Arlington Wastewater Committee November 14, 2024 Minutes
Members Attending: Steve McClafferty, Cynthia Browning, Andy Curtis, Matt Bykowski, Andrew Rodriguez, Todd Wilkins
Members absent: Jamie Paustian, Dan Harvey
Others present: Nick Zaiac
1. CALL TO ORDER at 7:00 pm
2. Additions or Deletions from the agenda: None
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting Cynthia Browning seconded by Steve McClafferty approved unanimously among members present.
5. OLD BUSINESS
5.1 Regular update on project: Mr. Wilkins gave an update on his meeting with a landowner which the project sought agreement from to dig test pits, reporting that they did not agree despite interest. TA Zaiac asked Mr. Wilkins the preferred process through which to seek permission for test pits on the Arlington School District property nearby, which he noted should be approved by the school board via Facilities Director Mr. Paustian. Members reviewed maps of the immediate area in question and noted the presence of suitable soils on the lands of a third landowner. It was noted that that property may be for sale and the landowner could be willing to consider wastewater exploration. Members reviewed maps using the VT ANR Atlas with discussion led by Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Wilkins noted that there are existing roads into the parcel in question to the area the group sought to explore, and TA Zaiac noted the proximity to and location of the town’s water tower.
Members discussed the prospect of a septic pumping program, both in conjunction with and potentially independent of the existing project being considered. Members noted that such a program exists in Montpelier and TA Zaiac will seek further information on such programs in the state. Members noted that such programs would not be particularly high margin for any contractor with limited downward opportunity on residential prices, but contractors would benefit from being the first company citizens seek out when they need septic repairs.
5.2 EPA Technical Assistance update: TA Zaiac gave a brief update on his recent call with EPA and their contractors, and other stakeholders which served as the “kick off” meeting for their work which dovetails with and expands on Otter Creek’s work, working in the gap between the two villages.
Next meeting set for December 19th at 7 PM, to be canceled if there are no updates from the engineer. Members reserved January 9, 2025 as an alternate date.
5. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn Cynthia Browning, Seconded by Andrew Rodriguez, approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Nick Zaiac