The Kingston Sewer Commission moved to hold a local property owner financially accountable Tuesday night, following an exhaustive investigation into a "rag" issue that has plagued the town’s infrastructure since October. Superintendent Dave detailed a months-long effort to track down the source of repeated pump failures, which ultimately led staff to a single dead-end manhole serving only one property. After discovering 31 rags in a single device pull, the department tallied up $17,536.73 in labor and man-hours spent on 45 emergency trips to the site. Dave noted that the resident continued the behavior even after receiving an initial warning letter, prompting the board to take decisive action. Our rules say violations are subject to a fine of not less than $50 and no more than $1,000 each day, Dave said, noting the significant strain the clogs put on a department already grappling with staffing shortages and recent storm recoveries.

Commissioner Bill Watson expressed frustration with the repeated nature of the incidents, stating, Even a human being doesn't use that many rags in a day. Something is going on there. I say we send them the bill for the $17,536. Chair Elaine Fiori agreed, emphasizing that the time spent clearing these preventable blockages diverted staff from essential preventative maintenance across the system. Motion Made by E. Fiori to send a letter of cease and desist and a bill for $17,536.73 and that going forward they be fined. Motion Passed 3-0.

The Commission also addressed a first-of-its-kind fee assessment for a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 94 Summer Street. As the homeowner works to convert a basement into a one-bedroom apartment, the board debated how to apply betterment fees for what effectively transitions a two-family residence into a three-family unit. While the applicant noted that the $8,000 fee would be paid over 20 years, Watson explained the purpose behind the assessment. It's not a giant fee for the hell of getting money; we had to run a stream plan to pay off the debt, Watson said, adding that the betterment ultimately increases the property's value. Commissioner Ryan Donna noted that the fee is consistent with other expansions, stating, Anybody that added an extra bedroom to a house, we'd be assessing. Motion Made by E. Fiori to assess the ADU at 94 Summer Street an $8,000 betterment over 20 years plus interest. Motion Passed 3-0. The applicant responded to the decision, noting, I would say do the $400 a year and I'll pay at any point.

In a more unusual proposal, the board heard from a proponent looking to bring a pet water cremation facility to Kingston. Eric, who previously operated a similar business in Sandwich, explained the process of alkaline hydrolysis, which uses an alkali to dissolve remains, leaving behind a liquid with a high pH that is neutralized with CO2. Unlike his previous location, Eric is seeking a site with a sewer connection to avoid the "cost-prohibitive" expense of tanking materials. He estimated the facility would discharge an average of 250 gallons per day. At max capacity, running six days a week, 24 hours a day, you'd be looking at around 250 gallons average per day, Eric told the board. Motion Made by B. Watson to allow Eric to go forward with consultants to find a location somewhere in the sewer area and, subsequent to finding a location, come back to us for final approval. Motion Passed 3-0. Fiori suggested the change in use might actually benefit the system, though Donna advised the proponent to consult with the Planning Board regarding specific industrial zoning near Route 3 or the Industrial Park.

Financial concerns loomed large as the board discussed the upcoming FY27 budget and a significant accounting error. Fiori revealed that $300,000 was inadvertently moved into the operating budget instead of debt or reserve accounts, which has artificially inflated the department's spending figures. This comes at a time when the town is facing a 14% spike in medical insurance costs and a potential tax override. We are going into budget season not knowing our revenue because FY25 hasn't been closed out, Fiori said, stressing the need for placeholder articles at the upcoming Town Meeting to rectify the $300,000 transfer.

The commission also granted significant relief to the owners of 91 Main Street, who faced "astronomical" bills totaling over $18,000 due to a combination of heating system failures and a frozen pipe in a vacant home. Jeanie, representing staff, noted that the water department had already verified the meter was accurate but that the usage was clearly accidental. The water department charged them for both quarters. Based on what they typically pay, this was astronomical, Jeanie said. Because the water from the frozen pipe did not enter the sewer system for treatment, the board agreed to an abatement. Motion Made by E. Fiori to adjust these two quarter bills based on their last four quarter average. Motion Passed 3-0.

Operational challenges were highlighted in a storm report from Dave, who described a "challenge" where staff had to manually feed diesel to pump stations during a recent power surge. The surge disabled the "brain" of the Marian Drive station's backup system, preventing it from reporting rising sewage levels. The department is now looking at installing "ocean floats" as a manual fail-safe. Additionally, the department continues to struggle with personnel shortages, with one staff member out on injury for over a year and another recently returning to light duty after an appendectomy. Dave noted he is working with HR to navigate union posting requirements for an open administrative position.

Finally, the board briefly touched on the status of the Marramar project, with Watson noting that a legal agreement and a contract for oversight from CDM Smith are expected by the end of the week. The commission may call a special meeting to finalize these agreements rather than waiting for their next scheduled session in April. Motion Made by B. Watson to give adjustments [to 11 seasonal properties]. Motion Passed 3-0.