Palmer Township EAC – Meeting Minutes

Environmental Steering Committee

July 22, 2009

 

Attendees: Rob Reese, Tom Ganssle, Terry Cooper, Chris Briglia, Nancy Nicholas, Robert Lammi, Tom Dittmar, Dave Sciascia

 

Meeting opened:  7:02 PM

 

Guests:  Steve Tomsic (Mascaro Hauling): Steve was present to present the Mascaro Hauling report.

 

Approval of Minutes:  1) June 24, 2009 minutes were approved unanimously with a revision to the Attendees.

 

Hauler Report:  1) Steve Tomsic offered the monthly hauling report from Mascaro along with comments from Township residents.  2) Bob L. mentioned that Steve should contact Township code enforcement to report any violations with trash pick-up.

 

Recycling Coordinator Report:  1) Tom G. discussed the submittal of the 902 grant application and that its deadline is soon.

 

Old Business:

 

Community Days Subcommittee Report:

 

1) Tom G. mentions that there will not be any more sub-committee meetings, but we will stay in contact. 2) Tom G. takes a vote on acquiring a mower for the raffle.  The vote was “yes” and Tom will purchase the mower. 3) Tom G. will purchase at least 5 native species plans for raffle and also provide a display. 4) Rob R. stated that Cindy Hawk is the person who cleans the bike path. 5) Fair set-up scheduled for Wed. 8/19/09. 6) Terry Cooper will prepare a presentation for Environmental Steering Committee. 7) Chris B. will bring tables.

 

8)The recycling center steps have been repaired per Bob L. 9) No further update as to the BSC hydrology study.  Rob R. will look into it. 10) Bob L. and Rob R. discussed Cindy O. or Bob L. to attend Township BOS meetings.  11) Rob R. mentioned that Palmer Township donated 3yds. of mulch to Lyons Park.

 

New Business:

 

1) Tom G. opens discussion regarding upgrades to the recycling center site.  2) Tom G. and Tom D. both agree that equipment expansions are necessary and there are traffic circulation concerns. 3) Tom G. will try to locate the old plans and will further discuss the issue at the next ESC meeting.

 

Recycling & Trash Hauling Contract Renewal:

 

1) Tom G. suggests forming a subcommittee to rewrite the contract. He also requested assistance from any interested members of the ESC to form the sub-committee. 2) Bob L. discussed how to approach the Township BOS.  He recommended the ESC to present options to the Board first, then finalize the contract. 3) Bob L. stressed the importance of BOS informal approval of the options prior to finalizing the contract. 4) Bob L. further suggested that the ESC be prudent with their approach to the BOS and also continually educate the public and BOS of progress.  5) Bob L. also suggested the use of a “survey monkey” to obtain public input through the internet.

 

6) Bob L. discussed the Township BIP awards program. The BIP is offering an award to businesses or residents who utilize sound environmental practices for non-business purposes. 7) Bob L. requested ESC input on likely candidates by next meeting (9/23/09). 8) Bob L. stated that the award would only consist of recognition.

 

Announcement:  Dave S. mentioned that the Phillipsburg/Easton Halloween Parade is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2009 @ 1:00pm.  He also mentioned that if any members of the ESC would like to participate, to let him know ASAP.

 

Adjournment:   7:50pm motion to adjourn meeting.

 

Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Palmer Township Municipal Building.

 

Minutes submitted by Chris Briglia June 29, 2009