Showing posts with label town council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town council. Show all posts

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Agenda for the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting Weds, Feb 4, 2026

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 4, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 17, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: 2026-2027 Town Council-Town Administrator Goals
iii. Discussion: Town and School Strategic Planning
1. Town of Wrentham Strategic Planning Presentation  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8241/8aiii---1---Updated-Board-Presentation-12026---Wrentham---Copy
2. Town of Westford Strategic Planning

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-08: Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-08 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8256/9a-Rules-of-Procedure

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -
a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:
  • i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
  • ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
  • iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition
15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
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Town Council spends 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (audio)

FM #1647-48-49 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1647-48-49 in the series. 


This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

  • 1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals  (approx. 2 hour 16 mins) 

  • 1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion  (approx. 1 hr. 40 mins)  

  • 1634 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting  (approx. 52 mins)

  

Audio 1647 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1647-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-20260121-p1-of-3/


Audio 1648 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1648-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-21-26-p2-of-3/


Audio 1649 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1649-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-21-26/


Town Council spends 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (audio)
Town Council spends 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (audio)


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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-spends-almost-2-hours-to.html 



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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"
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Thursday, January 22, 2026

Town Council spends almost 2 hours to ultimately & unanimously approve appointments of 2 to the ZBA (video)

The Town Council met for 5 hours on Wednesday night, Jan 21, 2026. 8 members were present in Chambers with one absent.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZJNniE9Gk


Quick recap:
  • 2 hours were spent talking around and around the Zooning Board of Appeals appointments. After all was said, both highly qualified candidates were approved unanimously (in separate votes)
  • Brutus Cantoreggi presented on the DPW and their infrastructure work. As he began he introduced the entire management team which was also present and several of them has an opportunity to answer specific questions during the segment
  • The Council again combined "councilor comments and future agenda items" sections in an attempt to speed up the closing of the session. However ended up in an extensive discussion on future topics around budget, timeline, engagement, to have and hold Joint Budget sessions, etc. Seems like that may happen after the budget is released in April. Stay tuned
  • An item coming out of the ZBA discussion earlier was a desire to expand the board membership from 3 to 5. That would require a charter change, and per the prior 1 hour plus discussion at the Dec 17,2025 meeting on charter changes, would not likely happen in time for a November 2026 ballot question (although that was the request)

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lz6tu7vPWXskijNcph_qOcdToMGFgi5t/view?usp=drive_link

This highlights the central role DPW infrastructure plays in Town operations
This highlights the central role DPW infrastructure plays in Town operations

The presentation PDF can be previewed here


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Citizen Comment re: "inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting"

My name is Heather Zolnowski, I live at 51 Anthony Road in Franklin.  I am a 17-year resident and taxpayer of the Town of Franklin, the parent of a current Franklin High School student, an FHS alumna, and a 7th grader at BFCCPS. I have worked for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for 18 years and have served as its school leader for the past 12.

Heather Zolnowski
Heather Zolnowski
I am here this evening to follow up on inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting.

BFCCPS has been a public school option for Franklin families for 31 years. During my time at BFCCPS, we have worked collaboratively with three superintendents and two Town Administrators to support public education in Franklin. Given this long history of partnership, it was disappointing that inaccurate information was shared.

A town council member asked if there was a cap on the number of students from Franklin that could attend charter schools.  The answer provided was no, there is no cap.  Charter school enrollment is capped in state law and regulation. In districts not in the lowest performing 10% statewide, no more than 9% of net school spending may go to Commonwealth charter schools. While it was stated on December 3 that there are no enrollment caps on charter schools, there are clear limits. Charter schools cannot enroll an unlimited number of Franklin students. According to DESE’s Fiscal Year 2026 projections, Franklin is at 5.7% Net School Spending—well below the 9% cap.

Expansion has not negatively impacted the Franklin Public Schools:  BFCCPS received approval in 2014 to regionalize and serve 14 towns in addition to Franklin. Since then, Franklin enrollment has declined. Prior to regionalization, 422 Franklin students attended BFCCPS. In 2019, when we moved to 500 Financial Park and we began the expansion part of our amendment,, 375 Franklin students were enrolled in BFCCPS. Today, although the school is fully expanded at 900 students, only 312 are from Franklin—110 fewer than before regionalization and expansion. 

Charter School Reimbursement: District schools are reimbursed for students attending charter schools at the rate of 100% in year 1 of attendance, 60% in year 2 of attendance and 40% in year three.  As a member of the board of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, BFCCPS continues to strongly advocate at the state level for full reimbursement to districts as intended in statute.

While there were more inconsistencies in the answers provided to the Town Council on December 3, I felt like it was most important to correct these three. If the Town Council or Finance Committee would like a more detailed presentation on charter funding or enrollment, I would be happy to provide it. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.

Heather Zolnowski 
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 ???

Wednesday, January 21

Curbside pickup delayed one day
  • If scheduled for Tuesday, picked up today
  • If scheduled for Wednesday, picked up Thursday

9:00am ECDC New Student Open House

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

1:00pm ECDC New Student Open House

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

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

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events



For additional details on Library events -> 
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   


*** Town Meetings today   ***

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101 



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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

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Next round of Master Plan priority setting via poll opened by Town Councilor Morrongiello

The full Master Plan is available at franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan.
The full Master Plan is available
at franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan.
Town Councilor Maxwell Morrongiello announced today (1/20/26) that establishing a minimum annual allocation to the school district operating budget received the most nominations in the first phase of his Master Plan priority survey.

The goal, identified as CSF6.1a in the Master Plan, received nine nominations in a survey that closed Jan. 19. Overall, residents submitted 35 valid nominations across 24 different Master Plan goals.

"I'm listening to Franklin residents," Morrongiello said. "So far, education funding has generated the most interest, but the poll will determine which goals the community wants prioritized."

Morrongiello has now opened a web poll asking residents to select which goals the Town Council should prioritize during his first term. The poll includes the 24 goals nominated by residents as well as several additional goals Morrongiello added based on his campaign platform and initial council priorities. The poll closes Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

The Town Council will hold its goal setting meeting Wednesday, Feb. 4. Morrongiello encourages residents to fill out the poll and attend the meeting to advocate for goals important to them.

"This is your opportunity to make your voice heard before the council establishes its priorities for the term," Morrongiello said.

The poll is available at https://forms.gle/G5sckZhnPSHoNMiq8

The poll is non-binding but will inform Morrongiello's decision making as the council develops its legislative priorities for the 2025-2027 term.

Residents with suggestions or concerns beyond the Master Plan are encouraged to contact Morrongiello directly at mmorrongiello@franklinma.gov.

The Town of Franklin adopted its 2025 Master Plan last year after extensive public input. The plan identifies more than 300 goals to accomplish over the next decade across six key areas: Housing Diversity, Complete Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Connectivity, Vibrant Downtown, Natural and Historic Conservation and Resource Efficiency.

The full Master Plan is available at franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan.
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Monday, January 19, 2026

Audio recording of the Jan 7, 2026 Franklin (MA) Town Council in 3 parts: Facilities, 40B, & everything else

FM #1632-33-34 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1632-33-34 in the series. 


This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

  • 1632 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except  (approx. 1 hour 36 mins)

    • the Facilities presentation & discussion (see 1633) 

    • and the friendly 40b policy discussion (see 1634)  

  • 1633 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the Facilities update from Kevin Harn  (approx. 1 hr. 27 mins)  

  • 1634 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process  (approx. 1 hr. 5 mins)

  

Audio 1632 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1632-town-council-mtg-part-1-of-3-01-07-26/


Audio 1633 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1633-town-council-mtg-part-2-of-3-01-07-26/


Audio 1634 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1634-town-council-mtg-part-3-of-3-01-07-26/



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


Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-approves-amended-friendly.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"
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Sunday, January 18, 2026

Agenda for Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 21, 2026 = 6:00 PM


Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

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.   
Agenda for Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 at 6 PM
Agenda for Town Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 at 6 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation - Scotty Smith Retirement
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Zoning Board of Appeals
i. Isabella Carter  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8127/5aii-1---Isabella-Carter
ii. Jennifer Williams    https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8126/5ai-1---Jen-Williams

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
 
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Town Infrastructure Overview - Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8133/Town-Council-Presentation---January-21-2026

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-06: Amendment to Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy Social Equity policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-06 - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8129/9a-Cannabis-Social-Equity-Policy 
b. Resolution 26-07: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($500)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-07 - Majority Vote)  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8130/9b--Gift-Acceptance---Library
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
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Friday, January 9, 2026

Town Council approves an amended Friendly 40b policy in another long 4 hour session (video)

The Town Council meet for the first time in 2026 for another long 4 hour session with all 9 members present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/07Ywvi5WtP8?&t=487

The agenda and doc released for this session -> 

Quick recap:
  • The longest discussion on a single appointment in my time reporting ultimately resulted in a unanimous vote to approve Mark Minnichelli to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. Kudos to Mark for his careful and confident responses to the questions.
  • Town and School Facilities Presentation - Kevin Harn, Facilities Director https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8040/8a-1---MEMO---Facilities-Presentation
    • This discussion was extensive as Facilities and the potential issues facing the Town are something this Council is going to need to get up to speed quickly on to make the decisions and determine the direction to go, all of which ultimately gets to funding and resources
    • The Davis Thayer (DT) building future has been the Council's hands since the Advisory committee did its work. On Tuesday (Jan 6, 26) the Police Station Building Comte determined Parmenter was the best site freeing up DT for a decision on what it's future is
    • The combination of the Washington St renovations, Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M. To do and how to fund remain questions before the Council
    • The presentation doc is not on the Town page or within the Council agenda but pictures of the slides shared can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/1FpYnuiED36kPumw8
  • 2 Zoning Bylaw amendments were referred to the Planning Board. There is likely to be an extensive discussion on these when they return as the Council was not familiar with the bylaw process (usually starting with Planning Dept (as in this case), discussion before Economic Development Subcmte (not yet in place), referral to Planning Board, and then return to Council for decision). As these 2 measure are the 'final' points to bring the Town in compliance with the MBTA Community requirements, the potential for discussion before this new Council is great
  • The friendly 40b policy came back on the agenda for this Council and they juggled their agenda to get the above items out of the way before settling into this lengthy discussion. Ultimately, 2 amendments to the wording were approved first one by a 5-4 vote to require an annual review of the policy, the second to fix the confusing wording in a sentence by a 9-0 vote, and then the overall measure passed by a 9-0 vote
  • Multiple personnel changes were announced in Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's report. Of note, the Council also gave the go ahead to the hiring request they had approved at the tax rate hearing and then also asked to put on hold. The Town Administrator's office which used to be 4 people is only 2, and one was sick this week. If the Council wants the Town to get work done, these resources are required. Fortunately, the Council agreed

The combination of the Washington St renovations, Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M
The combination of the Washington St renovations,
Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M



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