Congressman Auchincloss: An Update - the last 2 weeks in review (Aug 1 - Aug 12, 2022)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 12 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Inflation Reduction Act: Today, I joined my colleagues in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. This law is the biggest climate action in history, by any country. It devotes $369 billion for environmental and clean energy provisions. This could cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 37-41 percent by 2030, putting us within reach of Paris Agreement targets. The Inflation Reduction Act also allows Medicare to directly negotiate drug prices and will extend critical Obamacare subsidies to save 13 million Americans approximately $800 annually on health care premiums. EPA Regulatory Authority Act: I recently co-led the EPA Regulatory Authority Act with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ruling drew into question the EPA's ability to phase out the power sector's use of fossil fuels. Our bill clarifies that the EPA has the authority to shift our energy sources toward clean energy. Make It in America: I joined my colleagues in passing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act in the House, which President Biden signed into law this week. This bill will fund basic and applied science, enhance our geo-economic security, and strengthen America's international competitiveness in engineering and technology. Specifically, the CHIPS and Science Act will boost American semiconductor research, development, and production, with the aim of making us a global leader in semiconductor technology. It will also fund the National Science Foundation's efforts to advance cutting-edge science in hubs across the country. Assault Weapons Ban: I also voted for an assault weapons ban when it passed in the House. As a former Marine, I ate, slept, trained, and patrolled with these weapons for four and a half years – I know that no citizen has the constitutional right to own an assault weapon. I urge the Senate to take up this key piece of legislation to make Americans safer. Free Trade Can Fight Inflation: Last week, I co-authored an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal with Representative Stephanie Murphy about trade. I called on President Biden to repeal or reduce Trump-era tariffs. Economists across the political spectrum agree that international trade lowers prices and expands choices for consumers and that trade deals open markets for American businesses. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues, including those across the aisle, to reduce costs for American consumers and businesses. We can do this while maintaining labor, environmental, and intellectual property standards in trade deal negotiations. Make your voice heard → Let me know below if you support this proposal. Do you support moving away from Trump-era tariffs? Around the Fourth Small Businesses in Wellesley: Last week, along with representatives from the Charles River Regional Chamber, the Town of Wellesley, and The Swellesley Report, I toured some local small businesses in Wellesley that are providing fantastic service to our community. First, I went to We Rock the Spectrum, which is an indoor playground that was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. Next, I stopped by the London Harness, which was the first luggage retailer in the country. Finally, I visited Laughing Monk Cafe, which is a new Thai and sushi restaurant, met the staff, and discussed their expansion from their first location in Boston. I even got to debate parking policy, one of my favorite topics as a city councilor. Healthy 3 to 10: Last week, I visited summer camps, joined after-school activity groups, and spoke with parents as part of my Healthy 3-10 Initiative. I want to ensure that all kids have access to enrichment activities after school and during the summer to keep them healthfully engaged. Healthy 3-10 focuses on the vital hours between 3 pm and 10 pm when our kids are not in school. This will help children gain confidence and self-efficacy in and out of the classroom. District Investments: Recently, the House advanced the funding that I requested for our district. These critical funds, much of them directed towards water infrastructure, will empower our cities and towns to guarantee quality municipal services. Investing in infrastructure and getting localities the funds they need to reach their full economic potential will help our District and Commonwealth reach their full potential as a powerhouse of talent and work ethic. Coffee Meet-Ups Across the District: For the remainder of August I'll be hosting a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants across the Fourth to meet constituents and hear what's on their mind. To RSVP, or to find out more information, please head to this link: Coffee With Your Congressman. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Senator Rausch: 2022 End of Session Roundup

What passed, what didn't, and what I'll keep fighting for next term 💪

View this email in your browser Senator Rausch State House Briefing    Part 2, Chapter 19 (August 12, 2022)    August has arrived and with it the end of our formal legislative session. My colleagues and I wrapped up debate in the wee hours of Monday, August 1st. We sent landmark legislation on many issues to the Governor's desk over the last couple weeks, including reproductive justice, climate action, mental health care, and more. While I am proud of everything we accomplished, there is still so much work to be done. To be frank, I am particularly disappointed that legislative leadership did not reach an agreement on the economic development bill, which would provide not only tax relief and reform – including a version of my own proposal to put money directly into people's pockets – but also sorely needed small business supports and investments in local projects, childcare, health systems, and housing. More on that below. In this newsletter, you'll find a roundup of the tail end of the formal legislative session, priority legislative areas for the next formal session, and ways to connect with me and my team. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.    I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.      Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    SENATOR RAUSCH'S 2022 END OF SESSION ROUNDUP One and a half years of lawmaking came to a recess at 10:13 a.m. on the morning of August 1st. From now until January, the Legislature will be in recess from its formal sessions, unless we are called back in for a special session (which I very much hope happens so we can pass a compromise economic development bill and send it to the Governor's desk with all its subparts, including bond authorizations). The Senate will continue to gavel in for informal session every 3 days to handle ongoing business, but most bills filed this session are effectively done, whatever the outcome.  THE WINS:  Here are some of the bills my colleagues and I passed and sent to the Governor's desk at the end of session, all of which have now been signed into law. Check out more information about what the Governor did and didn't do with the legislation my colleagues and I sent to his desk.  Climate and clean energy: The Legislature sent a comprehensive climate action bill back to Governor Baker's desk to jumpstart our Commonweath's green energy transition. This legislation will help Massachusetts achieve its target of net-zero emissions by 2050 through investments in offshore wind and green energy, updating our solar rules, incentivizing electric vehicle use, creating green job training, and so much more. I am thrilled that my Better Buildings amendment, requiring that all buildings over 20,000 square feet report their emissions annually, was included in this landmark bill. This reporting will help us craft solutions to reduce these building emissions going forward. The bill also includes my amendment to start the process of converting our school buses from diesel to electric, important to both personal and planetary health.   Expanded mental health coverage: The Mental Health ABC Act will address the state's mental health crisis by breaking down barriers to behavioral health care in Massachusetts. It will mandate insurance coverage for annual mental health exams, ensure mental and physical health care are treated equally, and require hospitals to correct policies that discriminate against patients with mental illnesses. It will also create a statewide program to help schools implement mental health services and deal with emergencies to address the youth mental health crisis.  Legalized sports betting: After many weeks of being stuck in a conference committee to work out a compromise, anyone in Massachusetts at least 21 years old will now be able to legally place a sports wager. The bill also contains numerous consumer protection provisions and measures to address gambling addiction. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will write rules to prohibit deceptive advertising and protect minors.  Supporting veterans and military families relocating to Massachusetts: The SPEED Act provides career stability for veterans and military families, as well as quality education for their children. The legislation will speed up the professional licensure process for military spouses to ensure they can continue their careers, allow for advanced and virtual enrollment for military children to resolve disruptions in education, provide in-state tuition continuity for military-connected college students, and establish a Purple Star Campus designation to identify public schools that show a major commitment to military families.   Protecting veterans in long-term care facilities: In response to the Baker Administration's horrific mismanagement of COVID-19 outbreaks in the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes, this bill creates new governance structures and increases oversight in state-run long-term care facilities for veterans. It creates an Office of Veterans Homes and Housing within the executive branch and makes the Department of Veterans Services its own cabinet-level office to give veterans the support and attention they deserve. This law also requires the Department of Public Health to conduct inspections in these facilities twice a year and every 30 days during emergencies.   Equity in the cannabis industry: This law removes barriers to entrepreneurs of color in the legal cannabis industry and improves the expungement process for individuals' records to reflect now-legal quantities of cannabis. The legislation also creates a trust fund that gives cannabis business owners of color better access to grants and loans and enhances host community agreements to encourage full participation in the regulated cannabis industry.  Expanding our judicial infrastructure and addressing gun safety: The legislature passed a $164 million bond bill to modernize technology in the judiciary, which included a provision to support gun violence prevention in the wake of the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. I am proud that the law includes my amendment to ensure conversations between survivors of sexual assault and licensed mental health counselors at rape crisis centers will remain confidential.   Transportation funding for our communities: This legislation authorizes $11.4 billion in bonds for transportation projects across our Commonwealth. I am proud to have secured $10 million in state bond authorizations for transportation projects in our communities. These initiatives include:  🚶Wrentham - $1.08 million for sidewalk improvements, intersection upgrades on Route 1A and Green Street, and a downtown improvement plan    🚆 Franklin - $2.42 million to upgrade the Franklin commuter rail station   🚗 Bellingham - $1.3 million for road drainage improvements   🚶Medfield - $3 million to replace sidewalks, streets, and a water main  🚗 Dover - $2.2 million for road improvements  STILL IN PLAY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  Last month, the Senate passed a $4.3 billion economic development bill that makes critical investments in our workers, families, businesses, communities, and statewide economy. This bill also secured over $1.7 million in direct funding for our district, as well as an additional $6.75 million in bond authorizations for key projects in our communities. The House and Senate conference committee did not strike an agreement on this urgently needed investment before the close of formal session, a frustrating development for sure. The negotiations continue and I deeply hope we will go back into formal session to vote yes on a compromise economic development package. Updates to come.  THE LOSSES: Well, we never get everything, in lawmaking or in life. While I am disappointed that we didn't see complete victories in these issue areas, I promise that I will return to Beacon Hill next session with my sleeves rolled up ready to continue advocating for you and your priorities:  Strengthening our early education workforce: Massachusetts has the highest early education costs in the nation, and I have personally experienced the serious financial strain of sending our two young children to daycare simultaneously. I was proud to strengthen the Senate's early education bill, but I was disappointed to see the House's inaction, which ultimately killed the bill. Our children and families need and deserve this support, and our Commonwealth's economic success depends on it. Accessible, quality childcare is infrastructure, plain and simple.  Reducing plastic waste: If we're serious about taking climate action, then we must address all the problem spaces, and that includes plastics reduction. As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, I spent much of the session tackling the issue of single-use plastics, which clog our landfills, pollute our waterways, and pose a significant public health risk to our communities. Did you know that less than 10% of our plastics actually get recycled, no matter how much we put into the recycle bin? It's true, and plastic production relies on fossil fuels. Next session, I will continue my work in plastics mitigation policy to keep our Commonwealth clean.  Public health infrastructure improvements: My colleagues and I enacted legislation to significantly boost and improve local public health throughout the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed massive swaths of that bill, sending it back to the Legislature with large-scale changes. With formal sessions concluded, a veto override is no longer possible, meaning this bill will probably need to start over in January.  Public Lands Protection Act: This legislation would further the long-standing goal of maintaining constitutionally protected public parks, conservation land, forests, watersheds and other natural resource lands. These lands are essential for recreation, water resources, local economies, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This legislation is one of the very first I advanced as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources more than a year ago, so I was particularly disappointed to see this bill die in eleventh hour negotiations between House and Senate conference committee negotiators.   I AM Act: I voted YES on a landmark bill requiring the state to provide menstrual products free of charge in all schools, shelters, and correctional institutions. This bill would make incredible strides to reduce period poverty in our state, and much of the youth advocacy supporting this legislation was actually spearheaded by high school activists in our district! While this bill was passed unanimously by the Senate, the House did not bring the bill to the floor.  VICTORIES WITH MUCH MORE WORK AHEAD: Reproductive Justice: Last month, An Act expanding protections for reproductive rights and gender-affirming care was signed into law. This bill is a significant victory for safeguarding reproductive health and birth care in our Commonwealth in a post-Roe era, and I am proud to have crafted components of the final product. The law includes my proposals to make reproductive health care a personal right and allow people to sue to enforce those rights, my amendment to address birth and abortion care deserts in Massachusetts, and my statutory clarifications on abortions later in pregnancy, which served as a foundation for the compromise between the House and Senate. I am proud of this accomplishment, and I remain as dedicated as ever to the fight for reproductive justice and equity, because this work is still quite far from done. No one in Massachusetts or coming to Massachusetts should ever need worry about whether they will be able to access physical or mental health care related to pregnancy. That worry persists because we still need to provide licensure for at-home midwifery care, create post-miscarriage mental health care, robustly combat so-called "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake women's health centers, ensure full-spectrum sex education, and far more.   Expanded ballot box access: I am proud that the Governor signed the VOTES Act into law back in June, but we still have a long way to go in expanding voter access. I filed numerous amendments to this bill and will continue pushing for common-sense election reforms, including same-day voter registration, setting minimum ratios for ballot drop boxes, creating paid time off for voting, and allowing voters to permanently sign up for mail voting rather than having to re-enroll every year. I'll also continue to keep a close watch over whether the laws we do have are actually implemented in their entirety (spoiler alert: they haven't been).   In-Person Office Hours My team and I love having coffee hours throughout the district (we were last in Wrentham at the Senior Center just a couple weeks back)! Coming up later this month, please join me, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Congressman Auchincloss in Franklin on Thursday, August 25 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM for an in-person coffee hour. Register here and the location will be emailed to you before the event.   Virtual Evening Office Hours   My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.     Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.          Upcoming virtual office hours:     Monday, September 12, 5-6 PM  Monday, October 3, 5-6 PM  Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, view this email in your browser

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 12, 2022 to Aug 18, 2022

Another Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common Friday including a movie night. The Library has their monthly book and bag sale. 67 Degrees & La Cantina feature music and food along with their beer & wine.

Sunday, the speaker series continues with a presentation on "Firestorm: A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War"

Friday, August 12
1:00pm -  Book Sale (Public Library)
2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)
3:00pm - Concerts on the Common: Pub Kings (Town Common)
4:00pm - Food truck Pangea Cuisine (Town Common)
4:30pm - Raina's Plate (food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)
5:30pm - Concerts on the Common: It's a "J" Thing (Town Common)
6:00pm - David Rak Music  (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - Fourtet (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
8:00pm - Movie Night: "Moana" (Town Common)

Saturday, August 13
9:00am- Book Sale (Public Library)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:30am – Will Parker Concert (live music) (Public Library)
1;00pm - Bag Sale (Public Library)

4:00pm - Emily & Nick (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
6:00pm - Patrick Durkin Music (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

Sunday, August 14
Caribbean Press (time to be confirmed, possible appearance at 67 Degrees)
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm: A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War (Historical Museum)

Tuesday, August 16
6:30pm - Documentary Film: Love Between the Covers (2015)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Annual Report Of The Building Inspection Department - 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 Building Inspection Department is a multi- functional office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR 

Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185 

Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR

Mass. Plumbing & Gas Code – 248 CMR 

National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002 

Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98 

Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation

The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m.

For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklinma.gov this site contains a series of online forms and applications easily accessible and available to download and apply online. The website has sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals, shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff

Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown

Inspectors:

Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney 

Asst Wiring Inspector: James Loughlin 

Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta

Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: John “Jack” Giancola 

Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill 

Sealer of Weights & Measurers - Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants

Judy Demers

Melissa Kiriacopoulos 

Tyler Paslaski

Casey Thayer

 

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.

FY 2021 saw an upward rise in the amount of building permits issued. No doubt a result of more folks staying home and taking less vacations. We appreciate the patience of all residents, town council members and fellow employees, without everyone’s help and understanding FY21 would have been challenging. To our commercial customer’s, we thanks you as well. We saw the passing of our longtime Assistant Plumbing and Gas Inspector, Richard McCormick. Mac was solid inspector and a great friend, he is missed. As always for the past several decades our town is growing and changing every day. New buildings replace older structures and remodeling keeps the older building up to code. A convenient permit process helps to apply for all of our permits with any electronic online device. It’s a pleasure to serve you all!

Building Permits

This year the Building Department issued a total of 1732 building permits and the revenues collected totaled $810.557.20

There is a whole lot more to the Building Inspection Department section of this annual report but the tables and other info were not easily copied for this format. 

Find the remainder of the Building Inspection Department report on page  116

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Boston Globe: "Baker signs major climate bill into law"

"Gov. Charlie Baker signed a major climate bill into law on Thursday that will accelerate the development of clean energy in the state, boosting offshore wind and solar, and—in a first for Massachusetts—allowing some cities and towns to ban the use of fossil fuels in new buildings and major renovations.

Baker’s approval comes after weeks of speculation that he might veto the bill, and just days after he said he particularly disapproved of the fossil fuel ban because of his concern it could make it harder to construct affordable housing.

Ultimately, though, he said the bill’s changes to the offshore wind procurement process and its advances in clean energy were important enough to secure his signature.

“I continue to want us to be a pretty big player in that space,” Baker said in an interview with the Globe, “because it’s a sustainable way to create a lot of jobs, for a very long time.”

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/11/science/baker-signs-major-climate-bill-into-law/ 

All the Legislation signed by Gov Baker on Thursday, August 11, 2022

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14lepcQcFsepUWmT-ZPBgJPljkRZkAd_U/view?usp=sharing

Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and State Rep Jeff Roy. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-835-making-sense-of-climate-14-08-04-22

The climate legislation discussed as amended and returned to the Governor for action https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/massachusetts-legislature-passes-major.html

State Rep Jeff Roy’s remarks on the MA House of Representatives floor in favor of the legislation and quoting Governor Baker on compromise (from the Governor’s recent book).

https://youtu.be/PB-CRp7ooCg

Governor Baker’s book -> https://www.amazon.com/Results-Getting-Beyond-Politics-Important/dp/1647821800

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker during a morning press-conference. JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

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. Administration

2. Engineering

3. 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. Sewer

6. 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

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee - video for meeting August 10, 2022 (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee and Franklin For All Steering Committee met on Wednesday as scheduled.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/4aWsvCPjoJM

Agenda & documents ->

1. Discussion: “Franklin For All” MAPC Study Conclusion & Committee Recommendations

a. Staff Memo 

b. Franklin For All Executive Summary and Final Report  (96 pages - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_for_all_executive_summary_summary_memos.pdf)

c. Franklin - DHCD Approved Housing Production Plan  (92 pages - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf)

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-08-10_edc_agenda_.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022