One of the primary topics was the approval of a septic system upgrade on Dalia Drive. The property, represented by Kirk Fitzpatrick on behalf of homeowners Vern and Linda Harwell, required a significant system overhaul after failing a Title 5 inspection. The existing setup was found to be saturating and potentially affecting groundwater. The proposed solution included installing a new 1,500-gallon, two-compartment septic tank, which would direct effluent to a 1,000-gallon pump chamber and then to a leech field using a Presby system. A key aspect of the proposal was the request to reduce the groundwater offset from four feet to two feet due to the lot’s constraints. Board members expressed their support for the plan, noting its thoughtfulness given the site’s limitations. The proposal was unanimously approved following a motion and roll call vote.

The meeting also addressed concerns from neighboring property owners about potential runoff from the septic upgrades, a topic that generated much community interest. Bob Tabro, residing on Paula Beth Street, raised concerns about runoff affecting his property. The Board clarified that the land’s grade rises towards a stone wall, which should prevent increased runoff towards his property. Tabro was satisfied with this explanation. Similarly, Kurt Kramer from 32 Baldwin Hill voiced worries due to the absence of a retaining wall on his property. The Board reassured him that the septic system was designed to maintain existing flow patterns, addressing his concerns about runoff and construction access issues related to a nearby maple tree.

The Board also approved a similar septic upgrade for a property on Baldwin Hill Road, where Fitzpatrick once again presented the case. The proposal mirrored the solutions offered for a property on Dalia Drive and faced tight lot conditions requiring a variance for groundwater offset reduction. After thorough discussion, including inquiries about vent pipe placement and setback distances, the Board unanimously approved the plan.

In addition to septic system approvals, the Board discussed public health updates, notably concerning the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Littleton remained in the moderate risk category for the West Nile Virus, while neighboring towns had heightened alerts. The Board emphasized the importance of mosquito precautions, especially during peak activity times.

Further discussions included an update on opioid settlement funds, with the Board set to receive $40,000 over several years. The structured settlement from the Sackler estate and Purdue Pharma provides limited immediate financial impact, but there was consideration for using these funds for small health program initiatives.

A significant public health issue discussed involved the senior affordable housing on King Street, known as Littleton Green, where unsanitary conditions due to hoarding and water damage had created a health nuisance.

The meeting also touched on correspondence about tobacco regulations and the need to revisit them in light of upcoming construction. The Board acknowledged September as Suicide Prevention Month, urging community action, and highlighted October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging preventive healthcare measures.