John Harrington

The agenda for the meeting included opening procedures with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a Roll-call vote to enter into Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, sale, lease or value of real property as it may detrimentally affect the negotiating position of the public body. Open Sessions covered a PFAS Project Update, including reports from AECOM and ResilientCE, and reports from the Business Director/Treasurer and the Superintendent. Old Business and New Business sections were included, along with pending action items regarding property review, land acquisition funding, and review of bylaws and future properties.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session concerning the purchase of real property. In Open Session, a detailed progress report on the PFAS Treatment Project was provided, covering Contract 1 (Crooked Spring Facility), Contract 2 (Riverneck Facility), Contract 3 (Water Transmission Main), and the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program status. AECOM noted the need for an SRF refundable addendum for construction engineering services. The Business Director/Treasurer's report included updates on the FY2025 Audit expectations, the Watershed Lane Culvert funding requiring a potential warrant article increase, the delay of the 20 Watershed Lane Building Project, receipt of an accelerated payment for the PFAS Class Action Lawsuit, a banking portfolio review, personnel updates, and progress on FY2027 budget reviews. The Superintendent's report highlighted distribution and meter maintenance, water quality sampling, GIS/Environmental Compliance including recent PFAS results which exceeded quarterly limits, and planning board feedback regarding the Riverneck Water Treatment Plant addition. Discussions also touched upon water rates, with no increase recommended, and the need to schedule land acquisition funding and budget work sessions.

The Commissioners' Meeting included an update on the PFAS Treatment Project, detailing progress on Contract 1 (Crooked Spring Facility), design and scheduling for Contract 2 (Riverneck Facility) and Contract 3 (Water Transmission Main), and the submission of SRF Request #4. AECOM is scheduled to submit design for the Riverneck PFAS project to the Planning Board. The Business Director's Report covered FY25 vs FY26 financial snapshots, updates on the FY2025 Audit, status of 2025 liens, and significant discussion regarding the Watershed Lane Culvert Grant, where consensus favored walking away from the grant under current terms pending further communication with MEMA. The report also addressed the outstanding DISH rent payment and the receipt of an accelerated payment contract for the 3M PFAS class action lawsuit. New business included the hiring of a new Accountant--Benefits Coordinator effective January 20, 2026, notification of an employee's deployment for military service, submission of public records information, and a response sent regarding an Inspector General inquiry about budgeted salaries. The Superintendent's Report provided updates on infrastructure, including main breaks, meter changes, filter media replacement, generator servicing, and PFAS testing results from November 2025. The CSWTP project is progressing, and the Evergreen Road project is complete.

The meeting included a presentation by CBIZ CPA's regarding the draft Financial Statements for the Year Ended June 30, 2025, noting that finalization is pending information from the PFAS Attorney concerning settlement funds. A major focus was the PFAS Project Update, detailing progress on Contract 1 (Crooked Spring Treatment Facility) with a confirmed completion date of June 28, 2027, updates on Contract 2 (Riverneck Treatment Facility) planning, Contract 3 (Water Transmission Main) design, and the submission of SRF Request #3. Discussion also covered revisions to the easement for the Water Transmission Main project and avoiding additional costs. The Commissioners signed the Linwood Street water main contract. The Superintendent's Report covered operational items including main breaks, service leaks, hydrant winterization, PFAS testing results (RNWTP=17.2; CSWTP=28.9), solar production, and the sale of an old emergency truck. The Board agreed on the benefit of planning for future land acquisitions for well protection.

The meeting included updates on the PFAS project, covering the Crooked Spring and Riverneck PFAS Treatment Facilities, as well as the Water Transmission Main. The Business Director/Treasurer provided a report including financial updates, PFAS notifications, and information on a PFAS class action lawsuit. The Superintendent reported on distribution, meter maintenance, treatment updates, GIS/Environmental Compliance, and the Linwood Road Water Main Extension project. Discussions also covered the Canal Street culvert, office addition plans, and the removal of a dying oak tree on Warren Ave. The status of 223 Riverneck Rd, plans to address water main dead ends, and deep well exploration at Misty Meadows were also discussed.