Pepperell Selectmen Approve Water Deal With Groton, Set October 27 Town Meeting

PEPPERELL — October 6, 2014 — Pepperell Selectmen approved a long-awaited water and sewer deal with Groton and set a 13-article special town meeting warrant for October 27. The board voted unanimously to execute an intermunicipal agreement — roughly 12 years in the making — that will make homeowners in a border subdivision direct Pepperell water and sewer customers, with Groton agreeing to assist in lien enforcement for nonpayment. Town Administrator John Moak also secured approval of a $39,703.56 Federal Highway Administration storm reimbursement tied to the October 2011 ice storm, telling the board the funds would help offset a projected $75,000 to $140,000 free cash draw for snow and ice costs under a reduced $180,000 appropriation. The board deferred a vote on whether to voluntarily recognize the International Association of Firefighters as the bargaining representative for the town's four full-time firefighter-paramedics, agreeing instead to consult the town's labor attorney before the October 14 meeting after Moak acknowledged the 10-day Department of Labor Relations response window may have already elapsed.