Trash/Recycling schedule delayed one day this week (due to Labor Day)

Trash/Recycling schedule delayed one day this week (due to Labor Day) 

The annual program guide for this year can be found online if you miss placed the mailing
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

Shared from the Franklin DPW Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/3413612852056494

Trash/Recycling schedule delayed one day this week (due to Labor Day)

One-Day Electronics Recycling Event - Sat - Aug 22

One-Day Electronics Recycling Event at St Mary's Church, on Saturday, Aug 22 from 9 AM to 2 PM. The image shows the pricing per item accepted for this event.

Follow the event on Facebook for updates   https://www.facebook.com/events/4624346957583028/?

One-Day Electronics Recycling Event - Sat - Aug 22

Visual Capitalist: "How China’s Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray"

Good overview of the recycling problem created by changes to China's policy. This tells the story of how we got here. How we get out of the problem remains to be seen.

How China's Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/china-plastic-ban-global-recycling-industry/

Visual Capitalist: "How China’s Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray"

Purchase Your FY21 Recycling Center Permit and Pre-Pay for Item Drop Off

The Recycling Center is open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted.

All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). 

The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site. https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078 If you do not have a Viewpoint account, please follow the instructions to create one.

A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment at the Recycling Center.

No material that includes a fee will be accepted at the Recycling Center without prior payment online with printed receipt.

For a copy of materials accepted, fees and hours at the Recycling Center and Curbside costs: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/news/recycling_center_and_curbside_fees_fy21.pdf

For additional information please call 508-553-5500, leave a message and someone will promptly call you back.

Please observe social distancing guidelines.

https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/fy-20-recycling-center-permit-expiration-extended-july-31-2020

Recycling Center Closed Saturday, July 4

The Recycling Center will be open on Friday, July 3 (8am-3pm) and Sunday, July 5 (9am-1pm), but will be closed on Saturday, July 4 in observance of the holiday.

Other info on the Recycling Center can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste
 

Recycling Center Closed Saturday, July 4

Town Council denies Dean College liquor license; approved trash/recycling fee increase

Briefly:

• The Council denied Dean College a liquor license to replace the daily/event based one they request up to 30 times a year. No issues ever over the years of this process, yet fears of future problems prevailed for Council vote. With one member absent, the vote was 4-4 hence failing
• The water resource map was updated as a formality and necessary to correct technical errors, this was approved as the last legislative item for action
• The coronavirus update by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen still seems inadequate for at least one Councilor. The plan was released for the phased re-opening of Town operations but it seems to have been not enough
• The trash recycling fee increase was approved 8-0-1 (1 absent, 8 for)
• Action on the Community Preservation Act was punted to a future (June?) meeting primarily for tworeasons, Pellegri's absence and concern over the 3% proposal, although the Council still seems to want to put it on the November ballot. And they have time to do so by voting to approve before October

My real-time notes for the Town Council meeting of May 6, a lengthy session on Wednesday night.

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting tonight, #tc0506
• 8 of the 9 Council in attendance tonight (Pellegri absent) approx 26 total participating at start of meeting #tc0506
• Motion to approve minutes of March 22; seconded passed 8-0-1 via roll call (1 absent) #tc0506
• Jackie Maciel lives on Elm St regarding COVID-19 data as published, raising problem with the #s as reported; towns being held hostage by the cities. Makes reference to AG Barr. #tc0506
• Next item water resource map update for hearing, had been discussed in time BCE (before coronavirus era) required per state DEP, really a house cleaning item. #tc0506 TA Jamie Hellen provides update, No cost to it. Up to 29 participating now
• Need to update map due to zoning requirements for the water resource protection, a developer had a proposal stopped to an inaccurate map #tc0506
• Dean college license application for liquor as discussed in last meeting back up for discussion, and revised since last time per discussion. Modifications to address items raised last time. New license would replace the daily ones they had been using #tc0506
• Discussion continues, side issues of future, and safety, and would this license then lead to a brewery desire? No, not desired by Dean, trying to simplify the license process for the Town and Dean #tc0506
• Annual license actually provides more oversight and protection (than the 30 x daily licenses) which is what some Councilors are asking for but appear to be getting confused by the side issues they raise #tc0506
• TA Hellen provides summary and updates to various points raised during the discussion. #tc0506
• Roll call vote on the amendment to add the restrictions to the motion, passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote on measure itself: Bissanti no, Chandler no, Dellorco no, Kelly no, motion does not carry as it finishes with a 4-4-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Moving on to coronavirus update, up to 98 cases, approx 20/week. Plan on return dept by dept shared last week including Library contactless pickup/take out #tc0506 all Beaver St services open next week, only brush this week
• Councilor Jones asking for the plan when the TA already said that is further away. There is NO public access under the first wave of the plan released. Not ready to make those decisions, discussion still underway #tc0506
• Moving on to Community Preservation act, recap of what's been done to get here. Did include 3% surcharge along with the common exemptions, if to out on ballot for Nov, need to decide by October. #tc0506
• Concern on the 3% item, maybe go lower initially. Get it passed, and perhaps after we have had success raise it later. Bissanti asking for delay to allow Pellegri to participate. #tc0506 most community went with 3 for the additional match/round of funding available
• Can getting kicked down the road on this item, seeming for and mostly for 3% but deferring to Pellegri for her to weigh in at a meeting in June #tc0506
• 1- Budget subcomm update on discussion 5/4 with follow up meeting on 5/11 at 5:30pm #tc0506 2- EDC meeting on inclusionary zoning held, another to be scheduled meeting notes and audio posted
• Legislation up now, Bruins Grant of $75K for Fletcher field of basketball street hockey court under construction #tc0506
• Acceptance of gift passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Recycling/trash fee increase up for 2nd approval; chart of fees over the years shared previously, still below what we had been paying before we started single stream, vote 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Next 5 items all up for approval are for the resulting agreements with various negotiation groups. First passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) these were discussed in executive session last week. All should pass by same vote hearing that. Second does
• Third passes, same vote; fourth passes, same vote and fifth passes by same vote - see agenda doc for details vote via roll call 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Zoning bylaw amendment 20-854 passed by 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Wouldn't due justice to the council comments with this method of notes, listen to the replay for details. #tc0506 thanks to residents for patience and compliance during this. Thanks to the first responders for their work helping us all!
• Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 8-0-1(1 absent)

The agenda and associated documents can be found online
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-6.html

screengrab of virtual Town Council meeting 5/6/20

Yard Waste Pickup Curbside Week of May 11, 2020

Yard waste is picked up on your normal trash and recycling day during the collection week of May 11, 2020

Yard waste can consist of leaves, brush and small limbs. Leaves must be in open barrels or in compostable paper leaf bags.

• Brush must be tied with non-plastic twine no larger than 12 inches by 4 feet long
• No yard waste will be picked up in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or other containers
• Contaminated yard waste will not be picked up

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/yard-waste-pickup-curbside-week-may-11-2020

Yard Waste Pickup Curbside Week of May 11, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 2020

Agenda: Meeting Date  - May 6, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns. 

Link to access meeting: May 6, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE -- Then click “Open Zoom”

Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86173909783

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 861 7390 9783 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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 
March 25, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/7a._dean_college_license_application_web.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Coronavirus Update
b. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-20_community_preservation_act_cpa_web_0.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-20: Community Preservation Act, G.L. Chapter 44B, Sections 3-7 Authorization for Ballot Question (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-20, CPA Ballot Initiative - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-20_community_preservation_act_cpa_web.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-21: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department - $75,000 from the Boston Bruins Foundation (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-21 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-857 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-22: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between Department of Public Works, AFSCME Council 93, Local 1298 Employees and the Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-22 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-23: Amendment - Library Union Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-23 - Majority Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-24: Amendment - Facilities/Trades Union Contact (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-24 - Majority Vote)

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-25: Amendment - Custodians Union Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-25 - Majority Vote)

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-26: Amendment - Firefighters Union Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-26 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN


Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-6-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 2020

Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only

"DPW News:

Due to the storm this past week, we know many residents have yard waste to dispose of. The Recycling Center will be open THIS* WEEKEND ONLY for yard waste.

Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM and Sunday 9 AM - 1 PM. Only 5 customers at a time to practice and enforce social distancing.

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1251152127902113794?s=09

* April 18, and April 19, 2020

Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only

Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Proposal - First Reading

From the Town Council agenda document for Wednesday, April 15, 2020:


10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-857_municipal_service_fees_-_trash.pdf

Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Proposal - First Reading

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-15-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

The agenda can also be found in one LARGE PDF file (~59MB - can take time to download)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/04-15-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was forecast in January. Readers may recall my "Watch List' for 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=%22watch+list%27%2C+2020


Exhibit one: the Town Council's proposed 'goals and objectives' doc fortunately captures most of these in the first Fiscal section:

Fiscal

● Approval of Annual Capital Improvement Plan -- FY20 and FY21
● Approval of a balanced Operating Budget -- FY21 and FY22

o Closely monitor expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22

● Establish Ad Hoc Subcommittee to evaluate storm water fee analysis

o Present analysis to the full Council

● Determine Water rate increase for FY20/FY21, notably for the water treatment plant and wells loan package
● Determine Sewer rate increase, if needed, for FY20/FY21
● Seek new borrowing capacity for municipal and school building capital improvements and sidewalks
● Discussion on the Community Preservation Act
● Discussion on Trash & Recycling account
● Continue to ask for OPEB solutions with state officials
● Explore new revenue options, generally

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

“I see a lot of pink bags at the curb awaiting (pickup) that will never come”

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

"Jillian Wilson, Natick’s sustainability coordinator, is saddened by the number of pink recycling bags she still sees on the curbs of several Natick neighborhoods. 

Those pink recycling bags are part of Simple Recycling’s curbside clothing recycling program. 

Based out of Ohio, the for-profit recycler takes donated high quality clothing and other household goods and resells them to thrift shops or international markets. The town has been using the service for two years, and close to 20,000 to 30,000 pieces of material are collected each month, according to Wilson-Martin. 

On March 23, the company had to suspend operations in the state, following Gov. Charlie Baker’s order for all non-essential businesses to seize in-person operations to minimize the spread of the coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/recycling-options-still-available-during-coronavirus-order

“I see a lot of pink bags at the curb awaiting (pickup) that will never come”

Beaver Street Recycling Center - re-opening with restrictions

In order to meet the needs of our residents and still follow the Governor’s directive, as well as provide the appropriate level of safety to our residents and public works employees, we are going to re-open the Beaver Street Recycling Center with the following guidelines.

• The Recycling Center opens for the drop-off of yard waste and brush only
• No other recycling products will be accepted
• The Center will be open as scheduled presently, Friday and Saturday 8-3 and Sunday 9-1
• The Recycling Center will be staffed with only one worker just to check that folks have a Recycling Center Sticker and are only dropping off yard waste or brush
• The Employees will practice established personal space guidelines and “Social Distancing” and will not assist residents in any way with the unloading of their vehicles
• Only five vehicles will be allowed in the Recycling Center at one time
• There will be no credit card or check transactions
• If a resident needs a recycling sticker, they will need to contact and arrange to get one from the Public Works Administration Office (508 520-4910) prior to going to the Recycling Center


Shared from the DPW page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/2993760784041705

 

Beaver Street Recycling Center - re-opening with restrictions

Franklin Residents: Simple Recycling Temporarily Suspended

Simple Recycling Temporarily Suspended

Curbside Simple Recycling (pink bags) is suspended until further notice.



I posted last week that I had missed an update on the change with this service. As I walked this week, others also had still missed my update too. I did stop to give a couple of my neighbors the news that the pink bags would not be picked up.

Shared via Facebook (and confirmed with a conversation with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi)

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/photos/a.938433076241163/2980216915396092/

Don't put the pink bags out when you put out your trash/recycling

Pink bags suspended, clothing recycling program on hold

I missed an update along the way. While the trash and recycling schedule remains the same, the clothing pickups by Simply Recycling (the pink bags) have been suspended.

Shared via Facebook (and confirmed with a conversation with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, that you should hear soon)

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/photos/a.938433076241163/2980216915396092/

Don't put the pink bags out when you put out your trash/recycling

Franklin Residents: January Brings a Record Month of Clothing Recycling

January Brings a Record Month of Clothing Recycling

In January 2020 simplerecycling.com picked up 20,437 pounds of clothing for reuse/recycling!

What could be easier than using the pink bags and take it to the curb.

This saves material form ending up in the trash and recycling carts and the residual money ($20/ton) received goes into the curbside solid waste program to reduce fees.

Please spread the word and go to simplerecycling.com for more bags and information.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/january-brings-record-month-clothing-recycling

Franklin Residents: January Brings a Record Month of Clothing Recycling

No delay in trash/recycle schedule this week

While this is not a delayed trash/recycling pickup week, here are a couple of friendly reminders:

• Please remember to keep carts three feet apart for collection to ensure that the truck has proper access and near the curb so the truck can access the cart. Recycling cannot be put into bags as the automated sorting process cannot open bags. Any bagged recycling will be processed as trash and is prohibited per town bylaw 151-7.

• Please be aware that putting trash (including any plastic bags) in your recycling cart may result in a fine of up to $100; any hazardous materials, televisions, air conditioners, etc. could result in a fine of up to $300.

 
Visit the Recycling and Solid Waste page for additional info
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Download your copy of this one page reminder on recycling: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z97AooY4FoXA7kKJlMg9p9zMd9FD6fFx/view?usp=sharing

No delay in trash/recycle schedule this week

Franklin Residents: Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success

Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success

We need your support

Almost 40,000 pounds of clothing was collected in November and December of 2019 alone!

We encourage everyone's support to recycle these materials in your curbside free PINK BAGS.

Need more PINK BAGS? Go to www.simplerecycling.com and order more if you are out.

When your clothing is picked up new bags are left behind.

There is an additional collection bin at the Franklin Recycling Center.



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/curbside-clothing-continues-be-huge-success

Franklin Residents: Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success

Missed getting the Christmas tree picked up? Take it to Beaver St

I was walking on Wednesday and saw another Christmas tree on Pleasant St. I slowed to type an email to the DPW email address:

"As I walk around I do see some trees still in front of houses. Whether they came out late or missed getting picked up, is unknown. is there anything that can be done with the trees now? Will recycling center take them? Or??"

I got a quick reply from DPW Director Robert "Brutus Cantoreggi:

"I have instructed to folks at the recycling center to allow people to drop xmas tress off even if they do not have a sticker. 

Thanks for your support. 

Brutus"

So if your tree is still around, you can take it to the Recycle Center on Beaver St. It is open Friday/Saturday and Sunday and they will take your tree if you have a sticker or not. They'll tell which place in the Center to put the tree.

Per the DPW page  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Recycling Center Hours of Operation  (445 Beaver St.)
Fri/Sat: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sun: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Missed getting your Christmas tree picked up? Take it to Beaver St

No delay in the trash and recycling schedule this week

There is no delay in the trash and recycling schedule this week. Yes, today is Martin Luther King Day and a holiday with Town offices and the Library closed. 

This is NOT one of the holidays that brings a delay in the schedule. If your trash is scheduled for Monday, today is the day.

Additional info on the trash and recycling schedule can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste 

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - no delay this week

 

Single Stream Recycling features DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi on Boston TV

Franklin's DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi shared this on Facebook: 

"Self promoting! In case you missed it had an awesome morning at Fox 25! Did a live interview and “the girl” was able to join me for the experience. All the folks at Fox 25 were just so welcoming and kind!"

Direct link to video clip https://www.boston25news.com/video/?id=4823650





As noted previously, one of the "watch items" for 2020 is the multiple fiscal challengers. The trash/recycling rate increase Brutus mentions is part of the list.

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

Single Stream Recycling features "Brutus" Cantoreggi on Boston TV 

As mentioned in the video clip, China shut down the recycling stream going to them, as a results, one of the Chinese companies dependent upon recycling for their own production use is now renovating a paper mill in Maine. Read the full story in this New York Times article (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/us/maine-mill-china.html