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Commission accepts $3.19 grant; legal says step-system substitution likely ineligible
Summary
The commission accepted a $3.19 grant for septic abandonment and hookups and directed staff to invite identified low-pressure residential customers to connect. Legal counsel said DEP has indicated substituting step systems for grinder-pump hookups would be inconsistent with the grant and not eligible for reimbursement.
The Utilities Commission voted to accept a $3.19 grant intended to fund residential septic abandonment and connection to town sewer and to proceed with the list of identified low-pressure town residents.
Legal counsel summarized DEP guidance that substituting step systems (keeping septic tanks with larger storage) for grinder-pump (E-1) hookups would not match the grant's stated purpose and therefore would not be eligible for reimbursement or match credit. "Substituting step system for bridal pumps under the agreement as currently written, is inconsistent with the grant's stated purpose and would not presently be eligible for reimbursement or match credit," counsel said.
Commissioners, staff and public commenters then discussed which homes would be invited to connect using the grant; staff said they had identified about 27 low-pressure homes ready to be connected. The board directed staff to proceed with outreach to the identified residential properties, to use grinder-pump hookups where the grant permits, and to prepare ordinance language to waive system development charges for existing homeowners as part of the special meeting agenda.
