Joint Budget Subcmte in healthy discussion seems to coalesce on 3 goals (audio)

FM #1810 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1810 in the series. 

This session shares the Joint Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Thursday, August 13, 2026. 

• TA Jamie Hellen provides a budget update  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10586/3a-MEMO---FY27-Update-and-Five-Year-Forecast- 

• Five year forecast more accurate based on the process  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10582/03b-1-Five-Year-Fiscal-Forecast---Control-Summary-Forecast 

• Discussion on goals   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10588/04-JBSC-2026-27-Goals 

• Consensus developed around three goals;, in my kitchen English wording - 

• (1) education/awareness of the Town finances 

• (2) alignment on the structural deficit for 3 years 

• (3) potential solutions or strategy to resolve such deficit in that time. 

• Additional wordsmithing being done by the committee for review at next session, no date available for next session

The recording runs about 2 hours & 15 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1810-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-08-13-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PITPcwF6Lg 

The agenda for this session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445   

My notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UzwDKCfD_wh4wmgQdqZDH101egZACz-j/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!

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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"

Lucas & Colin close out the 2025-26 School Year & talk summer projects (audio)

FM #1768 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1768 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my discussion with School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Operations Director Colin Boisvert. We recorded our conversation in the FPS Central office conference room on Monday, June 15, 2026.  

Key topics

• Closing out the 2025-2026 school year

• School budget complete, summer work back to ‘normal’

• Summer projects across the schools to get ready for September

• Reflections on last summer, plans for summer 2026

The recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1768-franklin-public-schools-2025-26-school-year-closeout-06-15-26/

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School budget page -  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340 

One page summary - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2a015b07-c2a9-4913-ab84-2c2b384961b1/FY27-FPS-1-pager-Budget-Request.pdf?disposition=inline 

Facilities presentation - (add link when available) 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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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"

Reminder: Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10 to determine the FY 2027 operating budget

Reminder: The Franklin Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building.

The Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget. The adopted budget will guide Town spending and support services, programs, and operations in the coming fiscal year.

View the agenda https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council-fy.html


Residents are encouraged to attend in person, join remotely via Zoom, or watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV.

Find the explanation on the recent changes to the FY 2027

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html

The list of resolutions mostly for the budget on the Agenda for June 10

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9658/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-CLEAN-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

ii. Staff Memorandum

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9677/3a-i-MEMO-Revised-TA-Budget

iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9657/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-JAMIE-NOTES-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9683/3a-iv-Resolution-Adoption-of-the-FY-2027-Budget

v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9661/Revised-Appendix-A---Town-Administrator-Revised-FY27-Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9764/5c-Complete

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9765/5d-Complete

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9766/5e-Complete

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete

Mass Cultural Council offers Operating Grants (yes, really!)

via Mass Cultural Council 

"Apply Now: Operating Grants for Organizations!

We are proud to announce our Operating Grants for Organizations, which offer multi-year, unrestricted operating funds to nonprofit cultural organizations and cultural affiliates that enrich cultural life across the Commonwealth. 

- Grant amounts start at $6,000 in FY25.
- Deadline: June 13, 2024.

Register for an information session on March 20, 2024 and/or office hours (through early June) to learn more."

Link for additional info -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/new-operating-grants-for-organizations-available/ 

Program guidelines -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/organizations/operating-grants-for-organizations/application-process/

@masscultural

Mass Cultural Council offers Operating Grants (yes, really!) 

This Franklin Food Pantry conversation covers how community involvement makes this a success (audio)

FM #1039 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1039 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Suzanne Gendreau, Franklin Food Pantry board member and Building Campaign Committee Chair along with Donna O’Neill, Food Pantry volunteer and ambassador extraordinaire. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many years, their needs had outgrown the space. 

We spend much of the time sharing stories about the community involvement that is what makes the Food Pantry a successful operation assisting our neighbors.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Suzanne and Donna. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1039-franklin-food-pantry-building-campaign-3-07-24-23

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The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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

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 www.franklin.news or www.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"

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

This Franklin Food Pantry conversation provides some insights into their operations in the new facility (audio)

FM #1035 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1035 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Anne McGillis, Director of Operations, and Yianna Zicherman, Warehouse Manager of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about their respective roles in the operation of the Pantry. We get some insights into what happens behind the scenes to process the donations and food purchases to help our neighbors. Donations are always welcomed to help keep this operation running smoothly. 

The recording runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Anne & Yianna. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1035-franklin-food-pantry-building-campaign-02-07-24-23

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The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

Part 1 of the podcast series for the Franklin Food Pantry was shared last week.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html

Note: As part of my long association with the Franklin Food Pantry, I contribute financially to the building capital campaign. 

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

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 www.franklin.news or www.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"

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

Franklin TV: Town Council approves capital budget, refers inclusionary zoning bylaw to Planning Board for review (video)

The Franklin Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023 efficiently addressed the items on its agenda. The meeting last 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board 

The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share 

My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the mean time, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/view?usp=share_link