Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (audio)

FM #1433  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1433 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, April 16, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.   

 

Approx. 10-15 minutes of the recess for photos is excluded from the audio and replaced by a few seconds of music to mark the spot.

Quick recap:

School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"

per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter

Proclamations and recognition for

•   the FHS Cheerleaders

•   the FHS boys basketball team

•   members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote

Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)

Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager

Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees

Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar

A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral

Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unanimous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 53 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1433-town-council-mtg-04-16-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94 

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. 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"

 

Rep Roy brought in 2 ancient lanterns for "2 Lights for Tomorrow"

State Representative Roy Renews Call for Early College Programs in the Commonwealth

In March, State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) participated in and spoke at an Early College Legislative Briefing at the State House in Boston.  The annual event brought together about 400 school students and program partners from across the Commonwealth.  

A persistent advocate for Early College, Representative Roy re-empathized his goal of making college in high school one of his legislative priorities as it will provide exceptional educational opportunities for students to get a credential beyond a diploma while still in high school. Rep. Roy is further supporting these by filing House Bill 1455 “An Act relative to college in high school.”

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy advocating for early college

Early College in High School integrates college courses into high school curriculums, providing students the ability to choose to kickstart their college careers through well-rounded classes. This program has helped close achievement gaps in low-income families sand aided students in  attaining their goals without any additional cost to the student’s families. This program was launched in 2018, and since its inception has bolstered the education of about 8,237 students according to Mass.gov’s statistics. This has led to increased enrollment in higher education with a rise of about 20% more students enrolling in college in comparison to students who do not utilize the classes provided by the Early College Program. 

“Students who participate in this fully structured program receive enhanced academic and guidance support that allows them to graduate high school with a significant number of college credits already completed,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin).  “These students enter college with well-established study habits and skills that give them the confidence to know that they can succeed in college regardless of any socio-economic challenges that they may face. Low- income students who participated in Early College high school programs are twice as likely to complete post-secondary degrees.”

Early college credits benefit not only individual students but the health and vigor of the Commonwealth as well. In Massachusetts, median wages for full-time employees are 67% higher for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and 28% higher for associate degree holders than for high school graduates.  Families that thrive financially in Massachusetts pave the way for the success of each successive generation, potentially lifting entire communities out of poverty.

Rep. Roy added, “We must build on our success to date and provide even more robust college in high school experiences throughout the Commonwealth. H.1455 provides robust opportunities for students -- no matter their background or identity -- to take college courses in high school, engage in self-discovery, and develop a mindset for success. And we will continue to pursue these opportunities to give our students what they need to succeed.”

H1455 -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1455

Additional photos courtesy of the MA Alliance for Early College ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/wVngBZhgmzTMk3579

Apparently forecasts don't matter until they hit you where it hurts

“From the college perspective, there’s some anxiety right now,” says Joseph DiCarlo, dean of enrollment and director of admissions at Worcester State University, as he looks out over the cavernous exhibition hall. “With a smaller number of students, you’ve got to cast a wider net.”

The number of college students in the state has already fallen since the last peak, in 2012, by more than 45,000, or nearly 9 percent — that’s more than the undergraduate enrollment of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and UMass Boston combined.

Before long, experts predict that higher education institutions, including some represented at this college fair, will begin to tumble down the demographic cliff and close. "

Apparently forecasts don't matter until they hit you where it hurts

Continue reading the article online -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/09/magazine/massachusetts-colleges-face-enrollment-drop-higher-ed-crisis/

 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

 

In 2020, our State Representative Jeff Roy and I talked about his work on the Higher Education Committee and the issue that colleges and universities faced with declining enrollment

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-255-state-representative-jeffrey-roy.html

Franklin Food Pantry Celebrates National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, a special time to recognize the invaluable contributions of volunteers. The Franklin Food Pantry kicked off this important month by hosting its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, which celebrates the incredible impact volunteers have on the organization and the Franklin community. 

 

The luncheon held on April 3, 2025, was made possible by G&C Plumbing and Heating who sponsored the event, and New England Chapel who provided the space. Elizabeth’s Bagels, The Rome Restaurant, Starbucks on E Central St., Twist Bakery & Cafe, and volunteer bakers provided food, paper goods, desserts, and more. Paul Vicario Studio beautifully captured the event through photography.

Each week, more than 120 individuals volunteer their time at the Franklin Food Pantry making it possible to deliver essential food assistance and service programs to over 850 households in Franklin. Their efforts support vital initiatives such as in-person and walk-in shopping, curbside pickup, mobile pantries at three Franklin locations, Kids’ Snack Bags, the Weekend Backpack Program, holiday meal packages, the Community Gardens Program, and many more. In 2024 alone, Franklin Food Pantry volunteers collectively contributed over 12,000 hours of their time and talent.

Distinguished guests who attended to show their appreciation included Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch, State Representative Jeff Roy, Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools Lucas Giguere, and Director of Franklin Senior Center Sarah Amaral.  

Senator Becca Rausch addressed the volunteers, stating, “Your work is irreplaceable. Volunteers keep The Pantry’s warehouse full, the shelves stocked, and the operation running smoothly. You pack the backpacks, load the mobile pantry, and assist shoppers. Every hour you spend is a labor of love. And there is so much love supporting this organization and uplifting the people it serves.”

State Representative Jeff Roy presented the 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 39 exceptional volunteers whose service has significantly impacted the Franklin community and serves as an inspiration to others. 

 

The Gold Award, recognizing over 500 volunteer hours in the past year, was presented to Amber Baur. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was awarded to David Bascom, Vicki Coates, Diane Daddario, Suzanne Gendreau, and Kym Pruitt. 

 

The Bronze Award, for 100 to 249 volunteer hours, was presented to Dominic Agostino, Jim Barton, Colleen Bond, Teresa Burr, Erika Cummings, Dave Custer, Mary Anne Dean, Kim DeCrescenzo, Robert Doyle, Rachel Flum, Kathy Ginley, Angela Draper, Karen Giuliano, Richard Guiliano, Oona Harrington, Jonathan Haddad, Jeanne Hummel, Martin Kaufman, Jen Kuse, Kathy Lesica, Christine Lovell, Carol Malachowski, Ann Maloney, Felecia McKenney, Gary Nassoiy, Donna O’Neill, Joseph O'Koren, C. Lynn Rizzolo, Maureen Sabolinski, Nancy Schoen, Pamela Spicer, Debra Stiffler, and Lawrence Verney.

“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary contributions of our volunteer team,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "Every hour they give, always with a smile, has a profound impact on our client. They are the driving force behind our ability to offer a diverse array of essential programs with dignity, and we are deeply grateful."

The Franklin Food Pantry will continue to celebrate the volunteers throughout April including special social media posts thanking volunteers and highlighting the important role they play at The Pantry.

For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, or receiving food assistance, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs.

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Additional photos courtesy by Paul Vicario can be found  https://drive.google.com/file/d/10UOhEl1q-1RFpORzZ99XeUSSWFOfUbkA/view?usp=drive_link

Top Row (L to R): Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, State Representative Jeff Roy; Bottom Row (L to R): Franklin Food Pantry Board Chair, Amber Baur, Senator Becca Rausch, Pantry Volunteer Bob Doyle, and Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

State Representative Roy Promoted to House Leadership Position

After serving as House Chair of the prestigious Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy the last four years State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) has been promoted to Floor Division Chair of the 2nd Division. In addition, he was appointed to serve as a member on both the House Committee on Operations, Facilities and Security, and the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight.

The entire body of the House of Representatives, consisting of 158 total members, is divided into four separate divisions. To create a continuous flow of debate, Leader Roy will be responsible for reviewing the House's schedule and then providing advance notice to the members of his division about the important matters the House will be working on. He also will be the primary liaison between the representatives in his division and the House Speaker.

State Representative Roy
Promoted to House Leadership Position
(Photo courtest Rep Roy)

"I am appreciative to Speaker Mariano for his continuing trust in me and look forward to expanding my contributions as a Division Chair to the House of Representatives on a wide variety of challenging public policy issues facing the Commonwealth," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "I am very proud of my tenure as Chair of the House Energy and Telecommunications Committee, where my colleagues and I enacted three major climate and energy laws over the past two legislative sessions. I look forward to working closely with the Speaker and his leadership team in this upcoming legislative session."

"Rep. Roy has been instrumental in so much of the work that we have done over the past few years to bolster clean energy production in Massachusetts, consistently demonstrating his ability to tackle difficult issues," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I look forward to working with Jeff in his new advisory role as a member of my leadership team."

During his time as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (TUE), Leader Roy distinguished himself as a leader in the energy and climate space. For the past two legislative sessions, he forged collaborative relationships with stakeholders and played a major role in the development and passage of game-changing climate legislation for the Commonwealth.

Upon first being appointed to the TUE Committee in 2021, Leader Roy dove headfirst into the world of energy policy, including writing a report, "The State of Offshore Wind in Massachusetts," in order to be as impactful as possible. He was first tasked with getting the 2021 "Roadmap" bill across the finish line - this historic piece of legislation created a strategic pathway to guide Massachusetts' energy transition by setting statewide and sector-specific emissions limits and sublimits, paving the way for long-term investment and development in clean energy and clean heat.

In his second legislative session as House Chair of TUE, Leader Roy was the House lead of the 2022 climate law, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind. This legislation further cemented Massachusetts as a climate leader by incentivizing the development of key clean energy industries and technologies - most notably offshore wind. It also set ambitious electric vehicle (EV) adoption targets and created a trust fund to support EV incentive programs.

And in the most recent legislative session, Leader Roy played a major role in shepherding through An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. This law made landmark clean energy reforms, including streamlining the siting and permitting process for clean energy infrastructure projects and enshrining environmental justice principles into the Commonwealth's energy transition. It also set up large battery storage procurements to support increased renewable energy generation, supported the strategic buildout of EV charging infrastructure, and authorized the Department of Public Utilities to establish criteria for a moderate-income discount rate to provide relief to eligible ratepayers.

Rep Roy was also the lead author of the genocide education act in 2021, an act to prevent abuse and exploitation which include included teen sexting provisions in 2024 and act relative to step therapy and patient safety in 2022, an act relative to sexual violence on high education campuses in 2021, and an act to support improved financial stability and higher education in 2019.

Boston Globe: "State lawmaker dating top lobbyist accuses Globe of using ‘illegal materials’ in reporting on public court documents"

"State Representative Jeffrey Roy, who has been the focus of Boston Globe coverage about his relationship with a top lobbyist, leveled a series of accusations against the newspaper Wednesday, claiming it used “illegal materials” and violated a court order when it published claims from his estranged wife.

An attorney for the Globe disputed Roy’s assertions and said the newspaper did nothing unlawful in reporting information that was included in publicly available court records.

Roy made his comments during an appearance before members of the Medway Democratic Town Committee. The Franklin Democrat repeatedly criticized the newspaper’s coverage in the roughly hourlong talk, suggesting it committed ”journalistic malpractice" in its reporting of his relationship with a lobbyist who had business before the legislative committee he led."

Continue to read the Boston Globe article -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/14/metro/jeffrey-roy-lobbyist-jennifer-crawford-boston-globe/

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

I talked with Rep Roy early in February, 2025 and you can listen to our conversation

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/state-rep-jeff-roy-looks-back-on-2024.html

Rep Roy with Governor M Healey, and Councilor G Jones celebrating the climate bill signing in Dec 2024 (photo courtesy Rep Roy's office)

 

Frank Falvey sits for a discussion with Representatives Michael Soter & Jeff Roy (video)

Frank Falvey sits for a discussion with Representatives Michael Soter & Jeff Roy.

Rep Jeffrey Roy -  https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1

Rep Michael Soter - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/MJS3

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVqnlWaKKo

Frank Falvey sits for a discussion with Representatives Michael Soter & Jeff Roy (video)

School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 24, 2025 (audio)

FM #1388 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1388 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Legislative Forum held on Monday, Feb 24, 2025. The Forum was held in the FHS Lecture Hall and broadcast via cable, Zoom, and to YouTube by Franklin TV. The audio of that recording is available here as a podcast. 

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan was host, welcomed Superintendent Lucas Giguere who provided a briefing on the school redistricting and school budget.

Chair Callaghan turned to the legislative delegation, Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy for their opening remarks before getting into some prepared questions. After the prepared questions, the audience was allowed to ask questions or make comments.

The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1388-school-cmte-legislative-forum-02-24-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0 

The agenda doc can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1582 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos taken during the event -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8 

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

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. 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"

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere