3rd budget hearing covers Public Works & Public Safety (audio)

FM #1727 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1727 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW up next, 

• Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back

• Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.

• Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered

• Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

• So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1727-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-04-08-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164 

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/26) Through Friday (5/1)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/26) through Thursday Morning (4/30), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (5/1) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional details on the Interceptor Project   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (4/20) Through Friday (4/24)

Construction Updates ~ Monday (4/20) Through Friday (4/24)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Monday Night (4/20) through Thursday Morning (4/23), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (4/24) 7 AM to 3 PM.

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional project info - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Reminder: No trash delay scheduled due to holiday

Patriot's Day is Monday. 

Town offices, the Library & Senior Center are closed. Schools are off on vacation.

Trash and recycling are scheduled for a normal pick up. However, stuff may happen...

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1acpifQpMo/

The 2025-2026 curbside calendar is also found on the Town of Franklin page - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1279/Waste-Management-Trash-and-Recycling-Collection-Services-2025-to-2026-PDF

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/12) Through Friday (4/17)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/12) through Thursday Morning (4/16), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (4/17) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional info visit the project page - https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver St. Recycling Center Hours for Franklin, MA change this month of April

Regular hours this weekend. 

Starting next week (April 7), we will be open on Tuesdays 12 PM - 3 PM through November.

Beaver St. Recycling Center Hours for Franklin, MA change this month of April

Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division begins its spring hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 13, 2026. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. 

Hydrant Flushing Begins the Week
of April 13, 2026 for Franklin, MA

Flushing will take place Monday–Thursday, 3 PM – 7 PM and Saturdays, 7 AM – Noon. Additional flushing may occur during the day, as required. Hydrant flushing is expected to take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on weather and staff availability.

Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption. Visit https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality to find out what you should do if you have discolored water.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500.

Shared from - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1105/Hydrant-Flushing

Road construction alert for Saturday: King St & Constitution Blvd

ROAD WORK Saturday

Please be aware the Franklin Water Department will perform planned water main repairs at the intersection of King St. and Constitution Blvd. on Saturday, 4/4, beginning at 4 AM. There will be NO road closures or detours for this work. Expect slowdowns due to lane closures in the area.

Please plan accordingly and we appreciate your understanding while we make these necessary repairs.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14cg4ERXEG3/

Rain barrel program opens for spring

Rain barrel program opens for spring

via Franklin DPW

"Visit our website: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/551/Rain-Barrels, to order your rain barrel today!"

#townoffranklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KPC8pde7h/

Sprinkler System Spruce up for Spring

Sprinkler System Spruce up for Spring

via Franklin DPW

"Turn over a new leaf this spring with a sprinkler spruce-up! 

Get your irrigation system ready for summer—inspect, connect, direct, and select your way to water savings.   - https://www.epa.gov/watersense/sprinkler-spruce-up"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JeCcxNgHS/

DPW updates on Water Main break on RT 140

Quick recap - It has been a long day for the DPW but break has been found deep underground and fix is almost complete. No estimate on time for finish yet. Will need to test for water quality before turning on. They will continue to post updates. 

Traffic open in one lane each way on RT 140.

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Water Main Break Update - 10:30 AM (3/25/26)

Water service has been restored. Crews will remain in the area for a short time to pave the roadway. 

Thank you to residents and businesses for your patience and understanding during this repair.

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WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE—6:30AM (3/25/26)

Crews have been working throughout the night on the repair. As mentioned in last night’s update, this has been the toughest break we’ve seen in many years. We are getting close, but once the repair is complete, the water quality will still need to be tested before bringing it back online— Public safety is most important!! There is still no promised timeline as to when the water will be back online, but we are hoping shortly. Updates will be posted as they come in.

Again thank you for your patience as we work to get everything back in working order. Please avoid the area if possible.

WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE—7:00 PM (3/24/26)

"Break has been found, repairs have begun! There is still no timeframe for the repair completion, but things are headed in the right direction.  Updates will be posted as they come in."

WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE ~ 3:30 PM (3/24/26)

"This is the deepest water main break we have seen in at least the past 22 years! Normally a break occurs at approximately 4 ft. This one is at least 16 ft underground and is located under a concrete box culvert. It is extremely difficult to reach. Due to safety concerns, we hired a private contractor to work alongside us. This contractor has the proper larger excavating equipment and the necessary safety/shoring equipment to work at this depth.  For your information, "Shoring" is a temporary construction technique used to stabilize trenches and excavations, preventing collapse and ensuring worker safety—our biggest concern.

Thank you again for your patience, as of right now, we do not have a timeline for when the break will be repaired. Please follow the Town and Public Works Facebook pages for more updates as they come in."

Water Main Break Rte. 140~ UPDATE 12:15 PM (3/24/26)

"DPW crews are diligently working and excavation is ongoing to locate the source of the water main break. 

Rte. 140 at Garelick Farms is open one in each direction at this time. Thank you for your patience and please continue to avoid the area if possible."

Update shared from DPW page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW

Original post -

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/attention-water-main-break-on-route-140.html?

DPW updates on Water Main break on RT 140

Attention: water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms

via Franklin Police Dept

Update 6:00am: Route 140 westbound into Bellingham is open. Any traffic in from coming from Bellingham remains closed

There is a water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms. Route 140 will be closed in both directions from Forge Parkway to the Bellingham town line until crews can shut off the water and ensure the roadway is safe.

What to Expect:

• Significant traffic delays

• Road closure in both directions

Detours:

• Westbound traffic into Bellingham is being turned around onto Forge Parkway

• Access to Bellingham is available via Grove Street → Washington Street → Prospect Street

• Eastbound traffic is being detoured onto South Maple Street or Maple Street (Bellingham)

The Halsted Apartments, Milford Regional, and nearby businesses before Garelick Farms will remain accessible.

Thank you for your patience. The road will reopen once it is safe to do so.

Franklin Department of Public Works

Town of Franklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid02BUQAJaSPL7zzNNdJyNwaVL2UkE54yvv9ccGhCfYUL1GMyMVVd1Smq3g5FDZyHkuKl

Look for leaky trouble

Take five minutes to track down leaks around your home.

Look for drips and puddles under sinks and tub spouts indoors and hose bibbs outdoors—all indicate a leak that might just need tightening at the pipe joint.

#FixALeak #fixaleakweek2026

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GBX5DvAFq/

For additional leak fixes - https://www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week

Put your toilet to the leak test.

Put your toilet to the leak test.

Test your toilet for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait

five minutes. 

If color appears in the bowl, your toilet probably has a leak. 

Be sure to flush after the test to avoid staining! 

#FixALeak #fixaleakweek2026

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aQnpz8hun/

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on proper handling of cleaning products

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on
proper handling of cleaning products

"Please keep Cleaners Out of the Stream

What goes down the drain doesn’t just disappear, it heads straight for your nearby streams or rivers in Franklin, untreated.

Paint thinner, cleaners, oils, and other household chemicals can pollute waterways when dumped or rinsed into storm drains.

A few smart steps can go a long way:

• Store products sealed and out of the rain

• Never dump chemicals outside

• Know what’s safe for septic systems

No treatment means no second chances. Protect your pipes, your property, and your watershed."

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1KVLWswyP3/

The Franklin DPW is picking up the trash WasteMgt was unable to. Yes, that's right. Go DPW !!!

The Franklin DPW is picking up the trash
WasteMgt was unable to. Yes, that's right. Go DPW !!!

Trash Update 3/7/26 5:00 PM - Friday Trash Route

Today (Saturday 3/7/26) the Franklin DPW crew made progress emptying trash-totes from the streets that were not collected on Friday.

The DPW crew will be back out tomorrow to collect the carts that have not yet been emptied this week. 

Streets to be collected tomorrow (Sunday 3/8/26): 

- Maple Street (even numbers)

- Partridge Street (odd numbers between Pond Street and Maple Street)

- Main Street (#298, #304, #314) 

Please leave your trash cart at the curb, if you reside at one of these addresses.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CTNMfh2ii/

*Note: as discussed in the Town Council meeting March 4, 2026, WasteMgt does have limitations per the contract for the time that their drivers can work. It is good to see the Town stepping up to cover for this. 

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (3/9) Through Friday (3/13)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert

--Monday Night (3/9) thru Thursday Morning (3/12) 7pm to 5am, Friday (3/13) 7am-3pm

Beaver St. Interceptor Project

The Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the internal building component installation and testing of the pumps.  Bypass piping equipment will be onsite and protected by barriers.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional details on the project - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio)

A new episode of the Talk Franklin podcast with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen is now available! 

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I
welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio)

Produced in collaboration with Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio, this conversation covers Town updates and community topics.

🎧 Listen here: https://buff.ly/0eTqtVi

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Liz Kalaijian, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Town of Franklin. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Key topics

• Welcome Liz
• Quick updates on Town business
• Deep dive on Mass Municipal Association (MMA)
• Close with some musical fun (songs about communications)

The recording runs about  59 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Reminder: Regular curbside schedule for this week; Beaver St Recycling Ctr hours added

From DPW On Saturday

"Good morning!  Working with the Town Administrator and members of the Town Council, the following is planned to help folks that have been affected or will be affected by a trash and recycling missed pick-up or cancelled pick-up last week or this upcoming week caused by the Blizzard of 2026.

Free overflow bags (2) will be provided to residents who live in affected areas.  The affected areas are the Friday trash and recycling route and certain areas of the Monday route that could not be serviced.

To get these free overflow bags, come to the Franklin Public Works Administration Building at 257 Fisher Street with an ID.

Additionally, the Beaver Street Recycling Center will be open the following hours next week:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9AM to 2:30PM
• Wednesday from 9AM to 6PM

This will allow the affected residents mentioned above to drop off trash or recycling if needed.  A sticker is not required, but please bring an ID."

Trash & Recycling Update - 2/28/2026 for Franklin, MA

From DPW On Saturday

"Good morning!  Working with the Town Administrator and members of the Town Council, the following is planned to help folks that have been affected or will be affected by a trash and recycling missed pick-up or cancelled pick-up last week or this upcoming week caused by the Blizzard of 2026.

Free overflow bags (2) will be provided to residents who live in affected areas.  The affected areas are the Friday trash and recycling route and certain areas of the Monday route that could not be serviced.

To get these free overflow bags, come to the Franklin Public Works Administration Building at 257 Fisher Street with an ID.

Additionally, the Beaver Street Recycling Center will be open the following hours next week:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9AM to 2:30PM

Wednesday from 9AM to 6PM

This will allow the affected residents mentioned above to drop off trash or recycling if needed.  A sticker is not required, but please bring an ID."

Updated by Waste Management on Saturday:

Update from Waste Management, Saturday February 28th @ 8:30 pm: 

"Due to increased volume, there was approximately 30 minutes of Trash that remained uncollected on today’s route. Affected areas are highlighted in BLUE on the attached map. These areas will be serviced on Monday, March 2nd. Thank you for your continued patience during this challenging week."

Affected areas are highlighted in BLUE on the attached
map. These areas will be serviced on Monday, March 2