Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 18, 2026 = 6:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.d. Committee Assignments
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.
3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS
4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Joint Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Communications Subcommitteed. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committeee. Police Station Building Committee
5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. January 21, 2026 (tabled from February 11, 2026 Town Council meeting)https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8726/7a---January-21-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewb. February 4, 2026https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8725/7b-February-4-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewc. March 4, 2026https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8724/7c-March-4-Minutes
8. APPOINTMENTS
a. Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled
10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -
a. Presentation & Discussion: Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) https://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/default.html
b. Discussion: School Committee & Town Council Strategic Planning Request for Information https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8719/11b-Discussion-Strategic-Planning
12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8720/12a-1---RESOLUTION-26-16---Approval-for-Request-for-Statements-of-Interest-for-Development-of-a-Strategic-Plan
b. Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8721/12b-FY27-State-Budget-Priorities-Letter
c. Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-18 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8722/12c-Town-Council-Support-for-H-4297
d. Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8723/12d-Special-Legislation-Regarding-Increase-in-Local-Excise-Tax
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
The agenda doc also contains remote participation info - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193