The board’s decision to waive the water usage charge for a property on River Street marked an outcome of the meeting. An extraordinary usage report of 47,000 gallons was linked to a frozen pipe incident, exacerbated by extremely cold weather. The property had remained unoccupied, with the owner in a care facility since summer, prompting the board to unanimously agree to adjust the service charges. This decision was informed by the extenuating circumstances and the water department’s recommendation.

Discussions then shifted to the complexities surrounding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). With community interest in ADUs on the rise, the board considered their integration into existing infrastructure. Board members debated the best practices for connecting ADUs to the current sewer system, highlighting the risks of improper connections, such as potential sewage backups into main homes. There was consensus on the necessity of involving engineering expertise in the design of ADUs, especially in lower elevations where drainage issues could arise. The board emphasized the importance of gravity feed systems over forced pump systems to minimize backup risks. Historical regulations, such as the size limit of ADUs not exceeding 900 square feet, were reiterated, with a focus on ensuring that these units do not disrupt existing systems and adhere to separate connection requirements if they could be sold independently in the future.

Staffing changes within the board’s operations were another focal point. The promotion of Dave Wilson, who has been working out of classification as a Pump Station operator since May 2023, was highlighted. The board plans to formalize his position in the upcoming meeting. This approach has fostered a deep understanding of operations, benefiting the department’s efficiency.

The board also discussed the preparation for the upcoming town meeting, with a deadline for warrant articles set for March 25. An additional meeting on March 17 aims to finalize the budget and allocations, including the use of certified free cash—a move the board hopes to minimize. Discussions included the potential use of betterment money for leaching field projects, emphasizing the need for clarity on financial matters related to original articles submitted. Historical project data, dating back to 2009, was considered crucial for aligning current plans with past records. The board recognized the importance of verifying and updating existing data to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness in budgeting and planning.

Further, the meeting touched on the financial intricacies of the wastewater treatment plant. Efforts to reconcile discrepancies in financial records were noted, with a focus on mapping charge codes for better clarity. The tedious yet necessary task of resolving these discrepancies was acknowledged as vital for maintaining accurate records. Concerns were raised about historical practices related to betterments, specifically the removal of liens during refinancing processes without proper documentation. This practice, once halted, appeared to have re-emerged, complicating payment tracking.

Finally, there was mention of executive session matters that were postponed due to insufficient posting requirements. These topics are expected to be revisited in future meetings. A motion was approved to continue discussions in two weeks unless an earlier session is needed.