Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Drought Tolerant Plants - April 4 at 7 PM
Sunday, January 8, 2023
"the combined pressure of drought and overconsumption is proving to be more than it can bear"
"Without dramatic cuts to water consumption, Utah’s Great Salt Lake is on track to disappear within five years, a dire new report warns, imperiling ecosystems and exposing millions of people to toxic dust from the drying lake bed.The report, led by researchers at Brigham Young University and published this week, found that unsustainable water use has shrunk the lake to just 37 percent of its former volume. The West’s ongoing megadrought — a crisis made worse by climate change — has accelerated its decline to rates far faster than scientists had predicted.But current conservation measures are critically insufficient to replace the roughly 40 billion gallons of water the lake has lost annually since 2020, the scientists said."
Sunday, October 9, 2022
MAEnergy Environment upgrades drought status - still in drought but better than before
most regions have been upgraded to lower drought levels, but drought still persists across the state |
"With the majority of the state seeing improvements, @EEASecretary declared today (10/07/22) that most regions have been upgraded to lower drought levels, but drought still persists across the state.
For the current drought status & water conservation tips: https://t.co/YA29WSXNDL or https://www.mass.gov/news/majority-of-state-received-above-average-rainfall"
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and I get to "Talk Franklin" - 09/09/22 (audio)
FM #842 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 842 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.
Topics for this session
9/11 thoughts
Recap of Council meeting
Drought & water status
Work underway or pending
Economic Development Cmte, 9/21 at 6 PM
The conversation runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Drought-Status-and-Downtown-Priorities-e1npd7i
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Franklin for All webpage
https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/
5 year fiscal outlook ->
Town budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget
Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
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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
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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Sunday, September 11, 2022
Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 09/07/22 meeting (audio)
FM #841 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 841 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Sep 7, 2022:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Dean College President Kenneth Elmore J.D. and Chancellor Edward M. Augustus, Jr.
b. Discussion: Drought Conditions - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director & Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent
c. Discussion: Massachusetts State Seal & Motto -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8c._state_seal_motto_-_google_docs.pdf
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-883 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_22-883_water_map_0.pdf
b. Resolution 22-59: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-59 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-59_peg_verizon.pdf
c. Resolution 22-60: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,289), Senior Center ($250), Franklin Historical Museum ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-60 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-60_gift_acceptance.pdf
Our conversation runs about 27 minutes:
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.
Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Sep 8, 2022
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-841-town-council-quarterbacking-09-08-22--------------
Meeting agenda =>
My notes ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hu5l46PgJoXVhDVRme0VNqgxapTyakZC/view?usp=sharing
The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube
--------------
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
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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Town Council - Sep 7, 2022 - video replay available via YouTube
Monday, September 5, 2022
Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7
"The different categories of drought actually increased across the Northeast this week with the exception of the extreme drought area which did shrink thanks to those heavy rain showers south of Boston. #Drought2022"
One of the presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Weds Sep 7 is an update on the Franklin water status per the drought. The presentation is not yet posted. The Town Council agenda can be found online -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_7_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf
Meteorologist Dave Epstein tweet shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/growingwisdom/status/1565352398339465217
Additional maps and info can be found at Drought.gov/
The Franklin specific info can be found -> https://www.drought.gov/location/02038%2C%20Franklin%2C%20Massachusetts
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historical info for Norfolk County |
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Current drought conditions for Franklin, update scheduled for Town Council meeting Sep 7 |
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Franklin, MA: Town Council - September 7 Meeting Agenda
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 7, 2022 - 7 PM
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. July 20, 2022 -? https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._july_20_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.
6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Dean College President Kenneth Elmore J.D. and Chancellor Edward M. Augustus, Jr.
b. Discussion: Drought Conditions - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director & Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent
c. Discussion: Massachusetts State Seal & Motto -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8c._state_seal_motto_-_google_docs.pdf
a. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 2nd Reading (Motion to
Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-883 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_22-883_water_map_0.pdf
b. Resolution 22-59: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-59 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-59_peg_verizon.pdf
c. Resolution 22-60: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,289), Senior Center ($250), Franklin Historical Museum ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-60 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-60_gift_acceptance.pdf
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Friday, August 5, 2022
Attention Franklin: Phase IV of Water Ban Begins August 6, 2022 at 12 AM (audio)
Phase IV of Water Ban Begins
August 6, 2022 at 12 AM
The Town of Franklin has entered Level 3 Critical Drought status which has triggered the phase IV water ban which will go into effect August 6th, 2022 at 12AM.
Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption.
The following is allowed under phase IV of the water ban...
- Watering gardens and ornamental plants by means of a hand held hose.
The following is NOT allowed under phase IV of the water ban...
- Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems.
- Washing of vehicles except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety.
- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks.
Reminder: If you have a private well for irrigation, you must a sign posted that is visible from the street in accordance with Town bylaws 179-23
Learn more about Franklin's Water Conservation measures here: https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation?fbclid=IwAR1KokmHXP1NdxuQKcdBFvvd3GR6hWBAi_NrbH2WEjssiDhMDwl6m7_oMdA
Learn more about Massachusetts drought management here: https://www.mass.gov/guides/drought-management-in-massachusetts
Friday, July 29, 2022
Boston Globe: Drought conditions persists
"The rain has been a no-show and the parching persists. The area of Massachusetts experiencing severe drought conditions has expanded south from the northeastern corner of the state, according to the latest report from the US Drought Monitor.The monitor released the data Thursday on its website, which said the readings were valid as of Tuesday morning.Areas experiencing severe drought now include all of Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Norfolk counties as well as parts of Worcester, Bristol, and Plymouth counties. "
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Franklin DPW update & reminder on water conservation measures in effect due to drought conditions
Saturday, July 16, 2022
"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering"
"The lack of rainfall over the past four months is being felt across Massachusetts, as 90 percent of the state is now experiencing drought conditions, officials said.
On July 12 Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card declared that there was a “significant” drought in the Connecticut River Valley, central, northeast and southeast parts of the state, and a mild drought in western Massachusetts, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.
According to the latest map from the US Drought Monitor, the northeast part of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions. That level of dryness means specialty crops can be impacted in both yield and fruit size; trees become brittle and susceptible to insects; fish kills occur; wildlife move to farms to find food; water quality becomes poor; groundwater declines; and irrigation ponds dry up."
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"State officials are reminding the public to limit outdoor watering" |
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Drought level status creeps to 2
"State officials in Massachusetts today declared a "Level 2 Significant Drought" in both the northeast and southeast regions of the state."
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/mass_rivers/status/1539700240340733952
drought level 2 status for Franklin is official |
The MA Status announcement can be found -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status This page also has conservation measures