HomeMy Public PortalAboutRecycling Commission -- 2023-02-09 MinutesBREWSTER RECYCLING COMMISSION _ ._= ` ?
FEBRUARY 9, 2023_rF;_-}
3:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM
Present: Acting Chair Griffin Ryder, Annie Dugan, Susan Skidmore, Peter Johnson
Excused: Meg Morris
Liaisons: Dr. Mary Chaffee (SB), Donna Kalinick (ATA), Frank Bridges (Finance)
Guests: Paul Anastasio (Boy Scouts), Alex Carlson (Boy Scouts), James Jones (DPW)
1. Acting Chair Ryder called the meeting to order at 3:13 pm.
2.. Acting Chair Ryder noted that a quorum was present.
3. Acting Chair Ryder read the Meeting Participation Statement.
4. Acting Chair Ryder Read the Recording Statement.
5. Public Announcements - there were none.
6. Motion to approve 1/12/23 minutes with recorded changes:
Made by AD, Seconded by PJ, unanimously approved.
7. Update on solid waste/recycling operations at BRC - DPW Director and
Messrs. Anastasio and Carlson:
Both Acting Chair Ryder and the above gentlemen presented their information regarding
the current state of affairs. DPW analysis and operation evaluation are still underway,
currently with an eye to how this analysis dovetails with the plans for the use of the
sheds currently in place. Mr. Jones pointed out that of the sheds need some repairs as
well as cleaning before they can be used again. This means documentation and
attention to potential liability before sheds are fully integrated into the DPW operation.
Ms. Kalinick is aware of potentially required documents - certificates of insurance,
waivers of liability. She also mentioned that since there is a monetary value to these
collections, we should keep that as a public record which could require an M.O.U. Mr.
Jones questioned who actually "owns" the shed. Dr. Chaffee inquired about the
timeline for the DPW evaluation, stating that the sheds should be part of any future
evaluation of site usage. Acting Chair Ryder said probably by end of May/June.
All were in agreement that the sooner the sheds could come back online, the better.
Mr. Carlson explained that duties regarding the shed would be rotated amongst Boy,
Girl, and Cub Scouts, with any liabilities clearly understood by all. Since these sheds
have an important monetary value to the Scouts, they are motivated to develop a plan
with DPW as soon as possible. Ms. Kalinick pointed out that there would need to be
identified waivers for volunteers as well.
When Acting Chair Ryder asked if a vote from the Select Board would be required, Ms.
Kalinick clarified that the Recycling Commission would make a recommendation to the
Select Board. Dr. Chaffee felt it was valuable to support children in these types of
activities for education.
Mr. Anastasio added that the pandemic shutdown set them back quite a bit and with the
Scouts summer camp coming up, the sooner they can use the money accumulated from
these recycling bins, the better. He felt it was a "win/win" for the environment as well as
the Scouts. He said an organization called Best Buy Beverage Recycling picks up and
sorts the cans and bottles. There are vendor charges so it's not a clear nickel for nickel
exchange. Acting Chair Ryder felt that we would have some final info available by the
next meeting so we could get the process underway ASAP.
7. Other - Acting Chair Ryder states that maintenance continues at DPW. The solar
panels are clear and they are watching any ground cover encroachment. The
composting facility is OK, the catch basin needs some resurfacing but needs to go
through DEP for that. Landfill monitoring continues. A SW45 permit application needs
to be submitted to DEP and the permit secured in order to move forward with any
resurfacing or subsurface work.
Acting Chair Ryder - Report back from Bay State Textiles - 1040 lbs. collected, $52
received. Regarding mattress disposal - 39 mattresses disposed. Of those 3-4 were
cleaned and upcycled. Have been following DEP bans.
Glass recycling - Mr. Jones stated we now take glass to Strategic Materials and pay
$45/ton where we paid $75/ton with the previous vendor.
Dr. Chaffee asked if there were any DPW budget requests for staffing and Acting Chair
Ryder said they were looking for an Assistant Director of operations with an eye to
current projects and focusing more on the recycling center, communications, website,
etc. This will allow Mr. Jones to focus on other issues, which is part of the DPW's reorg
and productivity. Acting Chair Ryder stated no further corks taken until new outlet can
be identified.
8. Nips Update: Public Hearing to be held on 2/13/23 at 6:15 as part of Select
Board Meeting. Acting Chair Ryder sent a letter in support of the Recycling Commission
proposal. Ms. Kalinick sent letters to all stakeholders. She also stated that we need to
work out our public education strategy. This will also involve the Finance Committee.
9. Education - Chair Morris is currently working on finishing the writing for the
Annual Report. She was unable to attend this meeting for personal reasons.
10. Eddy School Composting - update. Ms. Kalinick pointed out there was an article
in today's paper about the composting program, a copy of which was sent by Chair
Morris to all members of the Commission. Acting Chair Ryder said there is research
underway on financing of this program for the next school year.
11. White Caps Recycling update. - Acting Chair Ryder states that the White Caps
want their own logo on their bins and DPW will look at their budget to see if they can
support this. Mr. Johnson inquired as to the price and numbers of bins and Acting Chair
Ryder explained that Chair Morris was looking into this.
12. Winter Fix -it Clinic - Scheduled for 3/11/23 from 1-4 pm. Ms. Kalinick felt a flyer
might be a good way to notify folks and we don't know yet if BLL already has a plan.
We need to mine the town's talent for those who can act as "life extenders" for items
that would otherwise end up in the waste stream. Dr. Chaffee worked at the last Fix -It
Clinic and saw a chain saw and lamp brought back to life, so she felt the last clinic was
a successful "model" on how to proceed.
13. Swap Shop - Ms. Kalinick said that March is the typical time to begin discussions
on the Swap Shop, so we will revisit this at our next meeting.
14. Town Department updates - BOH, none present. Finance - None. Select Board
per Dr. Chaffee/Ms. Kalinick - there is a Citizens Petition to ban all plastic to -go
containers. The petitioner may be asked to present to the Recycling Commission.
Select Board voted to hold a special meeting on 3/6/23 in response to petition.
15. Beautify Brewster - 4/29/23 with rain date 4/30/23. Acting Chair Ryder affirmed
that collection data from this event is critical information.
16. Next meeting - 3/9/23, requiring majority "in person,' will be hybrid but quorum
must be present in person.
17. Motion to adjourn 4:09 pm by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Dugan, unanimous
consent
Submitted by: Annie Dugan