Annual Report Of The Building Inspection Department - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Building Inspection Department is a multi- functional office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR 

Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185 

Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR

Mass. Plumbing & Gas Code – 248 CMR 

National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002 

Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98 

Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation

The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m.

For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklinma.gov this site contains a series of online forms and applications easily accessible and available to download and apply online. The website has sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals, shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff

Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown

Inspectors:

Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney 

Asst Wiring Inspector: James Loughlin 

Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta

Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: John “Jack” Giancola 

Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill 

Sealer of Weights & Measurers - Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants

Judy Demers

Melissa Kiriacopoulos 

Tyler Paslaski

Casey Thayer

 

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.

FY 2021 saw an upward rise in the amount of building permits issued. No doubt a result of more folks staying home and taking less vacations. We appreciate the patience of all residents, town council members and fellow employees, without everyone’s help and understanding FY21 would have been challenging. To our commercial customer’s, we thanks you as well. We saw the passing of our longtime Assistant Plumbing and Gas Inspector, Richard McCormick. Mac was solid inspector and a great friend, he is missed. As always for the past several decades our town is growing and changing every day. New buildings replace older structures and remodeling keeps the older building up to code. A convenient permit process helps to apply for all of our permits with any electronic online device. It’s a pleasure to serve you all!

Building Permits

This year the Building Department issued a total of 1732 building permits and the revenues collected totaled $810.557.20

There is a whole lot more to the Building Inspection Department section of this annual report but the tables and other info were not easily copied for this format. 

Find the remainder of the Building Inspection Department report on page  116

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Board of Health hears about chicken coop encroachment issue; no new housing inspections, 1 COVID death in May (audio)

FM #811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 811 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. One board member was in the 3rd floor training room along with Health Dept staff. The other two members participated remotely. All votes were via roll call.

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 1, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-811-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-06-01-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_06012022_3.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yMfZYjMA6weyYUsAn_0ExswMcKcDhM19/view?usp=sharing 

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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"

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - 02/02/22 (audio)

FM #716 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 716 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health (BoH) meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room with 1 BoH member remote and at least one public attendee participating remotely virtually via the Zoom conference bridge.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting of Feb 2, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-716-board-of-health-mtg-02-02-22

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_02022022_1.pdf 

My notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-board-of-health-conducts-regular.html 

--------------

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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Recap: Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Quick recap:

• Board of Health conducted their normal business approving minutes of prior meeting, hearing updates from nurse, epidemiologist and inspector. 
• Winter St demolition approvals in process, other abandoned housing being addressed in coordinated manner with attorney general
• problem with ordering at home test kits, not as easy as it was lead to be, no date yet for availability
• multiple residents commented against a mask policy in light of the request at the prior meeting for the Board to consider one.

Agenda for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_02022022_1.pdf

Board of Health meetings are generally scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month at 5 PM

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

• Real time reporting for the Board of Health meeting underway, #boh0202  Winter St update provided, prior meeting minutes approved (twice, once 2-0; then 3-0; 3rd member arrived)
• Some audio items on the Zoom bridge worked through to be able to hear folks in the room clearly #boh0202
• Update from inspections, update from nurse, clinics being worked, COVID is still prevalent #boh0202
• Epidemiologist provides updates, working on reporting and tracking, new webpage/dashboard being put together, #boh0202
• At home rest kits ordered from lowest priced vendor, couldn't get ship dates; order cancelled, new being set, no date yet for availability, #boh0202 not as easy as it sounded.
• Property on Union St being worked collaboratively, police, fire, health, building, Attny General office coordinated - working on abandoned housing initiatives and making progress #boh0202
• Open to citizen comment, M Benson speaking to mask mandate discussion from last time to raise several issues, #boh0202 mask mandate would instill a sense of fear, not necessary
• Another citizen, (didn't catch name) anti mask comments, #boh0202 "respect the choice people have" define an exit strategy. D Videra, backing up M and Kevin, also anti mask, tremendous mental health issues, start tracking those in addition toCOVID-19
• Another citizen, (name missed) complaining that the school committee which is also supposed to be apolitical has members that just endorsed Senator Rausch so that doesn't work and is contradictory with other statements being made #boh0202
• No hands raised for other remote comments, #boh0202 Board comments, thanks for the citizen comments, good engagement, good commitment, folks need to stay safe and healthy motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 via roll call

 

Audio recording to be available in a couple  of days

Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about COVID and other important Health Dept. work - 01/25/22 (audio)

FM #714 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 714 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty  January 25, 2022. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

New year, some things remain the same, some things are new

• Where are we at, 2 years in

• COVID-19, vaccine clinics

• Kids survey open now

• At home kits, reporting skew

Metacomet Regional

• Nurse, epidemiologist now in temporary office at the Senior Center

• Inspector

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-714-franklin-ma-health-director-cathleen-liberty-01-25-22

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Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Link to survey -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1p4-syf7lDV6JcvpeY518Fli57fWurGIDg6G7oN8F6X-PLw/viewform 

--------------

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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Health Director Cathleen Liberty

Recap: Board of Health hears multiple updates; congratulates staff on vaccine clinic success (audio)

Quick Recap:

• Status update on 27 Winter St heard, keeping eye on progress, owner may need to appear for Feb 2022 meeting if no action taken for demolition of building
• Nurse picked up contact tracing as collaborative ended in November; starting health check for Central Park Terrace residents
• Both COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the youth went well with over 280 does delivered each time. Kudos to the team for great execution, thanks is not enough!

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conf bridge. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #BoH1208 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1468704858089873419

Board of Health agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-8-21.pdf 

• Real time reporting for the Board of Health meeting underway, #BoH1208, approved minutes by 3-0 vote via roll call, status of 27 Winter St some evidence of work around building/property, should have an update for Jan 2022 from owner …
  
• Per carryover from prior meeting, if no progress owner due at Feb meeting. Update from nurse, COVID clinic success, some doses left over; also visiting Central Park Terrace to do health checks and address items as they arise. #BoH1208
  
• Contact tracing collaborative ended in Nov, nurse Alisha now picking up that contact tracing as needed. #BoH1208 discussion on monthly meeting dates, possible adjustments to Jun/Jul dates sliding one week; discussion non text around Title V change in language to clarify … 
  
• To be brought to a future agenda for a formal hearing, reading of potential change to alleviate duplication of effort. #BoH1208 worth noting that clinic performance was well done, staff, volunteers, etc.  very well done and received, thank you is hollow!
  
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call #BoH1208

 Meeting audio -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0dae85a8-d883-4934-95af-cb93dcf9bdb4

Recap: Board of Health hears multiple updates

Board of Health Meeting - 11/03/21 (audio)

FM #652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 652 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 3, 2021. The meeting was conducted in person at the Municipal Building.

Chair Bridget Sweet opened the meeting and jumped into approval of the minutes to get to the 27 Winter issue with the property owner present.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda, the Board of Health page, and my notes from the meeting. 

During the citizens comment, I advocate for adding a virtual option to their meeting. They agreed to do so.

The meeting runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b9f610ff-ffb2-4d0f-8a13-bb4867b49eef

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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_11032021.pdf 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-board-of-health-hears-of-vaccine.html

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department 

--------------

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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Board of Health Meeting - 11/03/21 (audio)

Recap - Board of Health hears of vaccine clinic for 5-11 youth scheduled among other business items

Quick Recap:

• Board reorganizes with Chair remaining as Bridget Sweet and Jeff Harris approved as Vice-Chair both by 3-0 votes
• Multiple items of business covered with reports from inspector and nurse providing 'on the street' insights; intern work on food recovery program about to be piloted at Parmenter
• Vaccine clinic for the 5-11 youth group planned for Nov 10 and Dec 1, details being finalized on registration, flyer and media awareness about to begin
• Discussion on restoring virtual option for public participation, accepted for next meeting

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live from the 3rd Floor Training Room

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #boh1103

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh1103&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda document -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_11032021.pdf 

 

• Ready for #boh1103 meeting, located in 3rd floor training room, no remote option for this session.
• Motion to accept meeting mins passes 3-0;
• 27 Winter St - discussion underway for possible demo including appropriate permits, etc. #boh1103 best est 60-90 days for work estimate, permits, etc. Include assessment of possible rodent issue as part of the assessment
• Motion to accept plan as outlined and follow up scheduled for Feb 2022, in case other progress/steps are delayed; passes 3-0  #boh1103
• Restructuring due to election, new board member (re-elected) - Nominate B Sweet to be chair, second; passes 3-0; J Harris motion to be vice chair, seconded, passes 3-0 #boh1103
• Update from inspector on recent actions, nursing update - flu clinic last week, home visits for those who missed due to the weather; 177 confirmed for Oct vs. 172 prior month #boh1103 contract tracking collaborative closing done after 11/29/21
• One active TB case here, person doing well. COVID clinic scheduled for next Weds (11/10) 2-6 PM 300 doses available #boh1103 Target for 5-11 year olds only. Heart safe research underway for machine checks
• Dean College has had only a few COVID cases and are dealing with them well. #boh1103 state pushing regionalization of health approach 
• Foundation training, 2 of 27 sets of training in progress; looking to become instructor for CPR
• 850 Summer st local upgrade of septic system which failed; motion to approve request based upon engineer req, second, passes 3-0
• PFAS  what is our strategy? Communication, education, mitigation... Info for residents proactively #boh1103
• Proposal for doc/info on PFAS to be prepared for next meeting for their review. Coordination of communication tools for incidents
• #boh1103 intern progress on food recovery diversion, piloting at Parmenter with staff first then students, before expanding further
• Granting funding for contact tracing, provided a work plan, etc. Still details to work out on implementation #boh1103 funding for 2 years - in citizen comment raised the accessibility issue and they will go hybrid for future
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0
• And by the way, that is all for tonight. The Town Council meeting was rescheduled to 11/10/21 and new agenda with updated remote link to be shared before Monday. #boh1103  catch you all next time!

Dfood ownload a copy of the flyer  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/youth_covid_vaccine_flyer.pdf

Recap - Board of Health