Saturday, December 27, 2014

Franklin Annual Report - 2014

The Annual Report is published each year with information from the prior fiscal year.

Town of Franklin, 2014 Annual Report
Town of Franklin, 2014 Annual Report


In the Town Code, Chapter 1, subchapter 4-3 the Annual Report is defined:
Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees.
[Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

If you go to the official Franklin website, find the Town Code section and search for "Annual report" these are the results you should find 
http://ecode360.com/10432729?highlight=annual%20report,reports,annual,report


I'll be sharing sections of the report over the next several days. You can find a hard copy at the Municipal Building. Usually a copy is available on the table when you enter. If not, check with the Town Clerk's office.

You can also find the PDF copy online. The Annual Reports going back to 1006 are all available online
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Charles River Pollution Control District

While the Pond St property has been in the news recently with the RFP and intention to sell it, its original use was as the sewer treatment plant for Franklin. Franklin is part of the Charles River Pollution Control District which handles our wastewater treatment.



During Fiscal Year 2014, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,370 million gallons (3.75 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 7.0 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was lower than the previous year due to a decrease in precipitation.

The District is anticipating the renewal process to begin for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the preliminary draft NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will have to maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program. In addition, the new limit for phosphorus is being reduced from 0.2 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L in the summer months and a winter limit of 0.3 mg/L is being added.

The District conducted an Infiltration and Inflow Study in 2013, with CDM Smith, to identify areas of the District’s interceptors that will need further investigation and repair. The study modeled flow through the interceptors, groundwater elevations and rainfall data during the spring and summer months (wet and dry periods).

This summer, the District will be investigating the manholes in a portion of its interceptors to determine each manhole’s condition. CDM Smith and staff from the District prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity.

In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner, the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).

  • Phase A, which was completed in December 2013, included the replacement of both primary clarifier mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.
  • Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, was completed in August 2013.
  • Phase C, focuses on improving phosphorus removal, replacing the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase is currently under construction. It is expected that construction will last about 2.5 years. A District-wide Global Information System was developed as part of this phase to assist with infiltration and inflow reduction requirements.
The District funded Phases A and B with a 20- year State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of approximately $3.5M for costs associated with bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Phase C costs will be funded through separate SRF loans of approximately $24.5M, which includes bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Ineligible costs (i.e. design of Phase C) for SRF loans will be funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.95M.

The District is one of seven municipal wastewater treatment plants selected by the Mass DEP to participate in a pilot program that involves energy auditing, assessments for renewable and clean energy possibilities, and support of implementation for energy related projects. The purpose of this pilot program is to reduce the amount of energy used at municipal wastewater treatment plants by 20%, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving municipalities money.

The District was granted $847,583 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install a 20 kW solar voltaic array and two turbo style blowers. The solar panels will produce energy onsite whereas the turbo blowers will provide oxygen to the secondary treatment system using approximately 30% less power than the existing blowers. The District is anticipating a 20% reduction in energy costs from these energy improvements. At this time, the solar voltaic array has produced over 70,000 kw over the last 3.5 years and the turbo blowers are the main source of air to the activated sludge process.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget is 13.4% higher than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2015 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,151,720, while the capital projects budget is $1,018,300. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $1,652,000 and $620,730, respectively.

Respectively submitted
Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
William J. Goode, Jr., Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk, (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)
Gene Guidi, (Franklin)

CRPCD Officers:
Elizabeth Schreiber, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco & Simmler, Legal Counsel

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/


Franklin Library: Adult Coffee and Craft - Jan 2, 1:30 PM

The Franklin Public Library will hold an Craft and Coffee event for adults on Friday, Jan 2. You will get to make your own scented bath salts and decorate a container to hold them.

Starts at 1:30 PM.


coffee and craft for adults
coffee and craft for adults

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/adult-coffee-craft-jan-2nd-at-130-pm.html

Friday, December 26, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/26/14 - THU 1/1/15

MON 12/29   4pm   Holiday Craft for Families at Franklin Public Library

TUE 12/30   10:30am   Family Story Time at Franklin Public Library

Out of Town Year End Happenings:

First Night Boston 2015
Holiday Happenings at Patriot Place


For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

WISHING YOU, YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2015!

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING NEEDLE DISPOSAL


Update: Starting January 1st, 2015 the needle collection site will be moved to the Police Station on Panther Way.

The town’s needle/syringe disposal kiosk is currently relocated in the lobby of the DPW office at 257 Fisher Street. The kiosk will be available to residents during normal DPW business hours.

To protect the health of personnel servicing the kiosk, absolutely no needles/syringes or lancets will be accepted unless they are inside an approved sharps container. Laundry detergent containers, cardboard boxes and plastic bags are not acceptable. Also the needle kiosk is not for the disposal of medications. The Franklin Police Department has a collection bin for residents to dispose of medications.

Residents may purchase small sharps containers from Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Target for a nominal fee. The Town of Franklin does not provide sharps containers to residents.

Franklin Police Station, Panther Way
Franklin Police Station, Panther Way

Franklin Art Association: Meeting Jan 7


The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday, Jan. 7th, from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Franklin Art Association
Franklin Art Association

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. The program will feature a demonstration presented by pastel artist Karole Nicholson.

Meetings are free and opened to the public.

For more information, please visit our website at www.franklinart.org


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas !!!

From Franklin's own Jamie Barrett, a new song to celebrate the holiday!

A brand new original written, arranged, performed and produced by singer-songwriter Jamie Barrett. The song was written in late November and recorded on December 20, 2014.







There will be little else posted today.

Time for all of us to spend with family and friends. 

Let's be grateful for what we have!



Bonus video:







Major League Baseball Scrabble Letter M Hangman Blue Letter E letter R letter R White Bead letter Y

  letter C letter H Bob the Builder letter r letter I Brick letter s letter T letter M Brick letter A letter s

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Fletcher Field - Tot Lot - Video

The 3rd ribbon cutting for a recreation space in Franklin to be opened or improved happened on Tuesday morning. This is the second tot lot targeted for children 2-5 years old. The other one is on Nason St.


What were the first two ribbon cuttings during 2014? (think about it, the answers are listed at the end of this)


Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi, Recreation Director Ryan Jette were among those to participate.

Councilors Matt Kelly, Judy Pfeffer (behind Matt), Brad Feldman, Tom Mercer, and Steve Williams joined State Rep Jeff Roy for the ribbon cutting
Councilors Matt Kelly, Judy Pfeffer (behind Matt), Brad Feldman, Tom Mercer, and Steve Williams joined State Rep Jeff Roy for the ribbon cutting


A brief video walking around the tot lot after the ribbon cutting.




The handout provided at yesterday's ribbon cutting




The design rendering of what it looks like




The design specifications






Photo slide show of the tot lot:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157647568545314/

These photos can also be found on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/franklinmatters/photos/a.10150462761589995.1073741886.173205529994/10150462761644995/?type=1&theater




Answers:
The 1st ribbon cutting was for the playground at DelCarte Recreation space (Pond St) in June
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/delcarte-opening-day-photo-essay.html


The 2nd ribbon cutting was for the Sculpture Park (Panther Way) in August
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/sculpture-park-official-opening.html

FHS Hockey gets a win and a tie

From Hockomock Sports we find that the boys hockey team tied and the girls hockey team won a close and high scoring game.


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
Boys
Franklin, 1 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 1 - Final - Mason Saunders scored a powerplay goal in the first period for the Panthers.

Girls
Franklin, 7 vs. Bishop Stang, 6 - Final


For all the results of yesterday's Hockomock League action you can find it here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-122314

Senator Spilka: Happy Holidays!




December 23, 2014

Dear Steve,

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I hope you have a relaxing holiday season surrounded by loved ones, friends and family.

As 2014 comes to a close, I am proud to reflect on a very productive year and excited to kick off a new legislative session in January. Click here or on the image below to read my end-of-year State House update. For more news and updates, please connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
The start of a new session is a unique opportunity to renew my drive to advance MetroWest communities, the innovation economy and under-served and vulnerable people across the state. Next month, I will draft and file a diverse set of bills to help make MetroWest and Massachusetts an even better place to live, work and play. My colleagues and I will then begin the process of committee hearings, re-drafting and debate on the Senate and House floors.

Please be sure to make your voice heard throughout this process. Keep sharing your concerns, questions and ideas. Last session we passed many new laws that will make a real difference in the lives of people across the Commonwealth. There is still work to be done. Let's get started!



As always, if you would like additional information or have any concerns or comments, please call my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov.



Warm Regards,


Senator Karen E. Spilka
2nd Middlesex and Norfolk
http://www.karenspilka.com

Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka
Room 320, State House
Boston, Massachusetts  02133


Senator Karen Spilka | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov | Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133
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Senator Ross: December 2014 State House Update



Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, December 2014
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State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District.

State House
Room 520
Boston, MA 02133

Ph: 617-722-1555
Fax: 617-722-1053
Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov

Dear Friends,

The end of this year marks my fourth year serving as your State Senator and my tenth in the Massachusetts State Legislature.

Looking back on 2014, there was so much we were able to accomplish and still more we can do. I am so grateful and honored to be able to serve the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District again and am looking forward to both the challenges and changes 2015 will bring.

Have a happy holiday season and New Year, and please let me know how I can better serve you during the next legislative session.

Sincerely,


 
RECAP: 2013-2014 LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • Increase opportunities for long-term substance abuse recovery
  • Empower victims of domestic violence by creating new criminal offenses and enforcing stricter penalties
  • Passing legislation to assist individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities
  • Extending benefits for veterans
  • DCF Reform that would require background checks for potential foster and adoptive homes
  • Environmental Bond bill to preserve, protect, and maintain land, parks, and clean energy initiatives
  • Economic development bill to promote job creation and initiatives that will help stimulate our economy
  • Protecting Animal Welfare and Safety (PAWS) Act
  • Removing pepper spray from list of items needing an FID card
  • Strengthening oversight of public housing authority by requiring approval of all contracts exceeding $100,000
  • Funding improvements to the state's transportation system
  • Reform of water and wastewater infrastructures
  • Racing Days bill signed into law to accommodate construction at Plainridge racecourse
NEEDHAM BLUE TREE LIGHTING

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Needham Blue Tree Lighting, a local holiday favorite. What made this year different than all of the rest, was the old sugar maple that has graced the Town Common for so long was lit up for the final time. The tree, which is now in decay, will be replaced by a new tree this coming spring.

Governor-elect, and Needham native, Charlie Baker joined hundreds of Needhamites as well as his father, Charlie Baker Sr., in giving the tree a proper send off. Retiring Needham Fire Chief Paul Buckley was the one to flip the switch as the town marveled at the tree's splendor.

I would like to thank the Needham Business Association and everyone who helped organize such a fantastic event once again. I would especially like to thank the people of Needham who come out in droves year after year, despite tumultuous weather, to keep this longstanding tradition alive. I'm so proud to be able to represent part of such a great town and am already looking forward to next year.
KP STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS
Having run my own funeral home in Wrentham for almost 40 years, I always take great pride when young students show an interest in entrepreneurism and operating a small business.

I had the pleasure of speaking with two students from King Philip Regional High School, Maddie Purdue and Abbey Buchanan, involved in the DECA program, about the value of entrepreneurship. I have always been a strong supporter of DECA, an organization focused on preparing young emerging leaders for strong careers in the fields related to business and finance.

Teaching our children early on about the importance of drive and dedication in life is critical. Not only are small businesses the backbone of our economy, but so are our youth. I was so happy to chat with Maddie and Abbey, two great, young women who are future leaders in the making.
WAYLAND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PANEL
Earlier this month, I participated in a community dialogue, sponsored by the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Forum, aimed at combating domestic violence and preventing violence in its many forms. Many local officials, community leaders, and families of victims took the time to discuss the issue at length and possible approaches moving forward.

Assault and violence is an egregious issue in the Commonwealth, and is something I have worked especially hard to deter. This past legislative session, we were able to pass a comprehensive domestic violence bill aimed at increasing penalties for perpetrators, and I was recently assigned to serve on a special commission, by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, to examine and explore the housing and shelter options for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

We are taking much needed steps to make our communities safer, but there is still more we can do locally. I was glad to be a part of the forum, and am eager to take part in future discussions.
FIGHTING AGAINST LOCAL CUTS

As the current Governor is set to leave office in a matter of days, the Commonwealth is dealing with a serious budget deficit. There seems to be a discrepancy as far as how much, but it is clear that no matter how you look at it, we are in the red and that must be fixed.

Governor Patrick has already made a number of significant cuts to regional school transportation, METCO, special education, as well other local initiatives. Our cities and towns are suffering because of reckless spending on Beacon Hill, and that is not fair, and will not happen.

Once the new Governor is sworn in, we are going to have to roll up our sleeves find ways to fix this budget while protecting critical services. I have full confidence in Governor Baker in accomplishing this, and my colleagues of both parties, in both chambers of the legislature, are ready and willing to help him do it. The people of Massachusetts should know that their government is working properly and is using their taxpayer dollars effectively.
ROSS JOINS OTHERS IN CALLING FOR GRUBER RESIGNATION
In light of recent controversial comments made by Professor Jonathan Gruber, I, along with my fellow Republican Senators, submitted a letter to Governor Deval Patrick requesting he ask for Gruber's immediate resignation as a member of the Massachusetts Health Connector Board.

As stated in the letter, Professor Gruber knowingly admitted to acts of deceit towards the American public, claiming that the '"lack of transparency [being] a huge political advantage" during the debate and passage of the Affordable Care Act ("ACA"), and the "stupidity of the American voter…was really, really critical for the thing to pass."'

The Health Connector Board and its members have a significant impact on the Commonwealth, as they are heavily involved in all policy, regulatory, and program decisions pertaining to the health and wellness of those the Massachusetts Health Connector serves. "Professor Gruber's comments are not only in direct opposition to those of us who seek to expand public trust in government they call into question his ability to act impartially and in a manner that upholds the integrity of the Health Connector Board. Professor Gruber's advocacy for an ideology founded in deceit should have no place in our government," the Caucus wrote.

As a matter of principle, I think it is imperative that Professor Gruber go. The people of the Commonwealth expect those who make and carry out policy to do so in a transparent and ethical manner. Professor Gruber has betrayed the trust of the American people with his comments and actions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts must cut ties with him in order to retain some sense of integrity if we are to serve the people effectively.
This year marked the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and I was privileged to attend several ceremonies across my district at the Morse Institute Library in Natick (left) and at the WWII Memorial Pool in North Attleboro (right).
UPDATE: NATIONAL GRID

The Senate Republican Caucus recently met with staff from Attorney General Martha Coakley's office to discuss our letter regarding the extreme rate hikes instituted by National Grid.

Her staff explained their review process, as well as the potential for change. The Attorney General's review covers National Grid's process, not the results. It is a review to ensure that the rates are competitively procured. Because that test was met, the Attorney General's office had no choice but to approve the higher rates. While we are extremely unhappy with the outcome, unfortunately, the legislature does not have the legal and constitutional authority to challenge these rates.

Moving forward, we are hoping to continue discussions on this topic to help alleviate this significant burden on our constituents. We understand this is difficult, but  if you need Homeowner Energy Saving Tips, please visit the EEA website here, or for Heating and Energy Savings Resources please click here.
Dylan Berio, honorary member of the Attleboro Police Department, led the city in the Holiday Happenings Parade (left). Had a blast at the Plainville Tree Lighting with Rep. Shawn Dooley and Robert Rose, Chairman of the Plainville Board of Selectmen (right).
RECAP: OP-EDS

This year in the legislature we tackled a number of hot-button issues. Here is a brief recap of my views on a number of critical policy areas we touched upon. Looking ahead to 2015, we must take vital steps to address these concerns and keep in mind other areas where the people of the Commonwealth need our help.
Welcomed students from St. Joseph's Elementary School in Needham to the State House with Senator Mike Rush and Rep. Denise Garlick (left). The Wellesley Middle School Band and Orchestra had a fantastic holiday performance at the State House with Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Galvin (right).
HELPFUL WINTER TIPS

It is that time of year, and living in New England we all know too well the pressures that come with the cold weather and severe winter storms. Here are some helpful tips from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to ensure that you have an enjoyable holiday season, but are also prepared for those unexpected occurrences we are far too familiar with.
Great time speaking with constituents at the Natick COA Holiday Party (left) and the Lions Club Annual Senior Christmas Party at King Philip Regional High School (right).
RECAP: SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

These past few months, I have had the privilege of visiting a number of small businesses across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. Businesses run by families for generations with longstanding ties in the community. These folks are the ones who keep our economy running, the people who built their business from the ground up, depending on word of mouth contact and grassroots outreach. These businesses are run by our neighbors and friends, and are an essential part of our towns.

In 2015, I will be continuing my small business spotlight. If you would like your business to be a part of our Small Business Spotlight or would like to nominate a small business, email me at richard.ross@masenate.gov. To see the places I have visited so far, check out my website here.
Throughout the year, I'm happy to host interns in my State House office from across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. For the fall semester, I was pleased to welcome Kyle Bechet of Plainville.

Kyle Bechet has lived in Plainville for most of his life. He went through the Plainville public school system and later graduated from King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham.  Kyle is also an Eagle Scout and currently attends Boston University where he is double majoring in Political Science and Economics.

Having Kyle intern with us these past few months was an absolute privilege. He was kind, diligent, and especially hardworking and I always appreciate when outstanding students from my district are able to see the work done on Beacon Hill firsthand.