Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee

Meeting Minutes – April 21, 2005

Attendees: J. Olock, L. Bonner, N. Nicholas, T. Dittmar, T. Ganssle, C. Oatis, R. Reese, D. Veres, A. Yost, J. Stoneback, B. Lammi, Liaison/Supervisor

Guest: Jeremy Andrade, Regional Sales Manager, Zarn

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes of the March 17, 2005, ESC meeting were approved (J.O. & T.D.)

Hauler Issues:

Representative from WM/GCS unable to attend (surgery).

New Business:

Jeremy Andrade, Zarn, gave a presentation for Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program. The program dealt with the purchase of bags to be used for yard waste, recycling and trash. He explained how well the program worked in Cranberry Township. Cindy Oatis make a motion, seconded by Rob Reese, to further study the PAYT program. Favor unanimous. Cindy mentioned that the 902 Grant requires that we advertise. Cindy will look into how the program works in Cranberry Township.

It was suggested that we formulate an option when bidding time comes around for residents to choose. Discussion was tabled until the May ESC meeting.

Money for Greenway presentation –Ask for recommendation from the ESC if money is in our budget for the presentation. Presentation to be made to the B.O.S., 2 from Planning Commission, ESC, and Recreation Board. Rob Reese stated that the money should come under “education.” He will write a letter to Bob Anckaitis. Bob Lammi asked if taxpayer’s money should pay for it? The ESC will recommend to the B.O.S. to allocate up to $200 for the presentation to educate what plans should be made for the natural areas and the Bushkill Water Shed area. Bob Lammi suggested it be open to the public. Advertise as a public meeting for BSC to make the presentation. May 2 may be too quick….talk to Amanda.

Antifreeze recycling—Would township be interested in recycling antifreeze at the Hartley Avenue Recycling Center and using it for township vehicles? It was suggested to talk to Tom Adams. Tom Dittmar suggested we get literature on it.

ESC initiatives—Give to B.O.S.

PEC conference—Tom Ganssle and Rob Reese attended the conference at LVPC on April 4, 2005. Tom Ganssle discussed what they had learned at the conference.

Ballot Q—May 17…don’t forget to vote. Funding for Growing Greener…$625 million for open space, etc.

Cindy Oatis—On May 19, 2005, at 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., “Planning our Future Together” at Lafayette College.

Rob Reese reminded ESC of “Hands Across the Bushkill” to be held on April 23. If interested, meet at the Bushkill Creek on Third Street at 9:30 a.m.

Rob Reese stated that Bethlehem Township has nice rails signs…..why don’t we??

Recycling Coordinator’s Report:

Municipal Solid Waste Tonnage report was passed around. It was decided that Cindy will e-mail her information to all ESC members before the meeting….allowing the members to review the reports before hand.

Tom Ganssle asked for a calendar of events pertaining to contract dates…when due?

C. Oatis suggested that the township write an ordinance for businesses to recycle through their landlord.

Old Business:

E-cycling—Tom Ganssle passed around a new price list from AERC. Prices are much lower than when we first looked into e-cycling. E-cycling is scheduled for October 1, 2005. A letter must be sent to the B.O.S. for approval. Denise Veres will do a blurb for the Newsletter on e-cycling.

Bob Lammi asked if a container could be placed at the Hartley Avenue Recycling Center for electronic items when residents are moving? They must show their moving permit for proof of moving.

Nancy Nicholas reported that The Express-Times would do a story on e-cycling. It was suggested that it be done in September. Tom Ganssle said with the B.O.S. approval,

we can move. We should send invitation to county officials. Lehigh Valley Planning Commission has a list of local official on their web site.

PEC—Make sure Amanda Jensen is registered as a member. Dues should be paid by the township. Bob Lammi suggested giving information to Brenda or Amanda.

Next Meeting: May 19, 2005, at the Palmer Municipal Building, at 7:00 p.m.

Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. (T.G. & T.D.)

Submitted by:

Jo-Ann M. Stoneback, Secretary

Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee