Palmer Township EAC - Minutes

Environmental Steering Committee July 23, 2008

Attendees: Rob Reese, Tom Ganssle, Andy Yost, Denise Veres, Cindy Oatis, Bob Lammi, Terry Cooper, Chris Baglia, Tom Dittmar

Meeting opened at: 7:10 PM

Guests:

Steve Thompset from Mascaro Hauling.

Approval of Minutes: June minutes approved on motion by Tom G., seconded by Tom D.

Hauler Report:

Palmer Days: Mr. Thompset reported that Rob Natkie of Mascaro will have a recycling display for Palmer Community Days.

Recycling Non-compliance: Non-compliance is still an issue. Mascaro tags items that are out of compliance. For bigger issues, the codes official will be notified.

June tonnage report and phone log were distributed. Some phone calls were discussed briefly.

Recycling Coordinator Report:

Yard Waste Pick-Up Rob R. said residents still confused about bundles of yard waste. Except on special yard waste pick up, it will be put in regular trash. Need to educate residents about grass clippings (cut it and leave it) and Berk St. for yard waste.

Safety of scrap metal bin at Hartley. Rob R. spoke with Tom Adams about the questionable safety of scrap metal bin as it is wide open. Suggestion is to put up a soft fence as a stop-gap measure.

Signage for phone books in mixed office paper bin has been suggested for Hartley Center.

Signage for Berk St.yard waste center – will modify sign to include “no grass clippings.”

Recycling Guide for Newsletter: Cindy is working with newsletter layout person. Will staple The Recycling Guide into the center of the newsletter.

ESC Budget 2009: Cindy is asking all ESC members for budget items for next year.

Earth Machine composters: Tom D. has procured 75 Earth Machines for free from East Allen Township saving Palmer between about $4,000. There are now 19 residents signed up for the composting seminar for September 13^th.

Northampton County EAC formation: Tom D. told us that he is forming a Northampton County EAC and wants a rep from the Palmer ESC. Meetings will be once a month. Anyone welcome to come to the meetings, but Tom prefers only one person to be appointed. Cindy will want to attend these meetings anyway, and if asked, will serve for Palmer. Bob L. will discuss with BOS.

Clear Stream recycling bags are in and will be set up for Palmer Days by Parks Dept. If they work out, Cindy can order more for all Palmer events.

Yard Waste Assessment Study: report for COG: Survey of all communities within COG for a common yard waste center. Resolve: not clear answer. Expensive equipment and personnel only way to do it is through DEP grant.

Bethlehem (Tom Marshall) is giving away a shredder, a compactor, and an educational “recycling robot.” Palmer may be interested in the shredder and the compactor, but will pass on the robot Cindy will talk with Tom Adams and Bob Anckaitis. Rob R. said that if Palmer is not interested in shredder, EASD might be. Cindy suggested once a month shredding events at the recycling center.

New Business:

Palmer Community Days: Everyone has assignments for working the booth and display items. Set up will be late afternoon on Wednesday August 13^th and Thursday until the booth opens at 6:00pm.

Website: Bob L asked members to look at website for comments. Gave info for Denise for Palmer Days posting in booth.

Pilot Program at EAHS: At Easton Area High School, Tom G. reported that Lutron is setting up an environmental pilot program to study energy usage and energy savings devices.

Paper Recycling in EASD: Tom G. also reported that Easton Area High School, Shawnee, Paxinosa and the Middle school will all be recycling office paper at no cost to the district, at the beginning of school year 2008-09.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 PM, at Palmer Municipal Building.

Adjourn: Rob R. motioned to adjourn, seconded by Tom D. 8:28PM

Minutes submitted by D. Veres