Mary E. Marsh, a resident, detailed the discomfort from the landfill’s odor, describing it as “really overpowering” during a visit to St. John’s Cemetery. Her attempts to report the issue were met with communication barriers, as Veolia’s contact line was continuously busy. Alan Russo from Spring Road added to the urgency, recounting his experience with inadequate sedimentation barriers at the landfill after a storm.

Council members expressed their concern over the absence of DPW and Veolia representatives at the meeting, noting that this was a recurring issue despite an enforcement order in place. There was a collective agreement on the need for a formal presentation from the landfill operators to address remediation strategies and the impacts of recent weather events. Members also questioned the adequacy of DPW’s responses to information requests.

The council took action by reviewing the request for certificate compliance concerning the sludge landfill enforcement order. They emphasized the necessity of following up on resident emails and obtaining maintenance records related to recent rainfalls. A member stressed the importance of having the landfill operators present until the landfill is closed.

The meeting also delved into other environmental and developmental topics. A joint public hearing was held concerning the construction of a single-family home on zero Betty Spring Road, which involved work within a wetland buffer zone. Representatives from Gardner Consulting LLC and GD Consultant presented plans that included soil testing and drainage modifications for a proposed rain garden. The council scrutinized the design, particularly its capacity to handle potential overflow during heavy rains.

Further, the council addressed concerns about the maintenance and operational plans of the rain garden.

In addition to environmental issues, the council considered several property maintenance matters, including ongoing water management challenges. The Lithuanian Outing Association’s preliminary permitting for a beach nourishment project was discussed, with the council stressing the need for safety testing of materials and a Notice of Intent for further work. They also addressed unauthorized ATV activities on Saunders Road, emphasizing the need for local law enforcement intervention to prevent environmental damage.

The council meeting concluded with updates on various community projects and development proposals. A proposed residential subdivision off Pearl Street was introduced, with discussions focusing on the challenges related to wetland crossings and road connectivity. The council emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards and environmental regulations in planning the development.