Franklin, MA: Board of Health agenda to consider ban on mind altering products - May 6 - 5 PM

Franklin Board Of Health

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

May 6, 2026 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central Street - 3rd Floor, Training Room

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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 Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 1, 2026   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9030/April-12026---Minutes

PUBLIC HEARING

a. Regulation of the Town of Franklin Board of Health

Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products   

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

NEW BUSINESS

a. Discuss internship of a college student

b. Warming and cooling shelter discussion

REPORTS

a. Metacomet Shared Service Grant Health Agent Report

b. Metacomet Shared Service Grant Public Health Nurse Report

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246 

Public Hearing: Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom

The Franklin Board of Health will hold a public hearing on implementing new Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products. 

The readings and final votes on adoption of the Regulations will take place during the Board of Health meeting beginning at 5:00 pm on May 6, 2026; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. Location: Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin,

and also via the Googlemeet platform.

§ 248: Sales Add to the Code of the Town of Franklin Chapter 248: Sales. The Regulations are to add new language to the new Regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of synthetically derived cannabinoids, synthetically derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products.

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda including full text of proposed amendments, and for up to date meeting information on and after April 8, 2026. 

Please call the Health Department at (508) 520-4905 if you require further information.

Respectfully submitted by,

Cathleen Liberty

The proposed regulations - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

The full agenda for the May 6 meeting  - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246

Board of Health reviews potential regulations for mind altering products (audio)

FM #1705 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1705 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Motion to approve March 4 minutes, so moved, second, passes 3-0 

• Motion to approve Mar 18 minutes, second, passes 3-0

• PFAS advisory to be posted at Chilson beach and a couple of other spots near there (300 Fisher St)

• Fish for catch and release generally

• Chilson water is tested weekly during summer for E.coli. Testing not done with PFAS except for water supply sources

• Draft regulations for the mind altering products

• Suggestion on change to the coverage of the retail shops, clarification to cover potential loop holes

• Suggestion on altering the levels of fine to $300, $500, $1000. To raise the deterrent incentive

• Discussion on ensuring that the retail and tobacco products, how to best accomplish this so folks have a chance to address during the public hearing, and let the board consider changes before Making the regulation official

• Discussion on warming/cooling shelters, with restricted hours at Senior Center, and Library closed Sunday, what are our options?

• Health director to do some research

• Food safety inspection

• Information shared on the inspection process, slides to be shared later

• Twice a year inspection, had considered a risk based approach but the key person moved on and with current staff, doing the 2 minimum per year per establishment (over 100)

• Review of reports

• Clarification questions on details of the reports 

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting April 1, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1705-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-04-01-26/

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

Board of Health page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health 

Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYJ75c4VsxJ3-1ElSbqeR7o0M2ROuNY8/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"

Board of Health starting discussion/process to ban sale of "mind altering" products (audio)

FM #1693 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1693 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Discuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering products

• Concerns expressed, unregulated products in most cases

• Are being sold in Franklin

• Draft regulation based upon Northampton part of April agenda for review/comment

• Public hearing scheduled for May session

• Vote targeted for June session (depending upon how the preceding meetings/conversations go)

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting March 18, 2026.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1693-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-18-26/

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

Agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2191 

 

Northampton, MA regulations on "mind altering" products - https://northamptonma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1942

FDA & Kratom - https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

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

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"

Town Council approves single rate but shows interest in split rate, frustration on lack of preparation for the decision (audio)

FM #1599 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1599 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 3 hour session. 

 

Quick recap:

• Franklin TV had trouble broadcasting the video. It was recorded and will be available later. The Zoom session was active for audio only.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked the new Council though the 5 year revenue forecast and laid out what’s coming next

• The Public hearing on the Tax rate was opened and ultimately closed after much discussion. The Council did vote to approve the single tax rate by an 8-1 vote. The Council indicated a strong interest for more info on the benefits of a split tax rate. They seemed wanting to go for until they understood that a split rate decision would delay the Town timeline on getting the 1st Quarter bills out

The recording runs about 3 hours 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1599-town-council-mtg-12-0325/

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

Franklin TV video is NOT yet available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zByUmQbYP08

The agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2031 

My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zZoXOBk167dHuuSm3wetBhhP25WyaSRf/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 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"

Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2026 - Charts Updated

The Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2026 is on the Town Council agenda Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025. There will be a public hearing before the Council votes to set the rate. A couple of helpful charts have been updated in advance of the hearing.

The key decision at the tax rate hearing is to maintain the single tax rate or move to a split tax rate. The Board of Assessors memo to the Council lays out the argument distinctly:

"A single tax rate means that all property classes (residential, commercial, industrial and personal) are taxed at the same tax rate. A dual tax rate means the commercial-industrial-personal tax rate is increased while the residential rate is decreased. In other words, some of the residential tax burden is shifted towards commercial, industrial and personal properties.

Please note that a dual tax rate does not produce more tax revenue, it simply shifts the burden." (Bold added for emphasis)

Franklin has historically had an approximate 80-20 split between residential and commercial/industrial as shown in the following chart.

It should be interesting to hear why the residential percent rose from 81 to 82%

As the assessed valuation increases over time, the tax rate will drop. As the valuation decreases, the tax rate will increase. The tax rate is a good talking point but is simply the result of math driven by the assessed values and the amount to be raised to meet the budget.

The net change in assessed values vs the tax rate shows the inverse relationship

The rate actually means little to the average home owner. Whether the rate goes up or down, it is more important to know what the valuation of the residence is. The chart will show that over time, the tax rate can go up or down but the average tax bill will continue to increase due to the automatic 2.5% increase voted by the Council. 

The tax rate means nothing when the actual tax bill always increases

Download these updated charts in a PDF to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VtJzd2QSnAKYVe9I_XTj6t_U_z-8OWd/view?usp=drive_link

FY 2026 Tax classification hearing info -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pnjHbwzxQZ_S_-C2WpF_9LY8rWCZbsHm/view?usp=drive_link

The full Town Council agenda also provide an update on the projected revenue for FY 2027 out five years. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CKdLHv-tyPPMK8NjyTjoW0-QYb2w4gW/view?usp=drive_link