MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY
SOLID WASTE TASK COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 7, 2004, COLE HALL, SHAFTSBURY, VERMONT
Present: Bill
Pennebaker, Trevor Mance, Jim Mead, Forrest Snyder, Barry Mayer, Karen Mellinger,
Michael Biddy, Jim Serrao, and Mark Young
Absent: Andrew Knafel and Owen Beauchesne
Bill called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. He noted a correction to the
minutes of August 17: the reference to the August 3 minutes should read 2004,
not 20004.
New business: Bill presented a position paper regarding possible future options
for solid waste disposal in Shaftsbury. Various options include a municipal
solid waste system run by town employees; a municipal solid waste system run
under contract; and/or a regional solid waste system, either existing or new
(which includes private facilities).
Forrest noted that he agreed these options should be discussed. But how does
this fit with the time line. Bill sees the SWC (Solid Waste Committee)
activities as a two prong task. The HTA language will be presented to the
Planning Commission at next week’s Planning Commission meeting (September 14,
2004). But the second piece is where we go from here as a town, considering the
landfill life is limited and the present mobile transfer station operation is a
temporary solution. Bill suggests we might go through the same exercise as done
with the HTA language and present a range of options to the Planning Commission.
He believes Andrew, as a Planning Commission member, is looking for suggestions
along these lines.
Forrest commented that the town needs a standing SWC. He is concerned about any
possible perception of the present committee overstepping its bounds. Michael
offered the opinion that part of the present group’s mission was emergency
action and part was long term. Trevor asked if there was a termination date for
the work of the present committee. Bill agreed we will need feedback and
direction from the Planning Commission next week.
The committee then discussed details regarding some of the possible options for
solid waste. Trevor advised that a permit is not needed for a mobile transfer
station (as now exists). A permit would be required if the town operated a
permanent transfer station. Costs of disposal per ton to alternate facilities
were discussed. Karen offered to obtain previous figures on costs to the town
when we were temporarily transferring trash to the Bennington transfer station.
Mike questioned whether we should try to send our recycling to New Hampshire.
These scenarios, however, necessitate the town have a compactor truck. Trevor
pointed out that the cost for such a truck alone would be $116,000. He believes
that once all costs are considered, contracting out is the least expensive
alternative. Trevor advised that Pownal had initially planned to contract out
its solid waste transfer operation. Once Don Prouty stepped in, they chose to
open a municipally run facility. The individual employee is critical to that
operation however. Additional discussion continued regarding potential options
for solid waste disposal to be studied.
Old Business: Committee members agreed to be present at the Planning Commission
meeting next week (Tuesday, September 14, 7:30 p.m.) to present the HTA language
for consideration. Further direction will be sought from the Planning Commission
regarding future studies and recommendations.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.