Town Council votes to join GIC, approves FY 2026 budget adjustment, rescinds prior vote on 40b approval (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated in Council Chambers. One member traveling on vacation participated remotely for portion of the session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGGEiz-8dlM

The agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Note: additional docs were shared during the session, one on screen only, 2 copies available in Chambers. Those will be added here as time permits

Quick recap:

• vote to join the GIC passed 9-0
• Vote to approve the budget adjustment was approved 9-0. TA Hellen to hold on posting for the Communications role pending further discussion with the Town Council
• After much discussion, the vote to rescind the vote on the approval of the "friendly 40b" for 444 East Central St was approved by 5-1 (Morrongiello no; Grella, Malloy both recused themselves; Cormier-leger was not online at the time of the final vote)

My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19-3d9qq6zRWsk0GedQJ6NUm6Q425CldU/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 ???

Wednesday, November 19

10:00am

What's happening in Franklin, MA

Free Haircuts for Veterans (Franklin Senior Center)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Queer Book Club (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**    Town Meetings today   **

Board of Assessors Meeting

Wednesday, November 19 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2009 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 19 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 19, 2025 - 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. October 22, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7633/October-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. October 29, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7634/October-29-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Elizabeth O’Day   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7637/5a---APPOINTMENT---ODay

b. Finance Committee - Jennifer D’Angelo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7638/5b---1---APPOINTMENTS---DAngelo

c. Historical Commission - Brandon Carrico  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7639/5c---1---APPOINTMENTS---Carrico

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-71: Adoption of MGL Chapter 32B, Section 21-23 For the Purpose of Town’s Participating in the Group Insurance Commission

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-71 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7640/9a-GIC

b. Resolution 25-72: General Fund Appropriation Reductions FY26

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-72 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7646/9b-Budget-Adjustment

c. Resolution 25-73: Franklin Town Council’s Withdrawal of Support of Proposed Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project Located at 444 East Central Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-73 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7647/9c-1---MEMO-25-73---Repeal-of-444-E-Central-St

d. Resolution 25-74: 2026 Schedule of Town Council Meetings

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-74 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7648/9d-TC-Meeting-Schedule

e. Resolution 25-75: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($1,000), Veterans Services Department ($1,175)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-75 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7649/9e-Gift-Acceptance

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police Patrol) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Town Council selects Dellorco as Chair, Grella as Vice Chair, Cormier-Leger as Clerk (audio)

FM #1579 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1579 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The Council held the first session of its legislative term as scheduled at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated during the early portion of this meeting. Councilor Cormier-Leger was traveling and joined remotely for the organizational votes. All of the other 8 councilors were in Council Chambers for this session.

 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello officially & publicly swore in the new Council

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello officially & publicly swore in the new Council.

• Town Administrator Hellen opened nominations for the Chair. Cormier-Leer nominated Dellorco, second by Ojukwo. No other nominations were made. Vote on the nomination passed by 9-0

• Dellorco took the gavel and opened nominations for Vice Chair. Griffith nominated Ojukwo. Callaway-Tripp nominated Grella. No other nominations. Vote by each person for one or the other tallied as follow with Grella getting 5, Ojukwo getting 4.

• Ojukwo - Cormier-Leger, Ojukwo, Griffith, Morrongiello (4)

• Grella - Grella, Malloy, LeBlanc, Callaway-Tripp, Dellorco (5)

• Dellorco takes nominations for Clerk. and nominates Cormier-Leger. No other nominations. Vote on the motion, passes 9-0

• Vote to appoint Griffith as Clerk in Cormier-Leger's absence (2 meetings), passed by 9-0 vote.

• The remainder of the meeting covers the key items on the lengthy set of documents around Town Charter, Town Code, Conflict of Interest, Open Meeting law, etc.

The recording runs about 3 hours & 20 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1579-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-11-12-25/

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsYVvhWdqWs 

The agenda doc rich with links ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-2001  

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gZpUPlE873EPMJqfT42KhLsTzxZjSLIf/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 selects Dellorco as Chair, Grella as Vice Chair, Cormier-Leger as Clerk (video)

The newly elected Franklin (MA) Town Council gathered Wednesday night for their first meeting. 8 members were present in Council Chambers, 1 (Cormier-Leger) participated remotely for the first 30 minutes. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen opened the meeting.

Town Clerk Nancy Danello officially & publicly swore in the new Council.

Town Clerk Nancy Danello swore in the new Council

TA Hellen opened nominations for the Chair. Cormier-Leer nominated Dellorco, second by Ojukwo. No other nominations were made. Vote on the nomination passed by 9-0

Dellorco took the gavel and opened nominations for Vice Chair. Griffith nominated Ojukwo. Callaway-Tripp nominated Grella. No other nominations. Vote by each person for one or the other tallied as follow with Grella getting 5, Ojukwo getting 4.

Ojukwo - Cormier-Leger, Ojukwo, Griffith, Morrongiello (4)

Grella - Grella, Malloy, LeBlanc, Callaway-Tripp, Dellorco (5)

Dellorco takes nominations for Clerk. and nominates Cormier-Leger. No other nominations. Vote on the motion, passes 9-0

Vote to appoint Griffith as Clerk in Cormier-Leger's absence (2 meetings), passes by 9-0 vote.

The remainder of the meeting cover the key items on the lengthy set of documents around Town Charter, Town Code, Conflict of Interest, Open Meeting law, etc.

The agenda doc rich with links ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-2001 ''

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gZpUPlE873EPMJqfT42KhLsTzxZjSLIf/view?usp=drive_link

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsYVvhWdqWs

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 ???

Wednesday, November 12

• Yard waste pick up this week
• Music Boosters fundraiser - Hot Table  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/you-can-help-music-boosters-with-their.html

10am Free Haircuts for Veterans (Franklin Senior Center)

Library & Senior Center events

1pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (21 North St, Medfield)

7:30pm Cabaret (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

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FHS Sports - Field Hockey

Division 1 Final Four

#3 Wellesley vs. #2 Franklin, 7:00 (@ Westboro HS)

FHS Sports - Volleyball

Division 1 Final Four

#16 Newton South vs. #5 Franklin, 7:15 (@ Westwood HS)

-----

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-1999 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-2001 

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 7:00 PM

-----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Agenda for First Meeting of the newly elected Franklin (MA) Town Council - Nov 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Franklin Town Council 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

November 12, 2025 6:00 PM 

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

Link to the agenda doc PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1knfNyfDKUUgHkLWqCG1S0DTaLVItwT8L/view?usp=sharing

 

Agenda for First Meeting of the newly elected Franklin (MA)
Town Council - Nov 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Town Council hears the SNETT and Franklin Ridge transactions are complete, accepts Elks Riders donation in last session (audio)

FM #1574 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1574 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The Council held the last session of its legislative term as scheduled at 7 PM. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

 

Quick recap:

• Approximately the first 45 minutes of the meeting were taken up with multiple citizen comments, many on the 444 East Central development proposal which while one of their complaints is that the Council doesn't listen to them, also ironically indicates that they haven't listened or don't understand the meaning of due process

• One comment revealed the first annual Caregiver Appreciation day scheduled for Nov 7 at the Senior Center from 11 - 3 PM. (Note, on that the day the regular Senior Center activities are canceled)

• Appointments to the Agricultural Commission - Jennifer Sweeney (Associate Seat) and to the Council on Aging - Roberta Trahan were both approved by 9-0 votes

• The Public Hearing, originally scheduled for Oct 15, and continued to this date, was opened and eventually closed with no public or Council comments on the multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager... Doing business as Liquor World. The measure was approved by 9-0 vote

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery by a 9-0 vote

• Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department. Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check for $2000 from this year's rides

• Resolution 25-70: Adoption of Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-70 - Majority Vote) Moved, second. The proposal is modeled after that of Shrewsbury as they are the only 1 approved now, 100+ communities remain to develop one and get theirs approved.  This is an example of additional revenue from cannabis, almost $.5m yearly total. NETA has done well here

• Gift acceptance, $10,000 from Adirondack Club

• Resolution 25-67: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53 E½, as Amended (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) approved by 9-0 vote, may need to adjusted upward as time goes and action on this revenue stream increases

• From the Town Administrator's Report 

• Purchase of the SNETT extension is complete, now owned by the Town, Work remains to be funded and completed but the registry of deeds has the record of ownership

• Formally closed on Franklin Ridge, contracts going out to bid, info sessions in the spring on lottery process etc. Construction once begun is anticipated to go 18-24 months

• Approximately, the remaining 40 minutes of the meeting were Councilor Comments reflecting on accomplishments for this term, recognition of the 3 not running for re-election, etc.

The recording runs about 2 hours & 5 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1574-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-29-25/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIgSJh9fWjA

The agenda and associated documents for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1978

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVFpF-Gf2ULj1avVodFT4RXGkXMvWvg5/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department.
Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check

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

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"