DEP Grant   
The Grant program has been severely cut by the state.  The MRIP program has also been suspended.  We may receive very little or none of the grant that we were hoping for.  First we need to determine our priorities for any monies we may get.  These would be the brochure and public education materials.
After the election, there should be a push for a supplemental budget which could restore the funds.  Phil Lemnios met with David Magnani and during the conversation Mr. Magnani indicated he did not see a resolution for some time.  We may have to re-consider the option of weekly recycling.

RFP
The Request for Proposal is being developed for the recycling contract.  Indications now are that it will cost an extra $300,000 to go to weekly recycling (mostly labor costs).  A summary of trash tonnage over the last 7 years showed an average of 9700 tons/yr.  There will be four options on the RFP:
1. contracted bi-weekly recycling, town picks up trash weekly
2. contracted weekly recycling, town picks up trash weekly
3. contracted weekly trash pickup and recycling
4. contracted weekly trash pickup and bi-weekly recycling
The intent is still for weekly recycling  but that may not be able to be done in the first year.

Recycling Center – do we still need it open 3 days/week?  Something to look at.  Another perspective is to see how much our recycling increases as we pull more recyclables out of the waste stream.  If it doubles, go to weekly recycling.

Tracking
Tonnage for trash and recyclables needs to be tracked thoroughly. Weights can be tracked daily/weekly/monthly.  Expect a spike in recycling the first 6 months and then a leveling off.  Jay will work with Phil on some diagnostics and Chip will provide the reports that Needham generates.

Bags
Are we still comfortable with $1.75 and $1.00?  Yes, it’s already public and it’s a fair price.
We discussed the wording.  One company charges no setup fee; another charges $100.  We discussed some vendors: major grocery stores and smaller ones throughout town.
Jay feels strongly that we need to make personal visits to these places and sell the idea.  Then follow-up with a letter.  Each place will have certain requirements (e.g. insurance letter, blank invoice).  Needham weekly calls retailers, takes orders and delivers.
Between November and December the subcommittee will finish its work  and be ready to order bags.

George will redo the timeline
 
Meeting adjourned at 9: pm. 

Next meetings:  PO&E November 6, 2002
Full committee:  December 10, 2002