Boost in Pittsfield recycling rate lauded

PITTSFIELD – Don Chute, the town’s recycling coordinator, praised the community and local businesses Tuesday night for boosting Pittsfield’s recycling rate from 50 percent to 73 percent, one of the highest rates in the state.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” Chute told the Town Council. “We’ve lowered the budget. We’ve showed results. It’s a win-win situation.”

Pittsfield adopted a significant series of recycling initiatives in early 2002 and of the list of 44 goals, 13 have been accomplished. The goals included increasing the efficiency of the overall solid waste and recycling programs. This was reflected in statistics released this week by the State Planning Office that showed it cost each Pittsfield resident $85.19 in taxes to get rid of their rubbish.

“The state average is $100,” said Chute.

Chute also credited the increase in wood waste, adding No. 1 plastics and compost to the list of recyclables for boosting Pittsfield’s rate.

“Our mandatory program is working and people are really participating,” he said.

In other business, the councilors gave the owners of 323 dogs a reprieve, bumping an ordinance until March 2 that would have set a late fee of $25 per dog for failure to license them. The list, which includes a police dog along with dogs owned by at least one town councilor, several deputy sheriffs and one of the town’s veterinarians, will be used by the town’s animal control officer to summon those whose dogs remain unlicensed.

Major, Midget, Pooka, Bear, Kirby and a host of other dogs were granted a stay, however, when town councilors tabled action on the dog warrant because of confusion around the late fee. They wanted a clearer definition from the Maine Municipal Association about whether the $25 late fee is applied in lieu of registration fees or in excess of them.

Councilor Debra Billings suggested that a lot of time and expense could be avoided by sending out postcards to all dog owners in December. They would be instructed to re-license their pets in January or notify the town if they no longer own the dog.

The councilors and Town Manager Kathryn Ruth agreed with the idea.

In other business, the council:

. Set a public hearing for March 2 on adding definitions and regulations for bed and breakfast businesses, an occupation previously left out of Pittsfield zoning ordinances, even though there have been several located in town.

. Set four other hearings for major refinements of the definition of modular homes, land use definitions and subdivisions, development performance standards, and the renewal of a liquor and amusement license for Simons Family Restaurant on Main Street.

. Appointed Fred Raines to the planning board.

. Authorized the town manager to seek bids to move a home on Library Street that is being offered free to anyone who will move it. The two-family, turn-of-the-century residence is in the way of a major public library addition.