Communications Subcommittee sends email response and social media guidelines to full Council (video)

The Communication Subcommittee of the Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 15 in Council Chambers. All 4 members were present.

The Franklin TV video is available https://www.youtube.com/live/waSCPZX58RM?&t=247

The agenda and released documents for this session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-2412

Quick recap:

• The joint email response policy was approved by the subcommittee to bring to the full Council as amended (4-0 vote)
• The vote on social media guidelines for elected & appointed officials as amended was also approved to send to the full Council by a 4-0 vote
• Discussion on the work plan, Max raised some items discussed in prior meetings that did not make it to this listing
• Discussion on the scope of the committee, is it for Town Council communications or for communications on all of Town business?

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjT_rM8lx14IKucFaXsUAC26x6f-k6wk/view?usp=drive_link

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee begins to coalesce around their work plan

FM #1778 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1778 in the series. 

This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, July 13, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

 

The recording runs about 62 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1778-horace-mann-legacy-mtg-07-13-26/

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-2401 

My notes in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J-yJbzxMfv9e7G0IOUHFQ_Ouj6Q5xY9/view?usp=drive_link 

Horace Mann trifold used beginning at Strawberry Stroll

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfKvOLhuXlzlor53vvErcTONj-6FFk24/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"

Agenda for Communications Subcommittee - Weds, July 15 at 6 PM

Communications Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 15, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

Agenda:

1. Discussion: Debrief on Town Councilor attendance/presence at early summer 2026 community events

2. Town Council Office Hours follow up discussion

3. Constituent email response policy/protocol

a. Draft Town Council Email Guidelines   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10152/DRAFT-Town-Council-Email-Guidelines

4. Review and formal recommendation

a. Draft Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected & Appointed Officials  https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10110/DRAFT-Social-Media-Engagement-Guidelines-for-Elected-and-Appointed-Officials-PDF

b. Reference: Page 3 of Rules of Procedure defines Role of the Franklin Town Council  https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8362/2026-02-04-Draft-Rules-of-Procedure-v2-FINAL-APPROVED

5. General discussion: next steps, priorities, and questions

a. 2026-2027 Communications Subcommittee work plan  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9592/2026-2027-Communications-subcommittee-work-plan---DRAFT

b. Draft Town Council Community Engagement Ideas   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10120/Draft-Town-Council-Community-Engagement-Ideas

6. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-2412

Note: This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Subcommittee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately notified and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation.

Agenda for the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee - Monday, July 13 at 7 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

July 13, 2026 = 7:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Campus Design Update

● Financial Review

● Farmer's Market Event

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-2401

Audio of the School Committee Policy Subcmte Meeting June 9, 2026 (audio)

FM #1765 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1765 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano also participated.

Quick recap:

• discussion on new policy from DESE on seclusion and isolation needs to amend our current policy for implementation effect Aug 2026

• grant also received to help with training personnel for implementation. Only 1 of many districts to receive a grant 

• suggestion to remove one line that seems to be duplicate with the paragraph below 

• suggestion on wording around a timeline for submitting a complaint for investigation by the district motion

• discussion on intentional use of technology, work being done during the summer. also an update on AI tonight. Student data privacy agreement (SDPA) needed by district before a software tool is introduced, otherwise as in case with Google Maps (an exception) parents need to sign off on

• discussion on SchCmte meeting agenda, order, and guidelines; adding committee comments, possibly removing 'good of the order' to use more kitchen English to make it more easily accessible

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1765-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-06-09-26/

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School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2355 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QDlmPF_aMWfY7xcOtUNWNnGE9m740rYv/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"

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)

FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.

Quick recap:

• Cory Shea to talk about the events, 

• Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.

• Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned

• Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22

• After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec

• MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.

• Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.

• Why is there a distinction?

• Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked

The meeting runs about 71 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/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

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"

Communications Subcommittee listened & talked almost 4 hours on Thursday (audio)

FM #1749 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1749 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

 

Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella also participated. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.

The recording runs about 3 hours & 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1749-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-05-28-26/

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Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/bUhHdEn119Q?&t=66 

Meeting agenda and supporting docs - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282026-2333  

Meeting recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/communications-subcommittee-listened.html 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JmRSQOP0pbuQiaCVeMG5-Xla6eT8s_wz/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. 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"

Communications Subcommittee listened & talked almost 4 hours on Thursday (video)

The Town Council Communications Subcommittee met for almost four hours on Thursday, May 28, 2026. All four members were present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/bUhHdEn119Q?&t=66

Meeting agenda and supporting docs - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282026-2333 

Quick recap:

• Many departments presented on what they do to send out information, what newsletters, social tools, etc.
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined a brief history of the communications role previously held and now currently held by Liz Kalaijian
• 2 members of the School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee were present, one in person, one remote and participated in discussion on collaboration around joint meetings (as needed) and office hours (agreeing to different times and places)
• Discussion around the work plan and attempt to prioritize the items led to a repeated round of conversation about the process of Councilors replying to resident's emails. Draft of the tentative process to be reviewed and agreed to by subcommittee before bringing to the full Council at a future date
• Review of the job description of the Communications Director, which in may cases was already covered in the prior discussion

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JmRSQOP0pbuQiaCVeMG5-Xla6eT8s_wz/view?usp=drive_link

Reminder: Economic Development Subcommittee - May 14

Reminder: Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m.

3rd Floor Training Room, Franklin Municipal Building

Residents are invited to attend in person, stream live via the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall or participate virtually via Zoom 

Agenda & webinar link available here: https://buff.ly/MmLlvZl

Shared from:  

https://www.facebook.com/share/18QJMVAD63/

Town Council's Communication Subcmte meets for the first time Monday, April 27 (audio)

This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal Building on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella (remote) also participated. Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.

The recording runs about 1 hour & 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1740-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-04-27-26/

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Franklin TV video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouZWNXNKTd8 

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2270  

My set of notes from the meeting in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JiB0YpZXFHfWRnnMBQM7u26r8qx6cOiJ/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. 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"

Audio replay of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Meeting April 27, 2027 is ready (audio)

FM #1739 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1739 in the series. 

Horace Mann birthplace monument in Franklin 

This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

 

The recording runs about 1 hour & 21 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1739-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-04-27-26/

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Meeting agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2263 

My notes in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K0YXyEp3-9Y9AVbFRFm9kub4XsBW11nx/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"