September opens with a host of meetings and key topics, oh and the State Primary, Sep 1

September arrives Tuesday with the State Primary election taking center stage from 6 AM to 8 PM. A newly announced write-in campaign may delay the results as those write-in ballots require manual counting; so let’s be patient and allow time for the democratic voting process to work and count accurately.

The Cultural Council meets on Monday. Their agenda is rather spartan and by the way, there are still a number of vacancies for this group that administers the cultural grant process locally.

The Agricultural Commission is also scheduled to meet on Monday. A key item on this agenda is planning for the Pumpkin Festival at the Farmers Market Oct 2.

The 250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee meets on Tuesday to work on  several items relating to their formal communications (website, press releases, guidelines for social media, etc.)

The Board of Health returns to meet on Wednesday after taking the summer months off. A bunch of health related items are on this agenda.

The Town Council has a full session of work on its agenda for Wednesday. The Police Station Building Committee formally makes their presentation/recommendation, the new Police Chief is up for approval, the Deputy Town Administrator and Administrative Assistant is introduced.

The excess sewer capacity discussion and potential decision is back again (as promised), an overview of town owned buildings is scheduled (to set up for the future police station decision and related decisions on Parmenter, Davis Thayer, etc.). The public session also closes with an Executive Session on “other town property”

The Commission on Disability has its monthly meeting on Thursday at 4:00 PM in advance of the Ad Hoc Charter Committee (6:00) and the ZBA meeting (7:30).

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.

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/28/26   7:30 PM   ***

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Monday, August 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08312026-2476 

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, August 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08312026-2472 

250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, September 1 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09012026-2475 

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2480 

Police Station Building Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2481 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2474 

Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee

Thursday, September 3 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2479 

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2469 

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

Town/ School meetings

• The Planning Board met on Monday, Aug 24. The video is available on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMZ_KePpqkM 

• The School Committee met on Tuesday, Aug 25. The recap and video link is available  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-welcomes-new.html 

• The Conservation Commission met on Thursday, Aug 27. The video is available on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZtdHye7Wg 

• The 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee also met on Thursday, Aug 27. The recap and video link can be found - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/250th-anniversary-celebration-committee.html 

All Access programming

•  A new episode of the Aging Agenda is available on the All Access channel as well as YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm6O1M5Ahz0 

Franklin Matters

• The recap and audio recording of the first “Voices of Franklin” series held at the Senior Center on August 18 is available - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/voices-of-franklin-audio-recording-of.html 

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

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

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

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    

Last week of August, light on meetings, with early voting scheduled through Aug 28, 2026

The last full week of August. Then it is another week before we get to Labor Day. The calendar does things like this sometimes.

Early voting is scheduled for the Town Clerk's office Monday through Friday in advance of the State Primary on September 1. Voting in person for the Primary will only be at Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM.

The Planning Board is scheduled to meet on Monday, Aug 24. The major new item has changed its scheduled debut to Sept 28 - the Depot Plaza proposal moved out to Sep 28

The 250 Anniversary Historical Significance subcommittee is also scheduled to meet on Monday. A listing of healthy discussion points on what and how to cover the 250th is on tap.

The School Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, new administrators are introduced, the handbooks are up for approval, there is an update on hiring status, and facilities project work that was accomplished during the summer.

 

The Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday. A few public hearings are lined up in addition to their general business items.

The full 250th Anniversary Committee is scheduled for meeting Thursday with an invitation to the community to participate and provide input on what else can or should be considered for the celebration in 2028.

Closing out this week, the annual block party for Franklin TV & Radio is scheduled for Saturday at 3 PM. The community is welcomed to check out the studio, enjoy some food, music, and converse with the folks working on the video and audio production. Maybe there is a show idea you’d like to explore. Come on out to 23 Hutchinson St for the block party.

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-1801-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-23-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/21/26   6:30 PM   ***

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08242026-2465 

250th Anniversary Celebration Historical Significance Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, August 24 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08242026-2464 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, August 26 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08262026-2470

Pole Petition Hearing

Thursday, August 27 Time: 10:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2460 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2473 

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Thursday, August 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2463 

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

Town/ School meetings

• No broadcasts for meetings this week

All Access programming

• Jason Poulos, Democratic Candidate for the State Primary running against US Rep Jake Auchincloss returned to the Studio for a second session with Frank Falvey   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzGolJwaHsg  

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

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

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

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    

A relatively quiet week ahead, let's enjoy it while it lasts

A less busy meeting week down from 14 meetings to only 5 on the calendar.

Like the humidity that seems to have gone for now, we can enjoy the lack thereof and the less busy week while they last.

The Cultural Council meets on Monday and among other things starts to discuss priorities for the next grant cycle, how would the funding be allocated?

The Design Review Commission is scheduled to meet virtually on Tuesday. Recall the hot item on the calendar was the Depot Plaza proposal which is being withdrawn and resubmitted to better align with the Planning Board timeline.

The Town Council holds their monthly office hours at the Senior Center on Thursday morning. Recall they expanded this option with a session at the Library, Saturday, August 15. They plan to add other locations and days/time of day to try and meet folks.

The 250th Celebration Events subcommittee meets on Thursday. The Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee has a meeting scheduled for Friday afternoon to allow for participation of as many members of the committee as possible at the Farmers Market table. Stop by and find out what they are planning!

On Wednesday, the monthly Conversation and Q&A I conduct at the Senior Center comes around at 11:00 AM. You can participate in person, or remotely, I provide an update on what has happened the past month and take your questions on what is on your mind.

Also of note: 2 Fallen Hero recognitions are scheduled for 9 AM on the 20th and 22th This approx. 5 minute program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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-1799-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-16-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/14/26   7:30 PM   ***

Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, August 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08172026-2456 

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, August 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08182026-2461 

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, August 20 Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda for this informal discussion

250th Anniversary Celebration Events Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08202026-2462 

ZBA Meeting - No Meeting

Thursday, August 20

Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting (Farmers Market)

Friday, August 21 Time: 2:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212026-2458 

—-----------

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

Town/ School meetings

The School Cmte Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte met on Mon Aug 10. The recap & exclusive audio - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/audio-recording-of-horace-mann-legacy.html 

The Planning Board met on Monday, Aug 10. YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U5X9j_ytEs 

The School Cmte Policy Subcmte met on Tuesday, Aug 11. the recap & exclusive audio is available

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-cmte-policy-subcommittee-reviews.html

The School Committee met on Tuesday, Aug 11

Recap and video link - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-gets-multiple-updates.html 

Town Council met in Executive Session for 4 hours and public meeting for about 10 minutes to vote on the updated contract for the Town Administrator

The recap including audio & video links as well as links to the current and prior contract https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/town-council-votes-to-approve-town_01711482811.html 

The Joint Budget Subcmte met on Thursday. The recap and video link -

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/joint-budget-subcmte-in-healthy.html 

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

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

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

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html    

Middle of August and the summer might be already over (audio)

For the summer Town and School meetings, the relatively quiet short list of meeting weeks are behind us now. We are faced with a week chock full of sessions. Yup, from 4 meetings last week to 13 this week.

On Monday, the Franklin Housing Authority starts off with a session at 4:30 at Central Park Terrace.

Franklin Public School Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee meeting at 7 PM has State Rep Jeff Roy scheduled for a visit to get an update on the work of the committee. The Planning Board also meets at the same time (this session is broadcast). Note that the Depot Plaza development proposal was withdrawn and resubmitted so that item will be on the August 24th agenda.

Closing out Monday, the 250th Anniversary Committee meets virtually to continue their planning.

On Tuesday, the Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee meets at 6 PM to get into a bunch of potential policies for review & revision. 

At 7 PM, the Franklin School Committee meets. Among the standard agenda items is the approval of the submission to the Town Annual Report, and a 2nd reading on the restraint policy reviewed at a prior meeting.

On Wednesday, the Charles River Pollution Control meets at 3:30. The Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee is scheduled to meet at 5:15 to confirm an appointment to an open seat on the Committee. 

The Town Council meets at 6 PM mostly in Executive Session negotiating the Town Administrator's contract and then in public session to vote on such an agreement. 

On Thursday, the Municipal Housing Trust and Conservation Commission have regular sessions scheduled. The Joint Budget Subcommittee is also scheduled to meet either for a short session in Chambers, or a ‘normal’ session in the 3rd floor conference room. Stay tuned for an update on this.

On Saturday, the Town Council added an “Office Hours” session at the library beginning at 10 AM.

The complete agenda for each of these meetings are listed below.

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out 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-1794-fm-weekly-outlook-lookback-combo-08-09-26/

*** Event & Meeting schedule (with agendas) as of Town pages 8/07/26   7:30 PM   ***

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2437 

Franklin Public School Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2436 

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2438 

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2439 

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, August 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435 

Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446 

Historical Commission

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2450

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2453

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 7:00 PM (3rd Fl Trng, updated 8/10)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2452

Town Council Open Office Hours

Saturday, August 15 Time: 10:00 AM

No agenda for this open discussion session

—-----------

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

Town/ School meetings

The Economic Development Subcmte met on Tuesday, Aug 4. The recap and TV link can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/econommic-development-covers-variety-of.html 

The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, Aug 6. Franklin TV video can be found on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex5AJ_0B8Ik

The Commission on Disability met on Thursday at the Senior Center. The recap and audio of this meeting can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/audio-recording-available-for.html 

All Access Programming

A new Once Upon a Town episode on the Ray Block can be viewed on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmvrPrdW3qM 

—-----------

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

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

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

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html       

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html