Transfer station staff to limit swap-shop browsing time; new leadership noted

Public works staff updated the commission on Sept. 11 on the transfer station and swap shop operations, reporting improved cleanliness under recent supervisory changes and new controls on swap-shop parking and browsing.

Staff said the former superintendent retired and a new leader is in transition; users have commented that the site looks cleaner. The parks/transfer-station team restriped parking areas and said volunteers and staff have kept the swap shop in good order.

To address parking congestion and extended loitering, staff told commissioners they will limit individual swap-shop visits to about 20 minutes. "We're gonna start limiting how long you can stay at the swap shop...we're gonna limit that around 20 minutes because we're having a problem with parking and others," a staff member said. Staff said volunteers will encourage visitors to move along, and users may return later; the policy aims to preserve turnover and prevent people from occupying limited parking while waiting for new donations.

Staff also announced operational events: a shred day (date in September) and a household hazardous-waste day (the following week), and noted the town posts such events on the municipal website and message boards. The town also plans to expand recycling options and evaluate additional services such as mattresses and paint recycling as leadership stabilizes.

Commissioners discussed why transfer-station work appears under the conservation commission's scope; staff explained the program's sustainability and landfill-diversion goals are the origin of its inclusion in the commission's purview.