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.

Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (audio)

FM #1772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 172 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. 

The meeting recording runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1772-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-17-26/

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Town Council poses with backfill new hires

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66 

The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the swearing in's -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA 

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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"

Town Council takes almost 5 hours to approve FY 2027 budget, the CPA funded projects & capital round 2 (audio)

FM #1771 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1771 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. 

The meeting recording runs about 4 hours and 45 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1771-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-10-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170 

The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

My notes in one PDF can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPl6-K3022R4Jzy0uObq2AyvHbqrl9lS/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council meeting 6/10/26 - recap & video

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-takes-almost-5-hours-to.html     

Vote tally for 6/10/26 meeting - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/vote-tally-of-more-than-40-votes-taken.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

• 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"

Councilor LeBlanc "quarterbacks' the June 10 & June 17 Town Council meetings (audio)

FM #1769 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1769 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Michael LeBlanc. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of June 17 and June 10, 2026. Yes, in reverse order.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• June 17 meeting

• Swearing of backfill new hires

• Budget closeout for FY 2026

• June 10

• FY 2027 budget approved by 6-3 vote

• Capital budget approved by 9-0

• CPA funding approved 7-2 vote

• Strategic investment to grow revenue

The conversation runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1769-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-26/

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Franklin TV videos for replay 

• Town Council - June 17 - recap & video link  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-witnesses-backfill-new.html 

• Town Council - June 10 - recap & video link  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-takes-almost-5-hours-to.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

• 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 witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (video)

Franklin's Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 with all 9 members in Council Chambers for this short 90 minute session.

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66

The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368 

Quick recap

• Town Council witnessed and welcomed
• Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso
• Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado
• Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean
• Note: These folks are all backfilling positions already part of the authorized hire level and which were open due to individuals leaving for some reason. The 2 School Resource officers recently authorized for FY 2027 are not expected to be filled until October
• Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members were approved. There are approx. 20 positions across 8 boards/committees still open. Applications can be made online https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php
• 2 resolutions to prepare to close out the FY 2026 budget as the fiscal year approaches June 30
• General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26
• FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council poses with backfill new hires

Photos of the swearing in's -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 ???

Wednesday, June 17

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

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

4:00pm Open House (Norfolk County Registry of Deeds)

4:00pm Stop The Bleed (Franklin Fire Department)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

6:30pm Santa Foundation Bingo Fundraiser (Legends Sports Bar & Grille)

7:00pm Norfolk County District Attorney Debate (Medway High School)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

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/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 17 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368 

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (added 6/15/26)

Wednesday, June 17, 2026  Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2369

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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

Reminder: Franklin Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 17

Reminder: Franklin Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 17

The Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged by attending in person or participating remotely via Zoom. 

View the meeting agenda: https://buff.ly/rJ103iE

Watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV: https://buff.ly/6tYLRnN

Shared from = https://www.facebook.com/share/1H9xWTFmG9/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting June 17, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 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

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6:00PM)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: June 24th @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso

b. Police Department

i. Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado

ii. Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 15, 2026

b. May 13, 2026

c. May 20, 2026

d. May 21, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names

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

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-36: General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-36 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9833/12a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-30: FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-30: ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9835/12-b-Complete

c. Resolution 26-37: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Dept. ($750)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-X37 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9848/12c-Complete

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

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments for Franklin, MA

June 12, 2026 Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments The Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating budget, establishing the Town's financial blueprint and funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Please read the short, two-page FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary of key investments and highlights of the budget process: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF). The FY27 budget review process began with the Finance Committee conducting several budget hearings totaling more than 17 hours of review and discussion. Throughout the process, committee members worked closely with Town and School officials to evaluate departmental requests, review financial projections, and develop recommendations for the Town Council. The Franklin School Committee and Town Council have met jointly twice since the election, showing voters that collaboration is at the center of the work plan for the legislative session. Many members have been also attending their respective meetings and working very closely together through this budget season.  The FY27 approved budget does not include any proposals for an override, tax increase or other new rate increases to balance the budget. The budget also does not include any proposed reduction to key town departments, including the Franklin Public Schools (FPS), Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works, Senior Center or Library.  These approvals represent important milestones in advancing Franklin's operational, capital, public safety, and community preservation priorities for FY27. With the budget now approved, Town departments will move forward with implementing the programs, services, and investments outlined in the fiscal year plan. The FY27 budget reflects a collaborative effort among Town Councilors, Finance Committee members, School Committee members, Town and School staff, and department leaders to support the services, infrastructure, and community investments that residents rely on while maintaining a commitment to responsible financial planning. Check out the two-page budget snapshot and summary: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF) Take a Closer Look: FY27 Budget Archive  Explore Town budget archives dating back to 2016: Franklin Budget Archive Center  View it on website

Download the Budget Snapshot - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-0-Fy6oXvJioIZLebkniaZ8Jl3MqVFo/view?usp=sharing

Vote tally of the more than 40 votes taken by Town Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Town Council had an almost 5 hour session on Wednesday to discussion and vote on the budget, the CPA funds, and Capital Budget round 2 among the multiple measure they needed to take action on. 

There were over 40 votes taken that evening. I started tracking the roll call votes (these votes folks would need to know) and ended up putting all the votes in one spreadsheet with a PDF output.

You can find a brief description of the item up for vote, and the vote tally of the roll call up to the recess, the votes after were noted as "Voice Votes"

Download the file for review here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KraXbeI9wd7_NUu9r1lGbk1mh2sLbvUj/view?usp=sharing

Or view the embedded version here

Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170

The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

My notes in one PDF can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPl6-K3022R4Jzy0uObq2AyvHbqrl9lS/view?usp=drive_link

My notes were also verified via the video, but if I did make a mistake, please let me know, the record can be corrected.