🔨 State Slaps City Over Trash Disposal
Concerns about ICE in Framingham | Reading Program Kicks off at Harmony Grove | Mayor Announces D8 Forum | Black History Month in the Memorial Building | Civic Week Ahead
Happy February Vacation, Framingham.
Like so many, I've been very under the weather. However this email finds you, I hope you are well!
Let’s catch up on what’s going on…
1.| State Slaps City Over Trash Disposal
You know the joy you feel tossing junk into the trash truck at the Recycling Center? Well, that joy is coming to an end.
But, why: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection slapped Framingham with a notice of non compliance in August 2024, after an inspection of the center in April, regarding how the city handles solid waste.
The big culprit was using an old trash truck for trash on site.
What does this mean: After meeting with DEP in September, the state and city entered an “Administrative Consent Order”. The city needs to hire a consultant to review the recycling center and propose changes to how trash is handled. The city has a June 30, 2025 deadline to comply.
Why are we finding out now: This order came to light during the February 11 Finance Subcommittee meeting. The Sisitsky Administration requested an appropriation of free cash in the amount of $178,840, which included $171,340 for “consulting engineering and environmental services related to the site assignment at the Recycling Center.”
What is needed: DPW Director Bob Lewis told the committee he “suspects there will be more costs” after the consultation. Instead of using trucks, the city will set up two compactors, like what is used for the cardboard, for people to deposit their trash. According to Lewis, each compactor is $35,000. The site will also require reconfiguration.
There was brief discussion about the future of the entire site, including potential demolition of the old incinerator building. There are no immediate plans.
What’s next: The Finance Subcommittee voted to approve the appropriation to a vote of the full Council.
At least I’ll still get the joy of tossing things into the metal pile…for now.
2.| Council Concerns about ICE in Framingham
Recent news about ICE in Framingham has caused some concern among Councilors. Councilors Adam Steiner and Brandon Ward asked Mayor Sisitsky about Framingham’s involvement at the last Council meeting.
Mayor’s Response: The Mayor informed the Council the Police Chief reaffirmed it is not in the mission of the FPD to enforce federal immigration laws. He proceeded to read a reference to the Massachusetts Supreme Court case Lunn vs Commonwealth that states local police departments lack the authority to detain individuals under federal law.
Framingham is not a sanctuary city.
Mayor Sisitsky proceeded to say he will not issue a broader statement and did not want to “put a target on our back” for the government.
“I do not want to join Mayor Wu in testifying before Congress when she goes down to Washington.” - Mayor Charlie Sisitsky
Task force formed: The Mayor did say he organized a task force to discuss what is going on, mostly referring to it as a “support group”. No further meetings were scheduled as of that Council meeting.
Next steps: Both Councilors expressed their concern about the safety of individuals and families, and remarked how school attendance is down and businesses are suffering due to potential visits from ICE.
To read more:
In Framingham, apparent ICE activity casts shadow on Day Without Immigrants protest
Framingham Officials Offer Clarity On What ICE Can, Can't Do In School
Anxiety ramps up among Framingham immigrant community over reports of ICE raids
ICE arrests man in Framingham who is facing child rape charges
3.| “I am a Reader!”
Now for some good news: Harmony Grove students came together last week to celebrate the joy of reading! Harmony Grove was selected to participate in the United States of Readers program sponsored by Scholastic.
What is the program: On launch day, each student received two books of their choice. Throughout the rest of the school year, each student will receive a total of 10 books, again of their choice. Their teachers will receive 25 books for their classrooms.
Big event: The school assembly was a buzz at the school. Not only where the students and teachers there, but community partners like Superintendent Bob Tremblay, Senate President Karen Spilka, state Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, State Representative Priscila Sousa, State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis, District 5 Councilor Noval Alexander, District 9 Councilor Tracey Bryant, School Committee members Tiffanie Maskell, Adam Freudberg, Valerie Ottaviani, and Willie Labarge.
Jerry Pallotta, local children’s author and award-winning author of Who Would Win series, was on site for a presentation about his life as a writer and the ocean friends who inspire his writing. Each student received a copy of his Who Would Win: Lobster vs Crab in recognition of the day’s special event.
The event coincides with the kick off of Harmony Grove’s Reading Challenge, which counts reading minutes outside of school.
“This program is designed to encourage students to read the books of their choice in the classroom and at home and supports our ongoing mission to boost literacy and enrich student education. We thank Scholastic and our elected officials for not only making this program possible, but also creating the opportunity for our hardworking teachers to build their classroom libraries with more new books.” - Robert Tremblay, Superintendent of Framingham Public Schools
More about the program: The national literacy program’s mission is providing access to books for 10,000 Pre-k through 8th grade students attending Title I schools in Quincy, Revere, Holyoke, the Southern Berkshires and Framingham during this school year. Title I schools are those that receive federal funding to help ensure students from low-income families have access to high quality education.
4.| Mayor Announces D8 Forum
After doing a monthly tour of each of the districts last year, Mayor Sisitsky announced he will hit the road again for his one hour district meetings once a month.
He starts off the tour with District 8 on Thursday, February 27 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. The meeting is in the conference room on the 2nd floor of Loring Arena.
5.| Celebrate Black History Month in the Memorial Building
Tonight the City of Framingham kicks of a celebration of Black History Month in Nevins Hall.
The Black History Month Honors recognizes 17 African American, Framingham connected individuals who made an impact on science, education, athletics, politics, to name a few.
The launch event is tonight at 6:30pm.
“As we reflect on Framingham’s rich history, it is essential to uplift and honor the Black leaders—both historical and contemporary—who have made a lasting impact on our community. This event is an opportunity to recognize their invaluable contributions and ensure that their legacies are preserved for future generations. Celebrating Black history isn’t about exclusion; it’s about inclusion.” - Jesse Edwards, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Framingham.
The exhibit will be in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building from February 18-28. The public may view the exhibit any days and hours the Memorial Building is open to the public.
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, February 18
6:00pm: Council Appointments Subcommittee Agenda
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 20
In Closing…
Have a great week. Watch out for the ice!
