Um, first we need to start the meeting. Good evening, Lunberg. Um, this is Brett Ramson, chairman of the Lunberg Sewer Commission. Oh, wait a minute. I wasn't sure I was recorded there. Good evening, Lunberg. This is Brett Ramson of the chairman of the Lunberg Sewer
Commission. Welcome to the meeting. Uh, as usual, we are going to start our meeting with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, >> with liberty and justice for all. And um I must state at this time that in accordance with the requirements of the
open meeting law, please be advised uh that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunberg Access YouTube channel following the meeting uh within 24 hours of the meeting. Uh this public meeting is being conducted
remotely. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely. to participate remotely from a computer. Please use the link to join the public meeting webinar
um found on our um sewer commission agenda and or from a telephone dial toll-free 888-475-4499 and enter the webinar ID 83187249940. If you have not registered with Zoom,
you will be asked uh for your name and email address. Please note, no participant ID is needed. Just press pound when asked. Uh telephone users may dial star9 to request to speak after joining the
meeting. Uh computer and app users may use the raise hand feature to request to speak. I'm going to um start the meeting with a a roll call vote starting with the commissioners. Um Scott Dale
>> here, >> Dan Proctor >> here. >> Arthur Cadis, he's not here. And Fred Ramston is here. Um moving on to the um
our staff members. I'll start with Bill Bernard >> here. >> Andrew Valer >> here, >> Billier. And um of course Jane Rainley >> here. >> Thank you, Jean. Um thank you everyone.
And I'd like to ask if there's any public comment or any public available to make a comment. No, there's no public on. >> All right. Would any commissioners or
anyone attending the meeting like to comment or discuss anything before we start? >> I'm good tonight. >> All right. Very good. Uh we're going to jump into our current business. Uh starting with um a vote to approve uh or
change the minutes of our our 21226 meeting. Does anyone had anyone uh has everyone had a look at that? >> Yes, I did. >> I did look at them. I was not at that meeting, so I don't feel like I have
anything to throw out there. >> No, they were accurate. There wasn't a ton of stuff. I thought they were good, too. Um, thank you, Jane. Um, very good. Um, if I could have a, um,
a vote. Um, >> sorry. I'll make a motion to accept the minutes. >> A motion to accept the minutes as written. >> I'll second it. >> All right. We have a motion that's been seconded. Um, Dan I
>> and Scott >> I >> and I have for myself. >> Um, if I understand correctly, Chip isn't actually a commissioner yet. Is that correct? >> No, I believe D is a concerned citizen. >> Excellent.
>> I I I don't know. I'd have to defer to Andrew and Bill clarification. >> Okay, very good. Uh we like concerned citizens. Moving right along. Thank you gentlemen. Um we are going to
um introduce um Alan Chip Wilson um as a possible uh commission member if he becomes interested at some point, but it's on the agenda here. And so welcome, Chip.
>> Thank you. And uh would you happen to have any questions or >> um I mean could you just give me a quick rundown on on typical business that gets you know runs through the sewer
commission I guess? >> Absolutely. Um well it's actually pretty interesting most nights. Uh some of the meetings go pretty quickly. Um but we discuss rates, we discuss repairs, we um
look at all aspects of the sewer um system for the town. Um we of course address um you know our connection to Lunenburgg, I mean Lemonster and Fishburg where our
waste goes. Um so there's there's plenty of things to talk about. Um there's also um many repairs um because our our system is about 20 years old. So there's things going but um we've made some very
uh helpful and um preventative repairs over the last year or two that have been very helpful. Um, we also handle any special requests, um, such as, um, not
necessarily new, uh, tie-ins, but if there's anything to discuss regarding, um, a potential new connection, um, anything um, in particular that needs to be addressed, those kind of things. Um,
and of course budget work. And um basically um basically this is run like a business and all sewer everyone tied to the Lunberg sewer is our customers and we do
our very best to put our customers first at all times. Um so um we do what we can and um and we take it one meeting at a time. Are you can I ask you are you on the uh
sewer line? >> No, I'm septic. >> Yep, me too. Yeah, >> we've got a couple members here that are on and um >> speaking to to to Chip earlier when we
uh when he reached out to my post um he does have a lot of experience in the industry from the other side that will help us is you know give us a great um insight like with the addition of uh Dan
Proctor so um they're both familiar with each I believe uh whether it's good or bad, I have no idea. But um their paths have crossed. So um I think it's good because you know >> it's always good. >> Yeah. And and honestly, not only uh we,
you know, just to slam home what um was being said by Brett, it was just not just the sewer customers were looking out for, but we're the residents as a whole of the town just trying to keep the checks and
balances uh you know, the within what we can control, >> right? Um, so but that would be more in depth whenever there's applications come up and stuff, but >> we just the
Bill and Andrew uh are great at guiding us and uh you know the just between all the legalities and what we have to step in if there's anything more in question, we've been able to get in front of the town council um and you know pretty
easily. So I think even when we discussed how we pushed uh for permitting fees for the ADUs um where it was kind of setting a precedent in the sense that not a lot of towns even had it yet. Um I think we got it done in
what about five months guys? Is that >> um which is is pretty good considering we only meet twice a month. So >> yeah. >> Um >> yeah, I mean we got a pretty good crew and we're just trying to keep it run
running smoothly by keeping members and uh somebody like you reaching out is uh you know pretty awesome for us because it's not your commitment but it's pretty important. >> What's your optimal like what what's the optimal amount of members you want you
know to be on the board? >> Uh I'd have to defer to Bill. Uh what's the constitutes a full board? We know it constitutes a quorum because we've been operating at that for a while, >> right? It's a five member board. Right
now we have four members, right? Arthur's not here. So three is the quorum. >> So there are times when two people can't be here. So >> Right. >> Be great if we had that fifth member. >> Gotcha. Yeah. >> Yep. Yeah. I I mean, you know, the whole
reason, you know, I'm not a big Facebook guy, Scott, but I did I just happened to hit see that post a few weeks back like >> and I had randomly just put it out out of nowhere. It was something we discussed months ago and I just hadn't get around to it. Just one day I started
writing it and >> lo and behold, a few things popped. So, that was good. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I just my kids are they're getting older now and I'm, you know, I still got a lot of energy, you know. I'm like, I got to do more. You know, I've been talking about it for
months and years even to my wife like, you know, I should do something. You know, I was coaching and did those sports stuff and, you know, I have the time. So, I was like, ah, this was like kind of a good fit for me because, you know, being in, you know, my line of work, we do water and sewer and all that
stuff anyway. So I was like a something I know about, you know. So that was that was the reason why I reached back out to you when I saw that post. But >> other than that, um >> I I would say that I I didn't have any uh experience in that area and I still
don't. However, I have a business side and uh so, >> you know, speaking to Bill, you know, early on, he really eased my mind regarding uh you know, no, it's it's good to have a good spectrum of
different people. Um, and but honestly even adding uh Dan where we didn't have any quote unquote experienced, you know, issues outside of what Bill could, you know, let us know. It's good to have one
that can really just translate of what needs to be done and when and how and so >> look at it from a different aspect, right? >> Yeah. No, it's great. I mean, you know, look, I can tell you when you should close your financials, but I can't tell you when you should, you know, check for
a leak, you know. So, >> one of the big things, Chip, obviously I know Chip and I've known him for a couple years now. Um, really the big thing is obviously your expertise working in other towns, what other towns
have for policies. Um, you know, like I know I just am learning a lot of the big problems with the Lunberg sewer department, which have nothing to do with the the people here tonight. It's problems with the system when it was set up and water infiltration problems and
what we're paying to Fitsburg and Lester. Those are really, really, really the big >> issues that we have. So, that's where I know you know how to put pipe in the ground. I know how to put pipe in the ground, but I I don't know all that. And I'm trying to learn as we go. And I talk
to Bill and and Andrew u frequently when I'm in the office. Quick question here or there type of thing. But I really think that's our biggest, >> you know, issue that we need to work on is is just that uh just because more the business end of it is like the biggest thing, you know.
>> Yeah. >> Which is what Scott's expertise in. So we always look back at him. But got >> but ultimately we we need help with that. And Andrew and Bill do a great job, but I I don't think we can just throw it on them either. You know, there's there's a lot a lot a lot of things that, you know, we need to
discuss and and be better at. Y >> and like Scott said, you know, it's uh we get a perspective from different areas with the group we have and uh we work well together and we hear each other out and it's >> we're all learning from every
>> even the other member that we don't have here right now, Arthur Cadis, he's been uh in Lunenburgg, he's got like 17 kids. You may know the last name with your kids or something, but >> um he >> somebody does, I'm sure.
just randomly. I mean, I only moved up here a couple years ago, but my wife was from the area and uh randomly got a text, as you saw my stuff on Facebook, from Arthur and realized he lived uh over by Wham. And uh you know, we
literally went to the same elementary school together in Medford and grew up about two blocks from each other. So, uh our families were close and stuff, so it was just completely random. So, uh, when I when we needed some more members, I kind of dragged them, but, uh, but it's
kept us afloat for a little bit, >> you know, but >> well, it doesn't seem like a, you know, I'm certainly open. I'm I'm on board if you want. Um, you know, it's not a huge time commitment, but, >> you know, a little bit and, uh, >> I'm not going to do something if I'm not
going to, you know, commit to it. So, >> yeah. And I know we discussed what the, you know, the timelines were and stuff like and the commitment. So it's not, you know, >> it's not like being on the the finance committee or something where you have, you know, two meetings a week at three
hours a shot. It's, you know, so it's Yeah, it's a pretty >> mind speed. >> Yeah. No, I mean, look, if anything, I believe >> I can't remember if it was Bill or just somebody on the board when I joined, they said, "It's a good board to cut
your teeth on." >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I mean, three of us are business owners. We get it. Time is not, you know, and everyone's busy. >> So the the commission I've been on for years, and it it really doesn't take up >> Yeah. >> a lot of time even as, you know, as
chairman. Um I'd like to spend more time at it as chairman uh than I do. Um but um yeah, it's it's a good thing. So give it some thought. Let us let us know. Um >> no, as far as I'm concerned, it's hang out, >> you know.
I'm willing to do it. >> Yeah, >> Bill Bill can let you I know Bill's about to jump in and tell you what the best next step is. So, >> yeah. So, then the next step is we have to set up a joint meeting with the select board and the sewer commission. >> Um Scott, right, you went through this,
right? They kind of did a quick little interview. The sewer commission voted, "Yeah, we want you on board." The select ward >> votes, "Yeah, we we want to appoint you." And then you're appointed. >> Yeah. And at that time there happened to
be four of us. I'm not sure, you know, that were going for three spots, which was, you know, interesting. But yeah, I mean, it was just basically stand at the mic in front of the select board and they, you know, kind of ask you your background and then what m what makes
you want to do this? And uh they kind of voted on the recommendations of the board of the sewer board, sorry. So, um, yeah, >> it's it's fairly painless outside of losing what is that, like a Tuesday night at like seven o'clock or something.
>> Yep. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, I'll get that set up. I don't want to rush you guys, but I have another meeting at >> 7. >> All right. Well, thank you all. Um, and let's move on to our sewer budget. Um,
oh, we're going for user rates FYI27 discussion. Let's jump into that. >> Directly in with the budget, right? So, Andrew and I put together a budget for next year.
>> So, I email it over this afternoon. >> So, it starts with um the salaries, right? Uh and then it's goes into all our expenses and of course our biggest expenses are the surge we're sending
over to Lemonster and Fitsburg, right? >> Uh so the way we did the budget, we pretty much looked back the previous three years and tried to keep the the budget about the same on each line item except for the ones where we knew the
costs were rising, so we bumped those up. Um, and the the other big one is the capital plan, right? Like Brett was saying, we've done some big repairs and we we
have a few more lined up. So, uh, we put in $200,000 for that. >> Yeah. >> The next piece of the the budget is our revenues, right? So the revenues obviously you
know we send out the um the bills for people who use right uh user charges right so originally we had that estimated at $1.2 million right so then when we went ahead and finished up the budget
that put us in a deficit of I think it was almost $200,000. So we we've could we could have done that could have gone with that but we would have had to taken that 200,000 out of our retained earnings. So we've done
that the past couple years. The problem though is our retained earnings are going down down down. >> So I'd rather not do that. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's our thought. And then the other thing other revenues that are going down are the sewer vetiments. So
the system is getting to be 20 years old. So when people got on 20 years ago, they had to pay the betterment and they could have financed that over 20 years. So those are going away going away fast. So we can't count on that revenue
anymore, >> right? >> So our thought was let's not take any money out of retained earnings this year. So to balance the budget that means we have to increase our revenues.
The only revenue that we can really increase is user rates. So that's where we impose the rate increase. >> Mhm. >> So I don't know in about these 10 different scenarios,
but >> yeah, but I think uh the best one um was the one that I originally uh brought up last week, 5% minimum charge. And >> we Yeah. What that was what we were talking about was that uh the cap on the menus.
>> So the minimum that was 133 wasn't only 139, right? So that's% >> so you know if you're using less than 800 I forget what is it,000 cubic feet of water
because I forget the unit. Sorry. If you're using less than 800, you still pay that 133 which is would be 800, right? So some of those users are actually subsidizing the bigger users,
right? >> So we we've decided, yeah, we only the minimum by 5%. So they're not subsidizing as much. And then for the regular user rate, we went up 16%.
And that combination gets us that $200,000 that we were showing. It actually gives us a little more. So in the budget, I'm showing we have a surplus, estimated surplus of about $26,000.
>> Yep. >> So I don't know if you guys have any specific questions on the budget we can answer. >> I don't currently see any surprises. Dan, go ahead. Yeah, I just curious one quick thing. The money that comes in for tie-ins, where does that money go? Does
that go into that budget you're talking about or is that does that go to loans or does that go to retained earnings? >> It goes into into our retained earnings and then um there's an INI fee. So, you know, certain certain funds, but uh yeah, basically I think it goes into our
retained earnings, right, Bill? >> Yeah. So that's um we estimate how many people are going to hook up and that's part of our revenues. So that's at the very bottom of the spreadsheet, right? The sewer uh which
one is it? The privilege fees. >> We estimated $40,000. Well, and we were also anticipating, you know, kind of an explosion in uh ADU tying or at least permits and stuff. So,
kind of one of the reasons why we got it out there was just to >> supplement the downturn in the uh uh what am I trying to say here, Bill? The um betterment. >> Correct. >> Right. Actually, that not that line, the
sewer connection charges, >> right? to 30,000. >> The past three years, the average is 48,000. There was a big bump in 24. >> We because our rates went up. So, >> yeah,
>> a bunch of people jumped on and paid it early. >> I mean, I don't I remember when we discussed >> Yeah. If more people build ADUs, more connection fees, our revenue will be better, >> right? >> It's hard to predict the future. So, we
just kind of go by past experience. >> No, it is. But that was the I remember when we were talking about, you know, putting in X amount of dollars for the capital expenditure, capital plan. It was it was lower and we asked for it to be
put up because the worst they can say is no. and they're always going to be looking at knocking some of it back, but it's there if we need it without having to dip into the retained earnings if it's approved. And Bill, did you get any feel yet from
uh even like the finance committee meetings you've been at that they've any indication that you it might pass fine or are they looking to cut in every uh department? that are the sewer budget you're talking
about? Will this budget? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. This budget. Yes. >> Yeah. So, this is independent of the town's budget. >> It's a self-funded >> enterprise fund, >> right? So, our revenues have to equal or
exceed our expenses. >> Okay. So, there was no I didn't know if there was any supplement or anything like that from the >> No, there's not. Because it's it's paid by the sewer, >> the people. >> Yeah. It's supposed to be self- sustaining then, >> right?
>> Like the post office. >> Yeah. So, we actually have to pay. >> They're subsidized. >> We actually have to pay for services that the town does. So, all our bills go through the accounting office. We have to pay a portion of their salaries
>> because they're handling our bills. >> Okay. All right. That's good to know. A year and a half. if they could figure it out by not >> that's why our budget is so important to work out and u >> of course it gets overviewed they over
they review it and so forth but it really comes down to us making it work >> well that's good I mean like I said my biggest concern was making sure that we were having the you know the PMS and stuff like that done so we don't run into an emergency situation and want to
keep that that next pump replacement man on track and you know maybe someday we'll get the uh runoff lids welded down or the right size lids but >> all right gentlemen I know um we could keep it moving for Bill does anyone have
any questions regarding uh this discussion of the budget you're looking at now and of course we can all review it um over the next two weeks that he sent us. Is there any questions at the moment? >> No. >> No. >> All right.
>> Yeah. So we have to present this budget to the finance committee on March 12th. >> Mhm. >> So we have a meeting on March 10th. >> So we don't have to approve it tonight. So if you guys want to take it home and
study it a little bit, that that's >> March 10th. We should >> So we desperately need a quorum on the 10th. >> Yeah. >> Or we have one now. >> This is true.
Um, I mean, I don't know if I have to make a motion to vote on this, but we, this isn't the first time we were looking at it. We've been on this. >> Um, and Bill told us what the couple adjustments were, and nothing seems, you know, out of out of whack and our
collections rate is down. I'm sorry. Our uh outstanding collection percentage is down. So, we we are doing better at getting the money coming in that's due to us. Uh so, I don't see
any anomalies or any reason why we shouldn't um accept it tonight. >> Well, let me just ask, you know, Andrew and Bill, just a a final double check. Are you comfortable with the I mean, I feel comfortable with it, but are you
comfortable with the numbers you have on there right now, Bill and Andrew? >> I am. Yeah, we we spent a lot of time on this. >> Okay, good. >> We spoke with the finance director, asked her a few questions. We haven't heard back from her yet, but I I really
dug into it. Two days, >> you know, basically spent two full days working on it. >> Yeah. And as a board, we really did hammer down in the last meeting regarding, you know, the the biggest variables, right, of whether we have to
increase rates and what and we know what our >> right >> what our sliding increases are on our waste disposal with Lemonster and and Fitsburg because those are all our biggest variables. And unfortunately,
raising rates is uh it's it has to happen. >> Well, no, no, I know that, but I'm talking about we did we we've already addressed the big variables. It could be in the budget. I don't think we're leaving ourselves short here where a sense where we're going to be upside down. >> Nope. That's why we spent weeks weeks on
this. So, >> yeah. >> No. And it shows. >> All right. Well, >> so that the general public knows, both Lemonster and Pittsburgh have gone up on their rates what they charge us. >> Yeah. >> Uh, Bill, just so you're aware, you
sound a million miles away at the moment. >> Just having trouble hearing you. >> Okay. So, so the people know Lemonster and Fittsburgh went up on their race that they charge us. So, we have to go up just to keep up just to keep even
with that, right? >> Yeah, of course. Well, it sounds to me like we should u make a vote this evening um just to be sure we've got it covered. It's not going to be changing any we all agree on that. Um so I will be looking for a
motion at this time. >> I would uh make a motion to accept the budget proposal for the this is fiscal year 27, right? >> FY27. I'll second that.
>> All right. We have a motion uh made to accept uh our sewer budget for FY27. It's been seconded. I'll start with Scott >> I. >> And Dan >> I >> and I for myself. The motion carries. Thank you for all your hard work, Bill
and Andrew. >> Yep. Appreciate the clarity. I've seen some of the other commission's uh sheets. This is um fantastic. >> Now we don't have to worry about a quorum on the death. expecting one but all right very good.
Thank you gentlemen. Um that's great. Um so next on the the business uh agenda would be the the delinquency rate for FY26. Um it's a brief discussion. Um Andrew,
did you want to take over on that one? >> Uh yeah, absolutely. Um, so I'm, you know, just we have the same spreadsheet that I came up with last year and I just put, uh, this year's numbers in them. Uh, from what you see, you know, with the c how many customers we have,
delinquency rates, I mean, it doesn't it's not as bad as what, um, right now um, last year >> Yeah, last year was >> very high. >> Yeah. So, um, right now it's, um, manageable with what what I what we've
built out, but like I said, we're also on quarter three. So, I wouldn't have a full total amount until after, you know, quarter >> four. And quarter two is always going to have more delinquencies only because those bills are due at Christmas and
>> it is what it is. It the the important number will be what happens at the end of March. >> Right. So, I just wanted to sh I just wanted to share that um spreadsheet with everyone just to give everyone a general idea of uh what the numbers looked like billing
wise. So, >> yep. >> Very good. All right. >> Excuse me. One quick question, Andrew. Do we get many customers calling and complaining about the MUN system and paying their sewer bills? >> Um no, not like paying. I mean, I I get
a lot like before I had people I people skeptical if their bill was correct, but um >> Okay. >> reason why I ask is my mother-in-law lives in the condo units on Massav and my brother-in-law takes care of paying her bills and he's a super computer
savvy intelligent guy and he told me it's one of the worst systems he's ever seen as far as paying bills and navigating it and what have you. So, I was just curious. >> Right. It's um yeah to n yeah yeah I I understand I I have had to you know navigate a few people through um it is a
little complicated. It's not it's not blunt straight in your face. It's kind of like you got to do some investigating to get to it and I feel like uh if there's a way that we could make it easier for people I absolutely would be um willing like to do that. I would say being,
you know, my my tech background, it's not the best, but I found that all you have to do is if you sign into your profile first and if you're paying as a guest, just, you know, that's great. You're paying your bill, but you got to enter a lot of information.
>> Just go in and create an account. And even when you get the link, you get the text or whatever. When you go there, just click sign in. It usually takes you right to where you you you'll come up with a thing. It'll say pay my bill and click and then you can save your bank account information and click and you
hit sub check it off I and submit and you're done. If you're spending more than three minutes on it you you're you're hurting yourself only because there is a simple way to do it and maybe it's just that creating a profile. No,
it's good to know, Scott, because like I said, I only see uh what I see on the front page, but I'm not a customer, so I don't I don't see the other options. >> Yeah, once you log in, it kind of just, you know, you can basically get a a drop down says like pay my bill.
>> Okay. >> Yeah, >> good to know. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, gentlemen. Uh any more on the delinquency rate for FY26 discussion? They look great knowing what last year's was.
>> All right. Um, so last on the agenda for this week would be the supertorrm water discussion. >> Okay, >> Bill. >> I'll take that. So, the storm water task force has been
working for the last couple years to establish a storm water utility. So, it'll be much like the sewer utility, right? you know, we're to have charges
um charge people for storm water. It looks like it's going to be under $100 per year per single family home and then businesses will have a a different rate based on how much impervious surface
they have. So, we've presented a preliminary budget. The storm task force presented a preliminary budget to the finance committee and we've talked to the select board about it and one of the main
comments back was there's a lot of things ahead so >> we are really having a I'm having a hard time hearing you. I don't know if your mic is >> dying or it's your connection kind of
cutting the audio out. Sorry. >> All right. How's this? Any better? >> No. >> No. >> Yep. Don't be afraid to yell. >> Can you see if I can change? I don't know if I can change microphones. >> How's this any better?
>> Yes. >> Oh, good. >> Thank you. >> Sorry about that. >> No worries. >> So, like I was saying, one of the push backs is the overhead, right? because I they would have to hire somebody like Andrew
to, you know, kind of then run the storm water enterprise. So, one of our thoughts was maybe we can use Andrew to do the billing. Maybe he already
knows how to do the billing and it's billing for storm water will only be once per year. So it won't take up too much of his time. And then the storm water utility would have to pay a portion of Andrew's salary >> salary. That would actually help the
sewer commission. So that's that's the fast guy. >> I think that because of all the extra that would have we'd have to they'd probably have to give them a change in grade, right? So
it'd get paid a little more, >> which I think would be fair. >> Yeah, I would suggest that. And look at the look at the LA the backside of that too is you you're not having to hire another person. Not saying that that's good bad
for the economy, but right now the town's having that pinch of, you know, the cost of what a new employee is of benefits and everything like that. And Andrew is already there. So I I do agree in a a a great increase, but in the end
it's going to be even as great increase would be a fraction of what a new employee would cost. >> Exactly. >> So the storm water you're talking about entering the sewer system, the storm water that enters it.
>> No, it's separate from the sewer system. >> Okay. If it's all the drainage systems in town, >> right? So, we're going to be starting to charge people for drainage. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> If it passes,
so the federal government, EPA, um, issues us a permit. It's called the MS4 permit, and that allows us to discharge water, you know, into rivers and streams. So, a lot of the water in
town goes into Nashville River or the the big lakes, right? Hickory Hills and Lake Shirley, Lake Whan. That's where the water's going. So, this permit is designed to help clean up that water before it hits those water bodies,
right? So, those water bodies, they're impaired, right? Um I know Lake Shirley and Hickory Hills, they pay a lot of money for weed control, right? their associations. Well, the water coming off off of the
roads is loaded with phosphorus, a fertilizer, right? So, this permit is supposed to help reduce that the phosphorus loads, right? And so, a lot of cities and towns, there's
at least 30 in Massachusetts that have established storm water utilities like this, right? It sets up a dedicated funding for storm water. Now, there's some discussion with the finance committee. They said, "Well, why don't you put it
in the operating budget?" Well, you can do that, but that money could be appropriated somewhere else, >> right? Much like pavement management, that pavement management was growing every year by $50,000. >> This year, it should be $600,000,
but they cut the budget. It's only $279,000, right? So, there's no guarantee that putting it in the operating budget, it's going to actually go to storm water, right? So, a utility guarantees it.
>> I'm just curious if you're saying that it gets treated before >> it hits those lakes. Like is there some kind of redirection that this is the the the existing lines are going to have to take to be treated before it's dumped or are we just treating the ponds and lakes
itself? >> Well, right now the permit says we have to be doing lots of maintenance. So roadway sweeping and catch basin cleaning. >> Mhm. >> Right. We're supposed to sweep all the roads that they call it the urbanized areas.
>> Right. It's most of the roads in town. um twice a year and clean every catch basin once per year. >> Yeah. >> We're not even coming close to that, >> right? >> So, that alone will help clean
everything up. Future permits, it looks like they're going to say, "Yeah, start adding, they call them storm water BMPs, best management practice." which I don't know where they got the name from, like rain gardens and infiltration trenches
and detention ponds that they're gonna say start putting those on town property, you know, one or two or whatever it is a year, >> right? So, we're going to need money to do all this work. >> Yeah, the rain garden systems already
been implemented um by some of the lake associations themselves. Um, a lot of it volunteer. >> Right. Right. There's one on Hickory Hills, right on Hemlock. >> But so I I know you said if it passes, so forgive the ignorance here, but is
this going on the uh the next election on the ballot? >> Yes, for the May town meeting, >> we're going to put it on the ballot. Just set up the utility only. We're not going to come forward with a budget yet.
Yeah, but you go he you're you have to go up there in front of the town and tell them we're going to be in this time. Oh, by the way, we want to tax you on something new. >> It's not a tax. >> All right. All right. Sorry. We want to give you a new fee that you have to pay. >> Correct.
>> Right. So, there's a public information hearing on March 5th if you want to hear more about it. It will be on Zoom and recorded so you can't make it. No, I was just trying to figure out where it >> The hard part about it, Scott, is most
of the homeowners, you know, less than $100 a year isn't going to break the bank, >> but you're going to get a lot of commercial business owners complaining about it because they're going to get hit with a huge amount. And we already have storm water systems on our
commercial property if they were built within the last what 29 years or something like that. So, I have storm water systems on all my commercial properties that I already pay for to install them to the town specs to the state specs and nobody does anything to
maintain them except for me at my expense. So, the commercial people are already up in arms about it. So, >> yeah, I could see that. And then >> yeah, >> right. So, there will be a eventually a credit system. So somebody like Dan who
has his stormwater BMPs in place and he's maintaining them, we'll give him a credit. So you want to, you know, pay the full fee. >> Can I get that in tens and 20s or how's that going to work? >> Yeah. Wait, does this mean that the >> all bills or whatever? But anyhow,
that's fine. I I we don't need to keep discussing that because I know Bill's gonna get going. But anyhow, >> no, I I I know. >> All right. So the next piece is where we were talking about establishing
a storm water committee commission like the sewer commission. So a bunch of people brought it up. Slickboard brought it up said you can't even fill the commissions we have now. Would it be possible to have a a joint
sewer and storm water commission? >> Would we have to sign out and then uh open a new meeting as a different commission. >> I would say no. >> I don't be one. >> Will we get a grade increase like
Andrew? >> Yep. Yep. We'll go from zero dollars to zero dollars >> to zero. >> They're going to shake both your hands is what they'll do. >> Right. >> It'll simply be a different budget and different discussion I assume.
>> Correct. I mean, look, if it was good for the town and it only, you know, not, you know what I mean? It's a small commitment or whatever, I would be perfectly fine with doing that, but I can only speak for myself. >> I I wouldn't have a problem with that. I
mean, storm water is a big part of what I do, >> especially if we can tie it all in together. >> It interests me. So, you know, if I could help with that, I certainly would help. >> That'd be great. So again, this this is, you know,
probably going to hit the uh the ballot in May, you know, with the town meeting. >> Yeah. >> And we're still working out the kinks, but this is a huge step forward for us, you know, so you know, you guys are kind of on board >> with a joint commission and having
Andrew to the billing. I mean, I came from a town that had a lot of stuff that got dumped into the Mystic River, you know, over the years. And and the river, even despite all the best cleanup efforts over the years, unless they
dredge it, it's never going to be barely, you know, what's the word? palatable, you know, but it's, you know, Mefford did have the, you know, twice a year uh street sweep and the DPW had the
the dump truck with the, you know, I don't even know what you call it, you know, and just basically lift it up and grab all the crap out of the drains and and put it in. We never had flooding issues um uh because we weren't paved as much as
some of them, but um they also maintained it to keep that from getting clogged up. So, and it did work on the river. They, you know, as far as like even literally painting the drains and said, "Hey, this literally I think it was a picture of a fish and um
that drain directly into the river." Um, so yeah, I mean all the little ponds and stuff here. Um, I'd like to keep it clean. I've seen the results of it firsthand. What What
happened? >> Uh, Bill, do you have to run? You said you had a meeting at >> I have a a 7m meeting. Yeah. >> Mr. Director, we appreciate your time and your input. Um, and you've given us a lot of food for thought here. >> All right. But >> well, thank you, gentlemen.
>> We're on board with the storm water. >> Yeah. >> Situation. >> All right. So, Andrew, I'm going to make you the host if I can figure out how to do it. >> All right. >> Do you have to accept it, Andrew?
>> I don't see anything on my screen. >> Make host. I'm the host now. >> Okay. >> All right. I got to jump off. >> All right. >> Thank you, Bill. >> Thank you. >> All right. Very good. Um, so before we
move on to future agenda items, um, we're still in the business meeting. Um, I guess I thought I'd ask Chip what he thinks uh about the um about what he's seen so far this evening.
>> It's pretty pretty much typical what I thought it would be. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Pretty good. >> It just happens to be budget season, so we're uh you know about 20 kind of past the norm. No, I mean, you know, it's, you know, it's the nuts and bolts of of
how how how everything works, right, in the town. I mean, >> do it. And, you know, >> when I refer to budget season, I kind of mean that, you know, Andrew and Bill did all the work and we just look at it and say, "Okay,
>> that's basically it." Yeah. >> Yeah. like, you know, we've seen the spreadsheet a few times and discussed it over the past couple months, but uh they're the ones that got to put in all the hard work on it. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I would say it's >> this was the this was the final part of
saying, "Okay, >> now now it's up to the town, you know." >> Yeah. Yeah. Um Yeah. Pretty much exactly what I thought it would be. >> All right. I just thought I'd ask, but um >> I appreciate that.
>> Sure. All right, gentlemen. Um, so Andrew, um, I don't know if we need to do much discussion. Um, I did notice you sent us um something regarding um, our bylaws, which I I did read, and of
course, it's not on the agenda, so we won't address it tonight, but >> right. It's just um because I was trying to just more so uh get the budget pass like through this this meeting and I know that um talking about the next subject will be on the next meeting but
I kind of had to post postpone it a little bit but I kind of I did give a a um little you know snapshot of what I came up with uh for some verbiage um in regards to um I don't know if you got to
see that Dan um what we're talking about. >> Yeah. The sewer connection policies that you've sent us. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yep. >> I'm just looking at it right now actually. >> So, in the meantime, um while everyone if everyone has that copy, if there's
any uh edits or any wording that you want changed or, you know, like I said, I'm not sure we can, you know, get it past this town meeting, but maybe in the fall. um or if I we can do
this quicker because I think we can um probably get it I think I have until March 14th. >> Oh, we will have a meeting between now and then. >> Right. So, >> we made any changes before the at the meeting of the 10th, >> right? The 10th. Yep.
>> To get it on for town meeting. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I I guess really if we're going to make changes on all these this this would also help with our budget problems, correct? if we're going to increase any of these >> fees, flat rate fees that have been in >> effect for a long time.
>> Well, couple years. So, it's kind of like what we talked about, everything's going up. Fitchburg is going up. So, if we have to go up on some of our connection fees by a certain percentage, then we probably should, >> right? And that's that's like I said, that's definitely a um another thing
that I was thinking of as well. So, >> Right. Yeah. >> Yeah. I'll definitely look over these. Like you said, we can't discuss it tonight, but I will definitely put it on the >> for the next meeting to nail these down if we are going to have increases. >> Okay.
>> Fantastic. Okay. >> Yeah, we'll have a discussion with a possible uh vote. >> Yep. >> On future meeting. Very good. Excellent. Um, also probably want to put that sewer, storm water discussion back on there,
too. >> Y >> um, and then of course anything else you and the director come up with, Andrew would be great. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> All right. Uh, does anyone have any other
>> suggestions for future agenda? I would uh for future agenda, Andrew, I know you know Bill kind of uh volunteered you on the billing of possible billing of that um uh storm water.
>> Um and we know that as Dan said, it might be, you know, $100 for the year. Uh would they entertain us billing them in conjunction with our already established system?
>> Oh, that's Yep. That's what they were going for because Excuse me. It in the long run, I think right now it would be cheaper for them to just utilize the Muna system that we have. >> Yeah. >> It's already it's already there. It's already in place. >> And it's going to be interesting because
that encompasses the whole town. It's not just the sewer commission. I'm sorry, the Yeah, the sewer commission the sewer bills. Um, for I mean >> there's a difference there. You know, there's, you know, obviously more paper, >> but when there's more flat fees versus
me having to deal with two, three, four different meters for one account, that actually makes things a little easier to be honest with you when I'm doing billing. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I was just talking about the logistics end of it if it does um become a reality.
>> Yeah. Um like standard rates would be a lot more easier to bill out than multiple different numbers um and mathematical uh corrections. >> I I know what that upgrade cost. >> So
yeah, we might as well max the use that we can out of >> Yeah. >> All right. Very good. >> Yeah. you would basically just get all the information from the assessor's office because >> basically I mean it's it should already be in the system. I mean obviously there's taxes that go out. So
>> right >> all the you know um customer information and then rates would have to be established in the system a certain way based off commercial residential and whatnot and if there's any you know whatever customers are at a certain rate you'd have to I'd have to go in and
adjust them. But when come billing time it would really just be more so just making sure that everyone's accounted for. Uh because like I said, set rates are easier to get on a bill run than what I do every quarter with sewer billing because sewer billing those
numbers change, right? Um you know, based on water usage. If it's a set fee, those that's not really going to change. >> Yep. >> You change the date, hit print. >> Almost, but not. It's a Yeah. A little more. It's all details. you know,
>> you have to send out, you know, demand letters possibly and then interest charges after a year. >> Right. >> Excellent. All right. Very good. Is there any comment um by
board members, attendees um or um staff at this time? Hearing none. Um, >> our upcoming meetings, of course, our next one is March 10th, which we have discussed at 6 p.m. That's going to be a
regular hybrid meeting at the DBW. Our March 31st uh meeting will be 6 p.m. Zoom. Um, April 14th, wow, that's encouraging. We're talking about April, uh, will be a another 6
p.m. regular hybrid meeting at the DPW. and April 28th will be a 6 p.m. Zoom meeting. >> Oh, Chip, just I'm only making him aware because we had talked about that the inpersons were um 7:00 and the every
other week was online. We've we've changed it for the next what couple months just because of Bill's time commitments with the other budget stuff. Um, so we everything even if it's hybrid or in person is now at six just for the
next couple months. >> Okay. So both meetings a month are both at six. >> Correct. >> Until Bill's freed up. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Is there a reason why we did the seven
o'clock ones in the first place? >> I'm not sure. I'm not sure. I I think it was just set up that way. um 6:00 we can have to work for hours. >> I might be able to put some input on that one. Um I've been on the board
since before COVID and none of them were Zoom at that time. >> Um all meetings were 7:00 every two weeks at the DBW. It was just how it's always been. >> Yep. >> Um then of course CO changed that. Someone decided um or the group of us
decided that uh Zoom is easier to get on. So we did that an hour earlier. >> Okay. >> Um that's where it started and this is where we are. So >> fair enough. Co changed the world. >> Yep. It changed a lot of things. So
>> very good. Um so um I'm looking for a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll second that. >> All right. We have a motion to adjourn the meeting. It's been seconded. Uh Dan,
>> hi >> Scott. >> I >> and I by myself. Uh the meeting is officially closed. Thank you everyone and um have a good night. Lunberg. >> Have a good night everybody. >> Good night.