Updated Water Conservation Restrictions Due to Level 2 Drought

REMINDER~ UPDATED WATER CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS:

The Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper has declared a Level – 2 Significant Drought in the Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands Regions due to worsening dry conditions.  

The designation follows two years of below-average rainfall and declining streamflow and groundwater across the state, signaling worsening drought conditions and increasing stress on local water resources.

During May, the state received between 1-3 inches of rain, which was 1.5 to 3 inches below normal. The greatest precipitation deficits were in the Berkshires, the Southeast, and Cape Cod and the Islands. Rivers and streams throughout the region are running below normal levels, even with some temporary increases right after a rain event. These decreasing levels are an indicator that groundwater levels continue to go down. 

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan (https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-drought-management-plan/download), a Level 2 – Significant Drought requires communities to only allow hand-held watering to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. 

Please visit our website for updated water conservation information (https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation) 

Thank you for your support as we follow the States requirements to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply and to protect environmental resources.

 

#droughtmanagement #MassDEP #franklinma

https://www.facebook.com/share/1KYnsSP13e/

Bob & I review the COA Letter and reveal the town records on the position funding (audio)

FM #1489 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1489 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Robert (Bob) Kaufman, member of the Council on Aging which oversees the Senior Center in an advisory capacity. We had our discussion on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

• The circumstances that created the situation

• The points of the COA Letter

• Rebuttal or alternate explanations for the points of the letter

The point of our conversation was to more fully explain the details around the letter and ensure that we could have a better and civil discussion. While this happened this year, given the financial situation of the town, we will likely see this again. We, the collective "we", need to determine how "we" are going to solve our budget problem.

The recording runs about 59 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1489-coa-letter-robert-kaufman-07-30-25/

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History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE)

Robert’s email -> bobkaufman@msn.com 

COA Letter as discussed -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/franklin-council-on-aging-letter-to.html 

History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE) funding for the cook and nurse from 2010 through 2017 when the Town budget provided the funding https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iOz6F1W9Rq-H67C2jmhthNNPL7GZCyMQ/view?usp=drive_link 

To save some from searching, Bob did struggle to recall the name of the last Republican Mayor of Chicago -> a source of the history for “Big Bill” Thompson is available https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hale_Thompson 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Franklin Council on Aging letter to Franklin Town Council RE: Private Donation

Date: July 11, 2025

To: Franklin Town Council

From: Franklin Council on Aging Board

RE: Private Donation

Dear Members of the Town Council,

The Franklin Council on Aging respectfully recommends that the Town Council not accept the recent private donation made to the Senior Center, which is restricted to funding the salary of a part-time nurse.

While we appreciate the generosity and intent behind this contribution, accepting such a donation raises several significant concerns:

1. Equity and Fairness: Allowing private funds to direct staffing decisions opens the door to unequal treatment and the risk that individuals with financial resources could exert disproportionate influence over municipal human resource decisions in the future.

2. Policy Consistency: Accepting this donation would create inconsistency across town governance. The Town of Franklin School Committee has an established policy prohibiting private donations from being used to fund salaries (e.g., supplanting):

Donations of Non-Budgeted Funds 

The Franklin School Committee gratefully accepts donations made by Booster Groups, Parent Communication Councils (PCCs), other private entities and Educational Foundations to support the Franklin Public School System. In an effort to ensure equity, consistency and compliance with Massachusetts General Law, any donated funds shall not supplant the operational budget voted by the School Committee. (This would include payment of salaries, instructional stipends, operating cost of buildings and curriculum programming or other recurrent budgetary items.)

3. Operational Integrity: Staffing decisions at the Senior Center should remain under the purview of its management, who are best positioned to assess and deploy resources in service of our constituents.

4. Respect for Voter Decision: In June 2025, Franklin voters chose not to pass a Proposition 2½ override, with the understanding that such a decision would necessitate reductions in staffing and services across the Town of Franklin. Accepting private funds to restore positions contradicts the democratic will expressed through that vote.

Accepting this donation could set a troubling precedent that undermines transparent governance, community equity, and proper management authority. We urge the Town Council to consider the broader implications and decline the offer.

Thank you for your attention and continued support of the Franklin Senior Center and its mission.

Sincerely,

Below Signed Members, Franklin Council on Aging 

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Carolyn O'Brien, Chair

Phyllis Malcom, Vice Chair

Faith Flaherty, Secretary

Elizabeth Sawver

Kimberly Mu-Chow

Tina Powderly

Copy of the original signed letter ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LwnxHzW_MLw4tev6E6Ot8IYAPK98qVcn/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin School Cmte policy on non-budgeted funds (as referenced above) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/page/kcd-donations-of-non-budgeted-funds

Franklin Council on Aging letter to Franklin Town Council RE: Private Donation

"There is a shortage because of us" @SenBrianSchatz

Jonathan Berk (@berkie1) posted:

"I cannot think of something so essential to American life [housing]... where the Government has created the shortage on purpose and then strokes it's chin confused as to why there is a shortage... There is a shortage because of us." - @SenBrianSchatz

"There is a shortage because of us" @SenBrianSchatz

https://t.co/OmcPiTyozX

Zoning regulations in many cases require variances to provide local control. We could set up the zoning in Franklin to allow (within reason) more approvals "by right" rather than require an approval for every exception. Join the mailing list for the Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN4Franklin.org) to find out more about the ins and outs of zoning.

As severe fire weather persists, Franklin MA extends Outdoor Fire Restrictions

With outdoor fuel sources extremely dry and no meaningful precipitation expected, Franklin Fire Chief James Mclaughlin and municipal leaders are extending restrictions on any outdoor fires at least until Friday, November 22.

"This has been an unprecedented fall fire season in Massachusetts," said Chief McLaughlin. "The current and expected weather conditions mean that any outdoor fire is likely to spread quickly and become difficult to control. ln Franklin, those fires could easily spread to homes and other properties."

 Outdoor Fire Restrictions

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. The local fire restriction additionally restricts the outdoor use of tire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources wider Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials 1he au1hority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought. About 200 Massachusetts municipalities have imposed these prohibitions.

Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts. including Franklin, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. While the stale averages 15 to 20 fires a month in October and November each year. Local fire departments have reported more than 500 fires since October 1, 2024. These fires have burned more than 1,500 acres - rivaling average statewide totals for an entire year. Many or these fires have damaged homes and other properties, and they are taxing local and regional firefighting resources.

According to Chief McLaughlin, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources.

Chief McLaughlin recommended the following fire prevention strategies during this period of severe fire risk:

• Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibit statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restric1ions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve.

• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overha1,ging branches.

• Use caution, with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.

• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in all metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.

• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette buns, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.

"The faster we hear about a fire. the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it." said Chief McLaughlin, "If you see smoke or flames, please call 9ll right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19VmW48oh1/

Town of Franklin: Update on the State of Massachusetts Reopening Process

Find sector-specific guidance

An Update on the State of Massachusetts Reopening Process NEW UPDATES ON FEBRUARY 25, 2021:   Thursday at 1:00 PM, Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Secretary Kennealy made several announcements pertaining to the state's reopening process and sector-specific guidance. These include: Phase 3, Step 2:  Effective March 1st, the Commonwealth will move forward into Phase 3, Step 2. This will reopen: Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces Open at 50% capacity with 500 person max Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact: laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses Open at 50% capacity Updated Capacity Limits:  Effective March 1st the following industries will increase to 50% capacity. Employees will be exempt from capacity restrictions in all of these industries: Arcades & Other Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Businesses Close Contact Personal Services Driving and Flight Schools Fitness Centers and Health Clubs Golf Facilities (indoor) Libraries Operators of Lodging (common spaces) Museums, Cultural & Historic Facilities, Guided Tours Office Spaces Places of Worship Sectors not Otherwise Addressed Theaters and Performance Venues Relevant EEA Industries – Youth sports spectators etc. The following industries remain unaffected by capacity limits:  Drive-in movie theaters  Construction  Laboratories  Manufacturing Additional Guidance Changes: Effective March 1st, Restaurants will no longer be subject to a % seated capacity limit and their capacity is limited only by the requirement of 6 feet between tables  Musical performances allowed in restaurants (with appropriate distancing)  90-minute time limit on tables stays in place  Limit of no more than 6 per table stays in place  Food courts remain closed Effective March 1st, Fitting rooms may open in all retail businesses Gatherings Limit:  Effective March 22nd, subject to public health data, the gatherings limit will increase for event venues and public settings, but will stay the same in private settings: Event Venues and Public Settings: 100 indoor 150 outdoor Private Settings (such as private residences): 10 indoors 25 outdoors Phase 4, Step 1:  Effective March 22nd, subject to public health data, the Commonwealth will move into Phase 4, Step 1: Indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks will reopen with a 12% capacity limit  A large venue is defined as having a capacity of 5,000 or more  Venues with capacity under 5,000 are subject to the Indoor and Outdoor Performance Venue guidance Large venues will be required to submit a safety plan to the Department of Public Health Overnight Camps will be allowed to open for Summer 2021 Exhibition and Convention Halls may reopen, subject to gathering limits and event rules Dance floors may open at weddings and events only All other Phase 4 industries will not be able to open until a future reopening step. Those include: Road races, street festivals, and parades, and fairs Amusement parks, theme parks, outdoor water parks Indoor water parks and indoor/outdoor ball pits Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs, and other facilities Beer gardens/ breweries/ wineries/ distilleries Bars, dance clubs, and nightclubs—venues offering entertainment, beverages, or dancing and not providing seated food service Updated guidance can be found at www.mass.gov/reopening. This information is posted on our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/reopening-resources Town of Franklin | www.franklinma.gov   ‌

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by traceya@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Boston Globe: "Baker to increase the capacity limit on restaurants, gyms, other businesses to 40% starting Monday"

 

"Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Baker administration is increasing the temporary capacity limits for a variety of businesses such as stores, gyms, and restaurants.

The state Department of Public Health informed cities and towns on Thursday that the 25-percent capacity restrictions, put in place after Christmas, would be increased to 40 percent on Monday because of recent improvements in COVID-19 data. The change includes an increase in allowed office capacity, to 40 percent, though few offices will fill to that level anytime soon with so many people still working out of their homes.

“We know that these restrictions have been and continue to be enormously difficult for large and small businesses, their employees, and for individuals everywhere,” Governor Charlie Baker said during an afternoon briefing Thursday. “But we’re making progress in this battle against COVID and everyone’s hard work and preparation is now making it possible for us to continue to step back to what we might call a new normal.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/04/business/baker-increase-capacity-limit-restaurants-gyms-other-businesses-40-percent-starting-monday/

 

CommonWealth Magazine coverage:  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-loosens-capacity-restrictions/

 

Gov Baker's press conference  https://youtu.be/CmbZynV4s98

 

Franklin has dropped down to Yellow (from Red) for the first time since December

https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-february-4-2021/download

 

 

Franklin has dropped down to Yellow (from Red) for the first time since December

 

"Most businesses restricted to 25 percent capacity for at least 2 weeks in ‘critical period’"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced the toughest set of coronavirus-related restrictions since June, clamping down on the number of people allowed inside restaurants, groceries, and other public gathering spots in an attempt to stave off another holiday surge.

Capacity limits for most businesses will be lowered to 25 percent beginning Saturday and will remain restricted for at least two weeks, Baker said, prompting pushback from some who said companies may not survive another hit to their bottom lines."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/22/metro/gov-baker-announces-new-temporary-restrictions-gatherings-businesses/

Gov Baker's press conference video https://youtu.be/2TaRgI-x-z0

Additional info can be found on the COVID-19 page https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information

"We also want to keep this virus out of our communities"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker is indefinitely postponing the next step of the state’s reopening in response to the uptick in COVID-19 cases that Massachusetts has seen in recent weeks.

The governor said the second step of Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan will be put on hold and the outdoor gathering limit will decrease from 100 to 50, effective Tuesday. He said he was authorizing all state and local police to enforce the orders, and that people who host events — even on private property — that exceed gathering limits will be subject to fines.

Amid reports of large parties and unauthorized gatherings, Baker said “some residents feel a bit too relaxed about the seriousness of this virus.”

He also announced the creation of a COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will ramp up enforcement efforts and coordinate intervention efforts in yet-to-be-named high-risk communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200807/baker-orders-new-enforcement-gathering-size-limit-to-fight-virus-spread/1?rssfeed=true

Video link = https://youtu.be/kCGEj58c2hM

DLS Alert: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Open meeting law regulations modified to allow public meeting to continue during this pandemic period

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State's Open Meeting Law The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state's open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access. Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings. Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means. This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker's declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services · 100 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · USA