HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-09 NASC Minutes
Minutes from NASC meeting 10/9/18
Attendees: Bryan Sheckman (co-chair), Joanna O’Connell, Jessica Pimental, Alvin Pimental, Jim
Stanford (DPW Director), Seema Gupte, Julia Ross and Madhu Dhar.
Bryan called the meeting to order at 7:05pm.
Introductions were made of each person at the meeting, and a huge congratulations was made to
Jessica and Alvin on the birth of Baby Jade!
An update was made by Joanna and reiterated by Jim regarding the Lake Cleanup happening this
Saturday. Details on location, volunteer opportunities and outreach were given.
Possibility of doing a “Shred-It” event was brought up by Madhu for a possible event in the future.
Jim let the committee know that the RDP Grant was received by the Town Manager and that it was sent
off to be “signed.” He let the committee know that once they received the money ($10,400) he would
connect with us on collaboration on ways to spend.
Joanna gave a NASC textile bin update, letting new members know location and talked about profits
made thus far.
Pink bags—Jessica inquired as to how we could possibly connect with Town to profit from some of this,
as we are helping to promote etc., but Jim said that it was unlikely as it was a town-started thing.
Bryan:
--connected with Pat Scanlon from Wheelabrator about Mercury containing batteries, he let us know
that the council on aging has taken this on, so we will no longer pursue.
--confirmed dates/times/location of upcoming meetings.
--confirmed new email addresses with Town.
--inquired as to interest of someone on committee to manage google docs—Jessica suggested that
Devin (not present at this week’s meeting) and herself work on this.
Julia noted that she was voted onto the Committee by the Selectman sometime in the past week.
Seema suggested starting to compile educational materials for the Committee to present to the NAPS
moving forward to promote environmental sustainability and awareness. She has used these materials
in the past and have proven them successful. On the same premise, Madhu suggested STEM materials
as well. They will be working together on this.
Alvin talked about recruiting. Perhaps ads in the newspaper or a postcard to distribute.
Joanna suggested contacting Peter Bishop from the Lake Cleanup and asking if we could have a presence
at check in to help get some like-minded people interested in NASC. Selma also explained ways we
could connect google forms with other applications to get fast, efficient communication of our email
distribution list etc.
Joanna brought up our reusable bags and the need for sponsorship. Committee is brainstorming on
people in town that may want to sponsor.
Selma talked about how Andover has done energy audits at the schools and the students have helped
out on this tremendously. Perhaps as a future endeavor.
Bryan mentioned ongoing updates to our website, as well as how a few people still need to be sworn
into the Committee.
Solar bench update: Madhu updated us on her son Vish’s project.
Joanna noted she needs to check in with Joanne Lanen at the DPW for a count of how many compost
bins have been sold, and also the need to get our finances on track and get records of our deposits and
withdrawals—very important, agreed on by entire committee.
Jessica mentioned the possibility of Roots Compost coming to a meeting soon and possible collaboration
with them. She indicated how wonderfully her children have taken to composting and is eager to
promote.
Joanna talked briefly about the upcoming environmental documentaries to be shown at the Stevens
Library over the next few months. This is actively being worked on. The committee brought up other
town-wide event possibilities in the future as well.
Bryan called meeting adjourned around 8:20pm.