LONDONDERRY, Vt. – At its July 6 meeting, the Londonderry Selectboard discussed the need for further funding to initiate Phase 2 of the wastewater project, as well as the need to hire a wastewater operator before turning on the system.
Town Administrator Aileen Tulloch reported that the town currently has a gap of approximately $2 million to begin Phase 2 of the South Village wastewater project. She explained that there is no guarantee of the town receiving Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) grant funding, for which it applied previously and which it has not received due to a lack of the requisite 50% matching funds, or $1 million.
Tulloch explained that not having those matching funds is the biggest setback, as the grants require applicants to be in possession of the matching funds. It “gives you a lower score on the application,” she stated, as grants are highly competitive.
Tulloch suggested there may be some matching funds remaining after Phase 1 is complete, but this is not guaranteed. She also noted there will be another opportunity in the fall to apply for NBRC funding. She asked the board whether they would want to borrow money in the event no other funding becomes available.
With greater demand than available capacity in Phase 1 of the project, the town is interested in initiating Phase 2. Board member James Ameden cautioned against borrowing any more money, saying, “I’m definitely not interested in asking tax payers for another million dollars…It’s not a good idea in my opinion.”
Concerned and frustrated citizen Chad Stoddard voiced, “It seems like the idea has changed from the vitality of the village, to whoever has a failed system the town wants to jump in and fix it for them.” Stoddard argued there is no need to begin a Phase 2 for the South Village, expressing that maintaining a failed septic system “is part of being a homeowner.” He provided an eight-page document to Tulloch containing viable and “innovative” technologies that could provide solutions to those who didn’t make the cut in Phase 1.
The board generally agreed that Phase 2 was always part of the plan. There was not enough APRA money initially to complete the project as a whole and connect all interested parties.
“To further grow the wastewater beyond Phase 1 is ridiculous,” Stoddard pressed.
The board decided to pursue funding for Phase 2 as a viable project for the town, hoping to obtain any available grants for their $1 million match.
Furthermore, Dufresne Group team member Chrissy Haskins suggested beginning the hiring process of a wastewater operator, in order to have the individual in place before the system goes live. Tulloch explained that it is state mandated that, if a town has a sewer system, it must have a licensed operator. “It’s not an option,” Tulloch told the board.
Board member Taylor Prouty noted the town doesn’t have anyone trained in that department, and it’s not something they could do in house. Board Chair Tom Cavanagh suggested that the funding to pay the operator would come from the system connection fees.
Tulloch moved to review the possibility of a municipal energy revolving fund loan application for funding for the town hall renovation, explaining that the building needs a new roof. The town can apply for a minimum of $100,000, and up to $250,000, with 0% interest this year. The board agreed that the old building required money to be updated, and should be comfortable year-round. The board came to the general consensus that they’d like to see more concrete numbers before agreeing to applying for the loan.
Tulloch announced that the education tax rate is out, and they would approve the rate at a special meeting, which will follow the continuation of the annual Town Meeting on July 22.
The board approved a combined proposal from Carr Tree Service to remove ash trees on Little Pond Road and a dead maple tree on Thompsonburg Road, for $4,800 and $2,500, respectively. The short-term rental (STR) policy and procedure was also approved, noting that the members of the board decided to reduce the STR appeals committee composition from five members down to three.
Board members also reviewed a bid from Hunter Excavating for general repairs of multiple town-owned buildings. The various jobs include general town office repairs, adding a roof overhang at the town garage, and repairs to a storage shed. The town is seeking other bids before selecting a contractor.
Tulloch reported that town attorney Bob Fisher is writing up the plan to discontinue Monet Lane, and said she hopes that Windham is in the process of doing the same. The board will then sign the order of discontinuance. Both towns must vote in order to officially discontinue the “little stub” of road.
The board approved the updated zoning bylaws, as well as the final payment to be disbursed for the town office renovation project.
The Londonderry Selectboard meets the first and third Mondays of every month, at 6 p.m., at the Londonderry Town Office and on Zoom. There will be a continuation of Town Meeting at the town office, on Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m.