Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee
Meeting
Minutes – January 27, 2005
Attendees: Larry Bonner, Tom Dittmar, Tom Ganssle,
Ron Kantor,
Guests: Bill Buskirk, Residential Route Manager, WM/GCS
Brian Spangler, EAHS, AP Environmental Science Class
Joe Chang, EAHS, AP Environmental Science Class
Reorganization of ESC –
Nominations:
R. Reese turned the meeting over to B. Lammi for nominations.
Co-Chairmen:
Meeting was turned back to
Secretary: Tom Ganssle nominated Jo-Ann Stoneback for Secretary, seconded by Ron Kantor--unanimously approved by all.
Hauler Issues WM/GCS:
C. Oatis gave B. Buskirk final copy of the post card. It was suggested that “Cut it and Leave it” be on the front of the card. Ron Kantor suggested that “grass clippings discouraged” be put on the backside. The ESC Committee made several changes to the post card. C. Oatis will e-mail a copy of post card to B. Buskirk and all ESC members.
B. Buskirk suggested that we inform our residents (again) to separate their trash can from their recycling can—by putting the recycling can on the other side of the driveway.
Report on Paper Recycling at EAHS:
Brian Spangler gave an up-date on the new paper recycling program at EAHS. His committee informed the faculty about the program and put blue bins in place at the High School. Focus students collect the recycling bins. The first pick up yielded 996 pounds of paper and ¾ tons on the second pick up.
C. Oatis advised that the township allocated $2,000 in the ESC’s 2005 budget to help this program. This project is also sponsored by local businesses.
J. Chang passed around the first Newsletter from the committee. He also explained how Jim Reilly Hauling, Inc., evaluates quality of the paper.
T. Ganssle and R. Reese suggested the ESC draft a letter to the School Administration to make the Superintendent aware that nothing was done to recycle paper before this program began.
T. Ganssle asked Joe and Brian if they had any ideas for Community Weekend as to what might interest younger people?
The ESC Committee thanked Joe and Brian for the up-date.
C. Oatis suggested that an article be put in the next Newsletter concerning the above new paper recycling program at the High School.
Meeting Minutes – 1/27/05
Page 2
The 2005 Budget was passed around for everyone to read.
Income brought in from yard waste (Berks St.):
$7,665.00 (2004)
5.500.00 (2003)
l,800.00 (2002)
Cindy is putting data together charting winter usage for recycling and yard waste to see if we might need extra hours for next winter.
Grants: Movement on disbursement. The next window for 902—after we do Plan of Action, we might want to submit 902.
Cindy asked: How can we get people interested in recycling again? We need to do something! B. Lammi suggested putting a draft in the Newsletter showing a trend.
Old Business:
Community Weekend: The committee (T. Ganssle, T. Dittmar, C. Oatis, J. Stoneback) had a meeting before the scheduled ESC meeting. It was discussed that we need an “eye catcher” to get people into our booth. It was suggested to have a raffle to help EAHS program. J. Stoneback will ask Diane Grube if this is allowed. It was also suggested to have a comparison chart on recycling and gains that we’ve made.
Check with Harry Smith, WM, for handouts.
902 Grants—maybe we can get more containers for the weekend.
Make a time-line of the ESC—A. Yost and T. Ganssle.
When will we hit the $1,000,000 mark? Cindy—around spring. We should tie in the $1,000,000 mark with Community Weekend.
New Members: Look for new members.
Diane Halasz quit the ESC because of work related commitments. She didn’t want us not to have a quorum if she stayed on and couldn’t attend the meetings.
New Business:
PEC EAC meeting will be held March 12, 2005.
B. Lammi announced that he was appointed to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Council. The ESC congratulated Bob. Their meetings are also held on the fourth Thursday of the month. It was suggested that the ESC change their meeting to the third Thursday so Bob can continue as the Liaison. J. Stoneback will check with Brenda to see if the Library is free that night. Bob also suggested that we could use the conference room in the Municipal Building.
ESC Year of Planned Action 2005: The ESC went over the Year of Planned Action for 2005. ESC members volunteered for various topics.
Contact Countdown! 2006 & 2007 – T. Dittmar
Role of Palmer ESC/EAC – coordinate
with other organizations/commissions (Planning, Rec., A.A., Shade Tree,
Bushkill Stream Conservancy, NCOS Committee – R. Reese
Meeting Minutes – 1/27/05
Page 3
Quality of Life issues – Initiative to
make Palmer a “Green” Community, Greenway corridor Project – D. Halasz
Assist Community Center Committee as
needed (walking/bike lane to center, bike racks).
Review Twp. Policy – grass cutting,
brush with respect to Riparian Buffer Zones, Planning Commission, Parks Dept.,
Public Works Dept., SALDO, Official Map – R. Reese
Newsletter Articles, initiate Nature
Column, Bike Path Stewards/”Friends of the Bike Path,” Wildlife Notes, etc – J.
Stoneback
Palmer Twp. Composting Seminar (Fall
’05) – T. Dittmar
Assist Northampton County – Solid
Waste Plan, HHW, Compost facility – R. Reese
Community Days’ Booth – T. Ganssle,
T. Dittmar, C. Oatis, J. Stoneback
Biosolids application on Twp. Ag – B. Lammi explained that it’s not in Palmer’s hands but the DEP’s.
Race Track status – B. Lammi – B.O.S. has been asked to sign a resolution in support.
“e” Cycling initiative (late spring) –
Can W/M help? Ask Harry Smith – D.
Veres & T. Ganssle
Bike Path Map Revision (as trails
dedicated) – R. Reese
Sinkhole Ordinance Reviewed – R.
Kantor
Info Brochures on “e” cycling/recycling
guide – D. Veres
Historical time line – A. Yost
Recycling Awards Program – C. Oatis
Next Meeting: February 17, 2005, at Palmer Municipal Building
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. (T. Ganssle & J. Olock)
Submitted by:
Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee