The meeting’s most significant topic was the discussion on the proposed Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund, presented by Dan from the Department of Public Works. This initiative aims to create a sustainable funding mechanism for stormwater management in Ayer. The work group, which has been meeting since September of the previous year, presented a plan, including a web page with educational resources, fee calculations, and answers to common questions.

The proposed stormwater utility fund would levy an annual fee of $95 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). For example, a commercial property with an impervious area of 68,542 square feet would incur an annual fee of $2,090, calculated based on its ERUs. The fee structure is designed to reflect the impervious area of a property, meaning properties with more impervious surfaces would pay higher fees due to their greater impact on stormwater management. Additionally, property owners could apply for up to a 50% reduction in their stormwater fees if they implement approved stormwater treatment solutions.

The Select Board has advised the submission of two warrant articles for town meeting consideration to establish the stormwater utility enterprise fund and its fee collection processes. The anticipated revenue from the stormwater utility is $700,000, factoring in a 7% estimate for potential credits. Concerns were raised about the significant increase in stormwater fees, especially the jump from $55 to $95 per residential unit, prompting calls for thorough analysis by the finance committee. The need for a reserve fund to manage future stormwater projects was also highlighted.

The committee also revisited a past initiative from 2011 regarding a stormwater utility that was dissolved in 2015 due to funding issues. This historical context led to suggestions for a special meeting to align further discussions with the upcoming Select Board meeting on October 1, 2024.

Another topic was the impact of the recent hospital closure on emergency services. The fire department chief explained the challenges faced due to the closure, including longer travel distances for ambulances, higher fuel and maintenance costs, and potential delays in response times. The department has established a new medical control agreement with another facility at an unexpected cost of $4,400. Concerns about service times and the adequacy of mutual aid agreements were discussed, with ongoing talks about enhancing resources to manage increased demands.

The future of the senior center was another focal point of the meeting. A representative from the senior center site selection building committee presented findings on a proposed new facility on Bishop Road. The new center, planned to be approximately 14,000 square feet, will feature a large multi-purpose room, a commercial kitchen, meeting spaces, a fitness room, and a wellness room. The current senior center’s limitations, including its location in the basement of the Housing Authority and inadequate capacity, were discussed. The select board accepted the committee’s recommendation to proceed with due diligence and environmental assessments for the new site.

Financial considerations were raised, with an estimated budget of over $16 million for the new center, likely funded through municipal bonds. The committee emphasized the importance of planning for future needs while addressing current limitations. The new center aims to serve a growing older population, which comprises over 25% of Ayer’s residents aged 60 and older.

The meeting also touched on advancements in budget transparency. The town’s new budget book, now available online, replaces traditional paper formats with an interactive digital experience. This tool allows residents to drill down into specific departments, view expenditure categories, and access monthly updates. The transition to a digital format is aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility, with efforts to present expenses quarterly.

Scheduling discussions included establishing regular meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month and a special meeting on September 25th to address the stormwater utility enterprise fund. Public comments highlighted the need for improved audio-visual setups during meetings, with hopes for a new system next year.