2nd budget hearing confirms what happens if override fails for Police, Fire, DPW (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled for their 2nd in the series of Budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget cycle. The meeting took oplace in the 3rd floor conference room and as usual was broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers, as well as to Zoom & YouTube. All 8 members participated.

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

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.
• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 
• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would loose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital trnasports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today
• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery on August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the oder of the ambulances when the new one arrives.
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.
• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but as the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, ertc. will be delayed or take longer.
• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio THursday, transcript on the weekend).

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, April 30, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett

8:30 am FPAC: Hamlet

10:00 am Millis Berfield Band

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Shepherd's Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

3:30 pm Metrowest Boston Annual Meet Pt. 1

7:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Jamie Barrett & Electric Youth

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

8:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Band & Elementary Glee

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

12:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25

3:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Wachusett 04-24-25

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 04-16-25

2:00 pm Town Council 04-16-25

7:00 pm Town Council  CHAMBERS  817 9580 9431

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

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Finance Committee hears of the Franklin School budget as proposed (video)

The Finance Committee held their first of 3 budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget on Monday, April 28, 2025. All 8 members were present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV recording available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2k6pGMSzeU

Finance Cmte agenda ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282025-1700

Quick recap:

• School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim Business Administrator Jana Milotti made the presentation supported at different points by Dr Dutch and Asst Supt Paula Morano
• The slides of the presentation can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/RZR8tubpGhMB6Ac47
• The school budget fits within the Town allocation which assumes a successful override vote on June 3. The school budget is an increase over last year by $2.9M
• Redistricting brought significant savings to the tune of $3.1M
• If the override fails, $2M would be cut from this budget (per current Town documented allocation) resulting in no decrease in sports or transportation fees, staff reductions, higher class sizes, etc. See the photo of slide page 25
• The committe meeting almost closed out without even mentioning the Norfolk Agggie or Tri-County budgets
• Tuesday night the budget items for public works and public safety are up for discussion. The meeting will be in the 3rd floor training room.

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_SkYWy0EmCwPxh8w_PRvUJI2QDbclXKD/view?usp=drive_link

Finance Committee hears of the Franklin School budget as proposed (video)

All 6 FHS teams in action on Monday posted wins: baseball, softball, girls (video) & boys lacrosse, girls & boys tennis

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, April 28, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 11 @ Stoughton, 1 

– Final (5 inn.) – Franklin’s offense roared to life with a season-high 11 runs, turning a 4-0 lead into a commanding victory with seven runs between the fourth and fifth innings. The Panthers plated a pair in the first and two more in the third, including an RBI triple from Ryan Connelly, to stake a 4-0 lead. That lead doubled with a four spot in the fourth with both Jack Sullivan and Patrick Luizzi driving in a pair. Sullivan tacked on two more RBI in the fifth and Zach Winer had a sac fly to push the lead to double digits. Sullivan (four RBI, two runs) and Sean Kryzak (three runs) each had three hits, Luizzi (two RBI, run) had two), and Winer (two RBI, run), Connelly (RBI), DJ Silverstein (run), Cole Sidwell (two runs) and Joey Goguen each had one hit. Winer earned the win on the mound with one run charged on two hits and two walks, striking out five in four innings; senior Greg Bono struck out a pair in a scoreless inning in relief. Andrew Beder had a hit and an RBI for the Black Knights.

Softball = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (6 inn.)

– Junior Sophia Sacramone dazzled in the circle and Franklin jumped out to a big lead early and never looked back in a big win over Stoughton. Sacramone tossed a one-hitter without issuing a walk, striking out eight in six shutout innings for the Panthers. Franklin provided plenty of offense for Sacramone, pushing across four runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by an RBI double from Marley Allen, and then tacked on two more in the second when Allen hit a two-out, two-run double to right. Franklin added five more in the fifth and one more in the sixth to close out the win. Allen (three RBI, run) and Addi Weiss (two RBI, two runs) each had two hits for the Panthers, Ava Florest drove in a pair, and Josie Drucker chipped in with an RBI.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 12 @ Sharon, 10 – Final

Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com Managing Editor, provides the game recap ->

"For the second year in a row, Sharon went into halftime against perennial league power Franklin holding onto a lead. Sharon has never beaten the Panthers but on Monday afternoon at Gary Hall Stadium the Eagles looked in complete control after jumping out to a 6-1 first half lead and going into the halftime break up by four.

All Sharon needed to do was keep playing its style, at its pace, and not allow the visitors to go on a run, but there is a reason that Franklin has been at the top of the league for so many years.

The 11-time defending Kelley-Rex division champions came storming back in the second half. Franklin went on a 10-1 run between the second, third, and fourth quarters and turned a five-goal deficit into a four-goal lead. Sharon added a couple late goals, but Franklin remained perfect in Hock play with a 12-10 win.

“We told the offense that if they’re not going to start shooting, then the defense will,” first-year Franklin coach Chris Baker said about his message to the offense at halftime. “They’re a great Hock team. Every team in the Hock, this is how it is this year. If you sleep on anybody, you’re in trouble.”

Continue reading the article   (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-storms-back-in-second-half-to-stun-sharon/

For a photo gallery from this game  (subscription required)     https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Spring-2025/Sharon-Franklin-Boys-Lacrosse-04-28-25

Girls Lacrosse = Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 20 – Final 

– Franklin won its seventh straight game and allowed three or fewer goals for the fifth time this season, staying perfect in league play. Fourteen different Panthers recorded a point on Monday, including Maeve Grasso with her first goal of the season and sophomore Tori Cahill scoring her first varsity goal.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/O_cAw_J9ku4?&t=959

Boys Tennis = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

– Franklin took care of business at home, taking all five matches in straight sets against visiting Stoughton. Seniors Danny Reis (first singles), Aaron Ramaswamy (second singles), and Gabe Terry won in singles action for the Panthers, freshmen Deklan Morin and Anish Bokil teamed up for a 6-0, 6-1 win at first doubles, and seniors Jack Sebell and Charlie Souza rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final

– Franklin took two wins in singles action and added one more in doubles play to secure a 3-2 win on the road at Stoughton. Senior Izzy Trull dropped just one game in an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles while junior Isabelle Simino battled to a 6-3, 7-6 win at second singles. The senior tandem of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen continued to roll with a 6-0, 6-2 victory at first doubles. Jacqueline Boutros took a win at first singles (4-6, walkover) for Stoughton while the Black Knights’ second doubles team of senior Jina Kim and freshman Tynami Tang prevailed with a hard-fought 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 win.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-28-25/

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, April 29, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Grocery Stores and Markets

9:00 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett

10:00 am Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Shepherd's Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

3:30 pm Interfaith Council: Temple Etz Chaim

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

8:00 pm Metrowest Boston Annual Meet Pt. 1

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

8:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Band & Elementary Glee

11:30 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett

12:30 pm Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Shrewsbury 04-19-25

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

5:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25

9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

7:00 pm   Finance Committee  TRAINING Rm Floor 3  862 6724 3523

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 04-08-25

2:00 pm School Committee 04-08-25

7:00 pm  School Committee  CHAMBERS  868 2538 5241  Passcode: 529795

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, April 28, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:00 am Interfaith Council: Temple Etz Chaim

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

9:00 am Metrowest Boston Annual Meet Pt. 1

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Shepherd's Pie

1:35 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:02 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:02 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

6:00 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Brother Sun

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

10:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

12:00 pm Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Bishop Feehan 04-26-25

5:30 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

8:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25

7:00 pm   Planning Board  TRAINING Rm Floor 3  824 7405 2024

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

 

8:00 am Planning Board 04-07-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 04-07-25

7:00 pm  Finance Committee  CHAMBERS  899 9617 1586

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin TV: Our Memorial Day Events

When and Where?

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/27/2025

 

In recent years Memorial Day has taken on greater import – as it should. It’s a time for solemnity and remembrance of our best and bravest when it mattered most.

We’re posting this information well in advance of events so veterans can call for breakfast reservations and parade arrangements.

VETERANS: If you wish to walk or ride in the Memorial Day parade, please call Veterans’ Services at 508-613-1315 by May 1st.

Memorial Day Breakfast - 9 AM to 11 AM, Friday May 23rd, at the Senior Center. Call the veterans’ services office at 508-613-1315 for reservations by May 9th.

The Memorial Day Parade – 11 AM, Monday May 26th.
From Horace mann Middle School to Oak, Daniel McCahill and Union Sts., left onto West Central, left onto Emmons, and left onto Main St. to the Town Common.

Memorial Remembrances will be held prior to the parade at cemeteries located at: Dean College, Union St. and St. Mary’s Church.

The Memorial Day Ceremony – Noon, Monday May 26th. Town Common.
We will recognize and honor our Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day as well as Franklin’s 45 fallen heroes who died in combat.

Please note: In case of rain please check our Veterans’ Services web page:
www.franklinma.gov/335/veterans-Services for updates.

Let us all remember –
We are the land of the free because of the brave.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, April 25, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel         (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Millis Berfield Band

8:30 am Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli

10:00 am Interfaith Council: Temple Etz Chaim

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Shepherd's Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

7:00 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

8:30 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act

9:30 pm Metrowest Boston Annual Meet Pt. 1

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am All-Town Concert: Band 2025

8:30 am Mental Health: Joanne Spillane

9:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

11:00 am FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

1:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v North Attleboro 04-14-25

6:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

7:00 pm All-Town Concert: Chorus & Orchestra

8:30 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-27-25

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-27-25

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, April 24, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Veterans' Call: PACT Act

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Shepherd's Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm Interfaith Council: Temple Etz Chaim

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:00 pm Caring Transitions

6:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli

9:00 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-29-25

8:30 am All-Town Concert: Chorus & Orchestra

10:00 am Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v St. Paul Diocesan 04-19-25

9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission 04-17-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 04-17-25

7:30 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals  REMOTE  (See Agenda)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA