Matthew Brooks

The board discussed operations, including cyanobacteria monitoring, IT system security and software installations, and emergency service billing issues. Engineering reports covered easement requirements, Step III application status, and upcoming bidding schedules for projects. The treasurer reported on the 2024 audit status, addressed an IRS fine related to previous tax filings, and confirmed budget status with funds allocated to the reserve for pipeline replacement. The board also addressed open commissioner positions, reviewed a policy on water emergency negligence charges, and approved a charitable donation. Service reports highlighted maintenance activities, large-user rate notifications, and the status of accounts receivable and lien collections.

Key discussions included approving the previous month's minutes, and granting a request to waive a connection fee for the new town library while noting the town has exhausted its allowance for swapping abandoned lines. Operator reports covered resolving a low water pressure complaint in the East Shore North area due to broken valve bolts, with plans to replace the remaining bolts with stainless steel when weather permits, and plans to post Bid Requests for lawn mowing and snow removal services. Discussions also addressed concerns regarding potential updates to the wastewater permit rules from the State WW division and the ongoing schedule for changing carbon in the filters every four years to manage DBP levels. From the engineer's report, progress was noted on securing easements, with six still outstanding, and the need to obtain a signed Certificate of Posting to proceed with a funding application. The Treasurer's report involved the approval of updated quarterly debt service, base rate, and usage fees, representing a marginal increase for most users. A policy regarding charging users for emergency callouts due to members not protecting their connections was tabled for the next meeting. Finally, a motion passed to accept a volunteer for a vacant Water Commissioner position.

No formal business was conducted due to the lack of a quorum, resulting in discussions and a Public Hearing only. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for January 26, 2026, for voting purposes. Discussions covered easement updates, including progress on Ward's easement and the need for new easements following the passing of Lucy Hutchins, and potential legal variances for the GI School easement. The SCADA Data Generation Program Upgrade quote was reviewed, with a vote tabled. A Public Hearing was held regarding the Finding of No Significant Impact for a project involving petroleum contaminated soil at the Hyde Rd/Route 2 intersection, with the environmental decision pending after a 30-day comment period. Other tabled votes included the Approval of Step III ESA, Step III Funding Application, and the Treasurer's Report. The IT Committee reviewed a contract renewal with Tech Group, noting that all plant computers are now backed up to the cloud, and discussed changes to supported devices and email security for vacated positions. Old Business discussions included the Gardiner request for "Pause" and Global Net Equipment, with votes tabled for both.

Key discussions during the meeting included the elections for Commissioner positions and officer roles. For the Commissioner positions, only one of three three-year terms ending in 2028 was filled; the Chairman and Treasurer positions were filled for one-year terms, while the Clerk position remained open. The board reviewed and adopted the 2026 Operating Budget, which totaled $670,062.49 after several proposed adjustments, including an increase for laboratory services due to PFAS testing requirements and changes to equipment and control systems allocations. Furthermore, the board retained the existing schedule for regular monthly hybrid meetings and unanimously adopted proposed bylaw changes.

The meeting addressed a request from members regarding the cost of moving a curb stop and pausing bills during remodeling, which was tabled for further discussion. The operator's report included discussions on the SOS monthly report, the GlobalNet contract, tree branch removal around water tanks, and easement progress. The engineer's report covered the wetlands permit, NEPA approval, and remaining easements needed. The treasurer's report discussed the budget and a draft 2026 budget, including potential rate increases. Old business included the SCRP grant and bylaws revision. New business covered a donation to FPF. Additionally, the SOS report for October 2025 was reviewed, detailing activities such as water sampling, meter re-reads, new connections, and equipment calibration.