Kingston is poised to gain new sewer infrastructure at a fraction of the usual cost thanks to a collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. During the May 19 meeting of the Sewer Commission, Superintendent Walsh revealed that MassDOT is willing to install new sewer lines and manholes as part of the Smith Lane rotary project at the Exit 8 interchange. The relocation involves moving utilities. The gentleman in charge said they are willing to put in new sewer lines and manholes up to their property line if the town provides the materials, Walsh explained, noting that the state would handle all excavation, installation, and repaving. Commissioner Brian Mulliken observed that the expansion aligns with the town's existing master plan, stating, This is consistent with our study areas on the 'big yellow' plan.

Motion Made by B. Mulliken to authorize Superintendent Walsh to work with MassDOT (EOT) on the design and installation on the plan. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Motion Made by B. Mulliken to authorize our Superintendent to purchase the manhole and materials as necessary. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Chair Elaine Fiori highlighted the potential for future growth enabled by the project, noting that the work would support areas near Anderson Avenue where housing developments are currently located. The commission also reviewed a robust financial report, with Fiori pointing out that the department’s retained earnings have reached $560,022. I need to point out that because of the staff, our free cash/retained earnings are at $560,022. That is largely due to septage revenue, Fiori said. This financial health comes as the department prepares for the Annual Town Meeting, where they will present a total operating budget of $4,923,310. Walsh noted a minor clerical error in the town warrant that swapped the budget total with a motion amount of $5,326,419, which staff are working to correct before the meeting.

Office Manager Jeanie reported strong quarterly billing of approximately $417,000 and noted that the town's new accountant was impressed by the revenue generated by septage. She also shared an inquiry from Atlantic Design regarding a possible expansion toward Wapping Road. While the current system ends at Marian Drive, Mulliken signaled an openness to future growth: Our plan is to go there optimistically, depending on circumstances. If someone wants to put a sewer in and we have capacity, we will.

Regarding the Miramar 40B project on Clark Street, the commission is nearing a final agreement that includes a $100,000 contribution from the developer toward town costs. Mulliken emphasized the need for strict oversight of the new infrastructure, including rag catchers and specific metering to monitor for leaks. They are going to have one common water meter for the units, and we will have meters for the sewage/pumps to check for infiltration or leakage, Mulliken said. Walsh added that the project covers construction tying into the system from River Street down to Charles Drive.

Operational challenges were also addressed, particularly regarding the ongoing battle against "ragging"—clogs caused by wipes and debris. Walsh reported that staff recently stopped flow at the Rocky Nook and Jones River stations to manually clear a year and a half of accumulation. The rag mass floats at the top and traps more rags, but eventually, they pass through and jam the pumps and check valves, Walsh explained. He noted that having an injured staff member back on light duty in the lab has finally freed up the crew to tackle these overdue maintenance projects. It's beneficial having our guys within minutes of the plant, Walsh noted regarding the tight window available to clean stations before they overflow.

The meeting concluded with a moment of recognition for Bill Watson, who is stepping away from the commission after years of service dating back to the system's original design. Motion Made by B. Mulliken to recognize Bill Watson for his service to the Sewer Commission. Motion Passed (3-0-0). One board member remarked that Watson has been an asset for eight years and brought a lot of experience to the table. The department also prepared for the arrival of new administrative assistant Doreen, who was scheduled to be sworn in later that evening.