Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 19, 2025 - 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.

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. October 22, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7633/October-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. October 29, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7634/October-29-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Elizabeth O’Day   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7637/5a---APPOINTMENT---ODay

b. Finance Committee - Jennifer D’Angelo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7638/5b---1---APPOINTMENTS---DAngelo

c. Historical Commission - Brandon Carrico  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7639/5c---1---APPOINTMENTS---Carrico

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-71: Adoption of MGL Chapter 32B, Section 21-23 For the Purpose of Town’s Participating in the Group Insurance Commission

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-71 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7640/9a-GIC

b. Resolution 25-72: General Fund Appropriation Reductions FY26

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-72 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7646/9b-Budget-Adjustment

c. Resolution 25-73: Franklin Town Council’s Withdrawal of Support of Proposed Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project Located at 444 East Central Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-73 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7647/9c-1---MEMO-25-73---Repeal-of-444-E-Central-St

d. Resolution 25-74: 2026 Schedule of Town Council Meetings

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-74 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7648/9d-TC-Meeting-Schedule

e. Resolution 25-75: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($1,000), Veterans Services Department ($1,175)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-75 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7649/9e-Gift-Acceptance

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police Patrol) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Town Council hears the SNETT and Franklin Ridge transactions are complete, accepts Elks Riders donation in last session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council held the last session of its legislative term on Wednesday evening October 29, 2025 as scheduled at 7 PM. Al 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIgSJh9fWjA

The agenda and associated documents for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1978

Quick recap:

• Approximately the first 45 minutes of the meeting were taken up with multiple citizen comments, many on the 444 East Central development proposal which while one of their complaints is that the Council doesn't listen to them, also ironically indicates that they haven't listened or don't understand the meaning of due process
• One comment revealed the first annual Caregiver Appreciation day scheduled for Nov 7 at the Senior Center from 11 - 3 PM. (Note, on that the day the regular Senior Center activities are canceled)
• Appointments to the Agricultural Commission - Jennifer Sweeney (Associate Seat) and to the Council on Aging - Roberta Trahan were both approved by 9-0 votes
• The Public Hearing, originally scheduled for Oct 15, and continued to this date, was opened and eventually closed with no public or Council comments on the multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager... Doing business as Liquor World. The measure was approved by 9-0 vote
• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery by a 9-0 vote
• Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department. Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check for $2000 from this year's rides
• Resolution 25-70: Adoption of Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-70 - Majority Vote) Moved, second. The proposal is modeled after that of Shrewsbury as they are the only 1 approved now, 100+ communities remain to develop one and get theirs approved.  This is an example of additional revenue from cannabis, almost $.5m yearly total. NETA has done well here
• Resolution 25-67: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53 E½, as Amended (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) approved by 9-0 vote, may need to adjusted upward as time goes and action on this revenue stream increases
• From the Town Administrator's Report 
• Purchase of the SNETT extension is complete, now owned by the Town, Work remains to be funded and completed but the registry of deeds has the record of ownership
• Formally closed on Franklin Ridge, contracts going out to bid, info sessions in the spring on lottery process etc. Construction once begun is anticipated to go 18-24 months
• Approximately, the remaining 40 minutes of the meeting were Councilor Comments reflecting on accomplishments for this term, recognition of the 3 not running for re-election, etc.

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVFpF-Gf2ULj1avVodFT4RXGkXMvWvg5/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department.
Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check

Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

Residents Rally Against 444 East Central Street Project: Petition Drive This Friday at Farmers Market

The proposed development at 444 East Central Street has become a flashpoint in Franklin, sparking widespread concern among residents who feel their voices have been sidelined. Despite strong public opposition, the project remains under review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) — and the version currently before them is not the same project the Town Council originally approved.

What Changed?
- The original plan, which many residents urged the Council to reject, has since ballooned in scope.
- The number of requested waivers/variances has tripled, jumping from 18 to 30.
- The building height has increased from three stories to four, directly contradicting town guidelines and threatening the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Although the town had the opportunity to invoke Safe Harbor protections, it chose not to—leaving Franklin vulnerable to overdevelopment.

A Call to Action
This Friday at 1:00 PM, concerned residents Gene Grella and Jane Callaway-Tripp among others will be at the Franklin Farmers Market with a grassroots petition. This is a chance for every resident who cares about Franklin's future to make their voice heard.

> "If you're truly all set with the direction the town is building in, then please come to the Farmers Market and help us with your signature—your voice. There is power in numbers, and we all need to stand together."

Why Sign the Petition?
- To urge the ZBA to end this project—it no longer reflects the original proposal and disregards community concerns
- To reject the precedent of approving 30 waivers/ variances for a single development
- To preserve Franklin's identity and prevent it from becoming another overbuilt suburb

Franklin's Future Is in Our Hands
This is not just about one building—it's about the kind of town we want Franklin to be. Do we want to protect our small-town charm, or watch it erode under unchecked development?

"This is our town, and it's time we stand up for what we want our town to be."

Join us Friday. Sign the petition. Speak up. Because Franklin belongs to all of us.

Jane Callaway-Tripp  

Franklin resident and candidate for Town Council

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday  (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

ZBA listens, Town Administrator attempts to clarify points, on the 444 East Central project (video)

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met as scheduled Thursday night, May 8, 2025. The 444 East Central portion of the meeting begins at 19 minutes into the recording and such is set for the replay here. (You can easily go to the beginning of the video and view the earlier portion if you choose.)

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/82a99atYf0s?&t=1149

The ZBA page for this 444 East Central project is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/815/2025-Current-Recent-ZBA-Hearings

The application as submitted on the Town page is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4594/444-East-Central-ZBA-application-comp-permit

Meeting items of note

• Halligan recused himself
• project overview briefly recapped (slides captured below)
• a clerical problem with notice resulted in an agreement between the applicant attorney and the committee, committee not to invoke safe harbor, appplicant not to invoke a constructive grant. The constructive grant would have allowed the applicant to bypass most of the ZBA process
• The application will continue and take some number of months to do so. The next meeting is targeted for June 5, the next after that is July 17
• Due to this negotiation, the peer review process did not start. Traffic will be first up at the next meeting
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen participating this time, and he explains why, he is participating to explain details around the process and clarify, everybody can hear the record as one
• One sore point (lack of communication from the ZBA Chair and other members after multiple email queries), it was revealed that responding to individual emails is a non-no during the time that the subject is before the Board. It could potentially violate open meeting law. All discussions, responses to questions, need to be in the open meeting.

Slides of the presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/x5N6EvhwDRUtcRps5

The waivers requested by the project are outlined in Section 8 and contained in this PDF (separated from the full project doc) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11lkqa0Hz1VCO_J3utf-5NynwlnPeVPQj/view?usp=drive_link

To support Town Administrator Hellen's statements on water supply, information on the water conservation page should explain ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation 

There is a 3-part podcast series covering the water supply and operations for Franklin from well to our faucets -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

There is also a 3-part series on the sewer from our flushes to the Charles River Treatment -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

444 East Central project