02/25/2025 TSC Minutes

Bethlehem Transfer Station Committee Meeting

Feb. 25, 2025

Bethlehem Public Library

6:30 p.m.

 

Attendees: Nancy Strand, Julie Seely, Andrea Bryant, Barry Zitser and Chris Jensen

 

Grants/Funding

Ms. Strand said town administrator Mary Moritz informed her that a grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission is not advisable. Ms. Moritz said the requirements do not fit a transfer station.

 

Ms. Strand also said that Ms. Moritz has been in touch with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s office and despite the Trump administration, the $750,000 earmark for the transfer station is still a possibility because it was appropriated. Mr. Zitser said while he thinks there is still a chance for the earmark, the committee should not count on it.

 

There was general agreement that the SWIFR grant being sought through the EPA is unlikely, given the Trump administration.

 

There was a discussion about a bond, which would spread the tax burden out over residents for the next ten or twenty years. That would make it less painful for people currently paying taxes in Bethlehem.

 

But passing a bond is harder because it requires approval by a higher margin of voter approval, said Ms. Seely. “I think it is really important that we have a ‘Plan B’ if the bond fails,” she said.

 

If the select board agrees that a bond is the best tactic, the town could go out to bid for the project, Mr. Jensen said. Then, if the bond passes the town could build the transfer station and open it earlier than previously planned. That would provide some time to iron out any wrinkles.

 

It was generally agreed that the commission needs to know more about whether curbside pickup is viable. That includes whether the village district is going to offer that when Casella stops. Ms. Strand said she would see about attending a meeting of the village commissioners.

 

Minutes

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the January 27, 2025 minutes written by Mr. Zitser. It was seconded by Ms. Bryant and unanimously passed.

 

Cost Spreadsheet Review

There was a wide-ranging review of the size of the Aries-proposed transfer station, with the goal of seeing whether money could be saved without a huge sacrifice in function. That ranged from the size of the building and storage to the availability of running water. No final decisions were made, but it was agreed that it’s necessary for commission members to do some Googling and to get some estimates on the cost of the equipment such as compactors listed in the spreadsheet.

 

Plastic Resolution

Mr. Zitser updated the committee on a revised plastic resolution, which he said it likely to be presented to the Bethlehem Conservation Commission in April. It is hoped that the commission will recommend it to the select board.

 

Next Meeting: March 25^th at 6:30 p.m. at the library.

 

Mr. Jensen made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Mr. Zitser.

 

The meeting concluded at 7:39 p.m.