Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD)
Brattleboro, Vermont
Board of Supervisors Meeting
Via ZOOM
Amended & Approved Minutes of December 10, 2020
Members Present: Michelle Cherrier, Chair, Dummerston; Patrick Moreland, Vice Chair, Brattleboro; Dan Toomey, Putney; Sandra Ruelwich, Vernon; Nancy Meinhard, Wardsboro; Russell Hodgkins, Westminster; Merrill Mundell, Wilmington; Greg Meulemans, Jamaica; Doris Knechtel, Newfane.
Members Absent: David Jones, Brookline; Michael Becker, Guilford; Stillman Vonderhorst, Marlboro; Rickey Harrington, Somerset; Kent Young, Stratton; Kevin Stine, Dover; Lewis Sumner, Halifax; Stillman Vonderhorst, Marlboro; Jim Damato, Readsboro; Irvin Stowell, Townshend.
WSWMD Staff Present: Robert Spencer, Executive Director; Vicki Hayes, Office Manager/Bookkeeper/District Clerk; John Fay, Programs Manager.
Others Present: None
Vicki performed a roll call, as a quorum was present Michelle called the meeting to order at 7:08P.M.
- Changes and/or Additions to the Agenda: Michelle added a Roll-off Committee meeting date set as item 8A.
- Approval of Minutes of October 8th,2020:
Merrill made a motion to approve the minutes of November 12, 2020 with the addition of including the members attended section, Dan seconded. There was no further discussion, motion carried with one abstention, Greg Meulemans.
- Approval of Check Register – November 2020:
There were discussions on the Sterling Repairs, the yard vacuuming by Renaud, and the concrete repairs to the property.
Doris made a motion to approve the check register of November 2020, Patrick seconded. The motion was carried.
- Approval of Financial Statement – November 2020: Vicki reviewed the highlights of November results. There was discussion regarding the improvement of the financial position since 2016 when we needed to borrow funds for operating cash. Patrick asked when to expect the next big push on access stickers. Vicki said May should be the next big sales month. Vicki also mentioned that the LGER Grant funds have been requested. We should receive $1,783 soon.
Doris made a motion approve the financial statement, Merrill seconded, and the motion carried.
- Consider and approve Amendment to Section E.1 of Personnel Manual: Dan reviewed the results of the Policy and Personnel meeting to discuss Salary Steps. Addison uses an 18 step system, and Dan had proposed a 5 step system for consideration. The committee felt the cons outweighed the pros of a step system with such a small employee base. It would be too cumbersome and rigid. It was decided to table the process for now and perhaps use it in the future. The committee thought that an update to the compensation section was needed to reflect the current practice.
Sandra mentioned that she was impressed with how streamlined the suggestions were to the size of the operation and that it seemed fair overall.
Greg noted how clear and open the salary system is. Nancy suggested some changes to the proposed paragraph change, Dan also made a clarification.
Patrick made the motion to accept the changes to paragraph E.1 of the manual as amended, Doris seconded and the motion carried.
- Consider and Approve Annual Report: Bob quickly reviewed the annual report, it was recommended that he add a section on the HHW Depot.
Patrick made the motion to approve the report with the added section, Doris seconded and the motion carried.
- Discuss Public Hearing of SWIP and Approve Final SWIP:
As there was no public participation, Merrill made a motion to approve the SWIP, Russ seconded, and the motion carried
- Discuss Public Hearing of FY 22 Budget and Approve Final Budget:
As there was no public comment, Merrill made the motion to approve the final FY 22 Budget, Michelle seconded.
Patrick expressed appreciation of the hard work of the staff and committee members, and the effort to add the Capital Fund to the process.
The motion was carried.
8 a. Set Next Meeting for Roll-off Status: Bob commented on status of last meeting in Wilmington. It was decided that the next meeting will be via ZOOM on January 14th @ 5:30P.M. Vicki will send an email to the BOS with the current value of the roll-offs and an invite to attend. Bob will write up a recap of where things were left to also be sent out.
- Programs Manager: USDA Technical Assistance Grant Update, Review draft letter to towns, Update on FY22 USDA Grant: John discussed the USDA Technical Assistance Grant for 33K. Patrick asked if Brattleboro was not included in this to please not send the letter to his selectboard. John discussed the letter, that he is looking to identify people to contact for implementation.
John also discussed the Federal FY22 USDA grant, that it will be a food scrap focus.
John will be looking for letters of support from the towns. They can use the customized draft he sent or adjust it as they see fit. He needs these back for December 22nd.
Now that the new 5 year SWIP has been approved, John will submit to DEC for final approval.
The District has been coordinating the green buckets for schools for food scraps. We have also provided stickers for bins and standardizing signage and language.
HAZWOPER training has just been completed by John, Anita, Dick and Bob.
We have received some grant monies: CAV gave us $500 for the Compost Demo area, and $2,000 for the HHW Depot area (more to come on that).
- Executive Director Report: Bob spoke about the current COVID restrictions and what we are doing to meet the requirements. One person in the office at a time, Friday the office is closed. Weekly reports from staff for remote work. He thanked Michelle for helping with phone system updates. We are still waiting for the HHW Depot permit. We anticipate opening in April-May. May 1st is the official date. Bob also updated the Board on the Long Falls Deal, it should double our compost capacity. Vicki and Bob will be working on financials for the project on Wednesday morning. There also is a grant program coming up for the Organic Infrastructure of 40%. This may cover some of our equipment needs.
Michelle asked about Rich Earth Institute, Bob explained that as he hasn’t heard anything specific from them he feels that the lease is all set.
- Executive Session: None
- Next Meeting: January 14th at 7:00P.M.
- Other Business: None
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 P.M.
Minutes submitted by
Vicki Hayes
District Clerk