Franklin Matters: Deputy Chief sworn in, funding for Horace Mann statue authorized

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Deputy Chief sworn in, funding for Horace Mann statue authorized

The Town Council meeting opened with a full house to witness and celebrate the swearing in of Thomas Lynch as the Deputy Police Chief. Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri officiated for the swearing in. Chief Lynch's family and most of the Franklin police force were in attendance.

Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri swears in Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch as Chief Stephan Semerjian looks on

Deputy Chief Lynch's son adds the new pin to his father's uniform

In the legislation for action, the approval of a portion of Lewis St to become a public way was referred to the Planning Board. As the paperwork was being reviewed while the Lewis St/Crocker St neighborhood roads are being reconstructed, it was uncovered that a portion of the street was still titled to the land owners as 'private'.

As the roadwork is nearing completion, getting the formal approval to make it a public way will 'legalize' the work being done. The residents have signed off on the change.

Funding for the Horace Mann statue was approved. Funds from two trust funds accumulating interest were authorized to be used. The architect was selected and it will take about one year to complete the status itself. A drawing of the statue can be found in the agenda documents.

The zoning bylaw change to Residential 6 for the downtown area along Dean St was formally approved. This will not force changes upon the existing structures or owners unless they choose to sell or make some changes to the current property.

Additional details from the meeting can be found in the links created when I was reporting live from the meeting on Wednesday night.