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| Attention Franklin Residents and Businesses - Full Water Ban Effective Today! - Nov 20, 2024 |
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-qualifications-general-contractor-and-subcontractor-prequalification-fisher
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| Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrade |
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| Request for Qualifications - General Contractor and Subcontractor Prequalification for Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrade |
via the Water Department of the DPW:
WaterSmart Update:We have updated our water meter reading collection system and for about 50% of the Town we are now collecting hourly water readings.
WaterSmart was updated last week with this hourly information causing high use water notifications to be sent out.
The notifications are based on a comparison to prior usage and since there was no prior hourly usage before last week the system saw a big jump causing the notifications to be sent out. As the data continues to be populated in WaterSmart you will be able to set your WaterSmart notifications based on this new data.
Please track your usage over the next 2 weeks using WaterSmart and if you still have concerns after the 2 weeks please call the DPW Admin office (508-553-5500) to schedule a meter appointment.
We encourage everyone to sign into WaterSmart, check your account, and update your notification settings.
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| example report from our residence since we moved in |
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| Charles River Water Quality Grades |
CRWA recently released the 2023 Water Quality Report Card grades for the Charles River in September, which showed a slight decrease from the last year.
It was a wet year, and due to increased rainfall, CRWA observed a rise in stormwater pollution and combined sewer overflows. No section to the Charles River showed an improved grade from 2022. (Why are you hearing about 2023 now? Because the grades are based on water quality samples from 2021, 2022, and 2023.)
These grades show that water quality is worse in areas with more development, paved surfaces, and impervious cover. Less developed, more green spaces boast better quality, with plants and soil acting as filters, cleaning the water of pollutants.
This emphasizes the importance of wetlands, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions in nourishing a healthy river. Want to learn more about how you can help foster a healthy, biodiverse landscape or mitigate stormwater pollution on your property? Contact the Conservation Department today!
Explore the Report Card StoryMap, which provides information on the watershed, how the grades are calculated, and what we expect to see as a result of climate change here
Translated 2023 Report Card Grades Map versions are available in Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/charles-river-water-quality-grades
In accordance with Chapter 149, Section 44A1/2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an Owner's Project Manager (OPM) for the Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project.
Additional Information: RFQ for OPM for the Fisher Street Water Treatment Plant Upgrades
shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-qualifications-opm-fisher-street-water-treatment-plant-upgrades
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| Franklin DPW building , 257 Fisher St |
Continuing to find and share golden nuggets from the archives, we have this 3-part audio series on the water system covering all aspects from the well head to your faucet.
You can also find the 3-part series on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley
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FM #588 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 588 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent.
We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept.
Part 1 - approx. 30 minutes
A brief on Doug and Jake’s Franklin ‘story’
New treatment plant, now operational, treating Wells 3 and 6; Well 6 is really a well field (of six separate wells)
Difference between registration and permitted amount to draw
Overall well status and supply (well summary on water report)
Water conservation measures are a ‘forever’ thing right? (per the permit from DEP)
Town wells draw from 40-50 feet where most private wells can draw from a 300-500 foot depth; if you have a private well, please put out a sign if you use it for irrigation
Finances on water rate and sewer rate calculations, aside from private wells and septic systems, it is usage based billing
Fire Dept working very closely with them on hydrant maintenance and water pressure opportunity areas to work towards an increase in the ISO certification for the Fire department; hydrant signage being added to help especially when out communities respond to help
E-coli hit on well 2A, notification only discussed; test result was from the ‘raw’ side of the water, not the ‘treated side’ of the supply; “the ground is just a big old filter, and when you get 6-8 inches of rain the ground just can't handle it”
The process worked, the testing and system ensures good water is being delivered all the time
PFAS testing currently State funded; testing at parts per trillion, not million as with most other; PFAS is pervasive; Testers can’t use Teflon pans or Tupperware before taking test sample (to avoid contamination of the sample)
The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.
Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.
Audio File -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7deabf6-08b9-41d8-820c-8bee1aa437db
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Part 2 - approx. 38 minutes
Permit process 20 years, midway through this one
Overall water usage per capita for Franklin is among the best in the state (~45-49gpp vs ~65gpp)
Unaccounted for water and meter standards, Franklin is a model community for this
Infiltration annual testing uses a “stethoscope for the road”
Town owns from the water main to the curb stop (water service shut off from street); Town also owns the meter
Meter read via radio today, may eventually get to an automatic send to a data collector; used to take 2 guys a month to read, now it takes one only a week to read the meters
WaterSmart system data based upon readings monthly; billing readings are monthly
Rebates available for high efficiency water use appliances
Annual Water report - highlights by section
Reference to working without the incredible asset of Dave Allard, now retired; 4 hours of a brain dump didn’t catch it all but he still answers the phone when they call
Key items explained, testing process, negligible results are shown for 20 or so items, another 100+ are tested with no findings, PFAS testing added per state DEP regs
Difference between water testing done by Town vs. Water bottles available in retail (FDA vs. DEP/EPA regulations)
Thanks to the 61 residents for participating in the lead and copper special testing required (lead goose necks)
WaterSmart website, Individual usage can be monitored, Leak detection service
The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.
Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148dcea-1db5-49f2-b11c-e302009de27f
Part 3 - approx. 28 minutes
Water treatment process flow on last page of “Consumer Confidence Report” CCR
CCR only shows what was found when tested
Programed with multiple fail safes, if deviation occurs outside of range, it shuts down
Safe in that it is also closed, no internet access to system controls
All of the water system is managed by four guys; Licenses required, continuing education required annually, training provided/supported by Town
Water enterprise account, Usage based services, quarterly billing per usage
Capital projects funded from ratepayers
Work to prepare for water and sewer line replacements as part of rebuilding the roads
Retained balance of $1M as a practice for “in case”
Increase reliability of SCADA system by switching to fiber from radio wave
Good to know; the water sewer world of infrastructure is a thing for consideration - job security and regular challenges; the industry is facing 60% of the workforce retiring in the next 10 years
The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.
Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e921c80-30d7-4f9b-bd36-a8becc68be90
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| Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio) |
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| Town of Franklin: Government 101 series (audio) |
Residents of the following streets please be aware that the Franklin Water Dept. plans to conduct unidirectional flushing of the water mains in your area on Monday 8/5 and Tuesday 8/6 between 9 AM and 2 PM to address increased water quality issues in the area following recent construction.This work may result in discolored water for a period of time in the area and we ask that residents limit water use during the hours of flushing and to run their COLD water ONLY to clear out any discoloration. Thank you for your understanding while this work takes place.
- Wampanoag Dr.
- Lost Horse Trail
- Metacomet Ln
- Concetta Way
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| Water main flushing scheduled for Wampanoag Dr, Lost Horse Trail, Metacomet Ln, & Concetta Way = 8/5 & 8/6/24 |
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.
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.
a. May 22, 2024https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._may_22_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdfb. May 23, 2024https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._may_23_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdfc. June 5, 2024https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/june_5_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_draft_1.pdf
a. Proclamation: Gabrielle “Ellie” Dalton & Community Outreach Dog, “Officer” Ben Franklinb. Proclamation: Rabbi Thomas Alpert
a. Town Comptroller - Linda Darling
a. Transfer, Change of Location, Pledge of Collateral and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: Rye's Wine Incorporated d/b/a Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions Located at 835 West Central Street, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038i. License Transaction #7ab. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038i. License Transaction #7b
a. Transfer, Change of Location, Pledge of Collateral and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: Rye's Wine Incorporated d/b/a Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions Located at 835 West Central Street, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038b. Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038
a. FY25 Budget Amendmenti. Legislation for Action #9a
a. Pavement Management Planb. Town Finance Office Appointments
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
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| Town of Franklin: Town Council - Meeting Agenda for June 26, 2024 |
In accordance with M.G.L. 30(B), section (6), it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to obtain services from a qualified Water Testing and Analysis Contractor.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/rfp-water-testing-and-analysis
RFP = Request for Proposal |
| Town of Franklin: RFP - Water Testing and Analysis |
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| equipment at the Grove St water treatment plant |
FM #1211 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1211 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council FY 2025 Budget Hearing #1 conducted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. All nine members of the Council were present.
Adoption of FY 2025 budget Moved, second, passes 9-0
Resolution 24-29: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY25 - Moved, second, passes 9-0
Resolution 24-30: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Moved, second, passes 9-0
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, Moved, second, passes 9-0
Resolution 24-32: Creation of Snow & Ice Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto. 2/3 required, Moved, second, passes 9-0
Resolution 24-33: Creation of Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto - Moved, second, passes 9-0
Resolution 24-26: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservations - Moved, second, passes 9-0; Admin account as an example could be used for appraisal if needed
Resolution 24-27: FY25 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds-Capital - Discussion around the use of the CPA funds for the historical preservation for the Old South Church, some not so convinced of it ... Also discussion around the Pleasant St affordable housing … It is deed restricted, Moved, second, passes 9-0
Resolution 24-34: Rescission of Unissued Balances of Authorizations to Borrow Moved, second, discussion. Mostly a house cleaning resolution, to clear the books before reissuing new borrowing. Estimates are currently severely out of date and will be redone as needed. This is no "money" it is unexecuted borrowing authorizations, we did have an approval to do so but either grants covered or as estimates were outdated can't be done now - Moved, second, Passes 9-0
Resolution 24-35: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Various Renovations to Remington/Jefferson and Horace Mann Schools - Moved, second, discussion, Related to one of the earlier items, this is a current and more accurate funding request. Amendment to make modifications as discussed to add Middle School throughout, and change improve to approve in #2 moved, second, passes 9-0 for amendment, Moved, second as amended passes 9-0
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 - Moved, second, discussion - Water rate increases needed for PFAS mitigations per EPA requirements at a 1.5% loan rate Moving to second reading, passes 9-0
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 - Moved, second, discussion History of the curbside fees
"it is cheaper to burn trash than to recycle" tipping costs are likely to continue to increase, in negotiation for new contracts so there may be future increases Moving to second reading, Passes 9-0
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 Moved, second, discussion - Moving to second reading, passes 9-0
Town Administrator report
Shannon Nisbett certified by the state as a veteran services officers Award for safety training
More artsy boxes being painted around town Carlos Rebelo awarded manager of the year
Podcast talks about mental health with Kallie and Lt Riley
The recording runs about 4 hours and 7 minutes, so let’s listen to this FY 2025 budget hearing #1 of May 22. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1211-franklin-ma-town-council-fy2025-budget-hearing-2-05-23-24
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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_22_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf
My notes via Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HVhORTXoOdWGOgZryo8tmzYdLkXDTBy1/view?usp=drive_link
The Franklin TV recording is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc-8mCAPws
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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/ 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"
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| First night, multiple questions; Second night, multiple votes approved FY 2025 budget, sets fee increases for water, curbside, & stormwater to 2nd reading (audio) |
