Franklin Town Council votes to extend session past the 4 hour cutoff (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22 in Council Chambers. All 9 members of the COuncil were present to participate in person.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/mliO20lR8Cc?&t=133

The agenda for the session (including docs released for this meeting) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

Quick recap for 10:00 PM to closing of session

• These three resolutions were not acted upon and will be rescheduled to the December 2 meeting
• b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote) c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote) d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)
• c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)
• d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)
• Vote to extend meeting to continue past the 4 hour deadline
• The Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban was approved after 2nd reading by an 8-1 vote (Morrongiello voted no)
• Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense  voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD  voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
• Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4  voted to approved by a 9-0 vote

Franklin Public Library's event highlights for August 2026

August 2026

Summer Reading 2026

Plant a Seed...Read!

Summer is here and that means Summer Reading is waiting for YOU at the Library! Summer reading is for all ages. Sign up at the Franklin Public Library or on the Library website; then set your sights on reading goals and summer adventures.

Special Events for Kids & Teens

Mobile Mini Golf! Monday, August 3rd @ 1pm

Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages*!! *Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Plush Pet Adoption Day! Friday, August 7th @ 1pm

Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed story time with your new best friend.

Messtival! Saturday, August 15th @ 10:30am

Join the Franklin Public Library for an epic morning of mess-making and chaos! Enjoy ooblek, bubbles, sensory bins, and more! Bring your enthusiasm and a change of clothes.

Parody Playhouse! Monday, August 17th @ 4pm

Join us for a special kid-friendly spin on your favorite musical hits! Parody Playhouse features child-appropriate parodies of popular songs by a range of artists, which are educational and entertaining. It's sure to be a blast!

Community Canvas: Flower Field, Monday, August 24th @ 1pm

Design and decorate your own unique flower, add it to the field, and watch it grow!

Summer Reading Wrap Up! Saturday, August 29th @ 10:30am

Celebrate the end of summer reading at the library with a special celebration, with music, balloons, games, and more!

Special Events for Adults

Diamond Art De-stress Thursday, August 6 @ 6pm & Saturday, August 22 @ 1pm

Registration Required

Give your day some Sparkle & Zen... Enjoy a meditative diamond art project! All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Learn To Mahjong, Tuesday, August 11 @ 6pm

Registration Required

This intro to mahjong session will introduce the suits, the rules, the card, and other basics of American Mahjong!

It’s a Wrap! Wire and Bead Bracelet Craft, Thursday, August 20 @ 6:30pm

Registration Required

Wrap up the summer with a braided wire and bead bracelet craft.

Teen and Adult Summer Reading Raffle Drawing! Friday, August 21 @ 4pm

Teens and Adults who have participated in the library's summer reading program, come celebrate the end of an epic summer with a special raffle drawing at the library!

After submitting your completed summer reading on 8/20 (through the QR code on your reading log) join us on Friday afternoon for the raffle drawing. Literary themed prizes, book bundles, and more - the perfect way to transition into a new season of reading!

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, August 25 @ 6pm

Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. For ages 18+.

Special Events for All Ages

Concert: Sharks Come Cruisin’, Saturday, August 8 @ 3pm

The tides rise at the Library as The Sharks Come Cruisin' in for a concert! Enjoy an energetic mix of sea shanties and maritime music and be prepared to dance and sing along!

Wildlife Out Your Window, Thursday, August 13 @ 6:30pm

What if the most fascinating wildlife in New England isn’t far away in the wilderness— but right outside your window? Join wildlife ecologist and nature author Brad Timm for a lively, eye-opening presentation that will forever change how you see the natural world around you. You’ll discover surprising secrets about the animals you thought you knew all about.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, August 14: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, August 15: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, August 15: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

David Rak & Paradise Flyer scheduled to provide live music at the Farmers Market/Concert on the Common Friday, July 24

Join us this Friday for live music on the Franklin Town Common while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!

David Rak | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Paradise Flyer | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbGk47Vgbcw/

Franklin Public Schools are hiring for multiple positions

Franklin Public Schools

We're Hiring!!

See our job postings and find the application info here: https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/employment-opportunities

a sample of the postings listed as of July 22, 2026

The Annual Milford 5K & Kids Dash - September 19, 2026

The Annual Milford 5K & Kids Dash - September 19, 2026

Runner/ Walker: $20.00 ($25.00 for day of race registration on site)

Kid's Dash: $10.00

Proceeds from race benefit Massachusetts Special Olympics

Location: Milford High School at 31 Fountain St. Race will start at end at the entrance to the gymnasium (located at the back of the school)

Registration - 8:00am (Day of Registration Fee is $25)

Kids Dash - 8:30am

Race - 9:00am

Awards - 10:15am

Awards presented to top Male and Female finishers in 7 divisions: Under 19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Course Route

Start at back parking lot of High School (near gym entrance). Out front driveway, right onto West Fountain Street, left onto Congress Street, left onto North Vine Street, left onto Highland Street, left onto West Fountain Street and right into the first entrance of the high school, then left into road leading to gymnasium entrance.

Register at the link before 9/14/26 - https://fundraise.specialolympicsma.org/events/1048

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 23, 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)

• This hour features Senior Center Outlook for July events with Jillian Rochet  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/jillian-talks-about-july-2026.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)"  

• On the Turntable Show Album Hour, The Vibe and Pauly G feature "Hypnotic Eye", the last studio album from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  Hypnotic Eye, released in July 2014, was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' (TP & the HB's) only record to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200.  The album includes the hits: "American Dream Plan B", "Red River", "U Get Me High", "Forgotten Man", and "Fault Lines".   
• The Vibe Playlist hour airs a collection of live TP & the HB's hits performed in concert.  Enjoy the music from this 2002 Rock n Roll  Hall of Fame Inductee!

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, July 23, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Strawberry Stroll 2026

9:30 am FSPA Spring Concerts Show 2 05-16-26

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Fyzical

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tom Marcone

7:00 pm Celebrate with Pride 2026

8:00 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1

9:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

7:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep 2 06-11-26

8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26

10:30 am Tri County Graduation 05-28-26

12:30 pm All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026

2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Sharon 05-04-26

9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-16-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-16-26

6:00 pm Economic Development Committee  CHAMBERS  867 7184 7369

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, July 22, 2026 ???

Wednesday, July 22

12:00pm SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Summer Drop-In Hours (SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward Street)

6:00pm    Once Upon a Town (audience opportunity)   (Franklin TV & Radio Studio)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

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

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/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***   Town Meetings today ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting - No Meeting

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2397 

Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2420 

Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 5:15 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2423 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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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

Water Shut off on Mill St. - JULY 22 10:00 AM

MILL STREET ~ WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 10:00 AM 

Main shut down due to a service break on Mill St (Beth Rd to approximately 97 Mill St). 

Crews are at the location and beginning repairs. Please expect interruptions in water service.

Thank you for your understanding and patience while we work to resolve this issue as quickly as possible!

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/169

Franklin Police Dept shares E-Bike Operation Rules and Law

The Town of Franklin E-Bike Users are required to follow general bicycle and e-bike laws enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under G.L. c. 85, § 11B3/4, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are treated the same as pedal-powered bicycles. Massachusetts Laws about Bicycles.

You’re riding a MOTORIZED BIKE! 

You must have a driver’s license, registration, and a moped license plate.

Any e-bike exceeding the power or speed thresholds of Class 1 or 2 or has been modified is considered a “motorized bicycle” under M.G.L. c. 90, § 1. Violators will be towed and face criminal charges. 

E-Bike operation is prohibited on:

• On sidewalks, unless expressly permitted by local ordinance
• NRC Trails
• Playing Fields
• Dirt Paths
• School Fields

E-Bike operation allowed on:

• Public Roads
• Bike Lanes
• Shared Paved Paths

Traffic Laws: Riders must follow traffic laws as motor vehicles & traditional bicycles, including obeying traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding safely and predictably.

Scooters Laws and Regulations: Users are required to follow general scooter laws enacted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under G.L. c. 90, § 1E

• Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. 
• Helmets are required.  
• Maximum speed is 20 mph.  
• No passengers allowed.  
• Riding not permitted after sunset or before sunrise.  
• Not allowed to be operated on sidewalks.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid02K3pUeA2HB6j6Ev2ARL1LjRhwBcP379a7qNcorS71yAz4RYZmPC8F55AjsDXNmjKkl

Missed PorchFest 2026 ?? Check out some of the performances in this video recap (video)

Porchfest 2026 was held in Franklin on June 6, 2026

The schedule and details on the performances can be found - https://franklin.porchfest.info/map/#schedule

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlre--9Cq9Y

Video recording by Chris Leverone & Steve Sherlock

Editing by Chris Leverone

The FY 2025 Financial Audit gets presented to the Town Council (and us) on Wednesday, July 22

July 17, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: FY25 Financial Audit

Attached in the packet is the finalized FY25 Audit. A representative of CBIZ will be making a short presentation on the findings, which is also included in the packet.

For four consecutive fiscal years, the Town has consistently received unmodified audit opinions, the highest level of assurance auditors can provide on its financial statements.

All town financial audits are archived here - https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=36

Please let us know if you have any questions.

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

Scheduled for the Town Council agenda at the July 22 session

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx 

New sculptures to be launched in the Franklin Sculpture Park - Thursday, Sep 10

via Franklin Cultural District

"Our Dept. is prepping for the launch of some new sculptures in the #FranklinSculpturePark!! 

Here is a lil’ sneak peek of the new maps more to come!  

SAVE THE DATE! For Thursday September 10th for Sculpture Welcoming ceremony! 

More details to follow "

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BdqATF2JM/

Get your zucchini ready to race Friday at the Farmers Market !!

Ready, set ... ZUKE!

There is more than fresh produce and local vendors waiting for you this Friday!

The Great Zucchini Race is almost here! From creative zucchini racers to fan favorite voting, its an afternoon fun for all ages.

Farmers Market - Friday, July 24 | 2:00 - 6:00 PM

Zuke Check-in: 3:00 to 4:00 PM

Fan Favorite voting: 4:00 to 4:30 PM

Race begins: 4:45 PM

Bring your friends, support local vendors, and don't forget to cast your vote for fan favorite!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1buvbkzr2v/