Kayak Man standing still in Franklin, for now

FRANKLIN — After a contentious discussion at last month’s meeting, the city council declined to vote on a motion to relocate Kayak Man from Trestle View Park.

A 5-4 majority vote Monday night at the council meeting tabled the motion.

Kayak Man, a 22-foot art piece created by Colby Morrill from seven kayaks, was the product of a contest put on by former City Manager Judie Milner. Discussion of moving the piece brought an outpouring of support for Kayak Man. Residents came to speak at the meeting, held at the Elks Lodge, wearing shirts featuring photos of the creation, as well as stickers. Abby Dillon, a resident of Ward 1, came to the podium with her 9-year-old son Dash. Dillon spoke, despite her family not being “kayak people.”

But what stole the show that night was Dash, who offered comments from handwritten letters — not only from himself, but his siblings, too.

“I love it here because of the rivers, wildlife and Kayak Man,” he began. “I think he’s in a perfect spot. I’d be very happy if he stayed where he is.”

Mayor Desiree McLaughlin recognized Dash for fulfilling his civic responsibility.

“We're just going to waive that three-minute rule for encouraging these young people to come to the podium,” she said.

Abby then provided the council with a petition, featuring over 200 signatures collected to keep Kayak Man where he stands.

Some residents spoke or wrote in favor of moving the structure. Kathy Fuller, awarded Citizen of the Year by the mayor, sent a letter, read by Councilor Al Warner (Ward 3). She said many photographers used the trestle and stone wall background for picturesque images of the city. They can no longer do so with the presence of Kayak Man.

“He has been there since 2019. It's time for a change,” she wrote.

There was no council discussion. A motion to table the topic came from Councilor Delaney Carrier (Ward 1).

Councilor Leigh Webb (Ward 3) reminded people after the public comment portion that all statements to be included in the permanent file of the agenda minutes must be submitted in writing, as video recordings can be deleted.

The council considered a citizen petition, from Ward 3 resident Stuart Smith, to stop funding for the Franklin Business and Industrial Development Corporation. According to the petition, the city-chartered nonprofit receives two payments of $25,000, one in January and the other in July. The petition had signatures of 29 registered voters in the city, meeting the minimum 25-signature requirement for discussion by council.

In a copy of an email submitted with the petition, Smith directed most of his criticism to the head of the nonprofit, former Mayor Jo Brown, saying she “can’t be trusted.”

“How can current council spend our tax dollars on a nonprofit, that is lying to the public, and to you, our council?”

Timothy Johnston, on the FBIDC board, spoke in depth about the city’s relationship with the nonprofit, and provided the last memorandum of understanding, signed in 2011. He recognized the council cannot disband the nonprofit, but can defund it. He said the council has been considering an alternative economic development committee. He claims there has been a lack of transparency regarding access to meeting minutes on the city website. Three months ago, council considered dissolving the city’s economic development task force, as well.

“I'm not looking to disband FBIDC, because we as a city council cannot do that, but we can stop spending money unnecessarily when we are forming our own Economic Development Committee Commission,” he said.

Warner also spoke to the intent of the council.

“What we're trying to do is create a more open, more transparent and more standardized approach to the way we do things with nonprofit organizations.”

Former City Councilor Valerie Blake said the petition was a personal attack, and without merit.

“It was a vindicated attack against an individual. So, I think unless there's some factual evidence that that organization should be dismantled or unfunded, then you can take the emotional piece out of it.”

Other topics discussed included municipal efforts to fill potholes on a $50,000 budget, a lease extension with Breeezeline to the end of the year, approval of leasing agricultural land to Brent Fife, and defining the city manager’s job description as council searches for someone to fill the role.

McLaughlin said GPI US, a study abroad education program, is looking for host families for 20 Japanese students and two of their teachers, who will come to Franklin High School this summer from July 31 to Aug. 4. Only two families have been found so far.

McLaughlin also talked about development of the 2026 fiscal budget. The budget will be reviewed at a workshop at the end of May or the next city council meeting on Monday, June 2. She highlighted that 62% of the general fund goes to payroll for the city, leaving only 38% of the budget for roads, municipal services, infrastructure and general government operations. Money was also withdrawn from the fund balance for recruitment bonuses at the police department.

“We did not match these draws on our budget with systemic changes in our codes and our financial governance, covering spending procedures and overtime. Instead, we took shortcuts like eventually breaking the tax cap and outsourcing or eliminating services,” McLaughlin said. “These are Band-Aids. Not addressing the systemic issues now will become catastrophic."

She addressed the city councilors, who she said are not working together, and not representing their constituents.

“You don't have to worry about kicking the can down the road anymore, because you are about to lose your cans, in addition to the rest of your roads if you don't do something starting with this budget,” she said.

Former City Councilor Vincent Ribas responded to McLaughlin, saying she hasn’t provided any solutions either, beyond a vague promise of lowering taxes.

“I'm asking for positive ideas, not just the keep taxes from rising pledges that will only prevent getting things done.”