The board’s most discussion focused on the potential implementation of a PAYT waste management system. This program aims to charge residents based on the volume of waste they generate, thereby promoting equitable billing. Under this system, residents would purchase designated trash bags—estimated at $4.25 for 33-gallon bags and $2.75 for 15-gallon bags—to dispose of their waste. This approach is expected to eliminate issues related to empty units or residents who are away for extended periods, as they would not incur charges when not purchasing bags.

The board emphasized the need for thorough consultation with subject matter experts and to review best practices from other Massachusetts communities already utilizing PAYT systems. Initial resistance to the program stemmed from a lack of information, but further discussions with residents highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive approach to accommodate all community members, particularly the elderly who may not generate significant waste. A public forum is proposed to be held at Memorial Hall to solicit community input, which is seen as essential for developing an effective plan. Concerns were raised regarding homebound residents and their access to trash bags, with a commitment made to address this issue in upcoming discussions.

In tandem with the PAYT program, the board discussed the ongoing trash collection cost recuperation process. The town needs to recoup approximately $822,000 for trash services, which have contributed to a budget deficit. Initial thoughts about implementing a flat fee for trash collection were dismissed due to administrative costs and fairness concerns. The PAYT system was identified as a more equitable model, potentially reducing overall waste and encouraging recycling. Waste Zero was identified as the vendor for providing these bags, and local retailers were already set up to manage sales and inventory.

The board also addressed the signing of an engineering contract for a climate resilience project. This project focuses on surveying, mapping, and reporting on Townsend’s stormwater infrastructure. Funded by a five-year-old MVP action grant totaling $154,500, the project aims to complete the unfinished 2016 mapping of stormwater infrastructure and conduct a condition assessment of existing infrastructure. The assessment will highlight weak points susceptible to failure due to climate change and propose nature-based climate resilient solutions for improvements. The board proposed retaining Weston and Sampson for this engineering work, as they had previously assisted in the grant application and were familiar with the project’s scope. The contract required signatures from the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator to proceed with the project, which is critical for timely fieldwork and deliverables within the fiscal year 2025.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on the Board of Health’s involvement in the curbside trash collection process. Tensions had previously arisen during a working group meeting, particularly with the Board of Health chair who expressed dissatisfaction with the proceedings. To address this, the Select Board prepared a letter inviting the Board of Health to participate in upcoming discussions regarding the trash collection contract. The letter acknowledged the Board of Health’s efforts to negotiate a one-year extension with the contractor, GW Shaw and Son Incorporated, resulting in savings for the town. The Select Board emphasized the importance of collaboration and input from the Board of Health in determining the fee collection process.

In addition to these major agenda items, the board signed a collective bargaining agreement with the career firefighters of Townsend, Local 4926. The contract, which emerged from a successful negotiation process, is a three-year agreement designed to ensure competitive pay for firefighters and avoid issues related to contract expiration. The board expressed satisfaction with the negotiation’s outcome and confirmed no disagreements among members regarding the signing of the document.

Town Administrator updates included information on a climate resilience grant and an energy efficiency block grant that the town is pursuing. These grants aim to develop community-based clean energy plans without requiring matching funds from the town. The contract is structured to allow flexibility in hiring a contractor rather than obligating the town to ongoing employment costs.

The meeting also included several legal notices from the Conservation Commission regarding upcoming public hearings for projects such as the installation of a seasonal dock, extension of a public storm drain pipe, and a residential septic replacement. These hearings will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both virtual participation and in-person attendance at Town Hall.