04/30/25 TSC Minutes

Bethlehem Transfer Station Committee 

Bethlehem Public Library 

6 p.m. 

April 30, 2025 

 

Present: Barry Zitser, Nancy Strand, Julie Seely and Chris Jensen 

Guests: Allegra Wright 

 

Trudeau Road Landfill Update 

Mr. Zitser provided an update of a meeting with Marc Morgan, Ms. Strand and town administrator Mary Moritz. Mr. Morgan is a division manager for Casella Waste Systems, which places him in charge of the North Country Environmental Services facility.  

 

Mr. Morgan said that it is not clear exactly when NCES will close, but it is likely to be sometime in 2027. The company will have a better idea at the end of 2025. Mr. Morgan asserted NCES is accepting less waste than in the past, particularly out-of-state waste. 

 

Mr. Morgan said there are no current plans for their transfer station. He also said NCES is spending $400,000 for curbside pick-up and disposal in Bethlehem. He did not have a dollar figure for curbside pick-up alone. 

 

Grant Updates 

Mr. Zitser said the EPA’s SWIFR grants have not been cancelled. Ms. Strand said town administrator Mary Moritz said that applicants are not expected to be notified until this fall. 

 

Mr. Jensen asked whether funds from a SWIFR grant could be used to pay off a bond, if the town decided to use a bond to pay for the transfer station. Ms. Strand said she would make inquiries. 

 

Minutes 

Ms. Strand made a motion to approve the minutes of March 25, 2025. Mr. Zitser seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. 

 

Village District Meeting 

Ms. Strand reported that she attended a meeting of the Bethlehem Village District and commissioner Dick Robie said there has been no discussion among the commissioners about whether to occur curbside pickup when NCES’ service ends. 

 

Curbside Pickup Bids 

There was a discussion about going out to bid. One advantage is that it would be easier to see whether curbside pickup is fiscally viable, Mr. Zitser said.  

 

Mr. Zitser said the bid document could include an escalator clause should there be considerable time between going to bid and when the service begins.  

 

“At least, we would be able to rule it in or rule it out,” Mr. Zitser said. 

 

Mr. Zitser said he prepared a draft request for proposals, which still needs a little more information, such as when service would begin. Ms. Strand said she would take that draft to town administrator Mary Moritz for her comments. 

 

Just Be Greener 

A draft of the newsletter was reviewed and approved on a motion by Mr. Zitser and second by Mr. Jensen. Mr. Zitser was thanked for all his work. 

 

Repair and Re-use 

There was a discussion about the advantages of swap shops and a fix-it program under which people can get help repairing items that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. 

 

Next Meeting: 

 

The meeting was set for 5 p.m. on May 28^th at the library.