08/21/2025 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 opinions,targeting staff with hostility was inappropriate and harmful. He urged the community to keep discussions civil, dignified, and respectful, recognizing that disagreements would inevitably arise. Chair Harris praised the strength of Mashpee's town government system and emphasized that open debate, questioning, and citizen participation were hallmarks of good governance. At the same time, she expressed gratitude for the Town Manager's leadership in both advancing the Clean Water Plan and guiding the town through challenging discussions with fairness and professionalism. Mr. Meader announced that the town had prepared a tentative schedule for public outreach meetings regarding the wastewater project. Four sessions were planned in the Coit Room at Town Hall, on the following dates: • September 4 • September 25 • October 2 • October 16 All meetings would begin at 7:00 p.m. Notices would be mailed directly to abutters. Mr. Meader acknowledged that he had received a high volume of emails with questions and concerns from residents. While he was doing his best to respond, he reminded attendees that staff were simultaneously tasked with starting up the treatment plant, building the new system, and expanding existing infrastructure. He committed to answering all questions in writing as time permitted but hoped the outreach sessions would provide broader opportunities for residents to get information collectively. Site Design Alternatives One recurring question concerned the size and appearance of the new building,though Mr. Meader clarified that no final design had been completed yet. He noted that he and staff had even conducted a site walk the previous day to begin addressing these concerns. • Mr. Meader suggested exploring placing the treatment building into the side of a hill to reduce its visibility from Mashpee North. • This design adjustment is being reviewed by GHD engineers to see if it is feasible. Naming and Identification of the Project • Clarification was provided that the project is formally known as the Mashpee Wakeby Cluster System, as filed with the DEP and SRF. Public Comment regarding New Business 1.Arden Russell (Sturgis Lane) • Main Concern: Lack of transparency and public awareness. • Claims: o No mention of"Gunters Lane" or the treatment system location appears in the 2023- 2025 Sewer Commission agendas. o Many agendas are missing from the town website; she had to go in person to view them. o At the January 2025 Select Board meeting, GHD presented a 20-year TMDL reduction plan for Popponesset and Waquoit Bays. Phase 3 relief was expected, but this current project is not part of that plan. o The five-year capital plan did not include this project until FY26,when it suddenly appeared as a top priority.