Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee - discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses

Quick Recap:

• The housing production plan was reviewed and discussed. Key among the actions is to further obtain any and all citizen input/comment by June 25 and update this draft. The revised plan would then be approved by Planning Board and Town Council before being submitted to the State for acceptance.
• Key to specific items to address the housing would be the zoning assessment. This analysis would provide an objective 3rd party view on what we have and what we could do to allow for appropriate and affordable housing
• Discussion on home based businesses. Good to boot strap a concept, Health Dept is ok with food production as long as the ServeSafe and other related food prep requirements are adhered to. The wrinkle comes with handling the sewer waste and implementation of a grease trap which can be expensive.
• The Town is not prepared for how to address this opportunity. More research is required which they will conduct during the next couple of months and bring back to Subcommittee for further discussion.

----
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  #edc0616
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Edc0616&src=typed_query 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AayFgpTfmSzB3Y2w9

• EDC meeting to begin soon, awaiting quorum #edc0616
  
• Without quorum, may at least open meeting and have a discussion. #fincom0616
  
• Quorum achieved (with virtual participation of Frongillo and Bissanti), EDC meeting opens at 7:09 PM. #edc0616
  
• Chair Hamblen opens meeting, reads protocol statement, #fincom0616 First item, housing production plan for discussion if needed, plan can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf 
  
• Feedback sought as part of the draft review process. #fincom0616
  
• Cool to be back in Municipal Bldg, Planner Amy Love provides an overview of the plan, similar to what was presented earlier in Housing Trust meeting #edc0616
  
• My notes from that (Municipal Affordable Housing Trust) meeting, for the record, can be found https://franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-municipal-affordable-housing.html?m=1 #edc0616
  
• Difference in accounting between apartment and residential units, all apartments count if only a smaller # are affordable; for owned residential units only the # affordable apply to the housing rate (i.e. 6 of 30, only the 6 - if apartments, 6 of 30 all 30 count) condos ->
• Condos count as owned units so only the # would count (like other owned residential, not like apartments). #edc0616 What is considered affordable for Franklin? Major issue
  
• Development costs are hire, art zoning would need to have incentives to allow the developers to make the money back that they give up making some of the units affordable. #edc0616
  
• Multiple discussion points on affordable and how to tackle it, the new housing behind Eaton Place will help but it won't be online soon (still needs funding) #edc0616
  
• Motion to move housing plan forward to planning board and to Council for approval incorporating the changes and comments #edc0616 passes 4-0 via roll call.
  
• Moving to home occupied businesses for next part of discussion. #edc0616
  
• How do you permit a bootstrap business from a home, some i.e. kitchens can pose health concerns, others may have traffic/delivery issues for neighbors. #edc0616 permit some level of production up to which they're good, beyond that next level up. ZBA may be an option
  
• In commercial areas, need to protect the sewer system, with grease traps, when blockages occur it stops things and that is not good. Title 5 systems are built for 3 or 4 bedrooms not commercial industry business. #edc0616 who acts the agent for volume?
  
• We can't use the ZBA or planning board and their temporary benevolence, if something is good, let's make it right. #edc0616 strict guidelines on food prep, zoning is the issue in the case of chocolate bars (as the talking point example)
  
• let's provide some time to research, see what others are doing, Boston is a whole different system. #edc0616 what might work, what would be some controls, there is no capacity at Charles River. we do need to consider the big picture of affordability
  
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call #fincom0616 

Audio file to be available in a couple of days

discussion on housing plan and requirements for home based businesses

Friendly reminder: What not to flush

What Not To Flush

The Franklin Sewer Division has experienced increased issues with sewer backups due to non-flushable items in the sewer system.  When flushed down the toilet, items such as baby wipes, hand wipes, floor wipes, rags, etc. often get stuck in our sewage pumps, which can damage the pumps and potentially cause sewer backups.  In addition to the costly pump repairs, sewer backups can result in damage to nearby homes and businesses and can have environmental impacts if the sewage is discharged into the environment.

Please DO NOT FLUSH:

• Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags
• Synthetic materials such as plastic, which do not decompose or dissolve
• Feminine products
• Cotton balls
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Unused Medications
• Syringes
• Fats, Oil and Grease 

We thank you for your help in keeping our sewer system running smoothly!!

Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags are becoming more and more of a problem for sewer systems with the increase in "disposable" wipes.  These wipes may be disposable but that does not make them flushable!  Please do not flush swiffer wipes, baby wipes, diapers, disposable toilet bowl cleaners or any other non-toilet paper product.  These items cause major problems in our sewer pumps and we are not alone.  As discussed in a USA Today article tilted "Wipes in the Pipes Snarling Sewers" (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/16/wipes-pollution/2522919/) , this issue is is affecting sewer systems across the country.  So please do your part and don't flush wipes!

Fats, Oil and Grease are some of the primary causes of blockages in sanitary sewer collection systems. Too often grease is washed into the plumbing system usually through the kitchen sink. When grease cools it lines the pipes, decreasing the opening until the pipe blocks up completely and sewage backs up into homes, businesses or manholes.  Do not pour grease down the drain. Instead, pour it into a disposable container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash.  The City of London was recently in the news for a 15 ton grease ball stuck in their sewer system - to learn  more check out this article from the Water Environment Federation magazine.

Unused Medications are often disposed of in the toilet, but it is important to remember that treated wastewater eventually ends up in our rivers and streams.  A 2002 USGS study found that 80% of streams in the U.S. have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs.  To help reduce our impact on the environment, please dispose of unused prescription medications properly.  Ask your pharmacy if they have a take-back program, or dispose of unused medications in the Take-Back Container at the Franklin Police Department located at 911 Panther Way.

Syringes can be safely disposed of at the Franklin Police Department, 911 Panther Way. Syringes will not be accepted unless they are in an approved sharps container.  

If you own a business here in Franklin, please print and post our What Not to Flush Flyer https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/files/what-not-flush-flyer.

Want to learn more about how sewage is treated?  Franklin's sewage is treated at the Charles River Pollution Control District in Medway.  Click here for a general overview of how the treatment system works.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/help-us-keep-our-sewer-system-running-smoothly-learn-what-not-flush

Download the "What not to Flush" flyer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing

 

Franklin DPW - 2021 Construction Project Updates

Construction Project Update

The Mackintosh Neighborhood Waterline project will be starting next week.  The Town contractor, CJP & Sons, will be starting on Pine Ridge Drive at the end of Sherman Ave and will then continue into the neighborhood from there.  This project will continue into the summer.  A list of project contacts can be found here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGlc_16pxpRuOY4z3FCEWeAm03gqwLv7/view?usp=sharing). 

You can also find an interactive map on the DPW website outlining current construction projects. (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/241b546cfac6423585978bf5889d23e8)

Franklin DPW - 2021  Construction Project Updates

 

 

What gets funded is a question of priorities, but who sets them? “Let’s face it, we don’t have ribbon cuttings when we replace a pipe"

A good interactive article at Washington Post on how we miss the boat in funding the basics.

"In the shadow of its exceptionalism, America fails to invest in the basics. 

Stunning advances in medicine and technology have come

alongside systemic breakdowns in infrastructure and health.

.... 

America can put a rover on Mars, but it can’t keep the lights on and water running in the city that birthed the modern space program. It can develop vaccines, in record time, to combat a world-altering illness, but suffers one of the developed world’s highest death rates due to lack of prevention and care. It spins out endless entertainment to keep millions preoccupied during lockdown — and keep tech shares riding high on Wall Street — but leaves kids disconnected from the access they need to do their schoolwork. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/america-growing-disparities/

FM #394 Finance Committee Mtg - 11/17/20 (audio)

FM #394 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 394 in the series.

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• The Finance Committee gets an update on the Beaver St interceptor, effectively a shorter and concise review of what the Town Council received at their Oct 21, 2020 meeting.
• The finance options are expected to be ready in January 2021. It is likely that the sewer rate payers will absorb the cost of the project as the sewer fee is user based. A better understanding of how much will be revealed in January.
• The balance of the meeting was discussion on topics for future meetings.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and my notes.

The meeting runs about 70 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting for Nov 17, 2020. audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNC3mSdS


 

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

The Finance Committee posted agenda including the interceptor project presentation document  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda_14.html

My notes of the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/finance-committee-meeting-recap-nov-17.html

The Oct 21, 2020 Town Council meeting segment with the Beaver St interceptor presentation and discussion  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html

Photos of the meeting shared via Twitter can be found in one album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fHPczB9FKC5P67U16

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

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

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"

 

key graphic depicts the sewer gravity flow along with the depth of the access points

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 21, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/ voice concerns. If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

 -   Link to access meeting: October 21, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE -- Then click “Open Zoom”
  -  Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82006714885
   - Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 820 0671 4885 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
    This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.

•     Town Clerk’s Office: Nancy Danello, Temporary Town Clerk
•     Chief of Police Thomas J. Lynch: Unemployment Fraud PSA
•     DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi: Massachusetts Drought Level 3

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS   
a. Board of Registrars - Gail Karner   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gail_karner_1.pdf
b. Election Workers   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._2_appointments_election_workers.pdf
c. Finance Committee: Natalie Riley  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/fincom_natalie_riley.pdf

d. Fire Department Pinnings: 

Joshua Impey, Joshua Sables, Kristopher Smith

e. Police Department:

i. Pinnings - Jonathan Giron, Nicholas Storelli
ii. Retiree - Doug Nix

6. HEARINGS   
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
 -   National Grid Emergency Management (Trees & Power): Chief McLaughlin (Fire Chief), Brutus Cantoreggi (DPW Director)
  -  Beaver Street Interceptor: Brutus Cantoreggi (DPW Director), Doug Martin (Water/Sewer Superintendent)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-61: Authorization of Town Administrator to Grant Temporary Food Truck Permits to Farmers Series Licenses (Motion to approve Resolution 20-61 - Majority Vote)
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-61_food_truck.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-62: Acceptance of Easement on the Westerly Side of Spring Street (Motion to approve Resolution 20-62 - Majority Vote)
 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-39

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861: Zoning Map Changes on or near Oak Street - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-861_oak_street_1.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862: Zoning Map Changes on or near Longhill Road and Pleasant Street - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-862_longhill_and_pleasant.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
Drought 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 released agenda and associated docs as of 10/17/20

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/october_21_2020_town_council_meeting_agenda_0.pdf

 

The agenda folder and line items

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-21-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 21, 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

triadic approach to water

MS4 permit explained

storm water mitigation expenses

storm water utility fee described

preliminary rate on storm water utility fee

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

DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi speaking

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) .

Shared from  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

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

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

“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

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/

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 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