15:59A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to deliberating on the proposed fee structures for stormwater management. Participants expressed concerns about handling future fee increases, questioning whether such adjustments would require a public vote or could be approved by a commission without involving the town at large. There was a suggestion to establish a commission similar to the Sewer Commission, which is elected, to manage these fees. This prompted a discussion about the Town Charter and the potential to create enterprise funds, examining the authority and checks and balances involved in such a process.

0:00Additionally, the task force explored the possibility of using property tax contributions to support the utility. One suggestion was that a half-percent contribution from current property taxes could be reasonable. The idea of involving businesses in funding, including larger establishments like Walmart, was also discussed as a means to alleviate the financial burden on individual taxpayers. The task force examined Chapter 90 funding, which is allocated to towns for various projects, including stormwater initiatives. The adequacy of these funds for ongoing stormwater projects was debated, considering historical funding levels and future needs.

In parallel, the task force was introduced to the Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREATE), which is designed to aid stormwater and wastewater management by mapping climate change impacts. An individual provided an overview of the tool, highlighting its ability to generate reports based on historical weather data. The tool’s first two modules involve gathering data on the town’s size and climate trends. A meteorologist presented projections suggesting an increase in rainfall by two inches and a rise in temperature by two degrees over the next 50 years.

15:59The discussion then shifted to specific projects, including the timeline of an MS4 project and enhancements to the local library’s surroundings. It was noted that the library project was progressing slowly, with concerns about potential fines due to project delays. The library staff was reportedly supportive of the project, which includes plans for a new parking lot and drainage studies essential for mitigating rising costs due to drainage issues. The original design and engineering work were criticized for lacking detail, leading to inflated cost estimates.

Attention was also given to major renovations proposed for Marshall Park, which require substantial financial investment. The project was acknowledged as being years away, although the library project might be completed sooner. Attendees discussed the importance of completing drainage studies and ensuring cost-effective solutions for water management.

Concerns were raised about unauthorized landscaping efforts by a resident on Wildwood, which were perceived as attempts to manage water runoff independently. The task force emphasized the importance of informing residents about the support available from the stormwater department.

The meeting also addressed recent work on Turkey Hill, where measures were implemented to combat winter icing issues. Although the outcomes of these adjustments were not fully assessed due to a lack of significant rainfall, ongoing communication with residents about stormwater management practices was deemed critical.