Published in the July 16, 2020 edition.

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — The Town Council this week approved borrowing in the form of a $320,000 municipal sewer bond issued to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. 

Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio told the Town Council that the interest-free loan represents the final phase of the MWRA’s current program to assist municipalities with measures to remove and prevent groundwater from entering the sewer system.

Maio said that the money will be used for the town’s ongoing efforts to reduce infiltration and inflow into the sewer system. Infiltration is groundwater that leaks into sewer systems through joints, cracks and other flaws. Inflow is rainwater that gets into the sewer systems either directly (through connections between the stormwater and sewer systems) or indirectly (usually from sump pumps).

The loan will be paid back in $32,000 annual installments from 2021 through 2030. Maio noted that these funds come out of the water and sewer rates, not tax levy.

Inflow and infiltration adds to the volume of sewer outflow that is metered and charged to the town as it leaves town for the MWRA treatment plant. 

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The Town Council approved an application for a change of manager for the Crystal Community Club’s liquor license. The new manager of the license will be Kevin J. Lopes, said attorney Brian McGrail who represented the club in its application. McGrail noted that Lopes is currently president of the CCC. A 1980 graduate of Wakefield Memorial High School, Lopes served as a Middlesex County Deputy Sheriff from 2006-2013 and is currently a Wakefield constable.

McGrail said that Lopes is TIPS certified and will be at the club for 40 or more hours a week. 

The Town Council also approved a change in officers and directors of the club, as required by the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

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In other business this week, the Town Council:

• Scheduled a public hearing on the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department’s request for permission to locate a wooden utility pole in the area of 55 Court Street. The hearing was set for Aug. 3, 2020 at 6:15 p.m.

• Scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. regarding a Liquor License Application for the Bamboo House, 21 Broadway, due to a change of ownership.

• Authorized Town advertising to fill two unexpired 5-year terms on the Planning Board –one through April 2021 and one through April 2023.

• Authorized the appointment of Joseph Bragg as the vacation replacement Inspector of Wires.

• Authorized the appointment of Shawn Inman as the vacation replacement Plumbing and Gas Inspector.