Franklin Matters

Monday, March 17, 2025

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, March 17, 2025

Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

9:00 am Critical Conversations: Social Media

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Meatballs

1:05 pm Cooking Thyme: Spring

1:35 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:02 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:02 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

4:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Erin Spencer

5:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

7:00 pm Care For Ukraine

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

10:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

12:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25

3:30 pm FHS Winter Jazz 01-29-25

5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Central Catholic 03-03-25

7:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Arlington 02-25-25

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board 03-10-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 03-10-25

6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 6 03-12-25

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Sunday, March 16, 2025

FHS Boys Basketball brings home the D1 State Championship!!!

MIAA DIVISION 1 STATE CHAMPIONS!

Winning 55-52 over Newton North

https://t.co/rVm0SfRxoh

(https://x.com/fhsboysbball/status/1901416112526327998?t=PZc72aWPX9azgFUTIjVpGw&s=03)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, March 16, 2025 ???

Sunday, March 16

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm “Stand Out” mini-demonstration to support Ukraine and American support for Ukraine

2:00pm Weekend Watercolor (registration required) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

8:00pm Jambag (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

** NO Town Meetings today **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events -> calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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-calendars

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 19, 2025 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

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 Town 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. February 26, 2025
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4743/3a-February-26-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review
b. March 5, 2025
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4747/3b-March-5-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-15: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-15 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4746/9a--25-15-and-25-16---Override-Date-and-Question

b. Resolution 25-16: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-16 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4745/9b-1---RESOLUTION-25-16---Override-Ballot-Date

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-925 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4730/9c-25-925-and-25-926---Raymond-St-Sewer-Extension-2

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-926 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4731/9d-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-926---Water-System-Map---Raymond-St

e. Resolution 25-17: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Services Department ($635) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-17 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4742/9e-25-17---Gift-Acceptance---Vets-Dept

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

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 - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting, Wednesday, MArch 19, 2025 at 7 PM

2 times to get your Questions Answered: Mon, Mar 17 - 6:30 PM at the Library and / or Weds, Mar 19, 11:00 AM at the Senior Center; both with Remote option

What is going on with .... ?
What happened to ....?
How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session.

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, March 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

2 times to get your Questions Answered

When: Wednesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Library/ or Senior Center front desk, or email me: https://forms.gle/Nh8RxkMtG1J1DGwj9

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FCj7dKJmAdCgLHYOA4mGelLZJ__B7Qd_/view?usp=drive_link

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the Mtg of March 11 & the Joint Budget Sessions (audio)

FM #1406 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1406 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, March 13, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the Joint Budget Listening Sessions and the School Committee meeting of March 11, 2025.

We cover

Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State champions
The redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself was posted on Wednesday. It lays out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail.
The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some more students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of school in June to confirm the bus routing that would really be required.
The consideration of fees was a discussion only topic. This doc was posted on Wednesday. There was discussion of going to 4 tiers of sports fees (rather than 3). Hockey effectively moves to its own tier. Busing fees are being considered for reduction from $500 to $387 with a return of the family cap, and capping at $1000.
A summary of the Joint Budget recommendation for the override of $3.8M on June 3 will be taken up by the Town Council at their March 19 meeting.

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1406-chalkboard-chat-03-13-25/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net

School Committee Meeting Info

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJsUiAaOw0

The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.pdf

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110

Transportation update -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408487/Franklin_Public_Schools_Reorganization_Transportation.pptx.pdf

Facility projects update ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408488/Capital_Projects_and_Facilities_Improvements.pdf

Fees analysis for discussion only ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408662/3_11_25__SC_Meeting_FY25_FEE_ANALYSIS___FY26_FEE_CONSIDERATION_-_FY26_Fee_Recommendations.pdf

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMCqlD8Uouxkf0bB0ZuwRY8uZoH-o576/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. 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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the Mtg of March 11 & the Joint Budget Sessions (audio)

Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget

March 14, 2025

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 25-15: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question Resolution 25-16: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

Before the Council this evening are two resolutions relative to an override. The ﬁrst resolution establishes the date of a special override election. The second establishes the exact question that will be on the ballot.

Beginning in January, the Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC), consisting of four members of Town Council, three members of the School Committee, and four members of the Finance Committee, along with the Town Administrator and Superintendent, held a series of six public listening sessions in various locations across town. The objective of these sessions was to give residents multiple opportunities to share opinions, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the Town’s budget deﬁcit will impact Town services, School services and resident taxes in FY26 and beyond, both with and without an override. The response to these sessions was overwhelmingly positive with many new and familiar faces in attendance and a tremendous amount of valuable information shared. We truly appreciate the questions and feedback and hope this community engagement continues to grow!

At the ﬁnal JBSC listening session on March 12th, the Committee voted, 9-1 (with one member absent) to recommend the following:

1) That the Town Council vote to put forth a $3,862,672 override ballot question to the registered voters of the Town of Franklin with the following ballot question language - "Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $3,862,672 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the municipal and school operating budgets for which monies from this assessment will be used for the ﬁscal year beginning July 1, 2025".

2) That the Town Council vote to place the proposed override ballot question before the residents for a vote at a Special Town Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

For more information please visit the FY26 Budget page on our website. Assuming the Town Council approves a ballot question and date for the special election, the Town will upload a dedicated override website with legally allowable information.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4746/9a--25-15-and-25-16---Override-Date-and-Question

Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget

Franklin TV: Basketball!

Franklin is in the Finals!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/16/2025

Game ON!

Our Franklin Panthers are in the MIAA Division 1 basketball Finals against Newton North Tigers. It all happens at Tsongas Arena, Sunday evening, 6pm and Franklin Public Radio will carry the game live on 102.9fm and streaming on our website, wfpr.fm.

Franklin TV: Basketball!

Our Panthers are the #1 seed and Newton North is the #3 seed.

This is Franklin’s 4th attempt to capture the State Championship title since 2017. Past losses were against Cambridge Rindge and Latin, Mansfield, and North HS of Worcester. Franklin – looking to win their first boys basketball state title.

GO PANTHERS!

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Tickets on sale for the All Night Party - FHS Class of 2025

All Night Party - FHS Class of 2025

"Purchase your all night party tickets now!!!

Link in bio to purchase and for more information"

Tickets -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TTz82c3FBbJPZ6KIEtUKKXiRu-FK4JV_/view

Volunteer to help -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bo-zn2E5JAYisuYDVDNstEqhyGYiOZCQTcGFkBIZXhM/edit?tab=t.0

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHKLd-3y2KX/

Class of 2028 fund raising at Papa Ginos, - Tuesday, March 18 from 4 to 9 PM

Class of 2028 fund raising at Papa Ginos

"Help the Class of 2028 by placing an order on Tuesday, March 18 from 4 to 9 PM"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHJreGNpbC9/

Franklin Senior Center Closure Extended Through March 18th

Transportation Services available; Main phone line open

The Franklin Senior Center will remain closed through March 18, 2025, as we put the finishing touches on the facility. The work crew has done an outstanding job, completing the project on schedule. This brief extension reflects the town’s commitment to ensuring you return to a space that’s not just improved, but fully prepared, refreshed, and deep cleaned—better than when you left it.

“We appreciate the incredible work of our Facilities Department in completing this much-needed project,” said Sarah Amaral, Director. “Their dedication has been outstanding, and we want to take the extra time to make sure the center is in top shape when we welcome everyone back.”

The new reopening date is Wednesday March 19, 2025, and we are excited to greet our community with a warm and inviting space. To celebrate, we will still be hosting our Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, prepared and served by the Franklin Fire Department, now scheduled for March 20th.

Franklin Senior Center Closure Extended Through March 18th

Franklin Senior Center Closure Extended Through Mar 18

During this extended closure, the only programs available will be our transportation services. We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our seniors, families, and supporters during this time. For questions, transportation assistance, or to receive robocall updates, please call the Senior Center at 508-520-4945.

For the latest updates, visit: