Franklin, MA: Town Council Mtg agenda for Wednesday, Sep 17

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 17, 2025 = 7:00 PM

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 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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Police Department - Swearing in of new Police Officers

i. Patrol Officer Patrick Clark

ii. Patrol Officer Jalen Samuels

iii. Patrol Officer Kyle Vaught

Franklin, MA: Town Council Mtg agenda for Wednesday, Sep 17

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Community Preservation Committee - Wayne Simarrian

b. Conservation Commission - Matthew Stoltz

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin

i. Legislation for Action # 9h.

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses

i. Legislation for Action # 9i

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4,

Districts Enumerated

i. Legislation for Action # 9j

d. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5,

Zoning Map

i. Legislation for Action # 9k

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule,

Part I through Part VII

i. Legislation for Action # 9l

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area,

Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements

i. Legislation for Action # 9m

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

i. Legislation for Action # 9n

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31

i. Legislation for Action # 9o

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Solicitation Permits - Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-58: November 4, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-58 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-59: Authorization for Inter-Municipal Agreement with Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical HIgh School for Franklin to provide it with a School Resource Officer (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-59 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 25-61: Acceptance of Easements on Property on Northwesterly Side of Raymond Avenue (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-61 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 25-62: Acceptance of Access Easement on Lot 1, Located on Westerly Side of Spring Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-62 - Majority Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 25-943: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Section 139-14, Sewer System Map (Symphony Dr.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-943 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

f. Bylaw Amendment 25-944: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Section 179-9.1, Water System Map (Symphony Dr.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-944 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

g. Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 65, Collection Containers - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-945 to a Second Reading)

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

k. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

l. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

m. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

n. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

o. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

p. Resolution 25-60: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($150)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-60 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Personnel Update

b. FY26 Budget Update

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

a. Exemption #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Town Administrator.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda & docs released for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

Heather talks about her journey developing b.Luxe and hair loss solutions (audio)

FM #1511 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1511 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Heather Cohen, owner of the b.Luxe Hair & Makeup Studio in Medway. We had our conversation at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, August 28, 2025. 

Heather Cohen, owner of the b.Luxe Hair & Makeup Studio

Heather lives in Franklin and is now personally specializing in solutions for hair loss as part of the studio services. Our conversation covered Heather’s road to the present time, hair stylist, opening her own studio in Medway in 2011, growing the studio, facing hair loss and researching, experimenting to find appropriate solutions. 

It was a fun and fascinating conversation.

The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1511-heather-cohen-her-bluxe-story-08-28-25/

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b.Luxe web page -> https://bluxe.com/ 

Hair loss solutions -> https://bluxe.com/hair-loss-solutions 

Studio Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/bluxehairandmakeup/ 

Heather’s Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/b.luxewigsandtoppers/

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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"

FHS boys soccer fall to St John's Prep on Saturday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 vs. St. John’s Prep, 2 – Final 

– Franklin erased a one-goal deficit in the first half but St. John’s Prep found the winner midway through the second half to get the win on the road. Junior Will McAuley played a perfect through ball for Ethan Herndon and the sophomore blasted a shot past the keeper to make it 1-1 in the 20th minute. Franklin senior Casey Flynn had a strong performance in net for the Panthers.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moPp1a9mkts

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-13-25/

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

"Corn Shucking Party" volunteers needed Tuesday, Sep 16 at 2:30 PM

"Corn Shucking Party" volunteers
needed Tuesday, Sep 16 at 2:30 PM

"Franklin Food Services is buying local MA grown corn for the entire district (around 1400 pieces) and will be served on Thursday across the district.

Food Services is looking for volunteers to have a "shucking party" at FHS on Tuesday, September 16th, at 2:30 PM.

Coffee and cookies will be provided for volunteers. Please see the attached flier for more information."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ACbsoojP1/

Note: Because there's no RSVP on the flier, you can just probably just show up. You can also email Aaron Lenart from Food Services at lenarta@franklinps.net

Franklin TV: Tri-County Topped

A culmination – and a beginning

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 09/14/2025

Tri-County is finally realizing its dream – building a 21st century school facility. The long journey to today’s ‘topping off’ ceremonies began BC – before COVID. Architectural dreams often begin as design sketches – on napkins – in notebooks. Sketches become plans. Plans become projects. Today, that dream has a shape, sketched across the September sky – in steel.

Franklin TV: Tri-County Topped

The bones of the building now stand tall and strong.

The teachers, students, planners, political advocates, supporters and well-wishers all came out to celebrate the momentous event on a glorious Friday morning. So much work has been done to make this happen, and so much more will unfold over the next few years to complete Tri-County’s extensive regional vocational facility.

At a time when careers of every stripe face growing concerns over the threat of AI to future employment, the recognized and rising need for a highly skilled trades workforce that can meet the country’s future construction and infrastructure needs is becoming all the more acute. Skilled and talented ‘makers of tomorrow’ will come from schools like Tri-County which is clearly preparing to lead the way.

A grateful nod goes out to all who helped to guide this much needed initiative along the way. At the outset, the cost of such dreams can seem dear, but the generational value for decades to come is invaluable.

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

Save the date: Tri-County open house Nov 15, 2025

Save the Date!

Save the date: Tri-County open house Nov 15, 2025

We’re opening our doors and welcoming future students, families, and community members to explore all that Tri-County has to offer!

• Open House
• Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
• Saturday, November 15, 2025

Come discover our programs, meet our passionate educators, and see firsthand how hands-on learning is shaping bright futures.

More details coming soon—mark your calendars and stay tuned!

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

BFCCPS annual High School Fair scheduled for September 18 from 5 to 6:30 PM

BFCCPS annual High School Fair 

The BFCCPS annual High School Fair takes place September 18 from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the Learning Commons for families interested in learning about local high school options for the 2026-2027 school year. The school is located at 500 Financial Park in Franklin MA.

The event is open to 8th grade students both at BFCCPS and from local schools as well. Please note that a parent or guardian must accompany all students for the duration of the event.

Students are invited to pick up brochures and applications, ask about fall open house dates and speak directly with representatives and current students of the schools that will be in attendance.

Please contact Lauren Callaghan our School Counselor with any questions at lcallaghan@bfccps.org.

You can see the schools who have already signed up to attend here

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, September 14, 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 Sunday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 ??

Saturday, Sep 13

9am Cactus and Succulent Festival (Norfolk Town Common & Norfolk Public Library)

9am Thrifty Threads (half price sale) (Franklin Federated Church)

10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am MetroWest Symphony Orchestra Concert! (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Police Station Open House (911 Panther Way)

2pm Craftalong for Adults (Franklin Public Library)

7pm Jennifer Tefft & The Strange (live music) (Start Line Brewing Co)

8pm James Montgomery Band with The Daybreakers (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

8pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

8pm Jazz Tones Trio (live music) (Franklin United Methodist Church)

8pm The Franklin Underground (live Music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Police Station Open House (911 Panther Way)

• Stay informed on the plans, progress, and community impact of Franklin’s new police facility while we build a safer future for the police department and the greater community. -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of September 12, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the most recent updated report as of Friday, September 12, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors, Planning Board, and Planning Board (Associate Member) at this point. 

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Planning Board (Associate Member)

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board 

9 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee (1 withdrew)

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

16 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health position remains without at least a candidate at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This is 'crunch time' as all the nomination papers are due back September 15 when required will be validated. 

The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22 giving candidates time to withdraw.

The PDF download ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6931/Nomination-papers-filed-as-of-9-12-25  (from Town page but not a permanent link)

OR (a permanent link) ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh_hYug72rSPpvcoFiz1C9oBx_ABnaMn/view?usp=drive_link

Tri-County Topping off held Friday, Sep 12

Tri-County Topping off held Friday, Sep 12

The topping off ceremony marking the last beam for the steel frame for the new Tri-County Vocational Technical High School was held on Friday, Sep 12, 2025.

The photos are courtesy of Chris Flynn, Franklin TV.

Photo album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/AD9224P6czCEYLNp9

FHS football loses to Wachusetts on Friday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Sep 12, 2025

Football = Franklin, 14 vs. Wachusett, 23 – Final

Franklin TV video available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5uLubdGr2c

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-12-25/

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