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Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Town of Franklin Water Dept sends a reminder to take steps to avoid frozen pipes
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Janie Avenue Neighborhood Waterline Improvements Project - Invitation for Bids
"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 4,250 feet of waterline improvements in the Janie Avenue Neighborhood in the Town of Franklin."
Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/janie-avenue-neighborhood-waterline-improvements-project
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| Janie Avenue Neighborhood Waterline Improvements Project - Invitation for Bids |
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Town Council asked to review and approve a new "Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan"
October 28, 2022
To: Town Council
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Allecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Allecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator
Re: Resolution 22-69: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Creation of the Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan and Authorizing the Town Administrator to File Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application and to Take Other Action as Needed
In December 2020, the EPA issued Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) which require all Public Water Suppliers to document the material of all Lead Service Lines (LSLs) within their distribution system and produce an inventory of all pipe materials by October 16, 2024. To achieve compliance, the Town will need to organize, examine, and compile all documentation that determines pipe material into a single database which must be accessible to the public. The Town must also submit a plan to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) by October 2024 detailing how we will prioritize, fund, and fully remove any remaining lead services within the distribution system.
The Town of Franklin historically has low levels of lead and copper as represented by the regular sampling we are required to conduct (see annual water quality reports). The Town has no known full lead service lines but there are approximately 115 potential lead gooseneck locations (https://www.lslr-collaborative.org/intro-to-lsl-replacement.html) that are documented. This number decreases yearly as the Town continues to invest in the replacement of the older cast iron (CI) and asbestos cement (AC) mains.
Starting July 2022, Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and MassDEP began offering loans with 100% loan forgiveness for planning activities assisting all public water suppliers to complete planning projects for LSL inventories and for the development of LSL replacement plans. The MassDEP will accept loan applications on a rolling basis while funding is available.
As with other SRF related projects, the funding must be appropriated through borrowing. We are asking the Council to approve Resolution 22-69, to authorize the appropriation of $119,000 for this project.
Additionally, this resolution will authorize the Town Administrator to act as the authorized representative of the Town in connection with this application.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
The full memo and resolution can be found in this PDF ->
The full Town Council agenda and documents released for Wednesday's meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_2_town_council_meeting.pdf
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| Town Council asked to review and approve a new "Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan" |
Saturday, October 15, 2022
"the global water cycle ... how human water use affects where water is stored, how it moves, and how clean it is"
Daniel Moser (@_dmoser) tweeted on Fri, Oct 14, 2022:
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/_dmoser/status/1580930320701919232
🌊The new Water Cycle🌊
Although people have long siphoned water from groundwater and diverted rivers into farm fields and industrial plants, this new diagram is the first time humans have been included in what was presented until now as a "natural" cycle by @USGS 👇👇
https://t.co/ABJobxNRQ6
Check out additional diagrams directly from USGS -> https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-cycle-diagrams
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| The updated water cycle |
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Town Council hears from new Dean leadership and get a drought status update (audio)
FM #840 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 840 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.
The recording runs two hours, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on September 7, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-840-town-council-mtg-09-07-22
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Meeting agenda =>
My notes ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hu5l46PgJoXVhDVRme0VNqgxapTyakZC/view?usp=sharing
The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube
--------------
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"
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| DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi & Water Superintendent Doug Martin |
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| Dean College President Kenneth Elmore J.D. and Chancellor Edward M. Augustus, Jr |
Friday, August 12, 2022
Annual Report Of The Department Of Public Works - FY 2021
Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22
The Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. The DPW is organized into seven (7) divisions:
1. Administration2. Engineering3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)5. Sewer6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)7. Street Lighting
DPW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
The major functions of the Administrative Division include developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits and drainlayer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting, payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.
Capital Projects
The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develops major capital projects.
The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.
It is important to note that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members which saves significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting, and oversite of these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and Federal departments.
Grant Writing
The Town completed the S319 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and Mass DEP totaling $125,000. Through this grant we were able to develop a stormwater infiltration system with a private developer on Dean Ave. and construct bio retention areas on both Meadowlark Lane and Griffin Road.
The Town once again partnered with the Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer the discounted purchase of rain barrels to Franklin residents. Along with the discount, residents were eligible to receive a $50 rebate.
The Town received approximately $20,000.00 in recycling grants for our innovative programs at the recycling center in the proper removal and recycling of mattresses and Styrofoam, to name a couple.
In addition, The Town was awarded a $38,000 grant from Mass DOT to begin the development of a prioritization plan for the complete streets program as well as a $15,500 grant from the Department of Industrial Accidents for workplace safety training.
Permits and Long Range Planning
Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer stormwater and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. With the success of the 20/20 Plan, the Town Council authorized additional funding for waterline replacement and the improvement of roadways. Details on specific locations can be found in other parts of this report.
The DPW has continued to work with both the DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site.
The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area towns and conservation groups towards ensuring that regional water supplies are protected.
Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program
The single stream automated solid waste and recycling program continues to be a very successful program and has improved recycling rates and provided greater convenience for users. Improvements continue to be made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center to make the facility more attractive and customer friendly.
Hails and Farewells
We had several employees move on from their roles with the DPW and I would like to thank them for their years of dedication and service to the Town of Franklin! Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Director of Operations, retired after many years of leading the DPW Operations Team. Deacon’s contributions were numerous and he is sorely missed. Dave Allard, our Water Foreman, also retired after 34 years of service. In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Franklin Water Department, the new Grove St Water Treatment Plant was dedicated to Mr. Allard this Spring! Mr. Chris White, Solid Waste Coordinator, also retired. His commitment over the years shaped our Solid Waste Program and Recycling Center into the top notch programs they are today. Finally, Mr. Jason Mello, our Assistant Town Engineer, moved on to pursue a new position, and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.
With losses there are also gains! We welcomed several new employees to our Management/Administrative Team including: Mr. Doug Martin, Water & Sewer Superintendent; Ms. Brooke Cotta, Assistant Town Engineer; Ms Danica Cucchi, GIS Assistant; and Ms. Marissa Allen, Administrative Assistant. The DPW was also fortunate to hire some new employees to our Operations Team. These included: Justin Mercer, Vito DaSilva and Peter Fricker. We are lucky to have them all.
We also had the good fortune of promoting many employees on our team. These employees include: Mr. Derek Adams, Environmental Affairs Superintendent; Mr. Anthony Brunetta, Assistant Highway and Grounds Superintendent; Mr. Steve Carlucci, Water Foreman; Mr. James Henchy, Crew Leader; Mr. Kevin Parslow, Water Treatment Foreman; Mr. Jacob Standley, Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent; and Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowski, Assistant Admin & Budget Manager. Ms. Pam Vickery was also promoted but left the DPW Team to work as the Town of Franklin Purchasing Agent. We wish them all the best of luck in their new roles!
Thanks
As the Director, I owe many thanks to my entire staff as they make this department work and serve all residents in a timely manner. Everyone is committed to providing extraordinary service to the Town in the most cost effective manner possible.
The DPW staff are all dedicated professionals who put in so much extra time and effort to make this department a success. The Town and I are very fortunate to have such talented individuals to work with. I would like to thank, The Town Engineer Mr. Mike Maglio, Assistant Town Engineer Ms. Brooke Cotta, Admin & Budget Manager Ms. Kathy Mooradd, Assistant Admin & Budget Manager Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowski, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent Mr. Anthony Brunetta, Water & Sewer Superintendent Mr. Doug Martin, Assistant Water & Sewer Superintendent Mr. Jacob Standley, GIS Coordinator Ms. Kate Sjoberg, and Environmental Affairs Superintendent, Mr. Derek Adams.
I would also like to thank, Ms. Lynne Marchand, Ms. Paula Juarez, Ms. Cindy Elz and Ms. Marissa Allen, who support the Administration Division as well as Mr. Warren Groth, Mr. Bill Wenners and Ms. Danica Cucchi, from the Engineering Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year.
We would like to welcome Recycling Center Supervisor, Steve Geer and thank the entire Recycling Center staff who continue to do a wonderful job.
I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the employees who are not always seen, but provide the day to day services that are all too often taken for granted. They pump, treat and deliver safe drinking water; they care for parks and ball fields, maintain the roadways, repair and sustain all Town and school vehicles and handle all our waste. They are always available, day and night, and work long hours to assist in any emergency situation whether it is snow removal, water breaks, sewer backups, wind, lightning storms and flooding, among many others. They are all extremely professional and dedicated to their jobs. I cannot thank them enough.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert A. Cantoreggi II
Director of Public Works
Kathy Mooradd
Administration & Budget Manager
“Gettin’ It Done”
There is more to the Public Works section of the annual report. More data and information covering each of the divisions is available in the full report beginning with Page 173
The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found
The collection of Annual Reports can be found online
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| Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021 |
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
The Consumer Confidence Report tells Franklin residents all about our water supply
Important Information About Drinking Water
All sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water), including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells, contain some naturally occurring contaminants or substances.
Because water is the universal solvent, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal and human activity.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive and in nearly all cases would not provide greater protection of health.
To ensure that your water is safe to drink, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the EPA regulate the allowable amount of certain contaminants in the water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. This report provides you with information about the contaminants found naturally in your drinking water, the levels at which they are found, and the likely source of each contaminant.
Contaminants that can be present include:
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, that can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities
Download a copy to read the full report
Photos of the Grove St water treatment facility can be found in one album
Listen to Doug and Jake talk with me in a series of episodes where we get into all about water.
Additional information on the Water/Sewer Department can be found on the Town of Franklin page
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| equipment at the Grove St water treatment plant |
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting (audio)
FM #814 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 814 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development SubCmte Plus meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
- Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, B Wierling, G Rondeau, B Hunchard
- Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, L Rivera, B Taberner, A Love
Discussion on the process for selecting priorities among the recommendations (or in addition to) by the committee members as a way of prioritizing the Towns work overall. Not everything can be done, but if everyone uses 3 priorities, they can bubble up what should be worked first, etc.
Meeting scheduled for Aug 10, 6 PM to do the prioritization. This was selected in light of the MAPC report due at the end of June, time to digest, should also have the final requirements coming from the State on the MBTA community incentives by that time as well.
The recording runs just over an hour, so let’s listen to the Economic Development SubCmte Plus discussion on June 8, 2022.
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Meeting agenda =>
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-8-22_edc_agenda.pdf
My notes ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vmuGIIl5reoMG_RsSn-_OjdWl8kdHYI/view?usp=sharing
--------------
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"
 |
| Economic Development Subcmte Plus plans to select top recommendations for Aug 10 meeting |
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Finance Committee hears budgets for public safety & public works and good news on AAA bond rating achieved (audio)
FM #795 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 795 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee budget hearing #2 for the FY 2023 Town of Franklin budget held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 7 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was announced as expecting to join via remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Chair Bill Dowd opens the Finance Committee, 7 members participating. This is the second of three sessions on the FY 2023 budget
This session covered public safety: police fire, and dispatch as well as public works the DPW divisions and the enterprise accounts for water, sewer, and solid waste
Each department was reviewed, some were straight forward, some had minor increases or adjustments. For example, 2 positions previously cut in last year's budget were restored in this year's budget for the DPW
The big news coming from the night was the announcement that the Town had achieved a AAA bond rating. This is a significant achievement and will help the Town save money on all future borrowing requirements
The recording runs about an hour and forty minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting May 11, 2022.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-795-finance-cmte-fy-2023-budget-hearing-2-05-11-22
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Meeting agenda => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-05-11_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf
FY 2023 budget package => https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials
Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee
My notes for the meeting => https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SERBrhfi0U1eOLfFR6GWHkcl07UiazpH/view?usp=sharing
YouTube recording => https://youtu.be/zqiyIdFy8ik
--------------
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"
 |
| Finance Committee hears budgets for public safety & public works and good news on AAA bond rating achieved (audio) |
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Drought Status Level 1 declared, water conservation measures to begin today
DPW Notice - Water Conservation Measures Go Into Effect Today, Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Following sporadic rainfall totals during the last several months, which has resulted in below average precipitation numbers in eastern Massachusetts, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card declared a Level 1-Mild Drought in the Southeast and Islands Regions of the Commonwealth.
The declaration of a Level 1 drought has triggered the Town to enact Water Conservation restrictions as required per our Water Management Act permit through MassDEP. Therefore, the following Water Conservation Measures are now in effect as of today, May 12th, 2022.
- One day per week outdoor watering.
- Outdoor watering using sprinklers or automated irrigation systems is restricted to the water user's trash day. If the user does not have Town trash service, the user should water on the same day as the nearest Town trash customer.
- Outdoor watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Hand watering is permitted anytime.
As a requirement of our Water Management Act Permit the Town is required to enact annual summer Water Conservation Measures. The conservation measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure water levels in the Charles River Water Shed basin remain at acceptable levels and that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption. During the summer months, the Town experiences excessively high demands for water due to lawn watering. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year. Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and State restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the Town of Franklin must place water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months.
A total of 1-inch of water once per week from rain and watering promotes the healthiest lawns. Non-compliance with these regulations could adversely affect public health and safety. Violators are subject to fines up to $200. For additional information, visit the DPW website at www.franklinma.gov/public-works. Any questions should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 508-520-4910.
Please see our website for more information: https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation
Thank you for your cooperation!
Franklin DPW
Shared from: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-water-conservation-measures-go-effect-today-thursday-may-12-2022
PDF of the DEP map and Conservation Measures sign
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"May 11, 2022: Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared a Level 1 – Mild Drought in the Southeast and Islands Regions. The Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, and Cape Cod Regions are at a Level 0 - Normal condition.
Read more on our drought status page."
Per the map included Franklin is part of the Southeast and Islands region.
The water conservation measure will begin with this announcement on Wednesday. At the Finance Committee Budget Hearing Wednesday, it was confirmed during the discussion that instead of making the conservation measure effective after Memorial Day, with the change to Level 1, they will start now.
Additional info will be coming from the DPW as the announcement has triggered the implementation sooner than anticipated.
The MA DEP drought status page can be found https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status
The Town of Franklin water conservation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation
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| Drought Status Level 1 declared, water conservation measures to begin |
Monday, May 9, 2022
Finance Committee: Budget Hearing #2 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 11, 2022 - 6:30 PM
Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2
May 11, 2022 - 6:30 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. FY23 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing Continued...
FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website
FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website
a. Public Safety:
i. 210 Police Departmentii. 220 Fire Departmentiii. 225 Regional Dispatchiv. 240 Inspection Departmentv. 292 Animal Control
b. Department of Public Works (DPW):
i. 422 Public Worksii. 424 Street Lightingiii. Enterprise Funds:
1. 450 Water2. 440 Sewer3. 434 Solid Waste
5. Future Agenda Items
6. Adjourn
Agenda doc with remote connection info ->
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