Senator Rausch: MA Reopening Update, Youth Legislative Forum

Senator Rausch State House Briefing  

Part 2, Chapter 7 (April 30, 2021) 

Dear friends,   

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Spring weather! As you may know, earlier this week the Governor announced updates to the Commonwealth’s reopening guidelines. Here are some key dates in the Governor's plan: 

TODAY, April 30: People are no longer required to wear masks while outdoors in most public spaces as long as they can physically distance from others. 
 
Monday, May 10: Amusement and water parks can open at 50% capacity. Road races and other organized athletic events are allowed with staggered starts, as long as event coordinators submit public safety plans to local boards of health. Large venues like indoor and outdoor stadiums can increase capacity to 25%. 
 
Monday, May 17: All high schoolers must return to in-person learning, as per Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines. 

Saturday, May 29: Gathering limits will increase to 200 indoors and 250 outdoors. Wineries, breweries, and bars can open, regardless of food service, and street festivals and parades will be allowed at 50% capacity.  

Sunday, August 1: All other businesses can fully reopen with no limits on capacity. This includes night clubs, indoor water parks, and ball pits.  

While I am hopeful that the end of this pandemic is in sight, we must heed the advice of public health experts for a safe reopening. This means achieving robust vaccine acceptance throughout the state, affordable and accessible COVID-19 testing, mask-wearing compliance when near other people or indoors, and data-informed modifications to this reopening plan as necessary to avoid another surge and keep our COVID numbers moving downward. Safeguarding our communities and protecting our public health must remain the top priority until we achieve widespread herd immunity and fully beat COVID-19. 
 
If you haven't already, make sure to sign up for your COVID-19 vaccine! Thanks to President Biden, anyone age 16+ who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts is eligible. For more information, visit www.beccarauschma.com/covidvaccine. 
  

As always, if you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this pandemic, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help. You can also find robust resources to help you navigate through COVID-19 on my website.    

Yours in service,  

Senator Becca Rausch   

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, visit

https://mailchi.mp/7d87f446d321/reopeningupdate?e=0c2c9810fe

Students, please register for the forum here => https://www.beccarauschma.com/students-speak

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy: FY 22 House Budget update

Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) tweeted on Fri, Apr 30, 2021:

"Happy to report that the FY22 House budget passed this week including some great pieces of local aid for Medway and Franklin. 

The budget provides local resources for education, food security, substance use disorder, the commuter rail, and economic development. https://t.co/m4an9fNBNF"

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1388127836108636162

For more info about Rep Roy visit his page ->  https://jeffreyroy.com/

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy: FY 22 House Budget update

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - April 30, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day 

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ and www.franklin.news 

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 

Link to the Franklin Events Calendar - https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar 

Save the date!  Alzheimer's Association Family Conference: A free Virtual Conference for People Living with Alzheimer's and Their Family Members will be held on Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th.  We have Tom Keane from the Boston Globe as our Keynote speaker, Pam Atwood doing a special program on meaningful engagement, a panel of individuals with Early Stage Alzheimer's, and a musical performance by the South Shore Conservatory in Massachusetts on both days of the conference. Registration will open in April. Alzheimer's Association Family Conference 

Tips

How to feel great in 10 minutes - Beginner Qigong routine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAHh8uPjlHU 

Seated stretches for Seniors.  8 stretches to cover your whole body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldUCy5KofZQ 

Paul Eugene 65th Birthday Disco Party Dance - Celebrate with Paul as he gets his  disco on in a cardigan. I love this guy's energy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOILWf4R_J0 

Music

Endless Love on the Tank Drum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqU5z1ZkN90 

Relaxing and upbeat hang drum mix 1.5 hours https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9hpS3HbpDc 

Just for Fun

How to make and fly a world record paper airplanes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNg4fDJC8A 

Turning used chopsticks into tables, tiles and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLL4PW4LZT8 

10 Great Mysteries Hidden in Famous Paintings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-5ZPqUMgfM 

Furniture Optical Illusions - WOW!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHJ3CMWnVxY 

Humor

People Vs. Nature - Epic fails I have to admit I laughed out loud at more than a few of these.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSgYQl6GZbU 

Funny animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUdXYhdf5zQ 

Kindness Matters

Abandoned puppy follows us home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk8e3Lg5GFU 

Empathy - Best speech of all time by Simon Sinek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJyNoJCAuzA 

Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Tuesday at 11am  - Cardio Strength & Balance IN PERSON (must register to attend)

*Tuesday  Tailgate Tuesday! Order your lunch through curbside cafe and then stay for a

 tailgate picnic with your friends in our parking lot. There might even be some music!

*Tuesday at 5:30pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour via zoom

*Tuesday at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. At 11am - Zumba IN PERSON (must register to attend)

*Wed. Nurse Trish call to schedule your appointment for Blood pressure, sugar and more.

*Thursday  at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Friday at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of socialization,

 games and activities.

Upon entering the Franklin Senior Center you will be required to scan or sign in, fill out a COVID questionnaire, have your temperature taken, wear a properly fitting mask over your mouth and nose at ALL times and remain socially distanced.  We greatly appreciate your assistance in following these rules so we can continue to move forward with our scaled and mindful opening based on the rules we MUST follow!  Please do NOT move chairs or remove signs marking appropriate social distancing.   

The rules are in place for legal and safety reasons.  Breaking them just makes you a fun ruiner for everyone! 

Attached you will find: Donna's Fun Filled Activity Pages.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rwjGNER7zLJ7rm5o7KkhsYDSPRC4bD29/view?usp=sharing

Things are starting to open!  These are exciting times but please remember to be mindful of the CDC guidelines and rules in private establishments.  We have made it this far lets keep the trend moving forward with kindness!

Ariel

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources Grant Opportunity

Library Announces Grant Opportunity to Enhance Teaching with Primary Sources The Library of Congress today announced fiscal year 2022 Teaching with Primary Sources grant opportunities. Applications are sought from organizations that aim to incorporate Library of Congress resources into educational programs and materials for learners representing diverse professions and communities. The application deadline is May 28, 2021.  Click here for more information:  https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-019/library-announces-grant-opportunity-to-enhance-teaching-with-primary-sources/

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 30 - May 6, 2021

Spring time in Franklin and a small choice of in person events coming up: the Electric Youth perform under the tent at THE BLACK BOX, and two Story Walks remain available around town (downtown and DelCarte). 

On Tuesday, you can help the FEF celebrate Horace Mann's birthday with their "Day of Giving"

Friday, April 30
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Downtown Story Walk
12:00pm -  Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm -  Electric Youth 2021 Spring Show (In-Person and Livestreamed Event)
 

Saturday, May 1
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Downtown Story Walk
 First Day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm -  Electric Youth 2021 Spring Show (In-Person and Livestreamed Event)
 

Sunday, May 2
 Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Monday, May 3
 Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Tuesday, May 4
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Day of Giving  (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-education-foundation-fef-may-4.html)
9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
 

Wednesday, May 5
 Story Walk @DelCarte
 Cinco de Mayo
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm -  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
 

Thursday, May 6
 Story Walk @DelCarte
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
6:00pm -  Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm -  350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd 

 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

 

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Names Karen Maguire as Superintendent-Director

The Tri-County School Committee has unanimously appointed Karen Maguire of Carver as the Tri-County RVTHS Superintendent-Director as Stephen Dockray retires on June 30th. Dockray has worked for the Tri-County School District for 15 years, where he started as the Business Manager and transitioned to Superintendent-Director in 2011. 

As business manager, Dockray was given the opportunity to work on projects that got me involved in the academic aspects of the school. “I was able to work on grants and see the curriculum through innovative programs such as the summer academy and academic support,” says Dockray. He attended the Massachusetts Vocational Leadership Academy, which covers leadership, building community, personnel, finance, law, health insurance, curriculum, and special education to prepare for the Superintendent-Director position.

One of the difficulties Dockray is facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. The ever-changing climate of the pandemic has made his final year as Superintendent challenging. Vocational programs were phased back in with alternating grades attending two days a week and have been in person four days a week since November 2020. The goal is to have students phase in back to in-person learning by the end of April.

As Superintendent, Dockray has completed several large projects and capital improvements, including installing a new HVAC system, replacing the roof, upgrading to LED lighting throughout the building, a complete renovation of the engineering and advanced manufacturing career program space, and adding new programs, Medical Assisting and Legal and Protective Services. “Our goal is to monitor labor statistics and to adapt to the current and future workforce climate. We want to offer opportunities for our students to be successful both in the workforce after high school or be able to pursue further education.” 

Dockray has been working tirelessly for years to get the school renovation project in the pipeline with MSBA. Maguire will be tasked with getting approval from the sending towns to make the project a reality.

For his retirement plans, Dockray looks forward to traveling and getting out of the cold for the winter. “I’ve enjoyed my 15 years at Tri-County, but it is time for someone new to bring in new ideas and implement their thinking. Tri-County is a great school, and the knowledge and experience Karen will bring to the role will benefit the Tri-County School District. I wish her the best as she transitions into her new role this summer,” Stephen Dockray, Superintendent-Director

Maguire will join Tri-County from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School where she served as Vice Principal and most recently as Director of Career Pathways and Integrated Learning and Engagement. Prior to being Vice Principal Maguire was a teacher at both vocational and traditional high schools.

Maguire is a graduate of South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education from Johnson and Wales University and a Master in Education Leadership from Fitchburg State College.
 

Tri-County RVTHS

  

Pantherbook: "Franklin Panthers Won't Be Stopped: Cheer Wins Hockomock League Championship" (video)

"Franklin Panthers Won't Be Stopped: Cheer Wins Hockomock League Championship"

"Cheerleading competitions: massive gatherings of teams from all over, with crowds of parents and supporters packed into stands to watch the cheerleader’s routines. Of course, because of coronavirus restrictions, cheer competitions looked a lot different this year.

Although the cheer team typically competes in the Fall and Winter seasons, the MIAA changed the timeframe to be Fall II and Spring. In a regular season, the FHS team would compete in several invitational competitions before heading to Hockomocks (then, if all goes well, Regionals and States). This season, there was only one competition: Hockomocks.

After being denied a chance to compete for the Division I state championship when COVID struck last March, many members of the team were crushed, but they were eager to get back on the mat and prove themselves."

Continue reading the article online:

https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2021/04/29/franklin-panthers-wont-be-stopped-cheer-wins-hockomock-league-championship/

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1387838139557949440

 

Video link => https://youtu.be/5cSfDYNbKWU

Members of the FHS Varsity Cheerleading team strike a pose during their performance for the 2021 Fall II Hockomock League Championship (photo - Eric Bichao)

“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"

"When Garrett Wollman was considering his housing options in the greater Boston region back in 2001, the possibility of a carless commute beckoned. After all, the city has one of the best mass transit systems in the country, including an extensive regional rail network that ranges down to Providence, R.I., and up to beach towns like Gloucester and Manchester.

He picked a townhouse in downtown Framingham, a Boston suburb, a little over 20 miles from his job in Cambridge at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in part because it had a couple of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) regional rail stations within two miles of his front door.

In theory, it would take Wollman almost the same amount of time to drive to his job at MIT as it would to take mass transit. According to Google Maps, the trip by public transportation is a mere 10 minutes less by highway, so why not skip the hassle of traffic sometimes and ride the rail from Framingham?"

Continue reading the article online

https://www.governing.com/now/taking-the-commuter-out-of-americas-rail-systems

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/KeolisBoston/status/1387886641734471680

“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"

MIAA: No change in approved sports modifications "at this time"

#OneTeamOneMIAA
#maskupMIAA😷

@MSAA_33 @PVIAC @LeagueBoston @MarshfieldSuper @AthleticsMG @CTENewtonPS @RpearsonMIAA_MS @sbryantMIAA @Napa13 https://t.co/m0vHkcZv52

 
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1387785008891453442

MIAA: No change in approved sports modifications "at this time"

Massachusetts Senate Advances Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Bond Bill

On Thursday, April 29, 2021, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill authorizing $400 million in bonds for the design and construction of a new facility for the soldiers’ home in Holyoke. It also authorizes the issuance of $200 million in general obligation bonds to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for Massachusetts veterans across the state, with an emphasis on those areas not primarily served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.

“The funding in this bill will ensure that we begin to rethink how we deliver care to veterans of every generation across Massachusetts,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Ensuring that our veterans are connected to their communities is an important factor in ensuring that their physical and mental health is taken care of, and so I am proud of the steps we have taken to ensure geographic equity and accessibility, especially for our women and LGBTQ veterans, as well as veterans of color. Our quick action in passing this legislation will help ensure we maximize federal funds in this important endeavor.”

“To meet the needs of the ever changing veteran population, the bill adopted today is a reflection of the strong advocacy of the members of this Senate to begin providing the long-term care services desperately needed for all veterans across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. "I want to thank Senate President Spilka for her leadership along with Senators Rush, Velis, Feeney and others for their contributions to improve the bill to address regional equity and increase accessibility to services for our veterans who are not served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.”

In passing the $400 million bond authorization for a new soldiers’ home in Holyoke, Massachusetts is eligible to receive up to 65 per cent in federal reimbursement through the Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program. The existing soldiers’ home in Holyoke was built in 1952 with many triple and quadruple-bed rooms. The bill passed by the Senate will advance the construction of a modern facility with a “small house” concept to meet the needs of future generations of veterans. 

The Senate adopted an amendment on the floor to ensure that construction of the project utilizes a diverse workforce and provides for well-paying, middle class jobs. The amendment inserts Project Labor Agreement language that mandates a pre-bid, pre-hire labor agreement for the construction of the new facility in Holyoke, which will ensure that the workforce is local, diverse, inclusive, well-trained, safe and skilled.

Historically, such agreements on large taxpayer funded projects result in the completion of construction on-time and on or under budget. Additionally, this amendment mandates bold action to establish, recruit, and assist women, minority, and veteran owned businesses who may participate in the design and construction of the facility. The bill establishes the Access, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee to help set and monitor progress of diversity and inclusion goals and recommend solutions and programs to meet them, throughout the design and construction of the facility.

“The new Holyoke Soldier's Home should be a safe, comfortable and welcoming facility worthy of its residents and their service to this country,” stated Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our veterans deserve the very best in care and treatment. The passage of this bond authorization will ensure that their needs are met for generations to come. I am proud that the Senate added additional language during our debate that strengthens the bill to reflect our Commonwealth’s collective values. It is critical that significant taxpayer funded projects of this scope be completed on-time and on-budget with a diverse, local, safe, well-trained and highly skilled workforce. Additionally, we should be working diligently to assist women, minority, and veteran owned businesses in creating jobs and opportunities now and in the future. The bill we passed today accomplishes these goals by authorizing funding for a modern facility for our Commonwealth's veterans while expanding opportunities for many local working-class people in the construction trades."

“Massachusetts has always been a leader for veteran services, and this bill reflects the Senate’s deep commitment to those who have served our nation,” stated Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “While our veteran population and their medical needs are changing, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home’s mission remains the same: to provide care with honor and dignity. This bond bill will ensure that the next generation of residents at the Home receive the care with honor and dignity that they have earned in service to our country.”

As part of the Senate’s commitment to increase geographic equity and accessibility for all veterans, the bill requires the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), in consultation with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Veterans

Affairs (DVA), to hold hearings across the state to better understand the regional long-term care needs of veterans throughout the Commonwealth. Based on these hearings, communities will be better positioned to advocate for the $200 million authorized in new capital spending for long-term care services for veterans across the continuum of care, including potentially new “small home” satellite veterans’ homes, or new or expanded capital supports for community or home-based care.

One of many amendments adopted on the floor also requires the Department of Veteran's Services to consider the needs of veterans in designing facilities to ensure new facilities meet the needs of a changing veteran population, while another requires plans for new long-term care facilities to prioritize equitable access, regardless of race, religion, sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

The bill must now be reconciled with the version recently passed by the House of Representatives.

DPW loses two positions in FY 2022 budget due to Town Council inaction on Stormwater utility proposal

Why Town Council inaction?

You should ask them individually. I have been reporting on their meetings and while there is a lack of understanding around the reality of stormwater for some of the members, and how to best fund it, I had been lead to believe that this discussion was coming in the budget discussions. 

I found out during the Finance Committee hearing Thursday evening, that adjustments were made to 'get by' in anticipation that the Town Council would not approve the utility fee. So the DPW gets cuts now. There is still time for the stormwater discussion to happen. The Council has their budget hearings May 27-28 at which they will approve the budget for FY 2022.

• The stormwater story summarizes the development since the stormwater bylaw was passed in 2007.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html

The stormwater utility fee was established as a mechanism to fund stormwater by a Unanimous vote in Jan 2020. It was created then to provide time for the MUNIS system to be adjusted to actually enable the billing. The software work required seems to be done as the billing does show stormwater utility with $0

All that is required now is for the Council to (1) actually create the fee so (2) the other detailed items can help establish it (credit items, credit process, etc.) and potentially restore the two positions to the DPW for FY 2022.

---------------

 

From the DPW section of the Town of Franklin FY 2022 budget narrative:

 (bold text indicates my change for emphasis to show where the cuts were 'buried' in the text.)

FY22 Budget Modifications, Increases & Reductions

It is important to note the shifting funding amounts and location of costs in the DPW Budget. The issue of stormwater affects the FY22 budget for DPW and will continue in future fiscal years.

Going forward, the DPW will see significant budgetary changes that will affect the services they perform. The effects of the pandemic and economy will only expedite the process.  The most notable impact being the implementation of EPA’s federally required stormwater permit and how to pay for it.  The new mandated requirements of this permit are unfunded (yes, an“unfunded mandate”).  In order to implement these legal requirements, staff have to propose shifting funds from other areas of DPW to a new stormwater division. The amount of funds required in FY22 are only the beginning,over the next two years cost increases due to theMS4 are anticipated to be at least another $200,000annually. Over time, this will “eat up” operating capacity in the budget which, in turn, will reduce other services and improvements we provide.

In order to continue to meet the needs of our residents,address changes in regulatory requirements, and staffing concerns next year, the following list outlines the major changes in the Franklin Public Works Budget.While there are nominal increases in some areas, the majority of changes are just shifting funds from specific lines to areas that are of a higher priority.

Once again, the most pressing issue is funding the new MS4 permit requirements that are mandated by the recent settlement with the EPA, but have not been appropriately funded in the past.

In order to accurately reflect the cost of the ongoing required stormwater efforts, we have to create a Stormwater Division within the DPW General Fund with a budget of $867,545. Specifically, $265,545 in personnel salaries and $602,000 in expenses.

The salary costs of $265k are a reallocation of current staff from other DPW divisions to reflect their current efforts in stormwater the town has been doing for years. In other words, these monies have not changed, they have just moved from one division in the DPW to another.

Therefore, the additional funding needed to meet the requirements in FY22 is $602,000 over what the Town already does for stormwater work. To make up for the deficit caused by these additional costs, many cuts and reallocations of funds were made in other DPW Divisions. The most pressing concerns include cutting two labor positions, one from our highway and one from our grounds crews, which will affect our response to daily duties but more importantly to emergency situations like snow and ice operations.  Expense line items were cut across the board as deemed the most appropriate.In addition to these cuts, requests for increases in various service areas were forgone, most notably in road construction and tree maintenance.

Overall the DPW General Fund budget did go up $338,000. This includes a cut of ($22,000) on the salary side and an overall increase of $360,000 of expense items.

The majority of the salary change includes, cutting two positions from our crew, adding a GIS position to accommodate town wide needs, adding staff hours to meet increased demand at the Recycling Center, and required payroll increases due to the collective bargaining agreement, COLA costs for non-union employees and the minimum wage increase in Massachusetts.  Many of the salary and personnel decisions revolve around current and future stormwater requirements. We have also reallocated a portion of the salaries of our Stormwater Manager, Management Staff, Administrative staff, and two DPW Crew Members to the new Stormwater Division.

With the retirement of our Deputy Director of Operations in FY21, we made a change to our management structure by eliminating the position  and hiring an  Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent and an Assistant Water & Sewer Superintendent instead. Due to the growing needs of our department, this transition has been very successful and we plan to continue this setup in FY22.  The Town did not fill the Deputy Director of Operations position.

 

You can find this section beginning page 64

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf

You can also find the DPW section (extracted from the full doc here)  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WqhlP0LsIHcAY3HKTngU1gSRGQgSVnFo/view?usp=sharing  

Check out the impervious coverage map for your property -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5