HomeMy Public PortalAboutRecycling Commission -- 2023-04-18 MinutesBrewster Recycling Commission
Meeting Minutes from April 18, 2023
Conference Room A, Town Hall
In Attendance: Meg Morris (Chair), Pat Semple, Peter Johnson, Sue Skidmore, Katie Scott
Excused: Griffin Ryder, Annie Dugan.
Zoom: Liaisons Donna Kalinick (ATA), Dr. Mary Chaffee (SB), Annette Graczewski (BOH)
1. Chair Morris gave notice about video recording of meeting.
2. A quorum was met.
3. The Meeting Participation Statement was read.
4. The Recording Statement was read.
5. Minutes from March 2023 meeting approved (Semple/Johnson)
6. Update from DPW regarding the Scout Bottle Bin: Ms. Kalinick reports that she has met
with key people since our last meeting. The sticking point seems to be an issue related to
insurance. The hours of operation for the bottle bin will be changed to match the times
when the facility is open or, if outside those times, staffed by parents or workers. The
scouts include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts. As for this meeting, Ms. Kalinick
reports that there are a couple more details to be ironed out before taking the issue to
the Select Board. The Scouts themselves are anxious to restart the program. Concern
was raised about traffic flow when the Scouts are going to be there, and Ms. Kalinick
reports that Mr. Ryder suggested revisiting the issue of traffic flow once more details are
firmed up.
7. Warrant Articles
a. Ban on the Sale of Nips: Chair Morris reports no negative feedback on curtailing
sale of nips in Brewster; this item will be in the town warrant. There is a meeting
presented by the town this evening (April 18) at 6:00 PM to walk through the
articles. It will be recorded and available on the website.
b. Plastic Reduction Act: This topic will also be discussed during the Town's meeting
this evening. It might get some interest from townspeople and commercial
establishments. Dr. Chaffee reported that it was drawn up by concerned citizens
and sent to all the towns on the Cape. Provincetown tabled it and Falmouth
postponed consideration. Ms. Kalinick noted that it would have a very negative
affect on establishments that offer takeout. Brewster's Select Board and Finance
Committee have voted on it, and the vote was not favorable. Part of the problem
is that this is a "citizens' petition," so it did not get the benefit of vetting by town
staff. Instead, it will go directly to Town Meeting without getting any input from
stakeholders, which is problematic.
8. Fix -It Clinic Results: An enthusiastic bunch! A broader range of services were offered this
time, and a committed group of talented fixers. The plan is to hold another one in
August, hoping to catch landlords at the end of their rental season.
9. Recycling Outreach Programs and Updates
a. White Caps: Recycling bins for the season, the hope is to get funding for four —1St
base, 3rd base, picnic area, and concession stand. Stony Brook Elementary's
Earth Science Club is very active and has generously offered to donate $400.00 to
the cause. Chair Morris cannot find an aqua blue that will match the team's
colors, we may have to settle for royal blue.
b. Stony Brook Elementary School: Chair Morris will be going to Stony Brook to talk
to K-2 students about recycling. The Commission is excited at the prospect of
being able to reach this age group, as they will be able to start building on this
knowledge in subsequent grades.
c. Eddy Elementary Organics: Students did a forensic analysis of their recycling bins,
and they were discouraged to see that their fellow students were still putting
some food in with the recyclables. The Commissions was pleased to learn that
money has been allocated for the next school year's composting program.
d. Sharing information on website: Chair Morris had sent commission members
some informative videos and there was discussion about how best to get them
on the website for all Brewster residents to see. Ms. Kalinick had information
about Google analytics and the updated town website, in short it should be
easier for us in the future to track visits to our part of the website and to load or
link to videos that might be of interest to the public.
10. Swap Shop: Ms. Kalinick reported that the swap shop team had a good kick-off meeting
for this year and there are plenty of volunteers and substitutes. The swap shop opened
last Friday, before the April break, and going forward will be opened on Fridays,
Saturdays, and Sundays; if staffing holds, they hope to add Mondays as well. They need
3-4 people per shift.
11. Town Department Updates: Ms. Kalinick reminded us of the forum tonight for review of
the warrant articles that will be included in the upcoming town meeting on May 1 at
Stony Brook Elementary. Chair Morris also mentioned that there were so many new
volunteers for the Beautify Brewster event that they have been able to add new routes
to the effort.
12. Matters not reasonably anticipated by the Chair.
a. Ms. Semple would like to have the group reschedule the tour of the MRF that
was cancelled due to the weather last fall.
13. Noted
14. Next Meeting on May 9 (subsequently cancelled). The Commission is planning on
returning to the third Tuesday of the month.
15. Adjournment at 2:47 PM