Town Council 11/04/2026

The Franklin Town Council meeting on November 4, 2026, included an extended presentation and public discussion of the Police Department’s existing Flock automated license-plate reader program. The department described its two cameras, data retention and audit practices, interagency sharing, and investigative uses; residents raised privacy, security, and oversight concerns. The council did not vote on the proposal to terminate the program, instead deferring further action so residents could review the information and potentially participate in a community Q&A. No new camera purchases or contract awards were approved, and no contract amount was stated. The Town Administrator also reported an $8,000 MassDEP Recycling Dividends Program grant for equipment at the reuse swap shed.

The council approved resolutions ratifying memoranda of agreement with the Franklin Police Association and the Franklin Police Sergeants Union, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028; the transcript gives no dollar amounts. It also approved Resolution 26-59 concerning a private road covenant, clarifying that upkeep remains the property owners’ responsibility. The administrator noted that the November 18 meeting would include an FY27 budget reconciliation workshop and consideration of the town’s financial policies. No RFPs, procurement bids, or new capital project awards were identified.