Construction of Yarmouth’s Water Resource Recovery Facility is reaching critical infrastructure milestones at 99 Buck Island Road, though unexpected site conditions and future financing gaps are beginning to take center stage. Lou, a consultant with GZA, reported that crews have successfully driven sheeting around the sequential batch reactor and completed the foundation for the headworks building. While the project recently secured approximately $85,000 in "value engineering" credits, the town is bracing for an upcoming change order to cover the costs of removing organic material discovered during basin excavation.

Progress on the town’s collection system is moving forward, with Contract 2 work on Route 28 largely finished and final patching scheduled to begin September 29th. However, coordination with other utilities remains a point of friction for local officials. Lou noted that National Grid is slated to begin gas line work later this month, which will require resurfacing a full lane on the south side of Route 28 shortly after sewer work concludes. Committee Chair George expressed frustration over the timing, stating, I'm anticipating the community response to paving the north side and then repaving the south side when they open it up again for gas lines. We've been pushing National Grid to do it in advance of sewer work, but we've been unsuccessful to date.

Further west, the town is finding ways to mitigate costs through state cooperation. Mike, a consultant appearing online, explained that MassDOT has taken over responsibility for the final road patching near the Bass River bridge as part of a larger rebuild project starting November 1st. MassDOT has waived the responsibility for our contractor to do the final patch there because they are rebuilding the whole road anyway, which saves us on asphalt costs, Mike said. For the upcoming Contract 5, which was awarded to Dig It of Dennis, the committee is carefully timing the start of work to avoid the busy Seaside Festival and fireworks at Seagull Beach. Work is expected to begin in late October near Parker's River.

The committee also turned its attention to the daunting task of funding Phase 2 of the wastewater plan. With Phase 1 funds already committed, officials warned that the financial landscape for future hookups will look significantly different. Mark, a committee member, cautioned that even minor changes to the project's scope could have major fiscal consequences. One big issue for Phase 2 is the general plan, Mark noted. I hear talk about people wanting to change the boundaries of Phase 2. If you change the boundaries, that changes who is in it and the financial plan. John, another member, emphasized the urgency of finalizing a roadmap, stating, I haven't found anybody who isn't interested in hooking up tomorrow if it could be done. We need a ready-to-go financial plan so we don't delay construction while figuring out how to pay for it.

A new public safety concern emerged regarding the protection of the town’s drinking water. John raised the alarm over industrial traffic passing through sensitive areas, noting that our biggest wellfield is bisected by Higgins Crowell Road. There is an awful lot of truck traffic—fuel trucks and carrier trucks. If we have a spill, the town has big problems. He suggested the town investigate formal traffic restrictions for heavy carriers in that zone, a move George agreed falls within the committee's purview to explore.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of several upcoming public hearings. Town staff member Amy Frigulietti noted that the Planning Board will meet September 17th regarding zoning for residential lobster sales and boat storage. The Local Comprehensive Plan draft is on the website, and that public hearing is October 1st, she added. Additionally, the committee will host a targeted meeting for residents impacted by Contract 5 construction on September 23rd at 10:00 AM at Town Hall. During the session, the committee acted on several administrative items: Motion Made by G. Chair to approve minutes for May 5, 2025; Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by G. Chair to approve minutes for June 2, 2025; Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by G. Chair to approve minutes for July 7, 2025; Motion Passed (5-0).