Town Council approves an amended Friendly 40b policy in another long 4 hour session (video)

The Town Council meet for the first time in 2026 for another long 4 hour session with all 9 members present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/07Ywvi5WtP8?&t=487

The agenda and doc released for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2073 

Quick recap:

• The longest discussion on a single appointment in my time reporting ultimately resulted in a unanimous vote to approve Mark Minnichelli to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. Kudos to Mark for his careful and confident responses to the questions.
• Town and School Facilities Presentation - Kevin Harn, Facilities Director https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8040/8a-1---MEMO---Facilities-Presentation
• This discussion was extensive as Facilities and the potential issues facing the Town are something this Council is going to need to get up to speed quickly on to make the decisions and determine the direction to go, all of which ultimately gets to funding and resources
• The Davis Thayer (DT) building future has been the Council's hands since the Advisory committee did its work. On Tuesday (Jan 6, 26) the Police Station Building Comte determined Parmenter was the best site freeing up DT for a decision on what it's future is
• The combination of the Washington St renovations, Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M. To do and how to fund remain questions before the Council
• The presentation doc is not on the Town page or within the Council agenda but pictures of the slides shared can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/1FpYnuiED36kPumw8
• 2 Zoning Bylaw amendments were referred to the Planning Board. There is likely to be an extensive discussion on these when they return as the Council was not familiar with the bylaw process (usually starting with Planning Dept (as in this case), discussion before Economic Development Subcmte (not yet in place), referral to Planning Board, and then return to Council for decision). As these 2 measure are the 'final' points to bring the Town in compliance with the MBTA Community requirements, the potential for discussion before this new Council is great
• The friendly 40b policy came back on the agenda for this Council and they juggled their agenda to get the above items out of the way before settling into this lengthy discussion. Ultimately, 2 amendments to the wording were approved first one by a 5-4 vote to require an annual review of the policy, the second to fix the confusing wording in a sentence by a 9-0 vote, and then the overall measure passed by a 9-0 vote
• Multiple personnel changes were announced in Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's report. Of note, the Council also gave the go ahead to the hiring request they had approved at the tax rate hearing and then also asked to put on hold. The Town Administrator's office which used to be 4 people is only 2, and one was sick this week. If the Council wants the Town to get work done, these resources are required. Fortunately, the Council agreed

My notes captured in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zmqgACh7aVrr8OnerWndCC74ehZoDuuL/view?usp=drive_link

The combination of the Washington St renovations,
Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M

Police Station Bldg Cmte selects Parmenter as site, recommends code review of Parmenter building to Town Council (audio)

FM #1622 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1622 in the series. 

This session shares the Police Station Building Cmte Mtg held on Wednesday, January 6, 2026. 2 members (K Alexander, G Premo) were absent.  

Quick recap:

• Refresh on membership: "The Town Administrator shall nominate all eleven members of the committee membership, to be ratified by the Town Council. The Chair of the Town Council shall select the Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk. Terms of the committee shall be through substantial completion of the project."   from the Committee charge document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1146/Police-Station-Building-Committee-Charge-PDF 

• Chief TJ Lynch provides an update on the open house/tours held in Sept/Oct 2025 and poorly attended. Virtual tour available on project webpage -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/existing-conditions   or the YouTube playlist -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjVX3ZOe9o&list=PLL2XKlvMgLAlZpjphLCLuJbyvu3tKxMOF 

• Joe Lynch, OPM provides an update then the remainder of the team walk through the process and findings to date. Tonight's presentation doc to be added to the project page in meantime, much of it restates that shared in August 2025  https://a8db3785-aec1-40c7-8a6f-6e79d6737676.filesusr.com/ugd/c81e0f_c6d6a290752446faa622810cfb358ba1.pdf  

• Discussion around site options, decided to make a recommendation for project site as Parmenter (passed unanimously). 

• Also determined to recommend a Code review of the existing facility at the quoted cost of $62.5K (passed 6-1; Woodward no)

• No meeting scheduled at this time, pending direction from Town Council

The recording runs about 60 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1622-police-station-bldg-cmte-mtg-01-06-26/

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNiDr84B38 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01062026-2064  




My notes in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_dc-Zg0yH5eRlDEfImxNUAiiK92JX3q/view?usp=drive_link 




Photo album of some of the slide alternatives for the Parmenter site

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2UZWJD1m68WCkYZB6 




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potential placement of new station keeping all of Parmenter building

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"

Police Station Bldg Cmte selects Parmenter as site, recommends code review of Parmenter building to Town Council (video0

The Police Station Building Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 6 at 6:00 PM. 2 members were absent (K Alexander, G Primo).

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urNiDr84B38

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01062026-2064 

Quick recap:

• Refresh on membership: "The Town Administrator shall nominate all eleven members of the committee membership, to be ratified by the Town Council. The Chair of the Town Council shall select the Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk. Terms of the committee shall be through substantial completion of the project." from the Committee charge document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1146/Police-Station-Building-Committee-Charge-PDF
• Chief TJ Lynch provides an update on the open house/tours held in Sept/Oct 2025 and poorly attended. Virtual tour available on project webpage -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/existing-conditions  or the YouTube playlist -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjVX3ZOe9o&list=PLL2XKlvMgLAlZpjphLCLuJbyvu3tKxMOF
• Joe Lynch, OPM provides an update then the remainder of the team walk through the process and findings to date. Tonight's presentation doc to be added to the project page in meantime, much of it restates that shared in August 2025  https://a8db3785-aec1-40c7-8a6f-6e79d6737676.filesusr.com/ugd/c81e0f_c6d6a290752446faa622810cfb358ba1.pdf 
• Discussion around site options, decided to make recommendation for project site as Parmenter (passed unanimously). 
• Also determined to recommend a Code review of the existing facility at the quoted cost of $62.5K (passed 6-1; Woodward no)
• No meeting scheduled at this time, pending direction from Town Council

My notes in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_dc-Zg0yH5eRlDEfImxNUAiiK92JX3q/view?usp=drive_link

potential placement of new station keeping all of Parmenter building

Photo album of some of the slide alternatives for the Parmenter site

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2UZWJD1m68WCkYZB6

Fallen Hero Recognition: Gerald M. Parmenter - World War II - July 17, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/17/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, son of Ernest and Maud Parmenter, was born on October 18, 1917. Gerald lived at 466 King Street with his parents and a twin brother. He attended the Franklin Public Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1935 and from Hill College in Woonsocket in 1937. Gerald did accounting work at local businesses and was associated with his father at the Red Mount Poultry Farm here in Franklin.  

Prior to the war Gerald, who was very enthusiastic about aviation, obtained his license as a civilian pilot. Gerald enlisted in the Army Air Corp in August of 1942 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943 at Yuma, Arizona. First Lieutenant Parmenter served as a pilot in the air transport ferrying command, piloting planes built in this country to the British Government in Nassau.  

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter died from injuries received in an air crash while in the line of duty near Ramsar, India in the Asiastic Theatre. 

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter was 26 years old at the time of his death on July 17, 1944 while serving his country during WWII.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-first-lieutenant-gerald-m.html 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Parmenter

Frankie shares the memories on last day of School Resource Officer

Today was a hard day, especially for Dad.

Today was his last day as an SRO for the Town of Franklin. Due to recent budget cuts he and I, along with Officer Ayer and Ben Franklin have been taken out of the schools and reassigned to the patrol division. After 8 years of supporting the students, staff and families of FPS as an SRO, we got to see students graduate from 8th grade this week that Dad welcomed into the FPS system on their very first day of Kindergarten.

He had been there almost every day of their school career to welcome them, listen to them and make them feel safe 💙 we spoke with a mom of 2 middle schoolers who thanked us for giving her the reassurance everyday that her kids would be safe while at school!

Frankie shares the memories on
last day of School Resource Officer

She then told Dad she is from NewTown CT. It brought Dad to tears to hear this💙💙. The students that came up to Dad and I today to thank us, hug us and cry with us was overwhelming.

To hear students and staff/administration talk about us during their speeches was amazing. Thank you to all the students/staff/parents that came up to us, gave me a pat, a hug or shook Dads hand, hugged him and cried with him, we THANK YOU for all of your support over the years and we look forward to seeing you about the town.

You can view additional photos here -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLD8BmgP7IB/

Notice of Temporary Office Relocation for Franklin Recreation

Notice of Temporary Office Relocation
 for Franklin Recreation

The Franklin Recreation Department will be temporarily relocating its office to Parmenter Elementary School (235 Wachusett Street) beginning Monday, June 23, 2025.

To accommodate the move, please note:

• The Recreation Office will be CLOSED on Friday, June 20
• The relocation will occur on Friday, June 20, following the last day of school at Parmenter on June 18

All programs and services will continue without interruption:

• Pre-School Summer Camp will begin as scheduled on Monday, June 23 at Parmenter
• King Street Summer Camp will also begin June 23 at King Street Memorial Park
• The gym at 275 Beaver Street will remain open for select programming

We remain committed to providing the highest quality programs and services during this transition. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Recreation Department at 508-613-1666 or visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/331/Recreation

Thank you for your continued support!

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/posts/pfbid02cYhKyqsLvLv2q4P4rQKgm1CyKYNGBQzrKh7T4H8xWuFwaGTe9sYK2MckDufHUK9Fl

Town Council hears of clean audit and renewal of AAA rating among items on a varied and busy meeting (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday evening, May 7 starting a few minutes after 7 PM with all 9 Councilors present.

The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389

The agenda and released documents for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
• School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
• Citizens comments:
• J Callaway-Tripp, thanks for the Parmenter property deed adjustment; Future use of whatever the property be designated for, requesting a Town wide vote as it did back in the early 1950's; Request a town committee to determine the future of the property
• M Minnichelli quotes Yogi Berra, reminding that we should set a target, the 10% is a state requirement
• J Nutting speaking for the override
• Sherlock spoke to the FinCom budget hearings (watch, listen, read almost complete) and Pen to Picture event May 10 at the Library
• J Cohen asking for help in speaking for clarity on the issues around the override, stopping building is not the same as voting on the override
• Recognition
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
• Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department

2 minute recess 

• Public hearing
• New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine. Attorney and applicant participated remotely. Applicant had started ABCC application without legal assistance, withdrew it from ABCC and with legal guidance resubmitted. No real changes to application operational details; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
•  Public hearing
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board  Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
• License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Presentation: 
• FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments to the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
• Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
• What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
• Legislation for action
• Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading;  & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)  - Second Reading; Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
• TA Report highlights
• Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the
• override results are available
• How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
• Best Western no longer housing emergency shelter as of July. Budget issues were not being created by that State item. The Town has not spent a dollar on that
• Bids came in on budget for the cupola, hopefully work will start June/July when contractor will be available
• Cricket field being built and opening here on Pond St (behind Kennedy)
• Sculpture Park new features there
• Porchfest will also feature a Cornhole competition June 7

My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Elementary School Students Partner with Franklin Food Pantry

Parmenter’s Character Education Council
, a group of fourth and fifth graders

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School Principal Evan Chelman are proud to announce a successful partnership between students and the Franklin Food Pantry.

“What’s truly powerful about this partnership with Parmenter Elementary School is that it brings elementary-aged students into The Pantry to witness firsthand the reality of food insecurity in their community,” said Franklin Food Pantry's Associate Director Laura Doherty.  “Not only does the partnership give students the opportunity to volunteer but allows them to envision themselves shopping at The Pantry and understand that accessing food assistance is nothing to be ashamed of — we’re a welcoming and safe community resource for all.”

Parmenter’s Character Education Council, a group of fourth and fifth graders, recently visited The Pantry. In addition to providing The Pantry with much-needed food donations, the students’ visit offered a meaningful opportunity for them to tour the facility and learn about food insecurity within the Franklin community.

“The experience helped reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity by fostering understanding and empathy,” said Doherty. “Our hope is that students leave knowing it’s okay to ask for help — and that The Pantry is a safe, welcoming place where anyone can access healthy food when needed.”

The Pantry is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations to carry out its mission: to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower the Franklin community through resources and collaboration.

“If children in our community are in need of healthy food, we want them to know that we are here with open arms and they should never be embarrassed about it,” said Doherty. “Everyone needs help sometimes.”

There are many meaningful ways to support The Pantry, from donating and volunteering to hosting food drives.

“The kids saw what it would be like to shop here if they were food insecure,” said Doherty. “We focused on how food insecurity is nothing to be ashamed of. The Pantry is like a regular market, except the food is available at no cost. It’s important that we get kids involved at a young age. By involving and informing young people, our hope is that they’ll share our mission with their friends and family, and approach us without hesitation if they need our support."

Principal Chelman drove the students and their donations to The Pantry.

“Thank you, Laura, for the incredible work you do at the Franklin Food Pantry and for warmly welcoming Parmenter’s Character Education Council into the facility this year,” said Principal Chelman. “And thank you to Jessica Ulm of the Parmenter PCC (Parent Communication Council). We relied on Jessica to be a liaison between The Pantry and the school. The experience had such a positive impact on our students — they were not only excited about the donations but also truly moved by what they learned. And I have to admit, I loved getting to drive the van!”

Each student member of Parmenter’s Character Education Council applied to join and was selected by a team of teachers as a role model for Parmenter's core values: caring, inclusion, respect, courage, leadership and effort.

“Students give up their lunch and recess time to meet and discuss projects, create plans and make materials,” said Parmenter fifth-grade teacher and Council Advisor Michaela Geary. “Throughout the year, we have planned different community service projects including Treats for Troops, a candy drive after Halloween for troops serving overseas; World Cancer Day, a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund; the Winter Gear Drive, to benefit Cradles to Crayons; and the recent Food Drive for the Franklin Food Pantry.

“For the food drive, students created posters, organized the donations, loaded the van with donations and then unloaded the van when we arrived at the Food Pantry,” said Geary. “Upon returning from the tour, students were excited to share what they had learned with the school. We will be speaking about our trip at the next whole school meeting.”

Click here to learn how you can get involved with The Pantry.

 

Additional photos can be found on the Schools page -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2191244

 

Tom Mercer & I condense the April 30 Council meeting to 30 minutes for you (audio)

FM #1439 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1439 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, May 2, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 30, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• SchCmte Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte business

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special election

• Proclamations:

• Police Department - Promotions = . Sergeant John Godino

• Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective = . Tara Lagoa

• Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group

• Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development

• Appointments

• Agricultural Commission = Matthew Stoltz

• Disability Commission = Kelly Quinlan

• PUBLIC HEARING - a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central

• Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes - Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Update that for the Town Council Budget Hearings scheduled for May 21, 22  Town Administrator will propose that they continue the second hearing to June 4 to enable possible adjustments. The budget as presented assumes the override passes. If it doesn't, cuts would be forthcoming

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided updates on Previous Requests:

• 300 Fisher Street - very dormant

• Chestnut Street Apartments - The exterior is complete, the interior has not been finished, in the owners control currently

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Approx. 31 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1439-town-council-quarterbacking-05-02-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/laeIcVjRlgU?si=4VVLHqNRh28zvyuM&t=134 

The agenda and released materials for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Photos of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKZgCKJM8vAYTVoK7 

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo8xvhuHCvkPLQ_Fi54OMbtkQ2WulsJK/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"

Tom Mercer & I condense the April 30 Council meeting to 30 minutes for you (audio)