Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (Public Works & Public Safety)
Wednesday, April 8 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221
Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (if needed)
Thursday, April 9 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222
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| Celebrate Mother’s Day at THE BLACK BOX |
FM #1705 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1705 the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff.
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting
Reads protocol statement re: Google meet
Confirms participation via roll call
No citizen comments
Motion to approve March 4 minutes, so moved, second, passes 3-0
Motion to approve Mar 18 minutes, second, passes 3-0
PFAS advisory to be posted at Chilson beach and a couple of other spots near there (300 Fisher St)
Fish for catch and release generally
Chilson water is tested weekly during summer for E.coli. Testing not done with PFAS except for water supply sources
Draft regulations for the mind altering products
Suggestion on change to the coverage of the retail shops, clarification to cover potential loop holes
Suggestion on altering the levels of fine to $300, $500, $1000. To raise the deterrent incentive
Discussion on ensuring that the retail and tobacco products, how to best accomplish this so folks have a chance to address during the public hearing, and let the board consider changes before Making the regulation official
Discussion on warming/cooling shelters, with restricted hours at Senior Center, and Library closed Sunday, what are our options?
Health director to do some research
Food safety inspection
Information shared on the inspection process, slides to be shared later
Twice a year inspection, had considered a risk based approach but the key person moved on and with current staff, doing the 2 minimum per year per establishment (over 100)
Review of reports
Clarification questions on details of the reports
Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0
The meeting runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting April 1, 2026.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1705-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-04-01-26/--------------
Board of Health page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health
Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218
My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYJ75c4VsxJ3-1ElSbqeR7o0M2ROuNY8/view?usp=drive_link
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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. 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"
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,”
Thank you for watching.Thanks 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
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As the home heating season comes to a close, Massachusetts residents have until April 30 to apply for support from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP provides financial support to eligible households to pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Residents can learn more and submit an application at mass.gov/heat.
"Many Massachusetts families are still feeling the strain of this winter's heating costs," said Juana Matias, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. "With the April 30 deadline approaching, now is the time to see if you qualify for home heating benefits. HEAP can provide meaningful relief, and we encourage residents to apply now or help spread the word to someone who may need support."
Following a colder-than-average winter that increased heating usage across the state, many households continue to face elevated energy costs, compounded by rising energy prices. Residents may apply through April 30 for assistance to receive assistance for heating expenses during the winter months.
HEAP is a free, statewide program that provides grants paid directly to heating providers to help eligible households cover winter heating costs. The assistance does not need to be repaid. The program is available to both renters and homeowners and covers all heating sources, including oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal.
Eligibility is based on several factors including household size and income, and households do not need to be on public assistance or have overdue bills to qualify. Residents whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible.
Residents can apply online or connect with their local HEAP agency at mass.gov/heat.
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday |
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday |
Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (General government departments)
Monday, April 6 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219
Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing (education: Franklin, Tri-County, and Norfolk Agriculture)
Tuesday, April 7 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220
FM #1704 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1704 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Meeting chaired by School Committee Vice-Chair Dave Callaghan. Members Ruthann O’Sullivan (in person) and Reis Hansen (remotely) participated. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Operations Colin Boisvert participated.
Quick recap
History of the chocolate chip cookie shared Cookies provided for those present
Resource doc for committee to collect information about Horace to build the
base of understanding for the group to help prepare the story to be used by the committee for the community awareness
May 2 film to be shown at museum Kids play area to understand Horace as he grew up. Presentation on the Research around the middle period of Horace's story in Franklin scheduled for Sunday. Multiple ideas to add to the weekend to augment the activity and improve the draw appeal
Children's Museum checking with the Library to coordinate some younger age activities and info
Motion to adjourn
The meeting runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1704-fps-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-03-30-26/--------------
The agenda for this meeting can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2211
My full set of notes in a PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16dsOWdxcZ5Mn79mQAsfLMZVIDfbnTwXJ/view?usp=drive_link
-------------
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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Tri-County Wrestling Mattress
fundraiser scheduled for April 26 |
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| Have you seen the new Glen Pharmer sign ??
- another wonder from "Signs By Cam" |
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| Franklin Police Dept: OUI Arrests made on April 2, 2026 |
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| Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week
of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA |
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday |
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday |
FM #1703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1703 in the series.
This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”.
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| Ali Rheaume talks about the creation
of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio) |
The book is available in multiple formats
The origin story of the book
Ali’s recovery journey and advocacy
The video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)
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The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area FM 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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Culinary Cabaret Coming Friday, April 10 |
