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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-09-18 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Minutes of the Meeting of 18 September 1991 at 7:30 PM. The meeting took place in the Selectmen's Hearing Room, Town Building, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the Board present were: Diane Coombs, Wayne Holmes, Nancy Sevrens, Carl Borchert and Bernard Grossman. Chairman Coombs called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM, following a meeting of the County Commissioners. Public Hearing for Proposed Chanqes to Landfill User Fee Requlations. D.P.W. Superintendent Jeff Willett stated that his recommendation was the same as he had previously made to the Board in August, and consisted of implementing a landfill user fee supported by a combination of tipping fees for commercial trucks based on weights derived from a scale, and a coupon book system for bag stickers. Mr. Holmes moved approval of the recommendation, to be implemented July 1, 1992; seconded by Mrs. Sevrens. Mr. Grossman expressed concern over the administrative costs of this system and said that he was opposed to the fee per bag idea. Mrs. Sevrens expressed her support for Mr. Willett's recommendation. Mr. Holmes stated that Mr. Willett's recommendation was better than any other alternative to the present fee structure that had yet been presented. Mr. Benn Jesser, representing the Nantucket civic League, and speaking as a former Long Range Solid Waste Disposal Committee member, asked if the system proposed by Mr. Willett had been used successfully in other communities. Mr. Willett responded affirmatively. Mr. Jesser suggested that the proposal be tabled for further review by former members of his Committee. Mr. Jesser added his opinion that this was a very important matter, and needed input from more individuals. Mr. Holmes stated that the matter has been deferred for too long already. Mr. Mort Schlesinger spoke against the motion and urged the Board not to approve Mr. Willett's recommendation. Mr. Willett stated that this issue was a very complex one, and he had spent a great deal of time studying it. He went on to say that the existing structure was a failure because it does not promote recycling, does not adequately charge for usage, and is inequitable and unfair to commercial and residential property owners. Mr. Willett spoke on the need to develop a fair system and to promote recycling. Mr. Borchert concurred with Mr. Willett but said that he was concerned that trash will end up on the moors, as scrap metal did and sometimes still does. Mr. Willett said that he felt that was a somewhat different problem. Discussion ensued with regard to revenues to be generated through the proposed system. Finance Director Walter Lindberg spoke on the ability of the Town to pursue paYment from those who have not yet paid the current landfill bills through legal means. Mr. Kenneth Holdgate asked what assurances there were that those who have not paid will be pursued. He added that it is unfair to those who have paid to be penalized for those who have not paid. Mr. Lindberg went on to explain the penalties for those who haven't paid, and said that non-paYment could have an affect on the licenses and permits that non-payees might hold. Mr. Jesser stated that he did not believe the proposed fee structure would cover the costs of the landfill. A vote was then taken with Mrs. Sevrens, Mr. Holmes and Chairman Coombs in favor. So voted. Mr. Borchert and Mr. Grossman were opposed. I Recommendation from Biodeqradable Packaqinq Review Committee for Holdgate's Island Laundrv. Mrs. Sevrens read a letter from the Committee recommending a six month extension of a previous exemption from the Biodegradable Packaging Regulations for Holdgate's Laundry for its plastic drycleaning bags. Mr. Holmes moved approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mrs. Sevrens with the stipulation that there be no more extensions. Mr. Holmes agreed to amend his motion to add that stipulation. Mr. Kenneth Holdgate explained his situation and said that as there were no other viable substitute products on the market, he could have a problem if there were to be no further extensions. Mrs. Sevrens withdrew her amendment. So voted. " Minutes of the Meeting of 18 september 1991 at 7:30 PM. Page II. i There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:05 PM. Submitted for review the 7th day of November, 1991. (:' Yffc '- ,~44' "t.>-y /t.'3t.- i''-'?--€-'7 c. Elizabeth Ranney Acting Executive Secretary .fi'!. D~~&t1ber Approved the If - day of Nuvt::IuLt:::r, 1991.