Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1431 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1431 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, April 17, 2025.  

Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 16, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topic for this session:

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

• per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, 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

• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote

• 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

• Proclamations and recognition for 

• the FHS Cheerleaders, National Champs for 5th year

• the FHS boys basketball team, State Division 1 Champs

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

• 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

• 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

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Approx. 35 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1431-town-council-quarterbacking-04-17-25/

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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 album 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"

Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Officer Timothy Trubiano recognized with CIT Award

(L-R) Lt Colecchi, Officer Trubiano

via Franklin Police Dept 

"We are thrilled to announce that Officer Timothy Trubiano was presented the prestigious CIT Award! This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to our community, particularly in his handling of mental health emergencies and his compassionate interactions with individuals in crisis.

Officer Trubiano has consistently demonstrated professionalism, patience, and a deep understanding of those facing mental health challenges. His ability to connect with both teens and individuals with developmental disabilities has made a significant impact, fostering trust and encouraging positive outcomes.

A special thank you to the CIT program for equipping our officers with the skills to support those in need. Congratulations, Officer Trubiano, on this well-deserved recognition!"

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

Watch "How the US Is Destroying Young People’s Future | Scott Galloway | TED" on YouTube

Via TED Talks  

"In a scorching talk, marketing professor and podcaster Scott Galloway dissects the data showing that, by many measures, young people in the US are worse off financially than ever before. He unpacks the root causes and effects of this "great intergenerational theft," asking why we let it continue and showing how we could make it end. (Note: This talk contains mature language.)"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/qEJ4hkpQW8E?si=2jV_uweZKbYrNctM

For a more in depth version (albeit five years ago), Scott covers many of the same topics in this 30 minute version.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brp9DpJsEi4

For more about Scott, visit his TED profile page -> 

https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_galloway_how_the_us_is_destroying_young_people_s_future

Note: given the timed delivery nature of TED Talks, it is better to watch them multiple times, or stop after a point is made and think about it. Time is needed to digest the impact of the ideas presented.

Bonus link (a 14 minute talk Followed by a Q&A with TED Curator Chris Anderson) ->   https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_galloway_how_amazon_apple_facebook_and_google_manipulate_our_emotions?subtitle=en

Congratulations to Montagano, Ferris, Colecchi for graduation from Crisis Response & Behavioral Health certificate course

(L-R) Colecchi, Ferris, Montagano

Congratulations to Clinician Kallie Montagano, Clinician Caroline Ferris, and Sgt Michael Colecchi. Earlier today (May 20, 2024) all three graduated from the William James College Graduate Certificate Course in Crisis Response & Behavioral Health.

The Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at William James College provides training and education to mental health professionals and law enforcement on effective response methods for encounters with individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric, substance-related, or mental health crisis.

The program addresses an important need for expanding roles and opportunities in public safety and seeks to create effective partnerships between mental health and law enforcement.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C7NN7ZMxQti/

Town Council recognizes FISH, hears from Franklin Food Pantry & about the Town of Franklin Crisis Intervention Team (audio)

FM #1139 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1139 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Proclamation: FISH of Franklin, the group was recognized for over 50 years of service providing rides to medical appointments for free by volunteers.

• Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, provided an update on the operations with the new building, meeting increasing needs, and the generosity of the community in support of their work

• Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), highlighted work to coordinate better the response by Town departments for the needs of individuals in some crisis. Caught the ears/eyes of some councilors due to the different definitions of homeless among Federal and State agencies

• Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023, passed by 9-0 vote  

The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Jan 17, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1139-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-17-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4koHoGH73g  

Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf  

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1srDHwwmM28LbjTIs5NDNHjVBRDW9dTv3/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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.

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"

Tina Powderly, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, provides an update

Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

Town Council hears about the Franklin Food Pantry operations and the Town of Franklin Crisis Intervention Team (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024. The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4koHoGH73g

The meeting agenda can be found here -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in one easy to read PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1srDHwwmM28LbjTIs5NDNHjVBRDW9dTv3/view?usp=drive_link

Tina Powderly, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, provides an update

Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

FPD Officer Tyler Brabham gets award for Crisis Intervention Training program

"Proud day for the Franklin Police Department as our Officer Tyler Brabham is presented with an award from Norfolk County TTAC and Brookline MA Police Department for his work with the Crisis Intervention Training program.

CIT is an advanced level of training for officers to help them recognize and assist those individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Great job Officer Brabham!"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpN3qa6L_6g/

FPD Officer Tyler Brabham gets award for Crisis Intervention Training program

Town of Franklin Police: Training Continues via Simulation; Award for Crisis Intervention Training program

"Training never stops. Franklin PD works with Blue Line Corp. every year to bring their live fire trailer to the PD. Officers are put through accuracy, and judgment scenarios to keep them fresh even when the outdoor ranges are not available.  

Here Deputy Chief Mill and Sergeant Johnson work through a video scene in which officers are given a scenario, and walk though the situation and fire live rounds into a projection screen if the situation calls for it. Not all do, and officers must use sound verbal commands, and answer for why they did, or did not shoot. 

It is another learning tool the Franklin Police uses. Many people think police training with firearms is all shooting. This type of training forces officers to use good judgement, and explain their actions. Not every scene is a shoot situation, and officers must use de-escalation or less lethal options if called for."

Shared from Town of Franklin Police Dept. Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/10157409198530916

Town of Franklin Police Dept. Facebook photo 1

"Proud day for the Franklin Police Department as our officer Tyler Peabody is presented with an award from Norfolk County TTAC and Brookline MA Police Department for his work with the Crisis Intervention Training program. 

CIT is an advanced level of training for officers to help them recognize and assist those individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.  

Look for coverage from Boston 25 News's Robert Goulston (6pm) and WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe-WBZ Reporter as they speak to Officer Peabody, Chief Lynch, and Advocates, Inc. mental health clinician Kallie Montagano about the Franklin Police approach to helping those in need.  

(yes, Ben saw television cameras and assumed they were here for him..)"

Shared from Town of Franklin Police Dept. Facebook page:  (Follow the Facebook link for additional photos)

https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/10157412022150916

Town of Franklin Police Dept. Facebook photo 2