Showing posts with label sewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewer. Show all posts

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Finance Committee -Budget Hearing #3 - Recap of June 2, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #fincom0602
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0602&src=typed_query

  • Real time reporting for Finance Committee June 2 underway, tagged here after as #fincom0602
  • All #fincom0602 members present for this session, tonight discussion is all things DPW. Meeting protocol and ground rules reviewed. Folks will be acknowledged to talk and identify themselves
  • #fincom0602 agenda can be found and followed in this link https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-02_finance_committee_agenda.pdf
  • first item = DPW Stormwater MS4 Permit Presentation #fincom0602 doc can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
  • 2 similar presentations on storm water were conducted in Feb/Mar and available for replay via Franklin TV and Franklin Matters Radio/podcast #fincom0602
  • Key to water approach as the three are integrated, they can help each other, or hurt each other. We get all our drinking water from ground, the largest producer of such per the State #fincom0602
  • Projections in storm water utility fee #fincom0602
  • Currently spending over $1M just for storm water mitigation #fincom0602
  • Inclusion of the storm water fee on the quarterly bill along with water/sewer and trash/recycling in process. The others fees will show the applicable charge, initially the storm water would be $0. Should help to generate interest and conversation #fincom0602
  • Over time the storm water fee would free up about $1.1m of currently operational expenses covered by tax base; in future the fee would support the mitigations required #fincom0602
  • Would take time multiple years, to move the finances from the operating budget to the new storm water fee as an enterprise fund and be self sustaining #fincom0602
  • As part of the storm water fee we would get the mitigation and leaf pick up #fincom0602 
  • Tree warden session as mentioned was Sep 18, 2019 - view Franklin TV replay here https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=683 #fincom0602
  • Small additions to DPW budget in anticipation of fee but needing to move forward with mitigation anyway even in these challenging times #fincom0602
  • On to water/sewer enterprise funds #fincom0602 Beaver St interceptor will be the largest build project for Franklin. TBD
  • Potential water and sewer fee increases coming down the pike, did go ahead with trash as it needed to support the contract renewal. Stay tuned for when the water sewer comes up later #fincom0602
  • Meters check water volume coming out of the ground and going into each facility (home or business) had been losing up to 20% of the water as unaccounted for, now down to about 7% very efficient #fincom0602
  • Garelick is 20% of our water and sewer usage, the bankruptcy is close to settled but the new buyer also needs to divest Garelick so the future is still unsettled. #fincom0602
  • Another full year of construction for water treatment plant on Grove St to cover the wells #3 #6 #fincom0602 before it comes online
  • Part of the ISO rating that the fire department received was partially due to the water pressure and system available from the water department #fincom0602
  • Motion to adjourn, vote via roll call 9-0; that's all for tonight, catch you Thursday #fincom0602
 
meeting opening - screen view captured
meeting opening - screen view captured

triadic approach to water
triadic approach to water

MS4 permit explained
MS4 permit explained

storm water mitigation expenses
storm water mitigation expenses

storm water utility fee described
storm water utility fee described

preliminary rate on storm water utility fee
preliminary rate on storm water utility fee

leaf pick up added as a service as part of storm water utility fee
leaf pick up added as a service as part of storm water utility fee

DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi speaking
DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi speaking


Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities = Water-Sewer Superintendent; DPW heavy equip operator; firefighter-paramedic


Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  
  • Water & Sewer Superintendent - Department of Public Works
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/water-sewer-superintendent-jobposting-may2020.pdf
  • Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-may182020.pdf
  • Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
    • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov
    • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   
If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here (https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe) .
Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities = Water-Sewer Superintendent; DPW heavy equip operator; firefighter-paramedic
Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities = Water-Sewer Superintendent; DPW heavy equip operator; firefighter-paramedic

Monday, March 30, 2020

FM #231 Franklin (MA) DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi 3/26/20 (audio)

FM #231 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 231 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin (MA) DPW Director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi. We did a conference all to adhere to the ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brutus reviews with us how his department had adjusted operations to maintain services during this COVID-19 pandemic period.

The conversation runs about 14 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Brutus.  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6fpNgMX




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

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/
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"

construction alert for King St and Washington St intersection
construction alert for King St and Washington St intersection


Monday, March 23, 2020

“there is no such thing as ... ‘flushable wipes’”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"#nowipesinthepipes. Despite the seriousness of the problem, public works departments have an appreciation of the humor behind the underlying topic. A few have taken to social media to spread the message. With an appreciation for a good poop joke, the hashtags abound.

In the pitch dark of 3 a.m. Wednesday, Hopkinton Department of Public Works employees found themselves struggling against an unexpected side effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Clogged pipes.

The culprit? Sanitary wipes labeled “flushable.”

“They’re not made to go through the sewer systems,” Hopkinton Water and Sewer Superintendent Eric Carty said. “They just bind all together, and just make a giant clog. It literally shuts the pump down.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200322/amidst-perceived-toilet-paper-shortage-due-to-coronavirus-dpw-officials-see-spike-in-wipes-clogging-sewer-systems

The Franklin DPW flyer on "What not to Flush!"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing




from an April 2013 DPW presentation on pumps stuck with non-flushable swipes
from an April 2013 DPW presentation on pumps stuck with non-flushable swipes

Monday, March 16, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 18, 2020

Agenda Meeting Date - March 18, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. 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
a. 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
February 12, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Agricultural Commission Associate Member: Charles J. Koshiva
b. Planning Board Associate Vacancy: Joint Meeting with the Planning Board
i. Town Administrator Memo & Candidates

6. HEARINGS 
- 7:10 PM - - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Animal Control Department
b. S.A.F.E Coalition Update
c. Purchasing Department Presentation on Procurement

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-17: Acceptance of Conservation Restriction to Protect Well 3A (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-17 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-856: Chapter 82, Sewer Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-856 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10e. 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)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update

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

The meeting agenda and associated documents can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N3bRsizwge7IW-Ks_U-JGM503kYs4FRA/view?usp=sharing

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/
https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Monday, January 6, 2020

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges

I struggled with a short and quick way to state the obvious without going over the top to grab a headline. There are any number of fiscal challenges facing Franklin, and yes, I believe that this year IS different from the prior years. While I have heard any number of folks say every budget year is a challenge, in the dozen or so years I have been closely reporting on the Franklin budget, I have not seen as many issues come together as this year brings.

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

The Town always passes a 'balanced budget', by law it has to, so the real issue is how do you bring the revenue and expense sides to 'balance' especially with "expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22"?

There is a new storm water fee coming and we are already facing increases in the water/sewer and trash/recycling fees. That is a whole lot of money coming from Franklin residents in one year. So I rest my case that it will be a challenge and ask your participation in the resolution.

The adage goes: you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution! I recommend getting involved in the discussion (aside from Facebook!) to be part of the solution. 

Action:
  • Get to a meeting. 
  • Talk with our Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, School Administration (including Superintendent Sara Ahern) as well as Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
  • Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues, together we can, and must, find a solution.

The full goals and objectives doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf

 
Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges
Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges

Friday, October 11, 2019

Franklin Residents: Water Treatment Plant Update - Oct 10, 2019

via the Franklin DPW Facebook page:

"WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPDATE:

As you are aware, the Water & Sewer Department staff has been working to restore the Hayward Street Water Treatment Plant to full capacity since the fire on July 6, 2019. A full cleaning and damage assessment was performed to determine which equipment had to be replaced or repaired. Analysis was done to ensure all new components would meet or exceed new standards. New technology was evaluated and installed to improve control, lower operating costs and increase efficiency where allowed. All repairs were evaluated to determine which tasks would be best completed in house or outsourced to contractors in order to quickly repair the system and maximize cost savings. Much of this work has been completed on weekends by our dedicated staff.

Final replacement parts that were directly damaged by the fire, including the tank heater that caused the fire and had to be custom built, arrived last week. The crews worked quickly to install the parts so that the plant could be fully started up and “test run” for a complete evaluation. It was our hope to restore full operation by the end of last week. However, during this start up, it became apparent that the ultra-filtration filters, which were running intermittently since late July, had sustained damage and required additional repair. All start up procedures and testing has been under the direction of the filter manufacturer and the damage to the filters was not anticipated.

Our crews worked for five straight days in an attempt to repair the filters to a usable level. This is a very tedious process that requires placing a “pin” in each filter that is damaged. There are a total of 40 filter membrane cartridges, in some cartridges there were over 600 holes! Even with all the repairs, water quality was not acceptable, i.e. too much iron and manganese was making it through the filters. We immediately placed the order for all new filters.

Although the manufacturer has rush prioritized our order, these specialized filters require several weeks to manufacture. Therefore, we are currently expecting delivery of new filters in approximately three weeks. In the meantime, we have brought in our consulting engineering firm to see if they have any recommendations to make the old filters more effective until the new filters are installed.

We understand the difficulty the water ban has caused many residents and citizens. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding, and continued commitment to water conservation. Please understand, we do not recommend a water ban lightly. We need to ensure that there is enough water for drinking and sanitary needs as well as to maintain proper storage levels for fire suppression.

Once again, thank you for your support, feel free to contact us with any further questions."


This is available from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/hayward_street_water_treatment_plant_update_0.pdf




photo via Franklin DPW Facebook page
photo via Franklin DPW Facebook page

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Consumer Confidence Report: 2018 (part 2 of 3)

This is part 2 of 3 featuring sections from the Consumer Confidence Report published annually by the Franklin, MA DPW - Water and Sewer Division.
https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division
"This report describes Franklin’s drinking water sources and treated water quality for the calendar year 2018, and programs that protect the high quality of our water supply. This publication is mandated by the federal public right-to-know regulation requiring community water suppliers to provide specific treated water quality information annually to their customers. This report includes additional information beyond the minimum federal requirements in order to respond to typical questions our customers ask about Franklin’s water system."

Lead Information

"Since the inception of Franklin’s corrosion control program in the early 1990s, lead and copper levels have remained well below the EPA Action Levels (AL). As shown in the table on page 2, the most recent round of testing found lead levels ranging from non-detect to 3 parts per billion (ppb) (AL=15 ppb) and copper levels ranging from 0.04 to 0.47 parts per million (ppm) (AL=1.3 ppm). If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Franklin Department of Public Works Water Division is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at epa.gov/safewater/lead



The full report can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2018_ccr_web.pdf

Consumer Confidence Report: 2018 (part 2 of 3)
Franklin’s Drinking Water Treatment Process

Monday, July 1, 2019

Consumer Confidence Report: 2018 (part 1 of 3)

Consumer Confidence Report:  

This report describes Franklin’s drinking water sources and treated water quality for the calendar year 2018, and programs that protect the high quality of our water supply. This publication is mandated by the federal public right-to-know regulation requiring community water suppliers to provide specific treated water quality information annually to their customers. This report includes additional information beyond the minimum federal requirements in order to respond to typical questions our customers ask about Franklin’s water system.

Important Information About Drinking Water

All sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells, contain some naturally occurring contaminants or substances. Because water is the universal solvent, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal and human activity.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive and in nearly all cases would not provide greater protection of health.  To ensure that your water is safe to drink, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the EPA regulates the allowable amount of certain contaminants in the water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. This report provides you with information about the contaminants found naturally in your drinking water, the levels at which they are found, and the likely source of each contaminant.

Read the full report online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2018_ccr_web.pdf


Franklin’s Drinking Water Treatment Process
Franklin’s Drinking Water Treatment Process

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road

A heads up for downtown residents and commuters to the train - expect delays on Dean Ave and Hillside Rd starting next week (week of March 25 and following)

Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road
Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road

Found for sharing via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1108017057596166145

Sunday, January 13, 2019

FM #156 - Finance Committee - Capital Budget Part 1 - Jan 8, 2019 (audio)

This internet radio show or podcast is number 156 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held at the Senior Center on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

The meeting is the first of two to review the Capital Budget by the Finance Committee. Today’s meeting will review the following agenda:
  • Fire
  • Police
  • Public Works
  • Sewer Enterprise
  • Water Enterprise

The second meeting, scheduled for Jan 15 will cover the remainder of the capital budget:
  • Schools
  • Facilities
  • Technology
  • Recreation

After hearing all the presentations, the Finance Committee will vote to recommend some or all of these (with or without modifications) to be brought to the Town Council for their review and vote.

The complete agenda documents for the Jan 8 and 15 meetings can be found on the Town of Franklin pages as follows:

Jan 8
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-08_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Jan 15
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-15_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

The documents for the Capital Budget discussions can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu_1JUPgKXNH8i9DhDZH7ZkfFk6tyFQp/view?usp=sharing

Note: the document is a single PDF file with 166 pages, so it will take some time to download/open.

The total meeting recording runs just about 2 hours. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

My notes for the meeting can be found:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/finance-committee-capital-budget-part-1.html




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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like this, 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/
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes