Professional Firefighters of Franklin statement on FY 2026 override results

Professional Firefighters of Franklin

IAFF Local 2637

FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS 02038

PO BOX 161 508-528-2323 x1962

BRIAN HAMANN     JOSHUA IMPEY DAVID OGILVIE  MICHAEL McCONAGHY

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY

To the Residents of Franklin:

We would like to express our deep disappointment in the wake of last night's vote, which resulted in a failed tax override. While we understand that there are many considerations in making these types of decisions, we must stress that this outcome will have a significant and immediate impact on public safety and the well-being of our community. The failure of this funding measure means that we now face unavoidable cuts to our staffing levels, including the deactivation of A3.

The reduction of staffing levels will strain an already overburdened system, potentially leading to longer response times and an increased risk to public safety. The elimination of the third ambulance means that we will no longer be able to respond to certain calls in a timely manner, which puts our ability to serve our community effectively in jeopardy. The failure to pass this tax override is a setback to the progress we've made together in ensuring a safer, healthier community.

We remain committed to our mission and will continue to serve with the dedication and professionalism you have come to expect from us. However, we urge all community leaders and residents to recognize the very real consequences of this decision and consider how we can work together to secure the resources needed to maintain the safety and well-being of everyone in Franklin.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together toward a safer future.

Professional Firefighters of Franklin

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/4012566389013357/

Town Council effectively conducts business before going to Executive Session on Feb 26, 2025 (audio)

FM #1391  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1391 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 8 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 1 was absent (Dellorco). 

Quick recap:

• Going right to legislation for action

• Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading; Motion to waive reading, passes - Motion to approve, second, vote via roll call passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers Motion to approve, second - Discussion had been part of the capital budget review by FinCom and Capital budget subcmte but not yet set here for approval - Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Last parcel on the road to extend this to. Motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Related to the above

• Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Water to go along with the sewer as noted, motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 -  Motion to waive reading, passes 8-0-1; Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Town Administrator's Report

• March 5 preliminary FY 2026 budget update coming Traditional slide show, and updates

• Mirchi withdrew the alcohol liquor license application

• Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program; Jamie still gets emails etc. and blame us for the town role which was not our choice, it was totally a state decision and effort, thanks to the residents and organizations for handling this under the circumstances

• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting

• Motion, second, passes via roll 8-0-1 (1 Absent)

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1391-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-26-25/

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

My expanded notes -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yE_Dj5dIlYdzyYou4cZhh5AD4kJL0JZOGgg0BDuOfA/edit?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y 

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602 

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFS-kA1Xy3rCoN2v-1H8-wbGw6nlI21m/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"

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Feb 26 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 26, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

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 Town 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. February 5, 2025   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4490/3a-1---February-5-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-924 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4471/9a-25-924-Ch-82-Municipal-Service-Fees---Comstar-New-Rates

b. Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-05 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4492/9b-25-05-Free-Cash-Stabilization-Transfers

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-925 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4501/9c-25-925-and-25-926---Raymond-St-Sewer-Extension

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-926 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4502/9d---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-926---Water-System-Map---Raymond-St

e. Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-11 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4478/9e-24-11---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT     

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions

b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Municipal unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

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/_02262025-1602

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Feb 26 meeting

3rd of 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held, more questions & answers (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #3 of 6 was held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, Febrary 19, 2025.

Franklin TV broadcast and recorded the meeting for replay ->

https://www.youtube.com/live/HWM25y_m2Bk?&t=552

The meeting agenda packet ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192025-1559

Franklin Public Schools had a tri-fold handout available for participants. A PDF copy for you to view and download is here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q02Jpzl96WslZNUv6hMeXzwEmwVXCuoM/view?usp=drive_link

My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1639lkClEA8IfavpdIKCQq_MbW2i1AsMB/view?usp=drive_link

The Dr Bergen, School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan discussion on the history of schoool cuts

Audio link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pqiBAoPBMg

The Fire Dept presentation on ambulance call volume at the Feb 5 Town Council meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/town-council-approves-capital-budget_8.html

 

3rd of 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held, more questions & answers (video)

Town Council approves capital budget, new victualler license, gives final approval to sign bylaw changes & water/sewer connections for Franklin Ridge (audio)

FM #1376  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1376 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 5, 2025. 7 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Chandler & Hamblen). 

Quick recap:

Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

PUBLIC HEARINGS

     a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

     b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

Legislation for action (all votes passed with the same via roll call or voice vote 7-0-2 (2 absent)

•      Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

•      Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

•      Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

•      Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan

•      Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

•      Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

•      Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

•      Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map

•      Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map

•      Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4

•      Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405)

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1357-master-plan-update-cmte-mtg-01-15-25/

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

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161 

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546 

Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId= 

My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/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. 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"

from Fire Dept presentation on call volume

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1375 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1375 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, February 6, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night (Feb 5) with a focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

• PUBLIC HEARINGS

• a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

• b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

• Legislation for action

• Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

• Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

• Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

• Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan

• Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

• Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map

• Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map

• Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4

• Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405)

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1375-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-25/

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

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161 

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546 

Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId= 

My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/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. 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"

 

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)