Town Council discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 for their shortest public session of this term of office completing public business in under 2 hours. They did go to Executive Session so who know how long that took. We'll find out later.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51MAacjd_XU

The agenda and released documents ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120 

Quick recap:

• Citizen comments:
• P Griffith, SchCmte Chair provides an update on budget, encourages budget hearing participation Tuesday, Feb 10
• K Mu Chow informs on the Franklin Ridge presentation on Friday, 1:30 at Senior Center
• DPW Director Cantoreggi, almost at total snow/ice budget for year, last storm cost $325,000
• G Carlucci announces Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America celebrating 100th Anniversary this year. Steve Puleo presenting April 12 at Historical Museum
• Goals discussion, wrapped around terminology and strategic planning, could have chosen a subcommittee to help with prioritization, ended up not, will send adjustments, ideas, etc. to Jamie to consolidate for next discussion at the March 4 meeting. Consultants planned to be there to present on strategic plan option
• Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council 
• LeBlanc poses adjusted language, second,
• P5, sec 2, regular meetings may not begin earlier than 6, provided that an agenda items is not already under discussion, the meeting may continue with a majority vote, vote on amendment Passes 9-0
• Vote on the motion as amended, Passes 9-0
• Moved to enter Executive session; 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

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pW9ckTDCmx-SwZL9VTtWqe9WzGOyUGTN/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin (MA) Town Council

School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met briefly (approx. 30 mins) in a remote only session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. All 7 members participated along with key members of the School District Central office.

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/IrOomkcGoyU?&t=62

Agenda for this session -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032026-2116 

Recap:

• Supt Giguere talks of the health care accounting change, there is no impact to the employees on either Town or School, purely an accounting change. Food service and lifelong learning employees are paid from those revolving funds and charges would also go to the revolving funds for those associated health care cost for those employees. Coordinating with Town Finance to confirm minimum impact.
• "I recommend approval to move the School Health Insurance, Medicare, and Long-Term Disability expenses and associated funding from the School Department 300 to the Town Benefits Department 910 as detailed."
• So moved, seconded Discussion
• This move allows for an apples to apples comparison with all of the Town departments
• Jana explains the accounting for Lifelong learning and Food services, process very similar today and with this move.
• MOA currently set for a five year term, could be a re-evaluation if required at time, not likely to revert, shared interest between Schools and Town to keep going forward
• Ruthann comments on hope for future that the allocation for schools would be more predictable
• Question on if the Town needs to add personnel to do this? No.
• There are constant shifts among the individual personnel on both sides, Town and School...Moving forward with the GIC we should have more info sooner to help with the planning for future budgets to help with planning
• Midyear retirement and other health care moves would be handled as normal (as done today on both sides)
• Shift of costs that are not health care directly related are prohibited by both sides; the account 910 should be only health care period. Covers the revolving accounts which may have some 'excess' (by design, there should be a year's worth) those excess amounts can't move
• Vote on the motion via roll call Passes 7-0, Motion carries
• Motion to adjourn, so moved, second Passes via roll call, 7-0

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mitbhEmUXwhXRlMnpOxL28kB4QqI6B5e/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)

This Chalkboard Chat shares insights into the FY 2027 budget and implications (audio)

FM #1652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1652 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Budget, and budget implications

Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24

Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910

Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison

Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation

Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs

Policy updates

Remote participation

Middle school awareness of pathways

ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight

Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1652-chalkboard-chat-02-02-26/

The YouTube video of our conversation -> https://youtu.be/dh4BqY7UvtI

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

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s 

The agenda can be found - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline 

FY 2027 budget presentation doc -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664 

My notes in one PDF file -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/view?usp=drive_link 

 

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talkin' TC! New Episode Alert! (video)

Talkin' TC! New Episode Alert!

(L-R) Congressman Jake Auchincloss with Kahlil Mateus

Hosted by Kahlil Mateus, we sat down with Congressman Jake Auchincloss for a powerful conversation about the future of vocational‑technical education and why it matters for today’s students and communities. He also gives a behind‑the‑scenes look at life as a member of Congress and shares meaningful advice for students planning their next steps.

An inspiring, insightful episode you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full conversation at the link below!

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lzI3AikHXU8

#WorkHardTodayCounts #JakeAuchincloss

@repauchincloss

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fiym9L4aX/

FHS girls & boys basketball teams top KP, boys swim finish 7th with 7 swimmers

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, January 30, 2026

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 58 @ King Philip, 34 – Final 

– Franklin’s defense clamped down all game long, limiting King Philip to single digits in each of the first three quarters to roll to a big win on the road. The Panthers held the hosts to six in the first and then just seven more in the second, staking a 27-13 advantage at halftime. Franklin put the game away with a big third, outscoring the Warriors 18-8. Sophomore Danny Santos scored 13 of his team-high 18 points in the first half to help build the lead. In the third, Santos, Jack Sullivan, Kyle Batla, and Gio Carlucci (11 points) all connected from three-point range to help put the game away. Freshman Callum Carver led KP with nine points.

Girls Basketball = King Philip, 54 @ Franklin, 56 – Final 

Franklin TV video ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pcGd-zHZyg

"Coming into the season, despite having won six of the last seven Kelley-Rex division titles (including last year’s), expectations were modest for a relatively inexperienced Franklin roster. After a daunting early part of the schedule, which included a 3-point loss to King Philip in Wrentham, the Panthers were just 1-6.

On Friday night, the Panthers welcomed KP for a rematch on Coaches vs. Cancer night. This is a very different Franklin team than the one the Warriors handled comfortably three days before Christmas and, after eight straight wins, the Panthers entered one game up on KP in the standings.

It was a wild finish, fitting of a showdown for the league title.

With 52 seconds to play, Ava Bonney (14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals) sank a pair of free throws to bring the Panthers within one. After a defensive stop, Sophia Sacramone (eight points and eight rebounds) went 1-of-2 at the line to tie it."

Continue reading the recap By Josh Perry || Hockomock Sports .com Managing Editor  

https://hockomocksports.com/bonney-buries-big-shot-franklin-edges-title-rival-king-philip/

For a photo gallery from this game.  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Franklin-King-Philip-Girls-Basketball-01-30-26

Boys Swimming = Hockomock Championships – 

Team Results

1. Canton – 323

2. Milford – 281

3. Foxboro – 237

4. Sharon – 229

5. Mansfield – 194

6. Oliver Ames – 160

7. Franklin – 155

8. Attleboro – 154

9. King Philip – 121

10. North Attleboro – 114

11. Taunton – 93

12. Stoughton – 39

** – New meet record

200 Yard IM

1. Zack Pecora, Franklin – 1:56.76

50 Yard Free

1. Ethan Fiedler, Milford – 23.20

2. Ollie McCarthy, Franklin – 23.58

100 Yard Fly

1. Zack Pecora, Franklin – 51.80**

100 Yard Free

1. Leo Tran, Sharon – 47.85**

2. Ollie McCarthy, Franklin – 51.59

200 Yard Free Relay

1. Sharon (Alex Ng, Justin Hsu, Brac Buffa, Leo Tran) – 1:36.31

2. Franklin (Ollie McCarthy, Amir Shakirov, Zack Pecora, Arsh Tyagi) – 1:38.00

400 Yard Free Relay

1. Milford (Ethan Fiedler, Ishmael Da Silva, Eli DeBarros, Lucca Ramos) – 3:31.50

2. Sharon (Justin Hsu, Brac Buffa, Alex Ng, Leo Tran) – 3:34.48

3. Franklin (Ollie McCarthy, Amir Shakirov, Zack Pecora, Arsh Tyagi) – 3:38.53

For results and a photo gallery of this event.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-swim-championships-2026-results/

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-30-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS sports results for Wednesday (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Boys Hockey = King Philip, 5 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cheSoph2wIc

"Welcome back, Finn Cunningham.

After being sidelined with an injury for the past two weeks, the King Philip senior returned with a bang.

Cunningham scored a hat trick, scoring twice in the second period to help KP build its lead, and once in the third to help the Warriors put away a 5-2 win over rival Franklin.

With the win, KP clinches at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title."

Continue reading the game recap By Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/finn-cunningham-hat-trick-powers-king-philip-boys-hockey-past-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game (subscription required).

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Franklin-King-Philip-Boys-Hockey-01-28-26

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Dedham, 3 – Final

Wrestling = King Philip @ Franklin, 6:00

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-28-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

School Committee get preview of FY 2027 school budget with 2.5% increase, assuming health costs transfer to Town account (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026. All 7 members were present in the Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s

The agenda can be found -> https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline

Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664

Quick recap

• The committee and community got a preview of the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increase
• The discussions with the Town to transfer the health care costs to the Town account 910 are in process. A Memo of Agreement (MOA) is being prepared to cover the details of the transfer. The Committee will schedule a special meeting to vote to approve the transfer next week

My notes in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/view?usp=drive_link

A copy of the presentation via photos captured during the presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4FRM9xmqLKzUwXFY8

FY 2027 school budget with 2.5% increase, assuming health costs transfer to Town account

FHS girls basketball team tops Mansfield on Tuesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Boys Basketball = Mansfield, 48 @ Franklin, 42 – Final

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_j_4Db9LKg

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 45 @ Mansfield, 44 – Final

"After a rough start to the season that saw Franklin lose six of its first seven games, the Panthers went into Tuesday night’s visit to the Albertini Gym on a seven-game win streak and alone atop the Kelley-Rex division.

It was never going to be an easy game against their rivals and seemed likely to be a close one. Each of Mansfield previous five games had been decided by six points or less and Tuesday would be no different.

With less than three minutes to play, Kaylee Fernandes picked off a pass under the basket and scored to tie the game. Tessah Rodrigues forced a turnover on the next possession and Sophia Sacramone followed her own miss, used a nice pump fake to get free, and laid it in to put the Panthers in front 43-41 with 2:04 to play.

Mansfield got one back on a free throw from Katelyn Troilo. The score would stay the same for the next 80 seconds before freshman Brielle Nicholls went 1-of-2 at the line. Troilo managed to break the intense Franklin press and got the ball back for a decent look at a three. The shot was short but Sadie Jablonski snatched her 16th rebound of the night and put it in, plus a foul, to tie the game with 9.0 on the clock."

Continue reading the recap by Josh Perry || HockomockSports.com Managing Editor

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-rallies-at-mansfield-extends-win-streak-to-eight/

For a photo gallery from this game.  https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-rallies-at-mansfield-extends-win-streak-to-eight/#:~:text=After%20a%20rough,on%20the%20clock.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-27-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Aging Boldfully: Look Back Then Move Forward (video)

Susan Rohrbach recaps and expands upon the first three episodes of her new Aging Boldfully. Tony DaSilva joins Susan in the discussion.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8VolPWolDU

Aging Boldfully: Look Back Then Move Forward (video)

 

Consider a "water system operator" role for a promising working future (video)

Consider a "water system operator" role
for a promising working future (video)

With half of #MA water system operators over age 50, now is a great time to start a career in public drinking water. 

Water utilities have a strong tradition of mentoring, with experienced water system operators sharing their knowledge daily, on the job, with newer colleagues. 

To learn more about careers in the water

industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD_xbJOk0Bg

#DrinkingWater #Careers #MWWA #NationalMentoringMonth

Shared from Franklin DPW -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16n4QXNnX7/

FPS School Lunch Video

FPS School Lunch Video 

Click the link to check out the video on our Local Beef and Broccoli meal:
https://youtube.com/shorts/on5WBQtf2fk

Franklin's District Chef, Steve Foote, inspired this locally-sourced meal featuring slow braised tender strips of top round beef from Weatherlow Farms, in Westport, MA, alongside bright green Harvesting Good broccoli from Maine. The Savory beef and broccoli are served over a creamy, citrus-infused lemon ginger risotto.

Completing the plate is a sweet crisp Gala apple from Cooper Farms, also in Maine

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16gmdT1VYv/

Both FHS girls and boys (video) basketball teams top Canton on Tuesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Girls Basketball = Canton, 42 @ Franklin, 68 – Final

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAzhBupuaAk

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 @ Canton, 50 – Final 

"Franklin head coach Mike Masto knew that Canton was going to rattle off a run at some point.

But by the time it came, and with the cushion that his Panthers had built, they were more than ready to absorb it.

Franklin created a 20-point lead early in the second half, which was plenty of breathing room after the Bulldogs made a push late in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. The Panthers reestablished a double-digit lead going into the fourth and kept the Bulldogs at a distance the rest of the way, securing a 61-50 win on the road."

Continue reading the recap of this game By Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-builds-early-cushion-holds-off-canton-road/

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Canton-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-01-20-26

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-20-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com