12/15/2008 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Board of Selectmen Minutes December 15, 2008 OLD BUSINESS: Trash and Recycling Options: Catherine Laurent, Director of Public Works was in attendance to continue discussions relative to the handling of trash and recycling. The three options considered at the last meeting include curbside collection,the pay- as-you throw program(PAYT)and maintaining general status quo. Ms. Laurent outlined the three options to the full quorum of the Board of Selectmen. The total cost of the curbside collection in fiscal year 2010 is $2,397,761 or an estimated cost of approximately$255 per household. The estimation is dependent upon the number of participating households. In the PAYT program,users are required to purchase bags for waste disposal. There is a financial incentive for residents to recycle for"free" as payment is based on the amount of trash that is generated. Anticipated costs amount to $969,276. The projected revenue generated is $805,570. The outlay to the Town is $163,705, but it would then cost the Town less to dispose of recyclable materials opposed to disposing general household waste. However, there is concern that further illegal dumping may occur if the Town were to institute the pay-as-you-throw program. Maintaining status quo in FY2010 is estimated to cost$1,001,271 for tipping fees and transfer station costs. Revenue projected to be generated is $467,025. The net cost to the Town is $5341,246. Upon discussion,the Selectmen agreed to schedule a Public Hearing to solicit public comment on the three scenarios for the handling of trash and recycling. A non-binding referendum question on the May Town Election ballot was also considered for the three categories of collection. Motion made by Selectman Taylor to schedule a Public Hearing on Trash and Recycling Options, a date to be set by the Town Manager, and place a non-binding referendum question with respect to this regard on the May Town Election Ballot. Motion seconded by Selectman Cook. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. It was agreed that Town Counsel would be consulted with respect to the proper format for'the non-binding referendum question.