The connection charge hike was deliberated during a public hearing where the necessity of the raise was discussed earnestly. The commission members, after considering the implications, agreed that the increase was essential for addressing the costs imposed by Leominster. Following the unanimous approval, the public hearing was closed.

Another issue that was addressed is the concerning rise in system clogs, which have been attributed to non-dissolving wipes being flushed down toilets. The commission is considering a range of outreach strategies to educate ratepayers on the matter, including social media campaigns, website announcements, and bill insert notices. An update on the SE system revealed the installation of a spill to detect extraneous water entering the system, which could help mitigate the frequency of these clogs.

Financial management was a recurrent theme throughout the meeting, with a report on the current budget status presented to the commission. This included an overview of current receipts and outstanding balances, and a plan was put in place to issue demands for outstanding payments. In relation to financial matters, a significant outstanding balance of $114,541 due to non-compliance with a payment agreement was a topic of discussion. Representatives from the business in question were present and agreed to appear before the Select Board for a review of their license status, which is contingent on compliance with the sewer department’s agreement.

The commission also engaged in a discussion regarding a contentious 93a case against certain landlords, focused on who should bear the responsibility for sewer bills. A business partner involved in the dispute cited extensive expenditures on building repairs and the significance of their liquor license in their operations, which is at risk due to the dispute. The commission considered the possibility of placing a lien on the property as one of several potential recourses to address the outstanding balance. The business partner showed a willingness to make a $2,000 payment as a gesture of good faith but pointed out the difficulty in reaching a full resolution due to the landlords’ lack of response and the financial burden of legal costs.

Furthermore, the meeting touched upon a separate payment agreement with a restaurant that had fallen behind on its sewer bill payments. The commission debated the merits of either voiding the existing agreement or accepting a new proposal from the restaurant, with the recognition that the outstanding balance needed to be settled promptly.

Operational issues also made their way into the discussions, particularly frustrations with the munis software used for bill transfers and demands. The commissioners noted the software’s inadequacies and the negative impact on the department’s operations. Additionally, the commission discussed potential grant funding opportunities that could be utilized for energy-saving upgrades to the system.

The meeting concluded with a nod to the future, discussing upcoming scheduled activities and confirming the next steps for the department. The commissioners expressed mutual appreciation for their collaborative efforts and bid farewell to a departing member, who had announced his resignation earlier in the meeting.