Audio of the 12/17/25 Town Council in 3 logical segments (audio)

FM #1612-13-14 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1612-13-14 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated (1 remotely) for this 4 hour session. 

 

• 1612 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, recognitions, alcohol license renewals and everything else except 

• the snow update (see 1613) 

• and the charter discussion (see 1614)  (approx. 2 hours 27 mins)

• 1613 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW snow update  (approx.. 58 minutes)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025 

• 1614 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process  (approx. 45 mins)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentation 

Audio 1612 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1612-town-council-mtg-minus-snow-charter-updates-12-17-25/

Audio 1613 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1613-snow-update-to-town-council-12-17-25/

Audio 1614 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1614-charter-discussion-at-town-council-mtg-12-17-25/

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Additional notes including the video link for the meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/town-council-closes-out-year-approving.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 closes out year approving license renewals, hearing about the snow plowing process, recognizing 3 teams (video)

The Franklin Town Council closed out the calendar year with a meeting on Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025. All 9 members participated, 1 remotely so all votes were recorded via roll call.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ti39-iOe-eo

Agenda doc  -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12172025-2062 

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1stKCN6LNIlCgPA_AobKLmkIsS6109ozr/view?usp=drive_link

Brief recap:

• recognition of 8th Grade Franklin Panthers Football Team, Franklin High School Cheerleading Team, and the Franklin High School Girls’ Volleyball Team was followed by a brief recess to allow for group photos
• Council on Aging - Christopher (Kit) Brady appointment approved via 9-0 roll call
• Annual License Renewals “2026 Town of Franklin Alcohol License Renewals”  were approved after brief discussion on process by the 9-0 roll call vote
  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7857/7a-1---MEMO---License-Renewals
• Snow Presentation - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director & Carlos Rebelo, Highway/Grounds Superintendent   
  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025
• Social Equity Policy Discussion was a long one and the topic will be added to a meeting already planned between Councilor Malloy and TA Hellen to review additional changes to be brought back to the Council. Maybe the State will have provided feedback on the submittal already made
  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7841/Local-Approval-Process-and-Social-Equity-Policy 
• Town Charter Presentation was brief (3 pages) on process, the discussion was much longer. To summarize  depending upon the change being proposed, either the charter commission process or the ad-hoc committee would be the way to go. As the changes are not yet outlined, the ad-hoc committee will be art of the goals discussion in January to at least determine what the listing of changes desired are and then determine which way to go
  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentation 
• Citizen Satisfaction Survey: Not sure how to summarize the discussion on this  
  https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/polco.nrc/viz/TheNCSReport-FranklinMA2025/About
• Resolution 25-83: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services Dept. ($91,072.88), Senior Center (21,275.73), Police Dept. ($710.74)  was accepted by the roll call 9-0 vote   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7854/9a-Gifts

Meeting adjourned after 10 PM

group photo of all 3 teams with Council

Potpourri agenda for last Town Council meeting in 2025

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 17, 2025 = 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. November 12, 2025   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7849/November-12-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. November 19, 2025   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7833/3a-November-19-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. 8th Grade Franklin Panthers Football Team

b. Franklin High School Cheerleading Team

c. Franklin High School Girls’ Volleyball Team

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Council on Aging - Christopher (Kit) Brady   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7856/5a-Appointment-Kit-Brady

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

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Annual License Renewals

i. See attached “2026 Town of Franklin Alcohol License Renewals”  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7857/7a-1---MEMO---License-Renewals

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Snow Presentation - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director & Carlos Rebelo, Highway/Grounds Superintendent   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025

b. Social Equity Policy Discussion  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7841/Local-Approval-Process-and-Social-Equity-Policy

c. Town Charter Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentation

d. Citizen Satisfaction Survey: the town is headed in the wrong direction  

https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/polco.nrc/viz/TheNCSReport-FranklinMA2025/About

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-83: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services Dept. ($91,072.88), Senior Center (21,275.73), Police Dept. ($710.74)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-83 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7854/9a-Gifts

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

slide from the snow presentation

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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 contains remote participation info -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12172025-2062 

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for June 5, 2024

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 5, 2024  7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 10, 2024  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._april_10_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf

b. April 24, 2024  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._april_24_2024_tc_sc_joint_meeting_minutes_-_google_docs_0.pdf

c. May 1, 2024  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._may_1_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation & Performance: Electric Youth

 

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Resolution 24-36: Verizon New England Inc. Cable License Renewal

i. Legislation for Action # 9a  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-36_-_verizon_cable_license_renewal_-_google_docs.pdf

 

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street

i. Legislation for Action # 9b  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-905_-_king_st._rezone_-_google_docs.pdf

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - La Cantina Winery  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf

b. Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/license_transaction_-_blisspoint_meadery.pdf

c. License Modification -Change of Hours: L. Truax King Street Cafe, Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King St., Franklin, MA 02038  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/license_transaction_-_king_st._cafe_change_of_hours.pdf

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-36: Verizon New England Inc. Cable License Renewal

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-36 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._-_resolution_24-36_-_verizon_cable_license_renewal_-_google_docs.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._zoning_bylaw_amendment_24-905_-_king_st._rezone.pdf

c. Resolution 24-16: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP):Friendly 40B  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-16_-_444_east_central_st._friendly_40b_-_google_docs.pdf

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-16 - Majority Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._1_-_memo_24-906_907_908_-_3_zoning_bylaws.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/zoning_by-law_amendment_24-907.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/zoning_by-law_amendment_24-908.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing - Referral to the Planning Board(Motion to refer Bylaw Amendment 24-913 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-913_-_union_st._mill_store_-_google_docs.pdf

h. Bylaw Amendment 24-909: Chapter 139, Sewers (Grease Traps) - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-909 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-909_-_grease_traps_-_google_docs.pdf

i. Resolution 24-37: Authorization to Extend Lease with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for Wireless Communications Facility on Upper Union Street Water Tank (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-37 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-37_-_verizon_wireless_lease_-_google_docs.pdf

j. Resolution 24-38: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($762), Senior Center ($745) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-38 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-38_-_gift_acceptance_-_vets_dept._sr._ctr.pdf

k. Resolution 24-39: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-39 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-39_-_peg_comcast_verizon.pdf

 

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Emergency Shelter Update

 

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

 

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 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_5_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for June 5, 2024

"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)

FM #1117 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1117 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares a special year end episode combining "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti and “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, December 21, 2023.  

Topics for this session

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

• Police Dept - $559,000

• Sewer projects - $500,000

• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

• SAFE Coalition - $100,000

• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

• ARPA Direct funds announced for

• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

• 2023 year in review, January 3, hit the ground working on 2024

The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Tom on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1117-talk-franklin-special-year-end-episode-12-21-23

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Town Council agenda for Dec 20, 2023 meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf 

Recap & video for Town Council session 12/20/23 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/town-council-closes-out-calendar-year.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

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"

"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)