting that the position posting will be for internal candidates only.
Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for

Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee. Up to 13 members with some specific representation and some at large residents, Term thru June 30, 2029. Plan the year long celebration, engaging, calendar, programs, access, etc. The committee needs to be of people who are willing to do the work. Town staff as ex officio to assist the committee, the committee needs to do the work. Discussion on council membership in "at large role"
Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
Councilor Cormier-Leger arrives at 9:25 PM. Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation. They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term.
Meeting adjourned