Recycling & Sanitation Commission

Recycling and Sanitation Commission Minutes of the Monthly Meeting March 16, 2016 Commission Members and Others in Attendance: Pete Bowlus J A Burke (Guest and Representative of Mount Airy Messenger) Mike Dixon Tobi Drabczyk Robert Drevo (Guest) Peggy Fleming Michael Herod (Guest from New Market Green Team) Ken Humble Tom Neff John Petro (Guest) Jim Stargel ( Chairman) Kathie Trivelli Mary VanMetre (Town Staff) Councilman Strong was not in attendance 1. Chairman Jim Stargel called the meeting to order and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance 2. January 2016 minutes were approved with motion by Pete Bowlus; second by Tom Neff; motion carried. 3. Citizen's Comments a. John Petro, Frederick County town resident, had questions regarding Frederick County's new recycling hauler, Ecology Services. The new hauler uses three people (including driver) and manually empties the toters into a regular trash truck. Trash falls out into the street as well as a good deal is left in the toter. The old hauler had the driver and a recycling truck with a mechanical arm that lifted the toter and shook out the content into the truck. Mr. Petro noted he did not receive the post card mailing from Frederick County which announced the change in haulers. He also said the first week, the hauler missed his entire street, he called and was told to leave the toters out as the hauler would come back. He noted it was five days before they came back to pick up his recycling. Mr. Petro had contacted town staff when his recycling was missed and was told he needed to call Frederick County staff. Mr. Petro also did not like the Hometown Observer being thrown out by car into driveways and missing and staying in the street. He wanted to know if this could be stopped as it created more trash in the street. He had been to a Town Council meeting to voice his concern and was told by town lawyer that the newspaper was covered under the First Amendment rights. Mr. Petro also asked the Commission if the town residents could be reminded that the yard waste should be placed out 24 hours before pick up. When it is placed out too early, the bags fall over or are knocked over and then the waste goes into the street. b. Mr. Robert Drevo, also a Frederick County town resident, expressed his concern over the new Frederick County recycling hauler and the Hometown Observer being thrown out into the streets. Then it washes into the drains and ends up in the sewer system causing problems. c. Commission member Pete Bowlus, stated he understood their concerns, but he also noted that everyone needs to help themselves. If trash is in the street, please pick it up. He noted he has to do this in front of his house. d. Chairman Stargel who also is a Frederick County town resident, expressed his concerns regarding the new recycling hauler. He did explain that Frederick County does all the recycling for its residents. The Town of Mount Airy does not have anything to do with the recycling of Frederick County. The Town handles the recycling for the Carroll County side of town. However, Mr. Stargel noted he will contact the Frederick County recycling coordinator, Annmarie Creamer and invite her to attend one of our meetings. He will also copy Mr. Petro on the email. Chairman Stargel noted the free newspapers and yard waste set out times would be discussed further at the May 18 meeting due to the length of tonight's meeting. 4. Mobile App for Waste a. Peggy Fleming had contacted Annmarie Creamer, Frederick County recycling coordinator.  b. Annmarie Creamer provided the contact information which was then given to Mary VanMetre, Town Staff c. Mary VanMetre set up a demonstration with the "My Waste" company. d. John MacDonald of Municipal Media Corp, did a remote computer presentation. e. My Waste is being rebranded as Recycle Coach and provides four packages with different levels of functions which range in price from $999 to $2,500 per year. f. The app/website would be setup remotely, they would test it completely before going live, and they provide support. g. After the presentation, the commission members discussed and decided all liked the $2,500 package which gives residents the most information plus residents can report missed pickups and other problems. Recycling Coach has reports which the Town or Commission can use to determine problem areas. 5. Recycling for Downtown Events a . Chairman Stargel and Mary VanMetre met with the Main Street Manager, Ashley Collier b. They briefly discussed the issue of waste disposal at downtown events c. Jim Stargel invited Ashley to the May meeting to present listing of upcoming events and to discuss where a dumpster could be placed. 6. "Green Team" Presentation by Michael Herod, New Market Green Team a. Mr. Herod advised New Market formed their Green Team in October 2015 and noted you have 18 months from start up to submit your projects and points earned to become a sustainable community. b. He noted the New Market Green Team is a separate committee and includes various community and government members. c. The State will come out and do a 1 1/2 hour training session. Mr. Herod noted the website is very useful and provides you with all the information. d. He invited anyone interested to attend one of New Market's meeting, and noted they were willing to share their information with Mount Airy. New Market meets twice a month; second and fourth Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30. e. Tom Neff made a motion to make the Green Team a new commission; Jim Stargel seconded and the motion carried. Chairman Stargel will carry this to Councilman Strong so it can be presented to the Mayor. The following commission members expressed an interest to move to the Green Team: Jim Stargel, Tom Neff, Mike Dixon, and Kathie Trivelli. 7. Drug Collection a. Tobi Drabczyk presented her findings for local drug drop off centers. Kathie Trivelli also had information. A handout was given to all with the information. Tobi and Kathie suggested the drug drop off centers and any special drug collection events should be posted to the town website. 8. Media Campaign for Recycling and Sanitation a. Kathie Trivelli presented a media campaign plan to the Commission. After the Recycling Coach demonstration, Kathie noted that could be used to reach the residents. b. Kathie listed the various facebook pages, twitter and to take advantage of the signs around town. c. Kathie and Mary VanMetre suggested getting banners made to place at each end of town to advertise special events like the shred event and bulk pickup. d. It was noted that some residents do not use social media. 9. Meeting adjourned with motion by Jim Stargel. 10. Next Regular Meeting - May 18, 2016 @ 7 p.m. SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS: • Jim Stargel to contact Annmarie Creamer regarding new recycling hauler and also invite her to a meeting. • Jim Stargel to discuss Green Team Commission with Councilman Strong • Mary VanMetre to request Recycling Coach presentation and email to commission members(Completed) • Commission members will be prepared to discuss free newspapers and trash set out times at May meeting. Peggy Fleming, Secretary