Saturday, May 25, 2024

First night, multiple questions; Second night, multiple votes approved FY 2025 budget, sets fee increases for water, curbside, & stormwater to 2nd reading (audio)

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 Estimates are currently severely out of date and will be redone as needed.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is unexecuted borrowing authorizations, we did have an approval to do so but either grants covered or as estimates were outdated can't be done now - Moved, second, Passes 9-0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?

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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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First night, multiple questions; Second night, multiple votes approved FY 2025 budget, sets fee increases for water, curbside, & stormwater to 2nd reading (audio)
First night, multiple questions; Second night, multiple votes approved FY 2025 budget, sets fee increases for water, curbside, & stormwater to 2nd reading (audio)

FHS baseball tops Natick on Friday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, May 24, 2024


Baseball =  Franklin, 8 @ Natick, 6 – Final 
– Two insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning proved pivotal as Franklin held on after a last inning comeback bid from Natick. The Panthers scored the first three runs of the game and then used a three-run sixth inning to turn a one-run game into a 6-2 lead. In the top of the eighth, Jake Shaughnessy smacked a one-out double to score Ben Yuknis to extend the lead to 7-2, and Zach Winer followed with a single to center to bring courtesy runner Brad Morin in to make it 8-2. Natick staged a comeback attempt with four runs in the bottom half and brought the go-ahead run to the plate but Matt Miller came on and got the final out to close it out. Shaughnessy struck out a season-high 11 batters in six innings of work, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk for the win. Shaughnessy, Yuknis, and Dom Caccavelli each had two hits for Franklin.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 @ Longmeadow, 10 – Final
⭐️ Langevin 3🚨 2🍎
⭐️⭐️ O’Brien 2🚨

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Memorial Day Parade Status Update

via Scott Carruthers

Hi Everyone 
- I’m the Commander of the Franklin VFW. First Vice Commander Dick Hynes of the Franklin American Legion and I are the co-chairs of the Memorial Day Parade Committee and we had our final preparation meeting tonight (Thursday, May 23, 2024).  
Things are looking good for the parade on Monday. 
We’ve been monitoring the weather and as of now the biggest threat of rain is later in the day. With that said, if we have to cancel the parade, we’ll make that decision jointly with the Franklin Veterans Service Office by 7 AM Monday. We’ll email the school band leaders, scout groups, veteran groups, etc. as well as post here and other social media sites so everyone gets the word.  
If you are planning to view the parade, please keep the sidewalks on the Town Common side of Church Square clear so that we can make sure our older veterans who are riding in vehicles have a safe, clear area to exit their vehicles.  
Hopefully we’ll see you along the parade route to honor and remember our fallen.

Memorial Day Parade - 2023
Memorial Day Parade - 2023

Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items

Dear Mr. Rondeau and Planning Board Members,
 
I am writing to you on behalf of the residents that live on Summer Street as well as Birch Street, Woodchester Road, Florence Street, Summer Heights, Squibnocket Road, Shawkemo Path, and Penny Lane to express our deep concern regarding the recent agenda change concerning Autumn Hill. It has come to our attention that Autumn Hill was initially scheduled for discussion during the planning board meeting on Monday, May 20th. However, we were dismayed to learn that their development proposal was unexpectedly removed from the agenda on Thursday, May 16th, at 1:16 pm per Amy Love, the Town Planner. This is the second time this has occurred.
 
As concerned residents, we understand the importance of public participation in zoning decisions, particularly those that directly impact our neighborhoods and community. Therefore, we seek clarification on the policies and procedures for adding agenda items and subsequently canceling them, as well as the protocols for notifying residents within the town, specifically within the neighborhoods affected by proposed developments.
 
It is crucial that residents are provided with ample time to prepare and make arrangements to attend meetings on behalf of their neighborhood. By removing Autumn Hill from the agenda with such short notice, many residents were deprived of the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide valuable input on a matter that significantly affects all of the residents on Summer Street and the side streets as well as the other residents of Franklin.
 
We kindly request information regarding the planning board's policies and procedures for adding and canceling agenda items, as well as the methods used to notify residents within the town, especially those residing in the neighborhoods affected by proposed developments. Transparency and inclusivity are fundamental principles of good governance, and it is essential that all residents have the opportunity to participate in discussions that impact the future of our community.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Sally Winters & the Summer Street Residents



Editorial note: In my role, watching and reporting on Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, and as many of the associated subcommittee meetings as I can, the removal or change of an agenda once posted does not result in a new notification to subscribers. As the Town and School prepare for migration to new webpages, hopefully that is a feature that can be added. It is needed. 

Steve Sherlock


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items
Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items

Representative Roy: "Massachusetts House Passes Landmark Veterans Legislation"

Rep. Roy was honored to join his colleagues in passing legislation that honors veterans in Massachusetts by broadening the definition of a veteran, increasing tax credits and state benefits that they are eligible for, and modernizing the services that they rely on. “An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans (HERO Act),” will impact hundreds of thousands of veterans living in Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts has the most generous veterans benefits in the nation,” said Rep. Roy. “And, as a matter of fact, I am not in the Franklin chamber tonight because I just left the House floor where we voted unanimously on a bill to further expand veterans benefits here. “Today’s bill combines spending, policy and tax initiatives aimed at expanding access by veterans to health care, increasing financial benefits to former servicemembers, and ensuring that women, disabled and LGBTQ+ veterans have equal access to supports. I am honored to support the expansion of benefits to those who gave greatly to support freedom and democracy and to make sure our veterans and their families have access to the benefits, resources and support they deserve.”

Read Rep Roy's full article -> https://jeffreyroy.com/2024/05/23/4767/?

Full text of the HERO Act legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4671
Representative Roy: "Massachusetts House Passes Landmark Veterans Legislation"
Representative Roy: "Massachusetts House Passes Landmark Veterans Legislation"




MA Senate Passes 2025 Budget to Make Community College Free, Invest in Every Region, Open Childcare Seats

The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved a $57.999 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Following robust and spirited debate, the Senate adopted over 400 amendments and took 43 roll call votes, adding $89.6 million in spending for statewide initiatives and local priorities for communities around the Commonwealth.  

The budget builds on the Senate’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while delivering historic levels of investment in every level of education, regional equity, and mental health, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to creating a more affordable, equitable, and competitive Commonwealth.   

“Today our chamber took a vote of confidence in every Massachusetts resident going to school, raising a family, and working to make ends meet —today we took a vote for an affordable, competitive, and equitable Commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This budget is an investment in our people, and it is an investment in our collective future. I want to thank Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Friedman, Assistant Vice Chair Comerford, the Committee, and all my Senate colleagues and staff for their thoughtful and collaborative work on this great budget.” 

“The Fiscal Year 2025 budget overwhelmingly passed by the Senate makes transformative investments in education, regional equity, and builds upon the Commonwealth’s workforce economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “These historic measures enable residents to remain in the state, solidifying our economic future for generations to come. The FY 25 budget is also a balanced and responsible plan, centered on sustainability and regional equity by maximizing revenues and building upon the progress we’ve already made in key sectors of the state economy. With a transparent and inclusive amendment process, we were able to improve our original budget and make even further strides in our education, economic development, environmental, and health and human services priorities. Thank you to all my Senate colleagues, especially members on the Committee; whose thoughtful input, advocacy, and collaboration, helped to develop and shape this comprehensive budget plan, I would also like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Senate President Spilka for her compassionate and resolute leadership as we work together to rebuild our economy and grow our state’s long-term economic health,”  

“The Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget ensures stability, regional equity, and a high level of quality for the programs that our municipalities and residents need and rely on,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “As we grapple with rising costs and access challenges within the Massachusetts health care system, I am especially proud that this budget utilizes tools to maximize our health care dollars for the facilities and providers that serve our most vulnerable residents. I thank Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and my Senate colleagues for their thoughtful approach and dedication to passing a budget that balances fiscal constraints with targeted, impactful investment in our Commonwealth.” 

“Universally free community college and record public higher education investments. Significant funding for rural roads and bridges, local public health, K-12 schools, Unrestricted Government Aid, PILOT, Regional Transit Authorities, food security, and more,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I am proud of the many ways this budget rises to meet the needs and opportunities of all the Commonwealth’s people. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Chair Michael Rodrigues for your leadership in crafting this compassionate and visionary budget proposal.” 

The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $58 billion in spending, a $1.8 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) General Appropriations Act (GAA). This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $41.5 billion for FY25, which is $208 million less than revenues assumed in the FY24 GAA. This represents nearly flat growth, as agreed upon during the Consensus Revenue process in January, plus $1.3 billion in revenue generated from the Fair Share surtax. 

As the Commonwealth adjusts to a changing economic landscape and ongoing tax revenue volatility, the FY25 budget adheres to disciplined and responsible fiscal stewardship. It does not raise taxes, nor does it draw down available reserves from the Stabilization Fund or the Transitional Escrow Fund, while at the same time judicially utilizing one-time resources to maintain balance.  

The Senate’s budget continues responsible and sustainable planning for the future by continuing to grow the Rainy Day Fund, already at a historic high of over $8 billion. The Senate’s proposal would build the Commonwealth’s reserves to a healthy balance in excess of $9 billion at the close of FY25.  

Fair Share Investments 

Consistent with the consensus revenue agreement reached with the Administration and House of Representatives in January, the Senate’s FY25 budget includes $1.3 billion in revenues generated from the Fair Share surtax of 4 per cent on annual income above $1 million. As FY25 represents the second year where this source of revenue is available, the Committee’s budget invests these Fair Share revenues into an array of important initiatives to further strengthen our state’s economy by expanding access to quality public education and improving the state’s transportation infrastructure.  

Notable Fair Share education investments include:  
  • $170 million for Universal School Meals.  
  • $150 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program to provide monthly grants to early education and care programs, which is matched with $325 million in funds from the General Fund and the High-Quality Early Education & Care Affordability Fund for a total investment of $475 million.  
  • $117.5 million for MassEducate to provide free community college across the Commonwealth.   
  • $105 million to expand financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, which is in addition to the $175.2M for scholarships funded through the General Fund.  
  • $80 million for childcare affordability, creating more than 4,000 new subsidized childcare seats and expanding access to subsidized childcare to families making 85 per cent state median income.  
  • $65 million for early education and care provider rate increases, to increase salaries for our early educators. 
  • $15 million for the CPPI Pre-K Initiative, matching $17.5 million in funds from the General Fund, for a total of $32.5M to support the expansion of universal pre-kindergarten, including in Gateway Cities.  
  • $10 million for wraparound supports to boost community college and state university student persistence, which is matched with the $18 million in SUCCESS funds from the General Fund, for a total of $28 million.  
  • $10 million for early literacy initiatives.  
  • $7.5 million for school-based mental health supports and wraparound services.  
  • $5 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways. 

Notable Fair Share transportation investments include: 

$250 million for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF), which will leverage additional borrowing capacity of the CTF and increase investments in transportation infrastructure by $1.1 billion over the next 5 years. This $250 million includes:  
  • $127 million to double operating support for the MBTA.  
  • $63 million in debt service to leverage additional borrowing capacity.  
  • $60 million in operating support for MassDOT.  
  • $125 million for Roads and Bridges Supplemental Aid for cities and towns, including $62.5 million for local road funds through a formula that recognizes the unique transportation issues faced by rural communities.  
  • $120 million for Regional Transit Funding and Grants to support the work of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) that serve the Commonwealth, which together with General Fund spending funds RTAs at a record $214 million.  Fair Share funding includes:  
  • $66 million in direct operating support for the Regional Transit Authorities.  
  • $40 million for systemwide implementation of fare-free transit service.  
  • $10 million to incentivize connections between regional transit routes.  
  • $4 million to support expanded mobility options for the elderly and people with disabilities.  
  • $24.5 million for Commuter Rail capital improvements.  
  • $23 million to support implementation of a low-income fare relief program at the MBTA.   
  • $15 million for municipal small bridges and culverts.  
  • $7.5 million for water transportation, funding operational assistance for ferry services.   
Education 

The Senate Ways and Means FY25 budget proposal implements the Senate’s Student Opportunity Plan by shaping polices to make high-quality education more accessible and by making significant investments in the education system, from our youngest learners to adults re-entering the higher education system.   

Recognizing that investing in our early education and care system directly supports the underlying economic competitiveness of the Commonwealth, the Senate’s budget makes a $1.58 billion investment in early education and care. The FY25 budget will maintain operational support for providers, support the early education and care workforce, and prioritize accessibility and affordability throughout our early education and care system. Notable funding includes: 

$475 million for a full year of operational grants the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) Grant program, this is the second fiscal year in a row that a full year of C3 grants have been funded using state dollars in the annual state budget. The Committee’s budget also makes the C3 program permanent, while also adding provisions to direct more funds from the C3 program to early education and programs that serve children receiving childcare subsidies from the state and youth with high needs. Currently, more than 92 percent of early education and care programs in the Commonwealth receive these grants. This program, which has become a model nationwide, has proven successful at increasing the salaries of early educators, reducing tuition costs for families, and expanding the number of available childcare slots beyond pre-pandemic capacity.  
  • $80 million for childcare affordability, creating more than 4,000 new subsidized childcare seats and expanding eligibility for subsidized childcare to families making 85 per cent of the state median income. 
  • $65 million for center-based childcare reimbursement rates for subsidized care, including $20 million for a new reimbursement rate increase. 
  • $53.6 million for quality improvement initiatives at early education and care providers, with $6 million supporting the Summer Step Up program. 
  • $32.5 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which empowers school districts to expand prekindergarten and preschool opportunities through public-private partnerships. This is double the amount that was appropriated for this initiative in FY23. 
  • $20 million for Childcare Resource and Referral Centers to assist parents, childcare providers, employers, and community groups in navigating the state’s early education and care landscape.  
  • $18.5 million for grants to Head Start programs, which provide crucial early education and childcare services to low-income families. 
  • $5 million for grants to early education and care providers for childhood mental health consultation services. 
  • $2.5 million for a new public-private matching pilot program to encourage employers to create and support new childcare slots, with an emphasis on serving children most in-need.  

Building off the Senate’s unanimous passage of the comprehensive EARLY ED Act in March, the Committee’s FY25 budget codifies several provisions of the bill, transforming the early education sector by improving affordability and access for families, increasing pay for early educators, and ensuring the sustainability and quality of early education and care programs.  

In K-12 education, the Senate follows through on the commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by Fiscal Year 2027, investing $6.9 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $319 million over FY24, as well as increasing minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $110 per pupil, delivering an additional $40 million in resources to school districts across the state. With these investments, the Senate continues to provide crucial support to school districts confronting the increasing cost pressures that come with delivering high-quality education to all students. 

In addition to the record levels of investment in early education and K-12, the Committee’s budget removes barriers to accessing public higher education by codifying into law MassEducate, a $117.5 million investment in universal free community college program that covers tuition and fees for residents, aimed at supporting economic opportunity, workforce development, and opening the door to higher education for people who may never have had access. The FY25 budget permanently enshrines free community college into law in an affordable, sustainable, and prudent manner across the Commonwealth, while leaving no federal dollars on the table.  

Other education investments include: 
  • $492.2 million for the special education circuit breaker. 
  • $198.9 million for charter school reimbursements. 
  • $99.4 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs. 
  • $28.3 million for higher education wraparound services, including $18.3 million in General Fund resources, to support wraparound supports to the influx of new students coming to community colleges campuses because of MassEducate.  During debate, the Senate added an amendment to fund $500,000for the Hunger Free Initiative. 
  • $17.5 million for Rural School Aid supports. 
  • $15 million for Early College programs and $13.1 million for the state’s Dual Enrollment initiative, both of which provide high school students with increased opportunities for post-graduate success. 
  • $5 million to support continued implementation of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Higher Education law, including $3 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative to help high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 access higher education opportunities; and $2 million for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Trust Fund. 
  • $3 million for the Genocide Education Trust Fund, continuing our commitment to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide. 
  • $1 million for Hate Crimes Prevention Grants to support education and prevention of hate crimes and incidences of bias in public schools.  
Community Support 

The Committee’s budget—in addition to funding traditional accounts like Chapter 70 education aid—further demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to partnerships between the state and municipalities, dedicating meaningful resources that touch all regions and meet the needs of communities across the Commonwealth. This includes $1.3 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), an increase of $38 million over FY24, to support additional resources for cities and towns.  

In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the Committee’s budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $53 million, an increase of $1.5 million over FY24. PILOT funding is an additional source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs during recovery from the pandemic. Other local investments include: 
  • $214 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation systems, including $120 million from Fair Share funds to support our RTAs that help to connect all regions of our Commonwealth. 
  • $51.3 million for libraries, including $19 million for regional library local aid, $20 million for municipal libraries and $6.2 million for technology and automated resource networks. 
  • $25.6 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture, and creative economic initiatives. 
Health, Mental Health & Family Care 

The Senate budget funds MassHealth at a total of $20.33 billion, providing more than two million people with continued access to affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health care services. Other health investments include: 
  • $3 billion for a range of services and focused supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
  • Nearly $2 billion to protect and deliver a wide range of mental health services and programs, including $622.3 million for Department of Mental Health adult support services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers. 
  • $582.1 million for nursing facility Medicaid rates, including $112 million in additional base rate payments to maintain competitive wages in the Commonwealth’s nursing facility workforce. 
  • $390 million for Chapter 257 rates to support direct-care providers across the continuum of care. 
  • $198.9 million for a complete range of substance use disorder treatment and intervention services to support these individuals and their families. 
  • $131 million for children’s mental health services. 
  • $113 million for the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program to prevent service reductions and maintain accessible eligibility thresholds. 
  • $75.8 million for domestic violence prevention services. 
  • $30.9 million for Early Intervention services, ensuring supports remain accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. 
  • $33.8 million for Family Resource Centers to grow and improve the mental health resources and programming available to families. 
  • $28.5 million for grants to local Councils on Aging to increase assistance per elder to $15 from $14 in FY 2024. 
  • $26.7 million for student behavioral health services across the University of Massachusetts, state universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, and early education centers. 
  • $25 million for emergency department diversion initiatives for children, adolescents, and adults.  
  • $25.1 million for family and adolescent health, including $9.2 million for comprehensive family planning services and $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding. 
  • $20 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives. 
  • $14.2 million for suicide prevention and intervention, with an additional $1.4 million for Samaritans Inc. and $1.1 million for the Call-2-Talk suicide prevention hotline. This investment will fully fund 988, the 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline. 
  • $14.5 million for maternal and child health, including $10.4 million for pediatric palliative care services for terminally ill children and a policy adjustment to ensure that children up to age 22 can continue to be served through the program.  
  • $12.5 million for grants to support local and regional boards of health, continuing our efforts to build upon the successful State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program. 
  • $6 million for Social Emotional Learning Grants to help K-12 schools continue to bolster social emotional learning supports for students, including $1 million to provide mental health screenings for K-12 students. 
  • $5.5 million for Children Advocacy Centers to improve the critical supports available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused. 
  • $3.9 million for the Office of the Child Advocate. 
  • $3.75 million for the Massachusetts Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma.  
  • $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety. 
Expanding & Protecting Opportunities 

The Senate remains committed to continuing an equitable recovery, expanding opportunity, and supporting the state’s long-term economic health. To that end, the Senate’s budget increases the annual child’s clothing allowance, providing a historic $500 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also includes a 10 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels compared to June 2024 to help families move out of deep poverty.  

In addition, the budget provides $87 million in critical funding to support a host of food security initiatives including $42 million for Emergency Food Assistance to assist residents in navigating the historical levels in food insecurity, and $20 million for the Health Incentives Program (HIP) to ensure full operation of the program to maintain access to healthy food options for SNAP households.  

Economic opportunity investments include: 
  • $499.7 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $179 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase, and continue the Deep Poverty increases. 
  • $59.7 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce. 
  • $42 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program. 
  • $20 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to maintain access to healthy food options for households in need. 
  • $15.5 million for the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program. 
  • $10.4 million for Career Technical Institutes to increase our skilled worker population and provide residents access to career technical training opportunities, which will combine with $12.3 million in remaining American Rescue Plan funding for the program. 
  • $10 million for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program. 
  • $10 million for a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program to provide economic support to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. 
  • $5.4 million for the Innovation Pathways program to continue to connect students to trainings and post-secondary opportunities in the industry sector with a focus on STEM fields. 
  • $5 million for Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, which will pair with $12.8 million in remaining American Rescue Plan funding for the program. 
  • $5 million for the Secure Jobs Connect Program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals. 
  • $2.5 million for the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, including $1.5 million to further partnerships with community colleges and state universities to provide cybersecurity workforce training to students and cybersecurity services to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses. 
Housing 

As the Senate moves forward to shape a more fiscally sustainable path for the Commonwealth, affordable housing opportunities remain out of reach for too many. Longstanding housing challenges are being exacerbated by the influx of individuals and families migrating to Massachusetts, and a lack of federal financial assistance and immigration reform. To that end, the Committee’s budget invests $1.14 billion in housing, dedicating resources for housing stability, residential assistance, emergency shelter services, and homelessness assistance programs, ensuring the state deploys a humane, responsible, and sustainable approach to providing families and individuals in need with an access point to secure housing. 

The budget prioritizes relief for families and individuals who continue to face challenges brought on by the pandemic and financial insecurity, including $325.3 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters, in addition to the $175 million in resources passed in the recent supplemental budget, to place the Commonwealth’s shelter system on a fiscal glidepath into FY25, in addition to $197.4 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT). 

Other housing investments include: 
  • $231.5 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), including $12.5 million in funds carried forward from FY24.   
  • $115 million for assistance to local housing authorities.  
  • $110.8 million for assistance for homeless individuals. 
  • $57.3 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs. 
  • $27 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), including $10.7 million in funds carried forward from FY24, to provide rental assistance to people with disabilities.  
  • $10.5 million for assistance for unaccompanied homeless youth.  
  • $9 million for the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs). 
  • $8.9 million for sponsored-based supportive permanent housing. 
  • $8.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including funding to support homeless LGBTQ youth 
The final FY25 Senate budget will be available on the Senate budget website.  https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateBudget

A conference committee will now be appointed to reconcile differences between the versions of the budget passed by the Senate and House of Representatives. 


MA Senate Passes 2025 Budget to Make Community College Free, Invest in Every Region, Open Childcare Seats
MA Senate Passes 2025 Budget to Make Community College Free, Invest in Every Region, Open Childcare Seats

Beaver Street Interceptor - construction & detours for the week of May 28 - May 31, 2024


Beaver Street Interceptor

 
Beaver Street Interceptor
Beaver Street Interceptor 
 
 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE WEEK OF MAY 27:

No Work on Monday May 27th - Memorial Day - Remember and Honor those who serve our country!

On Tuesday 5/28/2024, the Contractor will be performing water transfers to the new water main located on Old West Central from Tri County Drive to Dunkin Donuts.  Those residents affected by this will be notified and will have a temporary water service interruption with the potential for no water service to your property between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

Work will continue on the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing.  Between the hours of 7am to 4pm the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing will continue to be closed at Tri-County Drive.  Those residents should continue to follow the posted signs for directions on exiting and entering. 

Starting Wednesday (5/29), the installation of sewer main on Rt. 140 from Dunkin Donuts towards Wendy's will begin.   This work will occur during the day between the hours of 9am and 3PM.   Expect lane shifts/closures and traffic delays due to active roadwork.

Starting Tuesday night (5/28), the cleaning and lining of the existing Beaver Street Interceptor will be occurring on Cottage Street from Union to Saxon.  

On Wednesday night (5/29), the cleaning and lining crew will be working in the easement between Hayward Street and Beaver Street behind Master Drive. This work will occur at night, during times of low flow, between the hours of 9pm and 5am.  

Work will also continue within the sewer easement between Pond Street and the Brookview Condos.  The cleaning and lining of the existing 24-inch Beaver Street Interceptor is complete and the contractor will be removing the by-pass pump system. Those residents that will be affected by this work have been notified. 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will begin this week.  There will be a new way in and out of the Recreation Center, please follow the posted signage.  During times of drop off and pickup backup onto Beaver Street may occur. 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.


BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

 
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project
This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914.

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe
here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

Beaver Street Interceptor - construction & detours for the week of May 28 - May 31, 2024
Beaver Street Interceptor - construction & detours for the week of May 28 - May 31, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor


Karaoke, Every Saturday Night, at Raillery Public House

Saturday's from 8 PM to 11 PM

Raillery Public House is located at 280 Franklin Village Drive.

Karaoke, Every Saturday Night, at Raillery Public House
Karaoke, Every Saturday Night, at Raillery Public House

Jordan Road closed 5/28 & 5/29 (weather permitting)

The DPW announced an update to the road work underway on Jordan Road between East Central Street and Jenna Lane. 

Weather permitting - Jordan Road will be closed to traffic (local only) expect delays and seek alternate routes on Tuesday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 29.

Jordan Road closed 5/28 & 5/29 (weather permitting)
Jordan Road closed 5/28 & 5/29 (weather permitting)


IFB - Supply and Delivery of Water Materials, Water Meters, Chemical Metering Pumps and Accessories, Sewer Fittings, and Municipal Castings

IFB - Supply and Delivery of Water Materials, Water Meters, Chemical Metering Pumps and Accessories, Sewer Fittings, and Municipal Castings

In accordance with MGL c. 30B section 5, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to seek proposals from qualified bidders for providing the supply and delivery of water materials, meters, chemical metering pumps, sewer fittings and municipal castings. 

Additional Information:  IFB - Supply and Delivery of Water Materials, Water Meters, Chemical Metring Pumps and Accessories, Sewer Fittings, and Municipal Castings

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-supply-and-delivery-water-materials-water-meters-chemical-metering-pumps-and

IFB - Supply and Delivery of Water Materials
IFB - Supply and Delivery of Water Materials