"School Resource Officers don't just wear a badge: they build trust, keep peace, and stay sharp under pressure"

via Officer Frankie: 

"School Resource Officers don't just
 wear a badge:  they build trust,
keep peace, and stay sharp under pressure"

"Sorry not sorry, this is the most important job in any police department, it also comes with the most RESPONSIBILITY. 

SRO’s do more for students and staff than anyone will ever know.  In this day and age being a police officer is a very tough job. Most of the time when we show up it’s on a persons worst day. 

Our Officers do so many good things, and yet most only focus on the negatives. Most of the time the only communications our department receives are complaints. 

On our website there is a form to praise or thank an officer for his/her behaviors."

Here is the site:  https://www.franklinma.gov/FormCenter/Police-7/Commend-a-Franklin-Police-Officer-49

Shared from: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP1yX8Hjljz/

Town of Franklin: Human Resources is looking for candidates for positions in Conservation, Fire Dept, Library, Police Dept, Facilities & DPW

To be considered for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to Human Resources. 

Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email to ensure accurate processing. 

If you do not have a resume, you may submit a completed Application for Employment (PDF) as an alternative.

• Director of Conservation - Conservation Department 
• Licensed Plumber  - Facilities Department
• Firefighter / Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department
• Librarian - Youth Services - Franklin Public Library
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-  Department of Public Works
• Co-Response Clinician - Police Department
• Custodian (part-time) - Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/228/Job-Opportunities

Town Council welcomed 2 new Police hires, moved zoning bylaws to 2nd reading, hears of solicitation process, and personnel updates (audio)

FM #1517 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1517 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September  17, 2025. 7 of the 9 members of the committee were present (Chandler, Pellegri absent). 

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• one a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• second, the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

• The Council entered into executive session not to return to public meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 16 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1517-town-council-mtg-09-17-25/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1514 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1514 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 17, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Announcements from the Chair

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 Police Dept new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• Qne - a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• Second - the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1514-town-council-quarterbacking-09-18-25/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Officer Dave Gove and Officer Amanda Ayer recognized for response for an infant not breathing

Via Franklin Police:

Gianna and her parents Kelcey and Nick stopped by the station to thank Officers Gove and Ayer

"We’re very happy to share this post with permission of Gianna’s family. Last month, Officer Dave Gove and Officer Amanda Ayer responded to a residence in Franklin for an infant not breathing. Officer Gove and Ayer arrived first and Officer Gove began performing on CPR on baby Gianna. Care was quickly transferred to the Franklin Fire Department. Gianna was in for a fight but she prevailed!

Today Gianna and her parents Kelcey and Nick stopped by the station to thank Officers Gove and Ayer for their response that difficult morning and we are so grateful they did!

Officer Gove and Officer Ayer have been School Resource Officers in our schools. Due to staffing restrictions they were reassigned to our patrol division this past July and they both work day shift together.

Incidents like this highlight the superior training and preparedness our officers have to respond to these critical incidents. GREAT JOB Officer Gove and Officer Ayer!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BEkYyTDjr/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 3, 2025 = 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 23, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6752/3a-July-23-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. August 13, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6751/3b-August-13-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month 

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief 

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6779/5b-Appointments---CPC-and-Cultural-Council

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) (Motion to Take Resolution 25-50 off the table (Non-debatable) - Majority Vote ) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6783/9a-25-50---Friendly-40B-Policy

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-942 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6780/9b-25-942---Lewis-Street-Parking-Restrictions

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-56 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6797/9c-25-56--Gift-Acceptance---Veterans-Sr-Ctr

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-57 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6787/9d-25-57---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT 

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Town Council
meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 at 7 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting ‘

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891 

Franklin Police with a message in advance of schools opening Sep 2

Gather around let’s have a chat

Our Franklin Public Schools are starting up next week. Let’s have a refresher on some of the school zone driving rules.

1. The speed limit during school hours is 20 MPH…not 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, etc.

Franklin Police with a message

2. When the big yellow school bus or small white school bus stops and extends that red octagon that says STOP, that means stop. If you are behind the bus, this means stop. If you are driving next to a bus in the same direction of travel and this octagon comes out, it also means to stop. If you are traveling in the opposite travel lane and a bus is approaching you, stops, and extends the red octagon…you guessed it, you must STOP.

3. Crosswalks are those painted walkways in the road connecting sidewalks. These help people cross the road safely. Some are high-tech with flashing lights. If someone is standing next to the sidewalk clearly trying to cross the road, you must stop. If you think someone is standing next to the sidewalk and might be crossing, you should probably stop.

PSA: not stopping for someone in a crosswalk, realizing this, and waving and mouthing “sorry” to someone you almost hit on a sidewalk is not a get out of a citation free card. It’s impossible to get stopped and cited for a crosswalk violation if you just stop for someone at a crosswalk. Waiting 10 seconds for someone to cross the road will always be quicker than getting pulled over.

Traffic and school zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. Officers will be a constant presence in our school zones this year ensuring everyone’s safety. Here’s to a safe and successful school year! If you need us, we’ll be there!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHSiz7SyU/