Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, April 15 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 15, 2026 = 7:00 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

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Communications Subcommittee

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Sons and Daughters of Italy in America - Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. March 18, 2026

b. April 1, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. National Grid - Bob Moran and Ted Lombardi

b. Fire Department Operations Overview - Chuck Allen, Franklin Fire Chief  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9050/Franklin-Fire-Department-2026-Presentation-4

c. Police Department Operations Overview - TJ Lynch, Franklin Police Chief  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9051/FPD-Overview-TC-Presentation---April-2026

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-20: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Ctr. ($321) & Veterans Services Dept. ($637.78) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-20 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9052/12a-1-26-20-Gift-Acceptances

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

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251

Franklin Fire Department Awarded $21,649 Through State Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2026 Media Contact: Elizabeth Kalaijian Communications Director Town of Franklin (508) 553-4886 ekalaijian@franklinma.gov   Franklin Fire Department Awarded $21,649 Through State Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $21,649.08 through the Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS). This funding is part of a statewide initiative by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which awarded a total of $5 million to 307 fire departments across Massachusetts to support the purchase of critical safety equipment. The Franklin Fire Department will use the funds to purchase gas- or battery-powered scene lighting and structural firefighting gear to enhance on-scene visibility, improve safety and strengthen operational readiness. "We're grateful to EOPSS and DFS for their continued support," said Fire Chief Chuck Allen. "This funding helps ensure our personnel have the equipment they need to operate safely and effectively." Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Stop the Bleed - Free Training (April 22) for Franklin, MA Community Members

Stop the Bleed - Free Training  (April 22)
for  Franklin, MA Community Members

The Franklin Fire Department and Health Department will host a free Stop the Bleed® training for community members on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire Headquarters (EOC Classroom), 40 West Central Street.

This hands-on training is designed to teach participants how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. Attendees will learn three simple, life-saving techniques that can help control bleeding and potentially save a life before first responders arrive.

Community members of all experience levels are encouraged to attend.

Sign up here: Stop the Bleed Training

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-63272812-stop#/

Franklin Fire Dept receives $21K in competitive grant

Franklin Fire Dept receives $21K in competitive grant

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $21,649.08 towards equipment through a competitive grant.

Thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and Eopss MA for this grant funding.

Shared from -  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AtnfS7gaE/

NBC 10 Boston: "Franklin woman accused of setting her own home on fire"

Via NBC 10 Boston

"A Franklin, Massachusetts, woman is charged with arson, accused of setting her own home on fire late last year.

Melissa Brown, 48, was arrested by the Massachusetts State Police fire investigators and the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section on Monday, the State Fire Marshal's Office said.

She faces charges of arson of a dwelling for the Nov. 1, 2025, fire at the single-family home at 338 Maple St."

Continue reading the article - https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/franklin-arson-charges/3925317/

The Franklin Fire Dept press release on the incident in Nov 2025

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/franklin-fire-dept-press-release-on.html

State Fire Marshall press release on the arrest  https://www.mass.gov/news/resident-charged-with-arson-for-november-house-fire

Franklin Fire Dept: Press Release on the Structure Fire — 9 Willow St - March 26, 2026

Via Franklin Fire Dept:

Structure Fire — 9 Willow St.

Franklin Fire Dept: Press Release on the
Structure Fire — 9 Willow St - March 26, 2026

At 3:48 PM the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a possible structure fire at 9 Willow St.

Franklin Fire units arrived and found a fire that extended beyond the kitchen. Two pets were rescued and brought to tufts veterinary hospital by bystanders.

The Franklin Fire Department was assisted by the Bellingham, Medway, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham Fire Departments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Franklin Fire Department. 

The Foxboro Fire Department provided station coverage during the incident.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3mWFV7yF/

2 Part Audio for the Town Council Mtg March 4: authorized fire truck, approved goals, & heard total exp on snow & ice now exceeds $2M (audio)

FM #1684-85 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1684-85 in the series. 

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

 

• 1684 - The Opening, and all agenda items except the goals which they saved for last  (approx. 2 hrs. 7 mins)  

• 1685 - Discussion on the goals brings them right up to the 4 hour limit which they managed to stay within  (approx. 1 hour and 55 mins)

  

Audio 1684 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1684-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-03-04-26-p1-of-2/

Audio 1685 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1685-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-03-04-26-p2-of-2/

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/town-council-authorizes-fire-truck.html 

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Engine 3 is the fire truck authorized to be replaced

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"

Fire Dept & Health Dept schedule Hands Only CPR Training - March 25

Fire Dept & Health Dept schedule
Hands Only CPR Training - March 25

Hands only CPR Training (Free)

Registration required

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-62703663-handsonly?useFullSite=true#/

Franklin Fire Dept report on Peters Lane fire - Feb 27, 2026

"At 1:17 PM the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a possible structure fire at 6 Peters Lane.

Franklin Fire Dept report on
Peters Lane fire - Feb 27, 2026

Franklin Fire units arrived and found a fire in the garage of the home that was quickly extinguished. Two residents were rescued from the house by Franklin Fire personnel. They were transported by Bellingham and Medway Fire Department ambulances to Rhode Island Hospital.

The Franklin Fire Department was assisted by the Bellingham, Medway, Mendon, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham Fire Departments.

A special thank you to the Franklin Police Department personnel who assisted at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Franklin Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The Foxboro Fire Department provided station coverage during the incident."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CPVB4NWPt/

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 ???

Wednesday, February 18

9:00am Fallen Heroes: Alan W. Willard (Veterans Walkway, Town Common) 

11:00am Franklin Conversation; Q&A (Franklin Senior Center) 

12:00noon    Joe Landry Recording Session (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

3:00pm Stop The Bleed (free training) (Franklin Fire Department)

5:00pm Free NARCAN Training (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Queer Book Club (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia  (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  NO Town Meetings today   ***

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

Stop the bleed

The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!)

The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled
for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!) 

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is having another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on February 18th from 3 pm - 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station. 

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. 

SIGN UP LINK:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-62141396-stop

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/14zCwcnLZ8A3zcwFzbS9LGLqASQrukRBe/view?usp=drive_link