tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45411398000449297792026-10-07T08:41:17.486-04:00Franklin MAtters WeeklyA weekly summary for all the Franklin, MA news you can use - "Watch, Listen, Read"Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125 https://users.feedblitz.com/9f59dd54d541590bb054d09252587b84/FM-Weekly_LogoTrial1.jpg https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/10/major-or-minor-meetings-are-important.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-79397145375145092332026-10-03T17:00:00.000-04:002026-10-06T15:58:34.590-04:00Major or minor, the meetings are important
I hesitate to call some meetings “major”, which means some are “minor”, when all are important to the operation of the Town and School services. And yet, some are more important than others.

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere is the representative for the District to the BICO Collaborative. Their transportation subcommittee meets on Monday. 

The Recreation Advisory Board and the BFCCPS School Governance committees also have regular sessions on Monday.

The School Committee budget subcommittee meets on Tuesday to start preparing for the next budget cycle, especially in acceptance of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting on Wednesday. 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello has an information session on Wednesday with Liz Harkins, Franklin TV executive director. The event will be recorded for a future broadcast providing the ins and out of mail ballots, early voting, etc. to prepare us all for the multipage ballot for the November 3 state election.

The Board of Health is scheduled to meet Wednesday. Their agenda is not yet published but will likely be on Monday.

The Joint Budget Subcommittee is composed of representation from the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee. They have the task to figure out how to solve our structural budget deficit. 

This is one of those “major” meetings. Don't hide behind your keyboard and walk up in a couple of months “surprised“ when the opportunity for input is now.

The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled to meet on Thursday. Their agenda is usually posted no later than Tuesday.

The Conservation Commission and the Cultural District Committee close out the meeting week with their respective sessions Thursday. 

Friendly reminder that it does take over 200 unpaid volunteers serving on these boards, committees, and commissions providing oversight and direction for the Town of Franklin authorizing the services the Town provides for all of us. 
For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between. 


*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 10/02/26 8:00 PM ***

BICO Transportation Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 2:30pm

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:00pm

BFCCPS School Governance Cmte
Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:30pm

Franklin Public Schools Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Time: 6:00pm

Your Vote, Your Voice! An Information Session
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 4:00pm
No agenda posted, will be recorded for future broadcast

Board of Health Meeting
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 5:00pm
Agenda usually posted Monday 

Joint Budget Subcommittee 
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 6:00pm

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 2:00pm
Agenda usually posted Monday 

Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 7:00pm

Cultural District Cmte Meeting
Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 7:00pm


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town & School meetings

The Planning Board met on Monday, among the key items was the opening discussion on the Depot Plaza proposal. View the replay https://www.youtube.com/live/ofxfKrbslNE?is=MOMwVA8TwQHUs5YJ 

The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, view the replay here

FHS Sports

FHS girls soccer on Monday 

FHS boys soccer on Wednesday 

FHS volleyball on Wednesday 

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For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx        

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar      

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html     

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html 

]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/09/september-runs-out-october-opens.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-84789831452624485712026-09-26T17:00:00.000-04:002026-09-30T17:53:52.153-04:00September runs out, October opensMonday is full of meetings, the rest of the week not so many.


The Town Administrator Ad-hoc evaluation continues its work with a session early Monday morning.


The Franklin Cultural Council, the Agricultural Commission, and the 250th historical significance subcommittee all meet Monday evening.


The major meeting of the week is the Planning Board session also Monday night. This is the start of the formal process for the Depot Plaza development. Should it be 4 stories, should it have additional parking, what should it look like are likely among the topics for  discussion. 


Given the track record with other development proposals, the process starts but won't finish in one night. It is likely to take several months to reach a conclusion. 


The School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.


There is a continuation of a Pole Petition hearing scheduled for Wednesday. 


The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet and review one proposal on Thursday.


The Commission on Disability has a meeting for the record to allow the membership to participate in the Senior Expo on Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM.


The Farmers Market closes out the week Friday afternoon. Having been canceled recently, folks will be looking to stock up.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 9/25/26   8:00 PM   ***


Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

Monday, September 28 Time: 9:30 AM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09282026-2535


Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, September 28 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09282026-2529

Franklin Agricultural Committee

Monday, September 28 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09282026-2527


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, September 28 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09282026-2532


250th Historical Significance subcommittee

Monday, September 28 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09282026-2533


Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee

Tuesday, September 29, 2026.       Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_09292026-2536


Pole Petition Hearing

Wednesday, September 30 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09302026-2508


Economic Development Subcommittee
Thursday, October 1 Time: 6:00 PM

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, October 1 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10012026-2518


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Friday, October 2nd Time: 9:00 AM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10022026-2520



*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town & School meetings

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday. The recap and video link is available at https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/franklin-school-committee-meeting-goes.html

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, the recap and video is available 

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday, Franklin TV video is available for replay


FHS Sports 


FHS Boys soccer game on Tuesday 

https://www.youtube.com/live/sf07LkVW3-g?si=HGONzEg3g3zgRgGc 


FHS Girls varsity soccer on Friday

https://www.youtube.com/live/dXol3S9J_ys?si=rsuiCLnw96OcenVn


FHS football game on Friday 

https://www.youtube.com/live/ug-3uHdxUTc?si=Nn39ZIkhWsXXuwEf


All Access


Frank Falvey in Frank presents interviews independent candidate for Norfolk County District Attorney https://youtu.be/THr9G_Yr8PU?si=EazRDBMFNZLm9RrH


The first episode of FM Journal was broadcast this week and is available for replay

https://youtu.be/YVWdEy2kLak?si=akW-jdByqJZsjXlk


On the radio on demand/podcast front


The October event highlights at the Senior Center

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/mary-jillian-reveal-special-events.html


And at the Library  https://youtu.be/aJDQ-NUiHUk 


The Senior Center scribblers or Writers Group has a new episode

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/senior-story-hour-wfpr-episode-111.html 


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For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.



Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       


Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html 

]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/09/7-meetings-on-tap-this-week-leading-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-30489774958859117972026-09-19T17:00:00.000-04:002026-09-20T11:27:54.535-04:007 meetings on tap this week leading to the Farmers Market (Fri) and Harvest Festival (Sat)

7 meetings on tap this week.


On Monday, the Conservation Commission does a site walk to view in person the property where proposed work would encroach on wetlands. This is prior to their discussion on the proposal for their normal scheduled Thursday meeting.


Also Monday, the Housing Authority and the Library Board of Directors conduct their regular monthly sessions.


Tuesday, the School Committee gets the school level details on the Improvement Plan that go the District view of in their prior meeting. Both the District and School Improvement plans are up for vote at this session.


On Wednesday, the Finance Committee elects their leadership (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk). Michelle Monsegur, Deputy Town Administrator is formally introduced to the Committee. Word is that she will be taking the lead on the financial aspects of the Town Administrator's Office, allowing Jamie to do other items around planning and economic development.


This is the Finance Cmte’s first meeting since June. They get to review the 5 year and fiscal plan for FY 2028 that the Joint Budget subcommittee got to see in August.


The previously mentioned Conservation Commission meeting closes out the meeting week on Thursday. Friday features the Farmers Market, and Saturday is the 24th Annual Harvest Festival. Main St from the triangle/railroad bridge through to School St is closed to traffic for this event full of vendors, organizations, live entertainment, and food & refreshments.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1826-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-09-20-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 9/18/26   4:00 PM   ***



9/21/26 Conservation Commission Site Walk at 78 Populatic

Monday, September 21 Time: 1:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09212026-2516 


Franklin Housing Authority

Monday, September 21 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09212026-2502 


Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, September 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09212026-2514 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09222026-2519 


Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 23 Time: 11:00 AM

No agenda at this time


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 23 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232026-2522 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09242026-2521 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings


  • The Town Council met for more than 4 hours on Wednesday. Zoom restarted on its own creating 2 YouTube videos. This is temporary. The Studio is working to replace them with a complete one. 

Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yU90Rl52sE

Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v6EpsdI8dY

FHS Sports broadcasts

All Access programming


Franklin Matters

—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html 


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/09/full-week-of-meetings-features-packed.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-47274468951450214122026-09-12T17:00:00.000-04:002026-09-13T08:50:34.422-04:00Full week of meetings features a packed Town Council agenda & Economic Development session exploring "Permitting 101" (audio)

We are in the middle of September and the week ahead holds a full slate of meetings. 


The Ad Hoc Committee for the Town Administrator Evaluation starts to work on Monday morning.


The Planning Board meeting is canceled on Monday evening but they along with members of the Design Review, Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeal are slated for participation in a “Permitting 101” discussion on Thursday at the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting.


The Horace Mann Legacy Committee continues their work on Monday. The 250th Anniversary Celebration also meets Monday in a virtual session.


Design Review has enough business to continue to hold their session on Tuesday.


The Town Council has a full agenda with recognition of a number of Town employee retirements, legislative updates from Senator Rausch and Rep Jeff Roy, presentations from the Franklin Food Pantry, SAFE Coalition, and the 250th Anniversary Celebration


The Council holds office hours Thursday morning at the Senior Center


The 250th Events Subcommittee is scheduled to continue their work on Thursday as well as the Economic Development meeting mentioned above.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1820-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-09-13-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 9/11/26   9:00 PM   ***



Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

Monday, September 14 Time: 9:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2498 


FPS - Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Monday, September 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2500 


Planning Board Meeting-Cancelled

Monday, September 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2493 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Monday, September 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2501 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 15 Time: 12:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09152026-2510 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, September 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09152026-2499 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 16 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512 


Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, September 17 Time: 8:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172026-2506 


EDC Meeting (with Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission & Design Review Commission)

Thursday, September 17 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172026-2504 

DR - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172026-2496 

PB - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172026-2503 

ZBA - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172026-2484 

250th Anniversary Celebration Events Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, September 17 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172026-2511 


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings

FHS Sports broadcasts

All Access programming

  • The Second Sunday Speaker Series in August features Scott Mason sharing the Franklin connection to the bombing of Nagaski, Japan in World War II. The video is available for replay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtNLXDSr-Q 

  • An episode of Once Upon a Town, filmed with an audience at Franklin TV Studios was published to YouTube. Watch to find out about the history of the race track that used to be on the land where Shaw’s and the HOrace Mann Plaza is today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwWnZ06S0dw 


Franklin Matters


—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/09/labor-day-gives-us-long-weekend-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-16900484897409596402026-09-05T16:00:00.000-04:002026-09-10T06:15:51.905-04:00Labor Day gives us a long weekend and a short week (audio)

Monday, September 7, is Labor Day, the latest in the month that this occurs, so we end up with a long weekend and a short week.


Note: due to the holiday, the trash and recycle curbside schedule is off by one day. Imagine DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi talking about the Monday Collection: Moved to Tuesday; Tuesday Collection: Moved to Wednesday, etc. 


As a bonus, the recording of one of the winter announcements of the delay is available, and linked to below. 


On Tuesday, the School Committee Policy subcmte gets together at 6. They are slated to begin review of a number of fiscal policies related to the budget and operations. 


The full School Committee gets together at 7 PM also on Tuesday. The District Improvement PLan is being presented. This plan sets the stage for individual school plans as well as for the Superintendent’s goals.


On Wednesday, the Historical Commission among other items is considering offering tours on Saturdays. 


The 250th Celebration Events subcmte, also meets and among other items is a discussion on their first potential donor lunch scheduled for Oct 16.


Thursday is the busiest meeting day with meetings for the Bi-County Collaborative, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter, Conservation Commission and last but not least the Cultural District committee. 


The Cultural District meeting also lists an item to discuss cultural tours on Saturdays.


A special event is also on Thursday; new exhibits are being welcomed to the Sculpture Park at 5 PM. On Saturday to close out the week, there is a Bike Safety Event at Franklin High School beginning at 9 AM.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1813-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-09-06-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 9/04/26   7:00 PM   ***


Franklin Public Schools Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, September 8 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487 


Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2491


Franklin Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2490 


250th Anniversary Celebration Events Sub Committee

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2492 

Bi-County Collaborative - Board of Directors Mtg.

Thursday, September 10 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2489 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - canceled

Thursday, September 10 Time: 2:00 PM


Sculpture Park - new exhibits revealed Thursday, September 10  - 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/reminder-sculpture-park-is-adding-art.html 


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2471 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2488 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2497

Bike Safety Event Saturday, September 12 - 9:00 AM at Franklin High School

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/reminder-bike-and-helmet-safety-event.html 


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings


The Town Council met on Wednesday, Sep 2, the recap and video can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html


The Commission on Disability met on Thursday, the exclusive audio can be found - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/commission-on-disability-meeting.html   


The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, Sep 3, the video can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O93n6IQhRH4



All Access programming


A new episode of Aging Boldfully: Discussion with Julie Booth of Quinnipiac University is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymehk2zxGZE 


A new episode of Once Upon a Town from Joe Landry and Scott Mason talking about the Post Office in Franklin is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTH6nG2ewlU 


Franklin Matters took a walk through the rescue animal farm and you can join us for that walk at the Maloney Farm and Forest - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEkAQfKLMU4 

Franklin Matters also took a walk through the kitchen cabinet custom build process process happening in the former bakery building on Ruggles St. Join us for the informative session with the Franklin KItchen Center - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3ss_wlgpE 


***  As a special episode of Franklin Matters Radio, we offer the voice recording of DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi's voice message in advance of the blizzard forecasted for Jan 29, 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/dpw-director-brutus-cantoreggis-voice.html 


—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/september-opens-with-host-of-meetings.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-66983296771875801242026-08-29T16:00:00.000-04:002026-09-01T16:53:08.885-04:00September opens with a host of meetings and key topics, oh and the State Primary, Sep 1

September arrives Tuesday with the State Primary election taking center stage from 6 AM to 8 PM. A newly announced write-in campaign may delay the results as those write-in ballots require manual counting; so let’s be patient and allow time for the democratic voting process to work and count accurately.


The Cultural Council meets on Monday. Their agenda is rather spartan and by the way, there are still a number of vacancies for this group that administers the cultural grant process locally.


The Agricultural Commission is also scheduled to meet on Monday. A key item on this agenda is planning for the Pumpkin Festival at the Farmers Market Oct 2.


The 250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee meets on Tuesday to work on  several items relating to their formal communications (website, press releases, guidelines for social media, etc.)


The Board of Health returns to meet on Wednesday after taking the summer months off. A bunch of health related items are on this agenda.


The Town Council has a full session of work on its agenda for Wednesday. The Police Station Building Committee formally makes their presentation/recommendation, the new Police Chief is up for approval, the Deputy Town Administrator and Administrative Assistant is introduced.


The excess sewer capacity discussion and potential decision is back again (as promised), an overview of town owned buildings is scheduled (to set up for the future police station decision and related decisions on Parmenter, Davis Thayer, etc.). The public session also closes with an Executive Session on “other town property”


The Commission on Disability has its monthly meeting on Thursday at 4:00 PM in advance of the Ad Hoc Charter Committee (6:00) and the ZBA meeting (7:30).


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1806-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-30-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/28/26   7:30 PM   ***


Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Monday, August 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08312026-2476 


Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, August 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08312026-2472 


250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, September 1 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09012026-2475 


Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2480 


Police Station Building Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2481 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2474 


Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

Thursday, September 3 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2479 


ZBA Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2469 


—-----------


*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town/ School meetings

All Access programming

Franklin Matters


—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/last-week-of-august-light-on-meetings.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-17952086998393120652026-08-22T16:00:00.000-04:002026-08-26T21:19:21.656-04:00Last week of August, light on meetings, with early voting scheduled through Aug 28, 2026

The last full week of August. Then it is another week before we get to Labor Day. The calendar does things like this sometimes.


Early voting is scheduled for the Town Clerk's office Monday through Friday in advance of the State Primary on September 1. Voting in person for the Primary will only be at Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM.


The Planning Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, Aug 24. The major new item has changed its scheduled debut to Sept 28 - the Depot Plaza proposal moved out to Sep 28


The 250 Anniversary Historical Significance subcommittee is also scheduled to meet on Monday. A listing of healthy discussion points on what and how to cover the 250th is on tap.


The School Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, new administrators are introduced, the handbooks are up for approval, there is an update on hiring status, and facilities project work that was accomplished during the summer.

 

The Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday. A few public hearings are lined up in addition to their general business items.


The full 250th Anniversary Committee is scheduled for meeting Thursday with an invitation to the community to participate and provide input on what else can or should be considered for the celebration in 2028.


Closing out this week, the annual block party for Franklin TV & Radio is scheduled for Saturday at 3 PM. The community is welcomed to check out the studio, enjoy some food, music, and converse with the folks working on the video and audio production. Maybe there is a show idea you’d like to explore. Come on out to 23 Hutchinson St for the block party.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1801-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-23-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/21/26   6:30 PM   ***



Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08242026-2465 


250th Anniversary Celebration Historical Significance Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, August 24 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08242026-2464 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 


Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, August 26 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08262026-2470


Pole Petition Hearing

Thursday, August 27 Time: 10:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2460 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2473 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Thursday, August 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2463 



—-----------


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings


  • No broadcasts for meetings this week


All Access programming

—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/a-relatively-quiet-week-ahead-lets.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-64633420590598035862026-08-15T16:00:00.000-04:002026-08-16T09:13:02.472-04:00A relatively quiet week ahead, let's enjoy it while it lasts

A less busy meeting week down from 14 meetings to only 5 on the calendar.


Like the humidity that seems to have gone for now, we can enjoy the lack thereof and the less busy week while they last.


The Cultural Council meets on Monday and among other things starts to discuss priorities for the next grant cycle, how would the funding be allocated?


The Design Review Commission is scheduled to meet virtually on Tuesday. Recall the hot item on the calendar was the Depot Plaza proposal which is being withdrawn and resubmitted to better align with the Planning Board timeline.


The Town Council holds their monthly office hours at the Senior Center on Thursday morning. Recall they expanded this option with a session at the Library, Saturday, August 15. They plan to add other locations and days/time of day to try and meet folks.


The 250th Celebration Events subcommittee meets on Thursday. The Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee has a meeting scheduled for Friday afternoon to allow for participation of as many members of the committee as possible at the Farmers Market table. Stop by and find out what they are planning!


On Wednesday, the monthly Conversation and Q&A I conduct at the Senior Center comes around at 11:00 AM. You can participate in person, or remotely, I provide an update on what has happened the past month and take your questions on what is on your mind.


Also of note: 2 Fallen Hero recognitions are scheduled for 9 AM on the 20th and 22th This approx. 5 minute program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1799-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-16-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/14/26   7:30 PM   ***



Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, August 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08172026-2456 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, August 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08182026-2461 


Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, August 20 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal discussion


250th Anniversary Celebration Events Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08202026-2462 


ZBA Meeting - No Meeting

Thursday, August 20


Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting (Farmers Market)

Friday, August 21 Time: 2:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212026-2458 



—-----------


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings

The School Cmte Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte met on Mon Aug 10. The recap & exclusive audio - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/audio-recording-of-horace-mann-legacy.html 


The Planning Board met on Monday, Aug 10. YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U5X9j_ytEs 


The School Cmte Policy Subcmte met on Tuesday, Aug 11. the recap & exclusive audio is available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-cmte-policy-subcommittee-reviews.html


The School Committee met on Tuesday, Aug 11

Recap and video link - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-gets-multiple-updates.html 


Town Council met in Executive Session for 4 hours and public meeting for about 10 minutes to vote on the updated contract for the Town Administrator

The recap including audio & video links as well as links to the current and prior contract https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/town-council-votes-to-approve-town_01711482811.html 


The Joint Budget Subcmte met on Thursday. The recap and video link -

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/joint-budget-subcmte-in-healthy.html 



—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/middle-of-august-and-summer-might-be.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-48928154906435973082026-08-08T16:00:00.000-04:002026-08-11T16:36:56.956-04:00Middle of August and the summer might be already over (audio)

For the summer Town and School meetings, the relatively quiet short list of meeting weeks are behind us now. We are faced with a week chock full of sessions. Yup, from 4 meetings last week to 13 this week.


On Monday, the Franklin Housing Authority starts off with a session at 4:30 at Central Park Terrace.


Franklin Public School Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee meeting at 7 PM has State Rep Jeff Roy scheduled for a visit to get an update on the work of the committee. The Planning Board also meets at the same time (this session is broadcast). Note that the Depot Plaza development proposal was withdrawn and resubmitted so that item will be on the August 24th agenda.


Closing out Monday, the 250th Anniversary Committee meets virtually to continue their planning.


On Tuesday, the Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee meets at 6 PM to get into a bunch of potential policies for review & revision. 


At 7 PM, the Franklin School Committee meets. Among the standard agenda items is the approval of the submission to the Town Annual Report, and a 2nd reading on the restraint policy reviewed at a prior meeting.


On Wednesday, the Charles River Pollution Control meets at 3:30. The Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee is scheduled to meet at 5:15 to confirm an appointment to an open seat on the Committee. 


The Town Council meets at 6 PM mostly in Executive Session negotiating the Town Administrator's contract and then in public session to vote on such an agreement. 


On Thursday, the Municipal Housing Trust and Conservation Commission have regular sessions scheduled. The Joint Budget Subcommittee is also scheduled to meet either for a short session in Chambers, or a ‘normal’ session in the 3rd floor conference room. Stay tuned for an update on this.


On Saturday, the Town Council added an “Office Hours” session at the library beginning at 10 AM.


The complete agenda for each of these meetings are listed below.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1794-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-09-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/07/26   7:30 PM   ***


Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2437 


Franklin Public School Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2436 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2438 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2439 


Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, August 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435 


Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446 


Historical Commission
Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2453


Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 7:00 PM (3rd Fl Trng, updated 8/10)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2452


Town Council Open Office Hours

Saturday, August 15 Time: 10:00 AM

No agenda for this open discussion session



—-----------


*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town/ School meetings


The Economic Development Subcmte met on Tuesday, Aug 4. The recap and TV link can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/econommic-development-covers-variety-of.html 


The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, Aug 6. Franklin TV video can be found on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex5AJ_0B8Ik


The Commission on Disability met on Thursday at the Senior Center. The recap and audio of this meeting can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/audio-recording-available-for.html 



All Access Programming


A new Once Upon a Town episode on the Ray Block can be viewed on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmvrPrdW3qM 



—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/another-short-list-of-meetings-yet.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-24991628792942829412026-08-01T22:00:00.000-04:002026-08-02T08:20:07.693-04:00Another short list of meetings yet development projects are a key topic

Yet another short set of meetings on the schedule for this week, August 2 through August 8, 2026.


The Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday reviews a plan for a Downtown study to be done with UMass Boston students along with a proposal for a revision to the Friendly 40b policy.


The Commission on Disability meets on Thursday at the Senior Center discusses multiple topics including consideration for adding a virtual option to the meetings to improve accessibility.


The Charter School Board meets to among other things set objects & goals for the Executive Director as well as the Board.


Finally, the Zoning Board of Appeals gets to take up the proposal for the 39 unit condo development on Washington St.


The complete agenda for each of these meetings are listed below.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1790-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-02-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 7/31/26   8:30 PM   ***



Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, August 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2431 


ZBA Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2429 


—-----------


*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town/ School meetings


The only meeting broadcast this week was the Conservation Commission session on Thursday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCJw2kre3Y 


The Planning & Community Development shared the Zoom copy of the Design Review session held July 21 which introduced the Depot Plaza project. The video is available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/design-review-commission-meeting-july.html 

All Access Programming


Frank Falvey interviewed Norfolk County District Attorney candidate Bob Jubenville https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg8KlpKhxl0 


There is a new episode of the Aging Agenda https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXTYChTbE-c 


A new episode of Aging Boldfully 

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


Jason Poulos, candidate for the MA 4th District was interviewed for Franklin Matters

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/jason-poulos-explains-his-stand-on-key.html 



—-----------


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/07/only-2-meetings-this-coming-week-gives.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-68313396722946786672026-07-25T16:30:00.000-04:002026-07-26T08:02:27.304-04:00Only 2 meetings this coming week gives time to discuss the new topics raised last week

This week has the shortest list of meetings this year, only 3 on the calendar with one of them canceled.


This would be a good time to get into some of the topics that arose this week that should be further discussed. 


Tuesday’s Design Review Commission got a presentation on the proposal for redevelopment of the Depot Plaza. The owner/developer is asking for 2 variances: 1 for 4 stories and 1 for a reduction in the parking requirements.


Objections have already been raised against the 4 stories and around the parking, generally from the same folks who advocated for the street scape project (which changed the look and feel of downtown) but didn’t bring in the additional economic development it hoped for. The developer has expressed willingness to work to adjust the proposal. However, the 4th story is what makes the project financially doable.  Maybe it is time to change the approach.


Wednesday’s marathon Town Council session also raised a couple of items for discussion, first up, the potential sale of some of Franklin’s excess sewer capacity. THere is a discussion around how much is excess and what the pricing should be, but there is excess, and if the sewer rate payers can get dollars back, that is a good & neighborly thing to do. More to come in September on this topic.


The 300 Fisher St superfund site is under remediation by the EPA. They are conducting the remediation with Federal funds as the current property owner is not the business that created the mess. The EPA is looking for community input on the potential reuse of the site in order to determine the next steps in remediation. Stay tuned for that opportunity reportedly coming in a couple of months.


One other topic (the audit result) should also help to put to rest the recurring comment around mismanagement of Town finances. There are always going to be differences in priorities, but the Town (yet again) is confirmed as financially in good shape. The AAA rating is a good thing. 


So what kind of Town do we want to be? Do we want good revenues to meet the service demands of the community? Our revenue options are limited so the discussion needs to happen.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1783-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-07-26-26/




*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 7/24/26   6:00 PM   ***



Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, July 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272026-2425 


Planning Board Meeting - Cancelled

Monday, July 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272026-2415 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, July 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/620?fileID=9803 


—-----------


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


The light meeting week that was, resulted in 2 broadcasts   


Town/ School meetings


Town Council meeting TV link and recap -

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/franklin-town-council-votes-to-extend.html


Economic Development Subcmte TV link and recap - 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/economic-development-subcommittee.html 



All Access Programming


Porchfest 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlre--9Cq9Y



—-----------

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news/ where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html   


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/07/design-review-meeting-scheduled-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-3971061009070918372026-07-18T14:00:00.000-04:002026-07-18T15:34:03.440-04:00Design Review meeting scheduled to provide an initial view of the proposal to replace the Depot Plaza building

No matter the summer weather, some Town business continues. One of the busier weeks comes around this week beginning July 19 and running through July 25.


The Design Review Commission looks at signs for a new “Fresh Monkee” food oriented business which will apparently bring “Truly Healthy Shakes” according to the sign up for review.


More importantly, the Design Review also gives us an initial view of the proposal to replace the Depot Plaza building. The site plan and architectural renderings of the proposal can be found as links in the agenda document.


The Town Council has a potpourri of items on this only meeting of the month of July. Some alcohol license transactions, street acceptance, some more committee appointments, etc. 


The Board of Assessors meet briefly on Thursday (at 5:30 PM) and then join the Economic Development Subcmte (at 6:00 PM)for a discussion on “new growth”; the process and how it is calculated. This should be an informative session. Check the agenda for the supporting documents released for this meeting.


Friday closes out the week with the Farmers Market and entertainment provided by Concerts on the Common.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1779-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-07-19-26/



*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 7/17/26, 9:00 PM   ***



Housing Authority

Tuesday, July 21 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07212026-2418 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, July 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07212026-2419 


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 


Board of Assessors Regular Meeting

Thursday, July 23 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2417 


Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, July 23 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2422 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting - no meeting

Thursday, July 23 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2414 




*** Looking back at the week that was ***


The light meeting week that was, resulted in 3 broadcasts 


Town/ School meetings


Planning Board, Monday, July 13 video - https://www.youtube.com/live/xXY2UHUFMsk?&t=113 


Communications Subcmte Mtg, Wednesday, July 15 -  Recap and video link available at https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/communications-subcommittee-sends-email.html 


Conservation Commission Mtg, Thursday, July 16 - https://www.youtube.com/live/45PtMovVL8k?&t=172 



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/07/light-meeting-schedule-continues-week.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-58248907348861021172026-07-11T16:00:00.000-04:002026-07-12T09:15:16.115-04:00Light meeting schedule continues the week of July 12 - 18, 2026 in Franklin, MA

While it is relatively quiet, with no Council or School Committee meetings, other boards and committees are meeting this week to conduct Town and School business.


The Horace Mann Legacy subcommittee will look at a draft of the “campus” plan and plan for a table at a future Farmers Market.


The Planning Board has a review of a preliminary subdivision on Prospect St.


The 250th committee is scheduled to review/discuss their process for finding and submitting to appropriate grants.


The Communications Subcommittee will review a draft of the possible Council process for responding to resident emails as well as weigh in on an elected official policy on participation in social media.


The Conservation Commission amongst its regular business will also potentially authorize expenditure for a table cloth for use at the Farmers Market along with a rehab of three trail crossings in the Franklin Town Forest.


These items may not seem like much but in general these oversight boards and committees are in position to authorize a lot of the day to day business of the Town. By the way, according to the Town vacancies, 7 of the boards & committees have a total of 13 open positions. 


You can find the listing of the current openings on the Town page and check the box to filter by “Vacancies” https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/boards.php.


If one of the spots seems to fit your interest, the application can be made from a tab on the same page.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.




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

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 7/10/26, 7:00 PM   ***



Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Monday, July 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-2401 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, July 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-2411 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Monday, July 13 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-2407 


Communication Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, July 15 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-2412 


Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, July 16 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal discussion


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, July 16 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162026-2410 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***


The light meeting week that was, resulted in only one broadcast. 


Town/ School meetings


Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Thursday, July 9

https://www.youtube.com/live/YMR5fVrSDnU?&t=112  


Pride TV


Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep1 06-11-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPLMvQh3V_w 


Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep2 06-11-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDbfSKbPf1M 



All-Access Programing


Roots & Branches: History of Soccer in Massachusetts 06-14-26

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


Frank Presents: Joe Pagliarulo (Candidate for Norfolk County District Attorney)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB1zzQerZbI 



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/07/250-years-behind-for-usa-2-more-years.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-39294943876996081052026-07-04T11:00:00.000-04:002026-07-08T20:03:56.115-04:00250 years behind for USA, 2 more years to go before Franklin 250th250 years are now behind the USA, 2 more years to go before Franklin gets to celebrate its own birthday, and another light meeting week ahead.


The weather was hot and humid but the crowds enjoyed the 4th of July celebration on the Town Common.


State Rep Jeff Roy delivered the Town’s copy of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the opening of the festivities on July 1.


The light meeting week includes a continuation of a small cell tower proposal for Pond St, Communication Subcomte for the Franklin 250th, a Cultural District meeting as well as a ZBA meeting. The agenda for all the meetings posted so far are linked below. The couple of agenda missing are likely to be posted in advance of the session to keep with Open Meeting requirements.


You can subscribe to get notified for meetings, agenda and minutes for each of the board and committee across the Town operations.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1775-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-07-05-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 7/03/26, 4:00 PM   ***



Small Cell Wireless Antenna Petition Hearing - Pond St.

Tuesday, July 7 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07072026-2381 


250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, July 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07072026-2393 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, July 9 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092026-2400


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, July 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/Benjamin-Franklin-Classical-Charter-Publ-40/?#_07012026-2396


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, July 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092026-2395


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, July 9 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092026-2392




*** Looking back at the week that was ***


The light meeting week that was, resulted in only one broadcast. That of the Conservation Commission


Town/ School meetings

Conservation Commission met on Thursday, July 2

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



All-Access Programing

Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYHAWR0H9Yw 


Veterans' Call: David Hencke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6LUi-3Gh4 



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/franklin-is-off-to-great-start-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-70226865089401993562026-06-27T16:00:00.000-04:002026-06-27T16:42:54.214-04:00Franklin is off to a great start to the summer of 2026 (audio)

Several thousand folks had a grand time with the MetroWest Fan Zone World Cup watch parties on Wednesday & Thursday. No matter which teams won or lost, a good time was had by all.


The weather continued to cooperate for the Farmers Market on Friday and Celebrate with Pride on Saturday. 


Word has it that the heat will be here for the 4th of July Celebration on the Town Common beginning Wednesday, July 1 and running through Sunday, July 5.


There is a light schedule of meetings this week, and an even lighter schedule the week of July 6. 


Stay cool, stay hydrated, and be kind to one another.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1774-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-06-28-26/



*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 6/26/26, 8:00 PM   ***



4th of July celebration schedule - https://www.franklin4th.com/


Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, June 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292026-2383 


Franklin School Committee (virtual only)

Monday, June 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292026-2389 


250th Anniversary Celebration Historical Significance Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, June 29 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06292026-2379 


Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, July 1 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07012026-2387 


Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, July 2 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07022026-2386  


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, July 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07022026-2388 




*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town/ School meetings

School committee meeting on Tuesday, June 23 - recap and video link - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/franklin-school-committee-approves.html 


The Ad-hoc Charter Review committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday was canceled and will be rescheduled


The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, June 25, the video can be found https://www.youtube.com/live/GHhLAzuXP4c?si=fD5cGzAHj0QLPZAk&t=98 



New All-Access Programing


Lincoln St 5th Grade  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwwzwNpbvp0 


World Cup Watch Party entertainment day 1 - https://www.youtube.com/live/N3SefP0AyZ4?&t=472  


World Cup Watch Party entertainment day 2 - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBeo1QqI4iM 



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/the-budget-is-behind-us-summer-is.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-83513991009405089042026-06-20T16:00:00.000-04:002026-06-23T21:47:20.370-04:00The budget is behind us, summer is officially here, let’s start taking part in all the fun stuff in Franklin

The FY 2027 budget is finally behind us, summer is officially here, let’s start really taking part in all the fun stuff in Franklin.


The Farmers Market is operating weekly on Friday from 2 to 6 PM. Concerts on the Common extends musical entertainment for 6 weeks from July 10 to August 14. The Community calendar has the listing of performers each week.


The World Cup is happening and Franklin has its own Fan Zone Wednesday June 24 and Thursday June 25. Two games will be shown each day on a large screen at Hayward Manor. Food trucks, and activities will happen on the Town Common. 


Main St will be closed from High St to Pleasant St to enable placement of the food trucks and easy access from the Common to the Manor, etc. Be aware of the traffic implications!


The Franklin 4th of July Celebration opens July 1. The fireworks are scheduled for July 2 and the celebration, rides, food, & entertainment run through Sunday, July 5.


And yes, there are a few town & school meetings this week, the schedule and agendas are listed here.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1770-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-06-21-26/



*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 6/19/26, 8:00 PM   ***



Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, June 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222026-2372 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, June 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222026-2373 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-2374 


Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 24 Time: 11:00 AM

no agenda available

Petition Hearing - Grant of Location for Small Cell Antenna

Wednesday, June 24 Time: 12:15 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242026-2376 


Ad-hoc Charter Review
Wednesday, June 24 Time: 6:00 PM

Franklin School Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 24 Time: 7:00 PM


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, June 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-2359 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town/ School meetings


FHS/ Tri-County live streaming 


New All-Access Programing


Franklin Matters Video



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html 


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/the-town-of-franklin-has-fy-2027-budget.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-55128591625287308512026-06-13T16:00:00.000-04:002026-06-15T10:33:45.285-04:00The Town of Franklin has an FY 2027 budget with only minor changes to what was proposed

The FY 2027 budget has been approved, what remains is to close out the FY 2026 budget by June 30.


The Town Council spent 8.5 hours over 2 nights in May for their FY 2027 budget hearing and then almost another 5 hours to get through the 40 plus budget votes and ancillary matters at their June 10 meeting. 


One take away that should be remembered: While some members of both the Finance Committee and Town Council expressed interest in not using free cash and finding ways to cut the budget to balance, the votes were not where to do so. 


Another way of putting it is that both the Finance Committee and Town Council "validated the budget.” The amount and areas of change from the original proposal to the approved version were minimal. 


Now let’s see that effort put toward the strategic plan to really get a fix to the structural issues we have. Significant savings have occurred to the budget over the past several years due to the reorganizations by the Fire Dept, Police Dept, Finance Dept/Human Resources (Town and Schools) and the major savings from the Schools redistricting. Those savings have helped but that can’t be repeated. Time to focus on the revenue side.


The Town Council meeting Wednesday, June 17 has a few measures to help ready the book of accounts to get closed out for FY 2026 as of June 30. 


Also of note on the agenda are the appointments for the expiring terms across multiple boards and committees. While the majority of volunteers are renewing, there are about 20 positions on 8 boards/committees that remain open. Check out the listing of those and see if one might be something you could take up.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1763-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-06-14-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 6/12/26, 9:00 PM   ***



Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, June 15 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06152026-2351 


Community Preservation Committee - CANCELED

Monday, June 15 Time:  


Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, June 16 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06162026-2367 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, June 16 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06162026-2366 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 17 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (added 6/15/26)
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, June 18 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal session


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, June 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/610?fileID=9301 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town/ School meetings


FHS/ Tri-County live streaming 



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html 



]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/porchfest-budget-strawberry-stoll-budget.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-41427730901498157872026-06-06T16:00:00.000-04:002026-06-09T23:35:49.513-04:00PorchFest, budget, Strawberry Stoll, budget ...

PorchFest, budget, Strawberry Stoll, budget… and then we’re done until the tax rate hearing this fall.


Yes, the final stretch on the evolution of the FY 2027 budget. As noted here last week, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen released an updated and ‘final’ version of the budget. The Finance Committee voted to approve it after reviewing and confirming the changes since they had seen the budget in April for their series of 4 budget hearings.


The recommendations they made were incorporated in this version along with updated numbers on new growth, health care (the last piece to the puzzle the Town was waiting for) and to the State funding expected via the Senate budget.


The House and Senate version of the State budget still need conference committee agreement to send it to the Governor for final decision. It is anticipated to not be changed much as this is an election year. The increases to local aid and Chapter 70 are needed here and elsewhere across the Commonwealth.


The School Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday at 7 PM. Their Policy subcommittee is scheduled to meet before that at 6 PM.


The Town Council will get their review and discussion on the updated FY 2027 budget at their session on Wednesday. The reduction in use of Free Cash (an accounting term that is neither ‘free’ nor ‘cash’) should help but some had previously indicated not wanting to use any. How and where they would provide the balance to the budget remains to be seen.


The Strawberry Stroll closes out the week on Friday overlapping in time schedule (4 to 8 PM) with the Farmers Market (2 to 6 PM) at the Town Common also on Friday.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1758-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-06-07-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 6/05/26, 10:00 PM   ***



Franklin Public School Horace Mann Sub Committee Meeting - Cancelled

Monday, June 8 Time: 7:00 PM


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Monday, June 8 Time: 8:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06082026-2352 


Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2355 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2349 


Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2350 


Historical Commission Meeting (added 6/08/26)

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2358


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 6:00 PM 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, June 11 Time: 2:00 PM 

No agenda available at this time


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112026-2353 


Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations Meeting June 11

Thursday, June 11 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112026-2327 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting - No Meeting

Thursday, June 11 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112026-2347 


Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Friday, June 12 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06122026-2344 


22nd Annual Strawberry Stroll @ Franklin Historical Museum

Friday, June 12 Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM



*** Looking back at the week that was ***





Town/ School meetings


Planning Board Monday, June 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrcqCNbm3qU 


Board of Health meeting - exclusive audio - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/board-of-health-hears-about-new.html 


Finance Committee Wednesday, June 3 - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208 


Economic Development Subcommittee Thursday, June 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJsDcLu_-xk


Conservation Commission, Thursday, June 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoD3azLjTNM&t=1s 



FHS/ Tri-County live streaming 



For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqVOGeO95cf1sXIXPu7mMjd5OvWZN1K1k4aXZfy6CnA4CIPSaXKhsIwMZaYcNsb69iGkZogIgHMF2kVrnxFbl3-E2tXELzahcld76JauFYtMu5FTnu_tklJ0P9SGNNi_lGoRa4-Vi-ow-qu_YmNCvPsIjvEehhKqKMLOy5Fpik6IOLBaBnxjBT5Ddinra/s72-c/Icon%20and%20Franklin%20Matters%20Weekly%20White%20Background.png https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/spend-less-than-5-minutes-to-find-out.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-55405625060554932282026-05-30T10:00:00.000-04:002026-05-30T10:22:02.731-04:00Spend less than 5 minutes to find out about the final stretch on the FY 2027 budget (audio)

Budget, budget, yes, we are into the final stretch on the FY 2027 budget.


Recall The Town of Franklin started planning internally with department level budget reviews during October/December 2025, the first pass on the capital budget during January 2026, the FY 2027 budget was released in February, the Finance Committee spent 17 plus hours over 4 nights in April, and the Town Council spent 8.5 hours over 2 nights May 20-May 21.


During those sessions, the numbers were evolving slightly. At the State level, the Governor issued her view in January, the House of Representatives in April, the Senate just approved their version in May. The health care costs are now closer to final with the open enrollment of Town and retirees completed during April and the costs associated now available.


Hence, there is an updated FY 2027 budget that the Town Administrator has just released incorporating both the Finance Committee recommendations and the latest numbers. 


The Finance Committee gets their view and vote on this budget on Wednesday, June 3, the Town Council gets their chance on Wednesday, June 10. 


The following Wednesday, June 17, the Council also gets to close out this phase of the FY 2027 budget cycle with some procedural authorizations (Community Preservation funding, enterprise fund authorizations, etc.) all before the FY 2027 fiscal year opens July 1, 2026.


Bottomline, the Finance Committee essentially validated the budget approach and numbers. While some on the Council may still think there are areas to cut, those have not explicitly been expressed so it will be interesting to see what the ‘final’ moves are by the Finance Committee and the Town Council. 


Will some of the key cuts get restored (Deputy Town Administrator, School Resource Offices, library Sunday hours, etc.)? Or will the temporary use of $1.1million in free cash to allow the Council, School Committee and Finance Committee to put the plan together on how to get out of this structural deficit be denied, potentially further deepening the hole we are in.


Will there be any surprises? Stay tuned to find out.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1748-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-05-31-26/



*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 5/29/26, 7:00 PM   ***



Pride Flag Raising - May 31, at 1 PM

Flavors of Franklin - Restaurant Week - May 31 through June 6

Franklin PorchFest - June 6


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, June 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06012026-2341 


Recreation Advisory Board

Monday, June 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06012026-2306 


250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06022026-2329 


Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations Meeting June 3

Wednesday, June 3 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2326 

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, June 3 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2345


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, June 3 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, June 4 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2340 


Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, June 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, June 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/604?fileID=9231 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***


From 5/24 to 5/30/26 



Town/ School meetings


FHS/ Tri-County live streaming 




For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/your-franklin-news-in-less-than-5.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-36567165761041414432026-05-23T11:00:00.000-04:002026-05-23T11:42:19.067-04:00Your Franklin news in less than 5 minutes for Memorial Day week (audio)

Memorial Day weekend is here. The traditional launch to summer time. 


For the careful readers you may have noticed a recent lack of live or real time reporting and meeting recaps. Yes, I was away and unable to spend the time on those items. I’ll have some catching up to do but we’re back in Franklin and appreciative of your reading and sharing.


The Memorial Day events schedule

9:30am Dean College - Memorial Day commemorative event

9:50am Union St Cemetery - Memorial Day commemorative event

10:10am St. Mary’s Cemetery - Memorial Day commemorative event

11:00am Memorial Day Parade Franklin Town Common

12:00pm Memorial Day Ceremony Franklin Town Common 


On Tuesday, the School Committee has a regular meeting scheduled including an executive session to discuss bargaining strategy. Also the Budget Subcommittee of the 250th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled to meet.


The Council on Aging and the Cultural Council have meetings scheduled for Wednesday. The Finance Committee meeting originally scheduled for this day was canceled. They get to view the adjusted budget including health care at their June 3 session.


The Communications Subcommittee of the Town Council has a meeting scheduled on Thursday in Council Chambers. There will be no ZBA meeting that evening.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1745-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-05-24-26/



*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 5/22/26, 8:30 PM   ***



Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, May 26 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2335 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332 


250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, May 26 Time: 8:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2330 


Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-2334 


Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-2331 


Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282026-2333 


ZBA Meeting- NO Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 7:30 PM


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Franklin TV broadcast meetings


Town/ School meetings

Community Preservation Cmte meeting Monday

- https://www.youtube.com/live/VK4JHlQ0FPo?&t=74 

Town Council - budget hearing #1
- https://www.youtube.com/live/womMM5S5euI?&t=175 
Town Council - budget hearing #2
- https://www.youtube.com/live/UVb5ngWB93Q?&t=127 
Conservation Commission meeting
- https://www.youtube.com/live/iHbZJj_FvKM?&t=364 


FHS/ Tri-County live streaming 

FHS baseball game Monday, May 18

- https://www.youtube.com/live/fThk1cEypZg?&t=149 

FHS girls lacrosse Monday, May 18
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTpmlFAHkcs 
FHS Senior Night Thursday, May 21
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihAhtL5rnyQ 


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.



Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information ->

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/town-council-gets-their-turn-to-dive.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-80520476294522796152026-05-16T10:30:00.000-04:002026-05-19T16:43:37.213-04:00Town Council gets their turn to dive into the FY 2027 budget Weds/Thur this week*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 5/15/26, 4:30 PM ***


Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Monday, May 18 Time: 6:00 PM

Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting
Monday, May 18 Time: 6:30 PM

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Monday, May 18 Time: 7:00 PM

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting (executive session)
Tuesday, May 19 Time: 4:30 PM

Design Review Meeting
Tuesday, May 19 Time: 7:00 PM

250th Anniversary - Events subcommittee
Tuesday, May 19 Time: 7:30 PM

Town Council Meeting - budget hearing #1
Wednesday, May 20 Time: 6:00 PM

Town Council Monthly Office Hours
Thursday, May 21 Time: 8:30 AM
No agenda for this informal session

Pole Petition Hearing - Panther Way
Thursday, May 21 Time: 1:00 PM

Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers)
Thursday, May 21 Time: 6:00 PM
Agenda not yet posted

Conservation Commission (3rd Floor Trng Room)
Thursday, May 21 Time: 7:00 PM


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings


FHS/ Tri-County live streaming 


Franklin TV all access shows released


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       
Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    




]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187616.237787569927377 -106.5624376 67.936316630072625 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/the-meeting-outlook-in-less-than-5.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-61451920213968585862026-05-09T09:00:00.029-04:002026-05-19T16:44:26.355-04:00The meeting outlook in less than 5 minutes for the week of May 10, 2026 (audio)

May is fully here. That means Town & School meetings galore this week. 


The schedule has filled out like the tree leaves bringing green and other vibrant colors to the landscape.


Much of the agenda items cover the normal business by the various boards and committees. Of particular interest are the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting Tuesday, the regular Town Council meeting on Wednesday,, and the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Thursday. 


The joint Council and SchCmte meeting focuses on the selection of a vendor for the strategic plan meant to guide us to an answer for how we will deal with our structural budget issues and maintain some levels of service for the community.


The School Committee separately has an agenda for their own portion of business after the joint discussion is complete.


The Council on Wednesday gets the annual update on the funding requirements and progress made for the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) as well as votes on the second readings for the zoning changes to the MBTA Compliance code, the Crossing Neighborhood District and an adjustment to the meeting schedule for October.


The Economic Development Subcommittee meets with the UMass Boston folks who are proposed to develop a unified plan for downtown Franklin during the Fall of 2026. As this project would be as part of the UMass Boston graduate level class work and free, an agreement on scope and approval is likely to be received.  The subcommittee is also scheduled for discussion to set their goals and objectives.


If you haven’t had an opportunity to pay attention, this would be a good week to tap in as these meetings can be critical to determining the future for Franklin. And by the way, the budget hearings come up next week on May 20, May 21.

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.




*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 5/08/26, 7:30 PM ***

Housing Authority
Monday, May 11 Time: 4:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05112026-2298

Planning Board Meeting
Monday, May 11 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05112026-2301

Norfolk County Regional Emergency Planning Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 10:30 AM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2292

Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2303

Communications Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2310 

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 6:00 PM

Franklin School Committee
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2307

Town Council Meeting (at School Committee)
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2302
 
Charles River Pollution Control District
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 3:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2304

Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2308
 
Cultural District Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2299

Town Council Monthly Office Hours
Thursday, May 14 Time: 8:30 AM

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
Thursday, May 14 Time: 2:00 PM
Agenda not available at this time

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Thursday, May 14 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142026-2311


*** Looking back at the week that was ***


Town/ School meetings

FHS live streaming 

Podcast episodes released


Check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx       

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar      

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html   

]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/budget-budget-and-in-may-there-is-more.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-65363395886653273432026-05-02T15:00:00.009-04:002026-05-02T15:09:59.094-04:00Budget, budget and in May, there is more budget (audio)

Budget, budget and in May, there is more budget before it gets finalized in June


You should recall that April (April 6 - April 9) saw the Finance Committee (FinCom) spend 16+ hours going over the budget with each department. Some of the FinCom members thought that they would be able to avoid using much of the proposed $2M in free cash to balance the budget. 


Alas, they did not. If my notes and math come close, they do propose use of $1.8M.


There is one big number outstanding, in that with May 1 behind us (and health care enrollments complete), the cost for coverage provided by the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) plans will be revealed later this month.  Maybe by the time the Town Council conducts their budget hearings (May 20 & 21), but more likely by the next FinCom meeting, May 27. 


So what will the Council budget hearings reveal? 

Will they agree with the budget as proposed, or make adjustments of their own? 


The FY 2027 budget narrative is being published, one section per day (started April 13) and it may not be completed by the time the Council hearings actually roll around. That is a whole lot of reading material. Many questions that were asked and answered during the FinCom hearings were actually detailed in the FY 2027 budget narrative. 


All this in preparation for the June 10 Town Council meeting and vote to approve whatever will be as the FY 2027 budget. Read to be informed. Follow along with the meetings as the discussions progress.


The listing of the agendas for the meetings scheduled this week are provided below.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1738-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-05-03-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 5/01/26, 7:30 PM   ***



The FY 2027 budget documents can be found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, May 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05032026-2290 


Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting (Executive Session)

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052026-2254 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Communications Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052026-2278 


Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, May 6 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246 


Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, May 7 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2279 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2286 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/593?fileID=9052 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town & School meetings



FHS live streaming

 


Radio - Podcast Interviews published this week 

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx      

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html      


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html  


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/04/where-have-all-showers-gone-vs-come.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-2242584242361418272026-04-25T16:00:00.014-04:002026-04-25T22:08:44.496-04:00“Where have all the showers gone?” vs. “Come Monday…”

We’ll start with competing themes for this week: 

“Where have all the showers gone?” vs. “Come Monday…”


Franklin averages 4.5” of rain during April and thus far, we have only 1.6.” So it doesn’t seem like April showers will bring lots of May flowers.


When I retired in 2019, I sent my colleagues a playlist* that started with the Jimmy Buffett tune “Come Monday…”  ‘cuz on that next Monday, I would be elsewhere.


In Franklin, this week of April 26 and following, after Monday which sees 6 meetings, there is only 1 public session and 1 executive session both on Tuesday, for the remainder of the week.


You can start the week with some Jazz at the Historical Museum on Sunday at 3 PM, and also close the week on Saturday celebrating Horace Mann’s birthday also at the Museum from 10 AM to 1 PM.  


You can also close the week by joining Jane's Walk on Saturday. It starts at the TV Studio on Hutchinson St at 10 AM, finishes there about 1.5 miles later (approx. 11:30 AM). In between, conversation on the look and feel of the neighborhoods, and what zoning does or doesn’t do. An informative and casual learning opportunity followed by lunch and networking at the Studio.


The listing of the agendas for the meetings scheduled this week are provided below.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.



* Playlist that I sent out to my corporate colleagues upon retirement can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKGw_hrlaOY&list=PLL2XKlvMgLAnv_Y2MOsekFSPEpxXeyEn4



*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 4/24/26, 7:00 PM   ***


Music at the Museum: Jazz

Sunday, April 26 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

At the Historical Museum


Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 12:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2270 


Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2266 


Franklin School Committee Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2263


Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2272 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2271 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Historical Importance Subcommittee

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2273


Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, April 28 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282026-2274 


Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting

Tuesday, April 28 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282026-2198 


ZBA Meeting-NO MEETING

Thursday, April 30 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302026-2269 


Happy Birthday Horace Mann!

Saturday, May 2 Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

At the Historical Museum 


*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town & School meetings

From FHS live streaming

From All Access

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx      

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html      


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html  


]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/04/school-break-patriots-day-marathon.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-54875492468451305342026-04-18T16:00:00.003-04:002026-04-19T10:13:57.622-04:00School break, Patriots Day, marathon Monday & a relatively quiet meeting week in Franklin (audio)

School break, Patriots Day, marathon Monday…


And a relatively quiet meeting week in Franklin, MA for April 19 through April 25, 2026.  


Even with the holiday Monday, there is no scheduled delay in the trash and recycling pick up for the week.


The hydrant flushing project continues. The DPW updates their webpage daily to let folks know what streets they will be working on. The work is briefly opening a hydrant to let the water flow for a period. This clears the water (may cause some temporary discoloring) but also confirms the water pressure for fire suppression at that point.


The Board of Assessors, Franklin Housing Authority, and Design Review Committee are all scheduled for regular settings on Tuesday.


The Council on Aging, effectively the oversight board for the Senior Center, is scheduled to meet on Wednesday. 


On Thursday, GATRA conducts one of their virtual feedback sessions via the Senior Center. The Conservation Commission also meets in the evening.


The week closes out with the Annual Ladybug Trail Walk on Saturday, April 25. Multiple events and retail opportunities are being set up. Stay tuned during the week for updates.


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Audio link -   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1719-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-04-19-26/



*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 4/17/26, 9:00 PM   ***



Board of Assessors Meeting

Tuesday, April 21 Time: 8:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04212026-2261 


Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Tuesday, April 21 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04212026-2259 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, April 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04212026-2260 


Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 22 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04222026-2264 


GATRA Regional Public Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 2:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04232026-2243 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/589?fileID=8914 



*** Looking back at the week that was ***



Town & School meetings



From FHS live streaming



From All Access



From Franklin Matters Radio


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.


Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx      

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar     


Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html      


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html 
]]> Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996