The Kingston Sewer Commission took a decisive step toward finalizing the Miramar sewer extension this week, voting to approve a connection agreement that requires a significantly higher upfront financial commitment from developers. Chair Elaine Fiori steered the board through a series of technical corrections to the agreement, most notably increasing the required deposit from 50% to 75% of the total project cost. Fiori noted that the document needed to accurately represent the massive scope of the project, stating, it still says a 50% deposit, but it should be 75% to reflect the $4,090,000. The board also clarified definitions regarding Title V to ensure the town is legally protected as the project moves into the hands of CDM Smith for engineering.

Motion Made by B. Watson to accept the sewer connection agreement for the Miramar project as reviewed by Town Council and the board, subject to specific corrections regarding the deposit percentage and Title V definitions. Motion Passed (3-0-0)

Beyond the Miramar project, the department is entering the upcoming Town Meeting season on strong financial footing. Superintendent Dave Field reported that fiscal year 2025 has closed out with $560,022 in free cash. Administrative staff member Jeanie explained that this surplus, which includes returned article money, might eliminate the need for a previously planned $249,000 request for leaching field work. Carol [the Finance Director] thinks we might not need the $249,000 article because we have the $560,000 coming back, she noted, adding that the department is currently refining the verbiage for a special article concerning the leaching fields to ensure flexibility.

In a surprising turn of infrastructure detective work, Field shared the discovery of a jacking sleeve under the railroad tracks near Marian Drive. While performing mark-outs for a gas company project, sewer staff located an as-built drawing from 2005 showing a massive 42-inch steel sleeve. Inside the sleeve, Field found not only the expected force mains but also an extra 4-inch ductile line that had been stubbed for future use. This is great news for any future development in that area, Field said. Commissioner Bill Watson recalled previous efforts by the Water Department to service that area, asking, Is there a pre-existing water line there? Fiori suggested the large sleeve could potentially house a 12-inch water line, recalling the town's past battles to ensure the MBTA installed adequate sleeves during the train extension. I told them we’d have sewers eventually, she remarked, noting that nearby Scituate just approved a nearly $60 million project for their own infrastructure.

The commission also addressed the ongoing friction regarding "town allocated costs," a recurring issue where the sewer enterprise fund pays for centralized town services like IT and accounting. Field reported that he and Town Administrator Scott Lambiase have signed off on placeholders for the 2027 budget, but he intends to push for a formal, written agreement to ensure fairness. If we have a year with a heavy burden on the Assessor's department for betterments, we pay more; if it’s on autopilot, we should pay less, Field argued. Fiori supported this push for transparency, suggesting that the department should also begin issuing press releases for state funding wins to bolster public perception. It shows the public we are doing our job, she said, while also calling for the town to provide sewer credits for new municipal buildings.

Operational capacity is expected to improve following the return of a staff member who has been on leave for 14 months. Field noted the operator is back on light duty, which will help the department catch up on its maintenance to-do list, including the current rotation and cleaning of a 500,000-gallon tank. The department is also nearing the end of negotiations for a new administrative hire to assist Jeanie with the increasing workload. On a lighter note, Field highlighted a successful field trip by Kingston Elementary first graders, who visited the plant to learn about the "bugs" that process waste. The visit included a police dog demonstration and the distribution of poop emoji keychains. It was very fun and hopefully will be an annual event, Field said.