Recycling and Sanitation Commission
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting
November 19, 2014
Commission Members and Others in Attendance:
Pete Bowlus
J A Burke (Guest and Representative of Mount Airy Messenger)
Mike Dixon
Peggy Fleming
Mark Hillyer (Guest and Representative of Unity Disposal)
Ken Humble
Tom Neff
James Stargel (Chairman)
Councilman Scott Strong (Council Liaison)
Mary Van Metre ( Town Staff)
Tobi Drabczyk was not in attendance
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Chairman Stargel called the meeting to order and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Stargel introduced the commission's new member, Mike Dixon
September 2014 minutes were approved with motion by Pete Bowlus and second by Tom Neff.
Citizen's Comments
a. No citizens were present, but Chairman Stargel noted the complaints of missed trash and recycling has
diminished. Mr. Hillyer advised the strike is over and they are monitoring missed pickups to determine if
there is a pattern - same addresses, etc.
b. Mary Van Metre reported the paper work from Unity is better with less discrepancies
Update on Recycling Batteries
a. A residential/household battery collection will be setup at the same time as the Town's shred event.
b. After first event and we see the volume collected and cost, we will be better able to plan for future
battery collections. Now that Mike Dixon is on the commission, we will need to check with the Town's
attorney to determine if his company, Critical Power, can pay for the battery disposal.
c. If the Town pays for this year's shred event, then it will be limited to Town residents only. Residents
will need to show their water bill as proof of residency.
d. We need to advertise and explain that all batteries should be recycled and not sent to the landfill.
Dual Language Signs on Toters
a. All toters are marked with pictures of what can and cannot be recycled.
b. Pete Bowlus made a motion not to pursue dual language signs, Ken Humble seconded and the motion
carried.
Recycling CFL light bulbs
a. Tom Neff had checked with Ace Hardware and found they will not take CFL light bulbs. Any
florescent bulbs are discarded in the trash. CFLs contain mercury which is a hazardous waste.
b. Ken Humble noted that both Lowe's and Home Depot have containers to collect CFL light bulbs. They
should be placed in a zip lock bag and then put in the container.
c. Tom Neff will research the cost of disposing of CFLs..
Recycling Toters Replacement Plan
a. Mary Van Metre reported in 2008 the Town purchased 1,944 toters at a cost of $85,000. The purchased
was piggybacked with Frederick County.
b. Pete Bowlus made a motion for Mary to have an inventory done of toters in stock, Tom Neff seconded
and the motion carried.
c. Mary will check on the current price for 65 gallon toters.
d. Money should be allotted in the new budget to begin replacing toters.
Spring Curbside Bulk Pick up
a. Last year the curbside bulk pick up was the same day as the Lions Club yard sale.
b. It was decided to keep the bulk pick up the same as the yard sale in 2015.
c. Mary will contact Unity to see if the Town can schedule April 25, 2015
10. Downtown Recycling Center Camera
a. Mary reported the camera is currently not working due to a power blip. She has contacted the person to
get an IP address.
b. Clarity is still not good, but to date, there has been no need to review the film as there have been no
complaints.
c. Mary had checked with a company with a system with better resolution but the estimate was $8,000
d. Mary will check the cost to have a static IP address and then the camera should not be affected by
power outages.
11. Election of Commission Chair and Secretary
a. Tom Neff made a motion for Peggy Fleming to remain Secretary, Ken Humble seconded, and the
motion carried.
b. Chairman Stargel stated he would like to step down as chair, but remain on the Commission due to his
upcoming retirement and travel plans in 2015.
c. Pete Bowlus nominated Mike Dixon, who declined as he has just joined the commission and his time is
limited due to his businesses.
d. After discussion, Chairman Stargel agreed to remain the Chairman, but noted a co chair would be
beneficial due to his 2015 schedule.
e. Pete Bowlus nominated Tom Neff as Co Chair, Ken Humble seconded and the motion carried.
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Pete Bowlus made a motion to adjourn; Tom Neff seconded.
13. Next Regular Meeting - Wednesday, January 21 @ 7pm
SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS:
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Councilman Strong to check with Town Attorney to determine if Critical Power can pay for the battery
recycling since Mike Dixon is now on the Commission
Chairman Stargel to write an explanation why batteries should be recycled and not sent to the landfill.
Commission members to review via email before January meeting.
Tom Neff to research cost of disposal of CFLs.
Mary Van Metre to have inventory done of toters in stock
Mary Van Metre to estimate the number of toters distributed monthly
Mary Van Metre to schedule the April curbside bulk pick up
Peggy Fleming, Secretary