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/

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

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 

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

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/

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

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

Laura shares insights from The Pantry Strategic Plan with us (audio)

FM #1386 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1386 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Laura Doherty, Franklin Food Pantry Associate Director. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

The Pantry Strategic Plan

Laura provides a brief story on her road to The Pantry then we get to talk about The Pantry Strategic Plan. It was funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation specifically for use in building capacity. The Pantry developed the strategic plan with involvement of multiple stakeholders groups and is now able to bring the plan to life.

The recent holiday meal distribution is one example of how the strategic plan led to the enhancements that resulted in almost 1,000 meals distributed during Nov & Dec 2024.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I was previously on the Food Pantry Board. I am currently volunteering on a couple of committees to help the Food Pantry mission. 

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Laura

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1386-franklin-food-pantry-strategic-plan-02-06-25/

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

Franklin Food Pantry strategic plan -> 

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Strategic-Plan-2024-to-2027.pdf 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

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

Sign up for a public tour of the Pantry -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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 www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"