A new leaf dump management plan set in motion after fire broke out in the compost piles last December has presented some challenges for residents trying to get used to the new drop-off procedures and requirements. But city recycling coordinator Molly Ettenborough advised the mayor and Board of Health this week that despite some minor frustrations on the part of residents getting used to new guidelines on how they can drop off their recycled grass clippings and yard brush, the new plan has created a nicer looking and more closely monitored leaf dump facility that will stay open, with the positive operations report, until Sept. 30, and until the end of the year if all continues to go well.
Temperature inside the stored piles of yard clippings has been monitored weekly, prompting removal of the material when temperatures exceed 130 degrees, to ensure there will be no opportunity for a repeat of the fire that broke out over the Christmas holiday. Residents living near the site have complained only once of a smell coming from the leaf dump, said Ettenborough, but those investigating the report did not determine the odors were coming from the facility. Ettenborough reported, also, that the city is moving ahead with readying a new site to house the city's leaf dump operations.
Ettenborough said the ultimate goal is to move operations from the current site closer to the landfill by year's end.
"Soil tests showed drainage class as 'well drained' and consistent with DEP recommendations and requirements, and are available for viewing in my office," wrote Ettenborough. "We are now waiting on wetlands delineation, being arranged by the Planning Office. We expect that to be completed in the next two weeks. Once that is completed and if it meets requirements and recommendation, a site plan will be developed. Once that is complete, we will share that with the BOH and mayor for approval to begin readying the new site."
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Want to bend the ear of your state senator about issues important to you? Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, will be conducting office hours in Newburyport on Friday from 10-11 a.m. at City Hall in the mayor's second-floor conference room. Baddour will hold office hours again on Friday, Aug. 19, from 10-11 a.m., and on Friday, Sept. 16, from 10-11 a.m. No appointments are required, and either Baddour or a member of his staff will be in attendance at the sessions. Those unable to attend who have an issue or concern to discuss with Baddour can call his office at 617-722-1604.
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Mayor Donna Holaday's office reported this week that Newburyport has received $60,998 in participation credits from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the city's insurance provider. Awarded for longevity with the MIIA program, the participation credits reflect an additional refund, which over the past year has also included a loss control grants program, MIIA Rewards credits, early payment credits, dividends and other discounts. A total $20.6 million has been returned to MIIA members throughout the state in fiscal year 2011, providing much needed financial relief during a continuing fiscally difficult environment.
In 2010, more than 4,000 municipal employees participated in more than 180 MIIA-sponsored no-cost loss prevention and risk management programs. The eight-year collective Rewards Program premium credit to the membership totals $12 million.
The MIIA loss control grants program is designed to encourage members to engage in loss prevention and risk management practices, particularly within departments of public works and with organizational development activities. MIIA members may apply for the loss control grants upon the recognition of need in these areas.
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Dolores and Rich Person of 19 Federal St. invite the public to attend a Rail, Pails, and Blazing Trails fundraiser for the Clipper City Rail Trail on Saturday from 5-10 p.m. The evening will feature an old-fashioned lobster clambake dinner, live music by Memorial Drive, a silent auction, a hula-hoop contest and a contest for the person best dressed in the 1960s fashion. Tickets to the event are $60, and can be reserved by calling Linda Brown at 617-909-2557, or by emailing her at linda.brown@raveis.com.
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the following meetings are scheduled this week and are open to the public:
Tuesday
Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
Wednesday
Planning Board, 7 p.m., Council Chambers
Newburyport Redevelopment Authority, 7 p.m., second-floor conference room/City Hall
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Lynne Hendricks covers Newburyport for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978-462-6666, ext. 3254, or at lhendricks@newburyportnews.com.
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