A notable resignation opened the meeting, with Chair Charles Sexton-Diranian stepping down effective immediately. The chair then introduced an urgent matter concerning the town’s charter. Members discussed the need for a signature to facilitate ongoing negotiations with the state legislature. The proposed charter changes, including striking certain phrases and clarifying clauses, referenced House Bill 3728. However, a motion to table the vote until further clarification from Town Council was unanimously agreed upon.

Attention swiftly turned to a presentation on the PAYT program, featuring insights from Irene, a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Irene, who is also a resident of Townsend, outlined her extensive experience in implementing such programs over the past 23 years. She emphasized that the PAYT model, which charges residents based on the volume of trash they generate, encourages waste reduction and has proven financially beneficial for other towns. Irene noted, “If you go away on vacation… you pay for less,” highlighting the program’s potential for cost savings.

The PAYT program aims to address the town’s budget constraints by leveraging existing infrastructure, such as the overflow bag system, to facilitate a smooth transition. Irene explained that the program’s success hinges on public education and community engagement. She reassured attendees that the current contract with waste management and the absence of carts would not impede the program’s rollout.

The discussion extended to the broader context of waste management in Massachusetts, noting a decrease in the number of landfills. Irene underscored the urgency of adopting waste reduction strategies, stating, “Our waste plan… is that we need to reduce our trash by 30%.” This necessity is further emphasized by the impending closure of one of the remaining landfills by 2030.

Concerns about the PAYT program were raised, particularly regarding the community’s readiness for this change. A Board of Health member, identified as Mr. CL, referenced his experience with waste contracts and expressed skepticism about residents’ willingness to purchase the necessary bags. He suggested that the program might fail due to insufficient planning and management of previous budget surpluses. However, responses affirmed the potential success of the PAYT program, citing positive outcomes from other towns that had implemented similar systems.

The Board discussed the pricing structure for the designated trash bags, with large bags priced at $3.50 and smaller bags at $2.25. It was acknowledged that these prices are on the higher side, considering the bags were previously categorized as overflow. A proposal was made to reassess pricing after a few months of data collection, with changes contemplated by July. The urgency of addressing the budget shortfall was noted, with a constrained timeline for collecting revenue influencing pricing decisions.

A comprehensive outreach strategy is being developed to educate the public about the program. Plans include creating a pre-recorded video presentation, participating in community events, and distributing a mailer to every household. Partnerships with local vendors are also being established to facilitate the distribution of the designated trash bags.

The meeting also touched on the implementation timeline, with large bags available immediately and smaller bags expected by January 1, 2025. It was emphasized that clear communication about the program’s details is essential to avoid misleading residents.

A public forum was tentatively scheduled for September 11 to further discuss the PAYT program. The forum aims to educate residents about the program’s operation and implications, rather than merely soliciting feedback. Promotion through road signs and other channels will ensure the event is well-advertised to encourage community participation.

The meeting concluded with a motion to authorize the Town Administrator, Eric Slagle, to sign a contract with Waste Zero, contingent upon final approval from the town’s legal counsel. This contract is important for the rollout of the overflow bag program, which complements the PAYT initiative. The importance of clear communication and community involvement was reiterated as key to the program’s success.