Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 01/07/26 (exclusive audio)

 FM #1623 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1623 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Daddario absent). 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• Approval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

• Blood pressure kits available at Library 

• Discussion around the additional communications to spread the word, possible audio opportunity too 

• Flu cases 

• Mass Dept Public Health numbers on respiratory health, 16% emergency visits due to respiratory illnesses, flu and others in the category 

• Actual #s would be higher than reported, ie story of one test for a family of 4; largest group reported 5-19... What % of Franklin is vaccinated? DPH has the #s could query for 

• 29 adult and 4 pediatric fatalities from flu this season across Mass 

• Discussion on setting up another flu vaccine sooner than later (before Feb vacation) COVID is still around but not as high as the flu 

• Moving to tobacco regulations 

• Motion to approve, new regulations with a couple of grandfather circumstances (500' for existing, 1000' for new locations) , max 6 mg per pouch 

• Second, vote on the motion, 2-0-1 (1 absent) 

• Regional health agent reports 

• Biannual inspections underway 

• 2 residential kitchens, In operation, one last month, one this month starting now 

• Quarterly trend on health issues forthcoming 

• Explanation on food borne illness and inspection process upon alert

The meeting runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting January 7, 2026.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1623-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-01-07-26/

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Agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nTgbKGgRO0z1GV2qqqNFwBpqaaqF590D/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"

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Board of Health meeting Wednesday, Jan 7 at 5 PM

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 7, 2026 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street - 3rd Floor, Training Room

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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 Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Agenda for Board of Health meeting

a. December 3, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8009/December-3-2025---Minutes

4. NEW BUSINESS

a. Discussion of Blood Pressure program at the library  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8010/Blood-Pressure-Monitor-Kits

b. Rising number of flu cases discussion

5. PUBLIC HEARING

a. Voting on Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products Regulations amendments  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7457/Draft-Regulation-of-the-Franklin-Board-of-Health-6325docx---Google-Docs

6. REPORTS

a. Metacomet shared service grant regional health agent report  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8023/Regional-Health-Agent-December-2025-Report

b. Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8022/Nursing-Agenda-December-2025

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

8. ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071

Audio recording of the Franklin (MA) Board of Health Mtg - Nov 5, 2025 (audio)

FM #1576 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1576 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present. 

Quick Recap:

• Current chair Jeff Harris opens meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Welcomes new member Diane Daddario

• Approval of minutes, June 4 moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 abstain)

• July 23 moved also by 2-0-1 (1 abstain)

• Reorganization

• Motion to make Kim as chair passes, Jeff as vice chair, passes 3-0 for both

• Tobacco control agent appt required. 

• Motion to make MHOA, second, passes 3-0

• Discussion on tobacco regulations, need to adjust the Franklin regs to along with State changes;

• C Liberty offers to provide info on neighboring communities and how they handle it

• Issue with the difference between tobacco vs other retail store opportunities, could affect their market

• Issue with menthol cigarettes prohibited in MA, folks traveling to RI to purchase

• Next meeting to review again, decision likely in Dec, public hearing to be scheduled in January

• Motion to adjourn passes, 3-0

The meeting runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting November 5, 2025.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1576-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-05-25/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052025-1990 

My notes captured in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkWYFXT-obacJrhnXt8jOb8auxYKb0zW/view?usp=drive_link 

Audio recording of the Franklin (MA)
Board of Health Mtg - Nov 5, 2025 (audio)

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

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"

Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health (audio)

FM #1372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1372 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Discussion on designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll call

• Discussion on the new MEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0

• Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display which can be walked through. Simulation dementia experience via hospital. Training possible for wait staff to assist with making that restaurant ordering process a less stressful experience 

• Health agent report, monthly training completed 

• COVID tests still available via the Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 80% of the cases occurred during January (folks actually getting tested, so still likely an undercount)

• Steve chimed in that he had a contact for the brain program will send info to Cathleen. Also the agenda doc link for the meeting was not clickable, it could be copied but wasn’t clickable

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 5, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1372-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-02-05-25/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543  

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

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"

Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)

Franklin Dept of Health: #GreatAmericanSpitOut

The #GreatAmericanSpitOut occurs every February. Smokeless tobacco, like chew and dip, has over 28 cancer causing substances that can typically lead to cancer of the mouth, esophagus, & pancreas. 

For more information on the effects of smokeless tobacco and how to quit today, visit: www.cdc.gov/tobacco 

Board of Health hears of Shaw's/AFC sushi issue, completes review of tobacco regulations - 06/-7/23 (audio)

FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0

• Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday

• Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching

• Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening

The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_060723_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/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 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 of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM