The Kingston Sewer Commission addressed a variety of infrastructure and financial matters during their Tuesday meeting, beginning with a significant residential abatement. The board reviewed a request from Standish West regarding a broken pipe that led to inflated December bills. Dave noted that after an initial October credit, the issue persisted into the next billing cycle. Motion Made by Dave to reduce their current quarterly bill by $406.87. Motion Passed 3-0. The commission then pivoted to a redevelopment project at 55 Rear Main Street, where the owners intend to convert commercial space into two-bedroom apartments. Discussing the fee structure for the existing sewer customers, Dave suggested a compromise on the typical capital costs, stating, This is a credit... it's the commission's realization that they're on the existing sewer... that certain portion of what this increase is already they've already paid into. Elaine supported the move, noting, I think that's very fair. You look at two two-bedroom apartments as opposed to three bedroom house... that makes a lot of sense.

Operational challenges took center stage as the commission heard from resident Bill, who recently discovered a missing manhole cover during a snowstorm. I found it was 100 feet away up the street... in a snow pile, Bill told the board, explaining how he guarded the hazard until crews arrived. This incident highlighted broader maintenance frustrations, particularly on Riverside Drive, where a new bar screen is being clogged every two days by non-flushable wipes. Brian expressed frustration with the recurring issue, suggesting a more direct approach with residents: The scientist in me says kind of put it on a table... and nicely just say... this stuff is coming from your area and we don't have this problem anywhere else. The board plans to send targeted letters with maps to the neighborhood to curb the ongoing labor drain.

Despite maintenance hurdles and a year-long staffing shortage that Dave described as a desperate need for some help, the department’s financial outlook is strong. Septage revenue has reached approximately $385,000 for the half-year, nearly doubling following the plant's upgrade to a three-tank system. We nearly doubled our septage intake... which basically has doubled our revenue septage this year which obviously is helping with some of the cost to residents in town, Dave reported. The board also reviewed the annual report, with Elaine noting, I love that, in reference to the report's focus on protecting the watersheds around South Street and Millgate wells.

Looking toward future expansion, the commission is expediting engineering designs for the Jones River and Main Street areas to meet state deadlines. Brian emphasized the importance of being "shovel ready" to qualify for the state revolving fund priority list this fall. The reason we're expediting that is to get enough design proof so that they can go to the state revolving fund priority list this fall, Brian explained. The board also began drafting new policies for private developments that wish to tie into the municipal system, ensuring any new pump stations meet town specifications for future maintenance. Motion Made by Dave that for 55R Main Street, the additional two ERUs will cost $33,000. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by Dave to rescind my previous motion. Motion Passed 3-0. Motion Made by Elaine for betterment fee for that, he's paying for four bedrooms at $32,000 maximum of four bedrooms $32,000 with the calculation being $24,000 for three and $8,000 for the additional fourth bedroom. Motion Passed 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at [TIME]