Selectmen authorize Main Street waste-receptacle sponsorship program

The Winchester Town Board of Selectmen voted May 18 to launch a Main Street waste-receptacle sponsorship program that will let local businesses sponsor, empty and maintain bolt-down trash cans placed along Main Street.

Selectman William Hester, who proposed the idea after discussions with staff, said the program would start with a small number of units paid for with Nipper-proceeds funds. “I think it benefits the businesses. It benefits the communities,” Hester said during the meeting, urging a pilot to test the approach and expand if successful.

Selectman Kevin Bishop moved approval of the proposed funding allocation for the program and the board also moved to authorize staff to begin business outreach and implementation; both motions were approved by the board without recorded opposition. Chair (voice 1) called the vote and the clerk recorded unanimous support.

Board members discussed technical and operational details: the Finance Director described the receptacles as small-opening, bolt-down units with keyed access for staff to remove liners, and noted the town would initially supply liners and then expect sponsors to maintain the cans. Concerns raised included sidewalk space constraints and wildlife (raccoon/bear) access; members said they would seek designs that limit animal access and avoid obstructing pedestrian flow.

Selectman Troy Lemire suggested placing dog-waste-bag dispensers alongside the cans; other board members supported the idea as part of the outreach to businesses. The board directed staff to proceed with a pilot implementation and report back.

The motion to allocate funds and to authorize implementation passed in the meeting.