The Excess Sewer Capacity segment of the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to extend the meeting 1 hour and fortunately finished before that time.

The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliO20lR8Cc 

The three key sections of presentation & discussion are shared via audio here:

1786 - The FY 25 Audit report presentation and discussion. The recording runs about 25 minutes.

1787 - The 300 Fisher St presentation by the EPA and resulting discussion. The recording runs about 54 minutes

1788 - Excess Sewer Capacity presentation from Charles River, including Medway & Millis representatives as well as the extended discussion to be continued Sept 2. The recording runs about 97 minutes.

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1788-excess-sewer-capcity-segment-at-the-town-council-mtg-07-22-26/

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The full agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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Potential Sewer Capacity Transfer to Millis and Medway could provide 1 time revenue and reduce annual expenses for sewer rate users

July 17, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Millis and Medway Sewer Transfers

The Towns of Millis and Medway are each requesting a one-time, permanent transfer of 100,000 gallons per day (GPD) of sewer capacity. The Council may take action on both of the individual agreements. If either or both are approved, a third vote is required to authorize the Town Administrator to execute a districtwide amendment (which is just a technical formality to reflect the GPD changes).

If the Council wishes to approve these requests, staff recommend approving both transfers subject to the conditions and rates established in the draft agreements. Both Agreements are included in the agenda packet for the July 22nd Town Council meeting.

However, the Town Council maintains final authority over all decisions, including the per gallon rate, timeframe and can approve or deny the requests. It is worth noting that these discussions have been ongoing for several years and believe if the Town denies these requests, we should give these communities a final answer.

Franklin currently owns 3.642 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), representing a 63.89% share of the total 5.7 MGD permitted average day sewer treatment capacity at the Charles River Pollution Control District Treatment Facility. Staff have attached an overview presentation of the District.

Over the last 3 years (2023 - 2025), Franklin’s average flow is 2.43 MGD, which utilizes only 67% of our current treatment capacity (3.642 MGD).

If both transfers are approved, Franklin’s sewer treatment capacity will be reduced to 3.442 MGD. When compared against our three-year average flow (2.43 MGD), this adjustment would still leave Franklin with a comfortable cushion of 1.012 MGD in remaining unused sewer treatment capacity.

Attached is a report from Arcadis, the Town’s sewer consultant, which shows Franklin is in a highly favorable position with significant excess sewer capacity - a rarity across both Massachusetts and the United States. This is a direct result of the long-term commitments made by rate payers and elected officials, who have invested heavily in our sewer infrastructure (including the Beaver Street Interceptor, which carries 70% of all raw sewage to the District). The surplus capacity, combined with the Town’s robust infrastructure, has made Franklin a very attractive community for commercial development and future economic growth.

These transfers represent:

1. Being a good neighbor and regional partner to our adjacent communities. As detailed in the Arcadis report, both Medway and Millis are approaching full capacity for their systems (with Medway at 92% and Millis at 73%);

2. A strong financial return for Franklin’s sewer ratepayers, who have invested in building an excellent sewer system. This agreement will reduce the Town’s annual operating and capital costs assessments to the CRPCD while generating over $3,000,000 in one time revenue to the sewer enterprise fund, which can be reinvested into the system to try and prevent near term future rate hikes.

3. The Town will also save about $65,000 in its annual capital assessment from CRPCD and overtime, as Millis and Medway use their capacity, we would expect to see Franklin’s Annual O&M assessment from CRPCD decrease by more than $150,000, but that will be a long term, gradual change.

4. An opportunity to manage local expansion by reducing the likelihood of excessive additional development and commercial growth within Franklin.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

On the Town Council agenda for July 22, 2026

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Calendar Year	Avg Daily Flow
2016	2.41
2017	2.56
2018	3.11
2019	2.78
2020	2.60
2021	2.89
2022	2.34
2023	2.62
2024	2.48
2025	2.20
	25.99	sum of 10 years
	2.599	avg for 10 years
	3.642	Capacity
	71.36%	percent utilization on 10 years

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, July 22 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 22, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: September 2nd)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - William Santa Fe

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 10, 2026

b. June 17, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

b. Election Workers - September 1, 2026 State Primary Election

i. See “Appointments - Election Workers” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM -

a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1

i. See Legislation for Action #12a.

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10a.

c. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10b.

d. Modification of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

i. See License Transaction # 10c.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS -

a. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

c. Multiple Modifications of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx

b. 300 Fisher Street

i. Environmental Protection Agency Overview Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10232/EPA-Presentation

ii. Town Administrator Memo on history of 300 Fisher Street  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10234/11b-2---MEMO---300-Fisher-Street-History

iii. 300 Fisher Street Town site map  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10235/11b-iiii-Map

iv. 300 Fisher Street property card  

 

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-38: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-38 -2/3 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)

f. Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-42 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-43 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-44 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-45 - Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-46 - Majority Vote)

k. Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-47 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Franklin Fire Dept hosts technical rescue training

Franklin Fire hosted a technical rescue training drill today (07/21/25) at Indian Rock in town. We were joined by our peers from Bellingham and Millis Fire Departments.

These collaborative trainings ensure that when low-frequency, high-risk technical rescue incidents occur, your local fire department’s are skilled, equipped, and ready to respond.

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

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/

Pantherbook: Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS

Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS

"On Wednesday, January 13, Coronavirus vaccinations were officially administered at Franklin High School. The vaccines, the first of a two-session dosage, were given primarily to frontline medical workers – included were various EMTs, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.

The gym, being the largest space in the school, was utilized to maintain social distancing guidelines while vaccinations were being distributed. Miniature “booths” were set at least six feet apart from one another, with plexiglass shields in front of patients and supervisors at all times. A temperature check was required before entry to the building, along with mandatory mask usage to ensure protection for those who came."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook:  https://t.co/tzE3PkVGAT

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1350091281817595906

A view of the Franklin High School gym during Wednesday’s COVID vaccinations.  Siddharth Chandra

“But if we can survive in this, we’ll do all right”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:


"Franklin resident opens the vegan-focused Nirvana Tea House & Café in Millis"

"Thirteen thousand feet up in the Himalayas, Franklin resident Ed Williamson, his hiking guide, a horseman and a cook set up and broke down tents across the mountain for 10 days last year. They never had to worry about finding a stranger living in a tent on that mountain in Bhutan who wasn't willing to invite them in for a cup of tea. 

That welcome over a cup of tea, remind Williamson of his childhood. 

“The tea was just a way to talk,” said Williamson, who grew up in Cork, Ireland, with a mother who lit a burner for the teapot whenever company was invited over. 

“Anyone that came to visit – the teapot went on," he said. "I grew up drinking tea; coffee was not something we drank. That whole (experience drinking tea with strangers in the Himalayas) reminded me of home.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200803/franklin-resident-opens-vegan-focused-nirvana-tea-house-amp-cafxe9-in-millis?rssfeed=true

https://nirvanateahousecafe.com/