Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee
Meeting
Minutes – January 29, 2004
Attendees: Rob Reese, Tom Ganssle, Tom Dittmar, Ron Kantor, Diane Halasz, Cindy
Oatis, Jo-Ann Stoneback, Andy Yost, Bob Lammi (Supervisor/Liaison)
Reorganization of ESC –
Nominations:
Co-Chairman turned the meeting over to Bob Lammi who called for nominations for Co-Chairman.
On motion by R. Reese, seconded by J. Stoneback, Tom Ganssle was nominated as Co-Chairman. On motion by A. Yost, seconded by T. Ganssle, Rob Reese was nominated as Co-Chairman. It was agreed by all, and nominations were closed, that R. Reese and T. Ganssle were declared Co-Chairman for the year 2004.
Co-Chairman T. Ganssle then called for nominations for Secretary. On motion of A. Yost, seconded by R. Reese, Jo-Ann Stoneback was nominated for Secretary. On motion of T. Ganssle, seconded by R. Reese, and agreed by all, and nominations were closed, and Jo-Ann Stoneback was declared Secretary for the year 2004.
Andy Yost asked if Co-Chairman works? Rob Reese said it works great. Tom Ganssle agrees with Rob that either one can do the job and sharing the workload works well.
Rob Reese appreciates everyone’s input on the ESC Committee.
Jo-Ann Stoneback stated before being nominated that she has three conflicting times that she would not be attending the meetings. Tom Ganssle stated that he’d take the minutes in her absence.
The ESC Committee welcomed Bob Lammi as their new liaison. Bob stated that he wanted to be the liaison for the ESC again and is pleased to be back.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes were approved from the October 2, 2003, meeting of the Palmer ESC. (RR & TG)
WM/GCS Hauler Representative: No representative present.
Recycling Coordinator’s Report:
Cindy Oatis reported that the 2004 Calendar was forwarded to Bill Buskirk (WM).
Recycling Center – Cindy reported that it’s going better with the issues discussed at previous meetings. R. Reese told the employees at the Recycling Center if they had any issues, please attend our ESC meetings so we can resolve them.
A discussion was held on the barrels at the Recycling Center to dispose of trash and plastic bags. We take plastic bags out of courtesy. If it doesn’t get out of hand, we can keep the barrels there. Rob suggested that we have 2 barrels instead of the 4 that are there. Tom Dittmar suggested that we only take plastic bags, and someone take them to Giant for recycling.
Rob Reese made a motion to reduce the number of containers from 4 to 2 and encourage residents to take the containers they brought and recycle them and also to put a sign on the containers “For Plastic Only.” There is to be 1 container for trash and 1 container for plastic. It was unanimously agreed.
Compost Center – Nothing to publish for the calendar on the compost center. Rob Reese asked if we should mention “Cut It & Leave It” on the post card? The ESC would like all residents to remember “Cut It & Leave It” program.
The shed is on site. The propane will be installed on Wednesday. The grinder should come Wednesday.
Tom Ganssle asked if the township drew up a new contract with Chrin to grind?
It was stated that the workers at the compost center use Bobby VanHorn’s cell phone if there’s a problem.
Jo-Ann Stoneback will mention “Cut It & Leave It” in the next Newsletter.
Old Business:
Open Space/Rec. Plan update – As part of the Comprehensive Plan update and Open Space/Recreation, a committee has been formed consisting of 2 members from the Planning Commission, 2 ESC members, 2 Supervisors, Ted Sales, and Bob Anckaitis.
A discussion was held on Open Space. How can we preserve land along the creeks and get conservation easements? Rob Reese stated that there is a difference between conservation and recreation.
Bob Lammi stated that he and Bob Anckaitis are presently interviewing for a Planning Director and Director of Public Works.
Bob Lammi stated that we have a grant for the bike path at Elementis over Hacketts Park, along the creek (passive recreation).
There will be a public meeting on Open Space in order that we can adopt an Open Space ordinance.
Newsletter – Jo-Ann Stoneback noted that the next Newsletter will be going out the middle of February.
Ron Kantor asked if there will be a follow-up on the survey printed in November’s Newsletter? Bob Lammi said Ted Sales is working on it, and we should have something for the May Newsletter. The results will also be available on the website.
It was also noted that the ESC needs new members. J. Stoneback will put something in the Newsletter.
New Business:
Compost Seminar – It was discussed that it should be held in June. Tom Dittmar suggested that we put something in the Newsletter advising residents of the up coming seminar. J. Stoneback will put an article asking residents to “reserve their composting bins now” and call the municipal building leaving their name, address, phone number and e-mail; and they will be notified as to the date of the seminar.
Cindy Oatis said it takes 6 weeks to order the composting bins and small buckets.
BSC grants, greenway – There is $1,000,000.00 EPA Grant that the Governor hasn’t signed yet.
A discussion was held on the sinkhole problem in the Northern end of the township and Tatamy. Bob Lammi spoke with our Representatives in Harrisburg about the situation.
Palmer Township initiated a sinkhole ordinance policy last year.
Rob Reese stated that Palmer needs a representative at the BSC meetings. They meet the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Library. Bob Lammi will bring it up to the B.O.S.
Rob Reese asked all ESC members to look over the new Year of Planned Action for the next meeting.
Bob Lammi wants the ESC to expand as an advisory committee to other environmental issues in the township.
Bob Lammi asked to be kept up-to-date for the website if any changes are made.
Cindy Oatis suggested that every member of the ESC can contribute to the Newsletter with an article on the bike path, wild life, whatever their expertise might be.
Rob Reese suggested an article going back to when the ESC was adopted (1990) with a time line of things we’ve undertaken in the past years.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M. (TD & RR).
Submitted by:
Jo-Ann M. Stoneback, Secretary
Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee