The meeting opened with a pressing discussion on the town’s water supply challenges, particularly the presence of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in Wells 5 and 8, first detected in April 2021. The board deliberated on the timeline and funding required to bring a new PFAS Filtration plant online and the construction of additional wells to handle increased water demand during peak tourist seasons. The urgency of addressing this issue was underscored by a resident’s frustration with the perceived slow response and the need for greater water storage and pumping capacity.

The presence of contaminants in other wells was also a major topic, with Well 6 having detectable levels of pollutants. The board discussed blending water from this well with cleaner sources, thereby diluting contaminants to non-detectable levels. The effectiveness of the planned treatment system in removing various contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), was debated. Concerns were raised about pinpointing the sources of contamination, which could stem from multiple manufacturing processes and products.

Water usage, particularly the impact of irrigation systems on the town’s water supply, was another topic of debate. Suggestions were made to implement a bounty system to track and regulate water usage for irrigation. The board noted that despite a wet spring, the total water usage for April was average but expressed concern about the recovery of the groundwater levels compared to previous years.

The discussion then shifted to a variance hearing for a property owned by Martin and Nancy Bach. The proposal, presented by Gabriel Padilla from Grady Consulting, sought to replace an existing cesspool with a conventional system. Following a review, the board granted the variance with conditions that included property restrictions and the submission of as-built plans.

Another point of interest was the introduction of Karen Chimwaza, the new short-term rental inspector and administrator. Chimwaza updated the board on her work in processing permit applications, liaising with Realtors, and reconciling short-term rentals registered with the state. She shared her experience from East Ham, where she enforced occupancy limits and addressed rental violations. The board emphasized the importance of short-term rental regulation and considered potential adjustments to the program.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing issues at a property on M Hill Road, where unsanitary conditions, such as yard rubbish, metal, and tires, were reported to provide rodent harborage and mosquito breeding grounds. After a notice of violation was suggested, the board discussed the involvement of multiple town departments, including zoning, conservation, health, and police, to address the situation. Legal action in Superior Court was considered as a potential step to compel the property owner to clean up the site.

Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement actions taken thus far, with reports of illegal dumping and the presence of tents on the property. The board discussed coordinating with other town departments and the legal process to resolve the issues. The long-standing problem of debris and unsanitary conditions at the McGrath property was also brought up as a point of frustration. Board members debated legal action and the possibility of a court order to mandate a clean-up by the property owner.