Franklin Matters Radio
What matters in Franklin MA - we follow the money sharing Town & School meetings, community events, and interviews to enable an informed resident & voter
FM #1771 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 06/10/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers.
The meeting recording runs about 4 hours and 45 minutes
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Franklin TV video is available for replay https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170
The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357
My notes in one PDF can be found - https://drive.google.com...
FM #1770 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 06/21/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of June 21, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead June 21 through June 27, 2026The look back at the week that was June 14 through June 20, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/the-budget-is-behind-us-summer-is.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for...
FM #1769 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 06/18/26
This session of the radio show shares our âTown Council Quarterbackingâ with Town Councilor Michael LeBlanc. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of June 17 and June 10, 2026. Yes, in reverse order.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topics
June 17 meetingSwearing of backfill new hiresBudget closeout for FY 2026June 10FY 2027 budget approved by 6-3 voteCapital budget approved by 9-0CPA funding approved 7-2 v...FM #1768 - Franklin Public Schools 2025-26 School Year Closeout - 06/15/26
This session of the radio show shares my discussion with School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Operations Director Colin Boisvert. We recorded our conversation in the FPS Central office conference room on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Key topics
Closing out the 2025-2026 school yearSchool budget complete, summer work back to ânormalâSummer projects across the schools to get ready for SeptemberReflections on last summer, plans for summer 2026The recording runs about 35 minutes. Letâs listen to our conversation.
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School budget page - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340
One...
FM #1767 - Chalkboard Chat - 06/16/26
This session shares my conversation with School Committee members Reis Hansen and Stephen Karunakaran. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meeting of JUne 9, 2026:
Strawberry Stroll, Kickball Tournament, field day, and other events coming upSuperintendent review and evaluation processFacility updates to get to the redistricting, and next steps this summerWorking group report on artificial intelligenceOur conversation runs about 47 minutes. Letâs listen
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School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.ne...
FM #1766 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 06/09/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent.
Quick recap
Presentation and discussion on Facilities focused on school projects completed as part of the redistricting, and those left remaining, some of which are funded, some are pending funding and some are for futurePresentation and discussion on the potential intentional implementation of AI as an educational tool as well as how to use AI being taught to the students. The work over the last four months has developed 4 main principles to guide the further...FM #1765 - School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - 06/09/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano also participated.
Quick recap:
discussion on new policy from DESE on seclusion and isolation needs to amend our current policy for implementation effect Aug 2026grant also received to help with training personnel for implementation. Only 1 of many districts to receive a grant suggestion to remove one line that seems to be duplicate with the paragraph...FM #1764 - State Rep Jeff Roy Explains the Audit Issue - 06/11/26
This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
We talk about
Background on the audit issueWhat info is available today including annual auditsThe Supreme Judicial Court hearing on the Auditor vs. the Attorney GeneralLegislation enhancing the audit process in light of the decisionRecords request process outlinedThe show notes include links to the presentation doc and supporting material.
The recording runs about 47 minutes, so letâs watch and/or listen in.
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Presentation document...
FM #1763 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 06/14/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of June 14, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead June 14 through June 20, 2026The look back at the week that was June 7 through June 13, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/the-town-of-franklin-has-fy-2027-budget.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort...
FM #1762 - Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - 06/04/26
The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.
Quick recap:
Cory Shea to talk about the events, Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learnedMain St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The...FM #1761 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - 06/03/26
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 8 members present, 1 remote. All votes were recorded via roll call.
Quick recap:
Motion to recommend the adjusted FY 2027 budget $ 179,284,565 which uses free cash of $1m plus Second
Clarification on going from $2.1 to $1.1 for use of free cash
Passes 9-0 via roll call
Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget
Special purpose fund
Moved, second, passes via roll call 9-0
Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected...
FM #1760 - Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball - 06/05/26
This episode shares my conversation with one of the founders of Franklin Fathers, Chris Stickney. We recorded in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, Sunday, June 14, 2026Double elimination, teams of 10Food trucks, refreshments, games for kids & familiesFund raising for Franklin Fathers, the American Legion Post, and the Franklin Food PantryThe conversation runs about 20 minutes, letâs listen in
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Register for the Kickball tournament https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7!
Franklin Fathers operates from a Facebook page (for now)
https://ww...
FM #1759 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 06/02/26
This session of the radio show shares our âTown Council Quarterbackingâ with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 12 (with School Committee) and the 2 budget hearings (May 20, May 21). Yes, we skipped over the May 13 Council meeting. Oops!
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topics
Joint meeting with School Committee, strategic planBudget discussions, questions and answers Fina...FM #1758 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 06/07/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of June 7, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead June 7 through June 13, 2026The look back at the week that was May 31 through June 6, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/porchfest-budget-strawberry-stoll-budget.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for...
FM #1757 Representative Jeff Roy - a Legislative Update - 06/04/26
This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
We talk about
His legislative work on the budget, timing of the legislative sessionPrior work on higher education, current work on manufacturing Earmarks for Medway & Franklin including the World Cup Fan ZoneWhole lot happening in Franklin now through the summerThe show notes include links to Jeff's legislative page and campaign page.
The recording runs about 37 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Representative Royâs House page - ht...
FM #1756 - Franklin (MA) Passport Acceptance Office - 06/01/26
This session shares my conversation with Sue Regan, Passport Acceptance Agent. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, June 1, 2026.
We talk about
Certification of the agent annuallySchedule an appointment for new or renewalBring the key certified documents requiredPhotos available at the officeThe show notes include the link to the Passport Acceptance Office page.
The recording runs about 25 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Franklin Passport Acceptance Office page ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/248/Passport-Acceptance-Office
Schedule an appointment ->...
FM #1755 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 06/03/26
The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members were present in the 3rd floor training room with the full representation of the Health Department members.
Quick recap:
Approval of minutes for May 6, so moved, second, as amended (one minor name typo)Discussion on Health Dept page on Facebook, to share infoCooling center needed, with the Library and Senior Center closed on Sundays, New England Chapel is prepared to help. Communications with Police & Fire on status, clarification on what the need is. Temporary cool place, during normal daytime...FM #1754 - Franklin Senior Ctr - June 2026 Highlights - 05/27/26
This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Mary Hynes, Executive Assistant. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for June 2026Senior Center closed Friday, June 19 for JuneteenthTeasers for summer concerts on select Mondays in July/AugustTeasers for other road trips coming this summerThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 29 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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FM #1753 - Franklin (MA) Pride Flag Raising Ceremony - 05/31/26
This session shares the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Town of Franklin Municipal Building. Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced each of the speakers.
The recording runs about 38 minutes, so letâs watch/listen
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Advance notice of the ceremony https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/reminder-annual-town-of-franklin-pride.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort fo...
FM #1752 - Franklin Public Library - June 2026 Highlights - 05/26/26
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed all day on Friday, June 19 for JuneteenthClosed all day Saturday, June 20 to make a long weekendLibrary events for June 2026In calendar order rather than by category this time aroundRegistration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks...
FM #1751 - Talk Franklin - 05/28/26
This session of the radio show shares our âTalk Franklinâ discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Key topics
Updates to the FY 2027 budgetHealth care overviewFinal stretch for budget approvalFinance Cmte Jun 3Town Council Jun 10Town Council Jun 17The recording runs about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Letâs listen to our conversation.
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Summary memo on budget changes - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html
Town of Franklin page - https://www.franklinma.gov/
FY 2027 budget page...
FM #1750 - Chalkboard Chat - 05/27/26
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from four recent meetings:
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - April 16Joint Town Council & School Cmte meeting May 12School budget discussion at budget hearing #1 - Wednesday, May 20School Committee meeting - May 26Our conversation runs about 43 minutes. Letâs listen
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School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/pa...
FM #1749 - Town Council Communications Subcmte Mtg - 05/28/26
This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella also participated. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.
The recording runs about 3 hours & 50 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/bUhHdEn119Q?&t=66
Meeting agenda and supporting docs - https://www.fr...
FM #1748 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 05/31/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of May 31, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead May 31 through June 6, 2026The look back at the week that was May 24 through May 30, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/spend-less-than-5-minutes-to-find-out.html
FM #1747 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 05/26/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee participated, 6 were present in Chambers, 1 participated via Zoom.
Quick recap
17 students were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than EnglishA number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of serviceSuperintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meetingThe committee...FM #1746 - Town of Franklin Memorial Day Ceremony - 05/25/26
This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common on Monday, May 25, 2026. The day was overcast, a rainy forecast had caused the cancellation of the parade.
Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program.
The ceremony runs about 56 minutes.
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The ceremony program provides all the snake and roles of speakers and contributors (PDF) ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y6VTbOFEgYFTve7wCVFaWcFpZIpRJBjx...
FM #1745 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 05/24/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of May 24, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead May 24 through May 30, 2026The look back at the week that was May 17 through May 23, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/your-franklin-news-in-less-than-5.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for...
FM #1744 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 05/10/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of May 10, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead May 10 through May 16, 2026The look back at the week that was May 3 through May 9, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/the-meeting-outlook-in-less-than-5.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for...
FM #1743 - Talking with Amy Adams about Wind Phones - 04/29/26
This session shares my conversation with Franklin artist extraordinaire Amy Adams. She is a member of the Franklin Art Association. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Our conversation covers Amyâs work and approach
The Wind Phone comes to Franklinâs Sculpture ParkDealing with grief, healing with HeARTReadiness to deal with griefThe recording runs about 41 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Painting Venus - Amyâs art portfolio page -> https://www.paintingvenus.art/
US Wind phone website (as mentione...
FM #1742 - Franklin MA Board Of Health Mtg - 05/06/26
The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday< >
Quick recap:
Board approved by 3-0 the prior meeting minutesOpened the public hearing, heard from a number of folks for and against the proposed regulationClosed the public hearingDiscussion amongst the Board resulted in an extension of the original proposal to include natural as it was present in energy drinks available to youth.Motion to amend the proposal, second, passes 3-0Vote on the motion to approve the regulation as amended, passes 3-0Notification to be mailed to current vendorsThe recording runs about 56 minutes, so letâs...
FM #1741 - Favorite Poem Reading - 04/18/26
This session shares the Favorite Poem Reading facilitated by Steve Sherlock at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, April 18, 2026. April is National Poetry Month and this âpoetry and conversationâ was a good way to celebrate poetry.
The consensus of the group was to do this more frequently rather than wait until next April rolls around. Stay tuned. The next one may be in August or September.
The list of the readers and poems or poets read is found in the show notes
The recording runs about 50 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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FM #1740 - Town Council Communications Subcmte Mtg - 04/27/26
This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal Building on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella (remote) also participated. Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.
The recording runs about 1 hour & 20 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Franklin TV video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouZWNXNKTd8
Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2270
My...
FM #1739 - Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg - 04/27/26
This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room.
The recording runs about 1 hour & 21 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Meeting agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2263
My notes in one PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K0YXyEp3-9Y9AVbFRFm9kub4XsBW11nx/view?usp=drive_link
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Pu...
FM #1738 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 05/03/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of May 3, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead May 3 through May 9, 2026The look back at the week that was April 26 through May 2, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/05/budget-budget-and-in-may-there-is-more.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for...
FM #1737 - 5th Annual Celebrate With Pride - 04/27/26
This session shares my conversation with Rion James and Evelyn Rossing to talk about the 5th Annual Franklin Celebrate With Pride. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, April 27, 2026.
We talk about
Celebrate With Pride - Saturday, June 27 from noon to 4Rain date, Sunday, June 28, same time frameVendor, non-profit table and volunteer sign up open nowSome of the highlights of those confirmedT-shirts to be available at the Strawberry StrollThe recording runs about 13 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Main website: https://franklinlgbtqalliance.co...
FM #1736 - Joint Budget Subcmte Mtg - 04/16/26
This session shares the Joint Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Franklin TV video is available for replay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKccD9CA3Q
The agenda for this session
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2252
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my pu...
FM #1735 - Franklin (MA) Kevin Harn - Facilities Dept - 04/28/26
This session shares my conversation with Kevin Harn, Director of Facilities. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
We talk about
The amount of space and equipment managed across Town & schoolsThe team structure and scopeCoordination with all the other departments to deliver supportEfforts to reduce cost in building maintenanceThe recording runs about 29 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Facilities page: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/193/Facilities-Department
Projects page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1196/Projects
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We ar...
FM #1734 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 04/15/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call.
The meeting recording runs 3 hours and 50 minutes
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Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-hears-from-natinalgrid.html
Franklin TV video for replay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z7xJHgZ4lI
The agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251
My notes in one PDF - https://drive...
FM #1733 - Franklin Public Library May 2026 Highlights - 04/21/26
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed all day on Monday, May 25 for Memorial DayLibrary events for May 2026In calendar order rather than by category this time aroundRegistration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be...
FM #1732 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 04/14/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers.
Quick recap:
The complete administrative leadership team across the district was present to provide a midyear update on the District and School Improvement plansThe 'current' District and School plan can be found - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1. The updates as approved last night should be updated to the school page in a day or so.Letâs listen (approx. 3 hours 7 minutes)
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