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| Explore the MMA’s new report, "A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why |
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 othersb. Chair to identify members participating remotelyc. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
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
a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons
Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025 b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos
a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Membersi. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member nameshttps://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6509/5a-Appointments
a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill, LLC, Located at 28 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6510/7a---LICENSE-TRANSACTION---Santa-Fe-Burrito-Grill
a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Updateb. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Joint Budget Subcommitteed. Police Station Building Committeee. GATRA Advisory Board
a. To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.
b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (The Franklin Police Association) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.
c. 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: CSX Land.
d. 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: Other Property.
e. Exemption #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Town Administrator.
FM #1475 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1475 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 2 members participated in this virtual session; Chair O’Sullivan and member McNeill, Callaghan was absent. Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, Jana Melotti and Dr Rogers represented the Central Office.
Quick recap:
Primary discussion on this agenda is fees, recommendation to keep the current 3 tier approach with the minor adjustment of moving wrestling from Tier 3 to Tier 2, from $350 to 600, Tier 1 remains at $1000. Fees can't be reduced due to the shortage of revenue from failed override
Athletic fees approved by 2-0-1 vote (Chair O'Sullivan & McNeill present, Callaghan absent)
Transportation fee discussion background on how the $387 was calculated to be the base charge with a cap. 2.5% escalation built into the prior schedule. Attempting to increase/keep ridership up as part of the redistricting; 2492 registered, 2466 for past year, 16 on waitlist
Motion to accept new fee schedule, $387, cap at 3 riders (1161) Second, passes 2-0-1
Question on research for boosters supporting stipends for after hour clubs, etc. Research into policy, state law on what is possible, what are the rules of the road via info for support from boosters. How do we all work together on this? Yes, that can be liked into
Question on police detail for building rentals, are we comparable to other towns? Can we scale requirements based on attendance? Yes, that can be liked into
Motion to adjourn, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)
The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1475-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-06-24-25/
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The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1792
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i6scbz2f-uqM-vwN3dIzVzXwlL8Jh7wn/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. 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.
 |
| Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcmte Mtg - 06/24/25 (exclusive audio) |
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"
 |
| Frankie shares the memories on last day of School Resource Officer |
FM #1460 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1460 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Sompally).
Quick recap:
A brief executive session was held before approving the new teacher contract for a 3 year term. Details of the amount approved were not shared, however, members of the negotiation subcommittee spoke highly of the collaboration and cooperation that resulted in a good deal for the district and the Town. The vote was unanimous and included Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (7-0-1) (1 absent)
The budget adjustment reducing the proposed budget by $2M was previewed in a subcommittee meeting before the full committee meeting. 12 personnel are added to the 29 that were reduced by redistricting. Additional expenses were cut to bring the budget into balance per revised Town funding due to the failed override
Bus fee will remain at $387, Sports fees will remain high at this year's levels for next year. A full analysis of the fees and participation will be conducted next year as part of the FY 2027 budget to see what can be done given the lower funding from the Town
The Superintendent evaluation was approved as "Exemplary". A fair results given the multiple threads of work, budget, override, redistricting and oh, conducting school for the district at the same time
The recording leaves out the executive session (replacing with a brief music interlude) Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1470-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-06-10-25/
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Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8
The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780
The meeting packet folder (all the docs released before or after the meeting)
My full set of notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rqv1NSxrFjWZdzwpeo2WJwq3H7FIwujA/view?usp=drive_link
Pictures of the budget revisions can be viewed here -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YnKXoUH5NncMo2Wk6
-------------
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 reluctantly approves personnel & funding cuts to FY 2026 budget (audio) |
FM #1469 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1469 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 in person on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of June 10, 2025.
We cover
Executive session to approve teachers contract
Vote on revised budget due to failed override, cutting $2M including 12 FTE positions, sports and activity fees remain as high this year
Superintendent’s review approved
School ends June 18, redistricting works continues to implement for Sept
Reading program “Meet me in the Middle”
Register for bus by June 20, fee set $387/student with a cap; if not registered by 20th no guarantee of a spot on a bus
The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1469-chalkboard-chat-06-11-25/
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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8
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| Chalkboard Chat condenses the last School Committee of the school year (audio) |
The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780
The meeting packet folder (all the docs released before or after the meeting)
My full set of notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rqv1NSxrFjWZdzwpeo2WJwq3H7FIwujA/view?usp=drive_link
Pictures of the budget revisions can be viewed here -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YnKXoUH5NncMo2Wk6
-------------
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"
