Pittsfield explains recycling rates

PITTSFIELD – Selectmen from Plymouth and Solon attended Tuesday night’s Pittsfield council meeting to learn more about a new rate schedule for those towns using Pittsfield’s recycling facility. Representatives from all 11 area towns were invited to the meeting, where councilors approved the new rates.

Calling the system a fair and equitable arrangement, Solon Selectman Bruce Hill complimented the town for “offering a great service for Solon” and singled out solid waste director Don Chute, praising him for “all the personal assistance with recycling issues.”

Under the new schedule, Pittsfield’s share would be $15,270 annually. Other shares range from a low of $390 for Harmony to $3,180 for Albion.

The projected cost of running the center is $88,985. After deducting the $15,600 cost of Pittsfield’s curbside pickup program and estimated revenues of $43,000, the total needed to be raised through the fees is $30,385. For years, the town of Pittsfield has absorbed the costs for the other towns. The council identified creating the fairer system as a priority last year, part of a 44-point overhaul of the solid waste and recycling programs.

The council also approved the purchase of a $92,025 waste transporter from Whited Ford. The new vehicle will be funded through $81,000 from a reserve fund and $11,025 from unappropriated surplus. Town Manager Kathy Ruth said when the current transporter is sold in April, it should garner about $15,000 to offset some of the cost.

Councilors also appointed seven members to the new Economic Development Committee: Debra Burgess, K.C. Comfort, former councilor Thomas Cote, Barbara Golder, Bayford Lancaster, Michael Hodgins, and former Mayor Gary Jordan, selected as chairman.

The council also approved the placement of a permanent sign at the Pittsfield Community Theater that recognizes the town-owned theater’s 25th anniversary. The plaque is being donated by former theater owner Glen Wheaton.

Councilors also voted to put the Quonset hut at 17 Middle St. out to bid as tax-acquired property on March 17. Ruth noted that the building was commercial property in a good location. It is valued at $39,900 and the outstanding taxes are $2,500. The Fire Department has expressed a desire to create a storage area, possibly a museum, for its antique 1936 Seagraves ladder truck, but the council opted to go forward with the sale. If the property does not attract bidders, Mayor Charles Cianchette said, “We’ll look at it again.”

Also at the meeting, the council recognized former Mayor Gary Jordan for his years of service, congratulated police Officer Marty Cochran on his graduation from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and met a new officer, Michael Cote, who will resurrect the town’s Drug and Alcohol Resistance Program in the school system this week.