The Rochester Board of Selectmen agreed to release Simple Recycling from its payment obligations through September 1 during the board’s June 15, remote access meeting.
In her Town Administrator’s report, Suzanne Szyndlar told the selectmen that Simple Recycling, citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, told the town it will no longer be able to provide the monthly, per-pound payment to the municipalities it serves. The company, Szyndlar said, requested a release from its obligation to pay rebates from March, April, and May. Service and contract terms will stay intact otherwise, and Simple Recycling will provide monthly diversion collection totals.
Szyndlar estimated the effect to amount to a few hundred dollars a year in fees. “We receive recycling points offering this service, which equates more to grant funds for the town,” she said.
Selectman Woody Hartley asked if service would continue; Szyndlar confirmed that it will, after which Hartley asked if the company had a plan in place to communicate with Rochester once its financial crisis is brought under control. Szyndlar said no such indication was given regarding the future.
“There should be a deadline. There should be a ‘We’ll release you for six months, then we’ll come back to the table’” agreement, Town Counsel Blair Bailey said.
Szyndlar said she will relay that message to the company.
Vice Chairman Brad Morse made a motion that Rochester releases Simple Recycling from its financial obligations for six months to September 1, then revisits the matter, authorizing the company to hold payment through the six months. The board voted to approve.
The board also voted to lay out Forbes Road and Douglas Corner Road. As a direct abutter, Morse abstained from discussion and vote. Bailey instructed the meeting that the vote puts the recommendation onto the June 22 Town Meeting warrant; once Town Meeting votes to accept, the town would then proceed to deed for the street.
In her report, Szyndlar also discussed the June 22 Town Meeting and the plan to conduct a walk-through on June 16, noting the plan for seating 6 feet apart with the exception of immediate households. All attendees will enter through the main, front entrance of Rochester Memorial School and exit through other doors. Tables will be marked by the letter starting people’s last names (A-L and K-Z), and walking lanes will be marked. Face masks will be required except in the case of special needs.
Szyndlar also noted that, while Town Hall remains closed except by appointment, services are in full swing and a frequently asked questions list applying to all four town buildings (Town Hall, the Annex, Public Library, and Council on Aging) is available on the town’s website.
Building inspections and issuance of permits have not ceased, and none have been refused due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inspection procedures may alter for safety, but there is no delay in service.
Town Meeting will start at 7:00 pm on Monday, June 22, with doors opening at 6:00 pm to avoid a crowded entrance.
The town election was held on June 17 at the Council on Aging building.
Chairman Paul Ciaburri reported that a ceremony will be held for Rochester Memorial School graduates on Thursday, June 18, at noon. Hartley noted that the high school seniors will conduct a celebratory motorcade to the various elementary schools on Friday, June 19, meeting back at ORR.
David Arancio, a citizen and member of three boards, addressed the selectmen about concerns brought to his attention regarding public safety especially as it applies to compliance and dispatch operations with the Police Department. “If this is accurate, I want to start to work with my colleagues and members so (I can help) the town in coming up with a plan in regards to correcting those (issues),” he said.
Morse said that, regarding 9-1-1 usage, nothing was reported in the last two Board of Selectmen meetings. “Any time there is a discrepancy, we talk to the (Duxbury). According to the last two meetings we had, we’ve had no problems.”
Hartley said that Rochester most often works in conjunction with Bristol County House of Corrections and receives no charge for their service and that the same holds true when working in conjunction with the town of Marion.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was not announced.
Rochester Board of Selectmen
By Mick Colageo