Town of Franklin: Now Hiring - Licensed Electrician

Now Hiring: Licensed Electrician

The Town of Franklin is seeking a Licensed Electrician to join the Facilities Department.

💰 $34.43–$39.44/hour + union incentives

📅 Priority deadline: September 18

Read the full job description and learn how to apply: https://buff.ly/kmyKFn6

Franklin Small Business Spotlight: Franklin Kitchen Center Inc. (bonus video)

This month we're highlighting Franklin Kitchen Center, a local business that has served the Franklin community since 1962. 

"We are a premier custom cabinetry company with over 60 years of experience in designing, fabricating, and installing high-quality cabinetry for the local community. Since 1962, we've been dedicated to transforming spaces with craftsmanship and personalized service."

When asked why they chose Franklin to grow their business and what they like best about being here, they shared: "We chose Franklin to grow our business because of its vibrant community, strong local support, and excellent opportunities for expansion. Franklin's welcoming atmosphere and dedication to small businesses align perfectly with our values. What we like best about being here is the sense of community, the collaborative spirit, and the opportunity to serve our local clients with personalized craftsmanship. It's a place where we can truly thrive and continue to deliver quality custom cabinetry to our neighbors."

When asked why it's important for people to support small businesses, they shared: "Supporting small businesses is essential because they are the heart of our community. Small businesses create jobs, foster local economic growth, and contribute to a unique and vibrant local character. When people support small businesses, they help sustain local entrepreneurs, preserve craftsmanship, and keep money circulating within the community. This strengthens the neighborhood, builds connections, and ensures a diverse and lively economy for everyone."

👉️ Follow along as we continue to highlight the local businesses that make Franklin a great place to live and work.

🔗 Learn more about Franklin's Small Business Spotlight Series: https://buff.ly/9XbwyOK

I had an opportunity to walk through their custom build process recently, and you can view that process here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3ss_wlgpE

Four & half hour September 2, 2026 Town Council meeting in 3 parts for ease of listening (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 7 members participated in Chambers, 2 remotely so all votes were via roll call.  

The meeting recording is divided into 3 parts

Part 1 - opening through to Police Chief appointment (approx. 90 minutes)

Part 1 - Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1814-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p1-of-3-09-02-26/

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Part 2 - other appointments, excess sewer capacity discussion and Legislation for action (approx. 50 minutes)

Part 2 - Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1815-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p2-of-3-09-02-26/

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Part 3 - presentation on TOwn of Franklin properties by Kate Hinckley, GIS and discussion on the key decisions to be made; Police station site, then what dominos follow, Parmenter, Davis Thayer, 275 Beaver St, etc. (approx 2 hours)

Part 3 - Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1816-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p3-of-3-09-02-26/

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Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html 

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Franklin TV YouTube video - 

https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57 

Agenda doc for this session - 

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/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

• 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"

State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years

The turnout for State Primary elections in the Town of Franklin has varied considerably since 2006. 

The chart depicts the official results from the Town Clerk (via the published annual reports) with the total votes cast and the percent of the registered voters for that period.

Why a varied turnout? 

These are primary elections to determine who is on the ballot. Are there competitive State level races? Some years more so than others. 

Is there lack of engagement?

4 of the 5 top 5 turnouts occured in the most recent 4 elections, so that would seem to say there is an improvement. 

General rule for election turnout for Town of Franklin for period from 2002 to current:

• 20% (plus or minus) for local elections
• 40% (plus or minus) for override or debt exclusion elections
• 60% (plus or minus) for the State elections in November
• 80% (plus or minus) for the Federal elections in November

Town of Franklin Announces Appointment of Michelle Monsegur as Deputy Town Administrator

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Monsegur as its new deputy town administrator. Monsegur will begin her new role on Sept. 14, 2026.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity to serve the Franklin community!” said Monsegur. “As a lifelong public servant, I love working at the local level and I look forward to getting to know folks in Franklin and diving into the budget process this fall. Thank you to Jamie Hellen and the Town of Franklin for welcoming me."

As Deputy Town Administrator, Monsegur will work closely with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to oversee municipal finance, support municipal operations, lead strategic initiatives, special projects and collaborate with department leaders to advance the Town’s priorities and deliver exceptional public service.

“Michelle brings a strong combination of leadership experience, sound judgment and a deep commitment to public service to this role,” said Town Administrator Hellen. “She understands the complexity of municipal government and the importance of working collaboratively with department leaders, employees and the community to get things done. I am confident that she will be an invaluable partner as we continue to move the Town’s priorities forward, while also helping us prepare for the new challenges and opportunities ahead.”

The appointment follows a thorough selection process that included more than 100 applications for the position.

In her new role, Monsegur will work closely with the chief financial officer, Franklin Public Schools and the Town’s finance committee to develop short- and long-term, town-wide financial strategies. While the chief financial officer oversees the day-to-day operations of the Town’s finance departments, Monsegur will work closely with elected officials, stakeholders and residents on financial strategy and implementation with a focus on long-term financial solvency, stability and sustainability. She will also bring a fresh perspective to town and school finance while helping preserve and build institutional knowledge. 

Monsegur’s responsibilities will also include strategic planning, collective bargaining, capital planning, technology and artificial intelligence. As the use of AI continues to evolve, she will help the Town monitor developments, assess potential opportunities and consider how the technology may affect municipal government and the community in the years ahead.

Prior to joining Franklin, Monsegur served as assistant town administrator for finance for the Town of Hingham, where she oversaw day-to-day operations for 25 departments and approximately 300 employees in close collaboration with the town administrator. She led the town’s financial strategy, including development of its $165 million annual budget and authored the Sustainable Budget Task Force (equivalent to Franklin’s Joint Budget Subcommittee).

Previously, Monsegur served as principal budget analyst for the City of Cambridge, where she developed and managed the city’s $730 million annual budget. She also led the city’s first participatory budgeting processes, giving residents a direct role in determining how capital funds would be spent. 

Monsegur holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She is a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the International City/County Management Association. She also serves on the executive board of the Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association.

The Town welcomes Deputy Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur to the position and looks forward to her contributions to the organization and the Franklin community.

shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/190

Town of Franklin - OFFICAL Results - State Primary - Sep 1, 2026

Registered voters    25,457

Total votes cast         6,298

Per cent turnout        24.47%

The voters have left, the votes are tallied

The PDF for the State Primary Official results

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-McuaWwlhp3tb6mGdxsNLRjkgkkCrP5/view?usp=drive_link 

Thanks to Town Clerk Nancy Danello, her staff and all the poll workers! and to those voters who did cast a ballot

View the embedded file here

FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin, MA).

Flu shots will be available for all ages, including high-dose vaccines!

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer with your staff, clients, families, and community members. By spreading the word, we can help encourage our community to get vaccinated and stay healthy this flu season.

To schedule an appointment, please use the registration link: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=franklin-flu-clinic   OR call 508-613-1334.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DR0KLlMU_nPMwo44f2Bb8zxZeyx6VOgd/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin Early & Mail Ballots Received as of August 26, 2026

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, as of close of business Wednesday, August 26, 2026:

Primary ballots mailed:    4220

Ballots returned:               2368    

a 56% return for the mailed ballots

Early votes cast:        238

Early and mailed votes received:    2606

Click for more info about voting in Franklin, MA

Franklin Fire Department Promotes Mike Berthiaume to Captain

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Franklin Fire Department Promotes Mike Berthiaume to Captain The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Berthiaume to captain. Captain Berthiaume was promoted to captain in July 2026 and serves as captain of Group 3 at Station 2. Captain Berthiaume joined the Franklin Fire Department in May 2015 as a firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted to lieutenant in July 2023 and began serving as acting captain in October 2025 before being permanently promoted to captain in July 2026. Throughout his career with the Franklin Fire Department, Captain Berthiaume has served as a field training officer and assistant fire investigator. He is certified as a Fire Officer I/II, Incident Safety Officer and Hazardous Materials Operational Level Responder. Prior to joining the Franklin Fire Department, Captain Berthiaume served for two years as a firefighter/paramedic with the Town of Bourne. While serving in Bourne, he was awarded the Massachusetts State Medal of Valor in 2015 for his actions during an active shooter incident. He also served as a call lieutenant with the Amherst Fire Department. Captain Berthiaume holds a master’s degree in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to take on this role and for everyone who has supported me along the way,” said Captain Berthiaume. “I’m proud to continue serving the Franklin community alongside such a dedicated group of people.” The Franklin Fire Department congratulates Captain Berthiaume on his promotion and thanks him for his continued service and leadership within the department and the Franklin community. Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law at Franklin Public Library

The Town of Franklin welcomed Gov. Maura Healey to the Franklin Public Library on Monday, August 10, 2026, as she signed the Freedom to Read law, establishing protections for the freedom to read and creating a fair, transparent process for reviewing library materials.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen opened the event with remarks. Town Councilors, Town staff members and elected officials, library staff, Library Director Felicia Oti, Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere, School Committee members, State Rep. Jeff Roy, State Sen. Becca Rausch and other local and state legislators were in attendance for the historic signing.

The Franklin Public Library — the nation’s first public lending library — provided a fitting setting for the signing of the legislation. As Town Administrator Hellen noted, “the Franklin Public Library is a perfect setting to celebrate this historic legislative achievement.”

The new law establishes statewide standards for how public and school libraries select and review library materials. It ensures families and community members have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing those concerns. The law also protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith and reinforces local decision-making.

The Town of Franklin thanks Gov. Healey and the Healey-Driscoll administration for recognizing Franklin and its historic library and for joining the community for this important occasion.

The full press release from Gov Healey's office

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-freedom-to-read-law-keeping-book-bans-out-of-massachusetts-schools-and-libraries

You're Invited: Open House for Franklin's New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility - August 20

The Town of Franklin's Water and Sewer Division of the DPW invites residents to tour the new Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility during a community Open House on Thursday, August 20, from 5 to 7 PM, located at 21 Elizabeth Avenue.

The new facility was built to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water and is designed to produce up to 580,000 gallons of treated drinking water per day while meeting Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) drinking water standards. The project also included upgrades to the site's existing treatment buildings, helping ensure Franklin continues to provide safe, reliable drinking water to the community.

During the Open House, visitors will have the opportunity to:

• Tour the new treatment facility.
• Learn how PFAS treatment works using granular activated carbon (GAC).
• Meet members of Franklin's Public Works and Water Operations team.
• Discover how the Town is investing in the long-term reliability and quality of Franklin's drinking water supply.

The event is free and open to the public. Whether you're interested in learning more about Franklin's water system or seeing the new facility firsthand, all are welcome to attend.

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/180

Audio Recording Available for the Commission on Disability Meeting, August 6, 2026 (audio)

FM #1793 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1793 in the series. 

This episode shares the Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on August 6, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. 8 of the 9 members were present, (M Furilla absent).

Quick recap:

• Discussion brainstorming ideas for potential use of their annual budget along with the use of the fees accumulated from parking fines paid by those violating accessibility spaces.

• Approved use of funds ($100) to obtain membership in Downtown Partnership to gain booth space for the Harvest Festival

• Discussion on purchase of Disability Pride Flag, would also need to adjust the current flag bylaw (https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1107/2024-Town-Council-Flag-Policy-PDF?bidId=)

• Discussion on participation for the Harvest Festival

• Discussion on participation for the Senior Expo (Oct 2)

• Discussion on potential for creating a virtual option for meeting participation. Via Zoom and use of an Owl camera. Decision potentially to be made at the October regular meeting for implementation TBD there after

The meeting recording runs just over 1 hour

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1793-franklin-commission-on-disability-mtg-08-06-26/

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The meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427  

Commission on Disability page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability 

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

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"