DPW update on snow storm response; parking tickets issued during storm

Email from DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi from earlier in the day (Monday, 1/19/26):

Just want to give you all an update on the snow and ice removal operations in case you get some calls.

Yesterday around 2PM, Waste Management called to inform us that trash and recycling would not be collected on Monday (today) as planned due to predicted weather. So curbside pick-up would be delayed one day. This is allowed in our contract with them. We immediately posted on websites and social media.

DPW personnel reported to work yesterday at 4 PM to work the storm based on weather reports that we received. We had pre- treated the Town the day before.

It was anticipated that we would get around three inches as reported by our weather folks and local media stations.

All DPW workers showed up on time.

Pretty much started snowing around 1PM with little accumulation.

Extremely cold, temp was 14 degrees.

Senior Center parking lot cleared when I went sledding with the kiddos on the hill to ECDC/Middle School

At 10PM we called in contractors as we had 3 inches of snow on the ground.

The contractors provided all equipment, much better than the last 2 events.

Vehicles parked on the road during the overnight parking ban continue to be a problem.

We worked with the Police and 35 to 40 tickets were issued.

As of right now, it is still snowing and over 6 inches of snow has fallen. The Town is looking pretty good, folks can travel throughout town on this holiday.

We will commence plowing sidewalks once the snow stops.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14V2BMgpGpr/

Town of Franklin: IFB - Concrete Sidewalk Construction and Repairs

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing and repairing cement concrete surfaces at various locations within the Town of Franklin.

IFB - Concrete Sidewalk Construction and Repairs

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-concrete-sidewalk-construction-and-repairs

Town of Franklin: IFB - Concrete Sidewalk Construction and Repairs

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 15, 2023 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 15, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. SWEARING IN OF TOWN COUNCIL

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Town Council Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk

3. ADOPTION OF TOWN COUNCIL PROCEDURES MANUAL

a. Resolution 23-60: Adoption of the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-60 - Majority Vote)

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 18, 2023

7. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Cynthia Garboski

8. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

 

a. Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Approval of Pledge of Liquor License, and Approval of Bhaveshkumar Patel as the Manager - Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #9a

9. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Approval of Pledge of Liquor License, and Approval of Bhaveshkumar Patel as the Manager - Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

10. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #9f

b. Discussion: Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Ethics and Conducting a Public Meeting - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney

11. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 23-58: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY24 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-58 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 23-59: Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Reduction FY24

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-59 - Majority Vote)

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-903 to a Second Reading)

d. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-902 to a Second Reading - ⅔ Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 23-61: 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-61 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-62: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-62 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-63: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,975)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-63 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 23-64: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Town Administrator Evaluation (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-64 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 23-65: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Review of Rules of Procedure of the Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-65 - Majority Vote)

12. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

13. 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

14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

15. COUNCIL COMMENTS

16. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

17. ADJOURN

Agenda doc and additional docs released for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov15_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 15, 2023 meeting

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the Council Meeting of Oct 11 to about 25 minutes (audio)

 FM #1077 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1077 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of October 11, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  

Migrant update – nothing major is new

Joint Budget Subcmte Mtg

• Brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD

• Schools updated some of their numbers, planning for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)

• Next Joint session in Jan 2024

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Oct 12, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1077-town-council-quarterbacking-10-12-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZ4uXFaq0j33jI4XaFIjXCcU7S_f6b3S/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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the Council Meeting of Oct 11 to about 25 minutes (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 11, 2023 - 7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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. September 6, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._september_6_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

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

a. Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_discussion_memo_-_bylaw_amendment_23-902_-_snow_removal_.pdf

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a.  

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-902 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._23-902_-_snow_removal_bylaw.pdf

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 - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Economic Development Subcmte shovels the snow bylaw forward for Council discussion (audio)

FM #1059 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1059 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 

The EDC talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.

The proposed reintroduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.

That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.

The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.

Quick recap:

• What some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 

• What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?

• There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?

The recording of the meeting runs just about 70 minutes.   Audio file ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1059-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-09-0623

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

Full agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/DLFDj9HEyRU?si=4_o_8sYPiFQqWhLZ&t=105 

My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/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

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"

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Economic Development Subcmte shovels the snow bylaw forward for Council discussion (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.

The proposed re-introduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.

That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.

The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.

Quick recap: what some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 

What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?

There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?

Full agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/DLFDj9HEyRU?si=4_o_8sYPiFQqWhLZ&t=105

My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/view?usp=drive_link

The proposed map of sidewalks to be cleared by the DPW

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Economic Development Subcommittee agenda for Weds, Sep 6 at 5:30 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 6, 2023 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Proposed sidewalk snow removal bylaw and map

a. Revised Map  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/sidewalk_commercial_proposed_v2.pdf 

b. Draft Bylaw Proposal   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1b._23-902_snow_removal_bylaw_draft.pdf

Full agenda doc with remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf

 

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Economic Development Subcommittee considers updates to a revised sidewalk snow removal bylaw (Audio)

FM #1041 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1041 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 

Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones (absent)

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner

Brief recap

• The previous sidewalk snow removal bylaw was repealed as unenforceable in 2017

• The sidewalks covered by the Town in their snow removal plan have not been updated in years

• Small sections were discussed and proposed to add to the Town removal coverage (along 140 near the Westerly Apts., the East/West Streets neighborhood, the Alpine/Milliken neighborhood)

• Discussion on the parameters for clearing, when to have completed, etc. were reviewed, also the need for marketing and education to build a culture of "we can do this" and take care of the neighbors who are unable to do so.

• The Town staff will work on the revisions as discussed, basic text of the prior bylaw is a good start to work with, add the map (new areas), etc.

• Motion to adjourn

The recording runs 57 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 16, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1041-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-16-23

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Meeting agenda =>    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-16_edc_agenda_.pdf

My notes ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12loCjrT1sEa9Gfc9Y4gSrauJJohznz_q/view?usp=drive_link

Meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/v0pTxjdGlIo

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

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/ 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"

taken in 2017 on a walk Sunday morning, approx. 12 hours after the storm ended