Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Representative Roy addresses MassSave payment delays with WCVB Channel 5
Friday, July 8, 2022
Legal Notice: Conservation Commission - public Hearing July 21 concerning Mass Electric request for pole replacements/tree removal
Thursday, March 31, 2022
WBUR: What's the future of gas in Mass.? Utilities and critics have different visions (audio)
"New reports from the state's five investor-owned gas utilities offer roadmaps to the companies' future — and, in many ways, our own.
The plans call for a radical transformation of the Massachusetts energy and heating sector, betting heavily on the successful development of new, clean energy technologies.
Environmental groups were not permitted to participate in the drafting of the future of gas reports and warn that if the utility roadmaps fail, or alternative plans aren't successful, the state will not meet its ambitious, existential climate emission goals."
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The Dorchester Gas tank in 2021. (Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images) |
Listen here -> https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/03/18/massachusetts-natural-gas-net-zero-plan
or here
Thursday, February 25, 2021
FM #470 - Interview with State Rep Jeff Roy - 02/22/21 (audio)
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
- Indoor riding to prepare for his 19th PanMass Challenge
- Thursday night continues COVID-19 modified rehearsal with Ben Gardner’s Boat
- Outlook for 2021
- Pandemic, vaccine, oversight of Gov Baker and pandemic process
- Committee assignment: Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities, and Energy
- What bills did you Intro/or re-introduce for this session
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Rep Roy’s State Legislator profile page which lists the bills he filed for the 192nd Session https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Roy appointed Chair of Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy
State Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was named by House Speaker Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy) as the new House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy. The committee considers all matters concerning the exploration, exploitation and development of energy sources, including the siting of energy facilities, public utilities, wind farms, and the bottle bill.
“It’s a great honor to have been chosen for this assignment,” noted Roy, who is serving his fifth term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. “These are challenging times and the sustainability issues, including the climate crisis, energy needs, and pollution are top priorities. I am humbled and honored that the Speaker entrusted me with this leadership post to face these challenges and help build a sustainable future.”
In the last session, Roy chaired the Higher Education Committee and led efforts to address financial issues on our campuses with the enactment of an act to support improved financial stability (Chapter 113 of the Acts of 2019) and make them safer with the enactment of an act relative to sexual violence at colleges (Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2020).
He also served on the special commission studying veteran’s tuition and the Harm Reduction Commission which addressed prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction. In addition to those duties, he serves as the House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus which promotes making it in Massachusetts.
State Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy
During his years in office, Roy has also served as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Ethics, and as a member on the Committees on Ways and Means, Judiciary, Education, Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery, and Labor & Workforce Development.
Since 2013 Roy has been part of the legislative efforts that have addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, veteran’s services, seniors, housing, tax relief, civil rights, social equity, gun safety, energy, and the environment.
Also appointed to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy were Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-N. Reading), and Reps. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth), Joan Meschino (D-Hull), Jim Hawkins (D-Attleborough), David Robertson (D-Wilmington), Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose), Richard Haggerty (D-Woburn), Steven Owens (Watertown), and Len Mirra (R-Groveland).
Thursday, July 16, 2020
FTC Alert: Utility company calling? Don’t fall for it.
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Tuesday, July 24, 2018
"the increase will help fund ongoing infrastructure improvements"
"Utility bills in Franklin this quarter were mislabeled with a typo showing old rates while residents were being charged with new rates.
The higher rate, according to Treasurer-Collector Kerri Bertone, is the correct one, and the misconception will not be a problem next pay cycle because the error has been resolved.
The bill system was updated, but the printing company contracted by the town, Globe Direct, did not update its template to match the town’s changes. The result was a misprint on the bill, causing some confusion among residents.
Word about the error spread through the town’s website and social media. The Water Department won’t be re-sending the bill - a situation that, Bertone said, would likely cause too much confusion."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180723/franklin-utility-bills-contain-error
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"the increase will help fund ongoing infrastructure improvements" |
Friday, July 13, 2018
Franklin Residents: Notice from the Treasurer/Collector regarding FY19 Utility Bills
However, the old rates were printed on the bills under "Special Message" in error. If you have any questions, please contact the Treasurer/Collectors office at 508-520-4950.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.
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Notice from the Treasurer/Collector regarding FY19 Utility Bills |
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurercollector-regarding-fy19-utility-bills
Monday, November 30, 2015
In the News: Holiday Stroll, family tradition for Nutcracker, intersession studies at Dean, double poles in MetroWest
Downtown Franklin’s favorite holiday party, the annual Holiday Stroll, happens Thursday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m., and organizers promise fun and festivities for the whole family with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Post Mark the North Pole postman, refreshments, entertainment, crafts and gift shopping.
Carolers and hot chocolate will set a holiday mood at the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dean College’s Dean Hall Common at 4 p.m. From there event goers will stroll through downtown Franklin to sample treats, enjoy entertainment and score shopping specials offered by more than 30 local businesses.
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carollers on the Dean campus at the 2014 Holiday Stroll |
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151129831/1994/NEWS
When the curtain rises on Franklin Performing Arts Company’s “The Nutcracker” this holiday season, Franklin’s Steve Crowley and Hannah Rezendes will share the stage as Grandfather and Clara Silberhaus. It’s a relationship the two know well.
“I really like that he’s my grandfather in the show and in real life,” said Hannah, 13.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151127078/1994/NEWS
The School of Continuing Studies at Dean College will offer winter intercession courses beginning Dec. 28.
Courses are open to all ages and experience levels and will be taught in areas such as business, English, history, sociology and psychology.
The Dean Leadership Institute and the School of Continuing Studies have partnered with industry leaders to offer two one-week course options, including “Negotiating Skills for a Complex World” and “Building Value Through Sales and Branding.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151129/NEWS/151126589/1994/NEWS
In his travels around Framingham, Town Meeting member Joel Winett often notices two utility poles placed to serve the same purpose.
He takes pictures of these so-called double poles and submits the photos to officials, hoping to get wires moved and the old poles removed. But, the double poles often remain.
“When there’s damage (to a pole), they’re pretty good at putting in a new telephone pole and fastening the old telephone pole to a new telephone pole,” Winett said of utility companies’ responses.
But, local officials say it is often a challenge to get all the companies to move their wires, a process that delays road work and leaves unsightly and unsafe double poles.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151128/NEWS/151126314/1994/NEWS
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Another short cut ....
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utility short cut |
You may recall I found a bunch of these short cuts around Franklin. This one is new and located near the corner of King and Forest Streets.
Additional short cuts can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/short-cuts-update.html
Do you know of short cuts to add to the listing? Let me know via comment or email.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Short cuts - update
Yes, this is indeed a short cut. They left the bottom piece in as well as the top dangling.
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Winter St pole - full view |
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Winter St pole - identification tags |
This pole on Summer St will need to be addressed as the construction to re-do the street gets underway this year. The pole is on the section of street that Franklin will do, not the section of street that the state will do as part of the downtown improvement project.
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Summer St pole propped upon the curbing |
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Summer St pole - limited tagging |
The prior post on the utility pole short cut can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/utility-short-cut.html
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Utility short cut
Walking this past weekend, I happened to look up at one of the new poles put in recently along Mount St and found this cool example of a practical 'short cut'.
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utility short cut |
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utility short cut - view 2 |
You can find this pole on the corner of Summer and Mount Streets here in Franklin.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Power line utility work starting
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underbrush cut back |
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power line view |
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new utility poles ready for use |
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Mount St trees and new utility poles
corner of Summer and Mount streets |
three large trees down on the right approaching Summer St |
midway up the hill, the tree line is still full |
this monster of an old tree is still growing |
another large tree near the slight curve before the crest |
new poles are taller than the poles being replaced |
The prior posting on the Mount St tree issue can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/why-mount-st-where-did-this-come-from.html
Monday, April 18, 2011
Emergency utility work on Union St
SEVERAL 911'S REPORTS CAR V POLE. ALL CRUISERS RESP. FD RESP. NATIONAL GRID RESP. REPORT TO FOLLOW. GROVE STREET TOWED MV. POLE 3
When a car goes against a pole, the pole usually wins. In this case, it still needed to be replaced. No word on the condition of the driver from the police report.
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Live reporting - Public Hearing - underground utilities
cost to Town minimal for this section, left off the prior notice
property owner has option to come in from W Central St
and if he does, this would avoid going underground
Mason - there is precedence to do this, the remainder of Main St is already done
I am going to back this one
no citizens to make comments
Town Council in favor of this section to proceed
A future action item will come up as there are by-law changes required
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Live reporting - Public Hearing - underground utilities
Due to the clerical error, this is part of the hearing. No council vote tonight. The council has another public hearing on Oct 20th and after that, then they will be in a position to vote.
They walked the property doing a sidewalk survey to estimate the potential electrical cost to re-do the feed from the street to the house. Most were in the range of 0-$4,000.
Those numbers sound rather conservative, once you get inside, the electrical code and updates.
The Town Council has an option to pay none, some or all of it.
The Town should not absorb a penny of this . Why should the tax payers pay for an improvement to their building.
G Smith -
Nutting - Verizon charge is only on the land line, Comcast is only on the cable bill not on the phone, so it is confusing but the statute was done many years ago. The amounts are projected for the customer base.
G Smith - If the customer has both Verizon and Comcast would pay about $112. If you only have electric, you only would pay $12. There is inequity in this fee schedule. Considering the results of the last override election, it would be a charge against the will of the people
McCarraher - consider that the overhead wires are a hazard to the firefighters. It is a small part, but please look at it from the firefighters safety perspective.
Piana - Downtown Partnership sent letter encouraging this being done now as it is the only opportunity to do so. It is important to the esthetics's of the downtown appearance.
Piana - the majority of the membership do agree, of course, not all do.
Mason - we are trying to get a consensus. Is there anyone who would like to speak. Any thoughts from the Councilors?
Kelly - The voters did vote down the override, I don't think I would support it at this time.
Jones - the major issue I have with this is the unknown costs for the property owners for what I have counted as a dozen telephone poles.
Vallee - I have mixed feelings about this, I am concerned about the looks, I am concerned about passing the costs to the citizens
Powderly - I am usually for investing in the town but I have a number of concerns about the unknown costs. We have to look at this project in with the other capital needs, we have the high school coming down the road, a large operating deficit, so at this time I don't think I can support putting this on the citizens.
Pfeffer - It was many years ago the Boston Magazine said we were 'seedy'. Since then we have been voted top town to live and top to retire. I don't think we can do it for only a part of the downtown.
Mason - We are always seeking the help of the voters, since there was the vote expressed three months ago with the failed override, I can see how we can do so at this time.
Whalen - the likelihood of needing an overrider for operations next year is good.
Motion to close the hearing - passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Town Council - Agenda - associated documents
The DelCarte property discussion will be on the Finance Committee agenda for their vote Tuesday evening.
Franklin is getting to cleaning up the tax/title property is has. Per discussion with Jeff Nutting, this should be an annual exercise but this first batch gets the 'backlog' handled.
Some clean up of unused borrowing authorizations is on the agenda.
Franklin is looking to become a "Green Community" and proposing a committee of five town employees in order to apply for some grant money that will assist in generating further energy savings.
The public hearing for the downtown utilities is proposed for the Sep 29 Town Council meeting.
Town Council 20100908 Agenda document
Franklin, MA
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Underground Utilities - survey results
WOULD YOU PAY APPROX. $70 TO PUT THE UTILITIES UNDERGROUND?The results were
Yes - 22
No - 44
A convincing 2-1 ratio of No to Yes.
The survey had been introduced here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
The collection of Downtown Improvement Project posts can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/downtown-improvement-project-collection.html
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Survey reminder
WOULD YOU PAY APPROX. $70 TO PUT THE UTILITIES UNDERGROUND?
Franklin, MA