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2/29/2024 AC Minutes 4 Mr. Bartenstein asked about Article 13 Water System Improvements and Article 14 Wastewater Sys- tem Improvements. Mr. Pinsonneault stated that $50,000 was requested under Article 14 to reassess all pump stations now that some of the replaced equipment is approaching eight years of use. He stated that consultants determined the Town could reuse its existing water tanks after replacing the foundations, so the projected total cost of the water tank rehabilitation project has dropped consider- ably. Ms. Kosnoff stated that the water tank project is not in the FY2025 budget, but it is included in the current 5-year capital plan, with design funds in FY2026 and construction funds in FY2027. Mr. Bartenstein asked about costs related to inflow and infiltration in the wastewater system. Mr. Pinsonneault replied that the Town pays for all water that goes through the meter at the Deer Island treatment plant, so the Town is billed for the volumes that come from illegal connections, illicit dis- charges, and even stormwater that enters through cracks in the pipes. Mr. Bartenstein asked if the Town was budgeting for the replacement of sewer lines on a 100-year cycle, the same way it does for water lines. Mr. Pinsonneault replied that the sewer lines are subject to more targeted maintenance, replacements or pipe relining, based on inspections in areas with known problems. Mr. Bartenstein asked about repairs needed to Lowell St. near East Lexington. Mr. Pinsonneault re- plied that the Town of Burlington would pay for the repairs in the coming season. Damage to the road resulted from adding water lines to supply MWRA water to Burlington. Mr. Ahuja asked for more details on the water tank rehabilitation project. Mr. Pinsonneault replied that with proper maintenance the tanks should last another 30 to 50 years. The cost to redo the foun- dations, clean and reline the inside of the tanks is estimated at $3.9 million in FY2027. Mr. Osborne asked if the tanks had any significant metal loss, and whether there were any issues with lead while repainting them. Mr. Pinsonneault replied that repairs needed on the tanks were limited to replace- ment of some rivets and bolts, that the tanks had been repainted within the last 10 to 15 years, and that there are no concerns about lead. Mr. Osborne asked how the funding level for street maintenance was determined. Ms. Kosnoff de- scribed the various funding sources, including Chapter 90 and a tax levy earmark based on earlier overrides. Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the Town has a rough plan for street repairs, but the plan will be adapted in response to utility work. The DPW maintains a road condition index database to direct repair work, reducing the need for full road replacements. Mr. Osborne asked if the DPW expected to dig up any recently paved roads in response to new stormwater regulations. Mr. Pinsonneault re- plied that the DPW was trying to include pro-active drainage work in any project where a road is disturbed. Mr. Michelson asked who was paying for water pipe installations on Maple St and down the Min- uteman Bike Path. Mr. Pinsonneault replied that the MWRA was paying for it. The project will start in 2024, then it will be suspended during 2025 for the Lex250 celebration, and then be completed in 2026. Mr. Levine asked about MS4 (the EPA permit governing the Town’s discharge of stormwater into the local watersheds). Mr. Pinsonneault replied that the permit was expected to have been issued last fall, but the EPA received strong pushback on some requirements, so they are still considering suggestions for changes. The Town will continue to operate under the existing permit until it is re- placed.