Drew Pettis

The Committee reviewed and discussed edits for several district policies. This included the Executive Board Policy, focusing on authority for hiring and evaluation of the District Manager, as well as adjustments to purchasing categories, spending limits, and bid process rules. The Purchasing Policy was reviewed with agreed-upon changes regarding the removal of aggregate purchase references, reorganization of purchase categories, increased spending limits, and the inclusion of criteria for environmentally preferred purchasing. Additionally, the Committee initiated a review of the Policy of the Board of Supervisors Implementing the District Waste Management Ordinance, discussing revisions to definitions, inspection form procedures, and licensing fee structures.

The Board of Supervisors discussed various administrative and operational items, including the nomination and election of officers and executive board members, as well as the appointment of a treasurer and clerk. The meeting covered board member roles, conflict of interest policies, and ethical conduct. Financial reports for February 2026 were presented, along with updates on the single-stream recycling program and the 2025 financial statement audit. Several policies were reviewed and approved, including an executive board policy and a purchasing policy. Additionally, the Board established a meeting schedule for 2026-2027 and approved the district's legal representation. Progress updates were provided for the New Haven regional residential transfer station and the hazardous waste building project, alongside reports on community programs, recycling initiatives, and the status of district operations.

The committee conducted a comprehensive review and revision of the Executive Board Policy and the Purchasing Policy. Edits to the Executive Board Policy addressed structural composition, authorization of invoice payments, financial oversight responsibilities, and personnel evaluation processes. The Purchasing Policy revisions focused on formalizing bid processes for major purchases, refining definitions for minor purchases, and establishing preferences for local bidders and environmentally conscious procurement practices.

The board discussed manager reports covering personnel, health and safety, and legislative updates regarding recycling market trends and solid waste legislation. Financial reports for January 2026 were presented alongside details regarding the upcoming CY2025 financial statement audit. New business included updates on the New Haven Regional Residential Transfer Station and the hazardous waste facility project, as well as the establishment of a nominating committee for future board elections. Additionally, the board decided to cancel an upcoming meeting of the Board of Supervisors, discussed potential fee waivers for local towns, and approved the payment of monthly invoices.

The Board of Supervisors meeting included the approval of the agenda and a public comment period. Financial reports for December 2025 were presented, detailing general fund performance, tonnage statistics for MSW & C&D, transaction volumes, and details on tire and food waste hauling. An update was provided regarding the resolution of a necessary FICA tax correction concerning ER contributions to the Governmental 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan for calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025. A public hearing was held concerning a minor amendment to the 2025 Solid Waste Implementation Plan (SWIP) to upgrade the Town of Lincoln Transfer Station and Recycling Center to a full-certification facility, which was subsequently adopted. New business items involved approving price quotes for the purchase of a new compact wheel loader and a quick attach salt/sand spreader for the loader. The Board also approved a three-year contract with New England Quality Services, dba Earth Waste and Metal (EWM), for scrap metal recycling services. The District Manager reported on various regulatory updates from the VT DEC concerning Hazardous Waste Management, Solid Waste Rules, Bottle Bill EPR program revisions, and waste tire management. The Programs Report covered exploration of alternative vendors for book recycling, the transition in the battery EPR program to the "OneDrum" system under The Battery Network, updates on the E-Waste and pesticide disposal grants, tours of waste processing facilities, and the application for SWIP grant funding.