Resource Recycling Advisory Council

Minutes June 26, 2023 Regular Meeting Via Webex Present: Stephan Allison, Alison Johnson, Eleanor Nettleton, Krishna Winston, John Yarmolovich. Others Present: Jeff Myjak, Steven Gomes Staff Present: Kim O’Rourke, Recycling Coordinator I. Call to Order and Public Comment The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. No public comment was offered. II. Presentation on the Proposed North-End Redemption Center The Chair introduced Steve Gomes, who has been working to open a beverage-container redemption center in the North End of the City. K. Winston noted the importance of having a redemption center readily accessible to residents of the area. Mr. Gomes explained he had been granted funding by DEEP in addition to the $80,000 in ARPA funding he had received from the City of Middletown. He had originally been given assurances by a previous Director of Economic and Community Development that the facility could be sited in the Keating building, and had used that address, along with information on the primary population he planned to serve, in his applications for funding and zoning approval. Without warning or satisfactory explanation he had then been informed that the space on which he was counting was no longer available. He reviewed the history, and frustrations, he had experienced. Although he was considering an alternative site, he would have to resubmit his applications to get approvals for a different location. Commissioners asked about the business plan for the facility, noting that Stop and Shop was continuing to provide reverse vending machines even though the East Main St. redemption center was across the street. Mr. Gomes estimated that he would need to process 6 million cans a year to operate successfully. He planned to hire all his workers from Middletown. The ARPA funding and DEEP Grant would support operations for one year, which would enable him get the facility up and running. He still hoped to secure a suitable space in the Keating complex, the best location in all respects, and to overcome the obstacles in the next few weeks. A commissioner commented that the North End center might be more convenient than the other redemption center for customers coming from Cromwell, Rocky Hill, and Portland. A. Johnson expressed concerns about the Commission’s taking an official position on the situation. It was complex, and the Commission was not privy to all the factors involved. III. Accceptance of Minutes The minutes of the May regular meeting were accepted as presented. IV. Recycling Coordinator’s Report K. O’Rourke referred to her written report. In addition, she said that she, Director Holden, and the Mayor, along with some students from the Beman Middle School, had toured Murphy Road’s new recycling facility in Berlin. She said it was a very impressive facility, with new technology for sorting. Glass was now being sorted to be milled into pozzolan (Pozzotive®) by Urban Mining, headquartered in New Rochelle NY with a facility in Beacon Falls, CT, or used in glass-to-glass recycling by Strategic Materials in South Windsor CT. She noted that although the new plant seemed to use the RecycleCT guidelines, the information included in its contracts with municipalities had slightly different criteria, on which she was trying to get clarification. The company had expressed concern about lithium batteries in the waste stream, which had greatly increased in number and were causing explosions on an almost daily basis. K. O’Rourke responded to questions about her report. K. O’Rourke mentioned the need to improve internal recycling systems. For example, at a City Hall picnic no recycling bins had been provided, although they should be standard equipment. She had also seen Styrofoam cups in the Council Chambers. S. Allison asked about removing the bottled water provided for performers at City event, and recommended having the City’s refill station accompany the Showmobile whenever it was used. V. Chair’s Report K. Winston announced that the Sustainable CT application deadline was coming up in August. Based on the challenges involved in fulfilling the highly bureaucratic requirements, and on progress to date, the team had decided to settle for bronze certification. She noted that the assistance of interns from Wesleyan and UConn and the Public Works summer worker had been invaluable. The Chair reviewed a multitude of problems with the Swap Shack, including items left outside, clothing thrown on the floor, broken, dirty, and non-operable items, toys and games with missing pieces, furniture squeezed into tight spaces, and altogether too much junk inside and out. J. Yarmolovich described a disturbing experience and suggested that volunteers wear gloves when sorting and organizing. He also questioned the need to accept clothing. Commissioners favored eliminating clothing, and instead referring people to Reboot Eco and the Goodwill bin. The Chair proposed posting a warning that the Shack might have to close if people continued to abuse it. She promised to come up with the wording. VI.Swap Shack Schedule: June 26 – K. Winston July 4 – S. Allison July 10 – Open July 17 – J. Yarmolovich July 24 – Open July 31 – K. Winston/N. Charles VII: Farmers Market June 30 – K. Winston & N. Charles The schedule would be circulated for further sign-ups. VIII. Other Business Members discussed summer meetings. They decided to hold a July regular meeting and cancel the August meeting. The July meeting will be hybrid. IX. Adjournment J. Yarmolovich moved adjournment, seconded by E. Nettleton. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Kim O’Rourke Recycling Coordinator