No scheduled Trash/Recycle delay next week due to the holiday Monday

No scheduled Trash/Recycle delay next week due to the holiday Monday

Did you misplay the mailer with the curbside schedule? You can get a copy from the Town Recycling/Solid Waste page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1279/Waste-Management-Trash-and-Recycling-Collection-Services-2025-to-2026-PDF

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

New Year, New Start — Declutter Now!

via Junk Dunkers:

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Junk Dunkers

Of note: Franklin's DPW has schedule tree pickup for the week of Jan 6

Fall Cleanup - Scheduled for Week of November 11, 2024

It's Fall Cleanup time!

Yard waste will be picked up curbside during the week of November 11, 2024.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/fall-cleanup-week-november-11-2024

Fall Cleanup - Scheduled for Week of November 11, 2024

No Trash Delay Scheduled for Next Week due to holiday

No Trash Delay Next Week

Curbside trash and recycling will be picked up on your regular day.

(October 14-18, 2024)

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/no-trash-delay-next-week

If you need a new copy of the curbside flyer, you can download the PDF from the Town page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2024-2025.pdf

No Trash Delay Scheduled for Next Week due to holiday

Memorial Day Curbside Trash/Recycling Schedule

No pickup on Monday (Memorial Day)

Monday will be picked up Tuesday,

Tuesday will be picked up Wednesday, 

and so forth ...

Additional info on the curbside schedule, map and special items that can be scheduled, please visit the Town page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/curbside-pick

Download a copy of the annual flyer ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2023-2024.pdf

Memorial Day Curbside Trash/Recycling Schedule

Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 23, 2024  7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

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

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget HearingFY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing

i. FY25 Voting Document FY25 Voting Document

ii. FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1) FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1) 

iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book  (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2) doc

iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin Superintendent's Recommended FY24 Budget Executive Summary  summary

4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-28: Adoption of FY2025 Budget

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-28 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-29: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY25

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-29 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-30: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-30 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-31: Expenditure Limits for FY2025 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-31 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 24-32: Creation of Snow & Ice Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-32 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-33: Creation of Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-33 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-26: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-26 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-27: FY25 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds-Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-27 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-34: Rescission of Unissued Balances of Authorizations to Borrow (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-34 - Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 24-35: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Various Renovations to Remington/Jefferson and Horace Mann Schools

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-35 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

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

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

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

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS

7. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

8. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_may_23_2024.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM

Finance Committee reviews Public Safety and Public Works budgets (video)

The Finance Committee held their second of three budget hearings on Wednesday, May 8 in the Council Chambers. 

The 3rd and final budget hearing is scheduled for May 15 with the school budgets covered (Franklin Public Schools, Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie.)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/kRJStUo28Q8?si=YQQ8EPTnnAz3XMJe&t=61

The departmental budgets covered were:

• Public Safety:
• 210 Police Department
• 220 Fire Department
• 225 Regional Dispatch
• 240 Inspection Department
• 292 Animal Control
• b. Department of Public Works (DPW):
• Departments: 422 Public Works
• Enterprise Funds:
• 450 Water
• 440 Sewer
• 434 Solid Waste
• 460 Stormwater

Agenda doc contains links to the supporting documentation  ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-08_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8

DPW Reminder - Curbside Trash Pick-up: one day delay for the entire week due to Memorial Day

Reminder for next week's curbside trash pick-up (May 29th - June 2nd)! If your regular collection day is Monday, it will now be on Tuesday. 

One day delay for the entire week. Friday's collection will be on Saturday June 3rd.

Thank you.

Franklin DPW

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-reminder-curbside-trash-pick-one-day-delay-entire-week-due-memorial-day

DPW Reminder - Curbside Trash Pick-up: one day delay for the entire week due to Memorial Day

What can be recycled? Franklin DPW has your answer

Franklin's recycling process is recognized across the State as one of the best thanks to the participation of all of us. The three word mantra "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" still applies.

The Town page is full of helpful information on what and how ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Quick links

• Beaver St recycling center hours -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/beaver-st-recycling-center-hours
• Waste Management has a new page with information linked to from the Town page ->   https://www.wm.com/us/en/recycle-right 
• The curbside schedule PDF for reprinting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2022-2023_0.pdf

What can be recycled? Franklin DPW has your answer

DPW Notice: No Curbside Trash/ Recycling Delay scheduled for the week of January 16, 2023

Notice from the Department of Public Works: There will be NO curbside trash or recycling delay the week of January 16, despite the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Shared from DPW page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-no-curbside-trash-recycling-delay-week-january-16th

DPW Notice: No Curbside Trash/ Recycling Delay scheduled for the week of January 16, 2023

Franklin Recycling Center Hours begin their Winter schedule (no Tuesdays)

Winter Hours

The winter hours of operation for the Recycling Center are now in effect.

• Fridays 9-3
• Saturdays 9-3
• Sundays 8-1

- Franklin Environmental Affairs

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/recycling-center-hours-0

For more on solid waste, trash and recycling -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Beaver St. Recycling Center Open for Winter Hours (no Tuesdays)

"Best by", "Sell by", "Use by" – Oh my!

"On average, the U.S. wastes an estimated 125 to 160 billion pounds of food each year . And where does it all end up? In a landfill, where it’s buried under mounds of toxic trash and eventually breaks down and emits methane . We bury so much organic waste that landfills are now the third-largest source  of climate-damaging methane emissions in the U.S.

But the environmental impacts of food waste don’t end there. By wasting food, we deplete precious resources, like water. In fact, agriculture in the U.S. accounts for about 80% to 90% of the nation’s water consumption . On top of that, when bad market conditions lead farmers to toss edible food aside or when sold foods go uneaten, all the resources that went into producing those crops are squandered. There’s also a massive economic downside to throwing away uneaten food, adding up to approximately $218 billion a year  in the U.S.

So, how did we start throwing out so much food? Well, several factors play into our increasing wastefulness. Here, we break down the components leading us to toss our food and offer solutions that can help solve our food waste problem."

Continue reading the article online -> https://www.clf.org/blog/why-we-waste-food/

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/CLF/status/1594767748000845833

Several factors play into our increasing wastefulness, but we have solutions to each of these problems. Photo: Shutterstock via CGstrein.

The Town of Franklin awarded $11K from Sustainable Materials Recovery Program

The Town of Franklin gains $11K from this grant program: 

"On America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, the Baker-Polito administration announced $4.2 million in grant funding to 270 municipalities and regional solid waste districts across the Commonwealth.

The grants, made available through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, will help communities maximize their recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.

“One of the most effective measures we can take to reduce the waste stream in communities across the Commonwealth is to support and encourage recycling, diversion, and reuse of waste materials,” said Gov. Charlie Baker.

This year, 265 communities qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program and will receive payments ranging from $245 to $110,500 for a total of $3.37 million."

Continue reading the Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA) article online 

https://www.mma.org/administration-awards-4-2m-to-support-recycling-waste-reduction-programs/

Details on the program can be found online ->

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-smrp-recycling-dividends-program-funds

The full listing of grant award recipients

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2022/11/14/smrp22r2.pdf

Sustainable Materials Recovery Program

Curbside Yard Waste Collection scheduled for Week of Dec 5

Friendly reminder: Leaves and brush will be collected curbside the week of December 5-9, 2022.

Shared from Franklin DPW Facebook page ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3308256732777663/

Curbside Yard Waste Collection scheduled for Week of Dec 5

Notice from DPW: New State Waste Disposal Ban extends to include Mattresses

Mattresses MUST be recycled. Options for Franklin residents below

Notice from the Department of Public Works: Effective as of November 1st, 2022: The State of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has enacted additional "Waste Disposal Bans". 

• Mattresses may not be disposed of as solid waste. They MUST be recycled.
• Waste Management will no longer be collecting mattresses through the curbside program.

Residents of Franklin have a variety of options available to ensure proper disposal:

• If you purchase a new mattress, request that the retailer remove and recycle your old mattress.
• Purchase a sticker to the Recycling Center (455 Beaver Street, Franklin) and utilize the mattress recycling service at this location--The Town does not provide a transportation service, the mattress must be delivered to the Recycling Center by the resident.
• Solicit the services of a private hauler to remove and recycle your old mattress. You may access a list of local Board of Health approved haulers here.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-dpw-new-state-waste-disposal-bans

Reminder: now the requirement for Franklin residents to call SimpleRecycling (or another outlet) no longer can use trash

"Starting Tuesday, Massachusetts residents will no longer be able to throw out mattresses, textiles, or shoes, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

As part of a statewide waste reduction plan, residents are required to recycle or donate such items rather than dispose of them, the department said. That includes clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, curtains, and fabric. Disposal of mattresses is also banned, including full-foam, latex, and “mattresses in a box.”

MassDEP issued a 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan in October 2021, aiming to reduce disposal statewide by 30 percent over the next decade.

The plan also lowers the threshold on the disposal of commercial food and organic waste to a half-ton of waste weekly per facility. Restaurants are instead required to process food waste by composting, among other methods, according to MassDEP."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/31/metro/ban-disposal-mattresses-clothing-shoes-starts-nov-1-mass-heres-what-know/

2030 Solid Waste Master Plan ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vwElz1Co8b1prwSt5WqTfbJ5OFLxrce/view?usp=sharing

From the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/webforms/curbside-clothing   (Note: There are other clothing recycling or donation vendors to use)

Simplerecycling has been recycling clothes and other items in over 30 towns in Massachusetts and many more across the country (click here to see what is accepted).

To schedule collection, call 866-835-5068 or online @ simplerecycling.com. 

For more information please go to Simplerecycling.

Reminder: now the requirement for Franklin residents to call SimpleRecycling (or another outlet) no longer can use trash

Annual Report Of The Department Of Public Works - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. The DPW is organized into seven (7) divisions:

1. Administration

2. Engineering

3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)

4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)

5. Sewer

6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)

7. Street Lighting

DPW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

The major functions of the Administrative Division include developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits and drainlayer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting, payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.

Capital Projects

The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develops major capital projects.

The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.

It is important to note that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members which saves significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting, and oversite of these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and Federal departments.

Grant Writing

The Town completed the S319 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and Mass DEP totaling $125,000. Through this grant we were able to develop a stormwater infiltration system with a private developer on Dean Ave. and construct bio retention areas on both Meadowlark Lane and Griffin Road.

The Town once again partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer the discounted purchase of rain barrels to Franklin residents. Along with the discount, residents were eligible to receive a $50 rebate.

 

The Town received approximately $20,000.00 in recycling grants for our innovative programs at the recycling center in the proper removal and recycling of mattresses and Styrofoam, to name a couple.

In addition, The Town was awarded a $38,000 grant from Mass DOT to begin the development of a prioritization plan for the complete streets program as well as a $15,500 grant from the Department of Industrial Accidents for workplace safety training.

Permits and Long Range Planning

Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer stormwater and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. With the success of the 20/20 Plan, the Town Council authorized additional funding for waterline replacement and the improvement of roadways. Details on specific locations can be found in other parts of this report.

The DPW has continued to work with both the DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site.

The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area towns and conservation groups towards ensuring that regional water supplies are protected.

Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program

The single stream automated solid waste and recycling program continues to be a very successful program and has improved recycling rates and provided greater convenience for users. Improvements continue to be made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center to make the facility more attractive and customer friendly.

Hails and Farewells

We had several employees move on from their roles with the DPW and I would like to thank them for their years of dedication and service to the Town of Franklin! Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Director of Operations, retired after many years of leading the DPW Operations Team. Deacon’s contributions were numerous and he is sorely missed. Dave Allard, our Water Foreman, also retired after 34 years of service. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Franklin Water Department, the new Grove St Water Treatment Plant was dedicated to Mr. Allard this Spring! Mr. Chris White, Solid Waste Coordinator, also retired. His commitment over the years shaped our Solid Waste Program and Recycling Center into the top notch programs they are today. Finally, Mr. Jason Mello, our Assistant Town Engineer, moved on to pursue a new position, and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.

With losses there are also gains! We welcomed several new employees to our Management/Administrative Team including: Mr. Doug Martin, Water & Sewer Superintendent; Ms. Brooke Cotta, Assistant Town Engineer; Ms Danica Cucchi, GIS Assistant; and Ms. Marissa Allen, Administrative Assistant. The DPW was also fortunate to hire some new employees to our Operations Team. These included: Justin Mercer, Vito DaSilva and Peter Fricker. We are lucky to have them all.

We also had the good fortune of promoting many employees on our team. These employees include: Mr. Derek Adams, Environmental Affairs Superintendent; Mr. Anthony Brunetta, Assistant Highway and Grounds Superintendent; Mr. Steve Carlucci, Water Foreman; Mr. James Henchy, Crew Leader; Mr. Kevin Parslow, Water Treatment Foreman; Mr. Jacob Standley, Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent; and Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowski, Assistant Admin & Budget Manager. Ms. Pam Vickery was also promoted but left the DPW Team to work as the Town of Franklin Purchasing Agent. We wish them all the best of luck in their new roles!

Thanks

As the Director, I owe many thanks to my entire staff as they make this department work and serve all residents in a timely manner. Everyone is committed to providing extraordinary service to the Town in the most cost effective manner possible.

The DPW staff are all dedicated professionals who put in so much extra time and effort to make this department a success. The Town and I are very fortunate to have such talented individuals to work with. I would like to thank, The Town Engineer Mr. Mike Maglio, Assistant Town Engineer Ms. Brooke Cotta, Admin & Budget Manager Ms. Kathy Mooradd, Assistant Admin & Budget Manager Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowski, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent Mr. Anthony Brunetta, Water & Sewer Superintendent Mr. Doug Martin, Assistant Water & Sewer Superintendent Mr. Jacob Standley, GIS Coordinator Ms. Kate Sjoberg, and Environmental Affairs Superintendent, Mr. Derek Adams.

I would also like to thank, Ms. Lynne Marchand, Ms. Paula Juarez, Ms. Cindy Elz and Ms. Marissa Allen, who support the Administration Division as well as Mr. Warren Groth, Mr. Bill Wenners and Ms. Danica Cucchi, from the Engineering Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year.

We would like to welcome Recycling Center Supervisor, Steve Geer and thank the entire Recycling Center staff who continue to do a wonderful job.

I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the employees who are not always seen, but provide the day to day services that are all too often taken for granted. They pump, treat and deliver safe drinking water; they care for parks and ball fields, maintain the roadways, repair and sustain all Town and school vehicles and handle all our waste. They are always available, day and night, and work long hours to assist in any emergency situation whether it is snow removal, water breaks, sewer backups, wind, lightning storms and flooding, among many others. They are all extremely professional and dedicated to their jobs. I cannot thank them enough.

Respectfully submitted, 

Robert A. Cantoreggi II 

Director of Public Works

Kathy Mooradd

Administration & Budget Manager

“Gettin’ It Done”

There is more to the Public Works section of the annual report. More data and information covering each of the divisions is available in the full report beginning with Page 173

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Finance Committee hears budgets for public safety & public works and good news on AAA bond rating achieved (audio)

FM #795 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 795 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee budget hearing #2 for the FY 2023 Town of Franklin budget held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 7 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was announced as expecting to join via remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. 

• Chair Bill Dowd opens the Finance Committee, 7 members participating. This is the second of three sessions on the FY 2023 budget

• This session covered public safety: police fire, and dispatch as well as public works the DPW divisions and the enterprise accounts for water, sewer, and solid waste

• Each department was reviewed, some were straight forward, some had minor increases or adjustments. For example, 2 positions previously cut in last year's budget were restored in this year's budget for the DPW

• The big news coming from the night was the announcement that the Town had achieved a AAA bond rating. This is a significant achievement and will help the Town save money on all future borrowing requirements

The recording runs about an hour and forty minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting May 11, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-795-finance-cmte-fy-2023-budget-hearing-2-05-11-22

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Meeting agenda =>   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-05-11_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf 

FY 2023 budget package => https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

My notes for the meeting =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SERBrhfi0U1eOLfFR6GWHkcl07UiazpH/view?usp=sharing 

YouTube recording => https://youtu.be/zqiyIdFy8ik 

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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

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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Finance Committee hears budgets for public safety & public works and good news on AAA bond rating achieved (audio)