02:52The sewer extension project is considered essential for restoring the health of the Great Pond watershed, aligning with the town’s water quality management plans. Consulting engineers, town staff, and the Department of Environmental Protection have thoroughly vetted these plans. The town’s finance director confirmed that by utilizing funds from the capital and debt stabilization fund, the town could manage the new debt from this project without increasing taxes, assuming the anticipated subsidies are secured. The finance committee has also recommended the project’s approval under Article 15 of the April annual town meeting, contingent on the ballot question’s approval.

06:08Another topic discussed was the reconsideration of a vote to send a petition concerning the evaporation of nuclear waste to the town clerk for inclusion on the May ballot. The board, advised by town counsel, opted to move forward with the petition as originally presented by the petitioners, without altering the language. This decision followed a review process that affirmed the petition’s language contained no fatal flaws.