DPW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
The major functions of the Administrative Division include developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits and drainlayer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting, payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.
Capital Projects
The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develops major capital projects.
The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.
It is important to note that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members which saves significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting, and oversite of these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and Federal departments.
Grant Writing
The Town completed the S319 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and Mass DEP totaling $125,000. Through this grant we were able to develop a stormwater infiltration system with a private developer on Dean Ave. and construct bio retention areas on both Meadowlark Lane and Griffin Road.
The Town once again partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer the discounted purchase of rain barrels to Franklin residents. Along with the discount, residents were eligible to receive a $50 rebate.
The Town received approximately $20,000.00 in recycling grants for our innovative programs at the recycling center in the proper removal and recycling of mattresses and Styrofoam, to name a couple.
In addition, The Town was awarded a $38,000 grant from Mass DOT to begin the development of a prioritization plan for the complete streets program as well as a $15,500 grant from the Department of Industrial Accidents for workplace safety training.
Permits and Long Range Planning
Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer stormwater and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. With the success of the 20/20 Plan, the Town Council authorized additional funding for waterline replacement and the improvement of roadways. Details on specific locations can be found in other parts of this report.
The DPW has continued to work with both the DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site.
The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area towns and conservation groups towards ensuring that regional water supplies are protected.
Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program
The single stream automated solid waste and recycling program continues to be a very successful program and has improved recycling rates and provided greater convenience for users. Improvements continue to be made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center to make the facility more attractive and customer friendly.
Hails and Farewells
We had several employees move on from their roles with the DPW and I would like to thank them for their years of dedication and service to the Town of Franklin! Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Director of Operations, retired after many years of leading the DPW Operations Team. Deacon’s contributions were numerous and he is sorely missed. Dave Allard, our Water Foreman, also retired after 34 years of service. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Franklin Water Department, the new Grove St Water Treatment Plant was dedicated to Mr. Allard this Spring! Mr. Chris White, Solid Waste Coordinator, also retired. His commitment over the years shaped our Solid Waste Program and Recycling Center into the top notch programs they are today. Finally, Mr. Jason Mello, our Assistant Town Engineer, moved on to pursue a new position, and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.
With losses there are also gains! We welcomed several new employees to our Management/Administrative Team including: Mr. Doug Martin, Water & Sewer Superintendent; Ms. Brooke Cotta, Assistant Town Engineer; Ms Danica Cucchi, GIS Assistant; and Ms. Marissa Allen, Administrative Assistant. The DPW was also fortunate to hire some new employees to our Operations Team. These included: Justin Mercer, Vito DaSilva and Peter Fricker. We are lucky to have them all.
We also had the good fortune of promoting many employees on our team. These employees include: Mr. Derek Adams, Environmental Affairs Superintendent; Mr. Anthony Brunetta, Assistant Highway and Grounds Superintendent; Mr. Steve Carlucci, Water Foreman; Mr. James Henchy, Crew Leader; Mr. Kevin Parslow, Water Treatment Foreman; Mr. Jacob Standley, Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent; and Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowski, Assistant Admin & Budget Manager. Ms. Pam Vickery was also promoted but left the DPW Team to work as the Town of Franklin Purchasing Agent. We wish them all the best of luck in their new roles!
Thanks
As the Director, I owe many thanks to my entire staff as they make this department work and serve all residents in a timely manner. Everyone is committed to providing extraordinary service to the Town in the most cost effective manner possible.
The DPW staff are all dedicated professionals who put in so much extra time and effort to make this department a success. The Town and I are very fortunate to have such talented individuals to work with. I would like to thank, The Town Engineer Mr. Mike Maglio, Assistant Town Engineer Ms. Brooke Cotta, Admin & Budget Manager Ms. Kathy Mooradd, Assistant Admin & Budget Manager Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowski, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent Mr. Anthony Brunetta, Water & Sewer Superintendent Mr. Doug Martin, Assistant Water & Sewer Superintendent Mr. Jacob Standley, GIS Coordinator Ms. Kate Sjoberg, and Environmental Affairs Superintendent, Mr. Derek Adams.
I would also like to thank, Ms. Lynne Marchand, Ms. Paula Juarez, Ms. Cindy Elz and Ms. Marissa Allen, who support the Administration Division as well as Mr. Warren Groth, Mr. Bill Wenners and Ms. Danica Cucchi, from the Engineering Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year.
We would like to welcome Recycling Center Supervisor, Steve Geer and thank the entire Recycling Center staff who continue to do a wonderful job.
I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the employees who are not always seen, but provide the day to day services that are all too often taken for granted. They pump, treat and deliver safe drinking water; they care for parks and ball fields, maintain the roadways, repair and sustain all Town and school vehicles and handle all our waste. They are always available, day and night, and work long hours to assist in any emergency situation whether it is snow removal, water breaks, sewer backups, wind, lightning storms and flooding, among many others. They are all extremely professional and dedicated to their jobs. I cannot thank them enough.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert A. Cantoreggi II
Director of Public Works
Kathy Mooradd
Administration & Budget Manager
“Gettin’ It Done”
There is more to the Public Works section of the annual report. More data and information covering each of the divisions is available in the full report beginning with Page 173
The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found
The collection of Annual Reports can be found online
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| Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021 |
