The commission prioritized a list of necessary system upgrades, with particular attention to the need for pump upgrades and repairs at Mass Avenue and Dana Street. The estimated cost for one of the repairs was around $60,000, and there was concern about the deadline for submitting the request, as well as the strategy for whether to submit separate requests for different repairs or to combine them. Additionally, the commission debated the approval of the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) and commitments for the fiscal year, ultimately passing a motion to approve the commitment pending the final total.

Another point of discussion was the Lofa Farms proposal for an expansive 800,000 square foot facility next to Walmart. The project brought to light concerns about recouping lost revenue and the costs associated with consulting fees. The commission also highlighted the importance of using the remaining ARPA funding effectively, considering the significant investments in infrastructure that were deemed necessary for the town’s sewer system’s longevity and reliability.

At the meeting, the business manager expressed frustration with the recent software upgrade, which had caused issues with billing and data management. Despite efforts made by a consultant, Randy Mercier, to resolve the problems, concerns remained about server configuration and the need for a new service contract. The commission expressed appreciation for the progress made but also conveyed a sense of frustration with the ongoing challenges.

In addition to infrastructure and operational concerns, the commission also focused on community awareness and preventative measures related to sewer system maintenance. They decided to place a full-page color ad in the newspaper for $400 to educate the public about the causes of clogs and their associated costs. The commission discussed the content of the ad, contemplating the inclusion of statistics about the number of clogs and emphasizing the role of the Lunenburg Sewer Commission in this initiative.

Furthermore, the commission discussed the extension request for a property on Kimble Street, where plans were presented to extend the sewer line. The plan was accepted with the condition that the entire length disturbed by the construction would be repaved.

The commission also addressed the fourth-quarter billing, where delinquent notices were sent out to individuals owing over $1,000. The fiscal year’s closure was pending a revenue update, which added to the list of administrative tasks that the commission needed to tackle.

Another agenda item was the manhole inspection AFB, with the commission debating the timeline for reviewing the inspection. The urgency of getting the work done before cold weather was a point of concern, as was the timing of the review process, with a preference for starting as soon as possible.

The meeting concluded with an announcement from a member of the commission about their intention to step down at the end of August. The commission acknowledged the member’s contributions and expressed gratitude for their service.