EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP
RECYCLING COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2009 - TUESDAY, 7:30 P.M.
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I. CALL TO ORDER
The April 2009 Business Meeting of the East Amwell Township Recycling Committee was called to order officially at 7:36 P. M. by Will Harrison, Chairperson.
II. MINUTES
Minutes of the March 10, 2009 business meeting were approved with no corrections/additions. There were no abstentions. (M. Petrus/M. Dessel)
III. ADDITIONS – There were no additions to tonight’s agenda.
IV. REPORTS
A. Youth Report – M. Ammann was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received.
B. Depot Report – W. Harrison distributed his April 2009 Depot Day Report via e-mail prior to tonight’s meeting. Approximately 78 vehicles were serviced. Dumpsters were placed on the appropriate marks. Paper dumpster was approximately 75% full and the glass/plastic one was just under 50% full. Two buckets of batteries were collected. One large and one small bag of bottles was collected for Terracycle. Approximately 20+ residents showed up with electronics. Most were gracious, albeit disappointed, when we handed them the written flyer and explained the reasons for the cancellation. Two or three were very angry. They were directed to the County event scheduled for 9/26/09. Volunteer list has been updated and was send to all members via e-mail. Hard copy will be placed in the Depot Day satchel. W. Harrison asked all members to try to keep it up-to-date each month. Expenses - $5.37 for refreshments.
Since we have eliminated the depots in July, September and November, W. Harrison suggested that we closely monitor the volume in the paper dumpster in May and June. If the volume continues to exceed 50%, then he recommends that we ask for an extra dumpster for the August, October and December depots to handle the anticipated extra volume of paper. W. Harrison asked for a motion to request three dumpsters for the August, October and December 2009 Depot Days. Motion was received from M. Petrus and a second was received from M. Dessel. Vote was unanimously in favor. Secretary was asked to send a letter to Raritan Valley Waste Disposal and inform them of this request. M. Petrus suggested putting up the advertising board at strategic spots to inform residents of these cancellations. Flyers are being distributed at the current Depot Days informing them of these cancellations.
C. Environmental Commission Report – M. Petrus stated that a letter has been sent to Mr. Everitt requesting his attendance at either the April or May Environmental Commission meeting to discuss recycling at the 4-H Fair. No response has been received as of this date. Recycling Committee members are invited to attend that meeting.
D. Township Committee Report – T. Martin was absent. Thus, no report was received.
E. Internet Recycling Prices – K. Martin was absent. Thus, no report was received.
F. SWAC Report – W. Harrison stated that SWAC met on 3/17/09. Three principal committees were formed: Recycling and Hazardous Waste, Education/Public Relations, and Industry-Related Concern. SWAC has approved a letter to the Freeholders asking for their support in improving
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recycling in the County. Copy of that letter was attached to the SWAC report. The Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment is virtually complete and will soon be ready for East Amwell to incorporate into our current recycling ordinance. The most important article will involve enforcement responsibilities and procedures. W. Harrison stated that he would like appoint an ad-hoc sub-committee to work on drafting the necessary amendments to our present recycling ordinance. K. Martin and T. Martin have been asked to serve on this sub-committee.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Electronic Recycling and Clean-Up Day Updates – Volunteers are needed for Clean-Up Day. M. Dessel volunteered and hopefully a volunteer can be found from the volunteer list. W. Harrison stated that he will call Raritan Valley to remind them and he will also remind the road crew workers. Members briefly discussed the Electronic Recycling Day held at the County Complex at the end of March. Newspaper article stated that residents were in line for hours. M. Petrus stated that he wrote a letter to the editor suggesting the County Fair Grounds as an alternate site.
VI. Invoices - None received.
VII. Correspondence
A. Information Packet on New Jersey’s 2009 Recycling Poetry Contest
(copies were given to M. Petrus to distribute at East Amwell School)
B. Letter from N. Wittenberg/DEP, 3/5/09, re: Mandatory Recycling
C. Environmental Commission – Goals and Priorities – 2009
D. Flyer for National Conversation on Climate Action Meeting on 4/19/09
E. Letter from M. N. Mauriello/DEP, 3/18/09, re: 2009 Clean Communities Entitlement - $9,255.03
F. Various Minutes and Agendas
G. Resource Recycling Magazine – March 2009
H. Flyer/catalog from Resourceful Bag & Tag Inc.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Shredder Truck - W. Harrison informed members that he was contacted by Debbie Lentine. She has recently invested in a portable shredder truck and wondered if the Recycling Committee and/or the Township could use her services. Members discussed briefly and decided at the current time there was not a need plus the fact that we cannot incur any additional expenses this year. Motion was made by M. Petrus to decline her offer. M. Dessel seconded the motion and the vote was unanimously in favor. W. Harrison will send an e-mail to inform her of the Committee’s decision.
IX. Open to the Public - Sande Katz was present this evening. She is interested in becoming a member. W. Harrison as well as the members present welcomed her. She recently volunteered at a Depot Day. Her questions were answered about some of our history, procedures and youth members.
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X. Open to the Committee – J. Corboy reminded members that she is still holding a couple of Borders gift certificates from the contests held a couple of years ago at the school. W. Harrison asked that the subject be put on the next agenda. M. Petrus suggested that we might use these extra gift certificates to obtain videos to educate the public about recycling. W. Harrison volunteered to do a website search to see what is available.
XI. Adjournment – 8:29 PM. (M. Petrus/M. Dessel)
Respectfully submitted by
Joyce S. Corboy
Recycling Coordinator
PRESENT: W. Harrison, M. Dessel, M. Petrus, J. Corboy, Coordinator/Secretary
ABSENT: M. DiDonato, K. Martin, T. Martin, M. Ammann
NOTE: These minutes have been formally approved by the Recycling Committee at their May 12, 2009 meeting.
NEXT MEETING: MAY 12, 2009 - 7:30 PM
cc: Rec. Com. Members Board of Health Twp. Committee & Clerk
Recreation Com. Planning Board Zoning Board of Adjustment
Environ. Com. Twp. Bulletin Board Farmland & Open Space Preservation