2018-03-28 BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Selectmen – March 28, 2018 Page 2 of 9 a better materials price in future. Due to the difference in contract proposals plus EL Harvey's very good references and experience with automated collections, staff recommends entering into the collection contract with EL Harvey. Mr. Pinsonneault emphasized that, before any change in the recycling collection method would occur, Public Information meetings would be held. The vendor needs to know by November 2018 in order to switch by July 1, 2019, although there are options built into the contract to re- open negotiations at intervals during the 5 years. If the recycling collection method does change to automated, the contract price would have to be adjusted to cover equipment investment. Noting strong public outcry against switching to automated collection, Mr. Lucente asked that the motion include a commitment to the status quo manual collection method to ensure that residents understand the Town’s intent. Mr. Pinsonneault clarified that the contract will include both manual and automated collection options in case the Town decides to move toward automation within the contract term. Year one of the contact is status quo, no matter what. Mr. Lucente asked that “status quo for the first year” be spelled out. Mr. Lucente said was surprised to hear negative feedback about JRM; he asked Mr. Pinsonneault to elaborate on EL Harvey’s reputation and if references had been checked. Mr. Pinsonneault confirmed that references have been checked and added that he is confident that EL Harvey is a reputable company; EL Harvey was the runner-up for Lexington’s last collection contract, 6 years ago. Mr. Lucente asked what differences in service residents would experience from changing vendors. Mr. Pinsonneault said there will be all new trucks and a nine-employee customer service department, ensuring that all calls would be answered by a representative. He anticipates no negative changes. Mr. Pato asked if recycling will become single stream and what the tipping fee per ton is currently. He asked if the new charge for recycling tonnage is in the budget. Mr. Pinsonneault said all companies are switching to single stream because of the way the materials are processed. Mr. Beaudoin said the tipping fee is $66.19 per ton, which will increase 2% in 2019. Mr. Pinsonneault said the recycling charge is part of the budget Mr. Valente brought forward. Ms. Barry asked if there will be changes to the pick-up schedule. Mr. Beaudoin said there will be no schedule change and an additional truck will be added that can also be used for seasonal yard waste pick-up. EL Harvey’s implementation staff has been doing its homework by following the current refuse and recycling trucks to learn the schedule. The annual refuse/recycling flier would go out in early May. Ms. Barry recommended that, considering the vendor change, the Town make a more comprehensive effort to spread the word, including various publications and Discovery Day. She asked that information about medical waste disposal also be included on the flier. Mr. Pinsonneault said one Public information session will take place this spring, before school gets out, and others would be held in the fall. Ms. Ciccolo asked if EL Harvey offers smaller totes since cart size was one of the biggest public concerns expressed. Mr. Pinsonneault said EL Harvey will be involved in the upcoming public