Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682 

Quick recap:

• School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
• per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter
• Proclaimations and recognition for 
• the FHS Cheerleaders
• the FHS boys basketball team
• members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event
• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote
• Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)
• Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
• Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees
• Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar
• A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral
• Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unaninmous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 16, 2025 - 7 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, 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.

3.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.    March 19, 2025

4.    PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Cheerleaders
b.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Boys Basketball Team
c.    Proclamation: The Dean College Athletic Training and Franklin Public Safety Departments
 

5.    APPOINTMENTS
a.    2025 Election Workers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5217/5a---Appointments---Election-Workers
i.    See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names

6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)
i.    Legislation for Action # 9b.  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5234/6a-1-Shared-Kitchen-Public-Hearing
b.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)
i.    Legislation for Action # 9c.   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5235/6b-Public-Hearing-Shared-Kitchens

7.    LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
 

8.    PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a.    Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
b.    Franklin Crisis Advocacy Team - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

9.    LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a.    Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5227/9a-25-18---6_3_25-Election-early-voting-and-vote-by-mail
b.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
c.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
d.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24,
Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5236/9d-25-935-Floodplain
(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
e.    Resolution 25-19: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($3,014.98), Veterans’ ($11,959.90)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-19 - Majority Vote)

10.    TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
 

11.    SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.    Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report (Vote to Accept)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4568/2025-TA-Evaluation
b.    Capital Budget Subcommittee
c.    Economic Development Subcommittee
d.    Joint Budget Subcommittee
e.    Police Station Building Committee
f.    GATRA Advisory Board

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

 

 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025

Boston Globe: "State spent $8 million on mail-in voting"

"Just less than half of the roughly 3.5 million voters who cast a ballot in November’s elections here did so in person on Election Day, Secretary of State William Galvin’s office said in a new report on the roughly $8 million costs associated with the popular vote-by-mail option.

The report filed with the Legislature this month details many of the costs connected to Galvin’s responsibilities as chief elections officer for the state, and the requirements of the 2022 law that allows voters to cast their ballots by mail or during a dedicated early voting window.

Not counting the costs of printing ballots and envelopes, assembling ballot kits and reimbursing local election officials for unfunded mandates, Galvin said the vote-by-mail effort cost a little more than $8 million ($8,005,676.43 to be precise), including nearly $2 million in postage for voters to return ballots, for the September primaries and November’s general election."

Continue reading the article at the Boston Globe -> (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/30/metro/state-spent-8-million-mail-in-voting/

Boston Globe: "State spent $8 million on mail-in voting"

Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello (and her entire team), here are the unofficial election results for Nov 5, 2024 (PDF) ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CyG0npCxpd7wSgH3oM1q-aCO-WpjgHN/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ???

Tuesday, November 5

6am – 8pm Election day (Franklin High School)

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Eyes on Owls (Franklin Public Library)

6pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

7pm Musical Bingo CANCELED THIS WEEK (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters (Franklin TV Studio)

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin, MA voters: cast your ballots in person at Franklin High School. Pools opened at 6 AM, will close at 8 PM

Voting today opened at 6 AM at Franklin High School. Voting closes at 8 PM. 

In case you need info to prepare to cast an informed ballot for the MA election opportunities we have, this is the place.

The 2024 Election Collection of posts with information on the candidates for State Representative, Senator, Governor's Council District 2, etc. 

We do exclude coverage of the Presidential election campaigns to focus on the local information for Franklin, MA voters. 

Most recent posts on top, scroll down for earlier posts ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/election-collection-2024.html

We'll share the unofficial results as soon as they are released by Franklin's Town Clerk Nancy Danello.

Franklin, MA voters: cast your ballots in person at Franklin High School. Pools opened at 6 AM, will close at 8 PM

Franklin TV: Veni, Vidi, Votum

I Came, I Saw, I Voted!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/03/2024

This year the locations for early voting in Framingham included the library dedicated to teacher/astronaut Christa McAuliffe.

Franklin TV: Veni, Vidi, Votum 

Never having seen it, Diane and I went to cast our votes and take in its soaring design as a new architectural landmark in town.

All libraries – new and old – are lovely places. An avid reader as a kid, I grew up in them. They were my Google/Internet, yada-yada.

We grow up, get busy and busier over time. Less and less time for the library. So our visit to the library was a return to my deeply personal place. Libraries are serene. So too, the act of voting is serene, as it should be. There’s also a bit of solemnity, and a quiet satisfaction that Diane and I did our tiny part in this grand experiment of democracy.

I also noted that a few folks glanced my way with a smile and a ‘thumbs up’.

What did they know? Odd.

Later in the day, I discovered that Diane placed an ‘I voted’ sticker on my back. (???) I suppose it’s better than ‘Kick me’.

If you haven’t yet, do find time to vote.

Vote – because you can.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 2, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 2

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

9am Advance deposit of early voted ballots (Franklin High School)

9am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

3pm Copley Cats Acapella Concert (Franklin Public Library) 

6pm Cinema 80: City Lights (Franklin Historical Museum)

6:30pm Wicked Queer Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium) 

7pm Moxie (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7pm Arts Mosaic (Dean College Guidry Theater) 

7:30pm FHSTC presents THE OUTSIDERS (Franklin High School) 

8pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Cedar House Restaurant & Bar, Walpole)

8pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024

Town of Franklin

Office of The Town Clerk

 

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for The State Election 11-5-2024

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street at the following sessions:

• Monday, October 28th 9:00 AM

• Tuesday, October 29th 9:00 AM

• Wednesday, October 30th 9:00 AM

• Thursday, October 31st 9:00 AM

• Friday, November 1st         9:00 AM

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

• Saturday, November 2nd    @9:00 AM

• Sunday, November 3rd    @9:00 AM - IF NEEDED

We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.

In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 5th. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.

Shared from the PDF posted to the Town page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/notice_of_advance_removal_and_deposit_for_11-5-2024_state_election.pdf

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024

As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits - Nov 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM

As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits over the last 140 years…

Keyed up about the election? Learn about how and why Franklin has voted for presidents going back to the time of the Civil War! 

Local history educator, Jayson Joyce, has been delving into archives and histories to learn about Franklin’s voting habits going back to the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln (yes, he carried Franklin), with lots of other interesting bits about how the town has voted right up to the 2020 election. 

Also look for some other bits of museum ephemera and visuals relating to our political past, on exhibit until Thanksgiving ... 

Museum is open 1-4 with the presentation starting at 1:15. 

The Event is Free. 

As Goes Franklin ... a look at Franklin’s voting habits - Nov 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM

I caught up with Senator Rausch to review her accomplishments and future plans (audio)

FM #1292 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1292 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with our State Senator Becca Rausch.  Due to the Senator’s full calendar we were fortunate to have booked this opportunity weeks ago. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conf bridge on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Rausch. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1292-senator-becca-rausch-10-10-24/

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

Senator Rausch MA Legislature page -> https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0 

Campaign page -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/ 

Sign up for her newsletter -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/newsletter 

Hey Sam support page -> https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/hey-sam/

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

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

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"

I caught up with Senator Rausch to review her accomplishments and future plans (audio)

Town of Franklin: Town Council Meeting Agenda for October 16, 2024

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 Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. September 4, 2024

b. September 18, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. 2024 Election Workers

i. See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/appointments_-_election_workers.pdf

 

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Franklin Branding Project - AJ Rebecchi   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/marketing_branding_project_0.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-61: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8J (Disability Commission) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-61 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-61_-_disability_commission_local_acceptance_0.pdf

b. Bylaw Amendment 24-914: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-914 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/bylaw_amendments_24-914_915_916.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 24-915: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Sewers - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-915 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._1_-_bylaw_amendment_24-915_and_backup_materials_-_sewers.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 24-916: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-916 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._1_-_bylaw_amendment_24-915_and_backup_materials_-_snow_removal_bylaw.pdf

e. Resolution 24-60: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,125), Senior Center ($275) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-60 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-60_-_gift_acceptance_-_vets_dept._sr._ctr.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Green Communities Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee/Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

f. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

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/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_10.16.24.pdf

Town of Franklin: Town Council Meeting Agenda for October 16, 2024

Ballots for November 5th Election are in the mail to Franklin, MA voters

Ballots for November 5th Election

A message from the Town Clerk:

Ballots for November 5th Election 

Ballots for the Presidential Election(11/5) HAVE arrived!! They have all been packaged up and are in the process of being mailed out.

Precincts 3,5,6,8 and 9 were mailed out Wednesday, 10/2/24.  Precincts 1,2,4 and 7 will be out by the end of the week.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/ballots-november-5th-election