SWDC Meeting Minutes
SWDC Meeting Minutes-11/3/21
1)Meeting called to order at 5:30 pm.
2)Present- Dave Swanay, Jeff Burns, Jen Holt, Andy Sanborn, Nate Douglass (Transfer Station manager), Shauna Goutier (Transfer Station attendant), Trish Stafford ( Town Administrator).
3)Nate provided a report to the SWDC regarding the state of the Transfer Station prior to his departure on 11/19/21. Highlights of this discussion are as follows; Nate reported that C&D continues to be a costly,problematic issue at the transfer station. Casella is no longer accepting residential and commercial C&D. Which is a problem because he can’t just refer residents with C&D directly to Casella for disposal and has to accept their C&D. Nate sees no solution to this issue.
Andy suggested continuing to pursue the SWDC recommendation for the T.S.to cease accepting construction material and consider providing residents with a Bagster, construction waste bag, pamphlet. Andy continued to explain that Bagster is a company that provides commercial size construction/demo bags to customers for a fee. Bagster then comes to the customers property and hauls away the C&D bag. The committee agreed that this would be an excellent solution for our C&D issues at the transfer station. It resolves the need for a C&D scale, resident conflict with transfer station attendees, and the high revenue loss from accepting C&D. Andy will follow up on the Bagster option and report to the SWDC at a later date.
Nate recommended the transfer station invest in “game cameras” for the front gate and investigate Wheelabrator for MSW. Jen stated SWDC would research Wheelabrator as a future option.
Nate reported that the T.S. budget has been submitted and approved by BOS inclusive of the annual Casella contracted increase of 4.5% in MSW, S.S, and C&D.
Jen stated that during a previous SWDC meeting, Nate had requested for Dave to review the budget and attend the Budget Committee meeting with him to present the T.S. budget. Jen reported that SWDC offered T.S.budget assistance to Selectman Dick, given that Nate was leaving during the budget season and was advised the budget was all set.
Andy stated CIP had picked up errors in the T.S. budget that was submitted.
Nate reported that 50 yard containers are being utilized for MSW and S.S. currently. Jeff asked the cost difference between the 40 yard and 50 yard containers. Nate stated the container fee is the same .
Jen asked Nate when the current Casella contract expires. Nate responded June 2023.
Nate made the following future recommendations: Return to NRRA, get into source separating and baling, create roof system for storage of baling materials, pursue partnership with New Hampton Transfer station manager for runs of baling materials once started, build Swap Shop building complete with electricity on right side of metal pile for the cost of approximately $7,500.00.
Nate suggested that the SWDC gather the numbers and recommend to the BOS for source separation,baling,looking into changing the Casella contract,hiring more personnel and funding of a building with electricity for the Swap Shop.
Committee members questioned overall cost and the need for electricity in a new Swap Shop. Trish responded that lighting in the Swap Shop may be a Primex requirement. The Committee members voiced a consensus in favor of Sanbornton resuming the membership with NRRA.
Jen Stated that over the last seven years, SWDC have made recommendations multiple times to the BOS for source separation, baling selling of recycling materials,hiring additional employees, and increasing hourly wages of attendants.The BOS have not acted on the recommendations thus far made by SWDC.
Jen asked Trish if the BOS had begun the interview process to replace Nate. Trish responded not yet. Jen stated in previous years the Highway Department has helped out at the transfer station in the absence of a manager. Would the Highway Department be able to fill that role again. Trish responded that she had spoken to Johnny, Highway Department manager, and the H.D. would be able to assist the T.S. as they are able.
Jen asked if there were any outstanding projects or issues at the T.S. not already addressed. Nate stated that “there still needs to be railing added and concrete poured at the overflow and demolition dumpster to get us in line with the Primex safety requirements.” Trish stated the job will be sent out to bid in January.
Jen stated SWDC was surprised to learn that there were any leftover safety issues to address from the Primex report of August 2015. SWDC had been assured all safety issues had been resolved years ago.
Trish stated the town Safety committee was reviewing the safety issues from the Primex report.
SWDC thanked Nate for his hard work during his time at the transfer station and wished Nate all the best in the future.
4)Next regular - 11/15/21 at 5:30
5)Meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer A. Holt ,SWDC Chair & Recorder
11/10/21