Water Valley Select Board Addresses Waste Management and Ordinance Compliance
The Water Valley Select Board convened on March 19, 2025, to tackle a range of pressing issues following the recent town meeting. The agenda included significant updates to waste management policies, enforcement of dumpster enclosure ordinances, and responses to resident correspondence. The meeting, available on YouTube, provided insight into financial and regulatory decisions impacting the community.
Podcast Review
Waste Management Updates: Placards and Mattress Fees
A key focus was the transition from windshield stickers to placards for authorized users of the town’s transfer station. The board reviewed a proposed placard system designed to simplify identification for staff and accommodate property owners, particularly those with short-term rentals. The change, planned for mid-year implementation, aims to replace the current decal system with a multi-year placard valid for two years (link). No final decisions were made, but the board intends to include an informational sheet in the summer water and sewer billing cycle.
The board also addressed a sharp increase in mattress disposal fees following the termination of a free pickup pilot program by Casella Waste Systems. Previously set at $10 per item, the cost to dispose of mattresses and box springs could now range from $20 to $75 each depending on the disposal method. After debate, the Municipal Solid Waste Working Group recommended raising the fee to $45 per item starting May 1, 2025, to cover costs and encourage alternative disposal methods, such as utilizing mattress delivery services. Concerns were raised about potential illegal dumping due to the steep increase, but the board approved the new fee with a plan to monitor its impact (link).
Dumpster Enclosure Ordinance Enforcement
The meeting revisited Ordinance 21, which governs dumpster enclosures, following a town meeting vote that rejected proposed changes. The ordinance currently exempts dumpsters not visible from public ways from screening requirements. However, strong sentiment at the town meeting favored enclosing all dumpsters. The Solid Waste Working Group proposed a compliance plan: letters will be sent within 10 days to owners of non-compliant enclosures, requiring a written repair plan by July 1, 2025, with implementation due by July 1, 2026. This timeline allows for potential ordinance updates at the 2026 town meeting (link).
Sewer Line Challenges on River Road
The board heard from Dylan, a department head, about a frozen sewer line on River Road, a dead-end section with many part-time residents. The issue, exacerbated by low flow and a colder-than-average winter, affected multiple homes, including one hosting 30 guests. With assistance from contractor Dana White, the line was thawed within hours. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in areas with seasonal occupancy, prompting discussion about future prevention, though no cost-effective solutions were identified (link).
Financial and Legislative Oversight Proposals
Two new working groups were proposed to address ongoing concerns. An easements group would review and recommend updates to town easements, while a legislative group, comprising members from the Select Board, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission, would monitor state legislation affecting municipal services. Both initiatives aim to enhance oversight without immediate decisions finalized (link).
Resident Correspondence
The board acknowledged emails from residents expressing budget concerns and ordinance dissatisfaction. Stan Piekos warned of a looming “tax disaster” tied to the upcoming wastewater treatment facility, while Mike Furgal suggested adding explanatory notes to significant budget changes. Charles Hasting’s request to fill a Conservation Commission alternate vacancy with Cliff Lovitz was approved. A call for a special town meeting to revisit an anti-discrimination amendment was declined, though he was informed of his right to petition with sufficient signatures (link).
Looking Ahead
The Select Board’s decisions reflect a balance between immediate operational needs and long-term planning. Financial impacts, such as the mattress fee hike and potential enclosure upgrades, will be closely watched, with further discussions slated for future meetings.