TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Meeting

May 9, 2007

 

 

Present:  Gogarten (chair), Smith, Knox, Hultgren (staff), Walton (staff)

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.

 

The minutes of the March 8, 2007 were unanimously approved.

                                                                                           

Walton reported that the producer responsible electronics-recycling bill, 7249, has made its way through several committees and is currently in the Government Administration and Elections Committee.  The bottle bill expansion, 1289, has been stripped of the 10-cent deposit but is still largely in tact and making its way through various committees. A green school building bill is also making its way through the legislative process.

 

Walton reported that the April 22 Earth Day event at the Community Center was a success with several tables for organizations, the sale of compact fluorescent bulbs, a panel discussion on alternative energy use and a few different activities.

 

Gogarten raised a concern about the amount of litter in the Town. She suggested that the town place litter signs that indicate the fine, similar to signs posted in Middletown. Hultgren suggested that pictures of these signs be brought to a later meeting for discussion. Staff will alter publicity about litter, letting residents know that Public Works will provide bags and pick up bags in some situations.

                                   

Walton stated that the second paint swap will be held on May 12, 2007, from 9:00 to 3:00 pm at the Transfer Station. Walton stated that a letter was sent out to all the apartment owners about the upcoming swap. Knox will help in the morning, and Gogarten and Smith will help in the afternoon. The volunteers will help by inspecting incoming donations.

 

The committee was updated on the school composting program. Hultgren reported that the water system project at Southeast School is complete so construction of compost bins in a new location can be started. In the meantime, all the school food waste is being composted at the Middle School. Two Middle School teachers have been given permission and used the tractor to turn the compost recently, relieving the maintenance staff of this task.

                                                                                                          

Walton stated that the last of the four organic land care workshops was held last Saturday, May 5. The registration for each workshop was over 40 and well attended. Mansfield Supply purchased three leftover compost bins from the Town at cost and is selling them at their store. There are 12 bins left in storage. The cost is $50. Hultgren asked for a summary of the organic land care program to report to town council and residents. Walton suggested that if organic land care workshops are offered next year, one of them could be focused on constructing raingardens. Walton passed around information on Kansas City’s “10,000 raingarden initiative” for the committee’s consideration.

 

Hultgren reported that the solid waste disposal fund is expected to lose $48,000 this year and $73,000 next year if fees are not raised to keep pace with rising costs. In light of this, a spreadsheet itemizing all solid waste fees with a proposed increase and the percentage that increase represents was distributed and discussed. Hultgren calculated that with these fee increases, the solid waste fund would be balanced. The committee suggested some minor adjustments to the fees before they are presented to Town Council.

 

Staff raised the question about where electronics end up that the maintenance department collects from the schools, Town Hall and other municipal buildings. After discussing it with the vendor that the maintenance department uses, it is still unclear what happens to the municipal electronics that are collected. Staff will continue to gather information and report their findings at the next meeting.

                                   

Walton stated that a member of the clean energy task force is interested in having the Town promote the use of canvas bags at the grocery stores. Walton stated that Big Y sells canvas bags, but apparently this is not well known. Members suggested that staff find out about Grand Union’s and Big Y’s policies. Would the stores be willing to take off 5 cents for using a reusable bag?  Staff will begin promoting the use of reusable bags through billing notices and the League of Women Voters. Hultgren asked if there are any life cycle comparisons between using reusable bags versus disposable plastic or paper. Walton will look into this.

 

Walton shared an article from DEP pollution prevention on the proper disposal of medicines. This is a growing concern about flushing medicines down the toilet and getting into our water systems. The best way to dispose of medicine, in general, is to put them in the trash. Walton will post this in the next billing insert.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for July 12, 2007 in Conference room C. If it is cancelled because of lack of pressing business, then the fall meeting is scheduled for September 6, 2007.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Virginia Walton

Recycling/Refuse Coordinator

                                                                 

Cc: Lon R. Hultgren, Director of Public Works, Members, file, Town Manager, Town Clerk