Showing posts with label interceptor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interceptor. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

FM #431 Town Council 'Quarterbacking' - 1/07/21 (audio)

FM #431 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 431 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: OK, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
 
Our conversation runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZclszbS


 

--------------
Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-06-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Hazard Mitigation presentation doc  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._hazard_mitigation_presentation_2020_update_presentation_handout.pdf

Hazard Mitigation Plan
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._hazard_mitigation_0.pdf

Beaver St summary document  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._21-02_beaver_street_interceptor.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/town-council-meeting-jan-6-2021-recap.html  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

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" 


 

Sunday, January 10, 2021

FM #428 Town Council Meeting P1of2 - 01/06/21 (audio)

FM #428 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 428 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full two hour twenty-seven minutes meeting into two logical segments:
  • First - covers the opening through the Hazard Mitigation Plan presentation/discussion to the approval of it. It includes the second Legislation action item - the authorization for the Beaver St interceptor project (1 hour and 36 minutes)
  • Second - covers the remainder of the Legislation for Action items through to the close of the meeting (51 mins)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Jan 6, 2021.  


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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-06-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

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" 

FM #428 Town Council Meeting P1of2 - 01/06/21 (audio)
FM #428 Town Council Meeting P1of2 - 01/06/21 (audio)

Friday, January 8, 2021

Town Council meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap

Quick Recap:
  • The Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented, discussed and ultimately approved unanimously by the Town Council. This sets objectives for mitigation of natural events (i.e. flooding) to be worked
  • Authorization of funding was approved for the Beaver St interceptor project by an 8-1 vote. The cost will be $25M plus financing costs approx 2-3M, exact amounts to be determined by the final planning and funding applications made over the next two years. Sewer rates will rise for 2023. This is not paid for by real estate taxes only sewer usage fees.
  • Several gifts were acknowledged as received, the largest of which was from J Vendetti ($45K) to be used to upgrade the playground at Beaver Pond.
  • Planning underway to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to first responders at the FHS gym in collaboration with Bellingham, Millis, Medway and Milford. This is pilot process for further distribution as more vaccine and additional waves of eligible folks are identified.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LoQfygc5fGknAkBm6

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0106


Hazard mitigation plan
  • Planning director Bryan Taverner provides the overview following a presentation doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._hazard_mitigation_presentation_2020_update_presentation_handout.pdf
  • . #tc0106
  • Not an emergency response plan, already have that. This is to identify the hazards and what can be done to prepare to avoid them (i.e. avoid drainage issues). #tc0106
  • Public meetings in Mar and Jul incorporated review and comments, submitted to MEMA and then FEMA for their review and comments, now needs the Council to approve the plan #tc0106 #9 & 10 were added to the prior plan
  • #tc0106 adoption does provide for opportunity for grants to assist with the mitigation project efforts. FHS gym was designed as a shelter, the generator from the old FHS will be installed at Parmenter. Could also relocate that one elsewhere.
  • Appropriation was made for an additional generator and it is going to bid soon for use at the municipal building. #tc0106 the session with Bellingham was good in planning for this, can we do more of them? Q from Hamblen Jamie acknowledges Q and will look into
  • #tc0106 Q on how climate was incorporated into the planning. MAPC did the number crunching with FEMA input and software. FEMA has been behind on climate forecasting, does that matter? In some details perhaps, we have work to do. Fire chief is our emergency response lead
  • MEMA actually coordinates the evacuation plan and coincidentally they have a location here so we will have some coverage and local planning involved. #tc0106 moving to subcommittee reports, capital no, budget no, EDC next week Jan 13
Legislation for action
  • Legislation for action: #tc0106 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._hazard_mitigation_0.pdf motion, seconded, passes via roll call (Hamblen remote) 9-0
  • Kelly tells story of Plymouth, MA, of their sewer problem, Town needed to borrow $48m to fix their break. Imagine if there is a break, 2/3 of the town couldn't flush. And if it did get to Mine Brook, add cost for cleanup. #tc0106 now is the time to do this
  • #tc0106 it is not about not having the money, it is a bond, we can do this. Everybody needs this. Everybody uses this. If you can't jump on the bandwagon I don't know what your missing. Now Bissanti is raising an issue, wants to know where we are going to get the money
  • Bissanti; now is not the time, can do this cheaper. #tc0106 it is lousy timing. (Sorry, doesn't understand the timing) (oh and he has done some engineering for options (sleaving)) Jones, Kelly said it well. This is the best time to borrow (confirmed as Yes).
  • Oh, and after raising these issues then Bissanti says we can't change his mind. Other key item is timeline, next 2 years is "planning" before shovel hits ground. Pandemic should be done in 2 years. #tc0106
  • #tc0106 it is a good thing for us to do and it will be something nice to do for the time. Q what taxes will pay for it? Not really taxes, it is a sewer rate, get the final design and can't really get to some thing real, it is two years away. The borrowing #s are good
  • Sewer rates will go up, we don't know what. No tax rate increase for this at all. #tc0106 relining reduces the pipe hence capacity and that doesn't buy us much. The pipe is already at capacity, so the project will also increase the capacity.
  • #tc0106 would cost half as much for the band-aid. And may still have a problem. Route along 140 to bore and minimize the disruption. Hamblen agrees with Kelly. Does have Q on draw down schedule. MBTA, DEP, EPA, etc want this as much as we do, their eyes will be on it too
  • #tc0106 Kelly we could get a bond rate lower than we sit here now, if we do wait the costs will be more, and if we do nothing, it will certainly cost more. 2/3 of the town and business can open cause we can't flush! Bond capacity is not like a special assessment.
  • You could have an 840 credit score and we are at 839, if we tried to do this in a hurry, it would cost more than this plan full manner outlined. #tc0106 he appreciates the opportunity to rant tonight. Bissanti fears this $25m could grow to be $35m. Let's not fly 1st class
  • #tc0106 what is the cost of not doing it? Possibly double or triple. It is the right time, we have been talking of this for years. Motion on the floor to be voted via roll call, passes 8-1 (Bissanti no)
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._gift_fd.pdf #tc0106 motion to accept gift to fire dept, seconded passes 9-0 via roll call https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._gift_pd.pdf motion to accept gift to police dept, seconded passes 9-0 via roll call
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._gift_rec.pdf motion to accept gift to recreation dept for playground at Beaver Pond seconded, passes 9-0 acknowledges Joe Vendetti donation of $45,000! "Sometimes we should be making bigger things of these"
Town Administrator report
  • Town Administrator report, application for Community Preservation Committee is out, land swap is almost ready for the land near the SNETT trail, DPW will be doing the work. #tc0106 COVID case count 91 today down from last week. I am sick of red green yellow
  • Opening vaccine clinic for first responders comes next week. A critical thing to focus on, working with five other towns to coordinate this. Location at FHS is good. An excellent trial run for phase 2 in preparation for broader distribution. #tc0106 target Jan 13
  • Bellingham, Milford, Millis, Medway and Franklin are together in this. #tc0106 phase 2 will be individuals with two high risk categories, or over age of 75 (could be one of the two). Guidelines are changing daily for this stat tuned. Excited to get this train moving
  • Prepared for mini medical center at FHS gym, to triage individuals, prepare for all contingencies. #tc0106 we need as many as possible to get this vaccine. In the gym today visualization of the process started raising spirits of those involved
  • #tc0106 lots of details and logistics underway. No mandate on vaccinations yet, will be getting an acknowledgement that you got vaccinated. To go places, i.e. international travel it may be a requirement. That is a separate issue, let's get these started
  • #tc0106 Maplegate question. Dec 11 permit filed, twenty day appeal period, sometime then a purchase could be presented to the town for review. Once received, it is a 120 days once received to address.
Council comments and closing
  • #tc0106 Chandler "we were actually able to work out that they are saving money on the electric bill" Frongillo shout out on the #thinkfranklinfirst gift cards, well done. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 roll call

 

timeline for Beaver St interceptor project
timeline for Beaver St interceptor project

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

What will the Beaver St Interceptor project cost?

In the list of agenda items for the Town Council meeting, Jan 6, 2021, one item is the approval for the Beaver St Interceptor project.

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-02: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of the Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-02 - Two Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._21-02_beaver_street_interceptor.pdf

 

The project was discussed during an October 2020 Town Council meeting. You can listen to the audio for that part of the meeting here
 
The Finance Committee also received an update (a shorter version of the October presentation) at their November 2020 meeting

key slide shows the gravity flow of the sewerage along with the depth of the service access points
key slide shows the gravity flow of the sewerage along with the depth of the service access points


Monday, November 23, 2020

FM #394 Finance Committee Mtg - 11/17/20 (audio)

FM #394 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 394 in the series.

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

  • The Finance Committee gets an update on the Beaver St interceptor, effectively a shorter and concise review of what the Town Council received at their Oct 21, 2020 meeting.
  • The finance options are expected to be ready in January 2021. It is likely that the sewer rate payers will absorb the cost of the project as the sewer fee is user based. A better understanding of how much will be revealed in January.
  • The balance of the meeting was discussion on topics for future meetings.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and my notes.

The meeting runs about 70 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting for Nov 17, 2020. audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNC3mSdS



 

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

The Finance Committee posted agenda including the interceptor project presentation document  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda_14.html

My notes of the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/finance-committee-meeting-recap-nov-17.html

The Oct 21, 2020 Town Council meeting segment with the Beaver St interceptor presentation and discussion  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html

Photos of the meeting shared via Twitter can be found in one album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fHPczB9FKC5P67U16

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

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/

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"
 
key graphic depicts the sewer gravity flow along with the depth of the access points
key graphic depicts the sewer gravity flow along with the depth of the access points

 

Friday, November 20, 2020

Finance Committee meeting recap - Nov 17, 2020

Quick Recap:

  • The Finance Committee gets an update on the Beaver St interceptor, effectively a shorter and concise review of what the Town Council received at their Oct 21, 2020 meeting.
  • The finance options are expected to be ready in January 2021. It is likely that the sewer rate payers will absorb the cost of the project as it is user based. A better understanding of how much is due in January.
  • The balance of the meeting was discussion on topics for future meetings.

The Oct 21, 2020 Town Council meeting segment with the Beaver St interceptor presentation and discussion  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html

The Finance Committee posted agenda including the interceptor project presentation document  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda_14.html

Photos of the meeting shared via Twitter can be found in one album

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom1117

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Fincom1117&src=typeahead_click

  • #fincom1117 meeting starts on time
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen also remote for this meeting #fincom1117
  • Jamie provides an overview of the presentation and introduces Brutus who will get into the details. Finance plan desired for Town Council discussion on Jan 2021 #fincom1117
  • Interceptor over 100 years old, did well but is in need of repair/ replacement before something major happens. Couldn't have been built in a worse spot. I&I has overtime taken 1m gallons of flow out of the pipe. #fincom1117
  • Interesting slide depicts the flow high to low, all gravity fed. Also the brown on top shows how deep the pipe is, and an indication of the trouble to repair (i.e. access to it) #fincom1117
  • #fincom1117 three options/alternatives for work: attempting to do pro/con analysis for the options to develop a weighed average
  • Catching up to this meeting status, distracted by hearing about the #schcomm1117 workshop that was canceled and I did not find out about. Brutus did finish his overview, stay tuned for the real finance details sometime in Jan 2021. Now on discussion of future topics
  • Mention of SchComm budget workshop now scheduled for December 1. #schcomm1117 #fincom1117
  • #fincom1117 question for future SchComm update can cover; what are steps and lanes? also how are we keeping the three small schools when we have lost about 1200 students over the years? buildings are expensive, principals are also?
  • "This is must see TV" the tax rate hearing may generate interest. #fincom1117 discussion on getting interest, this is where it happens. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed So that will be all for tonight folks. One full meeting and one partial wait for, catch you next time

key slide shows the gravity flow of the sewerage along with the depth of the service access points
key slide shows the gravity flow of the sewerage along with the depth of the service access points


Sunday, November 15, 2020

FM #390 Talk Franklin - 11/13/20 (audio)

FM #390 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 390 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about:

- Friday, Nov 13, 2020 being a special day for someone (yes, Anne Marie’s birthday)

- Economic Development
Listening session 11/16
#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards

- Election
Dec 5 to fill open Town Council seat
Vote by mail ballot, no ‘early voting’ only day of at FHS

- Budget FY 2021
Fincom 11/9 (‘minor’ adjustments to expense; add $1M back to revenue side i.e. new growth)
FinCom 11/17 (Beaver St interceptor)
Budget Subcomm 11/18 (6:00 PM)
Town Council 11/18 (7:00 PM)
Senior Center Coffee Hour 11/19
Tax rate hearing 12/2

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.   Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cb1d8ba4-af70-45f6-8a7e-31c1da93d63a


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

Town Clerk page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Business listening session 11/16 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

Finance Committee agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/finance_commitee_agenda_11-17-20.pdf

Budget Subcommittee agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/budget-subcommittee/events/307721

Town Council agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/events/246273

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

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/
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" 


Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25
Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 17, 2020 - 6:30 PM

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
November 17th, 2020
6:30 PM

 

Agenda

1.    Call to Order
2.    Public Comments
3.    Approval of Minutes - None
4.    Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Update - DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi
5.    Future Agenda Items
6.    Adjourn
 

Connection info in Agenda document
 
Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Update
Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Update


Monday, October 26, 2020

FM #372 Town Council Mtg - 10/21/20 (part 2 of 3) (audio)

FM #372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 372 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour plus meeting into three segments:
- First - covers the opening through the appointments and pinning ceremonies, including the presentation/discussion on nationalGRID and their response to power outages during storms (1 hour and 20 minutes)
** Second - covers the presentation/discussion on the Beaver St interceptor, which could become the largest public works project the Town has taken on other than building a school (50 mins)
- Third - covers Subcommittee reports through legislation for Action and ultimately to the close of the meeting (64 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 21, 2020 (50 mins) (part 2 of 3)  Audio file =  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-372-town-council-mtg-10-21-20


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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-21-town-council-agenda

Beaver St Interceptor presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/town-counil-meeting-recap-oct-21-2020.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/
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"

screengrab from the Beaver St Interceptor portion of the meeting
screengrab from the Beaver St Interceptor portion of the meeting

Sunday, October 25, 2020

FM #368 Talk Franklin - 10/23/20 (audio)

FM #368 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 368 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about:

  • Re-opening/Pandemic status; Case counts at high since June
  • Election progress going well, turnout high
  • Listening sessions 2 down, more to come- Nov 16; #ThinkFranklinFirst
    • New grants available (up to 50 employees);  Micro grant program still available
  • Town Council Mtg
    • Fire Dept = 3 firefighter/paramedics sworn in
    • Police = 2 sworn in, recognized one retiree
  • Beaver St interceptor

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/10f0010f-7ad3-45a1-b122-71ab605177b6


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COVID-19 status  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/covid-19_case_counts_13.pdf

Town Clerk page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Business listening sessions  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

Business grants (newest one, up to 50 employees) https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/covid-19-grants-massachusetts-small-businesses

Microgrants (small business, 5 employees or less) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/micro_enterprise_grants_3.pdf

Beaver Street interceptor  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf


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

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/
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" 

 

FM #368 Talk Franklin - 10/23/20 (audio)
FM #368 Talk Franklin - 10/23/20 (audio)


Town Council Meeting Recap - Oct 21, 2020

Quick Recap:

  • Update by Town Clerk on election processing and four confirmed candidates for Town Council special election on Dec 5
  • Update by Police Chief TJ Lynch on identity theft and unemployment claims. Cybercriminals are active especially in this time of uncertainty, please take precautions. If you have been affected please notify the police
  • Drought status worsens, we are over 10 inches of rainfall behind normal. THe recent rain events help but are not sufficient to make up the gap that remains
  • Committee appointments approved
  • Fire Department swore in three new firefighter paramedics (replacing retirements) and Police did two new officers (also replacing retirements) recognizing one of the retirees in the session
  • The project analysis on the Beaver St interceptor was presented. This will be the largest public works project outside of a school the town has faced Estimates for three scenarios range from $9 to $25M. Much more to come as this proposal develops, the work does need to be done and done well sooner rather than later.
  • Proposal for food trucks and other 3rd parties as an option for the farm license (67 Degrees, La Cantina, etc.) tabled after extensive discussion.


Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in the album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZQpcAz2ZNSgTUC2XA


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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1021
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1021&src=typed_query

  • Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM; agenda and connection info in agenda doc here https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-21-town-council-agenda #tc1021
  • Multiple options to watch/listen to meeting; Comcast channel 11 or Verizon channel 29, also live streamed from town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream as well as the Zoom info in doc linked earlier #tc1021 oh, and you can call in via phone as well!
  • Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, #tc1021
  • Town clerk Nancy Danello updates to #tc1021 2600 early voters this far, another 7500 mail ballots received (12,000 sent out). Mail ballot processing in advance of Nov 3 scheduled and being done per schedule
  • Four candidates for special Town Council election on Dec 5 names to be provided later #tc1021 Chief Lunch provides update on unemployment claim filing being investigated and followed by FBI and other resources
  • 58,000 fraudulent claims filed as of July and caught at MA unemployment. Victims of identity theft find out after the fact, a second waive targeting Municipal employees Worcester has over 500 #tc1021 238 fraud related claims since march for Franklin alone.
  • Watch for unauthorized transactions, watch for pages mimicking official pages esp when asked to provide personal info. Don't give, if they were legit, they already had it #tc1021 call and claim with Franklin police in addition to the credit bureaus, etc.
  • DPW Cantoreggi introduce Doug Martin as water supervisor and drought update, down over 11 inches year to date even though we had some rain events. Using less now, a half million gallons more/day (folks are home, not going to work) #tc1021
  • #tc1021 additional slides on drought, one slide shows a Worcester reservoir down 80%, the other shows DPW Director Cantoreggi
  • Motion to approve minutes, second, passes 8-0 (pending confirmation of those present in room) #tc1021 Appointment to registrar, seconded passes 8-0.https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gail_karner_1.pdf
  • Appointment to Finance Committee https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/fincom_natalie_riley.pdf #tc1021 motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0
  • Catching up with 3 sworn in for fire department. 2 for police dept, and recognition for one retirement for Police. #tc1021 a batch of photos will be added to the website with the meeting notes.
  • Fire Department Pinnings: Joshua Impey, Joshua Sables, Kristopher Smith #tc1021 Police Department: i. Pinnings - Jonathan Giron, Nicholas Storelli ii. Retiree - Doug Nix
  • Moving to presentation/discussion section on emergency management for power outages #tc1021 Chief McLaughlin back up to provide overview and details on planning and execution during and event work on trees can't be done in wind over 30 mph for safety
  • During camera scan of chambers during the pinning ceremony (albeit socially distanced) was able to see all 8 councilors present (1 open spot to be filled with special election Dec 5) #tc1021
  • Town budget for trees is for maintenance of town owned property, trees in or interfering with a power line need to be done by nationalGrid. They have a plan and are working the circuits on a cycle to cut them back. #tc1021 northside of town is worse than rest, why?
  • Moving to the Beaver St interceptor #tc1021 collects about 70% of the sewerage in town and is over 106 years old. A huge asset but also a liability https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf
  • It is not known if there is a worse location; a brook on one side, train track on other side, and then the plaza and i495 - has at least been cleaned, manholes rehabbed #tc1021 I&I infiltration and intrusion plan been executed for many years, approx 3M gals/day
  • Has reduced the flow where possible, batching flow via a holding tank to avoid peaks, water conservation is good for this, low flow toilet helps sewer flow, #tc1021 as much as we have done, still need to do more and it will cost money
  • Hydraulic model show here Cottage St is high end and it flows down along the tracks and then to 140 Franklin Village #tc1021
  • Three alternatives not just costed but also benefit analysis added across 8 factors. Alt 3 while expensive is better long term. #tc1021
  • Project sized for flows of 2070 so it does have growth built into this. Timing to move to actually save money is to go now, avoids failures sooner finances cheaper now that could be #tc1021 rather than digging 140, they'd do the hole like they used for East Central
  • #tc1021 alternative 1 and 2 keeps pipe in and along Mine Brook, if you get a failure on 1 or 2 you'd still need to do alt 3 Q on overflow along Cottage by Franklin Paint did see that in 2010. Alt 2 is effectively the baseline analysis.
  • Bissanti doesn't understand how to spend money to go first class with money we don't have. #tc1021 Jamie - financial model and impact to rate payers is not in this presentation, we do need to examine it. It is a question to be answered but we haven't yet
  • A 25 year bonded project but it could be paid off earlier. The Charles River assessment has been less because we did work to reduce the outflow to them. That can be a factor. #tc1021
  • Subcommittee reports, budget not meeting in Oct. EDC had another listening session on Monday, long lots of feedback, next one in November (Nov 16) #tc1021
  • Moving to action items: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-61_food_truck.pdf Authorization for farm series license temporary for on premise food service provided by others. #tc1021. Similar to outdoor dining, expands food truck dining to 67 Degrees, La Cantina and Glen Pharma
  • SafeServe certificate could also be an alternative for catering here and other businesses, employee of site would need to be SafeServe certified. #tc1021 when state of emergency goes away, this does too. Glen Pharma has a restaurant may not need to use it
  • Board of health would be involved, $100 food vendor permit for a year. #tc1021 questions on how it work. Would also need to look at cater and regulations to see what can be done, folks have left here because the opportunity was elsewhere
  • Ice cream truck operations get CORI'd but food truck doesn't per state Legislation. Debate about food trucks vs regular restaurants is hard to quantify, it is a discussion point. What does the Town want to do? #tc1021 let's review other Communities with food truck bylaws
  • Would 3 or the Rome be interested in doing it via a food truck? #tc1021 Moonlight Chef owner speaks on business during COVID-19, why are we going to allow food trucks all if sudden, not a good move, reconsider please
  • This allows contracting for 3rd party whether restaurants or food trucks. Still issue with SafeServe and who has it. Motion to table res 20-61, seconded, passes 8-0
  • https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-39 motion to approve, second, passes 8-0
  • https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-33 motion to refer to planning board, second, passes 8-0
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-862_longhill_and_pleasant.pdf Motion to move to planning board, second, passes 8-0
  • Town administrator report. Gov baker emergency order for outdoor dining extended. 33 active cases of COVID, largest increase since June. Firefighter memorial this Sunday at station #tc1021
  • The Town does not regulate Halloween. Schools are moving ahead with plan. #tc1021 white dots are on grass for demarcation. "Some of the worse advice I ever got was from legal counsel" need answers on the $522K, there could have been another way to do the grass
  • #tc1021 "this too will pass" thanks to both chiefs for bringing the pinning forward tonight, it has been awhile and good to do. We have to listen to our legal experts, we will bring something forward. Add the additional handicap spots right in the roadway
  • #tc1021 looking like we're going for a high turnout voting. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0 So that does it for me tonight catch you next time 
 
Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update to the Council meeting
Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update to the Council meeting