BWRC Approved Minutes Feb 2020Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — February 6, 2020
Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
MINUTES: Monthly Meeting, Thursday, February 6, 2020
6:30 PM, Beverly City Hall, Conference Room A
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 pm
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Higgins (Chair), Sandy Burgess, Nancy Dillon, Toni
Musante, Lisa Willwerth
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: John Swain, Joyce Hermon
INVITED PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS: Andrew Samperi, Mary Barthelmes, Bruce Swanson,
Minutes
No minutes were presented for approval. January minutes will be presented at a future meeting.
Treasurer's Report
Burgess reported that the current account balance is $24,820.54; no change since last month.
Committee Administrative Business
Welcome to Lisa Willwerth, who was recently appointed as a member of the Committee.
Electronics Collection
Higgins provided an update on planning for electronics collection. Quotes were requested from
Data Recycling of New England, the company that has provided the service for many years, and
Gold Circuit, the company that conducted the Styrofoam collection event in November. Gold
Circuit is available on May 2nd and could offer Styrofoam collection at the same time. However,
their pricing is very high with a fee for every item, including small household items, and they
require cash payment the day of the event. Data Recycling of New England is available on May 9th
and will keep their pricing the same as last year. The City has confirmed that the high school
property is available for our use on either date.
The Committee discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the two options. Dillon moved to
hold the event on May 9th, to use the services of Data Recycling of New England, and to not include
Styrofoam collection as part of the event. Musante seconded the motion. The motion carried (5 -0).
Compost Program Update
Higgins advised that we have a very low inventory of curbside composting bins (approximately 16).
The City is willing to purchase bins, but storage is a problem. Musante suggested the GAR building
as a potential storage location, and offered to look into the availability of space at that building.
Other options were also suggested, including the airport, the carriage house, and possibly at private
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Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — February 6, 2020
locations. One option is that we discontinue providing free bins. Subscribers would be required to
purchase a bin from Black Earth. The Committee expressed concern that requiring participants to
purchase a bin would be a disincentive. Following the discussion, the Committee agreed to
recommend to the City that we continue to provide free bins.
Spring Educational Forum
Higgins updated the Committee that the Library has asked if we would present an evening recycling
symposium at the Library. Several dates are available, including April 22n (which is the 50
celebration of Earth Day). The Committee discussed inviting JRM, Black Earth, and possibly
others to participate in the forum. Burgess suggested we invite Bay State Textiles. The Committee
agreed to host the forum on April 22"
Resources and Investments
Dillon presented the results of research on give -aways that we could consider purchasing, with
many possible items to choose from. There was a discussion about selecting a logo first so we can
have it included on any items that we purchase. Andrew Samperi presented several logo options for
consideration. Dillon will inquire further about lead -times for ordering items and will request
samples. Ideally, we want to receive items in advance of the recycling forum planned for April 22n
at the library.
Homecoming Events
In the near term, we will need to initiate planning for homecoming events (Lobsterfest and Senior
Day at the Park). The Committee briefly discussed key logistics, but generally this discussion was
tabled until a future meeting.
Old Business
Andrew Samperi presented an update on the DECA project "Carbon Less Accomplish More."
Andrew and Sydney gave a presentation to City Council on February 3r together with the
Accomplish students and the teachers. State competitions are later this month.
Upcoming Events
No discussion.
Other Updates and Discussion Items by Committee Members
No discussion.
Adjournment
There being no further discussion this evening, the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 pm.
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