Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 8 The Town Administration Office has launched new volume of our newsletter, Franklin First! |
Showing posts with label Town of Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Town of Franklin. Show all posts
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 8
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Franklin Police Dept shares what to know on soliciting in Franklin - part 1
Via Franklin Police Dept:
"Let’s talk solicitors…
Over the past several days we’ve fielded several calls for solicitors around Franklin for various companies. When done so in accordance with Franklin By-Laws, soliciting is legal and there is little the police department can do when everything is above board.
All solicitors are registered with the Town of Franklin and granted permits by the Chief of Police.
Solicitors are allowed to solicit between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm or a half hour before sunset (which is late this time if the year).
Solicitors are allowed to walk to your front door and ring your doorbell. They are not allowed to enter on private property. An example of this would be a yard with a clear no-trespass sign. Residents often have no solicitation signs, but these signs are merely suggestions to solicitors. They might still try and sell their services.
Legitimate solicitors carry identification with their relationship to their organizations and should and are expected to show it if requested. They are not required to wear company clothing, yellow vests, or drive company cars.
Typically, some solicitors contact the police department and the MECC ahead of going door to door as they know they may expect calls to the police. When responding to solicitation calls, officers check our active solicitation permits to make sure companies are permitted. If they are, they are free to continue their work as long as they are following the town by-laws. If they are not permitted, they are provided information on how to obtain a solicitation permit, close up shop, and are subject to being fined.
Soliciting without a permit is not an arrestable offense. Individuals or companies are fined with a town by-law citation of not more than $200.
We understand that answering the door to solicitors can be unsettling. If you’re not comfortable opening the door for someone, don’t. You could get a no solicitation sign for your house or yard. If you ask a solicitor to leave and they don’t, give us a call! If solicitors are knocking on your door after the approved solicitation hours, give us a call! What we don't recommend is becoming confrontational or physical with solicitors. Simply be polite and ask them to leave if you are not interested in their services. If they don't leave your property, again call us.
 |
| Franklin Police Dept shares what to know on soliciting in Franklin - part 1 |
All Town By-Laws regarding solicitation and other By-Laws can be found here: https://ecode360.com/10433859"
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15xikM1zEc/
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect
Community Connect allows residents and businesses to enter in critical information for first responders to use in an emergency, such as;
How many residents reside at the address
Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect - Any access or functional needs
- Any pet information
- Where bedrooms are located
- Where hazardous materials are located
- Contact information
- Door codes
Here is the link to register: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ma-franklin
This is a safe and secure program that is free. For more information, check out the flyer: https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6309/Community-Connect?bidId=
Shared from the Town of Franklin Fire Dept page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1179/Community-Connect
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Nomination papers for Town of Franklin Election available Aug 4, 2025
Monday, August 4 – Nomination papers available (by appointment only) in the Town Clerk's Office. Please check our website for hours.
Monday, September 15 by 4:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to the Town Clerk's Office for certification
Monday, September 22 by 4:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy
 |
| Nomination papers for Town of Franklin Election available Aug 4, 2025 |
Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 for any questions.
Download the list of available positions -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/18_OEf8M8YNVj4iCTeaPXo8bLnXZ2UuUn/view?usp=drive_link
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Town of Franklin to Establish a 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee
The Town of Franklin is excited to announce the establishment of a 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee. The Committee will plan, organize, and carry out events and activities pertaining to Franklin’s 250th Anniversary celebration, which will be held throughout the Town’s semiquincentennial year, culminating with a signature event marking the Town’s 250th anniversary of March 2, 2028.
 |
| 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee |
“The Town Council is enthusiastic in establishing this committee in recognition of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary”, stated Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer. “The mission of the Committee is to have events throughout the year recognizing Franklin’s Past, Present and Future - engaging all Franklinites in a celebratory, collaborative, and unified manner.”
Thirteen voting members and five ex officio non-voting staff members will be appointed to the Committee. Of the thirteen voting members, one member from the Cultural District Committee, Cultural Council, Historical Commission, and Library Board of Directors will be recommended to the Town Administrator by the Chair of each committee, and one member of the Dean College organization will be recommended by the College’s President or Interim President. Eight At-Large Franklin residents will be selected through the Town’s standard volunteer application process. The terms of the committee members will end on June 30, 2029.
“The Committee will be asked to engage town boards, committees and departments for input, ideas and collaboration on the yearlong celebration and plan a rich program of events and activities”, said Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “Due to the nature of this committee, the Town is able to establish a fund in accordance with MGL Chapter 53, Section 53i and fundraise to finance these programs. The Town anticipates hosting events and activities similar to what many other communities have done during their celebrations, such as a gala, carnival, parade, concert, fireworks, time capsule, monument, tours, a tree or other commemorative gesture, or whatever creative ideas the committee comes up with that tells Franklin's unique story.”
Franklin residents interested in serving on the Committee should apply via the Town’s Online Volunteer Application Form. The application will remain open to the community until September 15, 2025. The Town anticipates that the Committee will begin meeting this October, 2025
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Franklin Cultural District Guide available for download
NEW Cultural District Guide |
Your art. Your words. Your Franklin. Be part of the story
 |
| Franklin Cultural District Guide |
You might have seen these floating around at Franklin Porchfest and the recent Strawberry Stroll - We're excited to introduce the Franklin Cultural District Guide — your go-to resource for discovering the heart of arts, culture, and community in downtown Franklin! Inside, you'll find local landmarks, public art, creative businesses, and cultural experiences that make our district unique. Guides will be created twice a year, next up is our Fall/Winter issue!
 |
| Franklin Cultural District Guide 2 |
Click here to see the digital version -> https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/franklin_cultural_district_springsummer_vol1.pdf
Pick up printed copies at the Franklin Municipal building, Franklin Public Library, Senior Center and other downtown Franklin locations!
We want to feature YOU!
 |
| Susan Pratt Sheridan |
Deadline for consideration is August 1st - click here for more details! -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1107/Call-for-Visual-Artists
Congrats to Susan Pratt Sheridan for being our FIRST featured artist!
Monday, July 7, 2025
Franklin Establishes a New “Carry In / Carry Out” Trash & Recycling Policy for All Users Of The Town’s Outdoor Spaces
Policy to take effect July 1st, 2025
This new policy is being put into effect due to staffing issues and budget constraints.
The intent of this policy is to keep our parks and recreation areas clean, green, safe and sustainable.
 |
| Town of Franklin seal |
What This Means
All visitors, teams, families, and sports organizations that use Town spaces are responsible for:
● Disposing of all trash, food waste, wrappers, bottles, cans, and recyclables properly that is brought into a park or field● Disposing “properly” means to use the proper trash or recycling containers that may be provided on site. If containers were taken off site, trash should be disposed of or recycled off site● Leave the area cleaner than you found it
What You Won’t See
● Trash or recycling barrels will not be provided at the usual places at parks or fields as in the past● If trash and recycling containers are provided on site, they will be consolidated to one spot near an entrance/exit to improve efficiency and reduce costs● Public Works crews will not collect or remove any litter left behind
Why It Matters
● Our facilities remain clean and welcoming for everyone to enjoy in a safe manner● Reduces operating costs and environmental impact● Encourages responsible stewardship of public spaces
Important Notes
● Coaches, youth sports groups, parents and players are expected to help enforce this policy during games, practices, other events, and causal use● Failure to comply may result in loss of field permits or field closures
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community clean! Together, we can protect and preserve our outdoor public facilities.
The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature
Via Senate President Karen Spilka:
Today (June 30, 2025) , Speaker Mariano and I issued the following statement on the Legislature's FY26 Budget:
"We are incredibly proud of the agreement that was reached by the House and Senate on Friday. This is a budget that delivers for Massachusetts residents and reflects our shared commitment to spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.
This agreement incorporates many of the strongest proposals from both chambers, will make Massachusetts more affordable, and will protect our most vulnerable residents.
As President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to pursue devastating cuts to programs that millions of Americans rely on, we recognize the heightened importance of passing a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the areas that we value most.
This budget does exactly that.
We are deeply grateful to Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz, Vice Chairs Comerford and Ferrante, and the members of both chambers for their thoughtful work in delivering a timely and meaningful budget.
We look forward to sending it to the Governor’s desk on Monday."
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLfs1DqttqZ/
Via Gov Maura Healey:
"Today (07/04/25), Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state budget, a $60.9 billion plan that is fiscally responsible, lowers costs, protects essential care and services, and moves the Massachusetts economy forward.To further control spending and protect taxpayer dollars, Governor Healey is vetoing $130 million, resulting in a final budget that is more than $1 billion less than the H1 proposal and $130 million less than the final conference budget. The administration is also continuing an Executive Branch hiring freeze, halting a planned non-union manager pay raise scheduled for January, saving $17 million, and delaying payment on earmarked funds for local projects in the budget totaling approximately $125 million until later in the year when more is understood about their affordability.“I’m proud to sign a budget that is fiscally responsible and protects what makes Massachusetts special,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for their strong partnership and efficient work to develop and pass this budget for the people we serve. In Massachusetts, we are continuing to lead and do what we know works – focusing on lowering costs, protecting essential care and services, and moving our economy forward by investing in housing, transportation and our schools. We are also signing this budget in a moment of great dysfunction in Washington. The President is poised to sign a bill that’s going to kick hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health care, increase energy and groceries prices, and cost people their jobs.”
 |
| The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature |
Gov Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-609-billion-fiscal-year-2026-budget
The Governor’s signing letter, veto message, and returns available at this link ->
The formal parchment letter -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy26-budget-filing-letter-from-the-governor-and-lt-governor/download
FRANKLIN = Chapter 70 - $30,460,643 Local Aid - $3,075,999
Note: The Chapter 70 amount is exactly the same as approved by the Town Council for the FY 2026 budget. The Local aid as approved by the Governor is $33,468.00 more than currently in the Franklin budget. The adjustment to the Franklin budget will occur later this year before the tax rate is set in Nov/Dec.
Mass Gov FY 2026 -> https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/local-aid/
Town of Franklin FY 2026 voting document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 6 for Franklin, MA
Read the Vol 6 update for Franklin First
 |
| Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 6 for Franklin, MA |
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6038/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-6---June-27-2025
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Survey says: "The majority of residents enjoy a high quality of life in Franklin"
On the Town Council agenda for Wednesday, June 18 is scheduled a presentation/discussion on the results of the Community survey conducted earlier this year.
In addition to the document (summary report) released with the agenda, the Town posted additional info:
 |
| Survey says: "The majority of residents enjoy a high quality of life in Franklin" |
All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/974/
The overall presentation doc by the POLCO rep -> https://franklinma.gov/
Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen -> https://franklinma.gov/
 |
| "Division within the Town for the vision of Franklin’s future and how to get there. We aren’t alone in this, but it is present and must be seen and heard" |
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 5
The Franklin First Newsletter (Vol 5) was published June 13 and can be found here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=64
or directly here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5960/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-5---June-13-2025
 |
| Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 5 |
Thursday, June 5, 2025
New lower municipal aggregation electricity rate coming this fall
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028.
The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month.
Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service.
“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 town-wide Master Plan.
“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”
This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution separately.
The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024.
Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.
Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating. To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year. Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the
Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.
 |
| https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/ |
Residents and ratepayers seeking enrollment status are advised to contact Colonial Power Group at (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 or colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.
Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
June 1, 2025 Town of Franklin MA Pride Flag Raising (video)
The 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising ceremony held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Franklin, MA. Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger was 'master of ceremonies' for this event introducing each speaker.
Sioo did perform a song (Journey) for which he gave thanks. It was left out of the video to avoid copy right issues.
video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C6bdr9spr0
Sunday, June 1, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 1, 2025 ???
Sunday, June 1
9:00am Fallen Hero: William G. Hosford (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
11:00am 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising (355 E Central St)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)
8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)
For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->
** NO Town Meetings today **
------------
 |
| What's happening today in Franklin? |
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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Franklin Secures Lower Electricity Rate for Franklin Residents
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028.
The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month.
Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service.
“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 townwide Master Plan.
“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”
This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution seperately.
The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024.
Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.
Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating. To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year. Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the
Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.
There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation. However, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223 to have the block removed in order to participate in this program. Additionally, anyone already locked into an existing contract with another third-party supplier is advised to verify the contract terms before switching, as they may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier.
|
| https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/ |
Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.
Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 4 for Franklin, MA
The Town Administration Office has launched new volume of our newsletter, Franklin First!
Click to read the latest volume of Franklin First
Click here to sign up for notifications (Get your own copy via email)
 |
| Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 4 for Franklin, MA |
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Town of Franklin, MA: Memorial Day Ceremony - May 26, 2025 (audio)
FM #1455 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1455 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 26, 2025. The day was sunny, a few passing clouds with a gentle breeze.
Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program.
The ceremony runs about 47 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1455-town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day-ceremony-05-26-25/
--------------
My photos (for both the parade & ceremony) are found in one album ->
https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7AdGvP6PDGimFT88
--------------
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"
 |
| Commander Carruthers and a girl scout placing one of the wreaths |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)