EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

RECYCLING COMMITTEE MINUTES

November 13, 2007 - TUESDAY, 7:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

The November meeting of the East Amwell Township Recycling Committee was called to order officially at 7:33 PM by Chairperson, W. Harrison..

II. MINUTES

Minutes of the August 14, 2007 and October 9, 2007 meetings were approved with no additions/deletions. K. Machnik/J. Corboy There were three abstentions for the August meeting and one abstention for the October meeting.

III. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA – Attendance at Meetings – added by W. Harrison – to be discussed under New Business # E. Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment – added by W. Harrison – to be discussed under Old Business # 2.

IV. REPORTS

A. Youth Report – M. Ammann stated that he has organized preliminary plans for the school contest. He is planning to hold it in February 2008, and it will be open to all grades. That means that nine $30 gift certificates from Borders will be needed. As previously stated at another meeting, students will be given a sheet with the “recycling” symbol on it. Students are free to either write comments or draw (or both) on what recycling means to them. Students will not have to be present to accept award. Exhibits will be on display in the auditorium on the day of the awards. Members discussed distribution of recycling form paper – either before the holidays or after. They agreed that after the holidays would be best. M. Ammann will be contacting a couple of prospects to speak at the awards ceremony. Members also discussed awarding certificates to all participants. W. Harrison asked, if possible, that specific plans and date be announced at the December meeting.

B. Depot Report – The September Depot Day Report has not been received. – D. Wehmann was absent.

The November Depot Day Report was distributed by D. Tangtrakul. Approximately 72 vehicles were serviced. The plastic/glass container was 1/4 full, as was the paper/cardboard one. Shed was found to be unlocked.

D. Tangtrakul reported that the Snack Shack can, once again, was full with both bottles/cans and garbage. Members discussed purchasing a specific can container for the Snack Shack. K. Schroeder obtained some information on these cans from the internet – approximate cost $145 to $185. To plan for the Spring season, secretary stated that this subject will be placed on the February 2008 agenda. Members also discussed making up a sign for the Snack Shack – expressing simple rules on recycling. One full bag of plastic bottles was collected for Terracycle.

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Members also discussed purchasing/planning for the recycling of the new fluorescent bulbs - $75 per container includes shipping of container full of old bulbs to the recycler.

C. Environmental Commission Report – A. Celebre was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received. J. Corboy reported that the Environmental Commission had a guest speaker from South Branch Watershed Association (Ellen Cronan) at their last meeting. She was looking for land use information for their work on the Neshanic Watershed project. She was referred onto the Agricultural Advisory Committee.

D. Township Committee Report – K. Machnik stated that she had nothing new to report from the Township Committee. Also, stated that she would rather save the time for discussing the Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment.

E. Internet Recycling Prices - K. Schroeder reported that she checked the website before our meeting. Metal prices have fallen – paper and glass have remained steady.

F. SWAC Report – W. Harrison reported that there will be a special public hearing/meeting on the proposed SWAC amendment on Friday morning. He plans on attending.

G. Other – none received.

V. OLD BUSINESS –

A. Contact Janitor – W. Harrison was reported that he still has not had any success in reaching the janitor.

B. Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment – members discussed in depth - stating that two key issues are reporting of final figures of recycling and education of the public. Members discussed what repercussions will fall upon the haulers as far as sending out more precise reporting to the municipalities which they serve. K. Machnik stated that the Township Committee wanted some guidance from the Recycling Committee as to what they think of this document. What kinds of concerns/questions does the Recycling Committee have regarding this document. W. Harrison stated that if we cannot get enough participation within the Township, so that East Amwell numbers come up, fines/fees will have to be applied. Exactly how is the question. He also stated that even if our numbers come up to close to the 50%, the State will be content and we will not have to worry about repercussions. Members discussed ways that we could possibly incorporate into our system to help increase these numbers. M. DiDonato suggested accepting all junk mail - not bundled. K. Schroeder mentioned that there is a large recycling bin at the Ringoes Post Office, and wondered who gets credit for it. W. Harrison stated that he will contact R. Spinelli/Raritan Valley Waste and inquire if we could advertise that we will accept junk mail unbundled. K. Schroeder stated that at this point we should be preparing questions for the State, such as how are they going to hold the haulers responsible. K. Machnik questioned the means of getting everyone (each municipality) on a level playing field. W. Harrison once again stated that we have to start off with education of the public, especially those

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who do not currently recycle anything. He also commented that we might have to go to a Municipal Recycling Plan if we do not reach our goals. K. Machnik stated that the

key question to ask at the Town Hearing on Friday is what options do we have as a small residential community who relies on private haulers in terms of getting accurate reporting - how can we be sure of the reporting numbers given to us by the private haulers?

VI. Invoices – no new invoices received.

VII. CORRESPONDENCE

A. Appropriation Budget Summary – 1/1/07 – 11/09/07 – Members discussed. We have a $3,051.64 balance from Account # 117 – Recycling Expenses. D. Tangtrakul made the motion to return this amount back to the Township. K. Schroeder seconded the motion and all were in favor.

B. Memorandum from T. Stahl, 11/9/07, 2008 Reorganization Dates – Members discussed and decided to keep our current meeting date – 2^nd. Tuesday of the month.

C. Memorandum from D. B. Doolan, 10/31/07, re: Hunterdon County Solid Waste Plan Amendment No. 18 (public hearing on 11/27/07)

D. Hunterdon County Solid Waste Management Plan Elements

E. Pages from the New Jersey Register – 11/05/07, re: Solid Waste Utility Regulations

F. xc clipping “Winning ideas for reusing campaign signs”

G. Advertisement from Monarch Decals (materials given to K. Schroeder)

H. Various Minutes and Agendas

I. Invoice for subscription to Waste News Magazine – Members discussed and decided they were not interested in subscribing to this magazine.

J. Resource Recycling Magazine – October 2007

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

A.. Additional Recycling Opportunities – D. Tangtrakul explained that recently she spoke to D. Holley, who gave her information on someone in Somerset County who has put together amazing recycling venture. W. Harrison asked D. Tangtrakul to gather more information on this venture and report back to the Committee so that we could decide if it would be appropriate here in East Amwell Township.

B. 2008 Budgets – Members discussed and could not foresee any outstanding expenses for the coming year. Therefore, they decided to request the same amounts.

C. Good Will Industries – K. Schroeder suggested that since the Good Will truck is always filled to capacity at our Clean-Up Day, we invite them to bring their truck to one of our Depot Days. Members discussed and thought this was a good idea. Early Fall was suggested. W. Harrison promised to mention it to them when he makes arrangements for the Spring Clean-Up Day.

D. Tangtrakul suggested that we might have a special recycling project each month.

D. Electronic Recycling at January 2008 Depot Day – W. Harrison contacted Supreme Electronic to make preliminary arrangements for them to supply us with a lockable container for electronic recycling at the January 5, 2008 Depot Day – more details to come. Members discussed publicity: make up a notice for the Municipal Building bulletin board, supply - 4 -

information to our website coordinator, and write-up for the VIP. K. Machnik suggested that a notice be prepared and sent to the Township Committee. W. Harrison stated that Supreme guarantees security when recycling your computer.

E. Attendance – W. Harrison and members reviewed the yearly attendance sheet provided to all by J. Corboy.

IX. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – K. Ammann was present this evening. – No comments received.

X, OPEN TO THE COMMITTEE – no comments received.

HIGHLIGHTS: not discussed this evening.

XI. Adjournment – 9:45 PM (D. Tangtrakul/K. Schroeder)

Respectfully submitted by

Joyce S. Corboy

Recycling Coordinator

PRESENT: W. Harrison, K. Schroeder, D. Tangtrakul, M. DiDonato, K. Machnik, M. Ammann,

S. Helfrich, J. Corboy, Coordinator

ABSENT: D. Wehmann, M. Dessel, A. Celebre

PLEASE NOTE: These minutes have been formally approved by the Recycling Committee at their December 11, 2007 meeting.

NEXT MEETING: DECEMBER 11, 2007 - TUESDAY AT 7:30 PM

cc: Rec. Com. Members Board. of Health Twp. Committee & Clerk

Recreation Com. Planning Board Environ. Com.

Twp. Bulletin Board Zoning Brd. of Adjustment Historic Preserv. Com.