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Selectboard approves Amendment 1 for Winchester wastewater improvements; Sepe abstains
Summary
The Selectboard voted to approve Amendment 1—driven by NHDES requirements and adding a second resident engineer—for the town's wastewater projects, while expressing frustration about extra costs; the board was also briefed on the 5 Corners water-main work, booster station timeline and an EPA walkthrough scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026.
The Winchester Selectboard on July 22 approved Amendment 1 to the town's wastewater contracts, authorizing an added resident engineer and related scope changes required by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. The motion to approve Amendment 1 was made by Selectman Herbert Stephens and seconded by Selectman Jack Marsh; the board recorded a 4-0-1 vote with Selectman Theresa Sepe abstaining and asking that a letter be sent to the senator expressing displeasure about the additional expense.
The amendment was explained at a presentation by Colin O'Brien of Brown & Caldwell, who reviewed a project brief titled "Winchester Wastewater Project: Delivering Critical Infrastructure Improvements through Partnership." O'Brien told the board the additional resident engineer was a requirement from NHDES and said the consultancy now sees why that role is warranted after six months of work. "The worst-case scenario is not on the horizon at this time," O'Brien told the board when asked about risks.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Rick Meleski added the amendment will help the town complete necessary upgrades to the facility and get the work done "right," and praised Brown & Caldwell for supporting the town through contractor oversight. Board members pressed for regular updates; Marsh requested bi-weekly written summaries to be left at the Selectboard office, and O'Brien agreed to provide schedule and timeline updates.
Why this matters: the amendment raises the project's near-term cost and schedule oversight but was presented as necessary to meet funding-partner (NHDES) requirements and to ensure in-field engineering support during complex construction activities. The board recorded the approval formally in the meeting minutes.
