Cluster Septic Feasibility Study In Middletown - Proposed Increase in Sewer District Fees, Public Hearing Oct 1

MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Board unanimously agreed to have the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) apply for a grant to cover the costs of a feasibility study regarding cluster septic systems. CWC will apply for a New York State Smart Growth Grant, which is due in October. Awards will be announced in December. Cluster septic units are shared wastewater treatment systems between two or more households.

CWC Executive Director Jason Merwin explained that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) identified 13 communities with parcels that could benefit from a cluster septic system. Two hamlets in Middletown, Clovesville and Kelly Corners, were among those identified by DEP.

CWC manages the septic repair and replacement program, funded by the DEP as part of the 1997 NYC Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which outlines the terms and conditions between the City and Watershed communities. Budgeted within the program is $2 million for the development of cluster septic systems. If the money is unspent, it is returned to DEP, said Merwin. However, systems can only be built if one of the identified households experiences a septic failure. Merwin explained that during such situations, the municipality and homeowner typically revert to repairing the single system, as feasibility information on cluster systems is not readily available and may take time to collect. Thus, the CWC has proposed to assist municipalities in applying for grants to gather such information. In the event of a septic failure, a cluster system might be more obtainable, said Merwin.

If the Smart Growth grant is awarded, the study is expected to identify construction costs, logistics of district operation, and maintenance costs. Merwin expected the town would be responsible for district operation, much like a sewer district. He noted that roughly $1 million in DEP funding is available for operation and maintenance of the systems. Homeowners would be responsible for the connection to the system once it is constructed.

Potential concerns could include the flow volume into DEP plants, which could limit future development or connections to existing sewer districts, such as Halcotsville and Fleischmanns sewer districts, explained Merwin. There are roughly 12 properties identified for Kelly Corners and 16 in Clovesville. A feasibility study is expected to outline these issues in more detail.

Roughly 475 properties were identified for a system in Shokan, said Merwin, where some community members are in favor and others are not.

Merwin assured concerned board members that CWC would put the matter in writing, stating that the municipality would not be responsible if the study exceeded the grant allotment.

Being a "Fan of information gathering," Councilmember Robin Williams said, "In the future, we look at it and go okay that's not what we want. We got information for our constituents, and that's what my goal has always to figure out what people's options are in our community."

Later during the meeting, Councilmember Nelson Delameter noted that cluster septic systems have the potential to be costly in terms of administration. The town already oversees two sewer districts, and if they were to add, Delameter said, "We will end up administratively top heavy." He added, "If its free today it might not be free tomorrow," hinting at the risk of lost funding from DEP programs.

Delameter later asked Supervisor Glen Faulkner if the council could receive meeting agendas in advance. He stated it would be good to investigate issues before sitting down for the meeting.

Councilmember Colleen Martin echoed Delameter, adding that it would have been beneficial to know Merwin was presenting. Martin said she would like to "digest things a little more before making big decisions."

Faulkner explained that a draft is sent to him for review on Fridays by the clerk, which he adjusts over the weekend. A tentative version could be sent on Monday, he explained, noting that adjustments will be made until the day of.

Before leaving, Merwin told the council that the CWC is willing to assist municipalities and districts in other ways if possible. "We have a lot of resources, a lot of city funding for leverage, that almost any applications would be moved to the top with the leverage funding we have," he noted. The comment came after Martin asked for assistance for the Haucketsville water district. The district is seeking funding to bring the system into compliance after a New York State Department of Health Inspection identified several issues.

Water District Fees

A public hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. directly preceding the monthly board workshop. The hearing concerns proposed rate increases for both the Haucketsville and Arkville districts. The proposed rates were developed by the Water Committee.

The current quarterly rate for Arkville, set at $110, will remain. Non-user fees are proposed at $50 per quarter. Faulkner stated that, although the district currently does not charge them, non-user fees are standard. It is a property owner's right to use or not use the service, but it is available and needs to be sustained, he explained, adding that the system is important for future sales, infrastructure, and fire emergencies.

The Haucketsville user fees are proposed to increase from $110 quarterly to $125, and non-user fees from $45 to $50. Faulkner reiterated that the proposed fees are intended to ensure the district's sustainability.

In other business

The town is seeking an additional member for the Board of Assessment Review following the decision of a current member not to be reappointed. The board has four members with one opening. Appointees are responsible for meeting roughly three times a year to assist in the review and grievance process of property assessments.

The council approved the creation of a temporary assessor clerk and office assistant position through the end of 2025. In shifting to a sole assessor from three elected ones, the office requires a clerk, said Assessor MegAnne Balcom. The clerk is expected to work less than 30 hours a week. The position will be re-evaluated during budget discussions.

Roughly $370,000 in road repair costs following Hurricane Debby in 2024 have been reimbursed by FEMA. The board agreed to allocate $200,000 to replenish material stockpiles, $40,000 for overages taken from other budget lines during repairs, and $130,000 to purchase a broom or similar equipment that broke during the restoration. Highway Superintendent John Biruk expects the town will receive an additional $21,600 for management services.

The Short-Term Rental Committee is set to meet on Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. The committee was established to identify items to consider during comprehensive planning updates. Committee members include: Faulkner, Councilmember Brian Sweeney, Clerk and Margaretville Councilmember Sarah Hubbell, Margaretville Mayor John Hubbell, Code Officer Hirim Davis, Alex Waters, Phyllis Whitehouse, Josef Schoell, and Lissa Harris.

A $39,080 bid from Delta Engineers was approved to complete a feasibility study for updates and repairs to the town transfer station.

The town's emergency messaging system, powered by RAVE, has been launched. Individuals interested in signing up can do so through the town's website at middletowndelawarecountyny.org or by picking up sign-up sheets at the town hall or post office. For assistance, call the Clerk at 845-586-4566.

Tire day is scheduled for October 4, and clean sweep is scheduled for October 11. For more information, visit the town's website.

A member of the Middletown and County Democratic Committee stated that the organization is working to present a resolution that permits public comment at the Board of Supervisors' monthly meetings. Faulkner noted that individuals can request to speak at meetings beforehand. He added, "I support that (the democratic committee's) effort."

The monthly council workshop is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m., and the monthly meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.