What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, August 25, 2025 ??

Monday, August 25

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252025-1869 

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What "one" question would have for a candidate in the Town of Franklin Biennial Election Nov 4, 2025 ???

As the ballot gets closer to being finalized, we can take review the questions we have used in previous elections (link for 2023 & 2021 provided below) and see if there are any updates required.

You can make multiple question entries to ask your "one" question for each role. For example, the question for a Town Council candidate would likely differ from a Planning Board candidate. 

You can help with this effort by submitting your "one" question for each candidate role with a 3 step process. 

• Enter your email (required for validation of the question)
• Select the candidate role for your question
• Enter your question

The final set of questions will be published after the analysis is complete.

Link to question survey -> https://forms.gle/aoVd8bRz1ULwkCnq8

Questions being gathered for use by Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio candidate interviews for the Town of Franklin 2025 Biennial Election.

Questions used for the 2023 Biennial Election ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdCjTIczcePZDciQuW8HZSfF34LAnCVh/view?usp=drive_link

Questions used for the 2021 Biennial Election ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

What "one" question would have for a candidate?

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of Aug 12, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 12, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point.

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

14 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

Only the Board of Health remains without a candidate for the one open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download -> (corrected the link; had been last Friday's and not Tuesday 8/12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15wgK6INBCpHNSE_v6oGnEP-86KqJCQud/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 8, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 8, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

There is 

1 candidate for 2 spots on the Planning Board

5 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

13 candidate for 9 spots on the Town Council

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YqLUACG02mAmtQf4sEFcj92tqt-xUi3d/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing - Aug 7, 2025

Town Clerk Nancy Danello released an updated report as of August 7, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, and Planning Board at this point.

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

Board of Assessors and Board of Health no action yet.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VSTb1kW35DmG-m6B3YqqimllmmIyNF_V/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display:

Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Planning Board - FY 2024

With the Biennial Election coming up November 4, 2025, the nomination papers are available beginning Aug 4, 2025 for candidates to take, obtain the appropriate number of signatures to get on the ballot. 

We are sharing the section of the Annual Report for the Town of Franklin 2024 to help explain what each role entails. 

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The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for “…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.” 

The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By-Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. 

The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues. The Board also works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.

In FY 2024, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. There were several applications received for solar panels. The largest solar project is located at Maplegate Country Club with over 100+ acres of solar panels.

The Planning Board received several applications for residential development. A proposed 20-unit new building located at 100-110 East Central was approved with 2 affordable units. Uncas Ave was previously approved for nine duplex units. The project has since been increase to nine tri-plex units, adding a total of 27 units for residential housing.

Throughout the year, the Planning Board conducted their public meetings in a hybrid format, offering in person and remote attendance to the applicants and public. 

The Planning Board accepted eight (8) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. 

The Planning Board also received seven (7) Special Permit applications. Since the Town of Franklin has exceeded their 10% of affordable, known as CH40B housing, the Town developed a Friendly 40B process. The Planning Board review one (1) application for a Ch 40B development located at 444 East Central St. This has been the second application received and reviewed by Planning Board and gave the Planning Board an opportunity to provide feedback on affordable housing.

For a complete list of decisions please visit the Town Clerk’s Office. The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes focusing on meeting the most recent state regulations known as Section 3A, requiring MBTA communities to zone for more housing within ½ mile of the train station. 

The Planning Board also reviewed and updated the Marijuana Overlay District map, addition additional parcels to the map. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.

The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.

Planning Board Membership

The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms. 

Below is a list of current Planning Board members:

Gregory Rondeau, Chairman 

Beth Wierling, Vice Chairman 

Jennifer Williams, Clerk

Jay Mello, Chris Stickney

Mark Mucciarone, Associate member

Respectfully submitted, 

Gregory Rondeau, Chairman

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You can download the Planning Board section (PDF) the Annual report ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c1bkw38iVX6xFLOVxfxHmxSW64zL9quI/view?usp=drive_link

or dig into the full Town of Franklin annual report here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JGxfeanVhITZ9jSTGf6tgDMtVlI000Ju/view?usp=drive_link

Annual Report of the Town of Franklin Planning Board - FY 2024

Franklin Town Clerk walks us through the timeline for the Biennial Election Nov 4, 2025 (audio)

FM #1488 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1488 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Deputy Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald about the 2025 Biennial Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.  

Our conversation covers:

• Candidate nomination papers available as of August 4 during office hours in Clerk’s Office

• Appointment requested

• Candidate nomination papers due back by Sept 15

• Withdrawal if needed, completed by Sep 22

• Last day to register to vote is October 25

• Early voting schedule to be published later

• Office closed on Tuesday November 4 to run the election at Franklin High School gymnasium

• November 4 election voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PM

• Unofficial results expected around 9 PM

• 

  Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers

  November election 

• for a 2 year term of office for the Town Council and School Committee. 

• For a 4 year term: Town Clerk, Planning Board, Board of Assessor, Board of Health

 

Our conversation recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1488-town-clerk-on-the-biennial-election-2025-07-31-25/

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Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

November election timeline ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6245/Important-dates-to-remember- 

Seats up for election in November ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6240/Seats-Available 

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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"

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