Michael K. Sheu

The meeting addressed several appointments and operational matters. Regarding an application for 435 Nashua Rd., the Board discussed the required service line size (1.5" vs. 2") and associated SDF fees, agreeing the Superintendent could approve the final connection upon receipt of a stamped plan. The Commissioners requested a formal proposal for a Water Rate Study from Michael Schrader, and acknowledged a similar offer from Tighe & Bond. Former Commissioner Bill Morin suggested organizing a plant tour for local 8th graders. A proposal for property owner Dan O'Connell at 41 Burdette St. regarding main replacement versus connection was reviewed, with Commissioner Zielinski tasked to discuss options with the owner. The Treasurer reported the necessity of scheduling a Special Meeting to vote on establishing a special revenue fund and transferring funds related to PFAS facility costs, given the delayed receipt of settlement funds. The Board authorized the filing for the DWSD Assessment with the appellate tax board against the Town of Tyngsborough. In Executive Session, potential litigation concerning a Notice of Enforcement ACOP I DEP was discussed. The Superintendent reported on emergency repairs needed at the KOH transfer pump location, requesting approval to hire Weston & Sampson for emergency services. Approval was granted for the final change order for the Undersize Water Main Replacement project at Forest Park Ave., which came in under budget. The Commissioners accepted the new DWSD Harassment Policy and Procedures and authorized the Superintendent to inform Aqueous of the termination of their Tank Maintenance Contract due to performance issues. Finally, the Special Meeting Warrant for the PFAS facility funding was approved for posting.

Key discussions included the Treasurer's Report, noting receivables at 51.92% and expenses at 29.36%, with overages attributed to postage for lead & copper line letters and vehicle repairs from a minor accident. The District Counsel reported on filing an appeal with the appellate tax board regarding the assessment dispute with the Town of Tyngsborough. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss potential litigation concerning a Notice of Enforcement ACOP I DEP. Under Old Business, approval was granted to award Weston & Sampson's 2026 On-Call Repair & Emergency Services proposal and to move forward with bidding for chemical redevelopment of two wells. New Business included discussion on the easement deed registration for 251 Sladen St., confirming the existing Additional Dwelling Unit policy needed no changes, and discussing the procedure for handling two small claims cases that were placed back on the docket. The Board voted to waive the meter testing fee for the Town of Dracut Town Hall and Fire Department and approved giving staff a half-day off on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. District Counsel was instructed to send a third, more stern letter to Jimmy's Pizza regarding snow damage to the pump station property.

The meeting covered several key operational and financial discussions. The Treasurer's report detailed the certification of the FY2026 Free Cash amount and the final FY2025 budget status, noting minor overages in specific line items but an overall underspending percentage. The District Counsel reported on the ongoing abatement issue with the Town of Tyngsborough and the necessary deadline for filing with the appellate tax board. During the Superintendent's Report, updates were provided on the TWF Well #3 repair, the ongoing TWF Well #4 A&B Replacement Well Project, and the completion of the Undersize Water Main Replacement at Forest Park Ave., Tyngsborough, which included approval of Change Order #2. Progress on the SmartOps AI Process Control implementation was noted. Old Business included discussions regarding the PFAS Water Treatment Facility, Water Management Act Permit Renewal, and the exploration of a Bond Retirement Fee structure for transparency instead of a blanket rate increase. In New Business, a draft Harassment Policy was reviewed, and the procedure for election ballots was clarified.

The meeting addressed several key areas including financial updates, legal matters, and operational reports. The Treasurer discussed the annual audit, receivables, expenses, and the handling of PF AS settlement payments, including the need for a special meeting to allocate funds for the new treatment plant. District Counsel provided updates on Acts/Bylaws and the DWSD Assessment in the Town of Tyngsborough, along with a proposal to terminate the contract with Aqueous Infrastructure Management Company. The Superintendent reported on well field updates, water treatment plant operations, PF AS remediation cost recovery litigation, undersize water main replacement, and the implementation of the SmartOps AI Process Control. Old business included updates on the Tighe & Bond Master Plan, SRF projects for the PFAS Water Treatment Facility, and discussions on fluoridation and lead & copper inventory requirements. New business covered the Drought Management Plan, water main and service line repair responsibility for private communities, well service contracts, inventory supply & management system, a potential rate increase, and the Superintendent's vacation request. The board also discussed the employee handbook and policies, scheduling work session meetings to address these items.

The Dracut Water Supply District meeting included discussions on a water connection for Sladen Street, a proposed project on Genest Street, and tank maintenance. The board addressed a T-Mobile lease extension, a water bill dispute, and the Superintendent's report on well fields and tank maintenance. Old business included updates on the Master Plan and water storage tanks. New business covered updates to a water main, hydrant fee review, and a meter to main program review. The board also discussed legal litigation and a potential land swap.