The Kingston Sewer Commission addressed a mix of immediate infrastructure crises and long-term expansion goals during their December meeting. Chair Elaine Fiori opened the session by handling financial commitments, including a $95,555.50 real estate transaction and a corrected abatement for an outside spigot at Old Orchard Lane. Motion Made by Elaine Fiori to couple the real estate transaction and the Old Orchard Lane abatement. Vote Passed 3-0 (Fiori, Watson, and Rano all voted Aye). The board also noted the resolution of unauthorized sewer connections at 22 Main Street, where roof leaders were capped to prevent rainwater from entering the system. Bill Watson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting, You use the stick with the money on it when they start giving you the finger. Otherwise, they corrected the situation within the deadline that they were given.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on an "aggressive" maintenance issue at the Riverside Drive pump station, which has been plagued by "ragging" from non-dispersible wipes. Superintendent Dave reported that crews are now distributing door-to-door flyers to 80 homes to educate residents on the damage caused by flushing wipes. Flushable wipes may flush, but they don't go through the pumps, Dave explained, adding that the station recently required multiple emergency cleanings in a single weekend. To combat staffing shortages during such high-intensity periods, the commission welcomed a proposal for an unpaid volunteer from Mass Maritime to assist at the plant. Ryan Rano supported the move, highlighting the two opportunities for him to get his hours in too while working toward a Grade 5 license.

Looking toward the future, the commission reviewed a $610,000 proposal from CDM for a 30% design of a major sewer expansion targeting South Street and the Millgate wells area. Dave emphasized the project’s importance beyond the current user base, stating, This is for the whole town... it has nothing to do with sewer customers other than it's an avenue to protect the drinking water. Administrative assistant Jeanie questioned the funding sources for the continued engineering work, asking, Would you be able to use the rest of the money on that loan? as the board eyes a target for the state’s priority list by June. Elaine Fiori praised the progress, saying, I think it's very good and I'm pleased that you're going to make the time... to take this under your wing.