LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Center Water District (LCWD) will hold its annual district meeting on May 10 at the high school at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to the presentation of the fiscal year 2022 budget, the meeting warrant also contains an article proposing the execution of a 20-year plan with the Town of Wakefield to supplement the district’s water supply.
Ratepayers will be asked to authorize the borrowing of funds and spending for several capital projects, including the $1.6 million Wakefield project, which would allow the district to hook up to the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) water distribution system through an interconnection on Main Street at Bay State Road.
The connection with Wakefield could add up to 250 gallons per minute of MWRA water to the district’s capacity, improving flow and water pressure. This would supplement existing supply by nearly 25 percent.
The project includes all costs associated with MWRA membership, which would charge the LCWD $1.5 to 1.6 million to join, and another $250,000 to $300,000 for permitting.
The entire capital program is estimated to cost $9.8 million.
Another project calls for building a $6.3 million greensand filter plant at the Glen Drive station. Greensand filtering is a proven technology being used at the Phillips Road plan and throughout New England. The new plant would improve the consistency in water quality for certain areas where there has been a natural accumulation of excess iron and manganese in the groundwater, resulting in discoloration.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan said the project is important, not only from a quality of water issue, but in terms of public safety.
“I know that (Fire) Chief Glenn Davis strongly supports this from a public safety perspective and has sent a letter of endorsement,” Dolan said. “Due to higher demand and weather issues, there are additional challenges the fire department faces. This best serves the needs of the district and can be relied upon for decades to come.”
Residents will also be asked to vote on the election of three officers — a clerk, treasurer and one member of the Board of Water Commissioners — and to take action on 20 articles for the FY22 budget.
Chairperson Joseph T. Maney is up for re-election for a second, three-year term on the board, and Tim Doyle is seeking re-election as clerk of the board.
James Alexander, who is seeking re-election for a one-year term as treasurer, faces a challenge from Shannan Gilmartin Cuddy.
The District will also seek funds for the tank rehabilitation process scheduled for Wing and Knoll roads in FY22 and the upgrade and repair of equipment at the Phillips Road water-treatment plant.
Other funds sought for approval include spending for proposed maintenance and operating expenses for FY21; upgraded water meter infrastructure; a truck signboard and Bobcat attachment; and Environmental Protection Agency national pollutant discharge elimination system requirements.
All registered voters who reside in the district are eligible to take part in both the election and LCWD meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the front mezzanine of Lynnfield High School, 275 Essex St. It would normally be held in April, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents may view the agenda for the meeting on the LCWD’s website: https://lcwd.us/2021/05/04/lynnfield-center-water-district-shares-agenda-for-annual-district-meeting-election/.
Face masks and social distancing are mandatory. The rain date for the meeting is May 11.