Upcoming Selectmen’s Meeting:

• We’re scheduled for July 8; can we be ready on June 17?
• What do we need to be ready?
•  Selectmen are committed to eliminating a flat fee
•  Looking at how much $ PAYT can raise to replace $1.5 million
•  Need some indication of how much of $1.5 will need to come from other sources
• Not a good idea to present multiple scenarios
• Function of the task force is to present the BEST solution from our perspective
• We can be ready for the July 8th meeting; though Terry Miller will be out of town

Financial Subcommittee
Don presented a breakdown of all DPW Solid Waste costs.

1. Fixed MSW Collection and Disposal   $939,264
2. Variable MSW Collection and Disposal   $1,288,140
3. Fixed Recycling Collection and Processing Costs   $582,900

 

 
 
 

Total          $2,810,304

Focus on #2.  This will change by varying tonnage, tipping fees and income from bags.

• What do we want to cover? 
• What will town have to come up with in the rest of the tax base?
• What bag price is acceptable to residents?  $1.50 - $1.75 (max)
• $1.75 will generate about $1.54 million, based in 11,000 tons 
•  Needham went from 11,000 tons/yr to 6700 tons
• The higher the bag price, the more impetus to recycle.
•  Gives residents opportunity to recycle more and control their waste stream
•  Chance to lower cost by using less bags
•  Bags are not taxable
•  Stores will carry bags with no additional charge (no fee to them)

• Do we need to justify amount raised? No.  We need to come up with the best plan.
• Total cost of trash will continue to rise.  Selectmen need to understand this.  We need to give them information and re-educate as to what actual disposal costs are.
• Decision on bags – what is acceptable?  Public will view 1 bag/wk @ $1.75 = $90.
• At $1.75/bag, average cost per family is $126/yr based on current tonnage.

Subcommittee for Implementation

• Color needs to be distinctive and unlike surrounding towns (blue or orange likely)
• Need to let Framingham know when we decide
• Explore option of 2 sizes, 30 gallon and 15 gallon
• Wording on bag

• Start recycling education NOW.  Report from Brinley and John G.
• Recycling info need to get to the public via various media: cable TV, news , etc
• Stickers for trash collectors are starting to be used.  The committee will help explore the most effective ones for Natick.
• Residents need more education!

DEP grant 

• George will draft a letter to be ready for Selectmen on July 8.
• Prep work for grant is done.  We need it ready to go as soon as we get the approval.

Next steps:
Outline presentation for Selectmen’s meeting on July 8

• Finances
• Objectives
• Short and long term goals

Next meetings:
June 12 – PO&E; small conference room on 3rd floor
June 19 – Full committee; School dept training rm on 3rd floor
July 1 – Full committee; School committee room
July 8 – Presentation to Selectmen
All meetings are at 7:30pm

Adjourned at 9:10pm