Agenda for Town Council Meeting, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 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. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

Agenda for Town Council Meeting,
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6 PM

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 11, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS -

a. Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Courtney Shimer

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

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

i. Town Administrator Memo

ii. Draft Town Council-Town Administrator Preliminary List of Goals

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-10: Adoption of 2026-2027 Town Council and Town Administration Goals (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-10 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-11: Establishment of Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Review Town Charter (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-11 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-12: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing a Fire Truck for the Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-12 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-13: Parking Meter Receipts Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-13 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-14: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,645) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-14 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-15: PEG Funding Approval (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-15 - Majority Vote)

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Attachment 2, Attachment 3, Attachment 4, Attachment 7 & Attachment 8 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot Area Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

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

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166

Community Relations Subcommittee - 2/09/26 meeting recording (exclusive audio)

The Community Relations subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee met on Monday, February 9, 2026 via remotely only.  Participating were Al Charles, Chair, Nadia Mausolf, Stephen Karunakaran, and Colin Boisvert, Operations Director. Yours truly participated and shares this recording.

The agenda topics:

• Finalize Mission Statement

• JGPR Overview

• Website Usage Metrics

• Quarterly Community Engagement Update

• Newsletter Planning

Link to agenda doc 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2123 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1657-schcmte-community-relations-subcmte-mtg-2-09-26/

Audio recording for the School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - Jan 13, 2026

FM #1630 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1630 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.

Quick recap:

• Opening discussion on an update to the remote participation policy which dated from pre-COVID. This brings it up to current authorized practice per State law. 

• Added clarification on a remotely only session where remote for the public goes down. (Note there is also a Backchannel process being put together to enable communication among the meeting conductors and organizers). 

• Motion to bring as modified to School Committee as a first reading, second, passes 3-0

• Discussion on crowd funding to help provide materials, is there a policy? 

• Yes, there is a policy and process, can review at the building level to ensure coverage

• Discussion on the state championship signage, inconsistent in appearance and there is no policy. Complicated by State ownership of the existing sign (and land) and process around it. How do we create something equitable, consistent and sustainable?

• Need to determine the equivalence of the title achieved; MIAA, MSAA, METG, DECA, etc.

• Consideration for digital, the cost is coming down and it will make it easier to maintain going forward

• Additional research to be done to bring together something as a 'strawman' for a policy for further review and discussion

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 




The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1630-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-01-13-26/






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Audio recording for the School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - Jan 13, 2026



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/_01132026-2087 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18KUiY-44063oivzPxMnuFbhDnwrRdlCS/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"

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee looking for interested community members

To all members of the Franklin, MA community,

I am writing to share with you an exciting new opportunity for civic engagement in Franklin via a role on the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee.

Horace Mann

Horace Mann was a Franklin native who is now considered the Father of Public Education due to his commitment to education reform, promoting universal public education and establishing the public education system in Massachusetts that was then adopted by most other states.

In August, the School Committee voted to create the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee as a means to guide the development of initiatives that honor the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Horace Mann. This work will focus on the following primary areas:

Horace Mann Campus Identity & Physical Recognition – Establishing a clear, consistent, and historically grounded identity for the Horace Mann Campus through visible but restrained physical and digital markers.

Community Awareness & Storytelling – Increasing public understanding of Horace Mann’s life, legacy, and connection to Franklin through educational and interpretive efforts.

Public Education Advocacy (Informational) – Supporting historical education and awareness related to public education, without engaging in lobbying or political advocacy.

We are seeking interested community members to serve as voting members of this committee! Specifically, we are seeking:

• 4 community members at-large

• 1 Franklin Middle School student representative

• 1 Franklin High School student representative

to serve alongside members from the Franklin School Committee, Historical Commission, Cultural Council, and Town Council on this 12-person subcommittee.

The subcommittee will meet monthly and is scheduled to serve until May 4, 2027 unless extended by School Committee vote.

If you are interested, please communicate your interest through the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/NjuLBgHVfQsREvRv7

All submissions will be reviewed at the next subcommittee meeting, currently scheduled for Friday, January 23, and interested parties will be contacted following this review.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at reish@franklinps.net.

• Submitted Respectfully by Reis Hansen on behalf of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings

The key agenda items for two subcommittee meetings and the full School Committee meeting are shared below. The agenda PDF doc also contains remote participation info

1 - Franklin Public School Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, January 12 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2082 

Agenda:

● Establish Mission Statement / 2026 Goals

● 2026 Engagement & Activity Brainstorming

● Newsletter Planning

2 - Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2087 

Agenda:

II. Review of Minutes

III. Overview of Policies & Procedures

IV. Approved Policies

A. none

V. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration

VI. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. BL: Remote Participation

B. GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitations- Crowdfunding

C. Signage on State Property (State Champions)

D. AEB - Recognition of Accomplishments

E. Facility Rental Policies (KF, KF-E1, KF-E2, KF-E3, KF-E4, KF-E5)

3 - Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Agenda:

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FHS Galapagos Islands Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Jason Chetlan to take FHS Students to the Galapagos Islands from 2/13 - 21/2027 as discussed. 

B. 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies

I recommend approval of the 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies as discussed. 

C. Policy - First Reading

I recommend moving Policy IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration to a second reading as discussed. 

D. ECDC 2026-27 Tuition Rate

I recommend approval of the ECDC 2026-27 tuition rate as discussed

Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings

SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

FM #1587 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1587 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with the new Chair of the School Committee Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, November 20, 2025. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting Nov 18.

Quick recap:

• Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair. 

• One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Pledge students from the Washington 3-5 school. 5 students in one class had originated in one of the other 5 elementary schools

• Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

• IKF - Graduation Requirements

• IKFE - Competency Determinations

• Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

• Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

• A. Inclement Weather Notice

• B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

• C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

• Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed

• The importance of the MASC Workshop providing the first hour of training on the do's and don't of a School Committee member

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1587-chalkboard-chat-11-20-25/

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SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate
on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

School Committee page (with contact info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee newsletter with brief biographical info on the 7 members in addition to other school news -> https://5il.co/3sh1v 

Franklin TV video of the Nov 18 meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s 

The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf  

The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192 

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

 

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

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"