Town Council authorizes fire truck replacement, approves goals, & hears total expenses on snow & ice now exceeds $2M (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 4 and managed to conclude their session in their new 4 hour time constraint. All 9 members were present in Council Chambers.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay (approx. 30 minutes of the beginning is missing) https://youtu.be/3jkYtB5_Y3g?si=V_Mv-2K7BamBJLs_

The agenda (and released documents) can be found  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166

The thread of my notes capture via Blusky can be found 

https://skywriter.blue/@franklinmatters.bsky.social/3mgbesyelks2u 

or PDF format - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ONzSiMKofgqw1riOlBPJyqB-Hopo3bcs/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap

• The video on YouTube is missing approx. 30 minutes of the meeting; citizen comments and then picking up in the middle of Council Comments. Likely this video link will get replaced with the full video backup.
• Council changed agenda order and jumped to Legislation for action to tackle those items before getting to the goals discussion
• Snow and Ice total at $2.1M which doesn't include the $65K from last nights double coat of salt to counter the ice. This amount will eat into the operations budget as it has already wiped out the snow/Ice stabilization amount
• Ad-hoc subcommittee with 3 Council members will report back with community input on potential charter changes was approved by 9-0 vote
• Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing a Fire Truck for the Fire Department was approved by 9-0 vote.
• $20,000 from special fund for paid parking fees was authorized to pay for the system (2 years worth) and some repairs to one of the kiosks by a 9-0 vote
• 2 zoning bylaws (Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-948 & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-949) were approved to refer to the Planning Board. They will conduct their public hearing and send them back as is, or with comments for adjustments. The Council will then hold their public hearing (possibly in April) before voting on the measures. The new Planning Director Morena Zelaya made the presentation for her first appearance before the Council
• Then they got to the goals discussion. After a lengthy discussion with some tweaks, some cuts, but mostly approval of the goals as presented the Council was able to move to accept the goals as revised at approx. 9:58, approved to waive the reading, voted to approved, and then with seconds to spare, voted to adjourn before 10:00 PM

Town Council authorizes fire truck replacement,
approves goals, & hears total expenses on
snow & ice now exceeds $2M (video)

Reminder: Live reporting now to Bluesky app

I have stopped putting my live reporting notes out to X/Twitter. I have successfully reported on 2 meetings with Bluesky and likely will continue that way for now.

You can follow me at https://bsky.app/profile/franklinmatters.bsky.social

One draw back is that I don't have a PDF summary of the thread for a single meeting. If I can figure that out, I'd like to bring it back. If someone knows of a tool that could do that for Bluesky, I am all ears.

Or if there is another app with threadlike features I'll consider that (except for @Threads, that was a failure for reporting purposes).

Ok, thanks to quick responses from the community, I do have a thread creator tool and an option to output the thread to a PDF. Slick! The meeting notes for the 3/4/26 Town Council meeting have already been updated with this.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/town-council-authorizes-fire-truck.html

Reminder: Live reporting now to Bluesky app

Background on process: 

• During the meeting, the thread of the live reporting happens
• The next day, the Franklin TV video link is shared (assuming available) with a quick recap of the major items from the meeting
• In a couple of days, the audio of the meeting is shared. Sooner if the audio is an exclusive (i.e. Board of Health, or other Town or School Cmte subcommittee meeting is not on the TV broadcast schedule)
• The audio post will also include the quick recap and the TV link (if available)
• Usually at the end of the week, the Meeting Notes archive is updated (https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html)
• The meeting summary link is also included in the Franklin Matters Weekly edition prepared Saturday and emailed Sunday morning   https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/

FHS' John Woodall one of five Hockomock Wrestlers to Earn All-State Titles

Via HockomockSports.com:

"Marcolini was one of five Hockomock grapplers to win an All-State title on Monday, joined by Franklin’s John Woodall (113), Mansfield’s Tessa Johnson (145), and Sharon’s Cyrus Jones (175) and Elsa Scott (107).

“Derek wrestled a great tournament, he was motivated all week and put in the work necessary to win All-States,” said Milford head coach PJ Boccia. “Proud of the way he has wrestled all year.”

Woodall, a sophomore, remained undefeated in his career by winning his second straight All-State title this time at 113. He needed just over 90 seconds to earn a 21-6 tech fall in the quarterfinals and then six takedowns in an impressive showing in the semifinals, a 19-6 major decision over Woburn’s Alexavier Orellana. Against the two-seed Devon Mateo (West Springfield) in the final, Woodall had two takedowns in the second period and two more in the third to earn a 12-3 major decision.

Woodall becomes just the fourth Hockomock wrestler to win All-States twice and the first in a decade, joining Foxboro’s Jack Leighton (1997 & 1998) and Matt Kelley (2015 & 2016) and Franklin’s Steve Heleniak (1999 & 2000).

Continue reading the wrestling article (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/five-hockomock-wrestlers-earn-all-state-titles/

Franklin’s John Woodall, pictured here at the 2026 Hockomock Championships, became just the fourth wrestler in league history to win All-States twice. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Please take the quick Franklin Public Library Survey !!!

Please take the quick Franklin Public Library Survey !!!

Franklin Public Library wants to hear from you!

Please take our quick survey to help us plan for the next five years of library goals and greatness!

https://www.franklinma.gov/1211/Library-Survey

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Get your tickets now for the Creative Corner, Fiori & Fern, KCooks collaboration at The Shed March 31

Get your tickets now for the Creative Corner, Fiori & Fern,
KCooks collaboration at The Shed March 31

​Excited to collaborate with other local businesses And invite the community to hold private events 

• Available on Tuesdays •

Bringing more fun to your weekday!

• March 31st • SIP & CREATE 

Secure your spot today • Limited seating

@creativecornerartstudio    @Fiori and Fern   @kcooks_momchef_ 

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVbcKGhESrG/

Tickets available online - https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/service-page/paint-and-sip-night-at-the-shed?referral=service_list_widget

Power of Positivity, Sunday March 8 at 10 AM

The Power of Positivity = March 8, 2026 10:00 AM

Lay leader and longtime FUSF member Bo Kinney will lead a service entitled "The Power of Positivity." Bo will share how his cancer journey has influenced his life, and how it exemplifies the Unitarian Universalist value of Transformation.

Event by First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTPXuoGh2/

Save the Date: April 25 is Celebrate Trails Day!

April 25 is Celebrate Trails Day!

Save the Date: April 25 is Celebrate Trails Day!  

The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will be hosting a walking tour on the SNETT Trail to highlight some of the history surrounding the the rail trail, and also discussing some of the changes coming in the future.

Details can be found on our web site using the link https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/2026/03/03/celebrate-trails-day-april-25th-2026/

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 099 - Self Publishing, Stephen King, Cinnamon Soldiers, 100 Years, and much more

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about self publishing, Susan shares about her upcoming book, Jesus Has Set Me Free, Faith and Peter discuss Stephen King books, love is in the air with the help of the cinnamon soldiers, and a poem about 100 years.

Audio link ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-099-self-publishing-stephen-king-cinnamon-soldiers-100-years-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Annual YMCA Impact Highlights for 2025

Annual YMCA Impact Highlights for 2025

As we prepare for our Annual Reach Out Breakfast this Friday, March 6th at Gillette Stadium, we’re reflecting on the incredible impact made possible through the critical funds raised with the help of our generous supporters.

Because of you, we’ve been able to strengthen our community, support families in need, and ensure everyone has access to the programs and services that truly change lives.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZy9s_lDQm/

NPR signs change for a reason

Wondering why the NPR logo looks a little different today?

After a year of sustained political attacks threatening to silence NPR – including Congress' rescission of $1 billion in funding for public media – we thought it was time to loudly champion the questions that live at the heart of human curiosity.

As part of a national, multi-platform campaign created in partnership with creative advertising agency Mischief @ No Fixed Address, we’re raising the three-letter questions at the core of all our journalism, and we’re putting them everywhere: across out-of-home activations in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., on feeds across social media— even on the signage in front of our headquarters.

Why? Because questions like these are at the heart of NPR's mission to create a more informed society. Because your freedom to ask “who?” “how?” and “why?” is at the cornerstone of American democracy. Because it’s a reminder that any attempt to silence curiosity will only inspire more of it.

Learn more about the campaign at the link in our bio, or at npr.org/curious.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Avm17RtEU/

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 5, 2026

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 covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• The episode features the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Max Morrongiello as we recap the meeting held Feb 4, 2026  -    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/councilor-max-morrongiello-shares-his.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 Turntable Show Album Hour features Steely Dan's award winning "Aja" record.   Aja was released Sept 23, 1977 and was Steely Dan's sixth studio album which includes hits such as "Peg", "Deacon Blues", and "Josie".  

  
  
• The Dan Vibe Playlist Hour includes some early Dan classics and a special play of the “2021 Live Northeast Corridor Concert" which highlights many classics and Aja songs live..  Enjoy the brilliance of The Dan!"

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, March 5, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

9:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Peter Glass

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

12:03 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:35 pm Cook with Linda: Pork Tenderloin

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Joanne Schaefer

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

5:30 pm The Black Box: Newsies

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

8:00 pm Celebrate with Pride 2025: Sioo

9:00 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

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

9:30 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026

11:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26

2:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 01-17-24

5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Norwood 01-24-26

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 02-26-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 02-26-26

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals  CHAMBERS  991 4613 9279

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: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 4

• Regular curbside trash/recycle schedule for this week
• Free overflow bags at DPW Admin building, 257 Fisher St
• Hours added at Beaver St Recycling Ctr  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/reminder-regular-curbside-schedule-for.html

1:00pm    Joe Landry on the Morse Opera House (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting  (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today   ***

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2164 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166 

-----------

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

Massachusetts AG Francis X. Belloti quote from Town of Franklin Bicentennial 1978

On this day in 1978 (March 2):

Massachusetts AG Francis X. Belloti quote
from Town of Franklin Bicentennial 1978

Statement given by Massachusetts Attorney General Francis X. Belloti during the kickoff ceremony for the Town of Franklin's Bicentennial celebrations, March 2, 1978. Belloti's remarks were followed by the opening of the centennial time capsule, sealed during the town's centennial exercises in 1878.

Explore more about the Town of Franklin's history at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org/.

Shared from -  https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZHhnYj0Gi/

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Zoom Meeting Thursday night, March 5th, at 7 PM

Hi all!

Our 350 Mass Franklin Node meeting will be held Thursday night, March 5th, from 7-9 PM. It will be a hybrid meeting, meaning you can attend in-person or by Zoom for those who can 't personally attend.

Best to attend this in-person if at all possible as we will be brain-storming ideas for making our booth both interactive and attractive to engage more event attendees. Give some thought to possible ideas beforehand so we can share them together, links to images or other information that best puts them across appreciated.   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09 

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Our meeting's focus will be on:

• sharing ideas on ways to make our booth interactive and attractive for the spring/summer events.

Thank you, and hoping to see you by Zoom Thursday night, March 5th, from 7-9 PM !

With gratitude,

Carolyn, Rand and Steve

508-335-0848 Carolyn cell