The meeting’s spotlight fell on the health code violation on Scanic Road, brought to attention by a member of the Board of Health. The violation involved an individual living in a travel trailer on the property without adequate sanitation facilities, notably relying on a porta-potty and lacking running water. This setup was deemed non-compliant with state sanitary codes and local health regulations. An inquiry initiated on October 30 led to a notice of violation issued on December 3. The property owner, who was also found to be without a building permit or plans for a permanent residence, expressed intent to appeal the violation findings. The board members deliberated on the appeal process, ultimately scheduling a hearing for January 6, 2025, to address the urgent public health concerns exacerbated by cold weather conditions, which posed risks of hypothermia.

The board unanimously agreed to declare the situation a health emergency. Discussions also included potential enforcement measures, highlighting the accumulation of daily fines since the violation notice and the importance of maintaining health standards within the community. The board’s decision to act decisively was aimed at reinforcing adherence to local bylaws and safeguarding public health.

In parallel, the meeting addressed the expansion of the water district, a project with community implications. The board awarded a contract for the expansion, which encompassed a pump station upgrade, a water main extension, and service connections to individual houses. The project, supported by the water commissioners and recommended by the consultancy firm TI Bond, was awarded to “our Contractors Incorporated” with a bid slightly exceeding $2.8 million. The board discussed the potential benefits of the project, including enhanced property values due to reliable water access.

A resident voiced frustration over the perceived pressure to connect to the Scantic Valley Water District, citing historical contamination issues. The board acknowledged the concerns and reiterated the town’s position that connections to clean water would be free for residents, although future homeowners might incur costs post-connection.

The board also addressed the legal and financial responsibilities associated with residents opting out of connecting to the new water system, especially if their wells showed no contamination. There was a consensus on the need to establish a legal framework to mitigate the town’s future liabilities related to testing these wells. The board recognized the historical context of contamination from the town’s landfill and expressed caution about assuming ongoing testing costs when a safer water source was available.

Further discussions highlighted the necessity for proactive community outreach, emphasizing the importance of accurate information to prevent misinformation. Plans for a forum and an informational letter to the 29 residences undergoing water testing were proposed to facilitate communication and address concerns.

In addition to these major topics, the board approved an extension for the materials recovery facility (MURF) contract, endorsing a five-year term deemed favorable compared to previous agreements. Fiscal matters were also covered, with the board noting a decrease in the tax rate for fiscal year 2025 to 15.9, although they acknowledged that rising assessment values could offset any potential tax relief for residents.

The meeting concluded with logistical discussions regarding upcoming holidays, confirming half-day operations for the transfer station and town hall on specific dates. The board members concluded the session with holiday greetings and scheduled the next meeting for January 6, 2025, followed by a committee meeting on municipal buildings on January 7.