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Board weighs compactor feasibility and interim fixes after repeated bear incursions at transfer station
Summary
Residents reported bears ripping through dumpsters and compost; the board heard three‑phase power and compactor costs are high, considered bear‑proof bins (~$600–$700), motion lighting and increased pickup frequency as lower‑cost interim options.
Residents and board members described persistent bear activity at the transfer station that has left trash scattered and created sanitation concerns. A board member noted compactors generally require three‑phase power, which would be expensive to install; Gail said conventional compactors "don't actually pack any more stuff in there than what we're doing," underlining cost and benefit tradeoffs.
Speakers discussed several mitigation options: bear‑proof bins (cited at roughly $600–$700 apiece), motion‑activated lighting, hiring cleanup help equipment, or increasing dumpster pickups during high season as an interim approach. The board asked staff to research compactor power costs, investigate bear‑proof containers, and evaluate whether increased pickup frequency for several months could be an affordable short‑term solution while long‑term infrastructure decisions are considered.
Members agreed to include the research in next year's budget discussions and to try lower‑cost interim measures if feasible.
