School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan condenses the recent meeting to about 25 mins (audio)

FM #1566 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1566 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, October 30, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of October 28, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Recognition of Erin Gallagher & David McNeill not returning

• Pledge students, a nice touch

• Policy first readings

• Graduation requirements

• Competency determinations

• Superintendent’s Goals, aligned with District’s Goals

• October 1 report, enrollment trends 

The meeting recap runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1566-chalkboard-chat-10-30-25/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtitdxM_a2A 

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977 

The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-utM6sD6UggBNAMgWnQsG0g_lfmqo-on/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan condenses the recent meeting to about 25 mins (audio)

Economic Development Subcmte spends 3 hours in discussion on Wednesday (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training room. 3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.

Franklin TV video replay is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/6hKdQIw9rpQ

The EDC agenda and supporting documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-1818 

Quick recap:

Item 1 - Crossing Neighborhood

• TA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625
• Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actually includes the proper language; apparently in the draft, the section language got left out. It can be included (and should) without vote to modify this. An oversight on version control. This identifies a couple of updates to the online zoning codes as they were changed just not reflected in the current versions
• After much discussion
• Motion to amend 2.3 8a from no to planning board special permit Passes 3-0
• Motion to move to Town council as amended, second passes 3-0

Item 2 - Use Variances

• Discussion on Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Discussion on elimination of use variance from approval by the ZBA, which in those cases tend to overstep their authority; the restriction was intentionally made by the zoning bylaws with PB and Council approval and then the ZBA can act on their own...
• After much discussion, Motion to move to council for further discussion (Jones)
• Not seconded, hence the move does not take place. There will be some discussion overall on this topic in a positive manner per Hamblen

Item 3 - update on World Cup

• FIFA requirements will host the fan center in Boston. We arestill figuring out what we can do. Artificial Turf fields are not used by international games (Gilletteis redone with real grass for international games)
• Lots of other events at the same time; Highland games, Tall Ships, etc
• Marketing via MetroWest on the benefits of Franklin. Hotel outreach, transportation planning needed; Porchfest, 4th of July also in similar time frames... Found in Franklin market for goods, crafts

Item 4 - EDC goals

• On the one hand, given the length of the meeting and discussions there seemed little interest in this item; only one member Frongillo was prepared with a short list of priorities
• Recognition from TA Hellen that until B Taberner's replacement is hired, there is very little staff to do the additional work

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ME-F_qCpL61vAQz0NeBnFDIakEXX3mzO/view?usp=drive_link

EDC discussion on first item (Frongillo recused)

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (audio)

FM #1351 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1351 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).

Quick recap

• Goals update, discussion on setting what priorities there should be

• Open Space plan not yet approved by State, comments sent back to Town and they will take time to adjust and incorporate

• Round among the subcommittee as they shared their priorities, except for Chandler

• After the round, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - The Crossing and 40r would probably be best to start with. Home business, taking a reasonable step forward re: water and sewer. Current bylaws restrict auto and food prep from home use, as well as medical. At scale, it gets to be a problem for the infrastructure. Possible joint discussion with Board of Health, Health Dept, along with DPW to talk about the issues they see. Attempting to provide an overview to someone to answer "How does someone start a business, and what are the triggers for the growth steps?" How to ensure the property owner is responsible for their damage that could be caused

• Frongillo comes back to offer his priority, (1) shared parking with initiatives/incentives, residential downtown parking permit, others do it; 19 Dean case for the managed shared parking - (2) downtown business use, a few minor exemptions would be good to look at to enable active store fronts (3) we stopped at downtown dimensions, didn't get into the frontage,  setbacks, etc. which are a massive difference to enabling development; has drafted starting points for each of these 3 points

• Per Jamie, If there are bylaw changes required, we would need to get those started by July in order to get those thru the process, before the Nov elections

• Cycling back to the 40r discussion, a 40r draft was prepared a year or so ago, could be picked up from there

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 

The recording of the meeting runs about 55 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1351-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-01-08-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n11fImC7CE4&t=126

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-8_edc_agenda.pdf 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zpUk1_QkADUkb-iCbJGP9CKvXRx2yj-8/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. 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"

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (audio)

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and discusses priorities for the goals for this year (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Council Chambers. All four members of the subcommittee met in Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n11fImC7CE4&t=126  (Franklin Matters Radio will have the audio in a couple of days)

Follow along with the agenda   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-8_edc_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

• Goals update, discussion on setting what priorities there should be
• Open Space plan not yet approved by State, comments sent back to Town and they will take time to adjust and incorporate
• Round among the subcommittee as they shared their priorities, except for Chandler
• After the round, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - The Crossing and 40r would probably be best to start with. Home business, taking a reasonable step forward re: water and sewer. Current bylaws restrict auto and food prep from home use, as well as medical. At scale, it gets to be a problem for the infrastructure. Possible joint discussion with Board of Health, Health Dept, along with DPW to talk about the issues they see. Attempting to provide an overview to someone to answer "How does someone start a business, and what are the triggers for the growth steps?" How to ensure the property owner is responsible for their damage that could be caused
• Frongillo comes back to offer his priority, (1) shared parking with initiatives/incentives, residential downtown parking permit, others do it; 19 Dean case for the managed shared parking - (2) downtown business use, a few minor exemptions would be good to look at to enable active store fronts (3) we stopped at downtown dimensions, didn't get into the frontage,  setbacks, etc. which are a massive difference to enabling development; has drafted starting points for each of these 3 points
• Per Jamie, If there are bylaw changes required, we would need to get those started by July in order to get those thru the process, before the Nov elections
• Cycling back to the 40r discussion, a 40r draft was prepared a year or so ago, could be picked up from there

My notes in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zpUk1_QkADUkb-iCbJGP9CKvXRx2yj-8/view?usp=drive_link

From the archives, prior discussion of 40r goes back to

40r, Dec 2022 - EDC Plus Mtg

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/economic-development-plus-cmte-mtg.html

40r (and home occupation) Oct 2023 - EDC Mtg

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/economic-development-cmte-hears-about.html

40r, Nov 2023 - EDC Mtg

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/economic-development-subcommittee.html

Economic Development Subcmte to Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 8, 2025 - 5:45 PM

Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals Update ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024-2025_edc_goals_review.pdf

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-8_edc_agenda.pdf

Town Council recognizes Youth football teams, keeps Ben & adds logo, hears of forthcoming survey & more (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met on Wednesday Dec 18, 2024 as scheduled. 8 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers,, 1 absent (Jones). Special vote to appoint Frongillo as temporary clerk for the meeting to be authorized to sign the documents (approved 8-0-1). 

An overflow audience filled the Chambers to start and then filtered away as their recognition section was completed.

Franklin TV video of the meeting available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/5h-UYum-TtQ?&t=132

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf

Quick recap:

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/G8RxjgueNHCd5UcH8

Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams

b. Peter Brunelli ->

Peter Brunelli recognition

c. Steve Carlucci https://photos.app.goo.gl/GAaiWxXj6nxTAQTR6

Steve Carlucci family & coworkers photo

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission - Benjamin Rousseau

Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Annual License Renewals = Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. National Citizen Survey (aka Citizen Satisfaction Survey) - Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_discussion_-_national_citizen_survey.pdf

b. Biennial Town Council - Town Administrator Midterm Goals Review - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator motion tabled from a resolution vote perspective as some of the goals will be noted as unable to complete due to funding/resource constraints.

c. Town Seal and Logo Presentation - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

after some contentious discussion, the vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

d. The Distribution of Town Initiated Ballot Question Materials - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator; Mark Cerel, Town Attorney; and Nancy Danello, Town Clerk   

No real good way to accomplish this

Resolution 24-82: Adoption of Updated Fiscal Policies

approved after discussion around implication for directing school budget policy

Resolution 24-80: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Resolution 24-81: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,735), Senior Center ($130.02) , Fire Dept. ($1,515) Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Master Plan committee member to join the Q&A sessions next week (video)

I shared the following to those who are on the mailing list for the Franklin Q&A sessions held monthly. With the Master Plan 'final draft' out for review now & feedback due by Dec 2, it is also important to bring this to your attention.

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On the "watch list" , you'll recall that we have been following the progress of the Master Plan Update Committee's work. They revealed the goals and objectives a couple of months ago but those were all "motherhood & apple pie" respectfully. The key things to look for would be the action items.

Master Plan process overview, we are at the last steps of review

The action items were just revealed in the final draft. Feedback is due by Dec 2. In addition to the quick review of what has happened in the past month, we'll have a member of the Master Plan Committee for each session to help spend some time on this important planning doc. 

• Melanie Hamblen is scheduled to join us Monday 
• Eric Steltzer is scheduled to join us Wednesday

As we have discussed, the Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the Town to take over the next 10 years. With the actions spelled out, we can see if we agree, or disagree, or if there is something NOT in there, propose to add it. For example, are the housing action items what we want & need? 

Master Plan page with education action items

To help with your prep for this opportunity, the link to the "final doc" is provided, as well as the video link to the feedback session held Thursday, Nov 14

• 'Final draft' summary presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/final_master_plan_draft_presentation_11.14.24.pdf
• 'Final draft' doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf
• Franklin TV video replay of Nov 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqcphVHN84

The Franklin Q&A sessions are scheduled for

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link to participate remotely, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me (shersteve at gmail.com):    https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9