Finance Committee hears updates from School Committee, approves series of measures to send to Town Council (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 PM in the Council Chambers. This was the 3rd of three budget hearings. 

7 members of the committee participated, one remotely so all votes were via roll call. 2 members were absent.

The meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-05-15_finance_committee_agenda_packet.pdf

Franklin TV video replay available on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nQoCPNfd4A&t=53s

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen briefly covered the Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie budget items. Their representatives were unable to participate this year.
• Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Dutch, and School Committee Vie-Chair Dave McNeill presented from the table. Asst Supt Paula Marano provided updates on special education programs and answered those questions
• As the budget has been presented a number of times, there was an attempt to provide the "readers digest" version, and they were mostly successful.
• Some changes noted:
• They did provide an update on the migrant funded from DESE, a check for $335K+ was just received and another to account for the 72 students currently in the system is expected in June. These funds can only be used to support the migrant students and are not in the budget
• The transportation increased projected earlier at 1100 was reduced to $500 per student and to compensate, the number of FTEs potentially laid off would increase from 30 to 47
• They also presented an outlook on the funding to be allocated assuming the override does pass. The schools would get the $6.3M in the first year, and then $4M plus in each succeeding year 
• The committee then votes to approve the series of resolutions to provide the fund accounting for the budget. Only one vote received a "no", all others passed by the 7-0-2 (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)
• Water rate increase was approved for the next 2 years (Council still needs to approve)
• Curbside pickup rate increase approved (Council still needs to approve)
• Stormwater fee increase approved (Council still needs to approve)

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1glI98EwFQFhgMW0OFeAJ6ZrSFGBxMusm/view?usp=drive_link

slide with the funding projection assuming the override passes

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

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.

Additional Information:  Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-water-testing-and-analysis

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Water Testing and Analysis

Town of Franklin: IFB - Fales Street Waterline Improvements

IFB - Fales Street Waterline Improvements

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain  the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing approximately 850 feet of  waterline improvements along Fales Street within the Town of Franklin. 

Additional Information:  Fales Street Waterline Improvements

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-fales-street-waterline-improvements

Town of Franklin: IFB - Fales Street Waterline Improvements

In this Talk Franklin episode, we talk public works with the folks in the DPW (audio) - 02/22/24

"In this episode, we talk public works with the folks in the DPW who manage the infrastructure we don't usually see, and the roads/grounds we do see, and everything else in between! Plus a little fun with music and top hit songs about roads."

FM #1147 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1147 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares a new format for "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti. 

This episode features a conversation with many of the key folks from the Department of Public Works. We recorded our discussion in person in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Topics for this session

Water & Sewer

Beaver Stream Interceptor

PFAS mitigations

Stormwater

New fee abatement cycle opens April 1

Trash & recycling

Composting coming

GIS (graphical information service)

The storymaps and the “data”

Fleet management

Over 200 registered vehicles

Another 80 unregistered devices (large & small)

Always looking for efficiencies

Engineering

Baron Road out to bid for work this year (ARPA funded)

Highway/ & Grounds

The most visible working section of the DPW

The recording runs about 96 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & the DPW group on Thursday, February 22, 2024

Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--a-podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---February-22--2024-e2ga87e/a-ab0n2nm

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

DPW top page  https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works 

Water & Sewer  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division 

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

GIS https://www.franklinma.gov/gis-department 

Engineering   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering 

Highway & Grounds  https://www.franklinma.gov/highwaygrounds-division 

A new “Talk Franklin” version of “Family Feud” 

Sparked some discussion, laughter, and “why was that left out?”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/111umQfHbvRTcxCAQaLmjZhXMHIm6kYMR/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

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"

In this Talk Franklin episode, we talk public works with the folks in the DPW (audio) - 02/22/24

Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory

The Town of Franklin Public Works Department is undertaking a federally mandated survey of all customer service pipe materials and we need YOUR HELP to complete the Town’s Water Service Line Inventory!

To complete the survey and submit your inspection findings, please visit: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/013052aa261942bf8fd7050476189e64

Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02wcucT9ubGXzndqMUuf8NEo5GBhjHB1E5KEB9A9ewPpBaN8CqSezLYp2uYencrfP7l/

Invitation for Bids: On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities for Town of Franklin (MA)

On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities

In accordance with MGL c 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an electrical firm to provide on-call electrical services at water and sewer buildings, treatment facilities, and various other locations within the water and sewer system within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  On-Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/call-electrical-services-water-and-sewer-facilities

Invitation for Bids: On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities for Town of Franklin (MA)

DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council (audio)

FM #1043 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1043 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Jones was absent, Hamblen covered as clerk for the meeting.

Quick recap:

One appointment to the Agricultural Commission was approved. Daniel Morse moved from an associate role to a full seat. Likely a future appointment coming for a new associate.

Two PUBLIC HEARINGS were conducted. These previously were reviewed by the Economic Development Subcommittee and forwarded with unanimous approval. Both measures passed by 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 absent)

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  

Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

The presentation doc can be found here ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/pages/councl_update_aug_23.pdf 

i. Current Project Updates

ii. Pavement Management Program & Sidewalk Plan   

iii. Water Tank Master Plan

Discussion: Proposition 2 ½ Operating Override. As noted during the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting, Jamie provided an overview on the Prop 2 ½ process. Attorney Cerel provided an overview of the more pertinent nuances of what could be done, and importantly what can’t be done.

i. Process - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  

ii. Campaign & Political Finance and Ethics Laws - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney 

The recording runs 3 hours and 8 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1043-town-council-mtg-08-16-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17mCqfZ5ZEaL6jBcpFEFFOrqh8NrW6noP/view?usp=drive_link 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-town-council-quarterbacking.html

Franklin TV meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/vlYIlCbc4hs 

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

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"

DPW team presenting to the Town Council 08/16/23

DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council

The Guardian: 2 articles on PFAS

Drinking water of millions of Americans contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’

"Drinking water consumed by millions of Americans from hundreds of communities spread across the United States is contaminated with dangerous levels of toxic chemicals, according to testing data released on Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The data shows that drinking water systems serving small towns to large cities – from tiny Collegeville, Pennsylvania, to Fresno, California – contain measurable levels of so-called “forever chemicals”, a family of durable compounds long used in a variety of commercial products but that are now known to be harmful.

The water of as many as 26 million Americans is contaminated, according to an analysis of the new EPA data performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington DC-based non-profit."

Continue reading online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/17/pfas-us-drinking-water-contaminated-forever-chemicals-epa

New data shows that about one-in-10 drinking water systems contain the two most notoriously dangerous forever chemicals. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

EPA’s new definition of PFAS could omit thousands of ‘forever chemicals’

"The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office responsible for protecting the public from toxic substances has changed how it defines PFAS for a second time since 2021, a move critics say they fear will exclude thousands of “forever chemicals” from regulation and largely benefit industry.

Instead of using a clear definition of what constitutes a PFAS, the agency’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics plans to take a “case-by-case” approach that allows it to be more flexible in determining which chemicals should be subjected to regulations.

Equipment used to test for PFAS in drinking water.

Among other uses for the compounds, the EPA appears to be excluding some chemicals in pharmaceuticals and pesticides that are generally defined as PFAS, current and former EPA officials say, and the shift comes amid fierce industry opposition to proposed limits on the chemicals."

Continue reading online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/18/epa-new-definition-pfas-forever-chemicals

The "All About Sewer" series

These three sessions of the radio show share 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 & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html 

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

The 3 part water series can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley

Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area.