Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

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. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Town Staff Retirements

i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years

ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years

iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years

iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years

v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Brittany Capozzi

ii. Jorge Marinez

iii. Jessica Phillips

iv. Nancy Rabinowitz

v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

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.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 10, 2026 ???

Thursday, September 10

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day all week due to the holiday. Those normally on Wednesday, are now scheduled for Thursday , etc.

4:00pm Free Skating Open House (Pirelli Veterans Arena)

5:00pm Wind Phone & new art installed (Franklin Sculpture Park)

6:00pm IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group at SAFE (SAFE Coalition)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Bi-County Collaborative - Board of Directors Mtg.

Thursday, September 10 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2489 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - CANCELED

Thursday, September 10 Time: 2:00 PM

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2471 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2488 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2497

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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

"FILL THE VAN" pop-up Diaper Drive THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market

via the SAFE Coalition:

"POP-UP DIAPER DRIVE ROUND 2!

Since July 1, 2026, we have had 501 unique requests for diapers. 

This is up 300% since last July. 

💚 We are asking for your support!

Our pop-up, diaper drive was so successful last Saturday, that we are doing a "FILL THE VAN" pop-up THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market from 2:30pm-6:00pm!

Size 4, 5, and 6 are the highest need.

We are already so grateful to all of you who have participated in giving and donating.

 

THANK YOU!"

Boston Globe: "‘Joe Camel all over again’: Mass. Lottery blasted for cartoonish games critics say lure children"

“It’s Joe Camel all over again.”

Our CEO and co-founder Jen Levine made the front page of yesterday’s Boston Globe, talking about the cartoon characters and bright colors in the state’s new online lottery games.

In 2021, 28% of Massachusetts high schoolers reported playing the lottery. By 2025 it was 37%.

SAFE is working to make gambling a part of the addiction and mental health conversation in Massachusetts today.

Story link - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/31/metro/massachusetts-lottery-online-children-games/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Thank you to Chris Serres and The Boston Globe for the reporting.

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 29, 2026 ???

Saturday, August 29

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am SAFE flag planting (Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Arts & Crafts Sale (684 Oak St, Franklin)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am    FSPA Open House    (38 Main St)

10:30am Summer Reading Wrap Up! (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Peach Fest (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

3:00pm Franklin Cable Access - Annual Open Meeting/Block Party (23 Hutchinson St)

5:30pm Community Cookout (Franklin United Methodist Church)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

*** NO  Town Meetings today ***

---------

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

Free Narcan training from the SAFE Coalition at the Franklin Public LIbrary, Monday, Aug 24

Free Narcan training next week! No registration required and open to all!

MILLIS

Monday, Aug. 24

3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop in anytime)

Millis Public Library (Local History Room)

FRANKLIN

Monday, Aug. 24

6:15–7:15 p.m.

Franklin Public Library

WRENTHAM

Tuesday, Aug. 25

6:15–7:15 p.m.

Fiske Public Library

Attendees will:

Learn how to recognize an overdose

Practice administering Narcan

Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

Leave with 2, 4mg doses of Narcan

See all upcoming trainings or request training: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training

Supported by Towns of Millis, Franklin, and Wrentham Opioid Abatement Funds.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 20, 2026 ???

Thursday, August 20

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

9:00am Fallen Hero: Edward C. Dailey (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm FREE Choking Response Training (Franklin Fire Department)

5:00pm Open House - New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility (21 Elizabeth Ave)

6:00pm IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group at SAFE (SAFE Coalition) 

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***  Town Meetings today ***

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, August 20 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal discussion

250th Anniversary Celebration Events Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08202026-2462 

ZBA Meeting - No Meeting

Thursday, August 20

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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

via SAFE Coalition: "Talking to teens about cannabis risks and health effects"

Our kids are curious about cannabis, let's talk about it!

Teen Fact Sheet: https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_YR20_INS1_StudentMagazine.pdf

Cannabis Risks Form: https://med.stanford.edu/halpern-felsher-reach-lab/resources.html 

Longterm Health Risks: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana

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

Ask SAFE : What is "AA"?

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more. 

👇Check out this week’s Q&A!

  

Q: What is “AA”?  

A: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free, peer-led program for people who want to stop drinking. Members work through the Twelve Steps and support each other in a safe, anonymous setting. It’s one of several paths to recovery.  

AA began in the 1930s with an emphasis (not requirement) on abstinence, mutual support, spiritual growth, and personal accountability. The steps typically involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction, seeking help from a higher power, making amends for past behaviors, and helping others in recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/ 

 

Volunteers still needed to help SAFE with flag planting for International Overdose Awareness Day

On August 31, communities around the world mark International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those we've lost to overdose and working to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.

This year, SAFE will work with community members to place memorial flags across the county. Sign up to help: tinyurl.com/safeoad

• Place flags: Saturday, August 29, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Remove flags: Tuesday, September 1, 9 to 10 a.m.

Anyone can help, and all are welcome!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbY49FIDxGy/

Art for mental health workshop for 2nd to 5th graders - August 14

via The Within Project

"Join us for an art for mental health workshop for 2nd to 5th graders at @safecoalition from 3 - 5 pm next week, August 14th! We still have a few spots left!

Through fun creative art activities, kids will learn how to use art as a healthy way to express emotions and understand their emotions in a welcoming, supportive space.

This workshop is donation-based, so there is no fee required to participate, and 100% of donations go to a local nonprofit.

Registration is still required to reserve your spot.

Limited spots remain, so don't wait!

Registration link:" https://forms.gle/4RzdvF9RcWEVaDdeA

SAFE Coalition’s Family Recovery Webinar: “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs" - August 27

What do we tell young people a trusted adult looks like? And what happens when someone twists that trust into something harmful?

Join SAFE Coalition’s Family Recovery Webinar Series for “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs,” a conversation with Mikaela Weinstein, SAFE’s Diversion Facilitator, and Detective Jack Flynn of the Franklin Police Department.

You’ll learn:
• How these relationships take shape, seen from a young person’s perspective
• Which online platforms adults target most often to reach kids
• Practical tips for internet and social media safety at home
• What local police data shows about how often this is happening right here

This session is especially valuable for parents and caregivers of adolescents and younger children, and for teens themselves.

Thursday, August 27, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
💻 Zoom | Free
✅ Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 ???

Wednesday, August 5

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.htmlcloth

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

12:00pm SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Summer Drop-In Hours (SAFE Coalition)

5:30pm Bluegrass & Country Jam Circle (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***   NO  Town Meetings today ***

---------

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