# sewer-commission — 34 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-21-agenda-6972.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-01-21 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-01-21-agenda-6972.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212025-6972 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, January 21, 2025 6:00 PM Regular Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Business Manager Position New Hire – Welcome Andrew Valliere b. 12 Kimball St – Vote to assess privilege fee c. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget – Discussion and possible vote d. Absent Members - discussion e. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. 2nd Quarter Billing – Demands – update ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – update iii. Manhole Repair IFB – update iv. Line Repairs – Mass 1 – updated f. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES January 28, 2025 6 pm Zoom Meeting February 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting February 25, 2025 6 pm Zoom Meeting March 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting 8. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-21-minutes-6972.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-01-21 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-01-21-minutes-6972.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01212025-6972 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 01/21/25 Sewer Commission meeting– via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden, Clerk- Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, DPW Director- Bill Bernard, Sewer Business Manager-Andrew Valliere, and Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Chair- Mike Mackin and Eli Torres. Brett opened the meeting at 6:26 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT- Brett welcomed Andrew and asked how he is enjoying the job. Andrew replied there have been billing challenges, but he is happy to learn as he goes along. He added that everyone has been fantastic and supportive – especially Bill Bernard who has been guiding him along the way. ANNOUNCEMENTS- none CURRENT BUSINESS - --Business Manager Position New Hire- Brett said again that they are happy to have Andrew on board. --12 Kimball St.- Brett stated that they will need to vote to assess their Privilege Fee. Bill noted that they had voted on an extension previously to allow the property to attach and instead of a betterment charge, they are assessed a privilege fee for connection. Brett asked if they have agreed to pay the fee and Bill replied yes. They are already hooked up to sewer and this is just a formality. Scott asked if the Privilege Fee goes on as a lien and if the property was sold prior to paying it all, it would be settled at the time of sale. Bill replied that it was correct. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe Hurley To vote for the lien (Privilege Fee) on 12 Kimball St. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. --Fiscal Year 2026 Budget- Bill screen-shared the spreadsheet for the FY26 budget and reviewed the line items. Andrew’s and the Assistant Manager salaries are based on FY25 numbers. He noted that they paid overtime when Mass 1 was being repaired. Expenses – the largest amount is paid to Leominster and Fitchburg for sewage disposal. Bill stated that he level funded most items, with a few modest increases. Purchase of Service – Outsourcing - CTE contract is listed at $148K and an additional $90K covers other work such as line jetting. The Transfer to Stabilization Fund is 10% of any surplus. Capital plan – Bill noted that the Commission had a lot of discussion on the 10 year Capital Plan that Paula put together. In FY25. They put in $368K for Capital as there was a lot that needed to be done. Scott asked if the lower number for FY26 was because they do not have a big project planned. Bill replied in FY25, they budgeted $172K for work at Dana St. station plus other repairs to total $368K, but in FY26, they are just budgeting $80K for a generator at Twin City station and $10K for spare pumps. Bill bumped it up to $125K for FY26 to be safe. The next project is Dana St., which they have money from FY25 to do the project in FY26. Scott asked if this would be a good time to have CTE check the cut-offs at the other stations. Bill agreed they could do that and take money from Retained Earnings. He noted that whatever is not spent, will go back to Retained Earnings. The Commission discussed the figure of $125K for Capital, noting the repair to Mass 1 was about $140K. Scott asked if the cost would double if a repair had to be done as an emergency and Bill said yes. Scott suggested bumping it up $20K. Bill noted the Leominster Rd. pipes are in much better condition and would not need to be done right now. The Commission agreed to bump the Capital Plan another $20K. The total proposed Expenses for FY26 would be $1.866 million. Bill shared the revenue spreadsheet and stated that he is not suggesting any rate increase. He added that they are expecting revenues of about $1.5 million but have a delinquency rate of 27%, so revenues would be lower. Joe asked what happens when users do not pay, and Bill replied it goes on their tax bill. He suggests going to a Select Board meeting noting that only 75% are paying the bills. He added there are other fees collected, along with betterments paid off, which would add about $368K. They would make up the difference from Retained Earnings, from which they would need to take $300K. Bill stated that the debt service will be going away after FY29. Fitchburg will go up 7% each year and Leominster will go up 3% next year, so Bill said they should be ok without going up on rates. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To accept the FY26 budget. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. --Absent Members- Bill reported that he has no update on Eli Torres and Brett requested this be added to a future agenda. --DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. 2nd Quarter Billing- Demands – Andrew reported that Paula came in to help and they got a lot done but were having a problem with calculating the correct $10 late fee. He has put in numerous tickets for support but is having a problem with getting help from Tyler for correcting this issue. There are 300 customers that owe for a total over $3,000. Bill noted there has been an issue with printing demands for over a year. The town will be upgrading to the Munis cloud system and they have been more responsive to their requests. ii. Assistant to Business Manager Position- Bill stated the position is still posted and they have not had any applicants for a while. iii. Manhole Repair IFB – Bill reported the manhole repair was put out to bid and they have a low bidder- Insituform Technologies. He will reach out to them to get the ball rolling in the spring. iv. Line Repairs – Mass 1- Bill said this work is completed. They replaced the suction lines earlier this month and it went well. Bill added that the foreman thinks he can do Dana St. all at once which would save money. --Future agenda Items – updates on manhole repairs, 2nd quarter demands, Assistant to Business Manager. Bill will check if Kimball St. needs to be discussed one more meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT – Brett thanked the staff for keeping everything running. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: January 28, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Remote February 11, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting February 25, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Remote March 11, 2025 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting Motion: Joe Hurley Second: Scott D. To adjourn at 7:31pm. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye, and Brett-aye. Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-28-agenda-6982.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-01-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-01-28-agenda-6982.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282025-6982 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, January 28, 2025 6:00 PM Regular Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Minutes of 10/19/24, and 12/10/24 – Review/Vote b. 12 Kimball St – Discuss next steps of the privilege fee assessment process c. Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report – Discussion d. Absent Members - discussion e. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. 2nd Quarter Billing – Demands – update ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – update iii. Manhole Repair IFB – update f. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES February 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting February 25, 2025 6 pm Zoom Meeting March 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting March 25, 2025 6 pm Zoom Meeting 8. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-01-28-minutes-6982.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-01-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-01-28-minutes-6982.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01282025-6982 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Minutes of 01 /28/25 Sewer Commission meeting – via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: , Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden , Clerk- Scott Dall , Member : Joe Hurley , DPW Directo r- Bill Bernard , Sewer Business Manager-Andrew Va lliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Chair- Mike Mackin and Eli Torres Brett opened the meeting at 6 :0 4 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - --- Minutes of 10/19/24 and 1 2/10/24 Motion: Joe H. Second : Scott D. To accept the minutes of 10/19/24 and 12/10/24 . Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe- aye and Brett-aye. --- 12 Kimball St. – Bill reported that the owner came into the office and stated he will pay the Privilege F ee now in full. The Commissioners will DocuSign the document so it can go to the Town Treasurer . --- Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report- Bill explained the Annual Report is a short summary of the fiscal year and Jane has volunteered to write it. Jane stated that she will do a draft and send it to Andrew and Bill for updated figures . They will send the completed report to the Commissioners , who will need to vote to accept before the report goes to the Town Manager ’s office. The report is due 2/17 , so they will need to vote on it at the next meeting. --- Absent Members – Bill noted that he made contact with Eli , who said he h as taken on a new job and does not have time to be on the Commission anymore. Eli s tated he w ill write a letter of resignation and bring it to the Town Hall within a couple weeks. Bill added that once the resignation is received at the Town Hall, they can start recruiting a new member. --- DPW Director /Sewer Business Manager Updates --2 nd Quarter Billing Demands Update – Andrew reported that he thinks he got the demands to go through with straight $10 fees and will be work ing with Paula to get them to print . If it goes well, he is h op ing to have them ready for Friday and ask Jane to come in to do the mailing . He is also working on the quarterly billing and making progress on that . The quarterly billing usually goes well and i t should be done in the next week or so. Brett told Andrew that he is doing a great job and they appreciate it. Bill reported that Andrew is doing well and picking it up with Paula ’s instruction. To give Andrew more help, they reached out to the town ’s Munis consultant and he will be coming in the mid dle of February . Bill also asked the consultant to give Andrew a high level look at Munis to help him understand what Munis does in the background . The consultant came in to work with Paula in the past and he is being paid out of ARPA money – not the Sewer budget. --Assistant to the Business Manager Position - Bill reported that they have 2 candidates with interviews lined up. He w ill let the Commissioners know when the interviews will take place so they can sit in on t hem . -- Manhole Repair IFB- Bill stated there are n o updates and Brett added that they need to wait until the frost comes out of ground. Bill replied that is why they res trict road openings from November to April 15 th . --- Future Agenda Items- Assistant Business Manager, Quarterly Billing , FY24 Annual Report ---OLD BUSINESS - already covered. ===PAGE 2=== P UBLIC C OMMENT – Bill remind ed residents to not flush anything down their toilets other than waste and toilet paper. Also flushable wipes are not flushable – they tend to clog up the system , so p lease do not flush any wipes . Bret t added that this was a positive meeting with more help with Munis , a potential assistant on the way , m oney coming in and a plan for future repairs. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : February 11 , 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW February 25 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting , Zoom Meeting March 11 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW March 25 , 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To adjourn at 6:25pm Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott- aye and Brett-aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-11-agenda-7018.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-02-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-02-11-agenda-7018.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112025-7018 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA (REVISED) February 11th, 2025 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Absent Members – Discussion b. FY24 Annual Report – Discussion / possible vote c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. 2nd and 3rd Quarter Billing and Demands – update ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – update iii. Manhole Repair IFB – update iv. General items - Discussion d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES February 25, 2025 6 pm Zoom meeting March 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting March 25, 2025 6 pm Zoom meeting April 8, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-11-minutes-7018.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-02-11 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-02-11-minutes-7018.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02112025-7018 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 02/11/25 Sewer Commission meeting– Hybrid Meeting at DPW Attendees:, Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden, Clerk- Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, DPW Director- Bill Bernard, Sewer Business Manager- Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Chair- Mike Mackin and Eli Torres Brett opened the meeting at 7:03pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS – none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Absent Members – Bill stated that Eli told him that he could not attend meetings and that he would submit a letter of resignation but he has not done that yet. Brett asked Bill to contact him again about the letter. ---FY24 Annual Report - The Commissioners said they had read the report and had no changes. Bill and Andrew will update the figures for FY24 before submitting the report to the Town Manager’s office. Joe asked about the increases from Fitchburg and Leominster. Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To accept the FY24 Annual Report pending updates to the figures in the report. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye, and Brett-aye. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates– i. 2nd and 3rd Quarterly Billing and Demands – Andrew reported that he was able to print and send out the 3rd Quarterly Billing. There were some errors where Munis doubled figures, but he was able to correct them. He sent out 911 bills with 11 that had errors which users called about and he double checked the bills. He added that if any user thinks their bill is incorrect, they can contact him at the office. Andrew noted that Munis has not fixed the issue with the Demands and he is not able to get help fixing it. He has tried numerous things but cannot get them to print. Bill added that the consultant will be coming in next week and hopefully he will be able to help Andrew with this problem. ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position- Bill reported that they interviewed one person who has a lot of municipal experience. They also have another interview on 2/12. HR will be checking references for the candidates. iii. Manhole Repair IFB – Bill stated that this will be a springtime job and will be setting up a meeting with the contractor. iv. General Items- Bill noted that they set up contingencies and reviews as part of Andrew’s employment with his first review in January. He is doing well and is not intimidated by Munis. Andrew replied that Munis is a challenge but he will keep trying to get things done and he is grateful for Bill’s help. Brett thanked Andrew for his effort. ---Future Agenda Items- update on billing, Assistant Business Manager, and manhole repairs. Bill added that come Spring when they can open up the roads (after April 15th), there will be many applications for sewer hookups. PUBLIC COMMENT – Brett stated the Commissioners extend their best to Mike Mackin to get well soon. He also hopes that they will be able to get a new candidate for the Board and thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: February 25, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting March 11, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting March 25, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting April 8, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To adjourn at 7:29 pm. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye and Brett-aye Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley, Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-25-agenda-7069.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-02-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-02-25-agenda-7069.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-7069 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA February 25th, 2025 6:00pm Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Commitment Q3 FY 2025 – Discussion / Vote b. Minutes 1/21/25, 1/28/25 and 2/11/25 – Review / Approve c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Budget FY26 Presentation – Discussion ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – update iii. 2nd Quarter Demands – update iv. Manhole Repair IFB – update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES March 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting March 25, 2025 6 pm Hybrid meeting April 8, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting April 29, 2025 6pm Hybrid Meeting ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-25-agenda-7071.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-02-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-02-25-agenda-7071.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-7071 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA February 25th, 2025 6:00pm Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Commitment Q3 FY 2025 – Discussion / Vote b. Minutes 1/21/25, 1/28/25 and 2/11/25 – Review / Approve c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Budget FY26 Presentation – Discussion ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – update iii. 2nd Quarter Demands – update iv. Manhole Repair IFB – update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES March 11, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting March 25, 2025 6 pm Hybrid meeting April 8, 2025 7 pm Hybrid Meeting April 29, 2025 6pm Hybrid Meeting ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-25-agenda-7122.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-02-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-02-25-agenda-7122.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-7122 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA March 25th, 2025 6:00pm Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Commission Vacancies – Discussion b. Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature – Update c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Minutes from 2/25/25 and 3/11/25 – Review/Vote to approve ii. Sewer expansion request outside service area & Easement for connection – General Discussion iii. Wright-Pierce NDPES requirements – Discussion/Update iv. Bill payment online feature/options – Update v. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – Discussion vi. Manhole Repair IFB – Update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES April 8th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting April 29th, 2025, 6pm Regular (Zoom) Meeting May 13th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting May 27th, 2025, 6pm Regular (Zoom) Meeting ===PAGE 2=== 2025.03.20 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-02-25-minutes-7069.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-02-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-02-25-minutes-7069.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02252025-7069 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 2/25/25 Sewer Commission meeting– via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden, Clerk- Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, DPW Director- Bill Bernard, Sewer Business Manager-Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Eli Torres Brett opened the meeting at 6:01pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Commitment Q3 FY2025 – Andrew reported that he was able to print out the bills and sent them out. The Commitment amount was $316, 741.96 and required a vote by the Commission. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To accept the 3rd Quarter FY25 Commitment letter. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye and Brett-aye. ---Minutes of 1/21/25, 1/28/25 and 2/11/25 Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To accept the minutes of 1/21/25, 1/28/25 and 2/11/25. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. ---DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates– i. Budget FY26 Presentation- Bill noted the Commission had already voted on the budget and they are on the Finance Committee schedule to present the budget on February 27th, along with the DPW and Facilities budgets. Bill put together and will present a PowerPoint presentation, which he screen-shared. The Commission reviewed and briefly discussed the presentation. Bill commented that he found a formula error in one of the spreadsheets which was corrected and the Total Retained Earning Appropriation is now $302,232.77. Brett said he understood there were still quite a few outstanding customer bills. Bill answered that they have a delinquency rate of 27%, that works out to be about $400K. He added if those customers paid up, they would not need to take money from Retained Earnings. There currently is $2.1 Million in Retained Earnings and eventually the money they take out of Retained Earnings will go back in. Bill noted the money that is owed to Leominster and Fitchburg for debt service will be less than the betterments being paid in FY26. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To accept the final version of the FY26 Budget. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye and Brett-aye. ii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position- Andrew reported that Tiffaney will be brought on board. Bill added they had 2 very good candidates but preferred one over the other. They put together a list of Essential Competencies of the Assistant to the Sewer Business Manager, which he screen-shared. Bill went through the list of tasks with review dates for marking the assistant’s progress. Brett asked if the consultant had come in yet and Bill replied he is due on Thursday (2/27). Bill explained that they use the Competencies list to see how they are doing and if they need help, rather than waiting until the end of the 6-month probationary period. Brett was excited to hear they had someone coming on. The offer letter will be going out to Tiffaney. iii. 2nd Quarter Demands – Andrew was very excited to get them to go through on the 18th but the system will still not print them out. Anyone that owes money on Quarter 2 will see it reflected in the next quarter. Bill stated that someone went to Town Hall to pay their bill and when the Treasurer’s office looked in Munis they saw a demand fee. However, the demand fee had never been sent out on a separate bill so they questioned if they can legally charge it. He will get a legal opinion on that issue. Bill commented there were over $10,000 in losses since the Munis upgrade had not been able to print out demands. The town accountant has sent another request to Tyler Tech to ask for this to be fixed. They will also ask the Consultant if he can fix it. iv. Manhole Repair IFB- no update. OLD BUSINESS – Brett stated they are in need of Commissioners and they discussed doing another mailing. Scott suggested going through the Social Media groups and putting flyers out at meetings. Brett commented they have tried various things in the past, but the letter mailing got the best response. He asked who is able to post on social media. Bill stated it is on the town’s website, possibly on the Facebook site and is mentioned in the Town Manager’s report. He will talk to the Town Manager and Social Media people to ask if someone can put it on other social media sites. Scott said he could put something together and Joe suggested posting it as a citizen recommending people look into a committee. PUBLIC COMMENT – Bill reminded everyone that the Flat Hill bridge over the Catacoonamug Brook will be closed for work until the end of April. Work will be starting next week. Note for the record: Chair Mike Mackin has resigned for personal reasons. ---Future Agenda Items- Budget updates, Manhole Repairs, update on Assistant to Business Manager, plans for more Commissioners. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: March 11, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW March 25, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting April 8, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW April 29, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To adjourn at 6:34pm. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-11-agenda-7092.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-03-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-03-11-agenda-7092.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112025-7092 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA March 11th, 2025 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Commission Vacancies – Discussion b. Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law legislation – Discussion c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Wright-Pierce NDPES requirements – Discussion ii. Budget FY26 – Discussion iii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – update iv. Demands – update v. Manhole Repair IFB – update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES March 25th, 2025, 6 pm Zoom meeting April 8th, 2025, 7 pm Hybrid Meeting April 29th, 2025, 6pm Hybrid Meeting May 13th, 2025, 7 pm Hybrid Meeting ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-11-minutes-7092.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-03-11 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-03-11-minutes-7092.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03112025-7092 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 3/11/25 Sewer Commission meeting– Hybrid meeting at DPW Attendees: Vice-Chair: Brett Ramsden, Clerk: Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk: Jane Ranley Absent: Eli Torres, DPW Director- Bill Bernard Brett opened the meeting at 7:05pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT- Scott advised that they are actively looking for new members for the Commission. Those interested can contact the Sewer Commission or look for the volunteer form on the Town website. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Commission Vacancies- Scott attended the Town Caucus, was nominated and will be on the ballot for a 3-year term. There are still two 3-year term and one 2-year term open. Candidates can get on the ballot if they gather 50 signatures. Scott noted it was a good turnout and there are openings for other committees to include Sewer. Andrew explained that they can post the openings online as long as you are not representing yourself as a commissioner. The Commission discussed sending out another letter to solicit new commissioners. Scott suggested asking the Town Hall for a copy of the first letter, which only went to users on town sewer. However, potential commissioners do not need to be on sewer. Andrew said they can figure out about doing another mailing and send it out. Scott suggested the new assistant could possibly help with that. ---Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature- Andrew explained that this is set to expire at the end of March and the town is hoping it will get extended, as in the past. If it does not get extended, their meetings will have to be in person for the Commissioners. The Commission discussed in person meetings and agreed that 7pm would work best. If a hybrid-Zoom option is not allowed, they would need to schedule meetings at the Town Hall. Andrew noted there is an option to have AI generate minutes, but they will continue to have Jane do the minutes. ---DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates– i. Wright-Pierce NDPES requirements- Andrew reported they have been in touch with Wright Pierce on the requirements to go in effect next year and into 2028. Wright Pierce was given the large scope of work and asked for a fee proposal. The estimate is $249,000 which will be spread over 4 years. The work will include adaptive measurement assessments, vulnerable critical assessments of the sewer system, information and maintenance schedule starting in 2028, and an adaptation plan progress report. Scott mentioned adding exercising the cutoffs on the pumps to the maintenance schedule in the next contract, as preventive maintenance. Brett said he could talk to Bill about this and will add it to the next agenda. ii. Budget FY26- Andrew reported there were not many updates except they can use money from the Capital line item to pay for any Wright Pierce expenses that are not covered under Engineering. Scott noted he watched Bill’s budget presentation, stating it was clear and concise. iii. Assistant to the Business Manager Position- Andrew commented that Tiffaney will be ratified at tonight’s Select Board meeting and she will probably start on 3/17. iv. Demands- Andrew reported he was able to do a mail merge and send the demands out, which gives him a platform for future demands. Scott commented that the Finance Committee was concerned about the 26% delinquency rate and noted that the Uni-Pay system only allows full balance payments. There are no options to pay a partial fee other than bringing a check to Town Hall. Scott suggested looking at whether a partial payment option can be added to Uni-Pay. The Commissioners discussed partial/flexible payments, noting that something is better than nothing. Andrew suggested talking to Myleen (Town Collector). Joe agreed it is a good idea, and they would take in more money. Andrew said he would look into options at Town Hall. Brett noted that is why it is good to have input from commissioners who are on the sewer line. v. Manhole Repair IFB – Andrew had no update since the frost is still in the ground. Scott pointed out that Bill said he would reach out to set up a schedule. ---Future Agenda Items- NPDES requirements, Zoom/remote Open Meeting Legislature, and 3 open vacancies for Commissioners. The Commission discussed whether Eli had sent in his resignation and Joe added that he was sorry he will have to leave after the election. They noted they need to have some flexibility for Zoom participation to assure a quorum. They questioned the date for the town election and when new terms start. PUBLIC COMMENT – none UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: March 25, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting April 8, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting April 29, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting May 13, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To adjourn at 7:45 pm Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye and Brett-aye Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-25-agenda-7123.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-03-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-03-25-agenda-7123.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-7123 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA March 25th, 2025 6:00pm Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Commission Vacancies – Discussion b. Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature – Update c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Minutes from 2/25/25 and 3/11/25 – Review/Vote to approve ii. Sewer expansion request outside service area & Easement for connection – General Discussion iii. Wright-Pierce NDPES requirements – Discussion/Update iv. Bill payment online feature/options – Update v. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – Discussion vi. Manhole Repair IFB – Update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES April 8th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting April 29th, 2025, 6pm Regular (Zoom) Meeting May 13th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting May 27th, 2025, 6pm Regular (Zoom) Meeting ===PAGE 2=== 2025.03.20 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-03-25-minutes-7123.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-03-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-03-25-minutes-7123.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03252025-7123 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 3/25/25 Sewer Commission meeting– via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden, Clerk- Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, DPW Director- Bill Bernard, Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Eli Torres Brett opened the meeting at 6:03 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Commission Vacancies – Brett noted they will be losing Joe soon and need to bring in new members. Scott suggested promoting the openings online but they won’t be able to do this directly. Bett asked if they found a copy of the letter previously sent and Bill responded he could get a copy, making changes as needed. Brett suggested sending it to those on sewer and possibly expand it to others. Bill will run it by the town manager, who may want to add other committee openings on a combined letter which would cut the cost of stamps for Sewer. ---Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature— Andrew reported the senate passed this and it is up to the Governor now. The next meeting will be in person. ---DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates– i. Minutes from 2/25/25 and 3/11/25- Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To approve the minutes for 2/25/25 and 3/11/25. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye and Brett-aye ii. Sewer Expansion request outside of service area & Easement for connection- Bill reported that a developer came in who had bought a 10 acre property, with a tiny piece of land in the sewer service area. He wants to put houses on the 10 acres and put in an extension. The regulations state it would need a vote with the Commission and Town Meeting but some regulations contradict that, saying it is just a Commission vote. Bill will ask for clarification on the regulations from Town Counsel. Brett asked how far the property was from the main. Bill replied the connection is at the road and the property goes back for the 10 acres. They will need to put in a road or shared driveways, running the sewer down that. Bill added that eventually the developer will want to come before the Commission and he wanted the Commissioners to read, as well as understand the regs. Joe asked what the negatives are beyond the fact there is a boundary. Bill replied they would not need additional pumps because it would be a gravity flow and there is plenty of capacity. He would need to pay for engineering and all the privilege fees. Scott commented they could set a dangerous precedent for development if he is on the edge of the service area. The next one may be a larger property with 200 acres. The Commissioners discussed the need to get clarity on the bylaws and concern over developments that could put extra strains on the town. Bill noted he will still need to go before Planning Board and have the Building Commissioner sign off on it as buildable lots. Joe asked where the boundary came from originally and what the mission statement is for the sewer system – is the goal to provide partial service or to cover all of Lunenburg? The Commissioners discussed what the impact would be with more people on the system and potential for development of farm land. Bill screen-shared a map of the town showing the Sewer Service Area as noted in the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. He will dig into it to find answers to their questions. Bill reported he had another contractor come in who is building a home and would like to use an easement to connect. The regulations state they can grant a waiver but he would need to come before the Commission with some good reasons for granting a waiver. Bill asked the Commissioners to read and understand the regs before he comes in. He noted the contractor is building 4 units with shared driveways and will be a complicated project. iii. Wright-Pierce NDPES requirements – Bill reported he has gone back and forth with Wright-Pierce to narrow the scope and should have a new cost for the next meeting. iv. Bill payment online feature/options- Andrew reported the town treasurer’s office said it could be implemented easily. There are some drawbacks and may require adjustments for incorrect payments but they can move forward with it if they want. Scott suggested using a toggle to pay past due amounts or making partial payments. They could try a 6 month trial to see how it would work. Brett said it could help a good deal of people. Andrew will put the request in to have the bank turn it on. The Commission discussed doing a vote but decided to table the discussion until Andrew gets more details. v. Assistant to the Business Manager position- Bill noted that Tiffaney only lasted a day and said she could not continue due to family issues. They contacted HR and got some resumes of people that applied for similar jobs. They reached out to 4 of them, heard back from 3 and interviewed 1 today. Another interview is set up for Thursday and the other 2 were not interested. vi. Manhole Repair IFB- Bill has set up a pre-construction meeting for next week. Future Agenda Items- sewer expansion request, minutes, Wright-Pierce updated numbers, bill pay option information, future Assistant, and Manhole Repair meeting. Brett asked Joe how long he will be staying and Joe replied he will be moving sometime over the summer, around the end of July. He will keep everyone posted. PUBLIC COMMENT – Scott noted the Town Hall will be open on Saturday for people collecting signatures to be added to the ballot and for picking up dog licenses. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: April 8, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting April 29, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting May 13, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting May 27, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To adjourn at 7:03pm. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-08-agenda-7149.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-04-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-04-08-agenda-7149.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-7149 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA April 8th, 2025 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted in person at the DPW Office. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature – Update b. Commission Vacancies – Discussion c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Manhole Repair IFB – Update ii. Waiver of interest for 50 Massachusetts Ave – Discussion/Vote iii. Indirect costs for DPW Director as acting Sewer Business Manager Q2 and Q3 FY25 – Discussion/Vote iv. Online Unipay partial payment option – General Discussion/Vote v. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – Update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES April 29th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting May 13th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting May 27th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting June 10th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting 2025.04.03 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-15-agenda-7161.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-04-15 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-04-15-agenda-7161.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152025-7161 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA April 15th, 2025 (RESCHEDULED) 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted in person at the DPW Office. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7927370353?omn=87995745630 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 792 737 0353 . If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature – Update b. Commission Vacancies – Discussion c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Manhole Repair IFB – Update ii. Waiver of interest for 50 Massachusetts Ave – Discussion/Vote iii. Indirect costs for DPW Director as acting Sewer Business Manager Q2 and Q3 FY25 – Discussion/Vote iv. Online Unipay partial payment option – General Discussion/Vote v. Assistant to the Business Manager Position – Update d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES April 29th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting May 13th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting May 27th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting June 10th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting 2025.04.09 REV ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-15-minutes-7161.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-04-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-04-15-minutes-7161.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04152025-7161 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 4/15/25 Sewer Commission meeting– via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden, Clerk- Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, DPW Director- Bill Bernard, Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Absent: Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Brett opened the meeting at 7:05 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS – none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Zoom/remote Open Meeting Law Legislature – Andrew reported that they have extended the hybrid meetings until June 30, 2027. They will continue to meet at the DPW for the 1st meeting and remotely for the 2nd meeting. ---Commission Vacancies – Bill stated that no one has stepped forward but there was one guy who is considering it. He will be meeting with the Town Manager on 4/16 to discuss sending out another letter, possibly including other board openings. The Commission discussed how long Joe would be able to serve before he moves in July. ---DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Manhole Repair IFB- Bill reported that they held a pre-construction meeting with Insituform Technologies on 4/2 to discuss materials and scheduling. He has not heard back yet on the schedule but they got the ball rolling. ii. Waiver of interest for 50 Massachusetts Ave. (formerly Re-Boot) – Bill noted the property was sold and they gave them the final read but it should have been dated out further. Andrew said the amount owed was $5,626.43 and the check came in after the date on the final read. There was more interest due and since it was more than $15, it cannot be waived without a vote by the Commission. Myleen (Treasurer) suggested putting the final reads out 30 days to give time for payments. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. That the Commission waive all interest on the final invoice for the following account # 101215 6567 and accept final payment of $5,626.43. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. iii. Indirect costs for DPW Director as acting Sewer Business Manager Q2 and Q3 FY25 – The Commissioners reviewed the spreadsheet for paying the DPW Director’s time while they were without a Business Manager. Bill noted that usually 15% of his time is paid from the Sewer Enterprise Fund. However, while he was Acting Business Manager, 50% or more of his time was spent on Sewer issues. Accounting calculated the amount to be $14,255.64. Brett thanked Bill for carrying the torch as well as he did and added they appreciate the fine job Andrew has done taking over as Manager. Scott clarified to the audience that Bill covered Sewer for 4 months between the end of August when Paula left and when Andrew was hired. He added that the cost for this should be offset by salary not paid during that time period. Joe asked if there would be any impact to the budget and Bill replied they have money sitting in Capital Improvement Account that they could move if needed. He noted the Commission would need to vote to approve. Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To reimburse the $14,255. 64 to the town for the DPW Director’s time as Acting Sewer Business Manager. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye, and Brett-aye. iv. Online UniPay partial payment option- Andrew talked to Myleen about partial payments. If a customer makes a partial payment, it comes off the oldest bill. The Commission discussed this and agreed it will help to get past due amounts lowered. Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To enable the partial payment option on our UniPay platform for the Sewer customers. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye, and Brett-aye. v. Assistant to the Business Manager Position- Bill reported they are in the process of hiring a new assistant and just waiting to confirm a start date. The candidate has worked for a town and she has used Munis before. Sewer Expansion- Joe asked if they have a mission statement on expanding sewer in town. Bill replied they have a Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan which he will email to Commissioners and Brett suggested reviewing it during a meeting. Bill added that the plan was to sewer in the center of town, with future expansion around the lakes. Brett stated that when sewer is extended the applicant (or builder) is required to install it down the street and do hook-ups for future residents to connect. Bill noted that any one asking to connect outside of the Sewer Service Area (SSA) would need approval by vote at the Town Meeting. He met with Town Counsel who stated it is in the regulations if a property is bisected, the piece outside of the SSA cannot connect without a vote at Town Meeting to expand the SSA. Andrew read aloud this section of the regulations. Brett asked Bill if they are still having problems with clogged pipes. Bill replied the mailings concerning items not to flush into the system have worked to prevent clogs. Leominster Road station was clogging every week but is now down to once every 2 months or so. The Commissioners agreed to keep reminding customers about items not to be flushed into the system via billing inserts, on the website and at Town Meetings. PUBLIC COMMENT – none Future Agenda Items- Commission vacancies, Manhole Repairs and Assistant Manager. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: April 29, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting May 13, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting May 27, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting June 10, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To adjourn at 7:41pm Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-29-agenda-7189.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-04-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-04-29-agenda-7189.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-7189 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA April 29th, 2025 (REVISED) 6:00pm Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. CWMP - Discussion b. Commission Vacancies – Discussion c. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Minutes from 3/25/2025 and 4/15/2025 – Review/Vote to approve ii. Quarter 4 FY25 Billing – Update iii. Manhole Repair IFB – Update iv. Town Meeting Slideshow – Discussion v. Asst. To Sewer Business Mgr. – Updates d. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES May 13th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting May 27th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting June 10th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting June 24th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting REV 2025.04.24 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-04-29-minutes-7189.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-04-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-04-29-minutes-7189.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04292025-7189 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== M inutes of 4/29/25 Sewer Commission meeting – via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden , Clerk- Scott Dall , Member: Joe Hurley , DPW Directo r- Bill Bernard , Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Brett opened the meeting at 6 :0 3 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---CWMP (Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan ) discussion- Bill emailed the Commissioners the E xec utive Summary and 1 st chapter of the CWMP but could not send the whole f ile because it was too large . He screen -shared a summary of the CWMP which was started around 2005 and last updated in 2016. That update looked at the future of the system up to 203 6. The Town determined they needed a plan for 3 factors : ---1 .) the re are areas of the t own that are not well suited to conventional on-site disposal ( Title V ) --- 2.) concerns about population growth --- 3.) the limited capacity for sending wastewater to nearby municipal facilities (Fitchburg and Leominster). Phase 1 determined there were 11 areas that need ed study. Phase 2 identified , described and evaluated several alternatives. Phase 3 included a detailed evaluation of wastewater collection , treatment and disposal alternatives listed in Phase 2. Phase 4 updated the plan. The Priority areas were: Lower Mass Ave, Baker Station, Whalom , Mass A ve/Beal St., Highland St., Rolling Acres Rd. and Pioneer Drive. Bill stated most people that want to connect are in the S ewer Service A rea and they have b een following the plan. The Plan also included water conservation, stormwater management, nutrient management and developing a Septage Management Plan (SMP). The plan indicated the majority of sewer be sen t to Leominster , which has more capacity and lower c ost than Fitchburg. This included sending Lower Mass Ave and Mass Ave/Beal St to Leominster instead of Fitchburg. The plan was evaluated on Public Health, Water Supply Protection, Protection of Surface Waters, Preserving Community Character and Managed Growth. Joe asked if the 11 areas were not suitable for septic s due to proximity to lakes. Bill replied th e 11 areas studied had unsuitable so ils, were near lakes or had lots too small. J oe asked if a T itle 5 can not go in , are they required to find a way to bring sewer there and Bill answered that it does not require them to do that. The report shows the areas to look at first for expansion. ---Commission Vacancies – Bill talked to the town manager about a town-wide letter going out but it didn ’t go too far. He added that i f the Commission want ed to do their own letter , it would be okay. The Commission discussed possible ways to get the word out at Town Meeting, soccer practices and putting a letter together. Bill was abl e to locate the previous letter sent out and will email it to the Commissioners for edits at the next meeting. --- DPW Director /Sewer Business Manager Updates – I. Minut es from 3/25/2025 and 4/15/25- Motion: Scott D. Second: Joe H. To a ccept the minutes of 3/25/25 and 4/15/25. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe- aye and Brett-aye. II. Quarter 4 FY25 Billing – And rew reported the bill run was d one and going out. He added it was a lot of work going over things, but it should be accurate. Brett thanked Andrew for all ===PAGE 2=== his work and that they appreciated all he did to get it together. Bill noted that Munis threw 1 4 curveballs at him and they brought in 2 consultants but he was able to work through it all. Andrew stated it took a lot of checking and rechecking. He is hoping when every thing go es into the cloud , it won ’t be so “wonky ”. Scott asked if they turn ed on the partial payment process and Andrew replied he will talk to Myleen . III. Manhole Repair IFB – Bill contacted Insituform and they plan on start ing in June . IV. iv. Town Meeting Slideshow – Bill screen-shared the presentation for the articles at town meeting. Articles 21, 23 & 24 will be part of the Consent Calendar and Article 22 (Budget) will be presented at Town Meeting. They will need to borrow from Retained Earnings but the good news is rates will not increase. He will remind people that clogs are a serious issue and to not flush anything that does not belong there. Bill added that clogs have been down but he will keep reminding people. Bill will do the presentation which will include a summary of the Re venues and estimated E xpenses . Scott noted there may be a question about whether the billing is working now and the issue of the 26% delinqu ency rate . Andrew stated that the demands were mailed and now the quarterly billing is go ing out. Demands will go out again soon and he will seek help if there are any issues. Scott said it will be a good opportunity to get the word out that things are working now . V. Asst . To Sewer Business Mgr. – Bill reported they interviewed a woman named Susan and she is going through the HR process. If everything goes as planned, her start date will be May 27 th . Future Agenda Items- Comm ission Vacancies, Updates from DPW/ Sewer Business Manager, Town Meeting Update , and potential new Assistant update. P UBLIC C OMMENT – Bill urged all to attend the Town Meeting – there will be a lot of important things discussed there and to make your voice heard by voting. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : May 13 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting , Hybrid Meeting May 27 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting June 1 0 , 2025 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting June 24 , 2025 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To adjourn at 6:47 pm Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-13-agenda-7218.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-05-13 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-05-13-agenda-7218.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-7218 ======================================================================================== 312420000 SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA May 13th, 2025 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted from the DPW office. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC COMMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS CURRENT BUSINESS Commission Vacancies – Discussion DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates Minutes from 4/29/25– Review/Vote to approve Quarter 4 FY25 Billing – Update Manhole Repair IFB – Update Commitment Q4 FY25 – Discussion/vote Asst. To Sewer Business Mgr. – Updates Future agenda Items – Discussion OLD BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENT UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES May 27th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting June 10th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting June 24th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting July 8th, 2025 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting 2025.05.08 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-13-minutes-7218.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-05-13 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-05-13-minutes-7218.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05132025-7218 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== M inutes of 5/13/25 Sewer Commission meeting – via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden , Clerk- Scott Dall , Member: Joe Hurley , DPW Directo r- Bill Bernard , Sewer Business Manage r- Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Brett opened the meeting at 7 :02 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT - & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Commission Vacancies – Bill reported they d o not have any new members but he gave the Commissioners copies of the letter sent out previously . The Commissioners discussed edits and agreed to mail an updated version of the letter. Andrew will make the edits and send the letters to sewer users. ---DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Minutes of 4/29/25 Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To accept the minutes of 4/29/25. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott- aye and Brett- aye. ii. Quarter 4 FY25 Billing - Andrew reported he was able to get t he billing done but found an issue in Munis with the rate s. Munis had reverted it back to the 2022 rates for the bills over the minimum charge. He t hought he corrected the issue and the consultant agreed it looked ok. However, he received a call from a c ustomer who alerted him that he was charged $13 6 but it should have been $158. Andrew said the Commitment number will be a bit low er and he will have to do a supplemental Commitment because he will need to send out another round of bills for the difference. T he new bill will come on Uni-pay but there will be no interest due to the inconvenience . Bill noted that about half of the bills were incorrect -about 500 . Of that 500, the difference on 475 was less than $100. He added that the sys tem used the correct rate for a year and now it grabbed the wrong rate . If they don ’t send the corr ected bills , they would lose $24,000 . Andrew stated the bills will reflect any payments paid already and he extended the due date. Bill reported they are changing to the cloud based system in 2 weeks. The consultant helped so they did not have to do manual adjustments on each bill . Joe asked if someone is on auto-pay will it automatically make the supplemental payment and they will check on that. iii . Assistant to the Business Manager Position- Bill announced that Susan Sullivan will be starting on 5/27 as the new assistant. iv . Manhole Repair IFB – Bill contacted Insitufo rm for an update. They are changing project managers but they will still be starting in June . Bill added that the flow meters will show an increase with all the rain. v. Commitment Q4 FY25 - The C ommi ssioners reviewed, signed and voted on the Commitments. Motion: Joe H. Second: Scot t D. T o accep t the Q4 FY25 C ommitment and S up p lemental Commitment as written . Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett- aye. --- Future Agenda Items- C omm ission v acancies, minutes, review end of year budget items and any adjustments , new A ssistant Manager , D ana S treet work before 7/1. P UBLIC C OMMENT – Brett wished residents with children a happy Mother ’s Day. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : May 27 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting , Zoom Meeting June 10 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting @ DPW ===PAGE 2=== June 24 , 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting July 8 , 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting @ DPW Motion: S cott D. Second: J oe H. To adjourn at 7:31pm . Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett- aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley , Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-22-agenda-7241.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-05-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-05-22-agenda-7241.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-7241 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA JOINT SELECT BOARD MEETING May 22nd, 2025 7:00PM (Remote participation via Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 909-174-0347 #. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. I. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER II. 7:00 PM Joint meeting of Sewer Commission & Select Board – Appointments to fill the Sewer Commission Vacancies. III. Adjournment ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-22-minutes-7241.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-05-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-05-22-minutes-7241.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05222025-7241 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Minutes of 5/22/25 Select Board joint Sewer Commission meeting– via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Vice-Chair- Brett Ramsden, Clerk- Scott Dall, Member: Joe Hurley, Sewer Business Manager, Andrew Valliere Select Board Members: Caesar Nuzzolo, Chair - Amanda Moore, Vice Chair - Renee Emkey, Clerk - Brian Lehtinen, Member, Glenn Mcleod Member, - Town Manager: Jennifer Warren-Dyment Caesar welcomed all to the meeting starting at 7:03 pm. Brett opened the meeting around 7:07 pm. and made a roll call of attendees of the Sewer commission staff. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - Appointment to fill the Sewer Commission Vacancies. Joe Hurley to be appointed to sewer commission. Motion: Scott D. Second: Brett To re-appoint Joe Hurley member of the Sewer Commission. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Brett-aye. Select Board members: 5 of 5 (all in favor) - aye Caesar, Brett and Scott D. all thanked Joe Hurley for his contribution to the Sewer Commission and thankful for Joe’s willingness to continue being a member of the commission. Introduction for Daniel Proctor; Daniel is a business owner of two carwashes in town that utilizes the sewer system as well manages his own construction business in Lunenburg and looks forward to helping serve his community. Appointment to fill the Sewer Commission Vacancies. Daniel Proctor to be appointed to Sewer Commission. Motion: Scott D. Second: Brett To appoint Daniel Proctor as member of the Sewer Commission. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe H- aye. Select Board members: 5 of 5 (all in favor) -aye Introduction for Arthur Katsis; Arthur has lived in Lunenburg for many years and has had his children attend Lunenburg schools. He is a former military veteran and wants to help serve his community. Appointment to fill the Sewer Commission Vacancies. Arthur Katsis to be appointed to sewer commission. Motion: Scott D. Second: Brett To appoint Arthur Katsis as member of the Sewer Commission. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe H- aye. Select Board members: 5 of 5 (all in favor) -aye PUBLIC COMMENT - none Motion: Brian L. Second: Amanda M. To adjourn at 7:26 pm Roll Call Vote: Select Board members 5 of 5-aye Respectfully submitted, Andrew Valliere Sewer Business Mgr. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-27-agenda-7242.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-05-27 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-05-27-agenda-7242.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-7242 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION Brett Ramsden, Vice-Chairman Scott Dahl, Member Joseph Hurley, Member Bill Bernard, DPW Director Andrew Valliere, Business Mgr. SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA May 27th, 2025 6:00pm Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Commission Re-Organization / Meeting of 5/22 – Discussion b. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Dana Street Repairs – Discussion ii. Supplemental Billing Q4 FY25– Update iii. Manhole Repair IFB – Update iv. Quarterly demands – Update v. Asst. To Sewer Business Mgr. – Update/Welcome c. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES June 10th, 2025, 7 pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting June 24th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting July 8th, 2025, 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting July 29th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting 2025.05.21 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-05-27-minutes-7242.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-05-27 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-05-27-minutes-7242.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05272025-7242 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== M inutes of 5/27/25 Sewer Commission meeting – via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Chair- Brett Ramsden , Vice -Chair - Scott Dall , Clerk- Dan Proctor, Member s : Joe Hurley and Arthur Katis , DPW Directo r- Bill Bernard , Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Brett opened the meeting at 6 :0 7 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT - Bill thanked Scott for running again and Joe for continuing as long as he is able . He also gave a big welcome to the newest members - Dan and A rthur , thanking them for jumping on. H e appreciate s having a full Commission and welcomed their new ideas. CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Commission Re-Organization /Meeting of 5/22- Brett also welcomed Dan and Arthur and thanked Joe for staying on . Bill advis ed they will need to vote for new officers now. Nominations: Joe nominated Brett for Chair and Scott seconded. Brett nominated Scott for Vice-Chair and Dan seconded. Scott nominated Dan for Clerk and Brett seconded. Votes: Chair – Joe-aye, Scott-aye, Dan-aye, and Art hur -aye. Brett abstained . Vice-Chair – Art hur -aye, Joe-aye, Dan-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. Clerk- Scott-aye, Dan-aye, Joe-aye and Arthur-aye (Brett did not vote) Brett thanked Andrew for putting the letter (re. new commissioners) together a nd sending it out. --- DPW Director /Sewer Business Manager Updates – i. D ana Street Repairs - Bill noted that the Dana pump house is our main pump station and almost all the waste in town goes through it. The force mai n is where the waste exits and the pipes are pretty rotted . They will be u s ing Chad Empey (our contractor) who is hiring Pride Environmental to do the work for $123,600 . S imilar work done at Mass 1 co s t $88K plus about $10K for pump trucks. At Dana Street , they figured out a way to use the by-pass and will not need pump trucks this time but will have to excavate to check those pipes. The w ork should be done in another month and will take 5-7 days to complete . Bill stated that t he Commission had already added money to C apital to cover this repair. He no ted that if the pressure line broke , it would be a costly emergency repair and create an environmental issue. Dan asked how much pipe was being replaced and Bill replied a bout 40 feet. Joe asked if there is any other work that needs to be done while it is open and Bill replied no . T his station is about 20 years old and had a design li fe of 25 years. Art asked if there is a warranty on the work . Bill re ad the work procedure from the quote but did not notice a warranty statement. Scott inquired about the contractor ex ercising the cut-offs and if they will be adding it to the future maintenance contract . Bill said that is duly noted. The Commission discussed the wording of the vote and making it dependent on a warranty. Motion: Scott D. Seco nd: Dan P. To accept the quote and move forward to schedule the work before it becomes an issue. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Joe-aye, Dan-aye, A rthur-aye and Brett-aye. B rett asked B ill to give an update at the next meeting on the warranty . ii. Supplemental Billing Q4 FY25 – Andrew reported that the billing went out . They got some questions but have received checks and it worked out well . He added that the Munis system had originally calculated the rates from 2022 and the sewer rates were ===PAGE 2=== wrong. They brought in the consultant to help and thought it was all straightened out , but a ny bill over the minimum charge was not correct. Suppl e mental billing was then sent out for the difference. Andrew stated that everything has been upd a ted and the y will make sure the next bill run will not have as many issues as possible . Bill reported the town just updated to the newest version of Munis and Andrew now has a helper to assis t him. iii. Manhole Repair IFB - Bill – Bill stated that the S ewer C ommission received $100K of ARPA funds to make sewer manhole repairs . They are focusing on manholes that are allowing clean water to enter the system as I/I (Inflow/Infiltration). The work went out to bid and Insituform Technol ogies was the lowest bidder. Bill noted that they h ave ch anged project managers and he does not have a start date yet but will stay on them. Dan asked where the money is coming from and Bill replied $100K from ARPA funds (Federal money) and $40K from the budget. iv. Quarterly demands – Andrew said he will be working on the demands in the next couple weeks . He estimated 27-29% users are delinquent . Bill confirmed that when it is delinquent for 1 year it is put on th eir taxes. v. Ass t. To Sewer Business M gr. - Andrew reported that Susan started today and they are get ting her set up so s he can shadow Andrew . B ill added there is plenty to do and they came up with a new project today. --- Future Agenda Items- Dana St. update, Manhole repairs update , Select Board meeting w/Commission minutes P UBLIC C OMMENT – Joe said if they have someone new that is willing to come onboard, he will step down. Dan asked if he can talk to Bill to get up to speed on the Commission . Brett replied he can talk with Bill and Andrew. Scott noted they just c an not discuss as a group outside of the m eeting s . Bill suggested read ing all the minutes posted on the town website. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : June 10, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW June 24 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting , Zoom Meeting July 8 , 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW July 29 , 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Dan P. To adjourn at 6:53pm Roll Call Vote: S cott-aye , A rthur-aye , D an-aye , and Brett - aye ( Joe had left) Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-06-10-agenda-7255.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-06-10 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-06-10-agenda-7255.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-7255 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA (REVISED) June 10th, 2025 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted from the DPW office. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475- 4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Minutes from May 13th and May 27th Meeting – Review/Vote to approve b. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Dana Street Repairs – Update ii. Manhole Repair IFB – Update iii. Quarterly Demands – Update iv. Wright-Pierce -NDPES Permit - Update c. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES June 24th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting July 8th, 2025 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting July 29th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting August 12th, 2025 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting 2025.06.03 SEWER COMMISSION Brett Ramsden, Chairman Scott Dahl, Vice Chairman Dan Proctor, Clerk Joseph Hurley, Member Arthur Katis, Member Bill Bernard, DPW Director Andrew Valliere, Business Mgr. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-06-10-minutes-7255.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-06-10 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-06-10-minutes-7255.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06102025-7255 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== M inutes of 6/10/25 Sewer Commission meeting – via DPW Office and (Zoom) Attendees: Chair- Brett Ramsden , Vice-Chair - Scott Dall , Clerk- Dan Proctor, Member s : Joe Hurley and Arthur Katis , Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent : DPW Director- Bill Bernard Brett opened the meeting at 7 :00 p m. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS – ---Minutes of 5/13 /25 and 5/27 /25. Motion: Scott D., Second: Joe H. To approve the minutes of 5/13/25 and 5/27/25. Roll Call Vote: Joe-aye, Scott-aye and Brett-aye. (Arthur and Dan abstained) --- DPW Director /Sewer Business Manager Updates – i. Dana Street Repairs – Andrew reported that P ride is starting to stage equipment and will be on the site soon . Dan noted there were 2 workers there today. ii. Manhole Repair IFB – Andrew stated the contractor sent Bill the materials for submittals and they are in the process of reviewing them. They will have an update for the next meeting. iii. Quarterly Demands – Andrew reported he is waiting until due date (the 17 th ) for the supplemental billing and then he can start running the demands . He added that with the Munis update, it looks like they will be able to print the demands on the proper bill setup. iv. Wright-Pierce ND PES Permit- Andrew noted they approved the scope of work and will be in touch for the proposal for next year ’s requirements for 2026 . The Commissioners reviewed the contract and Brett read aloud the components of the contract , which total $83, 800 . He noted that W right -P ierce has been their engineering contractor for many projects. Scott asked what is involved with the mapping and Andrew replied it is to assure it is accurate. Dan inquired how many residents are on the line but not connected . Andrew replied he would find out. Brett asked if there have been any new inquiries to join the system and Andrew said there have been a few calls from residents regarding the cost to hook up. Dan noted he had talked to Bill a bout whether there would be additional fees for adding an ADU ( A uxiliary Dwelling Unit ). Scott stated they had discussed the 20 year old plan for sewer and questioned if they are supposed to protect or expand the sewer. They do not want to overwhelm the system. The Commission discussed permit fees and who would make those decisions , especially considering the impact from the MBT A Communities requirements . Brett suggested discuss ing this in future meetings. Andrew read from the 2023 Regulations that the minimum charge for hooking up is $2250, plus an additional $550 for each bedroom in excess of 3. J oe suggested looking at what other towns charge and Brett stated he would need to talk to Bill. They will add this discussion to the agenda. ---Joe said he can attend only 1 more meeting before moving and Commissioners will ask around for a new candidate. - - - New Assistant to the Business Manager – Andrew reported that she is doing good and there is a lot for her to learn. --- Future Agenda Items- Minutes, Dana St. work , Manhole Repair, Quarterly Demands, and discussion on ADU hookups and fees. ===PAGE 2=== P UBLIC C OMMENT – Brett thanked new members for attending and thanked Joe for staying on until he moves. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : June 24 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting , Zoom Meeting July 8 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW July 29 , @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting August 12 , 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW Motion: Joe H. Second: Scott D. To adjourn at 7 :33 pm Roll Call Vote: Dan-aye , Joe-aye, Scott-aye, Arthur- aye and Brett-aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-06-24-agenda-7282.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-06-24 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-06-24-agenda-7282.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-7282 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA June 24th, 2025 6:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475- 4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Minutes from 6/10/2025 – Vote to approve b. DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Dana Street Repairs – Update ii. Manhole Repair IFB – Update iii. TC. Passios File Cleaning - Update iv. Quarterly Demands – Update v. ADU Guidelines - Discussion c. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES July 8 th, 2025 , 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting July 29th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting August 12th, 2025, 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting August 26th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting 2025.06.17 SEWER COMMISSION Brett Ramsden, Chairman Scott Dahl, Vice Chairman Dan Proctor, Clerk Joseph Hurley, Member Arthur Katis, Member Bill Bernard, DPW Director Andrew Valliere, Business Mgr. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-06-24-minutes-7282.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-06-24 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-06-24-minutes-7282.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06242025-7282 ======================================================================================== Minutes of 6/24/25 Sewer Commission meeting– via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Chair- Brett Ramsden, Vice-Chair- Scott Dall, Clerk- Dan Proctor, Member: Arthur Katis, Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: DPW Director- Bill Bernard and Joe Hurley Brett opened the meeting at 6:15pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Minutes from 6/10/25- Motion: Dan P. Second: Arthur K. To approve the minutes of 6/10/25. Roll Call Vote: Dan-aye, Arthur-aye and Brett-aye. ---DPW Director/Sewer Business Manager Updates– i. Dana Street Repairs – Andrew reported that Pride Environmental worked on the station last week to check that the by-pass piping would work. They dug down to the pipe coming out of the pit and installed thrust-block on it . They are waiting for delivery of 2 parts before they can actually start the work, which is tentatively scheduled for June 30th. ii. Manhole Repair IFB- Andrew noted that Insituform has submitted most of their required forms and Bill will review them when he returns on Monday. The forms are for compliance and specifications. The work is scheduled for July. iii. TC Passios File Cleaning – Andrew reported there were 48 boxes and Jane stated she previously had gone through most of them to retrieve some files for Paula. Andrew added he went through them with Bill to label boxes, noting there were a lot of item numbers from years past. He sent the Commissioners a list of what the state approved for items to destroy. Brett asked how far back the files go and Andrew replied 1994. Brett inquired if everything important has been saved digitally. Andrew replied they will keep anything important and will store those. The records they are destroying are items past their prime and no longer needed. (Scott Dall joined the meeting.) Scott apologized for being late but was having an issue logging on. Andrew said he would send an email with the hyper-link for future meetings. Andrew stated that the Commission did not need to vote on the destroying of files- it was just for their information. The section of Passios that is being used for file storage will be decommissioned soon and Bill wanted to clear out the sewer files. iv. Quarterly Demands – Andrew said the Munis system was updated and he has an email out to Randy, their tech support. He is able to print the demands on the proper billing sheets but the system is adding strange numbers to the bills- adding more than the $10 late fee. Once that issue is corrected, he will be able to send the demands out. Brett stated they appreciate his efforts. v. ADU Guidelines – Andrew reported the Lunenburg By-laws has information about ADUs, as well as Fitchburg’s by-laws. Currently, the sewer by-laws do not have any wording on ADUs, so he and Bill will work with Town Counsel on how to incorporate that wording into the by-laws. He pointed out there was a section in the Lunenburg guidelines that could be used to incorporate for that purpose. Andrew was able to find wording in Fitchburg’s guidelines but was not able to find anything from Leominster. The wording in Lunenburg said it would not be treated as an accessory and Arthur noted it would be an individual unit of at least 1,200 sq. ft. They could get some information from the State’s guidance, which they would need to at least meet. Scott pointed out that with the easing of the restrictions, there could be 2-3 bedroom units added. The Commission would need to consider whether to have flat fee or a sliding scale based on the size of the ADU, which would be extra use on the system. Dan added this would be the time to get the extra money for them. Arthur stated the units are required to have their own kitchen and bathroom, which would justify charging a second fee. Brett noted the by-law states the ADU would need to be smaller than 50% of the gross dwelling area. Andrew added the fee goes by bedrooms and Scott said it would make sense to look at a sliding scale. Scott asked if the size of the pipe draining from the house would need to be increased when adding these units. Dan replied the standard hook-up for sewer is a 4” pipe coming out of the house and then it up to a 6” pipe, going to the stub left by the town. The 6” pipe would handle the 2 or 3 extra bedrooms. Dan suggested if the ADU is 50% of the size of the house, could they charge 50% of the cost of originally hooking up the house as a fee. Brett suggested they look at what the hook-up fee would be currently for that property and base the 50% on that figure, rather than the original fee. Also they could consider a stipulation that if the pipe that goes to the main in the street needs to be replaced, the extra cost would need to be addressed by the homeowner. Dan noted the system was designed for a large amount of expansion in regard to the main in the street. The main is 10” with 6” stubs, which will handle a lot of water. Dan offered to check with other sewer departments about what they are doing with ADUs. Scott noted they should be pro-active and get the fees in place sooner than later-even if it is a flat fee. He suggested checking on how the Water District is handling this and Dan said he will talk to them. ---Future Agenda Items- Dana St. work, minutes, Manhole IFB, demands, and ADU guide lines. PUBLIC COMMENT – Jane noted Joe Hurley had emailed that he has been sick and was sorry to miss his last meeting. Brett said they wish him well. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: July 8, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW July 29, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting August 12, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting at DPW August 26, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Arthur K. To adjourn at 6:50pm Roll Call Vote: Scott- aye, Dan-aye, Arthur-aye and Brett-aye. Respectfully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-08-agenda-7299.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-07-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-07-08-agenda-7299.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082025-7299 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA July 8th, 2025 7:00pm Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted from the DPW office. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475- 4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Minutes from June 24th, 2025– Review/Vote to approve b. Sewer Business Manager Updates i. Dana Street Repairs – Update ii. Manhole Repair IFB – Update iii. Quarterly Demands – Update iv. End of Year FY25 Adjustments – Vote to approve v. ADUs - Discussion c. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES July 29th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting August 12th, 2025 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting August 26th, 2025 6pm (Zoom) Meeting September 9th, 2025 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting 2025.07.01 SEWER COMMISSION Brett Ramsden, Chairman Scott Dahl, Vice Chairman Dan Proctor, Clerk Joseph Hurley, Member Arthur Katis, Member Bill Bernard, DPW Director Andrew Valliere, Business Mgr. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-08-minutes-7299.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-07-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-07-08-minutes-7299.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07082025-7299 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== M inutes of 7-8-25 Sewer Commission meeting – via Hybrid Meeting via Re mote Participation (Zoom) Attendees: Chair- Brett Ramsden , Vice-Chair - Scott Dall , Clerk- Dan Proctor, Member - Arthur Katis , Sewer Business Manager - Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: DPW Director- Bill Bernard, Brett opened the meeting at 7:05 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS – ---Minutes from June 24, 2025- Motion: Scott D. Sec ond: Dan P. To ac cept the minutes of June 24, 2025. Roll Call Vote: Dan-aye, Scott-aye, Arthur- aye and Brett-aye. --- Sewer Business Manager Updates – i. Dana Street Repairs - Andrew spoke with Chad (Empey) who said they we re setting up back-up pumps last week and w ill be replacing the pipes this week. It will be day time work. Dan noted they had the generators all set up. ii. Manhole Repair IFB – Andrew reported that Insituform will be there on 7/15 to start work ing on the manholes most in need . Scott said Bill mentioned something about m oisture sensors to find the ones that need to be sealed up. Brett noted that it is sometimes just visual and Scott added he can hear everyone hitting the manhole in front of his house. iii. Quarterly Demands- Andrew reported they were able to correct the fee charge with the help of S upport and sent them out 6/26. He will have information about the current delinquency rate for the next meeting . He has been getting calls from customers that are having i ssues paying due to the economy. iv. End of FY25 Adjustments – Andrew not ed th ese were final readings and bill adjustments which the Commission will need to vote on. Scott s ta te d for the record that these are the items that come in after the fiscal year closed. Motion: Scott D. Second: Dan P. To accept the $ 4,786.50 in adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2025 . Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Arthur-aye , Dan-aye, and Brett-aye. Andrew will send it out digitally for all the Commissioners to sign. v. ADU ’s – Dan reported that he did some research and found that Leominster has not designated ADU units yet but will charge a fee of $220 for add ing a nother bedroom. Andrew stated that Lunenburg charges $250 for extra bedrooms after 3. Dan suggested having Andrew put together an email on behalf of the Commission stating they would like to put a fee in place for an ADU and ask what the procedure would be. The Commission discussed possible fee scenarios and Brett added he is leaning towards a flat rate. The new construction fee is $3500. Dan noted the maximum size of an ADU is 9 00 sq ft. He also questioned i f there is an existing building on sewer , are they going to run a line from the ADU to the existing main. Andrew noted there is already a by-law in eff ect and the ADU is not considered a separate building . Dan added that the W ater D ep artment does not have anything in place yet for ADU s. They would consider it a multi-family, which increases the minimum charge and w ould run off the same meter. Scott mentioned that in the future someone may want to sell the ir ADU and then they would need a ===PAGE 2=== separate water/sewer meter . Andrew suggested discussing this with town counsel and Scott suggested starting with a draft about how to chang e the fee schedule . --- Future Agenda Items - ADU discussion, manhole repairs , billing, mapping project by Wright Pierce , NP DES vs the station service contract. The Commission discussed not trying to restrict but how much they can expand. It was noted that o riginally anything over a certain amount of flow on John Fitch would require replac ing the pipes. Brett stated the 40B project is now in the courts . It would be a r idiculous amount of sewer added to the system and require add ing 3 pump stations , with other connections along the route. P UBLIC C OMMENT – none UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : July 29 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting , Zoom Meeting August 12 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting August 26 , 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting September 9 , 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Dan P. To adjourn at 7: 58pm. Roll Call Vote: Dan-aye, Arthur-aye , Scott- aye, and Brett-aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-29-agenda-7326.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-07-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-07-29-agenda-7326.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07292025-7326 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA July 29th, 2025 6:00PM Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475- 4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Minutes from 7/8/2025 – Vote to approve b. Sewer Business Manager/DPW Director Updates i. Dana Street Repairs – Update ii. Manhole Repair IFB – Update iii. End of Year FY25 Adjustments – Final approval(s) iv. ADUs – Discussion v. Easements / Possible new connections – General discussion vi. NPDES Permit- General discussion on mapping c. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES August 12th, 2025, 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting August 26th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting September 9th, 2025, 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting September 30th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting 2025.07.24 SEWER COMMISSION Brett Ramsden, Chairman Scott Dall, Vice Chairman Dan Proctor, Clerk Joseph Hurley, Member Arthur Katis, Member Bill Bernard, DPW Director Andrew Valliere, Business Mgr. ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-07-29-minutes-7326.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-07-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-07-29-minutes-7326.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07292025-7326 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== M inutes of 7/29/25 Sewer Commission meeting – via Zoom (Video Conference) Attendees: Chair- Brett Ramsden , Vice-Chair - Scott Dall , Clerk- Dan Proctor, , DPW Directo r- Bill Bernard , Sewer Business Manager: Andrew Valliere, Minutes Clerk- Jane Ranley Absent: Member: Arthur Katis Brett opened the meeting at 6 :03 pm. and did a roll call of attendees. The Commission began the meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMEN T & ANNOUNCEMENTS - none CURRENT BUSINESS - ---Minutes from 7/8/25- Brett noted that he had a correction of the word “effort ” but should be “effect ”. Jane will make the correction. Motion: Scott D. Second: Dan P. To accept the minutes from 7/8/25, with correction as noted. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Dan-aye and Brett-aye . --- DPW Director /Sewer Business Manager Updates – i. Dana Street Repairs- Bill reported the se repairs have been complete d . The Contractor told Bill that the heads of the bolts holding one of the couplings together were almost rusted out and it was good the repair was done now. Andrew noted the repair was done with FY25 money before the end of the fiscal year. Bill added t hey needed the dual-bypass and everything worked out fine. Dan asked how old the system was and Bill said 20 , with a design l ife of 25 years. He believes t he d ual b y-pass will stay in place but will check. Scott asked if the bolts can be inspected easily each year and Bill replied they are visible when the hatch is opened . They can check when they do the draw down and clean the pits each year. ii. Manhole Repair IFB - Bill stated that I n situform came in for just under 2 weeks and fixed all the manholes that d id not require the frame and cover replaced. A sub- contractor will be coming in to do the frames and covers in a couple of weeks. After that, they will do the repairs on the inside of those manholes. Bill added they did not see anything unusual – just normal looking stuff. Brett asked about grading a round the manholes and Bill replied they should be to grade to prevent damage by cars. T hey will also patch holes and put a sealer around , especially up at the top (the chimney). It is pre-cast concrete and bricks to get the grade , with s ealing t o keep water out. They will also seal around the pipes and hopefully these repairs wi ll lessen the I/I. They targeted the worst of the worst based on prior inspections from the past 4-5 years. iii. End of Year FY25 Adjustment- Andrew noted he got all the signatures now and all is goo d . iv. ADUs – Dan suggested having a Flat R ate of $500 or $1,000 to cover inspections to check for leaks from the ADU to the existing house . Another option is to charge for adding bedrooms to an existing house which is what L eominster is doing , with a fee of $220/bedroom. Dan added that they may need to base fees on whether it is just a bedroom or an ADU. B rett agreed with a flat rate , but they should add more if a unit has to go direct ly to the street , which would require further discussion before approval . Andrew noted he and Bill will be meeting with Town Counsel on August 21 st @ 10am at the Library . One or two Commissioners can also attend. v. Easements/Possible new connections – Bill stated a couple of contractors came in asking about easements and routing the sewer through another property. One contractor was talking about splitting a lot and connecting the 2 houses to a manhole which would then connect to the lateral. The Commission needs to allow easements but contract ors will be required to provide a plan and come before the Commission to plead their case . Dan stated he was contracted to do that sewer connection on Mass Ave , noting the property ha s been divided and the homeowner ’s stub is now on the other property. If this comes before the Commission for a vote, he will recuse ===PAGE 2=== himself. He added there is a similar issue on the corner of Leominster Road and Whiting Street . They also want to sub divide the lot and would need to do a manhole at the edge of the property to avoid an easement . Bill noted there have been other contractors coming in with similar situations. Brett stated that was why they changed the easement policy and the Commission will go forward on a case by case basis. vi. NPDES Permit – Bill sent the Commissioners a copy of the D EP letter listing their requirements for submittals . He was able to submit some items but there is a lot more required so they t urned to Wright Pierce for help since they know the system and the DEP. Bill noted they are e xpensive but they will do a good job. Brett added they have lots of paperwork showing they have been addressing I/I. Scott q uestioned the biggest line item of mapping and if it is a recurring cost every year . Bill replied that the DEP want s a n updated map every year and since it was last updated, there have been a lot of extensions which will require a lot of effort to do the update. Scott asked if it would be a sizeable charge every year and Bill replied it should be less next year since it only entail s adding any new e xtensions . Andrew added it is figured on billing hours , according to the volume o f work required . Brett questioned the dates noted on the list and B ill replied he had submitted the map from 2016 but they want ed an updated map. He noted Wright Pierce ’s proposal is to take care of all these questions with the initial d eadline at the end of this year. There is a lso a yearly requirement due starting March 2026 and t hese submittals are all new requirements for the NPDES permit. --- Future Agenda Items- Manhole IFB, Billing for Q1, ADU discussion , meeting with T own C ounsel , Easements, NPDES permit. ---Old Business – Bill got a request for a connection outside of the Sewer Service Area which would require a Town Meeting vote . Dan asked who would make the presentation for the request at Town Meeting and Bill replied it should be the proponent. They should also come before the Commission first before going to Town Meeting. Brett added it would also go before other boards , such as Planning Board. P UBLIC C OMMENT – none UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES : August 12, 2025 @ 7pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting @ DPW August 26 , 202 5 @ 6 pm – Regular Meeting , Zoom Meeting September 9 , 202 5 @ 7 pm – Regular Meeting, Hybrid Meeting @ DPW September 30, 2025 @ 6pm – Regular Meeting, Zoom Meeting Motion: Scott D. Second: Dan P. To adjourn at 6:47pm. Roll Call Vote: Scott-aye, Dan- aye , and Brett-aye. Respect fully submitted, Jane L. Ranley Minutes Clerk ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2025-08-12-agenda-7340.txt BOARD : sewer-commission DATE : 2025-08-12 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/sewer-commission/2025-08-12-agenda-7340.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-7340 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== SEWER COMMISSION AGENDA August 12th, 2025 (Revised) 7:00PM Hybrid Meeting via Remote Participation (Zoom) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting will be recorded and can be found on the Lunenburg Access YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/LunenburgAccess/videos) within 24 hours of the meeting. This public meeting is being conducted at the Lunenburg DPW. 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 this link to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83187249940 or from a telephone, dial the toll-free number (888) 475- 4499 and enter Webinar ID: 831 8724 9940. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. 1. 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. PUBLIC COMMENT 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 4. CURRENT BUSINESS a. Approve minutes from 7/29/25 Meeting b. Sewer Business Manager/DPW Director Updates i. Quarter 1 FY26 billing– Update ii. ADUs – Discussion iii. Touch a Truck – General discussion iv. Easements and Extensions – General discussion v. Manhole Repair IFB – Update c. Future agenda Items – Discussion 5. OLD BUSINESS 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 7. UPCOMING SCHEDULED SEWER COMMISSION ACTIVITIES August 26th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting September 9 th, 2025, 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting September 30th, 2025, 6pm (Zoom) Meeting October 14th, 2025, 7pm Regular (Hybrid) Meeting 2025.08.06 SEWER COMMISSION Brett Ramsden, Chairman Scott Dall, Vice Chairman Dan Proctor, Clerk Joseph Hurley, Member Arthur Katis, Member Bill Bernard, DPW Director Andrew Valliere, Business Mgr.