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technologies in the appropriate parts of Town. Mr. O'Hara noted that the projected cost for the plan is $300 <br /> million and questioned the cost of the sewering portion and the difference between sewering the town . <br /> compared to the alternatives. Mr. Weeks reported that$290 million represents sewer extensions to the Phase <br /> 1 and 2 areas, upgrade of the existing treatment plant and development of the additional recharge areas. The <br /> demonstration projects are expected to be a cost savings and may be used to limit sewer extension in some <br /> areas. It was clarified that-if the alternative treatments are successful, sewers will not be installed in those <br /> areas, resulting in savings to the overall cost of$290 million. The Chair stated that $15 million has been <br /> identified for demonstration projects. Mr. Weeks stated that the demonstration projects would be an <br /> alternative to sewering. The Chair noted that a demonstration is not an alternative if the results are unknown. <br /> Mr. Marcelli questioned the cost of the MMR project. Mr_ Weeks responded that the cost was $400 million <br /> for the original Phase 1 and 2 areas and the wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Weeks noted that the cost has <br /> been reduced because the size of Phase 1 and 2 have been reduced and Falmouth would use its existing plant. <br /> Mr. O'Hara questioned the proposed location for the PRB technology and Mr. Weeks responded that there <br /> has been consideration of the peninsula,Sea Coast Shores and Lawrence Pond but nothing has been <br /> specifically proposed. Mr. O'Hara referenced the efforts in Mashpee to install a demonstration at Pirate's <br /> h project demonstrates feasibility <br /> Cove and Mr. Weeks responded that Falmouth is ho eful that the Mas ee o ect d y <br /> P P p P J <br /> so that Falmouth will not need to conduct a demonstration. Chairman Fudala referenced a call from Erik <br /> Turkington, regarding the project demonstration, who suggested that it could save Falmouth$100 million. <br /> The Chair requested a letter of support from Falmouth to send to DEP to encourage approval of the loan <br /> request and was advised to draft a letter that could be signed by the Falmouth Board of Selectmen. <br /> Chairman Fudala questioned the status of the Committee and Mr_ Weeks stated that the work of the <br /> Committee is complete and that it has been recommended that a new standing committee be formed to <br /> implement the recommendations and a wastewater plan. The Chair questioned whether the Commission <br /> would like him to draft a letter of support to be signed and Commissioners agreed, adding that neighboring <br /> towns should also be invited to submit a letter of support. Chairman Fudala asked if such a letter would be <br /> helpful in acquiring the SRF loan and Mr. Weeks confirmed that it would be helpful. Mr. O'Hara stated that <br /> the Cape Cod Commission expressed interest in supporting Mashpee's efforts to demonstrate the PRB and <br /> Commissioners suggested requesting a letter of support from them. Mr. Klenert recommended contacting <br /> newly elected representatives. Chairman Fudala will draft a letter for Falmouth and contact Patty Daley at <br /> the Cape Cod Commission for an additional letter of support. <br /> Mr. Marcelli noted the use of property taxes and betterments to cover the costs of the plan, and questioned <br /> the $35,250, 50 year betterment on property and whether it will transfer with the sale of the property. <br /> Commissioners discussed whether the betterment stays with the property or if it needs to be paid prior to the <br /> sale of the property. Chairman Fudala questioned the proposed betterment and whether a suggested relative <br /> share of taxes versus betterment was proposed. Mr. Weeks responded that the summary presents only the <br /> strategy of a$20,000 betterment that could be spread over 50 years, which is typically done over a shorter <br /> period of time and would require special legislation and support from Town Meeting. The intent of the <br /> proposal was to spread it over a longer period of time in order to make it more affordable. Mr. O'Hara <br /> questioned why betterment was chosen rather than spreading the cost over the entire tax base. Mr. Weeks <br /> noted that there was tremendous discussion, with support on both sides. It was determined that a$20,000 <br /> subsidized betterment was more affordable. Mr. O'Hara questioned whether having all taxpayers pay $300 <br /> per year would have been a hard sell. Mr. Weeks responded that the Committee felt that it would not pass at <br /> Town Meeting. Mr. Weeks noted that Peter Boyer, Vice-Chair of the Committee and former Town Manager <br /> of Falmouth, strongly recommended pursuing cost evaluations and identifying an appropriate option for <br /> residents. More details about financing are available on the website. Mr. Weeks also emphasized that each <br /> town is considering different options related to whether or not everyone feels that they are in it together, such <br /> as in Chatham or making choices based on what the town considers to be fair and affordable <br /> 4 <br />