Public works proposes using Nipper funds for litter cleanup; board debates grants, part‑time position or overtime approach

Public Works Director Jim Rollins returned to the board with a plan to use part of Winchester’s Nipper anti-litter funds to address persistent litter problems in town. Rollins proposed drawing $10,000 from the Nipper account to fund overtime for street department staff to pick up litter in problem areas; he described the approach as a short-term, practical step that uses existing town crews and funds held for litter control.

Several selectmen and members of the public questioned whether overtime pay ($35/hour noted in the discussion) was the best use of Nipper funds and suggested alternative models: awarding small grants to volunteer groups (Boy Scouts, civic associations) for organized cleanups; purchasing dog-waste bag stations and receptacles for Main Street and parks; creating a part‑time, year‑round position funded from Nipper dollars; or offering per‑bag or per‑pound payments to people who bring collected litter to a town drop-off. Rollins said the Nipper balance is roughly $40,000 and that $10,000 could seed a pilot program.

Selectmen did not finalize a plan at the meeting. Board members asked staff to prepare clearer cost estimates and implementation options (grant model, dedicated part‑time hire, purchase of waste stations, volunteer grant) for further consideration.

Ending: Staff will return with a recommendation that includes a costed comparison of alternatives and a proposed contract or grant structure so the board can decide whether to use Nipper funds for overtime, a hire, equipment purchases, or grants to community groups.