The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, November 21, 2006 at 7:35 p.m.
Present: Peter A. Hamilton, Chairman; Theresa McNulty, Clerk;
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Not Present: David L. Walsh
APPOINTMENT
John Haines, DPW Director met with the Board to update them on the Pay-As-You-Throw program. Noted that there has been a significant reduction in rubbish tonnage. In October tonnage went from 325 tons in 2005 to 249 tons this year. Also noted that recycling has increased by 3% and town is now at 25% recycling; also revenue from bag sales, etc. is up.
Thanked the citizens for their help and for working to make the program a success. Noted that there were problems with the quality of the bags; new bags are now available and they are more durable.
Mr. Samia noted that the DPW office staff, Nancy Feeney, Nancy Hacker, Patti and Sharon have worked with the citizens and our office to work out various problems for the residents.
Mr. Haines noted that the office staff work well together and that the transition of combining offices into one central office went smoothly. Noted that they are the ones who field calls during snowstorms and for rubbish problems and they have done a great job.
Mr. Haines explained that East Bridgewater has been very successful with the Pay-as-you-throw program. Noted 117 communities in Massachusetts have this program, but East Bridgewater is only one that funds complete program through bag sales.
Mr. Haines noted problems with yard waste collection; Allied Waste did not pick-up on Saturday due to miscommunication at their end. Did send in trucks on Monday to pick-up yard waste, but many residents had taken bags back from street. Noted that residents can bring the yard waste to Bridge Street Recycling Center on Saturday, December 2.
Mr. Haines explained recycling program at schools. Noted paper containers at Schools, Library and COA have been successful. Schools held a paper drive over weekend. Noted that since January approximately 900 tons of paper has been diverted from the waste stream.
Mrs. McNulty expressed how great the new logo for the DPW looked. Mrs. Haines noted that Culp Design assisted the DPW in the new design.
Mr. Haines noted that as a result of Gov. Romney’s budget cuts; the Town lost the $300,000 funding for sidewalks. Asked the citizens and Board to talk to their legislatures to return cuts to budget. Mr. Haines also noted that the recent bid openings, show a marked increase in the cost of asphalt by 30%; in five years he has been Highway Surveyor, cost of asphalt has risen from $27 to $51.
Board stated that they would contact our legislatures.
Board of Selectmen -2- November 21, 2006
It was noted that the minutes for December 14 could not be acted on as a majority of those present at that meeting were not present this evening.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of the Support Our Troops group to place a mailbox in the Town Hall lobby for residents to place letters/cards to troops from December 3 through New Years.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Tuesday, November 28 – State Ethics Commission Seminar – will be televised on local access channel.
Budget Kick-off meeting this morning – assuming a 3% increase for all budgets with no guarantee
Mr. Hamilton requested that the budget schedule be put together and distributed to all departments.
REMINDERS
Letter from Veterans’ Services - thanking Commercial Club for donation of gift certificates
Friends of Sachem Rock – Pairpoint Suncatcher - $14.00; colors light blue or cobalt blue;
contact any member of the committee.
PENDING ITEMS
5. – Mr. Hamilton reported that a meeting of the newly formed Economic Committee was
held this evening.
Mr. Hamilton requested that Habitat for Humanity – work on locating property, be placed
on the Pending list.
CORRESPONDENCE
Recreation Commission – December 8, bus trip to LaSallette Shrine planned - $10.00
per person; reservation required; checks can be left at Selectmen’s Office.
Robert DeChristopher, member of the Recreation Commission was present and
noted that the deadline for reservations and payment was Tuesday. Also noted that
there are two vacancies on the Board.
Coins for the Community – containers at schools, Town Hall, COA Office, E.B. Savings Bank; donations will be given to COA to administer; all citizens of town eligible for assistance
Plymouth County Selectmen’s Association Meeting – December 7 at Sheriff’s Office – Mr. Hamilton noted that he would be unable to attend and asked if Mrs. McNulty could attend.
Letter from DEP – notification of recycling grant
Special Town Meeting, December 18
Board of Selectmen -3- November 21, 2006
OPEN FORUM
No one was present
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to close Open Session at 8:20 p.m.
______________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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