Ricardo Morales, pictured nearby, the Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Pittsfield joined us to discuss the city's new trash disposal plan. Morales, the former city engineer, will join us again to discuss other initiatives in his department, his presentation last week concerned the controversial new totter plan.  Morales embarked on a plan to reduce the amount of solid waste and associated costs for the city. The aim, in part, is to encourage more recycling in the city. His department estimates residents only recycle 9% of possible recyclable items, the goal is to raise this percentage considerably. Recycling costs the city about $40 / ton (net after profit split with the provider) compared to "trash" which is $122 / ton. The city will provide each homeowner a 48 gallon trash tote and a similar sized container for recycling. Residents may obtain a free second recycling tote but will have to pay $40 / quarter for an additional trash tote. The totes themselves will begin rolling out very soon - please consult the city's website for more information: https://www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/public_services/trash_and_recyclables.php Morales has previously stated that the average household discards 96 gallons of trash per week. The new plan only allows for 1/2 that volume - 48 gallons - for no additional fees. Some have argued for larger totes (64 or 96 gallon) but others wanted even less. The city states this plan is a "compromise." Morales mentioned the potential for a composting plan coming our way too. In other other trashy news, the transfer station in Allendale will reopen soon. This facility, only open to Pittsfield residents, will offer a "season pass" which provides access to the facility for $120 / year. Some items such as yard waste and certain recyclables like metals can be dropped off for no additional fees. Other items will be accepted but will come with fairly significant fees. The new tote system will cut costs to the city in part due to the reduced volume of trash and as the service provide Casella will be trimming 2/3 of their payroll under this arrangement.

One of Rotary's main areas of focus is preventing disease. Our Polio Plus initiative has vaccinated over 2.5 billion children. The battle against this dreaded disease continues and we are so close to reaching our goal. World Polio Day is October 24th and it is my hope that all our district Rotarians will consider donating to this effort. Our golf tournament is scheduled for October 21 and our district Polio chair Presad Menon has asked us to considered a portion of the proceeds to be earmarked to Polio. The committee has decided to support this effort by earmarking a portion of the proceeds to polio as well as supporting our district grant program.

Guest of Honor: Last week we were joined by Brandon Vallone, guest of Christian Bianchi

 

Sink of Swim?: Sparks Tower is eagerly awaiting the Josh Billings stories as Team Rotary appeared to have bit of a rivalry with Team Hassett Pipers

 

Cocktails Anyone?: As President Tom noted in last weeks meeting, please make your best effort to attend the 3rd Thursday social events. The Club spends a few bucks each time for snacks and we are sure the venue could use the sales... and of course it looks good on the Club if there's a good showing.

Jim Bronson 11/14

3rd Thursday Social 11/21

Thanksgiving 11/28

Mark Busch 12/05

Erin Carlotto 12/12

3rd Thursday Social 12/19

Holiday Week 12/26

Gwen Davis 01/02

 

 

Please make sure if you are to be absent from your assigned invocation date that you secure a replacement or let President Tom know of your absence.

No birthdays this week but we do celebrate the anniversary of Brooks Sherman - 9 years (11.12.15)  

 

With 33 cards in the deck and no lucky winner last week, the pot is at $541.00!  You have to play to win so bring your cash!