Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio)

Following on from the water system, we spent sometime on the sewer system. Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent and spent time on the sewer flow from flush to Charles River Treatment. Also in a 3-part series that can be found on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug

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FM #1026 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1026 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes

• PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

• Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

• If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

• Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

• New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

• What to flush or not flush (3 P's - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)

Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

• We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

• Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

• System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

• Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

• We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

• Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

• Sahlin circle (final touches)

• Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

• Phase 7 lining - this summer

• next level of I&I study

• asset mgt grant

• easement clearing & mapping

• Good things about the community cooperation

• Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)

The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

• $500K for expenses, 

• approx. $1M for personnel

• $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

• $1M for project debt and interest payments

Part 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Audio Part 1 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1026-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-1-of-3

Audio Part 2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3

Audio Part 3 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1028-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-3-of-3/

The Beaver Street Interceptor Project will continue to run through 2026. You can get updates on the Town page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Town of Franklin: Town Council - Meeting Agenda for June 26, 2024

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 26, 2024 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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

a. May 22, 2024  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._may_22_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf

b. May 23, 2024  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._may_23_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf

c. June 5, 2024  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/june_5_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_draft_1.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Gabrielle “Ellie” Dalton & Community Outreach Dog, “Officer” Ben Franklin

b. Proclamation: Rabbi Thomas Alpert

 

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Town Comptroller - Linda Darling

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Transfer, Change of Location, Pledge of Collateral and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: Rye's Wine Incorporated d/b/a Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions Located at 835 West Central Street, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7a

b. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7b

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Transfer, Change of Location, Pledge of Collateral and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: Rye's Wine Incorporated d/b/a Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions Located at 835 West Central Street, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. FY25 Budget Amendment

i. Legislation for Action #9a

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-44: General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY25 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-44 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-41: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-41 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-45: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($2,975,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-45 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-48: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-48 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 24-46: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Constructing and Equipping the Hayward St. WTP Improvements Project (DWSRF 16730) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-46 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-47: Authority for Town Administrator to File Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-47 - Majority Vote)

g. By-Law Amendment 24-910: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Water Usage Rates - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-910 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

h. By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-911 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

i. By-Law Amendment 24-912: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Stormwater Service Charge - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-912 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

j. Resolution 24-43: Appropriation Transfers FY24  (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-43 - Majority Vote)

k. Bylaw Amendment 24-909: Chapter 139, Sewers (Grease Traps) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-909 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

l. Resolution 24-40: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($120) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-40 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Pavement Management Plan

b. Town Finance Office Appointments

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_26_2024.pdf

Town of Franklin: Town Council - Meeting Agenda for June 26, 2024

Beaver Street Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project Groundbreaking Ceremony

Today (11/09/23) the Town of Franklin kicked off the Beaver Street Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project at the Franklin Recreation Center located at 275 Beaver Street.  

Town Council Chair, Tom Mercer, welcomed everyone to the groundbreaking and declared “the rehabilitation and realignment of the Beaver Street Interceptor will provide the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the Interceptor’s capacity and structural deficiencies, and will improve accessibility, operational and maintenance challenges as well as environmental impacts for the Town”. 

(l-r) Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger, Council Chair Tom Mercer, Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of MassDEP, Liz Taglieri, ED of the Charles River PCD, DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi, & Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

The Beaver Street Interceptor has been in continuous service for 108 years and is considered Franklin’s most critical sewer asset, conveying almost 70 percent of the Town’s sewage with an average daily sewage flow of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day through the pipeline. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its original construction in 1914.

According to Franklin’s Department of Public Works Director, Robert Cantoreggi, extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014. Results of these investigations showed signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

“Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, environmental impacts, and the percentage of the Town’s sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor it is imperative we undertake this project and keep Franklin flowing,” stated Cantoreggi. 

Beaver Street Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project

Liz Taglieri, Executive Director of the Charles River Pollution Control District, recognized the Town’s proactive efforts toward infrastructure and safety. “Seeing the Town of Franklin invest in such a critical piece of its sewer infrastructure demonstrates just how much the Town values its responsibility to safely and effectively collect and transport the wastewater, ensuring the health and safety of not only the Town of Franklin, but also its neighboring communities.”  

The cost of this project will total more than $33 million. The Town was able to secure funding for this project through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Division of Municipal Services and State Revolving Fund (SRF) low-interest loan and principal forgiveness program. This program assists cities and towns to improve drinking water, stormwater and wastewater facilities and infrastructure to comply with federal and state quality requirements. Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of MassDEP was present for the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The climate crisis has brought significantly increased rainfall and storm impacts that can overwhelm infrastructure that was designed for a different time,” said Commissioner Heiple. “We are pleased to help bring this important project to fruition, as it will have tangible benefits to both public health and the environment.”

The Rehabilitation and Realignment of the Beaver Street Interceptor will improve environmental impacts, access, maintenance, and sanitary sewer overflows. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles of pipe, extending from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. The projects consists of re-routing a portion of the existing interceptor, rehabilitating 6,100 linear feet of cured-in-place pipe lining, replacing 2,600 linear feet of the interceptor, upsizing of portions of the interceptor, installing 6,000 linear feet of new force main and gravity sewers, abandonment of 5,000 linear feet of the interceptor, and the construction of one new pump station and its associated force mains.

The interceptor project is extensive and is anticipated to take about 30 months to complete, starting in the fall of 2023 and ending in the summer of 2026.

For more information on the project please visit the Department of Public Works website at https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor.

The "All About Sewer" series

These three sessions of the radio show share my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St.

This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html 

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

The 3 part water series can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley

Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area.

All about the Town of Franklin Sewer Services - part 3 of 3 (audio)

FM #1028 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1028 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes

• PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

• Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

• If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

• Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

• New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

• What to flush or not flush (3 p's - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)

Part 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html

Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

• We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

• Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

• System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

• Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

• We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

• Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

• Sahlin circle (final touches)

• Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

• Phase 7 lining - this summer

• next level of I&I study

• asset mgt grant

• easement clearing & mapping

• Good things about the community cooperation

• Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)

The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

• $500K for expenses, 

• approx. $1M for personnel

• $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

• $1M for project debt and interest payments

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s sewer services. Audio Part 3 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3

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Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Leak or Blockage diagram of lines of responsibility between Town and property owners for water and sewer service  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/have-leak-or-blockage

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

Charles River Pollution Control https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control   and https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/ 

Charles River Update to Town Council begins at 57:50 in the Franklin TV meeting video for May 3, 2023  ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

Beaver St interceptor update to Town Council begins at 1:36:30  in the same meeting video https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

The most recent PFAS update to Town Council begins at 1:52:56 in the same meeting video https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

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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/  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"

Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area.