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Select Board weighs extending dumpster-enclosure deadline and changing transfer‑station hours
Summary
Town staff proposed shifting transfer‑station staffing and asked whether the July 31 dumpster‑enclosure deadline should be softened while the MSW working group studies system changes; the board insisted on maintaining Sunday service but allowed staff to examine reduced hours and interim screening compliance.
Town staff told the Select Board on April 15 that municipal solid‑waste operations are under review and asked for direction about enforcement of a July 31 dumpster‑enclosure deadline while a larger MSW plan is considered.
Megan, who oversees the transfer station, proposed assigning Jen—who just obtained a CDL—to full‑time weekday driving duties and moving other operators into a rotating schedule to preserve Sunday service. Board members said Sundays are critical for a resort town because many second‑home owners depart on Sundays and will need trash access.
Steve (public commenter) had earlier asked the board to suspend the July 31 deadline for dumpster enclosures until the town decides whether dumpsters will be part of future service plans; he noted an estimated $34,000 construction cost for a full enclosure and urged the board to avoid making residents spend money on potentially obsolete infrastructure.
Board members discussed interim compliance options: several supported allowing low‑cost screening to satisfy part of the regulation this year while leaving more costly requirements—concrete pads and full truck‑access upgrades—for later. Staff said they will re‑inventory dumpsters once winter ends, provide a revised enforcement list and return with recommendations. The MSW working group will continue meeting and explore options including contracting with a commercial hauler, town subsidies or a town-run transfer compactor model.
The board asked staff to analyze Sunday hours, overtime impacts and seasonal schedules and to include Ed (incoming staff) in the assessment before any major changes are implemented.
