Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met on January 21, 2015, but lacked a quorum, so approval of December’s minutes and officer reorganization were postponed. The council reviewed plans for a Shredding Event on June 20, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the municipal building, sponsored by a State Representative and a State Senator. An employee presented Waste Management’s Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics program, which costs less than 50 cents per month and includes mailed collection bags and scheduled pickup; the council discussed sending a letter of endorsement to the Board of Supervisors and including program information in the next municipal billing cycle to reduce demand on Recycling Day and Electronics Collection events. The Green Initiatives Coordinator updated the council on Solarize Moon Township, noting a partnership with Ryan Homes referred to an employee and a possible meeting with Eaton for solar installation details; the municipal building will likely host the launch event, with a date set at the next Solarize meeting on January 27 at 4:30 p.m. The Green Initiatives Coordinator also distributed lists of native and invasive plant species and continued work on township park maps. An employee reported that the Audubon Society’s native plant prices exceeded the budget, but they will explore grant funding and still provide 250 free milkweed seed packets for Earth Day. An employee will present for the EAC on Channel 14 during Public Awareness Weekend on March 21 at 9:30 a.m., with talking points to be finalized at the next meeting. This employee also submitted an article on Solarize Moon Township to the Moon Twp. Messenger, including photos and homeowner testimonials. An employee distributed a fact sheet on Allegheny County’s new Open Burning Regulations and a copy of the land development plans for 300 Wright Brothers Major Land Development at Airside Business Park. Additional Electronics Recycling dates were set for March 7, August 1, and October 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the municipal building. The Recycling Day flyer was reviewed, with a suggestion to add a bicycle vendor; the final version will be approved in February. The Green Initiatives Coordinator will launch a Rain Barrel Painting sign-up on Earth Day, with two sessions for hardware installation and painting, using rustic barrels found on Craigslist for $14 each. The council briefly discussed reactions to the draft Comprehensive Plan and reviewed contact information for all township boards and committees. The meeting adjourned informally due to the lack of a quorum.