Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
April 9, 2013
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Rene’ J. Read and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I~ 7:35 p.m. Chairman Amico called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Mr. Amico read Mr. Read’s letter of resignation dated April 9, 2013 effective May 12, 2013. The Board thanked Mr. Read for his service and wished him well in Duxbury.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Whitman Hanson will be holding a school committee meeting to discuss the impact of percentage increases to the school budget. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the High School
III OLD BUSINESS
Discussion regarding Pay-As-You-Throw/Save-As-You-Throw – Mr. Read introduced Janine Delaney, Municipal Assistance Coordinator from Mass. DEP. Mr. Read noted that the SEMASS contract will expire on December 31, 2014. Mr. Read indicated that a group of communities have been negotiating a new contact with SEMASS.
Ms. Delaney presented a Waste Reduction program – She reviewed the benefits of waste reduction, increase recycling. The financial benefits as it impacts services to municipalities. There has been drastic increase in solid waste disposal. Landfills have caused environmental issues resulting in landfill closures. There are less then 15 landfills in the state. There are seven waste to energy facilities in the state. The facilities are expensive to run. Transportation costs have increased.
Ms. Delaney outlined ways to cover the costs solid waste disposal which include Pay As You Throw, waste reduction program (WRP). WRP includes one 32 gallon barrel and then there is a fee thereafter. Less than 20% of the communities have tax based disposal. Thirty Five communities no longer provide disposal services. DEP do not recommend private haulers because they do not encourage recycling.
Ms. Delaney indicated that 140 municipalities will be using Pay As You Throw. She cited Duxbury as an example. Duxbury cut its $125.00 trash fee to $25.00 per year. The bags fees $7.50 for 5 bags. Two sized 33 and 15 gallon. They also provide 8 gallon bags for senior and they are available at the Council on Aging. Residents pay for what they use. People who currently don’t recycle, they will start.
Mr. Amico indicated that Marshfield has been successful with the Pay As you Throw.
Duxbury saved $17,000 per month. Reduced number of trips to SEMASS 60% less trips.
Hanson has 298 trips $145 per haul
Ms. Delaney demonstrated how the reduction will save $34,440 in tipping fees by using PAYT.
Steve wants to see cost of the hauling costs.
Ms. Delaney’s savings do not include the fee collected via bags.
No illegal dumping – She indicated that it just doesn’t happen. Very few Town’s report any issues. Some communities had minor issues with dumping at public areas and trash barrels.
A vendor will be responsible for the management of bags. Mr. Amico asked if there are other PAYT vendors. There are three on State contract.
DEP offers grants with financial assistance. $5.00 per household. Technical Assistance for reporting and setting an implementation plan. DEP require that private hauler regulations be put into place.
DEP can provide draft regulations.
Mr. Soper will the town reap the benefits of the recycling. Mr. Constantine indicated that the Town has increased the amount of recycling and will benefit. There is no tipping fee for recycling.
Mr. Read asked what the Board’s next step would be. Town Counsel indicated that Board of Selectmen can make the call as to PAYT. Ms. Delaney indicated that Plymouth adopted PAYT in April and will begin in July.
Mr. Soped asked if other Towns have had referendum question. Mr. Read indicated that Mashpee had a question and it was defeated.
Mr. Flynn inquired whether there is a recommendation for a price for the bags. Ms. Delaney indicated that if the Town moves forward she can work with the town through technical assistance. She estimated the cost of a bag to be $1.50 for a 33 gallon bag.
Janine said many communities are asking the residents to pay for the disposal services.
Resident Arthur Brasil would like to see a referendum question. He feels that people will still litter and he is currently picking up trash from the side of the street.
Mr. Soper asked whether an enterprise fund has been considered. Mr. Constantine indicated there has been no enterprise fund discussion. Ms. Delaney indicated that other communities have an enterprise fund. Middleboro, Rockland, Whitman.
Edgehille feels that should be rolled into the department and take it out of the hands of the Board of Health.
IV NEW BUSINESS -
Vote and Sign acceptance of gift of land 957 Winter Street for bridge replacement project. October 2009 Special Town Meeting authorized the acquisition. However the owner passed away before the transfer was completed resulting in the delay in acceptance.
MOTION by Soper, second by Egan to accept gift of land from the Post family. Voted 5 - 0
Requests: Plymouth County Extension Service – 4-H Expo – The Board received a request from Valerie Schell of the Plymouth County Extension Service dated March 14, 2013 for a 4-H Expo day on Saturday, June 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Extension Service parking lot.
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to approve the request of Plymouth County Extension Service for a 4-H Expo on Saturday, June 29th at the Extension Service parking lot.
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES – Camp Kiwanee
Rockland Lions Club, Sat., April 20th, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Dinner
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the One Day Liquor License as presented.
Voted 5 - 0
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS
Town Administrator Search – Mr. Egan reported that Search Committee met on April 3rd and organized. John Norton was elected chairman and Sandy Harris was elected Vice Chairman. The Committee will be meeting again on Wednesday, April 10th.
Police Chief Search Committee – Mr. Read reported that Saturday, April 6th an assessment center was conducted at Town Hall. The Assessment Center Committee has presented a report to the Search Committee. The Search Committee could possibly be ready to advance some names by next week.
VII EXECUTIVE SESSION - Chairman Amico indicated that the Board would be going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation and conducting collective bargaining sessions since an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town. The Board will return to open session only to adjourn.
So moved Howard, second by Flynn Roll Call Flynn Aye, Howard Aye, Amico Aye, Egan Aye and Soper Aye. Voted 5 – 0.
8:54 p.m. Brief Recess
9:22 p.m. Returned to open Session
VIII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Flynn to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
9:23 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 – 0
October 1, 2013
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