PFAS: "State environmental officials say they’re constantly reevaluating their standards"

"In Wayland, local officials had been distributing cases of bottled water to 1,400 households a week — nearly a third of the suburb’s residents — and may have to seek a new water source that could cost more than twice the town’s annual budget.

Facing similar contamination in their drinking water, Natick officials plan to spend millions of dollars on a high-tech filtration system. In Wellesley, after shutting down the primary well that provided water to half their residents, officials are contemplating strict water-use limits for the first time.

“We’re definitely concerned,” said David Cohen, Wellesley’s public works director. “We’ll take all the steps we need to to address this.”

Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/23/science/more-communities-are-finding-toxic-chemicals-their-drinking-water/

So what are Franklin's test results per the MA Energy & Environmental Affairs Data Portal? 

 

Using the data portal https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/portal#!/drinking-water/60737

I selected "Franklin Water Department"  and "Town of Franklin" and Contaminant Group of "PFAS" with the reporting period of Jan 1, 2020 through Apr 30, 2021 to get the results in this link

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/portal#!/search/drinking-water/results?PWSName=FRANKLIN%20WATER%20DEPARTMENT&Town=FRANKLIN&ContaminantGroup=PFAS&FromCollectedDate=2020-01-01&ToCollectedDate=2021-04-30

To view my data file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TiXP9f6xGNiG9LgWYhgqYsTNpookqcVm/view?usp=sharing

 

It is good to see test results for our water system (no surprise). I won't characterize the specific results as good or bad. I'll let the Town report on the details.

 

what are Franklin's test results

 

 

Franklin TV: Bob Dean (1946-2021)

Born: November, 1946, Deceased: May 16, 2021
https://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/obituaries.html

First, the backstory:

For many years cable carriers were legally obligated to provision and manage a local access TV studio for free use by residents. Some still do. When Verizon came to Franklin in 2006 they offered some funding to support the existing Comcast local access studio. (We don’t need two studios.) Comcast in turn wanted to do the same. So Comcast transferred its 13 Main St. studio and staff over to the Town of Franklin and ultimately, from Franklin to us, a new, independent nonprofit group at the end of 2011. 

Franklin TV: Bob Dean (1946-2021)

Through all that time Bob was laying plans, pinching pennies, and preparing the way for the entity that would eventually become Franklin●TV. Just as things were finally coming along with the legal formation of Franklin Community Cable Access, dba Franklin●TV as a nonprofit organization with a charter, bylaws, an agreement with Franklin, etc., Bob fell ill, suffering a series of debilitating strokes early in 2012.

Bob’s work was conducted in conjunction with a Cable Advisory Board that he helped to form; recruiting volunteers who helped to chart the new studio’s future.

Most of them continue to serve as board members for Franklin●TV.

Here, in their own words – warm remembrances of Bob Dean: 

Rose Turco:

I recall the visit Bob made to my home, inviting me to become a board member of this new organization. Bob realized my hesitation in agreeing to something so new to me but for which he had a vision. Needless to say he was successful, and for that I am so appreciative. Here was my former student teaching the teacher!

Pandora Carlucci:

I remember him and the filming of town council and school committee meetings in council chambers at the Former Emmons Street town hall. He was a dedicated advocate for cable access.

Wes Rea:

Unlike some of you who knew Bob from town, I did not know him other than his name and his association with the public access studio. Once it was clear that Franklin Cable TV was going to be created and become an independent entity [from Comcast], I contacted Bob and asked to be involved. He was a little hesitant and maybe a little suspicious–  “Who was this guy that wanted to get involved in local TV?”  At the time I was a relative new comer, had only been in Franklin for 23 or 24 years. But after we talked, he welcomed me into the group. He was protecting something that was not only important to him but so important to the Town of Franklin. Bob was a ground-breaker, and Franklin was lucky to have him. And although I knew him for only a short while, I consider myself lucky for that time.

John Milot:

He started me filming at the church every other week. Really a great person!

Jay Horrigan:

I was lucky enough to have met Bob and worked with him at the old Franklin TV. And, like Ken, I remember clearly him pulling up to me in his truck asking me to help him with creating the new version of Franklin TV. Back then there were only a few of us that “worked” for Franklin TV. He and I, and also Ken spent a ton of time reading and going over by-laws Bob created to present to the town about this new TV concept. We sat in meeting after meeting with Jeff Nutting among others. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from Bob. The big thing he taught me was to be careful saying ‘yes’ when someone pulls up alongside you, hands you an envelope with bylaw ideas inside and says, “No, no, this won’t take up any time at all!” I am so glad I did it, and I am even more thankful for the time I got to spend with Bob, and the knowledge he tried to pass along.

Ken Norman:

Jay, I cannot take any credit for the by-laws.  I came on board after the Corp was formed in Nov 2011. I do remember asking Bob if there was any heavy lifting (figuratively) about joining.  At the time I was actively involved in several projects. Bob of course said, “No, just a few meetings a year.”  Next thing I know Bob has had a stroke, and I am now the President of a new Corporation I knew nothing about. It has been one of the best jobs I have had in town. Building the new studio on Hutchinson St. with Peter was the most rewarding. I only wish Bob could have seen and enjoyed the ground work he had set out for us.

My advice: Watch out for guys in pickup trucks.

There are also a couple more reflections on Bob Dean from the archives of prior years. You can find them in the full copy of this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes    

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18r3HMnNzt9e0z3x94Zuje-HyEbBRwRFG/view?usp=sharing

Town Council Meeting - May 26-27 - Budget Hearing FY 2022

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 26, 2021 - 7:00 PM

The first of two budget hearing sessions scheduled for the FY 2022 budget. The Finance Committee reviewed the budget in more detail, department by department over four nights. The recordings and notes can be found online.

• FY 2022  Budget Hearings
• May 4 - School budget   recap =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-finance-committee-approves-fy.html  audio =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-531-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-4.html
• April 29 - DPW; water, sewer enterprise funds AND possible storm water utility fee (not discussed) recap =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-fincomm-budget-hearing-3-all-dpw.html  audio =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-528-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-3.html
• April 28 -  Police, Fire, Public Safety, Facilities - recap =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-fincomm-budget-hearing-2-042821.html  audio =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-527-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2.html
  
• April 27 -  General government, debt, benefits  - recap =    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/finance-committee-budget-hearing-1-of-4.html   audio =   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-526-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-1.html

The agenda doc includes the top line voting document used during the Town Council meeting to 'hold' an item for further discussion.  The agenda doc also includes connection info for this meeting. It is available via Zoom, live streaming (from the Town page) and both cable providers (Comcast and Verizon).

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf

Last year, you may recall these hearings were held outdoor on the FHS athletic field and broadcast live via radio and later via TV.

Town Council Meeting - May 26-27 - Budget Hearing FY 2022

 

Franklin Police receive Certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission

Franklin Police receive Certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission

May 21, 2021

Chief Thomas Lynch is pleased to announce that the Franklin Police Department (FPD) has been awarded Certification status by the Massachusetts Police  Accreditation Commission.  Accreditation is a self-initiated process by which police agencies voluntarily strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, by the profession.  The Franklin Police examined various aspects of the department's policies, procedures, operations, facilities, equipment, and training. 

This effort was led by Deputy Chief James Mill, who has spent the last several years going through what is known as the "self-assessment" phase, whereby we looked at the policies and procedures FPD had in place and determined if they met industry accepted professional standards. Any deficiencies that were located, or policies that were deficient were identified and corrected to reflect the best professional practices recognized through MPAC. This effort could not have been achieved without the cooperation and assistance of the men and women of the Franklin Police Department. 

The culmination of the Certification process is an independent review of our work by assessors from MPAC to ensure that we are complying with all the policies and procedures required for Certification.  In March of 2021, a team of assessors from MPAC reviewed all aspects of the Franklin Police department's policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services and determined that we met each of the 159 mandatory Certification standards required by the Commission.

"The men and women of the Franklin Police Department are a team of dedicated professionals who have worked hard to make this award possible. We will continue with our mission of providing the highest level of service to the citizens of the town of Franklin." said Chief Thomas Lynch.  "During a time where police reform is prominent in the news the residents and businesses in the Town of Franklin can be assured that its police department is following the best standards and continues to deliver professional services to our entire community." Lynch continued.

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-receive-certification-massachusetts-police-accreditation

For more about the Accreditation program (Certification is the first level)

https://masspoliceaccred.net/about-the-program/

Franklin Police receive Certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission

Executive Summary: ** 2021 Town of Franklin Housing Production Plan (HPP) ***

The Town of Franklin Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a proactive strategy for meeting the housing needs of the community, and in particular, for planning and enhancing its affordable housing inventory. This document, an update to Franklin’s first HPP that was approved by Town Council in 2011, has been designed to expand upon the concepts outlined in the previous 2011 HPP, serve as an update with more recent data, and explore incentives and other options to increase Franklin’s affordable housing supply.

Since 2011 the Town has made good progress implementing its affordable housing goals and increasing the number of SHI Eligible Housing units. In 2019, the Town surpassed the State-mandated target of 10% affordable housing of its total year-round housing units under M.G.L. Chapter 40B. This Housing Production Plan (HPP) is intended to direct housing development and preservation in such a way that the Town will remain above 10%, and therefore be in control of its 40B destiny. In addition the strategies included in the updated HPP provide the Town’s residents with options not previously not pursued.

Previous Affordable Housing Planning. The Town has made affordable housing planning a priority for much of the last twenty-five years. The Town of Franklin’s 1997 Master Plan prioritized creating affordable housing for the community’s senior population, which is summarized in Goal 1 of the Housing Element: “Ensure that housing opportunities for the elderly are sufficient in number and type to meet the projected growth in their population”.
In 2004, the Housing Element of Franklin’s Community Development Plan, “Affordable Housing, Strategy and Development Action Plan” identified several goals the Town still needs to address, including: Increase housing opportunities for low, moderate, and middle income households; Ensure the Town meets the 40B goal for subsidized housing; Increase housing opportunities for seniors; and Encourage development of multifamily housing.

In 2011 the Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan, Franklin’s first Housing Production Plan was approved by DHCD. The Plan had several similar goals to those mentioned above including Encourage development of multifamily housing; Increase housing opportunities for seniors and the elderly, but focused much effort on utilizing zoning to create greater housing density, use Zoning “By Right” as a tool, and Amend the zoning by-laws to allow Assisted living and other elderly housing facilities. The biggest priority of the 2011 HPP was creation of a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. A summary of the Plan’s Housing Implementation Strategy is included in this document as Attachment B.

The most recent housing related planning was during creation of Franklin’s 2013 Master Plan. Substantial public input was gathered and Master Plan Committee developed housing goals that reflected the needs of the community. Housing related Goals, Objectives and proposed actions from the Master Plan’s Implementation Element are included in Attachment C of this document. 

The most relevant housing goals for the purposes of this HPP are as follows:

• Goal 1: Provide the appropriate mix of housing alternatives that meet the needs of Franklin based employment
• Goal 2: Support development of affordable housing opportunities for low, moderate and middle- income households.
• Goal 4: Encourage, rezone as required, and support housing appropriate for expected future demographics.

The above goals have influenced the development of the HPP’s goals detailed in Section 2.

Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Info on the public comment period

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/2021-draft-housing-production-plan-open.html

Executive Summary: **2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft**

FM #547 - Finance Committee Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

 FM #547 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 547 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the Finance Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with the Town Administrator and other town personnel; the public participated via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, May 19. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/283f0265-082d-43a9-b960-80d825899321

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Meeting agenda -> 

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-19-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-finance-committee-further.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #547 - Finance Committee Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

Friendly reminder: What not to flush

What Not To Flush

The Franklin Sewer Division has experienced increased issues with sewer backups due to non-flushable items in the sewer system.  When flushed down the toilet, items such as baby wipes, hand wipes, floor wipes, rags, etc. often get stuck in our sewage pumps, which can damage the pumps and potentially cause sewer backups.  In addition to the costly pump repairs, sewer backups can result in damage to nearby homes and businesses and can have environmental impacts if the sewage is discharged into the environment.

Please DO NOT FLUSH:

• Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags
• Synthetic materials such as plastic, which do not decompose or dissolve
• Feminine products
• Cotton balls
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Unused Medications
• Syringes
• Fats, Oil and Grease 

We thank you for your help in keeping our sewer system running smoothly!!

Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags are becoming more and more of a problem for sewer systems with the increase in "disposable" wipes.  These wipes may be disposable but that does not make them flushable!  Please do not flush swiffer wipes, baby wipes, diapers, disposable toilet bowl cleaners or any other non-toilet paper product.  These items cause major problems in our sewer pumps and we are not alone.  As discussed in a USA Today article tilted "Wipes in the Pipes Snarling Sewers" (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/16/wipes-pollution/2522919/) , this issue is is affecting sewer systems across the country.  So please do your part and don't flush wipes!

Fats, Oil and Grease are some of the primary causes of blockages in sanitary sewer collection systems. Too often grease is washed into the plumbing system usually through the kitchen sink. When grease cools it lines the pipes, decreasing the opening until the pipe blocks up completely and sewage backs up into homes, businesses or manholes.  Do not pour grease down the drain. Instead, pour it into a disposable container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash.  The City of London was recently in the news for a 15 ton grease ball stuck in their sewer system - to learn  more check out this article from the Water Environment Federation magazine.

Unused Medications are often disposed of in the toilet, but it is important to remember that treated wastewater eventually ends up in our rivers and streams.  A 2002 USGS study found that 80% of streams in the U.S. have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs.  To help reduce our impact on the environment, please dispose of unused prescription medications properly.  Ask your pharmacy if they have a take-back program, or dispose of unused medications in the Take-Back Container at the Franklin Police Department located at 911 Panther Way.

Syringes can be safely disposed of at the Franklin Police Department, 911 Panther Way. Syringes will not be accepted unless they are in an approved sharps container.  

If you own a business here in Franklin, please print and post our What Not to Flush Flyer https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/files/what-not-flush-flyer.

Want to learn more about how sewage is treated?  Franklin's sewage is treated at the Charles River Pollution Control District in Medway.  Click here for a general overview of how the treatment system works.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/help-us-keep-our-sewer-system-running-smoothly-learn-what-not-flush

Download the "What not to Flush" flyer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing