Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Annual Report 2013: Conservation Commission

Appropriately, our exploration of the Franklin Annual Report for 2013 has brought us to the Conservation Commission. They would like us to continue to explore Franklin's natural resources!

The Franklin Conservation Commission is responsible for promoting and developing the natural resources of Franklin and protecting the watershed resources of Franklin. A large part of the Commission’s attention is directed to administering Massachusetts and Franklin wetland protection laws. In short, those laws require the Commission to hold public hearings or meetings before issuing a permit to work in or within 100 feet of a wetland, or 200 feet of a perennial stream. 
The Commission is comprised of up to seven volunteer residents appointed for three year terms by the Town Administrator. The Commission also has up to two non-voting associate members. The members of the Commission have diverse professional experience related to environmental science, biology, engineering, landscape design, and project management. Because of their different backgrounds each commissioner is able to offer a different perspective during the review of applications for a wetland permit that ultimately benefits Franklin. 
In September 2012, the Town hired Michele Grenier, as Conservation Agent. Michele is a Professional Wetland Scientist with over 30 years experience in the field. 
Franklin was well represented at the annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions in March, attending classes and workshops and talking with other Commissioners from across the state as well as lawyers, ecologists and engineers active in Conservation. 
Last year, the EPA adopted regulations to reduce the amount of phosphorus in storm water runoff into the Charles River basin, with Franklin, Bellingham and Milford as the pilot communities. These regulations are in response to the public health threat posed by outbreaks of toxic algae blooms downstream fostered by high levels of phosphorus from storm water runoff. These regulations will require properties with more than two acres of imperious surfaces to improve storm water runoff treatment. Currently these regulations remain at a standstill as the EPA continues to work out the regulatory details. The Commission monitors the status of these regulations while encouraging and advising on appropriate stormwater management practices where applicable in Conservation jurisdiction. 
The Commission continues to work on the DelCarte area (aka the Franklin Reservoirs) off of Pleasant Street. There are a series of seven “structures” (six are dams that had been originally used for cranberry farming, the seventh is a stone wall that beavers had dammed) along Miller brook thru the 100+ acre DelCarte area. The dams are identified serially from Dam #1 located closest to downtown adjacent to the MBTA Dean station to #6 located furthest downstream, closest to Miller Street. Last year, Tighe and Bond, Inc. submitted a notice of intent for rehabilitation of dams #3 and #4 and the work has been completed. 
The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Town’s residents to the many protected natural areas in Town and the opportunities for passive recreation they enable:
  • The DelCarte area has parking off of Pleasant Street, with walking trails through woodlands along a series of ponds;
  • The Town Forest has good access points off of both Summer Street and Russet Hill Road with a network of walking trails thru woodlands and across Uncas Brook;
  • There is a network of walking trails that cross Shepards Brook and go thru fields and woods behind Dacey Recreation Area off Lincoln Street;
  • Indian Rock has good access off of both King Phillip Road and Lost Horse Trail with walking trails thru woodlands near two large vernal pools and to the top of historic Indian Rock;
  • The Metacomet Land Trust owns several pieces of protected land, notably the walking trails off of Bridle Path and The Lady Bug Trail near JFK school;
  • The Franklin State Forest is accessible off of Grove Street and Forge Hill Road and boasts an extensive network of walking and ORV trails;
  • The SNETT trail goes all the way to Douglas. There is a Town parking lot off of Grove Street;
  • The expansive marsh near Interstate 495 exit #17 is the US Army Corp of Engineers Natural Valley Flood Storage Project, preserved to protect against downstream flooding in the Charles River basin. That marsh is along Mine Brook, the largest stream in town, draining about half of Franklin, starting at the extreme south end of Franklin, passing underneath Washington Street, Beaver Street, 495, Grove Street, West Central Street, 495 again, Beech Street, and Pond Street before finally meeting the Charles River on the Medway border.
  • Other significant streams in Franklin include Shepards Brook, Miller Brook, Uncas Brook and Bubbling Brook. Lake Populatic is part of the Charles River, the other navigable ponds in Franklin are Beaver Pond, Uncas Pond, and Spring (Green’s) Pond.





There are many other natural areas in Franklin waiting to be explored. 
Conservation Commission Members:
Regan Ballantyne - Chair
Ray Willis - Vice Chair
Andy Tolland
Monique Allen
Jon Fournier
Jeff Livingstone
Marc Depoto
Margaret Stolfa - Associate Member
Andrew Riordan - Associate Member 
Respectfully submitted, 
Regan Ballantyne, Chair

Please visit our website for additional information including application forms, and regularly posted Conservation Commission agendas and meeting minutes at www.franklin.ma.us.


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - December 2013

And December, the last month of 2013 completes the year in review

The monthly summaries
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-january.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-march.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-april.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-may-2013.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-june.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-july.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-august.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review_30.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review-october.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-matters-year-in-review_31.html

Franklin Town Common
Franklin Town Common

We had some fun playing with "Where in Franklin?"
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/11/where-in-franklin-summary.html

A visit to the DelCarte playground was captured with a short video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/delcarte-playground-december-update.html

A brief video of the snow on the Town Common was timed nicely to capture the bells of St Mary's as they rang  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/snow-and-bells-of-st-marys-video.html

The fiscal policy that Franklin operates by is undergoing a review and possible update, the working draft can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-fiscal-policy-draft-update.html



If you like what you read here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like what you read here, please tell me!



Franklin Matters: Year in Review - November 2013

Rapidly coming to the close of 2013 we don't have to go back too far in the archives to find November. Did you remember


The NY Times article mentioning the preservation of Franklin's gift from Ben
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/none-of-those-books-will-ever-be-read.html

Recent photos of the construction progress on the new high school
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/the-exterior-of-new-fhs-building-is.html

The DelCarte playground work is almost complete
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/delcarte-playground-construction.html



The Turkey Trot collected food good sand funds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry


The new Town Council held a planning workshop to lay out the priority on topics to be addressed by the Council  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/live-reporting-town-council-workshop.html

"The bear' was installed at the Sculpture Park (video)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-sculpture-park-bear-video.html

Construction downtown will create an opportunity for 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/downtown-improvement-project.html

The Franklin election results were very disappointing as only 11.5% of the registered voters cast their ballot
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/precinct-totals-for-nov-5th-election.html


Franklin Art Center: Zentangle Classes


Franklin Art Center
All ages and abilities can learn Zentangle with The Traveling Tangler this winter. This easy-to-learn drawing method with an emphasis on working one line at a time, enables participants to builds simple penstrokes into unique intricate designs.In January and February, opportunities to tangle will be offered at two local locations. Tangle Time classes will be held at Franklin Art Center (Sunday afternoons starting Jan. 12, 12:30-2 p.m., $15 per class or $90 for all seven classes).

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915456271/Zentangle-classes-planned-in-Franklin-Norfolk#ixzz2p3PBtV87

Meeting notes archive for 2013

 2013





(due to conflict with Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors meetings also held on Tuesday, I did not get to many of them)

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Dec 31: All lines (except the Fairmount Line) will run additional and delayed late-night service from North Station and South Station.

Dec 31: All lines (except the Fairmount Line) will run additional and delayed late-night service from North Station and South Station.

Start of day Tues 12/31/13 until 3:00 AM Wed 1/1/14

Last Updated: 12/30/2013 5:23:44 PM


Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/


Where in Franklin? - 2013 07

The Sunday photo was correctly identified by Jamie Barrett as the playground at Jefferson Elementary School.

Jefferson Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School

Here is today's challenge - Where in Franklin do you find this?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 07



Send an email, or leave a comment with your answer. 
First correct answer is the winner. 
Complete guidelines for "Where in Franklin?" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/2013-where-in-franklin.html


Annual Report 2013: Charles River Pollution Control District (CRPCD)

Continuing the trip through the Franklin Annual Report for 2013, we come to the section on the Charles River Pollution Control District. If you ever wondered why Franklin doesn't have a waste water treatment plant within town like other communities do, this is the reason. Franklin sends its waste water to the plant location in Medway for treatment.

During Fiscal Year 2013, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,600 million gallons (4.4 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 6.5 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was lower than the previous year due to a decrease in precipitation. 
The District is anticipating the renewal process to begin for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the preliminary draft NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will have to maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program. In addition, the new limit for phosphorus is being reduced from 0.2 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L in the summer months and a winter limit of 1.0 mg/L is being added. 
CDM Smith and staff from the District prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity. 
In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner, the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).
  • Phase A, which has reached substantial completion, includes the replacement of both primary clarifier mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.
  • Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, is also substantially complete.
  • Phase C, focuses on reducing phosphorus, improving the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase is currently being designed with bidding scheduled for this fall. Construction is expected to begin in early 2014. A District-wide Global Information System was developed as part of this phase to assist with infiltration and inflow reduction requirements. 
The District funded Phases A and B with a 20-year State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of approximately $3.5M for costs associated with bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Planning and design costs for these phases were paid from the District’s capital budget. Planning and design costs for Phase C, which are not eligible for SRF loans, will be funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.95M. The total project cost is still under review and will become more detailed as design progresses. 
The District is one of seven municipal wastewater treatment plants selected by the Mass DEP to participate in a pilot program that involves energy auditing, assessments for renewable and clean energy possibilities, and support of implementation for energy related projects. The purpose of this pilot program is to reduce the amount of energy used at municipal wastewater treatment plants by 20%, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving municipalities money. The District was granted $847,583 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install a 20 kW solar voltaic array and two turbo style blowers. The solar panels will produce energy onsite whereas the turbo blowers will provide oxygen to the secondary treatment system using approximately 30% less power than the existing blowers. The District is anticipating a 20% reduction in energy costs from these energy improvements. At this time, the solar voltaic array is producing energy which is used at the treatment plant and the turbo blowers provide oxygen to the activated sludge process. 
The District’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget is 8.3% lower than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2014 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,033,690, while the capital projects budget is $643,150. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $1,771,040 and $386,000, respectively. 
Respectively submitted 
Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
William J. Goode, Jr., Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk, (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)
Gene Guidi, (Franklin) 
CRPCD Officers:
Cheri R. Cousens, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco, Simmler, and Vallee, Legal Counsel

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - October 2013

not too long ago, the archives contained some good stuff from October:

The candidates in contested elections got together for a forum to share their views
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/candidates-forum-oct-23-2013.html

The foundation for the playground at DelCarte Open Space was laid down. It was a gorgeous fall day for photos  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-open-space-photo-essay.html




The Town Council resolved the license suspension appeal from Ichigo Ichies as well as gave the final approval for the Cook's Farm approval
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/ichigo-ichie-cooks-farm-and-bunch-of.html

The Fire Dept held its annual Open House at the #2 Fire Station on King St
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/fire-dept-open-house-photo-essay.html

Find a pothole or street light out? Use the new smart phone app to report this!
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/yes-franklin-has-app-for-that.html

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - September 2013

The year in review continues to dig into the archives and now we find ourselves in September...

The Library Book Sale put on by the Friends of the Library was canceled by the Library Board of Directors
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/denied-request-without-further.html

The Cook's Farm proposal moved to a second reading after a divided council voted
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/divided-council-moves-zoning-bylaw.html

wrought iron fencing was added to Dean College
wrought iron fencing was added to Dean College

The lineup of candidates for the November Franklin election had few races
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

After much good work by the Master Plan Committee, the 'Master Plan' was updated and brought to the Town Council  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/live-reporting-master-plan.html


“It’s easy for people to find a reason to oppose casinos”


Major funding sources in the state’s budget for the coming year and years to come may be eliminated if two ballot initiatives to be considered in the November 2014 election are successful next year. 
Seven ballot initiatives have already received enough signatures - 68,911 - to be placed on the ballot next year. Among them are calls to repeal the casino legislation and the automatic gas tax increase, both of which are tied to sources of revenue for the coming fiscal or future fiscal years. 
However, the leaders of the initiatives say their cause outweighs these budget concerns.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x800890845/Ballot-questions-may-cause-budget-woes#ixzz2oxcCnRXI


Sunday, December 29, 2013

Where in Franklin? - 2013 06

The answer to Saturday's "Where In Franklin?" photo was initially correctly identified by Maura O'Brien via email. She subscribes to receive the daily email with what has been posted for that day. If you don't already subscribe via email, you can sign up here. (Note: it is a two step process. You add you email and then need to confirm it before you receive the next day's email.)

Where in Franklin? 2013 05 - near the Ben Franklin statue at the Library
Where in Franklin? 2013 05 - near the Ben Franklin statue at the Library

The granite bench is one of a series that you can find around the brick plaza outside the Library where the Ben Franklin status is.

The tip of the bench is seen in the left corner of this photo
The tip of the bench is seen in the left corner of this photo

And for today's photo, where in Franklin would you be playing?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 06

Send an email, or leave a comment with your answer. 
First correct answer is the winner. 
Complete guidelines for "Where in Franklin?" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/2013-where-in-franklin.html



Annual Report 2013: Town Attorney

Continuing our journey through the Franklin, MA Annual Report for 2013 we find the section on the Town Attorney

The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input. 
During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws. 
An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits. The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained. 
Respectfully submitted, 
Mark Cerel
Town Attorney

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - August 2013

The end of summer came in August with the start of school before Labor Day and a flurry of news items

The allegation and suspension of a Franklin High School teacher
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/lets-note-that-this-is-all-about.html

A new drop off pattern for parents at the high school
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/high-school-traffic-pattern.html

New traffic speed signs were added to King St at the crossing to the Parmenter School
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/getting-ready-to-slow-down-on-king-st.html

The School Building Committee heard an update on the High School and the options proposed for Davis Thayer  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/school-committee-has-work-to-do.html

Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr.
Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr.

A series of posts to share Franklin's Fallen Heroes from World War II
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html


Franklin Matters: Year in Review - July 2013

Half way through the archives for 2013, we find ourselves in July

The Town Council, Planning Board and others held a special meeting to talk through the zoning issues for the proposed high density development at Cook's Farm
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-town-council-special.html

The Community Garden was in full bloom
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/community-gardens-photo-essay.html

Growing in the Franklin Community Garden
Growing in the Franklin Community Garden

The timeline for the local election to be held November 5th was announced
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-local-election-timeline.html

The school district conducted a survey on the school calendar and published the results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/school-calendar-survey-results.html

With the school construction underway, there were no fireworks for the 4th of July. Whether there will be for 2014 or not remains to be seen. We did share a video of the 2012 fireworks.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-fireworks-2012-edition.html