Lights at Dean College turned on (video)

The lights at Dean College were light on Thursday, Dec 1. This brief video captures the highlights of the festive occasion.

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/tv/ClrWGzqOZTA/

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Dean's entrance to Awpie Way

Annual Report Of The Department Of Public Works - 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 Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. The DPW is organized into seven (7) divisions:

1. Administration

2. Engineering

3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)

4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)

5. Sewer

6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)

7. Street Lighting

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

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

Join the Downtown Partnership in "Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond!"

 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is inviting everyone to participate in “Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond” with lights and winter decorations in businesses from Nov. 20 to Jan. 31 from 4:30 PM to 9 PM.

 "Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond!"

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/11/light-up-downtown-franklin-and-beyond.html

Light Up Franklin for this 4th of July

Final week to order. Please help support the Franklin Lions. 

To order https://forms.gle/28J8pqr6ffudN5i39

"The Franklin Lions would like to celebrate this 4th of July. Our goal is to Light Up the town on July 4th with paper lanterns.  

We are selling the Lanterns in sets of 3 for $15. Lanterns come with LED light and string. Some assembly is required and pattern may vary.  

Once you place your lantern on display we would love for you to send a picture of your lanterns all lit up. We will be posting a video of the lanterns on July 4th to our Facebook page.  

To purchase your lantern please complete below. We will be in contact by email to confirm your order, delivery, and payment. "

Visit the Lions web page -> https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/ 

For additional info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/lions-looking-to-light-up-franklin-for.html

Light Up Franklin for this 4th of July

Lions looking to Light Up Franklin for the 4th of July

"The Franklin Lions would like to celebrate this 4th of July. Our goal is to Light Up the town on July 4th with paper lanterns.  

We are selling the Lanterns in sets of 3 for $15. Lanterns come with LED light and string. Some assembly is required and pattern may vary.  

Once you place your lantern on display we would love for you to send a picture of your lanterns all lit up. We will be posting a video of the lanterns on July 4th to our Facebook page.  

To purchase your lantern please complete below. We will be in contact by email to confirm your order, delivery, and payment. "

Order form for Franklin Lions https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI_v-eTUzVz_bAptyy5C5tmAVeym6qNt-NmHqdGkUjHtOc2g/viewform

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/232955350632773/posts/864054944189474/

Celebrating Downtown Franklin and Beyond This Winter

On Saturday, Nov. 21, members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Franklin Garden Club, and resident volunteers will decorate downtown Franklin for the holidays with wreaths, greenery and bows provided by Hillside Nurseries. Volunteers will work from 9 AM to noon. The rain date is Nov. 22. Please email emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to volunteer to dress up the downtown for the holidays!

All volunteers will wear masks and maintain appropriate social distancing, said Eileen Mason, chair of the beautification efforts in downtown. 

“We really appreciate the efforts of all our volunteers and the DPW to decorate the area,”  said Mason. “Please come to downtown Franklin to shop for your holiday presents and enjoy the decorations,” said Mason. 

In addition to downtown decorations, the FDP is inviting everyone to participate in “Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond” with lights and winter decorations in downtown businesses and beyond from Nov. 21 to March 1. Thank you to the sponsors of this event: Platinum Sponsor Dean Bank, Gold Sponsors Fenton Financial Group and Keefe Insurance Agency, and Silver Sponsor Station 117 Apartments.

“We want to emphasize the importance of shopping local and supporting Franklin businesses this winter season,” said Roberta Trahan, vice president of the FDP. “Our local businesses are so important to our town and we want to make sure they thrive during these difficult times.”

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ for more information.

The Town Common decorated in Dec 2019

Franklin at night (photo essay)

Friday was a good day to take a walk in the dark and check out the lights on the Town Common and along Main St/West Central St.

The Town Common just before the lights turned on

The Civil War single soldier monument

The World War I doughboy before the tree lights came on

and then there were lights (just after 5:00 PM)

downtown near the main cross walk by the PO,Dean, Rockland and FSPA

while the lights look good, Dean's clock is "out for repair"?

In the News: LED lighting proposal; review of foundation budget urged

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

"The Town Council may give its approval this week to a plan that would convert local streetlights to LED, improving energy efficiency and possibly saving the town money. 

A measure, which would authorize $650,000 in borrowing for the project, is on the council’s agenda Wednesday. 

The move, said Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, is being brought forth after the state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) began offering a 30-percent grant on labor and materials costs for such a project. 

If approved, Hellen said, the $650,000 amount would start several processes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170523/led-streetlights-possible-for-franklin

"The School Committee passed a resolution urging the state to change the way it calculates the foundation budget for school districts. 

The committee voted unanimously Tuesday night in favor of the resolution. 

The foundation budget is set by the state based on a formula, and determines the minimum amount a school district can spend on education. 

Committee member Denise Schultz brought the resolution to the committee’s attention."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170523/franklin-school-committee-urges-budget-review

The link to the resolution text can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbVpCVVNxc3lxUk9OTGNWcFNUSGtWY2NENmJ3/view?usp=sharing

flowers added to the downtown areas from the weekend effort to beautify
Franklin by the Downtown Partnership and dozens of volunteers

"moving to LED would save approximately $70,000 per annum"

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

"Seeking energy efficiency, the town is exploring options to replace its current streetlights with LED versions. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said this latest effort was prompted by new state incentives for making the switch. 

“The state Department of Energy Resources is offering a 30-percent grant on the labor and materials costs,” he said. “I know the town of Franklin had looked at this in the past, but the return on investment then was still seven or eight years.” 

The DOER money, Hellen said, would change that break-even date, meaning the town would start seeing overall savings in half the time. The entire project is estimated to cost around $600,000, with the town hoping for about $250,000 to offset that - a combination of utility company incentives and the approximately $135,000 state grant."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170425/franklin-exploring-streetlight-switch

street lights could be switched to LED with a state grant
to help reduce the payback time on the total cost

Christmas Tree Lighting - Sunday, Nov 30 - 4:00 PM

THE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:
- LIGHTING UP THE TOWN COMMON HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS! 

REFRESHMENTS AND GOODIES! 

VISIT WITH SANTA AND II JINGLES THE ELF"

Photo from 2011 

In case of inclement weather, holiday festivities will take place across the street in the Ben Franklin Charter School


Additional information contained in the flyer put out by "Concerts on the Common"

Green light for decorations

The light snow that we received on Sunday dusted the evergreens and ribbons along the railroad bridge.

FINCOM: Facilities - lighting (audio)

Mike D'Angelo reviews the efforts to provide efficient lighting in the town facilities with compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), etc.

Time: 2 minutes, 5 seconds



MP3 File