'For the next generation.' More than 400 Dennis voters turn out

Dennis voters approved unanimously the first phase of a $248 million wastewater treatment plan at a special town meeting attended by more than 400 residents Tuesday night.

The plan includes the design, permitting and construction of a wastewater treatment plant off Theophilus F. Smith Road, construction of a sewer collection system along the commercial planning district on Route 28, residential areas along Bass River and both sides of Route 134. The approval is contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion ballot question at the Oct. 8 town election.

Wastewater plans are mandated for all towns on the Cape under state regulations, issued by the state Department of Environment Protection, to address elevated nitrogen levels from septic systems, primarily, and to prevent excessive nutrient-loading of local water bodies.

Frank Stennett of East Dennis questions the cost of the $248 million wastewater treatment plan proposed and voted on at the Dennis special town meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate School in South Yarmouth. The funding request passed but will require approval at the ballot on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.

“You’re looking at over 23 years,” Select Board Vice-Chair Paul McCormick said, referring to the time the town has been discussing and studying solutions to the sewage problems. He was responding to a new resident who suggested the need for more studies and monitoring of waters.

Townspeople urged to act now for 0% financing

In urging the town meeting’s support of the plan, McCormick noted that by acting now, the town will qualify for 0% financing of $100 million for building the treatment plant. The money will come from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.

The plan will be implemented in eight phases, but Select Board Chair Chris Lambton noted that the treatment plant would be a one-time cost.

When one resident asked if the state could pay for the project, Lambton said the state said no. “We either pay for wastewater now or (homeowners) put in all new septic systems at $50,000 to $60,000 each,” he said. “The most important reason is for the next generation.”

Resident Mark Burgess, who lives near Swan Pond, agreed. “We have to take this step now,” he said. “We have a chance to save $100 million. The longer we wait, the more expensive it’s going to get.”

‘Septic systems not working’

Bob Harrison of South Dennis and chairman of the Friends of Bass River that has been monitoring the river water for many years said the town’s wastewater plan will reduce nitrogen in much of the river by 70%. He said the problems “are from our septic systems not working.”

Mary Driscoll of West Dennis, also urging a yes vote, said the wastewater plan “is going to be for the benefit of the town. It’s mandated and is necessary for our safety.”

Dennis voters approved unanimously the first phase of a $248 million wastewater treatment plan at a special town meeting attended by more than 400 residents Tuesday, Oct .1, 2024, at the Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate School in South Yarmouth. The funding request must also be approved at the special town election on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.

After nine residents made comments with no strong opposition, a voter called the question, which stopped discussion and the voice vote was called.

Fees at the senior center questioned

The voters quickly approved all but one of the other 18 articles on the warrant. Several residents questioned the cost of new fees proposed for use of rooms at the Senior Center. The fees ranged from $500 to $2,000 for each room, including the kitchen, dining room, training classroom and other meeting rooms.

The article provided no explanation of who would use the rooms, when and for what length of time. Select Board member James Plath explained that the reason for the fees was for use on evenings and weekends when staff overtime would be required. He said the Select Board will adopt separate fees for nonprofits.

Resident Marcia Frederick said the article should have been more specific if the fees were intended for outside organizations. The meeting gave a resounding “no” voice vote to the article.

In other action, the meeting approved Community Preservation Act funding for a new recreation building at Johnny Kelley Park. Lambton said the building will include Americans with Disabilities Act compliant bathrooms and allow room for more children in the summer programs. Funding was also approved for a housing coordinator for the next three years, and for preservation and restoration of the Josiah Dennis Manse Museum.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Dennis town meeting voters decided on 1st phase of $248M sewer plan

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