WINDHAM SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (WSWMD)
BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT
FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES OF
OCTOBER 17, 2018
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Merrill Mundell, Chair, Wilmington; Patrick Moreland, Brattleboro; Cheryl Franklin, Guilford; Jim Damato, Readsboro
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Tim Franklin, Vernon;
WSWMD STAFF PRESENT: Bob Spencer, Executive Director; Vicki Hayes, Office Manager/Bookkeeper.
OTHERS PRESENT: Michelle Cherrier, Chair, Dummerston
Mr. Mundell called the meeting order at 7:00 p.m.
1) Changes and/or Additions to Agenda: None
2) Discussion of 2020 Budget and Capital Plan: Reviewed draft budget, and written responses prepared by Mr. Spencer and Ms. Hayes to questions raised at October 8 Special Meeting. Recommended increasing line item budget for diesel fuel.
Motion made and seconded to recommend budget to BOS with one item increase, diesel fuel. Discussion about next steps for budget approval: consideration by BOS at November 8 meeting, public hearing December 12, and final vote January 9 (no later than January 15 per charter). Motion carried with one abstention.
3) VT DEC Organics Infrastructure Grant Application: Mr. Spencer gave update on preparation of an application approved by the BOS at the October 11 meeting, for the maximum amount of the grant, $500,000, to be matched with $750,000 (60%), by WSWMD, for a total of $1,250,000. The equipment to potentially be purchased includes: mixer, trommel screen, aerated static pile composting system with heat recovery, and a food depackaging system. Mr. Spencer reported that DEC had confirmed in writing there is no obligation to accept the entire grant and we can fund a portion of our application, such as the trommel screen, which is in the budget just approved by the committee. DEC also confirmed that financing can be deferred until after next March town meetings. Mr. Spencer also stated that the food depackaging system would only be justified if Sky Solar decides to develop an anaerobic digester. Discussed potential for District to lease a portion of the MRF building top Sky Solar to own and operate the depackaging system rather than the District purchasing and operating the equipment.
4) Executive Session (if needed): None
5) Other Business as Legally Allowed: None
6) Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM
NEXT MEETING: November 8, 2018 @ 6 PM.
Minutes prepared by Bob Spencer