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.

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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!

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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"

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. 

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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

Inside the Town of Franklin Budget Cycle & Financial Terms (audio)

This shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  

We cover the following key topics

A typical day for Finance Director/Comptroller

A typical day for Treasurer//Collector

The budget cycle, and fiscal year (July to June)

Three financial years; past, current, and future all in the mix

Our conversation runs about 62 minutes. Links to the documents referenced during this meeting are included in the show notes.  Let’s listen to this recording of my conversation with Kerri and Chris. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22

Note: the one change since we recorded this, the Town did achieve the AAA bond rating we talked of some day getting in this session. The Town was notified one month later.

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Town of Franklin budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Budget process flow chart -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/new_budget_process.pdf 

MA Division of Local Services (DLS) Municipal Finance Glossary -> https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qc/dlsmfgl.pdf 

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Town of Franklin budget cycle

Franklin Food Pantry to change operational hours to resume in-person shopping

As of March 29, we are returning to our mix of hybrid and in-person appointment shopping! 

Starting March 31 we will be back inside on Thursdays and Fridays and continuing curbside pick-up on Tuesdays. 

Contact Laura Du at ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org or 508-528-3115 ext 1. to make your appointment.

Schedule:

• March 15 – curbside pick-up 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, and 5:30 – 6:30 pm
• March 18 – curbside pick-up 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Week of March 21st CLOSED NO DISTRIBUTION on Tuesday, March 22 or Friday, March 25
• March 29  – curbside pick up 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:30 – 6:30 pm
• March 31 – appointment in-person shopping. 9:00 – 1:00 pm
• April 1 – appointment in-person shopping. 9:00 – 1:00 pm

Shared from the Franklin Food Pantry -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-hours/

Franklin Food Pantry to change operational hours to resume in-person shopping

First Universalist Society in Franklin is hiring for their "Church Operations and Communications Manager" position

Church Operations and Communications Manager

The Church Operations and Communications Manager supports the mission and goals of FUSF, a Vibrant, Energetic, and liberal congregation, by providing leadership and professional expertise to a broad variety of functions necessary for the effective planning and day-to-day operation of the church. The incumbent has broad responsibilities across the entire operation. Reporting to the Minister, the Church Operations and Communications Manager works with other staff, church officers, boards, committees/teams, and volunteer leaders in all facets of this process from visioning to implementation.

The Church Operations and Communication Manager’s primary roles encompass:

● Internal Communications including

o handling email, phone and in person inquiries,

o manage and update communication tools and serve as the primary resource for congregants using these tools including Google G-Suite, fusf.org email addresses, Breeze database and Mailchimp,

o Coordinate, edit, update, create, and deliver the: Google calendar, and E-Newsletter,

o supporting the internal congregation and operations structure and being the initial entrance point into the church.

● External Communications responsible for our Website, and social media campaign execution and administration.

● Church Office Management including Clerical Support

● Bookkeeping including account updating and reconciliation via QuickBooks

● Support Building and Facilities Management, including custodial supervision.

Must possess excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal and written communication skills; be technically proficient with many office and communication tools, be independent, self-motivated, and reliable, be well organized, detail oriented and able to multitask all with a friendly smile.

The position has a competitive salary, generous benefits, and 4 weeks of paid vacation during the summer.

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to: Bo.Kinney@fusf.org

screen grab of FUSF.org webpage

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

New guidance just released by DESE for school re-opening planning.


Transportation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uDU352EwOD12AtjP71zvgOnkniqgV0VY/view?usp=sharing




Facilities and Operations

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uD1Qqh6nfF1_bOLrZKysfSvd55aHVTA/view?usp=sharing

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

Food Pantry - closed this week, re-opens July 7

**Please note the Pantry will be closed the week of June 29 – July 3 and will reopen on Tuesday, July 7 at 9:30 for our drive up service. **

Please do not leave items in the drop off location this week

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1276197787013656581?s=09

Food Pantry - closed this week, re-opens July 7

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)

FM #230 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 230 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We did a conference all to adhere to the ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lynn discusses how we can help the Pantry and how the Pantry has been changing their operations due to the precautions of the pandemic and ‘social distancing’.

The conversation runs 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn.
Audio file - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20

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Food Pantry home page  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Donate directly  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

The current needs listing  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

For the record, I had an active relationship with the Pantry from 2010 to 2015 during which time I also lead the Board of Directors. I continue to support the Pantry with financial donations and by sharing what they do via the Franklin Matters social channels.

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 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"

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)