MINUTES OF THE SHAFTSBURY
SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE
June 21, 2005, 7:00 p.m., Cole Hall
Present: Chairman Bill Pennebaker, Forrest Snyder, Michael Biddy, Trevor Mance, Karen Mellinger and MaryBeth (TAM office manager)
Bill called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of May 17, 2005 were discussed. Bill pointed out that on Page 2 he believes it was Trevor who made the observation about amounts of household trash. Trevor and Mike noted they had not yet reviewed the minutes. It was decided to hold approval of the minutes until the next meeting.
Old Business: Bill asked the committee members if they should consider creating “white papers”, i.e., position papers evaluating different proposals. The general consensus was positive.
Recycling study: Trevor suggested he and Forrest visit the recycling center at the municipal transfer station to examine future possibilities. Karen advised that there is a young woman in town seeking to perform community service for a university graduation requirement. She may wish to be involved in the recycling study.
Landfill closure. Bill updated the committee members on the progress of the landfill closure process and the problems related to it. The difficulty of obtaining clay was an issue during the bid process. Only one bid was received which was more than twice the original estimate. The present landfill reserve fund would not be adequate. Michael B. raised the question of bringing the present rail spur closer to haul the trash out of the landfill. Bill noted the option of pay as you throw could be explored as a means of generating income to cover the higher closure costs.
The committee noted its hope that any future bid document – should a second bid be put out – come before the SWC for review. Forrest questioned whether clay could be brought in on the rail spur. He offered to check into clay sources.
Future Landfill site development: The committee acknowledged that until there is
progress regarding closure of the landfill, future development considerations seem premature.
Bill reported that the Planning Commission members have not undertaken any new activity related to Solid Waste since the last SWC meeting.
New Business: All members have been involved in the Joint Committee meetings on the HTA agreement discussions. Trevor advised that at some point he may have to recuse himself from the Solid Waste Committee if TAM’s proposal for a transfer station moves forward.
Trevor made a motion for adjournment at 8:40 p.m., seconded by Mike. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Mellinger