BWRC FINAL Minutes May 2 2019Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — May 2, 2019
Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
MINUTES: Monthly Meeting, Thursday, May 2, 2019
6:00 PM, Beverly City Hall, Conference Room A
CALL TO ORDER: 6:04 pm
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Higgins (Chair), Sandy Burgess, Nancy Dillon,
Joyce Herman, Toni Musante, John Swain
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: None
INVITED PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS: Lisa Willworth, Reya Al- Khalili
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the April 2019 meeting were presented for approval.
Musante moved to approve the minutes and Burgess seconded the motion. The motion carried
(6 -0).
Treasurer's Report
The account balance remains at $23,778.88 (no change since last month).
A Plastic Ocean — Documentary Screening at the Cabot
Reya Al- Khalili discussed planning for an event at the Cabot Cinema to show the documentary A
Plastic Ocean in late May or early June, coupled with efforts to work with Salem Sound
Coastwatch towards increasing awareness and reducing plastic in the environment. Reya and
those she is working with have already secured primary grant funding for the film license as well
as rental of the Cabot and are seeking additional support to make it a zero waste event and to
help with promoting the event. Reya presented a request for funding to cover printing flyers and
posters (in color) as well as to purchase compostable cups and other supplies (i.e., popcorn bags)
for use during the event. Change is Simple is expected to be at the event and should be able to
take the compostable waste with them after the event. Reya presented a cost breakdown and is
requesting reimbursement of costs up to $380. The Committee expressed support for the project,
noting the consistency with our mission and objectives. Dillon moved to support the event as
requested with funding up to $380 and Burgess seconded the motion. The motion carried (6 -0).
Review Draft Letter to the Editor
Higgins presented a draft Letter to the Editor on the subject of sustainable food waste
management and the role of the curbside composting program. The current draft has been
reviewed by the City ( Kerin Cotter, Kevin Harutunian) as well as Sharon Kishida. Burgess
requested we add more information about the environmental benefits of composting as well as
the number of households in the City (to give perspective about the potential to grow the
program). Musante suggested moving some of the information about the program to the
beginning of the letter, to better catch people's attention and keep them reading. Higgins agreed
to revise the letter to address these comments.
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Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — May 2, 2019
Spring 2019 Electronics Collection
Higgins provided an update on planning for electronics collection. We have a full volunteer
schedule, including the Beverly High School Football Team, and the collection contractor has
been confirmed. We discussed miscellaneous items that we need to bring on the day of the
event. Dillon updated the data recording sheets to make them easier to use.
There was a discussion about competing electronics collection events, including Landmark
School with an event on the same day and the boy scouts a month or so prior. The Committee
discussed options for increased promotion next year, including the electronic banner at the high
school and other places where we can post signs. The Committee talked about whether it would
be beneficial to hold the event on a different date. We also discussed whether it makes sense for
the City to continue to host an event, with so many non - profits holding similar events. The
consensus was that our objective is more about removing the materials from the waste stream
and less about raising money, and unless participation decreases significantly, we should
continue to host an event each Spring. We also agreed that increased promotion would be
helpful.
Discussion of Styrofoam Collection Event
Hermon confirmed that Gold Circuit is available to run the event on Saturday, November 2, 2019
(9 AM to noon). She also spoke briefly with the President of the Rotary and will follow -up with
him regarding potential sponsorship of the event. Once sponsorship is determined, the next key
task will be to create a flyer and begin promoting the event.
Old Business and Other Updates
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection — Higgins provided an update on HHW
collection, which was very well attended this year (April 20, 2019). The event was
organized and run by the Health Department. There were 300+ cars participating, which
was approximately 100 more than last year. In addition to HHW collected by Clean
Harbors, propane tanks and tires were also collected at the event for recycling.
• Reusable Bag Distribution Event — Higgins advised that we are waiting for information
from the City regarding whether there will be a second distribution event at the grocery
stores. We provided information regarding which dates work best for our volunteers and
are on hold pending determination of whether this event is a go.
• Collaboration with Other Groups — The Committee remains interested in meeting with
other groups such as Full Circle Earth and Seaside Sustainability.
• Other Updates — Dillon requested that we consider developing a flyer that explains why
Beverly is dual stream and what this means. We also talked briefly about developing
other literature to supplement what the City already provides. We also discussed the
possibility of purchasing stickers (yard waste, bottles and cans).
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Beverly Waste Reduction Committee
Meeting Minutes — May 2, 2019
• Senior Day in the Park — Burgess asked if we had heard any news regarding planning
for Senior Day in the Park. We discussed reaching out to Charlie Perlo and /or the Council
on Aging to begin the planning process, as applicable.
• Enforcement Coordinator — Musante asked about the status of the City engaging an
enforcement coordinator, as was recommended by the Committee. The Committee
discussed the need to continue to push for this as part of the City's program, to better
educate the public and ensure program elements are being followed. We agreed to
discuss this in more detail at a future meeting.
Upcoming Events
Higgins reviewed some upcoming events, including a presentation that will be given by Sharon
Kishida at the Beverly Farms Library on May 21, 2019 at 7 PM (The State of Recycling).
Higgins also informed the Committee that the Library is having an Open House on their new
"Library of Things" on Sunday, May 19, at 2 PM. Lastly, Higgins updated the Committee on the
City's Master Planning Process and advised that the first public workshop is scheduled for
Tuesday, May 14, 2019. The process is intended to incorporate sustainability throughout the
Plan.
Adjournment
There being no further discussion this evening, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 pm.
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