EAC meeting minutes 01/12/12

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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES
Attending: Walt Cressler, Vivian Williams, Taylor Gregory, Brendan O’Riordan, Addie
Ciannella, Brian Taussig-Lux
January 12, 2012 @ 7:00 pm
I.
ADMINISTRATIVE

November minutes approved unanimously
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Welcome to new member Brendan O’Riordan
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Announcement about EAC Conference, 3 March, Pottstown, PA. New
members are especially encouraged to attend.
2012 Goals and Objectives. The following items were suggested:
o Being involved in the Comprehensive Plan process
o Working with Council to increase commercial recycling
o Working with Council to encourage weatherization in Borough houses
o Launching the Waste Vegetable Oil project
o Working with Council on a plan to reduce litter
o Exploring curbside composting
Comprehensive Plan
o Walt announced that the Borough has received a $70,000 grant to
redo the Comprehensive Plan.
Walt will prepare the annual report for 2011
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II.
RECYCLING AND WASTE

Christmas trees are picked up and composted at the same facility that composts
leaves. Compost is available at the Marple Transfer Station on Reed Road.

Addie plans to schedule a meeting with Chris Peretti to meet with the
recycling committee. Our initial intent would be to understand what he is
doing and to see if there is a way EAC could support these and/or other
similar projects regarding curbside composting.
Jeffry Cadorette of Media Real Estate has not responded this month to
Addie or Brian’s requests regarding a commercial and a residential pilot
recycling project. The committee expressed frustration at MRE’s apparent
lack of progress since their meeting with him in July 2011.
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III.
Small apartment building recycling was discussed. Various ideas were
proposed to encourage residents to obtain recycling barrels from the
borough. It was agreed that a newsletter article in this regard would be
helpful. Suggested language: “If you take out a trash can, you should take
out a recycling barrel.”
Karen is working to send out the annual recycling reports to businesses.
She is also working on a press release regarding the recycling decal.
Taylor expressed concern that 10-20 Xmas trees were seen at Produce
Terminal Market in the trash area. She asked if the Borough could pick
these up for composting in future years.
TRANSPORTATION and LAND USE

Electric Vehicle Recharging Station ribbon cutting is scheduled for 1/18/12, 12:30
p.m., Media Fire Station

Walt announced that the Borough has been awarded a grant for $200,000 to rehabilitate
Houtman Park. A separate grant from PECO for $7,500 has also been awarded. Plans
include installing an ADA compliant bridge, an ADA compliant observation deck, installing
benches, removing invasive species, etc.
IV.
WATER
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V.
The EAC unanimously approved $85 for design costs associated with a Rain
Garden sign.
ENERGY

Programmable thermostats have been installed in the Borough building.
They have not yet been programmed and no one has yet been trained in
their use. This should occur within the next few weeks. Energy efficient
parking garage lights and occupancy sensors should be installed within two
weeks.

Eric Stein has proposed a weatherization initiative with a $2500.00 allocation from
Council.
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Eric Stein has proposed a residential renewable energy meeting.
VI.
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
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VII.
Walt expressed frustration that the web site was not yet optimized for EAC content.
Further conversations with Eric are planned to address these shortcomings.
ACTION ITEMS

Vivian will discuss web site issues, anti-idling sign, and liaison communication concerns with Eric
Stein.

Addie will ask Karen whether MRE and other commercial/residential landlords receive recycling
letters and reports.
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Brian will ask Eric to study the feasibility of fining businesses that do not recycle.

Addie will contact Chris Peretti regarding a conference call with the recycling committee.
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Brian will pay PEC membership.
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Brian will ask Brian Hall about the feasibility of picking up Xmas trees at the Produce Terminal
Market after Xmas 2012.
The Next Meeting Will Be Held On Thursday, February 9, 2012 – 7PM
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