CITY OF FRAMINGHAM NEWS

Sunday, December 31, 2023 -- Edition #13



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The Public Is Invited To Attend!

The public is invited to the City of Framingham Inauguration on January 1, 2024.

As required by the City’s Charter, the Inauguration must be held on New Year’s Day.

The 2024 Inauguration will be at 2 p.m. in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building.

Scheduled to be sworn in are 11 City Councilors, 9 School Committee members, 6 Library Trustees and 2 Cemetery Trustees. City Clerk Lisa Ferguson will administer the oath

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Inauguration.

Happy New Year, Framingham!

As we stand on the threshold of a brand new year, Mayor Sisitsky and First Lady Robin Kaye extend heartfelt wishes to our incredible community.We are immensely proud to serve this vibrant city, where diversity is our strength, and unity is our power.

Reflecting on the past year, we're inspired by the collective achievements that have shaped Framingham. Your dedication, resilience, and collaborative spirit have made our city shine. 

Looking forward, we're excited about the endless possibilities that await us.

In 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to a community where everyone is valued, respected, and embraced. There is no place for hate in Framingham.

May the upcoming year bring you joy, prosperity, and the fulfillment of your aspirations. Cheers to a year of growth, togetherness, and boundless possibilities!

With gratitude and excitement,

Mayor Sisitsky and First Lady Robin Kaye

With more than 35 years with the Framingham Fire Department, Framingham Fire Deputy Chief Paul Gildea is retiring effective January 1, 2024 at 8 a.m.

Deputy Chief Gildea began his career with the Framingham Fire Department on August 8, 1988.

He was promoted to lieutenant on July 26, 2001.

He was appointed to captain on August 30, 2004.

He was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief on October 5, 2012.

Deputy Chief Gildea for years helped with the firefighters’ annual toy drive.

“Paul’s personality will be missed, said Framingham Fire Chief Mchael Dutcher. “I wish him all the best, and a long and happy retirement.”



Mayor Charlie Sisitsky and the City of Framingham want to thank Deputy Chief Gildea for his 35+ years of service and a very happy retirement.

FRAMINGHAM – City of Framingham Director of Lena Kilburn has submitted her resignation to Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.

Kilburn who has been Library Director since the summer of 2020, recently received a new 3-year agreement with the City from the Mayor.

“It is with very mixed emotions that I submit my official resignation from my position of Director of Libraries for the City of Framingham. It has been my great privilege, honor, and pleasure to serve the City and the Board of Trustees in this role since August of 2020, but I have been offered a position at Simmons University’s Library which will allow me to further my education and pursue new career goals. This was an immensely difficult decision and it is with genuine regret that I depart Framingham,” wrote Kilburn in her resignation letter to the Mayor.



“Lena began her career as director while the libraries were closed during the pandemic, but she and her staff found other ways to bring services to the community. Once the libraries re-opened in April of 2021, Lena helped guide the library’s major renovations include a new teen center at the main Framingham Library, a new technology learning center at the main Framingham Library, a new ADA-compliant entrance and a new roof at the main Library. Lena will be missed," said Mayor Sisitsky.

Today is the final day as City Councilors for Cesar Stewart-Morales and John Stefanini.

At the final City Council meeting of this 2-year term, the City Council unveiled a plaque to honor all the former City Councilors since Framingham became a City.



The names on the plaque include:

Former District 1 City Councilor and current Mayor Charlie Sisitsky

Former District 2 City Councilor Pam Richardson

Former District 2 City Councilor Cesar Stewart Morales

Former District 5 City Councilor Dennis Giombetti

Former District 5 City Councilor Robert Case

Former District 6 City Councilor Michael Rossi

Former District 7 City Councilor Margareth Shepard

Former District 8 City Councilor Judith Grove

Former District 8 City Councilor John Stefanini

Former District 9 City Councilor Edgardo Torres

Former at-large City Councilor Cheryl Tully Stoll

On Monday at 2 p.m. in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building the City of Framingham will hold its inauguration ceremony. Scheduled to be sworn in are 11 City Councilors, 9 School Committee members, 6 Library Trustees, and 2 Cemetery Trustees

The Charter Review Committee wants the public to provide feedback on the size and shape of the City's legislative branch of government - the City Council. The poll is open until January 8.

More photos on the City of Framingham's Facebook page.

According to readers of the City newsletter these are the biggest issues facing the City of Framingham in 2024:

#1 - Traffic & speeding at 31%

#2 - City's growing population at 21.5%

#3 - TIED -- School busing and Affordability

#4 - Civility & inclusiveness at 7.5%

#5 - Housing at 6%

FRAMINGHAM LIBRARY EVENTS

CALLAHAN CORNER

Shared Van service within Framingham

The Callahan Center operates a 12-passenger van to transport Framingham residents over the age of 55 and disabled residents of any age to destinations within Framingham. This vehicle is wheelchair accessible. It operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and typically costs $2** per one-way ride. 

Pre-registration is required by contacting the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980.

Please see the Transportation Guides brochure for more details:

• Transportation Guide English
• Transportation Guide Portuguese
• Transportation Guide Spanish

Free Taxi rides within Framingham

The City of Framingham funds a taxi subsidy program to offer rides to senior residents of Framingham to destinations within Framingham.

At least one-week advance notice is required by contacting the Social Services Department at the Callahan Center, 508-532-5980, ext 2.

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Dog renewal notices for 2024 have been mailed.

All dogs six months of age and older must be licensed by the City Clerk. 

Dog licenses are valid for a calendar year, January 1 through December 31. 

Evidence of current rabies vaccination must be provided. The fee for a dog registration is:

               $15.00 without a certificate from a vet. stating that the dog is neutered/spayed

               $10.00 with a certificate from a vet. stating that the dog is neutered/spayed

There are three ways to license a dog. 

1. In person at the City Clerk’s Office, Memorial Building, 150 Concord Street, Room 105, Framingham, MA 01702
2. By mail
3. Renew a previously licensed dog(s) ONLINE. 
4. Note: If your dog’s rabies vaccination has expired, you will need to renew by mail or in-person with a current rabies certificate.

Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 508-532-5521 with questions.

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