Date: August 27, 2007
Date Minutes Approved: September 10, 2007
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
Present: Andre Martecchini, Chair and Elizabeth Sullivan, Clerk.
Absent: Jon Witten was absent.
Staff: Richard MacDonald, Town Manager; John Madden, Finance Director; and Barbara Ripley, Executive Assistant.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM.
OPEN FORUM
No items were discussed.
CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS FOR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION FUND PURCHASES
Ms. Pat Loring, member of the Community Preservation Committee was present. She explained that the Nudd, O'Brien, and Loring (no relation to Ms. Pat Loring) bogs were purchased with Community Preservation Funds. Under that circumstance, permanent protection for the land is required. The proposed Conservation Restrictions have already been approved by the Conservation Commission, the Community Preservation Fund, and the Wildlands Trust. Once they are approved by the Board of Selectmen, and recorded at the Registry of Deeds, they will become effective. They will be enforced by the Wildlands Trust.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen execute the proposed Conservation Restriction for parcel 100-502-037, known as the Nudd property. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen execute the proposed Conservation Restriction for parcels 140-502-054 & 055, known as the O'Brien property. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen execute the proposed Conservation Restriction for parcel 100-502-038, known as the Loring property. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE DUXBURY BEACH TRIATHLON
Mr. Brian Noyes, Race Director, was present. He asked permission from the Board to:
· Close the Powder Point Bridge on Saturday, September 22 from 8:00am until approximately 10:15am.
· Close the main beach parking lot until approximately 11:30am, with all parking taking place at the Bath House lot.
· Change the Run Course so that Upland, Peterson, and Weston Roads will now be used.
These changes will allow the Triathlon to begin and end at the beach, rather than ending at the high school. This will eliminate many logistical problems for the athletes and organizers.
Mr. Noyes also mentioned that the Standish Street and Crescent Street loop will be eliminated from the Bike Course. There is a "hairpin" turn on this loop which could be very dangerous under wet conditions.
Mr. Martecchini noted that the Police and Fire Departments have approved the changes. The Duxbury Beach Reservation has no objection. The Recreation Director has noted that the changes will not affect Recreation Department programming. The Harbormaster agrees to the changes, but has requested that the Race Director consult with him as soon as possible to discuss arrangements.
Ms. Sullivan requested that Mr. Noyes notify the residents of Peterson, Weston, and placeUpland Roads about the changes in the Run Course as soon as possible.
Mr. Martecchini commented that certain aspects of the race will be inconvenient for residents. However, he also noted that the event is very worthwhile and also benefits charitable causes.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the proposed changes to the Duxbury Beach Triathlon as outlined in a memorandum from Mr. Brian Noyes dated August 21, 2007. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
DISCUSSION OF PAY-AS-YOU-THROW PROPOSAL AT THE TRANSFER STATION (PAYT)
Mr. Thomas Daley, DPW Director, presented a proposal for a Pay-As-You-Throw system at the Duxbury Transfer Station. Also present were:
· Ms. Deb Sullivan, Town of Marshfield Recycling Coordinator & Enforcement Officer
· Ms. Janine Delaney, Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) Municipal Assistance Coordinator
· Mr. Joseph Lampert, DEP Recycling Coordinator
· Members of the Transfer Station Advisory Board: Ms. Sue Mangione, Ms. Carol McCarthy, Mr. Fred Von Bargen
Mr. Daley reviewed the financial and environmental advantages of a PAYT system:
Financial: The Town's cost to re-cycle many items is zero. There is even some revenue from the recycling of certain items. However, there is substantial cost to the Town for "Municipal Solid Waste", or the items that go into the "pit". Mr. Daley estimates that the Town could save $536,000 if recyclable items were not thrown into the pit. Furthermore, residents who recycle are currently subsidizing those who do not.
Environmental: Recycling uses less energy than the processing of new materials. For example, recycling plastic requires half the oil than manufacturing new plastic. Reducing manufacturing reduces carbon emissions, which many people believe would also reduce global warming.
A PAYT system motivates households to increase recycling, since residents would have to pay to dispose of items that they do not recycle. Residents would be required to purchase bags (at a local convenience, grocery, or hardware store). Only these bags would be allowed in the pit.
Ms. Deb Sullivan stated that Marshfield initiated a PAYT system in July. There has been an approximate 30% reduction in solid waste disposal, and a 45% increase in recycling over the same month last year. Selectmen noted that inferences from Marshfield's experiences are somewhat limited, given the fact that Marshfield has curbside pick-up.
Mr. Daley said that there are several pricing options, depending upon the Town's goals. Currently, residents pay approximately 45% of the cost of running the Transfer Station through sticker payments ($118 each). The remaining cost is covered through tax dollars. One goal could be to have the Transfer Station become fully self-funded, including indirect costs such as processing sticker payments etc. In that case, Mr. Daley estimates that a sticker price of $120, and a per bag price of $1.00small/$1.50large. If the Town would like to cover operating costs only (not indirect costs), the sticker price could be reduced to approximately $85.00, keeping bag prices the same.
Ms. Sullivan commented that this is part of a larger question of what should be included in the tax bill. This question is one of many that is being considered by the FY09 Budget Working Group.
Mr. Martecchini said that he might prefer to phase-in price increases gradually. He recommended that the Transfer Station Advisory Committee and the Fiscal Advisory Committee meet as soon as possible to make their recommendations. Mr. Martecchini would like to hold a public hearing on the matter before the end of September.
DISCUSSION OF THE MASS RECYCLES PAPER CAMPAIGN
Ms. Janine Delaney and Mr. Tom Daley explained that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, in conjunction with MassRecycle, a public/private partnership, has invited the cities and towns of the Commonwealth to join a statewide initiative to recycle an additional one million tons of paper a year.
Mr. Martecchini moved that the Town adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection estimates that the citizens and businesses of Massachusetts throw away 1.5 million tons of paper each year; and
WHEREAS, it costs the taxpayers of Massachusetts an estimated $100 million per year to dispose of this paper; and
WHEREAS, post-consumer paper is a valuable commodity that, when recycled, generates millions of dollars for cities, towns and businesses; and
WHEREAS, recycling paper saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, recycling adds significantly to the Massachusetts economy through the creation of nearly 20,000 recycling industry jobs with a combined annual payroll of $557 million; and
WHEREAS, many of the Commonwealth's citizens and businesses are not aware of the broad spectrum of paper products that can be recycled instead of thrown away.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Duxbury to:
1. Join MassRecycles "Mass Recycles Paper!" Campaign by endeavoring to educate its citizens about the importance of recycling paper for environmental and economic reasons.
2. Encourage its residents to use the paper recycling services provided to the maximum extent possible,
3. Serve as a role model by recycling waste paper from all of its municipal offices.
Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
TOWN MANAGER BRIEF
1) Pieces of a WWII Memorial that was formerly displayed in Duxbury have been found. Mr. MacDonald is in the process of convening a committee that will explore the possibility of displaying this memorial once again.
2) The voluntary water restriction program is terminated, effective today. Tank levels are good, thanks to the cooperation of residents.
3) The Board of Health has ordered the suspension of outdoor organized recreation activities from 6:00 PM until 8:00 AM each day until further notice, due to the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
EVENT PERMIT
Ms. Sullivan moved that Mr. Thomas O'Regan, as a representative of the Powder Point Neighborhood Association, be granted permission to hold a block party on Sunday, September 9th, 2007 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM, with a rain date of September 16, 2007, contingent upon the event being conducted as described in the letter by Mr. O'Regan, received in the Town Manager's office on August 15, 2007. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
BONUS SHELLFISH SEASON
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen:
· Declare a temporary Bonus Shellfish Season for the commercial harvesting of softshell clams for the month of September, as per the regulations contained in Attachments B & C of the Harbormaster's memorandum of August 24, 2007; and
· Declare a temporary Bonus Shellfish Season for the commercial harvesting of quahog clams for the month of September, as per the regulations contained in Attachments A & C of the Harbormaster's memorandum of August 24, 2007.
Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
MINUTES
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board accept the minutes of August 20, 2007 as presented. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 PM. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:0.
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