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.