In Other News

Registry Service Offered

On Tuesday, May 7, Norfolk County Register O’Donnell and his staff came to Franklin to provide residents with certified copies of land documents, such as deeds and homesteads. In addition, Registry personnel were able to confirm whether or not a mortgage discharge had been recorded for mortgages that have been paid off. Finally, staff was able to bring original land documents for residents back to the Registry for recording. Above, a registry staff member is at left, O’Donnell at the right facing the camera, and a Franklin resident is in the foreground.

Drip, Drip, Drip: Another Muni Employee Snared by Water Meter Scandal

The Enforcement Division of the State Ethics Commission has filed an Order to Show Cause alleging that Auburn Water District Operations Manager Scott Callahan violated the conflict of interest law by accepting two free ski trips from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor. The Order initiates adjudicatory proceedings against Callahan. The alleged violations, similar to those that afflicted Franklin’s DPW, occurred in 2018 and 2019, when Callahan was a Foreman for the Auburn Water District. As Foreman, Callahan had responsibility for purchasing water meters under the authority of the Superintendent and Board of Commissioners. The Auburn Water District uses a brand of water meter throughout its service area made by an Alabama-based manufacturer and sourced through the manufacturer’s sole authorized New England distributor. On multiple occasions, the water meter manufacturer and its distributor invited municipal employees on multi-day ski trips. The Order to Show Cause alleges Callahan accepted invitations to go on ski trips to Sugarloaf, Maine, in 2018 and Stowe, Vermont, in 2019. The manufacturer or distributor paid for Callahan’s lodging for the Sugarloaf trip and paid for his lodging and a meal for the Stowe trip, according to the Order. Earlier this year, current or former employees of Danvers, Franklin, Natick, Salem, Southampton, and Sudbury signed disposition agreements and paid civil penalties to resolve similar conflict of interest law violations related to accepting ski trips from the water meter manufacturer and distributor. The Commission will schedule a public hearing on the allegations against Callahan within 90 days.

Real ID Countdown

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reminding residents that beginning May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal building areas will need a Registry-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport. To help ensure compliance, a countdown clock is now live at Mass.Gov/RMV. The Registry is encouraging everyone seeking a REAL ID compliant license or identification card to go online at Mass.Gov/ID to learn what documents are needed for a required in-person appointment. “The countdown is on for REAL ID federal enforcement and the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, and its partner AAA Northeast, have successfully been issuing REAL ID credentials and are prepared for interested residents prior to the May 2025 deadline,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “We want Massachusetts residents to know they can upgrade to the REAL ID driver’s license or identification card during their normal renewal process for the same cost as a renewal. For the customers who wish to do this, we highly recommend you schedule your appointment at least three weeks before your birthday so that you can receive your credential in the mail ahead of your expiration.”

Memorial Day Parade/Ceremony Planned for May 27, 2024

This year’s Memorial Day Parade is expected to follow essentially the same route as last year. Everyone participating in parade should be in place at Depot Plaza by 10:00 am. Participants include local veterans, scouting groups, and school bands. The parade should begin at 10:30 am. Stops include the war memorial at Dean College, both the Union Street Cemetery and St. Mary’s, and concluding ceremonies and remarks at the town common at approximately noon. This year, the event’s Grand Marshall will be Rose Turco, a long-time friend to all local veterans.

At the Museum...

Saturday, May 18, the Historical Museum will have extended hours from 9 to 3 to an exhibit and film showing on Dean College in conjunction with the Dean graduation.  The evening will feature a classic silent film at 6 pm, The Sheik.

Cruise Night Returns

The "drop in" cruise night for car folks resumed last Monday at Sierra's on King  Street. It continues again Monday night and on future Monday evenings into the Fall. See https://www.franklinmacruisenight.com