HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-01-22 Solid Waste Advisory Committee MinutesMinutes of Meeting 1/22/92
Attendees: Sally Sabo, Linda King, Mary Ellen Becker, Susan Cohen,
Ron Wood, Bob Brown, Carol Edwards, Ted McIntire, Ruth Cogan,
Trish Brigham, Ann Mark, Steve Thomases, Peter Johnson
The meeting began with a general discussion of proposed changes
to the structure of town government. This discussion quickly
focussed on the altered job description of the Health Department
Director, who has attended the SWAC meetings and provided valuable
input and guidance. The question was raised as to whether the
Committee should compose a letter to the Board of Selectmen
regarding the proposed change in her job description. There was
unanimous agreement that a letter should be written. Susan Cohen
and Ann Mark volunteered to compose such a letter. Some of the
issues to be addressed included: loss of advocacy for recycling
and solid waste within town government, loss of initiative
regarding these issues, loss of money in the long run by
splintering the position among others for whom solid waste and
recycling are not a priority.
The discussion next focussed on possible alternatives to
recycling which is due to end in March. The two alternatives
mentioned were a drop-off center and private pay. First discussed
was the possibility of filling out the fiscal year from the town
budget - $37,500. There were three:
1. Reserve transfer
2. Surplus in other accounts
3. Under-run in Solid Waste budget
It was the consensus that any of the above was extremely unlikely.
The committee had previously ruled out a transfer station as
unfeasible. A drop-off in Wilmington, North Reading or Stoneham
is possible, although the participation rate would fall
dramatically.
It was suggested that until the Selectmen make a decision
whether trash would be in the town budget or not, the committee
could focus on education.
Town Staff will go about making appropriate arrangements with
the towns mentioned above so that the committee will be in a
position to act quickly once the Selectmen make a decision.
Regarding the education piece, Susan Cohen and Sally Sabo will
do cable. Trish Brigham, Linda King, Steve Thomases, and Carol
Edwards will do print media.
It was announced that Burlington Recyclers, a small company in
Burlington, will pick up from individual household's newspapers,
glass, tin, and aluminu) for recycling and plastic and styrofoam
for reuse.
Meeting adjourned with next meeting predicated on action from
Selectmen regarding trash disposal.