The Second Sunday Speaker Series: The Secrets and Lore of the "License Plate"

Alan Young was first introduced to license plate collecting by his father, more than 25 years ago and "never looked back." What started with an interesting plate or two has grown into a wide range of (mostly) New England license plates as well as research into who the early plates once belonged to.  

The Secrets and Lore of the "License Plate"

Young will share some of his collection and discuss the development of plates over the past 120 years. He has also promised to reveal the first automobile to be registered in Franklin!. 

The museum opens at 1 and the program will start at 1:15 The museum opens at 1 and closes at 4. Admission is free but a suggested donation of $5 or more is always encouraged appreciated.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above), Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM,.  

Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org

Finance Committee gets the answer on how much it would take to fully fund Technology (add $1.5M/year) (audio)

FM #1608 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1608 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, December 12, 2025. All 9 members of the Committee participated, 8 in Council Chambers, with 1 remote; hence a roll call for required votes.

Quick recap:

• Technology Director Tim Rapoza was the key presenter and outlined the technology requirements for licenses, hardware, and software which enable the Town and Schools to deliver the services they do

• Key question: How much it would take to fully fund Technology for the hardware, software, licenses and personnel to support Town and School needs. Answer = add $1.5M/year to the existing budget

The recording runs just about 2 and ½ hours, let’s listen

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1608-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-12-10-25/

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Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeAQEXjI0D8 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102025-2039  

Finance Cmte gets the answer on how
much it would take to fully fund
Technology (add $1.5M/year)

The presentation doc https://franklintechnology2025.my.canva.site/ 

Pictures of the slides presented are captured in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/ThWM9bemHaA48xk69 

My notes can be found in one PDF ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/10VfXGVVfuS1pge0RwuA3VxKgYAoZKuCx/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"

DESE accepting public comment on State Seal of Biliteracy, Student Records, & Educator Licensure

"The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is accepting public comment on proposed amendments to

• regulations on the State Seal of Biliteracy (comments due Dec. 5)
• regulations on Student Records (comments due Dec. 5)
• regulations on educator licensure (comments due Jan. 20)

Find details on DESE’s public comment submission webpage: https://ow.ly/KnwQ50Xw6aj. #MaEdu"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16bSjSc9NH/

A very full Agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 15, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 

355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

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. September 3, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7164/3a-September-3-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review-1

b. September 17, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7165/3b-September-17-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing in of promoted employees

• i. Fire Chief Charles Allen
• ii. Battalion Chief Sean Lovely
• iii. Lieutenant Jaden Brodeur

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - See "Appointments" legislation in agenda packet for list of names

i. Legislation for Action #9a   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7166/5a-Appointment-250

b. 2025 Election Workers - See "Appointments" legislation in agenda packet for list of names   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7167/5b-Appointment-Election

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street

i. License Transaction #7a.     https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7168/6a-Kings-Public-Hearing

b. Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central Street

i. License Transaction #7b   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7169/6b-LW-Public-Hearing

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street Franklin, MA 02038 

b. Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Historical Museum 2.0 - Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair 

b. Historic District Commission Process - Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist 

c. Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-63: Increasing the Maximum Number of Members Allowed on Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-63 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-64: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-64 - ½ Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7174/9b-1---25-64

c. Resolution 25-65: Authorizing the Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-65 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7175/9c-1---RESOLUTION-25-65---Authority-to-File-CWSRF

d. Resolution 25-66: Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-66 -Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7178/9d-1----Adopting-Master-Plans---Schmidt-and-Maple-Hill

e. Bylaw Amendment 25-943: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Section 139-14, Sewer System Map (Symphony Dr.) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-943 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7179/9e-Symphony-Sewer

f. Bylaw Amendment 25-944: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Section 179-9.l Water System Map (Symphony Dr.) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-944 -Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7180/9f-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-944---Water-Map-Amendment---Symphony-Dr

g. Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 65, Collection Containers - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7181/9g-Collection-Containers

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7182/9h-1-25-938

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 81 Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7183/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule-1

J. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82. Fees. Municipal Service. by Adding a New Service Fee (Residential Commercial Kitchen) (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-940 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7184/9j---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185. Section 4. Districts Enumerated - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7185/9k-25-929

I. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185. Section 5. Zoning Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6932/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

m. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6925/9l-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule_202507180815594442

n. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6926/9m-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-932---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Dimensional-Regulations_202507180820461004

o. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking. Loading and Driveway Requirements - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6928/9n-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

p. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4. 20 & 31 - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 -½ Majority Roll Call Vote)  

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DCR,
has under consideration the acquisition of
an interest in 19.51 +/- acres of land
in the Town of Franklin

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6927/9o-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Department of Conservation and Recreation (OCR) Public Notification & SNETT Trail Update   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7186/10a-DCR-Notice-of-Proposed-Land-Acquisition

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

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

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953 

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 23, 2025 at 6:00 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. 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. June 4, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6270/3a-June-4-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. June 18, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6285/3b-June-18-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic

i. Jeffrey Wolcott

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6294/5a-Committee-Renewals

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7a  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6273/6a---ABCC-application-Kojo-Franklin-Packet

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7b  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6272/6b---Little-Shop-of-Olive-Oils-Packet

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038 

 

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-27 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6288/9a-25-27---Methodist-Church

b. Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-49 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street

c. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6291/9c-25-50---Friendly-40B-Policy

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6280/9d-Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning

e. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6290/9e-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6261/9f-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6262/9g-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6265/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6264/9j-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6289/9j-25-938---Home-Occupation-Bylaw-1

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6276/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule

l. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-940 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6281/9l---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

m. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-936 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6283/9m-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

n. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-937 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6284/9n-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

o. Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-51 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6286/9o-25-51--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Veterans-Fire-Police-Rec

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the
Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

The agenda doc includes associated supporting materials as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Town Council FY 2026 Budget Hearing #1 & #2 - Held on May 21 & May 22, 2025 (audio)

FM #1456-1457  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1456-1457 in the series. 

This session (1456) shares the FY 2026 first budget hearing held by the Franklin (MA) Town Council on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. All 9 of the members started the meeting in Council Chambers (1 left not feeling well during the meeting).  The Full Budget hearing #1 recording runs about 4 hours 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1456-town-council-mtg-budget-hearing-1-05-21-25/

This session (1457) shares the FY 2026 second budget hearing held by the Town Council Meeting of Thursday, May 22, 2025. The budget hearing happens after the ABCC license transactions are completed. 7 members started the meeting (2 absent), 1 left during the meeting, leaving only 6 to make the final votes. The Second meeting recording runs about 2 hours

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1457-town-council-mtg-budget-hearing-2-05-22-25/

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

Budget hearing #1

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->     https://www.youtube.com/live/OBuOFLY5kZY?&t=184 

The Council agenda and associated budget documents can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212025-1752  

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the session are collected in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11W1dMjvh9zB0X9Bqw8CgfLus5YZG7arZ/view?usp=drive_link 

FM posting of video & recap ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-spends-4-hours-reviewing.html

Budget hearing #2

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/KxgDYAmr-zM?&t=95 

The agenda and released documentation for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1753

My notes as captured via Twitter/x during the session can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zc-q92nV-paFAQ3DXWbqcucn-NRwRCVE/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!

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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"

Town Council FY 2026 Budget Hearing #1 & #2 - Held on May 21 & May 22, 2025 (audio)