BWRC Approved Minutes Dec 3 2020Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — December 3, 2020
Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
MINUTES: Monthly Meeting, Thursday, December 3, 2020
6:30 PM, via Zoom
CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 pm
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Higgins (Chair), Sandy Burgess, Nancy Dillon,
Joyce Hermon, Toni Musante, Lisa Willwerth
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: John Swain
INVITED PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS: Andrew Samperi, Mary Barthelmes, Ben Hacker
Minutes
Minutes were presented for November 5 and November 15, 2020.
Dillon moved to accept the minutes as presented; Willwerth seconded. The motion carried
(6 -0).
Waste Management Best Practices
Higgins presented an updated version of Waste Management Best Practices, which incorporated
edits and suggestions as discussed during the November 15, 2020 meeting. The document is
intended to be a high -level overview of what the Committee believes to be best practices for the
City regarding sustainable waste management, including programs the City should consider. The
document is intended to be submitted to the Mayor's Office, Engineering, and City Council,
potentially with a meeting /presentation to provide additional detail. There was discussion regarding
supporting information that could be helpful, with a focus on Beverly - specific data or information
about other communities that have comparable demographics.
One of the drivers for the development of this Best Practices document was a discussion with
Councilor Ames regarding meeting the unique needs of the homeless population and the
organizations that provide support to this population. Dillon met with Councilor Ames and Brenda
Mattos of Ellis Square Friends to explore these issues. Dillon provided an overview of that
meeting; a copy of her notes are attached to these minutes. A new challenge Ellis Square Friends
and other organizations are facing is the need to package all meals to -go, which results in additional
waste management needs. With the City moving to carry -in /carry -out on a City -wide basis, there is
no place for this waste to be disposed by the homeless population. There is an immediate need to
put some strategically placed trash barrels around the City that would be emptied and maintained by
the City.
Dillon moved that we recommend the City take action to strategically place trash barrels in
public spaces, including maintaining and emptying those trash barrels, to ensure the needs
of the homeless population are met on an ongoing basis. Willwerth seconded the motion.
The motion carried (6 -0).
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Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — December 3, 2020
Also related to Waste Management Best Practices, Lisa Willwerth has been participating on the
Climate Action Advisory Committee, which is similarly addressing City -wide best practices
including for waste management activities. Willwerth reported that the draft Best Practices
document is in line with what is currently envisioned for the Climate Action Plan.
Ben Hacker commented on the need to more strongly and clearly specify enforcement of mandatory
recycling by private haulers, and to also recommend the City enforce the two- barrel provisions
under the City contract with JRM.
Musante asked about RDP grant funds, and if those funds could be used to implement some of these
initiatives.
Dillon asked if the draft is presented in a prioritized order. It was agreed that all of the
recommendations are important and inter - related. Mary Barthelmes suggested that we reformat to
exclude numbers, which would minimize the perception that there is an implied priority. The
Committee agreed with this suggestion.
The Committee discussed marketing /outreach, and agreed that we should hold off on developing a
detailed outreach plan until we know what direction we're moving in. Mary agreed, and said when
we know what our goals are and have direction from the City, we can work on a marketing plan.
Dillon moved to adopt the Waste Management Best Practices, subject to finalization with
the edits discussed during this meeting and with the Committee granted the opportunity to
review the final document before it is distributed to City Council and the Mayor's Office.
Burgess seconded the motion. The motion carried (6 -0).
Willwerth asked if we will request the opportunity to present these recommendations to City
Council. The Committee agreed this would be the best approach.
Electronics Collection
The Committee discussed the potential for holding an electronics collection event in May 2021.
There was a discussion about holding future events using alternative models, such as having the
vendor collect all the money and handle all the items, charging the public only what the vendor
would charge. There was also a discussion about allowing other organizations to conduct collection
events as fundraisers. Dillon commented that these events are important to the Committee, because
these are opportunities for education and outreach. Due to ongoing concerns about COVID, it was
agreed that we should wait a few months and re- assess the situation. Higgins will advise the City
that we are not prepared to commit to an electronics collection event in May 2021.
Committee Administrative Business
The Committee discussed the meeting schedule for 2021, and agreed to keep the meetings as the
first Thursday of the month starting at 6:30 PM. Meetings will continue to be by remote
participation until advised by the City that in- person meetings can be resumed. Higgins reminded
the Committee that we are required to elect a chairperson in January for calendar year 2021.
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Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — December 3, 2020
Old Business and Miscellaneous Items
Andrew Samperi provided an update on his BHS DECA project Carbon Less Accomplish More.
Their pop -up thrift store at Beverly High School in November was successful, raising
approximately $800. The primary purpose of the event was to raise awareness of secondary
shopping and the waste associated with fast fashion. The money raised will be used in some way to
further promote sustainable practices.
Higgins reported that there are no new updates on the composting program. She agreed to provide
updated enrollment numbers to Andrew Samperi for his DECA paper.
Upcoming Events
None reported.
Other Updates and Discussion Items by Committee Members
Musante noted the importance of having a Committee member participate with the City in contract
discussions regarding waste management. This would be consistent with our advisory role, and we
should advocate for a seat at the table. After discussion, the Committee agreed to invite the City to
participate in the January meeting, and to use that meeting to provide input and request the ability to
have a representative participate in contract discussions.
Willwerth asked if the existing contract is available for review. Higgins agreed to share a copy with
the Committee.
Adjournment
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 pm.
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