Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio)

Following on from the water system, we spent sometime on the sewer system. Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent and spent time on the sewer flow from flush to Charles River Treatment. Also in a 3-part series that can be found on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug

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FM #1026 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1026 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes

• PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

• Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

• If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

• Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

• New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

• What to flush or not flush (3 P's - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)

Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

• We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

• Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

• System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

• Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

• We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

• Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

• Sahlin circle (final touches)

• Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

• Phase 7 lining - this summer

• next level of I&I study

• asset mgt grant

• easement clearing & mapping

• Good things about the community cooperation

• Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)

The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

• $500K for expenses, 

• approx. $1M for personnel

• $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

• $1M for project debt and interest payments

Part 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Audio Part 1 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1026-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-1-of-3

Audio Part 2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3

Audio Part 3 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1028-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-3-of-3/

The Beaver Street Interceptor Project will continue to run through 2026. You can get updates on the Town page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3

Monday (9/2) - No Work HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Tuesday (9/3) - The construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. Grove Street will be open to one way traffic only from RT. 140 towards Forge Hill Road. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Wednesday (9/4) - Friday (9/6) - The construction crew will be working on West Central St between Rt 140 and Forge Pkwy between the hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. West Central St will be closed in both directions. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02KDb6AAxrP38hJ4nrgdjRnyH2xaSBfuV9sQU514BQzyH5B7tah57bDPqAezDeu71Gl

Visit the BSI Project page for additional info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

No trash/recycling pickup today: your normal pick up day is delayed by one day all week

Due to the Labor Day Holiday, curbside trash/recycling will be delayed by one day.

The Labor Day holiday brings a one day Curbside Trash Delay

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/labor-day-curbside-trash-delay

If you misplaced the Curbside Pickup schedule, you can download and print a new one ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2023-2024.pdf

Save the date: DPW Touch a Truck event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 26, 2024

SAVE THE DATE!!

DPW Touch a Truck event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 26, 2024

Save the date: DPW Touch a Truck event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 26, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02i9sVSp5GwJYsBnKi36KYbeZMfrz5Ckfz5ZXusW7UJdVU3UnHhvt6r8cV9baNeV4Jl

Town of Franklin: IFB - Wood and Brush Grinding and Hauling from Town's Recycling Center

IFB - Wood and Brush Grinding and Hauling from Town's Recycling Center

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a firm to provide wood and brush grinding and hauling services.

Additional Information:  IFB - Wood and Brush Grinding and Hauling Services

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-wood-and-brush-grinding-and-hauling-towns-recycling-center

Town of Franklin: IFB - Wood and Brush Grinding and Hauling from Town's Recycling Center

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction alerts for week of August 19 - 26, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor Project (BSI)

 

 

 BSI Construction Update for the Week of August 19!

Monday (8/19) - Friday (8/23) the construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm.  There will be limited lane closures on Grove Street during this time please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Also, there will be a crew working on Old West Central Street Thursday (8/22) and Friday (8/23) connecting the sewer services for house no. 650 & 657.  A limited detour on Rolling Ridge Rd. will be in place during this time -- please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation and the installation of steel beam bracing on sheet piles. 

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

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 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914.

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction alerts for week of August 19 - 26, 2024

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

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

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Police Dept, Senior Center, Treasurer, DPW, & Facilities

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. 

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Part-Time Van Driver (2 positions) - Franklin Senior Center 

Deputy Director - Franklin Senior Center

Treasurer/Collector - Office of the Treasurer/Collector

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 08/14/2024

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

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Police Dept, Senior Center, Treasurer, DPW, & Facilities

Time to order rain barrels at a discount from Town of Franklin

Via the Town of Franklin Storm Water Division:

Our Fall 2024 program is open! Deadline for ordering is September 8th and pickup will be at the DPW Admin Building (257 Fisher St) on September 18th from 4-6 pm. 

For more information, please visit:  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels  or go direct to the the Great American site to order    https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

Time to order rain barrels at a discount from Town of Franklin

Water main flushing scheduled for Wampanoag Dr, Lost Horse Trail, Metacomet Ln, & Concetta Way = 8/5 & 8/6/24

Residents of the following streets please be aware that the Franklin Water Dept. plans to conduct unidirectional flushing of the water mains in your area on Monday 8/5 and Tuesday 8/6 between 9 AM and 2 PM to address increased water quality issues in the area following recent construction.

This work may result in discolored water for a period of time in the area and we ask that residents limit water use during the hours of flushing and to run their COLD water ONLY to clear out any discoloration. Thank you for your understanding while this work takes place.

• Wampanoag Dr.
• Lost Horse Trail
• Metacomet Ln
• Concetta Way

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/shae/W1PwRwxoHN9ryfKr/

Water main flushing scheduled for Wampanoag Dr, Lost Horse Trail, Metacomet Ln, & Concetta Way = 8/5 & 8/6/24

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at the Senior Center, DPW, Treasurer/Collector, & Facilities

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. 

Part-Time Van Driver (2 positions) - Franklin Senior Center 

Deputy Director - Franklin Senior Center

Treasurer/Collector - Office of the Treasurer/Collector

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 07/22/2024

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

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at the Senior Center, DPW, Treasurer/Collector, & Facilities

It's time for the Franklin DPW's 2024 Hydrant Painting Event! Applications due Aug 2

Yes, that time of year has rolled around again.

Pick out a hydrant, define a design, submit your application by Aug 2, and wait patiently! Notification happens after August 7.

For more information, including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-dpws-2024-hydrant-painting-event?

Or download the rules, application here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/town_of_franklin_2024_hydrant_painting_event_1.pdf

It's time for the Franklin DPW's 2024 Hydrant Painting Event!

Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities for Finance, DPW, & Facilities

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. 

Treasurer/Collector - Office of the Treasurer/Collector

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Administrative Assistant - Department of Public Works

Updated 07/22/2024

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

Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities for Finance, DPW, & Facilities

Prospect Street Closed for Road Work - July 11, 2024

Prospect street will be closed between Lake Street and Oxford tomorrow for road work.  Detours will be in place.  

Road work should be completed by 5pm tomorrow.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/prospect-street-closed-road-work-july-11-2024

Prospect Street Closed for Road Work - July 11, 2024

Franklin DPW Hydrant painting contest opens up for 2024

It's time for the Franklin DPW's 2024 Hydrant Painting Event!

For more information, including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit:  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-dpws-2024-hydrant-painting-event

Franklin DPW Hydrant painting contest opens up for 2024

Shared from ->

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/73Xki6dR399Qf15j/

Chip sealing in process

Via the DPW: 

"More preventive/improvement road surface work! This process is called “chip sealing”.  

Hot emulsion (liquid asphalt) is applied to the roadway surface and then aggregate stone is added and rolled in. Once the emulsion cools and hardens, it holds the stones in place.  

Excess stone is swept up during the process and the days after. This process is a very cost-effective way to extend the life expectancy of the roadway surface. It not only seals the roadway to prevent potholes, it also adds traction to the surface.  

This process can only be done during a certain time of the roadways life cycle, i.e. it cannot be done if the roadway has deteriorated too much.  

Many times we will crack seal or repair sub-surface problems before chip sealing."

See more photos of the chip sealing process -> ttps://www.facebook.com/share/4hfw3eGcuHSiPZZF/

The updated road conditions report was published here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/10a._pavement_management_report.pdf

Note that the report shows the priority of the road conditions, it does not provide a timeline for repairs. That is budget dependent. The Town voted down a dedicated override to fund road repair in 2014. 

Chip sealing in process

DPW shares Think Blue Massachusetts' advice: "Do your doody"

DPW shares Think Blue Massachusetts' advice: "Do your doody"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZBSsNpYScxrX8Nf/

When is my road going to get fix? Check out the road report

The road report is newly updated and while it doesn't specifically say when it will get repaired, it does provide the status and next step as to what the repair would be. 

The repair schedule if it requires a full rebuild is coordinated with water and sewer line work and generally announced in advance as it is a 2 year process. First year is the sewer/water line work, then the second year is the rebuild and repave.

Given we would need to have approximately $2M per year to cover the $40M total over say a 20 year period, and we have less than  $1M in the "road repair" budget, and that we also failed to pass a dedicated debt exclusion in 20214 to specifically provide $1.5M for roads every year, "when" is a question that can't be answered at this time. 

Stay tuned into the regular budget cycle to find out what the priorities are and when the Town Council will vote on such priorities.

Read the road report here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/10a._pavement_management_report.pdf

When is my road going to get fix? Check out the road report

Recycling Center credit card technology issues, cash/check accepted

 FYI ~ If you plan to use the Recycling Center this weekend (6/14-6/16/24).

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/whFRd1bZytr7giCq/

 

 

Recycling Center credit card technology issues, cash/check accepted

The Town of Franklin is hiring for positions with DPW, Human Resources, Facilities, Senior Center, Library & Fire 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. 

Administrative Assistant - Department of Public Works

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Benefits Coordinator - Human Resources

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Senior Center Director - Franklin Senior Center

Deputy Library Director - Franklin Public Library

Summer Custodians - Facilities Department

Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 06/07/2024

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 Town of Franklin is hiring for positions with DPW, Human Resources, Facilities, Senior Center, Library & Fire Dept

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with DPW, Human Resources, Facilities, Library, & Fire 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. 

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Benefits Coordinator - Human Resources

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Senior Center Director - Franklin Senior Center

Deputy Library Director - Franklin Public Library

Summer Custodians - Facilities Department

Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 06/03/2024

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

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with DPW, Human Resources, Facilities, Library, & Fire Dept