Council discusses DPW fee increase proposal and recycle-center commercial vehicle ban

Council members heard a Department of Public Works update and discussed two operational changes with policy implications: a proposed ordinance to raise DPW waste-disposal fees and a county-mandated prohibition on commercial vehicles at the town recycle center starting April 1.

Council member Balin said the DPW superintendent recommended increasing fees because current rates "have not been updated in years" and are lower than neighboring towns. Balin asked for a consensus to direct staff and counsel to begin drafting an ordinance; he noted the typical practice is to proceed only if four council members indicate support.

Separately, Balin announced the recycle center will no longer accept commercial vehicles effective April 1, and the town plans a 2,000-plus mailing to homeowners to explain the change. Council members discussed timing for the municipal parking-lot resurfacing contract (now out to bid), with an anticipated construction window in mid-April.

Why it matters: The DPW fee ordinance, if introduced and adopted, would change user charges for disposal and potentially affect residents’ out-of-pocket costs for bulky-item disposal; the recycle-center rule shifts where commercial generators dispose of waste. The council asked staff to draft the fee ordinance and bring it forward if sufficient support exists.

Next steps: Staff will draft the DPW ordinance in coordination with legal counsel for potential introduction at a future meeting; staff will complete the homeowner mailing and on-site signage to notify users of the recycle center policy change.