Town Council recognizes retirees, proclaims Hunger Action Month, gets updates on legislative items, Food Pantry, Safe Coalition & 250 Annive Celebration (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday, Sep 16 beginning at 6 PM. All 9 councilors were present to open the meeting, one left during the meeting. All votes recorded via voice vote and noted as 8 yes, 0 no, and 1 absent.

Follow along with the agenda here

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

FRANKLIN TV video is available for replay in 2 parts. Zoom automatically restarted during the session and while Zoom and the cable broadcast resumed automatically, the YuTube stream needed to be restarted.

Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yU90Rl52sE

Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v6EpsdI8dY

Quick recap

Town administrator report

• announces grant received of $6 for Fire Dept
• reminder to sign up for the Franklin First newsletter 
• Touts future sessions Oct 14, 28, and Nov 4 to help prepare for the tax rate setting later this year

Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

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

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department; $2k donation, over $10k for the past several years

Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8 

next up, State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

next up, Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g

next up, the 250 anniversary celebration committee, The slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46 

The Council did enter Executive Session to discuss sale of town property not to return to public meeting at approx. 10:45 PM

my notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (audio)

FM #1797 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1797 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers.

The Council voted to enter Executive Session immediately and about 4 hours later returned to open session, voting to return to open session before the recording was enabled. 

This post Executive Session portion was successfully broadcast to cable subscribers and to YouTube but unavailable for Zoom.

Recap:

There was only one action item on the agenda, to negotiate the TOwn Administrator contract in Executive Session, and then to vote on it in the public portion of the meeting.

• Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4
• (5 = yes, LeBlanc, Morrongiello, Dellorco, Cormier-Ledger, Ojukwo and 4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy) (Note: The TV video did not capture the hands raised.) (Note, it would also have been good for the Council to inform the community of what was in the contract that they wrestled so long with.)

Franklin TV YouTube video - 

 - Part 2 return from Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI

 - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132

Agenda doc for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

The audio link (leaving out the trouble with re-opening the Zoom session)

Audio - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1797-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-08-12-26/

Read the approved Town Administrator’s contract for additional details.

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7471/Town-Administrator-Employment-Contract---August-12-2026?bidId=

Prior Contract - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMWZzUI0T84tNYwAI0nfH4Pmwo5dsMOL/view?usp=drive_link

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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

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

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (video)

The Town Council met in Executive Session for more than 4 hours on Wednesday night, August 12, 2026. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4

• (5 = yes, LeBlanc, Morrongiello, Dellorco, Cormier-Ledger, Ojukwo and 4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy) (Note: The TV video did not capture the hands raised.) (Note, it would also have been good for the Council to inform the community of what was in the contract that they wrestled so long with.)

Franklin TV YouTube video - 

 - Part 2 return from Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI

 - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132

Agenda doc for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ???

Wednesday, August 12

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

1:00pm Trust Fall Writing workshop/ Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136) 

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm Impact of Screen on Learning: webinar (Registration required)   

Please sign up for this unique opportunity happening on Aug. 12 at 7pm at the link here = https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BmEoa3oPTbiLr3AOPBAVLw#/registration

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***   Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435 

Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446 

Historical Commission

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2450

Town Council Meeting    (executive session)

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the School Committee meeting June 23, 2026

Franklin School Committee 

June 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Citizen’s Comments

IV. Executive Session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 213. (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

V. Discussion/Action Items

A. Ratification of Union Contracts

I recommend the ratification of the Cafeteria Workers, Secretaries and Van Drivers Unions Contracts as discussed.

B. Policy 1st Reading

I recommend moving policy JKAA - Prevention Criteria for use of Physical Restraint, Seclusion and Time-outs for Students to a second reading as discussed.

C. Policy Elimination

I recommend the elimination of policy CL - Administrative Reports as discussed.

D. Franklin School Committee: Meeting Conduct & Discussion Structure

I recommend the approval of the FSC Meeting, Conduct & Discussion Structure manual as discussed.

VI. Discussion Only Items

A. None

VII. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Elementary Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3.150.00 in gift certificates from the American Heart Association/Kids Heart Challenge for supplemental supplies as detailed.

C. Championship Signage Donations

I recommend the acceptance of $6,500.00 for In-house enrichment as follows:

$ 500.00 Franklin V Golf

$1,000.00 FHS Cross Country/Track Boosters

$1,000.00 Franklin Football Gridiron Club

$ 500.00 FHS Swim Boosters

$1,000.00 Franklin Metro Basketball Association

$ 500.00 Danielle Walsh

$1,000.00 FHS Basketball Boosters

$1,000.00 Franklin Soccer Boosters

D. Horace Mann Legacy Donations

I recommend the acceptance of $100.00 for in-house enrichment as follows:

$50.00 Dave Callaghan

$50.00 Lucas Giguere

E. Districtwide Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $913.78 from AHold/Stop & Shop for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

VIII. Adjournment

The full agenda doc includes remote participation info -

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-2374

The meeting packet folder also contains the documents released for this session (in some cases, documents are posted after the meeting).

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/june-23%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/28227603

School Committee gets updates on Facilities, AI, and evaluates the Superintendent on Tuesday(video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled in Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present, 1 absent (O'Sullivan).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/hgHgIZ5L_iY?&t=235

The agenda document https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 

The presentations documents should be posted in a couple of days to this folder   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/june-9%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/28109200

Quick recap

• Presentation and discussion on Facilities focused on school projects completed as part of the redistricting, and those left remaining, some of which are funded, some are pending funding and some are for future
• Presentation and discussion on the potential intentional implementation of AI as an educational tool as well as how to use AI being taught to the students. The work over the last four months has developed 4 main principles to guide the further discussion and planning. Additional updated will be made as progress is made
• Superintendent evaluation was discussed and approved. The doc with the feedback, goals and accomplishments is to be posted to the Schools page soon
• The Committee entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting for contract negotiations approx. 10:30 PM

Photos of the Facility presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t3rkbwCxnDm6A9Wy6

Photos of the AI discussion presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TqNxhuTk8og7WqRp8

The working 4 guiding principles as presented

School Committee recognizes Seal of Biliteracy students and retirees (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Council Chambers with all 7 members participating (1 remotely).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67

The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332

Quick recap

• 17 student were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English
• A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service
• Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting
• The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy

My notes can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee and Biliteracy students

School Committee, principals, and retirees

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 2, 2026 ???

Thursday, April 2

8:30am FDP General Mtg (Dean College)

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, April 2 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2209 

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223 

ZBA Meeting- NO Public Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2213 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2228 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Town Council moves 4 zoning bylaw changes to 2nd reading and entered into Executive Session before 9 PM (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council meet in Council Chambers as scheduled on Wednesday, April 1. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N84cGZK_Ua4

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwviXzblwRVMwA3wkzuZcJlRE3tyZmsI/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Multiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee update
• Councilor comments
• Recognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts
• 3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification questions were answered moved to a second reading (likely April 15)
• 1 public hearing on the technical changes to the current Crossing Neighborhood District. There were multiple items underway and as the zoning changed were being updated to the town code discrepancy were noted; some sections of a table were left out, some had been updated incorrectly. The changes were approved to move to second reading (also likely for April 15)
• water & sewer extension approved for an area of Union St (actually to allow the new 5 residence development approved for part of the blueberry farm land) to update the water infrastructure to enable the extension. Funding to be provided by the developer
• Council entered into Executive Session for bargaining not to return to open meeting