Marlborough board tables review of $108,621 DEEP SMM grant and WasteZero pay-for-bag program

Peter Hughes, Marlborough’s director of planning and development, briefed the Board of Selectmen on a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) grant valued at $108,621 and the town’s planned use of WasteZero as a program consultant.

Hughes told the board the grant and consultant program are structured in three phases; one-third of the grant is released as each phase is implemented. Board members asked how the pay-for-bag model would affect residents once grant funds are expended and whether the program would reduce property taxes. Hughes agreed to provide the BOS with a copy of the SMM grant application for further review.

Several members of the public urged caution. Peggy Golfin asked for timelines for two major projects and their tax implications; residents including Deb Bourbeau, Hal Whitney and Beth Lander Morris asked questions specifically about the proposed WasteZero bag fees and program design. Ken Hjulstrom, identified during the meeting as a Board of Finance member speaking as an individual, questioned the program’s effects and where compost and trash would be transported; Dave Porteous also raised questions about tax revenue related to new construction projects.

After discussion about ongoing costs and fiscal effects, Chair Susan McFarland moved to table consideration of the SMM grant and the WasteZero engagement until the board’s Feb. 3 meeting to allow the BOS and staff to review financial details. The motion carried.