Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Crafters sought for the 2026 Craft Fair at Tri-County, Nov 14
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)
FM #1472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1472 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 Friday, June 20, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Discussion items:
Fire Chief McLaughlin reads his statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025.
Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee
La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for
Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation. They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term
The conversation runs about 30 minutes
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1472-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-25/
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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188
Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788
Community Survey results
Report -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report
Presentation doc -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025
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| Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 1 8 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio) |
All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey
My complete set of notes captured during the meeting
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/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
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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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Friday, June 20, 2025
Town Council hears of Chief McLaughlin retirement, Electric Youth performance, and approves union contracts (video)
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| Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number |
- Fire Chief McLaughlin reads statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. He lists the accomplishments of his time here including that the Department has multiple qualified candidates to replace him. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen confirms later in the meeting that the position posting will be for internal candidates only.
- Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
- Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
- Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
- La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
- The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for
- Report -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report
- Presentation doc -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025
- Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation
- All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey
- Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee. Up to 13 members with some specific representation and some at large residents, Term thru June 30, 2029. Plan the year long celebration, engaging, calendar, programs, access, etc. The committee needs to be of people who are willing to do the work. Town staff as ex officio to assist the committee, the committee needs to do the work. Discussion on council membership in "at large role"
- Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
- Councilor Cormier-Leger arrives at 9:25 PM. Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation. They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term.
- Meeting adjourned
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, June 18, 2025 at 7 PM
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 othersb. Chair to identify members participating remotelyc. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
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 Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact
a. May 22, 2025 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5939/3a-May-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes
a. Proclamation & Performance: Electric Youth
a. Council on Aging - Elizabeth Sawyerhttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5912/5a-Appointments---Elizabeth-Sawyerb. Disability Commission - Cheryl Fisherhttps://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5913/5b-APPOINTMENT---Disability-Commission---Cheryl-Fisher
a. Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - La Cantina Winery https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5943/7a-LICENSE-TRANSACTION---La-Cantina
a. Presentation: Polco National Community Survey Results - Sonya Wytinck, ExecutiveVice-President of Data & Insights with Polco/National Research Center with Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS and Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report
Polco National Community Survey Results
a. Resolution 25-38: Establishment of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-38 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5957/9a-25-38---250th-Anniversary-Celebration-Committee
b. Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-39 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5936/9b-25-39---FY25-Budget-Transfers
c. Resolution 25-40: Increased Expenditure Limits For FY2026 on Certain Departmental Revolving Funds Established By Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, As Provided in MGL Chapter 44, Section 53 1/2, As Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-40 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5942/9c-25-40---Increased-Expenditure-Limits-FY26
d. Resolution 25-41: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($95)(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-41 - Majority Vote)https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5935/9d-1---25-41---Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Joint Budget Subcommitteed. Police Station Building Committeee. GATRA Advisory Board
a. Resolution 25-42: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Library Union - Franklin Public Library Staff Association, Massachusetts Library Staff Association (MLSA), Local 4298, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT Massachusetts (AFL-CIO)(Motion to approve Resolution 25-42 - Majority Vote)b. Resolution 25-43: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the DPW Union - AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 1298, Department of Public Works (Motion to approve Resolution 25-43 - Majority Vote)c. Resolution 25-44: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Custodians Union - AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 1298, Custodians (Motion to approve Resolution 25-44 - Majority Vote)d. Resolution 25-45: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Public Facilities Union - AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 1298, Public Facilities Employees(Motion to approve Resolution 25-45 - Majority Vote)e. Resolution 25-46: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Professional Firefighters of Franklin - International Association of Firefighters, Local 2637(Motion to approve Resolution 25-46 - Majority Vote)f. Resolution 25-47: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Association(Motion to approve Resolution 25-47 - Majority Vote)g. Resolution 25-48: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Sergeants Union(Motion to approve Resolution 25-48 - Majority Vote)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
School Committee reluctantly approves personnel & funding cuts to FY 2026 budget (video)
- A brief executive session was held before approving the new teacher contract for a 3 year term. Details of the amount approved were not shared, however, members of the negotiation subcommittee spoke highly of the collaboration and cooperation that resulted in a good deal for the district and the Town. The vote was unanimous and included Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (7-0-1) (1 absent)
- The budget adjustment reducing the proposed budget by $2M was previewed in a subcommittee meeting before the full committee meeting. 12 personnel are added to the 29 that were reduced by redistricting. Additional expenses were cut to bring the budget into balance per revised Town funding due to the failed override
- Bus fee will remain at $387, Sports fees will remain high at this year's levels for next year. A full analysis of the fees and participation will be conducted next year as part of the FY 2027 budget to see what can be done given the lower funding from the Town
- The Superintendent evaluation was approved as "Exemplary". A fair results given the multiple threads of work, budget, override, redistricting and oh, conducting school for the district at the same time
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| School Committee reluctantly approves personnel & funding cuts to FY 2026 budget (video) |
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Franklin, MA: Agenda for the School Committee meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
A. Discussion Action A - FEA Contract RatificationI recommend ratification of the Franklin Education collective bargaining agreement 9/1/25-8/31/28 as detailed.
B. FY26 Final Budget ApprovalI recommend approval of the final FY26 Budget in the amount of $78,309,495.
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation ReportThe chair recommends your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2024-2025 school year as discussed.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
DPW contractor starts catch basin cleaning this week
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| DPW contractor starts catch basin cleaning this week |
"Starting this week, Truax will be in Franklin conducting yearly catch basin cleaning operations. The work is expected to take 4 - 6 weeks and is a crucial component to keeping our stormwater clean and our infrastructure healthy!"
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19t7ByDSVs/
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Boston Globe: "The MBTA is plotting a revamp of the commuter rail. How will they do it?"
"State officials have been talking about offering far more frequent commuter rail service, powered by electricity, for years.Now, with the MBTA’s current commuter rail contract approaching an end, it’s time to solve this riddle — to go from talk to action.Mike Muller, the T’s commuter rail chief, made a presentation Thursday to the MBTA board about what it will take to revamp the entire system, and how the transportation industry has responded so far to requests for feedback that Muller’s team sent out earlier this year. The big question: to bundle or not to bundle? In other words, should the T hand over a long-term contract to one lead contractor, in charge of both running the trains and rebuilding the system, or break the contracts up?"
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Town of Franklin: Snow Contractors Wanted! Please contact the DPW !
Contact the Franklin DPW for more details.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/snow-contractors-wanted
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| Town of Franklin: Snow Contractors Wanted! Please contact the DPW ! |
Sunday, June 30, 2024
FPS teacher percent salary increase over the contract years from 1999-2000 to 2024-2025
"The image shows the yearly contract increases for the Franklin educators since 1999. 64% of the yearly increase was less than 2.5%. This includes years with a 0 or 0.5% increase.
Over this duration the average increase was 2.23%. Without the 3 years with a 4% increase the average drops to 2.02%.
Did the 4% improve the town budget concerns, no.
Was it the primary driver of the town's financial problems, no. The "pie" is just not big enough."
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for June 5, 2024
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 5, 2024 7:00 PM
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street
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
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
a. April 10, 2024 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._april_10_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf
a. Proclamation & Performance: Electric Youth
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board











