The most significant item on the agenda was the formal design review of Municipal Pump Station number three, part of the Riverwalk Park project on Route 28, West Yarmouth. The Town of Yarmouth, represented by Mike Judy from CDM Smith, outlined the new design changes. Initially, the pump station’s design involved a larger structure using a “wet pit dry pit” system with a significant basement area for the pumps. However, advancements in technology have led to the adoption of submersible pumps, which operate directly in the wastewater, allowing for a more compact structure. The new design reduces the building dimensions from approximately 40 feet by 50 feet to 24 feet by 40 feet.

The revised design retains the original architectural features, including horizontal clabo, Hardy Board, and PVC elements. The smaller wet well will now be constructed using precast concrete sections, which will result in significant cost savings for the town. The site plan also ensures that critical electrical components are elevated above the 100-year floodplain, complying with flood zone regulations. Additionally, fencing will be added along the eastern and western sides of the building to screen the facilities from Route 28 and the entrance to Riverwalk Park.

During the board’s discussion, concerns were raised about the number of pumps and odor control measures. Judy clarified that the number of pumps would remain unchanged, and the flow directed to this station had decreased due to the construction of another pumping station further east. Odor control measures, including the use of carbon canisters, have been incorporated into the design to address potential issues, although odor problems are not anticipated.

Another major topic discussed was a proposed article to modify the methodology for calculating cash payments from developers to meet affordable housing requirements. The existing formula, established in 2013, links the fee to median income. The new proposal would tie it to median home prices to better reflect the actual costs of creating affordable units. The fee would be calculated based on the difference between median home prices and the prices set for affordable units, with data sourced from the Warrant Group and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. This change aims to provide developers with predictable costs during the design and development process.

The discussion also included a zoning article concerning seasonal employee housing at hotels and motels in the Hotel Motel Overlay District 2 (HMOD2) along Southshore Drive. The article proposes limiting these establishments to a maximum of 15% of their rooms for seasonal employees. If properties exceed this limit, they would need to apply for a one-year special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). This measure is intended to provide temporary housing options for seasonal workers while maintaining a balance within the tourism economy.

The board also reviewed the local comprehensive plan, emphasizing the need for wastewater infrastructure and addressing the Cape Cod Commission’s development review process. The finance committee highlighted the importance of attainable housing for sustaining the workforce and tourism revenues. Discussions included reassessing zoning to explore opportunities for mixed-use developments and the potential for duplexes and triplexes by right. Public engagement was recognized as important to alleviate concerns about increased density, with suggestions for visual aids to better communicate development goals.

Updates from various committees were provided, including the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), which shared project updates related to the Friends of Bass River and Taylor Bray Farm. A request was made to approve the continuation of a contractor for ongoing work based on satisfactory performance, avoiding the need for additional bids. The CPC also discussed upcoming grant applications and the potential for a sole-source contract for the Friends Meeting House project.

Further, an update on the state of Great Island revealed ongoing frustrations regarding its unchanged condition despite prior approvals from the zoning board. The property was described as a blight on a major intersection, with a call for the town to be more proactive in purchasing such properties.

The meeting concluded with announcements about forthcoming events, including National Night Out, an open house meeting focused on public input, and a presentation to the select board regarding zoning articles. The importance of collecting stakeholder input was reiterated, with future interviews planned with various town departments and community members.