What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 9, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Friday, May 9

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm Jamie Barret (live music) (Napper Tandy's)

7:30pm Electric Youth (with Future Shock) (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

ZBA listens, Town Administrator attempts to clarify points, on the 444 East Central project (video)

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met as scheduled Thursday night, May 8, 2025. The 444 East Central portion of the meeting begins at 19 minutes into the recording and such is set for the replay here. (You can easily go to the beginning of the video and view the earlier portion if you choose.)

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/82a99atYf0s?&t=1149

The ZBA page for this 444 East Central project is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/815/2025-Current-Recent-ZBA-Hearings

The application as submitted on the Town page is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4594/444-East-Central-ZBA-application-comp-permit

Meeting items of note

• Halligan recused himself
• project overview briefly recapped (slides captured below)
• a clerical problem with notice resulted in an agreement between the applicant attorney and the committee, committee not to invoke safe harbor, appplicant not to invoke a constructive grant. The constructive grant would have allowed the applicant to bypass most of the ZBA process
• The application will continue and take some number of months to do so. The next meeting is targeted for June 5, the next after that is July 17
• Due to this negotiation, the peer review process did not start. Traffic will be first up at the next meeting
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen participating this time, and he explains why, he is participating to explain details around the process and clarify, everybody can hear the record as one
• One sore point (lack of communication from the ZBA Chair and other members after multiple email queries), it was revealed that responding to individual emails is a non-no during the time that the subject is before the Board. It could potentially violate open meeting law. All discussions, responses to questions, need to be in the open meeting.

Slides of the presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/x5N6EvhwDRUtcRps5

The waivers requested by the project are outlined in Section 8 and contained in this PDF (separated from the full project doc) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11lkqa0Hz1VCO_J3utf-5NynwlnPeVPQj/view?usp=drive_link

To support Town Administrator Hellen's statements on water supply, information on the water conservation page should explain ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation 

There is a 3-part podcast series covering the water supply and operations for Franklin from well to our faucets -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

There is also a 3-part series on the sewer from our flushes to the Charles River Treatment -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

444 East Central project

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3

Franklin is where we’ve chosen to build our lives. Some of you may have moved here for the strong school system or the convenience of the commuter rail. Others were drawn by the town’s reputation for safety, thanks to our outstanding police and fire departments. Perhaps it was Franklin’s excellent music programs, youth sports, recreational opportunities, and vibrant local dining that made you decide this was home. For some, Franklin has always been home.

If you rely on town water and sewer services, you understand how vital it is to invest in long-term infrastructure like the Beaver Street Interceptor project—a key to ensuring reliable services for the next century. No matter what brought you here, it’s easy to see why Franklin holds such a special place in your life.

But now, we face a critical decision.

The financial strain created by Proposition 2½—a law passed in 1982 that limits how much revenue our town can raise—has brought us to a tipping point. The recent Joint Budget Subcommittee listening tour made one thing clear: unless we increase support from residents, we will no longer be able to sustain the quality of services that make Franklin a great place to live.

It’s easy to assume everything is fine when you pass a school, a fire station, or the Town Clerk’s office. It’s easy to believe that students are learning just as they always have, that emergency help is always seconds away, or that town offices will be open when you need them. But without a YES vote on June 3, the reality will look very different.

Town offices will reduce hours. Class sizes will increase, and essential school programs will be scaled back. Our emergency services will be stretched thin—potentially requiring a third ambulance to come from a neighboring town during critical moments. The police department will face staffing cuts, losing experienced and dedicated officers who help keep us safe.

This vote is about more than just numbers—it’s about our values, our priorities, and our shared responsibility to each other and to the future of Franklin.

When you vote on Tuesday, June 3, I urge you to choose to invest in our town’s future. Early voting begins May 16 at the Town Clerk’s office, and the last day to register is May 24th.

Let’s work together to preserve the services, safety, community spirit and high quality of life  that make Franklin such a special place and wonderful community.   

Please vote YES. YES. YES.

Sincerely,

KP Sompally

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If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the almost 3 hour meeting May 7, 2025 to 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1443 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1443 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, May 7, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of May 7, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

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

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

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. 

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: 

FY 24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments 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

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1443-town-council-quarterbacking-05-08-25/

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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

My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/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"

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the almost 3 hour meeting May 7, 2025 to 30 minutes (audio)

FHS softball team loses to KP in weather shortened game

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, May 8, 2025

King Philip, 6 @ Franklin, 0 – Final (5 inn./weather) 

– Junior Ali Gill deposited a two-run home run on the 10th pitch of the game and that was enough offense for classmate McCoy Walsh, who didn’t allow a hit in a rain-shortened five-inning win. Gil sent one over the fence in right center to plate Annabelle Curran, who had led off the game with a single. Lauren Griffin came through with a two-out RBI single in the third, and Bailey Cederbaum came through in the next at-bat with a two-run double to increase KP’s lead to 5-0. Sophomore Kiera Lawrence sent a two-out single up the middle to plate Gill (HBP) in the fourth to make it 6-0. Walsh issued two walks, one in the first inning and then struck out three in the frame, and one in the second and again got back-to-back strikeouts. She finished with a dozen strikeouts in five scoreless innings for the win.

For a photo gallery from this game  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Spring-2025/Franklin-King-Philip-Softball-05-08-25

Boys Outdoor Track = Franklin @ King Philip, 3:45

Girls Outdoor Track = Franklin @ King Philip, 3:45

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-08-25/

 

 

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

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 25 - 28

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

25. Will the re-assessment of properties increase the revenues the town collects?

No. Proposition 2 ½ limits the total amount of taxes that can be collected, even if property values increase. If all properties in town doubled in value, the tax rate would need to be reduced by half. The total amount of the tax levy would not change. Note that cities and towns are required to measure and inspect properties every  ten years or more often if there is an appeal, a building permit, or a sale. State DOR onsite reviewed Revaluations occur every 5 years, while Interim Year Market Updates are performed annually every other year. This is unrelated to any budget deficits. The only impact that the re-assessment would have on tax revenues is that some additional new growth may be found as part of this process. If there are new decks or other improvements that had not previously been reported to the town, that added value would be treated as new growth with respect to Proposition 2 ½. 

26. Could we borrow to solve this problem?

No. Cities and towns are required to have balanced budgets and are not allowed to borrow money to support operational budgets. 

27. Could we dip into our reserves?

Yes, but that would leave the Town in a very precarious financial situation. There is currently roughly $7.1 million in our stabilization accounts. If the Town were to spend all of that to close the budget deficit next year, that would leave the town without a financial safety net. The Town Council and Finance Committee have been working on updating the financial policies for the town. They have agreed to strive for a minimum balance of 5% of Non-Enterprise Budgets in our stabilization funds. In addition to providing for emergencies, healthy balances in our reserve accounts helps the Town to maintain our AAA bond rating. A strong bond rating is important when the town needs to borrow money. Towns with the highest bond ratings pay the lowest interest rates on the money they borrow. 

28. Did we consider all possible revenue sources?

Yes. As has been stated the Town has very little ability to create revenue streams, the state greatly limits our ability in this area. 

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

Tri-County golf tournament scheduled for June 6

Tri-County golf tournament scheduled for June 6

Get Ready to Tee Off for Tri-County! 

The countdown is on! It’s almost time for our annual Tee-Off for Tri-County Golf Tournament Fundraiser—and you won’t want to miss it! 

Join us for a day of fun, competition, and community, all in support of Tri-County.

Swing into action and scan the QR code for more details! 

Tag your golf crew and let’s hit the greens together!  

 

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUlCHrP69e/

Rain or shine, Stamp Out Hunger is Saturday, May 10, 2025!

This Saturday, Massachusetts letter carriers will participate in the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

How to Participate:

Rain or shine, Stamp Out Hunger is Saturday, May 10, 2025!

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, residents can place nonperishable items in a bag and place by their mailbox. Items should be placed in a sturdy bag. Most Franklin residents will receive a brown paper bag with Stamp Out Hunger instructions in their mailbox a few days prior to the event. Please fill this bag, or any other sturdy bag, with nonperishable groceries and leave it at your mailbox.

Letter carriers will pick up donations during their regular route time, or they may come back later in the day once their route is complete.

FPS Solutions Extended Day team is hiring

FPS Solutions Extended Day team is hiring

 

Join the FPS Solutions Extended Day team! 

Learn about the program at bit.ly/3WteQ5y. 

Send your resume to Jennifer Maitland, maitlandj@franklinps.net.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXQH3NTrLn/?igsh=YnhhOTlzN2FrM3Zm

Electronics Recycling Event scheduled for May 17

Electronics Recycling Event scheduled for May 17

Join us for a day of Spring Cleaning, decluttering, and environmental action. We are accepting ALL electronics, appliances and bikes! 

 

St Mary's Parish is hosting an Electronics Recycling Event from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday May 17. The collection event will be held in the Old Benjamin Franklin School parking lot at 201 Main Street, Franklin, MA (Across the street from the church).

 

All electronics, appliances, items with a plug and/or batteries, as well as bicycles in any condition will be accepted and recycled for a small cost as follows:

 

Cost to You:

• $5 each: each for Computer Towers,Laptops, DVD Players, VCR’s, Small Printers, Stereos, Radios, Alarm Clocks, Speakers, Video Game Consoles, Table Lamps, Fans, Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Projectors, Power Tools, Drills, Cameras, Clocks, Trophies, Frying Pans, Holiday Lights, Other Small Electronics.

• $10 each for Small Household Appliances, Vacuum Cleaners/Roomba, Toaster Ovens, Ceiling Fans, Floor Lamps, Air Fryers, Electric Grills, Hot Plates, Small Radiators, Keyboard Pianos, Coffee Makers, Ice Makers, Sewing Machines.

• $20 each for Flat Screen Computer Monitors, Microwaves, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Water Coolers, Large Printers/Copiers, Leaf Blowers, Chainsaws, Heat Lamps, Artificial Christmas Trees, Fire Extinguishers, Propane Tanks (Empty).

• $25 each for TVs up to 26,” CRT Monitors, Outdoor Grills, Dorm Sized Refrigerators,

• $30 each for TVs between 26” and 35,” White Goods, Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves, Dishwashers, Large Appliances, Large Yard Equipment,Treadmills, Exercise Equipment, Snow Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Rototillers, Large Generators, Motors, Water Tanks

• $35 each for TVs over 36,” Large Refrigerators, Ride-On Lawn Mowers.

• $40 each for Projection TVs.

• FREE! (Cash Donations Appreciated): Bicycles in any condition, Video Game Media and Accessories, Wires, Cables, Chargers, VHS/DVD’s.

When you arrive, please follow the cones and directions from the workers. Bring your vehicle as close to the truck or dumpster as possible. Feel free to remain in your vehicle, our workers will unload your items for you. 

 

Residents from all towns and communities are welcome to recycle. The event will be rain or shine. Computer hard drives will be destroyed during the recycling process, but can be removed on-site at the event for an additional charge. Cash payment is preferred, but checks will be an acceptable form of payments over $30.

 

For more information or if you have additional questions, email GreenDayRecyclingMA@Gmail.com

 

Shared from ->https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15LyRrg5Xn/

Lowell Folk Festival loses NEA funding, shares a "Call to Action"

On Friday evening, the National Endowment for the Arts informed us that they are withdrawing their $20,000 grant in support of this summer’s Lowell Folk Festival. While federal support is never guaranteed, this unexpected loss is a serious wake-up call, and a reminder of how fragile arts funding can be.

Lowell Folk Festival loses NEA funding

The NEA has been a valued partner for many years, and this change, while not unique to us, comes just as the cost of producing the festival continues to rise sharply. We remain committed to presenting the 38th annual Lowell Folk Festival as planned—free and open to all, and filled with the music, traditions, and community spirit that brings so many people together year after year.

Read the statement at our blog. Every gift counts, especially yours. Help us keep the music going. Donate today!

👉 https://lowellfolkfestival.org/pages/donate

With Gratitude,

Arthur Sutcliffe – Board Chairman

Lee Viliesis – Executive Director

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVw3vYXyd/

Editor's note: I will be contributing to this effort. The Folk Festival is a great experience. I have been fortunate to take advantage of the stage at Boarding House Park for many years and enjoyed the varity of entertainment.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 9, 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 Friday

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 Chalkboard Chat with SchCmte Chair Dave Callaghan https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/this-chalkboard-chat-condenses-school.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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

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