Department News

City of Framingham Annual Water Quality/Consumer Confidence Report

                                                                                      July 16, 2021

Framingham, MA - The City of Framingham’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is proud to share the 2020 Consumer Confidence Report about the City’s drinking water. This report was compiled collaboratively by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) and the Framingham Water Division.

 Highlights in this year’s report include:

• Information about MWRA’s system
• Lead in Drinking Water
• Bacteria, Lead, and Copper Testing in Framingham
• Monitoring for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

View this year’s report online here.

Hard copies of this report have been mailed to all residents. Additional printed copies are available at the following locations:

• DPW Operations Center, 100 Western Avenue
• City Hall, 150 Concord Street, Room #213, DPW Administration, and Room #121, the Mayor’s Office
• Main Library, 49 Lexington Street
• McAuliffe Branch Library, 746 Water Street
• Callahan Center, 535 Union Avenue

Framingham Public Works to Host Household Hazardous Waste Day, Saturday, July 31

                                                                                 July 15, 2021

Framingham, MA – The City of Framingham’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will host Household Hazardous Waste Day, Saturday, July 31, at the DPW Operations Center, 100 Western Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents can bring their household hazardous waste to be disposed of properly. 

This event is open to all Framingham residents, and proof of residency will be required to attend this event.

Reference accepted and not accepted household hazardous waste items here.

• Who: Framingham residents 
• What: Household Hazardous Waste Day 
• Where: DPW Operations Center, 100 Western Avenue
• When: Saturday, July 31, 2021, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
• Why: To dispose of hazardous waste properly

View/print a larger version of the flyer above here. 

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non-licensed Solicitor/Company Offering “Discounted” Driveway Paving Work

                                                                                      July 8, 2021

The City of Framingham’s Department of Public Works and Police Department have been notified about several occurrences with a non-licensed solicitor/company offering “discounted” driveway paving work.  

The solicitor/company offers paving services at a discounted rate, claiming the job can be completed that day with their leftover hot top mix. Residents who have hired this non-licensed solicitor have stated that the company offers no contact information or written contract and requests cash/check upon completion of work.

Unfortunately, several residents have hired this company, which has resulted in substandard work that was not legally permitted and is non-compliant with the City’s construction standards. This solicitor/company is NOT insured, bonded, or licensed with the Framingham Public Works Department, which is required for anyone performing excavations or paving in the public right-of-way.

If you have been solicited for discounted paving, please notify the Framingham Department of Public Works at 508-532-6010.

As a reminder, the City’s Licensing Office MUST approve anyone soliciting in Framingham. A hawkers/peddler license with a Photo ID must be issued by the Framingham Police Department and be visible at all times.

Always perform due diligence when selecting a contractor for any work at your home, including driveway paving! Before starting any project with a contractor, remember to:

• Check their references and licensure/qualifications 
• Ask for a copy of their insurance
• Have a contract in place – Massachusetts law requires work above $1,000 must have a written contract with certain provisions: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guidelines-and-information-for-contractors 
• Inquire with the Building Department and/or Public Works Department to learn about permitting and inspection requirements
• Ask your contractor for a copy of their permit(s) before work commences 

Remember, this is your home! You do not need to listen to any sales pitch, and you never have to open your door for someone you do not know or engage with any salesperson.

Highway Division Awarded $200,000 Shared Streets and Spaces Grant

                                                                                   July 7, 2021

Framingham, MA - The Framingham Department of Public Works, Highway Division, has received a $200,000 Shared Streets and Spaces Grant from the Baker-Polito Administration.

Funds will be used to improve pedestrian accessibility on a portion of School Street.

“Our public works team is very appreciative of the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for this grant opportunity,” said Director of Public Works Blake Lukis. “It is vital to keep investing and improving Framingham’s public infrastructure.”

The Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program provides cities and towns with grants between $5,000 and $200,000 to support projects that promote public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce by quickly providing new or repurposed space socially-distanced walking, bicycling, dining, retail, and bus travel.

Construction is slated to begin later this year.

cURBSIDE TEXTILE “PINK BAG” RECYCLING PROGRAM SERVICE CHANGES 

                                                                                        JULY 1, 2021

Framingham, MA – Simple Recycling, the City’s curbside textile recycling vendor, has notified the Department of Public Works about several changes to their collection procedures.  

Effective immediately, residents who wish to recycle textiles from home must now: 

• Bag accepted itemsin clean and recyclable bags or boxes. Pink bags will no longer be provided by Simple Recycling.
• Schedule textile collectiononlineor by calling (866) 835-5068. Textile collection will no longer occur without advanced scheduling.
• Leave items at the front door instead of the curb 

Residents with a valid recycling permit can also utilize the City’s Recycling Drop-Off Center (RDC) to dispose of unwanted textiles. Reference accepted items here. The RDC is located at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue and is open Thursday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

As a reminder, this free collection service provides assistance to the Sanitation Division’s Solid Waste Management Program by diverting materials from the waste stream, meaning less waste tonnage. The City does not pay the vendor to collect these items. 

Sanitation Division's Holiday, EVents, and Special collections Calendar (July-December 2021)
Information about Recycling drop-Off Center Permit Stickers also included

                                                                                    June 30, 2021

Framingham, MA – The City of Framingham Department of Public Works is pleased to share the Sanitation Division’s Holiday, Events, and Special Collections calendar for July-December 2021. The calendar is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

Important Special Collection Days and Events: 

• Saturday, July 31: Household Hazardous Waste Day
• Curbside Brush Collection: Two Weeks, October 25-29, and December 6-10, 2021
• Curbside Leaf Collection: Five Weeks, November 1-December 3, 2021 

View information about preparing leaves and brush for curbside collection here.

Reminder: 2020 Recycling Drop-Off Center permit stickers will be valid until June 30, 2021. 2021 permit stickers are available for purchase and will be valid until June 30, 2022. View information about obtaining a sticker here. 

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Framingham’s Water Department Receives Public Water System Award
June 15, 2021

The City of Framingham’s Water Department has received a Public Water System Award from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for outstanding performance and achievements in the Large Consecutive Community Systems Category for the calendar year 2020.

According to MassDEP, the criteria used to select eligible public water systems for this award include excellent water service to the public, no violations or non-compliance issues, and efforts that support public water supply services, such as source water protection, water quality, and conservation.

“I am ecstatic to share that this is the fourth time in five years the Water Department has received this award,” said Public Works Director Blake Lukis. “This award demonstrates our staff’s commitment to the residents of Framingham to provide unsurpassed drinking water and fire suppression.”

“This recognition is truly a testament to our team of dedicated water professionals,” said Stephen Leone, Director of Water and Wastewater. “Our staff is devoted to maintaining, safeguarding, and improving the City’s water infrastructure, all while providing exemplary customer service 365 days a year, no matter the circumstances.”

No public ceremony was held for this award due to COVID-19 restrictions just recently being lifted.

Osmose utility to continue inspecting utility poles throughout the City of Framingham
                                                                                        3/25/21

Framingham, MA- The Framingham Department of Public Works has issued a street permit to Osmose Utility, a Verizon Wireless subcontractor, allowing them to continue inspecting utility poles located in the public right-of-way throughout the city.

Utility pole inspections will begin the first week of April. Workers will be dressed in safety clothing, carry identification cards, and work out of company marked vehicles.

Per Massachusetts law, Osmose Utility is required to file Dig Safe tickets. Dig Safe paint markings will be visible near utility poles throughout the city.

Reference this document for more information about Osmose’s proposed work scope and messaging.

Please send all questions, comments, or concerns to Osmose Utility at (770) 632-6700 or submit an inquiry form on their website.