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HomeMy Public PortalAboutWMSC Minutes 2008-08-21 Date Approved: September 4.2008 TOW40FDR�LNS MINN C'L E` ERKS OFFICE` 08 SEP 17 PH 1: 3 8 For Official Use Only WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE Minutes of August 21, 2008 A meeting of the Wastewater Management Steering Committee was called to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Skaket Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall. Members Present: Augusta McKusick(Board of Health); Sims McGrath(Planning Board);Ann Hodgkinson(Board of Water Commissioners); Judith Bruce(Conservation Commission);Walter Bennett(Finance Committee); George Meservey(Planning Director); John F. Kelly(Town Administrator). Board of Selectmen Members: David Dunford. Wright-Pierce Representative: Michael Giggey. SUMMER WORKSHOPS Ann Hodgkinson reported that 414 people attended the summer wastewater workshops and 46 attended the final workshop on August 19, 2008. McKusick announced that a public workshop on the draft Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan is scheduled for October 2,2008 at 7:00 p.m.by the Board of Selectmen. HOUSE BILL 5054 John Hinckley questioned whether the House Bill 5054 allows for stormwater remediation funding. DISCUSSION WITH MICHAEL GIGGEY Giggey discussed the following correspondence with the Wastewater Management Steering Committee: Wright-Pierce letter entitled, "Orleans Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan: Updated Financial Model", dated August 14, 2008 Giggey presented the typical costs for users and non-users of the sewer system and noted that the "breakpoint"at which costs are equalized is 11%betterment, 89%property taxes. Giggey went through various other factors that may affect the"breakpoint". Wright-Pierce recommends that a 20%betterment, 80%property taxes breakdown of costs be adopted. The committee discussed various scenarios of how the costs model would affect different users. John Kelly questioned whether user fees would be based on water use and the answer was that large users would result in higher user costs. Dunford questioned whether the model is satisfactory for the purposes now,to address the Comprehensive Wastewater Wastewater Management Steering Committee Minutes—August 21, 2008 Page 1 of 3 Management Plan. Kelly stated that they have been asked to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen on the financing policy on August 27,2008. Bennett concluded that the spreadsheet on costs and the proposed phasing plan are enough for the Finance Committee to evaluate the program finances. Giggey noted that the decisions that are made now are reversible,but need to be made in order to complete the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. McGrath commented that it makes sense to equalize the costs for an equitable balance. Bennett stated that comments he has heard indicate that residents are most concerned about equitability, and other residents have stated that they want town-wide sewering. McKusick noted that part of the desire to sewer the whole town is to create equity among property owners. Sims McGrath indicated the need for an analysis of what happens if we delay the program for 5 or 15 years. John Hinckley commented that the long-term plan for the whole project could be staged to keep costs as efficient as possible. Judith,Bruce recommended approval of a 80/20 split of the costs. Consensus; There was a consensus of the Wastewater Management Steering Committee Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan members to recommend approval to the Board of Selectmen of the 80/20 split of wastewater costs. McGrath noted that the 80/20 split is the most.equitable at this time.and stated that if conditions change, the equitable split should be adjusted. Giggey described the"precedent conditions"that would need to be met before any construction commences. Hodgkinson reiterated the need to complete a list of implementation issues for development and operations of a sewer department. Giggey requested that committee members provide additional"precedent conditions". SITE 241 Giggey supplied a preliminary sketch of the facility layout of phased improvements at the Tri-Town Site. MASSACHUSETTS ESTUARIES PROJECT STATUS It was reported that the Nauset report may be available before the end of 2008. SPECIAL. TOWN MEETING Kelly reported that Town Counsel is in the process of drafting an article for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 27,2008. Kelly stated that the order of the articles on the Special Town Meeting warrant has not been set. The following people will speak on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan at the October Special Town Meeting: Gussie McKusick Thank you George Meservey The process and how we got to this point Michael Giggey Explanation of selected plan Wastewater Management Steering Committee Minutes—August 21, 2008 Page 2 of 3 McKusick requested that John Kelly compare the language in the Special Legislation with the House Bill 5054 to determine whether checkerboarding is authorized by the Bill, in order to clarify whether the Special Legislation is still necessary. Respectfully submitted, Karen C. Sharpless Recording Secretary Wastewater Management Steering Committee Minutes—August 21, 2008 Page 3 of 3