2nd budget hearing confirms what happens if override fails for Police, Fire, DPW (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled for their 2nd in the series of Budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget cycle. The meeting took oplace in the 3rd floor conference room and as usual was broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers, as well as to Zoom & YouTube. All 8 members participated.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFHPuafjzDg

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.
• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 
• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would loose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital trnasports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today
• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery on August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the oder of the ambulances when the new one arrives.
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.
• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but as the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, ertc. will be delayed or take longer.
• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio THursday, transcript on the weekend).

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee Agenda for 2nd Budget hearing, Tue, Apr 29 (public works & public safety)

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 = 7 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 3rd Floor, Training Room

Agenda

1.    Call to Order
 

2.    FY26 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing continued...
FY26 Town Administrator Budget Materials website   https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500

a.    Public Safety:

i.    210 Police Department
ii.    220 Fire Department
iii.    225 Regional Dispatch
iv.    240 Inspection Department
v.    292 Animal Control

b.    Department of Public Works (DPW):

i.    422 Public Works
ii.    Enterprise Funds: 434 Solid Waste, 440 Sewer, 450 Water, 460 Stormwater

3.    Adjourn

The full agenda doc (including remote participation info)  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

 

Town Administrator Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget

Town of Franklin hiring for Assessors, Planning, Public Works, Senior Center, Facilities

Town of Franklin hiring

 

It's time to get Frank(lin) about your future! We've got positions that are civic-minded, community focused and benefits-loaded.

Whether you are looking to build a career, serve your neighbors or make an impact in your community - we have roles that will help you grow, serve and shine.

#PunandPublicService #Franktalk #NowHiring #PublicServicewithPurpose #JoinUs #CareerOpportunity

 

Details on the current positions open can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/228/Job-Opportunities

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DICDt1epxrT/?

Hydrant Flushing underway "to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows"

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its spring hydrant flushing program on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 

This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Flushing will take place Monday–Thursday, 3pm – 7pm and Saturdays, 7am – 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.

Visit https://www.franklinma.gov/1105/Hydrant-Flushing to find out which streets we are working on daily.  Also, follow up on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW

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.

 

Thanks for caring about your water use,

Doug Martin

Franklin Water & Sewer Department

Hydrant Flushing underway "to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows"

Hydrant flushing begins next week

Hydrant flushing begins next week

Hydrant flushing starts next week...

Shared from -> 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18ELEFLm7y/

Franklin area firefighters conduct specialized technical rescue drill

specialized technical rescue drill 

On Monday, your Franklin Firefighters teamed up with our peers from the Franklin Water Department, the Plainville and Millis Fire Departments to conduct a specialized technical rescue drill at the Grove Street Water treatment building. 

These drills and interagency collaborations allow us to be better prepared to protect the community through our all-hazards emergency response skillset. 

Thank you to The Franklin Water Department for hosting us! It was a very successful training drill.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdqAR6MPuf/

Sewer lining project continues with Phase 8 - March 24 through April 9, 2025

via DPW posting:

"Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Continues Monday March 24th thru April 9th.

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:

3/24 – 3/28: start grouting services (Pine Street, Stanwood Drive, Mary Anne Drive)

3/31 – 4/4: Continue grouting services

4/3 – 4/4: Complete Lining along Pine St

4/7 – 4/9: Lining Easement Beech St to Mary Ann Drive

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be directly affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.  

For a virtual representation of the service line grouting process check out this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2oqgS0W9ew"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6p76C79Y/

Fix your flapper

Via DPW Water & Sewer Division 

Fix your flapper

"Household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year on average, or the amount of water it takes to wash 300 loads of laundry!  

For Fix a Leak Week we will be posting five simple steps for five minutes per day to save water all year long!  

If you have questions about your usage, go to https://franklinma.watersmart.com/ to find your answers!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1GVYzk7BUq/

Road closure: McKinley Road on March 13

"Road Closure

Thursday, March 13

ATTENTION MCKINLEY ROAD

AREA RESIDENTS

Please be advised that McKinley Road will be closed to thru traffic on Thursday 3/13/25, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The closure will be from South Street to Jefferson Road to conduct the required road repair from the water main break last month.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of the residents in the area."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AdcEu4KRq/

Road closure: McKinley Road on March 13

Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Starts Tuesday March 4, 2025

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:

• 

  Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project

  Tuesday (3/4) – Pine Street (#161/152 to #169/170), Stanwood Drive (Pine St to #39/36)
• Wednesday (3/5) – Stanwood Drive (#8/11 to #20/31), Pine Street (#80/81 to #102/103)
• Thursday (3/6) – Pine Street (#102/103 to #152/151)
• Friday (3/7) – Pine Street (Mary Ann Dr to #80/81)
• Monday (3/10) – Mary Ann Drive (#9/10 to Pine St), Pine St (Mary Ann Dr to #9/28)
• Tuesday (3/11) – Pine Street (#9/28 to Pond St)

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=44

Town of Franklin: The DPW is looking to hire a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

DPW, Town of Franklin is looking to hire:

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

POSITION: Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO) 

HOURS: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Summer Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

SALARY: $24.78 - $30.49 per hour (plus union contract incentives) 

POSTED: February 6, 2025

Priority Deadline: February 28, 2025 

See full description -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/449/Heavy-Motor-Equipment-Operator---Department-of-Public-Works-PDF

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/jobs.aspx?jobID=10

Town of Franklin: The DPW is looking to hire a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

Franklin’s Public Works Department searches for a better way to use salt in the winter (video)

via the Franklin DPW 

If you have not noticed, we have been out treating our roadways often this winter. Over the last several weeks we have been getting a lot of calls about our salting procedures, particularly on the side roads. 

Salt is the most important and useful material we have to fight snow and ice and to assist safe traveling on our roadways. Salt is also a pollutant and can be a costly commodity that we try to use in responsible and cost effective ways.  

In basic terms we use more salt on the busier roads and hills and less on subdivision roadways; the result may be that some side roads are not always down to “bare pavement.” However, as you make your way to the main connector roads and primary roadways, they will be.  

There are so many factors that affect the use of salt and how we apply it: the temperature, the type of precipitation, the amount of precipitation, the time of day (day vs night), the time of year (how high sun is in the sky), previous applications, the availability of salt (might be in short supply), to name a few.  We are always going to do our best to provide the safest roadways with the best practices, in environmentally friendly ways that are cost effective. 

As always, please slow down if you think the roadway might be slippery. For additional information on our salting methods, check out the short film that details our procedures.

Video link ->  https://www.turnaround-films.com/15-public-on-the-road-with-salt?

how the squiggly lines get down on the roads before a storm arrives

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GkcQc4C1W/

No scheduled Trash Delay Next Week! for Franklin, MA

No scheduled Trash Delay Next Week! for Franklin, MA

Even with the holiday on Monday, there are no scheduled delays for the trash/recycling curbside pickups for the week of Feb 17 - Feb 21

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=42

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project - no traffic impacts are expected for week of Jan 27, 2025

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

BSI Construction Update for the Week of January 27!

Monday (1/27) through Friday (1/31): Limited work is planned, therefore no traffic impacts are expected.  Please follow the DPW Facebook page for updated information during the week.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with formwork and concrete placement.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project - no traffic impacts are expected for week of Jan 27, 2025

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more -> https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Waste Management playing catch up to the collections scheduled this week

via Franklin DPW:

Waste Management playing catch up

"Update from Waste Management: Due to multiple issues (i.e. snow, illness, mechanical) Waste Management's collection is behind schedule this week.  

Crews will be working throughout the day today and tomorrow (Saturday) to recover any uncollected routes. 

Thanks for your patience!"

Shared from -> https://x.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1882840557074235424 

Job Opportunities with the Town of Franklin Public Works, Human Resources, Fire Dept & Police Dept

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Administrative Assistant (Part Time)- Human Resources

Firefighter/Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Updated 01/17/2025

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Job Opportunities with the Town of Franklin Public Works, Human Resources, Fire Dept & Police Dept

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of January 20

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project 

 

BSI Construction Update for the Week of January 20th!

Monday (1/20) - Friday (1/24): Depending on contractor availability and weather there is the potential that Grove Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm. Traffic turning onto Grove Street from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Please follow the DPW Facebook page for detour maps and updated information during the week.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with formwork and concrete placement.

 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of January 20

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

New snow plow finally arrives

New snow plow finally arrives

via Town of Franklin (MA) DPW 

"Our newest snow fighting piece of equipment was delivered today! It is awesome!  

This truck was appropriated in 2022 with capital money. Over 19 months waiting for delivery.  

Getting the final touches on it, get it registered will be ready for next big storm."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Evf49EgGT/ 

Job Opportunities with the Town of Franklin in Human Resources, Franklin Fire, Public Works, & Franklin Police

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Administrative Assistant (Part Time)- Human Resources

Firefighter/Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 

Crew Leader / Lead Pesticide Applicator (Tuesday - Saturday) - Department of Public Works

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Updated 01/10/2025

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

The Spring 2025 Rain Barrel Program is now open for Franklin residents

Interested in Purchasing a Rain Barrel?

Our Spring 2025 program is now open! Visit the

The Spring 2025 Rain Barrel Program

Great American Rain Barrel website to purchase your rain barrel.

Deadline for ordering is April 27th and pickup will be at the DPW Admin Building (257 Fisher St) on May 7th from 4-6 pm. 

Questions regarding the rain barrel program can be emailed to Kate Hinckley at khinckley@franklinma.gov.

https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/ (Select "Massachusetts" and then "Franklin" from the drop down menu)

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels