Councilor Morrongiello provides some quarterbacking insights to the March 4, 2026 meeting (audio)

FM #1689 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1689 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 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

• Snow and Ice total at $2.1M which doesn't include the $65K from last night's double coat of salt to counter the ice. This amount will eat into the operations budget as it has already wiped out the snow/Ice stabilization amount

• Ad-hoc subcommittee with 3 Council members will report back with community input on potential charter changes was approved by 9-0 vote

• Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing a Fire Truck for the Fire Department was approved by 9-0 vote.

• $20,000 from special fund for paid parking fees was authorized to pay for the system (2 years worth) and some repairs to one of the kiosks by a 9-0 vote

• 2 zoning bylaws (Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948 & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949) were approved to refer to the Planning Board. They will conduct their public hearing and send them back as is, or with comments for adjustments. The Council will then hold their public hearing (possibly in April) before voting on the measures. The new Planning Director Morena Zelaya made the presentation for her first appearance before the Council

• Then they got to the goals discussion. After a lengthy discussion with some tweaks, some cuts, but mostly approval of the goals as presented the Council was able to move to accept the goals as revised at approx. 9:58, approved to waive the reading, voted to approved, and then with seconds to spare, voted to adjourn before 10:00 PM

• Max shared his goals tracking to provide details on the survey and feedback received vs. how that played into the set of goals agreed to by the full Council 

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1689-town-council-quarterbacking-with-councilor-morrongiello-03-11-26/

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Add link to goals survey tracking

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/town-councilor-morrongiello-resident.html

The Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://youtu.be/3jkYtB5_Y3g?&t=136 

The agenda (and released documents) can be found  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166 

The thread of my notes captured via Blusky can be found in PDF format - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ONzSiMKofgqw1riOlBPJyqB-Hopo3bcs/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 authorizes fire truck replacement, approves goals, & hears total expenses on snow & ice now exceeds $2M (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 4 and managed to conclude their session in their new 4 hour time constraint. All 9 members were present in Council Chambers.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay (approx. 30 minutes of the beginning is missing) https://youtu.be/3jkYtB5_Y3g?si=V_Mv-2K7BamBJLs_

The agenda (and released documents) can be found  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166

The thread of my notes capture via Blusky can be found 

https://skywriter.blue/@franklinmatters.bsky.social/3mgbesyelks2u 

or PDF format - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ONzSiMKofgqw1riOlBPJyqB-Hopo3bcs/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap

• The video on YouTube is missing approx. 30 minutes of the meeting; citizen comments and then picking up in the middle of Council Comments. Likely this video link will get replaced with the full video backup.
• Council changed agenda order and jumped to Legislation for action to tackle those items before getting to the goals discussion
• Snow and Ice total at $2.1M which doesn't include the $65K from last nights double coat of salt to counter the ice. This amount will eat into the operations budget as it has already wiped out the snow/Ice stabilization amount
• Ad-hoc subcommittee with 3 Council members will report back with community input on potential charter changes was approved by 9-0 vote
• Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing a Fire Truck for the Fire Department was approved by 9-0 vote.
• $20,000 from special fund for paid parking fees was authorized to pay for the system (2 years worth) and some repairs to one of the kiosks by a 9-0 vote
• 2 zoning bylaws (Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948 & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949) were approved to refer to the Planning Board. They will conduct their public hearing and send them back as is, or with comments for adjustments. The Council will then hold their public hearing (possibly in April) before voting on the measures. The new Planning Director Morena Zelaya made the presentation for her first appearance before the Council
• Then they got to the goals discussion. After a lengthy discussion with some tweaks, some cuts, but mostly approval of the goals as presented the Council was able to move to accept the goals as revised at approx. 9:58, approved to waive the reading, voted to approved, and then with seconds to spare, voted to adjourn before 10:00 PM

Town Council authorizes fire truck replacement,
approves goals, & hears total expenses on
snow & ice now exceeds $2M (video)

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/

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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"

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

Save the date! DPW "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Oct 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Calling all kids (young and old), the Franklin DPW has scheduled their "Touch a Truck" event for Saturday, Oct 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Rain date = Sunday Oct 16, same time

Save the date! DPW "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Oct 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Franklin Fire Dept welcomes 2 new engines

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, May 21, 2021:

Special delivery at the Franklin Fire Department today! Two new engines have been added to the fleet and will serve as the front line pieces of equipment for the Town. 

These state of the art engines will be deployed from both stations in town. @FranklinMAfire https://t.co/Ldc79s6gqp

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1395754417106915329

Finance Committee meeting of February has an overview of the truck purchase. A good deal for the Town as it saves money on both trucks and maintains the online and reserve rotation of vehicles that has worked well for the Town.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-474-finance-committee-mtg-022421.html

The Town Council meeting of February 17 covers the legislation for action authorizing the purchase of the vehicles. Due to the timing, the Town Council got to approve first and then the Finance Committee reviewed it. Normally, it would have been the other way around.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-468-town-council-meeting-021721-p3.html

Franklin Fire Dept welcomes 2 new engines

FM #474 - Finance Committee Mtg - 02/24/21 (audio)

FM #474 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 474 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Finance Committee members and key guests were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

• Quick overview of the ambulance rates and rationale behind them from Chief McLaughlin
• Overview of the recent truck purchase process and the life cycle of trucks on the front line, in reserve and eventual disposition as surplus
• Great overview of the debt and borrowing status for Franklin, heard previously at the Town Council meeting but great info on exclusions and non-excluded debt and how it is fiscally planned for and managed; the Town has a great credit rating which confirms the overall fiscal prudence shown by the Town
• Discussion on future topics including adding two sessions to the budget hearing cycle (now four meetings instead of two)

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 77 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting of Feb 24, 2021.  Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1c047bb0-59a6-44e3-8b50-b7dc814d1861

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Agenda and documents released for this meeting  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/fincom_agenda_02-24-21_updated.pdf

My notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/finance-committee-meeting-recap-feb-24.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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" 

FM #474 - Finance Committee Mtg - 02/24/21 (audio)

Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview

Quick Recap:

• Quick overview of the ambulance rates and rationale behind them from Chief McLaughlin
  
• Overview of the recent truck purchase process and the life cycle of trucks on the front line, in reserve and eventual disposition as surplus
• Great overview of the debt and borrowing status for Franklin, heard previously at the Town Council meeting but great info on exclusions and non-excluded debt and how it is fiscally planned for and managed; the Town has a great credit rating which confirms the overall fiscal prudence shown by the Town
• Discussion on future topics including adding two sessions to the budget hearing cycle (now four meetings instead of two)
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/XN9xZuqRLw5vtcY88

 

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0224

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0224&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Finance Committee meeting #fincom0224 agenda doc linked here has the connection info https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/fincom_agenda_02-24-21_updated.pdf
• Fire Chief McLaughlin talks to the proposed ambulance rate increases up for second approval at Town Council meeting next week #fincom0224
• Majority of transportation is ALS1, second BLS and least used is ALS2. Have talked with a company about their frequency of usage. Trying to avoid overuse and making sure it is an appropriate use. 87-88% is about norm for collection rates #fincom0224
• BLS is basic life support, ALS1 medication, cardiac monitor; ALS2 is a more critical level of service... #fincom0224 billing and allowable rates set outside via Medicare etc. We stay within allowable.
• The two trucks are from Greenwood in N Attleboro, to offset the service costs of two trucks in reserve to get them inspected. These new ones are coming at a great deal for us, great discount and good value. #fincom0224 the trucks will also enable ISO 1 level rating ...
• If you recall, they had reached level 2 last year. 15 in frontline and 5-7 years in reserve is a good ballpark lifecycle. Q is the rusted rail unique to Pierce. They rectified that in 2018 but that doesn't help this one. #fincom0224 ISO 1 will enable to save business ...
• Could be up to 3.5% savings going up the to level 1 for the businesses insurance rates. #fincom0224 moving to the debt and borrowing presentation (also in the doc link shared earlier)
• Kerri Bertone presenting #fincom0224
• Most recent interest rate 1.33% a good sign of our high rating and great fiscal management #fincom0224 non-excluded debt (like the Library, Senior Center, etc. ) Vs. excluded debt mostly school buildings (FHS)
• Some of the 15M authorization will not ever be used. Example, the windows for the Municipal bldg was est at 1.3m and bid came in at about 500k, so we'll use free cash rather than borrow. Chrome books were also part of above but those were covered via the COVID funds #fincom0224
• Would use lease purchase if a benefit but there is a middle man and we don't always get the best price via going directly to the finance. We are set up to borrow for our benefit. #fincom0224 worthy discussion on the current 2.2% vs policy of 3.5% and thought behind it
• Police station is likely to be a debt exclusion. Will use bans to out together some of the projects to bond as a package. Saves us the issuance cost and with good rates gets us the lowest cost benefit #fincom0224 what will it take to get to AAA?
• A regular discussion with the bonders, it is less but a factor of the marker place. #fincom0224 interesting story on Hudson and net interest and DOR changed rules because of it. Refunding is the resident equivalent of refinancing a mortgage, our rates are so low we won't...
• see that for some time, interest if at 6% would make sense to reduced to 1 or 2 ... If we are already at 1 or 2 but how low can you go. #fincom0224 Stabilization funds update - 10 year history of new growth coming in the next meeting
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updating a review of the comparable stabilization funds #fincom0224 currently $8m in OPEB fund. Some Communities do stick out from the others. Natick has a plan for a fund to cover for a 3 yr downturn based upon a % of their state aid
• Would be a good discussion point for an overall planning point. Ultimately how were we able to manage? We did put something aside when it was good, key priorities. #fincom0224 need to be fiscally prudent.
• Discussion on budget hearings to be spread over four nights, worked well last time; #fincom0224 capital plan? had held off due to other items in the mix, less free cash overall, snow/ice eating into free cash with weather this year. General operations metrics, etc.
• #fincom0224 April 4 nights would be budget hearings, OPEB report in April, stormwater coming in budget, facility coming, UGVI at FHS is the only public school with that service; Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview

FM #468 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P3 of 4 (audio)

FM #468 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 468 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour fifty minute meeting into four logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Community Preservation Committee appointments and a two minute recess (51 minutes)
• Second - returns from the recess to cover the Complete Streets presentation/discussion as well as the Town Administrator review and discussion (58 minutes)
• *** Third segment *** opens with the Legislation for Action and covers the items through the authorization of the fire trucks (40 minutes) 
• Fourth - covers the technical adjustments to the three Storm Water Articles I, II, and III with the discussion running off course (again - with confusion around the proposed storm water utility fee - not in these three articles) through to the close of the meeting (approx. 1 hour and 13 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 17, 2021. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5cb9bf23-4c60-4d66-9582-bcf04cb65cb8

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf

Community Preservation Committee appointments
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf 

Complete Streets presentation
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf 

Town Administrator review/discussion
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/town-council-recap-of-feb-17-2021.html

Town Council ‘quarterbacking session’ with Chair Tom Mercer
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/couldnt-spend-hours-with-town-council.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

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"

one of the fire trucks to be replaced by the purchase authorized at the Town Council meeting