Minutes
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Wednesday, May 4, 2005, 5:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Office
PRESENT:
Chairman J. Claffey called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS
5:00 p.m. Jeff Herve and Bob Stodalski, Central Mass Disposal, Inc.
*Note: Arlene Miller,
Recycling Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection,
attended as a consultant to the BoS. She
had been meeting with the BoS and the Town’s Solid Waste Advisory Team, (SWAT),
over the past year with representatives of the Towns of East Longmeadow,
J. Claffey welcomed all to the meeting. He said the BoS wanted to clarify provisions on CMD’s bid. He said that CMD had bid a significantly lower amount than the other two vendors, (BFI and Waste Management), and wanted to make sure that the figures were accurate. J. Herve assured the BoS that that was the case. G. DeLisle asked whether CMD would be able to operate at that level. J. Herve said that CMD followed the proposal specifications and is prepared to honor the quoted rates.
J. Claffey and A. Miller discussed the results of background
checks done by the regional members from
J. Claffey said that the BoS believes that Option Two of the proposal seemed the best option for the Town. The option calls for each dwelling to be allowed to dispose of trash in a container of 35 gallons or less, or a trash bag of 35 gallons or less on a weekly basis, recycling to be on an alternating basis with cardboard one week and bottles and cans the next, and ancillary services to the Town as stated in the proposal. B. Stodalski also pointed out that CMD will hold/or reimburse participation in one Household Hazardous Waste Collection per year for the Town.
Motion J. Driscoll moved that the BoS enter into a contract with Central Mass Disposal, Inc. to be the Town’s trash hauler, subject to the provisions of Option #2 in the Request for Proposal; that some of the provisions of Option # 2 include weekly curbside trash pickup of one container or bag of 35 gallons or less; that additional trash is to be disposed of in specially marked bags on a Pay As You Throw basis; that recycling occurs weekly with paper and cardboard one week and bottles and cans the next; and including all provisions as specifically outlined in the request for proposal.
G. DeLisle seconded.
Discussion: J. Claffey said that he welcomed CMD as the new vendor. He acknowledged the tremendous amount of help A. Miller provided in helping with the process. He mentioned that he thought the process of trying to gain a contract on a regional level was worthwhile, even if it didn’t result in a regional bid from the vendors. He said that he believed that Option #2 offers an equitable level of service for all residents since one container is offered in the tax base and trash will be picked up on a weekly basis.
G. DeLisle agreed with the idea that including at least one pickup per week in the tax base is fair. He recognized that this option will save the Town money, probably a significant amount, due to increased recycling and reduced tip fees at ECO Springfield.
J. Driscoll said that controlling costs on trash disposal is a priority, especially since the Town will be voting on an override.
Motion approved unanimously.
The BoS thanked CMD for its proposal and stated that it would send a formal letter indicating the Town’s intention to enter into a formal contract.
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
APPROVED: BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING, TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2005.