Audio recording of the Jan 7, 2026 Franklin (MA) Town Council in 3 parts: Facilities, 40B, & everything else

FM #1632-33-34 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1632-33-34 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1632 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except  (approx. 1 hour 36 mins)

• the Facilities presentation & discussion (see 1633) 

• and the friendly 40b policy discussion (see 1634)  

• 1633 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the Facilities update from Kevin Harn  (approx. 1 hr. 27 mins)  

• 1634 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process  (approx. 1 hr. 5 mins)

  

Audio 1632 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1632-town-council-mtg-part-1-of-3-01-07-26/

Audio 1633 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1633-town-council-mtg-part-2-of-3-01-07-26/

Audio 1634 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1634-town-council-mtg-part-3-of-3-01-07-26/

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-approves-amended-friendly.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!

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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 approves an amended Friendly 40b policy in another long 4 hour session (video)

The Town Council meet for the first time in 2026 for another long 4 hour session with all 9 members present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/07Ywvi5WtP8?&t=487

The agenda and doc released for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2073 

Quick recap:

• The longest discussion on a single appointment in my time reporting ultimately resulted in a unanimous vote to approve Mark Minnichelli to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. Kudos to Mark for his careful and confident responses to the questions.
• Town and School Facilities Presentation - Kevin Harn, Facilities Director https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8040/8a-1---MEMO---Facilities-Presentation
• This discussion was extensive as Facilities and the potential issues facing the Town are something this Council is going to need to get up to speed quickly on to make the decisions and determine the direction to go, all of which ultimately gets to funding and resources
• The Davis Thayer (DT) building future has been the Council's hands since the Advisory committee did its work. On Tuesday (Jan 6, 26) the Police Station Building Comte determined Parmenter was the best site freeing up DT for a decision on what it's future is
• The combination of the Washington St renovations, Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M. To do and how to fund remain questions before the Council
• The presentation doc is not on the Town page or within the Council agenda but pictures of the slides shared can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/1FpYnuiED36kPumw8
• 2 Zoning Bylaw amendments were referred to the Planning Board. There is likely to be an extensive discussion on these when they return as the Council was not familiar with the bylaw process (usually starting with Planning Dept (as in this case), discussion before Economic Development Subcmte (not yet in place), referral to Planning Board, and then return to Council for decision). As these 2 measure are the 'final' points to bring the Town in compliance with the MBTA Community requirements, the potential for discussion before this new Council is great
• The friendly 40b policy came back on the agenda for this Council and they juggled their agenda to get the above items out of the way before settling into this lengthy discussion. Ultimately, 2 amendments to the wording were approved first one by a 5-4 vote to require an annual review of the policy, the second to fix the confusing wording in a sentence by a 9-0 vote, and then the overall measure passed by a 9-0 vote
• Multiple personnel changes were announced in Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's report. Of note, the Council also gave the go ahead to the hiring request they had approved at the tax rate hearing and then also asked to put on hold. The Town Administrator's office which used to be 4 people is only 2, and one was sick this week. If the Council wants the Town to get work done, these resources are required. Fortunately, the Council agreed

My notes captured in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zmqgACh7aVrr8OnerWndCC74ehZoDuuL/view?usp=drive_link

The combination of the Washington St renovations,
Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M

Town of Franklin: Human Resources is looking for candidates for positions in Conservation, Fire Dept, Library, Police Dept, Facilities & DPW

To be considered for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to Human Resources. 

Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email to ensure accurate processing. 

If you do not have a resume, you may submit a completed Application for Employment (PDF) as an alternative.

• Director of Conservation - Conservation Department 
• Licensed Plumber  - Facilities Department
• Firefighter / Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department
• Librarian - Youth Services - Franklin Public Library
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-  Department of Public Works
• Co-Response Clinician - Police Department
• Custodian (part-time) - Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/228/Job-Opportunities

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1514 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1514 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, September 18, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 17, 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

• Announcements from the Chair

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 Police Dept new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• Qne - a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• Second - the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1514-town-council-quarterbacking-09-18-25/

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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/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"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Town Of Franklin Electric Vehicle Charging Stations To Begin Charging A Fee On October 1, 2025

Please be advised that as of October 1, 2025 the Town of Franklin will begin charging a fee for the use of its AmpUp Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations. 

The fee will be $0.35 per kWh, up to 4 hours. 

After 4 hours, an additional $1.00 per hour will apply. Using ChargePoint’s cost estimator, the cost will be approximately $3 for a 2-hour charge, about $6 for a 4-hour charge, and about $10 for a 6-hour charge. 

Electric vehicle stations have been free to users since the inception of this program, however it has been determined that charging a fee for this service is necessary to help offset the cost of the electric supply and ongoing maintenance associated with the charging stations.

The Town’s AmpUp EV Charging Stations are located at the following locations:

● Franklin Municipal Building: 355 East Central Street - (6) Charging Stations

● Franklin High School: 218 Oak Street - (8) Charging Stations

● Franklin Public Library: 118 Main Street - (2) Charging Stations

● DPW Administration Building 257 Fisher Street - (6) Charging Stations

● DPW Garage: 40 Hayward Street - (2) Charging Stations

AmpUp provides drivers with an efficient and intuitive all-in-one app that makes it easy to reserve and pay for charging sessions. In order to use an AmpUp charging station, users must first download the AmpUp mobile application and create an account, which is required to activate and pay for charging sessions.

Please find links to the instructions and applications below:

EV Charging Made Easy 

Google Play

Apple

Electric Vehicle charging stations are an important component to reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Since their installation, the Town’s charging stations have eliminated an estimated 17,200 kg of greenhouse gases.

For more information, please contact:   

Kevin Harn, Director of Facilities

508-553-4809

harnk@franklinps.net

Town Of Franklin Electric Vehicle Charging Stations To Begin Charging A Fee On October 1, 2025

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=81

Directly to the Town memo shared here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6995/EV-Charging-Stations-Notice

Town of Franklin hiring for Assessors, Planning, Public Works, Senior Center, Facilities

Town of Franklin hiring

 

It's time to get Frank(lin) about your future! We've got positions that are civic-minded, community focused and benefits-loaded.

Whether you are looking to build a career, serve your neighbors or make an impact in your community - we have roles that will help you grow, serve and shine.

#PunandPublicService #Franktalk #NowHiring #PublicServicewithPurpose #JoinUs #CareerOpportunity

 

Details on the current positions open can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/228/Job-Opportunities

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DICDt1epxrT/?

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025

Franklin School Committee

March 11, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Capital Projects and Facilities Improvements Presentation

B. District Transportation Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Competency Determination Language in FHS Program of Studies (POS)

I recommend the suggested changes in the Competency Determination Language in the FHS Program of Studies as detailed.  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5389749/Discussion_Action_A_-_Competency_Determination_Language.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2025-26 User Fee Discussion

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 4, 2025 Budget Open Hearing Meeting and February 11, 2025 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. JFK Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2,050.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $2550.00 for FHS as follows:

$50.00 Clair Cox - Supplemental Supplies- Athletics (in memory of Kathy Bonney)

$2500.00 Marguerite Brackley - Jim Gray Scholarship

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contina remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.pdf

Meeting packet contains other docs released for this meeting, additional will be added here after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025

Master Plan Update Committee meeting 1/15/25 (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled Wednesday, January 15 in the 3rd Floor Training room. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/YhdShT_-gN0?si=eizxLnOeDcKkEvdR&t=146

You can follow the agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-january_15_2025.pdf

The final Master Plan Report ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_report-submitted_to_town-01-15-2025.pdf

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Board of Assessors, Public Works, Police Dept & Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Appraiser - Board of Assessors 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 

Crew Leader / Lead Pesticide Applicator (Tuesday - Saturday) - Department of Public Works

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 11/4/2024

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Board of Assessors, Public Works, Police Dept & Facilities

Yes, the Town of Franklin has a Job Opportunity in Assessors, Public Works, Police Dept, & Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Appraiser - Board of Assessors 

Crew Leader / Lead Pesticide Applicator (Tuesday - Saturday) - Department of Public Works

Administrative Assistant - Department of Public Works

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (Tuesday - Saturday)  - Department of Public Works 

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 10/10/2024

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Yes, the Town of Franklin has a Job Opportunity in Assessors, Public Works, Police Dept, & Facilities