The most notable issue was the construction of the wastewater treatment facility improvements. Three bids had been received, with Pool and C Company of Florida offering the lowest at $34,417,000. The council grappled with the terms of signing the contract, particularly with the need for an amendment to the grant beforehand. Concerns were raised about the potential risks of the town incurring overruns and the timeline for spending federal funds. The financial discussion also included the current expenditure of $2,664,221.42 and signed contracts amounting to $3,029,637.74, alongside a contingency of 5% totaling $1.7 million and a remaining total of $832,000. Projects yet to be completed were identified, such as Main Street marata lift stations, the South plant closing, and the Force main to get the South Plant closed. The importance of the $40 million grant was underscored.

The council was requested to delay the project for one month to allow the new members to understand the grant and its implications better. Discussions were held about the potential risk of exceeding the $40 million budget and the subsequent impact on the town. Public input was deemed necessary, with the possibility of a special meeting to address community concerns. The council weighed the implications of delaying the project, the difficulty in securing additional funds if the grant is not fully utilized, and the current customer base of the sewer system. The project’s significance was highlighted in terms of preserving the lakes and considering the financial implications of the decision.

In addition to the treatment plant, the council discussed the need for expansion due to the current system nearing capacity. With $500,000 available for the next section of the plant, there was a proposal to build a million-gallon facility to ensure longevity and cost-effectiveness. Questions about the operating costs were raised, and it was explained that the new plant would be more efficient than the existing system, thus reducing operational costs. The engineers clarified that the new plant would be more computer-operated, prompting questions about staff qualifications for operating and maintaining it.

Other notable items included the potential resolution of a project related to the Lake Placid Conference Center, a motion regarding mandatory hook-ups to the sewer system, and a transition to new financial software and IT provider for security and budgetary reasons. The Lake Placid Police Department’s construction plans were also discussed, with suggestions to consider remodeling existing structures rather than new constructions, although these were met with opposition based on previous decisions.

The council also engaged in debates concerning the potential for saving money on various projects, the town’s assets, including the sale of land and consolidation of municipal buildings, and the need to appoint a replacement for the Tourist Development Council and a liaison to the regional utility. The possibility of reorganizing the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the status of the town’s Tower were also addressed. The new council members spoke on the importance of public feedback in decision-making and shared their intentions to provide summaries of community perspectives.