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

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

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"

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/

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

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 

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

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)

Fallen Hero Recognition: John J. Kell - April 17, 2025 at 9 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition is conducted each date that one of the 45 were reported to have died. All recognitions are held at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway.

The brief program (approx. 5 minutes) includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran, a salute from those present, and the playing of Taps. 

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive. The public and any family members are welcome to attend.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army

Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army, was born in Franklin on November 4, 1924 to parents Archibald and Inez Kell. John lived with his parents, brothers and sisters at 39 Raymond Street and attended the Franklin Schools. 

CPL Kell volunteered from Franklin and served two years with the military police in England before asking for a transfer to active duty on the war front. John received a transfer to the infantry and was on active duty for several months before he was killed in action in Germany on April 17, 1945. 

Memorial services were conducted here in Franklin on May 13, 1945 honoring CPL John J. Kell whose eternal resting place is in an American Cemetery in Germany. 

Corporal Kell was 20 at the time of his death serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John Kell

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

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 

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
• Proclaimations 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 unaninmous. 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.

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

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

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting 03/25/25 - audio in 3 parts for easy access

FM #1420-1421-1422 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1420-1421-1422 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). 

The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening

Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)

 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1420-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-03-25-25/

 

Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1421-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-25-25/

 

 

Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour 28 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1422-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-03-25-25/

 

 

Quick recap:

• During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing so

• One team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.org

• France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via roll call by 7-0 vote

• Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber, H McVay - an update on the course selection process and student choices within that, discussion also around budget and range of offerings as well as the trend of choices seems to be changing

• Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams; Evolution of the master schedule, mention of the must haves, can haves and nice to haves... 

• A unique year to do a middle school experience for all three grades, but thereafter would be for the incoming new 6th grade as they get welcomed from the future 2 elementary sending schools

• Policy - 1st Read & Elimination - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Motion to move to second, passes via roll call 7-0

• Motion to enter Executive Session not to return to public session, passes 7-0 via roll call

 

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

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95 

The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651  

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEGYx0qPwSu93ymlY0Xn7y57Rd0_s-kY/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"

 

FHS boys basketball State D1 Champs pose with School Committee

FHS cheerleaders multiple times National Champs pose with School Committee