A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the town’s trash contract and its financial ramifications. A Board member raised alarms about dwindling revenues from the town’s new pay-as-you-throw trash bag program. Initial sales had generated a promising $1,200 in the first week, but this enthusiasm has since diminished, with current weekly sales ranging from $300 to $400. This decline was juxtaposed against a projected budget deficit of $550,000. The member stressed the necessity for the Board of Health to collaborate with the new Board of Selectmen, who are set to convene on November 6, to formulate a viable strategy to tackle the fiscal shortfall.

Concerns were voiced over the town’s inability to sustain the bag program, with some residents reportedly disengaging entirely. The Board member suggested reconsidering the program’s cost-effectiveness. The member also highlighted the importance of increasing public awareness about the long-term implications of the town’s waste management decisions and expressed frustration over the community’s lack of understanding in this regard.

Compounding the issue, there was a report of unrest among residents, with one Board member recounting an irate message from a frustrated community member concerning the trash situation. The Board agreed on the need for a meeting with a town official named Glenn to strategize for the upcoming trash contract renewal, possibly in December, to address these concerns and stabilize the situation.

Beyond the trash contract, the meeting covered other topics. Rick Metcalf, the Nashoba Sanitarian, presented details of two septic upgrade projects. The first concerned a two-bedroom house with a failing septic system requiring a variance due to insufficient offset from a shared well. The Board approved the variance unanimously. The second project on Balls Drive involved installing infiltrator chambers and a two-compartment tank, which complied with regulations and also received unanimous approval.

Additionally, the Board discussed regulations for haulers in the recently launched pay-as-you-throw program. Concerns were raised about monitoring haulers’ compliance with liability insurance and other requirements, especially given the competitive market with new entrants like Ken’s Trash and Hauling. There was also a focus on the frequency of dumpster emptying to avoid unpleasant odors, particularly from food waste.

Financial matters, including invoices for operational costs like propane and mattress disposal, were also addressed. A humorous incident involved a refund from a mistakenly ordered toner. Furthermore, data on waste management showed fluctuations in trash and recycling volumes over recent months.

The safe disposal of needles was another concern, following an incident where needles were improperly brought to the police department. The Board discussed ongoing negotiations with B&D Waste, which offered a $10 discount for needle removal services.