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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqBnx2pcj5U

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)

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

Town Council Feb 4, 2026 meeting discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (audio)

FM #1672 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1672 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this less than 2 hour session. 

Franklin (MA) Town Council

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1672-town-council-mtg-02-04-26/

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

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

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-discusses-goals-hears-last.html 

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

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 discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 for their shortest public session of this term of office completing public business in under 2 hours. They did go to Executive Session so who know how long that took. We'll find out later.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51MAacjd_XU

The agenda and released documents ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120 

Quick recap:

• Citizen comments:
• P Griffith, SchCmte Chair provides an update on budget, encourages budget hearing participation Tuesday, Feb 10
• K Mu Chow informs on the Franklin Ridge presentation on Friday, 1:30 at Senior Center
• DPW Director Cantoreggi, almost at total snow/ice budget for year, last storm cost $325,000
• G Carlucci announces Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America celebrating 100th Anniversary this year. Steve Puleo presenting April 12 at Historical Museum
• Goals discussion, wrapped around terminology and strategic planning, could have chosen a subcommittee to help with prioritization, ended up not, will send adjustments, ideas, etc. to Jamie to consolidate for next discussion at the March 4 meeting. Consultants planned to be there to present on strategic plan option
• Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council 
• LeBlanc poses adjusted language, second,
• P5, sec 2, regular meetings may not begin earlier than 6, provided that an agenda items is not already under discussion, the meeting may continue with a majority vote, vote on amendment Passes 9-0
• Vote on the motion as amended, Passes 9-0
• Moved to enter Executive session; Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:
  • i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
  • ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
  • iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pW9ckTDCmx-SwZL9VTtWqe9WzGOyUGTN/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin (MA) Town Council

Agenda for the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting Weds, Feb 4, 2026

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 17, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

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

• i. Town Administrator Memo   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8244/8a-1---MEMO---2026-27-TC_TA-Goals-Setting-Session
• ii. Draft Town Council-Town Administrator Preliminary List of Goals  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8254/8a-2---2026-2027-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals-January-2026---Google-Docs

iii. Discussion: Town and School Strategic Planning

1. Town of Wrentham Strategic Planning Presentation  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8241/8aiii---1---Updated-Board-Presentation-12026---Wrentham---Copy

2. Town of Westford Strategic Planning

• a. 2025 Strategic Plan Document   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8240/8aiii2a---Westford-MA-Strategic-Plan-final
• b. Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8242/8aiii---2b---2025-Town-Manager-Strategic-Plan-Presentation-2025_01_28

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-08: Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-08 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8256/9a-Rules-of-Procedure

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:

• i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
• ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
• iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

School Committee conducts their last session of their elected term - 10/28/25 (audio)

FM #1570 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1570 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• 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 audio runs about  1 hour 33 minutes. Let's listen in ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1570-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-28-25/

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

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 

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

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)

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/

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

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 

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

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)