Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Detour begins Dec 14

Beaver Street Interceptor -> CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Starting Thursday December 14th,
the area of Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.
will be impacted by a construction detour.
Access to this area may look different as work continues
but LOCAL BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN!


Beaver Street Logo

Please visit our interactive construction map for details 
https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae 
We will update and communicate regularly via social media,
our dedicated email list, and the construction map.


Please see our interactive map below for more details.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd. will be impacted by a construction detour
Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.will be impacted by a construction detour

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project
This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe
here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).
 

History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.

The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements. 

The Project includes the following key components:

  • New 6 MGD Beaver Street Pump Station and 4,000 LF of 18-inch Force Main from the pump station to discharge at Pond Street.
  • Rehabilitation of 6,100 LF of BSI using Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL)
  • Installation of 6,000 LF of new gravity sewers
  • The work will take place at 5 MBTA/Keolis Railroad Crossings including 3 pipe replacements using jack and bore technique and 2 pipe rehabilitation locations using CIPPL.
  • Abandonment of BSI from Panther Way to Franklin Village Plaza and Route 495 crossing

For additional information see links below:

Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates

Presentations:
Beaver Street Interceptor Public Outreach Meeting October 26, 2023
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20

Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure

Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )

Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)

(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175) 

March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening

June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more

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Girl Scout Cookies are available for sale Sat (Dec 16) & Sun (Dec 17)

What goes well at holiday time? 
Girl Scout Cookies!

A very reliable source lets us know that there are cookies in Franklin this weekend!
  • Saturday 12/16: Post Office - 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
  • Sunday 12/17: Learning Express - 11 AM - 3 PM

Girl Scout Cookies are available for sale Sat (Dec 16) & Sun (Dec 17)
Girl Scout Cookies are available for sale Sat (Dec 16) & Sun (Dec 17)

FHS boys basketball tops Oliver Ames on Tuesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023. 


Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 46 @ Franklin, 65 – Final

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 39 @ Oliver Ames, 58 – Final
Fell to a talented team tonight 39-58. Led by 13 & Olena Malumina 9. Back to work tomorrow.
https://twitter.com/fhsgvbasketball/status/1734754725428449428

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com & Twitter
FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com & Twitter

School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, hears of food services, Lifelong Learning, and snow preparations (video)

The Franklin School Committee met for the last time in this calendar year on Tuesday, Dec 12. The meeting featured a variety of information updates and recognition of the FHS Cheerleaders who repeated as State Champions.

Quick Recap:
  • Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)
  • Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fish
  • Patricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programs
  • Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided and update on the annual snow program and engaged in a extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances as possible

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVm3PER71UQ

My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmyqSv0kI2UiuIAplhRBkjz4kiPJ4whc/view?usp=drive_link

While the presentation docs were (mostly) not available before the meeting, my photo captures can share them. The presentations are usually posted a day or so after the meeting.  Meeting packet folder ->    https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

DPW Snow update - (from 2021 but generally the same with minor updates) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/snow_pres_for_dpw_council_dec_21.pdf

FHS Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions
FHS Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions


Tri-County Culinary Program provided catering for the recent SAFE Jack Frost Jubilee

Flanking members of the Tri-County RVTHS Culinary Program are Culinary Instructor and TC alum Mrs. Brittney Colon and SAFE's COO Ms. Carrie Asprinio during the pickup of the order prior to SAFE's Jack Frost Jubilee, held late last week.

Preparing and executing this complex catering order is one of many ways our students gain real-world industry-level experience as part of CTE.

Tri-County Culinary Program provided catering for the recent SAFE Jack Frost Jubilee
Tri-County Culinary Program provided catering for the recent SAFE Jack Frost Jubilee

The SAFE Coalition, Inc. is a Franklin-based non-profit that bills itself as a judgment-free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns across southeastern Massachusetts.

Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen hosts Local Holiday Vendor Event - Dec 14

"Join us this Thursday 12/14/23 from 5-9 PM for our annual local holiday vendor event. There will be lots of items to buy for your loved ones. Come in an help support our friends and buy some beautiful gifts for your loved ones.

Jennifer the owner of @jenniferkendallnp will be there! She offers medical weight loss and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. 
Andrea from @jenniferkendallnp offers life changing and therapeutic facials. They will be there to sell some of their products, and offer some complimentary treatments and B12 shots for those who book appointments.

There will be a Birchwood Raffle too!!"
Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen hosts Local Holiday Vendor Event - Dec 14
Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen hosts Local Holiday Vendor Event - Dec 14

Conservation Needs You in 2024


View this email in your browser
Maple Farm Wildlife Preserve in Mendon: a project that will preserve 110 acres of fields, forest and water resources through a permanent Conservation Restriction.
Thirty-five years ago a few "visionaries" from Blackstone, Franklin, and Bellingham got together and formed the Metacomet Land Trust because they saw the need for a coordinated effort to work with landowners, towns, and environmental organizations to permanently protect the region's open space and to preserve critical habitat for future generations.

Today the Metacomet Land Trust is proud to have played a role in
protecting over 1,000 acres across the fifteen communities we serve.

 
We are able to do all this and more because individuals and families like you support our organization.
If you can help in '24, please join us now.


Donate Now through our website

Whether you send us financial contributions to continue our work, help us create a new trail or maintain an existing one, write a conservation restriction, or talk to a neighbor about how we can help conserve their property, you invest in us.

Simply put: Through the Metacomet Land Trust you can take local action that achieves meaningful, tangible results. In joining MLT, you have the power to take action and make a positive and rewarding contribution to our region's resiliency!

In the spirit of this time of year, please put your dollars to work with a gift for conservation close to home in 2024.

 
Mail a donation today or go to our website to give:
metacometlandtrust.org/donations/become-a-member/

In conservation,

Lisa Mosczynski
President

P.S. We need your help today to protect more special land in 2024 including the current projects below.


 
Our Current Projects Include:
• Maple Farm Wildlife Preserve in Mendon (pictured above)
• Castle Hill Farm Preserve in Northbridge
• Protection of a historic farm in Bellingham
• Concluding a conservation restriction in Mendon
We Love Where We Live -- And We Know You Do, Too!
Membership Donations, Gifts of Land or Conservation Restrictions, or donations of items to be auctioned are deductible on the Federal 1040.
Check with a tax advisor about the restored Massachusetts tax deduction for charitable gifts.
Always keep your donation receipts.


Our Federal Tax-Exempt ID is: 04-3020897. 
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Copyright © 2023 Metacomet Land Trust, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Metacomet Land Trust
P.O. Box 231
Franklin, MA 02038

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The new CARS Rule: What you need to know







Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Alvaro Puig

Whether you're excited about buying the car of your dreams or just trying to make your budget stretch to get reliable transportation, the car buying process can be stressful. 

It can also be costlier than expected, because of misleading ads and hidden fees at the dealer. 

The FTC's new Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule aims to change that by stopping bait-and-switch tactics and hidden fees.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/new-cars-rule-what-you-need-know





Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.
11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Raeleen Gallivan
8:30 am Celebrate with Pride: Sioo
10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wrentham 350
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Fish
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Vaping Education
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension
5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18
8:30 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v King Philip 10-13-23
2:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Beverly 11-03-23
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Haverhill 11-09-23
6:30 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022
8:00 pm High School Football at Fenway Park: Franklin v King Philip

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 11-21-23
12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 11-29-23
2:00 pm Town Council: 11-21-23
6:30 pm Master Plan Committee: LIVE, 3rd Floor  891 4336 1388  (Pride TV)
7:00 am Finance Committee: LIVE, Chambers  875 1448 4182 (Town Hall TV)


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships

Fifty-nine members of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical HS Class of 2024 recently were notified that they are recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The prestigious award provides tuition assistance to those attending four and two-year Massachusetts colleges and universities.


Adams Scholarship eligibility is determined on MCAS performance. Nearly 27% of the Class of 2024 received the honor meaning in Grade 10 they attained "advanced" performance in at least one of the three major categories (English Language Arts, Math, STE: Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics or Technology/Engineering. In addition, the recipients must have attained proficient status in the remaining two assessments.

"The entire Tri-County community is proud of these students for attaining this prestigious honor," Superintendent Dr. Karen Maguire said. "It is a testament nor only to them and their hard work but our faculty and staff for putting them in a position to succeed."

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships
59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships


Class of 2024 Adams Scholar Recipients Listed by Community

Attleboro
Dayrin Cardona, Amiyah Kincey, Ashley Umanzor-Martinez.

Bellingham
Eduarda Defigueiredo

Franklin
Samuel Bernheart, Seth Canzano, Ava Cossette, Shawn Dignan, Eden Dumas, Nicholas Ewanchuk, Camden Lallier, Torin McCarthy, Aiven Nichols, Savannah Nosek, Lino Pirrotta.

Medway
Sinead Bergeron, Zachary Davis, Zachary Lawrence

Milford
Destiny Carroll

Millis
Samuel Noonan

North Attleboro
Carol Abdel Alrhim, Shaelyn Caffrey, Kaylee Chouinard, Samuel DeForest, Kaitlynn DiChiara, Caroline Fontanez, Samantha Geddry, Alexis Hubert, Benjamin Kaluzny, Devin, Leber, Samantha McCarthy, Rebekah Paine, Isabelle Plante, Raiana Willis, Jonah Yeaton, Ivy Young.

Norfolk
Noah Renner

Plainville
Dominic Crisafi, Alkfonso Gomnez, Cameron Jon es, Matthew Noonan, Andrew Pavidis, Ashley Sedam.

Seekonk
Peyton Griffin, Samuel Marcotte, Hope Thibault, Travis Turner.

Walpole
James Hazeldine, Sophia Holbrook, Erik Larson, Logan Loconto, Ethan Roco, Rose Tripp, Alexander Vasilyev, Lucas Volpe, Diana Yanes.

Wrentham
Molly McDermott, Hailey McLeod, Callie Schweitzer.

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee gets to work at first meeting

The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee met as scheduled Monday, Dec 11, 2023 at 6 PM. I joined the meeting webinar about 5 minutes after the start. My notes captured during the session are shared below.

Quick recap:
  • Members of the Committee are Al Charles, Erin Gallagher, and Ruthann O'Sullivan. Apparently Charles in the Chair. He referred to the agenda to keep the meeting moving along.
  • Superintendent Giguere also participated to provide some background and insights. Fresh views should help this group. 
  • Reviewed the standard annual events to participate in, learned of the contract firm to assist the School District with crisis management and overall communications. This group can leverage some of that capacity to help spread the word
  • Meetings will be monthly on the second Monday so next session scheduled for Jan 8, 2024.

My notes captured via Twitter
  • Supt Giguere participating. Charles and he have experience of this subcmte's work done previously, respectfully the two new members are getting up to speed.
  • Discussion about interrelationship with Town Council & School Committee, regular meetings at TA and Supt level. Joint Budget subcmte also a key piece around the budget development and process. Possible budget workshop for SchCmte to include Central Office & principals ...
  • The principals can add more details around particular initiatives as they are closer to the need and benefits.
  • Major annual events Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival, etc. Reference to have all communications point back to the webpage, updating the page to help reinforce.. the message. The proper answer to a question/topic, etc. How does this committee handle or have a possible role in sourcing info from the community to help info the SchCmte and or Central Office to address?
  • First how to be informed, second how to respond/address. Part of the newsletter would also include how to provide feedback, question, etc.
  • Desire to have a regular link to use for the newsletter so overtime people could go there for updates and info.
  • Contracted services with John Guilfoil jgpr.net
  • A sports story coming on the multiple coach of year awards announced recently. In addition, FHS won a sportsmanship award. The firm can also provide a workshop to create a communication strategy.
  • Farmers Market community table presence, legislative forum didn't happen last year, consider to bring back. Outreach to private daycare org to build awareness, relationship, etc.
  • Need to be careful on the theme and purpose of legislative forum, if it goes forward. Did have opportunity to meet regionally last year with local representatives and other districts, on the budget, if that happens again, will let folks here know to participate
  • Meetings second Monday of the month, Jan 8, 2024. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passes via roll call 3-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!

Franklin Public Schools: Community Relations Subcommittee - Dec 11 at 6 PM
Franklin Public Schools: Community Relations Subcommittee - Dec 11 at 6 PM

Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to be on Wednesday, Dec 13

If you really want to know Franklin, then Wednesday night at 7 PM, the Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to watch, listen to (or catch on replay), or read about after.

With all due respect to the Master Plan Update Committee meeting also about the same time (they start at 6:30), they are early in their process so the more important of the two (in my view) is the Finance Committee "Bill Dowd deep dive" on Facilities.

The agenda doc provides plenty of information about the facilities department and about the recent history of how grants have been able to augment the Town and School budgets with about 2M each per year. (Yes, the data does show an increase since 2020 but most of that is the Federal ARPA, ESSAR funding, and not likely to continue at that rate).

For your reading pleasure in advance of the meeting:

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series
a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department
i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy24_public_property_buildings_budget.pdf
ii. List of Town Owned Buildings  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/list_of_town_owned_buildings_0.pdf
iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions  
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf
iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis
v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee  
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/subcommittees-and-liaisons
vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._vi_-_facilities_capital_improvement_plan_fy23.12.07.23.xlsx_-_10_year_plan.pdf
b. Grants discussion
i. Ten-year municipal grants history  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._i_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_town.pdf
ii. Ten-year school grants history  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._ii_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_school.pdf


The agenda doc includes supporting materials and covers 38 pages (also includes remote participation info)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf


Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023