Rising Sun appoints Susan Hemmer to zoning appeals board, extends trash contract for one year

The mayor and board of commissioners appointed Susan Hemmer to the Town of Rising Sun Board of Zoning Appeals and approved a one‑year extension of the town’s curbside trash contract with Waste Management Inc.

Town Administrator read Resolution 2022‑04 to fill one of two vacancies on the five‑member Board of Zoning Appeals, appointing Susan Hemmer to serve through June 30, 2023. The motion to approve was moved and seconded; the board voted by voice and the chair said the motion "passes." On behalf of the board, the chair thanked Hemmer "for volunteering her time to serve on our board of zoning appeals." (Appointment announced March 2022.)

On a separate resolution, staff recommended extending the town’s four‑year curbside trash contract with Waste Management for an additional one‑year term beginning July 1, 2022. Town Administrator said the contractor had cited sharply rising prices tied to fuel, labor and recycling markets and recommended a short extension rather than rebidding in a highly volatile market. The administrator reported a 43% increase in curbside trash costs—an increase from about $1.69 per week per trash can to $2.42—while recycling charges "basically stayed the same" at roughly $1.27 per week. A consultant advising the town said similar clients across the state were extending contracts short term because bids arriving during the current market were much higher and inconsistent.

A motion to approve the contract extension was moved and seconded; the board voted by voice, "Aye," and the chair said the motion "passes." No roll‑call vote or detailed tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

What happens next: The contract extension is authorized to start July 1, 2022. The town administrator said staff will continue to monitor prices and prepare for a longer‑term procurement over the following 12 months.