Shaftsbury Solid Waste Committee
April 4, 2006, 7:30 p.m., Cole Hall
Present: Michael Biddy, Katherine Keys, Karen Mellinger, Forrest Snyder, Town Service Agent Kathy Cardiff
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. Karen introduced Kathy Cardiff, Town Service Agent. The issue of PAYT impact on low income users was discussed. The group considered what possible criteria might be considered to determine need. The consensus was that qualifications should be easily verifiable – perhaps based on federal standards. Kathy noted that food stamp eligibility is based on the federal poverty rate. It would be relatively easy to verify, keeping costs of administering any discount program low.
Kathy noted that some assistance programs only consider income, while others include income and resources. There was agreement among members that any assistance offered should be in the form of a discounted sticker price rather than issuing free stickers. Various programs that could be used to set criteria were discussed, such as free and reduced lunches, elderly discounts, fuel assistance eligibility, Medicaid recipients. It was agreed that Kathy and Karen will research aid information. Karen noted that it would be important for budgetary reasons to try to ascertain what percentage of households might be in need of possible assistance. The ultimate decision rests with the Selectboard as to whether any assistance is offered.
Forrest presented his research on sticker printing prices. The detailed pricing will be attached to the minutes. The costs for professional printing are very close to the estimated in-house cost of printing. Forrest will bring a sample of a foil sticker for the next meeting.
Karen reported briefly on Green-Up Day. It will be held on Saturday, May 6. Katherine and Karen will work with the Student Council at Shaftsbury Elementary School to help organize.
Katherine advised that she had spoken with Sandy Totter, the Administrator for the recycling program in Williamstown, MA. She noted that 30% of all school waste is milk cartons. Katherine is expecting to receive information on a milk carton rinser; Williamstown received grant money in order to purchase theirs.
Several members will visit the Williamstown Recycling Center on Friday, April 9, 2006.
The next Solid Waste Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at Cole Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Mellinger