In the News: Town Council candidate statements

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"Election season is not yet quite over for Franklin, which is holding a special town election next week — unusually on a Saturday — to fill a vacancy on the Town Council.

Franklin's special town election will fill a seat on the Town Council.

There are four candidates seeking the post left behind this fall by nearly three-year member Eamon McCarthy Earls, who exited the top governing board to pursue law studies. Candidates include Greg Chiklis, Alan Earls, Cobi Frongillo and KP Sompally.

The special election is set to take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. next Saturday. Polls will be open at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.

Candidates all provided statements, which appear here in the order candidates will be listed on the ballot."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2020/11/27/four-seek-council-seat-franklin-special-election/6419639002/

For all the relevant info for the special election scheduled for Dec 5 to fill one Town Council seat visit the "election collection" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

 

2020 Election Collection

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

The four candidates for the open Town Council seat will meet in a live broadcast for a candidates night moderated by former police chief Larry Benedetto.

 

The candidates (ballot order)

• Alan R. Earls
  
• Cobi Frongillo
  
• Gregory R. Chiklis 
• KP Sompally 

How to watch

• Three options for watching the candidates night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29  #SECN1123  1/3
• Three options for watching the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream   #SECN1123 2/3 
• Three options for watching/participating in the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = Connect via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83643671854 )  #SECN1123   3/3 

Why a special election?

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of September to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Audio interviews available

• Town Council candidate - Gregory R Chiklis (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg.html
• Town Council candidate - KP Sompally (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-382-town-council-candidate-kp.html
• Town Council candidate - Alan R Earls (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-369-town-council-candidate-alan.html
• Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo (audio interview) =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-359-town-council-candidate-cobi.html

 

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

FM #393 Town Council candidate - Greg Chiklis - 11/17/20 (audio)

FM #393 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 393 in the series.

 
This shares my interview and discussion with Town Council candidate Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election (per Town Charter) to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of Sept to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Greg chose to tell his story in his way and along the course of the discussion we did touch on all the questions to provide a fair set of information for the Franklin voters.

• By way of introducing yourself to the Franklin voters, what is your Franklin story?
• The Community Preservation Act is on the November ballot, what do you think of it?
• What degree of development do you feel is appropriate for Franklin and how would you balance the need for affordable housing with the need to avoid congestion, some of which we already have?
• The Town Administrator suggested in 2019 that Franklin needed to consider an override measure.  The pandemic hit, that didn’t happen. The water rate and trash/recycling rate increased. Stormwater utility fee is up for consideration for implementation on/about July 2021. And yet, the operational budget both school and town side of the budget is challenged. How do you approach this financial situation?
• What do you say to the voter who asks: Why should I vote for you?
• Anything else to add that we did not cover?

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Town Council candidate Greg Chiklis.  

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg-chiklis-11-17-20

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Greg Chiklis’ Campaign link https://www.facebook.com/GRCFTC

 
And Contact info grchik0712@gmail.com , Phone =  774 291-9544 

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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/

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"

Town Council special election has 4 candidates for 1 open position

In the News: "Franklin’s Cobi Frongillo makes bid for Town Council"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Growing up in Franklin, Cobi Frongillo was surrounded by role models who taught him the value of service, and he has followed in their footsteps in many ways.

Now the 23-year-old is looking toward the Town Council as an opportunity to expand his service to the community.

Frongillo is hoping to fill a seat on the town’s top governing board that was recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls, 26, who stepped down to pursue a law degree in Virginia.

A special town election is scheduled for Dec. 5."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201001/franklins-cobi-frongillo-makes-bid-for-town-council-he-is-second-candidate-to-put-in-his-name-for-december-special-electoin?rssfeed=true

 

"Like son, like father: Alan Earls eyes the Franklin Town Council seat vacated by son"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

“Like father, like son” is a familiar phrase that in the Earls family these days is more accurately expressed the other way around: “Like son, like father.”

It is equally as valid to turn around another familiar phrase -- the one about the apple not falling far from the tree -- and say that the tree, in this case, doesn’t stand far from the apple.

On Tuesday, Alan Earls officially announced he is seeking election to the Franklin Town Council, hoping to fill the seat vacated by his son, Eamon McCarthy Earls. The declaration comes a month after the younger Earls, 26, announced his exit from the town’s top governing board in order to pursue a law degree at Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in Virginia. Eamon Earls’ resignation was effective on Sept. 6. He was on the Council for nearly three years.

A special town election has been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, to fill the newly empty seat."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200916/like-son-like-father-alan-earls-eyes-franklin-town-council-seat-vacated-by-son?rssfeed=true

 

 

Attention Franklin: special Town Election timeline to fill a Town Council seat

Attention Franklin: There is a special Town Election scheduled to fill an empty Town Council seat.  Please see the important dates below. The last day to file nomination papers is Monday, September 21st.

Attention Franklin: special Town Election timeline to fill a Town Council seat

For more info on candidate papers, check with the Town Clerk

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Shared from Twitter
(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1303803404284723207?s=03)

Town Council recap: special election coming in Dec, Planning Board associate selected, Purchasing process reviewed

Quick summary:

• Councilor Eamon McCarthy Earls is leaving the Council to pursue law school in VA. A special election will be held in Dec to replace him. Additional timeline details to be shared on nomination papers, last day to register, etc.
• Town Clerk Teresa Burr and newly promoted Deputy Clerk Nancy Danelo presented updates on the forth coming primary and November election.
• Town Council and Planning Board had a unique opportunity to vote on a replacement for an associate position. Four candidates were whittled down from about a dozen, three were in person at the meeting and after three rounds of voting Jennifer Williams was selected.
• John Bugbee, the Chief Procurement Officer, presented an overview of the detailed work done mostly behind the scenes for all purchasing activities.
• The snow removal bylaw which had been deactivated in 2017 came back to the Council for a discussion to determine direction. There had been a discussion at the EDC meeting in June before this. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will take the proposal back to work with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi for modification before bringing back to the Council in the future.
• The State grant to fund the regional dispatch expansion to include Mendon and Millville was indeed granted. This will save some money for the budget for the next several years. We will need to put some of the savings aside to prepare for the full allocation return when the grant expires however.

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0812  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0812&src=typeahead_click

•     Real time reporting underway for #tc0812 Town Council agenda posted to ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/august-12-town-council-meeting
•     Announcement from Eamon McCarthy Earls stepping down Sep 26 (?) to start law school. Heading to VA for school hence leaving the Council for this opportunity. #tc0812
•     Town Clerk Teresa Burr making some information announcements - (1) Nancy Danelo as deputy clerk. (2) Sat Dec 5th special election for Earls' seat, additional dates for nomination papers etc to be shared #tc0812
•     They are busy processing ballot application, expect lines at the polls to ensure appropriate protection for all. #tc0812 masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to be issued. Each voter gets a pen, pens cleaned after. Early voting starts Aug 22 at the high school
•     If you did apply for a mail in ballot, and want to go in person, your mail in ballot will be deleted and then record your in person vote. #tc0812
•     Citizen comments, no hands raised, only 9 on Zoom tonight. #tc0812
•     Motion to approve minutes from 2  prior meetings, both passed via roll call 9-0 #tc0812
•     Moving to appointments, Barbara Steele as member of Library board of directors; seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call. #tc0812 of note all and participants wearing masks tonight (were not wearing masks for last meeting, this was while speaking, some did wear off camera)
•     Special appointment selection process for planning board associate, charter not explicit on process, hence multiple candidates in joint session with Planning Board tonight #tc0812 Cobi Frongillo first up.  Youngest candidate
•     Next up, Beth Wierling franklin resident, over 20 years experience in planning worked for ToF as planner, now at Kraft Group for planning and large projects. #tc0812 not opposed to change but it depends upon what the change was proposed to be
•     Next up Jennifer Williams, lives downtown, came in 5 years ago is an architect, worked on from large scale to small, master plan, so experience from a different perspective, i.e from construction side. #tc0812 well accredited professional, looking at social impact
•     Parks and rec is a huge asset that she didn't really appreciate until she had young kids, now what else do we need, how does it fit? #tc0812
•     Roll call of council and planning board, each person says one name can add a reason #tc0812 would like to hear from Planning Board as they would be working with the individual. All the applicants are qualified per Padula, Halligan torn between the three
•     After round of comments on appreciation for applicants, all quality individuals. Difficult choice recognized. #tc0812 Frongillo 6, Williams 6, Wierling 2. So top 2 go into second round; 7 - 7 in second round, also a tie
•     Williams got 3-2 both times by my count from planning board, will go to vote again: Williams 8 to 6 on third round of voting. #tc0812 request for town Council seat in Dec or planning board next year.
•     Applications are kept in file as other openings occur. Taking 3 mins recess #tc0812
•     Meetings back to order, planning board public hearing closed, #tc0812
•     Procurement presentation per request from Councilor Earls, John Bugbee covering the basics.
•     Process defined by dollar value, #tc0812 full presentation doc online at ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._franklin_procurement_overview_3.0.pdf
•     Chris Sandini, finance director adds to the presentation #tc0812 attny Mark Cerel adds also in regards to the written contract to provide legal protection for the Town (Mark remote via phone)
•     Kelly: "I don't ever want to know how the soup is made, I just want to get it done" #tc0812 criteria built into the specs may permit leeway in not taking the low bidder, if auction process do have to take low bid as long as they meet the criteria.
•     If the company/vendor is not on the state list, you can pick them. #tc0812 if procurement is not done properly or timely, things just slow down. Everything can back up behind it. All equipment is sold via municibid (sic)  (https://municibid.com/)
•     Next up the snow bylaw for discussion and possible reposition for approval https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._snow_and_ice_removal_bylaw_discussion_memo_supporting_docs_and_proposed_bylaw.pdf…
•     #tc0812 drafted a map for sidewalk clearing
•     No legislation for action yet, open discussion to help provide direction on how to proceed. Was discussed at an EDC meeting 6/10/20 #tc0812 for reference, the meeting recording and notes are found here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-297-economic-dev-subcomm-61020-audio.html
•     Link provides a good example from downtown, walking in the snow, and it shows the difference as you move from building to building, block to block, no consistency. Frankly (no pun intended) we can't afford to do it right #tc0812 h https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/walking-franklin-in-snow.html
•     Brutus (formally DPW Director) Cantoreggi addresses some of the comments and questions on the snow issues #tc0812
•     Streets are always a priority, the route is prioritized and published. Since some Councilors are saying we won't have a bad winter, guess what we will get? #tc0812 Attny Cerel provides historical background on snow sidewalk bylaws for New England, and liability
•     Just went down a legal deadend, per Attny. #tc0812 used to have contractors doing plows, have had trouble recently obtaining help. Understaffed also at DPW. School snow days will help per Kelly (except for when teachers go to the building to teach remotely?)
•     Jennifer Williams (new planning board associate) speaks on her experience of walking in the snow downtown, hasn't been able to walk on a sidewalk safely after a storm #tc0812 (see my photo link shared earlier for proof)
•     Jamie to regroup with Brutus to see if they can make changes, no dissent on the objective, trying to do something makes sense, it will be a challenge #tc0812 will talk with Superintendent to include the schools in the conversation
•     Capital subcommittee no meeting, budget no meeting, EDC has met, will meet again on Aug 20 to work on Economic Development plan MAPC market study #tc0812
•     Motion to accept donation #tc0812 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10a-legislation-action-35…, passes 9-0 via roll call
•     Motion to accept gift https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-36… passes 9-0 via roll call
•     8 active cases yesterday, same as last week for COVID-19, formally awarded development grant for MECC which helps our budget for next several years, Mendon and Millville will join the regional dispatch #tc0812
•     Future items, nothing at this time; Councilor comments: Chandler feels for working parents after SchCom meeting last night. Hamblen congrats on Earl's, congrats to Nancy, keep everyone safe so folks can get back to school #tc0812
•     Pellegri looking for volunteers to work in the gift store at the historical museum for when they can open. (No timeline yet) may not be far away i.e.  after Labor day #tc0812 folks getting together for CPA, if interested let Jamie know.
•     Bissanti thanks to chair for innovative leadership during this pandemic period. Kelly thanks and congrats for Earls, come back and be town attny when Mark gives up #tc0812 Jones congrats to Nancy, Earls to SchCom and school dept for their hard work on the plan
•     Dellorco congrats to Nancy and Eamon, #tc0812 (clarification on Earls' end date Sep 6: I recall puting 26 with a ???) Earls saved for next to last word tonight, close to 3 years. Will miss time here. Mercer congratulations, was honored to write a letter, glad it didn't hurt
•     Mercer echoes fellow Councilors comments, they spent many hours, made a smart decision last night, we want the kids back in school but not right now. #tc0812 important reminder of TC role is only a bottom line budget, everything else is SchCom and superintendent control
•     "thank God it is their decision" I applaud them for putting this plan together. Motion to adjourn, passed via roll call 9-0 #tc0812   So that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

The agenda doc is linked to in the thread above and repeated here for ease of finding

Photos shared via Twitter during the meeting are found online in this album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ff3xHRJisu2MtQLo8

Town Clerk Teresa Burr and newly promoted Deputy Clerk Nancy Danelo

FM #166 - Special Town Council Mtg 6/12/19

FM #166

This internet radio show or podcast is number 166 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the special Town Council meeting held on June 12, 2019. As I was coming down the stairs from the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on the third floor of the Municipal Building, I realized that the Town Council was gathering for a meeting that had not yet come to my radar.

Town administrator Jamie Hellen describes the search process

new Fire Chief James G McLaughlin listens intently

A quick search showed that this was a ‘special’ meeting just called for the primary purpose of allowing the Town Council to approve the appointment of James G McLaughlin as the Fire Chief.

The search to replace Chief McCarragher (now retired) I knew had been underway. It turns out that apparently the search finalized since the Council meeting on the 12th and since the new chief was going to be away for the next Council meeting (6/26), they called a ‘special’ meeting for this purpose.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 40 minutes).





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

Additional References:

My notes for the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/franklin-fire-chief-approved-james-g.html

Town Council Agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/june_12_2019_special_town_council_meeting.pdf

Town Council Actions Taken
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_12_2019.pdf


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

SUMMER COLLEGE SPECIAL - sign up today

Timeless CrossFit and Fitness

SUMMER COLLEGE SPECIAL - sign up today

SUMMER COLLEGE SPECIAL - sign up today

More about Timeless Crossfit at their webpage  http://www.timelesscrossfit.com/

Franklin School Committee: Special meeting - 3/23/17 - 7:00 PM

Franklin School Committee

Special Meeting

March 23, 2017

7:00 P.M. = Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

1. Superintendent Search

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn and enter Executive Session for the purpose of Contractual Negotiations; and not to return to Regular Session.

Executive Session

Sara Ahern answers a question at the Community Forum

Peter Light answers a question at the Community Forum

Franklin Liquors - Holiday Gift Guide

Via Franklin Liquors:

"Happy Holidays!

It's That Crazy Time Of Year And We Are Here
To Help With Your Shopping List.
In This Email Are Some Holiday Gift Ideas And Our Sale Items.

From Our Family To You And Yours
Have A Merry Christmas
And A Happy/Healthy New Year!"

• Click here for the details http://conta.cc/2gx1WkB

Franklin Liquors

Sugar Shoppe: The MIDNIGHT SHUFFLE!

The MIDNIGHT SHUFFLE! What is the MIDNIGHT SHUFFLE?? Well 1st it's a once a year event you will not want to miss! We open up the shoppe to Franklin residents and Dean College students for a 2 hour 25% OFF discount event for just one night! PLUS....the 1st 20 people in the door receive the Wolly Wonkaloo Black VIP cards good for 20% off for LIFE!! This Saturday April 30th into Sunday 12am-2am at the Sugar Shoppe, 334 Union St. Franklin Now isn't that SWEET!!! Sugar Shoppe 334 Union St Franklin, MA 02038 USA

Franklin Liquors shares their Easter Sale and Specials

Check out the Easter Newsletter from Franklin Liquors. It shares their food and wine guide with Special Selections and Easter Sale Items

Franklin Liquors will be open Easter Sunday 10AM-2PM

Happy Easter from Franklin Liquors

For more on Franklin Liquors visit them on the internet at  http://www.franklinliquors.com/

Chris Zito at 3 on April 1

3 Restaurant

April 1st at 9pm

Headliner: Chris Zito. 

Tickets: $25 per person. Show begins at 9pm. 

Make reservations at 7pm for the restaurant and receive one complimentary dessert per table. Call 508-528-6333 for tickets

“Try Your Luck” special at TeamFitness

Hello everyone! Team Fitness in Franklin is having a St. Patrick’s Day special March 14 – 19th. It’s a “Try Your Luck” special. Everyone will receive a discount and you could even win a FREE membership. 

Just knowing you could win a FREE membership makes it worth the trip. Check it out when you have the chance!

#tryyourluckteamfitnessfranklin

St. Patrick’s Day special

Subway, all classic footlongs only $6 each for February 2016

from the Patel's operating the Subway at 252 East Central St

Subway, all classic foot longs only $6 for February 2016

Franklin Subway - Buy One / Get One - National Sandwich Day - Nov 3

This is Kiran Patel from Franklin Subway. We have National Sandwich Day on Nov 3, 2015. 

We have a nice gift for all Franklin residents as below

• buy one sandwich and 30 oz drink and get one free sandwich 

National Sandwich Day, Franklin Subway

So can you publish this announcement in Franklin Matters? 

Thank you very much. If you need anything let me know.

SUBWAY
252 EAST CENTRAL ST
FRANKLIN
MA 02038

#shopFranklin - The Curry House - Mon/Tue in April

The Curry House is offering the first #shopFranklin customer special!

Every Monday and Tuesday in April, you will receive 1/2 off your second entree (the lesser priced) when you dine in and show the attached image.

#shopFranklin - The Curry House

#shopFranklin is the 'accidental' effort being fostered by Sarah Mabardy. You can find the #shopFranklin group on Facebook here. 

Be sure to read and follow the guidelines:

This group was formed in response to our desire to help support and promote our local, independently owned and operated businesses in Franklin and create a community where we respect and support our neighbors. 

All area residents and small businesses are welcome to join and post on the page according to the mission of supporting Franklin’s independently owned businesses.