Nomination papers will be available in August for the Town Biennial Election In November

Town of Franklin - Biennial Town Election – November 7, 2023

Nomination papers will be available on Tuesday, August 1. 

Must be returned by September 6, 2023 no later than 5:00 PM at the Town Clerk’s Office.

The following seats are open in the Biennial Town Election being held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023:

• Board of Assessors - 2 Seats
• Board of Health - 2 Seats
• Constables - 3 Seats
• Planning Board - 3 Seats
• School Committee - 7 Seats
• Town Council - 9 Seats

View the PDF file with the listing of current elected seat volunteers

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QB4re863UhZV9sYjkNI8jjYt59O4Q8L9/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin - Biennial Town Election – November 7, 2023

Capital Budget Subcommittee approves the 4 items to complete 2nd round of Capital (audio)

FM #978 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 978 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandinni, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Town Clerk Nancy Danello, DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi (a few minutes after start of meeting) were also present in the 3rd Floor Training Room.

This meeting covered the second round of capital budgeting. The first round was handled earlier this year. Now that the winter and snow/ice effects are behind us, what had been put aside initially can now be distributed. 

The four items on the agenda were discussed and all approved after discussion by a 4-0 vote to bring forward to the Town Council.

The recording runs about 57 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-978-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-04-26-23

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Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-04-26_capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda.pdf

My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSfG9dZBVEJ9XdpwPPlfb4j9DuXHWeI_/view?usp=share_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 Council: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - April 26, 2023 at 5:45 PM

Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

FM #950 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 950 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 

We talk about the annual census, dog registrations due by April 1, and the election calendar for 2023 including the possible Tri-County school building special election.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.

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

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-950-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-02-14-23

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 

Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

Passport processing (by appointment) https://www.franklinma.gov/passport/pages/passport-acceptance-facility-office

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

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 Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer recognized as Franklin's eldest with Boston Post Cane

Written by Alan Earls

It's a New England tradition, dating back to 1909, begun as an expensive publicity stunt by the publisher of The Boston Post Newspaper. The paper awarded gold-headed canes to each municipality in the region, with instructions to award it to their eldest resident.

With occasional hiccups, Franklin has maintained the tradition, as have many other New England towns.

Thursday afternoon, it was the turn of Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer, in a ceremony conducted at the Lydia Taft House, a rehabilitation and nursing center, located in Uxbridge, where she resides temporarily. The reception brought out about 20 family members and was presided over by Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello. 

Danello, reading from a prepared statement, noted that Mrs. Spencer is Franklin's  oldest resident,  born May 11 1921. 

"She'll be 102 in May.  Mrs. Spencer was born here in Franklin on her family homestead on North Park Street, the youngest of 10 children. She has many fond memories of growing up here in Franklin during the Depression, including time spent at her family store, attending Franklin public schools and the many activities throughout the town that she was involved in. Mrs. Spencer graduated from Franklin High School in 1939. After graduating she worked for many years  in Walpole and aided in the war effort by making airplane parts. 

"In 1954, Lorraine married Matthew Spencer, and together they raised seven children most still residing  in Franklin. Sadly, Matthew passed away in 1972. Lorraine then began working at Dean Junior College, retiring in 1986. Mrs. Spencer has 16 grandchildren an seven great grandchildren who continue to share her love of cooking and follow her delicious Italian recipes, though never making it quite as good as she did."

Mrs. Spencer held the cane proudly and relinquished after photos were taken, for safekeeping by the town.

State Rep. Jeff Roy also greeted Mrs. Spencer and offered souvenir greetings from the State House and his best wishes for  her upcoming 102nd birthday, a remark that drew a look of incredulity from Mrs. Spencer.

Mrs. Spencer was attentive throughout the event but seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention and glad to settle in with family when the formalities were past.

Representative Roy told her he expected to be there for her 105th birthday. "A hundred and five," she exclaimed?

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello, State Rep Jeff Roy and Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer with the Post Cane

The official Town Proclamation

The Boston Post Cane

State Representative Jeff Roy with Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer

Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer poses with members of her family

Town Council approves open space purchase, Town Administrator contract, annual alcohol license renewals, and more (audio)

FM #900 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 900 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

Legislation for Action

d. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

e. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B

f. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land 

g. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County 

i. Resolution 22-95: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($109,832.25)

Executive session, return approx. 35 mins later

b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk 

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action: 1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract 

The recording runs about 2 hours and 16 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on December 14, 2022. (Due to the Executive Session, approx. 35 minutes, the total time on Wednesday was longer. The recording excludes the Executive Session but does include the return to open meeting).

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-900-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-14-22

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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/dec_14_tc_mtg_agenda-revised.pdf

The Snow presentation ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/qVbiUMlcbL8

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT_f9Y9eVXExUtjlcCD2XKtSTjcwG582/view?usp=share_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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

State Election - Nov 8, 2022 - Franklin's "official" vote results

The final and official results for Franklin for the State Election held on and before Nov 8, 2022 can be found in the PDF file attached here. They were released by Town Clerk Nancy Danello.

The final total is 14,657 and increase of 196 votes over the "unofficial" tally released on Nov 8. 

The turnout percentage is 59% which is comparable to the general rule Franklin Matters has developed reviewing the election results since 2003. The general rule is

• about 20% for local elections (odd numbered years for Town Council, etc.)
• about 40% for money elections (school building and/or an override vote)
• about 60% for State elections (like this one, the 'off cycle' to some)
• about 80% for the Presidential elections (every 4 years)

Review the official results on the Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/official_state_election_results_11-8-2022.pdf

State Election - Nov 8, 2022 - Franklin's "official" vote results

Notice Of Post Election Tabulation - Nov 14, 2022 - 9 AM

In accordance with MGL Chapter 54, section 25B(a)(14) as amended by section 10 of Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2022, known as the VOTES Act of 2022, the Town of Franklin will perform a post-election tabulation session for the November 8, 2022 State Election.

Any ballot returned by mail and received on or before 5PM on November 12, 2022, if postmarked by November 8, 2022 will be opened, processed, and added to the Election Day totals.

This session will take place in the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 9:00 AM.

We respectfully ask that observers register in advance by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov.

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/notice_of_post_election_tabulation.pdf

So in case you are wondering when the early votes, mail ballots and absentee ballots were counted:

The early voting, absentee ballots, and vote by mail ballots were processed last Saturday in to the voting tabulators. The memory cards with those results were taken out, stored securely and a new set of memory cards put in for all the day of voting on Tuesday. Once the polls closed Tuesday night, they ran the tape (tally) for the day of activity, took those cards out, put the other cards from Saturday in, and ran the tape (which they did not do on Saturday). 

Both tapes with the voting totals were then entered manually to the spreadsheet shown in the unofficial results posted 10ish Tuesday night.

Both sets of cards were tested  in a public session on Oct 26 and the audio for the testing process as well as community member questions on the process is available for review   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/town-of-franklin-tabulator-testing.html

Notice Of Post Election Tabulation - Nov 14, 2022 - 9 AM

Town of Franklin - Unofficial - State Election Results - Nov 8, 2022

With a Franklin voter turnout of 14,461 (unofficially) against a total registered voter base of  24,798, the turn out percent is 59.1%  (on par with prior State elections)

From the Town Clerk Nancy Denello:

Town of Franklin - Unofficial - State Election Results - Nov 8, 2022

The schedule for a busy Election Day,. Nov 8, 2022

Voting opens at 6 AM at Franklin High School. 

The School Committee has a budget workshop scheduled for 6 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room. I plan on being there to report/record the meeting.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-franklin-school-committee.html

The School Committee has their organizational meeting and a full agenda scheduled for 7 PM. I will miss the meeting. Franklin TV will record and broadcast via cable, live stream and YouTube.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-for.html

I'll be at the high school to report on and record the announcement of "unofficial results" when they are available from Town Clerk Nancy Danello after the polls close at 8 PM. (My unofficial "guestimate" ~ 9-9:30 PM at the earliest)

The Election Collection - all the info we have gathered on the local candidates and ballot questions ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html

The map of the 9 precincts for Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_precinct_map.pdf

Other information can be found on the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Voting in Franklin

• The polls are open on election day from 6 AM to 8 PM at the Franklin High School on Oak St
• At the check-In table tell the poll worker your name first, followed by your street number and street name
• If your name does not appear on the list the poll worker will send you to the Town Clerk's table
• To cast your vote in Franklin follow the voting instructions by filling in the oval circle next to the name you wish to vote for. If you need assistance, you may bring someone to assist you or ask a poll worker to provide confidential, non-partisan help

NO political paraphernalia may be displayed within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling location (includes signs, stickers, clothing and lapel buttons).

The map of the 9 precincts for Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_precinct_map.pdf

Other information can be found on the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

The Election Collection - all the info we have gathered on the local candidates and ballot questions ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election

Notice: The Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8, 2022 due to State Election

Visit the Town Clerk online at -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election

Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly - 10/26/22 (audio)

FM #873 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 873 in the series. 

This session shares the Tabulator Testing conducted in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello opened the session. Deputy Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald assisted and took over to close the session when Nancy left about 10:30ish for a meeting at the high school to plan for the election setup. 

9 or 10 election workers were sworn in to start the process. Other observers arrived as the process was underway. You can hear the welcomes, and overall instructions, and the various question and answer sections.

The full recording was edited to remove the extraneous conversations, noise, etc. The intent of the recording is to share the tabulator testing process as discussed in the open session. 

What is the tabulator? The tabulator is what most would refer to as the voting machine that reads the ballot and tallies the vote by precinct.

The outline of the steps as described by our Town Clerk is provided. The Early Opening sessions as mentioned did start on Friday, Oct 28 and complete Friday, Nov 4, 2022. The steps of the early opening process are provided in the show notes.

The Early Deposit session is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 5 at Franklin High School. They intend to process all the early ballots on Saturday. If something prevents that, they do have time scheduled on Sunday, if necessary.

Ballots still arriving via mail, election dropbox at the municipal building, etc. will be gathered sometime late Tuesday (Election Day), and transported to the high school for processing.

All results Tuesday are ‘unofficial”. The Town Clerk has a couple of days to back in the office to check all the totals before making them ‘official’ to submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.

The edited tabulator testing recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-873-town-of-franklin-tabulator-testing-10-26-22

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Transcript of the audio (except for the intro and closing segments read by me (Steve Sherlock)which are spelled out in the 'show notes' document.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ICGkw21S1u9YOQnitAKsklW6j8A76aM5/view?usp=share_link

Tabulator Testing Process outline  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I525elrG6Vhh_TwidcENERfjoRAEufxf/view?usp=share_link 

Early Opening outline ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I6tvfzTROGOl_dFYR5OKi58oCdrNAZBX/view?usp=share_link 

Vote by mail process diagram -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/vote_by_mail_process.pdf 

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the voting changes in advance of the Sept State Primary ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/multiple-updates-discussed-with-town.html

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the overall election process -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/nancy-danello-franklin-town-clerk-talks.html

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

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: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly