Waste Management Committee Minutes

May 12, 2009

Town Council Chambers

Present

Councillor J. MacPherson, Chair

Councillor L. Chisholm

Councillor D. Roberts

Mayor C. Chisholm

D. Wilson, Deputy Clerk

Ms. N. Haverkort, ERSWM Co-ordinator

Mr. J. Dee, Delegate

Mr. M. MacDonald, Observer

Approval of Agenda

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by Councillor L. Chisholm

“That the Agenda be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by Councillor L. Chisholm

“That the Minutes of the meeting held on April 9, 2009, be approved as circulated.” Motion carried.

Presentation

· Mr. J. Dee re Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials

Mr. J. Dee was in attendance to provide information on his Company’s interest in dealing with construction and demolition materials. He noted that he is able to deal with C&D materials that could be derived from a small house, but not larger homes or commercial type buildings and is seeking the Town’s support in his efforts. He noted that he was aware of the County’s desire for the Town to direct C&D materials to their site.

Mr. Dee advised that his company has a 77 acre site for C&D material, and for which a permit from the province is not required. He further noted that the Department of Environment recently paid a visit and provided positive feedback regarding the site. He stated that he removes as much re-usable or saleable material as he can from the C&D works.

With respect to diversion credits issued by the Province, Deputy Clerk D. Wilson questioned how he would see the reporting, as ventures such as he proposes are not currently included in the annual Department of Environment’s DataCall Survey. It was suggested that Mr. B. Kenney of the Department of Environment could provide clarification on this matter. Mr. Dee agreed to ‘track’ weigh slips regarding C&D materials that he deals with.

Mr. Dee was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting at 10:30 AM.

Business from Minutes

· Trading Treasure Xchange

Chair, Councillor J. MacPherson, reported on a successful Trading Treasures event with $1,600.00 + derived for the benefit of the local Lion’s Club. He noted that the students finally seem to be getting on board with the program as a large increase in student presence was noted.

· Earth Day/Hour

Chair, Councillor J. MacPherson, advised that Earth Day activities were held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, however, due to inclement weather the number of participants was low.

· Apartment Policy

Ms. N. Haverkort, Educator for the Eastern Region Solid Waste Management Committee (ERSWM) was in attendance and requested clarification on the next step regarding the Landlord/Tenant information package. She questioned whether the Town would intend for this to be a standalone document or be incorporated into an existing By-Law. Mayor C. Chisholm suggested the handout be distributed to Landlords for inclusion with the signing of leases. Ms. Haverkort noted she would be bringing the handout to the other municipal units within this region for approval. Chair, Councillor J. MacPherson, stated he felt the onus is more on the landlords to deal with materials left behind by students when they leave the area.

It was agreed to retain this item on the Agenda.

New Business

· Spring Clean-Up

Chair, Councillor J. MacPherson, advised that the Spring Clean Up of the downtown area did not occur this Spring, due in part to student exams being early and late Spring conditions. The Chair indicated he would still like to see the clean-up held this Spring. It was suggested that some of the fast food outlets be invited to participate along with the High School’s Environmental Committee. Other groups who might participate were also identified. It was suggested that perhaps a clean-up could be tied to Earth Day or Environment Week.

· Fall Student’s Clean-up

The Chair advised that in the Fall approximately 300 St. F.X. students take part in a clean-up and that this event is planned to take place as usual this Fall.

· Bulky Item Pick-Up

Chair, Councillor J. MacPherson, suggested that, although most of the students have left for year, perhaps the Collection could still take place during Environment Week, perhaps getting the word out by an insert in bills being sent out by the Town.

Moved by Councillor L. Chisholm

Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts

“That Bulky Item Pick-Up be held during Environment Week, June 1-7, 2009.” Motion carried.

· Waste By-Law (Fines and Landfilll Location for Construction & Demolition (C&D) Material)

Copies of the Town’s Waste By-Law were distributed with a view to increasing fines for Summary Offence Tickets. It was noted that currently there is no fine in place for co-mingling of materials. Ms. N. Haverkort suggested that section 2.4 of the By-Law be reviewed for clarity to break out solid waste separately and include recyclables and organic materials.

Special Constable S. Smith joined the meeting and provided his thoughts on current fines and provided the Committee with examples of the fine structure from other municipal units.

The fines were then reviewed and proposed amendments made.

Mayor C. Chisholm noted that he would like to see the Town’s By-Laws enforced on a consistent basis, and cited the University as an example.

Moved by Councillor D. Roberts

Seconded by Councillor L. Chisholm

“To forward the amendments to the Town’s Solid Waste By-Law to Council for First Reading.” Motion carried.

N. Haverkort clarified how construction and demolition material data is gathered and used for reporting purposes. She further related how the 1989 baseline which was used, in part, for calculating diversion.

With respect to the site in Beech Hill, it was reported that garbage is no longer being disposed of at this site and is only being used for construction and demolition materials. Ms. Haverkort reviewed the history of the site and the County’s attempt to host a second generation landfill.

Ms. Haverkort advised the Committee that the Province is working on a Construction and Demolition Strategy. She suggested that perhaps the Town look at a permitting and tracking process, requiring significant fees be paid ‘upfront’ with reimbursement made based on how the construction and demolition materials are disposed.

Adjournment

Moved by Councillor L. Chisholm

Seconded by Councillor D. Roberts

“That the meeting be adjourned.” Motion carried.