Palmer Township EAC – Meeting Minutes

Environmental Steering Committee

February 24, 2010

Attendees: Tom Ganssle, Tom Dittmar, Chris Briglia, Dave Sciascia, Terry Cooper, Cindy Oatis, Rob Reese, John Balas

Meeting opened: 7:11 PM

Approval of Minutes: 1) January 27, 2010 minutes were approved unanimously with no revisions.

Guests: Robert Natkie (Mascaro Hauling);

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

1. There were some minor tree pick-up issues due to the bad weather and could potentially be more through the week.

2. Rob mentioned that by the next ESC meeting he will have a complete study of recycling pick-up volume comparison between Palmer and South Whitehall Townships.

Recycling Coordinator Report: Cindy Oatis was present and also had the following comments and/or suggestions:

1. The Palmer Township Community Days event has been scheduled for August 19th - 22nd, 2010.

2. ESC needs another banner for the Community Days event.

3. ESC needs ideas for the Township Community Days event as soon as possible.

4. Robert Natkie suggested contacting Linsey Mascaro for the Community Days event, such as Dumpo The Elephant.

5. The ESC will start a sub-committee for the Community Days event and meet starting May 2010 @ 6:00pm prior to the regular ESC meeting.

Old Business:

1. Rob R., Cindy O. and Tom G. discussed the placement of trash during or prior to snow storms.

2. Cindy O. mentioned that the Recycling Center expansion meeting was a good meeting and very efficient. Tom Adams is drafting a concept plan.

3. ESC had a brief discussion regarding the recycle bank program and whether or not it could be retrofitted to suit our Township's needs. The ESC questions whether or not the program would substantially increase our recycling numbers.

4. The ESC held a brief discussion regarding a potential paper document shredding event in January or February 2011. The method of soliciting donations to fund the event was discussed with M. S. Reilly and J. P. Mascaro as potential contributors. Robert N. of Mascaro mentioned that the ESC should draft a letter to Mascaro requesting a donation. Cindy O. will contact the appropriate parties and/or write letters of request for donations. Chris B. and Cindy O. will both work out all of the details and present them to the Palmer BOS for their input and approval.

5. Tom D. reminded ESC members of the E-cycling event scheduled at the Easton High School and to be aware that some of the item prices have changed.

New Business:

1. Discussion regarding the Tree Vitalize program. 1) Members discussed the program grant received for this year 2) Rob R., Tom D. and Tom G. discussed scheduling and that a single day for planting the trees would work out the best. 3) Tom G. mentioned he would draft a letter to Tom Adams regarding planting procedures and scheduling preference. 4) Members held a brief discussion regarding planting procedures. 5) Members decided that a single day event would be much easier for volunteers and a multi-day event would be a problem. 6) Members agreed that April 10th or 17th 2010 would be the best days to hold the planting event.

2. 1) Members agreed that recycling improvements and increase of material collection should be the priority for the ESC goals in 2010. 2) Rob R. mentioned that he has approval to also hold a native plant seminar and that he was working with the Conservancy and potentially the Township BIP to fund Bike Path signage

Announcements: (1) Rob R. mentioned that a Green Building Expo is scheduled for March 20, 2010.

Adjournment: 8:25pm motion to adjourn meeting.

Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Palmer Township Municipal Building.

Minutes submitted by Chris Briglia March 23, 2010