06/05/2025 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 of Mashpee so that they can help to make the process acceptable. Clerk Castaneda added that residents need to be a part of the solution as well and the Sewer Commission needs to give them the tools to get this done. Commissioner Lyons questioned the fine, as it was originally $50 per day. Wastewater Superintendent Meader clarified that, if it is read verbatim, one can be fined up to $5,000.00 per day and this is under M.G.L. Ch 83 § 10 which gives the authority for him to fine and he was advised to put in the language up to $5,000.00 per day depending on the severity. The intent is to have a conversation with every homeowner working in good faith and making the effort to move forward. Chair Harris asked if there have been any conversations with the licensed utility contractors regarding where they are right now in the process? Superintendent Meader answered that yes, those conversations have taken place. Clerk Castaneda asked if there was a tracking effort to see how many applications have been received. Wastewater Superintendent Meader answered that currently, there are only two (2) applications because most of the installers are holding off until they know about the flow timeline. Chair Harris stated that there needs to be a way to keep track of who needs help. Ms. Bigham asked what happens to the residents that do not have the money after the 90-days. Commissioner Erickson responded that a resident that can show that they are operating in good faith will not be fined. Wastewater Superintendent Update • Phase 1 Connection Update and Clarification 0 90-Day start up has changed to start the day the approval from the DEP is received. This date will be put on the website. o As long as homeowners can show that they are moving forward (example: homeowner has put in financial application and they are waiting for the response) then that shows that they are working in good faith • Remainder of Easements o First week of July 2025, another meeting may need to take place to vote and approve the easements and get them signed and, unfortunately, the regular Sewer Committee meeting scheduled for July 17, 2025, is too late. Chair Harris stated that special meeting may be scheduled for July 10 and July 31, 2025, so that the information and paperwork that Wastewater Superintendent Meader needs to have completed would be done. Water Quality Coordinator Fisher added that applications for the Community Development Block Grant are still being accepted and a 2nd round of funding was applied through the USDA for $850,000 to help 20+ homeowners but, with the status of all federal funding, it is unsure if that will be received. The Wastewater Department is still asking residents to continue to fill out the applications and submit them, even though federal funding is not guaranteed. Additionally, there are volunteers at the Senior Center to assist seniors in filling out applications to the Aqua Fund for financial assistance for sewer connections through USDA program. This information