Commission discusses repeating plastic‑bag collection program after town earned 48‑inch bench

Commissioners discussed resuming a community plastic‑bag collection program after the town received a 48‑inch composite bench earned through prior collection efforts.

Town volunteers and staff reported it took 11 months to collect the bags that produced the 48‑inch bench. Commissioners said the bench will be placed across the street in a parking‑lot area, and they asked whether the commission should set a new goal — another 48‑inch bench or a picnic table — and recruit collection hosts.

Three collection locations were used during the prior campaign: the library, Coppertop and "Miss Peace Teats" (as listed in the meeting packet). Commissioners noted the library requested a break from hosting this year and agreed staff should solicit other collection sites and volunteers.

The group discussed outreach channels, including Facebook, the town website and in‑person collection sites. No formal vote was taken; commissioners directed staff and volunteers to restart outreach and to recruit new drop‑off locations and partners for the next campaign.

"It took us 11 months to get enough bags to put that bench," one commissioner said, summarizing the prior effort.

Next steps: staff to solicit replacement collection hosts for the library slot, restart outreach and bring an updated participation plan to the commission for review.