On this date: Mar 7, 2012: 15th Trivia Bee to be held

Stepping into the archive for March 7, 2012 we find that the FEF 15th Annual Triva Bee was being announced to be held on March 15.

How cool is that! the 15th event coincidentally on the 15th!

The FEF has turned from the Trivia Bee to the Harlem Wizards and other fund raising activities


https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/15th-annual-trivia-bee-march-15.html

So set the date for No 22 and the next visit of the Harlem Wizards

set the date for No 22 and the next visit of the Harlem Wizards

Franklin Education Foundation

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Franklin School Committee

The Franklin School Committee utilizes a number of subcommittees to initially review, propose and consider policies and issues that come before the Committee. We are committed to two-way communication with the citizens of Franklin, listening to concerns and sharing information in the true spirit of democracy.

The subcommittees and their functions are outlined below:

• Budget: Reviews, proposes and considers matters pertaining to the school budget. Participates with the town-wide Joint Budget Subcommittee. Committed to educating the public about the budget process in an open and transparent way.
• Community Relations: Reviews, proposes and considers matters pertaining to communication with the community about school policies, issues and programs. Meets on a monthly basis throughout the community at various locations including the Harvest Festival, The Farmer’s Market, The Senior Center, The Public Library, Franklin Cable TV Station, etc. in order to share information and address citizens’ concerns.
• Policy: Reviews, proposes and considers matters pertaining to policies and procedures in the Franklin Public Schools. This subcommittee also maintains the Policy Manual.
• Public Schools Advocacy: Keeps the committee and the community informed on legislative matters at the federal, state and local levels. Promotes the importance of public schools in a democratic society. In February a Legislative Forum was held for the public. State Senators Ross and Spilka along with State Representative, Jeff Roy shared legislative updates relative to funding education and answered questions from interested citizens.
• Transportation: Recommends and reviews policies regarding transportation. The subcommittee also develops bids for transportation services.

In addition to the work of these subcommittees, members participate on advisory councils and as liaisons to the Joint Parent Communication Councils and Mass Association of School Committees (MASC).

The responsibilities of these members are outlined below:

• School Wellness Advisory Council: Establishes annual wellness goals for the district. Reviews data, conducts data collection and sponsors professional development programs for students, faculty, parents and the community. Meets monthly throughout the school year.
• Parent Communication Council Liaisons: Joining the Superintendent and other central office administrators, school committee liaisons share important information relative to policies and issues before the school committee. This is another opportunity to gain feedback, insights as to the issues/ concerns of the community. Meets every month during the school year.
• MASC Liaison: Advocates at the state level for issues relative to public schools.
• School Start Times Advisory Council: A committee comprised of representatives from the School Committee, teachers, administrative team, parents and interested community leaders with the purpose of objectively analyzing the data and issues relative to school start times. This committee is organized into subcommittees which are meeting throughout the entire year. Recommendations will made to the School Committee at the conclusion of this study.
• Summer Workshop: The School Committee also meets at a one-day summer workshop with the Superintendent to provide input relative to the District Improvement Plan and to plan pertinent School Committee presentations and workshops for the following school year. 

Throughout the year, the School Committee works with a facilitator from MASC to strengthen our skills and effectiveness as an elected body so that we may better serve the public.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Bergen, 
Chair, Franklin School Committee




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

For more about the School Committee
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee

Franklin School Committee

Reporting by Walking Around - Feb 26, 2016

Photos from the walk around Franklin, MA on Saturday Feb 26, 2016



or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157665058649341/

For the commentary from the "reporting by walking around"
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/photos-from-walk-around-franklin.html

On this date: Mar 6, 2011: The week in Review

Yes, I did a weekly review for a period of time. The time I put into it didn't seem to be worth it in generating more readers or engagement so it came to an end. 

As the Town gets more and more into timely publication of reports, presentations, agendas, and meeting minutes, then perhaps this is something to reconsider. Until then, the podcast will share key meetings or events.

FM #88 - Week ending 3/6/11

Lets take less than ten minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends March 6, 2011. 

Time: 6 minutes, 20 seconds

For the full set of show notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/fm-88-week-ending-3611.html

On this date: Mar 6, 2011: The week in Review mentioned the Community Garden

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Mar 10

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast

2nd Sunday of the month

Mar 10, Apr 14

7:30 - 11:00 AM

Pancakes - Scrambled Eggs - Sausage - Home Fries

(drinks are included)

Adults - $8 Kids (4 -12) - $4

(3 and under eat free)

FRANKLIN ROD and GUN CLUB
53 Florence Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Please visit www.franklinrodandgun.org for more info

Download a copy of the flyer here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zah6YdFe-IFngqZknj5OSdT7yKsjcUAP/view?usp=sharing

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Jan 13

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Treasurer-Collector

Fiscal 2018 has been another very busy year in the Treasurer-Collector’s office. Jim Dacey retired after 18 years on the job and Kerri Bertone was appointed Treasurer-Collector in November 2017.

The fiscal year ended with higher investment interest rates (MMDT –1.75%). On the borrowing side, low rates had a positive effect. In April of 2018 we issued a 1 year Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for $10,300,000 for Library planning and design. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC was the winning bidder on the BAN with a weighted average interest cost of .9852%. At the same time, we issued a General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2018 Bonds (the “Bonds”) for $6,985,000 million for FHS construction and water infrastructure improvements. J.P. Morgan and Century Bank were the winning bidder with a weighted average interest cost of 1.8997%.

Prior to the sale, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a municipal credit rating agency, affirmed the Town’s AA+ bond rating. They also assigned its 'SP-1+' short-term rating to Franklin’s series 2018 A and B general obligation (GO) bond anticipation notes (BANs), payable on May 17, 2019.

Standard and Poor’s stated “The stable outlook reflects what we view as the town's very strong liquidity position and strong budgetary flexibility. In addition, we believe Franklin's very strong economy and access to the Boston MSA lends stability to the town's tax base. Strong management, with “good” financial policies and practices under our Financial Management Assessment (FMA) mythology.

During FY 2018, $133,000.00 was collected in back property taxes, interest and fees. Ten property owners paid off all outstanding taxes and redeemed their properties out of tax title. We continue to pursue delinquent taxes through the foreclosure process and there are currently 17 properties in Land Court. Since 2001 we have foreclosed on 70 properties. Some properties will eventually be auctioned off and the rest will remain as town property.

There were 877 Municipal Lien Certificates issued by the Treasurer-Collector’s office generating revenue of $43,850.00. Also collected was $4,421.51 in fees for duplicate bills and files that we supplied to tax services and escrow agents. During FY18, the Treasurer-Collector’s office printed and mailed 40,947 Real Estate Tax bills, 2,094 Personal Property Tax bills, 33,535 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bills, and 41,441 Utility bills. 

The following Demands were also printed and mailed, 483 Real Estate Tax, 95 Personal Property Tax, and 4,103 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. There were 2,480 Motor Vehicle warrants issued in FY18. There were 4 Betterment releases (water, sewer and road) generating revenue of $120. We also collected $104,500 for backflow testing and $65,700 for Sprinkler/Hydrant charges. The Treasurer also acts as the town’s parking clerk. Our deputy collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale, handles the billing and collection of parking tickets. During FY18 we collected $33,928 for parking violations.

I would like to thank all town departments for the timely and accurate turnover of fees to the Treasurer-Collector’s office. I also would like to acknowledge my team, I appreciate the efforts of each one of you in the past year. I am grateful for all of you. I would like to congratulate Jim Dacey on his richly deserved retirement. Thank you Jim, for your many years of great leadership. Everyone agrees, that you possess a rare combination of vision, fairness and understanding, crucial qualities for an effective Treasurer-Collector. Your career will be a model to follow. 

Finally, I like to thank the citizens of Franklin for their continued support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kerri A. Bertone
Treasurer-Collector


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: Treasurer-Collector

The Last Tour of the old Franklin High School - 2014

photos from the last tour of the old Franklin High School on June 21, 2014



or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645999514842/

On this date: Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus

Stepping back into the archives for March 5, 2010 we find that the Town of Franklin had just put out a survey to improve the Franklin Area Bus service provided by GATRA. 

Did you know Franklin had a bus service? GATRA or the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transportation Authority provides the service for $1.50.

"Franklin has issued a survey and is looking for your feedback on the Franklin Area Bus service, also know as GATRA. 

The bus has been running the same route for two years, and the town wants to improve that route if necessary."

(The survey links are not working today so no need to try them.)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/03/what-do-you-think-about-franklin-area.html

You can find a map of the current bus route, schedule and fares on the GATRA page (link below). It is also linked to from the Franklin web page under the "Meet Me in Franklin" section
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

On this date: Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus

GATRA bus on the Franklin route

FPAC presents Seussical - March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17

The Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX’s resident theater company, continues their 2018-2019 season with Seussical, running March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. 

Seussical is perfect for the whole family! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Get your tickets online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1194

FPAC presents Seussical - March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO)

The Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) serves veterans and their dependents in recognition of their service to our nation. Responsibilities of the VSO include educating veterans and their dependents about the benefits available to them, dispensing state sponsored veterans’ benefits under M.G.L. Chapter 115 and assisting veterans and their dependents or survivors in obtaining state and federal benefits or entitlements which they have earned.

In addition to my responsibilities to the veterans of Franklin, I serve as the Veterans’ Service Advocate for Norfolk County and as the VSO for the Town of Avon. Norfolk County is the only county in the Commonwealth to have an individual dedicated to Veterans’ Services. Through an agreement between the Town and the County, I am able to continue to support the VSO’s in the 28 cities and towns of Norfolk County while primarily servicing the Franklin veterans’ community.

As our veterans and their dependents/survivors age, there are more demands for benefits provided by the Commonwealth’s Department of Veterans’ Services and the U. S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. During the past year, there has been an increase in the number of Franklin veterans who have recently completed their military service.

It is very important that veterans and widows identify themselves on the town census. This information enables the VSO to identify services available to them. I sent a letter to every veteran and widow identified on the town census earlier this year. As you see in our contacts this year, the mailing generated a significant amount of interaction for the office.

Fiscal Year 2018 Office contacts for the VSO were:

• Walk-Ins 469
• Appointments 403
• Incoming Calls 1,406
• Outgoing Calls 701
• Actionable Email 184
• Total contacts: 3,163

A 26.4% increase over FY 2017!
Franklin veterans, dependents and surviving family members received over $4,503,000 in compensation and pension payments from the VA in FY 17.

I participated in many civic events during the year at schools and civic groups. The VSO is always willing to attend an event to speak about veterans, veterans’ benefits, the military experience or to support a patriotic event. I invite other veterans to attend such events. If you are interested in attending any event, please contact my office. I also work with Boy Scouts and other students who are interested in community service projects when they are available.

Franklin Veterans’ Council
The Franklin Veterans’ Council meets on the Third Thursday of the month, 7pm, at the Franklin Senior Center. Dates, times and meeting locations are posted on the Veterans’ Services web page. All veterans and any interested individual or organization are welcome to attend. This group serves as a communications outlet for veteran and military related events and activities in the community as well as an opportunity for veterans to obtain information about state and federal benefits and changes. The Council is chaired by the VSO.

Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway
The Franklin Veterans’ Council formed a subcommittee, the Veterans Walkway Committee in 2016. On October 25, 2017 Dale Kurtz, representing the committee, made a presentation to the Town Council about constructing a Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Town Common. The Town Council unanimously approved the project on November 15,
2017. 

The Veterans Walkway Committee has sold bricks through the VFW Post 3402 to fund the project. Bricks will continue to be sold until the walkway is filled with veterans’ names. Funding was also provided by a grant from the State Department of Veterans Services through the efforts of our state legislators. This committee has done a tremendous amount of research and work to ensure that we properly recognize those veterans from the Town of Franklin who died during our nation’s wars from World War I through today. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2018. The goal is to have the new walkway dedicated on Veterans’ Day 2018. For information about the walkway, please contact the Veterans Services Office.

Veterans’ Day Luncheon
The Franklin Veterans’ Day Luncheon was held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136. Franklin High School Select Chorus led us in the National Anthem and provided musical interludes during the program. American Legion Post 75 presented the colors and we were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Lisa Plante, Post Chaplain Robert Markunis, American Legion Post 75, provided our invocation. State Representative Jeffrey Roy provided brief remarks for the audience. The VSO provided information about new and existing programs for veterans. Honorably discharged veterans may now shop on line at the Post Exchange, shopmyexchange.com. Veterans may also obtain a Veterans’ ID Card (VIC) at vets.gov. The announcement of the Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway was the key topic of the program.

Memorial Day Breakfast
Our deceased veterans were remembered at The Franklin Memorial Day Breakfast on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin High School choral group led by Olivia Goliger, Franklin Music Teacher, led us in the National Anthem and provided musical interludes during the program. American Legion Post 75 presented the colors. John Hefele, American Legion, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Bob Gardner, Franklin veteran, provided our invocation. We remembered the 45 veterans listed on our War Memorials who died during our nation’s conflicts and the 65 Franklin veterans who passed since our last Memorial Day. “Taps” was played after our moment of silent remembrance.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy joined us and made a few brief remarks. Ed Geoffry, age 101 who served in Europe from 1941 to 1946, honored us by attending our breakfast. Natalie Webb and Anna Dixon each read a short article about one of our fallen heroes who will be memorialized on our Veterans Memorial walkway. Natalee wrote the articles which were published in the Franklin localtownpages newspaper. Plaques to be placed in the Memorial Walkway were on display for our guests.

Missing Man Table
The Missing Man Table was re-introduced to our Memorial Day ceremony after years of absence.I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table. 

The table is small symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her oppressors. The table is round to show that our concern for them is everlasting. The white tablecloth represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms. The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one nation under God. 

The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. The rose also reminds us of the families and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith awaiting their return.The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon, a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families and friends. 

The candle symbolizes the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion with those not accounted for. The American flag reminds us that many of them never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. 

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted to remind us of their inability to share in this ceremony. The chair is empty. They are not here. Please remember those who have served and are currently serving our nation in harm’s way.

Vet Ruck New England
In August, a group of veterans from Warrior Thunder conducted a 200 mile ruck across Massachusetts to raise funds for the prevention of veteran suicide. That was 10 miles for each veteran suicide each day. I joined the group as they entered Franklin and walked with them to the Town Common where a brief ceremony was held to recognize their event and to provide some well appreciated refreshments. 

As I continued the walk through Franklin, the walkers commented on how nice Franklin looks and how warm the reception had been. They made comparisons with other towns and were very appreciative of the support they received here. Thank you to all of the town’s people who provided water, refreshments and donations to the walkers. They had started their walk in Pittsfield two day earlier and completed their journey the next day in Plymouth.

Veterans Call
I started a new program on Franklin Local TV, “Veterans Call”. The program is for and about veterans and airs on Franklin “All Access TV”. If you have suggestions for the show, please contact the Veterans Office.

Chair of Honor
The Chair of Honor resided at the Franklin Senior Center most of this year. It will rotate through other town buildings and schools through the next year.

Other Events and Activities
I co-hosted a Women Veteran’s Coffee Hour on February 24th at the Victorian Rhapsody Coffee Shop. I was joined by the Raynham and Norton VSO’s and representatives from other state and federal agencies. It was a good opportunity for women veterans to talk about their service and to obtain support for various benefits. For the past five years, I have worked with the Neponset Valley Rotary Club in hosting a veterans’ networking breakfast. We held this event on February 21st in Dedham and had over 20 veterans attend.

I coordinated a Vietnam War 50th Pinning Ceremony with Congressman Kennedy’s office in March. The event was held at the Foxboro VFW. The Congressman provided 62 lapel pins to Vietnam Veterans.

Community Support
Veterans’ Services thanks these faithful supporters:

• The Franklin Garden Club for the care and maintenance of the Veterans’ Memorial on the town common.
• Elks Lodge #2136, BPOE, for their continued support of Franklin’s veterans including the sponsorship of the Veterans’ Day Luncheon, and the veterans’ fuel assistance program. Elks Lodge #2136 conducts numerous events during the year in support of our veterans in local VA facilities.
• VFW Post 3402 for their assistance with the placement of flags on the graves of our deceased veterans for Memorial Day, their donation of poppies and their ongoing
• support and attention to Franklin’s veterans.
• American Legion, Edward L. Grant, Post 75 for their support of our veterans and their participation in our Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day events. Post 75 visits local
• private medical and VA facilities to support and recognize our veterans.
• The Friends of Franklin Elders for their support of the Memorial Day Breakfast at the Senior Center.
• The staff of the Franklin Senior Center for their daily support of the Veterans Service Office and for their valued support of the Memorial Day Breakfast.
• Franklin High School music department for the support of our events.
• The citizens of Franklin for your support of our veterans and active duty service members.

Although, federal and state definitions of veterans are very specific as to time and component served for qualification for benefits, I hold to this definition of a
veteran:

A veteran is someone – whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve, served one day or twenty years – who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the Government of the United States of America for an amount of “up to and including my life.”

Thank you for your service.

I am honored to serve Franklin’s veterans and their families.

Respectfully submitted,
Dale L. Kurtz
Veterans’ Service Officer


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

The Veterans Walkway on the Town Common was opened on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018

HMEA incredABLE 5K - May 19

Save the Date - HMEA incredABLE 5K - May 19

For more information and to register, visit HMEA on the web at

https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

Each year, the Franklin Public School performance ensembles participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association music festival. 

 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”

The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public. 

Two nights of performances will include Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.

Tuesday, March 12 will feature the orchestras and choruses and Thursday, March 14 will feature our Bands. Both concerts will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Franklin High School.

A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments will be sold.

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

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/

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.

Live reporting - Town Council 3/4/09

Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak
Missing: McGann, Zollo

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/live-reporting-town-council-3409.html

Pond St property map  shown at a Council meeting in 2016

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

Read more

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

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.

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.

Goodman and Ahern presenting the FY 2020 budget