Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

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.

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 Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Town Staff Retirements

i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years

ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years

iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years

iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years

v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Brittany Capozzi

ii. Jorge Marinez

iii. Jessica Phillips

iv. Nancy Rabinowitz

v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body and the Chair so-declares:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

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://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 9, 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry talks about how to support Hunger Action Month in September     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/the-pantrys-tina-powderly-talks-about.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01047380197.html
   

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

Tina Powderly talks with me about Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1809 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1809 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Hunger Action Month, nationwide program by Feeding America

• Infographic confirms volume increases

• Many ways to help, take a tour, volunteer, donate items, money, etc.

• Plans for expansion to meet the growing need

The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1809-franklin-fodd-pantry-hunger-action-month-08-28-26/

--------------

Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wishlist ->  

https://franklinfoodpantry.mindfulgiving.org/campaigns/amazon-wish-list/products 

Infographic- https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact-reports/

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

--------------

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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

------------------

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

Get Ready for Hunger Action Month

Mark your calendars! September is Hunger Action Month, a national movement to raise awareness and take action against food insecurity. Here is how you can prepare to make a difference with us next month:

Wear Orange on Hunger Action Day: We're planning to wear orange on September 29 to bring awareness to hunger in our community. Check your wardrobe for orange gear and join us.

Sign-up to Volunteer: Visit our website to fill out a volunteer application and join our amazing volunteer team at The Pantry -  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Follow and Share: Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be highlighting how we're taking action all month long.

Thank you for helping us bring awareness to hunger in September and throughout the year.

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Food Access program, a part of the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made September 13 - 20 up to $25,000. 

Greg and Kathy Spier

As a non-profit organization, the Hockomock Area YMCA exists to help people be healthier, more confident and connected to each other and their communities. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of its communities as individuals and families face financial struggles. In 2024, $3.9 million was invested by the Hockomock Area YMCA to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive by providing scholarships to people in need in the Y’s 16 town service area to experience YMCA programs and services regardless of ability to pay. Since 2016, the Hockomock Y has been addressing hunger, providing over 135,000 bags of food to neighbors in need through the Y’s weekly food access and food pantry programs as well as served over 580,000 meals to children and families.  

“We are grateful to be part of communities full of caring people committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “I am so proud of the work our Y continues to do in partnership with others to raise critical funding for our annual Reach Out Campaign.  Funds raised allow our Y to be here when people need us most.  We are only able to do this through the philanthropic support of a caring community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our YMCA and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact in our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers as well as the splash park at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Greg Spier shares, “One of my mentors is the late Don Rodman.  Don taught me the importance of being philanthropic. He always said how important it was to be philanthropic in the areas where we work and the areas where we live. What better place to be philanthropic in the area than at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Y benefits thousands of children and families and we’re so proud to be a part of it.”  

“The Y is a fellowship that brings people together and provides joy to so many people,” says Kathy Spier.  “As our father Alex always said, we want to leave the world a better place and that’s what we are going to do.  Please make a gift to the Hockomock Y between September 13 and 20 and we will proudly match it as part of this giving challenge.” 

“Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support,” says Greg Spier.

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Moore at katie@hockymca.org. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

The Pantry's Tina Powderly talks about how to help during Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1509 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1509 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Pantry on Friday, September 5, 2025. 

Discussion items: 

Tina’s background

Location and renovations helps with delivery of services

Hunger Action Month

Hunger Action Month - national awareness campaign

Storywalk at DelCarte

Town Council presentation 9/3/25

Greet Magazine cover story

Expanding curbside services to neighboring communities

Implementing Food as Medicine

Coordination with Town and other non-profits to coordinate services

The conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1509-tina-powderly-on-hunger-action-month-09-05-25/

--------------

Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wishlist ->  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Greater Boston Food Bank ->  https://www.gbfb.org/ 

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

--------------

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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

------------------

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

"Saturday at the Food Pantry" a new story walk at DelCarte

"Saturday at the Food Pantry" a new story walk at DelCarte

September is Hunger Action Month! Join us in spreading awareness with our friends at the Franklin Food Pantry by visiting our new StoryWalk at DelCarte!

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neil is a wonderful picture book that addresses the realities of food insecurity with gentle warmth and friendly, approachable illustrations!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1B5suirjtP/

Town Council retires Fire chief, appoints new one, hears from Legislative delegates, Norfolk Cnty Sheriff & Food Pantry (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council spent almost 4.5 hours at their Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 meeting. One member was absent, one member left early leaving 7 total for the major legislative vote portion of the session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891 

My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

September is Hunger Action Month

Hello Neighbor,

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to fight food insecurity. We are so incredibly fortunate to have a generous and caring community, and we invite you to join us in taking meaningful action this month.

The need for food assistance continues to grow, but we are encouraged by your support and ready to rise to the challenge of providing resources and solutions for households experiencing hunger. It’s with this in mind, and with immense gratitude for our volunteers and supporters, that we can make two exciting announcements. 

Starting on September 16, 2025, we will expand our Tuesday evening Curbside Distribution to serve new clients in Franklin’s four contiguous towns: Bellingham, Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham! We're also adding a fourth Mobile Pantry, which will help us reach even more residents who may have difficulty getting to us.

It's truly amazing to see what's possible when we all work together. This newsletter is filled with ways you can join us and make a difference during Hunger Action Month. From making a monetary donation, to organizing a food drive, to showing your support by wearing orange on Hunger Action Day, to engaging your business. Let's really shine a light on hunger this month, and carry this energy forward so that no one in our community has to face hunger alone.

September is Hunger Action Month

With immense gratitude,  

Tina Powderly  

Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

A copy of the full newsletter can be found here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OtwwvDz4rcJSAM5PV4AgQ0IrbOykubef/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 3, 2025 = 7:00 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.

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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 23, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6752/3a-July-23-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. August 13, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6751/3b-August-13-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month 

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief 

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6779/5b-Appointments---CPC-and-Cultural-Council

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) (Motion to Take Resolution 25-50 off the table (Non-debatable) - Majority Vote ) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6783/9a-25-50---Friendly-40B-Policy

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-942 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6780/9b-25-942---Lewis-Street-Parking-Restrictions

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-56 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6797/9c-25-56--Gift-Acceptance---Veterans-Sr-Ctr

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-57 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6787/9d-25-57---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT 

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Town Council
meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 at 7 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

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://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891