"The inspections went well, very well actually some of the towns that had some issues last year, they were really impressed by the progress they made," Program Coordinator Linda Cernik reported. "They were happy. There were small infractions but nothing major."
Although there was no quorum last Thursday, Cernik still updated the commissioners who were present on the late October inspections conducted by a third party hired by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
She will share the full report with all the district members.
The waste district covers transfer stations in Adams, Cheshire, Florida, Hancock, Hinsdale, Monroe, Peru, Savoy, Williamstown and Windsor and recycling drop-offs in Lanesborough and New Ashford.
While the transfer stations passed state inspection, they will have to become compliant with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
"That is new and it is coming and I am sure we are going to hear more," Cernik said. "I will tell you more when I know more."
In other business, Cernik said the district will order Earth Machine composters for interested residents.
"We are not in it to make money … and it is a great way to highlight earth day," she said.
The units hold 80 gallons and cost $43. She said they are off the state bid so can be purchased cheaper.
The district will soon advertise the program throughout the region, so residents can register.
Cernik said she also plans to order a 20-yard container for the towns to share. The unit will store plastic and glass.
It will cost $7,277 off the state bid and each town will kick in $500.
"So that is the rate that is the state contract, so I will be ordering it," she said. "We will order that and then invoices will be going to the towns."
Cernik said the district also has begun overhauling its website.
"We are going to do a whole revamp on it and it should be really nice when it is done," she said. "It will take a little time, but it will be done so I am happy."
The commission will review the new website before it goes live.
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Greylock Glen Outdoor Center 90% Complete
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The Greylock Glen Outdoor Center is about 90 percent finished with an anticipated completion date in August.
Matthew Sturz of owner's project manager Colliers International updated the Selectmen on the project's progress via Zoom on Wednesday.
"We'll work with the town to determine exactly the logistics of that," he said in response to questions about the opening. "I think that there's certainly interest in getting the facility open as soon as it can open. But we do need to conclude the construction activities ... it's not federally advisable to have construction activity going on with the public."
The completion will depend on getting a certificate of occupancy for the 10,000-square foot facility.
The $8.3 million project is running eight months behind the expected schedule, Sturz said, largely because of permitting with the state Department of Environmental Protection that required an extensive environmental review of endangered species, working with National Grid to determine how solar will be integrated into the project, and the need for a water system for both potable water and fire suppression.
"Transformers and all manner of electrical switchgear is being significantly impacted by supply chain issues throughout the construction industry," said Sturz. "So coordinating those items up front took a little bit longer than anticipated."
A 350,000-gallon water tank is being constructed on the grounds to provide water with completion expected by July or August.
Michael Wynn, who was selected in January to run the center, submitted a level operating budget of $57,500 but said he could pull funding from different lines to ensure there was money for advertising this fall.
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The Selectmen on Wednesday night voted to award the bid to Mackin Construction Co. Inc. of Greenfield, which plans to invest $11 million to build out 20 or more one- and two-bedroom apartments in the three-story classroom wing that parallels Columbia Street.
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The Selectmen two weeks ago had requested the utility appear before the board after receiving numerous complaints over flickering lights, including in Town Hall.
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Taylor Garabedian scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Abby Scialabba scored 16 points for the ‘Canes, who got 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists from Ashlyn Lesure. click for more
On Saturday afternoon at Lowell’s Tsongas Center, the Hurricanes will take aim at Division 5 State Championships in girls and boys basketball. click for more