Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting June 4, 2025 - FY 2026 Budget Vote (Updated agenda)

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 4, 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. May 7, 2025

b. May 21, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing - Continued from May 22, 2025

i. FY26 Voting Document  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5850/9a-1----25-20---Adoption-of-FY26-Budget---Google-Docs

ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5322/FY26-Budget-Narrative

iii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5246/Appendix-A-Town-Administrator-Recommended-Voting-Document-and-Budget-Book

iv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Book  

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf

FY 2026 Budget Vote

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-20 Adoption of the FY2026 Budget Appropriations - Budget Vote (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-20 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5851/9a-1----25-20---Adoption-of-FY26-Budget---MEMO

b. Resolution 25-21: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-21 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5844/9b-25-21_-Salary-Schedule_-Full-Time-Elected-Official-Town-Clerk

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-936 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5845/9c-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

d. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations)

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-937 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5846/9d-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

e. Resolution 25-23: Snow and Ice Transfer of Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5855/9e-Snow

f. Resolution 25-35: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved to Road Repairs (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5856/9F-25-935-TNC-Ride-Share

g. Resolution 25-25: Community Preservation Fund: FY26 Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5857/9g-CPA-Budget-FY26

h. Resolution 25-26: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5858/9h-1---RESOLUTION-25-26---CPA-Projects

i. Resolution 25-24: Transfer of Funds from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-24 Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5859/9i-Water-Enterprise

j. Resolution 25-34: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved for PFAS Remediation (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-34 Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5860/9j-2---PFAS

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 - ⅔ Roll Call Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5861/9k-Flood-plain

l. Resolution 25-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5840/9m---25-32---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

m. Resolution 25-33: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,510)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5842/9n-25-33---Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr

n. Resolution 25-22: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, Section 53E½, as Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-22 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5873/9n-25-22-Expenditure-Limits

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

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769

FHS girls & boys lacrosse, baseball & softball advance in playoffs (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports playoff results for Franklin High School on Monday, June 2, 2025

Monday's Results - June 2

Boys Lacrosse = Division 1

#21 Waltham, 0 @ #12 Franklin, 10 – Final 

– After a scoreless first quarter, Franklin’s offense roared to life with five goals in the second and then added four more in the third quarter to earn a convincing win over Waltham in the opening round of the tournament. Franklin’s shutdown defense was anchored by Flynn Baker, Tyler Crandall, Drew McCarthy, Jackson Palmieri, and Andrew Fraulo, and goalie Sam Freedman made six saves in the shutout. Junior Quinn Kielty paced the offense with three goals while junior Joey Tarentino, sophomore Nate Walsh (assist), and senior Jack Fairweather each tallied twice in the win. Senior Jack O’Connor chipped in with one goal in the win. #12 Franklin will travel to #5 Acton-Boxborough on Wednesday at 4:00.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJneB1sPaq0

Girls Lacrosse = Division 1

#26 Weymouth, 7  @ #7 Franklin,  21 – Final

– A dominant performance on the draw in the second half helped Franklin pull away against visiting Weymouth in an opening round matchup. Senior Sophia Sacchetti scored with just two seconds left in the first half to put the Panthers up 9-5 at the break. While the game was close at half, it didn’t stay that way for very long. Franklin outscored the Wildcats 8-1 in the third quarter to grow a four-goal lead into a double-digit advantage going into the fourth. “We were trying a bunch of different people on the draws and different setups but Kendell Mone (five draw controls) going in, she was able to switch it up and Morgan Lovell and Julia Flynn won them on the circle,” said Franklin head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “We struggled in the first quarter on the draws but making that adjustment was key to giving our team possession and getting us 21 goals.” Freshman Clara Blongastainer scored a game-high six goals while junior Izzy Cross (four assists), senior Julia Flynn (assist), and Sachetti (assist) each scored a trio of goals. Seniors Gabi Consigli and Liza Kudish each chipped in with two goals and junior Erin Peterson found the back of the net once. #7 Franklin will be the home team against #10 Andover on Wednesday at 4:00 at Mansfield High School.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkmUNErgYB4

Sunday's Results - June 1

Baseball = Division 1

#21 Durfee, 1 @ #12 Franklin, 4 – Final 

Softball = Division 1

#22 Springfield Central, 2 @ #11 Franklin, 22 – Final (5 Inn.) 

Franklin is now scheduled to play at Lincoln-Sudbury on 6/04/25 4:00 PM

Sunday's results -> 

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-06-01-25/

Monday's results ->

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-06-02-25/

FHS girls & boys lacrosse, baseball & softball advance in playoffs (video)

June 1, 2025 Town of Franklin MA Pride Flag Raising (video)

The 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising ceremony held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Franklin, MA. Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger was 'master of ceremonies' for this event introducing each speaker. 

Sioo did perform a song (Journey) for which he gave thanks. It was left out of the video to avoid copy right issues.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C6bdr9spr0

Campaign Finance Reports for Special Election June 3, 2025

Campaign Finance Reports as filed with the Town Clerk's office and posted to the Town page

** One Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5165/One-Franklin-2025

• 8 Days Preceding

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5785/One-Franklin-2025---8th-day-preceding-special-election

** Franklin Neighborhood Alliance

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5370/Franklin-Neighborhood-Alliance

• 8 Days Prior

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5792/Franklin-Neighborhood-Alliance---8th-day-preceeding

Early voting was held at the Town Clerk's office

Town of Franklin: Mandatory Water Conservation Measures Effective Monday June 2, 2025

Town Of Franklin

Mandatory Water Conservation Measures

Effective Monday June 2, 2025

Lawn Watering Is Restricted To

One Day Per Week On Trash Day

• No automatic lawn watering between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• No holiday delays for watering.
• No lawn watering is permitted on other days of the week.
• Hand watering is permitted anytime.

In accordance with the Town’s Water Management Act Permit issued by the State, the first Monday in June means that summer Water Conservation Measures are now in effect. Conservation measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. 

This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption. During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and State restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months. 

A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns.

Conservation measures will stay in effect until the second Monday in September (September 9, 2025) unless a drought condition is present.

Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200.

For additional information, visit the DPW website at https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 508-520-4910.

Creative Corner has you covered with programs for the half days

Creative Corner has you covered with programs for the half days

Half Days for FPS this month: Do you need coverage for your creative kiddo? We have you covered and have pick ups at the school by a third party service too!


Follow the link ->    www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

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

Summer star classes have space available this summer

Summer star classes have space available this summer

There are still a few spots left in these elementary-age summer classes and more from Lifelong Learning! 

Details: tinyurl.com/35cstdts.

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

Have you checked out the summer programs at Downtown Sports ???

check out the summer programs at Downtown Sports

Downtown Sports summer programs are ready for your consideration and enrollment ->   https://www.downtownsports.net/

Shared from -> (view video at link) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZM5htxYGt/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, June 3, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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

 

7:30 am Joe Landry: Funeral Homes

9:00 am Mental Health: Max Morrongiello

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Mac 'n' Cheese

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

3:30 pm Riffing on Main Street: Steve Sherlock

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

6:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Boston Floating Hospital

8:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

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

 

7:00 am Parmenter School Memorial Day Celebration

8:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Band and Glee

10:00 am Mental Health: Max Morrongiello

12:30 pm Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

2:00 pm bLAX_vLongmeadow_052025

4:30 pm Tri County Honors Night 2025

8:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

 

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

8:00 am School Committee 05-27-25

2:00 pm School Committee 05-27-25

 

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, June 2, 2025 ???

Monday, June 2

Library & Senior Center events

** Last day absentee voting for June 3 Special Election (Town Clerk's Office) 

5:00pm What's that Splash?? (Franklin Sculpture Park)

Splash moved to June 9

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, June 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022025-1763 

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

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

Special Election June 3, 2025 - Collection of info on the FY 2026 Override

6 to 3 to 2 to 1, finally

One can pick and choose when it started, there are a number of key points along this budget journey for the Town of Franklin. Go back to the first successful override in 2007. Or to the failed overrides in 2008 and 2010. 

To the failed dedicated override for road repairs for $1M that folks chose not to accept in 2014.  Yes, even after hearing that the Town needed to confirm that money for the override would be spent for a specific item, the voters chose not to fund needed road repairs.  

Whether you call it the “fiscal cliff” or the “structural deficit”, it really comes down to a math problem. More money required to fund existing services than is scheduled to come in due to the 2 ½ override restrictions. You can try to ignore it but inflation is the major driver. Councilor Jones calculated the inflation impact of Prop 2 ½ since 1983 during the override discussions in the run up to the June 2024 failed attempt.

It is so much easier to blame someone else for the problem. That avoids the harsh reality of the situation our community faces. It seems there are a number of relatives of Rodney Dangerfield (“I get no respect”) who live here. They attempt to dominate or divert the conversation from facing reality. It gets a chuckle, laughed off, and the tragedy remains in front of us.

So the Town took on a massive effort with 

• 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions 

• 3 Finance Committee budget hearings

• 2 Town Council budget hearings

In the run up to the special election Tuesday, June 3 at Franklin High School gymnasium from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Of the 25,865 registered Franklin voters, 2431 ballots have been cast by early and absentee voters (through 5/30/25 close of business) for this election per Town Clerk Nancy Danello. 

The questions that remain?

1. How many of the remaining voters will turn out on Tuesday? 

2. Will they be Rodney’s relatives? Or will they fund the current services our community needs? 

When will we get an answer?

• We’ll find out by about 9 PM Tuesday evening.

** Town of Franklin FY 2026 override page

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

Special Election June 3, 2025 - Collection of info on the FY 2026 Override

In addition to the trusted source of info (above) we provide the following:

** Election prep resources

• Joint Budget Listening Session “Watch, Listen, or Read” info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html  

• Finance Committee Budget Hearing “Watch, Listen, or Read” info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/finance-committee-fy-2026-budget.html

• Town Council budget hearings “Watch or Listen” info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-fy-2026-budget-hearing-1-2.html 

The More Perfect Union radio show has resumed with an episode on the Special Election June 3

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/more-perfect-union-wfpr-98-june-3rd.html 

The most recent Town Council Quarterbacking session summarizes the Council budget hearings and the all alcohol license transactions they approved in the May 22 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/tom-mercer-i-condense-2-budget-hearings.html 

** Campaign Reports

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/campaign-finance-reports-for-special.html

** Voices of Franklin

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp "The Cost of Silence: A Town at a Crossroads" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/voices-of-franklin-jane-callaway-tripp.html Voices of Franklin: Town Councilor Glenn Jones says "get out to vote June 3" (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/voices-of-franklin-town-councilor-glenn.html

Voices of Franklin: Arielle Shearer - 3 Reasons to Vote Yes https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-arielle-shearer-3.html Voices of Franklin: Aaron Gouveia on keeping Franklin "safe and educated" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-aaron-gouveia-on.html Voices of Franklin: Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger advocates for voting Yes (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-councilor-ted.html Voices of Franklin: Councilor Melanie Hamblen encouraging civil discourse (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-councilor-melanie.html Voices of Franklin: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-mark-minnichelli.html Voices of Franklin: Rep Jeff Roy on voting Yes for the override (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-rep-jeff-roy-on.html Voices of Franklin: Cobi Frongillo for the FY 2026 Override (video) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-cobi-frongillo-for.html Voices of Franklin: Councilor Jones advocates for the Override June 3 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-councilor-jones.html Voices of Franklin: Roberta Trahan voting "Yes" for the June 3 Override https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-roberta-trahan.html Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally urges a “YES” vote by June 3 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-kp-sompally-urges.html Voices of Franklin: Donna Grady outlines the reasons for voting "Yes" on or before June 3 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/voices-of-franklin-donna-grady-outlines.html Voices of Franklin: One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/voices-of-franklin-one-franklin-shared.html Voices of Franklin: Watch "Franklin Together" on YouTube https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/voices-of-franklin-watch-franklin.html Voices of Franklin: Melanie Hamblen supporting the June 3 Override to save town services https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/voices-of-franklin-melanie-hamblen.html Voices of Franklin: Selena Cousin's statement at the Joint Budget Listening Session - Mar 12, 2025 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/voices-of-franklin-selena-cousins.html Voices of Franklin: O'Sullivan - Why I voted 'No' Wednesday night https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/voices-of-franklin-osullivan-why-i.html Voices of Franklin: Time for Listening Sessions https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/voices-of-franklin-time-for-listening.html

MBTA issues alert on the Franklin/Foxboro Line for travel via shuttle bus on June 7 & June 8

travel via shuttle bus on June 7 & June 8

On the weekend of June 7 and 8, shuttle buses will replace service between Forge Park/495 and Readville. 

Commuter Rail service will operate between Readville and South Station. For more information visit MBTA.com/CR.

Learn more: http://mbta.com/EastStBridge

Last Updated: May 28 2025 02:03 PM