Sewer Commissioners

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Meeting ID: 879 3025 9983
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The Town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Board Of Sewer Commissioners

Mission and Purpose:

The Town of Wellfleet hereby establishes a Board of Sewer Commissioners to oversee the planning, policy, and regulatory framework for municipal and/or shared wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems within the Town.
Its purpose is to guide Wellfleet’s transition, fairly and equitably, from predominantly onsite wastewater disposal toward phased municipal and/or cluster sewer solutions where needed to protect public health, groundwater, estuarine and harbor water quality, shellfish resources, and community character, and to support compliance with state and federal environmental requirements.

Charge

Establishment & Authority

Pursuant to the authority granted municipalities under M.G.L. c.83 and other applicable provisions of Massachusetts General Law, the Town of Wellfleet hereby establishes a Board of Sewer Commissioners ("the Commission") to oversee the planning, policy, and regulatory framework for municipal and/or shared wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems within the Town. This Charge is intended to be concise; detailed program documents, regulations, and engineering plans will be developed separately and adopted through the appropriate local processes.

Membership
Five (5) members composed of the Wellfleet Selectboard.
Organization: At its first meeting following annual Town elections (or upon reconstitution), the Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. The Department of Public Works (DPW) Director—or other staff persons designated by the Town Administrator, such as a Wastewater Consultant or Director—shall serve as Staff Liaison (non‑voting).
 

Purpose
Guide Wellfleet’s transition, fairly and equitably, from predominantly on‑site wastewater disposal toward phased municipal and/or cluster sewer solutions where needed to protect public health, groundwater, estuarine and harbor water quality, shellfish resources, and community character, and to support compliance with state and federal environmental requirements. Provide a transparent public forum for discussion of wastewater needs, priorities, and recommended actions.
 

Scope of Responsibilities
The Commission’s role is primarily policy, planning, and regulatory (not day‑to‑day operations). Unless otherwise voted by Town Meeting or the Selectboard, the Commission shall:

• Wastewater Planning Coordination – Review, update, and recommend wastewater needs assessments, facility plans, Targeted Watershed Management Plans (TWMP), and other technical studies; integrate watershed‑based targets and state regulatory requirements, in a way that is fair and equitable, as advised by staff/consultants.
• Service Area & Phasing Recommendations – Recommend proposed sewer service areas, phase sequencing, capacity allocations, and connection policies for Selectboard and/or Town Meeting action.
• Local Sewer Regulations – Draft and recommend regulations governing connections, prohibited discharges, permitting procedures, and system use standards consistent with state and federal law. Hold at least one public hearing prior to recommending adoption or amendment. Local Sewer Rates and Betterments – Draft and recommend rates and betterment assesments to the Selectboard with regard to all systems under the purview of the Commssion. (Eg: Central, Cluster and Decentralized Sewer Districts.)
• Inter‑Board & Agency Coordination – Confer regularly with the Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Water Commissioners, Shellfish Department, and regional/state agencies to align wastewater actions with public health, resource protection, and land‑use planning goals.
• Public Outreach & Education – Sponsor public meetings, fact sheets, and web content explaining wastewater issues, project phases, and opportunities for resident input. Host a minimum of one public meeting to give an overview of the actions taken by the Commission with regards to the sewer districts to the general public over the year, including opportunity for public input.
• Project Recommendation & Oversight – Review proposed design, siting, and procurement approaches for sewer infrastructure and treatment facilities; make recommendations to the Selectboard prior to major milestones (feasibility, design, construction bids, change orders of material scope, and substantial completion).
• Regulatory Compliance Monitoring – Receive and review periodic compliance reports (e.g., treatment plant performance summaries, discharge monitoring, permit status) from staff/consultants; highlight issues requiring policy direction.
• Reporting – Provide an annual written report for the Town Report summarizing activities, recommendations, and upcoming needs; brief the Selectboard at least semi‑annually.

Meetings & Procedures
Meetings shall comply with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. c.30A §§18‑25).
A quorum is a majority (3) of the 5 members
Remote participation is permitted consistent with state law and local policy.
Minutes shall be kept and posted per statute.
The Commission may adopt Rules of Procedure (e.g., agenda order, document submission deadlines) by majority vote.

Ethics, Conflict of Interest & Training
Members must comply with the State Conflict of Interest Law (M.G.L. c.268A), complete required ethics training, and file any disclosures required when Sewer Commission matters intersect with private interests.
 

Staff Support & Consultation
Administrative and technical support will be coordinated through the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator (or designee) will prepare agendas with the Chair, provide technical updates, and coordinate consultant work products for Commision review.
 

Review & Amendment
This Charge should be reviewed within three (3) years of adoption, or sooner if significant wastewater program milestones or regulatory changes occur. Amendments require a majority vote of the Commission and, where required by law, Town Meeting action.