Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Council
General Meeting
Bethlehem City Hall Rm. 504
August 19, 2009 6:00pm - 8:00pm

In Attendance: Council members: George Yasko, Mike Topping, Jack Abel, John Augustino, Anne Felker, Laura Burtner (recording) City staff liaison: Ralph Carp

Approval of Minutes: After review and some minor amendments, approval of the minutes was moved and seconded, then approved.

Amendment to Agenda: Ralph Carp, Dir. of Parks and Public Property attended to give an overview of initiatives and activities that he’s advancing that are of interest to the EAC. These issues include:

• Removal of the dam on Saucon Creek in Saucon Creek Park
• 800’ stream restoration project in Saucon Creek Park from Rt. 78 north toward the bend in Saucon Creek
• These measures should attenuate flooding, erosion of stream banks, and silting of the stream bed.
• Riverbank restoration of Lehigh River at the western end of Sand Island, including removal of Sycamore trees and replacement with new native plants.
• The skate park construction bid meeting will take place shortly, the skate park will include a public gathering plaza
• The City has been asked to draft a plan for Federal Stimulus funding of capital projects and programs to include incorporating energy efficiency improvements to city physical plant. Mr. Carp wants to tie these projects to the City Comprehensive Plan, promote Best Management Practices, tie to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs and other grant programs
• An Investment Grade Energy Audit of the City’s physical plant(s) and properties is to be conducted by Constellation (a consulting firm) and will look to upgrade the City’s systems through a performance contract that will save the City money over time.
• Solar energy panels still on track with Bethlehem Area Public Library roof replacement project
• The City is to participate in a multi-city consortium for energy savings
• The Audit and Stimulus funds plan to be a “energy master Plan” type document, the EAC has offered assistance in drafting the document, which Mr. Carp is aiming to have completed in 45 days (from date of meeting)
• The City is looking for ways to tie CDBG funding to energy savings and efficiencies planning
• PA Dept. of Environmental protection has similar stimulus funds available for like projects and programs
• Tree planting on a mass scale was suggested as a possible project, esp. along the southern bank of the Lehigh River.

Subcommittee Reports:

a) Energy: Jack - Sands Casino and Majestic are delayed in construction, and therefore in planning for solar power and other efficient systems planning. Majestic will incorporate energy efficient systems once they start the building process, The Casino is a “wait and see” situation. EAC can find sources of funding and make the information available to developers, using State, Federal sources that promote reducing “carbon footprint” and trade-offs. Funds depleting, but new programs and sources become available, the trick is keeping in tune to the array of opportunities.

b) Green: Anne - Promoting the Backyard Habitat program; working on getting the word out about creating habitat in the City.

c) Green Building: John - Recruiting from the business community for membership

d) Transportation: Anne – Citizen’s Traffic Advisory Committee didn’t meet. Fahy Bridge needs bicycle markings again, they will be added again with the refurbishment of the roadbed.

e) Website: George - Status quo, pages need to be built, info was requested of the committee chairpersons. Blake needs to be added to the email list in order for him to have minutes to upload to the EAC page of the city website.

External Committee Reports:

a) City Council: A rotation of EAC members was established to ensure that a member is in attendance at each meeting, and members are encouraged to identify themselves as EAC member in the event of questions or issues that may be raised. The rotation is: Sept.: John; Oct.: Jack; Nov.: George; Dec.: Anne; Jan.: Laura; Feb.: George; Mar.: Fran; Apr.: Jack; May: Anne; Jun.: Mike; Jul.: Fran; Aug.: Laura. When a member cannot attend mtgs during assigned month, he/she is to call and switch with another member.

b) Zoning: Mike Topping

c) Planning: No July meeting

Correspondence:

a) SS Initiative: This organization is promoting community gardens throughout the Southside. (Laura was to pass along Friendship Park Community Garden information, however the family that started it moved away and there are concerns among members of the North by Northwest Neighborhood Initiative that it won’t continue).

b) Trains @ Riverport: the problem has subsided.

c) Steel Stax: Public meetings to be held in upcoming weeks.

d) Mr. Crownfield: The City has adopted new measures reflective of recommendations for recycling and waste management. Mr. Crownfield questions the follow-through of recommendations he had articulated some time ago. Anne Felker is to communicate with Mr. Crownfield to determine what concerns him.

e) An article about LED lighting v. Incandescent lighting was circulated.

Chairman’s Comments: Will not attend October EAC meeting.

Committee Chairpersons’ Comments: none

Old Business: Allentown EAC Urban Forest review sent to Green Committee

New Business:

a) Meet with Easton EAC in December over a meal

b) Direction of the Bethlehem EAC was discussed, support for developing recommendation role, conceptualizing projects to be proactive, play and advisory role for other city committees, and proactively seek grant opportunities. The “energy management master plan” that Ralph Carp seeks EAC support for is seen as a good opportunity to “show what we can do”. George Yasko to set up a conference call with Ralph Carp to explore this.

Adjournment: 7:55 pm
Next meeting: Wednesday, September 02, 2009