TOWN OF MANSFIELD
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
August 26, 2004
Present: Gogarten (chair), Squires, Smith, Roberts, Ames, Knox, Hultgren (staff), Walton (staff)
The meeting was called to order by Chair Gogarten at 7:35 p.m.
The minutes of April 15, 2004 were reviewed and no corrections made.
Walton and Smith attended an April workshop on community-based social marketing, which uses techniques that foster sustainable behavior change. Since attending the workshop, Walton has met with E.O. Smith High School and UConn to see if they are interested in using some of these strategies. A UConn marketing professor has volunteered to conduct and analyze a recycling attitudes survey at the high school this year in order to develop an effective high school recycling program. UConn is hoping to kick off a recycling promotional campaign this fall. Walton will contact host communities that work closely with their universities on recycling programs to bring to the next UConn meeting. Walton will be using some of the community-based social marketing strategies at the back to school nights, Know Your Town Fair and Festival on the Green. These include giving out sticker and washable tattoos and making America recycles day promises public knowledge.
Walton reported on a trip to NYC, hosted by the Green Building Council, to visit the Solaire. This is a high-rise residential building that received LEED silver rating. Although it looks like any other building, it features green roofing, building integrated photovoltaic panels, on-site water recycling, and recycled building materials. Its occupancy rate was full long before completion.
Hultgren stated that there was a request for the transfer station hours to be extended. It was decided to enter the time from each ticket that is input into the database of the transfer station study. Once this information is gathered, the transfer station hours will be evaluated.
Hultgren reported that while most of the issued stickers have been entered into the transfer station study database, staff is just beginning to enter individual ticket information. Already there are two interesting findings – 1) the number of tickets that have been issued has far surpassed staff’s expectations and 2) a significant number of these tickets have been issued to households with collection service. By the next SWAC meeting, staff will have some information entered into the database to evaluate.
Hultgren reported that two trash compactors have been installed and should pay for themselves within several months based on reduced container haul costs.
Walton stated that the six clear recycling containers used at Lions and Southeast fields are working very well and Public Works staff is in the process of building a few more to install at other parks. Public Works staff is pleased with these containers as well.
Hultgren said that the landfill closure effort is half to two thirds finished and should be complete by mid October as planned.
Walton explained how the September 18, 2004 Festival on the Green will be a low-waste event. DEP has given approval to compost the event waste at the transfer station. Willimantic Waste Paper donated $300 to purchase utensils made from corn. Walton has been meeting with food vendors to ask for their help by providing food service on paper only. There will be 20 waste areas around the festival, and she needs volunteers to be nearby to help attendees sort their waste. There will be a recycling center at the festival with information about the low waste event.
Walton reported that an agreement has been signed with the master developer, Storrs Center Alliance, and the Downtown Partnership. The developer will be introducing themselves to the community, Sept 8 at 7 PM in the Bishop Center. Walton continues to advocate for the incorporation of LEED certification in the municipal development plan. The developer’s approach appears to be ecologically-focused.
Walton reported that PZC does not want to post anti-litter signs. Walton will be publicizing anti-litter with stickers and washable tattoos at the upcoming public events. It was suggested that free litter disposal be better publicized. Staff will continue to enforce litter complaints through the solid Waste Ordinance until a litter ordinance is adopted. The prison-crew did a litter patrol in the late spring. Members were encouraged to give staff a list of roads that need a clean-up and the prison-crew will be contacted.
Hultgren stated that he received a request for a dumpster at a duplex this summer. The Solid Waste Ordinance does not allow for dumpsters at duplexes, as it is not considered a multi-family residence. It was recommended by the Committee to allow duplexes the option of having dumpster service. It is anticipated that very few will elect this option since it is over twice the expense of the highest single-family service.
Hultgren said that the committee to study LEED (“green building”) concepts for the Town made a proposal to the Town Manager to use the LEED standards as a guideline for any major renovations, expansions and new building as long as it is cost effective. Cost effectiveness will be based on a life-cost analysis. From the information gathered by the committee, the life of a LEED structure is cost effective.
Walton stated that Citizens for Responsible Growth has taken interest in promoting the use of LEED. They asked if the Solid Waste Advisory Committee would be interested in co-sponsoring an informational LEED training. Hultgren suggested that the committee wait until the Town Manager’s office makes a decision on staff’s LEED proposal.
Walton said that a composting workshop is scheduled for September 11, 2004 at Mansfield Supply. The transfer station compost demonstration area has been dismantled, so the three composters from this site will be given away at the workshop.
The next meeting was set for October 14, 2004.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Virginia Walton
Recycling/Refuse Coordinator
Cc: Lon R. Hultgren, Director of Public Works, Members, file, Town Manager, Town Clerk