Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on May 1, 2024 in Council Chamber. All 9 Councilors were present along with a packed room. Participants were also on Zoom and YouTube.

Brief recap:

• Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV
• Introduction of new mental health clinician Caroline Ferris 
• Approved appointment of Nicole Chiaramonte
• Presentation on the FY 2023 Financial Audit by Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP. Another clean audit result, all processes are good no issues identified, no management letter or actions.
• presentation on the possible override and pledge statement results in passage of three resolutions
1. vote of acceptance by Council of pledge (9-0)
2. sets date for override of June 11 (8-1, Pellegri no)
3. sets amount of override for $6.8 million (9-0)

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA

Agenda and supporting documents ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf

Photo album of the presentation screen grab along with screens from the meeting

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78

Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam - April 30, 2024, 9 AM

Memorial event today (4/30/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: John Emidio Pasquantonio

Lance Corporal John Emidio Pasquantonio was born in Franklin on March 14, 1949, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Pasquantonio. John lived with his parents and 3 sisters on Grove St. while attending the Franklin Schools. John enlisted in the Marines, at age 17. 

John was married to the former Jacqueline Mucciarone of Franklin and he left a son, John Carlo, who currently lives here in Franklin. 

Corporal Pasquantonio, assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, had been sent ashore as a forward observer for the Navy guns on the coast of Vietnam, in Quang Tri province, when he was struck by a mortar shell and killed instantly on April 30, 1968. Prior to his death, John had repeatedly volunteered for this hazardous duty landing on the coast by helicopter. Cpl. Pasquantonio was award the Cross of Gallantry Medal, which compares with America's bronze star award, by the South Vietnam government. 

Lance Corporal John E. Pasquantonio was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Originally post here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam - April 30, 2024, 9 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition: W. Franklin Lynch, World War I - March 30, 3024 9 AM

Memorial event today (3/30/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor W. Franklin Lynch, World War I.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Fallen Hero Recognition:  W. Franklin Lynch, World War I

Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Roberta Trahan for Women's History Month

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) posted Tue, Mar 19, 2024:

Today's local leader shout-out goes to Roberta Trahan of @TOFranklinMA. 

A dedicated nurse of 47 years, Roberta is a pillar of the community, having served on the School Committee, serving as VP of @FranklinDowntwn and supporting many groups. 

Thank you, Roberta!
#mapoli #WHM2024 https://t.co/ecfJPz6Wai

Editor's Note: I am quite pleased to share this recognition. I have had the privilege of working with her on a number of causes and events over the years and she is a pleasure to work with. I understand she doesn't like the spot light but the work she has done and continues to do is making a difference! Sorry Roberta, "just reporting on the facts"....

Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Roberta Trahan for Women's History Month

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1770161731932709365

@FranklinCulture   @FranklinFoodPan  @FranklinPSNews

Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state.  If you haven’t been there recently, it is worth a visit.  There are monuments for all wars centered in front of the WWI “Doughboy” monument.  At the rear of the monument area is the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway which currently honors 1866 veterans who have served America.

Perhaps the most moving part of the Memorial area are the 45 granite posts which line the Veterans’ Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom. These columns are beautifully done, marked with bronze plaques and a flag. During the holidays, each is also decorated with a beautiful wreath.

Over the past few months, Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

This event will happen 45 times during the coming year.  Some months, like January, only one ceremony will be held. Other months will have multiple ceremonies, such as February with 4 and June with 7.   On March 10, April 9, July 18, and September 21, there will be dual ceremonies as we lost two veterans on the same day.

Families of the veterans, if known, will be invited to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend these ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives.

Franklin’s military organizations support numerous veterans’ activities  and encourage all veterans in town to join them.

The current schedule (note as additional info is gathered and confirmed this schedule may be updated)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/114IR6REsc-Ts_GLlfmgynjyD5IS595RA/view?usp=drive_link

 Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper - Vietnam - Feb 26, 2024

Memorial event today (2/26/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Richard L. Desper - Vietnam

"Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters. 

According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy."

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Originally posted ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-lance-corporal-richard.html

Grace Tucceri recognized for MA Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism

Pantherbook (@FHSPantherbook) posted Sat, Feb 24, 2024

Congratulations to @FranklinHS own @GraceTucceri for being selected to the Massachusetts Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism Staff.  

Grace is one of only 12 student in MA to receive this honor. https://t.co/g1Q3cRuFmb

Grace Tucceri recognized

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1761374151267217593

Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (audio)

 FM #1118 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1118 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

• Police Dept - $559,000

• Sewer projects - $500,000

• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

• SAFE Coalition - $100,000

• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

• ARPA Direct funds announced for

• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

• Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 

• Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

• Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete

• Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you

• Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit

The recording runs 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Dec 20, 2023.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1118-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-20-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0   

Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.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/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_link  

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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

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman

Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)

FM #1117 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1117 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares a special year end episode combining "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti and “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, December 21, 2023.  

Topics for this session

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

• Police Dept - $559,000

• Sewer projects - $500,000

• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

• SAFE Coalition - $100,000

• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

• ARPA Direct funds announced for

• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

• 2023 year in review, January 3, hit the ground working on 2024

The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Tom on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1117-talk-franklin-special-year-end-episode-12-21-23

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Town Council agenda for Dec 20, 2023 meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf 

Recap & video for Town Council session 12/20/23 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/town-council-closes-out-calendar-year.html 

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

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.

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"

"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)