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Westborough board approves short extension of solid-waste contract with E L Harvey
Summary
The Select Board amended and approved a second short extension to the town's solid-waste contract with E L Harvey and Sons, changing the contract date to Aug. 21, 2024, after members raised concerns about negotiation progress, recycling fees and alleged unilateral changes by the contractor.
The Westborough Select Board on Aug. 1 approved a second short extension to its solid-waste contract with E L Harvey and Sons, amending the contract date to Aug. 21, 2024, and authorizing the town manager to sign the document on the board's behalf.
Board members and staff said the extension is intended to provide time to finish outstanding negotiations and to allow the Board of Health to review any permit-related provisions. Town staff presented the request, saying the prior extension was due to end and negotiations with the contractor were still in progress.
Several members said they were frustrated with the pace and tone of talks. One member said the contractor had been "not very communicative or cooperative" and had made "unilateral decisions" about hours and services. Another member said the contractor appeared to be "backing away" from an expectation that recycling would continue to be provided for free, calling that behavior an example of negotiating in bad faith. Board members urged the town to make contingency plans if a final agreement cannot be reached promptly.
At the meeting, a board member moved "to execute the extension of contract for solid waste disposal number 2 with E L Harvey and Sons Incorporated as amended" to replace the date 08/05/2024 with 08/21/2024 and to allow the town manager to sign; another member seconded the motion and the board approved it. The vote was taken by voice; a roll-call tally was not specified in the transcript.
Town staff said the contractor's permit allows it to operate its entire operation and that the town would continue contingency planning. After the vote, the meeting continued with staff noting a separate incident involving angry public reaction to a pay-as-you-throw policy; board members reiterated that staff should be treated respectfully.
The motion amends the contract timeline so the town and contractor have until Aug. 21, 2024 to finalize terms. The town did not announce any specific financial terms or additional contractual language at the meeting; those details were not specified in the public record at the session.
The Select Board indicated it will monitor negotiations and may revisit the contract if needed.
