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Board weighs transfer‑station hours change as new trash truck is delayed by tariff dispute
Summary
Pembroke officials agreed on modest transfer station hour changes and reviewed a delayed trash truck held up over tariff costs; staff estimated delay‑related costs and said legal counsel may pursue reimbursement from the vendor or manufacturer.
The Select Board discussed operational changes at the transfer station and a continuing delay in delivery of a new refuse truck that the vendor says it cannot release because of tariff issues.
On hours, staff proposed a compromise schedule: close the transfer station at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and extend Saturday hours to 3:30 p.m. to better serve weekday workers. The board agreed to that interim schedule and asked staff to update posted signage and public notices.
On the trash truck, staff reported the manufacturer/dealer has proposed removing the truck body, shipping the chassis across the border, and reassembling in the U.S. to reduce tariff costs. That workaround could allow delivery but has raised concerns about logistics and liability. Staff provided a preliminary estimate of delay costs (daily/monthly holding and extra maintenance) and suggested sending a demand letter and consulting the town lawyer to recover some delay expenses if the truck is not delivered soon. The board instructed staff to continue negotiations, request progress photos, and consider a demand letter to the vendor if there is no firm delivery timeline.
Why it matters: Transfer station hours affect resident service; the stalled truck has increased operating costs for the town and put additional wear on spare equipment. The board emphasized documentation and legal oversight to protect town interests.
What’s next: Staff will implement the adjusted transfer‑station hours, update signage, request photos and firm timelines from the vendor, and consult legal counsel about a possible demand letter seeking reimbursement for delay costs.
