Joint Budget Subcmte in healthy discussion seems to coalesce on 3 goals (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met as scheduled on Thursday, August 14. 10 of the 11 members were present in Chambers for the session (Grella absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PITPcwF6Lg

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445 

Quick recap

• TA Jamie Hellen provides a budget update https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10586/3a-MEMO---FY27-Update-and-Five-Year-Forecast-
• five year forecast more accurate based on the process https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10582/03b-1-Five-Year-Fiscal-Forecast---Control-Summary-Forecast
• Discussion on goals   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10588/04-JBSC-2026-27-Goals
• Consensus developed around three goals;, in my kitchen english wording - (1) education/awareness of the Town finances (2) alignment on the structural deficit for 3 years (3) potential solutions or strategy to resolve such deficit in that time. Additional wordsmithing being done by the committee for review at next session, no date available for next session

My notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UzwDKCfD_wh4wmgQdqZDH101egZACz-j/view?usp=drive_link

State Rep Jeff Roy provides a Legislative Update - 06/04/26 (video & audio)

FM #1757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1757 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• His legislative work on the budget, timing of the legislative session

• Prior work on higher education, current work on manufacturing 

• Earmarks for Medway & Franklin including the World Cup Fan Zone

• Whole lot happening in Franklin now through the summer

The show notes include links to Jeff's legislative page and campaign page. 

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLwLOShel8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1757-representative-jeff-roy-a-legislative-update-06-04-26/

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Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Jeff’s campaign page - http://jeffreyroy.com/ 

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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 it!

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

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

Catching up: Town Council Quarterbacking for the Joint Session March 17, 2026 (audio)

 FM #1710 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1710 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, March 30, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 17, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1

• Legislation for Action (all votes passed by 8-0-1)

• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan 

• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities 

• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 

• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1710-town-council-quarterbacking-march-17-session-03-30-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70 

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193  

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6 

The DESE presentation is available - 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/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!

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

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

Joint School Cmte & Town Council meeting to hear from DESE about Chapter 70 (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1707-1708 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1707-1708 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Franklin School Committee (all 7 members also present) for both to participate with the presentation by the Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to cover Chapter 70 & hold harmless.

 

• 1707 - The Opening, and the DESE presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hr 45 mins)   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1707-town-council-mtg-p1-of-2-03-18-26/

• 1708 - After a brief recess, the remainder of the Council meeting  (approx. 55 mins) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1708-town-council-mtg-p2-of-2-03-18-26/

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

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/joint-meeting-of-town-council-school.html

The DESE presentation document

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

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

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"

School Committee gets update on Lifelong Learning (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 PM. This was a change from prior meetings (starting at 6 PM) to enable their budget subcommittee to meet at 6 PM before the full session at 7. 

All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting
• Superintendent's report
• substitute nurses being looked for
• Winter sports round up
• earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)
• Innovation labs grant also awarded
• FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm
• Lifelong learning update
• For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13
• Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked
• Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.
• Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program
• Discussion/Action Items
• A.   Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote
• B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan
• both passed by 7-0 votes
• Subcommittee updates
• Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars
• April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library 
• On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28

Joint meeting of Town Council & School Committee gets details on Chapter 70, Council approves RFI for strategic plan (video)

The Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday night. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6

(We are supposed to get a copy of the presentation document. When we do, we'll add it here)

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link

Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Brief recap

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• State constitution calls for funding education. Chapter 70 was developed in 1993 to administer the program. It was revised in 2019 with the Student Opportunity Act (SOA). It attempts to normalize school funding across the Commonwealth. Communities can spend more than the state determined "foundation" level but the state will assist the community in meeting the foundation level.
• Franklin is a minimum aid community as the current calculation calls for state assistance in the amount of $13M and we were previously getting $30M, hence we are being held harmless by that $17M. The 17M is the amount that the state determines Franklin could and should be funding from our local resources.
• There is a study underway to take a look at the local contribution requirements but it is likely a couple of years away from taking effect and it is not yet know what will happen. While Franklin is #2 on the list of communities being "held harmless", the number of communities on that list is growing due to the revised calculations
• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, ...
• Motion to amend with Council and SchCmte, and new date Apr 17
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Motion to approve as amended 
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Motion to amend to include house and Senate ways & means, second vote to amend withdrawn ...
• Vote on the original motion, resolution was not changed, just the memo
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second
• Passes 8-0-1

Franklin, MA: Joint Town Council & School Committee meeting - Weds, Mar 18 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 18, 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.

d. Committee Assignments

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

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Communications Subcommittee

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 21, 2026 (tabled from February 11, 2026 Town Council meeting)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8726/7a---January-21-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. February 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8725/7b-February-4-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

c. March 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8724/7c-March-4-Minutes

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation & Discussion: Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  https://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/default.html

b. Discussion: School Committee & Town Council Strategic Planning Request for Information  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8719/11b-Discussion-Strategic-Planning

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8720/12a-1---RESOLUTION-26-16---Approval-for-Request-for-Statements-of-Interest-for-Development-of-a-Strategic-Plan

b. Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8721/12b-FY27-State-Budget-Priorities-Letter

c. Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8722/12c-Town-Council-Support-for-H-4297

d. Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8723/12d-Special-Legislation-Regarding-Increase-in-Local-Excise-Tax

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://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193