The 4 of us civil commission on Nov. 12 voted to approve a draft letter authorizing staff to advance negotiations on a wastewater interconnection with Somerset and to forward the letter with minor edits.

The vote followed a staff presentation describing two approaches to regionalizing service: forming an independent regional entity to operate Fall River's deep rock tunnel and related infrastructure, or using traditional municipal intermunicipal agreements. Paul (identified in the transcript as the presenting staff member) recommended a rate of $5.88 per CCF for treated flow and proposed charging 50% of that rate for inflow/infiltration (I&I) until Somerset reduces I&I. Paul said the Somerset flow would enter Fall River's system at the Columbia Street drop shaft and noted Somerset's plant treats roughly 3.5 million gallons; he also said Somerset currently experiences significant I&I and pumps roughly "1.1 150000.00" gallons daily as discussed during the meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff framed the move as a way to share fixed treatment costs across more customers, which staff said would lower per-customer rates; Fall River's present residential rate was stated as $8.11. If an interconnection proceeds, the city would set terms for how Somerset's inflow/infiltration costs are handled and how an eventual governing board or agreement would apportion rates and responsibilities.

Public comment and volunteer support: During unscheduled public comment, resident Steve Nassif said he had discussed the issue with Paul Coogan over several years and volunteered to help form a small, fast-moving committee to study regional governance models and best practices from other systems. "I was at the wrong place," Nassif said of earlier efforts, and he offered to assist the commission in outreach and negotiations.

What staff proposed: Paul outlined two main structures: a standalone regional authority with its own board and rate-setting power that would charge users tied to the deep rock tunnel, or standard municipal agreements similar to Fall River's arrangements with Freetown, Westport and other neighboring systems. He described a draft billing approach in which Somerset customers would pay $5.88 per CCF and contribute 50% of that amount for I&I-related costs unless they reduce I&I through system improvements. Paul said the proposal is intended to be "marketable, fair and equitable" and that it was not designed as a profit-making measure for Fall River.

Formal action and next steps: Paul moved to approve the draft letter and to allow him to forward it with minor grammatical edits; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The board did not adopt any final intergovernmental agreement at the meeting; rather, commissioners authorized staff to communicate with Somerset and to pursue the next procedural steps described in the report. The meeting concluded after a brief adjournment motion that passed.

Details extracted from the meeting: the proposed treated-flow rate of $5.88 per CCF; a proposed 50% I&I charge for Somerset until reductions are made; Columbia Street drop shaft identified as the entry point; Fall River's current resident rate referenced as $8.11. The Open Meeting Law was invoked at the start of the meeting to note recording permissions.