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Tuesday evening, March 9, 2010. Special Meeting of the City Council held in the Council Chambers, City Hall.~ Meeting called to order by President Neil Janssens at 6:30 o’clock p.m.
Councillors Present: Councillors Alice Anderson, Henry Ares, David Boudreau, Ronald Cormier, Patrick Gerry, Edward Gravel, Scott Graves, James Minns and President Neil Janssens.
Councillors Absent: Councillor Joshua Cormier and Councillor-Elect James Robinson.
Others Present: Bernard Sullivan, Director of Public Health.
President Janssens recognized Mr. Sullivan, who addressed the Council on proposed changes to the City’s trash and recycling collection program. Mr. Sullivan summarized, with Q&A, as follows:
- Each housing unit (including multi-unit houses) would receive one (1) 96-gallon recycling receptacle and one (1) 48-gallon waste receptacle. The recycling receptacle is equivalent to six (6) of the currently used larger recycle bins or seven (7) of the smaller bins. Tote life of 20 years, warranted for ten years. Replacements average 1-2% annually. City retains ownership of totes.
- The new waste receptacles are larger, allowing up to 25% more in waste disposal per unit based on current average barrel size of between 36 and 40 gallons. Smaller sizes of both new receptacle types will be made available for residents unable to accommodate the larger units.
- Downtown businesses would be permitted to enroll in the service under similar regulations.
- PAYT bags would still be utilized – cost remains at $3.50 per bag.
- Revenue from PAYT bags is projected to decrease from ±$140,000/year to ±$100,000/year due to decrease in need for bags because of additional capacity of new 48-gallon waste totes.
- Tonnage price on new program would be reduced by 10%, resulting in no net increase in the City’s disposal costs.
- Council approval will be necessary to implement the new program. Actions include:
- Authorizing a five-year contract.
- Borrowing authorization to purchase the totes ($700,000). Payoff period is five years.
- BOH would continue to investigate hauler spills, damaged/lost totes, and sanitary code issues.
- Landlords are responsible for lost/stolen totes.
- Totes would be “hot stamped” with “Property of City of Gardner”, the City Seal, and serial numbers.
President Janssens declared the meeting closed at 7:42 p.m.
Accepted by the City Council: ____________________
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