The foremost topic of the meeting was the comprehensive review and approval of amendments to the Franklin Regional Council of Government Charter. The amendments, presented by a special committee, were designed to update the charter for the first time in over 25 years. The proposed amendments introduced several key modifications, including clarifications regarding the roles of board members and officials, which now allow select board members and municipal finance officials to serve on the council. This change codifies what has been a common but undocumented practice.

The board discussed the procedural steps for amending the charter, emphasizing the need for a three-step approval process. This includes initial agreement by the executive committee, followed by approval from two-thirds of the council and its membership. The amendments also addressed the governance structure, proposing the removal of outdated references, clarification of voting processes, and adjustments to the executive committee’s composition to incorporate flexibility in appointments and handle absenteeism effectively.

Another change involved eliminating the financial 1% vote for planning board membership, replaced by a regional voting requirement. The amendments also updated the residency requirements, allowing committee members to be either residents or employees of the municipality, but not both. Other significant revisions included changes to meeting frequency, executive committee eligibility for benefits, and the hiring processes for director-level positions to ensure uniformity in roles. Budget submission procedures were also altered to provide ample time for council review, and the Regional Planning Agency’s article was rewritten to align with state law and clarify its purpose and structure.

In addition to the charter amendments, the board considered changes to town meeting voting procedures, proposing that future amendments require only a simple majority vote of 23, a shift from previous practices. The board also deliberated on extending the time frame for the council to override the executive committee’s disapproval of bylaw changes, proposing an increase from 30 to 60 days. Transitional provisions, including the removal of outdated sections, were discussed to streamline governance.

The meeting also addressed logistical improvements for town voting, with a proposal from the town clerk to install a secure ballot drop box outside the town hall. This initiative aims to enhance voting accessibility by facilitating early and mail-in voting for residents who prefer not to vote in person. While discussing the proposal, board members considered the logistical aspects and the potential benefits of providing such a drop box for the community.

On the agenda was the appointment of an animal inspector, a role scheduled to commence on May 1, 2025, and end on April 30, 2026. The board navigated the intricacies of aligning the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ schedule with the town’s schedule and agreed to the appointment despite the scheduling peculiarities.

Personnel matters were also discussed, particularly the interim treasurer’s position, set to begin on March 31. The individual will work up to 20 hours a week before the next class day, facilitating a smooth transition. Board members expressed satisfaction with the current staffing situation, citing the absence of recent disruptions or challenges.

The board then turned its attention to the town meeting schedule, acknowledging the difficulty of meeting the April 29 deadline due to the current budget process. Members proposed various dates for rescheduling, with some advocating for a later date in May or early June to allow adequate preparation and avoid conflicts with elections and graduations. The possibility of holding the town meeting on June 10 was considered, though concerns about overlapping events influenced the discussion. Members expressed a preference for a later date, recognizing that additional preparation time could lead to a more efficient meeting.

Finally, the board received an update on the solar project for the town office, reviewing updated designs for an electric vehicle installation. A working group is set to examine these designs further, with an emphasis on securing funding as a priority. The project has significant potential to contribute to the town’s energy credits and manage energy costs. The need for battery storage was also discussed, though current solutions may not fully meet the town’s needs.