Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee met on May 13, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., with Hannah LeGris presiding. The meeting covered two agenda items: an informational presentation on the Water Quality Management Fee Incentive Grant Program and an update from the Waste Contamination Reduction Workgroup, also presented for informational purposes. One vote was taken during the meeting, and no public comments were heard. Both items were informational in nature, meaning no formal action or approval was sought on either topic.

Attendance

The following members were present at the May 13, 2025 Committee meeting:

• Hannah LeGris
• Dave Sevigny
• James Brown
• Tyler Morton
• Emma Curtis
• Liz Sheehan
• Denise Gray
• Amy Beasley
• Hil Boone

Absent: Joseph Hale

No members were recorded as late. Nine of the ten members were in attendance.

Votes and Decisions

The committee held one formal vote during the May 13, 2025 meeting.

• Approval of the April 22, 2025 Committee Summary 3:06: A motion to approve the April 22, 2025 committee summary was made by Joseph Hale and seconded by Denise Gray. The motion passed by voice vote. As this was a voice vote, no individual ayes, nays, or abstentions were recorded.

Water Quality Management Fee Incentive Grant Program

3:38

Director Charles H. Martin presented an overview of the Water Quality Management Fee Incentive Grant Program, covering its history, funding structure, and current challenges.

The presentation was informational in nature, with Director Martin walking the Committee through key aspects of the program including:

• The program's historical background and how it was established
• The structure of how the program is funded through water quality management fees
• Challenges the program has encountered in its operation
• Details on grant cancellations that have occurred
• Opportunities identified for improving the program going forward

The item was received as an informational presentation, with no vote or formal action taken by the Committee.

Waste Contamination Reduction Workgroup Update

39:48

Director Antonio Baldon presented an update on the Waste Contamination Reduction Workgroup to the Committee. The presentation covered the workgroup's current findings on contamination rates in the waste stream, as well as the strategies being considered to address the problem.

Baldon's update emphasized two primary approaches to reducing contamination: education and enforcement. The presentation outlined the workgroup's view that both elements are necessary components of an effective contamination reduction strategy, with public education helping residents and businesses understand proper sorting and disposal practices, and enforcement mechanisms providing accountability for non-compliance.

The item was informational in nature, with no vote or formal action taken by the Committee. The update served to keep Committee members apprised of the workgroup's progress and direction as it continues its efforts to bring contamination rates down.