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

Citizen Comment re: "inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting"

My name is Heather Zolnowski, I live at 51 Anthony Road in Franklin.  I am a 17-year resident and taxpayer of the Town of Franklin, the parent of a current Franklin High School student, an FHS alumna, and a 7th grader at BFCCPS. I have worked for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for 18 years and have served as its school leader for the past 12.

Heather Zolnowski

I am here this evening to follow up on inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting.

BFCCPS has been a public school option for Franklin families for 31 years. During my time at BFCCPS, we have worked collaboratively with three superintendents and two Town Administrators to support public education in Franklin. Given this long history of partnership, it was disappointing that inaccurate information was shared.

A town council member asked if there was a cap on the number of students from Franklin that could attend charter schools.  The answer provided was no, there is no cap.  Charter school enrollment is capped in state law and regulation. In districts not in the lowest performing 10% statewide, no more than 9% of net school spending may go to Commonwealth charter schools. While it was stated on December 3 that there are no enrollment caps on charter schools, there are clear limits. Charter schools cannot enroll an unlimited number of Franklin students. According to DESE’s Fiscal Year 2026 projections, Franklin is at 5.7% Net School Spending—well below the 9% cap.

Expansion has not negatively impacted the Franklin Public Schools:  BFCCPS received approval in 2014 to regionalize and serve 14 towns in addition to Franklin. Since then, Franklin enrollment has declined. Prior to regionalization, 422 Franklin students attended BFCCPS. In 2019, when we moved to 500 Financial Park and we began the expansion part of our amendment,, 375 Franklin students were enrolled in BFCCPS. Today, although the school is fully expanded at 900 students, only 312 are from Franklin—110 fewer than before regionalization and expansion. 

Charter School Reimbursement: District schools are reimbursed for students attending charter schools at the rate of 100% in year 1 of attendance, 60% in year 2 of attendance and 40% in year three.  As a member of the board of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, BFCCPS continues to strongly advocate at the state level for full reimbursement to districts as intended in statute.

While there were more inconsistencies in the answers provided to the Town Council on December 3, I felt like it was most important to correct these three. If the Town Council or Finance Committee would like a more detailed presentation on charter funding or enrollment, I would be happy to provide it. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.

Heather Zolnowski 

email = hzolnowski@bfccps.org

Audio of the 12/17/25 Town Council in 3 logical segments (audio)

FM #1612-13-14 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1612-13-14 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated (1 remotely) for this 4 hour session. 

 

• 1612 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, recognitions, alcohol license renewals and everything else except 

• the snow update (see 1613) 

• and the charter discussion (see 1614)  (approx. 2 hours 27 mins)

• 1613 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW snow update  (approx.. 58 minutes)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025 

• 1614 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process  (approx. 45 mins)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentation 

Audio 1612 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1612-town-council-mtg-minus-snow-charter-updates-12-17-25/

Audio 1613 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1613-snow-update-to-town-council-12-17-25/

Audio 1614 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1614-charter-discussion-at-town-council-mtg-12-17-25/

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Additional notes including the video link for the meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/town-council-closes-out-year-approving.html 

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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"

Town Council hears the SNETT and Franklin Ridge transactions are complete, accepts Elks Riders donation in last session (audio)

FM #1574 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1574 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The Council held the last session of its legislative term as scheduled at 7 PM. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

 

Quick recap:

• Approximately the first 45 minutes of the meeting were taken up with multiple citizen comments, many on the 444 East Central development proposal which while one of their complaints is that the Council doesn't listen to them, also ironically indicates that they haven't listened or don't understand the meaning of due process

• One comment revealed the first annual Caregiver Appreciation day scheduled for Nov 7 at the Senior Center from 11 - 3 PM. (Note, on that the day the regular Senior Center activities are canceled)

• 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

• 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

• Gift acceptance, $10,000 from Adirondack Club

• 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 recording runs about 2 hours & 5 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1574-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-29-25/

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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 

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department.
Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check

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

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 hears the SNETT and Franklin Ridge transactions are complete, accepts Elks Riders donation in last session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council held the last session of its legislative term on Wednesday evening October 29, 2025 as scheduled at 7 PM. Al 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

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

Quick recap:

• Approximately the first 45 minutes of the meeting were taken up with multiple citizen comments, many on the 444 East Central development proposal which while one of their complaints is that the Council doesn't listen to them, also ironically indicates that they haven't listened or don't understand the meaning of due process
• One comment revealed the first annual Caregiver Appreciation day scheduled for Nov 7 at the Senior Center from 11 - 3 PM. (Note, on that the day the regular Senior Center activities are canceled)
• 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
• 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.

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

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department.
Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check

Voices of Franklin: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"

I spoke during Citizen Comments at the Town Council meeting, October 22, 2025. My comment was as follows:

"Please know who you are voting for and understand why you are voting for them

With many of the candidates help, I created 24 videos of our conversations to share with the community (soon to be 25).

They are on YouTube, available via podcast apps, Franklin TV has a schedule for broadcasting them on the Town Hall or Government Channel as well as on the All Access channel.

All you need to do now is gather the info to cast an informed ballot on or before Nov 4 at the High School

Let’s create a scenario: 

• candidate gets on the ballot
• stops actively campaigning
• voters cast enough votes to enable that candidate to be one of the 9 for Town Council
• the candidate in this scenario doesn’t step up to fulfill the commitment that they took when they turned in their signed papers

Realistically, this could happen with any of the top 9 should one of them not choose to fulfill their commitment 

Folks may think, oh, take the next one

Actually, per Town Charter, that circumstance would kick off a special election to be run within 90 days to fulfill the seat of the candidate who “technically” would have resigned

Elections cost money, and we have enough of a budget issue as it is, we don’t need to add to it with this circumstance

My one ask, please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them, are they going to serve our community"

Steve Sherlock

Volunteer Community Information Director

for Franklin Matters, Franklin Public Radio

Town Charter -> look for Article Two, Section 8 Vacancies -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1135/Town-Charter-PDF

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"

School Committee Chair Callaghan condenses their recent meeting in this Chalkboard Chat session (audio)

FM #1552 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1552 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, October 16, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of October 14, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Superintendent’s Report

• Budget book, zero based budget effort

• Teacher evaluations underway

• Update on clubs for FHS & Middle School

• FHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle school

• Middle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during November

• Franklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Much work to create awareness, address stigma, expand the availability of food for those who need it. Lots of coordination, collaboration underway with the School District, more to come. Empty Bowls will continue, looking also to expand and offer bowl workshops outside of the high school to the community. Looking into why middle school students who were part of the back pack program don't continue with it into high school

• Good of the order raised the following items

• Consideration of removing restrictions on citizen comment about something on the agenda, esp. now as it is at the end of the meeting; could be an opportunity to gain immediate feedback on something discussed during the meeting

• A public education slot to share info on current topics, to help address the misinformation still bantered about in the social media channels

• Do something to help the new Town Council get up to speed quickly, perhaps to include a tour of the schools, many don't seem aware of the details of daily operations

• Entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The meeting recap runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1552-chalkboard-chat-10-16-25/

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

School Committee Chair Callaghan condenses
their recent meeting in this
Chalkboard Chat session (audio)

Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

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

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948 

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-14%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/857413 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKcjoQ-fFsLF7j1sNbpxy6QuusaqtBZG/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin Food Pantry Infographic as shared during the meeting -> 

Franklin Food Pantry Infographic

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

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"