The new automated curbside trash and recycling program slated for January of 2015 has been pushed back until Friday, February 6, 2015 due to delays in the delivery of contractor vehicles, Rochester Town Administrator Michael McCue told the Rochester Board of Selectmen on December 1.
According to McCue, ABC Disposal, Inc. will deliver the new trash and recycling carts to residents in mid-January before the new program starts in February.
“However, these new carts should not be put out for collection until the February 6 start date,” stated McCue in a follow-up email. “Carts put out before that date will not be collected.”
For now, residents should continue to place recycling bins in the usual manner until the start of the new program.
During the December 1 meeting, Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon asked selectmen to approve the use of $1,800 from the Conservation Department’s Notice of Intent account to cover the cost of upgrading the Conservation Commission’s website. The board approved Farinon’s request.
Rochester Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson, Planning Board member Ben Bailey, and Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Richard Cutler informed selectmen of their intent to compile a more cohesive codification of the Town’s zoning and general bylaws.
“In the end,” said McCue in a follow-up interview, “everyone agreed to get some quotes and look into hiring a consultant to help put the bylaws together into something decent.”
In other sad news, Rochester’s oldest resident Ralph Walker passed away at the age of 100, and now the Boston Post cane that Walker had in his possession has been returned to Town Hall. Selectman and Town Clerk Naida Parker will be researching to find the next oldest resident in Rochester to present him or her with the Boston Post cane.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for December 15 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
By Jean Perry
