Reminder: Last chance to provide Feedback on the Master Plan 'final draft' which is due Dec 2, 2024

The Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the Town of Franklin to take over the next 10 years. 

Feedback is due to Amy Love by Dec 2, 2024. Send to alove@franklinma.gov 

With the action items now spelled out, we can see if we agree, or disagree, or if there is something NOT in there, propose to add it. For example, are the housing action items what we want & need? 

are the housing action items what we want & need?

Feedback on the Master Plan 'final draft' is due Dec 2, 2024

Master Plan page with education action items

The link to the "final doc" is shown here, as well as the video link to the feedback session held Thursday, Nov 14, 2024.

• 'Final draft' summary presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/final_master_plan_draft_presentation_11.14.24.pdf
• 'Final draft' doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf
• Franklin TV video replay of Nov 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqcphVHN84

School Committee gets MCAS update, FHS theatre update, approves capital budget & varsity ski co-op (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 26 ay 7 PM. 6 of the 7 members participated in Council Chambers (Griffin was absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/__1gVQEZ10M?si=1GxkAYdlZPEpCOeB&t=68

Agenda for this session -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5044643/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241

Quick recap:

• 3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currently
• Review of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sports
• On guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She is articulate and advocating for her program"
• Dr Rogers, Dr Frazier, Mr Stark present an update on the MCAS results for the District. Difference between formative and summative data points. 1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools; Sullivan and Jefferson met/ exceeded standards. And an opportunity to remind that MCAS is not going away, it will remain, the vote did take away MCAS as a graduation requirement. How does the data play into the curriculum refresh cycle? It does play. For instructional directions for sure, and may for curriculum decisions, depending upon timing and budget.
• Discussion Action Items - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
• ● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
• ● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Moved to second reading, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
• Varsity Ski Co-Op - I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. Parent participating as volunteer for this trial co-op program. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
• Capital Requests - I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. Previewed in the budget subcmte meeting earlier today, these are initial, could be modified and prioritized as needed; also a further iteration will have refinement for this figures. Finally, a vote on the capital request as detailed, motion to approve, passes 6-0-1 (1 absent)
• Student handbook review with DESE, self assessment prior, minor revisions and information for parents for code of conduct infractions, motion to approve second, passes 6-0-1 (1absent)
• Discussion only item, inclement weather update, on the schools page, reminding what we'll do during this winter, safety at the forefront, it may be a challenge for families but is is acknowledged, usually would make by 5:30 AM, try to do so the night before if possible
• Committee entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to open meeting

My notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kq3_uhkW1YicIGxzV01n7EfGeSnhDwAg/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the MCAS slides shared ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfBg1HiVMKfPduAb9

1 slides is full of logos an indication of the investments made in the academic support tools used in the schools

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

FM #1229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1229 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June.  Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Electric Youth high point of session

• Verizon cable contract renewal

• Farmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint Meadery

• Public Hearing on King St business zoning proposal

• Moved to second reading by 5-4 vote

• Final approval requires 6 Yes votes

• Friendly 40b approved by 5-4 vote

• Still needs to work through the permit process, etc.

• Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board

• 3 measures regarding MBTA compliance

• Mixed use zoning definition

• EDC recommendation changed on parking minimums

• Still to come back to Council for discussion & vote

• TA Emergency shelter update

• No town funds spent for anything

• Schools reimbursed from State for their additional support costs

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-town-council-quarterbacking-06-06-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE 

Agenda and supporting documents -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_5_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

IFB - Traffic Signal Maintenance and Repair

IFB - Traffic Signal Maintenance and Repair

In accordance with MGL c.30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town to contract for the services of a Traffic Signal Repair Company for the maintenance and repair of traffic signals.    The Company must provide normal, routine, and emergency service on a 24 hour, 7 days per week basis (including holidays) with a response time of not more than 2 hours.

Additional Information:  Traffic Signal Maintenance and Repairs

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-traffic-signal-maintenance-and-repair

IFB - Traffic Signal Maintenance and Repair

Beaver St Interceptor construction detour alert for week of Jan 22, 2024

With last week’s weather causing slight delays, construction crews will now be advancing further onto Old West Central St. and traffic will be detoured to Tri-County Drive beginning Monday January 22nd.

Residential traffic only on Pond St., Rolling Ridge Rd., Hilltop Rd. and part of Old West Central St.

The detour will be in place Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM.

During this construction phase, the adjacent medical building remains accessible, though Starbucks will be accessible via 140 only. Access to this area may look different as work continues. We are working with school staff to ensure safety.

Please visit our interactive construction map for details https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/.../sid.../index.html...

We will update and communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map. #onefranklin #franklinmassachusetts #franklinbsi #keepfranklinflowing

Beaver St Interceptor construction detour alert for week of Jan 22, 2024

Shared from -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02t9SMEhKjvTLZCo1ehUCroUJ3UpJ2wSuhk1ShiXy8ph9HKisNeSe9zySofKkEVTCQl&id=100064487150311&mibextid=2JQ9oc

2 Master Plan subcommittees meet before the full Committee meets on Wednesday

Sustainability Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-1-23.pdf

CSFC Subcommittee

Event Date:  Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - 5:15pm

no agenda posted at this time

Master Plan Committee

Event Date:  Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-january_24_2024.pdf

2 Master Plan subcommittees meet before the full Committee meets on Wednesday

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee

Agenda

January 10, 2024 - 5:15 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Room 205, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

1. Approve last meeting minutes

2. Revisit 2013 Goals & Objectives

3. Develop list of questions for relevant departments

4. Next steps:

a. Outline of meetings by topic

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_january_10th_2024.pdf

 

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Detour begins Dec 14

Beaver Street Interceptor -> CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Starting Thursday December 14^th,
the area of Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.
will be impacted by a construction detour.
Access to this area may look different as work continues
but LOCAL BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN!

Please visit our interactive construction map for details 
https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae 
We will update and communicate regularly via social media,
our dedicated email list, and the construction map.

Please see our interactive map below for more details.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.

will be impacted by a construction detour

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list). 

History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.

The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements. 

The Project includes the following key components:

• New 6 MGD Beaver Street Pump Station and 4,000 LF of 18-inch Force Main from the pump station to discharge at Pond Street.
• Rehabilitation of 6,100 LF of BSI using Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL)
• Installation of 6,000 LF of new gravity sewers
• The work will take place at 5 MBTA/Keolis Railroad Crossings including 3 pipe replacements using jack and bore technique and 2 pipe rehabilitation locations using CIPPL.
• Abandonment of BSI from Panther Way to Franklin Village Plaza and Route 495 crossing

For additional information see links below:

Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates

Presentations:
Beaver Street Interceptor Public Outreach Meeting October 26, 2023
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20

Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure

Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )

Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)

(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175) 

March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening

June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more

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Franklin (MA) Police Department Community Service Results & Action Plan

Community Survey Results and Action Plan                     October 11, 2023

The Franklin Police Department conducted a Community Survey from July 25, 2023 – September 3, 2023.  This survey was anonymous and it was looking for community feedback in order to gauge how the department was doing in several different areas including community involvement, safety, procedural justice, performance and satisfaction of officer contact.  This survey was posted on all of our social media platforms and our web site with the intent of reaching as many citizens as possible.

There were 315 responses to this survey.  The results of the survey are below and can also be found on our web site at: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/pages/2023_community_survey_results_data.pdf

The command staff at the police department have looked at this data and have found the following:   

Franklin (MA) Police

Community Involvement

• Although most people feel we do a good job at interacting with the community, we feel we can do better at making it easy for community members to provide input to the department.  We are working on ways for people to be able to provide information and suggestions using social media platforms or other communication platforms.

Safety

• The top three issues identified by the public as the greatest problems in the community are the same, we, as a department, have also identified as top priorities.  They include:
  • Traffic Issues (49.2%)
  • Mental Health Issues (44.4%)
  • Drug Abuse (31.7%)
• Here are the things that the police department have been and will continue to do regarding these issues:
  • Traffic: 
    • We have hired three of the four additional officers that the town has appropriated and once filled will bring us to a total of 58 sworn officers.  These officers have been assigned to our operations division and will be assigned to uniformed patrol.  This will increase the ability to conduct traffic enforcement during times between calls for service.
    • Our patrol division has increased traffic stops in FY23 by approximately 79.4% (3,348 stops) from the year before (FY22 – 1,868 stops).  With the addition of the four new officers, we have directed our operations division to continue this trend and expect an additional 25% increase of traffic stops and directed patrols this year.
  • Mental Health:
    • The department has started its own Co-response Mental Health Program to continue its good work that began with Advocates.
    • We have hired a team of mental health clinician who works directly for the Town of Franklin.  We have hired a FPD Co-response Program Manager and we are in the process of hiring two additional clinicians.  These clinicians will ride with officers to calls for service where mental health issues are a factor.  These clinicians are trained to recognize the problems, they understand the challenges, and can assist officers in real time, while on scene, by getting the individual the services they need quickly.  The new clinicians will start in November of 2023.
  • Drug Abuse:
    • We have one detective that is assigned to narcotics investigations.  All other detectives are crossed trained in narcotics investigations and can assist when needed.
    • Our detectives and clinicians conduct follow up investigations after drug overdoses in order to provide information and support services.
    • Our department participates in a county overdose database in which information is shared between member departments.  This allows us to follow up and provide services to those who are Franklin residents but may have overdosed in another jurisdiction.
    • We have a working partnership with the SAFE coalition and other organizations to provide support services to individuals and families suffering from drug addiction.

Procedural Justice

• We are happy to see that a majority of respondents trust the police, find us respectful and find us fair.  We will continue to strive to meet those expectations the community deserves.

Performance

• Although most found the overall performance of our agency satisfactory, we can improve on proactivity and addressing community concerns.
• We will encourage officers to get out of their cars while on patrol and engage more with the community.
• We will continue to encourage more community engagement through use of special vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles and foot patrols of high pedestrian areas (i.e. Downtown, malls, etc.).

Conclusion

First of all, we would like to thank the community members who took the time to complete the survey.  Your feedback is extremely important to gauge what the community thinks of our performance.  We take all of this feedback extremely seriously and will do our best to improve.  Our goal is to provide the best possible service that we can, the level of service that our residents deserve. 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/police-department-community-service-results-action-plan

Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)

FM #836 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 836 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

• EDC prioritized their ‘short list’ at Aug 10 meeting

• Green community & Cultural Council presentations at August 17 Town Council meeting

• Dean College President/Chancellor scheduled for the Sep 7 Council meeting

• 5 year fiscal outlook published 

• #1 complaint to the Town - speeding

The conversation runs about 33 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Franklins-Forecast-e1n7023

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Franklin for All webpage https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Cultural Council presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf 

Green Community presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

Green Community story map https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community 

5 year fiscal outlook ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html 

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

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"

Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)