Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD)
Brattleboro, Vermont
Finance Committee Meeting
Via ZOOM and In Person
DRAFT Minutes of May 14, 2026
Committee Members Present: Committee Chair-Merrill Mundell, Wilmington; Stanley Noga, Jr., Brookline; Michelle Cherrier, Dummerston; Dave Eastman, Guilford
Committee Members Absent: Jim Pinkerton, Vernon
WSWMD Staff Present: Vicki Hayes, Finance Manager, Treasurer & HR Administrator; Peter Gaskill, Programs Coordinator; Anita Grant, Office Manager & Operations Liaison/District Clerk WSWMD Staff Absent: Robert Spencer, Executive Director
Merrill called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM
- Changes and/or Additions to the Agenda: Merrill added 6A to the agenda to discuss the creation of a planning committee. (Item #6)
- Approval of Minutes- April 2026:
Stanley motioned to approve the April 2026 minutes as written, Dave seconded, and the motion was passed with two abstentions.
- Approval of Check Register- April 2026:
Following discussion of the backhoe engine repair, the Committee agreed that a preventative maintenance schedule should be established to help ensure equipment is monitored and maintained proactively.
Michelle made the motion to recommend the BOS approve the check register from April 2026, Dave seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously.
- Approval of Financial Statement- April 2026:
Vicki reported that April ended with a $12,000 deficit. She also explained that she has been in contact with Altus regarding the solar field renewable energy credits (RECs). There had been some confusion between the calendar year and the fiscal year, but she anticipates receiving the outstanding $57,000 by the end of WSWMD’s fiscal year. With those funds, along with access sticker sales and consistent daily revenue, she is hopeful that the District will finish the fiscal year with a surplus.
Michelle made the motion to recommend the BOS approve the financial statement for April 2026, Dave seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
- Review and Recommend Final Approval of the Proposed FY 27 Transfer Station Fees:
The Committee discussed the proposed 2nd sticker fee of $25 in detail and noted that it could be perceived as a penalty rather than a convenience. Members agreed that the existing $6 charge for vehicles without a physical sticker displayed on or in the vehicle would be a better approach and easier to implement.
They also discussed bag sizes and related charges. It was agreed that the proposed $10 minimum charge for up to 100 pounds of trash weighed at the scale would be a more efficient way to charge customers. Peter explained that the goal was to reduce daily traffic at the scale and encourage customers with small loads, such as one bag of trash, to come less frequently with larger combined loads.
Dave made a motion to recommend that the BOS approve the proposed FY27 Transfer Station fees as presented, with the elimination of the 2nd sticker fee, the implementation of the $6 no-physical-sticker fee, and the replacement of the pay-by-the-bag system with a minimum weight charge. Stanley seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Create a Planning Committee:
Vicki requested the formation of a planning committee to identify future goals related to capital spending, expense controls, and the overall operations of WSWMD. She explained that additional revenue is needed to reduce the District’s reliance on solar RECs and lease payments to fund operations. The planning committee would also help determine the scope of the 5-year plan discussed at last month’s meeting. It was decided that members of the Finance Committee would coordinate by email for scheduling purposes and select a date and time to meet and discuss the plan in depth.
Vicki also requested that the Committee discuss the treasurer’s role going forward. She emphasized the need for expenditures to follow the District’s purchasing policy and charter to support the District’s financial health.
- Executive Session: None
- Next Meeting: There will not be a Finance Committee meeting in June due to the Planning Committee formation and first meeting, the date of which is to be determined.
- Other Business: None
- Adjournment: 6:08 P.M.
Minutes prepared by:
Anita Grant
Office Manager/Operations Liaison & District Clerk