A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the ongoing challenges surrounding the relocation of kayak racks from Zone One, an area affected by vehicle access limitations. Board members discussed delays in communication with the Department of Environmental Protection (DDP), with an official letter expected soon to provide formal guidance on the matter. The board expressed a strong preference for moving the racks immediately, highlighting the seven-month delay as a source of frustration. One member articulated this sentiment, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

The board agreed to wait for the forthcoming DDP letter before responding to their attorney, who had previously expressed confusion over the timeline and extensions related to the project. Despite this, there was a clear inclination to draft a notification to all parties involved, outlining the relocation timeline for the kayak racks. Members acknowledged the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements while balancing expectations, given the extended timeline.

Simultaneously, the board addressed the completion of ongoing construction activities at Rolling Acres, focusing on the nearing completion of work on the water main. The process involved pressure testing, chlorination, and thorough bacterial testing before connecting the new line to residences. Challenges encountered during construction included navigating unstable ground conditions while crossing under existing infrastructure. The board commended the cooperation of residents during this process and expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness and organization on-site.

Cost management was another focal point, with careful tracking of all expenditures related to the project. The discussion included equipment costs and the potential need to retain an excavator for additional service connections. The board considered employing two crews to expedite service connections if the excavator remained available, reflecting optimism for satisfactory pressure test results and project completion.

In another discussion, the board tackled the need to develop a three to five-year capital plan focused on main replacements. Notably, the district is four years behind schedule on this project, emphasizing the urgency of addressing aged mains. The objective is to present the plan to the public, providing a cost comparison between in-house work and hiring external contractors. The board noted ongoing damage control measures to manage main breaks during the season and anticipated an upcoming meeting with consulting firm Time Bond to clarify questions related to the capital plan.

A pilot study to gather data for regulatory approval of a potential water treatment plan was another key topic. The board discussed the imprudence of spending large sums on treatment without solid data, proposing a budget of approximately $300,000 for a pilot test. Despite previous reliance on lab sampling, there was a consensus on the necessity of a comprehensive pilot test for thorough data collection.

Public participation emerged as a vital component, with the board suggesting that valid options from the upcoming meeting with Time Bond be presented to voters. The potential for a warrant article to fund the study was highlighted as a key point for community input. An additional warrant article to proceed with sampling and testing, estimated at around $40,000, was also acknowledged.

The board’s attention then turned to equipment needs, specifically aging machinery used for daily operations. Discussion centered on replacing older models, with one piece being over 30 years old and others around 15 years old. The board considered a warrant article to secure funding for new equipment, weighing state-approved pricing against going out to bid.

Finally, the board addressed drainage issues related to a recent Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) job near a local puppet theater. Despite multiple paving efforts, a persistent puddle remained due to improperly elevated catch basins. The board suggested a collaborative meeting with state representatives to address the drainage concerns, emphasizing the need for a solution involving lowering the catch basins.