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TOWN OF FREEPORT
Recycling/Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting Held September 19, 2007

Present: Paul Kane (Presiding), Jane Kidder, Louise Haggett
Excused: Al Thompson, Marjorie Hall, Mary File, Jeff Stenzel
Staff: Albert Presgraves, Town Engineer
Guests: None

Town Engineer Albert Presgraves was welcomed as the new Staff representative at this and future Recycling/Solid Waste Committee meetings.

1. Approval of Minutes of the Jun 20, 2007 Committee Meeting.
It was determined that a quorum did not exist in order to vote on this and other issues and that any important business discussed would be tabled until the next meeting. The excused members would be polled via email, however, to approve the Minutes of the June 20, 2007 meeting so they could be submitted to Town Hall for official filing.

2. Solid Waste & Recycling Report.
a. The annual report, which was submitted by Bart Carhart on July 25, to coincide with the Town’s fiscal period, was reviewed and approved unanimously, adding that it was an excellent report.
b. Some attention was called to the lesser amount of recyclables sent to EcoMaine versus last year. However, the revenue at the Recycling Center increased, which balanced the numbers, indicating a possible shift from drop-offs at satellites to the Recycling Center by the townspeople.
3. Old Business
a. Status of Storm Related Clean-Up (FEMA)
Al Presgraves reported that all debris from the Patriots Day storm was removed from the transfer station. Clean Brush Materials collectors came and took away processed materials. There was no reimbursement from FEMA because it was available only for materials, not time—our request.
b. Composter Sales
It was reported that 60 composters were sold this year leaving an inventory of 0, but that 8 kitchen pails still remain in inventory. These are $10 apiece. Jane Kidder suggested that a more attractive-looking kitchen pail might result in more townspeople willing to put it on their kitchen counter.
c. Discussion of Pending Projects:
1. Recycling Video
Rick Simard at the Cable TV Station indicated that a proposed 25-minute video on recycling is still in the concept stage. Louise Haggett suggested that a series of public educational meetings with Q/As might provide good material for such videos.
a. Al Presgraves indicated that a local boyscout has spoken to Mike Pottle at the Transfer Station about a recycling project he intends to develop in pursuit of his Eagle Scout Badge.
b. Louise Haggett offered to follow up on this project and report at the next meeting.
c. Jane Kidder brought information about a contest that the State of Maine is holding among high school and college students, to develop sort PSA announcements on recycling. Jane Kidder will contact Sylvia K. Norton in the State office to obtain more information and to see if the Town of Freeport can use these on the local cable channel. There was a question whether or not EcoMaine might also have a video.
d. Louise Haggett also offered to contact the reporter of Shopping Notes to see if recycling suggestions can be included in the Freeport column on a regular basis.
2. Signage
It was agreed (subject to quorum vote) that directional signs will be printed to be used only near the satellite sites, on both sides of the road. The sign would have the Freeport Recycling logo, the words “Recycling Drop-Off” and an arrow pointing to the direction of the Silver Bullet. Albert Presgraves indicated that the capital budget will allow for these to be produced.
3. Commercial Cardboard Recycling
Albert Presgraves will review enforcement possibilities with Fred Reeder regarding commercial cardboard recycling since it is apparent that very few major retailers are not taking part in recycling opportunities that would benefit the town of Freeport. Al will check on ordinance violations and whether or not a letter regarding ordinance enforcement can be sent either directly to the retail establishments, or whether or not the information can appear in an upcoming Retail Association Newsletter.
4. New Business
a. Administrative Reorganization of Solid Waste/Recycling Department
Town Manager Dale Olmsted has divided the responsibilities of the Recycling/Solid Waste Director’s position between two people: Town Engineer Albert Presgraves who will serve as inside/staff person handling necessary reports to agencies like DEP, State Planning, etc. regarding Recycling and Solid Waste; and Mike Pottle, long-term Recycling Center Manager who will continue to manage the Transfer Station. In addition, the Town has hired Josh (last name?) a previous Saturday part-timer to a full-time employee at the Transfer Station.
b. Al Thompson’s membership on the Recycling Committee
Everyone expressed concern about the health situation of Al Thompson. Paul Kane will contact Bart Carhart regarding sending our good wishes and also to determine Al Thompson’s capabilities and intentions regarding future membership on the Recycling Committee.



5. Other Business
a. Albert Presgraves asked if it might be possible to meet earlier than 7:00 p.m. Other members of the Committee will be polled.
b. Al Presgraves will check the Community Center to see if the basement room can be a permanent location for our meeting because of loud teen activity on the first level.
6. Adjourn
Motion was made to adjourn. The next meeting will be October 17, 2007 at the Freeport Community Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Louise J. Haggett