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 Chair Harris thanked Ms. Bigham for her comment and asked her to leave her contact information for a follow-up. Resident Ms. Waylan of Asher's Path asked about the lottery for the ten (10) people that were awarded and questioned why the residents were not involved. Water Quality Coordinator Ashley Fischer responded, stating that the grant was the Community Development Block Grant that the Town received. Funding was allotted to assist roughly 10 homeowners to help with various projects (not just sewer) and this is a Housing Rehabilitation Program. A mailer was sent to every resident in the Town of Mashpee with what was on file at the Assessor's office. Ms. Waylan expressed her concern that she did not receive anything. Chair Harris commented that if a subject is not on the agenda, it cannot be discussed but she is happy to follow up with residents after the meeting. Vice Chair Towle addressed the public stating that the Sewer Commission has suggested that the streets come together and have one person give a quote for the whole street as it would be cheaper. Commissioner Lyons added that the Town cannot take the initiative to do this, but property owners can. Ms. Bigham restated her concern that there should be a charge made by the installers for the footage per job—how much from the street to the property. Commissioner Lyons added that it is not just the footage but there are other factors involved, for example, grade, number of pipes buried in the yard, driveway, bends and turns of pipes, landscaping, etc. All of these are issues so it is individual and there will be different costs per property. Clerk Castaneda added that each contractor will have its own labor rates. Commissioner Lyons restated that since it is private property, the Town cannot make the decision for the homeowner regarding contractors to choose. Chair Harris commented that the Commissioners can put the residents' questions and issues on future agendas and informational evening meetings can take place as well so that it is convenient for the public to attend and receive the information that they need to make critical decisions. Ms. Bigham questioned the size of the pump and asked if there would be additional stations elsewhere. Wastewater Superintendent Meader responded that the physical plant depends on technology and the Town of Mashpee is using newer technology, MBR, which is designed to work on a smaller footprint but be able to cover the same amount of flows. This is more expensive, but the less expensive option includes more land. The Town of Mashpee chose the newer technology, and a lot of the infrastructure is underground at ground level so visually, it appears smaller than it really is. It covers Popponesset Bay Watershed, not for the whole Town of Mashpee. Ms. Bigham asked why this project was started with Popponesset but Chair Harris interrupted and stated that this discussion is for Open Comment and validated Ms. Bigham's questions that needed to be responded to. Chair Harris added that there is a 2015 plan that was set up and has been adapted over the ten (10) years. Ms. Bigham questioned the schedule of the Sewer Commissioner meetings, stating that many residents do not get the newspaper.