tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45411398000449297792026-03-07T12:30:37.068-05:00Franklin MAtters WeeklyA weekly summary for all the Franklin, MA news you can use - "Watch, Listen, Read"Steve Sherlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13070688297607895943noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125 https://users.feedblitz.com/9f59dd54d541590bb054d09252587b84/FM-Weekly_LogoTrial1.jpg https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/marching-forward-to-spring-day-by-day.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-17118196589690156482026-03-07T11:50:00.000-05:002026-03-07T12:30:37.062-05:00Marching forward to Spring day by day (audio)

Daylight is continuing to expand each day, now daylight savings has returned, and we have a full week of meetings for the Town of Franklin, MA.


School Committee negotiations are scheduled for Executive sessions on Monday. The Planning board has their regular meeting also on Monday.


The communications subcommittee for the Franklin 250 Celebration, the School Committee and Friends of Franklin Library all have scheduled sessions for Tuesday. The Friends is deliberately more of a social event than a meeting to attract potential members to find out more about what they do and consider joining.


The Norfolk County Commissioners hold a public hearing on Wednesday for their budget. The shared document shows a $2M deficit with no narrative on alternatives for balancing so that in and of itself is an incentive to participate to find out what’s up on the County front.


The Finance Committee gets to review the Town fiscal policies as well as take a deep dive into the grant process and what opportunities those have presented on Wednesday. The Cultural Council is also scheduled for a meeting that night with the recent Wreath of Franklin results and planning for the next one.


The Municipal Housing Affordable Trust is scheduled to meet Thursday afternoon. The agenda will likely be posted Monday for this session. The Conservation Commission has a full and verified set of items on their agenda for Thursday evening.


The Cultural District Committee gets updates on World Cup planning & MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau annual meeting among the several items on the agenda also for Thursday 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-1683-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-03-08-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 3/6/26, 7:30 PM   ***



Franklin School Committee Negotiations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, March 9 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092026-2162 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, March 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092026-2171 


250th Franklin Anniversary Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2121 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175 

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Social event, no agenda posted


Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159


Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320 


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176


Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, March 12 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, March 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/571?fileID=8589


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03122026-2170



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


To recap the Franklin TV. Franklin Public Radio meetings broadcast


On the High School front


On the All Access front

On the Public Radio/podcast front



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/2026/02/happy-birthday-town-of-franklin-248.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-67978315806079821602026-02-28T15:00:00.013-05:002026-03-06T06:13:18.031-05:00Happy Birthday Town of Franklin !!! 248 years young (audio)

Happy birthday, Town of Franklin! Yes, March 2, 1778 was the day Franklin was officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


Stop by the Historical Museum on Sunday, March 1 for a piece of cake and to view the movie from the 200th anniversary celebration.


Plans for the 250th Anniversary in 2028 are underway by that Committee. One of their subcommittees meets Sunday, and the full committee is scheduled for a special session on Tuesday to authorize the deposit for a gala to be held at Lake Pearl on November 3, 2028. 


The first measles case has appeared in MA and there might be something of a discussion touching on that at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Health on Wednesday. 


The Town Council picks up the goals discussion again this week. Whether they will decide on goals, or defer to a future meeting, remains to be seen? The Council will need to decide on the funding recommendation to replace Engine 3 as put forward by the Town and Fire Dept. and approved by the Finance Committee. This is time sensitive, so if they don't resolve, we lose an opportunity to replace for multiple years.


The Council also gets to find out about parking meter revenue from the downtown lots as well as approve a subcommittee they requested to look at potential charter changes. Potential charter changes have come up in discussion and gone over the years and usually overtaken by other priorities. 


This Council apparently would rather attempt to tackle charter changes than to try and fix the more serious issue of the strategic budget gaps we have including important work that can’t be done because resources are lacking (i.e. the Town Administrator's office).


A helpful reminder to those frustrated by lack of this or that related to the aftermath of the blizzard. 


  • Ancient proverb: "If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy, but the same amount of snow" 


We should be grateful for 4 days moving about town that the South Coastal communities of MA didn’t have. 3 days of school for our kids that those same communities didn’t have. And while trash pickup wasn’t perfect in the blizzard aftermath, most did get picked up. Let’s be grateful for what we do have. 


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-1678-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-03-01-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 2/27/26, 6:00 PM   ***


250th Anniversary Celebration Budget and Fundraising Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, March 1 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03012026-2160 


Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, March 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022026-2157 


Recreation Department Meeting

Monday, March 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022026-2158 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Special Meeting

Tuesday, March 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03032026-2165 


Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 5:00 PM

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


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 6:00 PM

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


Franklin Commission on Disabilities Meeting

Thursday, March 5 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2163 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, March 5 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2146 


Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Friday, March 6 Time: 8:15 AM

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


For Franklin TV meeting broadcasts:

For FHS live streaming:


For All Access programing:


From Franklin Matters/ Franklin Public 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 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/from-quiet-week-to-full-week-of-meetings.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-1220420347723141692026-02-21T15:00:00.023-05:002026-02-24T09:12:06.439-05:00From a quiet week to a full week of meetings

Another winter storm on the way seems to confirm that the ground hog did see his/her shadow.


If it gets to be a blizzard or not, we’ll find out as it arrives. In any case, we do have a full set of meetings for this week coming off the school vacation week.


The Agricultural Commission, Library Board of Directors and Planning Board are all scheduled for Monday.


Tuesday has the School Committee scheduled for their formal vote on the FY 2027 budget. The budget book and all the budget details you may want are now available on the School Budget page.


Wednesday has the Finance Committee scheduled to meet to look at a couple of financial funding options for an emergency replacement of one of the fire trucks due to frame corrosion. Also scheduled for their review is the updated 5 year fiscal forecast. Hopefully there will be a more earnest discussion on this than we saw at the Town Council meeting Feb 11.


The Council on Aging and the 250th Anniversary Celebration committees are also scheduled to meet on Wednesday.


The Conservation Commission closes out this meeting week with their regular session on Thursday.


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-1662-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-02-22-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 2/20/26, 6:00 PM   ***



Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, February 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232026-2140 


Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, February 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232026-2147 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, February 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232026-2149 


Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, February 24 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2151 


Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 24 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2148 


Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2153 


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152 


250th Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee on Events and Logistics Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2141 


Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee
Thursday, February 26 Time: 2:30 PM

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, February 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/559?fileID=8093 



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



The only Franklin TV meeting broadcast during the past week was the short Zoning Board of Appeals session on Thursday. In the approx. 6 minute remote only session, the Board approved 2 sets of minutes for their prior meetings, and continued the one item per request from the homeowner to the March 5 meeting.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ba6xwcXdBA 


On the FHS live streaming front, the following were broadcast and are available on YouTube:

On the All Access front we can share the following:


The Franklin Ridge Senior Housing presentation and Q&A session at the Franklin Senior Center on Feb 6 is now available for viewing via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY


On the Public Radio front, we have the following new shows to share

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 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/school-vacation-brings-light-meeting.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-24007843255162953052026-02-14T10:45:00.000-05:002026-02-14T10:45:57.872-05:00School vacation brings a light meeting week (audio)

School vacation is here and thereby a very light meeting week.


Hopefully, the time away will help to settle some things for folks. I had a great deal of hope coming out of the School Committee meeting Tuesday. Many Councilors were viewing the meeting in the Zoom session, one actively participated asking several clarification questions. All that is goodness.


Given the Council had previously seemed to come to consensus on the need for a strategic plan, we could be on the right road. The strategic plan will take some work to put into place and it needs to start with appropriately funding and staffing the Town Administrator’s office. Without resources there, other normal work will be delayed at best or not happen, key among them is that the Town Council subcommittees won’t be able to meet without additional resources.


Unfortunately, Wednesday night saw some of that hope dissipate during the Town Council meeting which discussed the 5 year fiscal forecast and the Capital budget. The discussion on the forecast revealed issues with how to handle the proposed FY 2027 budget. The Capital plan which had already been approved by the Finance Committee saw some heated words expressed by multiple parties. 


The prioritization of $100K for chromebook replacements over $75k for camera and related server replacements was not accepted by some. Ultimately, the vote to take out the $100K failed and the vote to add the 75K passed. So much time spent over so little money in the scheme of the $1.8 Million capital authorization was truly making “a mountain out of a mole hill.“


The major concern is still with the lack of trust in accepting recommendations made by the people who are charged with the daily operations and who should know better. The Council position of oversight provides them with opportunity to question and to vet proposals but the nature of the challenge became more than it should have.


Hence, hopefully, the time away for school vacation (no School or Town Council meetings this week) will enable a reconciliation and a return to the hopeful progress that does need to be made to solve our structural deficit. Angry words create problems, they do not resolve them. 


WE can only solve our problem with thoughtful civil discourse. The conversations will be difficult but the capability to come up with reasonable solutions is with 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.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1659-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-02-15-26/



*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 2/13/26, 7:00 PM   ***



Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Tuesday, February 17 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172026-2134 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, February 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172026-2139


Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, February 19 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal discussion


ZBA Meeting

Thursday, February 19 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02192026-2113 



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



A full week of Town/School meetings occurred with something every night of the week


Monday, Feb 9 - The Community Relations subcommittee of the School Committee met. The exclusive audio is available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/community-relations-subcommittee-20926.html 


Monday, Feb 9 - The Planning Board meeting. The Franklin TV video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMTWLdaCHic


Tuesday, Feb 10 - The School Committee met at 6 PM to provide enough time for their public hearing on their FY 2027 budget. The recap and video of the session can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/school-committee-hear-details-on-level.html  


Wednesday, Feb 11 - The Town Council also started at 6 PM with a time limit of 4 hours for this their first session in the new arrangement, and they needed to vote to extend the meeting in order to complete it. The Council got a preview of the updated 5 year fiscal forecast and ultimately approved the first pass on the Capital budget. The recap and video is available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-adds-to-tier-1-capital.html 


Thursday, Feb 12 - The Conservation Commission. The Franklin TV video link -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7914hOHIlLM



On the school front


On the All Access front


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/2026/02/more-snow-more-cold-more-budget-winter.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-53871201824230407062026-02-07T14:00:00.014-05:002026-02-07T14:03:43.256-05:00More snow, more cold, more budget = winter in New England; Franklin news in less than 5 minutes

More snow, more cold, ah, yes, it is winter in New England. 


February also brings a beginning to the FY 2027 budget cycle. And yes, there is more daylight in the forecast so there is hope on that side. Hope not so much on the budget front especially if you were looking for prior cuts to get restored.


Tuesday, Feb 10 the School Committee holds the public hearing on their FY 2027 budget proposal. Of note, the meeting also moves to a 6 PM opening to provide sufficient time for line item review by committee and community. 


Per the preview we received at the Jan 27th meeting, they will bring in a level service budget at 2.5%. Which also means cuts made last year don’t come back. Fees at this point, don’t change (up or down).


Wednesday, Feb 11, the Town Council gets the Capital budget and the 5 year fiscal forecast with plenty of info on the seriousness of our budget situation especially given the prior override failures. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen writes that using one time money to balance this budget “I have provided a model to give everyone time to strategize a game plan for the future without any department cuts or conversations about property tax increases in FY27.”


What that statement doesn’t say is 

  • nothing previously cut gets restored (especially on the School budget, but also across the Town departmental budgets)

  • AND we will start out the next budget cycle (FY 2028)  in the hole (by however much one time funds are used)


The Capital budget proposal is less than normal as $2 million in ‘free cash’ is held aside to help balance the (FY 2027) budget as noted above. And by kicking the can down the road again (using ‘free cash’), digs us a hole for the next budget cycle.


Fasten your seat belt for these budget conversations, they won’t be easy.


There are a number of other regular board and committee meetings scheduled for this week. Some adjusted to avoid the school vacation coming next 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.


Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1655-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-02-08-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 2/06/26, 7:00 PM   ***


Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, February 9 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2126 


Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, February 9 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2123 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, February 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2124 


Bi-County Collaborative Meeting

Tuesday, February 10 Time: 2:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2132 


Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, February 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2129 


Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, February 10 Time: 7:00 PM 

No agenda for this session


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 2:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time


Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2131 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/553?fileID=7915 


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2125 


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


The School Committee conducted their brief and ‘remote only’ meeting to authorize the transfer of accounting for health care to the Town budget line 910. Franklin.news has the recap and video link

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/school-committee-votes-to-move-health.html 


The Town Council conducted their shortest session of this new term in part by punting on setting goals and reserving time for a lengthy executive session to review property decisions. Franklin.News has the recap and video link

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-discusses-goals-hears-last.html 


On the High School video performance recorded/broadcast by Franklin TV

On the Community video front


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/2026/01/franklin-news-in-5-minutes-02012026.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-23773857642084241532026-01-31T11:00:00.017-05:002026-02-04T20:28:32.038-05:00Franklin News in 5 minutes 02/01/2026 (audio)

Yes, it is cold outside. 


Inside, in the warmth of the public meeting places, volunteers will be working with the appropriate Town and School staff planning to deliver services with improvements where possible for life here in Franklin in the short term and longer term.


For example, the Franklin 250 Celebration comes along in 2028 but the planning is starting now. The budget & fundraising subcommittee is scheduled to meet Sunday evening to conduct their work.


The School Committee has added a special meeting to vote on the proposal to realign their health care costs with the Town budget line 910. This will ensure continued focus at the Town level on minimizing health care costs, won’t change the coverage provided, but will enable a better apples to apples comparison for each of the Town Department budgets. Schools were the only department to have to account for these health care costs within their own budget. 


This step continues the efforts the Town started years ago with taking over the custodians, and then facilities, to enable the schools to focus on education as it is their primary mission. However much the Town does to support the Schools it all ends up getting sorted out financially with the reporting to DESE resulting in the per pupil cost and Net School Spending calculations done at the State level to ensure consistent accounting across the 351 Mass communities. 


The Cultural Council and Board of Health are scheduled to meet on Wednesday respectively addressing their arenas.


The Town Council meets on Wednesday to set up goals for their term of office; what they can, should, and might be possible to accomplish this year and next. “They” doesn’t refer to the Council alone. As a policy making body, they approve of the goals and budget accordingly (we hope) but don’t do the detailed work required. That work is done by the many departments and talented personnel across the Town and Schools. 


Another item on their agenda is an attempt to put a closing time on their regular meetings through a revision of their operating rules. Meeting length is generally determined by the items on the agenda. Given an inexperienced Council, meetings generally will take longer as each item is going to be their ‘first’ time around, requiring extra explanation. As their term of office progresses, the cyclical nature of their work could become more evident and hence respectfully more ‘routine’. Until then, it will take time, and forcing a closing time is ‘one’ way to address it. We’ll all see how that works.


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-1646-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-02-01-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 1/30/26, 5:30 PM   ***



250th Anniversary Celebration Budget and Fundraising Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, February 1 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02012026-2114 


Franklin School Committee- Special Meeting

Tuesday, February 3 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02032026-2116 

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, February 4 Time: 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2115 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120 


Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2117 


Bi-County Collaborative Joint Board of Directors & Operating Comm. Mtg. (Walpole)
Thursday, February 5 Time: 9:00 AM

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, February 5 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052026-2110 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting  - NO Meeting

Thursday, February 5 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052026-2112 




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


As a result of the major snow storm last week, schedules were changed. School cancellations happened on Monday and Tuesday. Town meetings on Monday were also canceled.


The School Committee did meet on Tuesday and got their first look at the Superintendent’s Recommended budget for FY 2027. Excluding health care, the schools come in with a 2.5% increase. 


There is a proposal to move the health care costs to the Town budget item, line 910. This step continues the efforts the Town started years ago with taking over the custodians, and facilities, to enable the school to focus on education as it is their primary mission. This will also enable a better apples to apples comparison of the Town Dept budgets. Schools were the only department to have to account for these health care costs within their own budget. 

 

Meeting recap and video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-get-preview-of-fy-2027.html 


The Conservation Commission met on Thursday. The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8r0Lbg2a1M 


On the FHS sports live streaming front


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/2026/01/snowmageddon-or-fern-take-your-pick.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-71495052207205680772026-01-24T16:00:00.005-05:002026-01-25T13:45:33.314-05:00Snowmageddon, or “Fern” … take your pick, either way, please be prepared

Snow, snow, snow… snowmageddon, or “Fern” … take your pick, if you wish, either way, please be prepared.


When folks ask me what I think of the coming storm, I say that I don’t do forecasts. Seriously, I am better at reporting on what is happening, or has happened. That in and of itself, is challenging enough.


There is a collection of the alerts, and reminders, all accurate information from the trusted sources, to help prepare and deal with however much we get. You can find it on the top of the page at Franklin.news for the duration of the storm event.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-storm-center-collection-for.html 


Assuming the storm aftermath is relatively clean (we have power, roads are clear…) then the Monday schedule for meetings may occur. If not, there’ll be updates to the storm collection. The curbside schedule for the week has already changed to a one day delay; Monday on Tuesday, etc.


Franklin Agricultural Commission, Franklin Public Library Board of Directors, Planning Board, and Recreation Advisory Board are all scheduled for 7 PM starts in their respective locations. Of note, the Planning Board has a public hearing on the 2 minor zoning changes to bring us fully into compliance with the MBTA Community guidelines. 


We were almost there when the requirements came out due to the previous “Franklin For All” project and have managed to get closer with additional changes. Assuming the Planning Board approves, then these zoning changes come back to the Town Council for their public hearing, and given recent experience, a lengthy discussion before the vote.


The School Committee meeting on Tuesday gives us the first view into the Superintendent’s Recommended FY 2027 school budget.


The Conservation Commission has its 2nd monthly normal session scheduled for Thursday.


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-1640-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-01-25-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 1/23/26, 10:00 PM   ***


11:00am 1/25/26
Town of Franklin robocall with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi delivering the messages https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-of-franklin-robocall-with-dpw.html

With the Town and School buildings closed on Monday, the meetings scheduled for Monday are also canceled and to be rescheduled.


Franklin Agricultural Commission Agenda

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2102 


Franklin Public Library Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2108 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

(Legal notice) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2091 

(Agenda) -  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2106  


Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2097 


Massachusetts Strategic Health Group

Tuesday, January 27 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272026-2100 


Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, January 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272026-2111 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, January 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/551?fileID=7563 



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


The Town Council meeting on Wednesday was another marathon 5 hour session. Almost 2 hours alone on the Zoning Board of Appeal appointments, which after all was said, both passed unanimously. 


Brutus Cantoreggi introduced his entire DPW team before presenting an expedited update on the overall infrastructure operations provided by the DPW departments. A few of the managers had an opportunity to step up to answer specific questions. You can find the presentation doc on the Town page


Franklin TV video is available for replay. Franklin Matters Radio will shortly have the two primary audio segments of the meeting available to listen to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZJNniE9Gk 


The Zoning Board of Appeals met for the first time with their new members on Thursday. The first order of business was to reorganize and the results were: Ginelle Lang was elected as Chair, Jennifer Williams as Vice-Chair, and Isabella Carter as Clerk. All votes were 3-0.

https://www.youtube.com/live/RBO9UPZIdZk?si=qbWcn1l52HJ1Oq6Z&t=275 


On the Franklin Public Schools live streaming front:



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/2026/01/whatever-affects-one-directly-affects.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-88322010380637427742026-01-17T15:00:00.018-05:002026-01-17T15:40:07.257-05:00“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” Insights on the week ahead, Jan 18, 2026

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” 


—“Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” written by Martin Luther King Jr in 1963. The complete letter is a worthy read and you can find the link https://letterfromjail.com/ 


The week starts with Martin Luther King Day on Monday, while legally designated a holiday it is not fully observed. For example, the MBTA commuter rail runs a ‘normal’ weekday schedule.


Worthy of note is that there is a scheduled virtual only meeting on Sunday evening for the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee at 5:30 PM.


Tuesday we see the normal schedule for a Design Review meeting. The site (12 Main St) of the former book store is potentially a convenience store and their proposed signage is up for review.


Wednesday is the Town Council meeting with some key items on its agenda. 

  • 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeal are up for approval. That action alone may not shut down the vociferous calls for a ‘new’ board from some community members but we’ll see what the Council does.
  • The Council gets an update on the infrastructure of the Town from DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi. The dollars for continuing to maintain all our water, sewer, roads, fields, etc. has continued to grow. A plan is needed for funding. “Pay me now, or pay me more later” becomes very real.
  • The budget timeline for the FY 2027 cycle is presented. The recent capital budget items reviewed by the Finance Committee come before the Council on Feb 11. The official town budget is on schedule to be filed in late March.

Thursday, the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet and likely for the first time with their new membership (depending upon the outcome at the Council meeting on Weds).


We’ll close this outlook with a referral back to the MLK quote we opened with: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” . You reading this, are either a close or remote neighbor. Either way, we are faced with some challenges this year.


On the one hand, I am very grateful for what we do have. On the other hand, there is a lot of work and tough conversations to be held to ensure we can maintain the community we all live in and love.


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 page 1/16/26, 6:00 PM   ***



250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (remote only)

Sunday, January 18 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01182026-2096 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, January 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01202026-2099 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101 


GATRA Regional Bus Meeting (at Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, January 22 Time: 2:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222026-2085 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting  (remote only)

Thursday, January 22 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222026-2093 

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


On Monday, the School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee met. On Tuesday, the Policy subcommittee met before the full School Committee meeting. Both audio recordings will be available shortly. 


The School Committee recap and video is available for their 4 hour plus session  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-program.html 


SchCmte member Reis Hansen joined me in a recap of the session which is available via video and audio formats https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/chalkboard-chat-condenses-4-hour-jan-13.html 



The Finance Committee had a lengthy discussion on the ‘economics of development’. Personally, it was not what I expected. The primary reason being “It is complicated.” The first pass on the Capital budget was also reviewed at length and ultimately recommended to the Council for their review and vote.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/finance-committee-hears-economics-of.html 

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday, the video of their session is available  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=881gI4sj0kM 


On the FHS sports live streaming front

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/2026/01/franklin-ma-news-in-less-than-5-mins.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-59092928255943717292026-01-10T15:30:00.017-05:002026-01-10T15:57:03.019-05:00Franklin, MA News in less than 5 mins: Middle of the new month in this new year (audio)

We are already into the middle of the new month in this new year and deep into the middle of all that is happening.

There is a full week of meetings across Town and School business. The Housing Authority, Planning Board, and School Committee Community Relations subcommittee are all scheduled for Monday.


Some folks learned this week that the Housing Authority is not related to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust other than sharing ‘housing’ as their focal point. Housing Authority is a State agency operating Central Park Terrace, Winter St and other State owned low income housing in Franklin. The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust manages a few Town properties that are deeded restricted. There are other private entities that manage deed restricted units as well.


Tuesday has the 250th Anniversary Celebration, School Committee Policy Subcommittee, and then the full School Committee meeting, as well as the meeting of the Friends of Franklin Library.


Wednesday is relatively quiet but very important with the Finance Committee hearing about the “economics of development” at this session. The answer to one question “Which are more financially beneficial to the Town, rental units or ownership units?” may get some clarity.


Thursday starts with Town official coffee hour at the Senior Center, followed by meetings of the Cultural District Committee and Conservation Commission.


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-1625-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-01-11-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 1/09/26, 8:30 PM   ***



Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, January 12 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2080 


Franklin Public School Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, January 12 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2082 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, January 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2083 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2074 


Franklin School Committee -Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2087 


Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 


Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

No agenda available at this time


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 14 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 15 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01152026-2088 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, January 15th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/545?fileID=7509 

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


The Police Station Building Committee had a significant meeting on Tuesday. Significant in that they finally recommended that Parmenter should be the site for the potential new station. They also recommended to request the Town Council to authorize $64K for a ‘code review’ of the existing Parmenter facility. Such a study would detail what updates would be required to bring it into compliance with current building code. The building was initially constructed in the 1950’s and then expanded in the 80’s when it was re-opened as a school to handle the growth at that time. Video and recap of the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/police-station-bldg-cmte-selects_8.html 


The Franklin Board of Health met on Wednesday. The work of this group will become more important as the changes to the Federal health department continue to be made. Exclusive audio of this meeting (and a quick recap) can be found ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-010726.html 


The Town Council met in another 4 hour plus session on Wednesday. They approved an amended Friendly 40b policy after juggling the legislative set of their agenda to get the ‘easy’ items out of the way before tackling the 40b discussion. The recap and video of the meeting is available. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-approves-amended-friendly.html 


Exclusive audio of the Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on the Town Common on Thursday is available ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/candlelight-vigil-for-renee-nicole-good.html 


On the FHS sports live streaming front


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/2026/01/we-have-wolf-moon-to-begin-new-year.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-78317569270957443402026-01-03T16:00:00.005-05:002026-01-07T23:34:06.717-05:00We have a Wolf moon to begin the New Year

We have a wolf moon to begin the new year. Hmm, what does that mean? 


There are probably lots of possible explanations, and from a variety of view points. For me, on a clear early Saturday morning with the moon setting over a very cold Franklin, it was such a sight to behold. 


If only solutions for the issues facing us were as clearly defined and agreed to. Frankly, there are too many questions unanswered, or even well defined, to begin to see some agreements on approaching resolutions. 


So we take each day as it comes. On Tuesday, the Police Station Building Committee meets for the first time since August. Who from the current Town Council makes up this group now? 2 of the 3 prior Council members are no longer on the Council.


The Board of Health meets at 5 PM on Wednesday. The Town Council is scheduled for 6 PM the same day. A presentation on Facilities is scheduled as is the return of the possible change to the friendly 40b policy. 


Recall that the changes to this friendly 40b policy had been ‘tabled’ by the prior Council, sent to the Economic Development Subcommittee, which after their first meeting in October was canceled, the item was dropped from their rescheduled October agenda. Likely due to the approaching election. Now, this new Council gets it without a prior review of Economic Development.  Will there even be such a Subcommittee for this Council?


For my view, the proposed changes only tackle one of the multiple issues with the existing policy. It only requires future projects to be ownership based rather than rental. It neglects to address the other process issues with this policy around awareness, notifications, etc.


So how will this Council approach the potential change? The answer may come Wednesday. Some folks might be left howling no matter how the Council decides to address it.


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-1620-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-01-04-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 1/02/26, 6:30 AM   ***


Police Station Building Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 6 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01062026-2064 


Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, January 7 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2073 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 2:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2081


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2070 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (updated 1/05/26)
Thursday, January 8 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2078

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (meeting canceled)




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


With the new year here, some of last year's items may not be fully complete. For example, the final document with the history and decision of the ZBA on the 444 East Central St project has been completed, marked with the Town Clerk seal, and posted to the ZBA page

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8024/444-E-Central-St-Record-and-Decision-with-Clerk-Stamp 


Will this decision be appealed? Stay tuned…


On the sports live streaming front, it was relatively quiet over the holidays with only one live streamed event as we go to press


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/2025/12/for-same-of-old-time-franklin-we-need.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-47154514236351994522025-12-27T16:00:00.004-05:002025-12-28T08:25:23.252-05:00For the sake of an old time Franklin, we need to take time to go forward together.

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne!”   https://poets.org/poem/auld-lang-syne 


"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots phrase that literally translates to "old long since," but has taken on a more fluid definition along the lines of "for old time's sake" or "the olden days."   https://www.countryliving.com/life/a30201370/auld-lang-syne-meaning 


As we greet the new year, let’s use this time of no town or school meetings to build some relationships. The past is now passed into history. We can no longer go back there. 


Time and life are more river-like, go with the flow, step aside, and the flow continues on.


Step in again, and it is a new flow, the waters you left are now ahead of you, not to be caught up again.


There is an African proverb that says if you want to go quickly, you go alone. If you want to go sustainably, you go with others. Going with others takes time, lots of discussion, lots of negotiation, lots of agreement. There may be times of agreeing to disagree but let’s at least agree to go forward.


For the sake of an old time Franklin, we need to take time to go forward together.


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-1619-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-12-28-25/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 12/26/25, 7:00 AM   ***


There are NO Town meetings scheduled this week


Senior Center 

Closes at noon, December 31


Public Library

Closes at 2 PM December 31


All Town and School facilities closed January 1


The trash/recycle curbside pick up is one day offset due to New Year’s

  • Those scheduled for Thursday will get picked up Friday

  • Those scheduled for Friday will get picked up Saturday


Senior Center

Regular hours, 8:30 AM to 4 PM - January 2


Public Library

Regular hours, 9 AM to 5 PM - January 2



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



ZBA met for 4 hours on Tuesday, December 23 ultimately rendering their 2-1 decision for the 444 East Central project with a long list of conditions and some exemptions. The final document should be available for filing by the Town Clerk before December 31, 2025. The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzHv26ryV0 


High school live streamed sports:

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.com1Franklin, MA 02038, USA42.0870521 -71.406187613.776818263821156 -106.5624376 70.397285936178847 -36.249937599999996 https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/12/twas-week-before-christmas-in-all.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-65947435012401896742025-12-20T14:00:00.007-05:002025-12-21T09:02:19.558-05:00'Twas the week before Christmas, in all Franklin town, Everyone was waiting for the decision to come down

'Twas the week before Christmas, in all Franklin town

Everyone was waiting for the decision to come down

ZBA public hearings were complete, now fully closed

All comments made, residents could only sit posed


The new Council had voted to change their mind

And drafted the letter to which they readily signed

Would it make a difference, the TA said no

The State said likewise, but what does the Council know


The ZBA will make their decision soon reviewing

The exemptions one by one, residents patiently stewing

The developer team will be on edge, calculator at hand

Anxiously waiting, where will the mitigations land


When will we find out, and will that be the end

Or will it be appealed with a filling quickly penned

In the meantime, let’s enjoy the seasonal glow

Have a round of cheer, the sun will still rise tomorrow


With apologies to Clement Moore, the major decision on the 444 East Central development proposal should be forthcoming from the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at Tuesday's meeting. Note, with the public hearing closed, there may not be an opportunity for comment from the public either before or after the decision is made.


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-1610-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-12-21-25/



*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 12/19/25, 6:30 PM   ***



Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting

Monday, December 22 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12222025-2067


ZBA Meeting

Tuesday, December 23 Time: 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12232025-2057 


Senior Center 

Closed all day, December 246


Public Library

Closes at 2 PM December 24


All Town and School facilities closed December 25


Senior Center 

Closed all day, December 26


Public Library

Regular hours, 9 AM to 5 PM - December 26


Public Library

Regular hours, 9 AM to 5 PM - December 27



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

Planning Board met on Monday, December 15 as scheduled, the Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DovJ17h2e0c 


Town Council met on Wednesday, December 17 for another 4 hour session to close out the calendar year. The recap and Franklin TV video can be found -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/town-council-closes-out-year-approving.html 


ZBA met for 30 minutes on Thursday, December 18 on a different topic this time, the Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHzHv26ryV0 

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/2025/12/tis-season-to-wrap-things-up-literally.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-50857000251773683452025-12-13T16:00:00.005-05:002025-12-18T07:01:37.325-05:00Tis the season to wrap things up… literally

Many meetings this week are the last of the calendar year with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays coming over the next 2 weeks. Some subcommittees are active this week, especially as the 250th Celebration planning gets underway.


The Town Council meeting Wednesday (6 PM) has a potpourri of an agenda. Recognitions, alcohol license renewals, snow update, Town Charter change process presentation, among others in a full agenda.


Town officials hold their office hours at the Senior Center Thursday morning (8:30 AM). There is a ZBA meeting Thursday evening but the 444 East Central project will be the topic for their meeting on Tuesday the 23rd.


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-1606-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-12-14-25/


*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 12/12/25, 8:00 PM   ***



Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, December 15 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12152025-2050 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Monday, December 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12152025-2061 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, December 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12152025-2056 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Tuesday, December 16 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12162025-2060 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, December 16 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12162025-2059 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, December 17 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12172025-2062 


Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, December 18 Time: 8:30 AM

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, December 18 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12182025-2055 


FOFE Meeting

Friday, December 19 Time: 9:30 AM


Council on Aging Meeting

Friday, December 19 Time: 1:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12192025-2066


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


The Franklin School Committee met for their only December session on Tuesday, December 9. The Volleyball team was recognized, the capital budget request was reviewed and approved, Student Services presented on all that they do. The recap, video and audio links are available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/school-committee-recognizes_030419169.html 

The Finance Committee finally got their ‘deep dive’ into Technology. It took multiple reschedules but it happened. It is highly recommended spending the time to watch the video replay. To fully & properly fund technology for the required licenses, hardware, software and staffing to keep it all running would be an additional $1.5M per year. Food for thought and consideration https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/finance-committee-gets-answer-on-how.html 

 

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday. The video replay is available

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


On the Schools channel:
On the All Access channel:

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/2025/12/tax-rate-hearing-closes-out-fy-2026.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-46141516721124413652025-12-06T16:00:00.014-05:002025-12-07T08:13:00.739-05:00Tax rate hearing closes out FY 2026, here comes FY 2027

The tax rate hearing (Weds 12/3/25) officially tied the knot on the FY 2026 budget which means the FY 2027 budget is underway.


A full slate of meetings for this week. Respectfully, the key ones will be the School Committee on Tuesday, Finance Committee Wednesday and the Conservation Commission on Thursday.


The new School Committee gets into full gear with 2 subcommittee (Budget & Policy) meeting at 6 PM before the full committee meets at 7 PM. A first look at the budget and their capital wish list is among the items on the agenda


The Finance Committee on Wednesday gets to the deep dive on Technology (finally). This should be of real interest to the new Council members as the Technology Department services both Town and School operations. Some think because it is in the School budget it only does that. Akin to the Facilities Dept, on the Town side, the Facilities Dept provides support to both Town and School buildings in a joint and cooperative arrangement.


The Conservation Commission ended up postponing their meeting last Thursday as they were unable to address the 444 East Central proposal. The 444 project team was fully engaged with the ZBA in their session on the same evening. While the ZBA meeting started at 6, it didn’t complete until 10 PM. 


Assuming that the Conservation Commission can complete what it needs to do this week; then the Zoning Board of Appeals can meet on Dec 23 to make their decision on the project approval or rejection, including a decision on however many variances are required. Then the timeline to write up the decision and to file within the legal time line (40 days after close of public hearing) should be able to be met.


You’ll have time to stop by the Senior Center on Thursday to take part in the Winter Wonderland festivities from 4:30 to 7 PM before joining the Conservation meeting.


And remember to join the Wreath of Franklin festivities all around downtown and the multiple pop up shows located at THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, Dec 13.


Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1603-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-12-07-25/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 12/05/25, 6:30 PM   ***



Housing Authority

December 8, 2025, 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12082025-2036 


Franklin School Committee - Budget Subcommittee

December 9, 2025, 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2047 


Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

December 9, 2025, 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2046 


Design Review Meeting-CANCELED

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM


Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM


Franklin School Committee

December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092025-2043 


Finance Committee Meeting

December 10, 2025, 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102025-2039 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings (Canceled)

December 11, 2025, 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-2004 


Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

December 11, 2025, 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12112025-2040 


Conservation Commission Meeting

December 11, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/536?fileID=6995 



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


The Board of Health meeting on Wednesday discussed adjustments to Franklin’s tobacco regulations to bring them up to current State standard. The vote to approve what has been discussed is scheduled for their January 2026 meeting. Exclusive recording and recap of the meeting is available at Franklin.News.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/board-of-health-reviews-changes-to.html 


At Wednesday’s Town Council meeting, the tax rate hearing came second on the agenda due to a disconnect between the Council agenda showing it at 7 and the public hearing announcements calling for it at 6 PM. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked the Council through the 5 year revenue forecast in the meantime. 


The tax rate was approved as a single rate however, there is more interest this time around from the Council newbies for a split tax rate and some councilors were complaining about their lack of readiness for this discussion. Plans for a workshop and additional discussions are underway before the next tax rate hearing currently set for Dec 2, 2026.


The Conservation Commission met only briefly on Thursday as much of what they wanted to do required the 444 East Central project team which was tied up in the ZBA meeting that started earlier but continued to 10 PM before concluding. The Conservation meeting was rescheduled to Dec 11.


The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting spent most of their 4 hours reviewing the draft approval letter for the 444 East Central Project. The last part provided a recap of what was discussed in the first 2 sections of the document. There was an issue with admitting the public participants so the recap was needed to let them know what they had missed. Assuming the ConComm does complete their work at the mentioned Dec 11 meeting, then the ZBA should be inline to complete their discussion and decide at their meeting Dec 23 at 6:30 PM.


An incident report is being prepared jointly with Town Administration and Franklin TV to explain what happened to the Town Council meeting video (it was only available to cable subscribers as audio) and the snafu with the ZBA public admittance process.


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/2025/11/thanksgiving-leaves-countdown-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-11976750453976147352025-11-29T16:00:00.006-05:002025-12-03T09:19:23.277-05:00Thanksgiving leaves, the countdown to Christmas & year end arrives

Hopefully you and most Franklin folks enjoyed the holiday week. It went by quickly. The Turkey Trot set a record with the largest registrations and the FHS football team lost to KP. No significant Town meetings happened last week with the short holiday week.


However, this first week of December has a couple of key meetings. The Town Council gets to set the tax rate, approving a drop in the rate from $11.62/$1000 to $11.42/$1000. This is due to the continued significant rise in assessed real estate valuations. The average residential single family property assessment has increased from $679,400 to $731,400.


The charts will be updated to show the inverse relationship between the tax rate and property valuations. When they go up, as they have for the past many years, the rate goes down. When the valuation decreased (think recession 2008), the rate increased.


The Council also gets the inside scoop on the revenue forecast for the next 5 years. This was shared in August 2025 and with the new Council on board, is intended to bring them up to speed with this info so they can understand what room for decisions they may have.


For those who thought that the Council vote to rescind their approval of the 444 East Central project would suddenly end the project, sorry that didn’t happen. They should note that the ZBA did close the public hearing at their Nov 20 meeting. The ZBA also recommended for their attorney to draft the summary letter as ‘for approval’. Don’t get too alarmed, logically it makes more sense for a “No” vote against the recommendation to approve than it does for a “Yes” for to deny.


The ZBA will review and discuss the ‘draft’ letter at their remote only session this Thursday, Dec 4. Their next session (Dec 18) should have the formal vote on the decision and on the variances requested. The Conservation Commission also meets remote only on Thursday, and will continue to work on the 444 East Central project.


The decision on the 444 East Central project is on schedule to be filed with the appropriate authorities by year end. At which time, appeals may start. When those will end is open to speculation.


The HO scale train town exhibit of Franklin circa 1932 gets expanded to include the Mill Store and Franklin Paint with the official opening scheduled for Saturday, Dec 6. It is scheduled for display through January 2026.


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-1594-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-11-30-25/



*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 11/28/25, 8:30 PM   ***


Planning Board Meeting - meeting Cancelled

Monday, December 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12012025-2016 


Massachusetts Strategic Health Group

Tuesday, December 2 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-2023 


Franklin Cultural Council

Tuesday, December 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-2027 


BOARD OF HEALTH MEETINGS

Wednesday, December 3 Time:  5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2030 


Town Council Meeting / Tax Rate Hearing

Wednesday, December 3 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2031 


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2029 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/534?fileID=6990 


Zoning Board Of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (Zoom Only meeting)

Thursday, December 4 Time: 6:00 PM (Note time change)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2034 




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



No significant Town meetings happened last week with the short holiday week.


The Turkey Trot set a record with the largest registrations. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/over-1000-registrations-for-franklin.html 


The FHS football team lost to King Philip:


Podcast episodes you may have missed



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/2025/11/thanksgiving-week-brings-short-and.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-27551557984745678892025-11-22T16:00:00.003-05:002025-11-23T08:38:44.718-05:00Thanksgiving week brings a short and condensed set of Town meetings

Thanksgiving week brings a short and condensed set of Town meetings. Time to give thanks for what we do have.


Monday is the busy day with 5 of the 6 meetings for the week scheduled. The Cultural District and Cultural Council, the Agricultural Committee, the Library Board of Directors as well as the Recreation Advisory are all scheduled to meet.  


The Design Review is the only meeting scheduled for Tuesday. 


Schools are closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.


The Library and Senior Center close early Wednesday and both are closed on Thursday. The Senior Center remains closed on Friday but the Library is open Friday and Saturday.


Saturday is also a day to focus on supporting the local and small businesses which is a good thing to consider.


Santa Claus is scheduled to be delivered to the Town Common at 4 PM on Sunday via the Franklin Fire Dept for the Concerts on the Common celebration.


Get up early Thanksgiving Day to walk, run, or stroll to help the Franklin Food Pantry with their fundraising efforts. The annual football game between FHS and KP is hosted by Franklin at 10 AM.

Curbside pick up will be delayed for those normally scheduled for Thursday. Thursday will get picked up on Friday, and those normally on Friday will get picked up on Saturday.


As we all go through this holiday week, it is time to give thanks for what we do have.


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 page 11/21/25, 9:00 PM   ***


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7738/CDC-Agenda_Meeting_-Nov2025docx?bidId= 


Franklin Agricultural Committee

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Agricultural-Commission-13/?#_11242025-2018 


Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Cultural-Council-26/?#_11242025-2022 


Library Board of Directors Regular meeting

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_11242025-2024 


Recreation Advisory Board

Monday, November 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11242025-2017 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, November 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11252025-2025 




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


The Planning Board met on Monday, the 17th. Franklin TV video is available

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fN8_2aY9Ww


The School Committee met for the first time since the election. Griffith will be the Chair going forward, with Callaghan as Vice-Chair. The meeting recap including audio and video links can be found ->  

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/franklin-school-committee-reorganizes_22.html 


The Town Council met again at 6 PM for another 4 hour session. The recap and video link is available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/town-council-votes-to-join-gic-approves.html 


The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday. Madeline Village came back 10 years after their initial 40b approval of a minor change (it was approved). The plans will still come back before the ZBA after they confirm agreement with the state DEP on the change to not re-route the stream but to use culverts to provide access in 2 cases. 


444 East Central was still before the ZBA in spite of the Council vote the previous day to rescind the prior approval of the Council for this project. How the decision and project will play out remains to be seen. The video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_b_a4Owfs0 


The Interfaith Council held their annual Thanksgiving service on Sunday and the live stream is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7FF34vdmrE  



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/2025/11/town-council-selected-new-leadership.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-23281041158774534712025-11-15T16:00:00.003-05:002025-11-16T09:53:01.882-05:00Town Council selected new leadership, School Committee is up next

With the new Town Council organized around new leadership, the School Committee gets to do the same thing this week.


The School Committee welcomes 3 new members to their organizational meeting on Tuesday. They also have a workshop facilitated by the area director of the Mass Association of School Committees with lots of good info on rules, regulations and process items specific to School Committees.


The Town Council gets into their second meeting with some serious business on the agenda for their Wednesday session.  The second FY 2026 budget adjustment of approx. $280K is scheduled for discussion. An organizational change to remove the Deputy Town Administrator and replace that role with one focused on communications and returning a part-time administrative assistant provides some of the savings needed. There is an adjustment to local receipts as well as a reduction to the Tri-County school building assessment due to a lower interest rate actually achieved vs. the original forecast.


The first adjustment was made in August to account for a reduction in State local aid revealed when the State approved their budget in July with a lower amount than already included in the FY 2026 budget by the Town.


The requested rescission of the Town Council approval of the 444 East Central St development proposal is also on the agenda. 1 or 2 of the Council won’t be able to vote on this to avoid a conflict of interest as they are either direct abutters to the property or in the immediate neighborhood. 


Part of the discussion should also include consideration of all the options for what to do and what consequences might occur. If nothing is done to interfere with the due diligence process at the ZBA, and they deny the proposal, the Town is in good position as we are above the minimum 40b percent and an appeal to the State would likely not be overturned. As I understand the situation, most other options for appeal to the State could result in additional legal costs to be assumed by the Town to defend its actions.


The ZBA is scheduled to continue their due diligence at their Thursday meeting. The 250th Anniversary Celebration committee also meets for the first time Thursday.


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-1581-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-11-16-25/




*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 11/14/25, 6:00 PM   ***



Planning Board Meeting

Monday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172025-2005 


Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172025-2003 


Franklin School Committee MASC Workshop

Tuesday, November 18 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11182025-1982 


Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, November 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf 


Board of Assessors Meeting

Wednesday, November 19 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2009 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 19 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 


Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, November 20 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this session


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Thursday, November 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11202025-2007 


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, November 20 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11202025-1997 


FOFE Meeting

Friday, November 21 Time: 9:00 AM


Council on Aging Meeting

Friday, November 21 Time: 1:30 PM



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


The Town Council met for the first time since the election brought 7 new members to the table. Dellorco was voted as Chair. Grella as Vice-chair, and Cormier-Leger as Clerk. Griffith was appointed temporarily as Clerk to cover the absence of Cormier-Leger for 2 meetings. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsYVvhWdqWs


The Conservation Commission met on Thursday as scheduled. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojepfHYFuow


On the Franklin High School sports front, there were 3 live streamed events broadcast by Franklin TV


Volleyball on Wednesday, Nov 12 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FLttuyC6NQ 

Girls soccer on Thursday, Nov 13 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6k4hfKdJ1w 

Football on Friday, Nov 14 ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGPwJa8sz_s 

On the Youth Football front, 3 teams are scheduled to play in their respective Super Bowl games this weekend. A special 3 part series provides info on the G5, G6 and G8 team success this season

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-g5-football-teams-journey-to-emass.html

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-g6-football-teams-journey-to-emass.html 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-g8-football-teams-journey-to-emass.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/2025/11/the-winds-of-change-have-landed-in.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4541139800044929779.post-11445108459422499642025-11-08T16:00:00.004-05:002025-11-09T10:03:33.394-05:00The winds of change have landed in Franklin

The winds of change have landed in Franklin.


Tuesday, November 4 dawned sunny but windy, and those winds may have been the portent of the change that the community saw when the Town of Franklin Biennial Election results were available just after 9 PM.


Only 2 of the Town Council incumbents were re-elected, joining 7 new members. Diane Daddario won the write-in vote for the Board of Health with a convincing margin. 1 of the School Committee incumbents did not return as 3 new members will be joining the committee. 


The first Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 12 with a 6 PM starting time. The meeting will open with organizational votes so it will be interesting to see who ends up as Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk for this new team.


The agenda is mainly an orientation to Council operations, open meeting law, Conflict of Interest, Ethics, and other matters that for the prior Councils with less change were covered but not likely in the depth anticipated for this session with so many newbies. 


Other Town meetings this week are scheduled around the Veterans Day holiday Tuesday. 


The Housing Authority meets on Monday. The Historical Commission and Friends of the Franklin Public Library are scheduled to meet on Wednesday. 


The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, the Charles River Pollution Control District, the BFCCPS and the Conservation Commission are all scheduled to meet on Thursday. The agendas for all the meetings this week are listed below.


For all the cultural events and meetings, 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-1577-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-11-09-25/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 11/07/25, 8:30 PM   ***



Housing Authority

Monday, November 10 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11102025-1994 


Veterans Day - Town offices and Schools closed

Tuesday, November 11


Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-1999 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11122025-2001 


Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Wednesday, November 12 Time: 7:00 PM

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings

Thursday, November 13 Time: 2:00 PM

not available at this time


Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Thursday, November 13 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-2000 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, November 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-1995 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, November 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/528?fileID=6820  



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


The Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee met on Monday, Nov 3 at 6 PM. Exclusive audio of that meeting is expected to be available by Monday, Nov 10


The Planning Board met on Monday, Nov 3. Franklin TV broadcast the meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgAto6ygY8M


The Biennial Election was conducted on Tuesday, Nov 4. The official results were posted by Town Clerk after noon on Wednesday, Nov 5.  6387 voters, 24.4% of the 26,136 registered total cast ballots. Detailed results are available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/town-of-franklin-official-results-of.html 


The Board of Health met on Wednesday, Nov 5 at 5 PM. Exclusive audio of that meeting is expected to be available by Monday, Nov 10. 


The Finance Committee was also scheduled to meet Wednesday but it was canceled late in the afternoon due to lack of a quorum. The Technology ‘deep dive’ will need to be rescheduled yet again, likely for the next meeting in December.


The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met briefly on Thursday, Nov 6. They approved the first accessory dwelling unit requiring a variance. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wc7bTwqVFg


With the MIAA playoffs underway, there was only One live steamed FHS high school sports this week. 


The boys soccer team fell to Framingham in OT by a 2-1 score. The video is available   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qNsIesLrv4


A shareworthy presentation by Joe Landy to the Senior Center on “Then & Now” is available on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EkZIrEeq4 


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