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Cushing selectmen back 70-foot transfer-station scales; to review April 2 meeting on Waldoboro recycling ordinance lawsuit
Summary
Cushing selectmen agreed to join an April 2 regional meeting about transfer-station scales and supported purchasing 70-foot scales after Waldoboro transfer officials reported 40-foot scales "do not meet Federal Requirements." They were also informed of a legal challenge alleging Waldoboro's recycling ordinance is unenforceable.
CUSHING, Maine
The Cushing Board of Selectmen agreed March 24 to attend a regional meeting April 2 with Waldoboro and Friendship selectmen to discuss purchase of vehicle scales for the transfer station and signaled support for 70-foot scales. Bob Butler, chairman of the Waldoboro Transfer Committee, told the board that, based on the committee's research, 40-foot scales "do not meet Federal Requirements," and he provided an email documenting the finding.
Why it matters: Properly sized scales affect what vehicles can be weighed at the transfer station and compliance with regulatory standards. The towns are coordinating to determine what equipment meets federal and operational needs and who will fund the purchase.
At the same meeting, Butler informed selectmen that Waldoboro had received a 15-page submission from attorneys representing Regional Rubbish arguing that Waldoboro's Solid Waste Disposal and Required Recycling Ordinance "is not enforceable and should be repealed." According to the minutes, the towns' attorney told selectmen he believes the ordinance is legal. The matter is scheduled for discussion at the April 2 meeting; Selectman Martha Marchut will send the 15-page document to the Cushing town clerk for distribution to attending selectmen.
What the board did: Cushing selectmen voiced support for buying 70-foot scales and said they plan to attend the April 2 meeting where both technical (scale sizing) and legal (challenge to the ordinance) issues will be discussed. No formal vote to purchase equipment was recorded at the March 24 meeting.
Context: The minutes indicate Waldoboro transfer officials are coordinating with neighboring towns to resolve both equipment specifications and a pending legal challenge tied to enforcement of waste and recycling rules. The towns' attorney's view that the ordinance is legally defensible will be aired at the April 2 session.
Next steps: The April 2 regional meeting will consider the scale purchase and the legal submission; Cushing selectmen are scheduled to attend.
