July 20, Ambler EAC Meeting Minutes
Attendees:
Members: Nancy Roecker-Coates, JIll Sanchez, Kirsten Puskar,
Guests: Chris Raines, Will Nassau, Judy Baigis
Absent: Hannah Lloyd, Wes Pipitone, Shelly Grinar
I.Call to Order / Introductions (7:00-7:10)
Presentation: None
Public comments (7:10-7:20)
Encouraged all to watch the last council meeting, talked about what we can do to bring more diverse cultural foods and vegan food to EarthFest. Start talking about this initiative now to find avenues to incorporate more diverse food for several cultures. Crickets as food, more environmentally friendly, have this to introduce at EarthFest. Ambler Theater – discussed idea of showing an enviro activist or vegan film to drive awareness. Discuss positive reinforcement for businesses who are plastic free, maybe giving those businesses free advertisement (didn’t talk about what avenue). Discussed how those present at this meeting can take a photo or video and write a blurb/shout out to an eco-friendly business, then Jill/Hannah/Nancy can easily post (it’s easy to post when we have the content). Kirsten offered to write a webpage on plastics education, we can also post all the local plastic-free shout outs there too.
Ways to Get Involved (7:20-7:25)
Adopt a Tree – we need volunteers to help water our new trees
Will Nassau may be interested in adopting. Jill to send Will the tree availability map.
Plant Ambler is also looking for people to water their flowers. Judy asked if the eac can purchase a tank on wheels. Discussed that Hannah and Jill researched this (I forget the outcome).
ACTION ITEM – Judy to look into an idea watering barrel on wheels. EAC will discuss costs, maybe share costs with boro and plant ambler? Asked what Chestnut Hill does? Judy could ask a contact.
Encourage neighbors to plant a tree this fall – tree sale starts in August
I.Formal approval of minutes from June 15th, 2022 (7:25-7:30) - Not done
EAC Updates (7:30-8:00)
Earth Fest 2023
Committee Chairs (8:00-8:30) No new updates from Climate Action Committee, Open Space Committee, Creek Monitoring on Rose-Valley Creek.
Education and Outreach Committee (Shelly) - no discussion
Treasurer (Wes)
Please be sure to add any and all EAC expenses to the reimbursement sheet. - No discussion
Keep Ambler Beautiful Committee (Nancy)
Litter/Trash ordinances
Plastics Ordinance education -
Signage for Ambler Borough Park
Nancy called Pannier Graphics for a quote
Double Inline Wayside
Two 36”x48” panels $495 each
Aluminum base $1300-$1400
Shipping $200
Installation – Ambler Boro/EAC
spoke with Susan Curry to collaborate on content. Susan has contacts/resources we can reach out to. History/Environmental Education about the park. Content is still being developed. Saving money by having a graphic designer (Hannah). Nancy spoke with person at DEP who is in charge of signage, we would use the same company/design as DEP. Sturdy up to elements. Thinking to discuss with Parks and Rec for next year’s budget. Judy looked for historical photos of Boro Park or any park, but was not able to locate any. Maybe put out a call to social media asking for old images of boro pack ice skating rink.
September potential E. Butler Ave Clean Up – Potential date: September 24.
Shade Trees Committee (Jill)
The next tree sale will be in August 2022
- Discussed how to get the word out to residents about the tree sale. Discussed having champions in each neighborhood to talk to 5-10 neighbors.
- Potential card mailing?
- Online newspaper – Patch, Around Ambler…
- Ideas – to have a game night to drive EAC awareness, promote trees, wingspan, mini golf with recycled course, family night, movie night, handouts at Dog Days, Farmers Market, First Friday….all these ideas would promote the EAC to bring attention to environmental efforts.Climate Action Committee
Single use plastic ban – not discussed.
New business (8:30-8:35)
Updates from Borough Council:
Closing Thoughts (8:35-8:50)
Next meeting: Wednesday August 17th, 2022 at 7:00pm (8:50-8:55)
Adjournment (8:55-9:00)