Lunenburg Sewer Commission Denies School Department Interest Waiver
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Meeting Type:
Sewerage Authority
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Meeting Date:
06/25/2024
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Recording Published:
06/26/2024
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Duration:
37 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting of the Lunenburg Sewer Commission, the most notable decision was the denial of a waiver of interest on a late payment requested by the school department. Despite concerns raised about accountability and lack of explanation for the delay in payment, the commission moved to deny the waiver. Additionally, the commission elected its officers, with John Reynolds being re-elected as chairman, Brett Ramsden as vice-chair, and Michael Mackin as clerk. The meeting also delved into issues such as pump station clogs, manhole inspections, and a significant Q4 billing deficit.
The request from the school department for a waiver of interest on their bill drew attention during the meeting. The conversation among commission members highlighted the need for holding entities accountable for timely payments. The lack of a provided explanation for the late payment was also a topic of inquiry. The motion to deny the request for waiver of interest was ultimately passed, indicating the commission’s stance on maintaining fiscal responsibility by all parties, including municipal departments.
Another topic discussed was the ongoing issue of pump station clogs. The commission expressed concerns over the frequency of these clogs and the challenges they posed to the sewer system’s operations. The discussion focused on possible solutions, such as the installation of grinders at key locations or increasing the frequency of wet well pumping to mitigate the problem. Additionally, there was a proposal to run an informational ad in The Ledger, aiming to raise awareness among sewer users about how to prevent clogs.
The commission also reviewed the results of a recent manhole inspection. The contractor’s visual inspection methods were favorably received, with a member suggesting that such methods should become a standard practice for future inspections.
Financial matters were another topic, as the commission approved the Q4 FY 25 commitments and discussed a notable deficit in the Q4 billings, amounting to approximately $502,000. The shortfall was compounded by the fact that the expected savings from the Green Communities grant did not materialize as anticipated. Additionally, there was mention of the revocation of an alcohol license and the installation of a new grease trap at a local business, although the context of these mentions was not detailed in the summaries provided.
The estimated cost for needed repairs following the manhole inspections was discussed, with plans to work on putting together specifications and quantities for the upcoming bid. This highlights the commission’s forward-looking approach to addressing infrastructure needs and ensuring proper allocation of town funds for necessary repairs.
The topic of committee membership and vacancies was also brought up, with the commission planning for future meetings and expressing a desire to attract additional members to the committee. The next meeting was tentatively scheduled for July 9th.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and an agreement to sign a document for the town accountant, a routine administrative matter ensuring proper documentation and financial accountability.
Heather R. Lemieux
Sewerage Authority Officials:
John Reynolds, Brett Ramsden, Michael Nault, Dave MacDonald, Michael Mackin, Bill Bernard (DPW Director), Paula Bertram (Business Manager)
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Meeting Type:
Sewerage Authority
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Meeting Date:
06/25/2024
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Recording Published:
06/26/2024
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Duration:
37 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
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