Residents press council as private operator’s pitch could replace town transfer station

Town staff summarized an unsolicited private proposal that would replace much of the town-run transfer station with a fee-based private operation and sought council direction on whether to pursue requests for proposals.

“A private individual is saying, we can duplicate what you do currently at the transfer station… and there would be no cost to the town because it would just simply be fee based because they have a scale,” a staff member told the council. Residents who spoke at public comment urged caution, saying the change could create traffic, access and equity problems for older residents who rely on local disposal services. “I was notified about the proposal that’s being brought up with the schoolhouse and turning it into a condominium,” resident Jason Puelli said, raising broader developer- and infrastructure-related concerns tied to local projects. Public works director Matt Walsh described the town’s current costs and the mechanics behind hauling and tipping fees, noting how hauling distance drives up per-ton costs.

Councilors and residents raised three recurring questions: whether a private operator could accept all categories of material (bulky waste, brush, metals, mattresses and electronics), whether the town would lose its current permit if the facility were closed, and how to prevent contractors from using a resident facility to avoid commercial fees. Council member(s) pressed staff to prepare specific cost comparisons, traffic and access analyses, and clarification about permits before any final decision. The council did not adopt a final resolution at this meeting; instead staff were directed to gather further information and, if appropriate, issue an RFP or return with more detailed cost figures.