Selectmen press resident on road culvert use for septic discharge and ask for easements; code-enforcement review ordered for Baker site

A request from resident Penn Rhodeen to route an OBD (onsite biological discharge) pipe through a town culvert prompted Selectmen to warn of potential liability and to require easements and clearer legal authority before permitting the work.

Rhodeen said he wanted to run his discharge through the town culvert; Selectmen and the Town Manager said a town culvert could become clogged or damaged and that the town might be responsible for subsequent repairs or consequences. The board advised Rhodeen to secure abutter easements and said it would review any required town easement at a town meeting rather than approving the work administratively.

In a separate compliance matter the board reviewed the CEO’s site-inspection notes and discussed the March findings at the property associated with Bill Baker. The Town Manager recommended consulting town counsel (Attorney Ed Bearor) to determine which items are violations and what fines or remedial steps are appropriate. The board approved contacting counsel for legal guidance.

Why it matters: Allowing private septic infrastructure to rely on town drainage has long-term liability and maintenance implications. Proper easements and clear documentation protect the town; similarly, clear legal guidance is required to enforce zoning and code violations fairly.

What’s next: Resident to present easements and engineering specifics; Selectmen to review easement requests and consult attorney on Baker site compliance.

Attribution: The request came from resident Penn Rhodeen; Town Manager Kathleen Billings summarized potential town liabilities, and Selectmen (including Evelyn Duncan and John Steed) recommended securing easements and legal review.