Brayden Cutler

The primary discussion centered on a special permit hearing for property located at 54 Old Salage Road concerning the keeping of livestock. The applicant sought permission for eight chickens and currently possessed three turkeys and two geese, in addition to indoor pets (one dog and two parrots). Key concerns raised by the board and in prior complaints involved noise from the geese and potential odor from the animals. The board decided to grant a conditional permit for the eight chickens (no roosters) and conditionally allow the three turkeys to remain. The condition for the permit included the applicant removing the two geese within 60 days and refraining from adding any additional fowl or livestock. The board also approved the minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included the acceptance of the February 4th, 2024 meeting minutes. A significant portion of the discussion centered on GAC engineering proposals related to water treatment media change-outs, specifically discussing the cost implications, the need for State approval for different treatment methods, and the feasibility of performing exploratory work in-house versus contracting external services. The Commissioners generally favored exploring in-house options for the next two to three years to mitigate high external engineering costs, aiming to purchase beneficial equipment instead of incurring costs that yield no tangible benefit. The board also addressed the required annual report submission deadline, noting its length compared to previous years. Finally, the recommendation for a permit fee of $300 was discussed to cover unforeseen costs related to water quality issues, such as discolored water calls, with consensus leaning toward tying this fee change to the next rate adjustment process to ensure proper public hearing coverage.

Key discussions included correspondence from Tighe and Bond regarding ongoing projects and clarification on who should conduct the Annual Statistical Report (ASR). The board expressed dissatisfaction with an engineering proposal from Tighe and Bond for GAC media replacement and requested review of the original O & M manual. An update on Eagle Drive charges was provided, and the topic of setting appropriate charges for Hydrant Flow Tests was continued to the next meeting. The proposed FY2027 Water and Sewer Budgets were reviewed, with suggested increases for Electric/Gas line items and Webster Processing costs. The board also reviewed current budget and revenues. Old business involved a follow-up meeting date set for February 26, 2026, to finalize the Webster True-up/IMA Capital section. The Superintendent Report was reviewed, and in public comments, the board set another budget meeting date for February 17, 2026, and agreed to revisit the GAC proposal next month.

Key discussions focused on new business items, including notification that the Authority was awarded a $37K Range Grant for the Fiber Internet Install Project, requiring a budget revision to account for Digital Navigator/Tenant Coordination, Digital Literacy, Device Distribution, and Public Space Improvement roles. The Board supported applying for the Advancing Massachusetts Power (AMP) energy storage grant to fund 75%-90% of installation costs for 10-hour battery backup systems. A motion was approved to allow the hiring of a contractor for snow removal assistance if a single storm exceeds 12 inches of snow. The Board certified the Authority's 2025 Fiscal Year End Reports. Approval was also granted to purchase three HVAC condensers from AAIR Systems at a discounted rate due to component discontinuation. Under new business additions, the Board approved a quote of $9,805 from Spy Systems to upgrade the camera server and install four new surveillance cameras to resolve technical issues and improve image quality.

Key discussions focused on the upcoming Tree Lighting and Santa Parade logistics, including budget allocation of $980 for food, supplies, and decorations, volunteer coordination, and selection of vendors for food and activities. The proposed date for the Santa Parade is December 6th, with a rain date of December 13th. The commission also reviewed the playground ribbon cutting, planning to schedule it for early spring, and began brainstorming ideas for the 2026 fiscal year budget, which covers July 2026 to June 2027. The next meeting is scheduled for January 12th, with no meeting in December.