Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority
Committee on Litter Prevention, Control and Cleanup
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 22nd, 2012
The regular meeting of the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management
Authority Committee on Litter Prevention, Control and Cleanup was called to
order at 8:30 a.m. by Jim Lambert on Thursday, the 22nd of March, 2012 in the
conference room of the Monroe County Conservation District.
Call to Order:
Jim Lambert, Executive Director
Roll Call:
The following Committee members were present: Theresa Merli, Ann Pilcher, Craig
Todd, Edward Cramer, Edward Elliott, James Becker, Joseph Battisto and John
Woodling. Authority members present were Chairman Lester Weinman, Jim Lambert
Executive Director, Cindy Lieto Board Secretary and Carol Cummings Recycling
Program Specialist. Several Municipal representatives and residents were present.
Jim Lambert welcomed and thanked the public for a great turn out and supporting the
first Litter Prevention, Control and Cleanup meeting. Jim Lambert expressed how great it
was to see so many people present for such an important cause. Jim Lambert formally
introduced the eleven members of the committee who have been recommended by the
previous Litter Board and appointed by the Authority Board of Directors. Bob Mudrick
representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation , John Woodling
representative of the Monroe County Planning Commission, Craig Todd representing The
Monroe County Conservation District, Ann Pilcher representing The Pocono Mountain
Visitors Bureau, James Becker representing The Greater Pocono Mountain Chamber of
Commerce, Theresa Merli representing Residents at Large, Scott Besser representing The
County Residents at Large, Ed Elliot representing The County Residents at Large, Joe
Batista representing The County Residents at Large, Dave Johnson Municipal
Representative, and Ed Cramer Municipal Representative.
Election of Officers:
Jim Lambert led the discussion for the election of Officers for the Committee. For the
position of Chairman and Vice Chairman; Ed Cramer made the motion to elect Jim
Becker as Chairman. Edward Elliot seconded the motion. The motion was passed by
unanimous consent. Ed Cramer made the motion to elect Joseph Battista as Vice
Chairman. Theresa Merli seconded the motion .The motion was passed by unanimous
consent. Jim Lambert then turned the meeting over to Chairman Jim Becker.
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Chairman Jim Becker asked who will represent the recording Secretary. Jim Lambert
responded The Monroe County Municipal Waste Authority and its staff will take on the
responsibility of recording the minutes.
Chairman Jim Becker went over the meeting dates that will be posted in the Pocono
Record noting that November 22nd, 2012 falls on Thanksgiving Day, therefore there will
not be a meeting in November. The Committee will resume on December 20, 2012 @
8:30am.
Old Business:
Ann Pilcher made the motion to except the meeting schedule dates for 2012 with the
exception of November 22, 2012. Craig Todd seconded the motion the motion was
passed by unanimous consent.
Chairman Jim Becker requested Jim Lambert to continue with the discussion on Litter
Cleanup Programs.

Discussion on Litter Cleanup Programs
Jim Lambert started the discussion on Litter Cleanup Programs as per the hand out given
to all Committee Members. Since the last Litter Board meeting Jim and the MCMWA
staff discussed the preparation for the first Litter Prevention, Control and Cleanup
Meeting. Jim stated this was done prior to the Authority taking formal action with the
understanding that they were part of the final process.
Jim Lambert continued his discussion stating The Authority spoke with the County
Probation Department and the Sheriffs Department for suggestions in getting this
program up and rolling again. One of the things we want to make sure of is that the
resources that are available to us are being used and coordinated. Everyone who has
participated in this program in the past is eager to continue. Under the Probation Litter
Program; Community service program supervised by the Monroe County Probation
Department. Penn Dot would reimburse the County by the mile of roads cleaned. Some
questions on this portion are; who would collect the bags? Irene Reed (Penn Dot)
responded, we have an agreement with the Juvenile Probation Department that we would
supply the bags, gloves and vests. The Juvenile Probation Department would pick up
their litter bags and bring them to our facility to dispose of. The Juvenile Probation
Department would pick up litter on non- state roads and highways only when provided a
work zone by Penn DOT.
Jim Lambert stated coordination is what is needed. What roads will need to be cleaned?
We will let the Juvenile Probation Department know what state roads need attention by
notification and when we will need their assistance with litter pickup as quick as possible.
Jim Lambert moved on to the Monroe County Correctional Facility; Litter to be cleaned
by the Outmate Program which would consist of inmates from the correctional facility for
the following state highways; Routes 80, 380 and 33. Penn Dot is responsible for the
disposal. The Authority will coordinate with the Sheriffs Office and Penn Dot will
schedule cleanups. Jim Lambert asked if the Outmate program could be extended beyond
major highways and would Penn Dot allow the agreement to extend beyond state roads or
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highways. Irene Reed responded she believed it would only pertain to state highways. We
have to consider how many Outmates the Sheriffs Department has available.
Jim Lambert stated a representative from the Sheriffs Department stated if they had the
availability of people they would be able to go outside the normal highways. This would
be helpful for sites such as an illegal dump site or a public site that needs attention. Both
agencies (Probation and the Sheriffs Department) have agreed to help. Funding,
collecting, and disposal of bags are items we would need to look into.
Vice Chairman Joe Batista commented the Outmates program was specifically designed
for the clean up of highways.
Jim Lambert went on to discuss the Local Magistrate Community Service Program. This
program would assign people with minor offenses (probation) to cleanup sites in the
county. The county would organize these cleanups and give the program locations where
they are needed. Clark Connor had the opportunity to speak with Judge Muth who is in
favor of continuing this program and working with the Litter Prevention, Control and
Clean up Program. Jim Lambert stated our plan is to put a package together; sit down
with each Magistrate and come up with a plan on how to work with each one and hope to
put these programs as stated together. This program will have to be totally funded at our
own cost unless Penn DOT will help with the cost of disposal. This is something we will
discuss with Penn DOT.
A question was asked who will cover the cost of liability under this program. Jim
Lambert responded the liability Insurance will be covered under the Authority. We will
be looking at the structure of how this program will run. Supervision and safety protocol
are things we will have to discuss if we are going to continue these programs.
Chairman Jim Becker asked Jim Lambert if there was anything he needed from the
committee.
Jim Lambert responded just your concurrence to move forward and put this program
together in a structured sense. How are we going to conduct the program, how is it going
to be supervised, how is it going to work? We will need to look at the details of the
program so we will know if we are in compliance with insurance requirements and
consent of the Authority Board. There will be costs associated with this program that will
be tracked. The Authority will submit a report on a monthly basis on the funds that are
available, and what has been spent so we can track what we can and can’t do.
Jim Lambert discussed the next step of the program is to encourage groups such as the
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Municipalities, Townships, and private groups to take on some
of the responsibility of litter control in the county. We will need support from Penn DOT
for supplying bags, gloves and safety equipment as well as education on safety protocol.
We would have a waiver signed by these groups for the responsibility of safety and
disposal. A great example created by Paradise Township and Tobyhanna Open Space;
they took on their own responsibility to cleanup their roads recently. We need to
encourage more of this behavior with other Municipalities and Townships.
Chairman Jim Becker asked with all of the cleanups scheduled for the month of April on
an annual basis and the costs that are involved such as gloves, safety vests, bags, and
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other necessary items , has any of the equipment been retrieved from the Litter Control
Program as of today?
Jim Lambert responded “no”, the safety vests, gloves and bags don’t seem to be a
problem. The Authority will assist with cleanups by providing a “Litter Package” similar
to the Adopt a Highway Program and the Keep Pennsylvania Clean Program. We hope
this will entice our municipalities and our non profit groups through out the county to
continue their great work.
A member stated seeing the attention here today on such short notice, it seems there is
people who are willing to get involved and participate.
Ann Pilcher responded since there is an adopted highway program, our concern will be
additional stretches of road. Would we encourage these programs to add additional roads
to their program or on an as needed basis? How would we incorporate the roads that are
not assigned? Jim Lambert responded it could be both; again we want to encourage
volunteers to take ownership for cleaning our roads.
Chairman Jim Becker stated to reform sub-committees for the Authority’s needs. These
committees would assist the Authority with relating to the townships and boroughs.
Communications and marketing is important. An Education Committee would be
beneficial. We should then meet and ask for volunteers for these committees based on the
Authority’s needs to support this program. We will discuss this further at the next
meeting and we will assist the Authority in any way we can until then.
Jim Lambert responded at the last Litter Board meeting we discussed having members
meet with the Magistrates. Jim stated if we have a nice organized package for them there
shouldn’t be a problem. If anyone is interested, the day we meet with the Magistrates the
members will be notified for an invitation to come. If needed, we could assign someone
who is familiar with that particular Magistrate, program or township. We will provide a
list of what townships are currently doing at the next meeting. A lot of townships are
working in the Penn DOT program.
Chairman Jim Becker stated how pleased he was with the large turnout for the meeting.
Mr. Becker was pleased to recognize some of the Township Supervisors that were
present. Dave Albright representing Chestnuthill, Alan Everett representing Hamilton,
Jack Radar Jr. representing Jackson, Steve Carey representing Smithfield. These
Supervisors have all made donations towards the litter programs, Jim Becker was hopeful
that townships will continue to make donations to the Litter Prevention and Cleanup
Program in the future.
A member stated two townships contacted the Authority and wanted to attend the
meeting, Tunkhannock and Tobyhanna.
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
Cameras for illegal dumping
Chairman Jim Becker asked the discussion go on to the cameras.
Jim Lambert responded as of today we do not have possession of the Cameras. We would
have to discuss how we would like to continue with the Camera program. We will need
an assessment of the number of cameras and the direction the committee would like to
see that program go. What does the committee want the Authority to do with in the realm
of this program? Chairman Jim Becker asked if the Authorities Enforcement Dept would
use the cameras.
Jim Lambert responded the surveillance part of the program could be an extension of the
police dept. The illegal dumping issues would be separated from litter picking.
A representative from ESU asked if there was a liability umbrella for his litter picking
volunteers’. Mr. Lambert stated we would like to encourage University’s, Municipalities,
Penn DOT, and non profit and profit organizations as well as sponsored programs to take
on the program under their own umbrella. If the liability umbrella becomes an issue, this
is something the committee will have to discuss and resolve. Penn DOT is structured to
handle the liability umbrella for cleanups. This must be an Authority structured cleanup.
This would entail an organized and supervised cleanup.
Jim Lambert stated there was a passenger van from the litter control program that would
benefit the Authority’s Litter Prevention program. Jim asked Susan McCool for
assistance in transferring the van.
Jim Lambert stated he would put a procedure together pertaining to the use of the
cameras for the next meeting.
A question was asked if the townships should be involved where the cameras are to be
located since they know where the problem areas are. Jim Lambert responded he would
like the townships to call the Authority and make a request for an illegal dumping
investigation. The cameras will be used at this point to catch the illegal dumpers.
John Woodling stated there is a list of the municipalities that have possession of the
cameras. Jim Lambert asked if John Woodling could provide that list he would contact
the Municipalities and work on retrieving the items back to formalize the new program.
Jim Lambert stated he would put a procedure together pertaining to the use of the
cameras for the next meeting.
A resident who resides on Frantz Road in Stroudsburg asked the Committee to please
keep an eye on Franz road for illegal dumping that has been active for years. Jim Lambert
gave his card to the resident to call the Authority for the Police Department to look into.
Jim Lambert suggested contacting his zoning officers for help as well.
Responding to a question of who will clean up illegal dumping on the side of the road.
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Jim Lambert explained the procedure for cleanup. If it is a state road Penn DOT will
clean it up, if it is a local road then the responsibility is on the municipality. The
Authority Police will continue to handle issues the same as it always has. If the Authority
receives a call for an illegal dumpsite the Authority Police will investigate it. If the
dumper is found they are encouraged to clean it up. The same day property owner is also
contacted to make sure the property is cleaned up.
There was a question about the abundance of tires littering the county. Jim Lambert
responded we try to get the Municipalities to take tires at their bi annual or annual
cleanups, most municipalities comply.
Don Miller brought to the attention of the committee there is a big tire issue in the county
that needs immediate attention. Don Miller offered to organize and put together a tire
event.

Report on Deer Program
Chairman Jim Becker asked for a report on the Deer program. Jim Lambert reported
(156) deer were picked up to date. Jim Lambert will have a report for the next meeting on
the time and cost spent on the deer program.
A question was asked where the deer were disposed of after they are picked up. Jim
Lambert responded Keystone Landfill. The Authority records the date, location of deer,
sex, whether it is a juvenile or adult as well as all the cost associated with the program
with regard to Penn DOT and the Game Commission for reimbursement. We will share
the quarterly report to the committee.

Letter to Municipalities
Jim Lambert stated a letter went out to all the Municipalities. The Committee talked
about a more detailed letter. We will discuss this in further detail at the next meeting.
Public Participation
New Business:
Ann Pilcher suggested some members of the Committee speak to each Municipality and
talk about what we have to offer and what our plans are and ask the Municipalities can
work with us.
Ann Pilcher suggested the minutes from this meeting go on the Authorities web site as
well as a press release on what was accomplished today.
Jim Becker stated the first recommendation he would make to the public and the officials
here is to move the Public Comments to the top of the Agenda to allow some respect to
officials that have some issues they would like to address.
Craig Todd passed out the final accounting report for last year. Craig Todd reported when
the books were closed there was a deficit of (1300.00) dollars. Therefore there were no
funds to transfer over to the Authority.
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Jim Lambert stated The Authority has $15,000 dollars allocated to the Deer Program and
not all of it will be used. This money could be transferred into the litter fund. A full
accounting up to the first quarter for the Deer Program will be available for the next
meeting.
Several residents attending the meeting had concerns about litter, illegal dumping and
where to take items to dispose of or recycle. Theresa Merli responded education is the
key. We need to inform the public and educate them.
The meeting closed with Mr. Joe Battista’s quote saying “Those who throw down never
pick up; those who pick up never throw down”
Adjournment
Mr. Jim Becker made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10.00am.
Mr. Joe Battisto seconded the motion. The motion passed by a
unanimous consent.
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