Franklin (MA) Matters

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Meeting held Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025. 8 members were present to begin the session (Pellegri absent), one member during the long session (Chandler)Discussion items: PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONSa. Proclamation: Hunger Action Monthb. Police Departmenti. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelliii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLeanc. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin5. APPOINTMENTSa. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allenb. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    c. Cultural Councili. Ryan Hanleyii. William Leeiii. Caryn ParnellPRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONa. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Directorb. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriffc. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTIONa. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initi

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 / RECOGNITIONSa. Proclamation: Hunger Action Monthb. Police Departmenti. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelliii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLeanc. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin5. APPOINTMENTSa. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allenb. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    c. Cultural Councili. Ryan Hanleyii. William Leeiii. Caryn ParnellPRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONa. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Directorb. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patri

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Zoning Board of Appeals meeting conducted via Zoom Only on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 5 PM. All three members of the Board were present. The transcript provides additional details on the short meeting. Quick recap:Mistake made with the vote to take the matter “under advisement”. The vote eas 2-1 which should have been successful. The Chair was looking for a 3-0, hence “it” failed. There was another vote in the prior meeting but that shouldn’t have occurred.The first vote on the measure to grant the variance was tonight. Motion made. Friendly modification to round from 22.1 to 22. Accepted.Vote passes 3-0, Meeting adjourns after some additional remarks by the Chair in light of comments he heard when he viewed the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 3.The recording runs about 6 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------ZBA agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09042025-1895 Franklin TV YouTube for replay -> https://www

This session shares my conversation with Alex Rikleen, candidate for US Senate in the forthcoming Democratic Party primary, challenging current Senator Ed Markey. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Monday, August 25, 2025Our conversation covers Alex’s road to his decision to run and several of his campaign points.The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Alex Rikleen campaign page -> https://www.alexrikleen.us/-------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do wh

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, August 25, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed September 1 for Labor DayBook sale weekend September 19 & 20A new program “Community Song Circle” on Sep 10 & Sep 24Library events for September 2025Family eventsKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsRegistration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousi

This session shares the first part of the International Overdose Awareness Day candle light vigil held by the SAFE Coalition on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common. This first part was conducted from the stage at the gazebo. The second part, recorded by Franklin TV, was held right near the flags planted on the Common.  SpeakersJennifer Knight-Levine,  CEO | Co-FounderJim Derick, Director of Family Recovery | Co-FounderRev Doreen Oughton, Franklin Federated ChurchAnthony, member of SAFE Coalition with his recovery storyThe recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their web page -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ International Overdose Awareness Day -> https://www.overdoseday.com/ Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/eUJRuDrhDoZfSMp18 -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Frank

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 at the Franklin TV & Radio studio Thursday, August 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of August 26, 2025.  We cover Excitement among the teachers and school personnel as they all make the final preparations for the redistricting to open with schools on Tuesday, Sep 2. Minor tweaks to some of the bus routes, stops will be notified shortly. 56 personnel hired this summer, 2 teacher openings, 13 ESP's openings remain and some nonunion positions too, work is still underway attempting to fill the positionsHandbook significant changes, only a few were made and needed to be discussed. There is only one elementary handbook now for the 4 schools in the 2 buildings. All the handbooks were approved unanimously in separate votes (ECDC, elementary, middle and high school)Voted to create

This session shares the Police Station Building Cmte Mtg held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. One member (G Premo) was absent.  Quick recap:Joe Lynch, Owner Project Manager, (OPM) provides an overview, then the other members of the team walk through the presentation doc shared hereStarting with 200 in Franklin they whittled down to 36, then to 8, then finally to 2; Davis Thayer and ParmenterCompiled the listing of deficiencies and needs for the current and future department operations, lead to preliminary building design requirementsIn turn, these requirements lead to initial placement on the final 2 sites (DT & Parmenter) and a discussion on the pros and cons of eachAn initial estimation of the building cost and total project cost was provided. For Parmenter site it could be about $48M, the DT site would be more as it would also require demolition of the existing building and that was not calculated at the timeNext steps were outlinedopen houses scheduled for the community to view the existing f

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. All 9 members of the committee were present. 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 JulyIn 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 notPer legal advice, the Town Council

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. Quick recap:Excitement among the teachers and school personnel as they all make the final preparations for the redistricting to open with schools on Tuesday, Sep 2. Minor tweaks to some of the bus routes, stops will be notified shortly. 56 personnel hired this summer, 2 teacher openings, 13 ESP's openings remain and sone nonunion positions too, work is still underway attempting to fill the positionsHandbook significant changes, only a few were discussed. There is only one elementary handbook now for the 4 schools in the 2 buildings. All the handbooks were approved unanimously in separate votes (ECDC, elementary, middle and high school)Voted to create a subcommittee to expand upon how to honor the legacy of Horace Mann, beyond the naming of the campus where ECDC, the Middle School and High School are now located on Oak St. The campus naming was a second vote as the

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Both the Chair and Vice-Chair were away so Ruthann O'Sullivan hosted the session. The remaining 5 members of the committee were present. Quick recap:Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay, updates on lifelong learning, as well as extended school - link to album which captured the slides shared found https://photos.app.goo.gl/WwFUYqSSqCrzx6gH8 Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert - great detail, well organized, there is a whole lot happening across the redistricting move efforts, getting rooms and building ready, signs completed (shared here earlier), transportation updates due next week via bus routes, bus stops, additional drop off, pick up info also scheduled from principals. Photo album of the slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/JRbK3Ez1K9yxjCAX9  2024 Annual Report Draft Review - discussed verbally, no doc shared, feedback due soonThe recording runs about 1 hour & 15 minutes-

This session shares my conversation with Emily Dellorco and Jillian Rochat, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Thursday, August 14, 2025.We talk about All the key event highlights for SeptemberThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The Senior Center hours have changed, they will no longer be open late on Wednesdays. They're open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM each day Monday through Friday.The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging September 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6621/FSC-Septemeber-2025-Newsletter?bidId= The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calend

This session shares my conversation with Kymberlee O’Brien, MEd, PhD on Monday, August 11, 2025. Kymberlee may be recognizable from her presentations on brains, or her drum circles, both activities at the Franklin Senior Center grant funded by the Franklin Cultural Council. She has also performed as a jazz singer locally including most recently at the Franklin Farmers Market.With such a varied background, I felt that we would have a good and wide ranging conversation, and I think you’ll agree we did.Did you also know that she is a Grammy nominated composer?Listen in to our conversation (approx. 38 minutes)------------William James Faculty page -> https://www.williamjames.edu/about/profiles/faculty/kymberlee-obrien.html Neuralight Consulting -> https://www.neuralightconsulting.com/ Music link -> https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/kymberlee-obrien/PR -> https://www.artistpr.com/press-release/grammy-recognized-artist-kymberlee-obrien-blends-jazz-latin-and-pop-in-new-anthem-of-resilience

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 via Zoom on Thursday, August 14, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of August  12, 2025. We cover Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay, updates on lifelong learning, as well as extended school - link to album which captured the slides shared found https://photos.app.goo.gl/WwFUYqSSqCrzx6gH8 Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert - great detail, well organized, there is a whole lot happening across the redistricting move efforts, getting rooms and building ready, signs completed (shared here earlier), transportation updates due next week via bus routes, bus stops, additional drop off, pick up info also scheduled from principals. Photo album of the slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/JRbK3Ez1K9yxjCAX9  2024 Annual Report Draft Review - discussed verbally

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, August 14, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of August 13, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Discussion items: PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONSa. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simonsb. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew BairosAPPOINTMENTSa. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee MembersLICENSE TRANSACTIONSa. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito GrillLegislation for actionFY26 Budget Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator Model B recommended by FinCom; passed 9-0Resolution 25-53: Acceptance of Gift to the Town of Franklin to Restore Part-Time Health and Wellness Nurse Position  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-53 - Majority Vote) failed by 7-2 v

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Monday, August 11, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members and the Chair absent, for his first time, so 8 of 9 present. One member was initially remote, then he came into Chambers so roll call votes were not required. The room had changed from the posted agenda so the Studio personnel were not present to broadcast as normal. The Owl was used to enable video and audio for those participating via Zoom. The recording of that can be processed for broadcast later by Franklin TV.Quick recap:After a lengthy presentation and discussion, the Committee voted to recommend Option B for the Town Council to discuss and determine their vote on the FY 2026 budget adjustment.The State budget finalized in July authorized $231,152 LESS than the Town had put in the budget and adjusted after the failed override.Option A would have split the difference in making further cuts to both Town and School budgetsOption B make some minor cuts but also by r

This session shares my conversation with Kaye Kelly, musician, teacher, arts advocate and now author of her first book; "The Modern Creative: A Practical Guide for 21st Century Artists."  We had our discussion on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talk about Kaye’s life in FranklinTeaching at Berklee, raising a family, performingLeading to her first bookEar training, a real thing for aspiring musiciansFlexibility and grace in living the artist lifeThe recording runs about 34 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Kaye Kelly’s home page ->  https://www.kayekelly.com/ Berklee profile age -> https://college.berklee.edu/faculty/kaye-kelly Instagram  “One Creative Life” https://www.instagram.com/one_creative_life/ Book page not yet available (will be updated when it is)A brief Berklee video explaining more about ear training -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOR5AtFhomI -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Fr

This session shares my conversation with Brandon Sheck, Operations Manager + Co-Owner/Vice President and Melissa Merlino, Social Media & Community Outreach Specialist. We had our discussion on Friday, August 1, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talk about G&C originated in Franklin, located in BellinghamFocused on residential business for all aspects of plumbingTeacher Give-away, open thru August 14 for Franklin or Bellingham based teachersThe recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.-------------G&C web page -> https://www.gandcplumbing.com/ Teacher Award info and nomination page -> https://www.gandcplumbing.com/back-to-school-giveaway/ -------------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 f

This session shares my conversation with Robert (Bob) Kaufman, member of the Council on Aging which oversees the Senior Center in an advisory capacity. We had our discussion on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talk about The circumstances that created the situationThe points of the COA LetterRebuttal or alternate explanations for the points of the letterThe point of our conversation was to more fully explain the details around the letter and ensure that we could have a better and civil discussion. While this happened this year, given the financial situation of the town, we will likely see this again. We, the collective we, need to determine how we are going to solve our budget problem.The recording runs about 58 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Robert’s contact info -> bobkaufman@msn.com COA Letter as discussed -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/franklin-council-on-aging-letter-to.html History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Deputy Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald about the 2025 Biennial Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.  Our conversation covers:Candidate nomination papers available as of August 4 during office hours in Clerk’s OfficeAppointment requestedCandidate nomination papers due back by Sept 15Withdrawal if needed, completed by Sep 22Last day to register to vote is October 25Early voting schedule to be published laterOffice closed on Tuesday November 4 to run the election at Franklin High School gymnasiumNovember 4 election voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PMUnofficial results expected around 9 PMNovember election for a 2 year term of office for the Town Council and School Committee. For a 4 year term: Town Clerk, Planning Board, Board of Assessor, Board of HealthOur conversation recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in --------------Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Divisio