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| By Courtney Llewellyn Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW Changes are in store for the town's recycling center for the new year. Department of Public Works Director Mike Wrabel, working with Arlene Miller and Irwin Pers, recommended new fees for the center to the Select Board at their Dec. 17 meeting. Starting in 2008, the price for disposing of large furniture items, like box springs, mattresses, couches and loveseats will be $20 per item, up from $10 per item this year. Additionally, a fee of up to $40 will be instituted for a pick-up truckload of construction debris, which includes things like home remodeling waste. The former charge was $25. Larger items that won't fit in one's regular trash will cost between $5 and $25, depending on how big they are. Select Board member Paul Santaniello said, "The flexibility is good, but clarity may be an issue." The increase of these fees, along with the reduced costs for yard waste disposal, will cover the center's expenses during FY09. "Our revenue doesn't come close to covering fees for bulk items [like couches, mattresses, etc.]," Wrabel said. "That's why we're raising the fees for them. The increase in fees for construction debris will help us keep an eye out for contractors. The site is for residents, not businesses." The hours for the center were discussed and modified as well. Thursdays were generally the lightest traffic days at the center, so it was agreed upon by the Select Board to close the center on Thursday, while keeping it open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Instead of being open 28 hours a week, it will soon be open 23. "The last hour is always the busiest," Wrabel stated. Select Board Chair Hal Haberman suggested the center continue to stay open until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, but Wrabel explained that the later hours were usually covered by part-time workers who got bullied more than full-time workers and had to deal with more problems. "We provide reasonable hours so there will be less illegal dumping," Miller said. "It's fair to say the attendants bend over backwards to help town residents. That may be why we don't bring in enough revenue." Prices for recycling stickers renewed by mail will continue to be $30. Those purchased at Town Hall will be $35. Miller said of the approximate 5,500 households in Longmeadow, between 3,600 and 3,700 have recycling stickers. "I think the system is working," she said. "And as soon as the changes are made, the stickers will go on sale." "If this doesn't work, we'll work on it again," Haberman stated. One thing that will remain unchanged is the allowance of one extra bag or container of trash during the holidays. During the weeks of Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, residents will not be charged for one additional bag or container. "It's a good gesture to do it again this holiday," Haberman said. The practice was implemented last December as well. Miller added that many holiday items -- wrapping paper, cardboard, etc. -- can be recycled. |