Order #2024-001

Creation of City of Framingham 325th Celebration Committee

WHEREAS:  Framingham was established in 1700, and was incorporated as a Town on June 25, 1700; and 

WHEREAS: In 2018, as the largest Town in the Commonwealth, Framingham then became the newest City in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS: The City of Framingham in 2025 will celebrate its 325th anniversary; and

WHEREAS: To celebrate the City of Framingham and its history, its residents, its businesses, and the City’s successes in 2025, I am forming a City of Framingham 325th Celebration Committee, also to be known as the 325th Celebration Committee; 

NOW THEREFORE: I, Charlie J. Sisitsky, Mayor of the City of Framingham, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the chief executive officer of the City of Framingham, by the Framingham Charter, hereby order:

Article 1: Creation of a City of Framingham 325th Celebration Committee 

The Committee will be comprised of 21 voting members, all  appointed by the Mayor of the City of Framingham, without the approval of the legislative branch of government. 

As required by the Charter, all voting members will be residents of the City of Framingham.

Membership includes:

  •  First Lady Robin Kaye
  • City Historian Frederick Wallace 
  • Framingham History Center Executive Director Anna Tucker
  • Chair of the Framingham Tercentennial Commission George P. King Jr. 
  • City of Framingham Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer Jesse Edwards
  •  City of Framingham Facilities Director James Paolini
  •  City of Framingham Public Information Officer Susan Scully Petroni
  • City of Framingham Grants Manager Meghan Todd 
  • City of Framingham Deputy Parks & Recreation Director Alison Eliot
  • City of Framingham Citizens Participation Officer Nicole Horton-Stimpson 
  • City of Framingham Community Health Manager Maria McHugh
  • City Councilor Chair or his designee from the City Council
  • 9 Framingham residents appointed by the Mayor (updated – increase from 7)

Article 2: In addition, the following ex-officio non-voting, non-resident members) of the 325th Committee include:

  • Framingham Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay
  • Framingham Public Schools K-12 Fine & Performing Arts Director 
  • Framingham Public Library Director Dawn Dellasanta
  • Danforth Art Director Jessica Roscio
  • City of Framingham Recreation Elaine Prue

Article 3: The Chair and the Vice Chair of the Committee and/or Co-chairs of the Committee shall be appointed by the Mayor

Article 4: It is anticipated that Members will serve on the Committee until it is dissolved on June 25, 2026, when Framingham turns 326 years old. 

Events will be held January 1 through December 31, 2025, and the Members will address other Committee related business including bills to be voted on and paperwork to be approved after the final event in 2025.

Article 5: The Committee will develop a comprehensive plan for the anniversary celebrations, incorporating monthly events throughout the calendar year 2025. While some events will be hosted by the City, it is anticipated that the Committee will plan other events throughout the City, many of which will be co-hosted with the City of Framingham.

The Committee will work collaboratively with various City departments, including the Callahan Center, the Framingham Public Library, Framingham Public Schools, and other City Boards, Committees, and Commissions, as well as local organizations to facilitate additional events.

The planned events will encompass and highlight historical, cultural, artistic, educational, and special themes, ensuring they reflect the rich diversity, history and achievements of the City of Framingham.

Article 6: The Committee shall meet in an ADA compliant location beginning upon formation, and meet a minimum of twice a month, and file notice of public meetings at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

The Committee shall have no time restrictions on when to meet, and can meet before 7 p.m. and on weekends, if necessary.

The 325th Committee shall elect a clerk to serve as the individual responsible for filing meeting notices with the City Clerk’s office and for filing minutes.

Minutes of all Committee meetings shall be recorded by the Committee, including all votes taken by members during Committee meetings, and a copy of the minutes will be filed, in a timely manner, with the City Clerk’s office and the Framingham Public Library historical department. Minutes of the Committee meetings shall be public records.

A quorum of the Committee will be half of the voting membership of the Committee plus one. The Committee shall only conduct Committee business and vote if a quorum is present at a meeting. In the event of a vacancy in membership, a quorum of the Committee shall be half of the voting membership plus one of the remaining voting membership, until such time as the Mayor appoints a successor to fill the vacancy.

Article 7: The Committee will actively solicit ideas from the public for potential events to celebrate the 325th anniversary throughout the year.

The Committee will collaborate with City Boards, Committees, and Commissions to identify and co-sponsor events. The objective is for these entities to co-host events alongside the City.

The Committee will engage with City-based organizations to identify potential events, as well as to co-sponsor and promote them. The aim is for these organizations, which serve the City, to co-host a 325th anniversary event in partnership with the City.

Article 8: The Committee may establish subcommittees dedicated to specific events or categories of events, such as those related to the Framingham Public School or the Framingham Public Library. Each subcommittee, which may require additional volunteers, should be led by a member of the 325th Committee. Volunteers for the subcommittee do not have to be voting members of the 325th committee.

Article 9: Budget for the Committee was established in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget approved by the City Council. 

Additional funds may be requested by the Committee for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.

The Committee should have the ability to create a fund for donations and grants to be accepted specifically for 325th activities. 

The City's Grants Manager will assume the role of Treasurer for the 325th Committee.

The Committee is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive budget for the anniversary celebration events, which will include projected expenses and potential funding sources, such as grants and sponsorships.

The Treasurer will collaborate with the City’s Finance Division to account for all expenditures of city-allocated funds and track all grant funding received.

As an advisory committee affiliated with the official City of Framingham, the Committee is authorized to rent venues, apply for permits, and secure insurance for events utilizing the available funding sources.

Article 10: The Public Information Officer will be responsible for overseeing the branding, marketing, and communication strategies for the 325th Committee.

The Committee will be responsible for the use of the 325th logo. The Committee may use the logo to create 325th items to sell and all proceeds from sales will go to the 325th Committee fund.

The City of Framingham will own and manage the 325th website and any web pages. The URLs 325framingham.com and 325framingham.org have been purchased. 

The Public Information Officer (PIO) may establish dedicated social media accounts specifically for the 325th celebration. Furthermore, the PIO will oversee all aspects of the 325th social media presence and manage a calendar related to the event.

Article 11: The Committee shall also record and document the 325th anniversary in a manner that ensures transparency and historical preservation, including possible creation of a program book similar to that of the 275th celebration.

Article 12: The Committee may be tasked with additional duties as assigned by the Mayor.