Franklin MA: Storm Center Collection for Jan 25 - 26, 2026

This page will get updated with additions and/or changes as the storm situation evolves. 

11:45am 1/25/26

Senior Center robocall with announcement of closure on Monday, Jan 26 due to the storm and other storm related updates -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-of-franklin-senior-center-update.html

11:00am 1/25/26

Town of Franklin robocall with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi delivering the messages https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-of-franklin-robocall-with-dpw.html

With the Town and School buildings closed on Monday, the meetings scheduled for Monday are also canceled and to be rescheduled.

10:45am 1/25/26

• Franklin Public Schools are cancelled on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the forecasted winter storm and its expected duration   https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11182762

10:30am  1/25/26

• BFCCPS announces school closed for Monday, 1/26/26  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ATnLZH5gj/
• Teddy Gallagher's Closed for today
• Children's Museum of Franklin announces they are closed on Monday, 1/26
• FPSC performance of Steel Magnolia cancelled for today, contact box office to get refund

From Massachusetts Emergency Mgt Assoc (MEMA)

"With temperatures across Massachusetts forecast to be dangerously cold on Friday night and Saturday, if you or someone you know needs shelter from the cold, you can call 2-1-1 or reach out to your local public safety officials to find the nearest warming center."

More extreme cold safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-cold-safety-tips

"With a significant winter storm forecast to bring 12+ inches of snow to much of Massachusetts on Sunday and Monday, it's time to prepare. 

• Plan ahead for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop and any essential electronic devices before the storm. 

• Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. 

• Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets."

❄️❄️❄️

For more safety tips visit mass.gov/mema/snow

"As a significant winter storm approaches, individuals with disabilities may experience additional challenges especially for those who rely on mobility aids, personal assistance, or durable medical equipment.

Keep in mind these safety tips to plan for everyone's needs and always remember to check on your neighbors!"

Additional information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/MEMA26afn

From Franklin Police Dept:

"Community Warming Center Open: St. Mary's Church of Milford and Pathway to a Better Life are coming together to keep our community safe during the upcoming extreme cold and snowfall.

• Opening: Friday, January 23rd at 4pm
• Closing: Monday, January 26th at loam

(May extend through Tuesday, January 27th at 10 am)

If you or someone you know needs warmth — Unhoused, Living in a vehicle, No heat, Frozen pipes Any cold-weather emergency call Lisa at 508-92"

Warming center link - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bkhx3PwU5/

Parking ban reminder

"Repeat after me…

Milk, bread, and don’t park your car on the street when it’s expected to snow over a foot because the plows cannot properly clear the roads when you do that and your car will get ticketed and towed

Again

Milk, bread, and don’t park your car on the street when it’s expected to snow over a foot because the plows cannot properly clear the roads when you do that and your car will get ticketed and towed"

Parking ban link -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HmegqoafR/

From Franklin DPW: 

Winter Storm Parking Ban

01/25/2026 12:00 PM to 01/26/2026 12:00 PM

A winter storm parking ban is in effect from 12:00 noon on 01/25/2026 until 12:00 noon on 01/26/2026.

During this period, parking of any motor vehicle is prohibited:

- within the right-of-way of any public street or roadway open to the public, and

- on any municipality owned property.

Purpose:

- Ensure safe movement of police, fire, and emergency medical vehicles;

- Facilitate efficient snow and ice removal by the Public Works Department;

- Protect public safety during winter weather conditions.

Penalty:

- Violators will be fined $25 for each offense.

Please move vehicles before 12:00 PM on 01/25/2026 to avoid fines and to help emergency services and snow-removal operations.

How to avoid frozen pipes

"Disconnect outside hoses and turn the water off at the valve inside your home.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen & bathroom doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

• When the weather is very cold outside. let the COLP WATCR ONLY drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

If your pipe runs through the attic or crawl space, open the door to allow warmer air to now in.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By

temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures. you may incur a higher

heating bill. but you can prevent a much mote costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

If you will be going to be away in cold weather, leave the heat on"

Frozen pipe alert link https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aU13EppZz/

UPDATE! Curbside Trash/Recycling

"Due to the predicted large amount of snow to fall tomorrow Sunday January 25th and Monday January 26th, 2026, your scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day.

So, Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday.

Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday

Wednesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Thursday

Thursday trash and recycling will be picked up on Friday

Friday trash and recycling will be picked up Saturday!"

Curbside schedule change for next week https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bgpchiWBD/

Franklin MA: Storm Center Collection for Jan 25 - 26, 2026 

Closed or Early Closing for Sunday, January 25, 2026

• Franklin Historical Museum - Closed   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzBUk73mz/
• Children's Museum of Franklin - closing at 12:30 PM  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sthCnPYP/
• 
  

Town of Franklin: Winter Storm Parking Ban — Sunday, 01/25/2026 12:00 PM to Monday, 01/26/2026 12:00 PM

A winter storm parking ban is in effect from 12:00 noon on Sunday, 01/25/2026 until 12:00 noon on Monday, 01/26/2026.

During this period, parking of any motor vehicle is prohibited:

- within the right-of-way of any public street or roadway open to the public, and

- on any municipality owned property.

Purpose:

- Ensure safe movement of police, fire, and emergency medical vehicles;

- Facilitate efficient snow and ice removal by the Public Works Department;

- Protect public safety during winter weather conditions.

Penalty:

- Violators will be fined $25 for each offense.

Please move vehicles before 12:00 PM on 01/25/2026 to avoid fines and to help emergency services and snow-removal operations.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jq8ukS2kh/

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (1/26) Through Friday (1/30)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert  

-  Monday Night (1/26) thru Thursday Morning (1/29) 7pm to 5am, Friday (1/30) 7AM-3PM

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

The Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Fisher Street Easement  - Monday (1/26) thru Friday (1/30) - 7AM to 4PM

The contractor will be working off the road along Fisher Street.  There are no anticipated traffic impacts at this location.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the internal building component installation and testing of the pumps.  Bypass piping equipment will be onsite and protected by barriers.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For complete project info -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Consider a "water system operator" role for a promising working future (video)

Consider a "water system operator" role
for a promising working future (video)

With half of #MA water system operators over age 50, now is a great time to start a career in public drinking water. 

Water utilities have a strong tradition of mentoring, with experienced water system operators sharing their knowledge daily, on the job, with newer colleagues. 

To learn more about careers in the water

industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD_xbJOk0Bg

#DrinkingWater #Careers #MWWA #NationalMentoringMonth

Shared from Franklin DPW -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16n4QXNnX7/

Town Council spends almost 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (video)

The Town Council met for 5 hours on Wednesday night, Jan 21, 2026. 8 members were present in Chambers with one absent.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZJNniE9Gk

The meeting agenda ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101 

Quick recap:

• 2 hours were spent talking around and around the Zooning Board of Appeals appointments. After all was said, both highly qualified candidates were approved unanimously (in separate votes)
• Brutus Cantoreggi presented on the DPW and their infrastructure work. As he began he introduced the entire management team which was also present and several of them has an opportunity to answer specific questions during the segment
• The Council again combined "councilor comments and future agenda items" sections in an attempt to speed up the closing of the session. However ended up in an extensive discussion on future topics around budget, timeline, engagement, to have and hold Joint Budget sessions, etc. Seems like that may happen after the budget is released in April. Stay tuned
• An item coming out of the ZBA discussion earlier was a desire to expand the board membership from 3 to 5. That would require a charter change, and per the prior 1 hour plus discussion at the Dec 17,2025 meeting on charter changes, would not likely happen in time for a November 2026 ballot question (although that was the request)

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lz6tu7vPWXskijNcph_qOcdToMGFgi5t/view?usp=drive_link

This highlights the central role DPW infrastructure plays in Town operations

The presentation PDF can be previewed here

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8133/Town-Council-Presentation---January-21-2026

Tree Trimming street list for 2026 outlined by Franklin Dept of Public Works/ National Grid

Tree Trimming street list for 2026

TREE PRUNING TO TAKE PLACE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS

North Eastern Tree Service will be pruning trees for National Grid's power lines. 

If you have any questions please reach out to Michael Warner, Field Manager, (401)-941-7204

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF STREETS SCHEDULED TO BE INCLUDED:

Acorn Pl, Blueberry Ln, Briarwood Rd, Chestnut St. Collella Dr. Crestwood Dr, Denise Dr , East Central St, Essex Rd, Green St. Henry Way, Horace Mann Cir.  Jordan Rd, Julie Dawn Dr, Juniper Rd. King St. Longfellow Dr , Martha's Way, Mill St, Miller St. Old Chestnut St, Pleasant St. Russell St, Trevor Rd, Tyson Rd, Uncas Ave Ext, West Central St, Wyllie Ct, Wyllie Rd

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17JrvDDhUS/

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

The Franklin Dept of Public Works (DPW) is scheduled to present on their operations which cover a bunch of our infrastructure.

The presentation PDF can be previewed here

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8133/Town-Council-Presentation---January-21-2026

or viewed here

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101

DPW update on snow storm response; parking tickets issued during storm

Email from DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi from earlier in the day (Monday, 1/19/26):

Just want to give you all an update on the snow and ice removal operations in case you get some calls.

Yesterday around 2PM, Waste Management called to inform us that trash and recycling would not be collected on Monday (today) as planned due to predicted weather. So curbside pick-up would be delayed one day. This is allowed in our contract with them. We immediately posted on websites and social media.

DPW personnel reported to work yesterday at 4 PM to work the storm based on weather reports that we received. We had pre- treated the Town the day before.

It was anticipated that we would get around three inches as reported by our weather folks and local media stations.

All DPW workers showed up on time.

Pretty much started snowing around 1PM with little accumulation.

Extremely cold, temp was 14 degrees.

Senior Center parking lot cleared when I went sledding with the kiddos on the hill to ECDC/Middle School

At 10PM we called in contractors as we had 3 inches of snow on the ground.

The contractors provided all equipment, much better than the last 2 events.

Vehicles parked on the road during the overnight parking ban continue to be a problem.

We worked with the Police and 35 to 40 tickets were issued.

As of right now, it is still snowing and over 6 inches of snow has fallen. The Town is looking pretty good, folks can travel throughout town on this holiday.

We will commence plowing sidewalks once the snow stops.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14V2BMgpGpr/

Agenda for Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 21, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

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.   

Agenda for Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 at 6 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 7, 2026   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8113/3a-January-7-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation - Scotty Smith Retirement

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Zoning Board of Appeals

i. Isabella Carter  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8127/5aii-1---Isabella-Carter

ii. Jennifer Williams    https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8126/5ai-1---Jen-Williams

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Town Infrastructure Overview - Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8133/Town-Council-Presentation---January-21-2026

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-06: Amendment to Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy Social Equity policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-06 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8129/9a-Cannabis-Social-Equity-Policy 

b. Resolution 26-07: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($500)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-07 - Majority Vote)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8130/9b--Gift-Acceptance---Library

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. FY27 Budget Update and Timeline  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8134/10a-1---MEMO---FY26-Budget-Update-and-Timeline

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

No "scheduled" trash delay due to MLK Day on Monday

I appreciate the confidence in the posted calendar however, given recent history, as you know life happens; I prefer to classify this as "No Scheduled Trash Delay"

No "scheduled" trash delay due to MLK Day on Monday

Shared from -> https://x.com/i/status/2011809621887930653

If you misplaced the Curbside Recycling flyer, you can find a copy on the Town page to download and print for reference.  Link to Town page for flyer -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1279/Waste-Management-Trash-and-Recycling-Collection-Services-2025-to-2026-PDF

Winter Hours at the Beaver St Recycling Center

Friendly reminder from DPW on the winter hours for the Beaver St recycling center

Winter Hours at the Beaver St Recycling Center

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14VeTtvap87/

Sewer lining project continues, Friday, Jan 9 between Pond St & Partridge St

Sewer lining project continues, Friday, Jan 9
along Pond St near Partridge St

Phase 9 - Sewer Lining Project Continues on Friday January 9th.

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:

Friday 1/9 - Mainline Sewer Lining between Pond St and Partridge St.

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be directly affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jw7C9eVLV/

DPW's Cantoreggi provides update on storm and plowing efforts for New Year's Day

From DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, via Councilor Morrongiello:

Happy New Year,

Just want to give you all an update on the snow and ice removal operations.

We pretreated the Town yesterday, the 31st, with brine (the squiggly lines stuff).

DPW personnel reported to work this morning at 1AM because of an anticipated snow event.

It was anticipated that we would get less than two inches as reported by our weather folks and local media stations.

Of 35 employees, all folks reported to work unless they had scheduled a day off.

Pretty much started snowing around 2pm, so we commenced treating the whole town at that time.

Extremely cold, temp was 18 degrees.

At 7AM the Town looked great, there was about 1.5 inches of snow on the ground.

Around 8AM, a "snow squall" hit the town. Snow was very heavy and dropped another 2 inches within an hour.

After driving the Town, the decision was made to call the contractors in.

downtown Franklin in snow, Jan 1, 2026

I was hoping not to call the contractors to save funds, and not have to plow and just use salt, but due to the amount of snow, very low temperatures (less than 32) predicted as a "high temperature" throughout the weekend, and not wanting too much snow and ice on the the roads causing slippery conditions.

We called the contractors at 9AM.

Of the 60 pieces of contractor equipment we have on contract (we would like to have around 80), only were able to get around 40. The contractors some of their staff away for holidays also

The number of vehicles parked on the roads continues to truly affect our response rate and keep us working longer because we have to go back and clean up those areas when the vehicles are finally moved.

As of right now, the Town is looking pretty good. We started plowing sidewalks about an hour ago. We have a lot of bare wet pavement out there (the low temp salt is working well).

We have used a lot of salt over the last couple of storms, we are replenishing our salt supply now, but we do have enough.

On a side note, mutual aid was done, we were good neighbor and supplied Milford with some salt as they ran out. They were very appreciative, and they will reimburse us for the salt next week!

Besides the cold, the long range weather forecast looks pretty good.

I am sure there will be some icy spots tonight and some drifting snow.

Please remember, that it is not our goal to have all side streets completely bare, there may be some snow on the side streets but it will be less than an inch. Folks just need to slow down a bit in the subdivisions

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQsbkjo36/

Coming Soon: My360 Consumer Portal

13 Magnolia Dr 182013

Dear Franklin Water User,   To ensure that the Town of Franklin Water Department continues to provide the latest technology for effective water usage monitoring, we are transitioning our customer self-service platform. Our current platform, WaterSmart, will be discontinued at the end of this month. We anticipate completing the transition to the new Neptune My360 Consumer Portal in early 2026. The My360 portal will continue to offer essential features, including the ability to create usage alerts, set a water budget, and view consumption data 24/7. Please look out for future communications regarding the sign-up process for the My360 Customer Portal. We thank you for your proactive approach to monitoring your water usage and encourage you to utilize the new My360 Customer Portal upon its launch. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at 508-553-5500 or domartin@franklinma.gov.   Thanks for continuing to care about your water use, Doug Martin Franklin Water & Sewer Department

This email was sent from Franklin Water & Sewer Department

The My360 Consumer Portal replaces the WaterSmart service currently in effect  -> https://franklinma.watersmart.com/index.php/home/index

Coming Soon: My360 Consumer Portal (view of WaterSmart login page)

Audio of the 12/17/25 Town Council in 3 logical segments (audio)

FM #1612-13-14 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1612-13-14 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated (1 remotely) for this 4 hour session. 

 

• 1612 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, recognitions, alcohol license renewals and everything else except 

• the snow update (see 1613) 

• and the charter discussion (see 1614)  (approx. 2 hours 27 mins)

• 1613 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW snow update  (approx.. 58 minutes)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025 

• 1614 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process  (approx. 45 mins)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentation 

Audio 1612 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1612-town-council-mtg-minus-snow-charter-updates-12-17-25/

Audio 1613 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1613-snow-update-to-town-council-12-17-25/

Audio 1614 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1614-charter-discussion-at-town-council-mtg-12-17-25/

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Additional notes including the video link for the meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/town-council-closes-out-year-approving.html 

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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!

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