Minutes of the Shaftsbury Solid Waste Committee
May 17, 2005
7:30 p.m., Cole Hall
Present: Bill Pennebaker, Karen Mellinger, Trevor Mance, Forrest Snyder
Absent: Michael Biddy
Bill Pennebaker called the meeting to order at 7:40. Forrest made a motion to approve the minutes of May 3, 2005 as presented, seconded by Karen. The minutes were approved 3-1, with Trevor abstaining, as he had not been present for the May 3rd meeting.
The committee agreed that a vice-chair was not necessary. Karen volunteered to take minutes as Secretary.
Bill updated the committee on the status of the landfill closure. He advised that he had spoken with Buzz Surwillo, of the Solid Waste Division of ANR, regarding the timing of the current closure plan. Buzz indicated that the state would like to see us proceed as soon as possible, barring any problems – in which case, Shaftsbury would probably be allowed to postpone closure until the spring. The issue of whether an up to date survey should be done prior to the bidding was again discussed – Bill noted to the committee that Kate Emma Adams, the KAS engineer, had spoken with Buzz about the matter and advised that we could go ahead without one. Bill expressed to Kate his reservations about the lack of provisions within the specs of the various fill amounts. Kate will revise the bid request so that the contractors will note the amounts of fill they will use – this will help to indicate some consistency among the bids received.
Trevor asked if the Town had specifically approached local contractors who might be capable of such a project. Karen will speak with Aaron. Trevor advised that he will try to help get the word out to locals if they are not aware, even though the invitation to bid has been locally publicized.
Bill reported that the Planning Commission continues to work on the solid waste zoning by-law language. He will report to the committee on future progress.
Lucy Robinson has indicated an interest in working on the recycling subcommittee with Forrest.
Bill commented on the TAM presentation to the Select Board on May 16th regarding their future plans for a transfer station. He noted that the tipping floor which David Mance described as an integral part of the station should be a benefit to recycling efforts, as it will allow a closer inspection of waste and allow for greater separation.
Forrest reiterated his desire to achieve as high a recycling rate in Shaftsbury as possible. Continued collaboration regarding education of the elementary school children was discussed.
The idea of a swap shed, similar to something Pownal has, was briefly discussed. Possible swap items include paint and books. Karen commented on the large amount of latex paint deposited on hazardous waste day.
New Business:
Future activities were discussed. The site development of the present municipal transfer station will be a primary consideration. The economics of any future plans must be examined carefully. Bill noted that an approximate measurement of waste generated is 1 ton per household per year, and perhaps ½ ton per year for second home owners.
Trevor noted that the State does not allow the transfer of over 10 tons to any one area. They do not limit the COLLECTION of trash, but they do limit the TRANSFER of trash. This will have to be considered as we think about the amount of trash taken into the station; i.e., on Saturdays the amounts could potentially reach over 10 ton with a growing population.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.