The meeting’s primary focus was on the amendment to the Phase 2 intermunicipal agreement for expanding the water system. This modification was driven by the discovery of an expanding plume affecting more properties in both Dunstable and Brockton. The board acknowledged the collective concern from residents voiced during a multi-group meeting on July 30. Ty and Bond, the Licensed Site Professional, are currently tasked with defining the plume’s boundaries through ongoing testing, a necessity until a clear endpoint is identified. The amendment aims to expedite the expansion of water lines to newly affected areas, connecting streets in both towns that were not originally part of the project due to the plume’s previous configuration.

Financial considerations were a prominent part of the discussion, with a breakdown of costs revealing that the project remains within budget, thanks in part to a grant aiding all communities involved. Initially, it was expected that homeowners would pay for private connections to the water main and seek reimbursement. However, the board decided that the town should cover these costs directly to mitigate liability and procurement complexities, despite the higher expense.

The board heard from a resident who receives water deliveries due to issues related to the plume, raising questions about town responsibility in assisting affected individuals. The importance of providing good customer service was emphasized, with suggestions for outreach from Ty and Bond or the local school to address residents’ ongoing concerns.

Attention then shifted to the nuisance dog designation involving Mr. Maldun. The board planned a hearing for the 20th to address the situation, with one member expressing skepticism about Mr. Maldun’s chances in court. The potential danger posed by the dog was a shared concern, with discussions highlighting the need for legal action to ensure public safety. The board debated the necessity of incurring legal fees, agreeing they might be required to uphold community safety.

Additional measures discussed included the necessity of muzzling the dog, with the board previously providing Mr. Maldun with options for muzzles that allow the dog to bark and drink while preventing aggressive behavior. Concerns were also raised about the dog being off-leash, underscoring the importance of verifying compliance with safety measures, such as fencing and signage, particularly if the situation were to escalate.

The meeting then addressed a financial interest disclosure by Jeff Rosen concerning his role on the Union Building Rehabilitation Committee. Rosen disclosed potential conflicts of interest due to his employer’s involvement in the project. The board accepted his waiver of disclosure, recognizing the value of his continued involvement under stipulated conditions.

A less immediate but still noteworthy topic was the formation of a collaborative group among towns in the First Middlesex District to enhance economic development. Concerns were raised about the redundancy of efforts and the financial contributions required from towns. Dunstable, alongside Ashby, had not contributed, citing financial constraints and a lack of perceived benefits. The initiative’s website development is ongoing, with potential contributions from local businesses discussed.

Lastly, the board addressed property enforcement matters, focusing on long-standing issues like the condition of a property on Pleasant. The property reportedly had habitability concerns, with discussions about possibly condemning the house. Members emphasized the need for consistent enforcement across properties, considering the potential costs of such actions. The possibility of imposing municipal liens to recover legal fees was explored.