Another Monday

Most of us will have a look weekend waiting for us starting Friday.  Long range forecast for us looks pretty good, weather wise.

There was an article in the S-T this past weekend which dealt with an issue that has a great deal to do with the long range forecast, financially for the residents and businesses in town.  It also has a great deal to do with the environmental health of the inner harbor.  

Fairhaven is awaiting a new permit for the operation of its sewer treatment plant.  Indeed the old one expired years ago.  It apparently takes everyone a long time to decide what you can and cannot do relative  to operating a sewer plant.  

Part of the reason in the delay of the new permit has to do with studies contracted for and long over due.  there are a host of other reasons, but suffice it to say that but suffice it to say that there is a certain amount of behind the scenes nail biting going on relative to what the new standards for operation of the sewer plant will be.

The one certainty for every one in town is your rates are going to end up increasing.  This will be in addition to the water rate increases which recently occurred and will occur.  water and sewer are separate enterprise funds so the division needs of each are met by segregated charges.

Several known things are that there will be nitrogen limits in some amount; and, the cost for the upgrade (with or without the limits) are going to be in the millions (not just one or two either).  

Here is an idea ...

Was surfing the web and ran across the Mattapoisett Town web site.  Mattapoisett posts meeting videos on line.  Pretty neat actually.  Check it out.  I realize there may be some cost associated with it, but it would seem with the size of the ever growing government access account, should be a worthwhile use of funds (assuming it is allowable under the current contract for use of the fees).  

I keep hearing we are saving that money for set up and studio operation, but heck, after start-up costs, what can the continuing costs be.  Might need to find that out.

Getting back ...

To the weekend.  Weather is suppose to be good, at least at this point.  Make the effort to get out and watch the Memorial Day Parade.  also, if you have never seen the ceremony that takes place in side Riverside Cemetery, you might want to consider spending some time this year.  Admittedly it has been a few years since I have done it myself, however it is worth the time and effort.  

Speaking of time and effort ...

A little bit of time and a little effort will go a long way in helping to get the issue of a Charter Commission on the ballot in April.  If you can devote a little time and effort, why not get a petition sheet and grab some signatures?  

Next meeting for the petition drive is June 2, 2012 at 9:00 A.M. Town Hall.

If you can't make it, but are interested, see the FCC petition drive on Facebook for more info.