Franklin Matters Radio

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 8 members present, 1 absent (LoPresti).

Quick recap:

• The meeting is Zoom only this evening
• Network issues in the TV studio here as well as on Hutchinson St are preventing the cable and YouTube broadcasts. the recording will be processed after the meeting to be broadcast via cable and YouTube
• Updated during the session, YouTube did get enabled
• Votes to re-organize the leadership of the committee
• Nominations for Chair, one received, Ryan Lavorgna, vote passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• 2 nominations for Vice-chair; Jennifer D'Angelo and Tom Sullivan, vote via roll call, Jen wins
• One nomination for clerk, Tom Sullivan, the vote is 8-0-1
• Michelle Monsegur is introduced as the Deputy TA, she will be taking the lead on the finances allowing Jamie to do other planning and development efforts
• Discussion on the five year forecast, budget update first view to FinCom altho the Joint Budget did get to see this at their August meeting
• Health care transition is doing well; there are still funds available for claims processing. claims still coming in but at a lesser amount per week, still may see claims in Feb 2027. Also mentions the 'stop loss' policy to cover claims above a certain amount. Can't really get out of the transition until the next fiscal year.
• The anti-development message in Franklin has won, the Planning Board is canceling meetings as there is nothing in the pipeline, ZBA also canceling meetings due to lack of proposals
• Next up, fiscal policies up for review. They should be voted on for an October meeting but this is a time for review, revision if needed. Some are guidelines and not really policies for the flexibility point of view. Add language such that it better defines when the policy can be deviated from
• Jim Lane provides some of his Franklin story as he is the newest member and what he brings to the Committee
• Future meetings: Oct 14, Oct 28, and Nov 4, Nov 18 on the tax rate workshops, i.e. split vs single tax rate
• Joint Budget membership stays the same
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0-1

The recording runs about 99 mins, let’s listen

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uWibaiJg9c

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

My Notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ApqplmawvhJIaayvRjWK7VqY3Vjj_xd8/view?usp=drive_link

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This episode shares the audio recording of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion to include 4,000 sq ft of outdoor space at the Children's Museum of Franklin on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher, founders/co-owners, get the group’s attention. We’re inside the museum as Cottage St is being ground up to repave so being outside for this speaker part of the ceremony would be a problem. They introduce the remaining speakers. After the speakers are complete, we gather outside for the formal ribbon cutting.

The recording runs about 17 minutes, let’s listen in

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

Children’s Museum of Franklin -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Video of the ribbon cutting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2glv6mMDYk

Photos of the event ->

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares key segments of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.

The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts

Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8

Part 2 - State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g

Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46

Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

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

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

Follow along with the agenda here

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

The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&

my notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares key segments of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.

The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts

Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8

Part 2 - State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g

Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46

Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

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

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

Follow along with the agenda here

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

The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&

my notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares key segments of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.

The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts

Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8

Part 2 - State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g

Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46

Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

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

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

Follow along with the agenda here

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

The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&

my notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares key segments of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.

The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts

Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8

Part 2 - State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g

Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46

Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

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

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

Follow along with the agenda here

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

The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&

my notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

We talk about

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
• Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) returned on September 13
• Closed for the holiday Oct 12
• Book sale weekend Oct 23 & Oct 24
• Library event highlights for October 2026
• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration 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 safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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

Mitzi Gousie’s email - [email protected]

Franklin Public Library page - https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library

Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

October 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/October-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=wrHBaQcyeEY

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Mary Hynes, Executive Assistant. We had our discussion in the FranklinTV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026.

We talk about

• All the key event highlights for Oct 2026
• Senior Expo scheduled for Oct 2, programs canceled for the afternoon of Oct 1 to prepare for the Expo
• Expo is scheduled from 10 AM to 1 PM on Friday
• Tax workoff program forms available at front desk or online Nov 30

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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

October 2026 newsletter ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11022/October-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy it!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers, 1 participated remotely.

Quick recap

• While the District Improvement Plan was reviewed last meeting, this session gets to the next level down, the school level plans. They started with ECDC, the Elementary k-2, then 3-5, then middle school and high school. Each administrator(s) presented the key 4 four goals. After all the initial presentations were made, the committee then in reverse order asked questions or commented on what was presented (high school, middle school, 3-5, K-2 and ECDC)
• Copy of the plan not yet posted to the FPS District page. It will be added here when available
• The plan was ultimately approved as submitted and discussed by 7-0 vote. There was an amendment proposed to modify a goal or two but after clarification and discussion the amendment was withdrawn
• The Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act) was up for first reading. Due to the timing (DESE submitted guidance just before school opened) and this was supposed to be in place before school started. The second reading was voted to be waived to move the measure into policy quickly

Let’s listen

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w99jBCX0p60

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

My full set of notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KmZTifWEAGaFdkbTDEdKZGAgwcisDfq9/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the slides presented can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/K41YzLZdDQicN6TH7

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares my conversation with Jayson Joyce, Chair of the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio on Friday, September 18, 2026.

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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

Website - https://franklin250.org/

Email - [email protected]

Presentation to Town Council Sep 16, 2026 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"