Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Community Services and Facilities

Introduction

The Community Facilities and Services Chapter describes the existing services and facilities in town, including public schools, public safety and emergency services, library services, wastewater management, public water supply, stormwater, senior center, and town-owned buildings. The Chapter also discusses trends, opportunities, and challenges identified by community members and town staff.

The following municipal services and facilities are reviewed in this chapter:

● Drinking Water

● Wastewater

● Stormwater

● Solid Waste & Recycling

● Police and Public Safety

● Fire and Emergency Services

● Public Education

● Public Library

● Senior Center

● Other Town Buildings and Facilities (Occupied and Vacant)

Access to adequate services and facilities is necessary for the health, well-being, and safety of the Franklin community. Residents rely every day on the town’s solid waste, drinking water, and wastewater systems. Adequate public safety and emergency services are essential to community well-being and quality of life. The public education system is critical to attract families to Franklin and raise an informed, civically engaged next generation, and town-owned buildings provide an entry point for civic engagement and house day-to-day municipal operations. The enhancement and maintenance of these services and facilities is critically important to support residents and businesses in their everyday needs.

Existing Conditions and Trends

TOWN BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The town maintains a range of public facilities such as schools, the public library, parks, recreational centers, and administrative buildings to serve the needs of its residents. The buildings owned and managed by the town (not including public schools) are listed in Table 9.1. The condition and functionality of these facilities vary based on factors like maintenance efforts, funding allocations, and community initiatives.

TOWN HALL

Franklin’s main municipal building, the Town Hall, houses the departments of Town administrator, Board of Assessors, Building & Inspections, Comptroller, Conservation, Facilities, Health, Human Resources, Planning & Community Development, Purchasing, Information Technology (IT), Town Clerk, and the Treasurer/Collector. As of 2023, the Town Hall is undergoing a mechanical renovation to improve the building’s sustainability after replacing the building’s windows with ultraviolet protection previously. The Town Hall is planning to go through an entire internal modernization within the next several years.

The concern for the Town Hall currently is a spatial concern. Departments like IT have seen an increase in staffing and space needs and may require additional space beyond what is possible in the current Town Hall structure.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Franklin Department of Public Works (DPW) serves as a cornerstone of infrastructure maintenance, community development, and environmental stewardship in Franklin. DPW oversees nine departments, Administration, Engineering, Highway, Grounds, Water, Sewer,

 

Stormwater and Solid Waste & Recycling, which are committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents. All divisions are responsible for a wide range of essential services that keep the town running smoothly.

Road maintenance and repair are at the forefront of the DPW's responsibilities under the Highway Division. The department oversees road resurfacing, pothole repair, signage installation, and other road-related projects to ensure safe and efficient transportation for residents and visitors.

Solid waste management and recycling programs are another vital aspect of the DPW's operations. The department coordinates the collection and disposal of waste and recyclables, promoting responsible waste disposal practices and environmental sustainability within the community.

Additionally, the DPW manages water and sewer infrastructure. This includes maintaining water supply systems, ensuring water quality, and addressing sewer system maintenance and repair needs. These efforts contribute to the overall health and well-being of Franklin's residents. Stormwater management is another critical area of focus for the DPW. The department implements strategies to control stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and protect local water bodies from pollution, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment.

Beyond these core functions, the DPW is involved in park maintenance, tree management, and landscape beautification projects that enhance the town's aesthetics and recreational spaces. The department's contributions to these areas significantly impact the community's overall quality of life.

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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ojQMYKDNCxojDvgV1p5ymhtt5y0GWlRo/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Dam, that is good info on beavers !!! (video)

Derek Adams and Breeka Li Goodlander presented on beavers Thursday night (06/04/26) at the Conservation Commission meeting (rescheduled from May 21). 

They provided beaver facts, beaver history, the Town of Franklin processes related to beavers, and permitting procedures.

Dam, that is good info on beavers !!! (video)

It was a very informative presentation. You can view the meeting via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/live/xoD3azLjTNM?&t=72

The presentation doc shared can be found - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11AeBXrWfud_kjjxjrgKt3vLWW0EIQ1Af/view?usp=drive_link

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Stormwater & Environmental Affairs (Enterprise Account)

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

Use the highest levels of science, innovation, conservation, and customer service to collect and monitor stormwater, maintain stormwater infrastructure, educate the public, and treat stormwater as required by State and Federal permits.

Core Functions

● Catch Basins (5,700+)

○ Continue to monitor and clean catch basins to maintain a level of <50% full.

● Drain Pipe (128 miles)

○ Continue to monitor, maintain and repair all drain pipes to ensure proper passage of stormwater and prevent localized flooding.

● Outfalls (502)

○ Continue to monitor, maintain and repair all outfalls to prevent flooding and identify and remove possible illicit discharges.

● Catchments (499)

○ Continue to monitor and investigate stormwater catchments to ensure appropriate functionality of the drainage system and prevent illicit discharges into the MS4.

● Stormwater Control Measures (307)

○ Continue to monitor and maintain all stormwater control measures (SCMs), including rain gardens, dry detention basins, infiltration basins, tree wells, stormceptors and other subsurface drainage structures. Franklin’s SCMs play a critical role in removing pollutants from stormwater and encouraging infiltration, making their maintenance and continued functionality crucial to the success of the drainage system.

● Public Education

○ Continue to educate and engage with the public on stormwater pollutants, stormwater treatment and how residents can keep Franklin’s stormwater clean and free from debris.

● Support Supplies & Equipment

○ Ensure the department has trucks, equipment, and a proper inventory of supplies for day-to-day operations and emergencies after hours.

Staffing

The salary costs for the Director, Managers and Administrative Staff are shared between the DPW General Fund and the various Enterprise funds.

The Stormwater Enterprise fund pays for 4.83 FTEs (the breakdown):

● Management & Administration: 1.23

● Engineering/GIS Staff: 0.55

● Administrative Support: 0.35

● Stormwater Division Laborers: 2.7

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Increased MassDEP and EPA regulatory activities and how they may impact the current MS4 permit.

● The continued implementation of the Phosphorus Control Plan (PCP), specifically SCM retrofits and new construction to meet our phosphorus reduction goals.

● Continue to lead in organizing municipalities to coordinate efforts to meet regulatory compliance as possible cost saving measures.

● Continue to foster a “keep stormwater clean” attitude and understanding throughout Town with education, outreach and enforcement.

● Continue to perform public outreach regarding stormwater education and build upon past initiatives of story map and mailer information.

● Continue impervious area feature class updates to ensure accurate stormwater billing.

● Major Concerns:

○ As weather patterns continue to change, additional stresses will be placed upon the drainage system and its ability to function. Therefore, the Stormwater Division must be creative in managing future stormwater threats to Franklin. Through grant funding and collaboration with local non-profit groups, the Stormwater Division will continue to keep up-to-date on the latest innovative solutions and green infrastructure options to maintain and improve the drainage infrastructure.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Stormwater Expense Total Increase: $13,000

○ Street Sweeping - $50,000

○ Catch Basin Cleaning - Decrease ($35,000)

○ Asset Essentials Software - $2,000

○ Consulting Services - $11,000

○ Materials (Asphalt, Loam, Stone) - Decrease ($16,000)

○ Training - $1,000

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

Enterprise funds are accounted for separately from the General Operating Budget and are designed to be self-supporting through user fees and charges. As such, their revenues and expenditures do not impact the Town’s Operating Budget, as all costs are recovered within the enterprise fund rather than supported by general taxation.

This budget reflects reprioritization due to shifting obligations regarding the MS4 permit. Each line item uniquely addresses the administrative, construction, and planning aspects of the Program. The established Stormwater Utility, along with the passage of the proposed FY27 budget; will enable the Town of Franklin to be poised to address the most pressing & pertinent aspects of the MS4 permit.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13hjkhKs7u2K2ay3j_PYu_C8F2vgu14L9/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Stormwater Starts in the Parking Lot

Stormwater Starts in the Parking Lot

Via DPW Stormwater & Environmental Affairs Division

Your parking lot is more than just a place to park, it is a hotspot for runoff pollution. When rain hits trash, oil stains, or spilled materials, it sends all that straight into storm drains and nearby rivers and lakes.

Routine sweeping, spot-cleaning spills, and keeping dumpsters tidy go a long way toward protecting water quality.

Clean lots aren’t just good for business in Franklin, they help meet environmental regulations and keep our waterways clear.

Learn more: https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

#ThinkBlueMA #StormwaterSmart #CleanWaterStartsHere #PollutionPrevention

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

3rd budget hearing covers Public Works & Public Safety (audio)

FM #1727 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1727 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

Quick recap:

• Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW up next, 

• Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back

• Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.

• Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered

• Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

• So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1727-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3-04-08-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164 

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221 

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_link 

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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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

Rain barrel program opens for spring

Rain barrel program opens for spring

via Franklin DPW

"Visit our website: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/551/Rain-Barrels, to order your rain barrel today!"

#townoffranklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KPC8pde7h/

Spill Smarts Start Here

From leaky drums to mystery puddles, even small spills can pollute local waterways when rain carries them into storm drains.

Spill Smarts Start Here

Avoid the oops:

• Label materials clearly and keep SDS sheets handy

• Use secondary containment and spill kits

• Train your team to respond fast and smart

Staying spill-ready helps protect your crew, your site, and your local rivers and lakes. Clean water starts with cleaner habits.

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/17cgwToEkK/

Consider a "water system operator" role for a promising working future (video)

Consider a "water system operator" role
for a promising working future (video)

With half of #MA water system operators over age 50, now is a great time to start a career in public drinking water. 

Water utilities have a strong tradition of mentoring, with experienced water system operators sharing their knowledge daily, on the job, with newer colleagues. 

To learn more about careers in the water

industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD_xbJOk0Bg

#DrinkingWater #Careers #MWWA #NationalMentoringMonth

Shared from Franklin DPW -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16n4QXNnX7/

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

The Franklin Dept of Public Works (DPW) is scheduled to present on their operations which cover a bunch of our infrastructure.

The presentation PDF can be previewed here

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8133/Town-Council-Presentation---January-21-2026

or viewed here

Department of Public Works | Infrastructure & Costs

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101

Spring Rain Barrel Program Open

Visit: https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/, to order your rain barrel today!

Spring Rain Barrel Program Open

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DS4h7mo8r/

Snow Disposal Done Right via Franklin DPW

Snow Disposal Done Right

Not all snow piles are created equal. Where you move it matters for Franklin water quality.

Plowing snow into a drain or piling it near a stream means salt, oil, and debris can flow directly into our waterways. That runoff does not get treated.

Snow Disposal Done Right via Franklin DPW

Instead, store snow where it can melt into soil and be naturally filtered. Keep piles away from storm drains, wetlands, stormwater infiltration systems, and flood-prone areas.

Small decisions on your site can make a big difference for clean water.

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16QC24Jk1A/

Do Your Doody. Keep Our Water Clean.

Do Your Doody. Keep Our Water Clean.

"Your dog's mess doesn’t just disappear. When pet waste is left on the ground, rain can wash it into storm drains and straight into our streams, rivers, and ponds all over Franklin.

That’s a big problem for water quality, fish, and your weekend plans.

Bag it every time. Toss it in the trash. Be the neighbor who sets the example.

Clean sidewalks, cleaner water."

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ce72uCGy2/

Franklin gets additional ARPA funds via Norfolk County

The Norfolk County Commissioners voted at their regular weekly meeting today held in Dedham to approve two (2) ARPA awards to the Town of Franklin and to the city of Quincy as part of the second round of ARPA grants. 

The American Rescue Plan of Action (ARPA) was voted by Congress in 2021. Norfolk County received over $137,000,000 from the ARPA Act which was distributed to the twenty eight (28) cities and towns in Norfolk County by the County Commissioners over the past several years. 

Under the Second Round of ARPA, towns that had an excess leftover from any grant in the first round could re-apply to use said funds on projects for their town in round two.  To qualify for a second round grant, towns had to complete and file an application with the county no later than Dec. 31, 2024.

Franklin was awarded a grant in the amount of  $86,000.00 for additional stormwater management improvements. This excess money came from a previous award to Franklin for Mental Health. 

Quincy was awarded a grant in the amount of $12,900 for additional infrastructure improvements. The excess money came from a previous grant in the amount of  $2,300,000.00.

Several other towns are currently under review at this time.

Congratulations to the Franklin and Quincy for their diligence and efforts in obtaining additional funds for their community.

Shared from Richard Stati's Facebook post ->   https://www.facebook.com/richard.staiti.71/posts/pfbid0aj22K7CKtrGcktGeVQjR64ZJGwso6b4jGdTBseXtvYw5xVH2RLUzX26ev1nWb1xcl

DPW contractor starts catch basin cleaning this week

DPW contractor starts catch basin cleaning this week

Via the DPW posting: 

"Starting this week, Truax will be in Franklin conducting yearly catch basin cleaning operations. The work is expected to take 4 - 6 weeks and is a crucial component to keeping our stormwater clean and our infrastructure healthy!"

Shared from ->    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19t7ByDSVs/

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

The Spring 2025 Rain Barrel Program is now open for Franklin residents

Interested in Purchasing a Rain Barrel?

Our Spring 2025 program is now open! Visit the

The Spring 2025 Rain Barrel Program

Great American Rain Barrel website to purchase your rain barrel.

Deadline for ordering is April 27th and pickup will be at the DPW Admin Building (257 Fisher St) on May 7th from 4-6 pm. 

Questions regarding the rain barrel program can be emailed to Kate Hinckley at khinckley@franklinma.gov.

https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/ (Select "Massachusetts" and then "Franklin" from the drop down menu)

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels

WEBINAR: Introducing the Property Owner Guide to Managing Stormwater on Commercial and Industrial Properties

WEBINAR: Introducing the Property Owner Guide to Managing Stormwater

Monday, September 30th 2024 1:00PM – 2:00 PM EDT

Join the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) for an informative presentation on the Property Owner Guide to Managing Stormwater on Commercial and Industrial Properties (aka, the Guide, scheduled for public release on September 30, 2024). 

The purpose of the Guide is to provide a high-level explanation of the problems associated with uncontrolled stormwater and what private property owners can do to reduce these impacts by improving site operations and making simple changes to the physical layout of their sites to reduce stormwater volume and pollutants.  The audience for the Guide is property owners and managers of commercial, industrial and institutional properties who are responsible for making decisions regarding site improvements to manage stormwater. 

 Entities (including consultants and state, regional and/or local agencies and organizations) who work with property owners in developing stormwater plans will also find the guide useful.  This guidance is timely in that it will help support compliance with stormwater permits issued under the Clean Water Act's Residual Designation Authority (RDA) affecting property owners having larger impervious surfaces including the anticipated permit in the Mashapaug Pond watershed in Rhode Island and permits in Massachusetts and New Hampshire coming in 2024, and one issued in Vermont in 2020. 

The impact of polluted stormwater from impervious surfaces on receiving water quality is well known, as are its contributions to localized flooding. Commercial, industrial and institutional properties have unique challenges, constraints and goals for their properties that must be considered for successfully incorporating pollutant reduction and stormwater treatment measures. 

The Guide builds upon the design guidance in the New England Stormwater Retrofit Manual but is customized to be more accessible to a non-technical audience by providing illustrative case examples of options for managing stormwater and presenting guidance that is easily understood by a non-technical reader. 

The Guide's focus is on operational best management practices and physical improvements known as Green Stormwater Infrastructure ("GSI") to manage and improve water quality at its source.  The guide was developed by VHB for the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network with support from an ad hoc committee comprised of members from the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center, the Rhode Island Stormwater Innovation Center, the New England Environmental Finance Center, and RIDEM's Office of Water Resources. 

Presenters:
Theresa McGovern, VHB 
Anna Keimel, VHB 

Online Webinar: Register Here!

<Text copied from "The SNEP Network">

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/webinar-introducing-property-owner-guide-managing-stormwater

Property Owner Guide to Managing Stormwater on Commercial and Industrial Properties