Marina Fernandez, the director of Public Works, delivered a detailed presentation on the town’s efforts to manage lead pipe replacement. The town had initially sought a $1.7 million funding request, which included a 100% grant component that is no longer available. This change necessitated a reassessment of the plan, which initially relied on a combination of grants and loans from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The revised strategy now involves securing a zero-percent interest loan for 75% of the project costs, while the town seeks a 25% grant.

Fernandez emphasized the critical nature of identifying and replacing lead and galvanized services, which affect approximately 4,000 properties in Milton. She detailed the labor-intensive process of documenting service materials, involving the differentiation between public and private service lines. The town has already communicated with residents through letters to inform them about the material status of their water services.

The committee members engaged in a robust dialogue with Fernandez, exploring the project’s financial and logistical aspects. They discussed the competitive bidding process for construction work and the role of engineering firm CDM Smith in developing plans and specifications. The conversation also touched upon the coordination of lead pipe replacement with other infrastructure projects, such as gas line replacements, and the statistical model used by the EPA to categorize unknown materials based on data from 500 planned exploratory pits.

A point of debate centered on the need for statistical modeling versus conducting additional test pits. While the initial plan included a $100,000 allocation for modeling, a participant suggested that increasing the number of test pits to 2,000 could provide more actionable data. This suggestion followed the discovery of older ledgers, which reduced the number of unknowns, raising questions about the necessity of modeling.

The committee also addressed homeowner cooperation in replacing identified lead service lines. Despite notifications about lead presence, some homeowners have been hesitant to authorize replacements, posing potential compliance challenges with the EPA’s 2027 deadline. Discussions included the necessity of securing homeowner agreements and documenting efforts to replace pipes to demonstrate the town’s due diligence.

Financial considerations were another focal point, with clarity sought on the town’s ability to manage the replacement of galvanized pipes. While the town can cover costs for 42 known lead pipes, homeowners may face delays in addressing galvanized pipes due to budget constraints.

In addition to the lead pipe issue, the committee examined the town’s debt management practices, particularly in light of rising debt service without corresponding revenue-generating initiatives. Members highlighted the importance of understanding existing debts and prioritizing financial obligations, especially considering potential discussions on tax overrides.

The meeting also touched upon the potential expansion of one-day liquor licenses for events on town property, sparking a debate on community engagement versus public safety. Questions arose about the select board’s framework for issuing licenses, the implications for community events, and the legal liabilities involved, prompting members to seek further clarification from town officials and legal counsel.