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Orleans committee approves leadership, reviews guidebook and Phase 3 construction schedule
Summary
The committee completed annual reorganization by voice vote, received updates that Phase 3 construction began July 7 and that contractors will finalize connection sketches, and discussed streamlining the wastewater property owner guidebook while awaiting finalized betterment calculations.
The Orleans wastewater committee completed its annual reorganization by voice vote, retaining Kevin Galligan as chair, appointing Judith Bruce as vice chair and Jenny (last name not specified in the transcript) as clerk.
Project updates: John (project staff) reported approximately 90 Phase 2 connection applications and roughly 30 properties connected so far; AECOM’s Tim Harrison said the Phase 3 notice to proceed was issued and construction began July 7. He reported the consultant team is finalizing about 270 sketches to show proposed connection points; those sketches will be mailed to property owners so they can request revisions before work starts. Tim said progress meetings with the contractor will continue and that key public outreach and scheduling information will be posted on the town website.
Guidebook and betterments: Committee members reviewed the wastewater infrastructure property owner guidebook and flagged language on page 38 saying a betterment assessment covers only collection system costs; one member said that wording conflicts with the town’s betterment bylaw. Members recommended streamlining the handbook so that property owners find the who/what/where/when/how information up front, moving technical appendices online, and waiting to publish detailed cost estimates until betterment calculations are finalized. Dan Pelletier (consultant referenced by the chair) is preparing alternative betterment approaches consistent with the bylaw.
Public outreach: Members encouraged more concise mailed materials or web resources for property owners who must connect, and recommended early meetings for Phase 3 property owners similar to prior phases so owners understand schedules, application steps and contractor selection.
Next steps: the committee will post updated schedules and connection maps, continue contractor coordination and outreach, and finalize guidebook revisions after the betterment approach is resolved.
