2/10/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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6 Board of Selectmen Minutes February 10, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Discussion and Approval of FY 2021 Transfer Station Sticker Fees: Department of Public Works Director Catherine Laurent: (continued) As a result of the changing market for recyclables, revenues have decreased, and tip fees for disposal have increased by more than 50%. Without any changes to the sticker fees,the tax subsidy is approximately 22%. Sticker fees are the primary source of revenue for the Transfer Station. The Town receives monies at the gate for the disposal and recycling of certain items. In addition to the sticker fees, a bag fee of$3 is imposed for more than (5) 40-gallon bags. The proposed fees represent a 30% increase for the 1st Household stickers, and a 10% increase for Recycling Only stickers, as well as a 30% increase for Single Trip passes. Discussion followed with regards to the $50 increase in the 1st Household permit. A suggested motion considered an increase of$25 for the 1st Household permit. As the matter was debated it was agreed the $50 increase is an annual sum, and with little control over disposal costs,the general public would have an understanding of the costs. The cost of solid waste disposal is overwhelming and beyond the town's control. The County is currently exploring options to assist with the solid waste issue that is affecting all Cape towns as well as the state and country. There was no second and the motion was withdrawn. It was agreed the Board would take this matter under advisement to the March 2, 2020 meeting. Discussion with Regard to Wastewater with the Mashpee Water District Commissioners: The Board of Selectmen met with Water District Commissioners Andy Marks and Ken Marsters to continue discussions regarding the matter of wastewater. It was noted that a working group comprised of Selectmen members Thomas F. O'Hara and Carol A. Sherman met with the Water District Commissioners to review perspectives related wastewater with the Water District. Ken Marsters, Chair of the Water District indicated the Water District is amendable in moving forward with the wastewater initiative to better serve the residents of the Town of Mashpee. Although it may not be in the best interest of the Town to merge the Water and Sewer Districts, members of the Water District indicated there are some synergies, and it is the task of the Water District and Board of Selectmen to give the Town, and its consumers the best possible resources for cost effectiveness. It has been determined the operations associated to water and wastewater are completely separate and distinct. The Water District is a licensed water supply operator and the current staff members do not have the legal authority to work on wastewater issues. The Water District contracts their work, and does not own heavy equipment. Tools required for the Water District cannot be utilized for sewer operations. Therefore, there will be no joint district. The Water District is able to offer resources such as the use of the Water District building, and possibly clerical support staff to assist with the billing for sewer use. Although the Water District is not overly staffed figures could also be transmitted to the Town for billing purposes. Support staff would offer assistance and facilitating services. However, the Water District is unable to offer technical, field or operational staff support for wastewater. As the Town moves forward there is an understanding the Water District will provide assistance where applicable. The resources will be further defined as the project advances.