The meeting’s most development was the progression of hiring Andrew Valair as the new business manager, a decision contingent on commission ratification. Valair impressed the commission with his initiative, particularly his willingness to shadow the current business manager, Paula Bertram, during her billing process. The commission underscored the importance of customer service experience and plans to implement a structured onboarding process, complete with a list of competencies Valair must achieve over specified timeframes.

In parallel, the commission wrestled with complications in the billing process, where 15 bills had initially failed to be dispatched due to errors. Although 13 were eventually resolved, two bills remained outstanding. The errors stemmed from miscalculations in a town building’s usage and incorrect rate calculations. A consultant was engaged to rectify these issues, and a motion to approve this commitment was unanimously passed. The commission recognized the need for timely resolutions to prevent future billing discrepancies.

The recruitment of an assistant within the department was also a topic of discussion. Some members suggested deferring the hiring process to allow the new manager to settle in, while others argued for starting recruitment promptly, noting the potential delay in finding a suitable candidate. The idea of synchronizing the onboarding process for both the new manager and assistant was considered beneficial for seamless integration into the department.

Infrastructure updates were another focal point, particularly concerning manhole repairs. The bid process for these repairs had commenced, with work anticipated to begin in the spring. The commission identified several manholes requiring attention due to root infiltration, with plans for lining and patching to address these issues. Additionally, recent line repairs were completed with minimal disruption, despite encountering a large rock that temporarily slowed progress. The commission expressed hope that this experience would lead to more cost-effective solutions for future repairs.

The meeting also broached the topic of rising sewage treatment rates and the possibility of establishing a town-owned treatment plant. Although the feasibility of such a plant had been explored before, the prohibitive costs remained a significant barrier. The commission acknowledged the financial burden on residents and emphasized the need for transparency regarding rate increases. Current rates are determined in agreements with neighboring towns Fitchburg and Leominster, but these towns can adjust their rates, affecting Lunenburg’s costs. A five-year agreement exists, providing some stability, yet the potential for changes persists.

Amid these discussions, the commission highlighted the absence of one appointed member who had not attended meetings. There was no provision in the town bylaws to vote this member off due to their absence, prompting the commission to consider contacting the individual to clarify their intentions. The importance of active participation was reiterated, with the understanding that non-participation could jeopardize reappointment when terms expire.

The commission acknowledged the need for bylaw amendments to address member attendance and accountability. Such changes would likely require approval from the select board. Plans to address these amendments were slated for the next meeting, pending feedback from the absent member.

The commission concluded the session by canceling the upcoming December 24th meeting to allow members to observe the holiday season with their families. Future meetings were scheduled for January 14th, January 28th, and February 11th, with options for hybrid and Zoom formats to facilitate member participation.