Selectmen provisionally approve easement to route homeowner’s OBD pipe under Indian Point Road

Property owner Penn Rhodeen requested permission to run his on-site disposal (OBD) discharge pipe through the town's culvert. After discussion about drainage liability and the need for abutter easements, the Selectmen voted on a motion to place an easement for the pipe under Indian Point Road with required specifications and the condition that the town would not accept liability for the pipe or future maintenance.

The motion was made and seconded, and the board recorded a split vote: the motion passed with a majority but with Selectwoman Donna Brewer opposed and Selectman John Steed abstaining. Town Manager Kathleen Billings-Pezaris and Selectmen emphasized that the easement is contingent on required specifications and any abutter easements being recorded, and the town would expect Rhodeen to install a sleeve or a pipe arrangement that isolates town drainage from private discharge.

The board directed staff to verify necessary easements from neighboring property owners and to return the matter to the Selectmen with written specifications and legal counsel guidance before any physical work begins.