ZBA listens, Town Administrator attempts to clarify points, on the 444 East Central project (video)

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met as scheduled Thursday night, May 8, 2025. The 444 East Central portion of the meeting begins at 19 minutes into the recording and such is set for the replay here. (You can easily go to the beginning of the video and view the earlier portion if you choose.)

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/82a99atYf0s?&t=1149

The ZBA page for this 444 East Central project is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/815/2025-Current-Recent-ZBA-Hearings

The application as submitted on the Town page is here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4594/444-East-Central-ZBA-application-comp-permit

Meeting items of note

• Halligan recused himself
• project overview briefly recapped (slides captured below)
• a clerical problem with notice resulted in an agreement between the applicant attorney and the committee, committee not to invoke safe harbor, appplicant not to invoke a constructive grant. The constructive grant would have allowed the applicant to bypass most of the ZBA process
• The application will continue and take some number of months to do so. The next meeting is targeted for June 5, the next after that is July 17
• Due to this negotiation, the peer review process did not start. Traffic will be first up at the next meeting
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen participating this time, and he explains why, he is participating to explain details around the process and clarify, everybody can hear the record as one
• One sore point (lack of communication from the ZBA Chair and other members after multiple email queries), it was revealed that responding to individual emails is a non-no during the time that the subject is before the Board. It could potentially violate open meeting law. All discussions, responses to questions, need to be in the open meeting.

Slides of the presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/x5N6EvhwDRUtcRps5

The waivers requested by the project are outlined in Section 8 and contained in this PDF (separated from the full project doc) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11lkqa0Hz1VCO_J3utf-5NynwlnPeVPQj/view?usp=drive_link

To support Town Administrator Hellen's statements on water supply, information on the water conservation page should explain ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/628/Water-Conservation 

There is a 3-part podcast series covering the water supply and operations for Franklin from well to our faucets -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

There is also a 3-part series on the sewer from our flushes to the Charles River Treatment -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

444 East Central project

2nd budget hearing confirms what happens if override fails for Police, Fire, DPW (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled for their 2nd in the series of Budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget cycle. The meeting took oplace in the 3rd floor conference room and as usual was broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers, as well as to Zoom & YouTube. All 8 members participated.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFHPuafjzDg

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.
• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 
• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would lose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital transports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today
• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery in August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current Tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the older of the ambulances when the new one arrives.
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.
• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, etc. will be delayed or take longer.
• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio Thursday, transcript on the weekend).

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee Agenda for 2nd Budget hearing, Tue, Apr 29 (public works & public safety)

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 = 7 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 3rd Floor, Training Room

Agenda

1.    Call to Order
 

2.    FY26 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing continued...
FY26 Town Administrator Budget Materials website   https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500

a.    Public Safety:

i.    210 Police Department
ii.    220 Fire Department
iii.    225 Regional Dispatch
iv.    240 Inspection Department
v.    292 Animal Control

b.    Department of Public Works (DPW):

i.    422 Public Works
ii.    Enterprise Funds: 434 Solid Waste, 440 Sewer, 450 Water, 460 Stormwater

3.    Adjourn

The full agenda doc (including remote participation info)  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

 

Town Administrator Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of April 14

Monday (4/14) through Friday (4/18): 

The Contractor will be excavating on Grove Street for the next round of jack and bore trenchless installation work.  During this time, Grove St. will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7 AM--4PM. Traffic turning onto Grove St from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

In addition, there will continue to be a construction crew conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer un

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project:

der Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with concrete work around the top of the new pump station and within the launching chamber.  In addition, civil work within the site, and mechanical work within the pump room will be occurring.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project 

Sewer lining project continues with Phase 8 - March 24 through April 9, 2025

via DPW posting:

"Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Continues Monday March 24th thru April 9th.

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:

3/24 – 3/28: start grouting services (Pine Street, Stanwood Drive, Mary Anne Drive)

3/31 – 4/4: Continue grouting services

4/3 – 4/4: Complete Lining along Pine St

4/7 – 4/9: Lining Easement Beech St to Mary Ann Drive

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be directly affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.  

For a virtual representation of the service line grouting process check out this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2oqgS0W9ew"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1A6p76C79Y/

Franklin Town Council sets June 3 for date of Override vote on $3,862,672 to balance FY 2026 budget

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 19 in Council Chambers. 8 of the 9 members were present and participating, 1 absent (Dellorco - due todeath in family).

Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

The agenda doc released for the meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639 

Quick recap

• after approval of 2 prior meeting minutes, the Council get to the key item and after a brief discussion took two votes;
• one to approve the amount and ballot question text
• the second to set the date, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 for the override
• both votes were 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussion
• Other legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a new residence that had already been approved in the first vote both received the passing vote by the same 8-0-1 vote (1 absent) via roll call
• A resolution accepting gifts to the Veterans services was approved and thanks extended
• Town Administrator's Report
• Jamie acknowledged receipt of a letter from Archbishop Henning commending the work of the Fire Dept on the St Mary's Church fire. He had just recently attended the re-opening masses. The letter will be posted to the Town pages
• The lease for Town use of the Ferrara's parking lot was signed to extend the agreement for 5 years
• The final approvals on the deed and associated documents for the Old South Church were completed and to be handed over to Habitat for Humanity so the docs can be filed with the Registrar of Deeds, and work can begin to renovate the building for a residence
• After a round of Councilor comments, the meeting closed

My full set of notes taken during the meeting (in one PDF) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPEkxHcViPCNwOGHmiydPVt1rGW5Xy05/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

Town Council effectively conducts business before going to Executive Session on Feb 26, 2025 (audio)

FM #1391  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1391 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 8 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 1 was absent (Dellorco). 

Quick recap:

• Going right to legislation for action

• Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading; Motion to waive reading, passes - Motion to approve, second, vote via roll call passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers Motion to approve, second - Discussion had been part of the capital budget review by FinCom and Capital budget subcmte but not yet set here for approval - Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Last parcel on the road to extend this to. Motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Related to the above

• Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Water to go along with the sewer as noted, motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 -  Motion to waive reading, passes 8-0-1; Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• Town Administrator's Report

• March 5 preliminary FY 2026 budget update coming Traditional slide show, and updates

• Mirchi withdrew the alcohol liquor license application

• Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program; Jamie still gets emails etc. and blame us for the town role which was not our choice, it was totally a state decision and effort, thanks to the residents and organizations for handling this under the circumstances

• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting

• Motion, second, passes via roll 8-0-1 (1 Absent)

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1391-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-26-25/

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

My expanded notes -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yE_Dj5dIlYdzyYou4cZhh5AD4kJL0JZOGgg0BDuOfA/edit?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y 

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602 

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFS-kA1Xy3rCoN2v-1H8-wbGw6nlI21m/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 out. 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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y

Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Starts Tuesday March 4, 2025

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:

• 

  Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project

  Tuesday (3/4) – Pine Street (#161/152 to #169/170), Stanwood Drive (Pine St to #39/36)
• Wednesday (3/5) – Stanwood Drive (#8/11 to #20/31), Pine Street (#80/81 to #102/103)
• Thursday (3/6) – Pine Street (#102/103 to #152/151)
• Friday (3/7) – Pine Street (Mary Ann Dr to #80/81)
• Monday (3/10) – Mary Ann Drive (#9/10 to Pine St), Pine St (Mary Ann Dr to #9/28)
• Tuesday (3/11) – Pine Street (#9/28 to Pond St)

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=44

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Feb 26 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 26, 2025 - 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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 5, 2025   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4490/3a-1---February-5-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-924 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4471/9a-25-924-Ch-82-Municipal-Service-Fees---Comstar-New-Rates

b. Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-05 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4492/9b-25-05-Free-Cash-Stabilization-Transfers

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-925 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4501/9c-25-925-and-25-926---Raymond-St-Sewer-Extension

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-926 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4502/9d---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-926---Water-System-Map---Raymond-St

e. Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-11 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4478/9e-24-11---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT     

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. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions

b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Municipal unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Feb 26 meeting

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project - no traffic impacts are expected for week of Jan 27, 2025

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

BSI Construction Update for the Week of January 27!

Monday (1/27) through Friday (1/31): Limited work is planned, therefore no traffic impacts are expected.  Please follow the DPW Facebook page for updated information during the week.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with formwork and concrete placement.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project - no traffic impacts are expected for week of Jan 27, 2025

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more -> https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of January 20

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project 

 

BSI Construction Update for the Week of January 20th!

Monday (1/20) - Friday (1/24): Depending on contractor availability and weather there is the potential that Grove Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm. Traffic turning onto Grove Street from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Please follow the DPW Facebook page for detour maps and updated information during the week.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with formwork and concrete placement.

 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of January 20

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction Update for the Week of December 16

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 

 

BSI Construction Update for the Week of December 16th!

Monday (12/16) - Friday (12/20): The construction crew will be preparing the jacking and receiving pits for the trenchless installation of the sewer under Rt. 140.  The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond Street and within the Franklin Village Mall Area.  No traffic impacts are expected. 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor
Pump Station will continue with concrete form placement and rebar tying for the last section of the pump station foundation walls.

There will be limited work occurring the week of 12/23 & 12/30 for the Christmas and New Years holiday weeks.   HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project:  Construction Update for the Week of December 16

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Beaver St Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of December 2

Monday (12/2) - Friday (12/6): The construction crew will be testing the new sewer mains on Grove Street, West Central Street and Old West Central Street. Limited lane closures are possible. Please follow all posted detour/lane closure signs and be prepared for delays.

Wednesday (12/4) & Thursday (12/5): The construction crew will be installing the sewer service to 664 Old West Central. A limited detour on Rolling Ridge Rd. will be in place during this time--please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with concrete form placement and rebar tying for the pump station foundation walls. On Friday (12/6), a large concrete pour is scheduled, limited traffic impacts are expected on Beaver Street during this time.

Beaver St Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of December 2

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project