The council delved into the intricacies of solid waste management, discussing the enforcement of existing trash collection ordinances and the introduction of a database to track the ownership of trash carts. The proposed enforcement measures were aimed at a series of warnings and citations to property owners in violation of waste management regulations. Emphasis was placed on the importance of these measures for public health and cost-effectiveness. The Municipal Empowerment Act, then progressing through the state legislature, was referenced as a part of the update on solid waste management.

Efforts to streamline processes and automate tasks for waste disposal and recycling were also at the forefront. The council considered the logistics of waste disposal contracts, including the transition to a new refuse district and addressing recycling contamination. Plans to enforce curbside collection regulations for larger properties and to explore mattress and textile recycling alternatives were outlined, with the understanding that these efforts would contribute to improved efficiency and compliance.

The amendment to the waste collection ordinance was a topic of debate, particularly concerning the inclusion of the term “purple bag” related to pay-as-you-throw waste disposal programs. The sale of compost bins and the city’s stockpile due to low participation in the program were also discussed. The council showed interest in collaborating with Amazon for the collection of used cardboard packaging, which could potentially be collected during regular package deliveries.

A council member brought up the subject of a company that could pick up old clothing and textiles for reuse to mitigate municipal waste. This mention segued into a broader discussion regarding the Commonwealth’s struggle with the growing volume of Municipal Solid Waste and the implications of Massachusetts’s zero waste policy, which could result in waste being sent to other states. The council agreed on the importance of a businesslike approach to waste management, focusing on cost and efficiency, and on the need to educate the public about recycling and waste management. Suggestions included involving schools in promoting sustainability and considering rewarding residents for recycling rather than solely imposing fines.

The placement of dumpsters and their impact on neighboring properties was raised as a concern, alongside discussions on the responsibilities of the Board of Health and the historic context of trash regulations in the city. The council expressed the intention to revisit these topics in future quarterly reports.

In addition to waste management, the council addressed the Water Department’s infrastructure needs, reporting the year’s accomplishments, like marking off 265 areas for water safety and conducting 12 service turn-ons and turn-offs. The need for new equipment, such as a backhoe, dump trucks, and a roller, was highlighted, along with repairs to the Cold Storage garage. The Water Treatment division director informed the council about the recent tour of the new Maintenance building and the updates at the treatment plant, expressing satisfaction with the current staff and the completion of repair projects.

Discussion also turned to the water treatment plant’s challenges, including the rehabilitation of one of the filters and the necessity for a new roof. Concerns were raised regarding the search for a suitable fluoride feed system and the difficulties in recruiting qualified candidates for six open positions within the division. The progress of lead service removal was a particular point of concern, with over 5400 in-house inspections conducted and 706 lead service replacements completed, though the location of the remaining 300 lead services remained a challenge.