02/08/2021 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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5 Finance Committee-Board of Selectmen Minutes February 8, 2021 Wastewater Discussions: (continued) GHD, the project engineer is reviewing the number of homes that may require a lift to provide connection from the sewer to the street. The numbers and estimates should be received in March. Typically,the individual homeowner assumes the cost of connection from the sewer to the street. It was agreed connection costs would be the responsibility of the homeowner. There will be recommendations forthcoming on the use and benefit of the Community Septic Management Program administered by Barnstable County which offers long term re-payment loans. Additional options may be secured to reduce costs,this would include but not be limited to financing options similar to the financing of a mortgage. It was noted the Sewer Commission voted not to access betterments. Discussion followed with respect to the grinder pumps estimated to cost $4,000 per unit. This is the grinder mechanism within the lift station. This process elevates the septic coming from the house to the sewer. Certain households will require the grinder pumps to lift and grind from a smaller house line. For uniformity and consistency, it was agreed the Town of Mashpee would include the grinder pumps as a component within overall costs to not burden the individual homeowner. The connection is anticipated to lie within the street layout in the Town's right of way. Members of the Finance Committee asked about financing opportunities that may provide funding on the Federal level for this project. It was noted that Federal grants generally focus on regional efforts and on plans that are construction ready. It was agreed the lines of communication should remain open to defer costs where possible. With the new administration there is a possibility the Town would receive stimulus funding for construction ready projects. If necessary,the Town would consider amended language if required to maintain eligibility. A joint letter requesting support was considered. Regarding the educational component of the intended wastewater program, members of the Finance Committee offered to provide volunteer support to broadcast the information to the public on MTV on a regular basis in moving forward. With respect to the timeline of receiving information, informing the voters and executing the warrant, there was concern the project may be premature. Plans are conceptual and the Town may be in-equipped in terms of determining cost details. The concept of hiring a communications consultant was favorable to fully inform the residents on the broad level. With the completion of Phase I taxpayers would need to anticipate a future sewer bill that would most likely factor in operational costs. Many homes are on well water, there was a question as to how this would be addressed.