Solid Waste Advisory Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2012
(unofficial until approved)
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Christina Mailhos at the Town Office Building, lower level meeting room.
Present: Christina Mailhos, Christine Psathas, Peter Tanaka, Peter Thomsen,
Barry Wallett
Christina Mailhos asked that commission members introduce themselves.
MOTION: by Peter Tanaka, seconded by Barry Wallett, to have
Christina Mailhos be chair and Christine Psathas be secretary.
VOTE: Unanimous in favor
Lynn Nichols and Donna Latincsics provided information to the commission and answered questions. Lynn Nichols said that the transfer station is permitted by the state every five years.
Christina Mailhos mentioned that Tom Smith, a former commission member, produced a document noting the history of the transfer station and that there have not been many changes until single stream recycling went into effect.
There was discussion about Willington as the host town to the Mid Northeast Recycling Operating Committee (MidNROC). Lynn Nichols said that there have been problems with items being dropped off that are not accepted materials and lack of signage with hours of operation but that the town has no control over MidNROC.
Christina Mailhos has visited Willimantic Waste and encouraged other commission members to do so as well.
Christine Psathas asked whether a pamphlet was ever prepared as stated in the Board of Selectmen’s minutes of March 15, 2012. Christina Mailhos said that a notice with the town’s bulking waste policy has in the past been mailed out with the real estate tax bills.
Ed Taiman, former commission member, provided some history and struggles of the commission.
Donna Latincsics discussed the cost of trash removal over the past few years. Lynn Nichols mentioned that the trucking fees are included in account number 1-01-0351-527 Trash Removal and that it cost approximately $158 to pick up each dumpster. Barry Wallet asked if it was possible to break out account line items to reflect credits. Donna Latincsics said that she could have that done for the next commission meeting.
Lynn Nichols updated the commission on account descriptions and why some accounts have increased or decreased in the annual budget.
Discussion of problems occurring at the transfer station, such as nonresident usage, permits being used by other than authorized user, contractor dumping; also, permits and how to issue them, the large expense of bulk waste.
It was noted that the Transfer Station and Operation Management Plan needs to be revised. Peter Tanaka suggested that the commission look at this in two steps; first, correct outdated information and second, focus on what needs to be changed.
Christine Psathas asked about the commercial contractor’s temporary permit and the fees that were collected.
Barry Wallett commented that he doesn’t know of any trash that doesn’t get weighed before it is dumped and he asked why the town is in the business of accepting bulky waste.
Members discussed setting meeting dates. The next meeting date will be Wednesday, October 10 at 7 p.m.
Christina Mailhos distributed copies of the transfer station ordinance and asked members to review and bring comments to the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Christine Psathas
Secretary
Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100
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