Thursday, August 13, 2026

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (audio)

FM #1797 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1797 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers.


Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (audio)
The Council voted to enter Executive Session immediately and about 4 hours later returned to open session, voting to return to open session before the recording was enabled. 


This post Executive Session portion was successfully broadcast to cable subscribers and to YouTube but unavailable for Zoom.



Recap:

There was only one action item on the agenda, to negotiate the TOwn Administrator contract in Executive Session, and then to vote on it in the public portion of the meeting.

  • Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4
  • (5 = yes, LeBlanc, Morrongiello, Dellorco, Cormier-Ledger, Ojukwo and 4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy) (Note: The TV video did not capture the hands raised.) (Note, it would also have been good for the Council to inform the community of what was in the contract that they wrestled so long with.)


Franklin TV YouTube video


 - Part 2 return from Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI

 - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132


Agenda doc for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 


The audio link (leaving out the trouble with re-opening the Zoom session)

Audio - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1797-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-08-12-26/


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 13, 2026 ???

Thursday, August 13



For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   


***   Town Meetings today ***

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2453


Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 7:00 PM (3rd Fl Trng, updated 8/10)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2452


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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Register for your spot at the Free Flu Clinic, Tuesday, Sept 22 at the Senior Center

Register for your spot at the Free Flu Clinic, Tuesday, Sept 22 at the Senior Center
The Franklin Health Department will be hosting an upcoming FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.


💉 Free flu shots are available for all ages, and high-dose vaccines are available.

Appointments can be scheduled online ( SIGN UP LINK: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=franklin-flu-clinic ) or by calling 508-613-1334.

Please help us spread the word by sharing the attached flyer with your clients, family, friends, and community members who may benefit from this free clinic.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share

Updated:

Q: Are these mRNA flu shots?
A: per the Town of Franklin Health Dept "No they are not; they are: Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone Standard-Dose (manufactured by Sanofi)."

Q: It would be nice to list all adverse effects in order to have a truly informed consent.
A: per the Town of Franklin HEalth Dept: "attached is the latest Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) related to the flu shot. We offer the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) every year at our flu clinics; it includes possible side effects.

Adverse reactions are harmful or dangerous responses that are typically unexpected, more severe and rare with the flu vaccine. 

Possible Side Effects After a Flu Shot
  • Common: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site; fever; muscle aches; or headache.
  • Rare: There may be a very small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after a flu shot.
  • Severe allergic reaction: Seek emergency medical care if you experience hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
For other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

To report an adverse reaction:  Visit VAERS.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. 

Bus 14 & The Reminiscents scheduled for Concerts on the Common Friday, August 14

"Join us this Friday for live music on the
Franklin Town Common
while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!

Bus 14 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
The Reminiscents | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Note: the last Concerts on the Common this summer.

Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music."



Rise Up group meets Saturday, August 15 at 10 AM

Whether you navigate disability or not, anyone 18+ is welcome to join us!

Learn more and sign up for emails to stay updated: alirheaume.com/rise-up




Saturday, August 15th at 10:00am

Socialize and Create Bookmarks!

82 West Central St, Franklin, MA 



*please avoid the use of fragrance when attending

Free, adaptive, and inclusive for anyone 18+
Photo of a diverse group of people sitting on a table doing a craft.

Hashtags: #Disability #Inclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityCommunity #RiseUp

Reminder: The Franklin Food Pantry will match your SNAP benefits at the Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Food Pantry will match your SNAP benefits at the Franklin Farmers Market
The Franklin Food Pantry is sponsoring the SNAP Match program at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, offering an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match that doubles the purchasing power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Funded through grants and individual gifts, the SNAP Match program is a win-win for the local community. By effectively lowering the cost of farm-fresh produce, households experiencing food insecurity gain greater access to nutritious options. The program also supports local vendors and regional agribusinesses.

The Franklin Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM, June through October, on the Franklin Town Common.

How the SNAP Match Program Works

Any household registered with SNAP, regardless of their resident town or state, can participate in the SNAP Match at the Franklin Farmers’ Market.

Before shopping, SNAP recipients bring their SNAP EBT card to the Franklin Food Pantry booth. Shoppers tell the staff how much they would like to spend from their SNAP benefits. The representative swipes the SNAP EBT card and “matches” the chosen amount dollar-for-dollar in SNAP Tokens. For example, spending $10 results in $20 worth of tokens. 

How the SNAP Match Program Works
SNAP tokens can be spent just like cash with any SNAP-eligible vendor at the Franklin Farmers’ Market. Franklin Farmers’ Market SNAP tokens are exclusive to the Franklin Farmers' Market and SNAP tokens from other farmers’ markets cannot be accepted.

For more information on the SNAP Match program, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry booth at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, or contact the Franklin Food Pantry at 508-528-3115 or info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the Department of Transitional Assistance website. 

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 
The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

West Nike Virus has been detected in the Franklin area

Via Franklin Heath Dept

Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) can pose a risk during mosquito season.


The state’s interactive tracking tool lets you click or hover over your town to see the current risk level, updated throughout the active mosquito season (June–October).



Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, August 13, 2026



8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable"Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  
  • The Turntable Show features "Harvest",  Neil Young's most successful album released February 1, 1972.  Harvest is the fourth studio album from Neil Young and includes two major hits, "Old Man" and "Heart of Gold".  
  • The Vibe Neil Young Playlist Hour features both acoustic and electric classics from Neil Young performances.   A must listen if you like Neil Young live!


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, August 13, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
9:00 am Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant
10:00 am Franklin Matters: Nautilus
11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Fish
12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Brunch Bake
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer
4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out
5:30 pm FSPA Spring Concerts Show 3
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Vance Gilbert

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = THURSDAY

7:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26
10:30 am U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
12:30 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026
2:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v King Philip 03-30-26
9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY


8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-30-26
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-30-26
6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee  CHAMBERS  878 8109 8012
7:00 pm Conservation Commission   REMOTE  897 8846 7620


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (video)

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (video)
The Town Council met in Executive Session for more than 4 hours on Wednesday night, August 12, 2026. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.


Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4
  • (5 = yes, LeBlanc, Morrongiello, Dellorco, Cormier-Ledger, Ojukwo and 4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy) (Note: The TV video did not capture the hands raised.) (Note, it would also have been good for the Council to inform the community of what was in the contract that they wrestled so long with.)


Franklin TV YouTube video

 - Part 2 return from Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI

 - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132




What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ???

Wednesday, August 12


1:00pm Trust Fall Writing workshop/ Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136) 

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm Impact of Screen on Learning: webinar (Registration required)   
Please sign up for this unique opportunity happening on Aug. 12 at 7pm at the link here = https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BmEoa3oPTbiLr3AOPBAVLw#/registration


For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   


***   Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435 


Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446 


Historical Commission
Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

Town Council Meeting    (executive session)

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 


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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx