Adams Concerned Over Rising Sludge Removal Costs
ADAMS, Mass. — The town is looking for ways to cut its sludge budget because of rising removal costs.
The solids are leftover from the processing at the waste-water treatment plant.
Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco told the Selectmen on Wednesday that the town's sludge hauler has increased costs by 20 percent.
"It is a big part of the budget but we are going to review and look for other hauling companies but there is a very limited market for it," he said. "These are just some of these utility markets that are just hard to find vendors."
He said he is also working with engineers to see if it is possible to reduce the amounts of solids in the system.
Mazzucco said in the past they would just dump the solids in the landfill.
The board appointed Zachary Bantle to the vacant seat on the Conservation Commission. Bantle, who manages Burnett's Farm, wrote in a letter that he hopes to advocate for the farming community.
"I believe that I could be an excellent representative for the farmers in our community and I have the utmost respect for the land in our community and wish to help preserve the natural resources that have been bestowed upon us," Bantle wrote.
Selectman Joseph Nowak said it is good to get younger people involved in town government and felt Bantle has a lot to offer.
"He's an excellent person and I would recommend him," Nowak said. "I think he will bring a lot of common sense to the commission."
With the near completion of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail's Lime Street extension, Selectman John Duval asked if the town is prepared to handle the extra maintenance.
Mazzucco said the Department of Public Works may have to hire more seasonal help.
"It's tough when we are adding more to the DPW's plate but we are going to try to find some money in the budget to take care of it," he said. "It's a great asset and it is new and now is the time to start right off taking care of it."
He said the town may have to buy a golf cart type vehicle so DPW workers can more easily travel on the trail to pick up trash, clean up and prevent vandalism. Although the trail is wide enough for a car, a large vehicle should not be on the trail.
• Mazzucco said the town is working on a joint application with North Adams and Williamstown for state funds to create a shared dog pound facility. He said even if they do not receive the funds, the communities will still share those needs.
• More than 500 residents had participated in early voting as of Thursday afternoon. Mazzucco said this is 8 percent of registered voters. He added that 3 percent of registered voters also applied for absentee ballots, bringing the count to over 11 percent. Early voting at Town Hall ends on Friday.
• Selectman Jeffrey Snoonian urged residents to attend the last public meeting hosted by the University of Massachusetts' Collins Center to gain input from the public on the future of Adams-Cheshire Regional School District.
The meeting is Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Hoosac Valley High School cafeteria. This is the second of two meetings; the first was held Saturday.
"If you have any concerns or problems with the school and you want to fix them, [Thursday] night at 6 is the place to be," he said. "There is no other place but to jump in."
• Real estate and personal property taxes are due Nov. 7 and the winter parking band has gone into effect.
Tags: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, wastewater,
