The primary concern revolved around the installation of a 2,000-gallon septic tank, which the board deemed insufficient for the winery’s requirements. It was proposed that an additional 1,000-gallon tank be installed to meet regulatory standards. Members highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues, noting that the board’s leverage to issue new permits would diminish as the year progressed. The board agreed that inviting both the winery owner and their engineer to the next meeting would facilitate a more efficient resolution process. One member expressed a preference for direct communication, stating, “Mono on mono is a better way than probably a faster way than sending out emails or letters.”

The board had addressed the issue of the 2,000-gallon tight tank last year, yet no actions had been taken by the winery since then. A member remarked on the lack of cooperation, “It’s a little disappointing that we’re still talking about it… we appear to be trying to work with this business, but the other side of the relationship doesn’t seem to want to work with the board.”

Further, the board emphasized the importance of ensuring the winery’s operations comply with public safety and environmental standards. “We want this business to go, but we don’t want it to go in a way that it becomes a public nuisance,” one member stated.

Another discussion at the meeting involved the proposed installation of polyethylene lines to improve the septic system in the Ken Lane area. This plan aims to utilize state funds initially earmarked for loans to enhance the system’s reliability by running lines from two specific locations to the headspace. Christopher Martin explained that the town would oversee the installation, although homeowners would retain ownership of the systems afterward. This effort seeks to address persistent flooding issues and upgrade existing systems.

The board also addressed concerns from Dollar General regarding their drainage plan. The original design’s large leaching chambers were prone to perpetual flooding. Proposed modifications involved redirecting a land drain and increasing the outfall pipe size to alleviate pressure on the system, potentially eliminating ineffective water-collecting ponds. The board acknowledged the necessity of monitoring these changes to prevent street flooding, which could attract state scrutiny.

Additional discussions touched on the inspection of a drain on Route 202 to ensure it was not obstructed by sediment and the complexities of managing environmental concerns, such as a beaver dam’s potential impact on public health. The board concluded that unless the dam compromised drinking water wells or leaching fields, it might not warrant intervention.

The board also explored future office space needs, with a focus on securing adequate facilities to accommodate potential town growth. Discussions centered on the necessary square footage, ventilation requirements, and the design of a new space that could house future staff expansions like a health agent or nurse. The board aimed for office space between 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, emphasizing flexibility and future growth.

Lastly, regulatory reviews were discussed, with plans to categorize and clarify existing regulations. Members proposed scheduling discussions at the beginning of meetings to ensure thorough consideration while adhering to open meeting laws to maintain transparency.