Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD)
Brattleboro, Vermont
Board of Supervisors Meeting
Via Zoom and In person
Draft Minutes of June 11, 2026
Members Present: (In-person & Zoom)
Chair: Michelle Cherrier, Dummerston; Vice Chair (interim): Dan Toomey, Putney; Sue Bellville, Brattleboro; Stanley Noga, Jr, Brookline; Dave Eastman, Guilford; Stephan Chait, Halifax; Kate Ullman, Jamaica; Doris Knechtel, Newfane; Lorena Cuevas, Newfane (alternate); Irvin Stowell, Townshend; Jim Pinkerton, Vernon; Liz Spector, Wardsboro; Merrill Mundell, Wilmington
Members Absent: Stephen Dotson, Brattleboro (alternate); Doug Wellman, Brookline (alternate); Dan Baliotti, Dover; Jessica Pollack, Jamaica (alternate); Ellen Dudley, Marlboro; Carla Meskill, Marlboro (alternate); James Damato, Readsboro; Rickey Harrington, Somerset; Kent Young, Stratton;Westminster—VACANT
WSWMD Staff Present: Robert Spencer, Executive Director; Vicki Hayes, Finance Manager, Benefits Administrator & District Treasurer; Peter Gaskill, Programs Coordinator; Anita Grant, Office Manager, Operations Liaison & District Clerk
WSWMD Staff Absent: Alex Lacy, Outreach Coordinator
The meeting was called to order at 6:08 PM
Other Guests: None
- Roll Call of Supervisors: Anita performed a roll call of supervisors present. (12 towns, 13 supervisors)
- Changes or Additions to the Agenda: Michelle introduced Dave Eastman as the lead for the Planning Group that held a workshop before the BOS meeting. Dave gave a brief overview of the group’s intentions and opened it up to any other supervisor interested in joining later. Michelle also added the RFP for WSWMD’s hauling contract.
- Approval of Minutes- May 2026:
Lorena Cuevas was not included in the absent supervisors, and Stanley’s recommendations regarding the Efficiency VT rebate on mini splits had been omitted from the ‘Other Business.’ Anita will make corrections.
Merrill Mundell made the motion to approve the Board of Supervisor minutes of May 2026, Dave Eastman seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
- Approval of Check Register- May 2026:
Anita prepared a summary of the check register and will continue it for supervisors moving forward.
Doris Knechtel made the motion to approve the check register of May 2026, Dave Eastman seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
- Approval of Financial Statement- May 2026:
Vicki provided a written summary of the May 2026 financial statement in advance of the BOS meeting. May ended with a surplus due to solar RECs received, access sticker sales, and both revenues and expenses are at 92% of budget.
Stanley Noga made the motion to approve the financial statement of May 2026, Merrill Mundell seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
- Discussion of BOS Representative Attendance at Meetings:
After discussion, the Board agreed to revisit the topic at a future meeting following completion of the supervisor manual, which is currently a work in progress.
- Program Coordinator’s Report:
- Peter discussed the condition of some loads brought to the HHW Depot and emphasized the need to communicate that only hazardous waste materials should be included in loads delivered for disposal and will continue to address this ongoing issue.
- Fly and bee traps have been set up at the Project COW drop-off area and around the recycling bins.
- The annual Hauler & Caretaker Applications have been distributed.
- Peter reported that the transfer station survey has been well received and that a summary of the results will be presented at a future meeting. He also noted that the related press release was published in the Commons and is expected to be published soon in the Deerfield Valley News.
- Executive Director’s Report: Bob prefaced his report by presenting the Outreach Coordinator’s report in Alex’s absence.
Outreach Coordinator’s Report:
- Alex participated in NewBrook Elementary School’s Farm to Field Day, providing recycling-related games and activities for students. She also worked with some classes at Dummerston Elementary School.
- It had been determined that most of the curbside compost collection contamination was mostly non-compostable pet waste bags, and she has visited local stores to educate the staff on purchasing the correct ones.
- She provided signage for the Townshend and Putney Farmers’ Markets.
- Sue Bellville reported on the Landlord’s Luncheon attended by Bob and Alex. The luncheon is an informal gathering where participants exchange ideas and information. Alex provided several handouts and responded to numerous questions.
- The public art display project is scheduled for installation on the side of the MRF building by the fall season.
- The Guilford Hub Drop-off video was published to WSWMD’s YouTube channel, and soon to be broadcast on BCTV.
Executive Director’s Report:
- Bob reported that the cardboard baler’s conveyor belt had been repaired recently but was deteriorating, and if replaced, could cost over $60,000.
- He has notified all the compost distributors that cured compost has sold out until the fall season. There is none being sold by bulk to the public. Bags of compost and topsoil are still available for sale at WSWMD, Blue Seal, & the Co-op. The compost is currently being blended with loam to make a topsoil mix that is not too hot to apply.
- Bob has decided that WSWMD does not need additional sources of food scraps and will continue to focus on compost sales.
- A contract has been signed with the Wilmington Selectboard to collect food scraps starting July 1 at the transfer station.
- He discussed the WSWMD transfer station redesign and noted that the survey results may help identify needs and improvements and agreed that the District’s long-term focus should be on investing in transfer station and building improvements.
- Compost Aeration and Heat Recovery Presentation:
Bob presented a PowerPoint highlighting the history and evolution of the WSWMD Compost Facility and its innovative design using Agrilab Technologies aeration and heat recovery technology. He noted that he presented it at the United States Composting Council Conference and the NH Recycles Conference. Bob also announced that the compost facility has been selected as an award winner in this year’s American Council of Engineering Companies of Vermont and was nominated by our engineering firm, Sanborn Head & Associates. Michelle accepted the award on behalf of WSWMD and delivered a brief acceptance speech last week at a ceremony in Burlington.
- RFP for WSWMD Hauling Contract: Michelle reported that the WSWMD contract with Casella was set to expire on July 1, 2027, and an RFP (request for proposals) should be sent out soon in preparation for FY 28.
- Executive Session (if needed): N/A
- Other Business:
Bob announced his resignation as Executive Director and stated that he would remain in his position until a replacement was found or until the end of the year, whichever came first.
- Next Meeting: Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 6 PM
- Adjournment: Dave Eastman made the motion to adjourn at 7:50 PM.
Minutes prepared by,
Anita Grant, Office Manager & Operations Liaison/District Clerk