Townsend Board of Health Advances New Trash Contract to Town Vote
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Meeting Type:
Board of Health
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Meeting Date:
04/22/2024
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Recording Published:
04/24/2024
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Duration:
37 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Townsend
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Townsend Board of Health meeting, members approved upgrades to residential properties and took decisive steps towards implementing a new trash collection contract. The board also celebrated the success of the Earth Day cleanup event, discussed the promotion of composting in the community, and acknowledged the resignation of a board member.
The meeting reached a critical juncture with the debate over a new trash contract for the town. Members discussed at length various contract options, focusing on the financial implications for the town, including the estimated cost per household for trash pickup, which ranged between $250 and $350 per month. Deliberations centered on the specifics of the contract, such as the cost of trash barrels, cart sizes, ownership, and the necessity for public education regarding the new contract terms. The board expressed the importance of ensuring that the town’s residents were well-informed about the upcoming changes and potential costs.
In the interest of transparency and legal compliance, a motion was put forward for lawyers to work with the appropriate parties to draft the warrant article for the trash contract properly. To facilitate this, the board planned to work closely with the Town Council and the Town Administrator, emphasizing the need for clarity in the motion’s wording and legal soundness. The decision was made to take the contract options to the town for a vote, acknowledging that the community’s understanding of the choices was paramount.
The Earth Day cleanup event was highlighted as a success. The event saw good attendance, and participants engaged in the cleanup efforts. A notable aspect of the event was the enthusiasm displayed by the community for composting, with many residents expressing interest in a drop-off location for food waste. The board considered this feedback seriously and discussed promoting composting more within the town. Suggestions included establishing drop-off locations at schools or the highway department to facilitate easier access to composting services for residents.
The board also approved two residential upgrade proposals, one on Spruce Street and another on B Street. The upgrade at Spruce Street involved the replacement of a failing septic system with new tanks and a leach field. Meanwhile, the B Street property sought approval for groundwater reduction to accommodate a lower building sewer. Both proposals received the board’s approval.
Other administrative topics briefly addressed in the meeting included updates on current trash collection services, discussions of invoices, and the setting of future agenda items. Additionally, a board member announced their resignation, which will lead to a shift in the board’s composition. The meeting concluded with an adjournment at 6:42 PM.
Eric Slagle
Board of Health Officials:
James Le’Cuyer, Christopher Nocella, Gavin Byars, Rick Metcalf (Nashoba Sanitarian), Carla Walter (Health Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
Board of Health
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Meeting Date:
04/22/2024
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Recording Published:
04/24/2024
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Duration:
37 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Townsend
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