Franklin Matters

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Town Council hears of clean audit and renewal of AAA rating among items on a varied and busy meeting (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday evening, May 7 starting a few minutes after 7 PM with all 9 Councilors present.

The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389

The agenda and released documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719

Quick recap:

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
Citizens comments:

J Callaway-Tripp, thanks for the Parmenter property deed adjustment; Future use of whatever the property be designated for, requesting a Town wide vote as it did back in the early 1950's; Request a town committee to determine the future of the property
M Minnichelli quotes Yogi Berra, reminding that we should set a target, the 10% is a state requirement
J Nutting speaking for the override
Sherlock spoke to the FinCom budget hearings (watch, listen, read almost complete) and Pen to Picture event May 10 at the Library
J Cohen asking for help in speaking for clarity on the issues around the override, stopping building is not the same as voting on the override

Recognition

Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department

2 minute recess

Public hearing

New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine. Attorney and applicant participated remotely. Applicant had started ABCC application without legal assistance, withdrew it from ABCC and with legal guidance resubmitted. No real changes to application operational details; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

Public hearing

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0

License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Presentation:

FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments to the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%

Legislation for action

Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading; & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading; Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call

TA Report highlights

Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the
override results are available
How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
Best Western no longer housing emergency shelter as of July. Budget issues were not being created by that State item. The Town has not spent a dollar on that
Bids came in on budget for the cupola, hopefully work will start June/July when contractor will be available
Cricket field being built and opening here on Pond St (behind Kennedy)
Sculpture Park new features there
Porchfest will also feature a Cornhole competition June 7

My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link

FHS baseball, girls tennis, and girls & boys lacrosse teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 6 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final

– Junior DJ Silverstein and sophomore Cal McKenna limited Mansfield to just five hits and combined for Franklin’s first shutout of the season, a 6-0 verdict on the road at Mansfield. Silverstein had a tremendous start, allowing four hits and four walks with four strikeouts over six scoreless innings; McKenna gave up one hit in the seventh, but that was it, adding one strikeout in a scoreless inning in relief. Franklin’s offense built the lead over the course of the game, scoring once in the first (Patrick Luizzi RBI single) and the second (Jack Sullivan two-out RBI triple) innings and then tacked on two more in the fourth on an RBI double from Matt Luccini and a sac fly from Joey Goguen. Sean Kryzak added an RBI in the fifth to make it 5-0, and Cole Sidwell (2-for-3, RBI, run) had a two-out RBI single in the sixth to cap the scoring. Sullivan and Zach Winer also had two hits for the Panthers. Brendan Vokey and Luke McGuire each had two hits for the Hornets.

Softball = Mansfield, 2 @ Franklin, 6 – Final

– Franklin built its lead over the first four innings and then denied a Mansfield comeback bid in the seventh inning to secure its fourth straight victory. The Panthers plated a pair in both the first and second innings and tacked on one more in each the third and fourth innings to stake a 6-0 lead. Sarah Boozang cranked a two-run home run in the first inning and Franklin doubled its lead with two more runs in the second. Amelia Rakitin increased the lead to 5-0 with an RBI ground out in the third and Boozang drove in Sophia Sacramone (triple) with a two-out double in the fourth. Sacramone earned the win, giving up two unearned runs on two hits and seven strikeouts in 6.1 innings; Abby Souza got the final two outs to close it out.

Boys Lacrosse = North Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 9 – Final

- North Attleboro’s Brady Backner rifled in a shot just past the midway point of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 4-4 but Franklin regained the lead just 40 seconds later on a goal from Quinn Kielty and the Panthers finished the game on a 5-0 run to shake off the upset-minded Rocketeers. North Attleboro had a 3-2 lead at halftime and kept it until the final two minutes of the third quarter when sophomore Nate Walsh knotted it up for Franklin with 1:46 to go. The Panthers pounced just 23 seconds into the fourth quarter on a goal from sophomore Charlie Ballarino to grab their first lead of the second half to make it 4-3. Franklin scored twice in a 15-second span (at 4:25 and 4:10), again with just under three minutes left, and once more with 28 seconds to play. Walsh finished with four goals, Kielty had two, and Thomas Quinn and Drew McCarthy each had one. Sam Freedman made nine saves in the cage for Franklin, with six coming in the second half.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjlzDCo0zdM

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 17 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final

– Franklin stayed perfect in league play and maintained its lead on KP in the standings with a comprehensive road win. Julia Flynn (assist), Vera Hansen, and Izzy Cross all recorded hat tricks for the Panthers. Freshmen Emma Bissinger and Ruby Risgin also found the back of the net for Franklin. Sophomore Kendall Mone put in a solid effort in midfield, pulling down three draw controls. Maisie Streesman made six saves for the Panthers. Ellie Regan and Addie Ruster scored North’s goals and Brianna Burns made five saves.

Boys Tennis = Mansfield, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

- Mansfield claimed two wins from singles action and grabbed one more point from doubles in a 3-2 win on the road at Franklin. Senior Neema Khosravani and freshman Muhi Karuppusamy continued to be a dangerous 1-2 punch for the Hornets with the former taking a 6-1, 6-4 win at first singles and the latter securing a 6-2, 6-1 win at second singles. Mansfield’s first doubles team of senior Josh Weiner and junior Justin Curtis notched a 6-1, 6-3 win to help clinch the win. Franklin senior Gabe Terry dropped just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 third singles win, and the team of senior Jai Kandula and junior Max Sebell emerged victorious from second doubles with a 6-3, 7-5 decision.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/category/schedule-scoreboard/

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

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 21 - 24

Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41

21.Why is the town facing such a budget crunch?

The community has been made aware of the ongoing structural financial deficit transpiring over the years. Please find budget documents here illustrating numerous cautionary budget narratives. As you will see, Town and School Administrations have deftly documented the declining financial trends for years and this news should come as no surprise to anyone.

The last two years of inflation have exacerbated costs and the Town has seen significant increases in shared costs and very limited options for supplementing the budget with one-time money. Increases in fixed costs such as health insurance, retirement, and debt service are using virtually the entire increase in revenues.

22.What is a structural deficit?

A structural deficit occurs when expenses are increasing faster than revenues. For the past several years, Franklin’s expenses have been larger than incoming revenues. This deficit has been addressed each year with budget cuts and use of one-time sources of money. Without a significant increase in revenue, the town’s structural deficit will only continue to get worse.

23.What are the main factors in the town deficit?

Property tax is one of the largest revenue streams available to the town, and increases in property tax are limited by Proposition 2 ½. Additionally, the funding that local communities receive from the state has not kept pace with costs. On the cost side of the equation, the town is faced with skyrocketing inflation and many unfunded mandates, particularly for education. The costs to educate students have been rising quickly. Finally, health insurance and retirement costs generally increase each year at a rate higher than the increase in revenues.

24.Can Free Cash be used to help the budget?

“Free Cash” is the state’s term for money left over from previous fiscal years. There may be extra money because a department doesn’t spend its entire budget or because revenues are slightly higher than anticipated. Each year, in the fall, the state certifies the amount of free cash from the previous year. In recent years (FY18, FY19 & FY25), Franklin has been using free cash to supplement the operating budget for the next budget year. If free cash is available, best fiscal practice is to use that money for one-time expenses and small capital items, not to supplement the operating budget. Over time, this should reduce dependence on borrowing and lower debt service expenses.

Additional info can be found on the Town FY 2026 Override page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override

Santa Foundation disc golf fundraiser scheduled for June 29 at Dacey Field

Santa Foundation disc golf fundraiser

Disc Golf for a Cause? Yes, Please!

As the lead organizer of our upcoming Disc Golf Fundraiser for the Santa Foundation, I figured it was probably important to know how to actually play… LOL.

So today, I joined the amazing Chantal Gibson and her awesome crew—who are running our clinic and tournament—for a little hands-on experience.

And guess what?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could actually do it… and it was really FUN! Being out on the course was so peaceful—it was something I didn’t expect, but definitely appreciated.

I’m beyond excited to bring this energy to Franklin’s Dacey Field on June 29th!

This is a partner-style tournament, so grab a friend (or we’ll pair you up), and come out for a no-pressure, good-vibes kind of day—all for a GREAT cause.

Registration is officially open—let’s make some throws and some memories!

https://www.sfjoy.org/upcoming-events/santa-foundation-charity-disc-golf-event

Jamie Barrett schedules performance at Napper Tandy's Millis - Friday, May 9

Jamie Barrett schedules performance at Napper Tandy's Millis

Jamie is scheduled to play from 7 PM to 10 PM

Additional info, menu, and directions for Napper Tandy's Millis -> https://nappertandyspubs.com/location/napper-tandys-millis

License swaps scheduled for public hearing: Table & Vine, Inc. to DeVitas Market; DeVita’s Market to Table & Vine

Transfer and Change of Location of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages

Package Store License From DeVita’s Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market to Table & Vine,

Inc. -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1728

Transfer and Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages

Package Store License From Table & Vine, Inc. to DeVitas Market, LLC d/b/a

DeVita’s Market -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1729

License swaps scheduled for public hearing: Table & Vine, Inc. to DeVitas Market; DeVita’s Market to Table & Vine

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales

By BCP Staff

You may have heard the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing — and holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Looking to grab some deals?

The real JOANN sales are only happening in person in their physical stores. But that hasn't stopped scammers from setting up bogus websites with fraudulent deals claiming to give you 80-90% off.

Here's how to avoid these JOANN online impersonators.

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 8, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events

This segment features the recent Town Council "quarterbacking" session with Council Chair Tom Mercer -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/tom-mercer-i-condense-april-30-council.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"

The Turnable Show is featuring the 1977 hit album "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac this week. Rumours is one of the best selling albums of all time! It's amazing - there are 7 hit songs on the record: "Go Your Own Way", "Dreams", "Don't Stop", "The Chain", "You Make Loving Fun", Gold Dust Woman", and "Second Hand News" and Vibe and Pauly G will air all of them and share their Rumours album experience!

The show continues with the Playlist List hour, which drops the needle on many Fleetwood Mac hits and signature songs live for listeners to enjoy the passion of this award winning band.

Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, May 8, 2025

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

7:30 am     Veterans' Call: PACT Act
9:00 am     Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1
10:30 am     Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:30 am     Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Chicken Pot Pie
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 6
3:00 pm     Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher
4:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
8:30 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

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

7:00 am     Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22
8:30 am     Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School
10:00 am     Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
2:00 pm     Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing
3:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
4:00 pm     FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25
9:00 pm     FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am     Conservation Commission 05-01-25
11:00 am     Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 2
2:00 pm     Conservation Commission 05-01-25
7:30 pm     Zoning Board of Appeals CHAMBERS 920 0174 8658

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