Water board revotes minutes 3-1 after dispute
Other Committee · Meeting of February 9, 2026
Walpole's sewer and water board spent Monday's meeting arguing over how a disputed 2-1 vote should be counted, ultimately revoting to approve January's minutes 3-1 and agreeing to revisit both the board chairmanship and a January 27 rate vote covering roughly $15 million in budgeted spending. Commissioner William Hammond, referred to in discussion as Hamilton, said the board has always required three affirmative votes to pass anything; the chairman said "it has been checked with council" that a majority of those present suffices. Superintendent Stephen Nunnery reported a PFAS treatment project now estimated at $10.2 million, offset potentially by roughly $5 million from a 3M/DuPont settlement.
Engineering consultant Weston and Sampson said a $5.2 million pump station tying into the MWRA through Norwood remains on schedule, with full permitting not expected until late 2027. "This phantom line does not exist," the firm's engineer said, rebutting a commissioner's claim about an existing MWRA connection.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 828 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of February 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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