Finance Committee Meeting August 11, 2025 - Franklin TV Video available

The Franklin TV video recording for the August 11 Finance Committee meeting is now available ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIWsqxNQsQ

The recap, audio and transcript are also available here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/finance-committee-aug-11-2025.html

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

More Perfect Union: D. E. I. (video)

In this episode, the group and guest Dr. Bell, as well as the audience from the Senior Center discuss DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, and how it as a concept has been around, and it's important to provide opportunities and fairness to all people.

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGe7POQRUmQ

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Police Station Building Committee tours the current station built in 1991 on School District property (brief photo essay)

Chief TJ Lynch lead a small group of the Police Station Building Cmte and a few residents on a tour of the existing facility. Additional tours are being scheduled for September/October. Work is also underway to provide a video tour with Chief Lynch's narration for those who might be able to make the tours.

A brief recap of some of the existing conditions. And yes, the building is built on School property.

In the holding area, Chief Lynch describes the parole process

The only significant change within the building was the addition of this evidence storage mechanism. It will likely move to a new facility if that is the ultimate decision of the committee and community

Chair Tom Mercer and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen listen as Chief Lynch describes the space for our detectives where 7 are operating in a room that should be for 3-4

The sally port where folks under custody should be safely and securely transferred from a police vehicle to the station. It is also used as storage for multiple items that should be stored elsewhere if there was sufficient space.

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/k9x4C2xcTQxiLG4JA

Julia Dhar: How to have constructive conversations | TED (video)

"We need to figure out how we go into conversations not looking for the victory, but the progress," says world debate champion Julia Dhar.

In this practical talk, she shares three essential features of productive disagreements grounded in curiosity and purpose.

The end result? Constructive conversations that sharpen your argument and strengthen your relationships."

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFZtNN6eNvQ

The three takeaways

• Choose curiosity over clash
• expect development of your ideas through discussion
• anchor in common purpose

Phantom Gourmet visited La Cantina Winery in Franklin, MA (video)

If you missed the chance to catch La Cantina Winery on Phantom Gourmet, here’s your opportunity! We’d love to see you soon and thank you for all your support!

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VhJWIskJ34

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15vBGvH3AH/

Stephen Colbert sings with Oscar the Grouch (video)

From the Late Show with Stephen Colbert archives, optimism in a dark period

Video link -> https://youtu.be/2ZoFvUgiY7g?

Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)

Jim Derick, SAFE Coalition, welcomes Chad Hollister and Premo to the Studio for live performances along with a conversation.

Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)

Video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXY5gQTcnpw

For more about Chad Hollister and his band visit -> https://chadmusic.com/

Stacey Abrams and the 10 steps to autocracy (video)

In a recent visit to the Jimmy Kimmel show, Stacey Abrams succinctly laid out the ten steps to autocracy. How close to the path are we?

In a ten minute video, she begins about 2 minutes and it runs about 2 and a half minutes, then shifts to other topics. She is on a book tour and made an appearance at The Unlikely Bookstore Tuesday evening which a family member attended.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M16NVCtfXk

An NPR Interview also covers the same topic along with others in the conversation with Stacey -> https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/nx-s1-5464737/stacey-abrams-coded-justice

Franklin TV: Memorial Day Breakfast & Parade for 2025 (video)

Memorial Day Breakfast 2025

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04CztHlxZKE

Memorial Day 2025

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79er1B_Cpd0

The audio version of the Town Common ceremonies can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day.html

Memorial Day 2025: Complete cemetery, Parade & Town Common video - May 26, 2025

Produced by Franklin TV - video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79er1B_Cpd0

The recap and audio from the Town Common ceremony is also available ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day.html

Commander Carruthers and a girl scout placing one of the wreaths

Franklin TV looking for actors for role in film about Horace Mann (video)

Franklin TV Horace Mann Series - Franklin TV is developing the first episode of a four-part series that tells the story of Horace Mann. 

Auditions can be arranged by reaching out to Chris Flynn at cflynn@franklin.tv. 

For more information, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGfn3eKFVoU

Franklin TV looking for actors for role in film about Horace Mann (video)

Just the Facts About US Trade & Tariffs (video)

Steve Ballmer talks through US trading partners, imports & exports and how tariffs factor in In 2024, the US imported $4.1 trillion and exported $3.2 trillion in goods and services. Higher tariffs can raise prices and the US jobs impact is complex (lower tariffs can cause job losses in some sections and job gains in others).

Video link -> https://youtu.be/JXKLoDXmZNo

Learn More: https://usafacts.org/articles/what-are-tariffs-and-how-do-they-work/ 

https://usafacts.org/answers/what-is-the-value-of-us-trade/country/united-states/

https://usafacts.org/articles/who-are-the-uss-top-trade-partners/

https://usafacts.org/articles/what-are-the-top-us-exports-to-china/

Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1472 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 Friday, June 20, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

• Fire Chief McLaughlin reads his statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. 

• Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie

• Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved

• Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved

• Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee

• La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license

• The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for

• Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing

• Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term

The conversation runs about 30 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1472-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188 

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788 

Community Survey results

Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report 

Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025

Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 1
8 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)

Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation

All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/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"

Town Council hears of Chief McLaughlin retirement, Electric Youth performance, and approves union contracts (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in the Council Chambers with 8 present initially and the 9 joined in progress.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788

Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number

Quick recap:

• Fire Chief McLaughlin reads statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. He lists the accomplishments of his time here including that the Department has multiple qualified candidates to replace him. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen confirms later in the meeting that the position posting will be for internal candidates only.
• Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
• Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
• Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
• La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
• The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for
• Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report
• Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025
• Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation
• All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey
• Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee. Up to 13 members with some specific representation and some at large residents, Term thru June 30, 2029. Plan the year long celebration, engaging, calendar, programs, access, etc. The committee needs to be of people who are willing to do the work. Town staff as ex officio to assist the committee, the committee needs to do the work. Discussion on council membership in "at large role"
• Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
• Councilor Cormier-Leger arrives at 9:25 PM. Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term.
• Meeting adjourned

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/view?usp=drive_link

FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback - 2 quick summaries (video)

The outlook for the week ahead -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a8q0-3EpqI

Lacking back at the week that was ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-QF_Mm-3CI

You can subscribe for the once a week email that comes out on Sunday morning

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

Audio recording of the FHA Appreciation Event held Monday, June 9, 2025 (audio)

FM #1468 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1468 in the series. 

This session shares audio recording of the Appreciation Event celebrating the collaboration that returned a single family home to Franklin housing stock. State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025

 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1468-fha-appreciation-event-06-09-25/

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Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lXcfc3-nNbI

Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers

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

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"