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Minutes Salem Recycles – January 7, 2014
Submitted by Susan Yochelson
Present: Nancy Gilberg, Erin Huggard, Tony Keck, Marcia Lambert, Beth Melillo, Lynn Murray, Jennifer Percy, Julie Rose, Flora Tonthat, Liz Vago, Susan Yochelson
Guests: Bill Legault, Caroline McFadden (visitor)
- Minutes of previous meeting approved (Nov. 5, 2013)
- March 15 Book Swap at Senior Center was discussed. Goodwill, a new vendor, will take leftover books to sell or recycle. Committee members are asked to sign up for volunteer shifts and post flyers. Nancy Gilberg will look into publicizing the event on the Rotary Club sign at the corner of Washington and New Derby Streets. It was suggested that if possible we collect names for the email newsletter by going around with a clipboard and talking to people. Some compost toters will also be available for pick up at the book sale (see item #6).
- Upcycle Event: Purpose is to generate interest and awareness for re-using materials in new ways. It was decided to explore partnering with Salem Main Streets to have a booth at the Salem Arts Festival in June. Beth, Erin and Liz volunteered to work on it. We will also continue to have a display of upcycled items at the March Book Swap.
- Cohesive Communications: With so many different vehicles for communication, it was clarified that the following people are responsible:
- greensalem.com – Flora Tonthat. Let Flora know if there are problems with the site. The layout can’t be changed easily, but content can.
- Facebook – Nancy Gilberg
- Email newsletter (Constant Contact) – Eva Mossberg. Please forward ideas for content.
- Blog – Beth Melillo
It was suggested that we cross-post by using the same messages in the different vehicles and that posts be shared with the committee so that we can be well informed about messaging.
- Textile Drive held November 23, 2013 was very successful. Five tons of materials were collected, $5000 was raised for Goodwill, and lots of names were collected for the email newsletter and the compost program. The suggestion was made to improve the traffic flow.
- Compost Pilot Project: Project will start in April 19 and will be city-wide—not restricted to one route. Anyone interested is asked to fill out a brief survey on greensalem.com. Over 400 have expressed interest to date; it is anticipated that 500-600 households will participate in the pilot with the potential to add an additional day or truck when at least 300 more participants are identified. Participants will be given a 12 gallon toter to place curbside each week and a bucket for kitchen scraps. Pick-up and composting will be contracted to Black Earth Compost. Educational materials are being developed. Toters will be distributed at March Book Swap, March e-waste event and will be available for pick up at the DPW on select dates.
- Mandatory Recycling – Nine fines given; four dismissed. Very effective—has reduced trash and saved $20,000 the first 5 months.
Other:
- Councillor Legault: Bill Legault extended an invitation for someone from Salem Recycles to be a guest on his new monthly SATV talk show—“Salem Round Table.” It was decided that April would be a good month to promote Swap & Drop in May. He also offered to publicize activities and information on his Facebook page. Send information to legaultatlarge@mail.com
- Salem Recycles will renew membership to SATV which has new digital cameras available for members to use.
- Christmas Trees: No bonfire this year due to weather. Trees are being picked up and will be chipped. Wreaths not allowed due to wire.
- Suggestion was made to meet with Mayor’s Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Committee to increase communication with residents.
9. Meeting Time Changed. Committee decided to meet at 6:30 pm instead of 7 pm on the first Tuesday of each month.
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