What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 ??

Wednesday, September 17

Library & Senior Center events

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

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

4:00pm Ribbon Cutting (Children's Museum of Franklin)

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

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

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

** Town Meetings today   **

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 17  Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council Mtg agenda for Wednesday, Sep 17

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 17, 2025 = 7:00 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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Police Department - Swearing in of new Police Officers

i. Patrol Officer Patrick Clark

ii. Patrol Officer Jalen Samuels

iii. Patrol Officer Kyle Vaught

Franklin, MA: Town Council Mtg agenda for Wednesday, Sep 17

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Community Preservation Committee - Wayne Simarrian

b. Conservation Commission - Matthew Stoltz

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin

i. Legislation for Action # 9h.

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses

i. Legislation for Action # 9i

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4,

Districts Enumerated

i. Legislation for Action # 9j

d. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5,

Zoning Map

i. Legislation for Action # 9k

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule,

Part I through Part VII

i. Legislation for Action # 9l

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area,

Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements

i. Legislation for Action # 9m

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

i. Legislation for Action # 9n

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31

i. Legislation for Action # 9o

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Solicitation Permits - Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-58: November 4, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-58 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-59: Authorization for Inter-Municipal Agreement with Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical HIgh School for Franklin to provide it with a School Resource Officer (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-59 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 25-61: Acceptance of Easements on Property on Northwesterly Side of Raymond Avenue (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-61 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 25-62: Acceptance of Access Easement on Lot 1, Located on Westerly Side of Spring Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-62 - Majority Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 25-943: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Section 139-14, Sewer System Map (Symphony Dr.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-943 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

f. Bylaw Amendment 25-944: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Section 179-9.1, Water System Map (Symphony Dr.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-944 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

g. Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 65, Collection Containers - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-945 to a Second Reading)

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

k. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

l. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

m. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

n. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

o. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

p. Resolution 25-60: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($150)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-60 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Personnel Update

b. FY26 Budget Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Town Administrator.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda & docs released for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

Town Council retires Fire chief, appoints new one, hears from Legislative delegates, Norfolk Cnty Sheriff & Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1507 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1507 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Meeting held Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025. 8 members were present to begin the session (Pellegri absent), one member during the long session (Chandler)

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading 

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)  

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4  

The meeting recording runs about 4 hours and 10 minutes (the recess audio was removed to shorten the elapsed time). Let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1507-franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-09-03-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw 

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891  

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/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"

Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio)

FM #1506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1506 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 3, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading 

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)  

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4  

The conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1506-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw 

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891  

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link 

Background on “assessment center”  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/assessment-and-selection/other-assessment-methods/assessment-centers/

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

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"

Tom Mercer condenses the 4.5 hour 9/03/25 Council meeting to less than 30 mins (audio)