Palmer Township EAC – Meeting Minutes

Environmental Steering Committee September 23, 2009

Attendees: Rob Reese, Tom Ganssle, Chris Briglia, Robert Lammi, Tom Dittmar, Dave Sciascia, John Orlock

Meeting opened: 7:04 PM

Approval of Minutes: 1) July 22, 2009 minutes were approved unanimously with no revisions.

Guests: Robert Natkie (Mascaro Hauling); John Thomas Balas: interested in becoming a new member of the Committee as he is well versed in environmental issues.

Hauler Report: 1) Robert Natkie (RN) was present to present and also had the following comments and/or suggestions:

1. Steve Tomsic is no longer the refuse supervisor in Palmer Township.

2. RN has been working on a comparison of recycling volume between South Whitehall Township and Palmer Township. South Whitehall has a 32% recycling volume. Per Bob L. Palmer Township's average is about 10%. RN felt the difference is due to minimizing the pick-up of yard waste within South Whitehall.

3. South Whitehall residents have to pay $3.00 per sticker per yard waste bag if they want to dispose if it curb-side or else it is not collected. He also mentioned that there is a County facility available to accept grass clippings.

4. RN stated that South Whitehall Township was chosen as his model comparison to Palmer due to its similarity between it and Palmer and its size and automation with regard to solid waste and recycling material generated.

Recycling Coordinator Report: Cindy Oatis absent. Continue to October meeting.

Old Business:

Palmer Community Days 2009 Results: (1) Tom G. opened a brief discussion of the results. The event was a success. A larger amount of people visited the tent this year compared to last year. The raffles of the electric mower and native plants were a success with emphasis on the success of the native plants.

Compost Seminar 2009 Results: (1) Tom D. opened a brief discussion of the results. The event had a good turnout of people and was a success. Due to economical constraints the Earth Machines that were given away to participants this year may have to be purchased next year.

Other: (1) Tom Ditmar also reminded the Committee that on October 3, 2009 there is an ecycling event scheduled at the Nazareth Middle School on Tatamy Road. (2) Tom D. also reminded the Committee that he needs volunteers for the Oct. 10, 2009 Household Hazardous Waste event at the NCCC campus. Tom G. volunteered. (3) Tom G. reminded the Committee to distribute and spread the word regarding the yard waste pick-up week scheduled for the week of Oct. 5, 2009.

New Business:

Recycling Center Modifications, Hartley Ave.: 1) Bob L. said that Tom Adams should make suggestions to the BOS for short term modifications at the facility with regard to traffic flow and safety. 2) Bob L. mentioned that certain land transactions are in progress for the recycling facility and that the boundary and site information shown on the record map was false and should not be used for future planning purposes. 3) Tom D. suggested and it was agreed that the Committee use his site plan as a guide for their field visits and general discussions due to its accuracy. 4) Tom D. also suggested the addition of a paper compactor for office paper recycling mainly for public security and safety purposes.

Palmer BIP Awards: 1) Bob L. announced that the BIP Recycling award would be scheduled for next year.

Palmer Recycling Promotion Event: 1) Dave S. announced that he and his company along with another similar firm participated in a recycling event in Frenchtown, NJ. The event included food and entertainment. He said it was a huge success and it was for businesses who recycle as part of their work ethic. He mentioned that Palmer Township should consider a similar event and either schedule it as a stand-alone event or coordinate it with Palmer Community Days. (2) Rob Reese suggested that a proposal be drawn and presented to the Palmer BOS. Rob R. also suggested to keep Dave S. advised.

Announcements: (1) Tom G. mentioned the up-coming Allentown Energy Expo.

Adjournment: 7:50pm motion to adjourn meeting.

Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Palmer Township Municipal Building.

Minutes submitted by Chris Briglia June 29, 2009