Joint meeting of Town Council & School Committee gets details on Chapter 70, Council approves RFI for strategic plan (video)

The Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday night. 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6

(We are supposed to get a copy of the presentation document. When we do, we'll add it here)

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link

Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Brief recap

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• State constitution calls for funding education. Chapter 70 was developed in 1993 to administer the program. It was revised in 2019 with the Student Opportunity Act (SOA). It attempts to normalize school funding across the Commonwealth. Communities can spend more than the state determined "foundation" level but the state will assist the community in meeting the foundation level.
• Franklin is a minimum aid community as the current calculation calls for state assistance in the amount of $13M and we were previously getting $30M, hence we are being held harmless by that $17M. The 17M is the amount that the state determines Franklin could and should be funding from our local resources.
• There is a study underway to take a look at the local contribution requirements but it is likely a couple of years away from taking effect and it is not yet know what will happen. While Franklin is #2 on the list of communities being "held harmless", the number of communities on that list is growing due to the revised calculations
• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, ...
• Motion to amend with Council and SchCmte, and new date Apr 17
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Motion to approve as amended 
• Second, passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 
• So moved, second, discussion 
• Motion to amend to include house and Senate ways & means, second vote to amend withdrawn ...
• Vote on the original motion, resolution was not changed, just the memo
• Passes 8-0-1
• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)
• So moved, second
• Passes 8-0-1

Franklin, MA: Joint Town Council & School Committee meeting - Weds, Mar 18 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 18, 2026 = 6:00 PM

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.

d. Committee Assignments

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

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Communications Subcommittee

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 21, 2026 (tabled from February 11, 2026 Town Council meeting)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8726/7a---January-21-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. February 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8725/7b-February-4-2026-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

c. March 4, 2026  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8724/7c-March-4-Minutes

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation & Discussion: Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  https://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/chapter70/default.html

b. Discussion: School Committee & Town Council Strategic Planning Request for Information  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8719/11b-Discussion-Strategic-Planning

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-16 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8720/12a-1---RESOLUTION-26-16---Approval-for-Request-for-Statements-of-Interest-for-Development-of-a-Strategic-Plan

b. Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-17 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8721/12b-FY27-State-Budget-Priorities-Letter

c. Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8722/12c-Town-Council-Support-for-H-4297

d. Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-19 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8723/12d-Special-Legislation-Regarding-Increase-in-Local-Excise-Tax

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

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://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger (audio)

FM #1670 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1670 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, February 13, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for the Shaw's alcohol license

• Council comments followed Citizen Comments in this new order of agenda items

• The 5 year budget model and forecast 

• The Capital budget 

• Then as the clock turned past 10 PM during their deliberations on the amendments, the Council voted to allow extension of the meeting past their 4 hour curfew. The meeting did close approx. 20 minutes later.

The conversation runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1670-town-council-quarterbacking-02-13-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/live/PGKBpPjZZTM?&t=210 

The agenda and docs released for this session

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130  

My notes captured in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUdG4Uju_rM2ro2mJCBeEIXOfSx9T8M0/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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

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 discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 for their shortest public session of this term of office completing public business in under 2 hours. They did go to Executive Session so who know how long that took. We'll find out later.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51MAacjd_XU

The agenda and released documents ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120 

Quick recap:

• Citizen comments:
• P Griffith, SchCmte Chair provides an update on budget, encourages budget hearing participation Tuesday, Feb 10
• K Mu Chow informs on the Franklin Ridge presentation on Friday, 1:30 at Senior Center
• DPW Director Cantoreggi, almost at total snow/ice budget for year, last storm cost $325,000
• G Carlucci announces Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America celebrating 100th Anniversary this year. Steve Puleo presenting April 12 at Historical Museum
• Goals discussion, wrapped around terminology and strategic planning, could have chosen a subcommittee to help with prioritization, ended up not, will send adjustments, ideas, etc. to Jamie to consolidate for next discussion at the March 4 meeting. Consultants planned to be there to present on strategic plan option
• Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council 
• LeBlanc poses adjusted language, second,
• P5, sec 2, regular meetings may not begin earlier than 6, provided that an agenda items is not already under discussion, the meeting may continue with a majority vote, vote on amendment Passes 9-0
• Vote on the motion as amended, Passes 9-0
• Moved to enter Executive session; 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:
  • i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
  • ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
  • iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pW9ckTDCmx-SwZL9VTtWqe9WzGOyUGTN/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin (MA) Town Council

Agenda for the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting Weds, Feb 4, 2026

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 4, 2026 = 6:00 PM

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. December 17, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: 2026-2027 Town Council-Town Administrator Goals

• i. Town Administrator Memo   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8244/8a-1---MEMO---2026-27-TC_TA-Goals-Setting-Session
• ii. Draft Town Council-Town Administrator Preliminary List of Goals  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8254/8a-2---2026-2027-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals-January-2026---Google-Docs

iii. Discussion: Town and School Strategic Planning

1. Town of Wrentham Strategic Planning Presentation  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8241/8aiii---1---Updated-Board-Presentation-12026---Wrentham---Copy

2. Town of Westford Strategic Planning

• a. 2025 Strategic Plan Document   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8240/8aiii2a---Westford-MA-Strategic-Plan-final
• b. Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8242/8aiii---2b---2025-Town-Manager-Strategic-Plan-Presentation-2025_01_28

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-08: Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-08 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8256/9a-Rules-of-Procedure

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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:

• i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
• ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
• iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Amber Baur shares about her work volunteering for the Franklin Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1519 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1519 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Amber Baur, Chair of the Board of Directors, for the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Pantry on Monday, September 22, 2025. 

Discussion items: 

Amber Baur

• Amber’s background and road to The Pantry

• Board and subcommittee structure to build a pipeline of talent 

• Strategic & careful expansion of curbside services to neighboring communities

• Many opportunities to be involved to help The Pantry

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1519-franklin-food-pantry-board-chair-amber-baur-09-22-25/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wishlist ->  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Greater Boston Food Bank ->  https://www.gbfb.org/ 

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

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"

Your input sought for the Out Metrowest Community Survey - closes August 25

Out Metrowest Community
Survey - closes August 25

TAKE OUR 15 MINUTE COMMUNITY SURVEY!🌈

We have begun our new strategic planning process, and we need YOUR input to shape the next 3-5 years of our LGBTQ+ programming and community engagement!

Please take 15 minutes to complete our community survey today! We are hoping to collect at least 100 responses from youth, parents and caregivers, community members, and organizational partners by August 25th at 5pm. This survey is completely anonymous. If you choose to share your email with us, you will be entered into a gift basket drawing!

Take our survey -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRbG8iQJSzdBZ1DVFYaRsRB5umqASksVxBOhF913ZnN53rEQ/viewform