0:00One of the foremost issues discussed was the dilemma on Old Colony Road, where the Commission struggled to obtain a reliable reading of water consumption. The property owner had requested an abatement of the estimated bill, arguing for a minimum charge due to the absence of water usage. Despite a reading being conducted in September, further attempts in December were unsuccessful. The meter’s location, reportedly in an external pit, presented access challenges. The Commission expressed skepticism regarding the owner’s claim, especially since previous communication attempts via notification cards had gone unanswered. A decision was made to defer the matter to February, contingent upon acquiring an accurate meter reading.

In a similar vein, the Commission deliberated on the case at One Hastings Way, where a resident sought an abatement for both sewer and water charges following a high bill. This request raised questions as to why previous abatements had been approved without concrete evidence of meter issues, leading to a decision against further action due to the lack of verifiable data.

The meeting also addressed a resident’s plight with a water leak caused by a hose left on during freezing temperatures. The Commission showed understanding by agreeing to reduce the sewer bill to a minimum charge, recognizing the unusual nature of the incident based on the resident’s typical usage patterns.

36:34Shifting focus to infrastructure, developments were reported concerning the connection of the abandoned D line at Town Line to the water system, facilitating future development on the site. The installation of hydrants and subsequent connection to active lines marked progress in resolving access issues that had previously stalled building permits. The Commission expressed optimism that the new infrastructure would spur further construction and development opportunities in the area.

53:01Attention was also directed towards capital requests and ongoing projects, notably the aerator project, which underscored the urgency of securing funding. With bids around $400,000, the project aims to meet summer demand by improving water quality through aeration and mixing systems. The Commission explored options for cost reduction without compromising on Massachusetts standards, acknowledging the need to expedite the process through a special town meeting.

19:35Water quality issues were another focal point, particularly concerning lead and copper sample collections. Despite falling short of the target, compliance was maintained, with the 90th percentile met. The response from residents regarding lead service line notifications varied, with some expressing concern while others remained indifferent. Manganese levels were also discussed, with source samples exceeding limits but blended systems keeping overall levels within acceptable ranges. The Commission recognized the importance of ongoing communication with residents to address water discoloration concerns and ensure transparency regarding water quality.

53:01Additional updates included the Southwestern Street project’s winter shutdown following paving and sealing operations. Questions from the public about permanent paving timelines were addressed, with expectations set for spring completion under a separate contract. The Commission also reviewed the establishment of a drop box for water bill payments at the new town hall.