The goal of this committee is to bring concerns of Waban neighborhoods to the appropriate City officials and Developers.

Committee members include: Sona Petrossian, and Anki Wolf.

If you would like to be notified of development projects and upcoming meetings please send in your email address. This list will not be shared with any other community lists. click here

 

From: Ward 5 Alderman Bill Brandel To: bill@billbrandel.org

Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:44:37 AM

Subject: New Trash Management Program Voted Down

Dear Ward 5 Resident:

First, thank you for all of your input prior to last night’s Board vote on the new automated trash management proposal. It was again voted down by the Board by a sizable margin. I voted against the proposal because I believe it is fundamentally flawed in that it did not include:

* A pilot program to test its flaws and merits;

* A recycling contract;

* The related program did not place any greater emphasis on recycling;

* A multi-bid process to ensure best terms (such as a pilot program).

While this proposal was voted down, I do still believe that there is a very realistic opportunity for the City to engage with a contractor to arrive at an excellent system. One of the more interesting and promising aspects of the new proposal is that if Newton can reduce its trash output, it will save us a serious amount of money. In fact, this turned out to be the major cost reduction driver in the new program – not automation. While it should ideally remain optional, promoting the adoption of a 32-gallon container and making the 64-gallon optional would result in less trash and better recycling. There is no good reason that we cannot achieve that even on an opt-in basis.

As for the contract, going forward, we will continue to have the same terms we now have with WMI until July. After that, we can either exercise the option to execute a one-year bridge contract at current rates, or we can negotiate a new contract. This contract can be driven by the Mayor, if it is for less than three years (and then have to be funded by the Board in the budget process). Or, we can all work together to arrive at a better proposal. I strongly encourage a multi-bid process this time.

For those who have expressed interest in having input on a new contract and program, I would point you to a few members of the Solid Waste Commission, who are very dedicated to the best outcome and should welcome your helpful support and suggestions. They would include:

Sydra Schnipper, Chairwoman, Pubic Facilities Committee: mailto:Sydra_Schnipper@verizon.net

Dave Turocy, Acting Director, Public Works: dturocy@newtonma.gov

Elaine Gentile, Public Works: egentile@newtonma.gov

Finally, yes, feel free to pass this e-mail along to other constituents. If they contact me, I will gladly add them to my e-mail list.

Thanks again, and I look forward to talking to you as we move forward on other issues.

Bill B.

 

From: Ward 5 Alderman Bill Brandel <bill@billbrandel.org>
To: bill@billbrandel.org
Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 9:12:50 AM
Subject: New Trash Management

Dear Ward 5 Neighbor:

Tuesday the Board of Aldermen is expected to vote again on the City’s new trash management proposal. The Solid Waste Commission has responded to a number of questions raised by aldermen prior to the previous vote. I am providing some of the details ahead of that meeting for your consideration.

Please feel free to share this with others. As always, I am interested in your questions and concerns. Bill Brandel

1.)     Testing the system: The automated system will require WMI to invest into a number of trucks that will be dedicated to pick-up in Newton . WMI has determined that cost to be $250,000/truck. WMI does lease trucks, but normally does so only on a three-year basis. Presumably, Newton would incur that cost to perform the test. Further, Newton would also pick up the tab for the carts that would also be used in this test.

2.)     Video of trucks in operation in Newton :  Automated Trash Collection Video

3.)     Semi-automated streets: There are exceptions made to the automated system. These include 1% of residents how are unable to manage the new bins, who can opt out of the program and use plastic bags. The City has also determined that approximately 15% of residents whose streets will require a “semi-automated” collection effort. In Ward 5 these streets include:

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