Sunday, April 5, 2026

Board of Health reviews potential regulations for mind altering products (audio)

FM #1705 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1705 the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 


Quick Recap:

  • Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

    • Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

    • Confirms participation via roll call

  • No citizen comments

  • Motion to approve March 4 minutes, so moved, second, passes 3-0 

  • Motion to approve Mar 18 minutes, second, passes 3-0

  • PFAS advisory to be posted at Chilson beach and a couple of other spots near there (300 Fisher St)

    • Fish for catch and release generally

    • Chilson water is tested weekly during summer for E.coli. Testing not done with PFAS except for water supply sources

  • Draft regulations for the mind altering products

    • Suggestion on change to the coverage of the retail shops, clarification to cover potential loop holes

    • Suggestion on altering the levels of fine to $300, $500, $1000. To raise the deterrent incentive

    • Discussion on ensuring that the retail and tobacco products, how to best accomplish this so folks have a chance to address during the public hearing, and let the board consider changes before Making the regulation official

  • Discussion on warming/cooling shelters, with restricted hours at Senior Center, and Library closed Sunday, what are our options?

    • Health director to do some research

  • Food safety inspection

    • Information shared on the inspection process, slides to be shared later

    • Twice a year inspection, had considered a risk based approach but the key person moved on and with current staff, doing the 2 minimum per year per establishment (over 100)

  • Review of reports

    • Clarification questions on details of the reports 

  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0


The meeting runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting April 1, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1705-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-04-01-26/



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Board of Health page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health 


Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218 


My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYJ75c4VsxJ3-1ElSbqeR7o0M2ROuNY8/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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