43:46The board grappled with the volatility in water revenue due to fluctuating weather conditions and the increasing costs associated with maintaining the town’s water infrastructure. Mr. Sprat, a key official, presented an overview highlighting the town’s reliance on 12 groundwater wells and the absence of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water.

59:17A critical component of the discussion was the “readiness to serve” fee, which aims to stabilize revenue by covering operational costs before water distribution. The board considered adjusting this fee to align with industry standards. Mr. Sprat emphasized that the town’s operational costs related to PFAS treatment have risen by $620,000 annually, resulting from increased testing and maintenance requirements.

01:03:56Board members debated three options for addressing these financial challenges. Option one focused on increasing the readiness to serve fee without altering current water rates. Option two proposed a gradual increase in both the readiness to serve fee and tiered water rates over the next five years, potentially resulting in a $33 increase in average quarterly bills. Option three suggested a similar increase in the readiness to serve fee but deferred additional rate hikes for the current year, with these increases potentially required in future years.

Ms. Slager advocated for option three, which she claimed would be fairer to low water users and allow for a reevaluation of tier pricing. Mr. Sidney supported option two, arguing it would more effectively manage the town’s fixed costs. The board ultimately voted four to one in favor of option two, with Ms. Slager dissenting.

01:46:11The meeting continued with discussions on emergency management plans, where updates were provided on the comprehensive emergency management and sheltering plans. Chief Hicks highlighted the importance of these plans, which had not been revised for several years. Interns Viles and Wenzel were commended for their work on updating these plans.

02:01:31The board also addressed the ongoing street acceptance process, focusing on Evans Drive, Jennifer Circle, and Point Street. Town Engineer Bill McDowell outlined the challenges associated with accepting these roads, particularly Evans Drive and Point Street, which face significant right-of-way issues. Jennifer Circle was identified as a candidate for accelerated acceptance due to its favorable conditions and proper easements.

Public comments emphasized safety concerns, with residents sharing experiences of emergency response delays due to inadequate road conditions. The board acknowledged these issues and outlined steps for further evaluation and potential acceptance of these roads.

02:49:39Lastly, the board discussed the South Natick Dam removal project, emphasizing its alignment with community feedback and the design of a future park. The permitting process is progressing faster than expected, with dam removal anticipated by August or September of 2026. The project is considered more cost-effective than repairing the dam, with potential grant funding anticipated to cover removal costs.