The Board told Jim Bunchuck, solid waste coordinator, they would not post a construction equipment operator position, which was left open by a recent resignation within the department.
According to Bunchuck, the employee was a truck driver who transported construction materials and recyclables out of town. Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, citing the 2 percent tax cap, asked Bunchuck if it would be difficult to absorb the function of this one individual and spread it throughout the department.
Russell then asked Bunchuck why the town was still delivering recyclables out of town and said he thought the “recyclables markets are booming.” Russell said the town should try to find a vendor to pick up the town’s recyclables and get out of the trucking business.
Bunchuck said he could rearrange schedules to accommodate the change, but it would be difficult because not all of his staff had a commercial license. He said with part-time help, they may be able to “squeak through.”
Russell said he was not inclined to hire another employee for trucking, especially if there is growing recyclables market available to the town. However, Bunchuck said the town could lose money if a single vendor carted away all the town's recyclables.
“We need to trim the payroll and this is an opportunity to do so,” Russell said.
After listening to the board's concerns, Bunchuck said he would prepare an analysis between projected revenue loss by hiring an outside recycling vendor vs. the cost of hiring a new employee and come back to the board with the numbers.
Town to Buy Refrigerated Unit to Store Deer
Jeff Standish, deputy director of public works, approached the town board about purchasing a refrigerator unit to accommodate deer meat brought in by hunters from the deer management program.
According to Standish, cost for a new stand-alone unit would be about $9,200 for the unit, sloped roof, and a concrete slab to put it on. He also has found a used refrigerator truck for $4,500, but he said he was concerned about the possibility for compressor failure. Last year the town rented a refrigerated unit for $7,000.
As the program becomes more popular each year, Russell said it makes sense for the town to purchase a refrigerated unit to allow town residents and food pantries access to free venison. As such, Russell has already proposed a budget modification for the purchase of the unit. Russell told Standish the board trusts his judgment and would be ready to act upon his final recommendation.
Standish said he would travel up to Farmingdale to look at the condition of the used truck before coming to a decision.
“I’d like to act as soon as we have the opportunity so deer can be donated all year,” Standish said.
