A significant portion of the meeting focused on a request from the American Legion to sell back sewer capacity for their property on Main Street. Represented by Kathy Basi, the Legion sought to relinquish two equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) to the Sewer Department as they plan to sell the property to a buyer who intends to develop a two-family dwelling with a total of four bedrooms. The Legion’s current debt stands at approximately $6,147, and they proposed that the buyback could help offset this amount. However, complexities arose due to the existing capacity exceeding the buyer’s needs and the financial obligations tied to a 30-year loan.

The board expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the buyback, noting that the Sewer Department does not currently need additional capacity and that relinquishing EDUs would impact the town’s revenue for debt payments. Additionally, the discussion revealed that the property would require only 880 gallons for the proposed development, compared to the existing capacity of 1,320 gallons, complicating the transaction further. The board acknowledged the need to maintain revenue streams to cover its debts and proposed assessing the buyback request in future meetings to explore options that might ease the financial burden on the Legion while considering the town’s fiscal responsibilities.

Another topic was the need for replacement pumps within the wastewater collection system. Concerns were raised about the risks of operating stations with only one pump and no backup, especially given the proximity of these stations to bodies of water. It was noted that a pump failure could result in a community-wide wait of three weeks or more for a replacement, a situation deemed critical. The board proposed using funds from a previous town meeting allocation intended for the collection system assessment to procure new pumps, with around $80,000 available after previous expenditures. A significant disparity in pricing from different vendors was noted, with quotes ranging from $8,300 to $1,586 for the same pump. The board emphasized the importance of obtaining multiple quotes and exploring refurbished or remanufactured options to reduce costs. The transition to more resilient Surumi pumps was also discussed as a potential solution to handle challenging materials often flushed through toilets.

In light of these infrastructure challenges, the superintendent proposed a cost-saving strategy for purchasing spare pumps by rebuilding existing equipment rather than buying new units. This plan aimed to bring costs down to between $22,000 and $32,000, less than the initial estimate of $222,000, by repairing existing pump motors. The superintendent expressed confidence in this approach as a more cost-effective solution to ongoing equipment failures.

The meeting also addressed financial management concerns, particularly the separation of operating and capital expenses. One member highlighted the need to recover funds used for capital projects from operating management funds, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear distinctions between these expenditures. The board agreed on the necessity of adhering to this principle to ensure sound fiscal management.

Further discussions included the management of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the need for a DPW director. Concerns were expressed about the urgency surrounding this role, with calls for thorough discussions rather than hasty decisions. The establishment of an Enterprise account, aimed at ensuring financial independence for specific town services, was also debated, with frustrations voiced over past attempts to reallocate funds from this account.

The board also engaged in a conversation about the town’s website, proposing the introduction of weekly updates featuring “fun facts” about wastewater management to engage the community and increase awareness of wastewater operations. Suggestions for guided tours of the treatment facility were also made to educate residents further.

Lastly, the meeting touched on infrastructural concerns, such as erosion issues in specific areas, and the need for timely intervention to prevent further damage. The board underscored the importance of proactive water flow management and emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate.