All towns · francestown

Document

Document

Solid Waste Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting location and date:
Town Offices (upstairs)
September 8, 2026, 3:30 pm
Mission Statement
The Solid Waste Committee has been charged with assisting the Transfer Station
Attendants in educating the residents about proper recycling practices. Overseeing that
the Federal and State Regulations are met. Assisting in providing a safe and healthy
environment. Initiate ways to increase revenues thru more recycling and cut operating
costs.
Attendees: Joanne Santospago, Sarah Pyle, Sara Cox, Ed Gagnon, Kelly Marshall, 
Linda Lindgren
Absent: Jamie Pike, Eddie Hardwick
Old business
Minutes from the July meeting were unanimously accepted.
Transfer Station Operations
C&D - Research on gate options continues, with pricing estimated at $650 to $1,500.
Discussion on whether still needed, importance of capturing all revenue, and past 
discrepancies between C&D revenue vs. the amount paid to ship C&D out. Eddie 
(weighing in via text): “It would be helpful.”
Book Bin - In late July, Bay State Books delivered and set up a bin at the Transfer 
Station enabling Sara Cox and Linda to sort out books in poor condition/ of limited 
appeal from the Shed. These books had previously been going into the compactor. 
When Bay State books came with the new bin, they also picked up books that had 
already been set aside in the Batteries room for them. By the end of August, the 
gaylord inside the new bin had again been filled—and additional books are again 
being stored in the Batteries room for their next pick up. 

Staffing -  Nate is continuing to work on Wednesdays. A high school girl is helping 
out as a volunteer as part of ConVal community project/service. No update on 
applicants for Saturday hours. Concerns raised about Gary not being certified/ready  
in case of emergency. Sara Cox again offered to sit with Gary during testing to get 
his Certification. 
Disposal Issues - Continuing discussion about people intentionally/unintentionally 
leaving and not paying for items, such as electronics in Shed, sneaking stuff into 
C&D, and throwing illegal stuff in the Compactor. Sarah Pyle is working with Jamie to
put accurate policy and pricing on website. Linda will write an article including that 
information for The Francestown News.
New business
Capital Improvement Plan
Sarah Pyle asked for input on CIP, looking out on a 5-10 year horizon.  The major 
project identified:
• Re-build of Still Good Shed building - Beyond maintaining/shoring up, will 
be something that needs to be addressed during the next 5-10 years.
Sarah Pyle and Ed will work together to further develop CIP requests.
Upcoming Improvement Projects
Discussion on whether—although investments in the Transfer Station have delivered 
significant cost savings to the Town—it might engender some goodwill if we made no 
new requests at next year’s Town Meeting.
Near-term projects include:
• C&D gate - Initial $650 option to capture more revenue, with possible add 
on ($1500 total) later if needed. 
• Safer heating - CO2 poisoning in Hancock raises questions about safety of 
propane Torpedo heater in the bale area and Jamie has already ordered 
CO2 monitors.  It was agreed that we needed to upgrade to a vented heating
system, such as a Renai heater or maybe a less expensive product.  Ed will
check with Rick Miller to see if he has something not being used that might 
work.
Payment and Receipts
Linda asked for clarification on how records of payments made by residents are kept.
The attendants currently accept cash, credit, and check.  After discussion, it was 
agreed that we need to keep the cash option for resident convenience and 
compliance. Linda suggested at minimum a paper receipt book with carbon might 
help.

Recycling at Town Events
Sara Cox attempted to offer to set up and take responsibility for a clear recycling 
solution, including arranging for a free mobile recycling trailer from New Hampshire 
the Beautiful a at Labor Day, but the FIHS team was already in the thick of it and the 
request was made too late to be accepted.  
Although it looked like Jamie did get distinct red and blue/black barrels, and perhaps 
some new blue cans-and-bottles-only metal frames for plastic bags (good for inside 
use), the lack of any clear signage resulted in every barrel at Labor Day being filled 
with all kinds of trash.  Only the beer tent succeeded in recycling cans.
All agreed we should take a more pro-active role in providing clear recycling options 
for all Town events. Sara will talk to Jamie about what we have (possibly lids came 
with the red barrels)?  We could figure out signage, possibly stenciling signage on 
the red (or blue/black) barrels. 
Sarah Pyle suggested we keep the recycling solutions we come up with in a few 
different Town locations (e.g., Town Hall, Town Offices) so that people can access 
them when they need them even for small events.  Linda will write an article for The 
Francestown News informing the town about what’s available and encouraging their 
use.
We might also talk with food vendors ahead of time about alternatives to styrofoam 
for takeout.  
The Christmas Tree Lighting and Market was identified as the next major event to try 
to deliver improved recycling options.
Next meeting scheduled:
3:30pm Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Town Office
(NOTE: THIRD Tuesday in the month)
Meeting a djourned:
4:40 PM