Pepperell Selectmen Appoint Officers, Approve Solar Panels, Debate Sewer Fees

PEPPERELL — September 22, 2014 — Pepperell selectmen approved a slate of appointments and heard a pointed debate over sewer fees at their September 22 meeting. The board unanimously confirmed Susan McCarthy as interim Council on Aging director effective October 1, following the retirement of Marsha Zanaboni, who received a proclamation designating September 24 as Marsha Zanaboni Day in recognition of nearly 10 years of service building up the Senior Center's meals and transportation programs. Glenn Caswell and Anthony Wales were appointed as reserve police officers with terms through June 30, 2015. Town Treasurer Debbie was named custodian of tax-possession property under MGL Chapter 60, Section 67B to oversee the auction of 52 Lowell Road, and the board accepted the CEMLEC regional mutual aid agreement. The board also unanimously approved a facade restriction modification at 39 Nashville Road, allowing Jeffrey and Meredith Morton to install 40 solar panels on the south-facing barn roof. The lengthiest discussion centered on the sewer enterprise fund's $3,105-per-bedroom connection fee — equivalent to $9,315 for a standard three-bedroom home — which generated roughly $68,000 in the last fiscal year; a selectman said he had heard from multiple contractors that the fee structure was discouraging building in town, while Director of Public Works Ken Kalinowski and Water and Sewer Superintendent Joe Jordan defended the fee as a GASB 34-based methodology standard across Massachusetts communities.