Town to get more PFAS money from 3M

By NEAL RENTZ

The Town of Lewisboro will receive money from 3M as part of the PFAS settlement, Supervisor Tony Gonçalves told the Town Board on Sept. 29.

Gonçalves said the town is part of a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of chemical compounds containing PFAS, which has entered the town’s drinking water aquifers. One of the companies that is part of the lawsuit is 3M, he noted. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are also known as “forever chemicals.”

The second payment from the suit will be $75,745 from 3M, Gonçalves said, adding that about one month ago the town received a $38,146 payment. The total amount the town will ultimately receive from the lawsuit is $238,241, he said.

The payments are going to the Oakridge Water District, Gonçalves said. The payments are not part of the town budget, making the lawsuit money “a net improvement,” he said. 

Solar paneled roof 

Also at the meeting, the Town Board voted unanimously on a series of resolutions to approve the replacement of the roof and the installation of roof solar power panels on the Onatru Park Farm barn.

Though the cost of the project is about $160,000, nearly all of the funding will not be borne by the town. Councilwoman Mary Shah noted at the meeting that the town will receive a federal energy tax credit of $48,223 and a state grant of $6.090 once the solar panel project is completed. In addition, the town has already been provided with $100,000 in state funding for the project through the work of state Sen. Pete Harckham, she said. 

The only bidder for the solar panel project was Accord Power, which will receive up to $120,582. The barn roof will be removed and replaced by Martinez Carpentry and Roofing at a cost of up to $29,500, Gonçalves said. Sustainable Promise is being given $10,000 by the town for the preparation of the bid specifications and project management, he said. 

South Salem resident Bob Fischman from Sustainable Promise told the Town Board the solar panels will produce about 6,500 kilowatt hours annually, which will result in about $6,500 in savings every year. 

“So, it pays for itself in a year,” he said.  

Town employees honored

The Town Board recognized two longtime employees.

Town Assessor Lise Robertson was honored for her 40 years of service.

Gonçalves read a statement on behalf of the Town Board praising Robertson: “As assessor, Lise has been the go-to person for institutional knowledge, always ready to lend her expertise and support to residents, realtors, and colleagues alike. She consistently puts others first, offering guidance with compassion, respect, and unwavering professionalism.” 

“Lise’s approachable nature and collaborative spirit have made her a valued partner across departments, from planning and building to the receiver of taxes,” Gonçalves said. “Her commitment to fairness and her special care for seniors reflects her deep-rooted dedication to the community”

Robertson was recently reappointed by the Town Board to serve another six years as assessor, which will run through Sept. 30, 2031. 

The Town Board also honored Laura Stone, who has retired after 33 years as senior office assistant in the Parks and Recreation Department. 

Shah read a statement honoring Stone on behalf of the board.

“Since her first day in January 1992, Laura has been the heart and soul of the department, its front line, its memory and its driving force,” Shah said. “Her dedication, reliability and tireless work have shaped the department and touched the lives of generations of families in our community.”

“Laura’s contributions span every aspect of our operation, from modernizing systems to managing registrations, payroll, permits, and events,” Shah said. “Her fingerprints are on every success story. She has worked alongside 10 town supervisors, three parks and recreation heads and countless other employees, always bringing steadiness, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to excellence.”