The swap shed, intended to facilitate the exchange of reusable items within the community, became a focal point of debate. Members were particularly concerned about the ownership of items once they are deposited in the shed. A consensus appeared to form around the idea that once items are placed in the shed, ownership is relinquished, and they become the town’s property. This policy aims to protect the town from potential legal issues if individuals return for valuable items, such as a Rolex watch, they previously left behind.

To prevent misunderstandings, a proposal was made to display a clear notice at the swap shed, informing the public that items left there are free for anyone to take and become town property. This move is intended to mitigate disputes and clarify the town’s position on ownership and liability.

Access to the swap shed was another contentious point. Some members questioned whether residents should require a $30 sticker to use the shed, which led to concerns about deterring participation. The discussion leaned towards allowing free access to the shed to encourage community engagement, as the requirement for a sticker could discourage residents from using the facility. Suggestions included positioning the shed inside the transfer station gate, which would require monitoring, or establishing a separate entrance to streamline access.

In addition to the swap shed, the board discussed the need to adjust transfer station fees to reflect rising disposal costs. Proposed changes included setting a uniform fee of $35 for all Freon items and increasing mattress disposal fees from $40 to $50 for standard mattresses. These adjustments aim to address escalating costs without imposing sudden, substantial fee hikes on residents.

There was also concern about the clarity of communication regarding fee adjustments. The board emphasized the importance of notifying residents that fee increases are driven by external factors, such as rising disposal costs, rather than arbitrary decisions. This effort seeks to ensure transparency and maintain public trust.

The meeting also touched on the town’s composting program, which has not seen the expected uptake. A strategy was suggested to create informational materials about composting, distributing them through public buildings and local organizations to boost participation and educate residents about the benefits and procedures of composting.

Elsewhere in the meeting, the board discussed the legality of fees associated with credit card transactions at the landfill and the potential need for a formal vote on proposed fee adjustments to enhance their impact. Additionally, the board recognized Dighton as a Purple Heart community, with a formal ceremony planned for November 12.

As the meeting concluded, logistical preparations for a community breakfast and the scheduling of future meetings were briefly addressed. The board decided to skip the December meeting due to the holiday season, planning instead to reconvene in January.