Recycling & Sanitation Commission

Recycling and Sanitation Commission Minutes of the Monthly Meeting November 15, 2017 Commission Members and Others in Attendance: Kathy Balderson (Guest) Pete Bowlus J A Burke (Representative of Mount Airy Messenger) Mike Dixon Peggy Fleming Ken Humble Shannon Mellott (Representative of J and J Trash Services) Jason Poirier (Council Liaison) Jim Stargel (Chairman) Mary VanMetre (Town Staff) Tom Neff was not in attendance 1. Chairman Jim Stargel called the meeting to order and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance 2. September 2017 minutes were approved with motion by Pete Bowlus; second by Jason Poirier; motion carried. 3. Citizen's Comments - None 4. Recycling App a. Mary VanMetre reported as of Oct 31 there are 106 subscribers and 236 users of the Recycle Coach app 5. National Drug Take Back Day - October 28, 2017 (9 am to 1 pm) a. Police Chief Doug Reitz had reported to Town that 254.42 lbs were collected which filled six yard waste bags plus a sharps container. b. Pete Bowlus and Peggy Fleming were the Commission members in attendance and noted it was a steady stream from 9 to 1. c. Pete Bowlus suggested for the next drug collection cones should be placed in parking spaces in front of the Police Station as the Tri Star Karate participants were taking the parking spaces. He also suggested more signs for the next event. d. Councilman Poirier suggested that the Town offer drug pick up for the residents of Wildwood Park. He noted a commission member and a police officer could do pickups from the residents. e. Mary VanMetre noted there are two National Drug Take Back days; one in April and one in October. 6. Household Trash Limits (Ordinance 64-5) a. Discussion held regarding reducing the 120 gallon limit to 65 gallon to help to increase recycling and reduce landfill charges. b. J and J could provide toters at a charge of $1.25 per unit, 65 Gallon similar to the recycling toters c. J and J noted cost to the Town would decrease as they could use the arm truck and not need a helper to pickup the trash. However, residents would need to follow rules for placement of the toters so the arm truck could reach it properly. d. J and J would provide toters for the test neighborhood. If Town proceeds, then the Town would purchase the toters for all households. e. It was decided that Nottingham would be a good test neighborhood. Letters would be sent to all Nottingham residents explaining the test. f. There was a question of what would be required to change the ordinance from 120 to 65 gallons. Mary noted the Town lawyer should review before the Commission proceeds with a test. 7. Bulk Collection for Mattresses a. Discussion was held regarding offering a bulk mattress pickup b. Pete Bowlus asked Mary if the Town receives calls asking for mattress pickup and she said no. c. It was noted that when you purchase a mattress, the company normally takes the old mattress. d. It was decided not to pursue since residents are not requesting the service. 8. Commission Chair a. Commission Chairman Jim Stargel noted tonight would be his last meeting with the Recycling and Sanitation Commission. He is resigning as he has served for 16 years. Chairman Stargel will remain on the Green Team. Councilman Poirier noted they hope to make the Green Team a commission rather than a Task Force. He is discussions with the Mayor. 9. Commission elections for Chairman and Secretary will be held at the January meeting. 10. Meeting adjourned by Chairman Stargel. 11. Next Regular Meeting - January 17, 2018 @ 7 p.m. SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS: • Mary VanMetre to : Contact Town Lawyer regarding procedure for doing a test neighborhood for reducing the trash pickup from 120 gallons to 65 gallons. Peggy Fleming, Secretary