Franklin Residents: 3 upcoming meetings to be aware of and participate in

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 3:33 PM on Thu, Aug 27, 2020:

Three Upcoming Public Meetings:

• EDC (9/2/20): https://t.co/E4JtjEUOWJ
• Stormwater (9/9/20): https://t.co/QTDOsdbrPu
• Budget Subcommittee (9/16/20): https://t.co/yADSS2fseI

(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1299067549557182465?s=03)

Franklin Residents: 3 upcoming meetings to be aware of and participate in

FM #327 Stormwater SubComm Mtg - 8/05/20 (audio)

FM #327 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 327 in the series.

This session shares the Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Aug 5, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Melanie Hamblen officially opened the meeting after the 3rd member to bring the committee to a quorum. She later loses her own connection to the meeting and we wait patiently while she eventually reconnects to continue the meeting. (When she lost connection, the quorum of three also broke.)

A quick summary on the timeline for the stormwater fee: Stormwater utility fee couldn't realistically appear on a homeowner bill until July 2021 due to the software changes required to get the MUNIS system set up properly. Also need to get the other items i.e. exemptions defined

The show notes contain links to the agenda doc, the Stormwater Division page, and my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting itself runs about 1 hour and 42 minutes, so let’s listen to the Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee meeting.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrZ0XtsK

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Stormwater Division page

https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/stormwater-ad-hoc-subcommittee-meeting_9.html

The meeting agenda

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/stormwater-ad-hoc-subcommittee-meeting.html 

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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

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!

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

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

FM #327 Stormwater SubComm Mtg  - 8/05/20 (audio)

Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Aug 8, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #swsc0805

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23swsc0805&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting for Stormwater ad-hoc subcommittee underway #swsc0805 awaiting 3rd person for quorum
• Without quorum can't do policy discussion but could answer questions #swsc0805
• Derek Adams hired as Stormwater Director per FY21 budget also as needed to be compliant with the EPA permit. Had previously worked as summer help in college, worked up through the ranks, water treatment side, Masters program at MassMaritime ##swsc0805
• Need to expand what we're doing on Stormwater management. #swsc0805 budget is tight, looking at it all carefully Stormwater Environmental affairs superintendent. Dellorco should be on soon to make quorum.
• Moving some of the DPW operations budget items from general funds to the Stormwater fee is a long process. #swsc0805 Dellorco arrives to make quorum.
• Melanie Hamblen officially opens the meeting at 6:52 PM #swsc0805 reads the usual blub on meeting protocol for virtual meeting. 14 present at time of official meeting
• TA Jamie Hellen provides recap of info sessions held preCOVID-19, one in morning at the council chambers, one in the evening at the Franklin TV studios, there was a third scheduled but it was canceled due to the pandemic #swsc0805
• Brutus provides a recap of Derek's background. #swsc0805 web site a basic stopping point for info on work done over the years. https://franklinma.gov/stormwater-division… For reading materials, check out the full management plan https://franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/files/stormwater-management-plan
• Delay as Chair lost connection and thereby quorum broke, patience #swsc0805
• She's trying to reconnect via phone see if that's quicker. #swsc0805
• Yup, still waiting #swsc0805
• She did join, now working to pick up where we left off. #swsc0805 Jones replaying his question and proposal on fee to get started
• Discussion of phasing in new fee is a timing issue, need to generate some funds via the fee in order to be able to pay for some of the current DPW Stormwater budget items, would also gather revenue from the users not currently paying #swsc0805
• Stormwater utility fee couldn't realistically appear on a homeowner bill until July 2021 due to the software changes required to get the MUNIS system set up properly. Also need to get the other items i.e. exemptions defined. #swsc0805
• Summary timeline: Oct/Nov during budget to relook at Stormwater costs, DPW budget impact, possible fee discussion in Jan 2021, first billing possible in July 2021, with possible budget relief for FY 22 or FY23 #swsc0805
• Motion to adjourn, #swsc0805 catch you all next time

Stormwater Ad-hoc Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Aug 8, 2020

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 5

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting

August 5, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Zoom Login Information:

• Link to access meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84199134840
• Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 841 9913 4840--Then press #

 

Agenda 

• 1.Stormwater Implementation Discussion 

• a.Stormwater Town website  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

 

 

The Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/events/2020-08-05_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee_1.pdf

 

 

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting - Aug 5

Finance Committee -Budget Hearing #3 - Recap of June 2, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #fincom0602
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0602&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting for Finance Committee June 2 underway, tagged here after as #fincom0602
• All #fincom0602 members present for this session, tonight discussion is all things DPW. Meeting protocol and ground rules reviewed. Folks will be acknowledged to talk and identify themselves
• #fincom0602 agenda can be found and followed in this link https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-02_finance_committee_agenda.pdf
• first item = DPW Stormwater MS4 Permit Presentation #fincom0602 doc can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf
• 2 similar presentations on storm water were conducted in Feb/Mar and available for replay via Franklin TV and Franklin Matters Radio/podcast #fincom0602
• Key to water approach as the three are integrated, they can help each other, or hurt each other. We get all our drinking water from ground, the largest producer of such per the State #fincom0602
• Projections in storm water utility fee #fincom0602
• Currently spending over $1M just for storm water mitigation #fincom0602
• Inclusion of the storm water fee on the quarterly bill along with water/sewer and trash/recycling in process. The others fees will show the applicable charge, initially the storm water would be $0. Should help to generate interest and conversation #fincom0602
• Over time the storm water fee would free up about $1.1m of currently operational expenses covered by tax base; in future the fee would support the mitigations required #fincom0602
• Would take time multiple years, to move the finances from the operating budget to the new storm water fee as an enterprise fund and be self sustaining #fincom0602
• As part of the storm water fee we would get the mitigation and leaf pick up #fincom0602 
• Tree warden session as mentioned was Sep 18, 2019 - view Franklin TV replay here https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=683 #fincom0602
• Small additions to DPW budget in anticipation of fee but needing to move forward with mitigation anyway even in these challenging times #fincom0602
• On to water/sewer enterprise funds #fincom0602 Beaver St interceptor will be the largest build project for Franklin. TBD
• Potential water and sewer fee increases coming down the pike, did go ahead with trash as it needed to support the contract renewal. Stay tuned for when the water sewer comes up later #fincom0602
• Meters check water volume coming out of the ground and going into each facility (home or business) had been losing up to 20% of the water as unaccounted for, now down to about 7% very efficient #fincom0602
• Garelick is 20% of our water and sewer usage, the bankruptcy is close to settled but the new buyer also needs to divest Garelick so the future is still unsettled. #fincom0602
• Another full year of construction for water treatment plant on Grove St to cover the wells #3 #6 #fincom0602 before it comes online
• Part of the ISO rating that the fire department received was partially due to the water pressure and system available from the water department #fincom0602
• Motion to adjourn, vote via roll call 9-0; that's all for tonight, catch you Thursday #fincom0602

 

meeting opening - screen view captured

triadic approach to water

MS4 permit explained

storm water mitigation expenses

storm water utility fee described

preliminary rate on storm water utility fee

leaf pick up added as a service as part of storm water utility fee

DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi speaking

"The MS4 permit is an important step to reduce the harmful impact of polluted stormwater"

From the MA Municipal Association, we find this update on the storm water issue:

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on April 23 that it is proposing targeted modifications to the 2016 Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit for Massachusetts communities.

An EPA statement said that the proposed modifications would give municipalities more tools and flexibility for permit implementation while also ensuring that the water quality goals of the Clean Water Act are met.

The proposed modifications were developed through a multi-year mediation between the EPA and parties who challenged the underlying 2016 permit.

Last December, the EPA announced that a settlement agreement had been reached between the agency and the permit litigants – including municipalities, environmental groups and other stakeholders – and initiated a public comment period. The settlement agreement was executed in mid-April. According to the EPA, the proposed modifications to the permit are identical to those contained in the settlement."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/epa-proposes-ms4-permit-modifications-for-massachusetts-communities/

The MS4 permit is the driver behind the storm water utility fee being developed. As reported and shared here over the years, Franklin has been a leader in storm water management preparing for the day when the fee take effect. The story of what Franklin accomplished over the years is summarized in the Information Session Presentation.

The first two sessions were held but the third storm water information session (March 22) was canceled as the coronavirus shutdown took place. In the new normal world we will go forward with, there will be additional sessions. The schedule at this time is not yet available.

You can listen to each of the first two session recordings

FM #223 - Stormwater Utility Fee Info Session 1 - March 6, 2020 (audio)
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-223-stormwater-session-1-3-5-20

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - March, 11, 2020 (audio)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-225-stormwater-utility-session-2-3-11-20

The presentation doc was updated for the second session and available here.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-stormwater-info-session-2 

Town of Franklin: Stormwater Info Session #2 from Franklin Matters

The second session was held at the Franklin TV studio

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2 - 3/11/20 (audio)

FM #225 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 225 in the series.

The Town Council Stormwater Utility Fee Subcommittee held the second of three information scheduled sessions to review the proposed stormwater utility fee as a response to the Federal mandate required by the EPA MS4 regulations.

The session was held at the Franklin TV studio on March 11 and also broadcast via Facebook Live.

Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen opened the session and discussion. Councilors Glenn Jones, Bob Dellorco, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg also sat at the main table in the studio.

Consultant Jean Haggerty sat in a front row to provide support and comment/answer as required.

As we record this intro, the Library has been closed for public events so the third session which as mentioned was scheduled for March 21 is in jeopardy due to the coronavirus mitigation plans. Stay tuned for updates. It may very well be conducted and other than the presenters, the participation may be all remote.

The audio segment runs about 93 minutes, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the stormwater utility fee. 
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZ6yY75X






The presentation document (updated from the first session) 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I2WQBG4XgPRjak-b4athnfqal6h1xMR-/view?usp=sharing

Or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/_stormwater_council_outreach_2019_2.pdf

The handout can be found online at the new Stormwater Division page along with the rain barrel rebate program
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ms4_permit_-_quick_facts.pdf

Visit the Stormwater Division page to review the mitigation plan as well as the MS4 itself  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Visit “Soak it up Franklin” https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

The Facebook ‘watch party’ can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/watchparty/811564642656706/


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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!

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

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

FM #225 Stormwater Utility Session 2  - 3/11/20 (audio)

FM #223 - Stormwater Utility Fee Info Session 1 - March 6, 2020 (audio)

FM #223 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 223 in the series.

The Town Council Stormwater Utility Fee Subcommittee held the first of three information scheduled sessions to review the proposed stormwater utility fee as a response to the Federal mandate required by the EPA MS4 regulations.

Subcommittee Chair Melanie Hamblen presided over the presentation and discussion. Councilor Eamon Earls joined her. Councilors Dellorco and Jones are also reported to be on the subcommittee but were not present for this session.

Franklin Police dog Ben Franklin made a special appearance.

The presentation was led by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg, and consultant Jean Haggerty. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was key among the other participants. Those who had questions or comments identified themselves for the broadcast.

The audio segment runs almost 2 hours, so let’s listen in to the presentation and discussion of the stormwater utility fee. https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyBRS1pX






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The handout can be found online at the new Stormwater Division page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ms4_permit_-_quick_facts.pdf

Visit the Stormwater Division page to review the mitigation plan as well as the MS4 itself  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Visit “Soak it up Franklin” https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

The presentation is not yet available on the Town of Franklin page. When it is, I’ll add the link here


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!

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

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

Franklin Police dog Ben Franklin made a special appearance