Hamilton’s Smart Septic Grant and Long-Term Water Plan
The Hamilton Select Board hears an update on a major historic building renovation, backs a Smart Septic grant to address Tobacco Lake’s phosphorus issues, and reviews new goals that center on water infrastructure, roads, and master plan priorities. The board also previews a crowded April Town Meeting warrant and considers state-driven zoning changes that could allow housing in commercial districts. 20mins
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Original Meeting
In This Video
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Public Works Director Olson reported on the near completion of a long-running historic building renovation, noting that while the project ran a few months over schedule, it remained within budget and produced high-quality work after navigating significant logistical and learning challenges.
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Dave Lash explained that a new grant opportunity aligned with efforts to address Tobacco Lake’s phosphorus problems from septic systems, shoreline runoff, and internal loading, outlining plans for homeowner‑focused solutions such as low‑phosphorus septic options and combined financial incentives.
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The board approved a letter of support for the Smart Septic grant application following a brief roll-call vote and thanks from Town Manager Domelowicz and other participants.
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Chair Olson and Town Manager Domelowicz discussed adopting the 2026–2027 Select Board and Town Manager goals, with Domelowicz summarizing shared priorities such as water, park and homestead planning, the regional school agreement, roads and sidewalks, and master plan implementation based on board feedback.
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Town Manager Domelowicz outlined long-term strategies for diversifying revenue, regionalizing water sources with Wenham, and using upcoming one-time funds to address major capital needs while balancing short-term operations, taxpayer impacts, and master plan goals.
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Town Manager Domelowicz previewed a crowded warrant for the April Town Meeting and explained that planned educational and archival uses at the Patton Homestead by a nonprofit partner would be exempt from zoning due to their educational and federal purposes.
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Town Manager Domelowicz and Chair Olson discussed a required zoning bylaw change to allow residential use variances in commercial or industrial districts under updated state law, explaining that such variances would be handled through the Zoning Board of Appeals and must be formally adopted by Town Meeting.
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Town Manager Domelowicz answered questions about Hamilton and Wenham’s shared watershed and water sources, explaining differences in their water withdrawal permits, Wenham’s decision to give up its permit to avoid added DEP regulations, and the need for future discussion of related system upgrades.
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