Regional advisory commission recommends using 319 funds to connect 27 Lake Placid homes to sewer; motion passes

The Lake Placid Regional Advisory Commission voted unanimously on [the meeting date] to recommend that the town pay for turnkey connections to the new wastewater treatment plant for 27 properties using 319 grant funds, pending receipt of the grant award letter and passing septic inspections.

The recommendation, moved during the meeting by John Draper and seconded by another commission member, directs the town to cover the full installation cost for the 27 homes and was approved on a roll call vote of 30 (Matt Elliot, Jack Conley and John Draper voting yes). The commission emphasized the recommendation is advisory; final appropriation rests with the town council and is contingent on confirmation of the 319 award.

Staff said the 319 grant can pay for private-side work including purchase and installation of grinder pumps, control panels, electrical hookups and abandonment of septic tanks, but cannot be used for the town's system development/connection fee or for town-owned infrastructure. At the meeting, staff described two implementation options the commission could recommend: (1) pay the full turnkey cost for the 27 homes, or (2) pay all installation costs except the town's system development fee (about $3,200 per typical 3/4-inch meter), which could then be billed to homeowners over time.

Commission discussion and public comments focused on fairness and affordability. Resident Pam Fendress urged careful consideration of earlier public expectations, saying prior discussions had given some residents the impression they would not be charged to hook up. Staff responded that the town's 2006 ordinance does not allow past availability-fee payments to be applied as credits toward future connection costs without a formal ordinance amendment.

Staff and utility staff advised that qualifying homes must pass septic-tank inspection and that the recommended installation would include popup cleanouts to protect homes from sewer backups. The commission instructed staff to convey the recommendation to town council and to schedule follow-up workshops to refine priorities, eligibility and outreach.

Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to the town council for action if and when the 319 grant award letter is received; staff will also schedule workshops to develop an implementation plan and to coordinate homeowner outreach and grant administration.