EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

RECYCLING COMMITTEE MINUTES

MAY 8, 2007 - TUESDAY, 7:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

The May meeting of the East Amwell Township Recycling Committee was called to order officially at 7:34 PM by Chairperson, Will Harrison.

II. MINUTES

Minutes of the April 10, 2007 meeting were approved with no corrections/changes. There was one abstention. (M. Dessel/M. DiDonato)

III. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA – E-Mail message from B. Hummel, 4/30/07 – to be discussed under New Business.

IV. REPORTS

A. Youth Report – M. Ammann stated that he had nothing new to report. He is still considering either a poster contest or an essay contest for the Fall. He also has plans to contact the person who sent information concerning recycling programs. Flyer/information from this person was delivered to us in last month’s mail.

B. Depot Report – The April Depot Day Report was distributed to members by M. DiDonato. 107 vehicles were serviced. The plastic/glass container was half full, and the paper/cardboard one was 2/3 full. Batteries collected amounted to one full five gallon bucket. No battery drum has yet been delivered. Bottles collected for TerraCycle amounted to 3/4 large bag. Members once again discussed means of getting Raritan Valley to place the dumpsters in the position we desire. M. Di Donato suggested that we purchase a long handle dustpan and a box of sanitary gloves. He also brought a container of sani-wipes, and suggested that we purchase more. M. DiDonato will purchase these items and turn in a receipt to be reimbursed.

C. Environmental Commission Report – A. Celebre was absent this evening. J. Corboy reported that Environmental Commission members have collected their final samples of stream water to be tested for road salt. Results have not yet been released. They are also pursuing building a retention pond at Clawson Park. Secretary reported that there will be no Plant Exchange Day this year.

D. Township Committee Report – K. Machnik stated that the Township Committee has adopted the U. S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement and that they Environmental Commission provided support on this effort.

There was a special meeting on 4/30/07 to discuss the County library – possible location next to the South County Park. The County expressed intent to consider the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for development of the library. These are standards supporting sustainable, energy-efficient, “green” buildings. LEEDS is the Council’s certification program (Leadership in

- 2-

Environmental Engineering Design Standards). The new building will be approximately 22,000 sq. ft. (two floors) and will include a large meeting room. They are anticipating that it will take five year to complete.

E. Internet Recycling Prices - K. Schroeder stated that she quickly checked the internet prices

before our meeting and saw very little or no new changes.

F. SWAC Report – W. Harrison reported that he was unable to attend the last SWAC meeting.

Basically he stated that they are still working on the draft for the new County recycling program. One idea on the new program is to mandate many more plastics to be recycled. But he stated that there must be a market for all these other plastics, and that might be a problem.

J. Corboy reported that she attended the special Regional Coordinators meeting on 4/17/07with Mr. Joe Davis – coordinator for the New Jersey Tonnage Reports on 4/17/07. He briefly reviewed the computer program which has been installed to allow each community to report their tonnage via the computer. He also informed attendees that the Tonnage Report can be a little late, and that if the forms are not filled out correctly and completely, credit will not be issued for that amount. In addition, dollar amounts we receive are also based on the total amount that he has to distribute among all of the municipalities submitting tonnage reports.

G. Other – none received.

V. OLD BUSINESS –

A. New Storage Shed – W. Harrison reported that the recycling container has been installed near the Snack Shack. He also stated that he has not been successful in trying to contact the cleaning staff for the Municipal Building. Members discussed the need for a shelf in the Storage Shed and it was decided to have it installed. W. Harrison will do so. W. Harrison suggested that this topic can now be dropped since storage shed is complete and in working order, and this topic should be replaced with “Contact Janitor”.

B. Supreme Computer & Electronic Recycling – W. Harrison reported that he did speak to a representative from Supreme Computer, and that it might be possible to have them present at the 2008 Clean-Up Day (for electronics). He saw some electronics come through this year at Clean-Up Day, but not that many. Members discussed having it at different times during the year, other than Clean-Up Day, but decided for the first time, it would be wise to have it at the 2008 Clean-Up Day. Secretary will enter this item on the 2008 January and/or February agenda.

VI. Invoices – no new invoices received.

Secretary’s note: Reimbursement for the mailing of the 2007 Spring Newsletter amounted to $371.52. Amount approved at the April 2007 meeting was up to $400.00.)

- 3 -

VII. CORRESPONDENCE

A. Flyer for “Your Recycling Program and Climate Change”

B. Note from T. Stahl, 4/26/07, re: Recycling in East Amwell”

Comments were received at a recent Township Committee meeting concerning more frequent opportunities to recycle in East Amwell Township – holding weekly Depot Days instead of only once a month. Members discussed various reasons why at this time it would not be possible or advisable. Secretary will collect their comments and respond.

C. Environmental Commission – Goals and Priorities – 2007

D. Appropriation Account Summary – 1/1/07 to 4/27/07

E. Note from T. Stahl, 4/20/07, re: 3/30/07 Request about Recycling Committee Liaison Position

F. Memorandum from A. Johnson/Hunterdon County Utilities Authority, 4/10/07, re: Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Information – July 14, 2007

G. Various Minutes and Agendas

H. Resource Recycling – April 2007

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Clean-Up Day – Final Report – W. Harrison provided all members copies of the Final Report via e-mail prior to this meeting. Copies were also available at the meeting. A total of 75 vehicles were serviced. Two and half compactors were used, plus one 30 yard roll-off dumpster was used for metal.. They received a total of 36 tires. Once again, the Goodwill Industries truck was filled to capacity. Raritan Valley Waste Disposal trucks were on time and there were no reported problems, except for some difficulties with parking in the Municipal Building Parking Lot. Parents of baseball players arriving for games began to park causing some traffic problems with the residents arriving for Clean-Up Day. M. Dessel suggested that we have a meeting with the Recreation Committee/baseball league members to try to solve this problem. A memorandum was sent by both this secretary and T. Stahl earlier in the year telling the Recreation Committee our plans for Clean-Up Day on April 28. Problems with parking sometime occur during Depot Days also. Secretary was asked to put this topic on the agenda for next Spring.

W. Harrison reported that he found a source (person) for Freon removal (licensed) and that this person will do it at no charge. Reimbursement comes from the selling of the old refrigerator, and from the sale of recycled Freon. Members discussed how we can use this source for next year’s Clean-Up Day.

Secretary also reported that she received a telephone call from one of our incapacitated residents asking for pick-up of large items and donations for Goodwill prior to Clean-up Day. This resident was referred to the Road Crew, who in the past, have provided this service to our elderly, or handicapped residents. Subsequently, secretary was informed that this service is no longer available. Members discussed and asked secretary to send a note to T. Matheny and G. Howell to inquire if this service is no longer available.

- 4 –

B. E-Mail Message from B. Hummel – urging us to consider holding a recycling opportunity for electronics. Members discussed this idea previously under Old Business - #2 – Supreme Computer & Electronic Recycling, where it was decided that we will consider offering this program next year at Clean-Up Day. Secretary will inform B. Hummel of our decision.

IX. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – None present

X. OPEN TO THE COMMITTEE –

HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Clean-Up Day Report - Successful

2. Consideration of holding a recycling program for electronics

XI. Adjournment – 9:00 PM (D. Tangtrakul/M. Dessel)

Respectfully submitted by

Joyce S. Corboy

Recycling Coordinator

PRESENT: W. Harrison, K. Schroeder, M. Dessel, K. Machnik, D. Tangtrakul, M. DiDonato, M. Ammann, J. Corboy, Coordinator

ABSENT: D. Wehmann, A. Celebre, S. Helfrich

PLEASE NOTE: These minutes have been formally approved by the Recycling Committee at their June 12, 2007 meeting.

NEXT MEETING: JUNE 12, 2007 - TUESDAY AT 7:30 PM

Members proceeded to review the use of the new alarm system.

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

Recreation Com. Planning Board Environ. Com.

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