Framingham public meetings in 2025

Mayoral Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will hold a public meeting with Mayor Sisitsky to discuss the city's composting program. They will also review updates on the Free Cart Program, hear reports from the Schools and Promotion working groups, and discuss a letter on the future of the task force (CTF into the future).

• Discussion with Mayor Sisitsky on composting program
• Free Cart Program update (sign-ups and pick-ups reported in prior meetings)
• Working group updates: Schools and Promotion
• Review of 'CTF into the future' letter outlining recommendations
• Closing celebration scheduled for December 13 Family Breakfast

The Composting Task Force voted 10-0 to approve a letter of recommendations to the mayor, suggesting creation of a solid waste advisory committee or task force to continue the city's composting work. The task force also discussed the free cart program, reporting 117 new sign-ups and an increase to over 540 subscribers—a 20% growth. Mayor Sisitsky offered to send a press release supporting the program. Minutes from three previous meetings were approved, and the chair was authorized to finalize meeting minutes.

• Approved letter of recommendations with language 'Solid Waste Advisory Committee or Task Force' (10-0-0)
• Approved minutes from November 12, October 22, and September 10 meetings (10-0-1, Janet abstained)
• Authorized chair to approve final meeting minutes before sharing with city clerk (Janet abstained, all others yes)
• Adjourned meeting (10-0-0)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will hear updates on the free cart program and working groups, and discuss a letter to the Mayor that summarizes accomplishments and recommends next steps as the task force prepares to disband. The letter highlights a signed contract with Black Earth Compost, a $22,000 state grant for 924 bins, and expansion of school composting at Brophy and Potter Road schools.

• Update on free curbside bin pilot program launched August 2025 with Black Earth Compost
• Working group progress on school composting and promotional efforts
• Letter to Mayor Sisitsky recommending continued bin subsidies and school cafeteria composting expansion
• Completed procurement and contract with Black Earth Compost as preferred vendor for residential curbside collection
• $22,000 Massachusetts DEP grant used to purchase 924 wheeled carts

The Composting Task Force met to review updates on the free cart program, working group activities, and a draft recommendation letter. No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting was focused on discussion and planning.

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet remotely on October 22, 2025, to discuss the free cart program update, school composting rollouts at Brophy and Potter Road, and promotion efforts. They will also consider how to sustain the composting conversation long-term. The meeting includes public participation and approval of previous minutes.

• Free Cart Program Update (99 signups, 94 pickups as of Oct 8)
• Brophy School composting rollout in mid-October
• Potter Road School composting rollout in mid-October
• Promotion updates: Spilka 55+ fair on 10/18, equity in outreach
• Discussion on supporting the Compost Conversation into the future

The Composting Task Force approved the minutes from the October 8 meeting, with Darren abstaining and all other members voting in favor. The board also formed a subcommittee of Diana, Mike T, and Leora to develop a compost‑program sign design. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved October 8 meeting minutes (motion by Diana, seconded by Erin; Darren abstained)
• Formed subcommittee (Diana, Mike T, Leora) to create compost‑program sign design
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (motion by Diana, seconded by Mike T)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will approve minutes, receive an update on the Free Cart Program (93 new subscribers), hear school composting rollouts at Brophy and Potter Road in mid-October, discuss promotion events (Find Your People Fair, Framingham Day, Spilka 55+ fair), and consider long-term sustainability of composting programs including use of RDP funds.

• Free Cart Program update: 93 new subscribers since launch
• School composting rollouts: Brophy and Potter Road in mid-October
• Promotion events: Find Your People Fair, Framingham Day, Spilka 55+ fair on 10/18
• Discussion on supporting Compost Conversation into the future, including RDP funds and school budgets
• Consideration of a recommendations letter for sustaining composting efforts

The Composting Task Force approved the September 24 meeting minutes unanimously. The group discussed updates on school rollouts, community promotion events, and the need for multilingual outreach materials.

• Approved September 24 meeting minutes unanimously
• Task force to send thoughts to Aimee for second draft of future compost conversation
• Heather to attend Why Not Devin Race and Rotary Club Holiday Craft Fair
• Diana to put out bin and flyers at Access Film Festival
• Aimee to put out bin and flyers at Energize Framingham’s Candidate’s Climate Forum
• Members will hang flyers at Andina Cafe, Saxonville Cafe, B. Sisters, YMCA, Stop & Shop, CRT, and Loring Arena
• Bob to receive materials for team to review regarding signal box wrap and truck billboards
• Mike C to review list of organizations and places of worship for promotion

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet to receive updates on the Free Cart Program and working group activities, including school curriculum outreach and community events. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is primarily informational and procedural.

• Free Cart Program update
• Curriculum night at Brophy School on September 29
• Find Your People Fair promotion
• Framingham Day participation
• Spilka 55+ fair on October 18

The Composting Task Force reported 93 new subscribers and agreed to place bins and flyers at the upcoming drop‑off day. Members will investigate a pumpkin‑smash event with Black Earth and pursue promotion activities at local fairs. Several members committed to school outreach and drafting sustainability suggestions. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Place compost bins and flyers at drop‑off day (Darren)
• Investigate pumpkin smash event with Black Earth (Darren)
• Mike C to resume promotion work in coming weeks
• Mike C to bring bin and flyers to Find Your People Fair
• Leora to attend Curriculum Night to share program information
• Aimee to draft program‑sustainability suggestions and school summary for DPW
• Lincoln to consider including program funding in future city budgets

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will review the FY2024 annual report covering a $22,000 grant, 924 bins purchased, and the launch of a free curbside cart pilot. Members will also get an update on sign-ups and discuss how to sustain composting efforts after the task force disbands in December 2025.

• Free Cart Program rollout update – pilot launched, 2 signups so far
• Annual Report FY2024 highlights: $22,000 state grant, 924 bins, and curbside collection pilot
• Schools working group prepares for Brophy curriculum night on September 29
• Promotion working group tabling at Find Your People Fair, Framingham Day, and Farmer's Markets
• Discussion on supporting composting beyond the task force's end

The Framingham Composting Task Force unanimously approved minutes from August 13, 2025. No other formal votes were taken; the meeting consisted of updates on the Free Cart Program (75 sign-ups, 60 deployed), working group reports (schools, logistics, promotion), and preliminary planning for recommendations after the task force disbands in December.

• Approved minutes from August 13, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will review the annual report for fiscal year 2024, receive an update on the free cart program rollout, and discuss a community composting mini grant. Working groups covering schools, logistics, and promotion will report on their progress. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and scheduling future sessions.

• Annual report for fiscal year 2024 review
• Free Cart Program rollout update – cart arrival and timeline
• Community Composting Mini Grant discussion
• Working group updates: schools, logistics, promotion
• Potential meeting dates: August 27 and September 10

The Composting Task Force launched the Free Cart Program, with two residents signed up and materials ready at the recycling center. Minutes from June and July were approved, and a motion to waive provision 20221-048-001 passed unanimously. The task force also decided not to apply for a Community Composting Mini Grant and set the next meeting for September 10.

• Approved minutes from June 11, 2025 (1 abstention)
• Approved minutes from July 9, 2025 (1 abstention)
• Launched Free Cart Program for curbside composting
• Voted to waive provision 20221-048-001 (unanimous)
• Decided not to apply for Community Composting Mini Grant
• Set next meeting for September 10, 2025 (Zoom only)
• Confirmed task force will disband at end of December 2025

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will hear an update on the free curbside bin program rollout, discuss two grant opportunities—a community composting mini grant and a state waste reduction innovation grant—and approve minutes from the June 11 meeting. Working groups on schools, logistics, and promotion will also report.

• Update on Free Cart Program rollout; bins expected before August 2025
• Discussion of Community Composting Mini Grant (ILSR)
• Review of Waste Reduction Innovation Grant (Mass.gov)
• Working group updates: Schools, Logistics, Promotion
• Schedule for upcoming meetings: July 23, August 13, August 27, September 10, September 24

The Composting Task Force recommended allocating RDP funds for pilot programs at two schools and for the purchase of compostable bags. The group also discussed the rollout of a free cart program and volunteer needs for school-based composting.

• Recommended transferring up to $7,200 in RDP funds for composting programs at Potter Rd and Brophy (unanimous)
• Recommended using up to $8,000 of RDP funds to purchase compostable bags for starter kits (approved; Mike T voted no)
• Approved minutes from 5/28/25 meeting (unanimous)

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet to receive an update on the Free Cart Program rollout, including cart arrival and voucher process. They will also discuss allocation of approximately $62,000 in RDP funds for school pilot programs and starter kit bags. Working groups will report on schools, logistics, and promotion efforts. The agenda includes setting a date for a presentation to the City Council.

• Free Cart Program rollout update – carts ordered, expected arrival in June, voucher process with Black Earth
• RDP funds discussion – $62,000 available; DPW supports funding two school pilot programs and starter kit bags
• Working group updates: Schools (Aimee, Lincoln, Willie, Janet), Logistics (Diana, Darren, Erin, Mike T), Promotion (Mike C, Leora, Heather, Evelyn)
• City Council Presentation Date – postponed, possibly rescheduled to August
• Mayor’s task force mentioned in welcome packet; translation and city seal pending

The Composting Task Force approved two funding recommendations from RDP funds: $7,200 for composting programs at Potter Road and Brophy elementary schools, and $8,000 for compostable bags for free starter kits. Both motions passed, with the bag funding receiving one dissenting vote. The group also approved prior meeting minutes and noted their City Council presentation was rescheduled to August 19.

• Approved $7,200 in RDP funds for composting programs at Potter Road and Brophy schools (unanimous)
• Approved $8,000 in RDP funds for compostable bags for free starter kits (8-1; Mike T voted no)
• Approved minutes from May 28, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Composting Task Force

The task force will receive an update on the Free Cart Program roll-out, discuss two MassDEP grants (Wheeled Organics Cart Grant and Waste Reduction Innovation Grant due July 15), and hear from working groups on schools, logistics, and promotion. Members will also discuss RDP funds and a City Council presentation date.

• Free Cart Program Roll Out Update
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant
• Mass DEP Waste Reduction Innovation Grant (due July 15, 2025)
• RDP funds discussion (balance $62,739.97 from previous minutes)
• Working group updates: schools, logistics, promotion

The Task Force approved the May 14 meeting minutes with one correction. Members discussed the rollout of a free cart program and the use of $62,000 in RDP funds for school pilot programs and starter kit bags.

• Approved May 14 minutes with one correction (all yes, 1 abstention)
• Confirmed free composting carts are ordered for June arrival
• Maintained August 1, 2025 rollout date for promotion

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will hear updates on the preferred vendor contract and Mass DEP cart grant, approve meeting minutes, and receive working group reports on school expansion and outreach materials. The group is preparing a presentation to the City Council and finalizing details for a starter kit program that provides 924 wheeled carts to new subscribers.

• Approve minutes from April 9, 2025 meeting
• Update on preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant for 924 carts
• Working group reports: schools (Potter Road expansion), logistics (welcome packet), promotion (text approval)
• Preparation for City Council presentation on June 3

The task force unanimously approved the minutes from the April 9 meeting. It confirmed that the preferred vendor contract for the compost cart program is approved and in place. A purchase order for 924 carts with lid locks and labels was received and the vendor will provide an ETA. The next meeting was set for May 28 and will be held via Zoom only.

• Approved minutes from 4/9/25 (unanimous)
• Approved preferred vendor contract (no vote recorded)
• Received PO for 924 carts with lid locks and labels
• Set next meeting for May 28, Zoom‑only
• Recycling Coordinator position eliminated, no longer needed for quorum

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will hear updates on the Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant timeline, a preferred vendor contract (already signed), and working groups for schools, logistics, and promotion. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting. A $7,821 quote for compostable can liners is among the supporting documents.

• Approve minutes from February 16, 2024 meeting
• Preferred vendor contract update (contract already signed per prior minutes)
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant timeline discussion
• Working group updates: Schools, Logistics, Promotion
• $7,821 quote for 99 cases of compostable can liners (20-gallon, fits curbside carts)

The Composting Task Force approved a Mass DEP grant sticker with a corrected Spanish translation and set a timeline for ordering composting carts. The group discussed the cost of providing starter bags to residents but did not reach a decision.

• Approved minutes from March 12, 2025 meeting
• Approved Mass DEP grant sticker with 'Del Cafe' correction
• Set timeline for ordering 924 composting carts
• Discussed cost of starter bags ($7,821) but tabled decision
• Invited to provide update to City Council on June 3

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will discuss updates on the preferred vendor contract and the Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant, including sticker design and bag options. The group will also review working group progress on schools, logistics, and promotion, and discuss a Natick survey on composting participation.

• Preferred vendor contract update – status of signed contract
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant – sticker design, bag inclusion, lid locks
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction grant not received
• Schools working group – setting up purchase orders for Potter Road and Brophy
• Promotion working group – finalizing materials and welcome packet design

The Framingham Composting Task Force approved the minutes from its February 2024 meeting with nine in favor and three abstentions. Members received updates on a signed preferred vendor contract and progress on a Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant, including sticker design and QR code development. The group agreed to use the March 25 meeting for working group sessions.

• Approved minutes from 2/16/24 (9 for, 3 abstentions)
• Agreed to use March 25 meeting for working group sessions

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet to approve previous minutes and discuss an update on the preferred vendor contract. A grant update on the Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant will be provided. Working groups on schools, logistics, and promotion will also report.

• Approve minutes from February 16, 2024
• Update on preferred vendor contract
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant update
• Working group reports: Schools (Potter Road, Brophy), Logistics, Promotion
• Review of Standards of Conduct for boards and committees

Composting Task Force

The Composting Task Force will discuss updates on the preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost, grant funding including $42,000 in Recycling Dividends Program funds and $22,000 from the Wheeled Organics Cart Grant, and progress reports from working groups on schools, logistics, and promotion. They will also review a proposed standards of conduct for board, committee and commission members.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting on 1/22/25
• Review proposed Standards of Conduct for Boards, Committees and Commissions
• Update on preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant award of $22,000 and $42,000 in RDP funds
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program grant update

The Framingham Composting Task Force approved minutes from January 22 and January 8 with no substantive policy decisions. Members discussed updates on the Wheeled Organics cart grant (still in process) and noted the USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction grant was not received. The meeting also covered working group updates on schools and promotion, but no final actions were taken.

• Approved minutes from January 22 (Lincoln/Diana; one abstention)
• Approved minutes from January 8 (Diana/Mike C; 11-0-0)

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will meet to approve meeting minutes, review its preferred vendor contract, and discuss grant progress. The group will vote on a Mass DEP grant to fund a three-year pilot of curbside food waste collection with wheeled carts, which would offer residents a new disposal option. Updates will also cover school food waste programs, logistics, and outreach to encourage curbside and backyard composting.

• Vote to fund and implement a Mass DEP grant for a curbside food waste collection program with wheeled carts (minimum 3-year term).
• Update on the preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost, offering weekly pickup for $14.99/month or $80.99 every six months.
• Review of school-based food waste initiatives, including cafeteria composting and internal share tables at multiple Framingham schools.
• Promotion outreach plan targeting residents, schools, religious institutions, and local media to encourage curbside and backyard composting.
• Availability of $25 backyard compost bins at the Recycling Drop-Off Center at 255 Mt. Wayte Ave.

The Composting Task Force voted unanimously to authorize a curbside food waste collection program using $22,000 in state grant funds. The program will operate for a minimum of two years. The group also discussed bin liner costs and requested additional quotes for bins with locks.

• Authorized curbside food waste collection program (9-0-0)
• Awarded $22,000 Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant
• Requested quote for composting bins with locks
• Discussed bin liner costs and future vote
• Requested quote for bin liners from DPW discretionary funds
• Set next meetings for February 12 and 26

Composting Task Force

The Framingham Composting Task Force will receive updates on the preferred vendor contract with Black Earth Compost, which remains unsigned, and on two grant applications: Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant and USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program. Working groups on schools, logistics, and promotion will report on progress. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public participation.

• Preferred vendor contract update (contract not yet signed)
• Mass DEP Wheeled Organics Cart Grant update
• USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program grant update
• Schools working group update: Harmony Grove not interested, Brophy continuing program
• Promotion working group discussing bin distribution, equity, and possible compostable bags in starter kits

The Composting Task Force approved the minutes from the December 1, 2024 meeting by unanimous roll‑call vote. No other formal actions were voted on; the remainder of the meeting consisted of updates on the preferred vendor contract, grant awards, promotion materials, school outreach, and logistics. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes from previous meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)