TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT
SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING COMMITTEE
October 27, 2005 - Somesville Fire Station
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tony Smith at 4:30 p.m. In attendance were Kathy Branch, Chris Breedlove, Mildred Johnson, Phil Lichtenstein, Joelle Nolan, and Lee Patterson.
2. Solid Waste and Recycling Committee Status: Who is on the committee; who is a voting member; the need for additional members; discuss meeting schedule; mission statement and goals. It was determined that actual committee members are those in attendance. Jim Russell and Laurie Shencavitz are considered support people. Joelle reported that she has asked Bill Ferm, former Charter Committee member, to research our “policy” to allow only year-round residents to be voting members of committees. With only five voting members, we often do not have a quorum. Ideas for recruiting included using the Town’s website, word-of-mouth, and the Town’s newsletter. Joelle will find out when the next issue is expected and we will plan to have a “plea for members”
article. Tony will draft a “help wanted ad” for the website. Also, each member committed to try to bring in a member. Joelle distributed copies of a memo to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) dated May 17, 2001 which contained a request for direction from the Board, and a mission statement adopted by the Committee on May 9, 2001. It was agreed that the Mission Statement needs more reference to solid waste, the environment, and the fact that we are an advisory committee to the Board of Selectmen. The formation of Acadia Disposal District (ADD) and participation by the Town has changed this Committee’s role somewhat. We decided our goals include support of ADD, and act as liaison between the Board of Selectmen and citizens. We also agreed that direction from BOS would be extremely helpful. Tony said he would like to see Solid Waste – Recycle Committee on the BOS agenda at least once a month.
Tony reported on his presentation to the Mount Desert Elementary School third graders regarding garbage and recycling. They were attentive and asked great questions; and at a later date they will take a field trip to Sargeant Drive recycling drop-off center.
This led Tony to describe that area as congested and getting worse. A “brain-storming” type discussion followed with some old ideas presented again: door-to-door recycle pick-up, and portable recycle trailers. Tony will pursue the idea of portable recycle trailers. Chris suggested encouraging local businesses to consolidate the collection and pick-up of old cardboard and rewarding those that participate with a big thank-you in the local paper.
Tony gave a re-cap on how our recycle program works: citizens drop-off recyclables at Sargeant Drive, Sawyers’ haul containers to Bangor Recycling for sorting, end product sold by MRRA. Joelle gave an example of what we reap from a July 2005 MRRA statement.
Tony explained that ADD is researching the convenience and cost of a regional transfer station for participating members. They are also looking at door-to-door collection with direct transport to PERC.
3. Regular Business
A. Brief Discussion: HHW and UW collection day. Tony worked the collection and said he was very impressed with the efficiency of the operation and the amount collected. The total cost will be about $11,000 divided between the 5 ADD member towns plus Lamoine. Also, ADD may be eligible for a grant from the State that will reimburse up to $2,500. All agreed it is a worthwhile event, and once a year is currently sufficient.
B. Assignment per Committee member. Each member will try to bring in a member. Tony will research portable recycle trailers.
C. Any other business as may be legally conducted. Discussion of year round, once-a-week garbage pick-up resulted in agreement by all that this is a good idea.
D. Input from attending public. None in attendance.
4. Next meeting: Discuss relative to the Thanksgiving holiday. We agreed to meet Thursday, December 1, 2005, same time, same place.
5. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joelle D. Nolan
Recording Secretary
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