Short updates: wastewater study, wastewater solar array site plan, building painting RFP and trail maintenance work

Town staff provided a series of brief project updates across infrastructure and facilities.

Highlights - Wastewater: A pilot study and historical operational review for the wastewater treatment plant are underway; staff said the pilot study is in progress and further public engagement (including an evening meeting) is expected in spring. - Solar array: A proposed solar array at the wastewater facility is scheduled for planning-board site-plan review at its next meeting. - Building painting: An RFP for exterior painting (Fenhall, Putkin Hall and the Grange) will be posted; the DPW director recommended bidders may propose any combination of buildings and provide bulk pricing on the proposal form. - Trail maintenance and culverts: Contractors are assessing culverts and railbed shifting on the Ashmila Trail (areas south of Riley Conservation Area) with at least one local contractor ('Joe') indicating he may be able to perform culvert repairs at reduced town cost. Tree removal and brush-clearing work completed in the prior fall opened several trail segments; work must stop by April 15 to comply with Northern long-eared bat seasonal restrictions.

Why it matters: these smaller project updates show ongoing town maintenance and planning work that will affect capital timelines and public engagement in the coming months.

What was not decided: No contract awards or final approvals were recorded in the meeting for these items; staff said RFPs and planning-board processes will continue.