All Eyes on Town Council Exec Sessions.

Wednesday’s meeting of the Franklin Town Council features a full slate of typical items for discussion and action, but for many of the town’s more active voters, the meeting is all about what happens in executive session, described in legalese as "Exemption #1:To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or Individuals.”

Given recent announcements from the State Ethics Commission and a few terse statements from the Town government, most are assuming that part of the meeting concerns pending decisions about the DPW director. Mr. Cantoreggi, who was the subject of a $15,000 fine from the Ethics Commission and has been on unpaid leave. But, thus far, his future employment has not been discussed.

Jane Callaway, a frequent commenter at Town Council, is clear about what she thinks should happen, sharing her written comments once again with the Observer. In part, she wrote, “Wednesday March 13, 2024 there will be a council meeting, there will be an executive session, I believe it will be for the council and TA to discuss bringing back the UNETHICAL DPW Director.

I urge EVERYONE to email the council and TA and let them know how you feel. I also urge all to come to the meeting and speak up. You can do so live, by phone or Zoom.

NOTHING BUT A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THE DPW AND ANYTHING THE DPW DIRECTOR TOUCHED MUST BE DONE, by an INDEPENDENT PERSON!!!!!! “

To this point, the Council has largely pointed to the Town Administrator as the person in charge, who must make the decision and, for many years, the Council has specifically worked to stay out of personnel matters. Whether or to what extent that may change, remains to be seen.

While in executive session the Council has also invoked a second reason to stay in session, namely, “Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police, Fire, Public Works, Facilities, Library) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.”

The full Town Council agenda and Zoom and dial-in information is available here.