The Programs and Services Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video):
- Appointment of Maruta Vitols as a Jackson Homestead Trustee (6-0)
- Reappointment of Michael Flaherty to the Health and Humans Services Advisory Council (6-0)
- Reappointment of Matthew Stafford to the Health and Human Services Advisory Council (6-0)
- Reappointment of Asa Fanelli to the Health and Human Services Advisory Council (6-0)
- Reappointment of Joanna Josephson as a Newton Library Trustee (6-0)
The Programs & Services Committee voted to hold the following:
- Discussion and possible amendment to Section 12-72 “Sustainable Containers, Packaging and Single Use Ordinance” to further reduce the amount of single-use plastic. (6-0)
According to the report, changes in the revised proposal include:
- separating out the single-use water bottle ban – to be discussed later
- definition of accessories
- addition of exceptions for the ordinance
- amendment of the effective date
- the ability for restaurants to request a waiver on black takeout container ban to use existing inventory.
In addition, Alan Gordon, of the Sustainable Materials Management Commission stated that there was no change in the sale of and the intentional release of the helium balloons ban. In response to a question on outreach to the business community, both he and Sunwoo Kahng referred to a sample graphic that had been provided to the committee and a commitment to work the Charles River Chamber of Commerce and Green Newton.
Councilors expressed concerns about enforcement and the Committee voted to hold 6-0.
