Framingham public meetings in 2024

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet to nominate a new vice chair and receive updates on the preferred vendor contract, which remains unsigned pending a state grant. They will also hear updates on grant applications, including the MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant and the USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program, and from working groups on schools, logistics, and promotion.

• Nomination for new Vice Chair
• Preferred vendor contract update – contract drafted but not signed
• MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant – no update; awaiting response
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program – decision expected in January
• Logistics working group discussing bin distribution, hot stamping, RFID chips, and welcome packets

The task force unanimously approved the minutes from the October 23 meeting. They elected Mike Croci as the new Vice Chair, also unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote. No other decisions were made; vendor contract and working‑group items remain pending.

• Approved minutes from 10/23/24 (unanimous)
• Elected Mike Croci as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will meet to discuss updates on a preferred vendor contract, grants from MassDEP and USDA, and progress on working groups including school composting programs. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comments.

• Approval of minutes from October 9, 2024 meeting
• Update on preferred vendor contract for composting services
• Updates on MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant
• Updates on USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program
• Working group updates: Schools, Logistics, Promotion

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force met to approve minutes, review a preferred vendor contract with BlackEarth, and discuss grant updates. Members recommended directing $3,600 in RDP funds to support school composting at Potter Road. The group also discussed forming working groups to handle program promotion, logistics, and school food waste diversion, which will determine future composting access and pricing for residents.

• Recommended $3,600 in RDP funds for school composting at Potter Road
• Update on preferred vendor contract with BlackEarth and potential 20% subscriber discount
• MassDEP wheeled organics cart grant expected in the next few weeks
• USDA composting grant letter of support submitted with Natick’s application
• Discussion on creating working groups for promotion, logistics, and school food waste diversion

The Composting Task Force approved the minutes from the September 25 meeting by unanimous vote. No substantive decisions were made; discussions covered school composting programs, grant updates, and potential reallocation of RDP funds to support Brophy’s composting, but no votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes from September 25, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will receive updates on the preferred vendor contract (only Black Earth Compost responded), a potential partnership with Natick for a USDA school composting grant, and the expansion of school composting programs. They will also discuss the city's annual report and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Preferred vendor contract: only Black Earth Compost responded; contract negotiations pending
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction grant: exploring partnership with Natick for a part-time school composting coordinator
• MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant: response expected in September
• School composting: Dunning Elementary program continuing at $3,600 per year; exploring expansion to other schools
• City's Annual Report submission due August 31

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will discuss updates on a preferred vendor contract and review progress on grant applications, including a MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant for up to 1,000 carts and a USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program grant due September 4. The group will also finalize the city's annual report, due August 31, which must include the task force's mission statement, membership list, and FY24 accomplishments.

• Update on preferred vendor contract status from procurement department
• MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant submitted for maximum 1,000 carts
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program grant has deadline September 4
• School composting updates and partnership with Energize Framingham
• City's annual report due August 31, requiring mission statement and accomplishments list

The task force voted unanimously to approve Leora Mallach reviewing and potentially signing a letter of support for a USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction grant partnership with Natick. The grant would fund a part-time school composting coordinator. The previous meeting minutes from June 24 were also approved unanimously.

• Approved minutes from June 24, 2024 (8-0)
• Approved Leora Mallach reviewing and possibly signing letter of support for USDA grant partnership with Natick (9-0)

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will discuss updates on a preferred vendor contract (RFP submitted to procurement), review progress on a MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant (submitted for 1,000 carts) and a USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program grant (deadline Sep 4), and receive updates on school composting including a partnership with Energize Framingham. They will also approve minutes from June 2024 and prepare the city's annual report due Aug 31.

• Update on preferred vendor contract (RFP submitted to procurement department)
• MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant update (submitted for maximum 1,000 carts)
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program grant (deadline September 4)
• School composting updates and partnership with Energize Framingham
• City's annual report submission (due August 31) including mission, members, FY24 accomplishments

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will discuss updates on a preferred vendor contract and grants, including a USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction grant with funding between $75,000 and $400,000. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear member prerogatives. No votes on the contract or grant are scheduled.

• Preferred vendor contract update: whether to require an RFP or three quotes
• MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant update: submitted by June 12 deadline
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction grant opportunity: $75,000–$400,000 federal funding
• Approval of minutes from June 5, 2024 meeting
• Member prerogatives include goal setting and public education on composting

The task force approved the minutes from the June 5, 2024 meeting with one amendment. Members received updates on a pending RFP for a preferred vendor and a submitted grant for wheeled organics carts. The group is seeking members to research a USDA Food Waste Reduction Program Grant.

• Approved June 5, 2024 minutes with amendment to add Mike T as present (Passed with 2 abstentions)
• Submitted RFP to Framingham procurement department for preferred vendor
• Submitted MassDEP Wheeled Organics cart grant for 1,000 carts

Composting Task Force

The task force will hear a presentation on the Dunning Elementary cafeteria composting pilot, which reduced daily trash from 8-15 bags to 2-4 bags. They will also discuss a preferred vendor contract for starter kits and prepare to submit a MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant application by June 12, aiming to serve 700 new subscribers. Additionally, they are considering how to allocate $17,450 in Recycling Dividends Program funds for school composting and starter kit programs.

• Presentation on Dunning Elementary composting program (pilot reduced waste, 95% student compliance)
• Preferred vendor contract update: first draft created, seeking examples of RFPs
• Wheeled Organics Cart Grant update: deadline June 12, plan to apply for 700 new subscribers
• Discussion of allocating $17,450 in RDP funds for school composting and starter kits
• Interest from McCarthy and Hemenway elementary schools to replicate Dunning's composting program

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet to discuss updates on a preferred vendor contract, possible allocation of $17,450 in RDP grant funds, and a wheeled organics cart grant due June 12. Members will also review the meeting schedule and hear member prerogatives.

• Preferred vendor contract update: waiting on procurement guidance
• DPW RDP grant funds: $17,450 balance remains, no current spending plan
• Wheeled Organics Cart Grant: $20 per cart, application due June 12
• Possible expansion of composting to additional schools
• Review of North Reading RFP as model for Framingham

The Composting Task Force discussed plans for a $17,450 Recycling Dividends Program grant, including a school composting program and a starter kit program. They also discussed applying for a MassDEP wheeled organics cart grant. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; only the previous meeting's minutes were approved.

• Approved minutes from April 24 meeting (motion by Aimee, seconded by Eve; 2 abstentions, all others yes)
• Discussed allocating $17,450 in RDP grant funds for organics waste programs (no formal vote)
• Discussed applying for MassDEP wheeled organics cart grant by June 12 (no formal vote)
• Discussed changing meeting schedule to 2nd and 4th Mondays starting mid-June (no formal vote)

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force voted unanimously to move forward with the procurement process to establish a preferred vendor for curbside composting. They discussed a potential $17,450 allocation from RDP grant funds, reviewed North Reading's similar RFP, and noted that a wheeled cart organics grant is not currently viable due to city funding requirements.

• Unanimous vote to begin bidding process for a preferred curbside composting vendor
• DPW update: $17,450 in RDP grant funds may not be available this fiscal year
• Reviewed North Reading's RFP for curbside residential organics collection
• Wheeled Organics Cart Grant deemed not viable due to required city funding for curbside collection
• Task force discussed city marketing guidelines, including no co-branding with private companies

The Composting Task Force approved the prior meeting's minutes by a vote of 7-0-1. No other votes were taken; the meeting consisted of updates and discussions on the preferred vendor contract, a draft RFP from North Reading, a wheeled organics cart grant, and potential use of RDP grant funds. The next meeting is scheduled for May 8.

• Approved meeting minutes (7-0-1)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force is meeting to discuss updates on messaging and outreach with the Public Information Officer, the status of a preferred vendor contract with BlackEarth Compost, and the allocation of Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) grant funds for a curbside composting pilot. They will also follow up on a meeting with the Mayor and review a budget recommendation that proposes a multifaceted food waste diversion program costing the city $200 net annually while saving up to $28,000 in tipping fees.

• Discussion with PIO Susan Petroni on composting messaging and outreach materials
• Update on preferred vendor contract for BlackEarth Compost (contract writing, insurance verification)
• Update on DPW allocation of RDP grant funds for curbside composting pilot (700 households, $23,072–$25,200 for starter kits, $14,000 grant)
• Review of budget recommendation to Mayor requesting preferred vendor approval, use of RDP funds, and Wheeled Organics Cart grant application
• Discussion of school cafeteria composting expansion and backyard composting promotion

The task force approved moving forward with a procurement process to establish a Preferred Vendor for curbside composting, passing the motion unanimously. The meeting minutes were approved with one abstention. The next meeting was scheduled for April 24, both in person and via Zoom. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (1 abstention by Janet)
• Approved Preferred Vendor procurement for curbside composting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for April 24 (in person and Zoom)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will discuss and likely finalize a letter to the mayor recommending a multifaceted compost access program. The proposal includes a $200 request for translation services and projects up to $28,000 in annual savings. Members will also hear updates on a preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost and progress from working groups on grants, branding, and community outreach.

• Letter to mayor recommending residential compost access budget with $200 for translation services and projected $28,000 annual savings
• Update on preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost for curbside collection
• Working group progress on grant research, city campaign branding, and education/community outreach
• Approval of minutes from March 6, 2024 meeting
• Discussion of pilot program for 700 households with starter kits funded by Recycling Dividends Program funds

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will hear a presentation from Needham's recycling superintendent, discuss a preferred vendor contract for curbside composting, and finalize a letter to the mayor recommending a multifaceted waste-diversion approach. The letter requests expedited approval of Black Earth Compost as preferred vendor and use of Recycling Dividends Program funds for pilot programs.

• Letter to Mayor Sisitsky recommending Black Earth Compost as preferred vendor for curbside collection
• Proposed $23,072–$25,200 pilot program for 700 starter kits using existing Recycling Dividends Program funds
• Estimated $21,528 annual savings in tipping fees from diverting food waste from 700 households
• Request to apply for MassDEP Wheeled Organics Cart grant ($14,000 reimbursement)
• Expansion of school cafeteria composting: Dunning Elementary pilot costs $3,108 per school year

The Framingham Composting Task Force approved a letter to the Mayor recommending residential compost access with a budget outline, pending addition of task member names. They also approved a task force page for the city website, pending addition of an Executive Order link. Minutes were approved unanimously. Working Groups were tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Composting Task Force page for City Website (unanimous, pending addition of Executive Order link)
• Approved Letter to Mayor: Residential Compost Access Recommendation With Budget Outline (unanimous, pending addition of Task Members names)
• Tabled Working Groups for next meeting

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will hear updates on finalizing a preferred vendor contract for curbside composting with Black Earth and approve previous meeting minutes. Working groups on grant research, city branding, and community outreach will report their progress. Members will also discuss a $90,468 price quote from Orbis Corporation for composting bins and how to use a $55,000 recycling dividends grant.

• Update on preferred vendor contract with Black Earth for curbside composting
• Working groups report on grant research, city branding, and community outreach
• Discussion of $90,468 quote from Orbis for 3,528 composting bins
• Task force considers using $55,000 recycling dividends grant toward bins
• March 6 presentation by Needham's recycling superintendent on composting efforts

The Composting Task Force discussed the preferred vendor for curbside composting, noting uncertainty in the procurement process. The group formed working groups for education, outreach, and grant research, and discussed potential funding sources. No final decisions were made regarding the vendor or budget.

• Minutes approved (8 yes, 2 abstentions)
• Task force to meet before next meeting
• Grant research expanded per Mayor's State of the City address
• Eve to send sample contract from BlackEarth to Bob
• Eve to provide quote for Orbis carts
• Leora to provide clarity on working group missions
• Next meeting set for March 6
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will hear a DPW update on selecting a preferred vendor for curbside composting in Framingham. They will also vote on draft website content and establish working groups focused on grants, branding, and community outreach. The meeting includes public participation and approval of prior minutes.

• Update by DPW on preferred vendor for curbside composting (Black Earth Compost discussed in prior minutes)
• Approval of draft website content for composting program
• Establishment of working groups: grant research, city campaign branding, and educational/community outreach
• Discussion of revising meeting schedule and working group meetings
• Presentation on how to have items added to the agenda

The Composting Task Force discussed the preferred vendor status for Black Earth Compost and formed working groups to handle outreach, grants, and social media. The group decided to postpone the approval of website content and did not approve a specific budget for bins.

• Minutes approved unanimously
• Website content draft tabled for next meeting
• Working groups formed for outreach, grants, and social media
• Leora Mallach to approach Meghan Todd about grant writing
• Leora Mallach to finalize working groups and assign tasks
• Next meeting set for Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 PM