Franklin commission urges DPW to clear blocked culverts using Clean Communities or other funds

The Franklin Township commission voted to recommend that the Department of Public Works clear and repair municipal culverts after members described several drains clogged with debris that reduce stream flow and raise local flood risk.

Stan (commissioner) described recent field inspections and said the work ‘‘really helps stream flow and prevents flooding’’ and suggested the township pursue grant money to cover costs. Commissioners discussed whether the recommendation should ask DPW specifically to use Clean Communities grant funds or allow DPW to use any appropriate funding source; the motion was amended to permit DPW discretion and to include supporting photos in a memo to the department.

Tara and Carl of DPW clarified how the Clean Communities program is administered: the grant typically covers equipment purchase, maintenance, weekend cleanups, staff time, sweepings and disposal costs, and towns submit an annual summary report to the granting agency. Carl (DPW) confirmed those reports exist and said the township generally absorbs the grant into DPW's budget while reporting by broad categories rather than line items.

Commissioners asked staff to prepare a short memo with photos showing the blocked culverts and to request DPW evaluate whether Clean Communities funding or other township funds can be used for targeted clearing and maintenance. The commission did not record a roll-call tally on the motion; members agreed to follow up with DPW and to supply photographic evidence gathered during inspections.

Next steps: staff will prepare the memo with photos and send it to DPW; commissioners requested copies of the most recent Clean Communities reports to understand prior allocations.