Recycling & Sanitation Commission

Recycling and Sanitation Commission Minutes of the Monthly Meeting July 15, 2015 Commission Members and Others in Attendance: Pete Bowlus J A Burke (Guest and Representative of Mount Airy Messenger) Mike Dixon Tobi Drabczyk Peggy Fleming Tom Neff (Co-Chairman) Jim Stargel (Co-Chairman) Mary Van Metre ( Town Staff) Councilman Scott Strong, Ken Humble, and Kathie Trivelli were not in attendance 1. Co Chairman Jim Stargel called the meeting to order and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance 2. May 2015 minutes were approved with motion by Pete Bowlus and seconded by all. 3. Citizen's Comments a. Mary Van Metre noted the Town signed a new contract with Bates Trucking and Trash Removal, Inc.. The only change from the existing contract with Unity was the name. The contract is no longer in the Unity name; it is now Bates. The Town Council approved the contract change at the June Meeting. 4. Update on Security Camera a. No update 5. Drug Collection Box a. The Commission is unable to find a suitable secure location for the drug collection box. b. The purchase of a drug collection box will no longer be pursued as both Carroll and Frederick Counties offer drug collection. 6. Yard Waste Dates a . Due to a miscommunication between Unity and Bates, the July 11 yard waste collection was delayed until Sunday, July 12. b. Mary Van Metre received a telephone call from Councilman King advising of missed yard waste. Mary reported to Town Hall and followed up with Bates and then posted to website regarding delay. 7. Montgomery Avenue Trash Pickup Issue a. The Commission noted the alley does not have a name nor a street sign, so it would not be owned by the Town. b. The trash hauler should not be required to back down the alley nor have employees walk down the alley to pick up the residents trash - especially in the winter c. Pete Bowlus made a motion; seconded by Mike Dixon to have the Town send letters to the residents whom have been placing their trash in the alley, and advise them the trash must be placed on the town street. The motion passed. Mary Van Metre will have Monika send the letters with a copy to the Commission. 8. 18 Gallon Recycling Totes a. The Town has purchased 50 18 gallon totes at a cost of $600 to have in stock as the last one had been distributed. 9. Expanding the scope of the Recycling and Sanitation Commission to include Environmental Concerns a. Tom Neff suggested the commission's name should be changed to include Environmental rather than just recycling and sanitation. b. Jim Stargel suggested he and Tom meet with Heather Smith to determine what she has in mind for expanding the scope of the commission according to the Master Plan. c. It was decided to invite Heather Smith to come and present to the Commission at the September meeting. 10. Future Cost of Recycling a. A brief discussion was held regarding the future of Recycling and the cost it could add to the budget. b. It was suggested to visit Recycle America in Elkridge and to see what has changed. c. Jim Stargel will contact Recycle America for dates for a visit and all of the commission will be invited. 11. Shred Event and Battery Recycling a. Shred event and battery recycling will be Saturday, Sept. 19 at Watkins Park b. It will be announced on Town website and in The Messenger. c. Mike Dixon asked if the town website was mobile friendly and it is not. d. Can the Town piggy back to have a mobile app - Frederick County My Waste app 12. Town Appreciation Picnic will be Thursday, September 17 at Watkins Park. Invitations will be sent. 13. Meeting adjourned by Jim Stargel. 12. Next Regular Meeting - Wednesday, September 16 @ 7 p.m. SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS: • Mary Van Metre to check on book for security camera to determine resolution • Mary Van Metre to advise Monika of letters to be sent to residents using the alley to place their trash • Jim Stargel and Tom Neff to meet with Heather Smith before September meeting • Jim Stargel to invite Heather Smith to the September meeting. • Jim Stargel to set up trip to visit Recycle America • Mary Van Metre to check with Monika to see if the Town can get a Mobile App to host upcoming events and recycling, yard waste, and trash schedules Peggy Fleming, Secretary