Exclusive audio of the Franklin Commission on Disability meeting March 5, 2026 (audio)

FM #1686 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1686 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The meeting was held at the Senior Center. The meeting opened with a welcome by Chair Ali Rheaume.  

Quick Recap:

• Motion to approve previous meeting minutes, made, passed unanimously

• Discussion on AAB Non-Compliance Letters, some sites getting repeat letters, MBTA supposedly to be compliant in May

• Resource Document is live, getting feedback, led to discussion on calling the doc a “resource” or list of “services available”, renamed to “Disability-Related Services”

• Discussion on “Accessibility in Franklin” - working on a doc to list public sites, and share standard accessible access points of interest Group working to divide to work and make progress

• Discussion on possible increase in membership by 2, ultimately a vote to approve the request for 2 more members

• Motion to adjourn, made, second and approved

The meeting runs just over 1 hour. Let’s listen to the Commission on Disability meeting held March 5, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1686-franklin-ma-commission-on-disability-mtg-03-05-26/

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

The Commission on Disability agenda can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2163 

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

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"

Disability-Related Resources in or around Franklin, MA

The Franklin Commission on Disability is excited to share a wonderful new resource: "Disability-Related Resources in or around Franklin, MA", now available on the Town website! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VYPlMEk8-gQ706ckntDjjvqdx-4NaFjBA4lJMbYvP8o/edit?tab=t.0

Questions?

Contact Chair Alison Rheaume: COD.FranklinMA@gmail.com/508-455-5687.

https://www.franklinma.gov/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqxQR2koFM/

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

Officer Dave Gove and Officer Amanda Ayer recognized for response for an infant not breathing

Via Franklin Police:

Gianna and her parents Kelcey and Nick stopped by the station to thank Officers Gove and Ayer

"We’re very happy to share this post with permission of Gianna’s family. Last month, Officer Dave Gove and Officer Amanda Ayer responded to a residence in Franklin for an infant not breathing. Officer Gove and Ayer arrived first and Officer Gove began performing on CPR on baby Gianna. Care was quickly transferred to the Franklin Fire Department. Gianna was in for a fight but she prevailed!

Today Gianna and her parents Kelcey and Nick stopped by the station to thank Officers Gove and Ayer for their response that difficult morning and we are so grateful they did!

Officer Gove and Officer Ayer have been School Resource Officers in our schools. Due to staffing restrictions they were reassigned to our patrol division this past July and they both work day shift together.

Incidents like this highlight the superior training and preparedness our officers have to respond to these critical incidents. GREAT JOB Officer Gove and Officer Ayer!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BEkYyTDjr/

FTC provides free resources for learning money management and how to spot and avoid scams

Free resources for learning money management and how to spot and avoid scams By BCP Staff Do you know someone who might need to brush up on their money management skills? Or learn to spot and avoid scams? Back-to-school season is a good time to get to work on learning. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just looking to sharpen your skills, you can learn how to protect your money and personal information. The FTC's consumer.gov has free, reliable information in plain language to help you get started. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/free-resources-learning-money-management-and-how-spot-and-avoid-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Great resource to find adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities

via Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities / RI College

Over 400 adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities are organized in a searchable database on our website; it’s our most-visited page every month!

In recognition of Deafblind Awareness Week, we’re highlighting a few of our Rhode Island-related titles:

Great resource to find adapted versions of popular
literature for students with complex disabilities

• Things Made in Rhode Island

• Rhode Island Beaches

• Rhode Island Famous People

• Rhode Island Famous Places

• Rhode Island Foods

• Rhode Island History

Check them out at https://bit.ly/RI-lit or view all of our adapted literature offerings at https://bit.ly/adaptedliterature.

Stay tuned, Massachusetts friends; we haven’t forgotten you!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1NopNYufN5/

Visit the website for more info on the Sherlock Center -> https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/

*Yes, there is a family relationship to this Sherlock Center. Paul was my father's brother.

How to Access Online Resources with your Franklin Library card

As you have noticed, I share pertinent articles from other legitimate media sources.

When I do that for the Boston Globe and NY Times, you can access the full article in the newspaper with a Franklin Public Library card. If you don't already have one, might be a good idea to get one.

There are a whole listing of online resources available with a library card. You'll need to go the Library page, Online resources, and then follow that link which will prompt you for your library card to get access. A few clicks but those clicks save you the subscription fee.

How to access the Online Resources step by step with the Boston Globe newspaper shown as an example:

Go to the Library page ->  https://franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

While these steps are the easy one two three for most of the databases, there are a few that require some extra steps. If you need help getting access please contact the library through the website contact forms (https://www.franklinma.gov/235/Contact-Us) or call the main line at 508-520-4941

Download this info as a one page PDF to remember or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jrK4oH3oAR7R0dcAtVHBbMBQzW__089/view?usp=drive_link

Get your January 2025 guide to social resources from Hockomock Area YMCA

January 2025 guide to social resources

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted Sat, Jan 04, 2025:

 

"Our Y is committed to connecting people to available local resources and social support services as part of our Social Action Services initiative.

You can also download our resource guide here: https://t.co/moKRBSXIUp"

 

Shared from -> https://t.co/JmlXIKBMMj

Master Plan Subcommittees: Sustainability & OSR & NCHR Subcommittees meeting scheduled for Mon, Dec 30

Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-12-30_updated_20241226.pdf

OSR & NCHR Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Monday, December 30, 2024 - 5:45pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_dec_30_2024.pdf

Master Plan Subcommittees: Sustainability & OSR & NCHR Subcommittees meeting scheduled for Mon, Dec 30

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability

Over the next couple of days, sections of the Master Plan Update "final draft" will be shared to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Nov 14. 

The presentation and hearing will begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Municipal Building. Franklin TV is scheduled to broadcast the event (and record for future viewing).

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

Key Issues and Opportunities

This document outlines the major challenges currently faced by the Town of Franklin. These key issues, along with potential opportunities, are instrumental in understanding and shaping the Town’s Master Plan update. Additionally, they contribute to the formulation of the town’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next ten to twenty years.

PDF for this section:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZ_xY4ypsvRl1esW3dmJe5zrMajEgCer/view?usp=drive_link

Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions

Master Plan Strategies are intended to inform decision-making and ensure that community development aligns with the goals of the master plan. These strategies are crafted through an assessment of current conditions, emerging trends, and future projections for the community. Once established, these strategies serve as a framework for decisions related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation infrastructure, and various elements of community development.

Master Plan Action Items represent specific tasks required to achieve the goals and objectives detailed in the master plan. They are individual steps necessary to implement the guiding strategies and achieve the desired outcomes.

Given the complex table structure of the detailed implementation plans, I have broken out each section in a single PDF for easier reading by topic.

Land Use

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BP8FxjmTyTM8buB_loo5xoe2r99xLIOc/view?usp=drive_link

Natural, Cultural & Historical Resources

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXI3m_Z4BiATYtHeh2uCLzuIZ5qH6NkO/view?usp=drive_link

Sustainability

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXLSXzZG-y17TDgXy_hBNgMWBUQ4-NbA/view?usp=drive_link

The full Master Plan Update final draft report can be found on the Town page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability

DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT

Comments must be submitted by October 31

View this email in your browser Department of Conservation & Recreation is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.   The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the properties targeted for improvements. Copies of the plan for the SNETT are available on the Blackstone RMPs web page. A meeting was conducted on October 8 where DCR presented an initial draft of the RMPs for the Blackstone Complex.  A recording of the meeting and the slideshow from the meeting are available online.  DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of October 31st, 2024. Comments may be submitted via the DCR public comment portal.  Please be sure to select "Blackstone RMPs" from the "Topic Selection" drop down so that your comments are included with the correct project.  Please note that the content of comments you submit to DCR, along with your name, town, and zip code, will be posted on DCR's website. Additional contact information required when commenting, notably email address, will only be used for outreach on future updates on the subject project or property. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

The resource management plan can be found directly -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/snet-rmp-september-2024/download

text text text text