Franklin Matters

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The meeting was delayed starting but all 9 councilors were present in Council Chambers with a full audience and at least another 50+ via Zoom.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B

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

Quick recap:

After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A& B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked above)
Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override
Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions, some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year
The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.
The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:

2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)
2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)

This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)

1 admin position for Town Administrators office
1 from Planning & Community Development
1 from Board of Assessors
the part-time nurse at the Senior Center
DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)
Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)
additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)
Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email)

The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8

Kris Russell and I talk about the 15th Anniversary of The Drummers Studio (audio)

FM #1461 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1461 in the series.

This session shares my conversation about the 15th Anniversary of The Drummers Studio. I talk with Kris Russell, owner, operator, and drummer extraordinaire. We recorded this conversation in the “Honeycomb Hive” or “Chemistry Lab” on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

We cover the following in our conversation

Kris’ journey to Franklin
Creation of The Drummers Studio
Educational approach
15th Anniversary celebration June 21 at Bellingham High
Kris gives us about a 2 minute musical sample, the drum track to David Bowie's Let’s Dance song.

The recording runs about 53 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1461-15th-anniversary-of-the-drummers-studio-05-2825/

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The Drummers Studio -> https://thedrummersstudio.com/

Info on the 15th Anniversary celebration at Bellingham High on June 21

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/the-drummers-studio-15th-anniversary.html

Kris plays the drum part of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, about 2 minutes worth …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbD_kBJc_gI

Links to some of the items mentioned during our conversation

The Drummers' Studio 15th Anniversary Celebration - June 21
The California based drum corp -> https://muiralumnidrumcorp.org/ (Note: link may not work in all browsers, must be some host based security setting at issue)
Recent guest to the Studio -> https://www.carlitomendoza.com/
The eclectic drum kits referenced -> https://www.roland.com/us/categories/drums_percussion/v-drums_kits/

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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 softball, girls & boys lacrosse teams end playoff runs on Wednesday

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 Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Softball = Division 1

#11 Franklin, 0 @ #6 Lincoln-Sudbury, 2 – Final

Boys Lacrosse = Division 1

#12 Franklin, 5 @ #5 Acton-Boxboro, 16 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = Division 1

#10 Andover, 7 @ #7 Franklin, 3 – Final

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f20bB1OvWgo

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription is required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-04-25/

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

Get your tickets for the FHS performance of "Urinetown, The Musical" - June 13 & June 14

Three performances by Franklin High School Theatre Company of "Urinetown, the Musical" are scheduled for Friday, June 13 (7 PM) and Saturday, June 14 (2 & & 7 PM).

Tickets are available online through Unipay for Franklin High School. Tickets can also be purchased at the door with cash or card.

Go to Unipay, select Franklin High School and then Urinetown will appear in the left side menu -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

SAFE works with Vizionara to develop a business case to help bridge gaps in care and programming

SAFE works with Vizionara to develop a business case
to help bridge gaps in care and programming

We are incredibly grateful to have partnered with the AMAZING team at Vizionara to develop a business case to help us bridge gaps in care and programming in Massachusetts and grow our service area to be more accessible for those in need!

Vizionara, a leading women-owned technology and consulting firm, did this work as part of their Vizionara Gives Back program, which allows them to apply their business savvy to supporting causes that matter to their team.

A HUGE thank you to Kim Rader and Denise Keller, who went above and beyond to strategically consult SAFE on project planning, data analysis, research, and more.

We can’t wait for you to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and related concerns!

Learn more about Vizionara Gives Back: https://vizionara.com/causes-and-partnerships/

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

For more about SAFE Coalition visit their page -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

New Reading Challenge for Massachusetts Students

There is a New Reading Challenge for Massachusetts Students!

Check out the rules and sign up at MassBook.org -> https://www.massbook.org/student-reading-challenge

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DKaA6r7RyGM/

There is also an Adult Reading challenge. Details here -> https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

Franklin Lions offering light kits again to "Light up Franklin" for the 4th of July

Franklin Lions offering light kits
again to "Light up Franklin" for the 4th of July

We are a month away from the Fourth of July and we are excited to let everyone know that we are selling our Fourth of July lanterns again! $15 for a set of three.

Please either message us here on Facebook or email Lion Haley Kane (email in flyer) if you would like to purchase a set. We can deliver them to you!

Thank you so much in advance.

Franklin Lions appreciates the support.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18zizFsbpV/

New lower municipal aggregation electricity rate coming this fall

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028.

The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month.

Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service.

“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 town-wide Master Plan.

“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”

This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution separately.

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024.

Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.

Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating. To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year. Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the

Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.

https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/

There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation. However, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223 to have the block removed in order to participate in this program. Additionally, anyone already locked into an existing contract with another third-party supplier is advised to verify the contract terms before switching, as they may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier.

Residents and ratepayers seeking enrollment status are advised to contact Colonial Power Group at (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 or colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.

Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, June 5, 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 my Chalkboard Chat with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/this-chalkboard-chat-condenses-may-13.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)"

This week the Turntable Show features the band "Rush" and a collection of hits from their 50th Rush Anniversary Package released March of 2025 and from the Clockworks Angel final studio album released on June 8, 2012.

The Vibe DJ Playlist Hour spins major hits from the "Different Stages" live collection to enjoy the brilliance of Rush-driven rock n roll LIVE!

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