Palmer Township EAC – Meeting Minutes
Environmental Steering Committee October
28, 2009
Attendees: Tom Ganssle, Chris Briglia, Robert Lammi, Tom Dittmar,
Dave Sciascia, Terry Cooper, Cindy Oatis
Meeting opened: 7:04 PM
Approval of Minutes: 1)
September 23, 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 and also had the following comments
and/or suggestions:
1.
No new progress as to yard waste
analysis for
2.
Brief discussion regarding the
timing of township yard waste pick-up.
Will move dates to 1st week of November & 1st week of May next year.
3.
The Township had produced 80 CY
of yard waste in October '09' versus 60 CY in May '09'. This year we experienced better participation
in general than last year.
4.
RN stated that we should be more
definitive as far as packing the waste material and suggested that Mascaro
produce a flier for Spring '10' regarding yard waste pick-up specifics.
5.
6.
Dave S. advised that some streets
will not be feasible for totes because of their physical nature.
7.
If Palmer decides to utilize totes
for pick-up, the public must be educated well ahead of time.
8.
Tom G. suggests that these issues
be discussed with the sub-committee for trash contract renewal.
Recycling Coordinator Report: Cindy Oatis was present and also had the following
comments and/or suggestions:
1.
A 902 (equipment) grant has been
secured for $43,000. A 904 (performance) grant has been secured for $231,000.
2.
The 902 grant for next year will
be for the recycling center modifications.
3.
Per Bob L., the Township is in
the process of obtaining additional property for the recycling center site and
the matter should be finalized within the next couple months.
4.
Recycling center modifications
would include improved traffic flow and enlarged cardboard compactor. Tom D. also suggested that the Township keep
the aluminum and collect money for it.
5.
Bob Lammi suggested to include
Tom Adams as part of the sub-committee for the recycling center modifications.
Old Business:
Tom D. advised the Committee that the
Household Haz. Waste drop-off was a huge success and that 136,333 lbs. of waste
was recovered. The event was 50% funded
by grant. It took 3 months of planning
to obtain the DEP permit to hold the event.
Thanks to all who participated.
Bob L. suggested advertising this event and its success more.
Tom G. announced the EAC Conference on
Nov. 7, 2009 from 9am - 3pm at the NCCC.
Tom D. reminded the Committee that the
compost seminar is questionable for next year due to the lack of composting
container shortage.
New Business:
Cindy Oatis recommended that the Township
residents need more incentive to recycle more.
She suggested that the Township implement a recycle bank and would like
this matter put on the December ESC meeting agenda. This program should also be coincided with
the new Township hauling contract.
Announcements: (1)Tom G. set the next meeting date for
Dec. 2, 2009. Brenda should be notified
accordingly. (2)Cindy Oatis advised the
Committee that the Township is over the $1,748,791 mark for grant money, to
date.
Adjournment: 8:25pm motion to adjourn meeting.
Next Meeting: The next meeting
is scheduled for December 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the
Minutes submitted by Chris Briglia November
11, 2009