Platinum Transparency Award for the Franklin Food Pantry

Platinum Transparency Award for the Franklin Food Pantry

Via Franklin Food Pantry

"We’ve earned the highest level of recognition from Candid!

Transparency and accountability aren't just a buzzwords for us—they're a promise.

We strive to be open and welcoming in everything we do, so you can feel 100% confident when you invest your time, talents, or donations in our mission."

Shared from - 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DPN6F5T17/

For more about Candid's view of The Pantry   https://app.candid.org/profile/6838299/franklin-food-pantry-incorporated-04-3272663

Dismantling the FDIC??? What?

One if the many nightmares from Project 2025 is happening quietly in the background and we're so distracted by the insanity, we don't even realize it. 

Been down the rabbit hole and followed links to sites like https://ncua.gov/news/deregulation-project where you'll find that credit unions are in the middle of a deregulation project based off of one of Trump's executive orders. If you read the substack below, you'll see this is all from the Project 2025 playbook. 

Regulations exist to protect the consumer, you, us, we the people. And without those regulations, banks will do whatever shady shit they feel like to make sure THEIR bottom dollar increases, not yours. 

There is something we can do though. They make policy change proposals that are open to the public for comment. We can go tell them that we don't want deregulation. They have one up to remove verbiage about refunding interest to you. They say it's duplicative, well, ask yourself why? Why would they have duplicative verbiage on something like that unless it was because there were gaps or loopholes in the original verbiage which wasn't in favor of the consumer?

Do we know that 100% for sure? No. But this admin has worked for a large bank and knows they don't duplicate anything, they cover tracks. There's another proposal to remove regulations for reputational risk. 

Sounds like no big deal, but do you remember the Wells Fargo scandal, when they were caught creating accounts in people's names without permission so branch workers could meet goals? The massive loss in confidence from the public that came from that, THAT is reputational risk. So what do you think they will try to get away with if there's no regulations?

You have a voice in so much more than just calling your reps. Go read through some of these proposals and leave comments. Especially if you bank with a credit union. (We'll look into other websites for regular banks to see if there's a similar option and post if we find anything.)

https://www.regulations.gov/document/NCUA-2026-0266-0001

This is not to fear monger, this is to educate. There's history in that substack showing how these exact plays line up with previous financial collapse across the world. We can't let them slip quietly into the night and rob us blind without talking about it. This is the game plan.

"Flood the zone" with so much chaotic shit every day that stuff like this falls under the radar and people have no idea until it is too late. Well, now you know, and you know you can do something about it so they don't get away with it.

https://criticalresistance.substack.com/p/the-fdic-is-being-dismantledmost

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NYnVyr9rk/

Finance Committee approves funding recommendation for fire truck replacement (audio)

FM #1679 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1679 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Committee opened with 5 members in Chambers and 1 remote. 2 members absent and 1 had just resigned that morning (and hopefully to be replaced before April budget hearings). 

Quick recap:

• Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)

• Discussion on the need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline. 

• Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with other issues of corrosion

• Consider other alternatives for prevention of corrosion, maybe look to a cost analysis on the sand vs. salt/brine solution. What are the pros, cons?

• Multiple options available for financing, ultimately resolved to recommend authorization of a BAN (a short term borrowing instrument) for the full $935K. 

• This keeps the stabilization account intact for now and can still be used to pay down the principal when the BAN is converted to a longer term finance deal

• Vote passed 5-1 via roll call 

• Q2 report 

• Snow and ice was gradually increased to be fully funded from ops instead of free cash

• Lack of FEMA money for 'disaster' events like the major storms

• Local receipts are not at the level that Kerri would like

• Library is only $25k over the State minimum

• Discussion on adding to a May meeting reconsidering the OPEB contribution to relook at the recommendation before the Council votes in June

• Discussion on the Council handling of the capital budget and suggestion of having FinCom representative at the Council meeting to support any recommendations. A great idea

The recording runs just about 90 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1679-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-02-25-26/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/sM7NUUmqKlw?&t=245 

The agenda and released doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152  

My notes were captured via the Bluesky app, the top of the thread can be found here - https://bsky.app/profile/franklinmatters.bsky.social/post/3mfpsbpk6us2o

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

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. 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"

Agenda for Town Council Meeting, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 4, 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.

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

Agenda for Town Council Meeting,
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6 PM

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 11, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS -

a. Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Courtney Shimer

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Discussion: 2026-2027 Town Council-Town Administrator Goals

i. Town Administrator Memo

ii. Draft Town Council-Town Administrator Preliminary List of Goals

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-10: Adoption of 2026-2027 Town Council and Town Administration Goals (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-10 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-11: Establishment of Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Review Town Charter (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-11 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-12: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing a Fire Truck for the Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-12 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-13: Parking Meter Receipts Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-13 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-14: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,645) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-14 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-15: PEG Funding Approval (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-15 - Majority Vote)

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Attachment 2, Attachment 3, Attachment 4, Attachment 7 & Attachment 8 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot Area Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

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

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166

Finance Committee approves funding recommendation for fire truck replacement (video)

The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee met on Wednesday, Feb 25, 206 as scheduled at 6 PM. 5 members were in chambers, 1 remote. It was announced 1 member had resigned that day and would hopefully be replaced before the budget hearings in April.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/sM7NUUmqKlw?&t=245

The agenda and released doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152 

My notes were captured via the Bluesky app, the top of the thread can be found here - https://bsky.app/profile/franklinmatters.bsky.social/post/3mfpsbpk6us2o

Quick recap

• Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)
• Discussion on need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline.
• Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with other issues of corrosion
• Consider other alternatives for prevention of corrosion, maybe look to a cost analysis on the sand vs. salt/brine solution. What are the pros, cons?
• Multiple options available for financing, ultimately resolved to recommend authorization of a BAN (a short term borrowing instrument) for the full $935K.
• This keeps the stabilization account intact for now and can still be used to pay down the principal when the BAN is converted to a longer term finance deal
• Vote passed 5-1 via roll call
• Q2 report 
• Snow and ice was gradually increased to be fully funded from ops instead of free cash
• Lack of FEMA money for 'disaster' events like the major storms
• Local receipts are not at the level that Kerri would like
• Library is only $25k over the State minimum
• Discussion on adding to a May meeting reconsidering the OPEB contribution to relook at the recommendation before the Council votes in June
• Discussion on the Council handling of the capital budget and suggestion of having FinCom representative at the Council meeting to support any recommendations. A great idea

Town Council Quarterbacking with Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger (audio)

FM #1670 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1670 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, February 13, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 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

• After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for the Shaw's alcohol license

• Council comments followed Citizen Comments in this new order of agenda items

• The 5 year budget model and forecast 

• The Capital budget 

• Then as the clock turned past 10 PM during their deliberations on the amendments, the Council voted to allow extension of the meeting past their 4 hour curfew. The meeting did close approx. 20 minutes later.

The conversation runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1670-town-council-quarterbacking-02-13-26/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/live/PGKBpPjZZTM?&t=210 

The agenda and docs released for this session

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130  

My notes captured in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUdG4Uju_rM2ro2mJCBeEIXOfSx9T8M0/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"

Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help

Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help By BCP Staff For many, the beginning of the year is often a time for taking stock and planning for the year to come. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your financing footing in the new year, the FTC's consumer.gov has tools that can help. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/planning-your-finances-year-come-here-are-some-tools-can-help?            utm_source=govdelivery

 

Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help

Police Station Bldg Cmte selects Parmenter as site, recommends code review of Parmenter building to Town Council (audio)

FM #1622 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1622 in the series. 

This session shares the Police Station Building Cmte Mtg held on Wednesday, January 6, 2026. 2 members (K Alexander, G Premo) were absent.  

Quick recap:

• Refresh on membership: "The Town Administrator shall nominate all eleven members of the committee membership, to be ratified by the Town Council. The Chair of the Town Council shall select the Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk. Terms of the committee shall be through substantial completion of the project."   from the Committee charge document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1146/Police-Station-Building-Committee-Charge-PDF 

• Chief TJ Lynch provides an update on the open house/tours held in Sept/Oct 2025 and poorly attended. Virtual tour available on project webpage -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/existing-conditions   or the YouTube playlist -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjVX3ZOe9o&list=PLL2XKlvMgLAlZpjphLCLuJbyvu3tKxMOF 

• Joe Lynch, OPM provides an update then the remainder of the team walk through the process and findings to date. Tonight's presentation doc to be added to the project page in meantime, much of it restates that shared in August 2025  https://a8db3785-aec1-40c7-8a6f-6e79d6737676.filesusr.com/ugd/c81e0f_c6d6a290752446faa622810cfb358ba1.pdf  

• Discussion around site options, decided to make a recommendation for project site as Parmenter (passed unanimously). 

• Also determined to recommend a Code review of the existing facility at the quoted cost of $62.5K (passed 6-1; Woodward no)

• No meeting scheduled at this time, pending direction from Town Council

The recording runs about 60 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1622-police-station-bldg-cmte-mtg-01-06-26/

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNiDr84B38 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01062026-2064  




My notes in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_dc-Zg0yH5eRlDEfImxNUAiiK92JX3q/view?usp=drive_link 




Photo album of some of the slide alternatives for the Parmenter site

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2UZWJD1m68WCkYZB6 




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



potential placement of new station keeping all of Parmenter building

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"