Franklin Matters Radio

Hosted by Steve Sherlock

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200

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Jun 2026

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About the show

What matters in Franklin MA - we follow the money sharing Town & School meetings, community events, and interviews to enable an informed resident & voter

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60 recent

June 16, 202653 min

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 below suggestion on wording around a timeline for submitting a complaint for investigation by the district motiondiscussion on intentional use of technology, work being done during the summer. also an update on AI tonight. Student data privacy agreement (SDPA) needed by district before a software tool is introduced, otherwise as in case with Google Maps (an exception) parents need to sign off ondiscussion on SchCmte meeting agenda, order, and guidelines; adding committee comments, possibly removing 'good of the order' to use more kitchen English to make it more easily accessibleMotion to adjourn, passes 3-0 The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------School Committee Subcommittee assignmentshttps://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2355 My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QDlmPF_aMWfY7xcOtUNWNnGE9m740rYv/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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 14, 202647 min

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 let’s watch and/or listen in.--------------Presentation document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfRPWL7MprCn0AGkEiai7KmH6o_9eLdv/view?usp=drive_link Audit types - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audit What is the “GAGAS” or Yellow book ? https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook Details of the legislation discussed H.5469 - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469 Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 The full Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) video session - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtF3hgWgOc SJC audit ruling (extracted from the full docket)https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnJpSOKv4_edgRaBQT_V77cz7Ta0FKl7/view?usp=drive_linkThe link to the Climate bill public website reference: BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker -> "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind"https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ -------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 13, 20263 min

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 Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/the-town-of-franklin-has-fy-2027-budget.html --------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 13, 20261 hr 11 min

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 jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, DecMetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.Why is there a distinction?Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being workedThe meeting runs about 71 minutes. —-----------Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 The agenda here - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 My full set of notes taken during the meeting - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe 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"

June 12, 20262 hr 50 min

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 cashPasses 9-0 via roll callResolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating BudgetSpecial purpose fundMoved, second, passes via roll call 9-0Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)State law requires separate voteSo moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll callResolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving FundsState law requires, dedicated revolving funds for the purpose, expenses adjusted as needed So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll callResolution 26-33 Capital Round 2ma-franklin.civicplus.comSo moved, second,Discussion on use of the auditors to provide some guidance on providing for the claims through June 30 but would be filed after July 1Need the cash and a plan for an "oops"Question on the code review for Parmeter, this was a recommendation from the Police Station Building Cmte in JanuaryQ on the Senior Center sprinkler system, vendor selection underwayNo money left for the fire truck? The bond anticipation note is in the budget, could be part of the free cash discussion next year Not really making capital investments with free cash, just buying time plugging holes here and there Motion to amend the resolution by the Parmenter code review and use that for fire truck stabilization account Amendment roll call passes 5 yes, 4 no Motion on the resolution as amended passes 8-1 via roll callResolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fundma-franklin.civicplus.comSo moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriationlead time is now 24 months, so the money already ready for it can place the order now for delivery laterSo moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and ReservationSo moved, second, clarification on the allocation per state requirement Passes 9-0 via roll callResolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPCSo moved, second discussion Q on municipal housing trust allocation from CPA Finally the vote passes 9-0 via roll callResolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating BudgetFY26So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call No FEMA funds expectedResolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Move $90k for asset management grantSo moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0Discussion on the stabilization account balances Any changes to it would be through the fiscal policy which determines the allocations from free cash Timings can affect the balances Audit report is coming in July due to Town Council and schedules and other itemsThe recording runs almost 3 hours, let’s listen--------------The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208 Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 My Notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xvjEmKCCw_H0m67ex_Dz4l5l6VsorYr/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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 9, 202621 min

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, let’s listen in--------------Register for the Kickball tournament https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7! Franklin Fathers operates from a Facebook page (for now) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580257836187 Volunteer to help at the Kickball tournamenthttps://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/volunteers-needed-for-inaugural-eddie.html Note travel to Beaver Pond Field via Grove St (Beaver St at the MBTA tracks is closed on Sunday, 6/14/26)--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 8, 202632 min

FM #1759 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 06/02/26

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” 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 topicsJoint meeting with School Committee, strategic planBudget discussions, questions and answers Final numbers coming up for the June 10, and then June 17 sessionJune is full of eventsThe conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in--------------Franklin TV videos for replay The joint Town Council / School Committee Meeting on Tuesday https://www.youtube.com/live/jsQHXSy8xEITown 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 --------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 7, 20263 min

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 Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/06/porchfest-budget-strawberry-stoll-budget.html--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 7, 202636 min

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 let’s listen in.--------------Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 Jeff’s campaign page - http://jeffreyroy.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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"

June 6, 202625 min

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 let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Passport Acceptance Office page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/248/Passport-Acceptance-OfficeSchedule an appointment -> https://townoffranklinpassportacceptancefacility.as.me/schedule/9b4af9b0 Passport Tip Sheet https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/492/DS-11-Tip-Sheet-PDFPassport Renewal Tip Sheethttps://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/491/DS-82-How-To-Renew-Tip-Sheet-PDF -------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"