Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio)

FM #1506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1506 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, September 4, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 3, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading 

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)  

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4  

The conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1506-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw 

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891  

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link 

Background on “assessment center”  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/assessment-and-selection/other-assessment-methods/assessment-centers/

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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 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"

Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio)

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Sergeant Michael Campanelli!

Congratulations on Your Retirement,
Sergeant Michael Campanelli!

Congratulations on Your Retirement, Sergeant Michael Campanelli!

After three plus decades of dedicated service, we congratulate Sergeant Michael Campanelli on his well-earned retirement from the Franklin Police Department. His leadership, commitment, and dedication have left a lasting impact on both the department and the community he served.

We wish you nothing but happiness and relaxation in this new chapter. You’ll be missed!

Enjoy your retirement, Campa!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FX2F1jB56/

St Mary's to say Thank You Mrs. Karen Ackles for 30 Faith-Filled Years

Please join in thankfully celebrating the 30 years of service that Karen Ackles (aka Mrs. Ackles) has provided, and the thousands of seeds of the Catholic Faith she planted in her leadership roles in the St. Mary Parish Religious Education Program.

(L-R) Liz Coyne Bertoni, Karen Ackles
(St Mary's photo)

After many years of dedication and hard work planning for, and providing Catholic religious education to, the children of St. Mary Parish, Karen is retiring at the end of June. We thank her and wish her much luck and offer many prayers for the future as she enjoys her retirement with her family and friends.

We will be thanking her for het service and contributions at the 4:00 PM Mass THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025

There will be a reception immediately following the 4:00 PM Mass in the Sacred Heart Hall. All are invited. Please stop by to say THANK YOU!

FIre Chief James McLaughlin announces retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025

MEMORANDUM

Date: June 18, 2025

To: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator 

From: James McLaughlin, Fire Chief

RE: Retirement Notice

It is with mixed emotions that I am providing you notice of my intention to retire as the Chief of the Franklin Fire Department, effective on or before October 1, 2025.

There are two equally important reasons for my decision to leave this role I have been proud to hold since July 8, 2019 at this point in time. First, is my desire to spend more time with my family, particularly my father who recently turned the age of 89. Second, one of the first goals I set when I became Chief was to build a succession plan of firefighters who could build upon the work we’ve done together and to lead the Department into the future. At this point there are now several highly qualified internal candidates who are ready to take the helm.

I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to serve the Town of Franklin in my capacity as Fire Chief/EMA Director. It has been an honor and privilege to lead a great Fire Department composed of highly respected firefighters and paramedics who do a phenomenal job everyday serving the community. 

I am proud and fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of such a special department and administration. The last six years have been enjoyable, rewarding and deeply gratifying. The department has accomplished many milestones during the past six years including:

● a post-civil service reorganization incorporating Battalion Chiefs

● attaining ISO Class 1 rating

● institution of an aggressive training program

● replacement of all department front line vehicles

● increasing our staffing level to 61 Firefighters/Paramedics up to July 1, 2025

● placing a third impact time ambulance in service up to July 1, 2025

● replacing our CAD software system

● awarded in excess of $3 million in grant funding

None of this could have been possible without the support and hard work of all the members of the department for which I am extremely grateful. I consider the most important accomplishment to be that there has been no fire related fatality or serious injury to civilians or personnel in recent years.

Thank you, Jamie, for having the courage to take a chance by appointing me as your first Department Head in your capacity as Town Administrator. Your support for me and the department during my tenure was a testament to your commitment to public safety in the community. 

I am also deeply appreciative of the Town Council and the Finance Committee for all their support. They face fiscal challenges every day yet are steadfast in never compromising the safety of the Town residents. I am truly thankful to the residents of Franklin who welcomed me with open arms and stood with us in making these years both successful and memorable. 

I will always consider the Town of Franklin my second home.

Chief McLaughlin poses with the Town Council after his swearing in Aug 2019

Additional photos of the swearing in at the Town Council meeting Aug 21, 2019

https://photos.app.goo.gl/p6nP1ejsAz2v5wR58

School Committee recognizes musicians, biliteracy students, and retirees May 27, 2025 (audio)

FM #1460 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1460 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 6 members participated all in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Gallagher). 

Quick recap:

• In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awards

• The students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were present

• In the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognized

• Civics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)

• The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1460-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-27-25/

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FHS music students who won MICCA awards

students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450 

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7 

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89 

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Cmte Mtg of May 27 (audio)

FM #1459 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1459 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in person on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 27, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• MICCA award recognitions

• Biliteracy certificate recognitions

• School personnel retiree recognitions

• District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan updates

• Override discussion, vote June 3; any questions, please reach out to find out

The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1459-chalkboard-chat-05-28-25/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450 

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7 

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89 

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Cmte Mtg of May 27 (audio)