City Council and Mayor

07-06-2026 Minutes Page 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 6, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. Franklin Elks Lodge ATTENDANCE Present: Councilor Susan Hallett-Cook, Councilor Al Warner, Councilor Ben Forge, Councilor Ed Prive, Mayor Glenn Morrill, Councilor Tim Johnston, Councilor Justine Hoppe, Councilor Tom Boyce, and Councilor Delaney Carrier; Councilor Sam Jacobson participating remotely via Zoom. Absent: None. Others Present: City Manager Mitch Kloewer, School Superintendent Dan LeGallo, Fire Chief Mike Foss, Planning Director David Chunn, School Board Chair Liz Cote, City Clerk/Tax Collector Michelle Stanyan, and members of the public. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Morrill called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. SALUTE TO FLAG Councilor Hallett-Cook led the pledge. T MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR VETERANS AF R Councilor Prive led a moment of silence for veterans, recognizing Mr. Bushman, who entered the U.S. Air Force in 1948 after graduating from Franklin High School and who served during the Korean War. D PUBLIC HEARINGS Replacement of Fire Department Engine Four – purchase at a cost not to exceed $1,123,314 (chassis FY28; vehicle body FY29) Opened at 6:03 p.m. Desiree McLaughlin (Ward 2) asked why the item was presented as a contract authorization rather than a resolution, and questioned how the Council could authorize the purchase absent an adopted budget. City Manager Kloewer explained that the action would place the City on the manufacturer's build list without committing funds, that two separate resolutions (one for the FY28 chassis and one for the FY29 body) would follow, and that declining to act would push the City to the back of a roughly year- long waitlist while the price continued to rise. Ms. McLaughlin raised a further concern under RSA 47 that a multi-year purchase commitment could improperly bind a future Council, noting she had raised the same concern in Fire Committee meetings and that the former Interim City Manager had agreed with her. She also asked how the second half of the purchase would be funded if the City's expiring bond were reissued. City Manager Kloewer responded that the intent was to keep the full payment under the tax  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 2 cap by pairing the purchase with other debt expiring in FY28 and FY29, rather than the bond expiring this year, which is instead intended for the ambulance purchase. Councilor Johnston noted the engine would not be invoiced until 2027 and that a resolution would be brought forward before any payment was due. During the hearing, a question arose regarding Councilor Jacobson's remote participation by Zoom. Councilor Carrier asked whether the Council needed to pause the public hearing to act on the matter, and the Mayor agreed. The public hearing was paused at 6:12 p.m. Motion: Councilor Carrier moved: "to allow Councilor Jacobson to participate in tonight's meeting remotely." Seconded by Councilor Forge. Discussion: None. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Councilor Jacobson T Yea — Councilor Johnston Councilor Hoppe AF Yea Yea Councilor Boyce Councilor Carrier R Yea Yea D Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0. Councilor Jacobson was permitted to participate in the meeting remotely. The public hearing reopened at 6:14 p.m. City Manager Kloewer thanked Ms. McLaughlin for the reminder regarding roll call. Warner Horn (Ward 2) spoke to the relative costs of a revenue problem versus a spending problem, stating that costs would only increase over time and recommending the City proceed with the waitlist. Leigh Webb (Ward 3) asked how the purchase would be funded and whether bonding outside the tax cap was an alternative, noting that bonding within the cap displaces other budget items. Public hearing closed at 6:19 p.m. Proposed amendment to Chapter 300 – Wetlands, Section 7A of the Franklin City Ordinance Public hearing opened at 6:19 p.m.  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 3 Leigh Webb (Ward 3) stated support for the amendment provided the wording aligns with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) regulations. Planning Director Chunn confirmed the amendment aligns with DES standards, noted the City was unable to determine why Franklin's existing setback of 75 feet differed from the state and most other municipalities' 50-foot standard, and stated the change would affect a small number of properties. Public hearing closed at 6:21 p.m. Proposed amendment to Chapter 305-38, Violations & Penalties of the Franklin City Ordinance Public hearing opened at 6:22 p.m. Leigh Webb (Ward 3) asked what would change in enforcement given the increased penalty amounts and questioned the collectability of higher fines and whether liens would be placed on properties. City Manager Kloewer stated the enforcement mechanism itself is unchanged. Mr. Webb asked how enforcement has been handled historically. Public hearing closed at 6:24 p.m. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE T State Representative James Thibault provided an update, noting the Legislature is out AF of session and the Governor is now reviewing bills for signature or veto. Rep. Thibault summarized several bills of interest to the City: • R HB 1563 – changes to special education funding structure); • D HB 131 – restructuring of the state anti-bullying and cyberbullying law, including anti-retaliation and false-reporting provisions); • SB 586 – expansion of independent audit requirements for schools and SAUs; • HB 1756 – property tax exemptions for non-profits; • HB 1468 – new tools for municipalities to develop flood-resilience master plans; • SB 598 – a study committee/task force on cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant programs • SB 660 – expansion of the fee waiver for voter ID cards, with the Secretary of State covering the cost for those unable to pay. Councilor Prive thanked Rep. Thibault for his assistance on an underground storage tank matter. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment opened at 6:34 p.m.  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 4 Diane Cummings (Ward 1) spoke about her fifteen years working in adult education and urged the Council to find a way to fund the adult education program, speaking generally in favor of funding the schools. Myla Everett (Ward 1) provided an update on the Renaissance Faire, noting over fifty vendor applications received, a full slate of performers, an ongoing search for sponsors, an invitation for area non-profits to participate as volunteers, and that the event has shared more than $2,500 with area non-profit groups. She noted a website is in development at franklinnhrenaissancefaire.com and that the event is now listed nationally. A volunteer interest meeting is scheduled for July 28 at 6:00 p.m. Dan Darling (Ward 3), representing the Franklin Opera House, thanked the Council for the June 17 presentation on the Soldiers' Memorial Hall renovation and looked forward to a third season of limited events and to returning to the Opera House next year. Marie Danforth (Ward 1) spoke regarding the late item concerning a charter commission ballot question, stating she does not believe it is needed. Desiree McLaughlin (Ward 2) expressed a lack of confidence in the City's processes and procedures, referencing four confirmed conflicts of interest related to the school budget and stating the Mayor did not recuse himself from a discussion involving the Outing Club. She spoke to the importance of ethics and boundaries to protect both officials and residents, stated agenda items should be reviewed for legal sufficiency, T reiterated her concern that the fire engine purchase should be handled by resolution, AF and noted a charter commission proposal was previously declined and that such matters are properly referred to the Legislative Committee. R Leigh Webb (Ward 3) spoke to the duties and restrictions of a charter commission under state law and questioned whether placing the question on the ballot was the appropriate D mechanism for the goal being sought. Warner Horn (Ward 2) stated that non-profit organizations are subject to oversight by the state Charitable Trust Unit, not by social media, and noted Franklin's ranking near the bottom of a New Hampshire education website's rankings. Chuck Cote (Ward 3) asked that the appointment of a new MSD director be handled carefully to ensure the candidate is qualified and able to work well with others, suggested review of the Deputy Director's job description and responsibilities, raised a concern about being denied the ability to purchase asphalt to fill potholes on Bow Street, and recommended the City consult with department heads before freezing spending. Linda Bosworth (Ward 2) spoke in support of Mr. Wolfgram's proposal to lease the vacant lot on Cheney Street, noting he has maintained and cleared the lot and that a lease would generate tax revenue for the City. Dean Laughy (Ward 3) spoke to the City's finances under the tax cap, stating that raising the assessment has not resolved the underlying issue and that the City needs to grow its tax base through broader-based industrial or commercial development, or reduce spending.  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 5 Public comment closed at 7:01 p.m. At Councilor Warner's request, he read into the record an email from Kathy Rago (Ward 3) concerning the late item on establishing a charter commission. A copy of her letter is included at the end of the minutes. Public comment closed at 7:04 p.m. A resident asked a question from the audience. On a point of order from Councilor Johnston, public comment was reopened at 7:05 p.m. Abby Dylan (Ward 1) asked about the timeline for budget approval and the opportunity for continued public comment, and spoke in favor of approving the school budget. Public comment closed at 7:07 p.m. CITY COUNCIL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Councilor Boyce thanked the City Manager for completion of the crosswalks. Councilor Jacobson thanked the Executive Secretary for her work on the minutes. Councilor Hoppe thanked everyone who attended the Parks and Recreation Committee policy workshop and provided input. T MAYOR'S UPDATE AF R Mayor Morrill reported that he accompanied Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander on a whitewater outing on the Winnipesaukee River during the “Winnie Days” event. He also D reported attending the Easterseals New Hampshire Military Veterans Campus 230th anniversary celebration on June 28, which included a military parade and vendors, and where he introduced Congresswoman Goodlander and Congressman Chris Pappas; the Franklin Historical Society president also spoke on Daniel Webster and the Revolutionary War at the event. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE City Manager Kloewer recognized Fire Department paramedic David Savo on achieving his paramedic license and Scott Rowe on his promotion to Code Enforcement Captain, and recognized Parks and Recreation summer program staff for positive feedback received from the Whale's Tail and Santa's Village water parks. City Manager Kloewer outlined the budget process: a workshop is scheduled for the following day; once the Council reaches an informal resolution on the budget, a public hearing will be set with ten days' notice, after which the Council can vote to adopt the budget. He reported a tentative Soldiers Memorial Hall schedule targeting reoccupancy by the end of October 2027, to be included with the minutes. He also reported that the previously scheduled Trestle Bridge Project public hearing had not been properly  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 6 publicly noticed and could not be held tonight, and that the Council would act to set a new, properly noticed hearing date. A copy of the City Manager’s update is included at the end of the minutes. SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE Superintendent Legallo reported that the district has hired Patrice Brown as the new middle school principal, effective July 1; she previously served as a building principal in the Newport and Hopkinton school districts and as curriculum director in Sanborn. He reported that on June 24, school leaders and board members from Laconia, Franklin, Gilford, and Interlakes met to review a needs assessment for a proposed special education consortium, and that the group has received a grant of approximately $258,000 over three years to support the effort, including hiring an executive director; a site for a consortium school is still being identified. He also reported on a statewide school-safety digital mapping initiative for first responders that Franklin plans to participate in. School Board Chair Liz Cote spoke to HB 1563. Councilor Prive asked which bills the Board is monitoring that could benefit the City and asked about the special education consortium; Superintendent LeGallo explained that the consortium is intended to serve students from participating districts who are out-of-district or need more specialized T programming in a centrally located school. Chair Cote stated she would review other AF pending bills and report back, and Councilor Prive asked her to follow up with the state representative present regarding relevant legislation. AGENDA ITEMS Corrective Action Needed R D Mayor Morrill acknowledged a procedural error regarding the May 19, 2026 non-public session and called on each councilor to verbally declare, for the record, the vote each cast on May 19 to enter non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II(a). Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea All in favor. The vote to enter non-public session on May 19, 2026 was confirmed unanimous.  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 7 The Mayor then called on each councilor to verbally declare the vote each cast on May 19 to seal the non-public session minutes pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II(a). Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea All in favor. The vote to seal the non-public session minutes was confirmed unanimous. Approval of Minutes City Manager Kloewer noted that minutes for the June 25, June 29, and June 30 workshops were not available in the packet and were not brought forward for a vote. May 19, 2026 City Council Meeting T Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "to accept the minutes of the May 19, 2026 City Council Meeting." Seconded by Councilor Warner. AF Vote: Roll call vote. R Councilor Councilor Hallett-Cook D Vote Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. May 19, 2026 City Council Meeting – Non-Public Session Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "to accept as amended the minutes of the May 19, 2026 City Council Meeting – Non-Public Session." Seconded by Councilor Forge. Discussion: Councilor Hoppe asked that the Executive Secretary confirm receipt of an email containing a requested correction.  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 8 Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. June 1, 2026 City Council Workshop Motion: Councilor Warner moved: "to accept the minutes of the June 1, 2026 City Council Workshop." Seconded by Councilor Prive. Vote: Roll call vote. T Councilor Councilor Hallett-Cook AF Vote Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge R Yea Councilor Prive Councilor Jacobson Councilor Johnston D Yea Yea Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Abstain Councilor Carrier Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0, with one abstention. June 8, 2026 City Council Workshop Motion: Councilor Warner moved: "to accept the minutes of the June 8, 2026 City Council Workshop." Seconded by Councilor Prive. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 9 Councilor Vote Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Abstain Councilor Carrier Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0, with one abstention. June 15, 2026 City Council Workshop Motion: Councilor Forge moved: "to accept the minutes of the June 15, 2026 City Council Workshop." Seconded by Councilor Prive. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston T Abstain Councilor Hoppe Councilor Boyce AF Yea Yea Councilor Carrier Yea R Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0, with one abstention. D June 17, 2026 City Council Workshop Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "to accept the minutes of the June 17, 2026 City Council Workshop." Seconded by Councilor Forge. Discussion: None. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Abstain Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 10 Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0, with one abstention. June 22, 2026 City Council Workshop Motion: Councilor Warner moved: "to accept the minutes of the June 22, 2026 City Council Workshop." Seconded by Councilor Hoppe. Discussion: None. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Abstain Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Abstain Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Abstain T AF Councilor Boyce noted, as a point of clarification, that Councilor Hallett-Cook was absent from the June 22 workshop. R Motion Result: Motion carried, 6–0, with three abstentions. 2023 Tax Lien Deed Properties D Motion: Councilor Warner moved: "that the Franklin City Council accept the tax deeds on the following parcels: Map/Lot: 117-269-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 117-270-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 099-063-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 112-015-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 044-402-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 096-412-007 (Mobile Home in Park) Map/Lot: 090-003-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 077-018-000 (Land & Building) Map/Lot: 078-006-013 (Mobile Home in Park), if not paid by Thursday, July 9, 2026 (execution date)."  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 11 Seconded by Councilor Johnston. Discussion: Councilor Prive asked City Clerk/Tax Collector Michelle Stanyan to address a specific property whose owner had requested a waiver due to personal circumstances; Ms. Stanyan confirmed it was the only property for which a waiver had been recommended to her. Councilor Jacobson asked whether the number of properties on the list was typical, which Ms. Stanyan confirmed. Councilor Boyce asked about the parcel associated with the Rose family; several councilors indicated support for removing that parcel from the list given the property owner's efforts to resolve the matter. City Manager Kloewer explained the general tax-lien process, including notice requirements, and noted that for the two parcels located on leased trailer-park land, taking the properties by deed would obligate the City to pay ground rent to the park owners; he recommended leaving those two properties on the list, encouraging the owners to pay, and reported he would communicate with the park owner to avoid future issues. Councilor Johnston offered a friendly amendment to remove parcel Map/Lot 090-003-000 (land and building) from the motion. Vote: Roll call vote on the amended motion. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge T Yea Councilor Prive Councilor Jacobson Councilor Johnston AF Yea Yea Yea Councilor Hoppe Councilor Boyce R Yea Yea Councilor Carrier D Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0, to accept the tax deeds on the parcels listed above (Map/Lot 090-003-000 excluded pursuant to friendly amendment), if not paid by Thursday, July 9, 2026. Replacement of Fire Department Engine Four Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "that the Franklin City Council authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to execute the purchase of a replacement fire engine at a cost not to exceed $1,123,314, with the cost to be split across the FY28 and FY29 budgets, it being further understood that this engine will replace the current Fire Department Engine Four." Seconded by Councilor Boyce. Discussion: Councilor Warner asked whether the motion created a financial commitment. City Manager Kloewer stated it did not, since the City would only be placed on the manufacturer's build list, but flagged that splitting the authorized amount across two fiscal years within a single motion may not be legally permissible, and requested the Council amend the motion to authorize his signature without assigning a  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 12 specific dollar figure to each fiscal year. Councilor Warner expressed concern about granting a blanket signing authorization and asked to rework the motion. Councilor Boyce asked whether the item could be withdrawn and brought back later; Fire Chief Foss stated that without signing now, the price could not be guaranteed, and that the purpose of the motion is only to begin the process. Councilor Prive asked whether the City would face a fee or penalty for withdrawing from the list; City Manager Kloewer confirmed the action does not purchase anything and only places the City on a waiting list. City Manager Kloewer recommended that, if the cost could not legally be split across two fiscal years within the motion, the not-to-exceed figure be revised to reflect the cost of acquiring the chassis and body under a single-year commitment. Councilor Johnston offered a friendly amendment revising the motion to authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to execute the sales agreement for the replacement fire engine at a cost not to exceed $1,209,606, it being further understood that this engine will replace the current Fire Department Engine Four. Vote: Roll call vote on the friendly amended motion. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive T Yea Councilor Jacobson Councilor Johnston Councilor Hoppe AF Yea Yea Yea Councilor Boyce Councilor Carrier R Yea Yea D Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. The Franklin City Council authorized the City Manager to sign all necessary documents to execute the sales agreement for a replacement fire engine at a cost not to exceed $1,209,606, it being further understood that this engine will replace the current Fire Department Engine Four. Chapter 300 – Wetlands, Section 7A Amendment Motion: Councilor Warner moved: "that the Franklin City Council adopt the amendment to Chapter 300 – Wetlands, Section 7A, of the Franklin City Ordinance, to reflect the following change: ‘No septic tank or leach field may be constructed or enlarged closer than the minimum distance required by the rules & regulations set forth by the DES’." Seconded by Councilor Johnston. Discussion: Councilor Boyce asked whether any properties currently hold a variance that would supersede the amendment; Planning Director Chunn stated none do. Councilor Jacobson asked whether “DES” is defined elsewhere in the ordinance; Director Chunn confirmed it is referenced in the attachments and reference documentation. Councilor Prive asked about the existing 75-foot requirement; Director  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 13 Chunn explained the amendment is intended to align Franklin's ordinance with the state's standard going forward. Councilor Johnston offered a friendly amendment to define “DES” in the amendment as the “New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.” Vote: Roll call vote on the friendly amended motion: to adopt the amendment to Chapter 300 – Wetlands, Section 7A, of the Franklin City Ordinance, to reflect the following change: ‘No septic tank or leach field may be constructed or enlarged closer than the minimum distance required by the rules & regulations set forth by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.’ Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea T Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. AF Chapter 305-38 – Violations & Penalties Amendment R Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "that the Franklin City Council adopt the D amendment to Section 305-38, Violations and Penalties, of the Franklin City Ordinance, to reflect the following change: ‘Subject to a civil penalty, as outlined in RSA 676:17, for each day that such violation is found to continue after the conviction date or after the date on which the violator receives written notice from the municipality that they are in violation, whichever is earlier’." Seconded by Councilor Warner. Discussion: Councilor Boyce noted that the Building Inspector's report referenced photographs that were not included. Director Chunn explained the photographs depicted examples of an illegal junkyard. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 14 Councilor Vote Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. Sale of Land on East Bow Street Motion: Councilor Warner moved: "to approve the sale of the undeveloped, city-owned property, Parcel #117-358, located along East Bow Street, and to authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary paperwork related to the sale of the property and transfer of ownership, unless the sale price of said property changes by an amount greater than a $500 difference from the stated offer." Seconded by Councilor Hoppe. Discussion: Councilor Boyce noted he had received calls regarding the property. Councilor Prive noted the sale price was approximately $6,000. City Manager Kloewer stated the goal is to return the parcel to the tax rolls. Planning Director Chunn explained the City owns a number of small, unbuildable parcels, that this lot is unbuildable on its own, that the offer covers associated legal fees, and that the buyer intends to merge it T with an abutting lot he owns. Councilor Prive expressed concern the site not become a AF vehicle storage or junk site; Director Chunn noted the buyer obtained a zoning board variance limiting the number of vehicles permitted on the site. Councilor Johnston asked whether the zoning review considered DES setback requirements given the property's R proximity to the river; Director Chunn confirmed DES approval was contingent on avoiding pollution of the river. Councilor Prive raised a concern that removing trees D could destabilize the riverbank; Director Chunn was unable to answer that specific question. Councilor Boyce asked whether the buyer intends to remove trees; Director Chunn stated the buyer plans minimal work and intends to use only the flat portions of the lot for vehicle parking. Councilor Boyce asked Chuck Cote, an MSD employee, to address the Shoreline Protection Act; Mr. Cote explained the Act requires a 25-foot buffer and DES compliance, limiting the number of trees that may be removed. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 15 Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. Amateur Radio Club Lease Motion: Councilor Forge moved: "to approve the Non-Exclusive Lease between the City of Franklin and the Central New Hampshire Amateur Radio Club for the radio repeater site at Flag Hole Road, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement." Seconded by Councilor Warner. Discussion: City Manager Kloewer explained the Club approached the City with a lease as their prior lease had expired July 1, that he intends to bring the Club into the City's standard MOU process, and that the Club maintains an 8x8 shed on site. Councilor Carrier asked why a lease was being executed rather than proceeding through the MOU process, citing a concern under RSA 72:28 regarding the statute's application. City Manager Kloewer stated the Club is a non-profit organization but that, regardless, the goal is to ensure their occupancy of the site is properly authorized. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Councilor Prive T Yea Yea Councilor Jacobson Councilor Johnston AF Yea Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce R Yea Councilor Carrier D Abstain Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0, with one abstention. COMMITTEE REPORTS Police Committee Councilor Forge reported the Committee met on June 11. Fire Chief and Police Chief operations updates were provided, including patrol hiring activity benchmarked against comparable communities. Dispatch is fully staffed; the department has four open patrol positions and one frozen detective position. The Committee discussed regional training collaboration among Franklin, Bristol, Andover, Hill, and Alexandria, and noted upcoming regional and state highway safety grant opportunities. City Manager Kloewer reported that a candidate has cleared background review and has been assigned an academy date. Councilor Boyce asked about the status of an officer on medical leave, which City Manager Kloewer confirmed. Parks and Recreation Committee  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 16 Councilor Hoppe reported on a policy workshop held July 1, attended by five councilors, which addressed park-use ordinances and related policy, including who may use City recreation property and applicable fees to be incorporated into the budget. The next Committee meeting is scheduled for August 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Bessie Rowell. NON-PROFIT REPORTS None. No non-profit representatives were present to report. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor and Council Appointments Ward 1 Election Moderator No appointment was made. The sole applicant withdrew her application prior to the meeting. Late Items Charter Commission Ballot Question Motion: Councilor Hallett-Cook moved: "that the Franklin City Council submit the question of establishing a charter commission to the voters at the city election to be held T on October 6, 2026; the question shall read: ‘Shall a charter commission be established for the purpose of revising or amending the municipal charter?’." Seconded by Councilor Hoppe. AF Discussion: Councilor Johnston asked Councilor Jacobson, as Chair of the Legislative R Committee, to confirm whether the Committee had discussed establishing a charter D commission; it was noted the Committee had not specifically taken up the matter. Councilor Warner stated that, in his discussions with residents, there is confusion about the difference between a charter revision and an amendment, and that the Council needs to better understand RSA 49-B before acting. City Manager Kloewer noted the ballot question would need to be submitted to the City Clerk by July 8 and that a commission could amend the charter comprehensively without the need for individual amendments, though multiple concurrent amendment efforts could make the ballot confusing. Councilor Johnston noted the Legislative Committee has been working on amending portions of the charter directly and stated that proposed changes should be brought to that Committee. Councilor Jacobson noted the Council had previously discussed the topic and that three public hearings related to the charter had been scheduled for July 20. Councilor Boyce asked whether the question could still make the fall ballot; City Manager Kloewer stated it would not. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Nay Councilor Forge Nay  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 17 Councilor Vote Councilor Prive Nay Councilor Jacobson Nay Councilor Johnston Nay Councilor Hoppe Nay Councilor Boyce Nay Councilor Carrier Nay Motion Result: Motion failed, 1–8. Trestle Bridge Project – Public Hearing Rescheduling Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "to set a new, properly noticed public hearing for the Trestle Bridge Project." Seconded by Councilor Hoppe. Discussion: The Council discussed available dates and set the hearing for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Franklin Elks Lodge. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook T Yea Councilor Warner Councilor Forge AF Yea Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson R Yea Councilor Johnston Councilor Hoppe Councilor Boyce D Yea Yea Abstain Councilor Carrier Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 8–0, with one abstention. Public hearing set for Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Franklin Elks Lodge. Resolution 1-27 Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "that the Franklin City Council approve Resolution 1-27, allocating fiscal year funds to be spent on the specific projects named in the resolution." Seconded by Councilor Hoppe. Discussion: Councilor Johnston read Resolution 1-27 into the record. The resolution recites that the City Council has not adopted a budget for the fiscal year that began in July 2026, and that the Council recognizes certain specific projects are in the City's best interest to fund now; it authorizes expenditure of $1,918 for asphalt to complete the East Bow Street catch basins, and $140.80 for repair to the flail mower used to cut brush  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 18 along roads and fields, with appropriated funds to be assigned to the proper accounting lines once the final budget is adopted. City Manager Kloewer explained this is the mechanism required to authorize spending outside of recurring, previously scheduled expenses (such as payroll) while the budget remains unresolved, noted a similar resolution would be presented the following day for other pending expenses, and stated this approach avoids placing the City Council in the position of approving every dollar of spending individually. Councilor Carrier asked whether there was another available mechanism for general expenditures given the budget is not expected to be resolved until around July 21; City Manager Kloewer stated department heads were directed to compile near-term needs, that additional resolutions may follow, and that he did not believe there was a faster legal path, noting some items such as the catch basin work are time-sensitive. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Councilor Hoppe T Yea Yea Councilor Boyce Councilor Carrier AF Yea Yea Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. R ADJOURNMENT D Motion: Councilor Johnston moved: "to adjourn." Seconded by Councilor Boyce. Vote: Roll call vote. Councilor Vote Councilor Hallett-Cook Yea Councilor Warner Yea Councilor Forge Yea Councilor Prive Yea Councilor Jacobson Yea Councilor Johnston Yea Councilor Hoppe Yea Councilor Boyce Yea Councilor Carrier Yea  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 19 Motion Result: Motion carried, 9–0. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Demers Executive Secretary With Assistance of AI T AF R D 07-06-2026 Minutes Page 20 T AF R D  07-06-2026 Minutes Page 21 Good evening, First and foremost, I have some shout outs I would like to acknowledge. Congratulations to David Sabo on his paramedic license and to Scott Breault on his promotion to Code Enforcement Captain! One of our youngest Counselors in the summer program, Kloe Caverly made such a positive impression on the employees of the Whale’s Tale that they took time to reach out to our Parks and rec department to pass along compliments. Great work representing Franklin Kloe! On those same lines the entire group of kids and councilors in the summer program received a great compliment on their behavior while visiting the Santa’s Village waterpark. The report was summarized, “I’m not sure what you are doing in Franklin, but keep doing it! Your group was a wonderful example and you should be very proud of your staff and campers.” Again folks, Great work on representing Franklin! SMH: There is a tentative schedule attached to my report. It will be available in the minutes. The date everyone is looking for is End of October, 2027. That is the date we should be able to reoccupy SMH as everything stands now. T AF R D Trestle Bridge: There is a CAR to set a new public hearing as the meeting originally scheduled for tonight was not properly posted per 91a so we could not legally have that meeting. The new hearing will be properly posted as soon as the council sets a date under late items tonight.