Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bulk Residential Waste topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Foster council hears public input on proposed bulk residential waste ordinance and fee schedule
Summary
At a public hearing the Town Council reviewed a proposed ordinance to set a procedure and fee schedule for bulk residential waste disposal; residents raised questions about sticker distribution, DPW yard hours, and whether collected fees will be tracked separately.
The Foster Town Council opened a public hearing Sept. 25 on an ordinance “relative to disposal of bulk residential waste,” including a proposed fee schedule and procedures for sticker-based pickups.
Susan Dillon, the town clerk, read the public-notice language and said copies of the proposed ordinance and fee schedule were available at town hall and online. A letter submitted in advance from a resident, George Zapadis, urged adoption and argued that fees move costs from taxpayers who do not generate bulk waste to those who do.
During the hearing, residents expressed support for removing couches, mattresses and other large items from roads but raised practical concerns about access and fairness. Lynn Bridal asked how and when residents can obtain the required stickers, noting that town hall hours are limited; the council discussed mailing stickers on request and possible technology-based solutions.
Bob Horton questioned whether collected fee revenue would be dedicated to covering landfill “tipping” charges or go to the general fund. The DPW director said revenue will be recorded as a separate line item but will be deposited in the town’s general fund; municipal accounting (GAAP) prevents direct offsetting of revenue and expense without recognizing both fully. The DPW director also confirmed the town currently pays approximately $75,000 per year in overtipping fees.
Other commenters raised equity and access concerns for residents who cannot get to the DPW yard during posted hours and urged the council to consider mailings, weekend hours or drop-off events. Speakers suggested encouraging reuse via Buy Nothing Foster, local charities and the town yard sale program.
The council closed the public hearing and agreed to place the ordinance on the agenda for passage at the next council meeting, scheduled for Oct. 9. Council members and speakers said the proposal would be adjusted as the town gathers data over the coming year and examines implementation details such as sticker distribution, definitions of “construction waste” and enforcement.
