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After months of debate, the North Beach Town Council finally made a decision Thursday, July 12 about how to proceed ramping up residential recycling in the bayside community. The North Beach Town Council voted unanimously to purchase 200 32-gallon recycling bins from Otto Environmental Systems. The cost of the purchase is $8,640, with the money coming from the municipality’s rainy day fund. That’s a far cry from the original strategy that called for the town to purchase 650 35-gallon tote containers and 300 18-gallon bins at a total cost of $65,000. The council also approved spending $960 for container lids.

A motion by Councilmember Gregory McNeill to levy a $15 “offsetting fee” for the bins failed to receive a second and died without a vote.

“This is a new and exciting time with the adoption of this recycling plan,” said Councilmember Gwen Schiada, who chairs the town’s Environmental Committee. That panel surveyed town residents and found there was support for expanding North Beach’s recycling program.

McNeill noted that a majority of residents who filled out the survey indicated they would be willing to pay a nominal fee for the recycling bin. “I’m disappointed my motion didn’t get seconded,” said McNeill.

Councilmember Mike Benton, who had opposed purchasing bins as a strategy for ramping up recycling, expressed home that the strategy would yield lower tipping fees for the town.

North Beach residents will be able to recycle glass, metal/aluminum, seven different types of plastic, paper and cardboard. The items may be comingled in the bin. Some of the items that will not be accepted for recycling include ceramics, flower pots, light bulbs, drinking glasses, paint cans, silverware, empty antifreeze and motor oil containers, bubble wrap, pizza boxes and wrapping paper.

Ordinance Amended

The council voted unanimously to amend a town ordinance regarding dangerous dogs. The ordinance had previously banned pit bulls in North Beach. The revised measure prohibits “dangerous animals.”

The change is more in line with Calvert County’s Animal Control Ordinance, which includes statutes regarding ownership of “dangerous animals.” North Beach is served by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, which includes an Animal Control unit. While county officials refused to enforce the town’s ban on pit bulls,North Beach Town Attorney John Shay said he has been assured by Calvert’s County Attorney John Norris that sheriff’s department employees “will cooperate” in the enforcement of North Beach’s revised ordinance.

In Other Meeting Highlights

Lee Travers was appointed to the North Beach Planning Commission. Travers was sworn in after the town council approved the appointment.

The town council voted unanimously to adopt a zoning ordinance to repeal most of the onsite parking requirements for the town’s commercial establishments.

In response to citizens’ concerns, Mayor Mark Frazer announced the town’s Chesapeake Bay jellyfish net would be put up next year on June 15. The net allows beachgoers a chance to swim without having to worry about getting stung.

Frazer announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony would take place Tuesday, July 24 at the Boys and Girls Club building to commemorate the inclusion of Calvert County Division of Parks and Recreation programs at the facility.

Town Engineer John Hofmann outlined five wetland restoration projects in the north end of town that have been proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The estimated cost is $3.47 million. Frazer reported the projects have been 13 years in the making.

Goins Gone

Frazer announced that Code Enforcement Officer Paul Goins has submitted his resignation. The mayor said Goins has moved to the Eastern Shore. “Paul has raised the bar,” said the mayor in praise of Goin’s work during his short tenure. Town Clerk Stacy Wilkerson is temporarily handling the code enforcement responsibilities.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com