TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Meeting

September 7, 2006

 

 

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

 

Chair Gogarten called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

 

The minutes of June 15, 2006 were approved.

 

Walton stated that the Committee’s letter of support for the State solid waste management plan was sent to DEP after Town Council’s approval.

 

Walton reported that Rich Miller is working on a pilot manure and leaf composting project located north of  the Rtes 44/32 intersection. At this point they are seeking start-up money.

 

Walton discussed the possibility of a second latex paint swap. The committee recommended an early April date with publicity focused on landlords.

 

Walton stated that since July 200 pounds of plastic grocery bags have been collected for recycling at the transfer station. Walton has since learned that the bag collection is not limited to grocery bags but can include any plastic bag with stretch ability. The committee recommended a press release on this new item for recycling.

 

Walton showed the committee the revised signage for the waste stations at the Festival on the Green on September 17, 2006. Volunteers were enlisted to help with the clean energy display and with the handling of the waste.

 

Walton stated that Wesleyan University is interested in taking the Earth Tub composter from Southeast Elementary School. It is anticipated that they will be collecting it sometime in early fall. A bin system, similar to the one at the Middle School, will be built at all three elementary schools beginning with Southeast School. The goal is to have no lapse in school composting during this transition.

                                                                 

Hultgren reported that there were two bids for the single-family contract – one from Waste Management at triple the amount that the Town is currently paying and the other from Mayo & Sons. Mayo, who was awarded the contract, bid at a lower price than their current rate. Hultgren suggested that in the new year staff will analyze the multi-family rates to determine if they need to be adjusted.

 

Walton stated that she received information from the City of Middletown’s organic land care program. She will be meeting with Parks and Recreation next month to discuss how a similar effort could be made by the Town, including a series of workshops on organic lawns, native landscape plants, rain gardens and  composting.

 

Hultgren suggested that since the swap shop has had a few changes in volunteer help, staff will be creating a job description to provide guidance. Walton drafted a thank you letter for the newest volunteer, Kristy Emery, who reportedly is very helpful.

 

Walton invited members to join her in attending the Massachusetts Environmental Fair on October 25, 2006. The Mansfield clean energy team is promoting a green building open house on October 7, 2006. Flyers were distributed featuring four local sites using renewable energy.

 

Walton stated that there is now a way to measure “green” electronic equipment. In July the EPA unveiled its electronic product environmental assessment tool. It is intended for governments or business purchasing but can also be useful for individuals. The website is http://69.94.134.185/epeat/.

 

Walton reported that there are several dates when the UConn student outreach will be collecting litter. She is also counting on student help for the Festival on the Green. Sororities and fraternities might be helping with an apartment canvas this fall, although the details have not been worked out yet.

                                                                                                    

The next meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2006, in conference room C. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Virginia Walton

Recycling/Refuse Coordinator

                                                                 

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