Work has grinded to a halt on the Boothbay Region transfer station’s brush pile. The aging grinder slated for replacement later this month broke, and the brush pile grows each day. During the March 11 meeting, trustees discussed either piling the brush higher or possibly storing it at the adjacent Boothbay Public Works yard. But Station Manager Steve Lewis reported another short-term fix may emerge. 

Last month, trustees approved buying a new grinder to replace the 15-year old one. Lewis hoped the 2006 model would remain operational until the new one arrived.“The screen is gone and would cost $30,000 to replace it. So now I’m looking for a loaner,” he said.

The district is buying a 5710D grinder, priced at $965,000, $800,000 after the trade-in from Barry Equipment in Webster, Massachusetts. Lewis reported money from the $1.04 million bond has been deposited and the district has paid off the note for the old grinder and transfer station building purchased in 2006. Upon delivery, the district will pay for the new grinder. On March 15, Lewis reported he’d spoken to Barry representatives who have a loaner which may arrive this week. 

In other action, new equipment may arrive at Giles Rubbish later this year. Lewis told trustees the garage door openers need replacement. He received an $8,200 quote from PDQ Door in Bath, and estimates another $2,500 for electrical work. Lewis asked trustees to wait until this summer before acting. “This is our slowest month, and I’d like to build up the checkbook first,” he said. 

Lewis also sought approval for increasing Giles Rubbish’s pick-up rates. Last month, Lewis mistakenly proposed rate increases on rental fees. On March 11, he amended his proposal to seek increased pick-up costs effective March 1. Trustees approved a 25 cent increase for residential customers, 50 cent hike for seasonal customers and an additional $1 for commercial customers. Rates for open truck pickups increase from $68 to $85, and  $115 for two-person pickups. 

Trustees approved the 2021 summer transfer station schedule. Last year, the traditional schedule was changed due to the coronavirus. The transfer station was open one hour less than the previous summer with an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule. Trustee Chuck Cunningham proposed returning to the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. “We are a service industry so we should go back to that schedule,” he said. But the remaining trustees supported Lewis’ and transfer station employees’ opinion. “The 8-4 schedule works better for us,” Foreman William Johnson said. “On the old schedule, one week you work four days with three off,  and the other week, you have one day off.”

Trustees approved combining Giles’ and the transfer station’s billing into one service. Trustees unanimously approved using QuikBooks for accounting and billing services. Lewis reported combining the services would save money and time for both customers and employees. “There are many advantages of doing this. Customers will receive one bill, and we can still separate what is Giles’ and the transfer station’s costs. So it’s a win for everybody,” he said.

Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 8.