a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month
b. Town Staff Retirementsi. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Yearsii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Yearsiii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Yearsiv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Yearsv. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years
a. Franklin Cultural Councili. Brittany Capozziii. Jorge Marineziii. Jessica Phillipsiv. Nancy Rabinowitzv. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas
a. 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 and the Chair so-declares:
i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition
b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.
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| Tri-County RVTHS recognizes their Retiree Class of 2026 |
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| Franklin Public Schools recently showed appreciation to 23 employees who are retiring this school year. From left to right, Robert Vacca, Lisa Vetrano, Ann O'Keefe-Williams, Susan Childers, Kerry Richardson, Lisa Daly, Lauren Green, Jolene Cronin and Charlene Harn. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools) |
FM #1747 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1747 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee participated, 6 were present in Chambers, 1 participated via Zoom.
Quick recap
17 students were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English
A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service
Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting
The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy
Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours)
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1747-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-26-26/--------------
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| School Committee, principals, and retirees |
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| School Committee and Biliteracy students |
Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67
The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332
My notes can be found in one PDF file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/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"
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| School Committee and Biliteracy students |
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| Aging Boldfully: Look Back Then Move Forward (video) |
Pamela Cusack, President of Salon Elan, Inc says "Thanks" to the community. Pam is retiring after 30 years doing business.
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| Pamela Cusack, President of Salon Elan, Inc says Thanks to the Community |
FM #1514 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1514 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 Thursday, September 18, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 17, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
Announcements from the Chair
Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status
School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked
2 Police Dept new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members
2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area
In legislation for action
all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading
The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced
A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved
A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW
A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year.
In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered;
Qne - a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct;
Second - the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.
The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1514-town-council-quarterbacking-09-18-25/
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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY
The agenda and docs released for this session can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911
My notes in a single PDF can be found -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/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"
 |
| Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2+ hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio) |
FM #1506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1506 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 Thursday, September 4, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 3, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Discussion items:
PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month
b. Police Department
i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli
ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean
c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Fire Chief - Chuck Allen
b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson
c. Cultural Council
i. Ryan Hanley
ii. William Lee
iii. Caryn Parnell
PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director
b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff
c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting)
b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading
c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)
d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4
The conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1506-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-25/
--------------
Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw
The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891
My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link
Background on “assessment center” https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/assessment-and-selection/other-assessment-methods/assessment-centers/
--------------
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"
 |
| Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio) |