Franklin MAtters Weekly

PorchFest, budget, Strawberry Stoll, budget ...

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Franklin Public School Horace Mann Sub Committee Meeting - Cancelled

Monday, June 8 Time: 7:00 PM

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Monday, June 8 Time: 8:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, June 9 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 3:00 PM

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

Historical Commission Meeting (added 6/08/26)

Wednesday, June 10 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Town Council Meeting

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

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

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, June 11 Time: 2:00 PM

No agenda available at this time

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 11 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations Meeting June 11

Thursday, June 11 Time: 4:30 PM

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

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting - No Meeting

Thursday, June 11 Time: 7:30 PM

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

Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Friday, June 12 Time: 4:00 PM

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

22nd Annual Strawberry Stroll @ Franklin Historical Museum

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

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

Town/ School meetings

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

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

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

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

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

FHS/ Tri-County live streaming

FHS Softball on June 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui1FCIcIM3Y&t=584s
Middle School 6th Grade Chorus & Orchestra Thursday, June 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR0mdC7goDY
Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soPfCoLNJpo
Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e62I7nS2eI
Franklin High School Class of 2026 Graduation - https://www.youtube.com/live/I771n9tYbSI?&t=671

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

Spend less than 5 minutes to find out about the final stretch on the FY 2027 budget (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 30 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pride Flag Raising - May 31, at 1 PM

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

Franklin PorchFest - June 6

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, June 1 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Recreation Advisory Board

Monday, June 1 Time: 7:00 PM

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

250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, June 2 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations Meeting June 3

Wednesday, June 3 Time: 4:30 PM

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

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, June 3 Time: 5:00 PM

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

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, June 3 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, June 4 Time: 4:00 PM

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

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, June 4 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, June 4 Time: 7:00 PM

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

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

From 5/24 to 5/30/26

Town/ School meetings

School Committee meeting - 5/26/26 recap with audio & video links https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/school-committee-recognizes-seal-of_01831220539.html
Town Council Communications Subcommittee meeting 5/28/26 - recap & video link https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/communications-subcommittee-listened.html

FHS/ Tri-County live streaming

FHS girls lacrosse vs. Andover 5/26/26 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFJd9oq9bM0
Tri-County graduation 5/28/26 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4SsMY75Qhg
FHS boys lacrosse vs. Newtown North 5/29/26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RlwMD1hP5Q

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

Your Franklin news in less than 5 minutes for Memorial Day week (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 23 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

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

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

The Memorial Day events schedule

9:30am Dean College - Memorial Day commemorative event

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

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

11:00am Memorial Day Parade Franklin Town Common

12:00pm Memorial Day Ceremony Franklin Town Common

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

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

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

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

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

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, May 26 Time: 1:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 26 Time: 7:00 PM

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

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, May 26 Time: 8:00 PM

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

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 11:00 AM

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

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 6:00 PM

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

ZBA Meeting- NO Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 7:30 PM

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

Franklin TV broadcast meetings

Town/ School meetings

Community Preservation Cmte meeting Monday

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

Town Council - budget hearing #1

- https://www.youtube.com/live/womMM5S5euI?&t=175
Town Council - budget hearing #2

- https://www.youtube.com/live/UVb5ngWB93Q?&t=127
Conservation Commission meeting

- https://www.youtube.com/live/iHbZJj_FvKM?&t=364

FHS/ Tri-County live streaming

FHS baseball game Monday, May 18

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

FHS girls lacrosse Monday, May 18

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

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihAhtL5rnyQ

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

Town Council gets their turn to dive into the FY 2027 budget Weds/Thur this week

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 16 May 2026 14:30:00 +0000

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 5/15/26, 4:30 PM ***

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Monday, May 18 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2318

Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, May 18 Time: 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2321

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, May 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2316

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting (executive session)

Tuesday, May 19 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192026-2255

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, May 19 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192026-2322

250th Anniversary - Events subcommittee

Tuesday, May 19 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192026-2297

Town Council Meeting - budget hearing #1

Wednesday, May 20 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202026-2323

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, May 21 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal session

Pole Petition Hearing - Panther Way

Thursday, May 21 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212026-2285

Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers)

Thursday, May 21 Time: 6:00 PM

Agenda not yet posted

Conservation Commission (3rd Floor Trng Room)

Thursday, May 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212026-2320?html=true

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

Town/ School meetings

The joint Town Council / School Committee Meeting on Tuesday https://www.youtube.com/live/jsQHXSy8xEI
The Town Council meeting on Wednesday https://www.youtube.com/live/pzAuEzhNSlQ
The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Thursday https://www.youtube.com/live/YpTtoOE75eU

FHS/ Tri-County live streaming

FHS lacrosse vs. KP on May 11 https://www.youtube.com/live/I9_RNtEwX_0
FHS baseball on May 11 https://www.youtube.com/live/anLDfZUhQ9I
FHS spring pops May 12 https://www.youtube.com/live/anLDfZUhQ9I
FHS softball on May 13 https://www.youtube.com/live/TUSzADRX_dc
Tri-County senior night May 14 https://www.youtube.com/live/ghumj5yULOE

Franklin TV all access shows released

Once Upon a Town - the post office https://youtu.be/AZC1MJfGS7k
Aging Boldfully; Positive Psychology with Dr Anne Bergen https://youtu.be/75i6Y7HQ2iU.
Aging Boldfully; Fyzical with Chris Corrente & Winslow Woodacre https://youtu.be/fv31YKPkT9w

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

The meeting outlook in less than 5 minutes for the week of May 10, 2026 (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1744-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-05-10-26/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Town Council Meeting (at School Committee)
Tuesday, May 12 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2302

Charles River Pollution Control District
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 3:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2304

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

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

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

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

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

ZBA Meeting
Thursday, May 14 Time: 7:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142026-2280

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

Town/ School meetings

The Conservation Commission meeting on 5/07/26 was broadcast. https://www.youtube.com/live/lYkjAxgs5tI?

FHS live streaming

Girls lacrosse on 5/04/26. https://www.youtube.com/live/dYG0ucymU9c
Girls softball on 5/04/26. https://www.youtube.com/live/ARr-g_VNQms
Spring jazz 5/05/26. https://www.youtube.com/live/AolLT1skR4I
Boy lacrosse on 5/06/26. https://www.youtube.com/live/e_rZwZwr_Cw
Baseball on 5/08/26. https://www.youtube.com/live/bM5-gVXO9C0

Podcast episodes released

Favorite poem reading at Library in April https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/you-can-listen-to-poetry-conversation.html
Board of Heath audio exclusive of their meeting 5/06/26 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/franklin-board-of-health-votes-to.html
Talking with Amy Adams about the wind phone https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/talking-with-amy-adams-about-wind-phone.html

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

Budget, budget and in May, there is more budget (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 02 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

So what will the Council budget hearings reveal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, May 3 Time: 7:30 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting (Executive Session)

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 4:30 PM

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

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Communications Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, May 6 Time: 5:00 PM

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

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, May 7 Time: 4:00 PM

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

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

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

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

Town & School meetings

The Town Council Communications Subcommittee met at noon on Monday, April 27. The recap and video link can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-councils-communication-subcmte.html
The Planning Board met at 7 PM also on Monday, April 27. The video can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrsNen5JHwY

FHS live streaming

FHS girls varsity lacrosse vs. Stoughton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWiduiFPVCk
FHS Softball vs. Milford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyTvQzw9mew&t=1496s
FHS boys lacrosse vs. Mansfield https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y69yUPnzVZA&t=1015s

Radio - Podcast Interviews published this week

FM #1730 - Testimonials at SAFE Gala - 04/17/26 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1730-testimonials-at-safe-gala-04-17-26
FM #1731 - A Dance with the Cosmos - Interview with author Marc D Cohen- 04/24/26 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1731-a-dance-with-the-cosmos-04-24-26
FM #1733 - Franklin Public Library May 2026 Highlights - 04/21/26 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1733-franklin-public-library-may-2026-highlights-04-21-26
FM #1735 - Franklin (MA) Kevin Harn - Facilities Dept - 04/28/26 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1735-franklin-ma-kevin-harn-facilities-dept-04-28-26

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

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

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

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We’ll start with competing themes for this week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1729-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-04-26-26/

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

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

Music at the Museum: Jazz

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

At the Historical Museum

Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 12:00 PM

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

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

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

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

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM

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

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Historical Importance Subcommittee

Monday, April 27 Time: 7:30 PM

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

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, April 28 Time: 1:00 PM

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

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting

Tuesday, April 28 Time: 4:30 PM

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

ZBA Meeting-NO MEETING

Thursday, April 30 Time: 7:30 PM

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

Happy Birthday Horace Mann!

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

At the Historical Museum

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

Town & School meetings

Conservation Commission meeting https://www.youtube.com/live/I1JVCaT9-qk?&t=79

From FHS live streaming

45th Anniversary Lions All-Star Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cry-f-oTMuA
FHS Baseball vs Catholic Memorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSOLLBjbdZs&t=440s
FHS girls lacrosse vs. Needham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tjqDMrNK-A
FHS softball vs. Hopkinton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec6wuiN4Q2M

From All Access

Franklin Falvey interviews Djuna Perkins, candidate for Norfolk County District Attorney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDK373-Fv58
A “Once Upon A Town” episode from Joe Landry & Scott Mason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShTSMbPVsB0

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

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School break, Patriots Day, marathon Monday & a relatively quiet meeting week in Franklin (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

School break, Patriots Day, marathon Monday…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Board of Assessors Meeting

Tuesday, April 21 Time: 8:30 AM

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

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Tuesday, April 21 Time: 4:30 PM

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

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, April 21 Time: 7:00 PM

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

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 22 Time: 11:00 AM

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

GATRA Regional Public Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 2:30 PM

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

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 7:00 PM

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

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

Town & School meetings

The School Committee met on Tuesday getting a midyear update on the District and school Improvements plans. The recap and video link are available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/franklin-school-committee-gets-mid-year.html
The Town Council met on Wednesday getting an update from NationalGrid and a deep dive into the history and budget concerns of both the Fire and Police Departments The recap and video link is available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-hears-from-natinalgrid.html
The Joint Budget Subcommittee met for the first time in their new configuration of membership on Thursday. The video is available for replay. The recap and audio will be available early in the coming week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKccD9CA3Q

From FHS live streaming

The Girls lacrosse match vs Canton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOcXCMo52CA&t=169s
The baseball game vs Attleboro https://www.youtube.com/live/IPHWCvzaJV0?&t=548

From All Access

The SAFE Coalition Gala celebrating their 10th Anniversary was broadcast Friday from Gillette Stadium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM

From Franklin Matters Radio

The audio of the Hometown Hero event recognizing Town of Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch is available to listen to https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/wellpoint-honors-franklin-police-chief.html
Chalkboard Chat catching up to recap the School Committee's March 24 meeting is available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/catching-up-to-chalkboard-chat-for.html

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

The budget discussion blossoms

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Spring is here, the budget discussion blossoms. The trees are budding and will shortly start filling out with their leaf cover.

The Finance Committee spent 16+ hours reviewing the FY 2027 budget and will bring their findings to the Town Council hearings in May and to the Joint Budget Subcmte meeting this week.

The School Committee meets on Tuesday and is scheduled for a District and School improvement plan update.

The Town Council meets on Wednesday and is scheduled for presentations from NationalGrid, as well as the Police & Fire Departments where the Council will get some background and updates on those key public safety operations.

The Joint Budget Subcommittee gets to meet for the first time in this new set of terms with new membership from the Finance Committee, School Committee and Town Council. They get a grounding in the FY 2027 budget approach and as mentioned, an update from the FinCom on what they have found and will recommend to the Council.

The 250th Anniversary celebration has a subcommittee meeting on Sunday and another subcommittee meeting on Wednesday. The ZBA is not holding a meeting on Thursday.

Thursday morning at the Senior Center local town officials will meet for an informal discussion and coffee.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1714-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-04-12-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 4/10/26, 10:00 PM ***

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget and Fundraising Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, April 12 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04122026-2248

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting - Executive Session

Monday, April 13 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04132026-2197

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142026-2250

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251

250th Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee on Events and Logistics Meeting

Wednesday, April 15 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2245

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, April 16 Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 16 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2252

ZBA Meeting-no meeting

Thursday, April 16 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2236

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

Town/School meetings

The Finance Committee spent 16+ hours reviewing, questioning, and deliberating on the FY 2027 budget over 4 nights. The YouTube videos are available on the TV Town Hall Channel. The meeting recap for each session is available at Franklin.News

Monday, April 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7KSV5MTfHs&t=140s

Tuesday, April 7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SrQw4jc-r0

Wednesday, April 8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Hb_pCl64A&t=164s

Thursday, April 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oIsBHQ73Ts&t=1170s

The Planning Board met on Monday and the video is available on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyk7XtPsLM

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday and the video is available on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDH7mr4BEbw&t=1s

FHS sports live streaming

Girls lacrosse vs Taunton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i81AGqEiQxk

Girls softball vs North Attleboro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCcxtb2IKkg&t=192s

All Access Programs

Frank Falvey interviews Jason Poulos, a candidate for US House of Representatives, District 4 in Democratic primary in Sept 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtiVLSvBe64

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

Budget, budget, budget

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Budget, budget, budget

Yes, it is that time. The FY 2027 budget documents were released at the end of March. The Finance Committee is scheduled for their line by line departmental reviews this week over 4 consecutive nights

Monday General Government
Tuesday Schools
Wednesday Public Safety and Department of Public Works
Thursday, if necessary

It is worthy of note that at the end of the Finance Committee hearings this week, they will not vote on a recommended budget. The open enrollment period for the employees and retirees to move to the GIC plans runs April 1 to April 30. The costs associated with such a move (anticipated to be less than maintaining the current process) won’t be available until mid-May.

The Finance Committee also has sessions scheduled for May 28 and June 3. At one of those, it is likely for the budget recommendation vote to occur. The Town Council conducts their budget hearings May 20 & 21 and is scheduled for their vote on the budget at their June 10 meeting.

The time to ask questions about the budget of any particular department or operation or service the Town provides is BEST done during these budget hearings. The department leadership is present to answer your questions, provide the details on the how and why they do what they do.

Aside from the budget, there are a bunch of other Town & School meetings this week. The Planning Board meets on Monday (in the 3rd floor training room).

On Tuesday, the OPEB Trust committee meets as well as the Communications Subcommittee for the Franklin 250th Celebration.

On Wednesday, the School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meets virtually

On Thursday, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Cultural District Committee, Conservation Commission and the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees are also scheduled as well as a Pole Petition hearing for a new utility pole on Oak St.

The agendas for these individual meetings are provided below.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1706-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-04-05-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town pages 4/03/26, 7:30 PM ***

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing

Monday, April 6 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, April 6 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2231

OPEB Trust Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 7 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2235

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing

Tuesday, April 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220

250th Anniversary Celebration - Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, April 7 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2237

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing

Wednesday, April 8 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221

Franklin Public School Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 8 Time: 6:40 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2230

Pole Petition Hearing - High Street

Thursday, April 9 Time: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2210

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, April 9 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda not available at this time

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing

Thursday, April 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 9 Time: 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2234

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, April 9 Time: 7:00 PM (virtual meeting)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2232

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/582?fileID=8685

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

The Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee met on Monday, March 30. The recap and exclusive audio is available on Franklin.News https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/audio-recording-of-horace-mann-legacy.html

The Board of Health met on Wednesday, the recap and audio should be available Sunday on Franklin.News

The Town Council met on Wednesday, April 1. The recap with video link is available on Franklin.News https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-moves-4-zoning-bylaw.html

The ZBA met very briefly on Thursday, the video is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHi68ZHGfxE

The Economic Development Subcommittee held its first session also Thursday. The recap and video link is available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-economic-development-subcommittee.html

On the FHS sports front 2 videos are available

Monday, softball vs. KP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sl8783Bqh4
Thursday, boys lacrosse vs. Milford - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_ygHcMQcWE&t=466s

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

Be wary of foolishness, April 1 arrives Wednesday

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Be wary pranksters may be around this week as April Fool’s day arrives on Wednesday.

“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” ― Soren Kierkegaard

The FY 2027 budget is now published so there really is no time to fool around. The Board of Assessors met early Monday morning. The Agriculture Commission, Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee and the Library Board of Directors all meet later Monday.

The Mass Strategic Health Group meets Tuesday afternoon, and the Design Review meets Tuesday night.

Wednesday the Board of Health is scheduled for 5 PM with the Town Council scheduled for 6. The Board of Health continues the discussion started last meeting on a potential ban of mind altering products. The Council gets into their first public hearings on zoning bylaws. Minor and technical changes to the Crossing Neighborhood District and to complete the MBTA compliance requirements are covered in 2 bylaws each (total 4 bylaws for hearings and first readings).

The Commission on Disability meets Thursday afternoon and the newly appointed Economic Development Subcommittee of the Town Council gets its first session in the Thursday evening broadcast time slot not being used this time by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA are scheduled for a non-public, executive session meeting.

The agendas for these individual meetings are provided below.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1702-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-03-29-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 3/27/26, 8:00 PM ***

Board of Assessors

Monday, March 30 Time: 8:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2212

Franklin Agricultural Committee

Monday, March 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2215

Franklin School Committee - Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Monday, March 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2211

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, March 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2216

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting Notice

Tuesday, March 31 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312026-2225

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, March 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312026-2217

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, April 1 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 1 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, April 2 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2209

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223

ZBA Meeting- NO Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2213

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2228

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

The Planning Board met as scheduled on Monday, March 23. The video is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdEd3y7QdY

The School Committee Budget subcommittee met on Tuesday at 6 PM before the full Committee met at 7 PM. The exclusive audio and recap of the Budget meeting can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-budget-subcmte-reviews.html

The video and recap for the full School Committee meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-gets-update-on.html

The Conservation Commission met as scheduled on Thursday March 26. The video is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56oBa37n5j4

Nothing was happening on the school's front this week. On the All Access front, a video “Rockin’ the Boroughs” a concert of senior singers recorded in October 2025 in now available for viewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwRuJZfpgrQ

The audio recording of the No Kings Rally on the Town Common on Saturday is available. The video should be available in a few days. So if you missed this event, you can listen and catch up on what you missed.

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

Your Franklin (MA) news for the week of March 22, 2026 (less than 5 minutes - audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The snow has mostly disappeared and signs of spring are budding around us

The Planning Board is scheduled to meet on Monday. Key discussion around the minor zoning bylaw adjustments needed; 2 for the Crossing Neighborhood District and 2 for the final changes required to bring our changes into compliance with the MBTA Communities effort.

The Town Council is anticipated to have a detailed discussion when they come back to them for their own public hearings and discussion. This would be the first time for any zoning discussions for this Council, and they indicated a willingness to get into details as these 4 measures came up initially to get referred to the Planning Board.

The School Committee returns to a 7 PM timeslot to start on Tuesday which enables their budget subcommittee to meet at 6 PM. Lifelong Community Learning is scheduled for an update to the full committee. (The Town Council just announced their subcommittee structures last week, now they’ll need to find time for their subcommittees to meet.)

The 250 Celebration subcommittee on Events & Logistics planning meets on Wednesday at 7. They have a good list of events on the agenda to open and eventually close the celebration during 2028.

The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday to close out this week of meetings.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1692-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-03-22-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 3/20/26, 8:30 PM ***

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, March 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03232026-2196

Franklin School Committee - Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, March 24 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 25 Time: 11:00 AM (agenda added 3/23/26)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252026-2204

Franklin Historical Commission (meeting & agenda added 3/23/26)

Wednesday, March 25 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252026-2207

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Subcommittee on Events & Logistics Meeting

Wednesday, March 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252026-2194

Franklin 250th Anniversary Committee (meeting & agenda added 3/23/26)

Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03262026-2208

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, March 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/577?fileID=8621

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

A light meeting week for the live broadcast crew. The Town Council and School Committee met in a joint session on Wednesday. The recap and video is available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/joint-meeting-of-town-council-school.html The audio should be available shortly.

The Board of Health added a meeting on Wednesday to have a discussion to consider banning some currently unregulated substances that are mind altering. Other communities have begun to take action. The Board next meeting will likely provide additional info and schedule a public hearing to gather input before taking action. The exclusive audio should be ready Sunday at Franklin.news

Two All Town Showcase concerts were broadcast from FHS

The chorus and orchestra - https://www.youtube.com/live/X0fnL4c5etM?&t=865

The band - https://www.youtube.com/live/5wgggEBn8iE?&t=204

On the All Access front, the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau Symposium held on February 26, 2026 is available for viewing. Lots of good info on the planning for the World Cup included. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WDcHFPfpfU

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

Major meeting this week: Joint Session of SchCmte & Town Council on Chapter 70 (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The snow has mostly gone but the drought is still here

Yes, all that snow simply stayed above the frozen ground and the aquifer will take time to absorb. Hopefully, April showers will bring some periods of steady rain.

In the meantime, the Franklin Housing Authority meets on Monday. The School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee is also scheduled to meet.

Design Review is scheduled to review an update to another Camford Property development along West Central St.

The major meeting of the week occurs Wednesday with a joint meeting of the School Committee and Town Council. The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) will provide an update on Chapter 70 and hold harmless. This should be a most view (if not must participate) session.

The Council and School Committee will also discuss the potential for a strategic planning initiative. We have a set of plans (Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, Open Space & Recreation Plan) but need to get to the next level of detail on what is the priority for implementation and how it is going to be funded. The structural deficit is the major problem facing Franklin and needs to be solved.

The Board of Health added a session on Wednesday at 5 PM to discuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering products.

The School Committee has an open office hours session scheduled for Thursday evening at the Lincoln Elementary school.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1687-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-03-15-26/

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 3/13/26, 6:00 PM ***

Franklin Housing Authority

Monday, March 16 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2186

Franklin School Committee - Community Relations Subcommittee

Monday, March 16 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2181

Pole Petition Hearing

Tuesday, March 17 Time: 12:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172026-2178

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, March 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172026-2190

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, March 18 Time: 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2191

Franklin Public School Committee Special Meeting

Wednesday, March 18 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2182

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 18 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 19 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192026-2161

ZBA Meeting- no meeting

Thursday, March 19

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Friday, March 20 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03202026-2192

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

To recap the Franklin TV. Franklin Public Radio meetings that were broadcast

The Planning Board met on Monday, March 9. The video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFX4o2eN3g
The School Committee met on Tuesday, March 10. The recap and video can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-gets-insights-recipes.html
The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, March 11. The recap and video can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/finance-committee-gets-good-discussion.html
The Conservation Commission met on Thursday, March 12. The video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvxC6QpVkEw

On the High School front, it was a quiet week as the playoff runs were complete and the new Spring season hasn’t started.

On the All Access front a new episode of Aging Boldfully is up on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y3e4ShaBXo

On the Public Radio/podcast front, audio exclusive for the Commission on Disability meeting March 5 is available - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/exclusive-audio-of-franklin-commission.html

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

Marching forward to Spring day by day (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:50:00 +0000

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.

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

The Board of Health met for their monthly session on Wednesday at 5:00 PM. Exclusive audio and recap of the meeting can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/exclusive-audio-franklin-ma-board-of.html
The Town Council met for their first of the month session and managed to stay exactly within their time allocation closing out at 9:59 PM. The recap, and video link can be found. The audio will be ready shortly https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/town-council-authorizes-fire-truck.html
The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday evening. The video is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMbRoIJCjn0

On the High School front

The only game broadcast with the end of the playoff run by the FHS girls basketball team vs Bishop Feehan on Tuesday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQDTIhHkSms

On the All Access front

The most recent Aging Boldfully episode is available via YouTube in addition to being on the cable broadcast schedule https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zhy3wuZ3c

On the Public Radio/podcast front

The first episode for 2026 of “Talk Franklin” with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen is available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie-i.html
The Party for The Pantry is the topic for this audio discussion https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/have-you-got-your-tickets-were-talking.html

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

Happy Birthday Town of Franklin !!! 248 years young (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

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.

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03062026-2169

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

For Franklin TV meeting broadcasts:

The School committee met via remote only on Tuesday. They formally approved their FY 2027 budget proposal with a 2.5% increase over prior year. The recap and video link is available via Franklin.News https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/school-committee-approves-fy-2027.html

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday to review and approve funding options for the Engine 3 replacement . The recap and video link is available via Franklin.News https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/finance-committee-approves-funding.html

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday. The Franklin TV video is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWSq6V_2iZA

For FHS live streaming:

Boys basketball on Weds vs. Lowell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xamybg7phjo
Girls basketball on Thursday vs Arlington https://www.youtube.com/live/m3bvo8AS7Pw?&t=1592
The FHS Concert Hour on Thursday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-USQsFy9hc

For All Access programing:

The newest Aging Boldfully episode is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zhy3wuZ3c

From Franklin Matters/ Franklin Public Radio

Town Council Quarterbacking with Max Morrongiello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3CWzcPK1nw
Town Council Quarterbacking with Ted Cormier-Leger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzsml1PYrak

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

From a quiet week to a full week of meetings

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000

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.

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262026-2154

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:

FHS boys hockey Feb 16 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaYlaGS51cQ
FHS boys basketball Feb 16 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpcNiMiP7zg&t=353s

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

Wonderful World of Wine - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0243911959.html

Franklin Matters Radio:

Town Council Quarterbacking with Max Morrongiello - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/councilor-max-morrongiello-shares-his.html
The Franklin Food Pantry has a part-time nutritionist to help them improve their healthy food choices https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/the-pantry-is-working-to-expand-dietary.html

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

School vacation brings a light meeting week (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:45:00 +0000

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.

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

The Middle School 6th grade concert on 2/10/26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Gwctl1bsA
The FHS boys basketball game on 2/10/26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8wR1dmpqNU&t=1096s
The FHS Boys hockey game on 2/12/26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWj9yQcKJLw

On the All Access front

The new Aging Boldfully episode with the YMCA LiveStrong program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGulySnzXLE
Tour of the Mass State Police Museum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTKnwTwvW_c

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

More snow, more cold, more budget = winter in New England; Franklin news in less than 5 minutes

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Girls basketball Tuesday 2/3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5Bb55JhQwk&t=846s
Boys basketball on Friday 2/6 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMotZm6amyE
FHS Winter Jazz concert of 1/27 was published - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcMlZhD7DL8

On the Community video front

Joe Landry’s presentation on Industry through the years in Franklin is available - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfEsSvTOq3A
The presentation at the Library on the Tommaso Juglaris’s mural held in October 2025 is now available for viewing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7heZtFtT9GQ

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

Franklin News in 5 minutes 02/01/2026 (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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.

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052026-2122

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

Boys basketball vs Mansfield on Tuesday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_j_4Db9LKg
Boys hockey vs KP on Wednesday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cheSoph2wIc
Boys swim at the Hockomock League Championships on Friday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cheSoph2wIc
Girls basketball vs KP on Friday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pcGd-zHZyg
Girls swim at the Hockomock League Championships on Saturday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnt0GhkbXjc

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

Snowmageddon, or “Fern” … take your pick, either way, please be prepared

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000

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.

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:

FHS boys hockey on Monday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXSt0z6Fn4
FHS girls basketball on Tuesday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXSt0z6Fn4
Lifelong Learning Strings School concert on Thursday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXSt0z6Fn4
FHS boys basketball on Friday - https://www.youtube.com/live/1h7Xo2FZIDc?si=l0fyJAY82W5fF36P&t=1634

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

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” Insights on the week ahead, Jan 18, 2026

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

“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.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1628-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-01-18-26/

*** 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

FHS boys basketball on Tuesday vs Stoughton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdzU98jvr34
FHS boys hockey on Thursday vs Oliver Ames -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4tkF2a8r7U
FHS girls basketball on Friday vs Milford -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ3CkRa4IIU

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

Franklin, MA News in less than 5 mins: Middle of the new month in this new year (audio)

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:30:00 +0000

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

For background music, you can listen to "Stuck in the middle with you" https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ln7Vn_WKkWU

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.

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

FHS girls basketball -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7pWLyhuW-Q
FHS girls hockey -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-8FxtAbw18
FHS swim team -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViCnoxLMJAI

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

We have a Wolf moon to begin the New Year

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000

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.

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

FHS boys basketball on Friday, 1/02/26 vs.Taunton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvwrGKKYm1o

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

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

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0000

“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.

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:

FHS boys basketball on Monday, 12/22 vs. King Philip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M3T6IpUb7M
FHS boys hockey on Tuesday, 12/23 vs Archbishop Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UCc8r3VzEw

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

'Twas the week before Christmas, in all Franklin town, Everyone was waiting for the decision to come down

shersteve@gmail.com (Steve Sherlock) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

'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.

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

Franklin MIddle school band concert on Tuesday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AP5OeVaREw
FHS Girls basketball game on Tuesday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AP5OeVaREw
FHS girls hockey on Wednesday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AP5OeVaREw
FHS boys basketball on Friday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_hMOXtGYgg&t=1063s

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