Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, July 22 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 22, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: September 2nd)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - William Santa Fe

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 10, 2026

b. June 17, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

b. Election Workers - September 1, 2026 State Primary Election

i. See “Appointments - Election Workers” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM -

a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1

i. See Legislation for Action #12a.

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10a.

c. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10b.

d. Modification of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

i. See License Transaction # 10c.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS -

a. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

c. Multiple Modifications of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx

b. 300 Fisher Street

i. Environmental Protection Agency Overview Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10232/EPA-Presentation

ii. Town Administrator Memo on history of 300 Fisher Street  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10234/11b-2---MEMO---300-Fisher-Street-History

iii. 300 Fisher Street Town site map  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10235/11b-iiii-Map

iv. 300 Fisher Street property card  

 

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-38: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-38 -2/3 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)

f. Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-42 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-43 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-44 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-45 - Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-46 - Majority Vote)

k. Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-47 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (audio)

FM #1772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 172 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. 

The meeting recording runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1772-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-17-26/

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Town Council poses with backfill new hires

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66 

The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the swearing in's -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA 

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

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"

Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (video)

Franklin's Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 with all 9 members in Council Chambers for this short 90 minute session.

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66

The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368 

Quick recap

• Town Council witnessed and welcomed
• Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso
• Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado
• Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean
• Note: These folks are all backfilling positions already part of the authorized hire level and which were open due to individuals leaving for some reason. The 2 School Resource officers recently authorized for FY 2027 are not expected to be filled until October
• Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members were approved. There are approx. 20 positions across 8 boards/committees still open. Applications can be made online https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php
• 2 resolutions to prepare to close out the FY 2026 budget as the fiscal year approaches June 30
• General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26
• FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council poses with backfill new hires

Photos of the swearing in's -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA

Reminder: Franklin Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 17

Reminder: Franklin Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 17

The Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged by attending in person or participating remotely via Zoom. 

View the meeting agenda: https://buff.ly/rJ103iE

Watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV: https://buff.ly/6tYLRnN

Shared from = https://www.facebook.com/share/1H9xWTFmG9/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting June 17, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6:00PM)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: June 24th @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso

b. Police Department

i. Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado

ii. Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 15, 2026

b. May 13, 2026

c. May 20, 2026

d. May 21, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-36: General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-36 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9833/12a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-30: FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-30: ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9835/12-b-Complete

c. Resolution 26-37: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Dept. ($750)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-X37 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9848/12c-Complete

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

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

FM #1647-48-49 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1647-48-49 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals  (approx. 2 hour 16 mins) 

• 1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion  (approx. 1 hr. 40 mins)  

• 1634 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting  (approx. 52 mins)

  

Audio 1647 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1647-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-20260121-p1-of-3/

Audio 1648 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1648-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-21-26-p2-of-3/

Audio 1649 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1649-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-21-26/

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

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-spends-almost-2-hours-to.html 

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

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"

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

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

Town Administrator Letter with ZBA Appointments - Jan 21, 2026 Town Council meeting

January 16, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Appointments - Zoning Board of Appeals

I am asking the Town Council to ratify my nomination appointments of Jennifer Williams and Isabella Carter as At-Large members of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

Robert “Archie” Acevedo resigned from the ZBA on January 7, 2026 with a term nearing expiration on June 30, 2026. I am nominating Isabella Carter to fill this vacancy with the expectation she will be reappointed in June 2026 for a full three year term through 2029.

Bruce Hunchard’s 3-year term expired on June 30, 2025; however his term was extended through the completion of the ZBA’s final decision on the 444 East Central St. project. The current term for this vacated seat expires on June 30, 2028. I am nominating Jennifer Williams to fill this term.

Membership on the ZBA is challenging and board members are faced with some extremely difficult and divisive decisions to make. As I have already reported, this one Board receives scarce interest to serve and we have had very few people apply to be on the ZBA. Furthermore, the board requires technical knowledge, deep interest in these issues and a deep commitment to learn on their own personal time. The ZBA oversees a complicated, dense and deep set of issues that are affected by federal, state and local laws, case law and with potential significant consequences to the community, private property owners, residents, and commercial businesses.

Bruce and Archie have served the ZBA for 34 and 22 years respectively and have done an exceptional job. Their service to the Town is greatly appreciated by all of the staff, and sadly, often goes underappreciated by the general public. While I am firmly aware of the concerns in the community surrounding members of the ZBA, at times, there is no mix or words that I could come up with to commend Bruce and Archie's combined 56 years of volunteer service to the town. It is the end of an era. They deserve far more respect and appreciation than condemnation. There is no question Bruce and Archie have helped people in Franklin at a far greater level than not. Their decisions have helped

 

small businesses, commercial businesses, and thousands of residents. They have helped generate significant tax levy and tax base over the decades. They have an intimate knowledge of federal, state and local laws. Their expertise and institutional knowledge will be missed.

That said, the community clearly desires a new ZBA. If these nominations are approved this evening, the town will have very intelligent, thoughtful, considerate and engaged members on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am hopeful that with new membership, our organization can steer the community toward greater understanding of the complex web of laws and case law that many times defines the final decision of the Board, enhance transparency and easier access to complicated materials and address concerns from residents. This does not mean residents will always see the decision they want. But we hope to provide a better experience to residents who choose to engage with the ZBA.

The volunteer forms and resumes for both Jen and Isabella are included in the agenda packet for the January 21st Town Council meeting.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Town Administrator Letter with ZBA Appointments - Jan 21, 2026 Town Council meeting

PDF of this memo ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8131/5a--Appointments---Jen-Williams-and-Isabella-Carter---ZBA

J Williams volunteer form

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

I Carter volunteer form

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

The complete Town Council agenda (including remote participation info)

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

Tom Mercer condenses the Oct 29 Town Council meeting (audio)

FM #1573 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1573 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Appointments to the Agricultural Commission - Jennifer Sweeney (Associate Seat) and to the Council on Aging - Roberta Trahan were both approved by 9-0 votes

• The Public Hearing, originally scheduled for Oct 15, and continued to this date, was opened and eventually closed with no public or Council comments on the multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager... Doing business as Liquor World. The measure was approved by 9-0 vote

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery by a 9-0 vote

• Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department. Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check for $2000 from this year's rides

• Gift acceptance, $10,000 from Adirondack Club

• Resolution 25-70: Adoption of Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-70 - Majority Vote) Moved, second. The proposal is modeled after that of Shrewsbury as they are the only 1 approved now, 100+ communities remain to develop one and get theirs approved.  This is an example of additional revenue from cannabis, almost $.5m yearly total. NETA has done well here

• Resolution 25-67: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53 E½, as Amended (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) approved by 9-0 vote, may need to adjusted upward as time goes and action on this revenue stream increases

• From the Town Administrator's Report 

• Purchase of the SNETT extension is complete, now owned by the Town, Work remains to be funded and completed but the registry of deeds has the record of ownership

• Formally closed on Franklin Ridge, contracts going out to bid, info sessions in the spring on lottery process etc. Construction once begun is anticipated to go 18-24 months

• Approximately, the remaining 40 minutes of the meeting were Councilor Comments reflecting on accomplishments for this term, recognition of the 3 not running for re-election, etc.

The conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1572-town-council-quarterbacking-10-30-25/

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

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

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

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

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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Tom Mercer condenses the Oct 29 Town Council meeting (audio)