FM #1623 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1623 the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Daddario absent).
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting
Reads protocol statement re: Google meet
Confirms participation via roll call
Approval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)
Blood pressure kits available at Library
Discussion around the additional communications to spread the word, possible audio opportunity too
Flu cases
Mass Dept Public Health numbers on respiratory health, 16% emergency visits due to respiratory illnesses, flu and others in the category
Actual #s would be higher than reported, ie story of one test for a family of 4; largest group reported 5-19... What % of Franklin is vaccinated? DPH has the #s could query for
29 adult and 4 pediatric fatalities from flu this season across Mass
Discussion on setting up another flu vaccine sooner than later (before Feb vacation) COVID is still around but not as high as the flu
Moving to tobacco regulations
Motion to approve, new regulations with a couple of grandfather circumstances (500' for existing, 1000' for new locations) , max 6 mg per pouch
Second, vote on the motion, 2-0-1 (1 absent)
Regional health agent reports
Biannual inspections underway
2 residential kitchens, In operation, one last month, one this month starting now
Quarterly trend on health issues forthcoming
Explanation on food borne illness and inspection process upon alert
The meeting runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting January 7, 2026.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1623-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-01-07-26/
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Agenda doc ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071
My notes in one PDF file ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nTgbKGgRO0z1GV2qqqNFwBpqaaqF590D/view?usp=drive_link
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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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