What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 ???

Wednesday, April 30

Library & Senior Center events

** FHS Girls Tennis Boosters fundraiser at Sante Fe Burrito Grill

9:00am Fallen Hero: John E Pasquantonio (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm FHS Jazz Concert (Franklin High School)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Cultural District Committee — SUBCOMMITTEE Porchfest Meeting  

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5329/PorchFest-Sub-Committee-Agenda_Meeting_-April-30-2025docx?bidId=  

Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers)

Wednesday, April 30 Time:7:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Town Of Franklin Resolution 25-29: Parmenter Deed recording

MEMORANDUM

Date:    April 25, 2025 

To:     Town Council

From:    Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

            Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator 

RE:     Parmenter Deed recording

The Council will consider recording the deed to the 20 +/- acre site of the former Parmenter School.

On January 28, 2025 the Franklin School Committee voted unanimously to dispose of the site and turn it over to the Town in accordance with state law.

The proposed Deed seeks to name the parcel as the “Gerald Murdoch Parmenter Memorial Complex” thus memorizing his name in perpetuity. If any structure is built upon the parcel, it will always contain the name of Mr. Parmenter. If the current school building is not demolished, it will also maintain the name. The Town Council has naming rights on all town owned public property and can always consider further naming recognition in the future.

We have attached the original deed, which despite some claims in town, did not memorialize that there was to be a schoolhouse permanently on the property. The Town Attorney will answer any legal questions.

We hope to have a Police Station Building Committee meeting later this June or July to provide new updates on the site selection process for a new Police Station. The consultant has now evaluated over 100 sites within town for the station and will provide updates on those options. The Parmenter site, in addition to Davis-Thayer, are being surveyed and analyzed to see what parts of each parcel are buildable and what constraint there may be on the parcels. These sites have been suggested in the past as they are of no new cost to the taxpayers and they are both strategically located to attend to law enforcement’s needs.

The Police Station Building Committee has not selected a site and will likely not select a site until the end of this calendar year, or possibly in 2026.

We expect open houses of the station in the Summer and Fall of 2025.

Town Of Franklin Resolution 25-29: Parmenter Deed recording

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TOWN OF FRANKLIN RESOLUTION 25-29

Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes

WHEREAS, the Town owns improved property containing a building known as Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School, located at the southwesterly corner of the intersection of Wachusetts and King Streets and shown on Franklin Assessors’ Map 297 as parcel 50, Title reference: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Book 2968 Page 219 (hereinafter: “Property”) for school purposes; and

WHEREAS, “Property” was gifted to Town by Ernest B. Parmenter and Maud A. Parmenter for the construction of an elementary school to be named in memory of their son Gerald Murdock Parmenter, a Franklin resident who distinguished himself during World War Two, and

WHEREAS, GL Chapter 40, Section 15A sets out the procedure to be followed when Town-owned property is no longer needed for the specific municipal purpose for which it is held; and

WHEREAS, the Franklin School Committee has determined that Property is no longer needed for school purposes and, as provided in said statute, has given written notice of its determination to the Franklin Town Council by memorandum dated January 15, 2025, a true copy of which is attached hereto as “Exhibit 1”,

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin, acting by and through its Town Council, hereby transfers the care, custody, management and control of “Property” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for municipal purpose(s) as provided in GL Chapter 40, Section 15A, declares that “Property” shall henceforth be formally named and known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Memorial Complex,” and directs that a true copy of this resolution be recorded at Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.

This resolution shall become effective according to the Provisions of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

Copied from the Town Council agenda item -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5388/9a-Parmenter

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for meeting April 30, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 30, 2025 = 7 PM

1.    ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a.    This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b.    Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c.    Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2.    CITIZEN COMMENTS

a.    Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a.    April 16, 2025

4.    PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a.    Police Department - Promotion

i.    Sergeant John Godino

b.    Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective

i.    Tara Lagoa

c.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
d.    Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development

5.    APPOINTMENTS

a.    Agricultural Commission

i.    Matthew Stoltz

b.    Disability Commission

i.    Kelly Quinlan

6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.    Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central,
Located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA 02038
i.    License Transaction # 7a.

7.    LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a.    Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central, Located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA 02038

8.    PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9.    LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.    Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-29 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

b.    Resolution 25-30: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($40) & Recreation ($1,415)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-30 - Majority Vote)

Gerald M Parmenter Elementary School

10.    TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a.    FY26 Town Administrator Budget
b.    Previous Requests:

i.    300 Fisher Street
ii.    Chestnut Street Apartments

 11.    SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.    Capital Budget Subcommittee
b.    Economic Development Subcommittee
c.    Joint Budget Subcommittee
d.    Police Station Building Committee
e.    GATRA Advisory Board

12.    FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

13.    COUNCIL COMMENTS
 

14.    EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
 

15.    ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

 

The full agenda doc includes remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, April 24, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment features my discussion with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer as we condense the 3 hour meeting to about 30 minutes  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/tom-mercer-and-i-condense-3-hour-town.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

The Turntable Show airs "Harvest",  Neil Young's most successful album released February 1, 1972.  Harvest is Neil Young's fourth studio album and includes two hits, "Old Man" and "Heart of Gold".  Young also co-produced the album that includes the London Symphony Orchestra on two songs and backup vocals by David Crosby, Graham Nash, Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, and James Taylor.  The Playlist Hour features both acoustic and electric classic Neil Young performances and bands.  

A must listen if you like Neil Young.

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

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

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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. 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/

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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 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)