Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee

Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2004

 

Attendees:  R. Reese, T. Ganssle, L. Bonner, T. Dittmar, A. Yost, D. Halasz, C. Oatis, D. Veres, J. Stoneback

 

Guest:  Bill Buskirk, Residential Route Manager, WM/GCS

 

Approval of Minutes:

      Minutes were approved from the July 22, 2004, ESC meeting (CO & LB).  (No meeting was held in August)

 

Hauler Issues:

     Bill Buskirk stated that WM was busy due to the hurricane.  Waste Management set up special trucks for debris and cleanup.  Waste Management will bill the township for two days of extra clean up ($3,500), and the state will reimburse the township.

Bill stated that the residents have been happy.

T. Dittmar asked Bill if WM sent a brush truck after the hurricane?

Bill stated that there wasn’t much brush out there, and they (WM) will only take five bundles…..due to yard waste drop-off center.

R. Reese told Bill that he saw WM put a water heater into a regular trash truck.

Bill will look into it.

It was suggested that we thank WM for their prompt and efficient response after the hurricane.  J. Stoneback will put something in the next Newsletter.

 

Recycling Coordinator’s Report:

     Cindy Oatis passed around an article on five townships’ pursuit to open a compost center.  It was also noted that Forks Township’s garbage bill will go up $70.

     Cindy also passed around a full-page information sheet on recycling, which will be published in the next Newsletter.

     A lengthy discussion was held on the ESC budget for 2005.  One of the items mentioned was that we need to order recycling cans for 2005.

     A monthly tonnage report was passed around.  T. Dittmar asked for a copy of the tonnage report to make a spreadsheet.

     Note in the next Newsletter that Thanksgiving pickup will be delayed one day, and “white goods” pick up will be the first week in January, 2005.

     Cindy handed out a brochure on Easy, Money Saving Steps to Take Today to Benefit Your Environment and Personal Health for all members to read.  We can’t do anything unless it’s approved by the B.O.S

     Cindy is working on the “904 Grant.”

     In 2003 the Yard Waste Center brought in $4,100.  We paid employees $2,600 (payroll).  Payroll was budgeted at $2,500 for 2003…..went slightly over.

 

Old Business:

     Community Days Booth:  T. Ganssle thanked everyone for their help at the booth and with displays.

   

 

Minutes – September 23, 2004                                                                     Page 2

 

 

     T. Dittmar suggested that a sub-committee be formed in January for the 2005 Community Days weekend and asked for volunteers….T. Ganssle, T. Dittmar, J. Stoneback, D. Halasz, C. Oatis  all volunteered for 2005.

     The winners of the two mowers chanced off at Community Weekend were Pete Hoernle and Bill Carpenter.

     Northampton County Open Space: Last meeting was on farmland preservation.  The final hearing will be October 6, 2005.

    

New Business:

     Jon-Tec computer recycling:  It was reported that they take computers but have a minimal charge for monitors.  We must educate our residents before we have an electronic recycling program.  R. Reese suggested we put something in the Newsletter.

B. Buskirk mentioned that we should tap WM.  Harry has info on electronic recycling.

     Zero Waste Event:  D. Veres suggested that next year for Community Days we have biodegradable utensils for all stands that serve food.  T. Ganssle stated that we didn’t have enough recycling containers this year for Community Days.

     PEC:  Amanda Jensen is now a member of PEC.

     Storm Water/Flood Damage-Riparian Zone:  It was noted that the Bushkill Creek and Lehigh River had very little damage from the hurricane.

C. Oatis asked what a Riparian Buffer Zone is?   D. Halasz  will do the Footprints article on the Riparian Buffer Zone for the next Newsletter.

 

Next Meeting:  October 28, 2004, at the Palmer Library, at 7:00 p.m.

 

Adjournment:  Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 

Submitted by:

Jo-Ann M. Stoneback, Secretary

Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee