12/17/2024 TSC Minutes

Transfer Station Committee Minutes

December 17, 2024

6 p.m.

Public Library

Minutes by Chris Jensen

 

Attendees: Nancy Strand, Barry Zitser (phone), Andrea Bryant, Paul Karpawich and Chris Jensen. Guests: Allegra Wright and John Miller.

 

Solid Waste Disposal Capital Reserve Warrant Article

There was a discussion about how much to recommend that the select board consider putting on the town warrant for March.

 

One possibility was going as low as $20,000, given the 2024 tax bills. But the consensus was that if the town does not get a sizeable grant, it will need every penny that it can get. That means an amount closer to what the town has approved every year would be a good idea.

 

Ms. Bryant made a motion to recommend $30,000. It was seconded by Mr. Karpawich and unanimously approved.

 

Update on Grants

Ms. Strand said work is being finalized on the $1 million EPA SWIFR grant. It was noted that Town Administrator Mary Moritz’ work was invaluable and that Mr. Zitser did an enormous amount of research and writing.

 

It was also noted that while the town got a $750,000 earmark from Sen. Shaheen, such “Congressionally Directed Spending” may not survive budget cuts, particularly under the new administration/congress. There was also pessimism about money for the EPA SWIFR program surviving, although no grants have yet been awarded.

 

Curbside Pickup

Ms. Strand said a review of town figures indicates about 1,200 homes would be eligible for roadside pickup. Because of the size of Bethlehem, there was an issue about whether every home could be included. Ms. Strand noted that the Lancaster Transfer Station Manager said his town pays for the cost of pickup by requiring the use of bags sold by the town.

 

Review of Consultant’s Report

The committee reviewed consultant Rusty Scott’s report on the equipment and personnel that he felt an efficient and dollar-conscious transfer station would need. It will be attached to the minutes. It was agreed that the committee needs to get some estimates to the equipment that Mr. Scott listed.

 

Plastics Resolution

Mr. Zitser and Mr. Karpawich briefed the committee on their plan to go before The Bethlehem Conservation Commission and seek its support for a campaign to reduce the use of plastic in town. It was noted they are going as individuals and not representing the TSC. However, the TSC committee agreed that it supports the resolution. The motion was made by Ms. Bryant and seconded by Mr. Jensen.

 

Minutes

Mr. Jensen made a motion to approve the Nov. 19, 2024 minutes. It was seconded by Mr. Karpawich and unanimously approved.

 

Next Meeting

It was agreed that the committee would meet on Monday, January 27^th at 6 p.m.

 

At 7:20, Mr. Jensen made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Bryant and unanimously approved.