After some location confusion last month that ended with Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District (BRRDD) convening at Boothbay Harbor town hall, members April 9 discussed where they should hold future meetings.  

“I don't think that it looks right to favor one town over another,” said Chair Jody Lewis. He added that if they continued to meet at town halls, the board should make appearances in each town it represents out of fairness.

Multiple members spoke in favor of returning to the transfer station in Boothbay. BRRDD Operations Manager William Johnson reported the district's IT department could set up recording equipment, and the video could be uploaded the next day to the website or Facebook. Installation would cost about $1,400. The board floated other options, and the possibility of livestreaming.  

Treasurer Julia Latter said BRRDD should increase its advertising, so the public is more aware of when meetings are.  

Chuck Cunningham said he agrees the group should return to the transfer station once cameras are set up, but should remain at the Boothbay Harbor town hall in the meantime for the sake of transparency. Attendee Linc Sample also voiced support for staying at the town hall. 

A vote to return to the transfer station for the May 14 meeting passed 4-2, Cunningham and Latter opposed.  

Latter gave an update on the budgetary miscalculation issue. As reported in the Register, BBRDD has been calculating each town’s annual budget contribution incorrectly since 2002, and member towns have been either overpaying or underpaying their share. She said she is almost done compiling each year’s records and is only missing those from 2014.

In other business, Fred Nehring of Boothbay asked BRRDD to reconsider its decision to close the pick pile, citing how it promotes sustainability, helps residents save money and builds community goodwill.  

“It’s also part of the Yankee ethos ... We’re a thrifty people,” he added.  

Lewis responded, the board agrees with all Nehring’s points, and wants to reopen the pick pile, but it's an insurance issue. If BRRDD did open the pile, it would have to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. As reported in the Register, this includes adding a ramp and jersey barriers extending into the parking lot. 

“(The insurance) basically said it would be a risk, and we'd be knowingly taking the risk. And the other big factor is the OSHA (regulations) ... you have to have so much room to do it, and we don't,” explained Johnson.  

Lewis encourages anyone who has ideas or would like to work with BRRDD to possibly reopen the pile to reach out.  

Johnson said an almost 40-year-old bailer needs replacing. The district could pay about $3,000 to get it fixed in the interim. He also shared several purchase options for new and used machines, ranging from $18,000 to $26,000. The board voted unanimously to authorize Johnson to spend up to $3,000 to repair it. Members discussed budgeting for a replacement next year.