Shaftsbury Solid Waste Committee
Minutes, September 20, 2005
Cole Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Present: Bill Pennebaker, Trevor Mance, Karen Mellinger, Michael Biddy, Forrest Snyder
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Bill Pennebaker. The minutes of September 6, 2005 were reviewed. Trevor noted that the reference to Pownal’s transfer station bulding cost of $200,000 should be clarified. The original cost was approximately $100,000 – the current replacement cost might be $200,000. The minutes were then approved.
Discussion ensued regarding different types of municipal collection services provided by other communities. Michael described some services in Addison County where there is a large transfer station. Mobile collection units visit some communities such as Whiting every other Saturday to pick up municipal solid waste. They do provide free hazardous waste days for residents.
The pros and cons of burn plants were addressed. Michael expressed concern that a large amount of Shaftsbury’s waste goes to a burn plant and that the discharge of such plants has a negative impact on the environment. Trevor noted that today’s technology allows incineration methods to be much cleaner than in the past.
In discussing recycling efforts, Karen noted that the Northeast Resource Recovery group has programs to promote the recycling of electronics and cell phones. She has spoken with Bonnie Cook of NRR, who advised that Shaftsbury’s membership has lapsed – a yearly membership fee is $250.00. Trevor noted that he is a member and that perhaps the BCRC is also a member. Perhaps we could obtain certain services through the BCRC?
White Paper: The draft was reviewed. Bill questioned whether the option of getting out of the business of municipal trash services and pushing it totally to private haulers would increase the cost. Trevor felt that it might actually bring the cost down due to economies of scale.
Bill noted that the current system of a mobile transfer station is very cost effective. He also suggested that the proposed TAM facility could be a potential option/opportunity for both TAM and the Town. Forrest expressed concern that any recommendations not specifically address any particular private company, such as TAM. Bill noted the reality that any municipal mobile transfer station would have a longer life if a permanent transfer station was in close proximity.
PAYT System: Selling bags seems to be a more manageable system than having attendants collecting money at the landfill. One system could have local merchants buy the bags from the Town and then residents could buy the bags from them.
The committee was in agreement to recommend an increase in the price of landfill stickers. At the present time, the first sticker is free, and a second is only $5.00 – this amount only covers the cost of printing the stickers. Potentially, a system could be set up whereby the sticker cost would pay for the fixed cost of the recycling facility (the Town now pays a management fee of approximately $31,000/year to TAM). The cost of bags should cover the cost of disposing of the municipal solid waste.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2005.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Mellinger