or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645098126833/
Monday, March 4, 2019
FHS - All Night Party - 2014
Photos from the preparation for the All Night Party for the graduates of 2014.The last party to be held in the 'old' FHS building. The party next year will be in the new school. (Actually, the All Night Party has been held at Horace Mann each year as the hallways in the new FHS are too narrow for the fire code to permit the kind of decorations set up).
or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645098126833/
or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645098126833/
On this date: Mar 4, 2009: Names change, topics remain the same
Stepping into the archives for March 4, 2009 also finds Franklin Matters reporting live from the Town Council meeting held that day. Only 9 years ago and yet given some of the longevity on the current Town Council, none of the names from 2009 are part of the Council today.
Some of the topics however, remain the same. At this meeting the Council approved funds to survey the Pond St property. The former sewer beds that were eventually sold to a developer which is building 90+ units today.
An update from the Facilities Department was rescheduled as the Councilor who requested it missed the meeting. Capital appropriations for the purchase of a fire truck and a lawn mower were approved.
Creation of an economic opportunity area in Forge Park was also up for discussion.
Some of the topics however, remain the same. At this meeting the Council approved funds to survey the Pond St property. The former sewer beds that were eventually sold to a developer which is building 90+ units today.
An update from the Facilities Department was rescheduled as the Councilor who requested it missed the meeting. Capital appropriations for the purchase of a fire truck and a lawn mower were approved.
Creation of an economic opportunity area in Forge Park was also up for discussion.
Live reporting - Town Council 3/4/09
Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak
Missing: McGann, Zollo
Missing: McGann, Zollo
 |
| Pond St property map shown at a Council meeting in 2016 |
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Town of Franklin Closings/Delays/Storm Info - Monday 3/4/19
Storm Update: Town Offices Delayed until 10:00 AM
Due to the predicted storm, all Town Offices, Public Library, Senior Center, Recreation and the School Central and District Offices will open at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 4th, 2019.
Please keep checking back in as we will be posting any updates here.
Additional Winter Storm Information:
Winter Parking Ban
Citizens may access the National Grid Power Restoration Map here:
https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storms-Outages/Outage-Map
Or call 1-800-465-1212
Citizens may also see a statewide outage map here form the state Emergency Management Agency:
http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
Also, please visit the Town's Emergency Management website for helpful tips and Winter Storm Safety information:
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information
Please keep checking back in as we will be posting any updates here.
Additional Winter Storm Information:
Winter Parking Ban
Citizens may access the National Grid Power Restoration Map here:
https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storms-Outages/Outage-Map
Or call 1-800-465-1212
Citizens may also see a statewide outage map here form the state Emergency Management Agency:
http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
Also, please visit the Town's Emergency Management website for helpful tips and Winter Storm Safety information:
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information
School Closings were reported here - Franklin Public Schools including BFCCPS and Tri-County RVTHS are all closed.
Other Closings/Delayed Openings:
- Elizabeth's Bagels - closed
- Next Generation Children's Center - opening at 10am
- Trash is not delayed (as of 9pm Sunday info) - check for updates here
- Franklin Dental Associates - opening at 10am
School Closings in Franklin, MA on Monday 3/4/19
Franklin Public Schools
Due to the prediction for heavy snowfall overnight, which is expected to last until mid-morning, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Monday, March 4, 2019.
The district and school offices will open at 10:00 AM.
Please take extra care to stay safe.
Tri-County RVTHS also closed on Monday. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/TriCountyRegional/
BFCCPS - closed on Monday
Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. It is organized into seven (7) Divisions:
1. Administration
2. Engineering
3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice Control, 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 includes developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits, drain layer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting and payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.
Capital Projects
The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develop major capital projects.
The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over the next 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 and saves significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting and oversight 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 received a grant of $124,000 to improve stormwater infiltration at various locations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mass DEP to look at approaches for Franklin, Medway and Milford to work together to meet the permit requirements and save money. The Town 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 through the water conservation rebate grant.
Permits and Long Range Planning
The Town of Franklin also continues to oppose the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II and pending Phase II Stormwater Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as required by the EPA. Phase II required the Town to highly regulate and monitor stormwater throughout the Town at a significantly increased cost. Phase II is projected to include increased regulatory requirements and cost even more. The Department will continue to refine and improve adopted regulations and practices to improve the stormwater in Franklin while minimizing the associated costs.
The Town of Franklin led a coalition of 16 other communities and challenged EPA in Federal Court. Over the last year, the Town of Franklin has been in mediation as directed by the Federal Court to try and work out disagreements and costs associated with the new MS4 stormwater permit.
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 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.
With that funding already allocated, the Town Council continued with additional funding for the waterline replacement and road reconstruction of the Northgate Rd neighborhood, Cleveland Ave neighborhood, Cottage St area, Squire St areas, sections of Maple St, Ruggles St area, sections of Partridge & Elm Streets, Skyline Dr. neighborhood, Oak St Extension, Marvin Ave area and the Stanford Rd area. With the completion of the above mentioned projects we are looking at the next major waterlines and neighborhoods to be rehabilitated.
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 insuring 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 in reducing costs, improving recycling rates and providing greater convenience for users. Additional landscaping improvements have been made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center to make the facility more attractive and customer friendly.
Hails and Farewells
Mr. “Buddy” Lowell, a long time dedicated employee who worked for the Water/ Sewer Department retired last year. He was an extremely valuable member of our team and will be missed! Ms. Amy Blakesley from our Admin Dept and Mr Joshua Shaw from our Highway Dept moved on to pursue new positions. With losses there are also gains!
The DPW was able to hire some new employees. These included: Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowksi in the Administration Dept., Mr. Kevin Parslow and Mr Loretto Gobbi in the Highway Dept., Mr. James Henchy in the Park & Tree Dept., and Mr. Charles Woodman in the Water Dept.
Thanks
As the Director, I owe many thanks to my entire staff as they make this whole 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 Town Engineer Mr. Mike Maglio, Budget & Administration Manager Ms. Kathy Mooradd, Director of Operations Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, Water and Sewer Superintendent Laurie Ruszala, Assistant Town Engineer Jay Mello and GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg are all dedicated professionals that 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 also like to thank, Paula Juarez, Pam Vickery, Lynne Marchand, Jamie Sharpe and Roseanne Szczepanowski who support the Administration Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year. Continued thanks go to Mr. Christopher White, the Town’s Solid Waste Coordinator. Even though his position is a part time one, he gives his heart and soul and spends much of his personal time to insure that the solid waste and recycling program is a success.
Ms. Jen Gouthro has done a wonderful job at the Beaver Street Recycling Center.
I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the gentlemen that 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, and they 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
Budget & Admin Manager
“Gettin’ It Done”
There are additional details in the DPW that cover the 7 sections of the overall operations that were too long to copy here yet well worth reading. I recommend getting a print copy of the report or viewing the PDF to continue reading about all the DPW accomplishes. (page 140 of the print, page 151 of the PDF)
You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf
The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports
1. Administration
2. Engineering
3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice Control, 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 includes developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits, drain layer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting and payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.
Capital Projects
The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develop major capital projects.
The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over the next 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 and saves significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting and oversight 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 received a grant of $124,000 to improve stormwater infiltration at various locations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mass DEP to look at approaches for Franklin, Medway and Milford to work together to meet the permit requirements and save money. The Town 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 through the water conservation rebate grant.
Permits and Long Range Planning
The Town of Franklin also continues to oppose the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II and pending Phase II Stormwater Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as required by the EPA. Phase II required the Town to highly regulate and monitor stormwater throughout the Town at a significantly increased cost. Phase II is projected to include increased regulatory requirements and cost even more. The Department will continue to refine and improve adopted regulations and practices to improve the stormwater in Franklin while minimizing the associated costs.
The Town of Franklin led a coalition of 16 other communities and challenged EPA in Federal Court. Over the last year, the Town of Franklin has been in mediation as directed by the Federal Court to try and work out disagreements and costs associated with the new MS4 stormwater permit.
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 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.
With that funding already allocated, the Town Council continued with additional funding for the waterline replacement and road reconstruction of the Northgate Rd neighborhood, Cleveland Ave neighborhood, Cottage St area, Squire St areas, sections of Maple St, Ruggles St area, sections of Partridge & Elm Streets, Skyline Dr. neighborhood, Oak St Extension, Marvin Ave area and the Stanford Rd area. With the completion of the above mentioned projects we are looking at the next major waterlines and neighborhoods to be rehabilitated.
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 insuring 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 in reducing costs, improving recycling rates and providing greater convenience for users. Additional landscaping improvements have been made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center to make the facility more attractive and customer friendly.
Hails and Farewells
Mr. “Buddy” Lowell, a long time dedicated employee who worked for the Water/ Sewer Department retired last year. He was an extremely valuable member of our team and will be missed! Ms. Amy Blakesley from our Admin Dept and Mr Joshua Shaw from our Highway Dept moved on to pursue new positions. With losses there are also gains!
The DPW was able to hire some new employees. These included: Ms. Roseanne Szczepanowksi in the Administration Dept., Mr. Kevin Parslow and Mr Loretto Gobbi in the Highway Dept., Mr. James Henchy in the Park & Tree Dept., and Mr. Charles Woodman in the Water Dept.
Thanks
As the Director, I owe many thanks to my entire staff as they make this whole 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 Town Engineer Mr. Mike Maglio, Budget & Administration Manager Ms. Kathy Mooradd, Director of Operations Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, Water and Sewer Superintendent Laurie Ruszala, Assistant Town Engineer Jay Mello and GIS Coordinator Kate Sjoberg are all dedicated professionals that 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 also like to thank, Paula Juarez, Pam Vickery, Lynne Marchand, Jamie Sharpe and Roseanne Szczepanowski who support the Administration Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year. Continued thanks go to Mr. Christopher White, the Town’s Solid Waste Coordinator. Even though his position is a part time one, he gives his heart and soul and spends much of his personal time to insure that the solid waste and recycling program is a success.
Ms. Jen Gouthro has done a wonderful job at the Beaver Street Recycling Center.
I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the gentlemen that 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, and they 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
Budget & Admin Manager
“Gettin’ It Done”
There are additional details in the DPW that cover the 7 sections of the overall operations that were too long to copy here yet well worth reading. I recommend getting a print copy of the report or viewing the PDF to continue reading about all the DPW accomplishes. (page 140 of the print, page 151 of the PDF)
You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf
The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports
 |
| Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Department of Public Works |
Harvest Festival - 2013
The Festival got off to a decent start in 2013 but then the downpour came and that washed the remainder away. There'll be another year!
Or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636268013466/
The lollipop garden was installed at the Sculpture Park and remained there for quite some time in the weather. Alas, they are no gone to wherever lollipops go when their color has ended.
Or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636268013466/
The lollipop garden was installed at the Sculpture Park and remained there for quite some time in the weather. Alas, they are no gone to wherever lollipops go when their color has ended.
 |
| The lollipop garden was located on the ground to the left of the rainbow arches |
On this date: Mar 3, 2008: School Committee budget issues (Deja Vu?)
Stepping back into the archives for March 3, 2008 we find a recap of the School Committee meeting with a budget discussion. Deja Vu?
The School Budget this year is looking for a 6% increase or $3.8M dollars. In round numbers that is more than the 2.5% or $2.5M increase Franklin automatically gets each year. Will this be a challenging budget year? Jeff Nutting and others have said so before. Last year and multiple times this year.
March 13 will be a joint Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee meeting. This session is likely to shed the most light on what we can look for with this budget cycle.
What was the budget issues for the School Committee in 2008?
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/03/recap-of-school-budget-situation.html
What are the budget issues for the School Committee this year (FY 2020)? The Superintendent's proposed budget was presented here (Jan 22, 2019)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/school-committee-hears-superintendents.html
The real issues will be revealed as the discussion continues during this budget cycle. Stay tuned.
The School Budget this year is looking for a 6% increase or $3.8M dollars. In round numbers that is more than the 2.5% or $2.5M increase Franklin automatically gets each year. Will this be a challenging budget year? Jeff Nutting and others have said so before. Last year and multiple times this year.
March 13 will be a joint Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee meeting. This session is likely to shed the most light on what we can look for with this budget cycle.
What was the budget issues for the School Committee in 2008?
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/03/recap-of-school-budget-situation.html
What are the budget issues for the School Committee this year (FY 2020)? The Superintendent's proposed budget was presented here (Jan 22, 2019)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/school-committee-hears-superintendents.html
The real issues will be revealed as the discussion continues during this budget cycle. Stay tuned.
 |
| Goodman and Ahern presenting the FY 2020 budget |
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